introducing..

Yes, I bought my dress! I am so excited - this is making the "getting married thing" very real. As much as the experience here in Ontario was not fun, or exciting [mostly because of dress sizes that they carry in the store to try on, and me unfortunately not being a size two] and also that my first dress trying on experience in the states was the best experience [because they have tons of sizes in the store to try on] - it lead me back to my decision, and actual first "gut" feeling of saying "this is the one".


So how did I decide. Honestly, I'm not embarrassed to say this - but actually decided by looking at the pictures that my sister and Natalie had taken of me, in a few dresses and then I had that feeling, yep, this is the one!! So I don't care, tell the world - but I had to see myself in it. Looking in the mirror just didn't cut it - but I tell you, looking at pictures of me in it - and seeing my face and body language in the picture says "happy!!... excited!!... she's a bride!.." and that's all I needed.


So now that you know, this is how it all went down. I went looking online the other day to have a look at the price of the dress I had been looking it - I kept getting sale notices in the email but the one I was looking at never seemed to be on sale. I had looked about a week ago, nothing. Then I tried to look last week, and I couldn't even find the dress on the website anymore! Panic. Bridal panic. A tad zilla to myself, maybe a bit to Keri and Natalie. They assure to me to settle. A tad zilla to Neil when we gets home from work "what if.. what if.. what if.. " - his answer, "let's just go get it!" As if we'd pack the car up in the next five minutes and drive like crazy people and go get it. Funny thing is, Neil would be totally the person to do something like that with - he spontaneously decides on the most random ideas or plans - which is great for me, because I am such a planner. Notice I used some underlining, yes, meaning I'm admitting it - I like to plan. 


So I talk to Keri, I talk to Natalie, I talk to Lynsey, and Neil says "go this weekend, I can come, or stay home - but go". Ok, let's go. I chat with Natalie about this last minute plan and she says, with no surprise to me, she'll be there for me. Last Minute Maude here, who likes to be Planner Patty has success with semi-short notice plans. Sunday morning Lynsey and I head for Sarnia, cross the border and head for Madison Heights. This store Natalie and I had been to in November for my "first" trying on experience. We are about 10 minutes until we arrive, and it starts snowing like crazy! Two hours later we exit the store, with reciept of purchase in hand and it's snowing more! A twenty minute car ride turns into almost an hour, and we arrive at Natalie & Erik's apartment in Auburn Hills to pick up this lucky gent for dinner. That's right, Erik had three ladies abreast for his Sunday night hot date. And what a hot date it was.

We head for Miyako Japanese Steakhouse, my most favourite restaurant in their area - it's the best Japanese Steakhouse I have ever been to. The food is delicious and ofcourse, we always enjoy going there with Natalie & Erik. Better then the usual entertainment of the cooking and tossing of white rice in the air (which landed successfully only in Erik's mouth - us three "hot dates" were not so good at that game!) - we had the lovely company of two very drunk women, and their handsome driver. One of them, which is the one I will tell you about was either fresh out of jail, had a bad breakup, or was some kind of terribly addicted to some bad new stuff girl. She was so drunk by the time we were done dinner, she couldn't stand up off her chair. Now, please let me assure you this restaurant is very nice, and the dining experience is lovely. This girl came this way and barely walked in, let alone out. She spent most of the dinner on her cell phone, and trying to read messages on her phone. She had a mean drunk sway on her chair, and even the loud over-drunk hickups nearing the end. It was a wonderful addition to Erik's three women abreast date. 


Anwyways, all joking aside - dinner was fantastic! Anyone who is going to Great Lakes Crossing mall MUST try this place! Amazing!


We headed back to Natalie & Erik's apartment, and checked emails and chatted for a while. We went to bed and to tell you the truth, all I could think about was my dress all night long - what it would look like on the day, how it'll look the with the bridesmaids dresses - ect ect. The whole "day" was playing in my head, fun to think about - but not when I really wanted to sleep! It was a long drive there, and we planned to shop in the morning and head home - so another long day ahead!


