Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Done!

I am done, done done!
I got my last paper in last night (a bit late, but had an extension) and am mightily relieved. So, what's been happening since my last post?
First, the birthdays: Happy Birthday to GH, Aunt J, TD, MCL, and NR.

We had the office party last Thursday.
We had the Star Christmas Fund. I don't know how much we made yet, but it was great. The Staff Band was particularly good this year. Their percussion made my day!
Star Christmas Fund


We also had the crazy snow storm....so pretty! I want to go tobogganing!



And PI and I made a turkey! The former room mates +SOs were supposed to come for a Christmas dinner, but, given the storm and the driving in from L....no go. In the process of rescheduling. Turned out to be a good thing. We needed a practise run w/ the turkey. It would have been a bit small for everyone too. So, getting another turkey and hopefully trying again next week!



And now...let the baking begin!!!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Stringfever

New group - found by PM
awesome!

History of Music
Bolero

Monday, November 26, 2007

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

klugy?

My mom just used the word klugy. Apparently it's slang for awkward.
Anyone know how to spell it? I can't find it in the dictionary.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Friday, November 09, 2007

Words

For those of you who love words, as I do, here's a site to look at and Learn a New Word.

I have learned the word burmal:

(BROO-mull)
Pertaining to or occurring in winter.

It's from Latin bruma, meaning "winter." (Interestingly, the Latin word bruma itself is thought to be adapted from the Latin term for "winter solstice" -- brevima diesor "shortest day.")
"Once again, the inclement weather and resulting cabin fever was quickly adding up to another brumal bummer for Brunhilde."

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Weekend's Almost Gone :(

Well, it's been an exciting weekend, and now it's almost over.

On Sat. my dad hired PI and I for our first ever professional photo shoot. He wanted photos of his band for cover art, slide shows, etc. so we went down to a park and took photos of them in various poses on trees, rocks, bridges, etc. It was fun and exciting and, combined w/ wedding present gift certificates, we managed to obtain a proper travel case for our camera gear! No more being scared of airline attendants throwing the camera gear around or crushing the camera when we're going on car trips!

Sat. was also the patronal feast at church, so we sang at that but couldn't afford dinner, so we didn't stay.

Sun. was service as usual. They're not going well. There are too many changes that seem to be happening 'cause the place needs change and for no other reason, and I don't like most of them. At least the choir seems to be looking up. The new guy is great :)

After service PI and I went to the Shoe Museum 'cause we had a free pass and he's never been. We didn't really have time today 'cause I'm supposed to be studying for a ridiculous exam, but the pass runs out Oct. 31 and it was a nice walk!

The only real downer this weekend (apart from the studying) is that I've put my back out and am in rather a lot of pain. Hopefully that goes away soon.

...and PI found this video....I want lessons in graphic design or something!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Philip Pullman!

Last night PI, KL, and I went to see Philip Pullman give a lecture, answer questions, and sign books! If there's anyone out there who hasn't read The Golden Compass, you should. It's fantastic! I didn't get to talk to any of the others, but there were a LOT of very exciting authors and illustrators at the talk. Jean Little, Kit Pearson, Barbara Reid, Kenneth Oppel...and more! I really wish I'd had the money for the rest of the conference so that I could talk to them all, but no such luck...and no time either :( Maybe some of them will be at OLA this year. Oppel was last year.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

What the...?!

Should the interrobang should become standard punctuation?!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Hallowe'en Education

For any of you who are feeling sadistic and have kids the right age, try this educational game with your children and their Hallowe'en candy.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Cat Walk

Last night, PI took 5 for his first walk outside on the harness. He was terrified and didn't do much walking....but as of this morning our crazy cat has gone even crazier! He has spent most of the morning stalking us through the shower curtain, which we might have to replace. PI got a little close and almost lost a bit of him I'd rather he kept.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

BABIES!!

Now that Mommy and Daddy have had the chance to spread to news a bit, I am free to announce that...fan fair...


