I LOVE this show....

Pushing Daisies. It is funny, quirky, romantic, adventurous, creative, FABULOUS.








Not to mention Ned is one good looking man.





It is the highlight of my Wednesday.

Halloween....

It has been a week long celebration.

Last Monday for FHE we carved pumpkins. Rochelle and I made a jekyll & hyde pumpkin but the hyde part broke on the car ride home.







My friends Sundee, Sarah and Karen and I dressed up as m&m's for the 2 Halloween parties we went to this weekend. I think I might have to use that costume again.





And my spider cheeseball. Our ward had a Halloween themed munch n' mingle on Sunday so I created this beast. It was a hit. (the eye's are m&m's because I couldn't think of anything else. nasty? yes. Cool looking? yes.)

my drive to work this morning....

number of dead deer : 3 (on the SIDE of the road- Anitra & Jud!)

temperature outside: 1 degree celsius
(33 degrees fahrenheit for my American readers)

odometer reading at destination: 84448 km

singing Christmas songs all the way to work: PRICELESS

I am so ready for a snow day!

(I am trying Anitra's challenge of blogging everyday, so if you haven't been here in awhile, scroll down to see all the little jewels from my exciting life that you have missed!!)

Another Birthday tribute....

To my Mom and Dad! My Dad's birthday was on the 14th and my Mom's special day is today!! So they will get to share their birthday tribute.

Why I love my Mom and Dad:
*they are the BEST parents EVER!
*they help me whenever I am in need.
*they haven't changed the locks... yet.
*they let me come home every Christmas and summer.
*they let me take funny pictures of them -like this one at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia (it makes me laugh so hard. I LOVE it.)
*my Mom has driven from Edmonton to Virginia with me TWICE. (I personally think she does it for all the shopping...)
*they have put up with me for 28 years and are willing to put up with me for eternity.
*my Mom AND Dad have driven & flown out to Virginia to see TWICE!
*and gone with me on road trips to NYC, Boston, Maine, my mission (Eastern Canada), Nauvoo.
*they admit that I am their favorite daughter!!!
*they support me in everything I do.
*they make me laugh.
*they have taught me soo much.
*they are great examples.
*they are hard workers.
*they are faithful.
*they have the cutest grandkids EVER!
*they are going to serve a mission somewhere exotic so I can come visit!!
*they have the hippest hairstyles in all of North America (click on the picture below to see a better view)

I LOVE YOU Mom and Dad!!!
Hope your Birthday's were Happy!

Pet Peeves

At My Favorite Things Party we decided it would be fun to each share a pet peeve. I've decided it would be fun to share some of my pet peeves with you.

1) people who drive UNDER the speed limit. I understand going the speed limit. My Dad does it. Not one kilometer or mile over. It drives me bonkers but I accept and appreciate the fact that he is being obedient to the laws of the land. But going under... makes no sense. And especially when it is 10 or more miles under. Do people not look at their speedometers? Or the speed limit signs?

2) Gum chewers. My classroom rule this year is "Chewing gum is only appropriate if others can't tell that you are." If I hear ir or see it, it must be spit in the garbage. The other day I was in the fitting rooms at a store and I could here a lady in another fitting room chewing her gum. Loudly. It took everything in me to not ask her to stop chewing like a cow. I just don't understand- doesn't it take more effort to chew with your mouth open and smacking around?

3) Bathroom talkers- I think it is weird when people have conversations while in their separate stalls. If we are washing our hands, talk your heart out. If we are the only ones in there, I am okay with a little conversation. But if someone walks in, all conversations must cease. It's just weird. Unless you need to ask someone to spare a square!! :)

4) Honkers. Don't get me wrong. There is a time and a place for honking. It must be done. But as soon as the light turns green... RELAX. That is the Virginia way. Green= honk. They don't even give you a second to move your foot from the break to the gas. Honk your heart out if there has been no movement after 10 seconds or so. But to all those crazy honkers- RELAX!