Morning came quickly, we saw Erik & Natalie off to work and Lynsey and I headed out shortly after to hit the malls and stores. We had some success, had a quick lunch and hit the road. After a short hiatus at Costco, we headed for the border.

Needless to say, I'm exhausted - I said yes to my dress, drove 8 hours, made more great memories with my sister, and Erik & Natalie, and took advantage of some great President's Day Sales... all in like 24 hours. I am exhausted. 


Goodnight my friends,

wish this girl a wee bit of luck!

Alright, short blog - look out Michigan, the Milliner sisters are on their way! 


Lynsey and I are heading out in the morning to head to Michigan to see Natalie & Erik in Auburn Hills, as well as return to the bridal store Natalie & I went to in November, so do the deed - hopefully buy the dress! Can`t say much about it, but cross those fingers and toes my friends. I`m going to need all the luck we`ve got - because the dress may be getting discontinued. So keeping positive thoughts, hopefully all will work out for the best. 


I cannot wait to see Natalie & Erik, they have finally moved back to the US after a `what felt like forever` [but really wasn't] work term in Lindau Germany. Although, I am so proud of them and their travels it`s been crazy battling time zone changes, and asking what their having for dinner as I`m thinking about breakfast. At last we`re back in the same timezone and I could not be happier to have them, well within a day`s travel distance to us again!


In closing, I want to say...


"Be grateful for the home you have, the friends and family who are within your circle, and the knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need." Well wishes sent to the Van Raalte and Gansekole families, and sharing in their grateful relief tonight.

30 Nosey Nelly's

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? 

First thing in the morning, looking at my hair I wondered what if someone beat the crap out of me in my sleep - it was EVERYWHERE!

2. How much cash do you have in your wallet right now? 

Definatley not a cent. I barely ever carry cash with me. 

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR? 

More.

4. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? 

I must be a pretty good phone picker upper, because the only recent call I have missed was my brother-in-law Drew's and I don't even remember when that was!

5. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? 

Lady Antebellum - Stars Tonight [it's the ringtone for Neil when he calls me!]

6. What are you wearing right now? 

My flannel green and white polka dot pj pants, and my pink Ontario Fire College hoody. Sassy!!

7. Do you label yourself?

Depends on how I'm feeling. I try not to!!

8. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wear regularly?

I love my Bogs winter boots, and my Uggs. Then ofcourse my Nike Shox for work.

9. Bright or Dark Room? 

Depends on what time of day it is. I like it bright and sunny during the day, but at night time I like a dim room.

10. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? 

I think she is a very strong woman. I cannot imagine what she has went through. 

11. What does your watch look like? 

I don't wear a watch. Does anyone wear a watch anymore?

12. What were you doing at midnight last night? 

As my grandma would say, "dead to the world!"

13. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? 

That would have been our friend Scott and I texting, as I saw him on the highway, so I stalker text him and said "I see you" and then he said "yeah, I saw that sexy white SUV".. 

14. What's a word that you say a lot? 

Hmm... Well not Hmm... but I likely say "Oh my god" which my mother would dislike. Especially if there was a dislike button on Facebook, because I do not lie - she LIKES everything on Facebook!

15. Who told you he/she loved you last?(please exclude spouse , family, children) 

My dearest Melly Fisher, we had a lovely catch up chat last night and she said the words to me on Valentines Day!

16. Last furry thing you touched? 

She is touching me right now, my lovely Lennox. She loves sitting nice and close to Momma!

17. Favorite age you have been so far? 

I don't really think I have had a favorite age yet. There really isn't an age that sticks out for me.

18. What was the last thing you said to someone? 

I told Neil to remind me to put my prescription medication on this effin' cancar sore before bed.

19.The last song you listened to? 

My Daughter's Father - Gord Bamford

20. Where did you live in 1987? 

With my parents, in Palgrave on Munro Street. That was the year my baby sister was born.

