Happy Twilight Day! Let’s look at some hot boys.

It’s here… it’s finally here!

Twilight Day!!!

Do you know how I know it’s Twilight Day?  That would be because my eyes popped open at 5:50 AM this morning, much like they do the mornings leading up to Christmas – and then I couldn’t fall back asleep.  So I played Euchre on my phone for 45 minutes waiting for my alarm to go off.

*sigh*

It’s the last Twilight Day ever.  Kind of sad, I guess.  But also… Kind of okay.  I really do feel like I might be getting too old for this…

It’s weird to think back that when this all started for me, I was using my thirteen-year-old neighbour Brittany as my “excuse” to go to the Twilight movies.  I mean, it was OK to go, because I was taking a kid with me.

Tonight, when we head out to see the final installment of the Twilight Saga at a 10 PM screening, I’ll be bringing along my friend Lindsay and an 18-year-old young woman.  (yes, I mean Britt) 

Seriously?  SERIOUSLY?!  Where has the time gone??

We’ve long since given up making excuses to go see our beloved vampires and werewolves on the big screen. We are three adults now.  And I am the eldest of the adults.  I refuse to be ashamed, though.  I will not feel silly about it.  I’m going to let my inner 14-year-old have one last night of fun, because who knows if she’ll get the chance to be a giggling fangirl ever again.

I.can’t.wait.

And also, I still need to find my Burger King Twilight Crown.  I’m seriously going to wear it tonight.

On another note… As I briefly discussed on my last post, yesterday was the best People Magazine day of the year.  The day they chock the mag full of pics of the Sexiest Men Alive.

Y’all know how delighted I was that my boytoy Channing Tatum was named Grand Supreme Little Darling.   The Sexiest of the Sexy.  I totally concur with People’s selection this year. 

Even though I once giggled at another blogger saying he looked like a penis with big ears.

Penis-looking or not, he’s one fine boy.  I just love that little smirk.

I was also quite pleased as I browsed through their “United States of Sexy” feature and found quite a few of my favourites representin’.  (Some super-goofy choices as well that had me going “huh? WTF?”. But hey.  I guess they can’t all be my cup of tea.)

A few of the selections were amazeballs.  Like these.

Mr. California – my very favourite Adam.  Mr. Levine.  The #1 reason to watch The Voice.

Mr. Delaware – Ryan Philippe.  I’ve had a soft spot for Mr. Philippe since my teenage years.  He still makes my heart go pitter patter.

Mr. Louisiana – My boyfriend Ian Somerhalder, my current favourite vampire, and also my one and only choice to play Christian Grey on the big screen.

Mr. Minnesota -  I watch Country Strong about once a month, just to get my dose of Garrett Hedlund

Mr. Ohio – Justin Chambers always ranks #1 Hot Doc for me in a show absolutely overflowing with hot doctors

Mr. Oklahoma – The #2 reason to watch The Voice.  (or for my mom, he’s #1) The oh-so-hot Blake Shelton.

Mr. Utah – this one was a delightful surprise for me.  I’d kind of forgotten how hot the frontman of The Killers, Brandon Flowers, is.  Yummy.

They also featured the Sexiest Family Men, and this one had me goin’ humina humina…

Hot, sexy Marky Mark with his big muscles + cute little Mini Marky Mark playing in the water = I die.

And also. I found this picture.  It did things to me… things that I didn’t even realize a simple picture could do…

Holy Mother of Pearl, Ryan Gosling.  You are just delicious.

And last but not least… it IS Twilight Day, after all…

Gimme some RPattz. any time.  any place.  anywhere.

Team Edward.  All the way.

And with that… a Happy Twilight Day to you all! :)

A li’l Liebster fun

Today is a good day. 

Any day that Channing Tatum is officially named the Sexiest Man Alive is a good day, my friends.

Come to me, baby.

Oh, and also, tomorrow is Breaking Dawn Part 2 day.  Still not feeling as super-excited about it as I know I was feeling last year at this time, but… I’m gettin’ there.  Besides, Channing Tatum has distracted me this morning.  It’s all his fault.

ohhhhhh Channing Tatum.  *sigh*

Alright.  So.  Moving right along.

Last week, my dear bloggy pal Jo over at Will the kids turn out ok? nominated me for the Liebster Award!   Jo is definitely one of my most unique blog friends, in that she doesn’t even live in North America.  She actually lives in Belgium!  So cool, right?!  It’s been so nice getting to know her over the past year, and comparing notes on what is similar and different about our lives, being that we live on different continents.  Everyone go visit Jo and show her some love!

Speaking of love… We’re familiar with the Liebster around here, right?  So we know that is means sweet, kind, endearing, lovely, valued, and welcome in German, and that it is normally given to up and coming bloggers with under 200 followers.

Now the rules state that each nominee must post 11 things about themselves; answer the questions left for you by the nominator, and create 11 questions for your nominees; and choose 11 nominees and let them know.