5) People who don't comment during conversations. My roommate does this. My Mom does this. It drives me CRAZY. When I say something, I would appreciate a comment. I understand you might not have anything profound to say but PLEASE say something. maybe a "Oh really" or a "wow" or even a "Hmmmm". Acknowledge the fact that I just said something so I don't feel like I am talking to the wall. thank you.

6) Crazy Americans. I am Canadian. I have lived in the United States of America off and on for 10 years now. And I think I have heard everything.

"Did you learn english when you came to the States?" "What language do you think I spoke?" "Canadian." What?

"Do you ride the train everywhere in Canada?" "no, I've never actually been on a train, why?" "well in Anne of Green Gables they rode the train everywhere." WHAT? That story for one is fictional. two, happened MANY years ago when they actually rode trains everywhere... even in the States.

"Do you know John?" "What's his last name?" "I don't know." "Where is he from?" "Somewhere in Canada." Oh yeah. John. The Canadian. I totally know him.

Which leads me to my last thought on this subject. You are Americans. We are Canadians. I have NEVER in my life been called an American or a North American because I live in North America. But for some reason I have had several people say to me "I guess you are American too" or "Do you celebrate American, I mean United States Thanksgiving too? Because Canadians are Americans too." No, I refuse to eat Turkey on the 4th Thursday of November.

7) Unsatisfied cravings. I hate it when you are craving something. So you eat it. And it is soo disappointing. Like right now. I was crazing tater tots. Sonic tater tots to be exact. But unfortunately the closest Sonic is an hour away. So I settled for Ore-Ida Tater Tots. I am not satisfied. At all. They are actually kind of weird. But can I stop eating them? Nope. Will I have to eat something else to try to satisfy my craving? Yup!

8) Boys. Of all ages. Well there are some good ones. Like my Dad. But he's a man. It annoys me when boys tell you how fabulous and wonderful and funny you are... but don't do anything about it or want anything to do with you. I had a "friend" who CONSTANTLY told me that I was going to be the best wife and an amazing mother. But yet couldn't marry me. Of course. Why would you want to have an wonderful wife and someone amazing to raise your children? Sheesh. I had a friend the other day tell me I was great. I replied "whatever!" He said "why do girls always say that?" "what are we supposed to say?" He didn't have an answer so I said "Thanks. Tell your friends...." So that is my new response. "Your going to be a great wife." "Thanks. Tell your friends."

9) People who don't update their blogs. So I guess I annoy myself. I have a constant internal debate as to whether I should change my blog, stop my blog or obsess about my blog. So I think I will start with changing it... again. I really thought a food blog would be fun. But then I think about all these other things I could write about. So I am going to dream up a new name and theme. So stay tuned. All 3 of you. There are rumors of more of you out there. But I guess if this wasn't my blog, I wouldn't admit that I read it either!!

What is one of your pet peeves? Please share!

They say it's your birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Kristi!!

Even though she is in need of some serious dental work... she is a great sister! :)

WHY is she so great?




Because she....
*will beg people for change on a NYC bus
*is the craftiest person I know
*is the cutest scrapbooker EVER (check out her stuff here)
*has really cute kids
*is willing to eat Chipotle Burritos with me everyday
*watches High School Musical... for the kids, of course
*doesn't freak out when she finds a honkin' spider on her leg... oh wait, she did!
*brakes for all Joanns, Targets, Kohl's & Cracker Barrels between Virginia and North Dakota
*watches The Office
*makes yummy cakes
*is a fun road trip companion
*makes me laugh
*wears glasses
*teaches seminary
*can quote Ferris Bueller with the best of them!
*has a great blog
*is a crocheting/ knitting fool
*lets me take pictures like this of her while waiting for the Staten Island Ferry!!

Happy Birthday Kristi! Love ya!! Maybe I will go eat at Chipotle to celebrate!

