"Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas"

It was a beautiful day today, so Chris & I took advantage of it by getting up early (well, early for us, especially on a Sunday). We enjoyed blueberry pancakes for breakfast, and I did a load of laundry and straightened up the house a bit, and then it was onward to Jewell's Country Market.

To start, of course Chris had to say hello to the baby goats:
And then it was onward to the green houses where we picked a few of our favorites to spruce up the flower beds at our house:
We seemed to get a lot of pansies...
My handsome man strikes a pose with the tomato plants:
"Chris take a picture of us for the blog" (he actually smiled):
Some of the pretty flowers:


A quick lunch at Tim's and then it was onward to Walmart for mulch, and then back home to start on the flower beds. This is a pitiful 'before' picture:
Chris seems to be overly enthused about planting his pansies, if you ask me.
The poor bugger got right into it....
I, on the other hand, soaked in a bit of the sun, while...erm...supervising the work being done in the beds. Yeah. That's it. You all know I can't garden with my bum knee ;).
And an after shot - many little pansies and other pretty things planted & mulched. It doesn't look like much now, but we'll see what happens....
Chris' handiwork...he constructed a little 'bed' by the side of the step. A pitiful hosta tries to grow...along with a few newly planted marigolds there to deter skunks from making a home under the deck.
The flower bed at the 'head' of the house. There had already been a good foundation with a few hostas already growing. A few pansies added to give it some color.

Mmmmmm.....

I love weekends.

Christopher makes the *best* blueberry pancakes!

Well that sucks...

You know what sucks? When you catch yourself - repeatedly - realizing that today is actually only Wednesday when all along you were sure it was Thursday. Add working the late shift to that and you've just added insult to injury. And therein, you have my day.

The week is crawling by...and I have one more work week before I'm off for a full week...so perhaps that's aiding in the sloth-like passing of time?

I shouldn't be so negative.

I shouldn't.

I know I should be thankful to have gainful employment.

I know I should be happy to rise with each new day and embrace it as an opportunity to grow and learn something knew.

I know I should.

I can't help but feel anxious for my upcoming holiday. It's not that I even have anything major planned for the time. But I can't wait. It's just taking soooo lonnnnnggg to get here!

punch.in.the.face.

Ya know, some things just grate on my nerves...

-loud eaters
-when people slurp their coffee
-when people don't take down holiday decorations after the holiday has passed (when the holiday passed months ago)
-"exaggerated" sighs & yawns
-people who breathe into the phone as they talk
-when people ask how you are but then start talking before you can answer them; they don't care how you are. Why bother asking?
-the sound of Mariah Carey
-when petite pants are too short, but 'regular' lengths are too long - even with my 'tall' shoes!
-whiny people (they get a double-punch)
-people who gloat
-people who feel the need to be the center of attention

And yes, I am perfect, for anyone wondering.

Seriously, where'd my weekend go?

Well that weekend passed by in a blur didn't it?

Friday night Chris & I went over to the homestead and had a final visit with Fred & Belinda before they left to go back to Ontario. Many laughs ensued, aided and abetted by several sociables and take-out pizza. We had a great time! It was a late night and I wasn't feeling fantastic on Saturday - to put it mildly. The day itself didn't turn out how we'd intended either, with the plan to paint the bathroom and made it look all purty... Turns out Saturday was the day Georges' family was starting to clean out his house so Chris & I opted to help them out with that. It felt like the least we could do. Going through his things made us laugh a little, and it also made us miss him a little more. It also brought to the forefront some of the similarities he really did share with Dad...and I didn't even know it. After helping weed through George's I sat down and realized just how tired and out of sorts I felt, thanks to the evening before's indulgences...so I napped...and I pretty much stayed like that til Sunday morning. I guess my body needed the rest though...

Sunday morning Christopher prepared blueberry pancakes for us for breakfast. He did yardwork while I "supervised" on the deck with my iPod and book. Once the clouds rolled in we headed onward to Sobeys for some much-needed groceries (so thankful for the return of Sunday shopping!). We shared a delicious bbq for supper and then he retreated to the office to work on TPG and I got down to cleaning the house. It sooo needed it...and it's clearly much more spic 'n span that it's been in a long time...though I still ended up stopping short on the bedroom, per usual.

