amber misses richard

January 1st 2010

2010-01-01T16:54:00.004-08:00

Uncle Richard spent some time with Sophie today. He was able to introduce her to our new dog Dexter. She LOVES him.

She hearts him so much, she tried busting him out of his house. Dexter wasn't really sure what was happening.

Dec 31st 2009

2010-01-01T16:51:00.002-08:00

Happy New Year from us! Hard to believe we're in yet another decade... by the end of this one I will be... oh god... 34 years old. Scary!

Dec 28 2009

2009-12-29T09:58:00.003-08:00

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

2009-12-27T20:25:00.002-08:00

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

2009-12-27T19:37:00.008-08:00

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

2009-12-27T19:19:00.008-08:00

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

2009-12-27T18:54:00.010-08:00

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

2009-12-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

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

Nov 27 2009

2009-11-28T11:56:00.002-08:00

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

2009-11-22T08:53:00.002-08:00

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

2009-11-22T08:49:00.003-08:00

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

2009-11-16T20:29:00.005-08:00

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

2009-11-15T14:01:00.003-08:00

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

2009-11-01T00:59:00.000-07:00

Meow! Happy Halloween : )

Oct 29th 2009

2009-11-01T00:25:00.007-07:00

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

2009-11-01T00:19:00.005-07:00

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

2009-10-31T23:56:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-31T23:29:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-23T20:42:00.006-07:00

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

2009-10-21T19:59:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-20T19:19:00.003-07:00

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

2009-10-19T01:24:00.003-07:00

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!

Oct 15th 2009

2009-10-19T01:14:00.001-07:00

Mags and I getting boozed and hanging out on the couch. This picture is terrible because my lips are PURPLE, but I don't often get to have cuddle time on the couch with Mags since she sheds like a mofo.

Oct 15th 2009

2009-10-19T01:06:00.002-07:00

Shamara and I saw this dog wandering around the neighbourhood.... It was very gross as it seemed to have some sort of BODY PART hanging from it's belly. Our first reaction was, "OMG look at the gross dog balls!" but then realized it didn't quite look like balls. We later found out the dog has a hernia and the owner's don't plan on getting it fixed anytime soon. She eventually wandered into her own yard and presumably proceeded to lick her hernia. BARF.

If you enlarge you can kinda see the hanging red sack I'm referring to. YUCK.

Oct 13th 2009

2009-10-19T01:00:00.003-07:00

To Red Robin we go! I had never been to this restaurant before. It was pretty good - they had a decent Garden Burger that I ordered, so I was quite pleased. Upon leaving the restaurant I noticed........

For those that don't know - McGrath is my maiden name. I had no idea my family owned an illustrious fish house. Well, wait... that's not true. When I told my husband about this place he said I have seen it before and he's told me about it numerous times. For those that do know me - you know my memory is a piece of crap.

Oct 10th 2009

2009-10-19T00:41:00.003-07:00

Family dinner at the in-laws!

From L to R: Grandpa Wally, Jason my Pop-in-Law, Sandy the Moms-in-law, on the phone is Sista-in-law Amber (yes, we share the same name) who I have yet to meet, then we've got Sistas-in-law Shamara & Liz, Shamara's husband Derek to whom I am deeply connected as we're both GINGER KIDS, and Grandma Lois.

Poor Moe-Moe wasn't able to get in on the family portrait, so he got an extra special photo with me. Isn't he cute?

Adam Shankman Is My BFF

2009-10-14T00:44:00.006-07:00

So, those that know me know I love Twitter and am always on it. They would also know I love celebs (see my George Clooney entry) and any contact, either in person or online, with a celeb makes me giddy and giggly.

Well, I was on Twitter before bedtime when Adam Shankman, who is a So You Think You Can Dance judge AND director of one of my favourite movies - Hairspray - was offering to do a quick 10 mins Q & A via Twitter.

I couldn't think of anything but wanted to write to him quickly so I would be one of the first messages he read....and it worked! Read from the bottom UP of the left hand column.

After saying thank you and goodnight I got a little greedy and thought I'd ask another question, regarding filming in Toronto. Hairspray was shot here and it'd be sick if another musical was filmed in the T Dot... and he wrote back AGAIN:

I know I'm making this more exciting than it sounds, but you can ask Shamara and Derek.... Today I played the Hairspray soundtrack really loud this afternoon and of course sang right along with it... I love this movie... so this is a big deal for me. A BIG deal.

Night!

Oct 8th 2009

2009-10-09T01:08:00.008-07:00

In Lincoln City, Oregon. A lovely little beach town.

MASSIVE spider Derek spotted while walking to the beach - click to enlarge (if you can HANDLE it)

Shamara and Derek said we could eat lunch at Moe's. I started flipping out, thinking they were taking me to Moe's Southwest Grill since I LOVE their burritos. It turned out to be a seafood restaurant, even the salads had seafood. After being seated we decided to eat somewhere else... so we literally got up and left the table after ordering our waters. What-evs.

