Proud to be a Canadian!

I have a confession to make.

I’m just not that into sports. Especially sports on TV. I love going to hockey and lacrosse games…but as soon as you put them on TV, cue me falling asleep. During this years Olympics, I’ve watched all of an hour of it. And that was during the Opening Ceremonies. Thanks to Twitter (add me here!), I’ve been kept up to date on how Canada has been doing. During hockey, I’ve gotten a play by play by certain people that I follow.

Today, for some odd reason, I decided that I needed to watch the final Canada Vs. USA Men’s hockey game. And I actually liked it. In fact, I was totally into it and shouted things at the TV. Stuff like “COME ON JUST GET IT IN ALREADY!!! THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID.” Yes, I know how lame I am. This prompted Stephen to laugh at me the entire game. Stephen and I both screamed when Team USA scored a goal in the final seconds of the game…and then Stephen had to leave for work. Talk about bad timing. I was getting so stressed and anxious over whether or not we were going to win…but then we got that final goal! I literally yelled and jumped for joy. Me. The girl who usually falls asleep during hockey games on TV. Who knew?

Since the game ended, 3+ hours ago, I’ve been listening to people screaming and cars honking. One of the joys of living so dang close (2 blocks) to The Red Mile. If I wasn’t alone, and sick, I would have convinced Stephen to join me there to celebrate our win.

I’ve got to hand it to you Calgary, you sure know how to party.
And Canada? You’re awesome. I love you.

On Quitting…

When it comes to a relationship, one of my deal breakers has always been smoking. (Among other things) I’ve grown up around smokers, so I just hate it. Then I met Stephen, who was a smoker. Naturally. I quickly fell in love with him, so I put up with his habit. We found ways to try and work around his smoking; he had to kiss me before every cigarette he had (that I was around for), and had to brush his teeth afterward if he felt an overwhelming desire to kiss me right then. I used to bug him constantly about smoking, but then I started to let it slide. I never stopped hating it, I just felt bad about constantly nagging him about it.

He had tried once or twice to quit, but because he wasn’t doing it for himself, it never lasted for longer than two or three days. He even tried these electronic cigarettes, but they did nothing for him. A couple of weeks ago, Stephen and I were standing at a bus stop talking about him quitting. I bet him that if he quit smoking, I would stop drinking coffee. I only made this bet because I never believed that he would actually quit.

Guess what? Stephen has been smoke free for two weeks. Awesome! I still haven’t given up coffee. I just couldn’t do it. I never actually wanted to do it, so it was foolish for me to make that bet in the first place! Instead of giving up coffee, I gave up the creamer that I put in my coffee. 

Long story short? Stephen is awesome, and I am not.

Ten on Tuesday

#19

1. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Ben and Jerry’s One Cheesecake Brownie. Most amazing thing I have ever tasted.

2. What is your earliest memory?
The only thing coming to mind at the moment is a memory of preschool (or maybe it was a daycare of some sort?) My mom was late to pick me up, so I was sitting in the classroom doing a craft. I really needed scissors, but whoever was in charge of me wouldn’t let me use them! It still frustrates me when I think about it.

3. What is your earliest memory of a dessert?
This is cheating, because it’s not actually my memory, but I love it, so I’m sharing it anyway. The first time my Uncle D’arcy babysat me, he decided to bake Boston Cream Pie. My mom came home to find the kitchen covered in flour, and me sitting in my highchair, covered in it! I like to think it’s what gave me my passion for baking.

4. Do you have any recurring dreams?
I haven’t had any recurring dreams in years, but when I was younger, I kept having a dream about zombies. Everything would be sepia coloured, and I would be walking home from the park, when people would fall out of trees, face first into the cement. When they got up, they were zombies! Sounds ridiculous now, but it was scary business when I was a kid.

5. Have you ever dreamed about dessert?
All the time. I’m not even kidding.

6. What is one thing (aside from a cell phone or computer) that you cannot go the entire day without?
Coffee? Talking with my boyfriend? Food?!?!
Besides those obvious things, my cell phone and computer would have been my first choices.