And here we are - Monday again. That seriously went by way too quickly...who do we need to approach for a 3 day weekend??

Point-form...

What a week...

• we FINALLY have begun some painting in the bathroom...with a fresh, white, mold-free ceiling, plans to paint the walls this weekend, and this is a big one....FINALLY free of that fugly-ass curtain that's been hanging in there since we moved in! I never thought I'd ever be so excited about a $3 blind but I gotta say...it's pretty exciting.
• a lovely brunch with Lana & Lori at Mosaic. The food was good. The service blew chunks. The company was fantastic.
• a nice visit with Fred & Belinda who've made their yearly trip to the Island. Guess one of these days we'll have to return the favor...
• the discovery of my new floor mats...hiding in a box in my trunk! This is such a 'girl' story: When leasing the VW, one of the 'perks' at the time was $250.00 worth of free accessories. The sales person I dealt with was less than stellar...and I'm pretty sure he didn't know what I was asking for when I let him know I wanted the "monster mats" as my free accessory. Instead, I got traditional, cheap looking ones...and only front ones. He was apparently supposed to order me back ones and was to get back to me when they came in. He never did. The next time there, I just happened to make an issue of it, in front of his boss...who very quickly, and efficiently, located "monster" mats for the back. I was truly bummed that I didn't have all 4, but was glad that I finally had all areas covered nonetheless. Being the girl that I am, I basically just kept the empty box in the trunk...along with a variety of other items...including an empty box I thought would be the perfect size to wrap a gift in (different box from the mat box); a set of dishes donated to me; several empty, or almost empty bottles; 3 snowbrushes...you get the picture. A trip to Wal-mart last night and the subsequent purchase of 2 patio chairs and the need to (somehow) squeeeeeeeze them into the car to transport them home led to the discovery of two front "monster" floor mats in the box I thought was empty! I'm telling you I was as gleeful as a kid on Christmas day!! And, I'll never live that one down in Chris' eyes. *shrug*
• The horrific devastation that was May 20 and the fire that gutted Sherwood Drug Mart, The Smoke Shop & Maid Marian's. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and there are plans to rebuild. A temporary pharmacy set up is also being worked as we speak -- so happy to hear this. There still isn't a known cause for the blaze...I see pictures of the damage and it brings tears to my eyes.
• A delightful end to another season of American Idol, and the deserved crowning of one Kris Allen. Ever humble, his reaction was endearing and made me love him all the more. Congratulations Kris! The finale show was also quite entertaining. I didn't pay as much attention as I could have, but seeing KISS come out to perform in full make up brought me back to my childhood and that night of the Grammy's when I cried for my mom when they came on stage. They scared me so. My older brother always said, 'they're a lot scarier without their make up on!'
  
• Record high temperature of 27 degrees Celcius today,...giving us proof that maybe, just maybe, summer is on the way?
• A new season of the Bachelorette....one that should prove very interesting. I have already picked out Kiptyn to be her one and only...Wes, the creepy country singer will be the trouble-maker, only there to try to get himself noticed (and yeah, I'll admit, the name alone is enough to have me want him out...but he really is creepy!)...and I'm thrilled beyond thrilled that the pompous ass otherwise known as "Billboy" didn't make the cut. Good choice, Jillian!

And how was yours?

What we lost in the fire....

A fire has destroyed Maid Marian's and Sherwood Drug Mart this evening - so, so very unfortunate. As far as I've heard, no one has been hurt, which is a blessing...however my heart breaks for the employees who will no be jobless until the businesses can rebuild. For Rob MacLellan, Sherwood Drug Mart has been a family-owned business and years of blood, sweat and tears. My prayers go out to him, his family and his staff during what will be a very difficult time. A special hug to my dear friend Tanya - who is one of the drug store's employees....

Maids' is an icon in Sherwood...your typical greasy spoon diner atmosphere - serving up the best plate of bacon 'n eggs on a heavy-headed Sunday morning after a night out. Every weekend the line up was outside the door.

I have many memories of both businesses. I pray for a full and speedy rebuild for all affected....

What the Deuce?

