As has been told in previous tales, my girlfriend and I have two female cats. Cat #1 has been around since 2005, and Cat #2 came on the scene a year or so later. They lived in small apartments together and even survived several moves to new homes without killing each other. They weren’t the types of felines that you see on the sickeningly adorable calendars that cuddle together as they sleep. It was more of a sleep with one eye open relationship that they shared. Four months ago they were split apart when my girlfriend moved to her own apartment in order to be closer to her job, taking Cat #2 with her. Cat #1 stayed with me, and suddenly they were each happier than they’d been in years. We often wondered and discussed what would happen if they ever had to live under the same roof again.

Yesterday, they were reunited.
Today, the world is still reeling from this catastrophe.

Just eight hours ago my girlfriend got on a plane to go to Germany for her job and I had volunteered to take care of Cat #2 in my home while she was away. Moments after this reunification took place I knew that it was in my best interest to keep a diary for the next week in order to detail the carnage.

DAY ONE – Sunday

Today, Cat #2 was brought over in the typical pet taxi fashion. I had just experienced a forty-five minute car ride with her continuously hollering off beat to the music that was playing so I was ready for some peace and quiet. I didn’t make it more than two feet in the door of my apartment when the creatures made eye contact with one another. Cat #1 began to hiss and showed fangs that up until now, I had thought only existed in vampire movies. The cat carrier began to shake violently as though a wounded rhinoceros was being held captive within. When the carrier was opened, Cat #2 bolted from her plastic prison while Cat #1 was immediately locked away in the bedroom for the season. I headed out the apartment door to get the remaining luggage from the car and Cat #2 bolted out behind me, and decided to head for the hills. She ran towards the parking lot, but due to excess body fat and a full fur coat, paired with the pressures of a rather unintelligent animal experiencing sheer panic and terror, she didn’t make it far before realizing that she had no idea where she was going in the first place. Thank goodness cats don’t have GPS devices or she may have made it all the way to Reno before I caught up with her.

The rest of the day was spent watching the two cats throw icy glares back and forth while listening to a series of guttural growling, hissing, and spitting. It was a lot like watching teenage girls interact during my high school years. Cat #1 didn’t sleep in the bed that night as usual. She stayed stationed on the computer desk, fully alert and ready to protect her home from the intruder. I assume that she was expecting some sort of sneak attack that never came. To make up for this, she took out her aggression on my Venetian window blinds. May they rest in peace.

DAY TWO – Monday

I awoke this morning to the dulcet tones of two felines attempting to rip the hides off of each other. My girlfriend slept soundly through this racket while I risked life and limb to separate the animals. I crept quietly into the bathroom to get ready for the trip to the airport and Cat #1 entered behind me, completing her usual morning routine of getting in my way. Without warning, Cat #2 also wandered in to join the party. Suddenly realizing that they were mere inches from one another, both cats jumped in shock and attempted to turn themselves inside out. Cat #2 fled the room while Cat #1 fled into a wall. Eventually we headed to the airport and the whole trip I silently prayed that I would not return to the apartment to find a cat corpse. I didn’t think I had it in me to host a cat funeral before the day was over.

During my lunch break I went home only to find cat vomit all over the floor with the five o’clock news playing in the background. I had left the television on in an attempt to distract them from trying to murder each other, hoping that the mundane daytime television would put them to sleep like it always does with me. While cleaning up the mess, I wondered what had caused the illness. Part of me figured that Cat #1 was so stressed out by the invader that she couldn’t keep her food down while another part of me suspected that maybe the Tyra Banks show had come on the television while I was away.

Upon returning home from work, it was another night of scowling and hissing on their part while I attempted to decompress for the day. I tried brushing Cat #1 to bring her stress levels down a bit, but the more I caressed her, the angrier she appeared to get. I quickly gave up on that mission and headed into another room. On my way out, the brush clattered to floor behind me. I wondered if maybe Cat #1 had thrown it at me as payback for inconveniencing her usual routine of sleeping and shedding all over my clothes. Even if she had tossed it, I probably just would have been impressed since she doesn’t have thumbs.

DAY THREE – Tuesday

Imagine my delight when I woke this morning to the sound of my alarm clocking instead of the howls of feral felines. I felt refreshed and hoped that whatever had cat drama had existed the night prior had been put solved in a civil manner that involved a lot of licking. I got out of bed and made my way to the bathroom for a shower. Like usual, I pulled open the cupboard below the sink to grab a towel and was greeted with a flurry of claws and spittle as Cat #1 lunged towards my face. At some point during the night, she had created herself a bunker within the cabinet in order to hide from the intruder cat. Having clearly activated the defense system that she had put into place, I reflexively slammed the door closed and heard the thump of her body smacking into the wooden barrier that now stood between us.