Foggy day at the ocean. We were only out for a few hours, it was pretty cold by the water. Derek attempted to catch ocean fish while Shamara and I had a Photoshoot. After she edits my imperfections out (Oh hello Mr. Zit on my chin) I hope to post my favourites.

On the way back to Salem. Ta-ta for now Oregon Coast.

Oct 7th 2009

2009-10-07T19:37:00.002-07:00

Beautiful Oregon sunset. Click to enlarge.

Oct 6th 2009

2009-10-06T23:46:00.001-07:00

Maggie is a high energy dog. This quiet moments are something to behold.

Oct 5th 2009

2009-10-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

Great hair day.

Oct 3rd 2009

2009-10-04T17:54:00.003-07:00

Enjoying the heat of the fire at one of Shamara's friend's house.

Sistas!

Oct 2nd 2009

2009-10-04T17:51:00.002-07:00

Sleepover with the Biz.

Maggie is too young to watch Sweeny Todd, so she napped during the movie.

Oct 2nd 2009

2009-10-04T17:39:00.003-07:00

My room in Salem Oregon

Plenty of room for my clothes!

Oct 1st 2009

2009-10-02T01:38:00.002-07:00

I may be far away from my cuddlebug of a dog named Dooley, but at least I know Maggie is willing to take naps whenever the need arises.

Portland Day 4: Sept 30th 2009

2009-10-02T01:29:00.002-07:00

Today wasn't particularly happy. I had to say goodbye to my mumkin, who was flying back to Toronto. We enjoyed our last meal together, for the time being that is, at Bijou Cafe in Portland. My Tofu Scramble was absolutely delicious!

I had a great time with you mom : ) Now, on to Salem Oregon to chill with my husband's family.

Portland Day 3: Sept 29th 2009

2009-10-02T01:19:00.006-07:00

Pittock Mansion is a big tourist attraction in Portland. It's like a mini-Casa Loma if you will. We picked a good day to go and see it as it was raining really heavily that morning.

Pittock sits over 1000 feet above Portland, so there are amazing views from the surrounding gardens & from the majority of the home. We couldn't see that far our due to the overcast, but you can just imagine what it looks like on a good day.

Except for all of the old timey appliances and furniture, I can definitely see myself living here.

After Pittock Masion we did some shopping before meeting up with Shamara and Derek. My mom had tried on a few pairs of boots at Nordstrom's and accidentally left the store stocking on all day. She pulled it out of her boot at the end of the night. GOOD ONE SHEILS!

Portland Day 2: Sept 28th 2009

2009-10-02T01:17:00.003-07:00

Day One in Portland began with a jaunt by the waterfront.

We went on a quick walk of the city. Sheila passed by this newspaper, stopped immediately and grabbed a copy. Little did she know it’s Portland local Gay paper. She’s here and queer, apparently.

Not pictured: Lunch at Pazzo’s Restaurant, Shopping (again) and late night drinks/snacks at Kell’s Irish Pub, rated very highly in the city guides but pretty “meh” in our opinion.

Portland Day 1: Sept 27th 2009

2009-09-27T21:46:00.010-07:00

We left Seattle at 11am and took the Amtrak train to Portland Oregon. Check out our fancy-pants hotel room at "THE NINES" booked on Hotwire for the low low price of 80 bones/night!

Met up with the old "in laws" for dinner at Henry's Restaurant. Mama Thornton to the left, big daddy-o Jason in the middle and lil' sista Liz on the right.

Hey, it's Shamara and Derek! Looking fine as always. These beautiful people will be my hosts while I stay in Oregon.

Family Photo : Take 1

Family Photo: Take Two. That's better. Well, for Shamara at least.

We (I say "We" but really, Derek) got lost in Portland heading back to the hotel after dinner. There are so many 1 way streets here, which aren't usually that big of a deal, but there are also a LOT of streets where you're not allowed to turn either left or right. A tad frustrating for the driver, I'm sure. I had fun in the back seat, not sure how Derek felt with my mom and I chanting "U-EY U-EY U-EY" in an attempt to get him to both 1) break the rules of the road and 2) give us a joy ride.

Seattle Day 3: Sept 26th 2009

2009-09-26T21:00:00.010-07:00

We were able to head back to the Experience Music Project to finish off the tour we started on Friday. The museum was insanely busy and I wasn't overly impressed with what they had to offer. The one room I really wanted to check out (The Sound Lab) was overrun with little kids whos parents didn't feel they needed to "share" the exhibits. Over all, I'd give the EMP a 5/10 for value & fun.