And now we're down to two - one I would like to see win, and one that pains me to think about winning. I almost didn't watch it...but I've brought ya'll this far...I couldn't possibly not finish up. I'm on the heels of a crappy day, and a bedtime last night where sleep was optional, and I can't wait to just go to bed. A glimmer of hope: as fate would have it, Kris won the coin toss for the 2nd spot of the night - "Adam's spot". Take that, Crap Bag!

Starting off the first round we have Crap Bag, I mean Adam, with a re-do of "Mad World". I do admit that of all of the torturous moments of listening to him wail, this is my favorite of them all because it actually showcases his voice...and it's virtually void of the screeching atrocity that is Adam. Had he sung other similar songs such as this I may have less hatred toward him. Nevertheless, it still contained his traditional theatrics (and I was totally already thinking Phantom of the Opera before Simon declared it!)...and I'm left very anxious to hear Kris out-sing his sorry ass....

He's just as cute as a button, isn't he? And "Ain't No Sunshine"! Again, one of my favorites of his, this whole season! It was soulful, haunting, and sweet. I loved it :) Chris concurred with, "Nicely done!"

Round 1: Kris is the undeniable winner! (again, typed prior to Simon's declaration...we're just so in sync, that Simon 'n I)

And onward with the 2nd round and Adam, with "Change is Gonna Come" ~ I didn't figure we'd last another song without the nut grabs. Screeching, howling, crap. Hearing it just makes me cranky. He destroyed it, if you ask me.

{Is it just me, or does Paula look like she's been dragged across the pavement - face down - by her hair?}

My frown has been replaced by a smile with the return of Kris and his rendition of "What's Goin' On". He's clearly the better musician - showcasing not only his skills with the piano and now the guitar. That alone earns him bigger props in my book. I don't think it was as strong of a performance as his first, though, unfortunately.

Round 2: I begrudgingly have to say that Adam has come out on top (again, VERY begrudgingly).

My least favourite round with the drippy, sappy specially written "Idol" song. This year's song is "No Boundaries". Oh Adam, if I heard this on the radio I would most surely and absolutely turn the station. I so hope that the underdog knocks that conceited look off your face, and you off your bedazzled throne. Now Kris' version of the same song is much more believeable...and I could imagine that playing on the Top 9 at 9 on my local radio station. To add to that, Kris' humbleness makes him that much more of a star.

Round 3 - Kris

I think I've already expressed who I want to win...who I personally think is deserving of the win...it's all up to fate now. Go Kris, go! And ya'll???

*Image borrowed from the notorious Vote for the Worst site

A hidden Monday

On the calendar, it may show "Tuesday" today...but it sure as heck was a "Monday". A poo-throwing(smearing)-monkey-filled-Monday!

Be gone, Monday!

In memories, no one really leaves us...

I've been struggling with a new post idea. The past few days have been hard. Harder than I expected. It's true that there are times you lose someone that you didn't know you'd miss until they're gone. We went to George's wake on Thursday night. He was cremated, so aside from a few pictures, flowers, and that tiny little box, it still seems like he's just 'away'. The family extended their kindness in inviting Chris and I to the private funeral that was intended for family only the following day. They wanted us, and a few other neighbors who had "been so good to him", be there to celebrate his life with them. Needless to say we were very touched, and wouldn't have missed it.

The service yesterday was short and simple, but very nice. The hardest part for me was when the officiant said, "George left the following words", and went on to say that he'd hoped he'd be remembered for "his poor spelling, miserable disposition, loud voice, big laugh, and his tenacity to always want things done 'his' way" (paraphrased). That description described that man to a proverbial "T" and he'll definitely be remembered for all of those qualities, and more. It will be very strange walking past his curtained windows and not seeing his little gray head and his big wave as I pass. It will be unusual to not hear him roar up his big lawn mower at the most inconvenient times. It will be different not having him call Chris every other day to come over to fix his tv because he'd locked himself out with parental control settings or his Spanish menus. It just won't feel 'right' at all when his car is no longer in his parking spot, and worse yet when someone else claims his house as his or her own.

Rest in peace, dear George. The world has lost a good man...I hope Heaven has as many lobsters as you can stand eating, and that you're running freely on your favourite horse.

