Ten on Tuesday (3)

Hello blogging World! I am still alive and kicking. Just taking a well needed break from everything- trying to limit my time on email and the internet which is hard to do now that I have a blackberry and checking websites, etc can be so accessible at any time. I'm doing a lot of stuff on the farm to help out, baking/cooking, packing for my trip out West, and watching some great movies/TV.

One thing I have also been doing is reading some great books and catching up on my blog reading through Google Reader. I saw the Ten on Tuesday post today from Roots and Rings and had to blog, even though I'm on a bit of a blogging hiatus. I am always excited to see what the next ten on Tuesday list will be and always love responding :)

1. What was the number one item on your Christmas wishlist?



I shared a wishlist of Christmas items a few weeks before Christmas. I'm at that age where if I dont' get something I really wanted, I'm not devastated. I was sooo fortunate this year that I received quite a few things off of my list and even more great things that I loved. Things like a new pair of winter boots, a beater from my Aunt Kathy, an external hard drive for my laptop from Andrew and Burberry Brit perfume which smells amazing were some of the gifts I got :)

2. Did you get the number one item on your Christmas wishlist?


While I didn't have a #1 item per say, I did receive a lot of things I wanted for Christmas, and more!!! I'm so lucky :)
3. How long has it been since you’ve had a pedicure?


I usually only splurge on a pedicure/manicure once a year- usually in the Spring/early Summer. The last one I had was this past summer.
 4. How cold is it in your city today?


Today is soo much warmer than it was yesterday- thank heavens! At one point today, it was above 0 which is awesome for this time of year. Its about -1 as we speak (or blog!).

5. How many pillows do you sleep with?


Usually only one pillow but it has to be a big fluffy pillow- so sometimes two if needed.

6. Can you roll your tongue?


Nope, I can't! I've tried a few times but can't seem to learn and its not really on my high priority list to learn either :S

7. Do you always buy the same mascara or do you try new ones each tube?


For a while I used the same one but in the last few years, I've tried a few different kinds and have settled on two favourites- Maybelline lash stiletto and Maybelline Falsies Volum Express mascara.

8. What’s your favorite cookbook?


The Fanny Farmer Cookbook. I actually got my very own cookbook this year for Christmas from my mom! I always loved that cookbook growing up- my mom had her own copy and cooked/baked the greatest recipes from it! I'm excited to try a bunch of new recipes once I get back into the cooking groove at home.

9. What was your first pet?


My first dog we had when I was a small child was Ringo. Loved that dog.
10. Do you wear jewelry on a daily basis?


Yes, I always have my U of Guelph grad ring on and am always wearing a pair of earrings, whether they are studs or large hoops. I feel naked if I don't wear my ring/earrings!

30 day challenge..

Many of my friends on Facebook, and now a few bloggers as well, have started doing the 30 day challenge, where you post a different picture of something depending what each day asks for.

I always thought this was kind of neat but that it would take alot of time, especially if I did it on Facebook b/c I'm not on Facebook as much as I am blogging. And so, I have decided that come December 1st, I will do the 30 day challenge on my blog :) I have included a new page tab at the top of my blog that lists the 30 day challenge with each day's description so you can follow along easily but I'll be sure to post each day for the month of December.

Make sure to stay tuned starting in a few days!!!

This 30 day challenge list below was taken from the list Facebook provided.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss
Day 31 - A picture of yourself

Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad

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What can I say, other than hope you are having a beautiful Christmas morning!!!! Hope you got everything you asked for and more!

Merry Christmas and all the joy over the holiday season everyone!

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On the eve of Christmas...

I hope you all are close to friends, family and loved ones tonight as we celebrate the gifts that Christmas brings- and I'm not talking about the actual gifts that Santa will leave under the tree for us. Coming home for the holidays and being surrounded by such amazing family and friends makes me feel so blessed for all I have and the gifts that I've received throughout my life. 

What you sometimes forget to remember during the holiday season when your busy preparing, shopping for others, scrambling to get last minute things done, etc, is that some people spend Christmas and the holiday season away from their loved ones, perhaps they celebrate Christmas alone,  don't have proper finances to celebrate Christmas at all and others may not be able to provide themselves with a roof over their heads, a warm bed, and/or a nice meal. 

We should all count our blessings tonight as Christmas is upon us and reminds us of all the  important things in our lives.

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I feel so lucky to be back on the farm now- home for the holidays- always a place I love to be this time of year :)

Hope you all have been good and Santa treats you well tonight!

(Early) Merry Christmas!!!

And for a cute laugh on Christmas eve- did you hear in the news about this "flash choir mob" that took place in the mall of a community in Ontario- in Welland? Check out the video below- it will bring a smile to your face- such a neat Christmas idea!

