So many memories.

On this day ,many moons ago, I returned home from my mission.

The best 18 months of my life for sure.

1- when my family was making their final guesses before I opened the envelope my mom said "Halifax." and I said "I am NOT going to Halifax." I went to Halifax. I am convinced that my call was for Africa or New Zealand or Ireland. But when I said that, Heavenly Father decided to teach me a lesson. And I am sure glad He did. It was truly the best mission in the world. Located in the most beautiful part of the world. (I should have my family guess who I am going to marry. And my mom can guess John Krasinski.

and I will say "I am NOT going to marry John Krasinski." And I will marry John Krasinski).

2-had 12 companions. 2 of them were officially crazy. Or drove me crazy. I was convinced that one of my crazy companions was going to take off while I was in the shower. I don't know why. She never did. But she did try to jump out of the car once when were were pulled over. I grabbed her and stepped on the gas. She was weird. It hurt her to smile. Seriously. Maybe I should have taken off while she was in the shower.

Can you spot the crazies? And no. I am not one of them.

She is from Hawaii. I need to go visit her.

The one in the middle was my trainer.

Her brother was dating one of my friends from home.

I look freaking tall in this picture.She was a fun companion. Not crazy at all!
She had never had a Blizzard before.... even though DQ was her Dad's favorite restaurant. What?? We were both supposed to be taking bites. I did not know mine was that big!

I told her that this was how Canadians celebrate Canada day!

Those Californians will believe anything.

Tracting in the pouring rain.

1 million beautiful husband points were earned that day.

The ocean. One of the best parts of my mission.

You were never more than 1 1/2 hours from it.

We got to spend one night on Prince Edward Island. We were so excited that we had to take a picture to prove we were there for 13 hours.

Apparently I look special when I am excited.

She was actually a member. But became my companion for 2 weeks when my companion became sick and went home. So fun.

3- served in 5 areas. All of them (except the last) were switched from sisters to elders when I was transferred. I am not sure if that is a good or a bad thing. One of my areas was Trenton. While serving there I thought it would be cool to name my son after it. But why should that area get all the glory? Kentville. Clayton Park. Miramichi. Yarmouth. What lucky children. At least their father will be good looking.

Other highlights included:

4-losing 2 CTR rings. So we borrowed a members metal detector to look for them. It was so funny. And embarrassing. And pointless. Never found them.

5- Buying apples on the side of the road from local orchards. What I wouldn't give to be able to do that every month. (see what I meant about looking special when excited!)

6- Made a giant oreo cookie for an elder's birthday. I should have taken a bite.

7- Eating lobster for the first (and last) time. (excited= special)

8- Chasing chickens while waiting for our truly crazy investigator to come home.

Those were the days.

So lucky!

And the winner of these cute magnets is:

Darin said...

My favorite is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by the Barenaked Ladies (a fine Canadian group) with Sarah McLaughlin, and a very close second is "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey.
But Dominick certainly is at the top of my list.

Congrats Darin. Apparently your luck runneth over with my contests!

And good choice of song. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is my second favorite!!

So cute!

Tis' the season for giving.

So leave me a comment telling me your favorite Christmas song and you will be entered to win these:

Cute nativity magnets.


And in case you were wondering what MY favorite song is... it hasn't changed from last year.

Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey.

You can watch a silly video of it here or check out a light show done to it that I posted here last year.





And don't blame me if it is stuck in your head all day.

"Jiggitty-jig hee haw hee haw."

So much fabulousness. So little time.

I am sure you are all dying to know what I did in Vegas. So here we go.

After the most turbulent flight that almost made me yammy, my dear friend Alisa took me to In-N-Out where we ordered our fries animal style. mmmm. I wanted to go back and have a burger animal style but never made it. Guess I will just have to go back again!
I was blessed to be there at the moment Alisa received the keys to her very first home. Which I am totally and completely jealous of. But she is going to let me move in and since I can't work down there it will be rent free. What a gal.

Thanksgiving day we went to a casino. To partake of their feast buffet. Oh my. It was a feast and it was a buffet. There was so much food. My first plate consisted of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, pizza, ribs, and spinach quiche. Holy smokes it was good. My other plates held delicious items like donuts, fruit, egg rolls, french toast, pot stickers, fried rice, mint chocolate chip gelato, brownies, cookies. And that wasn't even an hundredth of the food offered. God bless America.