And then they were 3

Lana surprised me with a visit this evening, and it just so happened to be 15 mins before Idol was to start, so I've appointed her to be my guest commentator for this evening's show. She seemed rather excited about the prospect, exclaiming, "I had a sex dream about Danny last night!"

Lana's pre-show predictions:
Adam will scream with his tongue hanging out.
Danny will try to emulate Adam.
Kris will do his own R&B thing.

Round 1 The Judges' Choice:
Danny Gokey - "Dance Little Sister" ~ Paula's pick...meh - again with the key of Gokey. I really liked him at first, but I'm growing tired of every song sounding the same. I think I'm repeating myself. L: "It was actually pretty good; it was just a horrible song. It was a cheesy 80's dance song that was destined for failure".
Kris Allen - "Apologize" ~ Randy & Kara's pick... Good choice for Kris' voice/style! Sounded much like the original, but I think he did well with it. At this stage of the competition I'm unsure why he didn't try to make it his 'own', like he normally does. That might have just sealed his fate, I'm afraid. L: "Technically this is an incredible song, but...I'm bored."
Adam Lambert - "One" ~ Simon's pick...Ok ... it had potential at the beginning during the slow part....then it all went to hell when he picked up the tempo with his usual screechy-self. It could've been good. It wasn't. L: "Bllleecccccccchhhh!" And they're all setting him up to be the winner; it makes me gag.

The Idols' Choice:
Danny Gokey - "You Are So Beautiful" ~ He should do well at this... and he nailed it! Good job...let's oust Adam, shall we! L:"Oh amazing control! Probably my favourite performance of his; phenomenal...fodder for tonight's dream!"
Kris Allen - "Heartless" ~ I was glad to see him bring back the guitar. This also sounded more like "him", with him making the song his own. Hopefully it was enough to keep him safe. Lana agreed: "Wow, that was really good!"...and Chris who returned home reiterated, "he who plays his own shit, wins".
Adam Lambert - "Cryin'" ~ I was crying when I heard this. For the love of the sweet baby Jebus, America - wake up and hear this. He's CRAP. Lana agrees: "self indulgent, screechy crap!" For the life of me I just can't understand why they love him so much.

Hopes for tomorrow night: Kris & Danny duking it out for the final spot, and America finally getting it right, and sending the screamer the hell HOME.

Sweet dreams, Lana :)

A Farewell to George

It's a sad day. Last night I found out that our dear neighbor, George, passed away. He had been sick in the hospital for a number of weeks now, and Chris & I had intended on getting out to visit him. We didn't realize just how sick he was, I guess...and unfortunately we didn't make it in time.
George lived beside us, and was like the 'watch dog' of the neighborhood. He knew what went on, no matter the time or the season. We always felt safe leaving the house when we knew he was there to keep an eye out.

He had diabetes and bad circulation in his hands and feet, so had a hard time doing some of his outside work. Chris helped him cut the lawn and would shovel him out when it snowed. Every now and then he'd have a case of beer or a box of clementines for him in return (so cute). He took a real shine to Chris. Years earlier he'd lost a son (highway accident), so perhaps Chris filled this void for him. Whenever he needed anything Chris was the first person he called, and we were the 'emergency contact' people for his lifeline jack.

I joked that I wanted to set him up with Mum...both widowed, I felt they'd be a good match. It was an on-going joke with Mum & I. Honestly, I'm not sure if she really wanted to meet a man, but in hind sight, perhaps it couldn't have hurt. Unfortunately I now won't get the chance.

George was a cantankerous old man.

George was an old softy and when he cared about you, you knew.

George will be missed.

Where'd my weekend go?

Ah Monday...already...and a busy weekend behind me. Saturday I joined my scrap girlies at the Brackley Commons and we scrapped the day away. In hind sight Saturday would have been a delightful day to do something outside on account of the beautiful day that it was, but I was busy constructing Mummy's Mother Day gift, so I had to forge on. A big thank you to LA and Shelley for convincing me to give it as a Mother's Day gift actually...and to Shelley for helping out with the album! I did a 6x6 album of some of my old favourite photos of mom growing up and her and Dad dating. She really seemed to like it, and Todd even posted a note on my FB wall to say how much he liked it - even saying it almost brought him to tears. Imagine!