I have entered a new era...

Well folks, I did it. I left the cellphone era and bought a.... blackberry this past weekend!!!! I am seriously as excited as all the exclamation marks show!!

I have been contemplating this for a while, and even shared on my blog how I'd hope to buy a blackberry now that Koodo has their great promotion on until December 31st.

While some of those younger teeny-boppers already-blackberry-experts may be looking at me in disgust while I excitedly yell to the World that I have finally entered the 21st century, I don't care how stupidly excited I probably look or sound that I finally got a blackberry. This is a big deal OK, even for this Country girl.
Koodo mobile has been awesome to deal with- I would definitely recommend them for anyone considering changing cellphone companies or shopping around for a new cellphone service provider. I am going to try and even get my dad/brother to sign up with Koodo. After a few phone calls and a few visits to a Koodo retailer in the mall, I was certain that I had made up my mind with the purchase of a blackberry. As it turns out, with all the promotional deals with the holiday season, I am only going to be paying roughly $8-$15 more per month for my blackberry and with a full data plan too!

I've already started taking a liking to my new phone- I had a $50 Future shop gift card so I bought a 8GB memory card and a fancy red case. I've downloaded all my songs onto my blackberry so I can use it as an i-pod and have started to play around with some of the apps. Did you even know you can scan other's blackberry-users bar codes to add them as blackberry messenger contacts?! Crazy eh?!

Ten on Tuesday (2)

Here it is again folks.. Tuesday already! And only 4 days left until Christmas- OMG!!!  In tribute to the fourth day of Christmas, I had to post this cute pic of "4 calling birds". I seriously can't believe that Christmas is this close- I am starting to get super excited to head home to the country and celebrate Christmas with my family :)

I am also happy to report that I have all of my Christmas shopping done- thank heavens! I was in the mall on Saturday- it was CRAZY! *A* and I are exchanging gifts tonight before he leaves to head back to the homeland for Christmas holidays :)

Oh and I FINALLY got through my Google Reader and was even able to complete the Ten on Tuesday list taken again from Roots and Rings- stop by for a look :) Here is the list:

1. Do you do any volunteer work?

I don't do as much as I use to in University. To be honest, I feel like I don't have as much time now as I use too when I was in University because of my 3 hours of commuting and sometimes being in Guelph and other weekends at home in the country. I guess that's a poor excuse though- I could find more time. While in University, I was involved with many student volunteer organizations on campus- probably about 4 or 5 different organizations and I was also a Big Sister and did work with my church from time to time. Currently, I help with two volunteer organizations, help with the 4-H program and am a member of a committee which is helping to put on an International conference next September 2011.

 

2. Do you have night and/or morning ritual?

I for sure have a morning ritual/routine that I do every morning and if I don't do it exactly each time, I get totally flustered. I have my morning routine down to a minute- I get up at the same time, get ready in the same way, and get into my car each morning at the exact time, in order to make it to the bus stop in exactly 5 minutes. Once I get to work, I always enjoy a cup of coffee to start my day off while I catch up on old emails and prep for the day :)

3. Would you rather exercise or diet? Why?

Exercise for sure. In those high school years where all your consumed with, is how you look, I tried dieting- nothing extreme, just more watching what I ate and wrote down what I ate- kind of like a "weight watchers" style of dieting. Now I've realized as I've grown up that you can truly eat whatever you want, you just have to be able to exercise it off, and obviously to help the cause- eating smaller portions and limiting certain things you eat would be a good idea so you have a headstart before you even have to go to the gym. Exercise is seriously key though- on days/weeks where I don't exercise, I even feel bad about myself. I think exercise is an amazing stress reliever and great mind-building activity.

4. If you would rather exercise, do you prefer going to a gym or working out at home?
Definitely working out at the gym. Going to a place that is entirely dedicated to "working out" gets me in the right frame of mind. I've tried working out at home but its just not the same- I don't push myself as much as I would at the gym. The only time I think I would maybe work out at home is if I buy an eliptical machine or treadmill one day and have it in my home- then I could watch TV and work out at the same time.. that would be ideal :) The only other time I like working out at home is if I help with chores on the farm- some of the activities I do are an awesome and you don't even realize because it doesn't feel like "working out" per say.
 5. What do you think is a huge waste of time?
People talking about something and not actually doing it or doing anything about it. I like to think that I have more of a "do-er" type attitude so it irritates me to listen to people who just sit there and think things through from start to finish/complain/ or just talk through things and then don't actually go and do anything about it. What did Ghandi say- "we must be the change we want to see in the World?" Well said Ghandi, he didn't say lets talk about the change we want to see, he said BE the change!
6. What is one way you save time?
Having an organizer! I don't know how I would keep my life in order or keep sane if I didn't have one place to write everything down. It helps me save time by prioritizing what I have to do each day that is super important. I am seriously the master of to-do lists and love organization :)