Normally, I consider myself a law-abiding citizen, but dudes, I’m totally gonna break the rules this time.  As I’ve taken part in the Liebster before, I’m not going to nominate anyone this time.  But I’m still going to create some questions for you, so please feel free to answer them, either in the comments section or on your own blogs :)

So.  Here we go:

11 Things about me:

1. My current boyfriend’s name is Dallas Smith.  My other boyfriends are Ian Somerhalder and Josh Holloway. Oh, and also, Channing Tatum.  Yes, I do realize that my boyfriends are fictional characters, aka famous people, and one is even the Sexiest Man Alive.  I don’t care.
2. I did not know how to play Euchre until two days ago.  I have since downloaded the game on my phone and have been known to play it for up to an hour without realizing it.
3. I still like Poker better than Euchre.
4. I wear a watch every day, and when I forget it, I feel like I’m missing my whole arm.  Yet, I’ve come to realize I don’t think I ever actually look at it to find out the time.
5. I never used to get heartburn.  Like, ever.  And all of a sudden, this week, I have it every time I turn around.  And I have no idea why.
6. I quit going for walks at night because it gets dark so early now, and when I walk in the dark, I’m always looking over my shoulder, convinced that someone is going to jump me or maybe even kill me.  I have not replaced my walks with any other form of exercise.  I am now a giant sloth.
7. I’m pissed off over the NHL lock-out, but I know I’m the kind of fan that will still be there when they finally resolve this and get back on the ice.  I love hockey - and my Sens - too much to walk away.
8. I have no idea what colour my eyes are.  I used to always say brown, but then I decided they were hazel, even though I don’t even really know what colour “hazel” is.  And I’ve had some people tell me they’re green.  My eye colour is ambiguous, I guess.
9. I support Movember, because it’s a worthy cause, but I hate hate hate mustaches.  Unless, of course, it’s someone who has always had a mustache and would look weird without one.  Then I’m okay with it.
10. What I wish I was eating right now:  Macaroni, tomato soup & cheez whiz, and a big mug of hot chocolate.
11. One of my most favourite things to do is watch movies.  The most recent movie I saw was People Like Us, starring Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, and Michelle Pfeiffer.  I thought it was really good, and it made me cry like a baby – I swear, one of the most touching endings I’ve ever seen in a movie.

The 11 Liebster questions that I have to answer:

01. What would you name the autobiography of your life?  I honestly have no idea.  “Why Don’t We Just Dance?”.  OK, that’s a Johnny Reid song title and I just stole it, but it kind of fits me.

02. Do you have any strange habits?  Picking my lips.  One of those weird nervous ticks, I guess.  Wish I could stop it.

03. What story does your family always tell about you?  I’m really not sure… usually something embarrassing.  My sister and brother always bring up this totally made-up untrue story about me talking in my sleep about food when I was a kid.  Hamburgers and hot dogs, so they say.  I don’t believe them.  I was never a sleep-talker.

04. Who were you names after? If no one, do you know how your parents picked your name?  My first name is just a name my parents liked I guess, but my middle name is my mom’s name, Elizabeth. 

05. If you had to name yourself would you chose the same name(s) … if no what would you pick?  My mom once told me they considered naming me Alison, and I wished for a long time that they had.  I used to think I’d have made a better Alison than a Jillian.  As I get older, though, I think I’m glad I’m a Jillian.  I don’t think I’d trade it.

06. Do you want to know what is going to happen in your future?  Definitely not.  I’m a worrier, so knowing what’s ahead would only have me worrying more, I’m sure.  I’d rather just enjoy each day and take them as they come – whatever will be, will be, and my knowing it in advance isn’t going to change anything.

07. How do you have your eggs?  I don’t have a way – I like them every way, depending on the day!  I looove eggs.  Usually over-easy or scrambled. 

08. Do you sing in the shower?  No, actually, I don’t think I do… hmm.  Weird.  I kind of think of myself as a sing-in-the-shower kind of girl, even though I don’t.

09. Do you suck or bite lollipops?  I’ll suck it for a while, but eventually I get impatient and bite it.  And holy cow, could the answer to this question ever be interpreted as dirty.

10. Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?  Um, yes.  My brother is a Superstar.

11. If you were exiled what country would you choose as your new home?  My first instinct is to say Ireland, because it’s my big dream destination.  But then logic kicks in and I’m reminded that being exiled would suck and I’d probably cry and be lonely, so I’d rather be deported to the United States.  Like, just across the border so I’m not too far away from my family and friends.  I’d require them to visit me regularly.