After scrapping Chris and I went out to supper at ESM's. It had seemed like we hadn't seen in each other in so long so it was nice to get out with him. The supper was tasty but I felt nasty pretty soon after, so we just came home and called it an early night. Sunday morning and early afternoon I busied myself doing laundry and tidying up the house before heading onward to my momma's. Chris went to Truro for the day with his brother; his mother was over there already and it was nice for him to spend time there, and get to see his two grandmothers and his mom at the same time. It was her Mother's Day wish.

I guess I got my own Mother's Day gift from Bosco this morning. As I made my way to scoop the litter I looked down to see a humungous pile of cat puke at my feet. Wonderful. I realized quickly that there was no way that I would have avoided stepping in it...and my suspicions were confirmed when I looked at my slipper. At least I wore my slippers. 'Course, by the time I'd looked down to notice it at all, I'd already tracked it into the other room... A blissful start to a new week. I'm truly, truly blessed. :P

Today's lesson: Always, always, always look before you step. And never forget your slippers, for God's sake!

Bon Bon, Here I Come!!

It's official...the tickets have been purchased!!!!!!!!!!!

I get the following email from Christopher this morning:

I have the total for the Bon Jovi tix, it's your birthday present. Are
you OK with that?

Uh,.....Hell YEAH I'm OK with that!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to our friend Mark who booked the tickets with his own this weekend, we're officially heading to Moncton on the 27th of June to see my Bon Bon. I knew I'd be there anyway, but affirming it with a ticket purchase seals it and makes it so much more real.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

A Motherhood Story

In honor of Mother's Day I'd like to share a story that was sent to me by email. It's a little long, but totally worth the read:

A 3-year-old tells all from his mother's restroom stall.
By Shannon Popkin

My little guy, Cade, is quite a talker. He loves to communicate and does it quite well. He talks to people constantly, whether we are in the library, the grocery store or at a drive-thru window. People often comment on how clearly he speaks for a just-turned-3-year-old. And you never have to ask him to turn up the volume. It's always fully cranked. There have been several embarrassing times that I've wished the meaning of his words would have been masked by a not-so-audible voice, but never have I wished this more than last week at Costco.

Halfway, through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took Cade with me into the restroom. If you'd been one of the ladies in the restroom that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second to the last stall:

''Mommy, are you gonna go potty? Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy? Oh! You gonna sit down on da toiwet paper now? Mommy, what are you doing? Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?''

At this point I started mentally counting how many women had been in the bathroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full ... 4? 5? Maybe we could wait until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this stall and reveal my identity.

Cade continued: ''Mommy, you ARE going stinkies aren't you? Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy! Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty? Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh...Mommy! I'm trying to see In dere. Oh! I see dem. Dat is a very good girl, Mommy. You are gonna get some candy!''

I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of me. Where is a screaming new born when you need her? Good grief. This was really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, ''Why don't you look in Mommy's purse and see if you can find some candy. We'll both have some!''

''No, I'm trying to see doze more stinkies...Oh! Mommy!'' He started to gag at this point. ''Uh - oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up. Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!! Dat is so gross!!''

As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall... I quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the subject. I began to reason with myself: OK. There are four other toilets. If I count four flushes, I can be reasonably assured that those who overheard this embarrassing monologue will be long gone.

''Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done going stinkies! Get up! Get up!'' He grunted as he tried to pull me off. Now I could hear full-blown laughter. I bent down to count the feet outside my door.

''Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy? You wooking under da door? What were you wooking at? Mommy? You wooking at the wady's feet?''

More laughter. I stood inside the locked door and tried to assess the situation.

''Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now, Mommy.'' He started pounding on the door. ''Mommy, don't you want to wash your hands? I want to go out!!''

I saw that my wait 'em out' plan was unraveling. I sheepishly opened the door, and found standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud. My first thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, where's the fine print on the 'motherhood contract' where I signed away every bit of my dignity and privacy? But as my little boy gave me a big, cheeky grin while he rubbed bubbly soap between his chubby little hands, I thought, I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as Mommy to this little fellow.

Happy Mother's Day to all the special ladies in my life - whether your 'kids' are of the 2 or 4 leg variety! xo

There's just something about Matthew....

Warm, buttered popcorn. Fizzy cold pop. Good friends. Great seats. And a little Matthew.