7. What is your current obsession?

Burberry Brit perfume. I haven't blogged about this yet, but I have been on the hunt for a new perfume for what feels like months. After smelling endless amounts of perfume (both good and bad) I finally found the Burberry Brit which I LOVE. I got a sample of it and have it sitting at my desk so it smells delicious where I sit :) I am just trying to convince myself not to buy it before Christmas because I'll be getting enough presents as it is.

Oh, and I am also currently obsessing over this Aldo bag too :)

8. What is a current obsession you can’t wait to pass?
Christmas music and movies. I think I have heard every classic Christmas song like a 150 times each and watched every Christmas movie 5 times each. While I love Christmas, once the season is over, I will be glad to pack up all the movies, and turn off the Christmas tunes until next year.


9. Are you currently reading a book? If so, what book? Would you recommend it?
I am just finishing up "The Smart Cookies' Guide to Making more Dough." It has alot of fantastic financial lessons that I have learnt from reading their book- I intend on posting some of those lessons on here. The next book that I have kind of already started is the book "Generation Me." I have had an obsession lately with books about different generations and how what generation we were born in, influences who we are, who we become and how we are perceived. Awesome read so far!


10. Since we had the 90s question last week, what’s your favorite songs from 00′s?
I feel like this list is a continutation of last week's pop music list because a lot of the music I liked in the late 90's also appeared in the early 2000's. Don't laugh at my list of songs I hearted throughout the 00's.. I know, so childish.

• Jennifer Lopez (Her J Lo CD was probably one of my fav all time CDs)
• S Club 7- need I say more?
• Christina Aguleria & Britney Spears- I'm a Genie in a Bottle & Hit me Baby one more time were CLASSICS!
• Lose Yourself- Eminem
• Always on Time- JaRule & Ashanti
• Crazy in Love- Beyonce
• And can I mention- most recently my favs from the last couple of years? Lady Gaga and Katy Perry?

I guess you could call me a pop tart eh? :)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

My Top 5..

Now that I've been listening to Christmas songs on the radio at work since the middle of November, there are certain songs I have come to love (and hate!). Even if I have heard them a million times in the past few weeks, my top 5 list below are all songs that get me excited and in the holdiay mood:

1. Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas"



2. Britney Spears "Santa Baby"


3. N Sync "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays"


Can you see a pattern of 90's pop here?!

4. Nat King Cole "The Christmas song"


5. Martina McBride- O Holy Night


And honourable mentions..  I had to add them because they are just too darn good..
Brenda Lee- Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Christmas Vacation theme song

Reflecting on past Christmas gifts...

8 days until Christmas! We're getting so close! Today is a special tribute to the "8 maids a milking" in the 12 days of Christmas song because heck, I have been a maid a milking and they work hard! How would we get milk if there weren't "maids" in the barn?!

Now on to the main topic of this post. Do you ever think back to things that you asked for as a kid for Christmas? Or does something trigger you to remember some "odd" things you asked for or received as a Christmas gift?


Last night when I was watching Home Alone 2 (yes, its just as good as the first and one of my fav Christmas movies), I had a major flash back to a Christmas where all I wanted was the same recorder Kevin uses throughout the movie, called a "Talkboy." Actually, here he is with it below... 

And I was lucky enough that *Santa* that year brought me the recorder but more appropriately, got me the pink "talkgirl" version like this one below. It was fantastic!

I got a good chuckle thinking of some of the things I have asked for over the years as Christmas gifts- S Club 7 CD's, Pony Surprise and Polly Pockets. My God. My parents must have just shook their head thinking of the crap great gifts they were buying me that I so desperately wanted :) haha

And one gift I always asked for and pretty sure I never did get... drum roll please...

The easy bake oven. Every little girl's dream :)

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What are Christmas gifts you asked for growing up that you laugh at now?

Fa la la la la

9 days left till' Christmas!!! I had intended on writing a Christmas-themed blog post each day from the 12-day mark but clearly, that didn't happen. Too much is going on and now that Christmas socials are in full swing- I don't have a lot of time to spare.

I finally finished all of my Christmas shopping last night. I have 2 little things to get this coming weekend at the mall for co-workers but I am happy to say I think I beat all the Christmas rush and got everything done ahead of time which I think is a record for me!!! It pays to buy a few gifts in the summer time like I did this year. Yay me!