THE TWINS HAVE ARRIVED :D

They are happy and healthy and everyone is doing well...if a bit sleep deprived.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Contests

I've just won a Roald Dahl prize pack from Indigo/Chapters! 10 books with the new anniversary covers :) They arrived in the mail yesterday.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Wedding Photos

The photographer has sent us a web-version of the wedding photos. I apologize to anyone who didn't get the link by mail, but I figured I'd put it here as it's less easy to lose. It doesn't always load the first time, just refresh if that happens.

Order photos by clicking on the print button.
I think it's only up for a month or so.

Friday, October 05, 2007

Waiting for Twins

We're still waiting for the twins to arrive and are getting very excited. They are now 6 lbs, 3 oz and 6 lbs, 9 oz which is really big for twins! Average weight is 5 lbs, 3 oz. 12 Days left to go until they're taken out regardless of what they think :D

Since the last post, we've been to a concert by one of Bear's coaches from last year, thrown a party, made our own pasta and 3 sauces including pesto (which was very exciting), picked up more wedding presents, had dinner with IT.2, been to a concert put on by PM, MY, SS, and co. which we enjoyed very much, spent some time at Nuit Blanche, started stripping the varnish off a shelf at BR's that is going to become our bar, had lunch with high school teachers, finished a paper, started 2 more, and gotten our wedding photos back from the photographer (they're excellent :D)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Back to School

So school has started again and is going quite well (though ask me again over the tg weekend and I won't think so).

There was a conference meeting on Sat which went alright. DP runs a tight ship :)

PI and I went to the museum on Sun. to see a friend's exhibit that's hosted there. We really enjoyed it :D It's been quite a while since I was there. Even longer for PI. Because I practically grew up there it was kind of weird that things had been moved around. I couldn't believe that the dinosaurs weren't where they usually were. Also ran into an old friend while we were there. I find R in the strangest places!

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Honeymoon Photos

So, for our honeymoon we went to Greece. While we were there we stayed w/ AT's parents. They were super helpful. They picked us up from the air port, showed us around, drove us everywhere and everything. We couldn't have done as much without them.

Honeymoon - Athens

Honeymoon - Sunion

Honeymoon - Kea

Honeymoon - Delphi

Honeymoon - Leaving Greece

We also went to Italy (and spent 10 minutes in Austria). Also much thanks do EDS. We stayed with him in his lovely house in N Italy and saw a lot we wouldn't have seen without him.
Honeymoon - Pompii and Naples

Honeymoon - Rome

Honeymoon - Florence

Honeymoon - N. Italy

Honeymoon - Venice

And had a 2 day layover in London.
Honeymoon - London

Another thanks is owed to KB for the use of her guide to Europe. It helped us find some excellent places to stay and two of the best places to eat we've ever been.

We had an amazing time, but our feet hurt and it's good to be home.
None of these photos are edited yet. There is a lot of stitching to be done and some lighting and other stuff to correct. That will take some time.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

HOME!!!!

We're back from our honeymoon and, as usual, pictures will follow....as soon as we can clear enough hard drive space to get them off the camera :P

We had a great time and commentary will come w/ photos.

Monday, August 13, 2007

MARRIED!!!

Not much time before we're off, but here are some photos. Anyone who has any, please send them to me!

My Wedding!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Wedding Request

Please, everyone bring cameras, I want LOTS of photos of the event.

Those of you who are scared of cameras *cough*kl*cough*, be behind the camera and you're less likely to end up in front of one :)

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Squirrels

And I thought I had problems w/ the squirrels in my herb garden!

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Bachelorette Party

So, last night Bear threw me a batchlorette party! We started at Mom's place w/....graphic cookies and pictures that came from a magazine that Mom got. We then went to the R Lounge to hear a show, eat some food (I recommend the Pistachio crusted shrimp), and get drunk (the raspberry chocolate mint thing was delicious). Phi did a number too, which was great :)

We then continued on to a drag show where I got dragged (no pun intended) up on stage by one of the dancers (see the last photo....she/he's REALLY tall). It wasn't what anyone was expecting, but I had a great time :) Some of us then went to a patio, drank more, and waited for PI to come pick us up.