After the EMP we headed over to the Mayflower Hotel for our SECOND food tour! This one was Savour Seattle's Chocolate & Coffee Indulgence tour.

Ben the Bartender (at Oliver's in the Mayflower Hotel) started our tour off by serving delicious coffee based shots.

The baristas at Cafe D'Arte showed us how to make fancy designs on lattes. This girl has been serving coffee for 8 years and made it look very easy.

We stopped by Pike Place Market to try chocolate and cheesecake at The Confectionary. On our way, our tour guide Carolyn ran into another tour guide Eric. These guides are REALLY comfortable with their pink umbrellas & with blocking traffic to pose for silly pictures.

Holy cow - a real, live MASTER barista! How do you know he's a master? The black apron is a dead giveaway. All other Starbucks Baristas wear green aprons. It's no easy feat becoming a master, you have to be really interested in coffee & willing to take a bunch of tests to qualify. Our Master (can't remember his name) gave us Aged Sumatra coffee, brewed using the "CLOVER" machine, which originally sold for $15 000 each before Starbucks purchased the company that manufactured them.

Seattle Grace isn't a REAL hospital. Boo! Grey's jumped the shark a looong time ago anyways.

Our tour concluded with a lil' meal atop the Space Needle. We got stuck at the "losers" table which included this annoying family (Dad owns a coffee shop and felt inclined to comment on everything, Mom was ugly and kid was outspoken and kept budding in front and blocking the way) and annoying Asian couple (Boyfriend went on and one about the "notes" in all the coffee, cheese & wine we tasted. FYI Asian BF, no one cares).

Despite being stuck with the people who annoyed us most on the tour, we enjoyed a delicious mini-meal & took in the amazing views of Seattle.

NOT Pictured - shopping (yes, again) at H&M & Banana Republic... and dinner at Brava Restaurant which was disappointing and I'm sure Sheila & I would like to forget that portion of our trip all together. Poor service + Poor food = Sheila & Amber being very unhappy.

PS -

COWLS ARE IN! Even for men, according to H&M. I'm going to knit more of these bad-boys & sell them off. Taking orders now.

Seattle Day 2: Sept 25th 2009

2009-09-25T22:17:00.014-07:00

Day 2 began with a FOOD tour of Seattle. Ya that's right, a tour of FOOD. Jealous? We met our group at the Starbucks on 1st Ave and Pike Ave.

First Stop - DONUTS! Great way to start the morning.

Our tour guide, Brett led us around Pike Place Market by carrying a pink umbrella. It was really really funny and slightly embarassing for everyone involved.

You know the tour had to take us to the famous Seattle fishmongers. This was the only stop on the tour where I wasn't able to partake in the 'tasting,' it was still great to visit these fine fisherman. So much fresh food!

You knew this photo was coming - the famous Flyin' Fish! This fish was HUGE and our guide said it was probably the largest he's ever seen them hurl across the counter.

For the stop at Chukar Cherries we were taken INTO the stall, behind the counter for our tasting. There wasn't a lot of room so we all had to squeeze in. My fave part about this picture? The smiley Asian woman smiling behind my mother.

View from behind the counter, lots of hungry shoppers perusing chocolate covered Espresso beans & chocolate covered cherries.

I don't remember what kind of cheese & crostini we ate, but DAY-UM was it good! Thanks to Beecher's Homemade Cheese.

We left Pike Place Market with full tummies and great memories. I'm still thinking of those Donuts.

After our food tour we took an hour long harbor tour of Elliot Bay 'n Stuff. My camera battery died 2 minutes into the tour, which really really pissed me off. I only managed to get this one shot. I lost out on TONS of beautiful photos of the skyline. I'll never forget to charge my battery from this day on.

We took the Monorail over to the Seattle Center, home of America's CN tower, the Space Needle! It's so cute in comparison to the CN. I'm sure it's usually really impressive, but I don't think 1) It lights up at night and 2) it's really all that tall.

I really really wanted to check out the Experience Music Project. We arrived at 4pm with full knowledge it was closing in a hour. Our tour guide said everything in Seattle closes early as the people here love to nap. The museum closing at 5pm really proved that theory for me. We toured for an hour then had to leave =/ Luckily we're able to use our tickets to go back tomorrow, hopefully we can squeeze in!

NOT pictured today: Did a little shopping after our Seattle Center adventure & enjoyed a delicious Thai dinner at WILD GINGER (thanks to Josee for the recommendation).

Seattle Day 1: Sept 24th 2009

2009-09-24T21:53:00.010-07:00

To Seattle we go! Our flight left from Buffalo at 842am, so we had to leave Whitby at 430am. Ugh! Too early. Christopher was nice enough to drive us to Browntown. Sheila was able to catch a few winks in the car, lucky duck. I ran on about 2 hours of sleep.

