Sweet Summertime…Sweet Summer Plans!

I always consider the Quyon Canada Day Golf Tourney as the official kick-off to summer, and it didn’t disappoint this past Saturday with hot temps and cool drinks! 

Now, on the last day of May, the sweet taste of summer is even stronger, despite slightly cooler weather today.  Tomorrow is JUNE!!!  After seeing many of my fellow bloggers making their “summer fun lists”, and after booking some fun summer plans with friends and family myself, I decided to share my very own Sweet Summer Plans!!

• One of my biggest goals this summer is to accomplish as much off my 101 List as I can, and I’m going to start that off this Saturday when I “Walk for a Cause” in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in honour of my Dad.  The weatherman is calling for a cool, rainy night, so maybe this isn’t so summery…but I’m counting it!
• CANADA DAY!!  Can’t wait to celebrate with my committee and my town.  We have some kick-ass fireworks, y’all.  In fact, I call them legendary.

• This one is kind of weird, because I always hated going strawberry picking when I was a kid, but…I really want to go strawberry picking this summer.  I probably will hate it again as soon as I start, but I just have this yearning to be in the berry patch at least once.

• I want to eat ice cream and banana-flavoured popsicles whenever possible.  I don’t think I did enough of that last summer.  I want to enjoy simple summer treats.
• The beach…Oh, how I love going to be the beach.  I think I only made it to the beach in Norway Bay once last summer.  I want to spend more time there this year!

• A few weeks ago, my mom told me of tentative plans to spend a few days at my aunt & uncle’s camp not far from Norway Bay.  I got shivers of excitement just at the thoughts of it.  Some of my best childhood memories are from times spent at the camp with my cousins.  I haven’t been there in years… The thoughts of going back?  Well…that would just make my summer.
• Another weird one for me, considering I hate fish?  I want to have a fish fry at Aunt Marion & Uncle Eric’s.  We had one a few years ago, and it’s the only time I’ve ever tried fish that I’ve enjoyed it.  I’ve already put in my request to Aunt Marion!
• Continuing with family plans… My mom keeps talking about how she thinks the whole gang of us (aunts, uncles, any cousins that would be available) should head to the Ladysmith Hotel some night for wings.  I’m determined to make this happen!
• I’M GOING TO WING NIGHT AT WINGNUT’S!!!!!  Whether she wants me or not. ;)

• I just want to spend more time in a lawnchair with a book in my hands, and a drink in my cupholder.  I didn’t do that nearly enough last summer.
• I have a roadtrip to Belleville planned with my Mom.  My sister is in her friend Andrea’s wedding there, and Mom & I have been invited too.  Very much looking forward to it!
• I have ANOTHER trip planned in August, which will help knock a few more things off the 101 List – heading to TO via train, going to the CN Tower and a Blue Jays game…I.can’t.wait.

• Have I mentioned lately that I’m going to be an auntie again?  Baby Young is due July 3rd.  So I’m thinking I’m going to spend a lot of time this summer snuggling with my new little niece or nephew!!!  Eeeeeeee!!

There’s so much more I want to do…I want to go for more walks, take leisurely Sunday drives, spend time at the ball park…so much to look forward to this summer!

What are your plans?!

Laters, baby.

So.  It’s happened.  Finally.

I’m officially in love with Christian Grey.

Yes, a fictional character in a book. 

Whatever.  I’m not the only one.

Anyways.  Back, during book 1, did I love him?  No, not so much.  I mean, yes, I was intrigued enough by him, obviously, or I would’ve quit reading.  And picturing Ian Somerhalder in the role , as I’ve mentioned several times already on the blog, definitely helped. 

But quite frankly, back then he scared the crap out of me. 

Trust me when I say this book has introduced to me a whole new world that I never thought I would ever, ever be reading about.

At the beginning, I had to type “BDSM” into the Google machine.  (probably not an appropriate search term for the work computer, eh?) - I was that sheltered, that in-the-dark about this kinky, kinda freaky, totally terrifying…um…lifestyle. 