Bachelorette

Friday, August 03, 2007

Blog

An interesting blog for anyone who's interested: EcoGeek

Monday, July 30, 2007

Weekend

This weekend was, as usual, pretty busy. We went to a party at A's:
A's BBQ

Church, a farewell picnic for P:
P's Farewell Picnic

And Shakespeare in the Park (Mid Summer Night's Dream) for Mom's birthday:
Shakespeare in the Park

We also had a practise run at my hairdo for the wedding, got bows to decorate the church, flowers and ribbons for the flower girl, clasps for my wedding dress, and went out for lunch at Bear's dumpling restaurant.

It was a good weekend, but I'm really tired now. Dentist this morning, then to work :(

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Weekend Madness

Course registration was on Thurs. Both Mom and I successfully got into the courses we wanted, although there was some difficulty as they changed the schedule the day before registration. Although I checked the schedule to make sure they hadn't done that, they changed it in the afternoon and I checked it in the morning. For people with PhDs in organizing, it is the most disorganized school experience I've ever had.

On Sat. PI and I got up early to go to the plate rental place for the wedding. We now have plates, table cloths, etc. Note to anyone planning a wedding, plates are WAY more expensive than you think they'll be :P

After that we went to pick up Tree for the combined baby shower at the JRs. Yay photos!
Shower


When that was done and we'd taken Tree home, we went to SF's birthday party. We had a great time with Trivial Pursuit, Guitar Hero, chocolate fondue, cake....and took more photos!
S's Birthday


On Sun. we slept A LOT and arrived very late at Mom's to do wedding tables and go out for dinner. We went to Summerlicious at Auberge, and it was fantastic! If anyone can afford to eat there, possibly the best food in the city!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Contratulations C and C!

C and C got married on Friday and we all had a wonderful time at their wedding :) They had an open candy bar which was awesome.

Here are a few of the photos we took.
C and C's wedding (unedited photos)

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Polaris

Rather unexpectedly, last night we ended up at the sci-fi convention that used to be Tcon, Polaris. We had a great time and, hopefully we will be free next year to spend more time there.

Polaris

Friday, July 06, 2007

Birthdays

In view of the total insanity of this month, there are just a couple of birthday wishes for July that I'd like to make:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following:
July 1 - HB and SB
July 2 - ML
July 4 - MS and Phi
July 5 - LF and MS
July 6 - BC
July 7 - Bear
July 10 - Motivated Tea, Taddy, and Toto
July 14 - LP
July 18 - SF
July 25 - Mom
July 30 - MP
July 31 - Mrs. H.

Please let me know if I missed anyone.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Happy Canada Day

Happy Canada Day everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend, We've survived ours :P

Here are some pics from our weekend in K. We had a lot of time to practise some new stuff w/ the camera and try out the new lens. Enjoy :D (you can click on the slide show to view the pics as usual)



In wedding news, rings are done and sitting at home now :D Also, at least 1 bride's maid has had a fitting and now almost has a dress! Things are still progressing nicely. Phalse was all over town yesterday picking up centre piece bits that are no longer stocked so every store had 1 or 2, but no more than 3. He managed to get enough, though, and I think they'll be great :D

Friday, June 22, 2007

Wedding Update and Cameras

Went to lsp's CD launch on Monday night :D We had a good time even though we had to leave early 'cause it was well past our bed time. Picked up the CD (of course).

Wedding plans are progressing nicely. We're finally down to the small stuff. All the big stuff will be done as of Sat afternoon. *phew*!!! There's still a million things to do, but the huge stressful stuff is done. (Though I guess licencing and alcohol shouldn't count as small stuff, the wedding will go on w/o them if necessary. It will not go on w/o rings or a dress :P)

Went for lunch w/ S and A yesterday in the market. I don't usually like vegetarian stuff (not being a fan of most vegetables) but the food was good and we had a good time. We then spent a few hours searching C.T. for floating candles and were very unsuccessful.

Last night we got cameras for the tables, continued our long and painful search for the right floating candles, and dropped my ring at the jewellers (I feel so weird w/o it!).