After rolling ourselves out of the buffet, we dropped a couple hundred in the slots.

Just joking. I didn't even play a penny.

I met up with my friend Rachel at the Bellagio where we drooled over the largest chocolate fountain. Then I was lucky enough to have 3 other friends in town. Well maybe the little guy isn't my friend. Since he cried the entire time I held him. Whatever. Sorry the pic is a little dark. Hopefully my friends with a not dark picture will email it to me. (hint hint)


It made me laugh to see this sign in every bathroom. Well laugh in a "that's really sad that people need to be told this in a bathroom or at all" sorta way.

And I did a lot more. Shopping. Eating. Talking. Sleeping. Movie watching.

Vegas rocks.

So funny.

I drove past a tire shop today. In front was a sign that read:

The best place in town to take a leak.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

I heart Las Vegas

I am going to Vegas tomorrow. And I am excited.

I am excited to be reunited with:

Target
Kohl's
In-N-Out
Trader Joes
Sonic
Joann's
palm trees
Chipotle
day after thanksgiving shopping
Rachel- who is also spending Thanksgiving in Vegas

and most importantly:

Alisa.
The whole reason I am going to Vegas.
I would visit her even if she lived in Wisconsin.

But boy am I grateful she lives somewhere warm with slot machines in every grocery store.
I just know I am going to win big money this week.
Then I can afford to fill a whole suitcase with Chipotle burritos. And a couple In-N-Out burgers. Mmmmmm.

Retail Pet Peeves

Now I know that working at a store for 2 months doesn't make me a retail expert.
But I do know when something is annoying.

And people are annoying.

So before you head out to do your Christmas shopping, or stand in line for hours to get some great black Friday deals, let me share with you a few shopping don'ts.

1) When you are in line- BE in line. When I say "I can help the next person" I don't want to have to yell it 3 times before you remember where you are and what you are doing.

2) If YOU write "Check ID" on the back of your credit card, show YOUR ID. Did YOU write it on there to test the cashiers or to prevent someone else from using YOUR card. I appreciate the fact that you want to prevent identity theft. But those people who hand over their cards and ID together, I appreciate even more.

3) Don't ask for an extra bag so you have something to put the gift in your are buying for someone. Go to a dollar store, buy a cute bag, and put your present in there. Nothing says "I am cheap and lazy" like giving someone a present in the bag you bought it in or had to beg for.

4) When something is buy one get one... the get one free or half price is always an equal or lesser-value. Always. So don't act surprised, return everything and re-buy it all in equally priced pairs to save $3.78. I am sure the 15 minutes we spend together doing that is worth more than that!

5) If a store provides you with a shopping bag for your shopping convenience, do not (once it is empty) try to fold it up and/or place/hide it somewhere randomly. Pretty sure you are not the only person that has used a bag and there is a designated place for them to go.

6) When placing your items for purchase on the counter, is it fun to place them in the most awkward places/ distances for the person who is scanning and bagging them for you? Because I am pretty sure it isn't fun for them.

7) I support paying with cash. And paying with exact change is even better. Why not clean out the change purse- if you can do it in a timely manner. (side note- I once had a lady who was digging in her purse and pockets for at least 10 minutes looking for a $20 bill. 10 minutes. Not kidding). But if the cashier is standing there with her hand out, please don't place your 5 pennies, 3 dimes and 2 nickels on the counter. Especially when she just cut off all her nails. Thank you.

I don't mean to be negative Nancy.
And I know that cashiers/sales associates can also be annoying.
I work with one of the craziest ones out there. Stay tuned for those pet peeves.

Please-Feel free to share your complaints/pet peeves about shopping/working here.

Unless it is about me.

Cute Stuff!

Check out this cute blog Creative Cookie.

You can order some fun stuff. And even win some things too.

One of my favorite things is the menu planning system. So fun.

Adventures in Subbing

Yesterday was my first day as a Substitute teacher.

And it was even for a foods class.

Let's just say...

I found 2 boys hiding in the closet behind the door with the lights off.