We had a brand new plane, which is great and all, but you had to pay to watch the on flight films. Sure we had personalized access to DirecTV, but $6 to use that system? Screw that noise! We mainly slept and worked on crossword puzzles. I pulled an "Amber on the train" and whacked my head on the window when my head was bobbing. Owie.

View of the mountains as we make our decent into Seattle.

View from our hotel room at the Sheraton Seattle. Visit us in Room 3022! Close to the top of the hotel, we're ballers.

It's that time. Brand new hotel, new city, what else is there to do other than JUMP ON THE BEDS! This is a Sheila tradition and I'm happy to be apart of it.

I'm trying my very best not to break the bed.

We dined at Branzino's Restaurant. Oh my, talk about gourmet food. This is the home restaurant of current "Top Chef" contestant Ashley Merriman and it was damn good. We both had Mixed Green Salads, with Pears, Pine Nuts & Cheese as an appetizer. Sheila had the trout entree while I enjoyed the freshly made Tagliatelle pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes & Crisp Garlic. TO DIE FOR. Our waiter, Dennis was awesome. We ordered some wine and he was cool enough to leave the bottle in case we wanted to "sneak more." For dessert, Poached Pear Sorbet with Creme Fraiche... Oh my. Go to this restaurant if you're ever in Seattle.

We had to get to bed early tonight as we have a busy day ahead tomorrow, but there is always time for a night cap, right? My French Martini was delicious. Grey Goose + Pineapple... You can't go wrong.

Sept 23rd 2009

2009-09-24T21:38:00.004-07:00

Wednesday, being my last day in Canada for a wee while, was a day filled with Goodbyes. I headed up to my sister's house to say goodbye to her, as well as my little niece Sophie. Sophie was NOT interested in hanging out with me as she kept receiving important call after important call.

Alright, I get it, you have better things to do. No need to rub it in Sophie.

Finally, she relents.

Probably the saddest part, saying goodbye to Lil' Dooleyman. Sure I'll miss the humans, but none of them cuddle the way this pup can.

Tues Sept 22nd 2009

2009-09-24T21:16:00.008-07:00

How happy am I to be in a picture with Travis "Rosey Cheeks" Snider! I love Travis. He's 21, currently struggling to hit well, but I can't help but be a fan. He's adorable.

Mmm sexy man sitting in front of me with SWEAT BEADS hanging on his hair. If you click to enlarge you can check out the beauty bead just WAITING to drop. It sat there for about 20 mins before dropping on his shirt. Gross, but at least it didn't land on me.

Giving Snider a little poke.

And now Overbay gets a turn.

Yahoo! Aaron Hill gets his 100th RBI to win the game in the bottom of the 11th. GO BLUE BIRDS.

Pep & Chip 4 Eva.

Christie bought me this adorable key-chain as apart of my going away present. I love it. Anyone that knows me knows I love high top sneakers.

Sept 19th 2009

2009-09-19T21:58:00.004-07:00

My schmoopie Jessica couldn't make my going away party the night before, so I got up hella early and met her for a delicious breakfast at the Maple Leaf Pancake House, Hamilton's best breakfast restaurant. Jess had just come off an overnight shift at the hospital she nurses at, so I felt loved (once again) that she'd stave off sleeping for a bit longer in order to see me. I would have taken a pic of us together, but 1) She had worked overnight and wasn't "feeling it" and 2) I was a tad hungover and look like a hot mess.

After heading back to Whitby from my partying in Hamilton, I rested up then went BACK downtown Toronto with my moms for yet another TIFF screening. This was one was extra special because I won the tickets over Twitter! (Follow @RBC). The prize included 2 tickets to a "secret and exclusive" movie screening, transportation to the Phoenix Concert theatre for the after party where Dragonette was performing and, most importantly, TWO drink tickets each.

The surprise movie turned out to be Drew Barrymore's WHIP IT. We both really enjoyed ourselves, but decided to bail on the after party. I wouldn't have lasted in my heels anyways, oh well!

Sept 18th 2009

2009-09-19T21:48:00.005-07:00

Proof I am the WORST BOWLER EVER. My score is marked under "BO" (short for AMBO). I believe I ended with 49. Gutterballs galore!

A photo of Chantz and I "Smizing." Tyra would be SO proud because I am totally buying these smizes. Or is it smyesing?

"BON VOYAGE WEE ONE" says the Hamilton Tiger Cat! How awesome are my friends? Not only do I get pizza, a night out, bowling, a beautiful card and going away present, I get a CAKE too! All for just going to America for a little while. I feel so loved - Thanks so much Chantz, Kat, Megan, Liz & Lauren! You bitches rock.

Sept 17th 2009

2009-09-19T21:36:00.004-07:00

Visited my friend Erin's lovely baby, Rose Elizabeth. I contracted the "Iwannababy Syndrome" for a few moments, then remembered I do not want a baby at this point in time. Rose is a little cutie, look at those eyes!