7. What is one dessert you could go your entire life without ever having again?
I can’t recall anything so horrible that I would never want to have it again…but I’ll just go out on a limb and say anything mango flavoured. Not a fan.

8. If you could go on vacation tomorrow, where would you go? (Assume someone else is footing the bill, but within reason…so “the moon” won’t work)
Paris. No contest.

9. If you could have any dessert tomorrow, what would you have (assume someone else is buying it for you. Within reason though, no “gold sprinkled ice cream cones.”)
Probably the cheesecake brownie ice cream. It’s been ages since I’ve had some!

10.  What was your first impression of your significant other? If you’re single, what was your first impression of your best friend?
I was actually ridiculously nervous, because I took one look at Stephen and knew we’d be together a long time. Freaked me the heck out. But once I looked past that, I thought he was ridiculously good looking.

11. What is your first impression of dessert pizza? (Personally, I think it’s weird. I love dessert but I don’t want any on my pizza.)
Ooh! Like the kind from Pizza Hut? I remember eating it as a kid and thinking it was awesome. Anything other than that sounds really odd.

Fiesta!

Saturday night was finally the night of our Fiesta!
Stephen and I spent all of Friday grocery shopping, cooking,  and cleaning. Time passed by so quickly that before I knew it, it was 5pm on Saturday, and people were showing up. For once, everyone that I invited came to our party. 12 people +1 baby+ 1 dog crammed into a teeny little apartment makes for some seriously fun times!

My parents decided to send over some fiesta decorations (since we had cut that out of our budget). Included was a set of fake moustaches that were hilarious! Everyone took turns donning a sombrero and moustache and posing for pictures.
We ate a ridiculous amount of yummy food: cheesy nachos, homemade salsa, beef and chicken tacos, chocolate cupcakes and Smitten Kitchen’s Cappuccino Fudge Cheesecake. I’ve had that recipe bookmarked since the end of November, knowing that I wanted it to be my birthday cake. When my sister Jessica heard that I was going to bake my own birthday cake, she offered to make it for me, and did an AMAZING job. Seriously yummy.
Stephen bought me Apples to Apples, because I was desperate not to pull out our regular party game. It seemed to have gone over quite well, judging by how loud everyone got! At one point, my mom told us that we could be heard down the hall by the elevators. Oops!

We had a jalapeno pepper shaped piñata, which was all fine and dandy except for the fact that we live in a tiny apartment. And we own an expensive TV and computer that could be damaged quite easily, not to mention that we don’t have anywhere to hang a piñata! Don’t worry, my dad stepped up to the plate and held the piñata at the end of a broomstick, and Stephen was first up to take a whack. I stood in the safety of the kitchen, which of course ended up being in the line of fire. Stephen took a huge whack, and all of the candy came flying at my face, prompting a very comical scream from me. Luckily, it was all caught on camera. Once I get my hands on this video, I’m going to have to post it here!
After all is said and done, I’m going to have say that this party went quite well! Stephen and I both had a blast, and we’ll be eating leftover tacos for days!

{There’s a few more pictures from the party up on my facebook. If we’re not already fb friends, email me at pinkpunch at gmail dot com and I’ll send you the link!}

Just Because…

{Image by non jamais, found here.}

…because life has been kicking my butt this week.
…because I wanted to look at pretty pictures of cupcakes.
….because I’m in full Fiesta party planning mode and can’t concentrate on much else.
…because this was in my email inbox this morning, and it really resonated with me:

I'm often asked, Angela, you know, being the Universe and all, "What's the purpose of life?" But truthfully, no matter who or what you are that's a pretty daunting question. So daunting, I'm invariably compelled to reply with a few questions of my own:
"Do you mean besides having fun? Besides learning that the world has always spun in the palm of your hand? Besides bicycles, long walks, and hot chocolate? Besides holding hands, giving hugs, and drying tears? Besides having a dream and making it come true? Besides February, Fridays, and Polar Bears? Besides witnessing miracles that only you are privy to? Besides sunrises, sunsets, and every rare and fleeting moment in between?"
Daunting is an understatement.