A group poured their potato soup down the sink (no garbage disposal) and clogged it.

I didn't get to leave the classroom all day. I almost peed my pants. But luckily the bell rang when it did.

I had to grade presentations on Canadian explorers. (she had one social studies class)

On Monday I get to sub an elementary class. Stay tuned for more adventures.

One Word

The rules with this tag: Answer the following questions using just one word and tag seven people.

Where is your cell phone? nonexistent
Where is your significant other? good-question
Your hair color? poo
Your mother? funny
Your father? retired
Your favorite thing? sleeping
Your dream last night? forget
Your dream/goal? employed
The room you’re in? chilly
Your hobby? sewing
Your fear? kidnapped
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Idaho
Where were you last night? movies
What you’re not? sexy
One of your wish-list items? real-job
Where you grew up? canada
The last thing you did? chocolate
What are you wearing? clothes
Your TV? on
Your pet? heaven
Your computer? on
Your mood? happy
Missing someone? husband :)
Your car? dirty
Something you’re not wearing? socks
Favorite store? target
Your summer? short
Love someone? yep
Your favorite color? blue
When is the last time you laughed? recently
Last time you cried? yesterday

I choose: midge, rachel, kristi, andrea, amanda, mikaela, sydney

Mmmmmmmm... part 2

I know you have all been dying to know what my other delicious cheese and cracker snack is.

May I introduce to you....

crackers,

cheese

and

marshmallows

Divide a cheese slice into 4 pieces. Place each piece onto a saltine cracker. Top with 3 mini or 1/2 a large marshmallow.

Place under the broiler until the marshmallows are toasted and the cheese is melted.

Don't knock it 'til you try it.

The wedding is off.

Darn that Obama.

Since he won the election, my future husband won't be moving to Canada.

If only I hadn't eaten my last boyfriend.

Canada- 1 USA- 1

While I appreciate MuchoBurrito's attempt at a delicious burrito:

It just doesn't compare to Chipotle's deliciousness.
And unfortunatley Chipotle is only located in the US of A.
But maybe if they had the lime cilantro rice- like their menu said they serve and every picture shows. Or if the corn salsa didn't contain more beans than corn.
But they did grill it! And give you the choice of a whole wheat or white tortilla!!

So it will do in the case of a major burrito craving. But the USA wins a point for their amazing Chipotle Burrito's. Mmmm.

Canada- 1 USA- 0

Today Canada won a point in the Ultimate North American battle.

May I introduce to you-

Girl Guide Chocolatey Mint cookies.

Now I know that the USA has Thin Mints. But those pale in comparison to these beauties.

Look at the delicious creamy mint filling. Mmmmmm.

I bought them from a girl a work today. And the box is almost empty.

Anyone know of any Girl Guides that might want to sell me some more??

Sooooooo tasty.

Candy Corn Cookies -attempt #2

I decided to give these Candy Corn cookies another try. Last time I made them I did a brown row instead of orange (which actually looks more pink than orange).

Can't decide which ones I like better.

This is what is leftover after giving some to my visiting teachees and companion. And having a few family members snack on them.

They are fun to make but I can't seem to get them to look like Betty Crocker's. She is the master though!

Guess I will have to try again next year. Or maybe tomorrow. :)

I found him.

I found the man of my dreams.
Thanks be to Craigslist for bringing us together:

Disgruntled American Seeks Canadian For Political Asylum, Maybe More

Date: 2008-10-01, 6:00PM EDT

Like so many in the USA, I've become increasingly fed up with my country. The last 8 years have been a nightmare of perpetual motion. The presidential election is almost a month away, but let's face it. If Bush's cronies were able to set him up for two terms, then McCain and Palin are practically a shoo-in. When that happens (and it will, just you watch) I would rather be somewhere else. Like The Great White North!
Are you a lonely, possibly desperate Canadian woman aged 18-50? Tired of trying to find a good man among your flannel clad, Labatt's drinking, moose hunting country men? Willing to take in an American who is fed up with his country? Then I'm the guy for you! Maybe you're a bit overweight or suffer from "Lifelong Ugly Duckling" syndrome. I don't care.