And here are my 11 completely random Liebster questions to you:

1. You are given a free round-trip ticket to go anywhere in the world for one week.  Where do you choose to go?
2. What is your biggest fear?
3. Poker, Euchre, or other?  (if other, tell me what your game of choice is!)
4. What is the one TV show you can’t miss, and can’t wait to watch each week?
5. Is there a book you love, and have read over and over?  If so, which one is it?
6. People magazine has given you the almighty power: YOU get to choose the Sexiest Man Alive.  Who do you pick?  (if you’re a boy – you get to pick a woman, if you want. ;))
7. What’s your favourite scary movie?
8. You’re invited to a party and told to bring your “signature dish” – what do you bring?  (bonus points for a recipe!)
9. What is the #1 item on your Christmas Wish List this year?
10. If you could see any singer or band in the world, which would you choose?
11. They’re going to name a pizza after you, and you get to pick the toppings – what are you putting on your pizza and what are you going to call it?
12. Bonus question:  I just have to ask, in honour of Breaking Dawn Part 2 tomorrow night.  Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Please.  Somebody answer these questions.  I have officially bestowed the Liebster upon all of you!  And like I said – we’re breaking the rules today, so you can too!! ;)

The Tuesday Random: LOST, Scentsy, and Breaking Dawn Part 2

• It amazes me that half-way through LOST Season 3, it still has the ability to shock me.  Absolutely floor me.  You would think by now I’d be used to the twists; anticipating them.  But they get me every damn time.

• I’m constantly trying to imagine what it must have been like for people watching this show when it was current; having to wait each week to find out what happens next.  When the end of an episode leaves me with my jaw dropped, I just start the next one.  I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to wait for each week!  For instance, I’ve been watching for about three months now, and one of the biggest questions for me has been the mystery behind John Locke’s wheelchair, knowing he was paralyzed from the waist down before landing on the island, and then he miraculously regained the use of his legs after the plane crash.  I’ve always wondered if the flashbacks would ever explain what had happened to Locke to put him in a wheelchair.  Last night, I finally found out.  And holy-crazy-mothertrucking-moment, it had me yelling at my TV: “WTF?!?!?!”  But the people who watched LOST when it was current?  They had to wait three years to find out.  The creators sure liked to people keep guessing, didn’t they?

• Probably my biggest dislike when it comes to LOST?  I hate it when I hit an episode that follows a storyline that really doesn’t interest me.  For instance, I’m quite interested in any backstory relating to Sawyer, Jack, or Kate.  I also find Locke’s story intriguing, and Hurley’s is usually very entertaining.  I like finding out more about Jin and Sun, too.  But I hate it when I hit a Sayid episode. Or a Desmond episode.  Even Charlie and Claire’s stories don’t exactly have me riveted.  Any other LOST fans know what I mean?
• And I’m still constantly surprised when I discover how certain characters are linked to one another, without them even realizing.  Like, I watched an episode a few days ago where Claire finds out in a flashback who her real father is, and we find it’s also Jack’s father.  Holy crap.
• Alrighty.  So.  I’m assuming you’ve heard enough about a show that went off the air over two years ago, am I right? ;)  Yeah, I know.  But I can’t help it.  I’m so addicted.
• Most fun thing that’s happened to me lately in the middle of a Monday afternoon:  I was discussing how to play Euchre, and my fear of sucking badly in this upcoming tournament, with the office ladies yesterday, when all of a sudden Lindsay and Sue jumped up from their desks and said, “OK!  Come on, ladies!  To the basement… We’re going to play Euchre!”  So the four of us went down to the boardroom table, let the men handle the phones for half an hour, and we played Euchre.  They gave me tips and explained strategies to me.  Oh, and we laughed until we cried.  It was so.much.fun.
• Very much looking forward to my mom’s Scentsy Open House this afternoon/evening.  Her cousin Joan is a Scentsy representative, and she’ll have her electric warmers on display at my mom’s today from 3-7 PM, as well as all of her scents for people to choose from.  I’m a huge Scentsy fan, and I can’t wait to check out what Joan has.  This warmer is on my wishlist!

• I can’t believe I’ve gotten this far in my post without mentioning my new boyfriend Dallas Smith again.  Here is your daily dose of Dallas.  You’re welcome.

• Last, but certainly not the least topic on my mind this morning – Breaking Dawn Part 2.  We are two days away.  I’m slowly working myself up to the excitement of the final Twilight film.  I’m not sure why, but I’m not feeling the same giddy-ness that I know I was experiencing a year ago at this time. Is it because I’m getting older?  Or is it because I’m sad knowing this is really going to be the end of it all?  At 10 PM on Thursday night, I will be sitting in the theatre with Linds & Britt, and I know I’ll be excited by then.  But right now?  I’m just kind of “meh” about it all.  What’s wrong with me??

That’s all I’ve got for today, folks!

I’m linking up with Impulsive Addict and Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday…

…and also linking up with Stacy Uncorked for Random Tuesday!