Happy Friday!!
    The Universe

…because even though the fact that I even receive these Notes From The Universe sparked a debate between a friend and I, I felt that sometimes, we all need a little positive reaffirmation once in a while.

Ten On Tuesday

Eighteen

1. If you could open any type of store/place of business (money is no obstacle), what would you open?
A bakery, no contest. There’s even a store down the street from me that I would love to take over and turn into this bakery of mine. I am seriously in love with it.

2. If all jobs paid equally, what occupation would you want? Why?
I’d be head baker at my very own bakery. I’d even wear a pink chef’s jacket.

3. If you could be any animal in the world, what would you pick? Why?
I’m having a hard time picking one. Maybe  a panda bear? I have no reason other than they’re cute.

4. If offered one “service” free of charge, which would you choose? (chauffeur, maid, personal shopper, chef, etc.)
Maid service!! I hate cleaning with a passion. And I’ve even started hating doing the laundry, now that I have to drag it to the basement of my building. Please send me a maid?

5. What is one habit, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to break?
Biting my nails. I especially do it when I’m anxious or nervous.

6. What is one thing that no matter how many you own, you still love to buy all the time?
Baking related items. I could blow all of my money on things to bake with.

7. Out of all the game shows (past and present), which would you want to be a participant on and play?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be on Uh Oh so bad!

8. If you could play the lead role in any movie that’s already been made, which movie would you pick?
I would have wanted to be Vada in My Girl.

9. Name 5 things on your bucket list (things you want to do before you die).
1. Visit Paris.
2. Visit New York.
3. Meet my favorite blogger girls.
4. Own my own home.
5. Get married and start a family.

10.  Which one of your birthdays was the best? What did you do that day?
I’ve had many fantastic birthdays, but  the one that sticks out most is my 16th. I had a bunch of my friends over for a giant sleep over. So much fun!!

How Do You Party?

Maybe this is going to sound a little bit ridiculous but…I have no idea what people do at parties. Seriously.
Stephen and I were planning out our menu for our Fiesta party coming up on Saturday night, when all of a sudden, I realized I had nothing planned to do with with our guests. I mean sure, we’ll eat. But what do we do in between all of the eating? It’s funny because I have parties all the time. Or rather, get-togethers. We almost always end up playing the same game every time:

(Image via Google Image Search) 

And while ridiculously fun, it’s getting a bit old amongst my group of friends. This is where you guys come in. I need suggestions for party games. The only catch? I can’t go out and buy a new game. Drinking games are also out of the question, because it’s really not our thing.
Please don’t judge. Stephen and I are still amazed that we don’t know what to do, especially since I’m big into planning parties, and we do both go out to parties. I suppose we’re just in a party rut. Help!

Life Lately

I’m currently sitting on the couch nursing a cold and a cup of Neocitran Tea. In fact, I’ve pretty much been sitting here all day. Makes for an exciting Valentine’s Day, no? Stephen and I actually didn’t have anything planned. He’s at work for a couple of hours, so we’ve got some ribs in the slow cooker so that we can have a late dinner when he gets home. I also baked him some brownies and cut them into heart shapes for dessert. I had planned on also baking him some muffins and wrapping them up with a note telling Stephen that he’s “My Stud Muffin” (I’m totally a cheesy romantic), but I barely got through the brownies last night without passing out. I don’t need grand romantic gestures on Valentine’s Day (or any day), and while I wouldn’t mind them at all, it’s the little things that make me happy. Doing the dishes, helping me clean up, making dinner with me, watching a movie together. That’s all I need to be happy.

Thursday night, we got a guinea pig. After begging Stephen for a pet, then getting the ok and posting status update on Facebook, a friend of mine offered me her guinea pig completely free. She wanted her to have a better home where she could get more love. Heck yes, I’ll take her! We’ve renamed her Piglet. She’s still really skittish, but she’s starting to warm up to me. Stephen’s still to big and scary, so Piglet runs every time he walks by.
(Click to make bigger. I apologize for the picture quality. I did my best for a camera phone.)