There's just something about Matthew.......mmm mmmm mmmmm........and the deliciousness is just enhanced when viewing him on the big screen.

I went to see the Ghosts of Girlfriends Past tonight. Complete chick flick, but there was a surprising number of men in the crowd as well. It was slightly cheesy in parts, but it was also touching in parts, and hilarious. Ladies, gather your friends together for a night out... Men, take your lady friend out for a romantic date. This flick is Amber-approved. I might even go see it again.

Thank you Bobbi - you are a wonderful date ;)

It comes as no surprise

Ok, so I knew forecasting Adam to leave was just my own hopes and dreams and not American reality....and, quite frankly, I did have a suspicion that it might be Allison leaving. We'll see her go places, for sure. Just think of Chris Daughtry... He's actually lucky, if you ask me, that he didn't win AI.

I normally don't discuss the 'after' show on my blog. Normally I don't even watch the show -- I might flick the channel to the station just as the last 2 mins are playing to see who was booted and that's it. However, nothing else was on TV last night so I tuned in to the full 60 minutes...and I'm glad that I did.

Daughtry's performance of their new single.......mmmmm....mmmm...mmmm! I cannot WAIT to see that man perform at this year's Festival of Lights!!!!!

*ahem*

However.....PAULA'S performance, on the other hand? What the flying eff was that? First off, I don't for one minute believe she actually sang that last night. I would put money on the fact that it was lip sync'd. The prance down the lit staircase with the men fawning and the gyrations and kicks and wanna-be-Britney-sways? Sweet holy Mother. I puked in my mouth. And you??

Serenity NOW!

Some days just aren't worth getting out of bed and making yourself presentable.

Least that's how it feels.

I used to work in the toy department at Towers (boy that dates me, doesn't it?). Occasionally, my friends Lori and Tracy would pay me a visit. They were such mall-ys ;). At one part there was a 3 x 5 section that had animated toys...you pull a string it talks to you (ie, this is a cow..."mooo"). Each one was different. They would come in, and pull every single freaking string so that all the different sounds and noises were playing at once. It felt like a horror movie...and I could almost feel the sounds closing in on me as my attacker was ready to pounce.

Some days I travel back to those moments...and I feel like the room is closing in on me....Over stimulation...everyone around me talking at once...can't hear myself talk....head POUNDING.....

Maybe I need chocolate?

Rock x 4

We're down to four contestants, and it's rock week...they'd better impress me... I'm also without the wise words of Mummy since working a later shift it being too late to go over there. Chris is in the room, so he can be my guest commentator.

So an accident prevented a full run through for practice, eh? This should show their true colors, perhaps? (though in surmising prior to seeing them actually perform, my thoughts are Allison being the only one left to offer a solid 'rock-out' performance...).

And here we go:

• Adam Lambert ~ "Whole Lotta Love" - Finally they've left the sweet spot for a more deserving contestant and we can get this shite over with early so we can forget it. Seeing him perform actually makes me cranky now. I am sooo over you, Adam. Like a pig heading to slaughter, if you ask me. Didn't Slash tell you to cut down on the high ranges? Chris: "Eughhh. Didn't start with a song that I liked in the first place".
• Allison Iraheta ~ "Cry Baby" - Totally her comfort zone, and a good song choice, where she was able to showcase her range between soft and killin' it. Good job, girl! Chris wasn't as enthused: "I wouldn't buy her record".
• {Duet} Kris & Danny ~ "Renegade" - loved the harmony alcappella...then they turned it up - and I wanted to turn it down. Danny did out-sing Chris, but I wasn't impressed with it as a whole. C: "Wasn't bad. Would I buy their album? No".
• Kris Allen ~ "Come Together" - I have to admit I was a little worried about him this week, but he calmed me with this performance. I think he did very well - not the best of the night, but respectable. C: "Anybody that plays their own shit wins".
• Danny Gokey ~ "Dream On" - When Chris heard what song Danny would be performing he exclaimed "Oh no....oh no....OH NO!....He's brave....". Well, he did better than I thought he would...enough to secure the Top 3, but not my favourite by a long shot. "He came. He saw. He screamed. He thinks he did well!"
• {Duet} Allison & Adam ~ "Slow Ride" - Slimy...so the snake does actually get the end spot, once more. It was entertaining, but I now need some Advil. It sounded like a contest of who could out-scream who...Hopefully it does save Allison from elimination, though.