Oh and in other Christmas-related news, you may have saw on Twitter, but I have decided to go to Winnipeg over the Christmas holidays, in between Christmas and New Years. I'm nuts.. I know.. but I'm so excited to go!!! *A* and I booked my flights the other day- just in time before flights went up in price and certain flights weren't available anymore. I will be able to spend a few great quality days with the family before I head out West and visit with *A* and his family/friends who are THE BEST!

Can't wait now- I'm getting giddy thinking of the holidays that are fast approaching :D

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Are you winter prepared?

With all the snow we're getting this year, I thought it was helpeful to create a list for Winter of stuff that you must have in your vehicle if your driving during the Winter months, in case something were to happen. Alot of this stuff is just good to have in your vehicle all year round in case you ever did breakdown somewhere, anytime of the year.

The idea actually dawned on me when I thought to myself while driving to work yesterday morning- so I have a set of jumper cables in my trunk (yay me!) but do I know how to properly use them if I had too? NO! (shame on me!) So now I have to either get *A* to properly show me how to use them, or I guess I could always google/you tube some kind of tutorial on how they work.

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Anywhoo, here are the things I thought of for the list of things you should have in your car during the Winter. Hopefully you find these helpful. Did I miss any?

• Winter tires (OK, you don't NEED these, but they do make a huge difference in the Winter as I have found out and are a wise investment!)
• jumper cables (and you should know how to use them!)
• a brush to wipe snow off in the mornings
• scraper in case you have ice on your windshield
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tire pressure pump
• Blanket/food/water in your trunk in case you got stranded
• Gloves/hat/scarf
• Maybe a good book in your trunk in case you ever did get stranded and had to do something while your waiting? Just a thought :)
• CAA (Can't stress this one enough- if you ever get stuck somewhere you can call them for a tow!)
• Cellphone charger (this is a classic scary movie scenario where you get down a backroad and they are just about to call for help and then their cell dies. This is something that for sure would happen to me. Make sure you have an extra spare one in your car to be able to plug in if need)
• GPS (again, you don't NEED it, but it certainly helps)
• Windshield washer fluid (in case it runs out while you are driving- its a necessity in Winter as it gets yucky out)
• A good set of windshield wipers (I'm struggling with this one right now, my wipers are horrible- and you need a good set to be able to see properly with all this snow we're getting!)

Ten on Tuesday (1)

I don't know if I will be able to regularly post a weekly Tuesday list but I saw this post on Rainy Saturday which orignically came from Roots & Rings and thought this was such a cute idea. There were some funny questions that I thought would generate funny answers so you could get to know me better.

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So here we go- my first Ten on Tuesday list:

1. What is your favorite kind of cheese?



I am a HUGE cheese fan. One of my favourite dishes around the holidays is in fact.. the cheese platter! But then of course, I stick to the same old cheese I have loved forever.. marble. You can't go wrong with marble. In a close second are cheese curds.. does that even count as a "kind" of cheese? Sure it does!



2. Do you prefer fudge with or without nuts?


Definitely WITHOUT nuts. I hate nuts (any kind- ok, I'll make an exception for peanuts) and definitely do NOT like them in my fudge. I really only like 2 types of fudge too- Maple and Mint Chocolate.


3. How do you feel about cats?


I like cats- don't absolutely love them like I do dogs but they are OK to be around. We have 2 on our farm (that are tame at least- there are many others that run wild) and they are so cute and alot of fun to be around. They love to get picked up and I really do love playing with them. But my heart truly belongs to my dog Dakota. Sorry!

 4. Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts?


Julia Roberts without a doubt. Not only was she classic in Pretty Woman, but two of my other all-time favourite movies included Julia Roberts- in Runaway Bride (as a follow up to Pretty Woman with Richard Gere) and Stepmom. She was awesome in both! You can't deny the girl next door... she just seems to be relatable and is so funny.

 5. Do you wear a watch?


Just started to wear a watch in the last year or so. And when I don't wear it now, I feel completely naked (like I do when I forget to wear earrings) and often glance down at my wrist to check the time even if I don't have my watch on. I have many watches of different colours and shapes, but my favourite watches include a Guess watch that my dad bought as a Christmas gift for me last year for Christmas and my blingy round-faced watch that I get lots of compliments on. Love it!


6. What are a few of your favorite songs from the 90′s?


WOW.. this is a tough one because I was a child of the 90's so I grew up listening to sooo many 90's songs (which I still think are unbelieable by the way!) Um, I was a huge fan of early 90's grunge rock even though I was too young to truly know what it was and appreciate it fully. I remember listening to a lot of Alanis Morissette, remember that song "What if God was one of us? by Joan Osbourne (NOT Alanis Morissette) loved that one. And of course, once the pop scene came around with Britney Spears, N Sync, Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore, etc.. I was a huge teeny bopper fan. And how can I not forget the Spice Girls?! So if I had to list a "few" songs (because I could seriously write a whole post dedicated to this topic) they would probably be as follows:

• Anything by the Spice Girls
• I want you back- N Sync
• I want it that way- Backstreet Boys
• Baby one more time- Britney Spears
• Say My Name- Destiny's Child
• Mr. Jones- Counting Crows
• You Oughta Know- Alanis Morissette
• Wonderwall- Oasis
• Jumper- Third Eye Blind

How do you like that for a diverse playlist?! You should see my i-pod!!!
7. Do you like scented candles?


Yes, LOVE them. Especially around the holidays. My favourite is cinnamon-apple or some variation of cinnamon because it just smells so yummy and delicious. There is nothing like walking into a place that smells so good because of scented candles.

 8. What do you like on your hamburger?


I am a total ketchup & mustard girl but the variation depends on where I get a hamburger from. Sometimes I live on the edge and get lettuce/mayo/onion. Shocking I know. And one place that I was just recently introduced too- Hero Burger, has the BEST secret sauce ever. I have to admit that my all-time favourite Hamburger would have to be the Big Mac. Sad I know.. I can't help it :(

 9. How often do you cut your fingernails?


Probably once every 2 weeks- I DO NOT file my nails.. files seriously give me the shivers up my spine  (like nails on a chalkboard). I hate the feeling of filing nails (ahh.. I'm getting chills right now as I type this and think of files). So yes, nail clippers do me just fine.

10. Do you sleep in socks?


I always get into bed with a comfy pair of socks on and then by the morning, I have somehow taken them off during my sleep. I get way to hot at night with socks on but I always love getting into bed with them on. Oh well, what can I do?!

12 days of Christmas

Wow, we are really down to the 12 days of Christmas (cue the song!!!)

I can't believe how fast Christmas is approaching- I'm quite excited actually.. I plan on spending some much needed time around the farm/family while *A* is away visiting friends and family.

A few developments on the traveling front- *A*'s parents offered to fly me out to Winnipeg after Christmas for the week in between Christmas and New Years. It is so generous and gracious of them to offer to fly me there for Christmas. I made plans with my best friends for New Years but I'm not sure where they stand as of today so I'm up in the air as to what to do. I had already mentally prepared myself to work that week and spend some quality time with my family but I would love to see *A*'s friends and family! Oh, decisions, decisions.

I had an amazing weekend with the *A* and fam.. which included our Christmas shopping day on Saturday. We only ended up losing one child (well, child if you consider a child 20?) for a brief few minutes. And of course, it was the one kid who didn't have their cellphone on them and we hadn't established a meeting spot as of yet- but we ended up finding him no problem. RELIEF! I always love our family shopping adventures- they always include great conversations and lots of laughs :)

 I also have almost have everyone done on my Christmas list- just a few things here and there that I will get this coming weekend.

And just because its the 12th day of Christmas- I thought it was most appropriate to post a picture of a partridge in a pear tree. What a weird bird eh?!

TGIF..

I can't remember the last time that I was this excited it was Friday and the weekend was here. I think it may be because I am heading home to the country, in what seems like WEEKS (Its actually been 3 whole weeks since I was last home, can you believe it?!)

I can't wait to go home and squeeze the love right out of my family.. followed by a big hug to my dog Dakota and of course, the cows. I can't wait to smell the fresh air/barn smell, play in the snow, visit with my grandparents and maybe settle in to watch 20/20 or Dateline tonight (a favourite Friday night activity of mine).

I'm also excited because the Crowley Christmas family shopping adventure will take place tomorrow- malls, brace yourself- we're coming! Picture the movie Christmas vacation, with the same chaos.. but in a mall.. and only 6 of us, well 7 now with *A*. Its madness, but fun madness of course :) I think this may be the first time I take *A* to participate in our family Christmas shopping adventures so we'll see how he fares. I'm hoping now that we're all a little older and mature the shopping trip will be alot less stressful and more enjoyable (yeah right, who am I kidding- we'll probably end up losing someone even though we all have cellphones- someone won't show up on time for our departure, and a bag/purse will get left in a store).

Oh boy, I can't wait :D

And after we have survived the crazyness on Saturday, maybe I'll relax with *A* and take a nice winter-y walk in the woods around the farm.

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Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!! P.S. Guess what- 2 weeks today and its Christmas Eve!!!