Friday night, Stephen called me from work to ask if I could meet him at the clinic down the street from us. Apparently someone was scraping grease off the grill and it landed on Stephen’s arm, leaving him with a nice sized burn. While walking over, I have to walk past an alleyway. A car was coming out of it, so I paused, and when the driver stopped, I assumed he was stopping for me, so I kept walking. Nope, he didn’t see me! He started driving right into me…thankfully he noticed pretty quick and stopped. When he rolled down the window to ask if I was ok, I noticed he was on a cell phone. Come on! Use some common sense and get off the phone while you’re driving! I got to the clinic and waited around for an hour for Stephen to get checked out. We ended up having to dish out $80 for pain meds and burn cream. Worker’s Comp should cover it though. Stephen’s doing ok, he says it doesn’t hurt, as long as I remember not to rub up against it. Oops.

I received for the Sunshine award from Ms. Ebony Jewel over at Seize the Moments.

I’m supposed to follow these rules:
1. Put the award on your blog (on the sidebar or in one of your posts)
2. Pass it on to 6 fellow bloggers and let them know they have received it
3. Share the love & provide a link back to the person from whom you've received it
4. Bask in the warm sunshine of your new found fame

So here’s my six bloggers!
1. Andi @ Fuegita Bonita
2. Hayley @ Blue Eyed Blonde
3. Erin @ My Way This Time
4. Jessica @ Play Pen
5. Kim @ Perfectly Cursed Life
6. Kara @ Chow’s Chatter…

Blogging Through My School Years: Grade One

You can find kindergarten here.

The first few years of my schooling all run together, so I’m having a hard time remember what happens when. As a result, the first couple of posts are going to be short and sweet.

I was pretty into trolls dolls, so naturally I was pretty excited when my mom bought me a little brown paper bag filled with gumballs that had pictures of trolls printed on them. So excited in fact, that I wanted to share them with my friends at school, and practically ran the whole way there. Only to find out that we had the day off school. Apparently my mom and I didn’t get the memo. I was so upset that I ate the entire bag of gumballs.

There was a girl in my class named Sally, who couldn’t pronounce yellow properly; she pronounced it as “lellow”. One of my biggest pet peeves, even as a child, is when people pronounce things incorrectly. (Yes, I realize that I mispronounce things as well, but sometimes pet peeves are irrational.) Obviously, her pronouncing it as “lellow” drove me crazy! However, I never told anyone this because I was so jealous of Sally’s gorgeous long, black hair. Why those two things are related to each other, I’ll never know.

I remember having cooking days in class, where each student had a chance to help cook something that they often ate at home. Thinking back on this, I remember the kids being the ones who cooked, but I realize that kids in grade one can’t cook! I’m sure the kid’s parents would come in help. While this ended up being one of my favorite things to do in class, I never participated in the cooking aspect of it.

Reflecting back on all of this, I’ve come to realize I was an odd child!

Ten on Tuesday

#17

1. Fill in the blank. Sometimes I wish my life was more ______.
Exciting. I could use some more money. More time to craft. More time to travel and so on and so forth.

2. How do you cure the hiccups?
I’ll either drink some water or just wait it out. My nanny kids are convinced that drinking water upside down will cure it. It’s always funny to watch!

3. What are three of your favorite indulgences?
Starbucks, ice cream and cheesy reality shows.

4. Where is the most exotic place you would like to travel to? The most mundane?
My number one travel destination is Paris. Not really exotic though. The most mundane place would be…Vancouver?
As long as I’m leaving my city, I don’t think any destination is mundane.

5. Does having your time planned out stress you or relax you?
If every minute is planned, then I get stressed. I usually like to have  a plan for how my days are going to work out.

6. What are your favourite fabrics to wear?
Cotton, silk, lace, cashmere…as long as it’s not itchy, I’ll probably like it.