I was mad at Mr. Grey for being this way.  I wanted him to be a normal guy -  the Prince Charming that Ana deserves as her first love, not this Dark Knight with a Red Room of Pain creepo.

OK… truth.  It was a little hot at times.  I mean, it made me blush the same as any other girl.  I’m not that much of a prude.  And every time he said, “Laters, baby”?  Yeah, I’d get a little grin on my face. 

It’s the Grey effect.  No female is immune.

But still so effin’ weird to me that I felt embarrassed to be reading it, almost ashamed in a way.

(To be clear, even though I’ve warmed up to it a little more in book 2, I will still NOT BE SHARING THESE BOOKS WITH MY MOTHER.  Ew.)

But now, in the second book, Fifty Shades Darker, we’re finally starting to get to the bottom of it all; finally starting to find out what makes Christian Grey tick.  Why he is the way he is.  The deep, dark, painful secrets that have turned him into a twisted  (albeit hot-as-hell) control freak of a man.

I’m loving this part.  The way he’s changing for Ana?  Agreeing to be more “vanilla” for her?  Letting her into his world, telling her a little bit about himself?…Still fifty shades of f’d up, but becoming more human. 

And, if possible, much much more desirable.

Yes.  Definitely.  I’ve fallen in love.  I’ve finally – finally – reached the point when I don’t want to put it down.  When I can’t wait to get home so that I can sit in my big blue chair and read all evening. 

When I can’t wait to get home to Grey.

Everyone told me it would happen.  In the first book, I wasn’t so sure. 

But I’m sure now.

I’m addicted to Christian Grey.

A Random Weekend Recap: Golf Tourney Edition

So much to talk about from this past weekend… And my brain still isn’t quite functioning properly, so prepare for the RANDOM…

• Our Canada Day Committee Golf Tourney…it was this past weekend.  (That’s pretty much why the brain still isn’t functioning properly.)  What a day and night it was!!!  Happy to say all went very smoothly.  Thank you to all who came out and helped us raise money for the fireworks and Canada Day Celebrations, coming up on June 30th!!  We couldn’t do it without your support!!
• We were thrown for a bit of a loop a few weeks prior to the tournament, when we were informed we had to be cleaned up and out of the hall bright and early the next morning, because Father Costello, the local Catholic priest, would be hosting a celebration there in honour of his 50 years in the priesthood after church on Sunday.  There would be many dignitaries coming for the event – other priests and bishops, and, well…maybe even the Pope, I don’t know.  For any of you who have ever attended our after-party, you know that it can get a bit …um… messy.  We usually all turn up later the next day, hungover, and take our time cleaning up the hall.  This year, we had no choice but to “clean as we went”, and have everything tidied up before we left so that the cleaners and decorator could come in and set up for Father’s gig.  Turns out, it all went very well, and when we locked up at 3 AM, it was a relief to know most of the clean-up was done!  We might have to continue this practice in the future!!
• Currently, the committee members are firing emails back and forth reminding my brother of all the stupidly hilarious drunken things he said and did that night.  Entertaining, to say the least, but he’d kill me if I posted them here.  And I do want to see my niece or nephew when he or she arrives, so I shall refrain from publicly humiliating him here on the blog...even though I really, really want to. ;)
• We were all chatting on Sunday about how well-behaved everyone was on Saturday night, despite the volumes of alcohol consumed by many of the attendees.  So of course, THIS was the headline on a local news paper’s  website yesterday: “Party poopers! Drunken duo poo in pool; make amends”.  I wish I was joking.  This kind of stuff only happens in my hometown…  I’m happy to report the “poopers” weren’t actually from my town, nor had they taken part in our tournament.  They were just visitors from across the river who missed their ferry ride home, and it was just coincidence that this happened on the same night at our golf tourney party.  I’m very glad we weren’t responsible for THAT mess!!!
• Oh, I almost forgot.  I got stung in the crotch by a bee on Saturday.  I SO WISH I WAS JOKING.  I believe we were on hole #3 when I went to climb into my cart, and I felt a stinging sensation, thought I must be hallucinating, and finally yelled and jumped up, and the little bee flew out from between my legs.  Awesome.
• (I’m okay, don’t worry.)
• Amidst all of the golf stories of the weekend, I have a tragedy to tell you about.  My poor wee gangster fish, Jackson, passed away.  I don’t really know when, but I’m sure he was still swimming on Saturday morning when I left for golf…by Sunday afternoon, when I thought to check on him, he was floatin’.  I had no idea he was even sick.  I’d even recently cleaned the tank, adding fresh water and ridding the walls of the slime build up.  I just don’t know what happened…guess he wasn’t so ‘gangster’ after all!!
• My other fish, the one with the big goiter growing out of his side??  Oh, he’s fine.  Swimming away, happy as a lark, probably thrilled to have the tank all to himself again.  *sigh*