I simply remember my favorite things....

and then I don't feel so bad!
It has been kind of a stinky week... for various reasons. But last night it all was worth it.
My sister Jill told me about the fabulous idea of having a Favorite Things party. So I had one. Last night. And it was fabulous!

Jenica LOVES hot chocolate. She drinks it everyday.







Caroline LOVES to drink water in fun glasses. So we got a fun glass with cute limes inside. So fun.








Sundee LOVES to come home from work, take off her shoes on put on warm, fuzzy socks. They are so soft.








Jen had a sister missionary sleepover in the MTC
where they ate apple juice and popcorn and
since then it has been her favorite combination.






Michelle LOVES to go to her bedroom after work, lighting a yummy smelling candle and relaxing. I need to light mine and do some relaxing. real soon.









Elaine LOVES smoothies from Robeks. It was delicious.







Tiana LOVES things that make life easier. Things like this fabulous grater from IKEA. I am so excited... I bought one of these awhile ago but didn't want to use it while I have roommates that might ruin it, so there is sits under my bed at my parents house. But now I can grate my heart out!





Courtney apparently was confused about the whole thing and brought 8 different favorite things. But it was fun to see them all. We decided to do it "white elephant" style where one person picks something and the next person can take that thing or a new one. I got to go first and picked a cute children's book but then it got stolen from me. But I ended up with these fun socks.

I will post a picture of what I gave soon. I just needed to get this posted and it seemed to take forever as it would only let me download a few pictures at a time.

I think everyone needs to have one of these parties. It was so fun to just have a girls night. We laughed soo much and soo hard. I realized that I talk too much. If I don't get my daily quota of talking in, I tend to get verbal diarrhea. I haven't had a good conversation with someone in person in a REALLY long time. So thanks girls. (even though I don't think any of them read this!)

I just don't get it.

I am frustrated.

That is all I have to say!

Halloween Swap

I found out about this swap from my sister and having never done a swap, but always wanting too, I gave it a try. I didn't do so well buying for my lovely swapee. It is hard buying stuff for someone you do not know. But my swaper was fabulous and sent me all of this fabulous stuff... What a gal! The towel and cute ghost soap are in position and ready to be used.
Now I just need to think of the perfect Halloween costume. I want to make a costume that I can wear again and again. I really wish my school would dress up for Halloween... maybe my next one will. Any fun costume suggestions?

I am thankful for...

1) free turkeys. Yup! I got my Canadian Thanksgiving turkey free... in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I was excited when Harris Teeter had Turkeys on sale this week- perfect timing as I was planning to have a Canadian Thanksgiving feast with my American friends. So I went on Friday after work... but couldn't find them anywhere. I asked the meat guy. I asked the cashier. I asked the customer service guy. Nope. No turkeys. They said they would write me a raincheck as they usually get them in November. Ummm... I need it for Sunday... it's Canadian Thanksgiving. (Everyone should know THAT!) So the guy wrote me a raincheck anyways and put the price as free. HI! Then a lady continued to call all the nearby Harris Teeters to see if they had any turkeys for me. She found me one and said it would be waiting for me tomorrow. I went Saturday morning and got my free turkey. It is a beast. 22 pounds. Regularly $26, on sale for $16, purchased for $0.
(Ain't it a beaut? It was seriously HUGE. Lots of leftovers!)

2) so I guess I am thankful for Harris Teeter too. It really is a great store. They don't have the conveyor belts at the cash registers. You just put your cart next to the cashier and they do all the work. And they are always so friendly too. AND I love that they tell you how much you saved on every purchase.

3) American friends who will celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with me. I am sure the fact that they would be eating turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls and dessert had nothing to do with it.

(here is my roomie Elaine and I going for the wish bone...with Viddy chowing down in the kitchen- he was nice enough to de-meat the Turkey for me!!)

4) my family. I love and miss them soooo much. This is my 11th thanksgiving (in a row) away from home. It makes me sad to think that they are all together eating my favorite foods and talking and laughing. But I am happy that I have them for eternity. And that they talk to me on the phone LOTS.