The Weekend Rundown & Musical Monday (More Dallas Smith, of course)

Ahhh, what a wonderful weekend that was – I ate out or had take-out for pretty much every meal, I started to get a little bit in the Christmas spirit, and I spent a lot of time with vampires, werewolves, and wine.  Really… is there any reason to complain?!

Friday evening, my mom and I headed out to my nephew Caden’s hockey game.  We were super-impressed at how far he has come on the ice, and it was great to be back in a chilly rink and watching little guys skate their butts off.  I don’t think I’ve done that since my brother played minor hockey.  (And towards the end of that, he wasn’t so much a “little guy” anymore!!)

After the game was over, we all went out to Gabriel’s for supper, and then Mom & I stopped in to visit my brother, who was “babysitting” his daughter.  (Also called “parenting”, but whatever.)

Saturday morning, I lazed around with coffee, watched episodes of LOST, and went for a brisk walk before getting ready to go to the Onslow School Christmas Craft & Bake sale.  I went into the school with $60, and came out without a penny!  My favourite purchase was a toll-painted snowman which says “Fat Snowmen Last Longer” – it just called out to me, and I couldn’t resist him!!  He was perfect for me!!  I also bought some of my friends’ crafts and ornaments, some baked goods, and I picked up two books at the Used Book Sale table - “The Girl Who Played With Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson.  I was thrilled to pick them up for $2/each, as I’ve been wanting to read them ever since I read “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” this past summer!

Mom and I had some errands to run in Shawville, so we stopped for a bite at Cafe 349, and then I came home and began my “Twilight Movie Marathon”.  My friend Brenda joined me later on, and we ordered a pizza to be delivered.  That turned into a bit of a debacle, as an accident on the highway prevented the pizza man from delivering it right away – we ended up having to wait a few hours, but that was OK because we had wine, and the pizza turned out to be delicious, even though it was a little on the cold side…

Yesterday morning, we had a beautiful, touching Remembrance Day service at church, where our minister Nancy had members of the church bring in mementos from war times, and several people had stories to share of family members who had fought in either World War I or II.  My Aunt Mona had brought in a telegram that her aunt had received in 1945 to tell her that her brother had been injured by shrapnel to the head.  I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to get a telegram like that… I spent a lot of time thinking about & being grateful for the men & women who served and are still serving for our country.  Lest we forget.

After church, Mom and I went to the local restaurant for brunch, but before we got our orders, the power went out!  So we finished our coffees, then decided to go to Norway Bay for brunch there.  It was delicious.  Upon returning home, we discovered the power was still out, so we read and napped until it came back on.  After supper, Mom tried to teach me how to play Euchre since I’m supposed to be playing in a tournament this coming Saturday, and I have, like, ZERO experience.  It also didn’t help that my teacher hadn’t played a hand of Euchre in probably 20 years. haha!  SO.  I think I’ve got the basics down, and with a few more lessons this week, I should be good to go on Saturday for my first time participating in the annual Hobbs Euchre Tournament.  God help my partner Lindsay, I hope she has lots of patience. ;)

I’ve got a busy and exciting week ahead – a Scentsy party at my mom’s place tomorrow, and then Breaking Dawn Part 2 on Thursday, with a day off on Friday and then the Euchre tourney on Saturday, so I’m super-pumped!

But first… let’s take a Musical Monday break, shall we?  My love affair with Dallas Smith continues, and this has quickly become one of my favourites off his new album.  I want to learn to play it on my own guitar.  I LOVE this one.

Somebody Somewhere by Dallas Smith

Sometimes you don’t know what you got until it’s gone
Sometimes it’s hard to believe I could have been that wrong
And I finally figured it out as she was driving away
And now I’m living with the fact that out there today

Chorus:
Somebody somewhere is saying those things I know I should have said
Somebody somewhere ain’t gonna let her go quite as easy as I did
I hope that she’s happy as much as it hurts me to see it all go down from here
Ya there’s somebody out there holding my somebody somewhere

Took some time but I get along fine all by myself
And looking around but I still haven’t found anybody else
Sometimes I let myself wonder what she’s doing right now
Even though I know there’s a pretty good chance
That she’s already found

(Chorus)

Maybe on a beach in Mexico
Maybe parked in the shade on an old dirt road
Ya I don’t know
I don’t wanna know

I hope that she’s happy
As much as it hurts me to see it all go down from here
Ya there’s somebody out there
Oh there’s somebody out there
Ya there’s somebody out there holding my somebody somewhere
Somebody somewhere

***

It has become my mission in life (or at least my mission of the week) to introduce everyone I know to Dallas and make them love him as much as I do.  Just watch the video.  Then download him off iTunes.  You won’t regret it, I promise.  He’s amazeballs.

Linking up with My So-Called Chaos for Musical Monday.

Friday Confessions: Yes, I’m still in love with Dallas Smith.

Oh, hello, my favourite day of the week!

Let’s get the ol’ Friday Confessions rollin’, shall we?

