Baby Moustaches July 8, 2011

I just got back from a visit home (more on that later), and it was pretty exciting for me because I got to see my brother and pregnant sister-in-law.  They’re expecting their first baby (a boy!) in October.  It’s the first grandchild on both sides, so our whole family is freakin’  thrilled.  I brought a little something for their soon-to-be little man:

I re-packaged them (with a few modifications to allow room for the ‘staches) so they’d have all the relevant safety info:

They were SUPER easy to make.  Here’s the how-to:

1.  I cut off the clear part of the packaging with an exacto knife so I could re-package it as close to the original as possible.

2.  I printed out some moustache printables here and cut out my faves.

3.  I then traced them onto foam sheets that I got at the dollar store using a pencil.

4.  Then I cut out the moustaches using an exacto knife.

5.  After that I pulled out my trusty superglue, and with a few dabs, voila!

6.  I cut out holes on the side of the clear packaging to make room for the ‘staches, taped it back on, and it was ready to pass on to the parents-to-be!

I can hardly wait to see pictures of the little guy using these…

Canada Trips #2 & 3 May 16, 2011

I recently came back from my 3rd trip this year back home (I use home loosely, as I’m considering all of Canada my “home” at this point), and realized that I completely skipped over trip #2.  That trip was great but busy – I was helping my parents at a trade show so was working each day, finished both Chris’ and my taxes, stayed and visited with 3 friends at their apartment, and squeezed in a quick coffee date with another friend from school who I haven’t seen since last Spring.  I stupidly didn’t take many photo’s while I was there, but here’s one with my loving ‘rents:

My 3rd trip home was mainly to attend my cousin’s wedding, but I also spent much of my free time working on plans for my grandma’s upcoming 90th birthday (which will be my 4th trip home this year, and which I’m really looking forward to because my grandma is one cool lady).  The wedding was gorgeous!  The location was amazing, right on the water for the ceremony and under a beautiful tent for the reception.  It was funky, with lots of personal touches that made the wedding that much more special.  Check out this view!

How about one more of my bro and I.  He was confined to the corner the whole night for misbehaving err, due to his busted knee.  Poor Leonard…

Canada Trip #1 2011 April 4, 2011

I have wonderful friends back in Canada, and I was lucky enough to visit with many of them last week.  I went back for a good friend’s performance with the orchestra, and she was FANTASTIC!!  I stayed with another friend (AnaBanana), and got to catch up with many others who also came back into town to see the concert.

 

 

I also got to spend time with my sister and her pup, Bentley.  He needs A LOT of exercise, so I thought I’d post two pictures of him taken on the same day to illustrate his routine.

 

 

I’m feeling lucky – I have three more trips planned over the next few months to go back to both Ontario and British Columbia.  I have a little trip to Toronto to help my parents on a business trip; my cousin’s wedding in Vancouver, and my grandma’s 90th birthday party just outside of Vancouver.  I have two other super-exciting potential trips as well:  a possible wedding in the late summer, and the birth of my new niece or nephew in the fall.  Phew!  That’s a lot of travel!

Things I learned over the holidays. January 19, 2011

 

1. No matter how much extra it costs, never have more than one layover.  Especially on a red-eye. 
2. Bring earplugs.  Some people snore REALLY loudly on planes, and they’re usually sitting right behind you.
3. Even when you think you’ve packed lightly, you haven’t.
4. Bring an extra suitcase. 
5. Everyone (mostly) means well. 
6. Keep your mouth shut.
7. You will get sick the day before you travel, and it will last the whole trip.
8. There’s always family drama, from every side of the family.
9. Smile and nod.

Dignified Dog July 7, 2010

This is my D.  Short for Buddy.  We adopted him when he was about 4 1/2 or 5 years old, after being abused for his whole life.  He’s about 9 or 10 now, and is a great dog.  He’s quite protective of us and our house, which is to be expected after his awful life before us.  He’s a great doggy, and definitely part of our family!  He’s terrified of the hose, though trusts us enough now that he won’t run and cower when we’re watering the plants.  Isn’t he a dignified doggy?

Day 12-ish June 13, 2010

I’m alive, and surviving.  Phew!  I am sad to report that the last few days have been a little tougher, but that is to be expected.  I’ve been craving alone/quiet/resting time, and have been more emotional than normal.  Not bad enough though to have to rush to the doctor, so I’m “happy” with that.  I’ve also been working a lot though and have had company staying with us, so maybe I’m just tired and cranky. 

Convocation is on Monday, and it will be great.  I have my mother-in-law and her husband staying with us right now, and Christopher’s dad and my parents arrive tomorrow.  I’m not all that excited for the ceremony, but I’m so excited to be around family again   Christopher’s mum has SPOILED us so far!  She’s been a big help with getting ready for house showings and the open house, has given us far too much for graduation gifts, and has been so supportive in general.  She gave me a suprise today by picking me up from work and helping me pick out a beautiful top.  She also is putting together a photo montage of pics she’ll take at the convocation, and has helped Chri buy an Ipod touch.  To be honest, I didn’t expect any graduation gifts, so I am oh-so-happily surprised.  Flying out here was gift enough for me!  Tomorrow will be even better when my parents and father-in-law arrive. 