What I'm All Aboot:
32, tall, a bit pudgy around the middle, starting to go bald, but other than that it's all good.
IT Professional, skilled with computers, can fix yours.
Will get whatever job(s) available to help support us.
From Washington State, appreciates nature.
Willing to learn French.
Polite, working on being more humble.
Hates littering.
Will pet your cat(s)/dog(s) and tell you how cute it is.
Enjoys Rush.
Can fake an interest in hockey.
Knows the first line to the Canadian National Anthem.
Will do whatever it takes to get the freak out of here.

What You're All Aboot:
Canadian.
18-50 year old female.
Willing to marry me for citizenship.
So there you have it ladies! This is your chance to help your neighbors to the South. Get at it!

I am Canadian. And female. And between 18 and 50.
If that ain't a match made in heaven, I don't know what is.

maybe he could live in Canada and I could move to the States with my new dual citizenship.
Being reunited with Target, Kohl's, Chipotle, Sonic....

Mmmmmmm....

Today I had one of my favorite snacks. I created it while I was in College. And probably haven't had it since then.

So yummy.

What is it you ask?

Why ritz crackers. with melted cheese. and a pickle on top. Of course.

Stay tuned for another favorite snack involving crackers, cheese and....

Happy Birthday Dad!

It was my Dad's birthday on Tuesday. Being the good citizen that he is, he was busy working at the election polls ALL day. On his birthday. So I decided it would be fun to welcome him home with a mini celebration. So I bustled home from work and whipped up these puppies:

And my sister and her little ones came over to help celebrate.
Lydia really wanted a cupcake so decided to attack her mom until she gave in.

When Dad wasn't home after 8, we decided to have our own party.

And what a party it was.

Happy Thanksgiving

This Sunday was a special day. I got to eat Thanksgiving dinner with my family. For the first time in 11 years. 11 years. That's how long ago I moved away from home. When I was 13. :)

Ha!

we needed 3 tables for all of us.

I am thankful for my family. All 26 of them. It is weird to think the last time I was home for thanksgiving... there were only 10 of us. My, how we have grown.

I voted.

Today I voted.
The last time I voted was when I was 18.
I have been living in the States during every other election.
One year I tried to figure out how to vote from out of the country.
It was much too confusing. So I didn't.
But today- I did.

It has been interesting to see the differences between elections in U.S. and Canada.

In Canada- our election was just announced less than 2 months ago. So less time for annoying election commercials. In the U.S. there have been annoying elections commercials and news stories for ummm... ever.
In the U.S.- there are only 2 major parties. Canada has 5 parties (plus independents) to choose from. Sometimes more choices are good. But that depends on the choices.
In the U.S.- you vote for your president. In Canada- you vote for your local leader, and that determines who the Prime Minister (the leader of our country) will be.
In Canada- they candidates are required to speak english and french. In the U.S.- it is a fluke if they speak a language other than english.
In the U.S.- I couldn't vote. In Canada- I can.

And I did.

How grateful I am for the freedoms we enjoy and the choices we have.

Professional what?

So there I was, sewing an apron to sell at our craft sale when suddenly my machine made a horrible noise and stopped moving. I don't consider myself to be a professional sewing machine repairer- but when you have 130 teenagers jamming machines on a daily basis, you quickly learn how to fix most problems. And for those unfixable jams, we had a fabulous repair guy named Gary. Well. It was Friday night. And my machine. And no Gary.

***

But luckily there was a Terry.

My dad. After I took half of my machine apart twice and couldn't fix the problem, my Dad came to the rescue. We took my machine apart completely (well, the plastic cover). Found the problem. Fixed it. And 2 hours after I first started the repairs, I was sewing like the wind.

***

So there I was, a few days later, sewing again. When my machine made the same horrible noise. But my Dad was at work. So I took the machine apart. Fixed the problem. Put it back together again.

***

So there I was, 2 days later, sewing like the wind. Same noise. Same problem. All alone. Got the screw driver. Took it all apart. And was back to sewing in about 15 minutes.

It wouldn't do this.

And then do this.

So I could do this.

So I did this.

But if it does it again- I may have to throw it out the window. I bought it at a thrift store 7 years ago for $2.99. Is it really worth the hassle?

Have a problem with YOUR sewing machine? Give me a call. And Relax. I'm a professional.