I confess… that I haven’t been as in love with anyone in a long time as I am with Dallas Smith right now.  For reals, yo.

I confess… that my friend Jaime, who was at the show Tuesday night, tweeted me the link to this Youtube video last night, and it literally made my day.  Dallas’ amazing voice + Chad’s total hotness = Jill’s a happy camper.  I love my Boys of Fall.

I confess… I thought Damon Salvatore would distract me last night from my Dallas Smith infatuation, but he didn’t really.  I want Damon & Elena to be together so badly, and each week that they’re not just frustrates me even more.

I confess… that I downloaded a tune that I loved from Season 3 of The Vampire Diaries, and it’s the only one getting regular play on my iPod these days, aside from Dallas Smith.  Here’s “Guilty Filthy Soul” by Awolnation.  Accompanied by a picture of Stefan, Elena, and Damon.  Enjoy.

I confess… that I’m school-girl-excited to see the final installment of The Twilight Saga next Thursday night.  It’s probably good that the series is wrapping up, though, because I’m getting too old to be school-girl-excited over vampires and their hybrid child, I think.

I confess… I’m having a Twilight marathon tomorrow – watching all the flicks to get geared up for the grand finale!

I confess… that I might be almost as excited to eat at Montana’s Thursday night as I am for the movie.  Or maybe even more.

I confess… that I have to learn how to play Euchre because I’m supposed to play in a tournament next Saturday, and aside from a few little lessons over the years, I have absolutely no frigging clue how to play.  I would like to call upon all Euchre players in my family – that means you, Mom-Luke-Kara-Chris – to give me a crash course this weekend.  Please and thank you.

I confess… I’m so looking forward to the down-time this weekend!  Dinner out with my momma tonight, Onslow School Christmas craft sale tomorrow, then my Twilight movie marathon for the rest of the day, and nothing but church and relaxing (and hopefully Euchre) on Sunday.  Snacks, couch, comfy-ness, hot chocolate… bring it!

I confess… that after writing yesterday about how much I love to sleep, I had the worst night’s sleep ever last night.  Of course I did.

 

I confess… that I can’t leave off without a little more Dallas.  Here’s to the weekend, folks, might as well “jump right in”… have a good one :)

I love sleep. And I apparently don’t do very well without it.

My brother Luke once told me that he thinks when I’m 80 years old, I’ll probably sleep all day and night.   He said he’s never seen anyone who can sleep as much as I can.

Odd, coming from the guy who takes every chance he can get to lie on the couch and “rest his eyes”…. but anyways….

 I love when his naps are less-than-peaceful…

Well, I beg to differ.  Sure, there have been many occasions on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon that I can be found horizontal, totally out of commission.  But those are typically days when I’ve been out the night before, and perhaps had one or two drinks beyond my limit.  (And I’m happy to report that as I’ve grown older and wiser, those days are becoming fewer & father in-between.  Phewf.)

On an average day, if I have a good solid night’s sleep behind me, I’m good to go.  Fully charged.  I don’t even feel the need to have a nap.

However, as I get older - (and by no means do I think I’m OLD at age 27!! (or 29. whatever.)) – I have started to notice just how much I appreciate sleep.  More often than not on a Friday or Saturday night, when I used to be gearing up for a party or heading to the bar, I’m now far more enticed by cozy pj’s, blankets, snacks, couch, and movies.  And of course, early to bed.  That feeling of being so tired the next day just doesn’t do it for me anymore. 

Actually, I dread that feeling.

The fact that I can’t handle a late night and less than 8 hours of sleep was never so evident to me as it was yesterday.

Don’t get me wrong.  Dallas Smith and Chad Brownlee were totally worth it.  Absolutely, completely, worth it.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  You only live once, right?  Avoiding late-night-fun-things because of a fear of being zonked the next day is ridiculous, especially for a single gal like me.

But maybe… just maybe I’d have the foresight to book the next day off work next time…

I was absolutely useless yesterday.  I felt like I was in a haze… Half-zombie-like.  Not even coffee could kick me out of my dopey-ness.  I was cranky.  I was achey.  Honestly?  I felt hungover.  And I know there’s no way my three Texas Teas - spread over the course of the evening, and combined with a huge dinner, and didn’t even give me a buzz – could have been the cause.

It was the fact that I didn’t get to bed at 10:30-ish, as per usual.  I crawled under the covers around 1 AM, and was up for work at 6:30 AM.  The fact that I didn’t log my required hours of sleep actually made me feel like I’d gone on a bender the night before.  (And left me wondering why I just didn’t go ahead and do so, if that’s how I was going to feel anyways.)

So is this what getting older is all about??  If it is… that totally sucks donkey balls, my friends.

I guess Luke’s not entirely wrong.  I do love to sleep.  I love my bed, I love my pillow, I love my couch, I love my quilt, I love being cozy and comfy, and I looooove sleep. 

