O Christmas Tree...

On Thursday I went out and got my very own Christmas tree for the first time - a nice tiny little tree for my apartment. It's about 4' tall and was just big enough to fit all the decorations I have accrued over the years. I never bothered to decorate before as I've been traveling for Christmas over the past few years.

I also convinced my mom that she should give me the old ceramic table-top tree that my grandma made years ago, so now I have two trees!!

Though I'm not exactly sure when I'll have time to enjoy them. I think there is some sort of Holiday function every day for the next week. Not that I'm complaining ;) Tomorrow is work-related party 4/4 (yeah, I know I have an awesome job) and then lots of stuff with friends and family. Luckily, I'm almost done with the Christmas shopping - I only have to get my sister-in-law's gift(s). I'm not sure exactly what to get, but at least I know where to shop. I did finish making my nephews' gifts for Christmas though, which turned out pretty well:

I'm such a slacker

I've been meaning to post since Sunday but daylight savings has left me feeling constantly behind.

It almost feels like a chinook today - just a bit too humid and not *quite* warm enough

I went out of town for the 3rd weekend in a row - this time to Waterloo. I had a fabulous time doing girly things with Tara (we went shopping). I found a super-cute dress (that I even tried on twice to make sure it fit), but somehow managed to give the good one back and bought the wrong size...

We went to go see the Watchmen, but it was sold out so we went for Vietnamese instead. I've had my fun - the next two weekends will find me home, writing papers - sucky, lame papers...

I watched American Idol last night for the first time in years (not counting finales). There was nothing else on my non-cable channels while I waited for Project Runway Canada... And I couldn't help but think:

What is Paula's deal? She is incomprehensible; moreso than usual. I know this isn't new news... Do the other judges even like her? I feel like they barely tolerate her. Because they're contractually obligated to.

Ryan Seacrest's head looks really tiny compared to the contestants, especially Megan.

I'm already sick of the crowd booing justifiable criticism.

Why is Gordon Ramsay there? Are we about to see an AI/HK crossover?

Why do they keep Paula on the show?!?! She ads nothing. I feel like the judges could actually give useful/better constructive criticism if she wasn't around... She's so bad, she makes me miss Mary Murphy's shriek (SYTYCD for those of you who don't know)

I'm not sure who I like best. Adam was probably the best singer but reaching down to touch screaming girls in the audience was a bit much - Really? You're doing that already? - its the first round. Get over yourself.

Well mes petit guimauves (the colourful ones of course) that's all I've got... Enjoy your Wednesday. I'm sure the owner of the red van who is getting a ticket as I look out my window is not...

Target or Bust!!

It's no secret that one of the things I miss about living in the States is the shopping... So when Sarah suggested a little trip to Watertown, who was I to say no?So we met up near the border, she hopped into Chloe, and we headed South. Its only about another 30 min. once we cross the border, which was surprisingly busy. (There was some event going - so many trucks parked on a dirt side road - what were they up to?!?!)

Crossing the border was fairly amusing. It starts with the typical questions - Where do you live, where are you going? He also asked us what we do for a living - and seriously - once you tell them you are a librarian they have nothing else to say. Because everyone knows that librarians can't be bad. I don't think one librarian would have phased him, but he didn't know what to do about two...

The shopping was good. I think we were both v. happy with our purchases. I had been eyeing a dress* on Target's website, but they did not have it in stock (and Target won't ship to Canada *shakes fist*) SO instead I got the best handbag ever. Its that awesome green colour (you know the one) and its big and slouchy, yet still professional looking...


loveslovesloveslovesloves.

*I have thought about buying the dress, shipping it to Bek and having her mail it to me, but I don't trust that I would see it anytime in the next 6 months. Sorry Bek, I love you but you know its true.

I also stocked up on my favourite salsa. Frankly I feel you just can't really buy good salsa in Canada. Another way the US ruined me. This stuff is just sososo good. *hearts* There is nothing comprable here.

Super-fun day. A good time was had by all. We are already talking about the next one - Syracuse maybe. Heather? Hint, hint.

Barb - 1, Canal - 0

Yeah that's right. I totally owned the Canal - basically that means I didn't fall down. Not even once. There were a few close calls but I managed to stay upright...

Headed up to Ottawa this weekend for those quintessentially Canadian activities of skating on the Rideau Canal and eating a BeaverTail. And let me say, neither disappointed.

Started out the afternoon wandering around a few shops in Ottawa where I finally found a small wall calendar for my office.

I really don't think we could have had a better day for skating. It was clear and not too cold. Some parts of the ice had divots and holes, but it wasn't terrible... (some people kept saying it wasn't very good, but they had been spoiled by excellent ice in previous outings - I really couldn't tell)

Really, what I wanted most (and had been promised) was one of those fabled BeaverTails that I have heard so much about. I was determined that even if it was poor skating conditions, I was still getting that delightfully sugary snack (yes Heather, I was going to ignore your rule and have one anyways but we skated so I got it legitimately).









All in all - a fabulous weekend. This sign pretty much says it all...