That’s my random weekend recap…I’m sure I’m forgetting things, but as I mentioned, the ol’ brain isn’t quite working right just yet.  I think this is enough for one weekend, though, right?! ;)

Linking it up with Impulsive Addict and Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday…

 

…as well as Stacy Uncorked for Random Tuesday!

It’s Friday!!!

Another busy week, almost in the books!!  I’ll honour this particular Friday with a smattering of my random thoughts…

• It made me a very happy girl on Wednesday night when Phillip Phillips was crowned the new American Idol.  I mean, just look at this guy…and his sound is  like a cross between Dave Matthews, Damien Rice, and Mumford & Sons.  His new single, “Home”, is the best single I’ve ever heard come out of an Idol winner.  Seriously, what’s not to like?!

• I had heard several times during the AI competition that Phil was sick a lot of the time, battling kidney issues.  But word broke after he was named the winner that he actually underwent eight surgeries during the competition.  EIGHT!!  Imagine, going on to win after going through all of that?  A special guy, I tell ya…
• Tomorrow is the 21st Annual Quyon Canada Day Golf Tournament, and I’m sooooooo excited!  It’s one of my favourite days of the year, and I don’t even really like golf!!  Can’t wait to to have a few pops, drive the cart, and then get back to the hall to work the bar or sell tickets.  I’m proud of our committee for putting on one of the best golf tournaments in the area, and raising money for our fireworks and Canada Day Celebrations!!  Looking forward to seeing everyone out on the course tomorrow! :)
• I bought my very own first set of (cheap) wine glasses about a month ago.  They have been sitting on my dining room table ever since, still in their box.  I need to crack into them, like, ASAP.  The Wild Vines is calling my name…
• I’m craving pizza.  Like, craaaaaaaving it.

• Almost two weeks into it, and I’m still not finished Fifty Shades of Grey.  STILL.  But, I am definitely hooked.  I mean, what is up with this Christian Grey??   I feel like I need to know more about him – find out his deep, dark secrets, and why he is the way he…is, y’know?   I feel like some of my questions are finally starting to get answered as I near the end of the first book in the Trilogy.  And oh, yes, I’m still picturing this guy as Mr. Grey…

• I think I tell you guys this every time I go random on the blog, but I SO can’t wait to be an auntie again!!  Just over a month now until Amanda’s due date.  The anticipation is killing me!
• One week from tomorrow, I will be walking in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, celebrating survivors, remembering those who lost their battles, and raising money to help fight against this terrible disease.  Cancer made an unwelcome visit to my family late last year, when my dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer.  Several short months later, he succumbed to the illness after a brief but hard-fought battle.  I will be walking in memory of him.  I’m so looking forward to taking part in my very first Relay for Life – walking with family and friends all night long, and for such a great cause.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)

The teeny bopper inside me is PUMPED!!

Wanna know what makes this Wednesday one of the most exciting everrrr??

I woke up to the news this morning that this guy is coming to Ottawa on November 23rd…

Please excuse the 13-year-old girl inside me when I say eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

very.very.excited.

I haven’t been to a concert for a long time.  I’m not passing this one up.

Oh, and as if the Biebs himself isn’t enough?  Let’s toss Carly Rae Jepsen in there too.

I mean, seriously, teeny boppers of the world??  How cool is THIS gonna be?!

Stoked.  For reals.