Funny. Crass, but funny. Enlarge to see the funny.

Saw "Cleanflix" with my brother at AMC Yonge & Dundas, in the heart of Toronto. Very interesting documentary about Mormons violating copyright laws in order to make R-rated movies "Mormon friendly" aka "boring as shit." I think Chris' favourite part was the massive "ARRRGH" let out by the audience when the audience was told NOT to pirate the movie. ARRRRGH indeed!

Sept 16th 2009

2009-09-17T12:42:00.009-07:00

I was out until 3am on Tuesday night at a MIDNIGHT MADNESS screening of [REC] 2 at the Ryerson Theatre in Toronto and was verrrry tired the next day. I decided to take it easy, went for a nice stroll with Doozles by the lake, it was lovely if I may say so.

Found a yellow caterpillar on my car as we made our way out. Scooped the little guy up and put him in the garden before driving off.

This is me trying to recreate a picture I took with Dooley when he was a puppy.

What a darling.

Sept 13th 2009

2009-09-17T12:42:00.003-07:00

My moms and I took in a Gala screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, which plays at Roy Thompson Hall. We saw "Chloe" directed by Atom Egoyen and starring Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson & Amanda Seyfried. It was decent. Kind of awkward to watch with your mommy though (LOTS OF SEX! EVEN LESBIAN SEX!)

View from the top.

Sept 11th 2009

2009-09-12T15:49:00.016-07:00

My friend Wes and I headed over to Roy Thompson hall to see if we could spot any celebrities who were scheduled to arrive for the premiere of "The Men Who Stare At Goats." After no more than 20 minutes, we got our wish - Ewan McGregor showed up.

I saw Ewan last year too when he was here promoting Cassandra's Dream with Colin Farrell. He looks even better this year, or maybe it's cause I was a LOT closer to him.

The crowd awaits for Clooney.

It's him! It's Clooney! Try and find him in this picture. Click on it to enlarge:

He's getting closer to me...

Ohhhhh my god he's moving towards me

OMG OMG WE'RE ABOUT TO SHAKE HANDS! I am so happy to have taken this picture - PROOF I shook Clooney's hand! Although, why would I lie about this moment? I asked him if I may shake his hand, he said certainly but I'd have to be careful and shake the bandaged one, I said I'd be very gentle and that was that. A lot of German tourists were standing around me and they all wanted to touch the hand that touched Clooney, some suggested I use his DNA to clone my own Clooney.

Enlarge this picture to see Michael Moore, who arrived at the red carpet in a massive Ford truck. So appropriate!

My new German friend Kamilla holds up her autograph book. First photo is Clooney's signature and the second is Ewan McGregor's.

After all the big stars had come and gone (Ewan, George, Tate Donovan, Michael Moore, Jeff Bridges) a lot of the fans had left. I stuck around in hopes more people would show up...

Well, out of NO WHERE, Bill Murray walked by. He was on the 'other' side of the barriers, ya know, the side with all the rabid screaming fans. I was stunned and in my panic I yelled out "HEY!! BILL MURPHY!!!" which is probably why he didn't turn around. Whoopsie! What a faux-pas on my part.

Also seen Ben Mulroney of ETalk, looking pretty fine and movie critic Ben Lyons who nobody recognized but me. Ben was quietly leaving the press area, checking something on his phone, when I yelled out, "Hi Ben Lyons!" He stopped, shocked that he was being noticed in a mass of Clooney fans, said "Hey how's it going?" I said, "Fine thanks!" and that was that.

I'm back to Toronto tomorrow for a Gala screening of Chloe and the Midnight Madness screening of "The Loved Ones." Here's to another awesome year at the Film Festival : )

Sept 10th 2009

2009-09-10T19:30:00.002-07:00

Happy 32nd Anniversary to my wooooooonderful parents! They celebrated with a home-cooked dinner, enjoyed poolside while the sun set behind them. Chef George prepared his specialty, Onions with Steak. Congratulations Mom & Dad!

Sept 7th 2009

2009-09-10T19:26:00.002-07:00

Nomnomnom baby fingers are SO much better than the popcorn you people usually feed me.

Look at how tender they are:

Sept 5th 2009

2009-09-10T19:22:00.001-07:00

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLO? Why won't anyone answer me on this deliciously cobbed phone???? And WHO put all this pasta sauce on my face?

Sept 4th 2009

2009-09-10T19:15:00.004-07:00

Not sure if this is the Canadian Snow Birds or the American Blue Angels, but watching jets fly around downtown Toronto was so amusing.

Walking down a busy sidewalk, you'd hear the jets before seeing them, EVERYONE on the street would stop and stare at the sky, then before you knew it the jets had come and gone.

Sept 3th 2009

2009-09-03T19:08:00.004-07:00

Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT leave socks unattended when visiting my house. Dooley will go to town and make your sock his bitch. He carried this particular tennis sock around all day with him and finally destroyed it this evening.

August 31 2009

2009-09-03T19:08:00.001-07:00

Christie and I walked by a TV or Movie shoot on our lunch break. We couldn't see anyone famous, which kinda sucks. We did walk by directly next to the car, on it's right side to try and get a look-see but it didn't work out. Who knows who could have been in that car - freaking Brad Pitt for all I know.

August 29th 2009

2009-08-30T14:40:00.002-07:00

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Agetofu, Miso Soup, Salad, Seaweed Rolls, Shiitake Mushroom Rolls, Avacado/Cucumber Rolls and Tofu-Skin Sushi.

So delicious!

August 28th 2009

2009-08-30T14:36:00.002-07:00

I'm gonna go ahead and agree with the actor who plays "The Soup Nazi" on Seinfeld and say The Soup Nutsy really does have the world's best soup.

The Soup Nazi also played Osama Bin Laden in a movie from 2007. Me thinks he needs a new agent.

August 26th 2009

2009-08-26T20:03:00.004-07:00

Where was this picture taken? HINT: I hate being in these things.

August 25th 2009

2009-08-26T19:56:00.003-07:00

WORKIN' ON MY FITNESS. This picture is complete staged. At the end of my run I was literally having an asthma attack and wanting to lay on the pavement. This photo was taking 10 mins after I cooled down. I just want to impress you guys.

Sophie is adorable and my hair is fucked.

August 24th 2009

2009-08-26T19:45:00.002-07:00

This isn't a great shot.. but I visited Queen Video on my lunch hour with Miss Christie Close to pick up Mad Men Season 2. I've seen half of it already but need a refresher before I start season 3, which is currently airing.

Best part about this lunch break? We went to Urban Outfitters afterward! (That isn't the best part, keep reading...) Christie was browsing the jewellery when I noticed a girl next to her. This girl was SO familiar. Had I met her before? I'm terrible with remembering anything except useless facts, so I was worried she'd recognize me, ask me how I was doing, and I wouldn't know who the hell she was. I was bracing for an awkward conversation.

THANKFULLY I remembered an extremely useless fact, she was on Project Runway Canada! I nudged Christie and mouthed, "I KNOW her!" Christie mouthed, "WHO IS SHE?" to which I mouthed back, "PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA: I THINK SHE WON!!!!"

So, Christie being Christie, says to this girl in the sweetest voice "Excuse me, did you win Project Runway Canada?" Girl says "Um, no.. I came in second."

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BURN!!!! My mistake. I'm an asshole sometimes, but in this case I shall blame Christie as if it weren't for her I never would have talked to this stranger in the first place.

You can look her up HERE!!!

PS - Jessica I really am a huge fan of yours.

August 23 2009

2009-08-26T19:39:00.002-07:00

Painted my nails. Every nail has held up except ONE. Dammit!

August 20th 2009

2009-08-21T20:18:00.006-07:00

Our power went out at 730pm on Thursday night. A massive storm hit Toronto and surrounding areas, lots of thunder and lighting. My mother, brother, dog and myself gathered in the living room to hang out, while we patiently waited for the power to return. All of these photos were taken in candlelight but you'd never know it.

Our gathering began with Sheila insisting I document how TOTALLY AWESOME her hair looked. It did look really awesome - thanks Civello on Queen St for making my moms so hip and happenin'

Dooley (aka BILL) was really scared and was acting strangely throughout the evening. We blame him for the entire ordeal, as the storm was probably a result of Hurricane Bill. So... thanks for that Bill, good lookin' out.

The first time I tried taking a photo of "Sheila looking pensively out at the storm, while trying to dial my sister," she turned around and posed for the camera. This photo is completely staged.

After a glass of wine, Sheila was already pretty giddy and had nicknamed our storm experience, "TORNADO WATCH BOOZE PARTY!" Chris opted to drink Coca-Cola though, which kinda put a damper on the "BOOZE PARTY" aspect of our evening.

If you're looking at the above picture and thinking, "What's with the mobile phone?" Let me explain: Sheila is holding up her cell phone to record THE DATE AND TIME of when the picture was taken. When she decided on doing this, Chris blurted out - "What are we? Kidnapped? Want me to go grab today's paper, instead?" You can't really see the date and time at all, so the picture makes no sense whatsoever.

Scary Spider Alert!!!!

2009-08-21T20:14:00.003-07:00

This is why I have nightmares about spiders crawling all over me. Found this "lil' guy" hanging out by my shoe rack.

August 17th 2009

2009-08-17T19:37:00.001-07:00

Found this little puddin' napping in my room.