My many run-ins with "Murphy's Law"

Sometimes I seriously shake my head thinking of times when Murphy's law takes over my life. Sometimes it takes place more than once in a day and I can't help but think I'm cursed. It seems to happen alot of the time, especially at work. For those who don't know what Murphy's law is- let me enlighten you: its the saying/belief that "if anything can go wrong, it will"....

Let's look at the following examples at which Murphy's law takes place in my day-to-day life and then maybe you can relate...

• I often call people about something important and leave a voicemail message if I don't get them and then eagerly await at my desk for their return phone call. The one time I get up from my desk all day, is always the one time they call back and then when you go to call them back, you get their voicemail again. Hence, the phone tag continues...
• And while we're on the subject of phone calls, this one always happens to me- my phone doesn't ring all day and then the one time when someone calls me, I get another call on the other line.. what are the odds?! This one happens to me seriously everyday!
• When you don't drive all week, and the one night you have to drive somewhere for something important and there is a major accident/bad traffic (this happens to *A* and I ALL THE TIME!!)
• The one time you decide to leave late for a meeting and something happens on the way- you lose your keys, traffic is bad, you can't find a parking spot, etc..
• Whenever I am printing off important materials before a meeting, the printer gets jammed.. go figure?!
• Everytime I use technology for a big meeting/presentation, the computer or some piece of technology doesn't work when it worked for me a million times before!
• Back in University, it happened so many times to me- just as I was about to submit an assignment/essay/quiz after typing it up for god knows how long, the internet would cut out or the computer would shut off/the battery would die, losing all the information I had.. so frustrating!!!
• When your having troubles with something (cellphone/computer/printer, etc), you go to show someone that it isn't working and then it magically works again.. come on?!

I have become accustom to just laughing during these times now because these types of situations are totally out of my control.  I think the universe is trying to get back at me when instances like these take place...

Do you have any moments like this where you think the universe is conspiring against you and Murphy's law is taking off your life?!

Thanks Ma & Pa

Thanks to all those readers who replied to my Expedia post back a few weeks ago. It was interesting to see that comments were about 50-50. Some people booked with Expedia and had no problems. Others searched the Expedia site, found the flights they wanted and then booked the flights directly with on the airline company's website.

As it turns out, it looks like I won't have to use Expedia now because my mom has offered to let me use my parents aeroplan miles which they have alot of! This will REALLY help with saving some $$$ on my flights which I had budgeted for around $550 round trip. I searched flights the other day with my parents aeroplan number and for 25,000 points, I can get a round trip to New Mexico! Woohoo!! The only fees that are included are the taxes, etc which will cost me roughly $100. Way better than paying for full-priced flights!

I plan on booking my flights sometime this weekend/early next week. I was hesitant about booking this early in advance in case there were seat sales or something closer to the date, but the flights keep going up in price over the past few months so I might as well book, especially if I'm using the aeroplan miles!!! WOOHOO!!!

Thank you parents! You are the best :)

Familarity feels good

I have admitted before on my blog that I don’t like change. Now I’m a little more open to change and am a lot more flexible and open minded than I use to be. What I have realized recently, is that I don’t have a problem with change- my problem is I like tradition too much. Maybe its because I come from a small town and tradition is something that is deeply embedded within me- or maybe its just the sense of knowing whats going to happen next that I like so much. I'm a real planner- have I ever showed you my organizer?!



Take the following 2 random examples for instance:


1) I have been to the nearby Subway restaurant at my work probably 15 times in total since I started my job here in TO. Some days when I’m without a lunch, and I’m not even really even feeling like a sub and should probably  try something different and new and expand my horizons (which is something I don’t do when it comes to food),  I always find myself going to the same subway- ordering the same sub (well, a variation of either veggie, ham or turkey), and expecting the same subway guy to serve me (he's there everytime!). I’m not sure if I like going there because of how the actual sub tastes or just because I can expect to find the same friendly subway guy serving me everytime. I can always expect to see the same friendly smile from the server when I go in. I like knowing why I can expect by going there, hence why I think thats the only place I eat. Is this maybe the small town tendancy coming out in me? 


2) On Wednesday nights, *A* plays hockey in a league and sometimes I go with him every few weeks. I have got into the habit of ordering the same coke and club sandwhich each and everytime I go there. I know what to expect when I arrive- I usually bring a good book or catch up on some blogging (I wrote this post while I was there!). This is the one hour of the week that I sit down and devote to some "me time" so I'm always excited when I go and watch his games. Oh, by the way *A*- I do actually watch your games too :P ha-ha


Does anyone else out there have the same love for tradition/habit/routine that I do? Do you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again and still loving it? I sometimes wonder if it truly is a small town thing- being familar with people/places makes me feel comfortable and at ease and perhaps that's why I embrace tradition and habit as much as I do?!