7. Do you sleep through the night?
Very rarely. I’m usually a light sleeper and wake up a billion times throughout the night.

8. When you were younger, what did you think you would be doing at this age? How close is that to what you are doing?
I thought for sure I’d be an elementary school teacher by now. I’m currently a nanny, which is only similar because it involves working with younger children.

9. What has surprised you most about growing up?
That no matter how old you are, there are still people who act immature. I know people my age who still act like they’re in junior high.

10. Are you good at keeping secrets?
Depends on the type of secret. If you tell me your pregnant but don’t want any of your friends to know, then I’m probably going to tell Stephen. He probably doesn’t know you and your friends anyway.

A Piece of Me

Apparently I’ve been lacking a little bit of inspiration for actual blog posts lately. Hopefully you guys will bear with me and not hate me for the filler posts.

This month....
I like: All of the reds, pinks and glittery hearts everywhere. It doesn’t really have anything to do with Valentine’s Day itself, reds and pinks are my favorite colors and glittery hearts make me happy!

I don't like: That it’s still cold. I’m dying for a good Chinook here.

I want you to know: That Friday was my birthday. I got to spend time with my lovely family, received some awesome gifts and went into a sugar coma. (I drank too much pop, had a Crave cupcake, and had cake and ice cream for dessert) It was the perfect birthday!

I’ve planned: A fiesta! The party is two weeks away, but I’m already excited for it! Just trying to gather recipes now…

I want to say to someone special: I dance like a fool to see you smile.

If you want to play along, check this post out.

Have a great week friends!

Monthly Goal Challenge

I was tagged by Jessy of  The Giant Typo to do the Monthly Goal Challenge:

“All you need to do is set 2 realistic goals you want to meet by the end of month, the goals can be anything, anything that will make you a better person or feel better about yourself and life! Once you've done so Tag 5 other friends and so on. Don't forget to Blog about your goal and if you accomplished it at the end of the month.”

Goal #1: Take a step back and focus on being more patient. This month (aside from this week) is going to be filled with long work days (10-11 hour days), and having been through it before, I know that I will quickly become run down and lose my patience. I want to focus on having a positive attitude not only around my nanny kids, but also when I’m at home with Stephen.

Goal #2: Throw Stephen and I a wicked awesome birthday party. In a couple of weeks, I’m throwing us a Mexican fiesta! I need some ideas though, and this is where you can help; naturally, we already have food planned out, but now we need everything else to fall into place. Feel free to leave links to your favorite party planning and related sites. I need ideas for games and decor!

I’m not going to tag anyone, but feel free to do this on your own. Let me know if you do, I’ll come by and read your goals!

(Image found via we heart it.)

Ten on Tuesday

Number Sixteen

1. What is your favorite travel destination spot?
Well, considering the fact that I’ve never been outside of Canada (except for the that one time I was born…), it would have to be Vancouver. My number one place to travel to (when time/money permits) is Paris.

2. Cats vs. Dogs.
Dogs. I have myself a bad case of puppy fever over here.

3. Do you believe in fate?
No. I believe that I can decide my own future.

4. Do you believe in karma?
Yes.

5. Everyone has a unique laugh. Do you like yours?
Nope. Stephen says it’s just fine though.

6. Is love really all you need?
No. Love is fantastic, but it’s not going to pay the bills. Love just makes life a lot more enjoyable.

7. What’s your take on the whole 2012 scare?
I try not to buy into it. But then again, if I think about it too much, I’m going to freak myself the heck out.

8. If you won a million dollars and had to give it all away, who would you give it to? (Family and friends not included.)
I’d distribute the money evenly between some charities that I believe in.

9. Do you believe in God/religion/the power of prayer?
This one is a tricky question for me. I was once very religious (Mormon), but had problems with the things I was being taught. I’ve since stopped going to church, but I still believe in God. We’ll leave it at that, so that this doesn’t turn into an essay.

10. What New Year’s Resolution do you always make but never keep?
I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions.