It's almost Christmas - at first the holiday was sneaking up on us but now it seems to be gaining speed, kinda like a ninja. All stealthy and hidden and what not, and all of a sudden it's gonna be all up in my grill demanding my time and energy.
I can't fully say I was super excited about Christmas this year. A bunch of traditions have since fallen by the wayside - decorating the tree (though we didn't do this last year either), sending out Christmas cards (again, haven't done this in a while) and participating in other various holiday festivities. Now that I'm not at home anymore and my mom isn't there to insist upon our involvement it's really hard to bring myself to do all the stuff that comes along with the holidays myself.
A few traditions have survived - Trishelle and I had our annual Cookie Factory day (though it was more done at night this year) last weekend. We baked many a batch of sugar cookies and gingermen like every year.
I will also be making nuts and bolts this year, like I did with my grandma every year prior to her passing away. Usually she'd overlook the whole production and while the nuts and bolts were in the oven she would get me to wrap her presents. I will likely attempt to do my own wrapping at the same time.
Since I'm watching my pennies and trying to keep costs to a minium, I've been crocheting my friends and family super cute slippers. I always think that homemade gifts are better than store bought ones anyway.
Soon the holiday season will be over and it will be closer to summer... which I can not wait for!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Super easy no yeast Cinnabuns
I've been baking again and my ass isn't overly happy about it (though my tastebuds are rejoicing)... Last weekend when I was back home visiting the family, I was having fun with the bread maker and got it in my head that I wanted to make cinnbuns. It took 2 attempts but I finally got them made. They didn't turn out exactly like I wanted them to but it got me thinking about when I was just a kid and our babysitter used to make these awesome cinnabuns in the mornings. I remember that it wasn't a rising dough, that she would basically just roll 'em out and then put them in the oven. My brother and I reminisced over those buns and it got me wanting to make some...
I scoured the internets and found this recipe. I tried it out tonight (even though I totally spaced on the first attempt and added WAY too much milk) and the results were echoes of my childhood. Instead of raisins and pecans I used dried cranberries and a sprinkling of crushed walnuts (that's all I had in my pantry) but either way they are awesome.
These cinnamon rolls are a little faster to make than most, with no rising time.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons shortening
* 3 cups self-rising flour (if you don't have this, just add a pinch of salt and 1.25 tsp of baking powder for every cup of flour used.)
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
* 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
* 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
* .
* Vanilla Glaze:
* 1 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Preparation:
Cut shortening into flour with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add 1 cup milk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Add a bit more milk if you need to to get it all sticking together. Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead lightly.
Roll dough into a 20x14-inch rectangle; spread the softened butter on dough, leaving a border of about 1/2-inch. Combine sugar and cinnamon; mix well, and sprinkle over butter. Top with pecans and raisins, if using. Beginning at long side, roll up jelly roll fashion; press edges and ends together securely. Cut into 1 inch slices; place cut side down in a buttered 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake at 375? for 20 to 25 minutes.
Combine powdered sugar and 3 tablespoon milk and vanilla; drizzle over warm rolls. Makes 20 cinnamon rolls.
I scoured the internets and found this recipe. I tried it out tonight (even though I totally spaced on the first attempt and added WAY too much milk) and the results were echoes of my childhood. Instead of raisins and pecans I used dried cranberries and a sprinkling of crushed walnuts (that's all I had in my pantry) but either way they are awesome.
These cinnamon rolls are a little faster to make than most, with no rising time.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons shortening
* 3 cups self-rising flour (if you don't have this, just add a pinch of salt and 1.25 tsp of baking powder for every cup of flour used.)
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
* 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
* 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
* .
* Vanilla Glaze:
* 1 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Preparation:
Cut shortening into flour with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add 1 cup milk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Add a bit more milk if you need to to get it all sticking together. Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead lightly.
Roll dough into a 20x14-inch rectangle; spread the softened butter on dough, leaving a border of about 1/2-inch. Combine sugar and cinnamon; mix well, and sprinkle over butter. Top with pecans and raisins, if using. Beginning at long side, roll up jelly roll fashion; press edges and ends together securely. Cut into 1 inch slices; place cut side down in a buttered 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake at 375? for 20 to 25 minutes.
Combine powdered sugar and 3 tablespoon milk and vanilla; drizzle over warm rolls. Makes 20 cinnamon rolls.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Halloween in Ottawa
I got to spend Halloween up in Ottawa this year - it was great!
About a month ago Meg texted me telling me that Wylie was giving her a hard time about his costume for Halloween. She had either a Winnie the Pooh costume or a Thomas the Tank Engine costume to work with. He wanted to be Scooby Doo. I told her to tell him that I was coming for Halloween and that I was afraid of Scooby Doo and that he should be Winnie the Pooh instead. She asked me if I could tell him that myself and I said sure. So Wylie called me and after much convincing, it was decided that he would be Winnie the Pooh and I would be Tigger.
I wasn't totally sure how I'd come up with a Tigger costume but luckily Meg found a tiger hat that would work and I rounded up my Mom's old halloween shirt (bright orange with a jack o lantern face on it)that I cut out a fuzzy yellow "belly" and duct taped it on. Black electrical tape became the stripes on the sleeves. Meg had a donkey hat and some grey pants and a grey shirt and she became Eeyore. Oddly, Wylie kept pronouncing Eeyore as "Eerie-O". Strange kid.
Afterwards I took off to meet up with SC and go to a party with some friends from Henry's. She'd contacted me previously and wondered whether I wanted to be part of a 2 part costume. I said sure and then was informed that I was to become Charlie Brown and she was going to be the Kite Eating Tree. I'm not much of a Peanuts fan and actually had to look this up...
The party was great - got to see a bunch of friends that I haven't seen in a long while. There was a few awkward moments involving a certain someone who wasn't overly impressed with me and the situation when Dave and I got back together. Thankfully nothing terrible happened and it was a great night overall.
Drove back to London on Sunday afternoon and made it back in good time - about 6 hours. It was weird being all alone in the car since the last time I drove back and forth myself was about 2 years ago.
About a month ago Meg texted me telling me that Wylie was giving her a hard time about his costume for Halloween. She had either a Winnie the Pooh costume or a Thomas the Tank Engine costume to work with. He wanted to be Scooby Doo. I told her to tell him that I was coming for Halloween and that I was afraid of Scooby Doo and that he should be Winnie the Pooh instead. She asked me if I could tell him that myself and I said sure. So Wylie called me and after much convincing, it was decided that he would be Winnie the Pooh and I would be Tigger.
I wasn't totally sure how I'd come up with a Tigger costume but luckily Meg found a tiger hat that would work and I rounded up my Mom's old halloween shirt (bright orange with a jack o lantern face on it)that I cut out a fuzzy yellow "belly" and duct taped it on. Black electrical tape became the stripes on the sleeves. Meg had a donkey hat and some grey pants and a grey shirt and she became Eeyore. Oddly, Wylie kept pronouncing Eeyore as "Eerie-O". Strange kid.
Afterwards I took off to meet up with SC and go to a party with some friends from Henry's. She'd contacted me previously and wondered whether I wanted to be part of a 2 part costume. I said sure and then was informed that I was to become Charlie Brown and she was going to be the Kite Eating Tree. I'm not much of a Peanuts fan and actually had to look this up...
The party was great - got to see a bunch of friends that I haven't seen in a long while. There was a few awkward moments involving a certain someone who wasn't overly impressed with me and the situation when Dave and I got back together. Thankfully nothing terrible happened and it was a great night overall.
Drove back to London on Sunday afternoon and made it back in good time - about 6 hours. It was weird being all alone in the car since the last time I drove back and forth myself was about 2 years ago.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Weight Loss Wagon
I'm sure you've noticed that I started updating with a bit more regularity... I'm going to chock it up to the fact that I put a little application on my google homepage that allows me to post directly.
Anyway, I've decided to really get back on the weight loss wagon. This includes tracking what I eat and trying to actually lose weight. I used to use a particular website (www.thedailyplate.com) but stopped using that a long while ago. So I searched out something on Facebook (since I spend enough time on that website as it is, might as well make it useful) and added a diet tracking application. I input all that I ate yesterday plus all the exercise I did yesterday... and realized I don't eat anywhere enough food to make up for what I do in a day. AARGH!
This is the part I always have a hard time with. In order to lose weight you have to consume less calories than you burn, but if you consume WAY less (like, in my case yesterday about half) then your body stays in starvation mode and nothing happens.
So I have to start eating more. Or at least eating way more on the days that I plan to go to the gym.
I've been eating a lot of soup lately, which is good for you and fills you up and isn't super high in calories.
I think I need a game plan. Last night I went to the gym and did 50 min of cardio while watching The 40 Year Old Virgin... managed to burn like, 600 calories! (whoo hoo!) However, I didn't do any weights. Haven't been in the mood to do weights lately. But I really should. Gotta build up that lean muscle!
If only I could just win the lottery and get liposuction on my saddle bags. Thats the only part of me that really bothers me!
Anyway, I've decided to really get back on the weight loss wagon. This includes tracking what I eat and trying to actually lose weight. I used to use a particular website (www.thedailyplate.com) but stopped using that a long while ago. So I searched out something on Facebook (since I spend enough time on that website as it is, might as well make it useful) and added a diet tracking application. I input all that I ate yesterday plus all the exercise I did yesterday... and realized I don't eat anywhere enough food to make up for what I do in a day. AARGH!
This is the part I always have a hard time with. In order to lose weight you have to consume less calories than you burn, but if you consume WAY less (like, in my case yesterday about half) then your body stays in starvation mode and nothing happens.
So I have to start eating more. Or at least eating way more on the days that I plan to go to the gym.
I've been eating a lot of soup lately, which is good for you and fills you up and isn't super high in calories.
I think I need a game plan. Last night I went to the gym and did 50 min of cardio while watching The 40 Year Old Virgin... managed to burn like, 600 calories! (whoo hoo!) However, I didn't do any weights. Haven't been in the mood to do weights lately. But I really should. Gotta build up that lean muscle!
If only I could just win the lottery and get liposuction on my saddle bags. Thats the only part of me that really bothers me!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Photo Graphy...
I've really gotta start taking pictures again! I saw some of the pictures from Ty and Lauren's wedding and their photographer did such a great job! I was super jealous that it was awesome and my photos are not that awesome.
Things to put on my list of things to accomplish: make new website. Set it up to sell prints. Sell prints. Find people who need help with photo editing. Make some money!
Things to put on my list of things to accomplish: make new website. Set it up to sell prints. Sell prints. Find people who need help with photo editing. Make some money!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Soup
I've been on a soup kick lately - I've made both potato and squash soup in the last 30 hours. I'm not certain what has encouraged me to get so creative in the kitchen, but it's an easy thing to keep on hand in the fridge to take for lunch. My recipes are as follows:
Potato Soup (Mom's recipe)
Potatoes - enough to cover the bottom of a large pot. 6-7 med or 5 large. Peel and put into a pot and cover with water - just to the top of the potatoes.
Sausage - smoked sausage is the best way to go. Polish sausage is an easy way to go. 3 sausages is usually enough. Lay them on top of the potatoes.
Chicken soup stock - a tablespoon or so would be sufficient (I rarely measure anything...) Put in the pot with the potatoes, water and sausage.
Onions - finely chop one medium sized potato and put it in the pot.
Parsley - gives the soup some colour.
Corn - also gives the soup some colour. Totally optional.
Boil the potatoes until they are soft, even possibly falling apart. If the water goes down while cooking, add some more. When the potatoes are done, take the sausages off and set aside. Mash the potatoes and add parsley and corn. Slice the sausage into "coins" and put into the soup. Add milk to give it a creamy texture, possibly about a cup.
Random Squash Soup
About 4 cups of cooked squash - I used acorn squash this time but any kind will work.
Soup stock (or water and chicken soup base). - also approx 4 cups. I just add it in until I think there's enough
Onion - one medium sized onion, chopped up.
Garlic - about a teaspoon.
Ginger - about half a teaspoon.
Pepper - I found this great pepper medley at Bulk Barn a while back that I have been using for anything requiring pepper. About half a teaspoon.
Nutmeg - a dash. Up to you to determine what constitutes a dash.
Rosemary - again, a dash.
Put everything in a pot and boil til squash is soft and can be mashed with a spoon. When it's good and cooked, probably 20 min or so, put into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour back into a pot and add about half a cup of milk. Would probably be great if it had some ham or sausage in it.
- This has a whole bunch of different flavours going on - pepper, garlic, ginger - it's kinda "spicy" but not in a bad way.
Potato Soup (Mom's recipe)
Potatoes - enough to cover the bottom of a large pot. 6-7 med or 5 large. Peel and put into a pot and cover with water - just to the top of the potatoes.
Sausage - smoked sausage is the best way to go. Polish sausage is an easy way to go. 3 sausages is usually enough. Lay them on top of the potatoes.
Chicken soup stock - a tablespoon or so would be sufficient (I rarely measure anything...) Put in the pot with the potatoes, water and sausage.
Onions - finely chop one medium sized potato and put it in the pot.
Parsley - gives the soup some colour.
Corn - also gives the soup some colour. Totally optional.
Boil the potatoes until they are soft, even possibly falling apart. If the water goes down while cooking, add some more. When the potatoes are done, take the sausages off and set aside. Mash the potatoes and add parsley and corn. Slice the sausage into "coins" and put into the soup. Add milk to give it a creamy texture, possibly about a cup.
Random Squash Soup
About 4 cups of cooked squash - I used acorn squash this time but any kind will work.
Soup stock (or water and chicken soup base). - also approx 4 cups. I just add it in until I think there's enough
Onion - one medium sized onion, chopped up.
Garlic - about a teaspoon.
Ginger - about half a teaspoon.
Pepper - I found this great pepper medley at Bulk Barn a while back that I have been using for anything requiring pepper. About half a teaspoon.
Nutmeg - a dash. Up to you to determine what constitutes a dash.
Rosemary - again, a dash.
Put everything in a pot and boil til squash is soft and can be mashed with a spoon. When it's good and cooked, probably 20 min or so, put into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour back into a pot and add about half a cup of milk. Would probably be great if it had some ham or sausage in it.
- This has a whole bunch of different flavours going on - pepper, garlic, ginger - it's kinda "spicy" but not in a bad way.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thanksgiving and Giant Doggies
A few weeks ago I received a phone call from my brother that went something like this:
*phone rings, I question why my brother is calling me*
Me: Hey... whats up?
James: "Hey! Guess what I'm doing right now"
Me: I surely have no idea.
J: I'm going to get a dog!!!
Me: What? What kinda dog? And from where?
J: A St. Bernard!!
Me: WhAT!? seriously?
J: Yeah. Bonnie and Steve know a guy that needs a home for his dog... seems I was kinda hung over and I told them I'd take it...
*phone rings, I question why my brother is calling me*
Me: Hey... whats up?
James: "Hey! Guess what I'm doing right now"
Me: I surely have no idea.
J: I'm going to get a dog!!!
Me: What? What kinda dog? And from where?
J: A St. Bernard!!
Me: WhAT!? seriously?
J: Yeah. Bonnie and Steve know a guy that needs a home for his dog... seems I was kinda hung over and I told them I'd take it...
Me: Does dad know?
J:... no, I figured I'd just show up with it. He'll be fine...
Me: Oh dear lord. Call me as soon as you get him! I wanna hear what Dad has to say.
I was all ready for some massive blow out and my brother being forced to live in his trailer after he arrived home with this massive dog, but it seems my dad was fine with the new addition. I've been waiting paitently to meet this gentle giant and this weekend when I went home for thanksgiving I was finally able to! Such a nice dog!! I love him! He's enormous - his back is the same height as my hips! His head probably weighs like, 80lbs... which is almost half of his body weight! I took all kinds of pictures of him while I was home... (click on the picture to see more pictures!)
This was also my first time ever making a full Thanksgiving dinner without help from my mommy. There were 11 people for dinner, including myself, and I did turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, turnip, carrots and parsnips, beans, and 2 kinds of pie. It was a great success, which made me happy. I think my mom would have been very proud, although I'm sure she was slightly disappointed she couldn't be there, over my shoulder, telling me how to do things.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Italy Part 3
Wow... I've been slacking. Okay - so here's what else happened on our adventures:
This morning started with a leather demo in Florence - we were shown how a Florentine Jewelery box is made from leather and then had time to wander around. Ange was on the hunt for the perfect leather jacket. After about an hour of wandering and shopping, we met up with the group and had a walking tour of Florence. Our guide was really good. We saw Michelango's David and a bunch of other sculptures. I have to say, the one of Perseus defeating Medusa was more impressive - the detail that went into it and the fact that it was made by one solid piece of brass was crazy! We spent the entire day after that shopping shopping shopping! Ange found the perfect leather jacket but it was just WAY too expensive. We had to meet the group to go to our Tuscan dinner and she told the people at the shop that she'd come back later. We didn't have time to go back before going for dinner so decided that if it was meant to be, it'd happen. Otherwise it wasn't. We got in our bus and drove to a look out spot over Florence and took a group picture overlooking all of Florence. Then we headed into the Tuscan hills to our dinner spot. Dinner was pretty good, but the sangria they served us before hand was AWESOME! Best sangria ever. One of our travel buddies, Mike, got up on the piano and played for all of us and sang, it was amazing. After dinner we went back to the hotel while a bunch of the people went to the "Space Electronic" disco... we had another balcony party. It was great - we even ducked when our tour leader, Katia, came home and were joking that we were hiding from "Mom".
Tues Sept 1 - Florence/Tuscany
This morning started with a leather demo in Florence - we were shown how a Florentine Jewelery box is made from leather and then had time to wander around. Ange was on the hunt for the perfect leather jacket. After about an hour of wandering and shopping, we met up with the group and had a walking tour of Florence. Our guide was really good. We saw Michelango's David and a bunch of other sculptures. I have to say, the one of Perseus defeating Medusa was more impressive - the detail that went into it and the fact that it was made by one solid piece of brass was crazy! We spent the entire day after that shopping shopping shopping! Ange found the perfect leather jacket but it was just WAY too expensive. We had to meet the group to go to our Tuscan dinner and she told the people at the shop that she'd come back later. We didn't have time to go back before going for dinner so decided that if it was meant to be, it'd happen. Otherwise it wasn't. We got in our bus and drove to a look out spot over Florence and took a group picture overlooking all of Florence. Then we headed into the Tuscan hills to our dinner spot. Dinner was pretty good, but the sangria they served us before hand was AWESOME! Best sangria ever. One of our travel buddies, Mike, got up on the piano and played for all of us and sang, it was amazing. After dinner we went back to the hotel while a bunch of the people went to the "Space Electronic" disco... we had another balcony party. It was great - we even ducked when our tour leader, Katia, came home and were joking that we were hiding from "Mom".
Wed Sept 2 - San Giminagno etc
We got up early and left for San Giminagno, a medieval city outside of Florence (after getting yelled at for having our balcony party - Katia threatened that we would have to pay for the hotel room that someone had left without paying due to our noise). It's in the heart of the Chianti region and has great wines and is home to the best gelato in the world. It has all kinds of interesting flavours. We wandered around for a while, and had some great inexpensive pizza and bought some inexpensive wine to take home. After that we went to a winery and had a tour of their operation. We had a tasting and it was great! I stole a few grapes off a vine to see if they tasted like normal grapes and they did. Afterwards we went back to Florence and Ange went back to the leather shop that she had found the jacket at. She figured if they would still give her the great deal then she'd get it. The guy there wasn't the same one as the day before, but he was willing to give her a great price on it anyway, but she just wasn't ready to drop almost $400 on a jacket. The guy that was helping us seemed more interested in taking her out on a date than anything. He's actually a Canadian apparently, and told her that if she still wanted the jacket she could always order it and he'd bring it back to Canada for her next time he was here. While we were there I asked him if he could suggest any great Mom-and-Pop style pasta places. He recommended one within walking distance and a bunch of us set out to go there. In the end it only ended up being about 6 of us total - it was the BEST dinner of the whole trip, and SOOO cheap. Only 40 euros for 6 people to eat dinner. Just amazing. We gave the guy a huge tip and he gave us free Limincello. haha. Afterwards we went for a walk around Florence and checked out all kinds of interesting things. It seemed our theme of the walk was "what's this? Hmm... maybe it's blah blah blah..." and try to figure it out... only to see a sign describing what it was about 5 feet away. We got some beers and walked around the piazza where David is and enjoyed some live music. A great night!
Thurs Sept 3 - Pisa/Venice
We left early to go to Pisa on our way to Venice. Of course we took all kinds of silly pictures beside the leaning tower. It was kinda a disappointment though, as there wasn't really anything to do by the tower other than look at it. We didn't have time to go up inside so we really just hung out and waited to go back to the bus. While we were standing around outside, we were talking about how we were in the danger zone due to the pigeons up above us... and all of a sudden I felt something wet on my arm. Looked down and a bird had crapped on me and my camera. BARF! After Pisa we got back on the bus and headed to Venice. We arrived in the late afternoon and most of the group left on the train to go to Venice island. Our hotel was on the mainland about 30 min by train to the actual city of Venice. Ange and I decided to stay behind, get some food at the grocery for our next couple days and then take advantage of the included dinner. There ended up being only 4 of us for dinner! Ange and I and two girls from Montreal, along with our bus driver and Katia. Afterwards we went to this random little bar and had a glass of wine for 1.50 euro! Cheap! Had an early night since we really just needed a day of not going anywhere.
Friday Sept 4 - Venice
We left the hotel early and got on the train to go to Venice island. On the way there Katia recommended a bunch of things to do. Before we had time on our own we went to a glass blowing demonstration and then a lace making demo, 2 things that Venice is famous for. After that we took off on our own. Ange and I decided to try this dessert that Katia had told us to try - she described it as frozen chocolate with cream. However, it turned out to be a hunk of chocolate hazelnut icecream and whipped cream! And was WAY too expensive. We spent the rest of the day shopping. We saw more glass jewelery and lace stuff than I ever need to see again. I ended up buying a bunch of my souveniers in Venice - some necklaces, some crazy coloured pasta and some other odds and ends. After spending the whole day wandering around trying to get lost (not something I was in the mood for cuz I had a huge headache) we met back up with our group and headed to our dinner cruise. We had a great time on the boat, drinking Prosecco and orange juice (a Spritz, a venetian drink). Ange and I kept singing "I'm On A Boat" and hoping someone else would know the song... only a few people did. After the cruise we left for the hotel where we met at this random little sketchy bar on the other side to have a few farewell drinks with people.
Sat Sept 6th - Back to Rome
We took the bus back to Rome with the people who weren't leaving from Venice. It was a good group of people and the bus ride actually went really fast. I think we napped most of the way there. On the ride, Katia translated the song "In Italia" that we had been listening to over and over for. The bus dropped everyone off at the hotel that we started at and Ange and I took the bus back to Termini station. From there we walked to our hostel and decided to just have a chill day. We napped and checked our emails and all that kinda thing. The hostel had a free pasta dinner that we took part in and then later we went to find the Holy Steps and the Colosseum at night with a girl from our room (who we weren't smart enough to get contact details from). Got back relatively early and just had a quiet night.
Sunday Sept 6th - Back to Toronto
Woke up pretty early despite the fact we didn't have to. Got breakfast and made friends with a guy in our room named Jackson. We went to the train station and he joined us since he also was taking off. We hung out there for quite sometime, because we were NOT going to miss our train again! Got on the train to the airport and got through check in with ease (thank god!) Got some food at the airport and after being total creepers and taking pictures of this guy that looked just like Trishelle's dad and step dad mashed together we eventually got on a plane. Flew to Amsterdam and panicked because we had to run through the airport to get to our flight from Amsterdam and back home! It was sorta a false alarm though, since we probably had plenty of time but we didn't want to take any risks. Once on the plane we settled in and watched 3 movies! We had our own remotes and own personal tvs which was awesome. We watched Angels and Demons which was really cool since we'd just been in Rome and knew all the landmarks. And then we watched The Proposal and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. The Proposal was much better than the other! Got back into Toronto around 8:30 at night and Ange hung out with me while she waited for her friend to pick her up and I got on the shuttle to take me home... and I finally made it home around midnight.
Adventure Over! It was an amazing trip!
Monday, September 21, 2009
A-Team Takes Italy (Continued!)
See, I promised I'd continue my epic story of my trip to Italy.
Friday Aug 28th - "Best Day Ever" Sorrento/Capri
We awoke to a note saying that we'd been able to get space on the boat going to Capri! We met the group in the lobby of the hostel and got in a shuttle to go to the marina. Once at the marina we hovered around and let half of the people get on the "fast" boat while we waited around for the sailboat. We piled on and made ourselves comfy. Theres not many words that can describe the beauty of the cliffs and water around the coast. The water was this amazing blue colour, bluer than the skies and SOO clear. The skipper, Sebastian, took us to a few different swimming spots, in grottos and stuff like that. He also had goggles and flippers so we were able to check out the fishes and other random underwater things. I had my underwater housing for my camera with me so I was able to take a million pictures.The entire day's theme was "I'm On A Boat!" and it was decided that we'd have to make a video at the end of it all. They gave us lunch on the boat as well, these fabulous sandwiches with smoked mozzarella and basil, tomatoes and olive oil. SOO good. We stopped at a little restuarant and had icecream over looking the bay. We eventually got back to shore around 7pm as the sun was starting to set. We got back in the shuttle busses after a huge hike up the hill and went back to the hostel. We were going to go find some pizza in town but decided the walk was too much and opted to stay at the hostel for dinner.
Saturday Aug 29th - Sorrento to Rome
Sadly we had to leave Sorrento on Sat to go meet our Contiki group in Rome. Natalie and Daniel, our new friends from Perth, came with us to the train station and lucky for me Daniel offered to carry my backpack. Which made me extremely happy since I'd managed to get a bit of a sunburn on the boat the day before and my shoulders were a little bit tender. It just so happened that 2 other girls from the hostel were also going back to Naples (and then onto Rome) on the same train as us so we decided that our best course of action would be to operate as a group. When we got to Naples we found out the train was late (surprise surprise) and had to wait around.
Eventually we got to Rome and found a transit map. I'd written down the instructions on how to get to the hotel which required us to take the metro and then an overland train. However, once we got to Termini we found out that the train station that we were supposed to get off at was closed. We thought about it and decided that we'd just go to the closest metro station and walk from there. Not one of our best plans, I have to say. We walked and walked and walked, back and forth down via Bruno something. We'd taken a picture of the transit map and knew we were close. Eventually we stopped to ask someone for directions which was something of a gamble since all of our other encounters with asking people ended in flailing hands and pantomimes. Amazingly this guy we stopped was young, attractive (oh boy was he attractive!) and spoke english... and he happened to have a blackberry with GPS! Turns out that the street we wanted had a different name at our end (something we'd learn was pretty common as our time in Rome went on) and we'd been walking past it for over an hour. He went on his way after chatting with us for a bit (and giving us his contact details incase we got lost again) and we set off again. Still couldn't find it and eventually conceded and got a cab... which drove us about a block and dropped us off in front of the hotel. ARGH! Costs us 6 euros for that!
We ran into the hotel thinking that we'd missed the start of the contiki meeting. That would have made the 2nd time on a Contiki trip and I was late for the meeting. However, we were lucky and it didnt' start til 6pm and it was only 5. We went up to our room and put on dry clothes (mine were completely sweat drenched) and went down to meet the group. Our tour leader, Katia, went over all the optional things that we could do and then we went out for dinner. The dinner was awesome - fresh pasta that was thrown from the pasta maker into the pot (or at least thats what it tasted like!) and then covered in a creamy tomato sauce. And then we had veal and potatoes! Yum! We were pretty exhausted and had an early day planned so we went to bed pretty early.
Sunday - Aug 30th - Vatican/Rome
We got up early to get in line at the Vatican, as the last sunday of every month is free admission. However, the line was enormous and we left after waiting about 45 min. Instead of doing the Vatican we decided to do our walking tour around Rome. We saw the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps. While at the Trevi fountain Ange and I went in to get icecream and ended up losing the group. Thankfully I had a trusty map that led us to the Spanish Steps, which was as stop on the tour I'd heard her mention. Thankfully the group was there and we were able to catch up with them. After the tour we went for lunch at a little place right beside the Colosseum. Ange and I both had our first taste of traditional italian pizza - which was awesome and just how I like it! Thin thin crust mmmmm. We did a guided tour of the Roman Forum and then of the Colosseum. We made plans with the people that weren't doing the optional pizza party to go out for dinner somewhere around 8pm. We got back on the bus and went back to the hotel. When it came time to go out for dinner we took the bus - illegally while the rest of the group spent money on a cab. We'd had enough of cabs after our 6 euros to go one block adventure! We met the group in Piazza Navona and joined them for dinner. Afterwards we boasted our amazing bus skills and said that the last bus was leaving at midnight and that you didn't *really* have to pay! So we went to the bus stop and waited... eventually the bus driver showed up (we were waiting beside an empty bus with no sign hoping that it was the right one and that we didn't have to cab it back). I asked him if it was the 926, which it was. We all got on the train, didn't validate our cards (cuz we didnt' HAVE any) and then I proceeded to attempt to communicate with the bus driver who didn't speak any english to get him to tell us when to get off. Even though it was as clear as mud what was going on, we still managed to get off the bus a stop too soon. The bus driver stopped the bus and looked at us like we were morons and told us to get back on. haha. ooops! Finally made it back to the hotel and crashed, ready for another big day - Vatican and then off to Florence!
Monday Aug 31st - Vatican (again) and Florence!
Up early again to go to the Vatican. However, this time we got advance tickets and didn't have to wait in the long line. We toured around the Vatican museums and saw the Sistene Chapel. We opted out of the guided tour of the museums/chapel and thus didn't really quite know what we were looking at when we got there. However, I happened to have an app on my iPod about Rome that came in super handy. So there Ange and I sat, reading info about the Sistene Chapel while the guards kept yelling "NO FOTO!" and "SHHHH!!!" I think thats all they do all day. I managed to sneak a few pictures of the ceiling before the guy went totally crazy on us. Aftewards we went and grabbed a bite to eat and then met the rest of the group and got on the bus to go to Florence! While on the bus we played a few "get to know you" games. Eventually we arrived in Florence and even though Katia had said that the hotel wasn't super wonderful, Ange and I were ecstatic to find out that our room had the only balcony! We'd been warned not to have any room parties but we figured we could have a balcony party! We went out for dinner at this (literally) hole in the wall place and had a great dinner of spaghetti and soup and salad and stuff. Then we went to a pub not too far away that had karaoke. We left fairly early and invited anyone arriving after us up to our room to join us on the balcony.
(more soon...still 6 days to go!)
--
alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
--
alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A Promise and a Movie!
I promise I'll finish telling you all about Italy soon! I've been so busy with stuff going on at work that I haven't had a chance to do ANYTHING! All my spare time has been taken up by making things for work too.. well, and for pleasure.
This is a video of our sailing trip around Capri (which I have yet to tell you all about)...consider this a teaser.
And this is a video I did for work - It'll be displayed at Western Idol (for which Travel CUTS is sponsoring the prize). Enjoy!
Promise - as soon as I'm not swamped doing ISIC cards and VIA rail tickets at work (amoungst all the other chaos) my blog about Italy will be completed!
This is a video of our sailing trip around Capri (which I have yet to tell you all about)...consider this a teaser.
And this is a video I did for work - It'll be displayed at Western Idol (for which Travel CUTS is sponsoring the prize). Enjoy!
Promise - as soon as I'm not swamped doing ISIC cards and VIA rail tickets at work (amoungst all the other chaos) my blog about Italy will be completed!
Friday, September 11, 2009
A-Team takes on Italy! The full story - be prepared, this is long
This might be a long post, so bear with me!
Ange met me at the airport in Toronto and we left for Amsterdam. We had a HUGE plane (2 levels!) but sadly it was a bit older and didn't have the tvs in the back of the seats. The food was great... the best part was the free wine! We left at about 6pm and arrived into Amsterdam at about 7am, and despite our best efforts we didn't sleep much on the plane and so we were pretty exhausted. Once in Amsterdam, we figured out how to get a train into the city. Once there we took a picture of the map so that we'd know approximately where to go. (You know me, I love my maps!) Our first impression of the city wasn't great - there was garbage everywhere and people were cleaning up. We trekked through the streets, Ange dragging her suitcase and me with my backpack. We unknowingly went straight to the Red Light District and were greeted with sex shops and signs proclaiming live sex shows etc. We found our hostel (just meters away from the edge of the RLD) and Ange was thrilled that it was a "Christian" hostel. I was just happy for a place to drop my bag off. Because it was so early we couldn't go to our rooms yet... so we stored our luggage and started on our adventure around the city. I won't go into details of the whole day but some random thoughts were these:
This was a day of planes, trains etc. We left Amsterdam in the early afternoon and flew to Rome. We had great sandwiches on the plane and amused ourselves by staring at this guy that was across the aisle that totally looked like an Elmira boy. Being total creepers we even took pictures of him. Upon arrival in Rome we got our luggage and overheard a guy saying he was going to Termini (the main station) I befriended him and we joined forces in getting ourselves to the city. After getting on the wrong train, and then getting on the right one (which required running down and up stairs with our luggage) we made it to the city. Once there Ange checked her luggage so that she wouldn't have to take all her stuff with her to Sorrento. We checked the board and found our platform and settled in to wait... or so we thought. Our departure time came and went... I chalked it up to italian trains being late... but then we got worried. I went in search of help and while I was gone Ange made friends with a random stranger who informed me that there was a board that showed the platform to go to. He took me to the ticket counter and spoke to the woman and she informed me that our train had indeed arrived and that we'd missed it. Thankfully we were able to get one the next one at a cost of 4 Euros more each. We parked ourselves near this massive sign and then waited. Finally got on the train at 7:50pm and headed for Naples. Got to Naples around 10pm (not ideal! It's sketchville for sure!) and had to catch the local train to our hostel which was located just outside of the city. Someone must have been looking out for us because the train condutor was fabulous and made sure we got to our stop. Believe me when I say trains are not my forte!! Once off the train we followed the directions given by the hostel and headed down the hill. I didn't wanna go too far down the hill in the event that we were going the wrong way. Stopped at a gelato stand and asked, and then got the best gelato. Finally made it to our hostel around 11pm and were STARVING. The girl at the desk said that nothing really was open but we could go to Mc Dog's... so we went to figure out what that was... basically a hotdog stand. I got a "semplice" dog... which was the basic... with Ketchup and Mayo on it. *gag* While standing there this truck drove by spraying a mist that smelled SOOO bad. We asked what it was and the guy told us it was insecticide. How gross is that!?
When I say I'm not good with trains, I mean it. We left the hostel in Naples and headed to Pompeii. We got on the train and were counting down the stops. We got to Torres de something or other and I confidently said "Okay! Next stop is us!" However, the minute we left the station the scrolling words in the train said "Prossima Fermata Bonnevescra" (or something like that)... and I panicked! I looked at the route map and realized that we were on the train that branches off instead of going to Pompeii! We got off the train at the next stop and then had to ask the random old men at the station whether we could get back to the Torres de whatever to get to Pompeii. After a painful conversation it was decided that we could... One helpful guy decided to take us personally which wasn't really that great cuz he kinda made uneasy. Once back at Torres de whatever, everyone at the station looked at our giant bags and pointed us to the correct platform (Binario in Italian). Apparently we stood out. Can't imagine why. Once (finally) in Pompeii we left our bags with the random stand (fairly certain they'd be gone when we got back) and headed towards the unearthed city. We rented audioguides and wandered around for 4 hours. The place was HUGE!! Way bigger than I expected. It was amazing. The plaster casts they made of the people that were ducking for cover were just mind blowing.
Eventually we were exhausted and decided to continue on to Sorrento to our hostel. We got back on the train (thankfully there was only one option) and upon arrival in Sorrento started trekking to the hostel. The hostel was AMAZING. It was an old converted church that had a beautiful open courtyard and a rooftop patio. Words can not describe. Even though we were in a 12 share room, it was huge and clean and had A/C... We showered and got changed and then were going to head out for dinner but were enticed to eat at the hostel since the prices were good and we were too tired to walk anywhere. Got some delicious gnocci (I think it was my first time eating it actually) and made friends with a brother and sister from Perth, Australia. We went upstairs to explore the rooftop patio and had some drinks. Made plans to hopefully go on a tour of Capri the next day and went to bed. Well, I did - Ange stayed up with the boy from Perth since she was pretty convinced she'd found true love. Thankfully I had his sister, Natalie, to talk to!
(more to come in another post)
Aug 24th/25th Amsterdam for One Whole Day!
Ange met me at the airport in Toronto and we left for Amsterdam. We had a HUGE plane (2 levels!) but sadly it was a bit older and didn't have the tvs in the back of the seats. The food was great... the best part was the free wine! We left at about 6pm and arrived into Amsterdam at about 7am, and despite our best efforts we didn't sleep much on the plane and so we were pretty exhausted. Once in Amsterdam, we figured out how to get a train into the city. Once there we took a picture of the map so that we'd know approximately where to go. (You know me, I love my maps!) Our first impression of the city wasn't great - there was garbage everywhere and people were cleaning up. We trekked through the streets, Ange dragging her suitcase and me with my backpack. We unknowingly went straight to the Red Light District and were greeted with sex shops and signs proclaiming live sex shows etc. We found our hostel (just meters away from the edge of the RLD) and Ange was thrilled that it was a "Christian" hostel. I was just happy for a place to drop my bag off. Because it was so early we couldn't go to our rooms yet... so we stored our luggage and started on our adventure around the city. I won't go into details of the whole day but some random thoughts were these:
- Cafe: Coffee shop.
- Coffeeshop: Pot bar
- "I have now forseen my death and it's going to be hit by a giant dutch person on a bicycle". Seriously, those people are tall and even taller on their bikes. I think I almost died 15 times. These people talk on their phones, carry their groceries and hold their babies while biking - all at once!
- I love european coffee. Er, Koffie when in Amsterdam.
- the RLD is weird - you'd glance in a window and see a woman in her undies thinking it was a mannequin... then she'd move. Even stranger at night.
- Amsterdam is beautiful with it's canals and funny leaning over houses.
- It took us a whole day to find out where the i amsterdam sign was... we didn't have time to get there at night but got there the next morning before having to go to the airport.
- you definitely need more than one day there - with all the museums etc one day is just not enough.
Aug 26th - Amsterdam to Rome to Naples
This was a day of planes, trains etc. We left Amsterdam in the early afternoon and flew to Rome. We had great sandwiches on the plane and amused ourselves by staring at this guy that was across the aisle that totally looked like an Elmira boy. Being total creepers we even took pictures of him. Upon arrival in Rome we got our luggage and overheard a guy saying he was going to Termini (the main station) I befriended him and we joined forces in getting ourselves to the city. After getting on the wrong train, and then getting on the right one (which required running down and up stairs with our luggage) we made it to the city. Once there Ange checked her luggage so that she wouldn't have to take all her stuff with her to Sorrento. We checked the board and found our platform and settled in to wait... or so we thought. Our departure time came and went... I chalked it up to italian trains being late... but then we got worried. I went in search of help and while I was gone Ange made friends with a random stranger who informed me that there was a board that showed the platform to go to. He took me to the ticket counter and spoke to the woman and she informed me that our train had indeed arrived and that we'd missed it. Thankfully we were able to get one the next one at a cost of 4 Euros more each. We parked ourselves near this massive sign and then waited. Finally got on the train at 7:50pm and headed for Naples. Got to Naples around 10pm (not ideal! It's sketchville for sure!) and had to catch the local train to our hostel which was located just outside of the city. Someone must have been looking out for us because the train condutor was fabulous and made sure we got to our stop. Believe me when I say trains are not my forte!! Once off the train we followed the directions given by the hostel and headed down the hill. I didn't wanna go too far down the hill in the event that we were going the wrong way. Stopped at a gelato stand and asked, and then got the best gelato. Finally made it to our hostel around 11pm and were STARVING. The girl at the desk said that nothing really was open but we could go to Mc Dog's... so we went to figure out what that was... basically a hotdog stand. I got a "semplice" dog... which was the basic... with Ketchup and Mayo on it. *gag* While standing there this truck drove by spraying a mist that smelled SOOO bad. We asked what it was and the guy told us it was insecticide. How gross is that!?
Aug 27th Naples to Pompeii to Sorrento
When I say I'm not good with trains, I mean it. We left the hostel in Naples and headed to Pompeii. We got on the train and were counting down the stops. We got to Torres de something or other and I confidently said "Okay! Next stop is us!" However, the minute we left the station the scrolling words in the train said "Prossima Fermata Bonnevescra" (or something like that)... and I panicked! I looked at the route map and realized that we were on the train that branches off instead of going to Pompeii! We got off the train at the next stop and then had to ask the random old men at the station whether we could get back to the Torres de whatever to get to Pompeii. After a painful conversation it was decided that we could... One helpful guy decided to take us personally which wasn't really that great cuz he kinda made uneasy. Once back at Torres de whatever, everyone at the station looked at our giant bags and pointed us to the correct platform (Binario in Italian). Apparently we stood out. Can't imagine why. Once (finally) in Pompeii we left our bags with the random stand (fairly certain they'd be gone when we got back) and headed towards the unearthed city. We rented audioguides and wandered around for 4 hours. The place was HUGE!! Way bigger than I expected. It was amazing. The plaster casts they made of the people that were ducking for cover were just mind blowing.
Eventually we were exhausted and decided to continue on to Sorrento to our hostel. We got back on the train (thankfully there was only one option) and upon arrival in Sorrento started trekking to the hostel. The hostel was AMAZING. It was an old converted church that had a beautiful open courtyard and a rooftop patio. Words can not describe. Even though we were in a 12 share room, it was huge and clean and had A/C... We showered and got changed and then were going to head out for dinner but were enticed to eat at the hostel since the prices were good and we were too tired to walk anywhere. Got some delicious gnocci (I think it was my first time eating it actually) and made friends with a brother and sister from Perth, Australia. We went upstairs to explore the rooftop patio and had some drinks. Made plans to hopefully go on a tour of Capri the next day and went to bed. Well, I did - Ange stayed up with the boy from Perth since she was pretty convinced she'd found true love. Thankfully I had his sister, Natalie, to talk to!
(more to come in another post)
Pictures From Italy
We made it back safe and sound, and I finally got my pictures up.... well, I guess it didn't take me that long, since I have only been home under 24 hours... Theres about a million, but here you go...rest assured, of the 1500+ pics that Ange and I took I didn't put them ALL up!!
Amsterdam: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/Amsterdam#
Naples and Pompeii: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/NaplesAndPompeii#
Sorrento and Capri: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/SorrentoAndCapri#
Rome: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/RomeColosseumVaticanEtc#
Florence: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/FlorenceBalconyPartiesBestDinnerEVERDavidEtc#
Venice: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/Venice#
Others: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/ItalyHereAndThere#
Enjoy!!! I've captioned most of them, so hopefully it's self explanatory!
Amsterdam: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/Amsterdam#
Naples and Pompeii: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/NaplesAndPompeii#
Sorrento and Capri: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/SorrentoAndCapri#
Rome: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/RomeColosseumVaticanEtc#
Florence: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/FlorenceBalconyPartiesBestDinnerEVERDavidEtc#
Venice: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/Venice#
Others: http://picasaweb.google.com/foell.alanna/ItalyHereAndThere#
Enjoy!!! I've captioned most of them, so hopefully it's self explanatory!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Results from the BBB4
Hey All!
I just wanted to let you know that our final tally for the BBB4 was $8328!
You guys are amazing! I can't thank you all enough for helping us out with our cause.
If anyone didn't donate but still wants to, I believe the link is still active.
http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2255750
http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2255750
Again, thank you everyone - your contributions mean the world to me!
--
alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
--
alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Bald! Breasts! Bands! ... BBB4
Almost a month later I've finally remembered to write about this year's barn burner... and a fantastic thing it was!!
We managed to raise over $8000 towards finding a cure for breast cancer! An official total hasn't been declared yet, as I'm still waiting on money to trickle in from a few sources... but I know we made a tonne and it's amazing!
If I had to guess we had somewhere around 500 people show up. Pillars donated sausages for the event and that part alone raised around $900! The bands were fabulous, and Chaos for Comfort donated $1 from every cd sold to go towards the cause.
We had about 6 people get up on stage and shave their heads. Online donations before the fact raised over $2500... with Sartaj donating the most ($301) and earning the opportunity to shave my head.
Pictures of the night can be seen here, on my facebook: BBB4 - Bald! Breasts! Bands!
We managed to raise over $8000 towards finding a cure for breast cancer! An official total hasn't been declared yet, as I'm still waiting on money to trickle in from a few sources... but I know we made a tonne and it's amazing!
If I had to guess we had somewhere around 500 people show up. Pillars donated sausages for the event and that part alone raised around $900! The bands were fabulous, and Chaos for Comfort donated $1 from every cd sold to go towards the cause.
We had about 6 people get up on stage and shave their heads. Online donations before the fact raised over $2500... with Sartaj donating the most ($301) and earning the opportunity to shave my head.
Pictures of the night can be seen here, on my facebook: BBB4 - Bald! Breasts! Bands!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Elmira Independent Talks About the BBB4
This appeared in the local paper not too long ago.
The annual Barn Burner Party lives on.
And this year's 4th annual bash of music and fun, held at a farm near Glen Allan, has taken on a decidedly serious tone.
The party is being held in honour of Lois Foell, who lost her battle with breast cancer in December.
Proceeds from the event, to be held July 11, will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
The benefit concert is being hosted by Alanna Foell and her brother, James, in memory of their mother.
All proceeds from the event will go to the foundation, along with funds raised by the Foell siblings, who are making a sacrifice of a follicle nature.
"My brother and I are shaving our heads," said Alanna. "My hair's pretty long right now. I figured I'd just shave it. It will grow back."
Alanna noted that her brother's new hairstyle will also be drastically different, since he currently sports an Afro.
The former EDSS student, who graduated in 2002, said the Barn Burner Party draws a crowd in the ages 19-25 range, but it's open to anyone.
"We usually have about 500 people that attend the show," she said.
This year's lineup of bands for the Foell festival is The Bad BongWater Boys, Chaos for Comfort, Shamans of Funkdelia and A Capricious Youth.
Some of the bands have local connections. Chaos for Comfort, an independent Elmira trio, plays rock, pop and experimental music. The band's performance at the Barn Burner Party is billed as a CD release party.
The Bad BongWater Boys describe themselves as a group that "alternates between six and 10 members, all from Elmira, formed just last year out of loose jam sessions."
Old time music and bluegrass is the band's forté, produced using instrumentation that runs the gamut from washboards and banjos, to cellos, harmonicas, and the kazoo.
The event includes overnight camping at Foell's farm, located at 7907 Wellington Road 45.
"It's $10 or more if they want to be generous," said Foell.
The event begins at 7 p.m. and goes rain or shine.
For more information, contact Foell at 519-591-5856 or by email at alanna.foell@gmail.com.
Information and directions to the concert are also available on the event's Facebook page.
And this year's 4th annual bash of music and fun, held at a farm near Glen Allan, has taken on a decidedly serious tone.
The party is being held in honour of Lois Foell, who lost her battle with breast cancer in December.
Proceeds from the event, to be held July 11, will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
The benefit concert is being hosted by Alanna Foell and her brother, James, in memory of their mother.
All proceeds from the event will go to the foundation, along with funds raised by the Foell siblings, who are making a sacrifice of a follicle nature.
"My brother and I are shaving our heads," said Alanna. "My hair's pretty long right now. I figured I'd just shave it. It will grow back."
Alanna noted that her brother's new hairstyle will also be drastically different, since he currently sports an Afro.
The former EDSS student, who graduated in 2002, said the Barn Burner Party draws a crowd in the ages 19-25 range, but it's open to anyone.
"We usually have about 500 people that attend the show," she said.
This year's lineup of bands for the Foell festival is The Bad BongWater Boys, Chaos for Comfort, Shamans of Funkdelia and A Capricious Youth.
Some of the bands have local connections. Chaos for Comfort, an independent Elmira trio, plays rock, pop and experimental music. The band's performance at the Barn Burner Party is billed as a CD release party.
The Bad BongWater Boys describe themselves as a group that "alternates between six and 10 members, all from Elmira, formed just last year out of loose jam sessions."
Old time music and bluegrass is the band's forté, produced using instrumentation that runs the gamut from washboards and banjos, to cellos, harmonicas, and the kazoo.
The event includes overnight camping at Foell's farm, located at 7907 Wellington Road 45.
"It's $10 or more if they want to be generous," said Foell.
The event begins at 7 p.m. and goes rain or shine.
For more information, contact Foell at 519-591-5856 or by email at alanna.foell@gmail.com.
Information and directions to the concert are also available on the event's Facebook page.
Last Chance! Donate Online To See Alanna and James Go Bald for Breast Cancer
Hey there everyone!
First off, I want to thank all of the generous donaters who have helped us raise over $1500 towards finding a cure for breast cancer! You guys are FANTASTIC!! Don't forget, the person who donates the most gets the honour of shaving our heads!
Secondly, if you wanted to donate, it's not too late. You can make online donations until Saturday. We're hoping to raise $2000 or more online, so if you wanted to make a donation, please go to the link below.
It's almost time for the big event, and if you are interested in attending, everything is happening at my house.
7907 Wellington Rd 45
Mapleton ON (that address SHOULD work for google maps)
Bands are starting at 8pm and the head shaving will commence around 9pm.
Hope to see lots of you out there, and if you can't make it out, James and I would love if you could spare a bit of money to put towards the cause!
Cheers!
Alanna
If you missed the original email, here's the details:
As you may or may not know, my brother and I will be shaving our heads in support of finding a cure for breast cancer in memory of our mom who lost her fight in Dec! We're also having a party on July 11 where the shaving will take place!
We'd love for you to make it out to the party, but if you can't you can still show your support and donate online!
Secure online donations can be made with your credit card and an electronic tax receipt will be sent to you by email.
A bit of info on Go Bald For Breast Cancer:
The money raised through this program will be used to fund initiatives that help us learn more about breast cancer, enable people with breast cancer to live longer, healthier lives, and make it possible for men and women to take a more active role in managing their breast health. Thank you in advance for supporting this important work! For more information about the progress that's being made, please visit www.cbcf.org/ontario.
Thanks so much! Your support is greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Online Donation Correction
Hey!
It's come to my attention that the original link that I sent out to everyone didn't properly allow anyone to donate! I've got a new link, and I've tested it myself... so please use this link and give generously!
If you missed the original email, here's the details:
As you may or may not know, my brother and I will be shaving our heads in support of finding a cure for breast cancer in memory of our mom who lost her fight in Dec! We're also having a party on July 11 where the shaving will take place!
We'd love for you to make it out to the party, but if you can't you can still show your support and donate online!
Secure online donations can be made with your credit card and an electronic tax receipt will be sent to you by email.
A bit of info on Go Bald For Breast Cancer:
The money raised through this program will be used to fund initiatives that help us learn more about breast cancer, enable people with breast cancer to live longer, healthier lives, and make it possible for men and women to take a more active role in managing their breast health. Thank you in advance for supporting this important work! For more information about the progress that's being made, please visit www.cbcf.org/ontario.
Thanks so much! Your support is greatly appreciated.
Alanna
Friday, June 19, 2009
Donate Online to see Alanna and James GO BALD FOR BREAST CANCER!
Hey!
As you may or may not know, my brother and I will be shaving our heads in support of finding a cure for breast cancer in memory of our mom who lost her fight in Dec! We're also having a party on July 11 where the shaving will take place!
We'd love for you to make it out to the party, but if you can't you can still show your support and donate online!
Secure online donations can be made with your credit card and an electronic tax receipt will be sent to you by email. You can make an online donation now:
The person who donates the most money will have the honour of doing the shaving - so please give generously!
A bit of info on Go Bald For Breast Cancer:
The money raised through this program will be used to fund initiatives that help us learn more about breast cancer, enable people with breast cancer to live longer, healthier lives, and make it possible for men and women to take a more active role in managing their breast health. Thank you in advance for supporting this important work! For more information about the progress that's being made, please visit www.cbcf.org/ontario.
Thanks so much! Your support is greatly appreciated.
The money raised through this program will be used to fund initiatives that help us learn more about breast cancer, enable people with breast cancer to live longer, healthier lives, and make it possible for men and women to take a more active role in managing their breast health. Thank you in advance for supporting this important work! For more information about the progress that's being made, please visit www.cbcf.org/ontario.
Thanks so much! Your support is greatly appreciated.
Alanna and James Foell
Going Bald For Breast Cancer of Lois Foell
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alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Meet Barry!
I have a new boyfriend. He's reliable, always there when I need him and loves to take me anywhere I want to go. He's only 6 years old. He hasn't seen much of the world, but he's already had his heart replaced once. However, he doesn't suffer from necrolepsy like his predecesor Camry did.
Why is his name Barry? Because he's blue, of course.
(Necrolepsy as defined by Urban Dictionary:
Necrolepsy is a disorder marked by sudden, uncontrollable death, causing an individual to die at inappropriate times. People with necrolepsy die suddenly—anywhere, at any time, maybe even in the middle of a conversation. These sudden deaths can last from a few seconds to more than an hour. Depending on where they occur, they may be mildly inconvenient or even dangerous to the individual. Some people experience zombie-like tendencies where they continue to function outwardly during the death episodes.)
Necrolepsy is a disorder marked by sudden, uncontrollable death, causing an individual to die at inappropriate times. People with necrolepsy die suddenly—anywhere, at any time, maybe even in the middle of a conversation. These sudden deaths can last from a few seconds to more than an hour. Depending on where they occur, they may be mildly inconvenient or even dangerous to the individual. Some people experience zombie-like tendencies where they continue to function outwardly during the death episodes.)
Yes, I have a new boyfriend. It took me a while to make my decision that we were meant to be together. Being with him would be a drain on my finances and I wasn't sure if I was ready for that kind of commitment. However, I realized I had to break up with Camry - though I felt like a jerk breaking up with him because of his medical condition. It didn't seem fair... and after all the fun we'd had in the past I felt like I was throwing away something special. But Camry was old. He'd seen so much and been so many places. He had a lot of experience under his belt - I was his 4th or 5th long term relationship. It was time for me to move on.
Barry and I got together on May 3oth, but before we could make anything official I had to go through the proper channels and make sure everything was okay with him. My brother took him to the doctors where he was given a clean bill of health and a piece of paper that stated this fact.
June 6th I went home and picked him up from my brother's workplace where he'd been patiently waiting for me. Despite the fact I forgot my wallet when I went to get the documents signed that would make us offical, we drove off into the sunset ready to start our life together.
Tues June 9th we officially became a couple, legally.
Tues June 9th we officially became a couple, legally.
It's been a long journey, but I'm super excited about life with Barry. Dave is too. He's even open to get in on the action.
I present to you, Barry: 
Why is his name Barry? Because he's blue, of course.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Out West Adventure!
I haven't been the best at getting my pictures up from Outwest - promise that will happen soon. (All pictures are from my phone as an idea!)
Our trip was great!!!
Friday We flew from London to Calgary, leaving at about 8:30pm and arriving at about 10:30pm where Camille picked us up at the airport. We made it back to her house around 11:15 and finally settled in to sleep around 12pm (which felt like 2am to us travelers!)
Sat morning we were up fairly early and did some running around with Camille. Went to MEC and Kensington then home before going to the Saddledome to see a Roughneck's game (lacrosse) which was really fun! Went out for drinks afterwards and home to sleep.
Sunday we went to the Farmers Market, the zoo and made dinner with Cam's roomie Jay and her friend Julie.
Monday morning Dave and I took off to go to Banff/Lake Louise. The weather wasn't beautiful, kinda overcast but we had fun anyway. Dave's never seen the mountains so he was pretty impressed. Lake Louise's gondola was closed until the following weekend and the Lake itself was still frozen over so that was kinda a let down. Once back to Banff we went to the hotel (where we got choco covered strawberries!) checked in and then went to find the Banff Upper Hot Springs where we rented old-timey bathing suits and sat around in fresh hot spring water. Back to the hotel and then out for dinner where I had some fantastic ribs!! Still thinking about those ribs!
Sunday we treked back to Granville island where Dave, Tak and I did a brewery tour of the Granville Island Brewery and got to taste a few different beers after seeing how they are made. Went and got Camille's oil changed and had a seriously disappointing experience with Mr. Lube that I still intend to write to them about. Back to the hotel before going down to Stanley Park and renting bicycles to ride around. Had a great time riding the bikes through Stanley Park. Stopped for bubble tea before going back to the hotel to nap before going out for greek dinner on Davie St. (Van's gay district). Had some fantastic moussaka! Sadly Cam and Dave's dinners weren't anywhere near as awesome as my moussaka and thus they shared mine with me. Camille and I really wanted crepes later in the evening, so we ventured out and found some on Granville. While sitting there, we made friends with a likely homeless (if not, then he's from sketchville) guy who was all about his awesome bicycle. He kinda ruined our people watching, however with loudly saying all the things we were thinking.
Our trip was great!!!
Friday We flew from London to Calgary, leaving at about 8:30pm and arriving at about 10:30pm where Camille picked us up at the airport. We made it back to her house around 11:15 and finally settled in to sleep around 12pm (which felt like 2am to us travelers!)Sat morning we were up fairly early and did some running around with Camille. Went to MEC and Kensington then home before going to the Saddledome to see a Roughneck's game (lacrosse) which was really fun! Went out for drinks afterwards and home to sleep.
Sunday we went to the Farmers Market, the zoo and made dinner with Cam's roomie Jay and her friend Julie.
Monday morning Dave and I took off to go to Banff/Lake Louise. The weather wasn't beautiful, kinda overcast but we had fun anyway. Dave's never seen the mountains so he was pretty impressed. Lake Louise's gondola was closed until the following weekend and the Lake itself was still frozen over so that was kinda a let down. Once back to Banff we went to the hotel (where we got choco covered strawberries!) checked in and then went to find the Banff Upper Hot Springs where we rented old-timey bathing suits and sat around in fresh hot spring water. Back to the hotel and then out for dinner where I had some fantastic ribs!! Still thinking about those ribs!
Tues we drove back to Calgary where, after 5 years I finally met Erin (my e-twin). Had some beers and have never had to pee so badly in my entire lifetime.
Wed morning started our adventure out west - into the car we went at about 9am and headed for Kelowna. Made it to Revelstoke where I took over driving and we ate some lunch. Made it to Kelowna around 3:15 or so and checked into the motel. Wandered into town and tried to figure out what we'd do the next day. Found a thai place to eat dinner and magically the sauce on my thai food tasted a lot like those awesome ribs!
Thurs we wandered around the town some more - it was WAY more beautiful in the sunshine. Laid on the grass at the waterfront park and enjoyed a stroll along the boardwalk. Found a place to eat dinner and went back to the hotel to get ready for our wine tour. The wine tour people picked us up and took us to Summerhill Pyramid Winery, an organic winery to the south of Kelowna. They ferment their wines in a pyramid modeled after one in Egypt. After Summerhill we went to Cedar Creek where we got an actual tour of the winery and got to taste about 6 different types of wine. Dave and I bought some Geuwertraminer (sp?) which is a white, but delish considering I'm not usually at white drinker. After Cedar Creek we went to Carmelis Goat Cheese factory where they made all their own goats cheese and gelato. Got to taste about 13 different cheeses and I settled on buying some Gruyer (sp?). Ate at this cute little pub on the waterfront before heading back to the hotel to crash. 
Friday we were back in the car and heading towards Vancouver. Camille drove to Hope where I took over and got us to Stanley Park. Went to the aquarium and saw the belugas, otters, and all the fishes! Found the hotel and checked in - a bit sketchy but super close to downtown and had "free" internet (which worked intermittently). Tak met up with us after he was done work and we went out for sushi and wandered around Robson St and down Granville Ave. Went to English bay and watched the sunset.
Sat we did more wandering. Went and met up with Tak for lunch (indian buffet) and then met up with my friend Kat for drinks in Gastown. Took a stroll through E. Hastings on the way to China town and then back to the hotel before going to Granville Island to meet up with Cam's friend Michelle for seafood dinner. Went back to Michelle's place after dinner and then wandered around some more. Got some dessert and went down to English Bay to watch the sunset.
Friday we were back in the car and heading towards Vancouver. Camille drove to Hope where I took over and got us to Stanley Park. Went to the aquarium and saw the belugas, otters, and all the fishes! Found the hotel and checked in - a bit sketchy but super close to downtown and had "free" internet (which worked intermittently). Tak met up with us after he was done work and we went out for sushi and wandered around Robson St and down Granville Ave. Went to English bay and watched the sunset.Sat we did more wandering. Went and met up with Tak for lunch (indian buffet) and then met up with my friend Kat for drinks in Gastown. Took a stroll through E. Hastings on the way to China town and then back to the hotel before going to Granville Island to meet up with Cam's friend Michelle for seafood dinner. Went back to Michelle's place after dinner and then wandered around some more. Got some dessert and went down to English Bay to watch the sunset.
Sunday we treked back to Granville island where Dave, Tak and I did a brewery tour of the Granville Island Brewery and got to taste a few different beers after seeing how they are made. Went and got Camille's oil changed and had a seriously disappointing experience with Mr. Lube that I still intend to write to them about. Back to the hotel before going down to Stanley Park and renting bicycles to ride around. Had a great time riding the bikes through Stanley Park. Stopped for bubble tea before going back to the hotel to nap before going out for greek dinner on Davie St. (Van's gay district). Had some fantastic moussaka! Sadly Cam and Dave's dinners weren't anywhere near as awesome as my moussaka and thus they shared mine with me. Camille and I really wanted crepes later in the evening, so we ventured out and found some on Granville. While sitting there, we made friends with a likely homeless (if not, then he's from sketchville) guy who was all about his awesome bicycle. He kinda ruined our people watching, however with loudly saying all the things we were thinking.
Monday morning Camille took off early and Dave and I had breakfast at this random little breakfast place across the street. got on the bus and headed for the airport. Got on the plane and were home by 8pm!
if you wanna see pictures, www.picasaweb.google.com/alanna.foell to view what I've got up - more to come, I've just been super lazy!
PS My sincere apologies about the terrible formatting of this post - I'm not the biggest fan of how I have to do it in Blogger!!
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alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
PS My sincere apologies about the terrible formatting of this post - I'm not the biggest fan of how I have to do it in Blogger!!
--
alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
New Home, New Ride?
Dave and I have officially moved into the new apartment, which is great - except we have yet to spend a night there. All our stuff, with the exception of my mattress and my clothes are over at the new place. Even all my food is over there. And yet I'm still living at Christian's place until tomorrow since we are going away for 10 days I didn't want to leave my cat alone for longer than necessary.
The whole moving process was interesting. We got the keys the last weekend of April and were able to move a few things directly in after picking them up. Over the course of the week we moved more things in as we had time. We got a couch from my cousin Keelan. We picked it up and drove it back to London on Thurs (in a deluge!) and brought it directly into the apartment. Saturday and Sunday was spent moving the bigger furniture like my desk, my futon and my bed frame (hence the mattress on the ground situation).
Tomorrow (thurs) with some luck, Dave will be able to move my mattress and my clothes over to the apartment and we'll spend one night there before going off to visit my cousin Camille in Calgary.
Between all the moving, I'm working both jobs and also going to look at a potential new car this week! My poor camry has been giving me the middle finger for a while and last week had a fit and decided to just turn off and refuse to turn back on (at one of the busiest intersections in London!). I borrowed Dad's (well, Mom's) car for the last few days with the provision that I'd bring it back to him on Wed. I also found a pretty sweet deal on a car in Kitchener so I figured I'd check it out when I took the Buick back. Mazda Protege 5 - in a pretty blue colour!
If all goes well with the car, I think I'll see if the guy will take a deposit from me until I get back from out west and have more time to deal with the whole car situation.
Pictures of both car and apartment sooner or later!
The whole moving process was interesting. We got the keys the last weekend of April and were able to move a few things directly in after picking them up. Over the course of the week we moved more things in as we had time. We got a couch from my cousin Keelan. We picked it up and drove it back to London on Thurs (in a deluge!) and brought it directly into the apartment. Saturday and Sunday was spent moving the bigger furniture like my desk, my futon and my bed frame (hence the mattress on the ground situation).
Tomorrow (thurs) with some luck, Dave will be able to move my mattress and my clothes over to the apartment and we'll spend one night there before going off to visit my cousin Camille in Calgary.
Between all the moving, I'm working both jobs and also going to look at a potential new car this week! My poor camry has been giving me the middle finger for a while and last week had a fit and decided to just turn off and refuse to turn back on (at one of the busiest intersections in London!). I borrowed Dad's (well, Mom's) car for the last few days with the provision that I'd bring it back to him on Wed. I also found a pretty sweet deal on a car in Kitchener so I figured I'd check it out when I took the Buick back. Mazda Protege 5 - in a pretty blue colour!
If all goes well with the car, I think I'll see if the guy will take a deposit from me until I get back from out west and have more time to deal with the whole car situation.
Pictures of both car and apartment sooner or later!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Aussie Down Under Day!
A few weeks ago, Trishelle and I decided that we missed Australia and all the fun that goes along with travelling and figured we should have an Australia Day, and do all the things we missed so much. A lot of the things we wanted to do are hardly considered "Australian" by definition but they were things we both associate with the land down under.
Yesterday was the day. April 19th marks the first Aussie Down Under Day (ADUD? - seems like a poor acronym).
Things we decided to do:
*drink cappucinos (as we spent a lot of time doing this in Oz, since it's impossible to get a coffee as we know it here in Canada)
*eat desserts - we used to spend time at the dessert shops on Acland St in St. Kilda eating things like Vanilla Slices and Lamingtons and other delightful desserts. We only ate biscotti yesterday, however.
*eat kebabs - aka schwarma for us here in Canada. Typical after-the-bar food down under. Even though we actually didn't eat these all that often, it seemed appropriate.
*go tanning - it's not quite warm enough to spend time at the beach here in the Great White North so we opted for the next best thing ... tanning beds!
*go swimming - again, not quite warm enough to beach it up properly though we hit up the pool. In the spirit of Australia, Trishelle tried something she'd never done and went down the waterslide. Swimming didn't actually last very long but we realized that even at the beach we never spent that much time IN the water, and instead just laid on the sand. \
*eat gelato - there was a fantastic gelato place on Acland St in St. Kilda (right near the cafe that gave us free biscotti with our cappucinos) , so we hit up the one gelato place in Waterloo and pretended it was anywhere near warm enough to be eating ice cream.
*eat Tim Tams - thank goodness I have my friend Dave in Oz that keeps me in good supply.
And on the list of things to do that we couldn't do because of logistics:
*have a BBQ (for obvious shrimp-on-the-barby reasons)
*drink Australian beer (not gonna drink Fosters cuz they don't drink that crap down there. It's Carlton Draught or Tooey's Extra Dry... but I don't think they have that here)
*drink Australian wine (bought some but totally forgot the crucial corkscrew!)
Other things I did to celebrate:
*wore my Target (Tar-jay) jeans purchased while downunder
*wore my mikes shirt that I wore all the time
*wore flip flops (thongs by Aussie definition)
*wore my blue necklace that I bought in Singapore on the way there.
Yesterday was the day. April 19th marks the first Aussie Down Under Day (ADUD? - seems like a poor acronym).
Things we decided to do:
*drink cappucinos (as we spent a lot of time doing this in Oz, since it's impossible to get a coffee as we know it here in Canada)
*eat desserts - we used to spend time at the dessert shops on Acland St in St. Kilda eating things like Vanilla Slices and Lamingtons and other delightful desserts. We only ate biscotti yesterday, however.
*eat kebabs - aka schwarma for us here in Canada. Typical after-the-bar food down under. Even though we actually didn't eat these all that often, it seemed appropriate.
*go tanning - it's not quite warm enough to spend time at the beach here in the Great White North so we opted for the next best thing ... tanning beds!
*go swimming - again, not quite warm enough to beach it up properly though we hit up the pool. In the spirit of Australia, Trishelle tried something she'd never done and went down the waterslide. Swimming didn't actually last very long but we realized that even at the beach we never spent that much time IN the water, and instead just laid on the sand. \
*eat gelato - there was a fantastic gelato place on Acland St in St. Kilda (right near the cafe that gave us free biscotti with our cappucinos) , so we hit up the one gelato place in Waterloo and pretended it was anywhere near warm enough to be eating ice cream.
*eat Tim Tams - thank goodness I have my friend Dave in Oz that keeps me in good supply.
And on the list of things to do that we couldn't do because of logistics:
*have a BBQ (for obvious shrimp-on-the-barby reasons)
*drink Australian beer (not gonna drink Fosters cuz they don't drink that crap down there. It's Carlton Draught or Tooey's Extra Dry... but I don't think they have that here)
*drink Australian wine (bought some but totally forgot the crucial corkscrew!)
Other things I did to celebrate:
*wore my Target (Tar-jay) jeans purchased while downunder
*wore my mikes shirt that I wore all the time
*wore flip flops (thongs by Aussie definition)
*wore my blue necklace that I bought in Singapore on the way there.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Picture Time!
I haven't added any pictures to my life in AGES! I finally got out and shot some of London on Sunday afternoon. I borrowed the Canon 10-22 from work and wandered Hamilton Rd in London and shot some of the sketchy things that one comes across while wandering.
Click on that thumbnail to view!!
Click on that thumbnail to view!!
Friday, March 20, 2009
I've added a twitter feed to my blog so that if anyone is interested in keeping tabs on what I'm up to the option is there! I'm still getting used to it, but I will probably update there more often than full out posts.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Happenings
Oh my. I'm now 26! Crazy how time flies!
Not sure what I last wrote about, so maybe I'll just recap all the (not overly) exciting things I've done in recent memory. And probably not in chronological order.
Birthday - Yesterday! Now 26. Had friends come from all over to hang out with me and celebrate. We gathered at my house before going out to the bar and I made dinner (my standard birthday fare - pasta toss) and my aunt's Mud Pie (ice cream cake). James and Lindsay came down and brought with them my now fixed car.
Broken Car - A few weeks ago I went home to visit my family (and pick up Hamish, as I wrote about). I had the intentions of leaving my car at home so that my creepy-guy-up-the-road could fix my car at his leisure. The brakes needed to be looked at and the exhaust needed to be patched. I didn't get home til later at night, 10:30ish, and I picked up Bailey for a coffee date. About 2/3 of the way up there I started hearing this lovely scraping sound on the ground... it was pitch black out (and freezing cold!) and I didn't want to stop to check it out until I was in town. Drove a few more kms and then stopped in a well lit parking lot to investigate the damage. I expected a small piece of metal to be draggin, but instead I saw my entire exhaust pipe hanging down! Thats right. Where most people's muffler's fall off, my muffler stayed fully attached and everything else fell off of it! Bailey and I performed some emergency McGyvering - consisted of using a Shopper Drug Mart lanyard and a snowboard leash to rig the pipe up high enough for it not to drag anymore.
After it sat at home for a week, I got desperate and asked my brother to fix it for me. He took it to his shop and replaced the entire system for me - $800 it would have cost me - but luckily everything was under warranty from the LAST time I wrecked it! HURRAY!!! There was only a little bit that cost me anything but my dad paid for it as my bday present.
Hamish - My cat now likes me, which is good cuz I was worried for a while there that he really wouldn't adjust to life in Londontown with me and Dave. However, he is my new BFF, and love to meow at me and headbutt me and walk all over me (especially when I'm sleeping) Little by little he is more brave, he even ventures upstairs now to explore the main floor!
New Apartments - Dave and I found an apartment! We move May 1st, which is exciting. It's the top floor of an old house, with cathedral ceilings in the kitchen/living room and a claw foot tub. It's pretty close to school and so we can walk/bike to UWO the days that I'm not working at Henry's. Now starts the super fun job of finding furniture that we like, even though we don't really have money. More updates on that one another day.
Web Ambassador - a few weeks ago, our ASM (area sales manager) approached me with the task of being the SW Ontario Web Ambassador for work. Basically, this job means that I now have it in my job description to spend hours on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Not sure exactly how it will all go down but it gives me somethign else to do here at work.
Twitter - After much deliberation, I joined up on this. It's interesting, though I don't have many people that I watch... but I'm the kinda person who'll update pretty often. If you're interested, I'm on there as (username) alliefoell
Thats about all... OH! Wait...!
Italy - I found out that I have a "free" Contiki trip for this summer... so I think I'm gonna go to Italy. I'm just needing to find someone to go with me. I wish I knew people with money. Booo!
Not sure what I last wrote about, so maybe I'll just recap all the (not overly) exciting things I've done in recent memory. And probably not in chronological order.
Birthday - Yesterday! Now 26. Had friends come from all over to hang out with me and celebrate. We gathered at my house before going out to the bar and I made dinner (my standard birthday fare - pasta toss) and my aunt's Mud Pie (ice cream cake). James and Lindsay came down and brought with them my now fixed car.
Broken Car - A few weeks ago I went home to visit my family (and pick up Hamish, as I wrote about). I had the intentions of leaving my car at home so that my creepy-guy-up-the-road could fix my car at his leisure. The brakes needed to be looked at and the exhaust needed to be patched. I didn't get home til later at night, 10:30ish, and I picked up Bailey for a coffee date. About 2/3 of the way up there I started hearing this lovely scraping sound on the ground... it was pitch black out (and freezing cold!) and I didn't want to stop to check it out until I was in town. Drove a few more kms and then stopped in a well lit parking lot to investigate the damage. I expected a small piece of metal to be draggin, but instead I saw my entire exhaust pipe hanging down! Thats right. Where most people's muffler's fall off, my muffler stayed fully attached and everything else fell off of it! Bailey and I performed some emergency McGyvering - consisted of using a Shopper Drug Mart lanyard and a snowboard leash to rig the pipe up high enough for it not to drag anymore.
After it sat at home for a week, I got desperate and asked my brother to fix it for me. He took it to his shop and replaced the entire system for me - $800 it would have cost me - but luckily everything was under warranty from the LAST time I wrecked it! HURRAY!!! There was only a little bit that cost me anything but my dad paid for it as my bday present.
Hamish - My cat now likes me, which is good cuz I was worried for a while there that he really wouldn't adjust to life in Londontown with me and Dave. However, he is my new BFF, and love to meow at me and headbutt me and walk all over me (especially when I'm sleeping) Little by little he is more brave, he even ventures upstairs now to explore the main floor!
New Apartments - Dave and I found an apartment! We move May 1st, which is exciting. It's the top floor of an old house, with cathedral ceilings in the kitchen/living room and a claw foot tub. It's pretty close to school and so we can walk/bike to UWO the days that I'm not working at Henry's. Now starts the super fun job of finding furniture that we like, even though we don't really have money. More updates on that one another day.
Web Ambassador - a few weeks ago, our ASM (area sales manager) approached me with the task of being the SW Ontario Web Ambassador for work. Basically, this job means that I now have it in my job description to spend hours on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Not sure exactly how it will all go down but it gives me somethign else to do here at work.
Twitter - After much deliberation, I joined up on this. It's interesting, though I don't have many people that I watch... but I'm the kinda person who'll update pretty often. If you're interested, I'm on there as (username) alliefoell
Thats about all... OH! Wait...!
Italy - I found out that I have a "free" Contiki trip for this summer... so I think I'm gonna go to Italy. I'm just needing to find someone to go with me. I wish I knew people with money. Booo!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Re-Reading My Childhood
I've recently come across a new addiction - blogs about novels. Especially blogs about novels written when I was a kid. Stuff like Fear Street, Babysitters Club, SVH, Christopher Pike.. the list goes on. A lot of these books I read before the "recommended age"... I'm certain I was reading C.Pike novels in like, grade 4. They were about murder, abortion etc! It's amazing that I ended up "normal".
Anyway, some links to the greatness I've discovered recently. Maybe I'll have time to do a few novel snarks of my own soon.
Like Pike - Recaps Christopher Pike's novels. My favourites were Remember Me and Whisper of Death - both have stuck with me since!
Shadyside Snark - Reading and snarking R.L. Stine's Fear Street novels. I remember them all so clearly. The covers especially.
Are You There Youth, It's Me Nikki - A bit more broad of a selection, from Judy Blume to Norma Fox Mazer. Gotta love the YA book set.
BSC Headquarters - One of the best BSC snarks I've read, though now discontinued. Still totally worth it for the points made at the end of each recap.
Anyone that's interested in the other blogs that I follow and uses gmail, let me know and I can "share" them. I'm all about my Google Reader. It's probably the most entertaining thing I do somedays.
Anyway, some links to the greatness I've discovered recently. Maybe I'll have time to do a few novel snarks of my own soon.
Like Pike - Recaps Christopher Pike's novels. My favourites were Remember Me and Whisper of Death - both have stuck with me since!
Shadyside Snark - Reading and snarking R.L. Stine's Fear Street novels. I remember them all so clearly. The covers especially.
Are You There Youth, It's Me Nikki - A bit more broad of a selection, from Judy Blume to Norma Fox Mazer. Gotta love the YA book set.
BSC Headquarters - One of the best BSC snarks I've read, though now discontinued. Still totally worth it for the points made at the end of each recap.
Anyone that's interested in the other blogs that I follow and uses gmail, let me know and I can "share" them. I'm all about my Google Reader. It's probably the most entertaining thing I do somedays.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hamish Aloysius Templeton
So I got myself a cat... I named him Hamish! I found him on Kijiji and he's an older fellow, about 7 and he's quite large! Large like Bonnie. However he doesn't appear to like me very much, and this is seriously depressing!
I think the dislike comes from the fact that I'm the one who took him away from his family (the only people he's known, I think) and brought him to my home-home where there was a scary dog. He hid out under my bed back home and stayed there until I forcibly had to drag him out. He doesn't have claws, however he sure can bite!! I had to put on some leather mittens to actually grab him so that he wouldn't eat me!
Then I brought him here to London where he's spent his day and a bit since he got here living under my bed and/or couch. He's come out to eat and use his litter box, however he still doesn't like me. He hisses at me when I try to get near him :(
All this makes me very sad! I was so excited to get a kitty, one that will cuddle with me and whatever and all I've got is this cat that won't come anywhere near me cuz I'm apparently the devil. *pout*
Hopefully somewhere in the future he will come to trust me. I'm not a mean person at all!
I think the dislike comes from the fact that I'm the one who took him away from his family (the only people he's known, I think) and brought him to my home-home where there was a scary dog. He hid out under my bed back home and stayed there until I forcibly had to drag him out. He doesn't have claws, however he sure can bite!! I had to put on some leather mittens to actually grab him so that he wouldn't eat me!
Then I brought him here to London where he's spent his day and a bit since he got here living under my bed and/or couch. He's come out to eat and use his litter box, however he still doesn't like me. He hisses at me when I try to get near him :(
All this makes me very sad! I was so excited to get a kitty, one that will cuddle with me and whatever and all I've got is this cat that won't come anywhere near me cuz I'm apparently the devil. *pout*
Hopefully somewhere in the future he will come to trust me. I'm not a mean person at all!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wild Wild West
So on Thursday I was checking out West Jet's website to see of there were any good deals to fly into Calgary and back from Vancouver. Much to my surprise, the prices were even lower than they were last time checked! It was only $499 each for Dave and I. I immediately emailer to powers that be and asked if I could have the time off. Suprisingly I got an answer back quite quickly, confirming that I can have 5 days off in May.
I've always wanted to drive through the mountains.
Since I'm attempting to write this on my iPod and it's not working so well i'll save the details for another time
I've always wanted to drive through the mountains.
Since I'm attempting to write this on my iPod and it's not working so well i'll save the details for another time
Monday, January 19, 2009
Oh, Neptune High...
I've recently become addicted to the (now cancelled) show Veronica Mars. I feel like the characters on this show are people I know and interact with on a regular basis - and I kinda do! I've watched 2 seasons since just before Christmas, sometimes 3 or 4... or in last night's case 5, episodes a night!
I've gone so far as to download the show onto my computer and then convert the episodes to play on my iPod so that I can watch and run/elliptical/stairmaster at the gym. No better way to get my cardio!!
I can't even tell you what it is about the show that has got me hooked. The writing is great - the characters are (mostly) believeable and you end up loving even the biggest jerks. I actually care what happens to these people!
See, this is why I really try not to get into tv shows! It happened with 24 (Trishelle and I watched the first 4 seasons in less than 2 months while in Melbourne), Carnivale - a fantastic HBO show (2 seasons in less than a month) and Six Feet Under (4.5 seasons in about 3 months)... even Dead Like Me was watched in a very short amount of time.
Recently I've also put Freaks and Geeks onto my list of shows I just love - though there was only one season (and I've tried to savour ever moment).
Thank god it's all on DVD/Downloaded and I'm not being forced to watch commercials!!
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alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
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alanna foell : professional photographer : www.afphotography.cjb.net
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
2008 The Year in Review
I did this last year, it seems... how much can happen in a year!
(An idea stolen from Erin because I'm too lazy to come up with my own ideas for things to blog about.)
Jan 2008
- Rang in the new year with the usual suspects in Toronto. Ran to Nathan Phillips Square after doing shots.
- Successfully gave up eating desserts until my birthday in March
- Went to Ottawa for SC's birthday
- Booked me, Meg and Cam's trip to Ireland.
Feb 2008
- Dropped my phone in the snow and it got run over, prompting an upgrade.
- Tried to help out a friend, which backfried completely - we stopped talking
- Ridiculous reading weekend party in Toronto
March 2008
- Made plans for my birthday, which got snowed out by 50cm of snow, consequently got into a fight with a friend after I accidently rebooked my party for the same day as his. Might I note this was an internet fight.
- Friend that I stopped talking to in Feb came to my night out - but didn't talk to me.
April 2008
- Dave got accepted into UWO, which prompted me to ask the offices in London whether they had any spots available. I was informed there would be a space opening up in Aug, even though I didn't think I wanted to move until the winter.
- Voluntarily missed the MSF for the first time in my life.
- Went nuts and redid my closet at home, despite the fact I planned on moving.
- Mom's hip started to hurt, I jokingly said to her "Maybe you have bone cancer, you should get that checked out"
- Booked my Contiki trip for July.
- Montreal for Meg's 27th birthday/what would have been 4 years with Dave... now only 6 months, if we started counting again.
May 2008
- Had to undergo minor surgery to remove part of my cervix due to abnormal, pre cancerous cells.
- Dragon bit my finger in half when I took him outside. Oops.
- May 2-4 in Toronto due to mass amounts of rain and poor planning.
- Trishelle's bachelorette party
- Mom doing physio to help her sore hip.
- Got my caterpillar tattoo on my leg.
June 2008
- Trishelle's wedding June 8th
- Camping in Grand Bend
- Mom fell and broke her femur/hip - confirmation that the weakened hip was due to metastasized cancer cells in her hip area
- Decided that if I got my transfer to London I'd move in with Christian's condo with him - formally asked for the transfer.
July 2008
- Canada day at Port Stanley
- Left for London/Greece to do the Contiki cruise. Great times!!
- Home for a week, just in time for the BBB3 - great turn out even though it poured rain all night.
- Off to Ireland with my cousins, Meg and Camille - drove stick shift in Ireland without my drivers licence. Oops! :P
- Confirmation of my transfer to London
Aug 2008
- Started shopping on Kijiji for furniture for London
- Our dog that we'd had for 4 years or so, Charlie, died.
- Mom to start chemo at end of Aug
- moving date : Aug 24th
- Started working at the travel agency and Henry's in London
Sept 2008
- signed up at Goodlife, got a personal trainer.
- home a few times to visit the family. Mom started chemo.
- Gaz, a friend from the UK that I met in Oz visited me in London.
Oct 2008
- Had a girl's night with Trishelle and Bailey.
- Ziplining with Dave in Ottawa/Quebec
- Sarah Catherine visited on Thanksgiving weekend
- First signs that mom wasn't getting better - started to make a conscious effort to visit home more.
- Went with mom to hospital one day, doctor decided her drugs weren't working and was going to try something else.
November 2008
- Meg and Camille come up for a week to help my mom out
- One year with Dave
- Girl's night planned, cancelled to go visit mom at home.
- Mom back into the hospital for low blood counts (a couple times this happened) - Dad says to me "It could be 3 days or 3 weeks, we don't know". Mom says to me "I don't want a funeral, I want a party"
Dec 2008
- Mom into the hospital at the beginning due to crazy low blood - it was a wonder she was alive at all. I decided I wasn't doing Christmas this year and that Christmas should be held in July.
- Family meeting called to discuss Mom's constantly declining health and possible options. - My tire explodes on the 401 on the way to Kitchener for the meeting, I miss the meeting.
- After being moved to Freeport Hospice, mom passed away on Dec 12th.
- Mom's "Going Away Party" on Dec 18th.
- Christmas as usual in Toronto. First christmas eve spent away from home.
- New years in London.
And there you have it... until another year passes.
Things I'm looking forward to this year:
- Western Canada road trip - going to fly to Calgary and meet up with Camille and drive to Vancouver (hopefully)
- All inclusive vacation?
- BBB4 - But this time it's a cancer benefit where James and I will shave our heads. Perhaps BBB will stand for Bands, Bald, Benefit!
- moving in with Dave in may
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