THANK YOU!

I had been planning to closely watch my blog readership as it slowly approached to 20,000 visitors. I had originally planned on posting on the exact day that I hit my 20,000th visitor because I think that's kind of monumental. I don't know why I picked 20,000- I mean, I should have celebrated after 1000, and even 10,000 so why I chose to celebrate 20,000- I don't really have the answer for ya.

But either way, THANK YOU for stopping by and checking out Stories From a Country Girl! I love blogging for both myself and you and hope you enjoy all the posts- whether they are serious/funny/helpful/reflective/updates or just life thoughts. My blog has truly become an amazing outlet for me to connect with people from around the World who I wouldn't have met otherwise. Some of the greatest moments for me is when someone who I would have least expected say "I've read your blog!"

It has also been an amazing outlet for me to share all my stories as a country girl- its been amazing to share my journey with each and every one of you. Its always exciting to share monumental moments with my readers! It has also been awesome to learn about alot of amazing new things through other's blogs-life lessons/recipes/more about personal finances/recommednations on movies & books/where to buy (and not to buy)/and tips and tricks in general.

The way I see it, the blogosphere is like an online Chapters store but the best part,

is you don't have to pay $$ to read it :)

I'd love to hear from you if you have any questions/comments/concerns/feedback.

If you have any ideas of things you want me to write about, hear about from me, and/or questions you have, please direct them to storiesfromacountrygirl@gmail.com.

I'd love to hear from you!

[Photo Credit]

AGAIN, THANKS A MILLION  TO SFACG READERS! YOU ARE THE BEST!

2011= Travel mania

I had a travel itch last Fall where all I wanted to do was pick up and go to Paris and learn French. After a few days/weeks, I got over this itch and was able to like my life here in Canada. Sigh (I still wish I could have went and did it that). I shouldn't make my life sound so bad here.. I'm so lucky :)

So, 2011 is proving to be a pretty wild traveling year and I already want to start saving to make sure I have enough moula for all the trips I want to do.

Let's preview shall we?

• February- weekend trip to Ottawa with *A* (can you believe I have never really been to Ottawa and experienced the night life?!)
• February- possible trip to Mexico with my best friends from home?! Just found out about this one.. so its still up for major debate.. PLUS, I'd have to save $1000 BUT I have never been to a tropical destination
• March- Trip to Albuquerque, NM for a Young Dairy Leaders conference (more to come on that)
• April- Trip to Winnipeg as a surprise (let's hope the people who we are surprising doesn't read my blog.. yikes???!!!)
• Summer- Trip out West possibly? I have two best friends who now live in Calgary- go figure- so I seriously need to visit them. Possible trip to the Calgary Stampede? I think so! Now I just need to tell them I'm coming. Oh hey, THEY read my blog! haha
• Fall- Trip back out to Winnipeg for a wedding :) Cannot wait for this one!

All in all, its going to be an expensive $$$ for traveling. I am lucky that my mom has offered to let me use our family's aeroplan miles so I may be able to get some deals with my flights, etc. I have already started a travel fund and put small amounts of $$ away, but I will have to ump the amount coming January 1st in order to afford to go to all of these wonderful places!

Do you have a list of places you already know your visiting in 2011?!

Ways to save $$ on Christmas gifts...

I blogged a while back that I signed up for Groupon and sadly, have not purchased any deals yet although there have been major some steals that are awesome gift ideas! I recently found 2 other websites through the blogosphere that I wanted to share with readers in case you wanted to score some cheap(er) gifts for those on your Christmas lists.

First, is Wagjag which is like a Groupon with a few different deals, and what I like about it compared to Groupon, is that you can continue to buy deals that took place a few days before. There has been one deal that I am thinking of purchasing but I'm trying to restrain myself because its not a gift for someone else, its a gift for me :) hehe Its $20 for a $40 gift certificate to a great bookstore in Fergus, Ontario called Cherryhill Entertainment. There was another amazing deal yesterday for Hero Burger (alot of this burger chains stores are only found in large cities- but I LOVE their burgers!).. they had a $9.00 combo meal on sale for $4.50- 50% off. My problem with these two deals is that I don't really NEED them, I just WANT them. And even though they are an amazing deals, I would end of spending money that I otherwise wouldn't have spent if they weren't on sale. And so, I will try and refrain from purchasing them :(

The second website that I had no idea that existed is Card Swap. This is a website where you can either buy gift cards for reduced price or for a certain % off, or if you had a gift card you figured you wouldn't use, you can sell it! Sweet idea! Gift cards range from cards for clothing stores to food/restaurants to books/movies/leisure.