And maybe by the time I’m 80, I will be sleeping all the damned time, who knows.

But in the meantime, I do still want those someday-babies.  And as my friends and family who have littles like to remind me, once the someday-babies come, I can kiss my sleepytimes good-bye.

I just don’t know how people do it.  They tell me you get used to it; your body will adjust.  I’m not confident mine will.  It is my biggest fear about having someday-babies.  As I’ve mentioned before, I need the magical kind of babies that sleep 12 hours a night. 

Because I can’t  have them stealing my sleep.  I apparently need it to keep me sane and functional.

Dallas Smith and Chad Brownlee have made that very clear to me.

I have a new boyfriend. And his name is Dallas Smith.

Confession:  I bought my ticket to The Boys of Fall tour for Chad Brownlee and only Chad Brownlee.  Dallas Smith?  Who the heck is Dallas Smith?  Oh, the former lead singer of Default. Okay, sure, I know him.  And he’s gone country now?  Huh.  Whatever.

Chad Brownlee.  All I care about is Chad Brownlee.

And then.  Two days before the show at The Crazy Horse, I thought maybe I should check out this Dallas Smith guy after all.  I was a fan of Default, but hadn’t heard any of his new stuff, aside from “Jumped Right In”, the title track off his new country-flavoured album that’s getting play on the local country station.

Downloading Dallas’ new tunes might have been the best thing I’ve ever done.  I was instantly hooked.  And then seeing him live last night just cemented our relationship.

It’s love.  Absolute love.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  Chad Brownlee still makes my speakers go boom-boom.   He’s so very handsome.  Highlights of his set for me included “Hood of My Car”, “Carried Away”, “Listen”, “Love Me or Leave Me”, “Smoke In The Rain”, a cover of the Black Crows’ “Hard To Handle”, and, of course the crowd-pleasing “Wagon Wheel”.

But Dallas?  Dallas made the show at the Crazy Horse last night.  If he was the only one playing, and it was time to go home after his set was over, I’d have gone home a very happy girl.

The other day, I declared “Stone Cold Killer” my new favourite song, but honestly, picking just one is next to impossible.  So many amazing new songs -  “Jumped Right In”, of course, but also “If It Gets You Where You Wanna Go”, “Somebody Somewhere”, “Shotgun”, “Nothing But Summer”, “What Kinda Love”… And when he tossed in a few of his old Default songs – “Wasting My Time” and “Count on Me” – it was absolutely epic.

I wasn’t sure what to expect last night at The Crazy Horse, and I honestly didn’t expect it to feel like “just another crazy night at the Koo Koo Chevale”, especially with it being a Tuesday night – but that’s exactly what it was, with just a bigger headliner than you’d find there on any given weekend.

Lindsay and I had staked out a table early that we thought would give us a good view of the stage.  We were so very wrong.  The Crazy Horse just isn’t a place where you’ll ever get a good view of the stage, unless you’re on the floor standing right in the front row.  We were there early to eat dinner, but the hours started to drag, especially after the start time of 8 PM came and went with no sign of action on the stage.

We eventually moved to a booth closer the stage after a group of our friends invited us to join them, and that allowed us to stand on the seats and get a birds-eye view of the stage.  I was so happy that we moved there – it brought us closer, and by standing up in the booth, we could see much better without having to brave the crazy crowd on the floor.  I admit I was starting to get antsy and thinking the night was going to be a bust, but then Dallas finally took the stage around 10 PM, making everything all better. ;)

Unfortunately, I didn’t get any great pics of Dallas, but I was lucky to get a few decent shots of Chad on my phone.  And Chad is so pretty…

This is a snap of both Dallas and Chad on-stage together, when they closed out the night by singing “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive” and “Come Together”.  So much fun!!

 

I have to admit to feeling a little bit like an old lady today.  It was a late one, as we didn’t get home til around 1 AM.  (I know, that’s not that late…but it was a TUESDAY, people.  Yes. I’m old.)  I’m nursing my coffee, that’s for sure.  But I have my iPod on, and I just know that Dallas will get me through the day. ;)

Overall, it was an awesome night, and I’m so happy we were there.  I mean, I did get a new boyfriend out of it, so really, how could I complain?

It’s gonna be a GREAT Random Tuesday!

• It’s finally here!  The Chad Brownlee + Dallas Smith “Boys of Fall” Tour will be stopping at The Crazy Horse in Kanata TONIGHT, and I’ve got my ticket!  I’ve been anxiously anticipating this evening ever since I found out they were going to be in town, shortly after falling in love with Chad Brownlee at the Shawville Fair.  I can’t wait!  I mean, just look at these boys… who cares if they can even sing, right?

• Good news is… they can :)
• Needless to say, this day is probably going to drag on for-ev-errrr.  It always does when there’s something to look forward to after work!
• Question going around the office this morning: “If you lived in the States, who would you be voting for today?”  My answer: Barack Obama.  He did get the majority of our office vote, but hey, what do we know - we’re just a bunch of Canadians.  It will be interesting to see how it goes down today for our neighbours to the South.
• Speaking of someone getting my vote… Word on the street is Channing Tatum is going to be named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.  Can I get a HELL YES.

• November seems to have completely snuck up on me.  Yesterday morning, I was already running late, and then totally forgot about having to defrost my car.  It was iced up real good.  I had the foresight to put it in the garage last night.  Thank God, because it was even frostier out this morning!
• Oh, and this morning, while I was closing up the garage and letting my car warm up, some random guy walking by waved at me, then pointed at my car and made some kind of hand gesture that to me indicated he thought my car was very sick or something.  I just nodded at him, like, “I know, I know, it’s noisy, get over it.”  Sheesh. 
• My family is officially abolishing Christmas.  I have whined and cried and kicked and screamed, but I have lost.  We are drawing names.  We have a spending cap.  Only the kids are getting presents from everyone.  It’s pretty much the end of the world as we know it.
• Some of you may argue that we’re actually discovering the true meaning of Christmas rather than abolishing it.  To you I say… frig off.  I am still a kid, and I still need presents.  Without the limits of a spending cap.  arggghhhh.
• Anyways.  Moving on, because the Christmas debacle makes me want to cry.  Back to happy topics.  Last week, I forgot to tell you guys I rented Rock of Ages.  And I loved it.  Sure it was campy and cheesy, but I LOVED the music, and I kind of thought Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx was a little bit…perfect.  I’m so excited that the musical is coming to the National Arts Centre in March of 2013!!!

• Another thing that makes me happy (and a little bit torn, too)?  Last night, I was watching episodes of Lost Season 3, and Sawyer and Kate finally got it on.  And part of me was all like, “OH YES! YAY!! SAWYER & KATE!!!”  …but the other part of me was like, “Oh, poor Jack… he loves Kate, and now she loves Sawyer, and he’s trapped inside in this dark room while they’re out canoodling in their cages… no fair for Jack.”  But still… very happy for Sawyer & Kate. I’m sure many of you were five years ago, too. ;)

 

• OH MY GOD.  I was just googling for pictures of Kate & Sawyer, and found one of them with a baby?!!?!  Are Kate & Sawyer going to have a BABY!?!?!  No, don’t tell me, let me find out on my own… eeeeeek!!!
• But wait… poor Jack…
• Holy cow, I love this show.

Happy Tuesday, kids. :)

Linking up today for Talk To Us Tuesday with Shawn and the mama to a brand new beautiful baby boy, Impulsive Addict.  Sending out huge congrats to her and her family!!

Also linking up with Stacy for Random Tuesday!

Music Monday: Stone Cold Killer

Tomorrow night is the Chad Brownlee/Dallas Smith Boys of Fall tour stop in Ottawa, at The Crazy Horse.  And I can’t.friggin.wait.

You guys know that I’ve been harboring a massive crush on Chad for a few months now.  But I hadn’t really bothered “discovering” Dallas Smith, until I downloaded his album last night.  Kinda last minute, I know.  But I’m taking a crash course on the former Default frontman, and it’s been love at first listen.

This is one of my favourite tracks from his new country album, Jumped Right In, called “Stone Cold Killer”.

Sorry for the crappy live video, and I can’t even find the lyrics on-line, but trust me… awesome song and an amazing voice.  And I love that Dallas is a former rocker –gives an edge to his new country tunes.

I really hope he plays this one tomorrow night!!

Linking up for Musical Monday with Miss Angie from My So-Called Chaos!

Friday Confessions

Oh, Friday.  Bless your little heart for finally showing up!!  I’m so so glad the weekend is finally here!!

Now as we all know, Friday is for confessing.  But FIRST!  I have a little favour to ask of you, bloggy friends!  I was so surprised and happy this morning to discover that Nathan at Life and Everything Else In Between has nominated me to be inducted into his blog’s Hall of Fame.  Nathan has nominated several of his blog friends to honour them for helping grow his blog in the past year or so.  It has been fun to follow Nathan on his journey, and see how much his blog – and his little family! - has grown in the past year.  Congratulations, Nathan, and thank you so much for the nomination!

So here’s where you guys come in. I’m up against some pretty stiff competition, but with your help, I just might get inducted into the LEEIB Hall of Fame, and Nathan is offering some pretty nice perks to his inductees.  If you have a minute, please go visit his Hall of Fame post and toss me a nomination, would ya?  Check out the other nominees as well, it’s a great group to keep company with, and I’m so thrilled that he thought to include me!! :)

OK.  Now.  Time to confess…

I confess…I hit my head.  Hard.  It was Halloween night, and I was doing a last-minute clean up of my front hall which would soon become Trick-or-Treating Grand Central Station.  I was bent down, sweeping, and somehow misjudged where I was, and totally clocked the side of my head on the door frame.  Two days later, it is still very tender and sore.  No bump, though.  I think this might mean I have brain damage.

I confess…last night I was grocery shopping, and saw the Halloween candy was marked way down, of course.  So I bought three bags of little candy bars and Maynard gummies.  All for me.  In addition to the big bowl of candy I already had leftover.  I’ve become a candy hoarder.

I confess… I watched Honey Boo Boo for the first time the other night, and… I really didn’t think they were all that bad.  I mean, yeah, when their pet pig crapped on the kitchen table and they all laughed, it was a teensy bit gross. And they fart and burp and call each other fat, but overall… I think I know people who are the same, or maybe even worse….

I confess…that I’m not sure I should be admitting that, though…

I confess… that when Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert won for Song of the Year at the CMA’s last night for her hit “Over You” – a song that rings true and deep for me - I sat and cried like a baby through their acceptance speech.  So did Miranda, though, so it’s okay.

I confess… that last night was the first night I didn’t sleep with the hall light on since my scary movie marathon on the weekend.  This is sooner than usual, though, so…Go me!

I confess…I’m feeling like it’s the end of an era in my little town.  The Quyon Ferry is going to be shutting down early this year to allow enough time for the new cable Ferry to be ready for next Spring.  So they’re inviting people to come for “one last ride on the Ferry”, and encouraging people to bring their cameras for one last picture.   Also, this weekend will be Mae’s last weekend as owner of McCann’s Chips.  She has finally sold the business, and many of her past employees are coming back to work one last shift on Saturday to celebrate her final weekend.  It’s all reason for celebration, but for some reason, it kind of makes me want to cry.

I confess… that tomorrow is Escape Day at my place, and I’m getting an Indian Head Massage and Reflexology.  One is a head massage (obviously), and the other is a foot massage.  Sounds great, right?  EXCEPT that I have that sore spot on my head.  AND my left foot heel continues to ache daily because of my heelspur.  This is either really gonna help … or it’s really gonna hurt.  Wish me luck.

I think that’s all I got this Friday, folks!  Hope you all have a great weekend :)

Halloween is done. Now it’s time for CHRISTMAS!!! (OK, maybe not yet. But soon.)

Have I mentioned how much I love Halloween?  How it makes me so happy to have so many cuties come to my door, all dressed up and smiling?

Like this one.

We often call her “our little pumpkin”. Last night, it was literal.  Right down to the adorable little green bow in her hair.  Her “stem”.  My God, I could just eat her she’s so cute.  Plus, she made a “scared face”.  (Which is code for “Auntie’s flash is so bright it makes my eyes pop out of my face”.  Whatever.)  Dude was totally killin’ it on her very first Halloween.

As per usual, I’m a total flunkie at getting pictures uploaded.  This one was on my phone, but the rest are on my camera, and there they shall remain until I spend some time with my laptop.

But I stole this one from my friend Josee’s facebook.

This is Landyn the monkey and me the Jill who has terrible hat-head from wearing a big tall Cat-in-the-Hat-Halloween-style chapeau all day at work.  Like, swear to Jesus, it gave me a bald spot at the front of my head that I was unable to repair with finger-combing.  And I couldn’t stop scratching.  Oh, and I’m sweating as if I was running a marathon, too.  Excellent.

Anyways.  Forget about my hat-head and my sweat.  Look at the cute monkey.  Isn’t he adorable?  I had baby treats this year for Nevie, Tanner, Landyn, and any other little babes who came to my door.  (Also packed a few away for some of the babes who didn’t make it out, but I trust that their brothers and sisters will get them to them. ;)) They were banana-flavoured Baby Mum-Mums or whatever the heck they are called.  As you can see, Landyn is acting like a TRUE MONKEY here, doing his damndest to chew right through the package and get to that banana-flavoured baby goodness.

So.frigging.cute.  A monkey after my own heart.

I must say, I was truly delighted with the majority of my trick-or-treaters last night.  The costumes were awesome, they were so polite, and I absolutely adore my littles who come through the door, take their shoes off, and want to stay for a visit.  Frig the candy, I just wanna hang with my pal Jill.  Love.

While I did have some over-agers, I definitely didn’t give out any apples.  There was plenty of candy to go around, and I even gave an extra bag to the Ottawa Senators Super-Fan who came a-knockin’.  (Future trick-or-treaters, take note…It doesn’t take much to win me over.)

It was a great evening, enjoying the company of friends, sipping wine, eating candy, and handing out piles more.  And on top of all that, my friend Sharon came to my door with her adorable little fairy girl, and a Pumpkin Spice Latte for me.  Does it get any better than the trick-or-treaters bringing ME treats??

I think not.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by with their kiddos to see me.   Y’all know how much I love it!!

And now, time to bust out the Bieber Christmas CD.

Let it snow! :)