November 23rd…

The Single Girl Files: As my friend Sharon would say, Who Needs a Man…

Says who The Single Girl Files always have to be about badly I NEED a man?

I’m going a little off-track today; a little against the grain of what I’ve always done with this series. 

This edition is going to celebrate ‘the single girl’; embrace her for being the strong, independent woman she’s been forced to become...    A little “girl power”, if you will.  Maybe a little bit of tooting my own horn, too.

I realize this may be a post that some of you have been hoping for for a long time. 

Well, folks, here it finally is.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this ever since my friend Sharon wrote a post entitled “Who Needs a Man”, in contrast to my Single Girl Files post from the same day, when I declared that, if for NO other reason, I needed a man to kill the behemoth monster spiders that had moved into my house.

I think about it every time I write one of these posts saying I need a man to fix things or squish bugs, and you guys tell me all about your husbands and boyfriends who don’t necessarily even know how to use a hammer, or who run screaming from the creepy-crawlies.

I also had plenty of time to think about this as I went back and forth, back and over, back and forth, cutting my hay field (aka, my lawn) on Saturday.

You know what?  Four years ago, I had never cut the grass before in my life.

Like, ever.

I grew up with a dad who looked after all the outdoor work.  Keeping the cars washed, taking out the garbage,  and having the grass always cut to perfection.  Mom did the inside stuff and the flower beds; Dad did the rest of the outdoor stuff and fixed things. 

I think he only let me try cutting the grass once, and when I drove into the side of the house, that was the last time he ever let me on the riding mower.

(Cut me some slack, man – the brakes on the thing didn’t work, and I was, like, five years old.)

Anyways…When I moved into my own place almost four years ago, I had to learn how to cut the grass, along with many other chores that I had never, ever done before in my life.  And I’ve grumbled a lot about them over the years.  I’ve had to buy tools.  I have to remember when garbage day is.  I’ve had to kill bugs.

And you know what?  As much as I’ve grumbled about it?  I’m kind of damned proud of myself.

I’ve also watched my mom over the past year learn to do all of these things, after my dad got sick and couldn’t do it anymore.  And I’m damned proud of her too.

I think he’d be proud of both of us.

Dad always admired my friends who could do things that I considered “boy jobs.”  My friend Sara could change the oil in her car, use all kinds of tools that I don’t even know the names of, and she loves  to cut grass.  My friend and roommate Sue is the same.  And my friend Sharon is also willing to tackle any kind of manual labour.  In fact, pretty much all of my friends are way better at this stuff than I am.  They’ve all got men, but they don’t need to rely on them to do it for them.

Dad used to always say, “Now, if they can do it, why can’t you?”

I’m learning.  Oh, I’m learning.

And I think I’m  better for it.  I’ve definitely gained independence; I’m stronger and more capable than I ever thought possible.  I don’t need to depend on a man to put my bedroom door back up when it falls off it’s hinges anymore.  I don’t need a man to cut my grass.  I don’t need a man to take out the trash for me.

And…well…when a giant spider makes it’s way into my house, I can still always call on Brenda… ;)

Do I want a man?  Of course I still do.  But I want one to be more than just the handy-man I often claim to ‘need’ in these posts.

I want someone to snuggle up with on the couch and watch movies.  I want one to go out with and try new restaurants.  I want one to be my partner when I am embark on adventures.

Who needs a man? 

Not me.  Not anymore.

I still want one, for sure.  But you know what?

Until then, I’m going to be just fine on my own.

And that’s a very empowering feeling.

***

Linking this Single Girl Files post up with the lovely hostesses of Talk To Us Tuesday – Impulsive Addict & Shawn!

Long Weekend Upon Us…Friday Confessions

It’s Friday.

Finally.

The long weekend is almost…almost…here, so I feel the need to confess before it begins.  Linking it up with Mamarazzi.

I confess…that I’m contemplating running away and joining the circus.  Seriously couldn’t be any more nuts-o than this place has been this week.  I’m on the verge of either bursting into tears or maniacal laughter.  It’s just been that kind of week.

I confess…that thinking about running away and joining the circus has reminded me that I want to make my mom watch Water For Elephants this weekend.  I think she’d enjoy it, and I know I could use some time with R.Pattz.