Has anyone ever bought from either of these websites? Share your experiences so us "newbies" know how your experience went!

Overload..

I have millions of ideas floating around in my head for blog posts and another 25 blog posts sitting in my blog box just waiting to be polished up and posted since I've already written them. There seriously never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done that I want to do. If you follow me on Twitter, you will have noticied that I am on the "two-a-day coffees" which kind of scares me.. isn't having even one cup bad for you?  Either way, I need the caffine to keep me going all day... thank heavens for Timmy Ho's :)

And to think I was going to do the 30 day challenge this month... I have decided that because December is so busy with holiday cheer/prepping.. I'll save the awesome challenge to January when things start winding down and I maybe have a little more time on my hands??!!!

Look forward to the following posts:

• 2011 travel updates
• generous gift from my ma/pa
• PF update/thoughts
• a thought on Murphy's Law
• Why I think Torontonians are sad
• cooking/baking can be expensive
• holiday dress ideas

Make sure to check back often to read these posts... and thanks for being an awesome reader of SFACG!

Christmas 2010 wishlist...

Seeing as it is now December 2nd and we're officially in the Christmas season, I thought it was most appropriate to put my Christmas wishlist up. While I don't expect all of these gifts (OK, maybe inside I'm hoping for all of them), I think this is a pretty appropriate list of things that I truly need and not just a list of "wants." I have been mentioning to *A* that I would be putting up my Christmas list on my blog so he could stop on by and take a peak as to what to get me for Christmas :)

1. Winter Boots

I have looked on Spring and Aldo to get an idea of what I'm looking for- I have a pair from Spring that has lasted me about 3 years so I think its time to trade them in. I want a pair that can bare the few feet of snow we should be getting in the next few weeks. And a pair that not only I can wear to work if it is really chilly out, but I could use them to also play in the snow if my heart desires :)

Something like these..

 

2. Real Simple magazine subscription

I received 3 copies of the Real Simple magazine through a cereal box free subscription and I LOVE their magazine. Not only is it huge in size, its filled with awesome articles, lots of tips and tricks about everything from health/beauty to organizing (my fav!) and recipes, etc. Its $24.00 for a year long subscription.

3. Kitchenaid beater

I saw a Kitchenaid turbo beater set in Giant Tiger a few weekends ago for the affordable price of $19.97 and thought with the amount of baking I do, I would love to have a great set of beaters.

4. Style Books

I have wanted the Lauren Conrad style book and the Olsen twins "Influence" style book for months now and was tempted to buy them when I moved into my new place because I thought they would make for great coffee table reading. I held off and would love these for Christmas now :)

5. Yoga/Workout capris and top

I have one pair of really awesome yoga shorts and a workout shirt that really isn't that great (its from Old Navy so its quite baggy even though its a small and doesn't quite fit right). I wouldn't mind a good set of yoga capris pants and a top from say Winners.

6. Body Shop Cranberry lotion

Always a favourite of mine at Christmas, I would love the cranberry lotion from Body Shop. I love the smell and seeing as it only comes out at Christmas, this is the only time I have to scoop it up so I smell wonderful all year round :P

8. External Hard drive
I have wanted an external hard drive for a while now since *A* got one. I only have a 1GB USB key so it gets annoying when your trying to transfer large files/songs or movies. Plus, the main reason why I want one is as a back up for all my files. Even though I have a new laptop, you can never be sure when its randomly going to "conk out" on you, so I would want a large hard drive to store all my files in case something were to happen. I think these retail for around $100- and I would definitely want the portable type hard drive where it acts like a large USB key.


                                                     
 

9. Sex and the City- Season 6: Part 2
This would round out the complete Sex and the City series. I have ever other season including Season 6: Part 1 but I wouldn't mind getting the last part, Part 2. It only retails for about $20 in Walmart so its definitely not as expensive as the series use to be when it first came out on DVD.

Maybe's:

New ipod

I am very proud of myself- I still have the first version ipod that I got in my first year of University and still use it. Problem is- it is only a GB in size so it only holds up to 5o0 songs. Constantly, I am always having to cut songs off of my playlist because I can't fit all my songs which totally sucks! While I don't relaly need the 8GB ipod touch, something a little bigger then my current ipod would be awesome!

Infinity curling iron by ConairI saw the commerical on TV for this a while back and while I have 2 other curling irons, I would love to try this out. This curling iron is different from all others because it is only a wand so you don't clamp your hair done, you just wind it  around the spool and voila, the curlers look great!