5) my job. Even though there are days that I want to quit and never talk to another 12-14 year old again (other than my cute nieces & nephews of course) I do love it. I love watching a VERY awkward or cool boy learn how to sew his very own pair of shorts and then be so excited to wear them that he puts them on over his jeans and wears them ALL day.

6) my car. How grateful I am for my car. I owned my first car for 2 years. It had a total of 5 major issues in those 2 years. How I loved Herb though. But Norm (my current car) I have been together 2 years, driven him from Edmonton to Virginia twice now and have had to do nothing but fix the cruise control. Thanks Norm. Keep up the good work.

7) General Conference. I love the amazing people to speak and the wonderful things they have to say. I was bawling when Elder Nelson went and stood by Elder Wirthlin when he was shaking. They are amazing men (and women) and I am so grateful to be a member of a church that has a prophet and apostles and the opportunity to hear their words so often.

8) TV. I shouldn't have such a worldy thought after a spiritual one but.... I am grateful for TV. The good shows of course, not the schmut. Did anyone watch Pushing Daisies? I really liked it and pretty much am hooked. It better last. I also am grateful for Beauty & the Geek, the Office, and all the other fabulous shows that entertain me. I will be grateful for Lost and Amazing Race when they start up again.

9) my parents. And the things they have taught me. Like how to clean a bathroom... and when. And how to check the air in my tires, how to use plastic wrap (I had a student who had no idea what to do with it), how to sew, how to cook (even though I still have to call home for help!), how to spend money wisely, how to drive, how to talk to people, how to work, how to chew gum properly (my BIGGEST pet peeve- on a side note- I was in a dressing room yesterday and I could hear a lady chomping on her gum. It took all that was in me to not ask her to stop chewing like a cow- it's the teacher curse), how to not yell at people in public, how to read, the importance of prayer, scripture study, going to church and the temple, how to buy enough fabric to cover north America (thanks Mom! I am trying to catch up to your fabric stash), how to be independent but still rely on people when really needed, how to serve. I could go on and on. Thanks Mom and Dad for EVERYTHING. I love you!

10) prayer. And the blessing we have to do it freely. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who listens to me and blesses me. There have been times when I really just need someone to talk to. Everyone I call isn't home and I feel so alone. But Heavenly Father is always there. I am grateful he doesn't slap me and tell me to grow up or smarten up but he loves me and answers my prayers in the best way for me.

11) the 3 people who read my blog. Or at least the 3 people who comment on my blog. I have heard rumors that there are more of you out there. I hope you don't find this too terribly boring. I try to make it as exciting as I can but when you live a dull life like me, it is challenging. But something exciting is bound to happen so stay tuned...

Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

This was made pre- Kitchen Aid days. But I plan to make it again... real soon. It's delicious. My friend from school gives me all her Cooking Light magazines. I have found tons-o-recipes that I want to try and this had the privilege of being the first one. I am kind of a Banana bread snob. It can't have nuts, must have chocolate chips and pretty much needs to be MY recipe. But I decided to give this one a try. I wasn't totally sold on the lime glaze but after half the loaf I realized I really liked it. The lime glaze was made possible by this amazing product (sorry, the picture is REALLY big). I NEVER have lime juice when recipes call for it, so when I saw this I snatched it up. It is powdered lime... you just add it to your drink or recipes. LOVE IT! Enough yip yapping- here is the recipe!

Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
3 tablespoons dark rum (I used Orange juice... I couldn't think of anything else and I had it!!)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon flaked sweetened coconut
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk to combine.

Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, yogurt, rum, and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist. Stir in 1/2 cup coconut. Spoon batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon coconut. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Combine powdered sugar and juice, stirring with a whisk; drizzle over

warm bread. Cool bread completely on wire rack.

Yield

1 loaf, 16 servings (serving size: 1 slice)