We also got to spend some wedding present money last night! We got a zoom lens for the camera and a tripod w/ a 3 way tilt. We had a tripod which is still great for light weight stuff, but after trying to film w/ it at conference this year, we REALLY needed something w/ a tilt for filming and any pan shots. We also got a replacement BBQ/Camp Stove because the one we had died. This is much more efficient. The previous one was going through almost an entire cylinder of gas in one meal just trying to stay lit. We had just enough money left over to pick up some coolers or refill some of the flagging bar stock so we can kick back and celebrate....in Oct. when we have some free time :P


Monday, June 18, 2007

Flag Raising

The flag pole came down a couple years ago to make way for the tent for I&T's wedding. Since then, a new one has been acquired (courtesy of I&T) and it was put up this weekend.

Flag raising at the B parent's place.

That's the small version of the photos. The large ones are not even sort of visible on a single screen.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Surprise!

Yesterday was my first surprise anything! Bear, Mom, I&T, et al, managed to pull off a surprise wedding shower. I was so surprised when we arrived! Bear had been pushing buttons for weeks and even told me she was having so much trouble getting in touch w/ people that it might have to be cancelled! (It was supposed to be next week)

I had a great time and am now mostly recovered from the shock :D

Thank you to everyone for coming and for all your generous gifts! They are all fantastic. I now have to have a wine and cheese BBQ picnic w/ a huge shepherds pie, some kind of dessert squares, stew, and little chocolate dessert thingies :) Stu and I spent quite a lot of time cleaning out the kitchen so everything fits and there's room for more...we got carried away and forgot to have dinner :S

A special thanks to all the out of town people for driving in! It was great to have everyone there :D

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Amabile



Click for larger image.

Monday, June 04, 2007

Amabile

Since the last post we have gone to see Pirates of the Caribbean III, which was better than II, had the OSCC wrap up meeting (which was much less painful than usual), had lunch w/ old friends and met up elsewhere with others, been to the B twin's birthday party, started designing wedding rings, and been to a potluck/engagement party/general get together at N and D's.

Yesterday we were in L for JB's retirement concert, reception, etc. He more than deserves a wonderful retirement, but it is sad to see him go. I've worked w/ a TON of choral conductors, and he's wonderful to work with. Gets amazing results. Hopefully we'll get the photos up soon.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Book Blog and Other News

My children's book blog has finally slowed down (for those of you who think I'm crazy *cough*KL*cough*) as I've now put up most of the books I can think of to put up. There are some I can't find covers for online, and I'll get around to scanning those in eventually, but the majority of posts will now just be what I've read most recently and will be posted as I finish the books. If anyone knows of something I have probably read but forgot to post, plz let me know. Also, books I should definitely read and don't appear to have read yet, let me know about those too. I have a huge list, but I'll get to it eventually.

In other news, wedding stuff is progressing as per usual, busily. Most of the invites are off now, but we're still tracking down a few addresses. Now just waiting for the RSVPs to come back :D We got the first mailed on today (from PM and MT's parents) :D

Friday, May 18, 2007

Invitations

Invitations are done!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Wedding Prep

This week has been super busy. We've been making good headway on the wedding prep, though. Yesterday we finished the registry. There is now a registry at the Bay, Pampered Chef, and Cutco as well as the usual random stuff. We also started the process of ordering wedding rings, started thinking of a game for kissing, and got stuff for invitations.

Going to B. to do the invitations tomorrow and getting some of the last addresses to send them to.

Fri. we're driving to O to talk to the caterer, finalize plans with him, and taste the wine.

We also celebrated mothers day, started the last of the wine brewing, started planning the wedding shower, continued designing the centre pieces, and a bunch of other stuff. Working full time is seriously getting in the way :P Pity I have to eat and pay rent...not to mention the wedding costs.

Still have conference stuff left to do, a paper to write, other things to plan, and about a million other things I'd rather be doing.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

OSCC

Well, we're back from conference and I'll be getting around to posting pictures any time now :)

Thursday, April 26, 2007

><((((º> Blog

For those of you who used to read the blog I had to create for school, it has taken a new direction. Since so many people are asking me for lists of children's books I like, lists of books on various topics, things they should read, etc, I have decided to put such a list online. It will take me quite a while, but I'm making super progress while I should be writing papers.....and let's face it, I just love making lists, and book lists should have pictures.