Bottom 3: Allison (based on the judge's commentary on her solo performance); Adam (because I still want him to be there); Danny (he was slightly over-indulgent and cocky).
Going home: In a surprise to America, (and a perfect world) Adam

Life's Simple Pleasures

I'm working a later shift this week - 11:00am to 7:30pm. This shift messes up my regular meal intervals, and by the time I get home, I've really only had breakfast and lunch. I'm trying to eat better, and cut out night eating...this shift makes that next to impossible. A simple bliss for me today......an email from Chris indicating:

"Chunk of lasagna for you when you get home".

SCORE!!!!!!!!

"I wanna lay you down in a bed of roses....."

*Ahem*

In case there is anyone in my readership that has not heard the news, pardon me whilst I shout it out:

BON JOVI IS COMING TO THE MARITIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As you may recall, last year, I little part of me died inside when I heard the news that my Bon Bon wouldn't be making a rumored concert for the Island last year. I was very cautious with my celebration this time, until I heard the official confirmation that it was a reality. I still wish the concert was here, but Moncton is really only a hop, skip and a jump away. Being in Moncton will also open the possibility of dining on Lonestar as well, so I'm over the moon excited. Can I afford to go on such a venture? Not really...but, Bon Jovi is an act that I've always, always wanted to see...and were in the Maritimes before and I didn't get to go. Besides, everybody deserves a special treat for their birthday. Bon Bon just happens to be landing within arm's reach in my birthday month, so it's a no-brainer, isn't it?

As you were :)

Beautiful Sunday

We had a gorgeous Sunday on PEI today. Today consisted of: a lazy morning of sleeping in; blueberry pancakes (as Chris and I sat together at the kitchen table to eat, no less - something we never do); about an hour just sitting, soaking up the sun; a walk through Jewell's Country Market greenhouses; BBQ supper; and, a glorious sunset:



This is one of the reasons why I love PEI!

Cute Overload

So this is how I spent my Friday evening....

Baby Girl, our neighbor's cat had a litter of kitties 7 weeks ago. They're now at the stage of looking for a forever home. I have to admit that I get that 'feeling' in the pit of my stomach when I see a new kitty...I guess I can compare it to that feeling that a mother gets upon meeting a newborn? I'd be single if I actually seriously considered bringing another one home - not to mention Bosco would more than likely never come near me again. Any more than 2 cats in a mini home is wrong, wrong, wrong, too...All the more reason to get into a bigger home? ;)

I will no doubt be a crazy cat lady one day in my future. I've accepted it. ;)

And without further ado...meet Patches. She's the female of the litter, and tomorrow will be going to her forever home, thanks to my friend Laura, who sent a Facebook message that she was looking for a kitten.


And this little cutie is Mini G - an exact replica of his Momma...full of mischief and very playful. As far as I know he is still in need of a good home.


And finally, this is Smokey...a fluffy little ball of cuteness. As far as I know, he is spoken for...but if I had my way.........

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a new month, and my least favourite month of the year is now finally past me. I've been slightly slack in the posting department - aside from my stellar American Idol recaps, of course. There just hasn't been a whole lot of post-worthy goings-ons in my life of late, to be honest. I have learned a few things over the past week or so, however, which I will share:

-it's never a good idea to leave questionable turkey lunch meat in the compost bag outside your front door. Always, always put the questionable turkey meat right into the bin and shut the lid tight. Even if it's just an hour before you plan to leave the house. Trust me.
-I apparently am an old woman in a younger woman's body. The Wii Fit confirmed it.
-A hair straightener will eventually fry your hair to a point that you can no longer run your fingers through your wet hair.
-I easily give in to peer pressure (ie, "Amber did you bring a lunch?"...."uh, yeah I did but sure I'll go eat at East Side Marios with you"....*tee*).
-I'm hopelessly horrible with money management and should never, ever do my taxes again. I need professional help from someone who can recommend ways to actually break even instead of bending over to the tax man again next year *sigh*.

Happy Friday, folks - I hope you all have a fabulous weekend :)