21. Are you jealous of anyone? 

Likely someone who is on vacation on some sunny beach resort, with the person they love, drinking and enjoying the vacation. Nobody in particular - just anyone who is! I'm envious!

22. Is anyone jealous of you? 

Highly doubtful, I don't really have anything to be jealous about.

23. Name three things that you have on you at all times? 

My wallet, my cell phone, and chap stick.
24. What’s your favorite town/city? 

Neil and I both love going to Tobermory. It's out getaway, we feel miles away from home but we're really not. We love Tobermory, and the water, the boats, the lifestyle, and the time we spend together there.

25. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? 

Do Christmas cards count?

26. Can you change the oil on a car? 

I could do it with the assistance of Neil if I had to do it, instead I am the tool fetcher and we do it together. Usually he does the dirty work and I'm the tool girl. 

27. What's the last time you did more then 30 minutes of physical activity?

Tonight, Lynsey and I went to aquafit in Orangeville. 

28. Does anything hurt on your body right now?

My feet hurt and they are so so so so cold they hurt.

29.What is your current desktop picture

It's a future bridezilla picture I found for one of my earlier blog posts. Love it! 

30. Have you been burnt by love? 
I honestly have not.


Ok, now I have admitted to 30 questions - comment in the comments section your name admitting you like to read my blog! I am amazed how many people actually read this blog, I thought my "followers" Brandie, Amanda, Jen, Angela and Laura were about the only people - and I am amazed how many people in the last week said "oh, I read your blog and..." - so come on, fess up - who read's it?!

Valentines Weekend Revealed..

Alright.. so it didn't happen. Plans changed, but what did happen was likely better then any planned surprise meal Neil could have planned. But maybe a bit more expensive.


My Valentine's Day Present from Neil, and mine to him was a big, flat (flat, not fat) LG 42 inch LCD TV. Yes, nothing says love like a big LG. 

The kitchen was a disaster, and the maid never showed up!

So needless to say, our weekend's plans changed very quickly after this purchase. Neil confessed Friday night, after I told him not to worry about dinner and his plans Saturday night after his big purchase on Friday afternoon that he was planning to take me to Wildcraft in Waterloo. I took him there for his birthday last year, and it was delicious - and really really nice! However, instead we had a lovely night at home, I made steak and mushrooms linguine pasta, and a chocolate molten lava cake with whipped cream, and raspberry coulis for dessert. Dinner was excellent!!

The staff was wonderful!

So instead of going out, spending money we didn't need to and having fun - we stayed in, saved our money (well except for the TV) and enjoyed being home, and staying warm. 

So Valentines Day was a hit, in our own little way - and we're so happy that we have a tv on the main floor, because it's freezing downstairs without a fire on all the time - and it'll be nice to be able to actually sit on the couch together. Our furniture in the basement was supposed to be upstairs, and the upstairs furniture was supposed to be in the basement but when we moved in nothing would fit properly - so it went where it fit. So our comfy uglies are in the upstairs living room, and our nicer stuff, is in the basement. Oh well, it ends up working out fine for us!

 Hope yours was special too!

The registry experience..

You're first thought is registry already, right? I know, it is a bit early - but these darn stores rope you in with their "perks" of doing these things early. I guess it comes down to it doesn't really matter when we register - styles and things will change, but I'm sure my "style" isn't the most up to date anyways - and it's one less thing we have to do in the summer. 


So we headed to Guelph - 4:30pm appointment and plans for a quick dinner and then home. Nobody told me how long this would take - at 7:30pm we said "enough it enough!" and we were done and so hungry!! 


Perhaps it's my timeless (and time wasting) browsing and Neil's extreme patience that hindered the three hour time span! It was a lot of fun, matching things, picking things out and thinking about our plans for decor. It was also a lot to think about. 