I confess…that I kept my cool while having a disagreement with a co-worker this morning, but in my head, I had a raging back-and-forth fight.  It was a good thing I kept it all in my head, because I think if I’d had the real-life fight, I might’ve got fired.  (I’ve calmed down now, no worries. lol)

I confess…that I skipped the first Quyon Flyers home game last night because of Zumba and a big night of TV.  This makes me a very bad fan, I’m sure, but I had to exercise, I had to find out who was going to the finals on AI, and I HAD to find out what happened with the docs and the plane crash!!!

I confess…that I hate a cliffhanger like the end of last night’s Grey’s.  Made me scream at the TV.

I confess…OK, I wasn’t actually screaming.  Because I was CRYING so damn much.  McSteamy’s good-bye to Lexie??  Too much.  TOO MUCH.

I confess…that I was a little surprised – and a little disappointed – that Jessica Sanchez made the Final 2 on American Idol ahead of Joshua Ledet.  I was sure he was going to be the winner, despite my love for Phillip Phillips.  I’m sad, I was really looking forward to Phillip & Joshua finale.

I confess…that I’m craving BBQ’d burgers and dogs.  Diet-friendly?  Absolutely not.  But it’s the long weekend.  A BBQ MUST happen, right?!

I confess…that a pair of sunglasses were found in the church after Lindsay & Ryan’s wedding, and I was given them to try to find the rightful owner.  But I have not told anybody about them, because I really like them and want to keep them.  I think this sort of makes me a criminal, maybe?  (If they’re yours, let me know – and then tell me where ya got ‘em, so I can go buy my own pair!!)

I confess…that this long weekend is turning up at just the right time.  I soooo can’t wait to sleep in, drink coffee in the jams while watching episodes of The Big Bang Theory on DVD, bake cookies, watch movies, sit on a lawn chair with a drink in hand, and spend time with my book (aka Christian Grey).  I even can’t wait to cut my grass.

And with that…let the May 2-4 Weekend BEGIN!!! :)

Too tired to even spend time with Grey…

Is it just me, or is this week taking for-everrrrrrrrrrrr??

I’m outta sorts today.  Tired, and a little on the cranky side, even though I’m trying to push through with positive thought & being as cheerful as I can muster.

Work has been a complete zoo this week.  At times, I’ve wanted to crawl under my desk and just vanish.  Pretend I’m not here.

It’s just been that kind of week.  I’m so friggin’ glad it’s a long weekend coming up.

And another thing that’s ticking me off today?  I was SO EXCITED to start my relationship with Christian Grey this week, but because I’m so tired at night, I’m basically falling asleep just trying to get through a chapter.  Everyone else I’ve talked to has read the book at warp speed – 24 hours!  2 1/2 days!  less than a week! - and I struggled last night to keep my eyes open through Chapter 5.  I started it on Monday.  Three whole days, and I’ve only got through 5 chapters.

And it’s not that the book isn’t interesting me.  I WANT to read, but my peepers just won’t stay open.

Man.  Something’s wrong here.

I can’t wait for the weekend to get here – a long weekend, without a whole lot going on, so I should be able to finally get in some quality time with Grey.

Oh, and by the way…I’m not very far into it, but this is how I’m picturing the delicious Mr. Grey so far…

Ian Somerhalder – aka Damon from The Vampire Diaries – is my Christian Grey.

Well.  That just made this day better.

Wedding Wednesday! Photo time!!

For the past year, my friend Lindsay has been planning, preparing, and getting pumped up for her wedding day…and along the way, she shared many of her ideas and thoughts with her readers regularly on her “Wedding Wednesday” posts.

(I even starred in one of them!)

Lindsay and Ryan finally had their big day on Saturday, and now they are off on their honeymoon.  So today is the first day in many, many weeks that her blog has not featured a “Wedding Wednesday” post (but go check out her guest, the lovely Kelly is posting for her today!)