I haven’t had time to practice lately…  It’s been about 4 days…  I’ve been too busy with house showings, family, and work.  I’ve started Pagannini’s 9th caprice though, have been doing crazy hard technique practice, and have been brushing up on some Bach.  I have …almost… chosen a concerto, and then I’ll be ready for lots and lots of practicing in the near future.  I’ve written it here, so now I must do it.  You can all remind me if I seem to be finding more excuses to put it off.  Just give me a week or so until all the family visits are over

One of my favorite people February 12, 2010

I miss my grandma!  I haven’t been able to see her since my bro’s wedding back in October.  She’s the best!

Leonard & Lori’s Wedding November 23, 2009

I’m still busy spending all of my time practicing for my 1st grad recital, so instead of a written post here is a pic from my brother and sister-in-law’s wedding.  It was so well thought out and really fun, and had so many personal touches.  Congratulations Leonard and Lori!

BC :) October 19, 2009

I’m back in beautiful BC, and feel so lucky to be here.  I’ve only been here a few days so far, but I’ve been able to visit with my brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law, as well as the old gang from the Island.  What great friends I have!  We shared a lovely dinner at one of my favorite restaurants (Yum!), and had breakfast together by the ocean the next morning.  I love how with good friends it feels like no time has passed whatsoever, no matter how long its been since you’ve seen each other.  We are such a funny mix of people – I sometimes find it surprising how well we get along.  As individuals, there is a wide age range between us, we have some different professions and many different dreams, and different lifestyles and habits.  As a group, we get a long so well and laugh more than I laugh with any other group.  They are all such caring and supportive people; I feel lucky to have them in my life.  Ahhh, it was nice to be back and see them!

Now the week of wedding fun begins.  It was great to hang out with Leonard and Lori when I first arrived, and I’m hoping to see them again today or tomorrow as well.  After that, we have rehearsal dinner prep, then the rehearsal and the actual dinner, then the spa, and then the wedding!!  It’s going to be such a fantastic week!  I know I’ve said it before, but it’s not just the celebrations I’m looking forward to.  Lori has been a part of the family for close to 10 years now, and I’m thrilled that now it will be official!  She’s a caring and generous person, and my brother couldn’t have chosen better!

Well, I must head back to practice again.  I volunteered to play all of my Bach at a masterclass the morning after I arrive home, and I’d better be prepared!

PS – I miss my hubby!!  I can’t wait until he arrives for the wedding!

Aaah. September 26, 2009

Well, I’ve had a few rough days, but I’m feeling better now.  I have been avoiding the Bach a fair bit, but at least I’m practicing other pieces.    I’ve had a great time the last couple of days, and have a lot to look forward to in the next little while:

• I had a wonderful date with Chri last night   We went for sushi (YUMMY!) and relaxed at home afterward with a bottle of red wine.
• I worked yesterday, and enjoyed it.  Kinda lame, but I do like working.
• Today is a day off!!  I’m still in my pj’s (luxury!) and after posting this I am going to do some desperately needed vacuuming.  With two dogs, I should have done it DAYS ago
• My brother, Leonard (haha) and Lori’s wedding!!!!!  I can hardly wait   Lori has been unofficially a part of the family for about ten years now, and I’m really excited that she will soon be my sister-in-law for real.  I’ve been calling her that for years already, but I’m really excited for them and am really looking forward to seeing them again!
• While I’m out for the wedding (10 whole days of visiting   ), I’m going to visit my island friends too.  They’re great people and I miss them.
• I have a concertmaster gig coming up – I’m subbing in last minute for a community orchestra with hired section leaders, which will be great!  Lots of practicing to do…
• I’ve finally gotten into the counseling program at school, after almost a year on the waiting list.  I’m more than a little miffed that  it has taken so long, and that the resources were not there when I was originally in crisis (through the province & through school), but at least I am guaranteed help for the next 8 months or so.  Yay!
• I will be taking a trip to Montreal soon to continue on the search for a new violin.  I have always wanted to visit there, so I’m going to squeeze in some sight-seeing in my mini-trip.
• Rehearsal dinner:  I’ve kinda taken this over from my mum, cause she is so busy and won’t even be home much before the wedding because of work.  I’m sure we’ll still work out some details together, but I volunteered to do as much of the planning and work as she’d like.  I love this kind of thing, and am so excited to put it together for Leonard and Lori

Well, I have lots to look forward to and better get off my butt and get going!  Also, I’d better move my butt a bit so I look decent in my bridesmaid dress next month… 

The soon-to-be groom with Buddy and Abby's cousin Koda