We registered at Home Outfitters tonight - our consultant was wonderful and really patient. I have heard some horror stories like the consultant tells you what to register for, or they practically register themselves for your wedding. She was out of our way, but always within sight if we needed help. The biggest annoyance was that the fricking scanner thing-a-ma-bob kept deciding not to work, and then we'd have to find someone to help us out. It must have happened like 5 times. 


I think we'll also register at Sears since a few things we were looking for, were not at Home Outfitters. So hopefully that experience will be the same, or better whenever we decide to do that one! You know where I`d love to register, Canadian Tire - LOVE THAT STORE! They totally should have a registry! Oh, and Prim Pickins` (hmm.. Jamie Lee do you read this??) 


Annnd Lynsey and I plan to go to aquafit tomorrow night! I have big plans for tomorrow, tons to do! Cleaning the house which I half started today, but then got interrupted by my most favourite little brother to help with his resume - so ofcourse, I dropped the broom to help him out. 
He`s looking at doing an apprenticeship with an electrician, so if any of you have a hook up in this area that you know of someone who is an electrician, or works for a well established business - referrals would be appreciated! 
Back on topic, tomorrow I`m also going to get my molds done for my night guard. Yes, I think I`m grinding my teeth at night - I never noticed it as a problem until last fall (would wake up in the morning with a sore jaw, and headaches) but the dentist tells me he definatley notices some grinding action and being that we have the benefits to cover it - I would like to prevent a problem before I end up having crappy molars at a young age! I already  am very bothered by the soreness in my jaw, and tension headaches some mornings - so I`d like to get this taken care of asap!  


One last thought, while registering tonight... the lady let me know, 234 days til the wedding! Woohoo!!

He's got something "going on"...

Whoever knows Neil and I well, knows that I usually spoil any surprise he plans for us. He used to come to my apartment when I was living in Mississauga, and working a weekend. He'd come when I would still be at work and bring flowers, my favourite wine, and have something planned for dinner. Usually, by chance I would get off work early, and spoil the surprise. 


Well, ladies and gentlemen - Valentines Day is on its way - and I know he's got something up his sleeve for Saturday night this weekend. He's "keeping" this secret and I'm not spoiling it at all. I do like surprises, but not a lot gets by me!! Tricky girl I am. He's got the reins - giddy up!


Anyways, I'm letting him have this - I cannot wait to see what he has planned!! 

After Saturday's fun trip to the states, and two long 12 hour day shifts on Sunday & Monday, I'm exhausted - I got a great sleep last night and work tonight 3pm-11pm. Then I'm off til Monday! Great big long weekend for me, woohoo! Although, we'll be busy! 


Tomorrow night we got for our registry appointment at Home Outfitters in Guelph (exciting!), and then Thursday Neil has fire practice as usual, and Lyns and I are going to Aquafit! Friday, we're hoping to go see Neil's sister Mandi in Waterloo and find a Bridal store close to her, that has the bridesmaids dress we're looking at now for her to try on, obviously Saturday is "all Neil" because I will not spoil this one.. and Sunday, will be a relaxing day I hope!! 


Stay tuned my friends!!

What a great idea!

Great idea.. translation = the thought was awesome, the idea was sweet and the whole day ended up just fine - but what was a great idea at 9:30am when Neil suggested it, but these days events were not we thought we had in store, and turned totally white by midnight!!


I mean, what girl - when their significant other says "hey, let's go to Buffalo shopping today - let's be spontaneous and let's just go!" Doesn't jump out of bed, and say "I'll be ready in 30 minutes". The thought of Target, the Cheesecake Factory, great deals (the dollar is basically par) and a great time spent with Neil sounds amazing! The house could have been cleaned, we had laundry to do, a day at home could have been useful - but hello, if he suggests it I'm going for it.


We were in the car by shortly before 10:45am. We had a few setbacks, or else I would have been ready way before that! My bank called, "your card has been compromised" - great. Neil needed a haircut badly, I don't think the border services agent would have let us across with the "do" he had going on! Neil had to active his new Mastercard, and we had to get things ready for Lennox, as Neil's sister Terri was picking her up for the day, and then Neil's parents played with her until we got home. 