So, for anyone who wants suggestions on children's books to read, they can be found on my old FIS blog (link on the right).

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Fry and Laurie

It didn't occur to me to put Fry and Laurie on the previous movie blogs, so here's some now.

Mystery
Hey Jude
Piano Master Class
Hugh Laurie is Dead
The Sophisticated Song
The Subject of Language

There's quite a bit more if you want to look it up yourself.

Picture Books

Some older picture books I enjoy.





Monday, April 23, 2007

PARTY!!!

Went to A.T.'s YPFIS end of year party yesterday and had a wonderful time :) Played games, had great food, talked w/ friends, generally relaxed on a beautiful day. Very much needed and enjoyed! Thanks A.T. and parents!

Happy birthday to mom-in-law (shortly to be) and her brother T this week.

Also, cleaned out the cottage on Sat. which was a bit sad for PI.

Still working on 2 papers.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

School's Out!

The fact that classes are over is a bit of a relief, but, as I still have 3 papers to write, not much of one.

Congrats to mom who got into grad school :) Guess next year I'll be helping her w/ her homework :P

Went to Luisa Miller on Fri. I'm not the hugest Verdi fan, but the performance was quite good.

Kristine's memorial service was today. It was good to see so many people there, though I agree w/ MT, I was surprised there weren't more Mooredale aged people around. Guess they're all still away at university or something.

Happy birthday to cousin A and Granddad.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Library Videos

Here's an exercise program for anyone who's worried that their job as a librarian is too sedentary. - Library Workout Tape

Also, an update on our nut-bar cat. He's back to his regular, trouble causing self again, including his attempted escapes from the apartment, howling at doors, and destroying of furniture.

Oh, and a couple of bash.org postings I forgot to post earlier.
Coffee
Cake
Chrildren

Sunday, April 08, 2007

More News

Kristine Bogyo was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed :'(

Friday, April 06, 2007

NEWS!!!

So, as far as I know there is no one lurking on this blog that should be informed by family and doesn't know yet....IT are expecting again!!!!....TWINS!!!!!

We're all exceptionally excited for them. Having two kids does, in some way, make up for losing one :D

Good luck w/ everything, we're here for you, esp when you're stuck at home and need company and something to do!

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Vet

The cat has decided to get sick and cost us quite a lot of money. I personally think it might have something to do w/ the fact that he is actively eating one of PI's shoes and quite a lot of other stuff around the house.

He's throwing everything up and not eating much, so he's staying in the cat hospital so they can monitor him for a couple of days....and cost us an arm and a leg. The cat is now insured. *sigh*

Facebook

After having resisted for 3 years, I have finally become ensnared by facebook and urge you all to do the same! Hooray for brainwashing!!!
If you're already there, poke me or something :D

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Friday, March 30, 2007

Composing

Went to the U of T student composers concert tonight to hear MT's piece. It was super good and I think he should have won. We both really enjoyed it! Congrats on a good performance.
...the meringues were good too :)

Bell

PI has blogged most of the latest Bell drama, but he failed to mention that the reason the Bell bill had, in theory, been closed last time was because he found the receipt for the return of the modem. This proved to them that we could not possibly have been using their service during the time after the modem was returned and, since we'd canceled the account before that anyway they should have stopped billing us when we told them to stop billing us.

I hate Bell. I know you've heard that from me about a million times now, but I really hate them. The next time I hear from them for any reason I'm going to file a complaint w/ the Better Business Bureau!

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Turnitin.com

For all of you who have had to use turnitin for courses in the past, or still have to use it, and hate it, here's an article PI found about students who are suing the company for copyright violation.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

General Stuff

Last night we went to see Phantom of the Opera. It was a lot of fun. I had never seen it before, though PI had. We had a nice dinner before and walked over. On the walk from the restaurant we met PI's step-grandmother and her friend :) That was good :D haven't seen them in quite a while!

Also, as usual, have been reading children's books.