August 15th 2009

2009-08-16T13:09:00.006-07:00

We worked a lot of overtime today and needed to have some fun. Nothing beats using a timer and jumping in the pool.....

I think we need to go in for a closeup.

August 13th 2009

2009-08-13T17:56:00.004-07:00

Christie and I both really appreciate the ice cream man's OLD TIMEY bow-tie. He's the real deal, ya'll.

The back of this t-shirt belongs to my co-worker Benjamin. He's originally from Ecuador and is kind of a big FOB sometimes. He constantly lectures me on my personal work attire (apparently I show too much skin) yet he thinks t-shirts that feature bikini-clad women on the front shown washing cars with their breasts, with the slogan "Best Hand Wash Job in Town" on the back, is entirely appropriate. See, this is what I mean when I say he can be FOB-y.

*For those reading who don't know what FOB means, Google it.

August 12 2009

2009-08-12T18:26:00.007-07:00

I saw this man's underwear today. He was sitting at a table across from me and my friend Alek in the TD Centre's food court. His pants were hiked up SO FAR up his ass his underwear was completely visible. Sitting spreadeagled didn't really help him either. At first I looked back at Alek and asked if the man was even WEARING pants. It was totally plausible he was sitting down, eating his Hero burger, wearing no pants in front of hundreds of people on their lunch break. He didn't even notice me taking out my camera, trying to get a picture of his tight, white undies. In all my haste to document the UGLY that was his man-parts I accidentally snapped a photo of my own leg instead.

Alek's reaction kills me. So puzzled and horrified.

Yes, Alek. It DID just happen. After eating his lunch he ambled over to the bathroom, using his walking stick of course, and spent a solid 20 minutes in the can, presumably taking a big dump... but it's more likely (as Alek said) that he was laying out and examining his fingernail collection.

August 11th 2009

2009-08-11T19:39:00.003-07:00

I brought what I THOUGHT was a gray cardigan to work... turns out I brought my PJs instead. Ha ha ha. Really Amber?

This proves how tired I am when I get ready for work at 630am.

August 10th 2009

2009-08-10T18:30:00.002-07:00

Look who's walkin' now.

August 9th 2009

2009-08-09T16:38:00.002-07:00

I was so pleased to be apart of my friend Erin's baby shower. She is absolutely glowing - Pregnancy definitely suits her. Her baby is due September 17th and her name will be Róisín (Irish for Rose). I love it and am happy she didn't take the other name she had in mind (Saoirse) as it's my #1 baby girl name.

I bought her the 'MIRACLE BLANKET' on the recommendation of my sista Jill who SWORE by this swaddling cloth when my niece Sophie was a newborn.

August 8th 2009

2009-08-08T20:44:00.004-07:00

Christie is busy, ok? She doesn't have TIME to constantly get up off her chair to go DO things. She's busy, got it? She has shit to do.

OH, I'm sorry you need a Kleenex? Well, Christie is too busy to extend her arm to hand you one, that uses way too much energy and she needs all the energy she has to keep up with her insane schedule. Feel free to take the Kleenex she's making available to you via her reaching stick*

If you're busy like Christie and want to save your precious time and energy, click HERE

*NOT MAKING THIS UP, SHE REALLY OWNS A REACHING STICK*

August 7th 2009

2009-08-08T20:24:00.006-07:00

And this concludes my post on "How to Be Really Awesome at Dance Clubs."

August 6th 2009

2009-08-06T21:36:00.002-07:00

HEY, ASSHOLE.. My dog just pissed in the patch of grass you're sunning yourself in.

-Local Dog Owner.

August 5th 2009

2009-08-05T19:46:00.004-07:00

This girl just got back from 5 wks travelling ALL over Europe. England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and Holland.

What a bitch, eh?! JK I love ya.

Modelling her new EUROPEAN clothes, Bridget looks happy and refreshed. A life time of memories made.

I'm jealous and must get to Europe ASAP. Ya hear that, Richard?!

August 4th 2009

2009-08-04T17:46:00.004-07:00

My poor poor little bro has an extremely high fever. He was at a cottage all weekend partying so he must have picked something up there. Luckily he went to the walk-in clinic for some antibiotics.

Before taking this picture I said, "Now make sure you're all tucked in under the bankies. This is the biggest thing that happened today so it has to go on my blog." Brother responded, "Ok.. one sec.. let me put on my hat."

Fashion doesn't stop people, even when you're rocking a fever of 102.

August 3rd 2009

2009-08-03T18:14:00.005-07:00

August long weekend! So glad to have today off work - spent the day outside once again, reading, swimming and playing with Dooley. I'm already a hundo-pages into my book World War Z, which is shaping up to be quite the read.