Anyways, it's 10:45am - the sun in shining brightly, it's cool but not freezing! We happily jump in the car, and head for the south! It's a great day for a drive, and we were enjoying the time together. We got to the border, and it wasn't "so sunny" there - and even was raining a little. We thought - just wait to the "southwestern Ontario sun gets here" it'll be a great day!

By the time we got to Target it was snowing. We still took our time, as it wasn't terrible. We went to the mall for a quick walk around, and spent about an hour there! Check out these amazing shoes I found...  I was thinking for under my wedding dress.. what do you think!?

Now, if only Neil was 6 feet tall, and I could walk in heels AT ALL - we'd be laughing. 
Ps. I am pulling my pant leg up for you to admire the beautiful things - I don't usually have "too short" pants. But aren't they not the cats ass - honestly, if I could pull these off, I would TOTALLY wear them! 
Unfortunately, I am going for flats, and nothing quite as sassy as this!






Anyways, Walden Galleria was hopping with people (it's a Saturday, what did I expect!!). I don't go to malls in Southwestern Ontario on Saturdays, so don't ask me why I thought Buffalo NY would be any different! Anyways, we continued on our walk about the mall. 


We couldn't help but be curious about the weather outside. After all my friends, I am marrying a road department worker, aka a snow plow driver! We decided even though it didn't look terrible out, we'd likely go for an early dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and then get on the road home as I had to work today!

So who would think, at 4:30pm that the Cheesecake Factory wait would be 60-75 minutes!? Not us! We kindly declined taking a buzzer, looked outside again and then...

We saw this. Nice eh? Then 10 minutes later we were in the car, and heading for the border. Let's safely get back to Canada - now!

Everything so quickly changed, and then our decision was made. We're heading home.


The border wait was nil, so that was good.


Did I mention, for economical reasons we decided to take Neil's car? 

Then we got to Canada, who would have known - it was worse here! We were both starving, so we called Keri & Dale, about 5:00pm to see if they wanted to meet for dinner along our route home! Ofcourse, they said yes - the Mandarin was decided and we were excited to have that in the plans. 

This one lane picture is the QEW Niagra my friends.. what is it usually, four lanes!?It took us about an hour to get from the Peace Bride (Fort Erie) to Niagara Falls. It was horrendous! 


The closer to Hamilton we got, the better it got. We hopped in the 407 about 7:10pm to save some time and be able to meet Keri, Dale & Haley for dinner for about 7:30pm. The 407 was not plowed, at all - bonus! We took our time and I know we still made better time when if we were on the QEW. We realized when we got to dinner, our licence plate was completely iced over on back & front from the crappy driving - so I don't think we'll get charged anyways! 


We thoroughly enjoying a nice dinner at the Mandarin Buffet with Keri & Dale! It's the Chinese New Year celebration, and of course with a weekend fantastic crab legs! I was in heaven! We indulged bigtime! 
 

Anyways, here's a couple of pictures with our favourite wee girl in the whole wide world! 

You have got to see her with Neil - honestly ladies, he will be an amazing daddy - and seeing these two together melts my heart. She loves him so much! 

I have go to say that Haley is so so much fun right now, and she has so much love and laughs to share - there is never a dull moment when Haley is around - she lights up our lives, and we are so thankful for her kisses and hugs!

Anyways my friends, it's one of those things I just had to share - what a day! We got home shortly after 11:00pm and it was straight to bed for me (I worked today!)  I was so exhausted from all that driving and crappy weather! Also, don't mind the bad quality pictures - they are from our blackberry's - not a real camera! 

Snowed in kind of snow day!

Well, today, Wednesday February 2nd, 2011 - it was a snow day! Not only in the northern counties - but literally southwestern Ontario was shut down! 

 

The day started, with me not making it into work. No further details needed, it was not worth the effort. It took Neil 25 minutes to do his usual 5 minute commute to work. There were points he couldn't seen the front of his car, and the wind was unreal. There was thunder, lightening and high winds. Crazy!

It kept snowing and snowing, Lynsey was home with me too today, and I kept thinking we should go tackle the driveway. We have three shovels, no snowblower. Then I kept thinking, well it's still snowing - better wait. Then I realized how much snow had accumulated in the driveway, I text Neil and said "should Lyns and I shovel yet" - he said "wait until I get home" RIGHT from the horses mouth, I will take those instructions! 

So I began to bake. Yes, I know the way to this mans' heart I am about to marry. Crunchy peanut butter cookies, and chocolate chip banana muffins. I love Anna Olson's "Sugar" cookbook, I actually inherited it from Neil's dear Nana, and I have used it a lot. It's really easy, but great recipes and although it's titled "Sugar" - the assumption would be bad news for a diet of any kind - but I like how it doesn't use large amounts of butter, or shortening. Anyways, sure enough as soon as he got home, he went right for the baked goods, and that got his tired looking face (from being called in at 4:30am) a little less grounchy. There you had it ladies, "the way to this mans' heart is through his mouth" - now who can tell me he's not marrying the right woman!!

 

Sorry, back it up for a minute - as Neil arrived home our neighbour' had "beached" their car at the end of the driveway. I think he must have run out of time or steam, or breath, because he'd been shoveling for a while and then all of a sudden, gave up and tried to head out. 

Here's the result, after about 30 minutes of "un-beaching" the car - they were on their way! It took Neil, another neighbour lady and the husband and wife accross the street to free the car! 

 

Then we ventured to Neil's parents, which by this time it took the usual 5 minutes to get there. This was about 3:30pm - we boosted the Neil's parents' van (aka the Italian pick up truck), meanwhile while the van warmed up we started into the back driveway at his parents house - tons of snow ladies and gentleman! Then we loaded the snowblower into the van. Then once back at home, we started into our own driveway, wow is all I can say - crazy! The end of the driveway, where the plow had recently been by was up to my sisters' cars' hood. 

 Here is my darling, happy as can be, why you ask (well first because he ate two peanut butter cookies, and a muffin) and second - because we were not shoveling - he was using motorized equipment to do a job, and that my friends - is much easier!!


Lennox was feeling the cabin fever today, all morning it was blizzard-like weather, at times worse - and she didn't stay our for long periods of time, not to mention I was not heading out to walk her or even get the mail. Once things settled down, around 4:00pm when we were snowblowing - Lynsey and I took her outback and played some ball with her. She absolutely loves any kind of fetch or ball. In the summer, she'd push with her nose a soccer ball around the back yard for long periods of time and bark at it, and it really was hilarious! It is a game for her, and she can maneuver a soccer ball just as good as a soccer player I bet! Now that the snow is here, she loves when we throw something into the fluffy snow and she runs, bounces and insists on finding whatever we threw (never takes her long) and as usual returns it to us, or at least close to our feet for another toss! Here is a small play-by-play.. 

 

Anyways, thats about how the day went post-morning snow-storm ordeal. 

Tonight, I am happy to report that after weeks of saying we were going to do this, but never really did it - Lynsey and I went to aqua-fit. After the whole days events, I was experiencing a tad of cabin fever and so I actually suggested we head into Orangeville for the class. My friend Julie and I did this class when I lived in Hamilton, and I really enjoyed it - and once again, I loved it. I am sure we'll feel a bit achy tomorrow - but I love that it's low impact and I feel great that I am doing something. I do not enjoy the extreme scent of chlorine, even after rinsing off, the wet hair in the winter, or the chilly feeling afterwards - but boy does it feel great! 

And in closing, I hope the snow is done for now - So SNOW no sitting on the fence and thinking about starting again! We've seen enough of you for this week. Thank you mister weatherman for all of todays events - I truly could care less if we ever come into contact again!


Ps/ Well one good thing to come out of today, the the albino groundhog, Wiarton Willy says she'll be an early spring!