I decided to pick up the “Wedding Wednesday” slack and have my own little post in honour of Linds & Ryan.  Especially since I finally got my camera back, charged up, and the pics uploaded!  :)

Those of you who are my Facebook friends have probably already seen these, but for those of you haven’t, here are a few of my favourite snaps from Lindsay & Ryan’s gorgeous wedding day…

The Bride-to-be in the hair & make-up chair

Ready for the dress!!

The newlyweds - Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Woermke

Bridesmaids – Amanda, Rebekka & I

Groomsmen – Luc, Jared & Graham

I stole this one from Nancy’s Facebook, because I didn’t have one of Lindsay & I together on my camera

Ryan, Linds & our student minister Nancy Best

Hamilton & Earl family photo

Woermke & Hamelin family photo

The Bride & Groom cutting the cake

Some of my besties at the reception – Sara (aka The Birthday Girl), Stacy, and Josee

Evan & Ricky, looking very excited!!!

The photo booth – and the costumes that came with it – were a source of GREAT entertainment during the night!!  (Ryan, Todd & Garry, looking their finest…)

There is a reason why I love my roomie, Sue… :)

Me & Sue with the beautiful (but maybe getting a little tired? lol) Bride :)

Brenda, Sue, Adam & the Groom!!

I caught the bouquet…my Godson Cowan caught the garter…he REALLY didn’t want to put it on his head, but I made him…and he REALLY didn’t want to be in this picture, but I made him.  Isn’t he the cutest?!?  Can’t wait to marry him!!!! ;)

It was such a wonderful day filled with memorable moments that I’m sure Lindsay & Ryan will look back on fondly for years to come!  I can’t wait to see the pictures from Lindsay’s photographer, Julie C. Butler Photography!!

So that concludes my very first (but, God willing, not my last) “Wedding Wednesday” post…hope you enjoyed!

Oh, and be sure to head on over to Life’s A Beach, where I’m guest posting today for one of my favourite bloggy pals, Nicole, while she’s on vacation!

(grumble, grumble, grumble…)

Happy Wednesday :)

Let's talk about my fat. And other random stuff.

Is it possible that I'm still coming down from the weekend?  I swear, I'm still not feeling back to "normal" yet.

Thought I'd go random this lovely Tuesday, and share the many little things running through my little brain today...

• Pretty sure you guys are gonna go Oh my God, here she goes AGAIN!!!...but I'm starting another "healthy eating lifestyle" today.  I'm getting bigger by the day, and my cravings for all things crap are starting to take over my life.  It really hit me last night, after a day of stuffing my face with candy left-overs from Lindsay & Ryan's Candy Buffet, and then indulging in a combination platter from Gavan's last night (chicken fingers! onion rings! zuchinni sticks! fries! giant-ass cup of white sauce! OH MY!!)...I felt like absolute crud.  I'm tired of feeling this way.
• I'm ashamed of myself.  At Christmastime, I had lost 32 lbs, and I was feeling better than I had in years.  I just let that all slip away, and blamed the world for it, calling it "stress eating".  I got into my dress for Lindsay's wedding, but it was supposed to be so big on me that it would need massive alterations.  That didn't happen.  And while I loved the dress, and loved how I felt in it, I can't help but feel disappointed when I see the pictures, and can't help but scrutinize the fatty parts of me that I know didn't look that bad a few months ago.  Below is a picture of our student minister Nancy & I after the wedding - I love the picture, but hate that I can't stop looking at my flaws...

I am tech and MS Paint unsavvy, apparently...click on the pic to enlarge to read my comments of self-loathing...it's fun, y'all