I was in the sun way too long, from 11am - 4pm so I'm pretty burnt on my legs. YES I WORE SUNSCREEN. Bah! I can't win. I'm either really white or Red Lobster style. It sucks being an Irish Rose.

After my day outside I retreated to "the cave" aka my basement to clean house. I cleaned up my living area (yes, Sheila if you're reading this , I said MY living area), bathroom and bedroom. Everything is now spic and span!

I've just started watching Dollhouse. I love me some Joss Whedon and even though I hated Eliza Dushku on Buffy (only because she was so damn evil) I'm liking her in this role. *LIGHTBULB MOMENT* - My sista-in-law Shamara (aka @shamaras on twitter) looks JUST like Eliza!

August 2nd 2009

2009-08-02T13:59:00.003-07:00

I didn't make it in to work yesterday but tried really really hard to do it today and... I did it!

The 5.5 hrs of OT wasn't too bad as I was able to email back and forth with RICHARD (Yes, the very Richard this site is dedicated to) until he had to go to bed.

I was the only person on my floor, so it was very creepy. A few times I thought I saw things out of the corner of my eye and I'm positive a radio mysteriously turned on at the half-way point of my shift. Strange occurrences, no doubt.

Toronto was very quiet on the way in (8am) but by the time I left there were a few people on the streets of the Financial district. The picture above was taken from my car as I arrived in the city around 845am. This view is from York Street, facing north towards Front St. It's nice to be home now, going to relax outside, drink some GATO NERO wine and watch True Blood later on : )

August 1st 2009

2009-08-02T13:53:00.004-07:00

I was supposed to head into work today for some overtime, but I was soooo sleepy and the weather was to be absolutely beautiful so I stayed home instead.

I hung out in the yard, sun "tanning" and reading. I finished "Blindness" and started "World War Z" immediately after. I really liked Blindness and would recommend the book, especially for the prose.

After being outside all day I retreated to my cave (a.k.a. THE BASEMENT) to watch some flims. I saw the movie-version of Blindness On Demand so thought I'd check that out. Since I had JUST finished the book, the movie was pretty disappointing. I wouldn't recommend. I did highly enjoyed the Swedish vampire movie "Let the Right One In." Now THIS is how you do a vampire love story, so suck on that Stephanie Meyers. "Let the Right One In" is currently playing on TMN but if you can't catch it there I'd go rent it. If it was out when I was 12 or 13 I'd have been ALL over it.

July 31st 2009

2009-07-31T18:29:00.005-07:00

Today was insane at work. Gorgeous day in Toronto but I barely stepped outside because the phones were ringing and the emails wouldn't stop coming.

I did manage to 30 minute break near the end of my shift. I enjoyed a yum Starbucks no foam latte while sitting in the park people watching. It was hot as balls so I'm not sure why I ordered a hot coffee... and why I sat in direct sunlight while I drank it.... but it was the nicest, most relaxing part of my day.... UNTIL....

This freaky pigeon came around me hunting for food. There are a lot of pigeons in the park, but this one was "off." He was staring at me. He'd come really close to my feet. He wouldn't move for minutes at a time. Eventually his presence is what brought me back to work - there wasn't something right, like Esther the Orphan, something wasn't right with this pigeon. I actually had a nervous laugh while watching him. He was so still, and SO close to me, I was just waiting for him to fly up in my face and poke my eyes out. Either that pigeon is from hell or I'm paranoid.

July 30 2009

2009-07-30T17:43:00.002-07:00

Hit up the farmer's market today at Metro Hall in downtown Toronto. Tons of vendors in the park, selling everything from breads, meats (boo!), cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables (Yay!). I picked up a fresh head of broccoli & some bell peppers from Willowtree Farms and bought some delicious apples from another vendor.

The gentleman selling the apples started asking me about my day and what I was up to. With a Starbucks in my hand, sunglasses on, a camera and a short/tank combo I probably didn't look like I was on a quick 20 minute break from work. It was really hard to go back to my desk after making my purchase, I wanted to keep browsing and sampling all the different foods.

Farmer's Market is every Thursday, check it out if you're in town - Wellington and Simcoe.

July 29th 2009

2009-07-29T18:04:00.001-07:00

Met up with my friend for a quick 20 mins break today during work. We discussed SYTYCD (SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, duh!). We're mighty pissed Janette got sent packing last week - life is unfair.

I hid my camera under the table without her knowing, then popped it up really quickly for an impromptu shot. I love this photo because she's generally a really happy person but looks miserable here.

July 28th 2009

2009-07-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

I'm skinny. I do not need to lose weight, I need to maintain weight.
My husband pumps iron in Iraq for my benefit, so I'm working on my fitness for his! Staring at an empty bookcase is really really really boring.

ON MY PLAYLIST: Hairspray Soundtrack, Notorious B.I.G., The Knife.