• You know why ELSE I need to change my habits?  Cankers.  My mouth was so sore last night (about as sore as my feet!), and no amount of water and Listerine was making it feel any better.  I'm pretty sure the crap I've been eating is to blame for that.
• And of course, a sales rep just stopped in for a visit with a big box of Tim Horton's doughnuts.  Of course he did.
• OK.  Enough of this.  You've heard it all before anyways, right?  Here's the good news:  I FOUND MY KEYS!!!  Well, I don't actually have them in my possession just yet, but someone has my keys, I just need to arrange to get them back.  So.flippin.relieved.
• I started Fifty Shades of Grey last night.  Three chapters down, and I think it's safe to say I'm hooked, even though I haven't really got to the juicy stuff yet.  But I know it's coming, and I can't wait to curl up with my book tonight!
• Song that I can't get out of my head:  Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen.  It has officially trumped What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction.  Yes, I am a teeny bopper in disguise.
• Have I mentioned lately how excited I am that I'm going to be an auntie again!?  squeeeeeeee!!!!
• The office is frigid today. Clearly, Lindsay is on her honeymoon, and not here to monitor the boys and their excessive use of the AC.  I generally don't like it as warm as she does, but it's seriously a frigging meat locker in here today.
• I'm so glad this coming weekend is a long weekend.  God bless you, Queen Victoria, and whatever it is you did to deserve a holiday in your name.  I'm really looking forward to a day off!

Alrighty, I think that's it for now!  Oh, and if you'd like to hear what my Summer Playlist is looking like this year, I'm guest posting for that aforementioned honeymooning pal of mine over at A Small Town Kind of Life!  Check it!

Linking today's post up with Impulsive Addict and Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday, and also with Stacy for Random Tuesday.

Coming Back Down...

A great way to gauge how awesome a weekend it was? 

By how tired I am, how sore my feet are, and how badly I feel I need a food & drink detox of some sort...

Wehhhhhh.

What a busy, fun, & memorable weekend it was!

On Friday night, we gathered at my cousin David & Dawn's house to celebrate my Aunt Marion's 60th birthday.  My aunt is, without a doubt, one of my most favourite people in the world.  She has an incredible strength, a wonderful sense of humour, and is one of the most caring, kind, and giving people I've ever met.

Aunt Marion, circa September 2011, with her grandson Dillon

We had a great time celebrating her milestone birthday with drinks, BBQ, cake & presents.  It was a special night in honour of a very special gal!!  Aunt Marion, I hope you had a terrific birthday, we all love you very much!!  All the best for the next 60 years!! ;)

Saturday morning, I was up bright and early to head to my friend Lindsay's parents' place for hair and make-up.  My job on this very special Saturday?  I had the pleasure & privilege of being Lindsay's Maid of Honour on her wedding day! :)

Photo courtesy of Nancy Best

It was a BEAUTIFUL day - hot & sunny, with a church packed with people there to celebrate the happy occasion of Lindsay & Ryan's wedding.

Honestly, I don't think things could have gone more perfect for Linds & Ryan.  The ceremony was beautiful, and the skies clouded over just enough for perfect pictures afterwards.  Then we travelled up to the reception hall in Shawville for a delicious meal, entertaining speeches, and a rip-roaring good time on the dance floor!

That's where the sore feet come in...oh.my.gahhhhhhh.  My feet feel like I walked around with razor blades in my shoes all weekend.  The soles of my feet literally feel swollen.  Yikes.  But, I'm taking it I must've been having a good time on the dance floor? ;)

Another sign it was a good time?  I managed to lose both my camera and my keys.  The camera has been recovered (thank God!), but still no luck with the keys.  So grateful I have spares for my house & car!  Also?  I had money, my bank card, my driver's licence, gum, lipstick, lip gloss, and a little perfume sample in my clutch, which I left very much unattended all night long while I was up dancing.  I managed to get the clutch home with me, with all of the contents - EXCEPT the lipstick, gloss, and perfume.  I have no friggin clue where they went...but I guess I should be happy the money and cards made it home!

So.  Needless to say, I was feeling pretty rough yesterday.  BUT it was Mother's Day.  And I will do just about anything for my mama. ;)  Hence, I was up to go to church with the whole family, then we took her out for brunch and gave her her gifts.

Mom & I, Thanksgiving 2011

I crashed on the couch for the rest of the afternoon, and pretty much felt like death until bedtime.  It was a weekend jam-packed with fun & festivities, but I'm still suffering for it today.  My feet are still aching (like, seriously?!  What was I doing on the dancefloor?!), and I feel like I could just lie down for a nap right about now. 

That, and my search for my keys continues...

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend & a happy belated Mother's Day to all the lovely moms out there! xo