Shower complete, I headed into the kitchen for some coffee. Cat #2 sat nonchalantly on the couch. She glanced over at me and gave a look as if to say “when is that Cat in the cabinet just going to get over it?” I silently commiserated with her while heading out the door to work.

Upon my return home tonight I found the floor covered in a fluffy gray substance that looked an awful lot like cat hair, but I’m not one to jump to conclusions. Cat #1 is mostly gray in color and the sheer amount of fluff that now covered the living room floor led me to consider the possibility that she had recently exploded in that general area. After a quick walk around and finding the cats hiding out on polar opposite sides of the apartment I returned to the living area to ponder today’s mess.

I sat down on the couch to think a moment and soon realized that what I was staring at weren’t actually the remains of an animal or the scene of a recent brawl, but rather the remains of the throw pillow that would normally be situated beside me. I began to wonder the costs I would incur from having to eventually replace the majority of my household items. Seeing the mangled mass of fabric and stuffing also made me fear for what they might do to me in my sleep.

DAY FOUR – Wednesday

This morning was a peaceful one. Due to the peacefulness I experience upon waking, I suspected that the civil unrest might have ended. I only thought this way because it was the first time that I had been awake for more than thirty seconds without a feline making an attempt on my life. Cat #2 was noisily bathing herself on the kitchen floor while Cat #1 was once again hidden away in her cabinet bunker, possibly building a small nuclear arsenal.

When I arrived home from work, I found that Cat #1 had relocated and was now sitting atop the refrigerator glaring across the desolate plane that is my apartment. Her eyes met mine and shared a look that told me she was now staging a sit-in until the interloper was forced to leave. I attempted to give her a return look that would explain that sitting very still in one place is pretty much her normal day-to-day activity and thus I couldn’t take her threat seriously. She never moved, so I’m not sure if the message got across, but then again, how would ever I know?

DAY FIVE – Thursday

The events of this morning led me to believe that perhaps the cats had finally settled their differences and had bonded together to fight the common enemy holding them captive: me. At some point during their late night scheming session, it was decided that some sort of chemical warfare was the best way to combat me.

Both cats have made a hobby out of heavily shedding their fur. They shed when they’re hungry, they shed when they’re bored, and they shed whenever they are within radius of whatever I am eating or drinking. I hadn’t been awake for five minutes when I realized that both the entire bed and myself were covered in a pelt of cat hair. This fluffy yet durable substance acted like a primitive net, making it difficult for me to get out of the bed.

After escaping their trap before they could do horrible, four-toed deeds to me, I noticed that the cat dander in the air was downright palpable. With every breath, I inhaled more of their bio-weapon and soon I was down on my hands and knees gasping for air. I was able to crawl over to the air purifier in the corner and switched it on, cranking it up to the highest setting. I then did what any other allergy sufferer would do and tore off the filter apparatus on the back and attempted to stick my head inside of it in hopes that it would suck the tiny spore attackers from my body. In the minutes following the vacuuming of my lungs I went to work pulling individual cat hairs from my nose and mouth region. What I removed from my nasal cavity alone created a furry ball of hair roughly the size of another housecat.

I moved towards the porch door in an attempt to flee to fresher air not noticing the minefield of feline excrement that paved the way. After one squishy step I realized that they had bested me yet again and it was becoming apparent that they had the upper hand in this war. I fled toward the shower to cleanse myself of the defeat and began to barricade the bathroom door behind me with random toiletries. It appeared that I was no longer the master of the house.

DAY SIX – Friday

As quick as they were to lash out at one another, they were even quicker to bond together when one of them had the epiphany that if they both meowed simultaneously then their food bowls would fill up twice as fast. This synchronized hollering also worked to get them fresh water, treats, a clean litter box, and table scraps. When I disappointed them they were quick to squeal and scratch and bite. The only way to soothe the savages was to brush them, however they were not happy with the fact that I only owned one grooming tool. This got me a set of claw marks on my forearm. As the racket went on, following me around the apartment I wore myself out attempting to please them. It was becoming increasingly obvious that these cats now owned my soul.

DAY SEVEN – Saturday

After a sleepless night full of meowing and thunderous purring I decided that the best way to deal with the cats was simply to not be at home. I looked for any reason to be away from my apartment. After inviting myself to my best friends’ nieces birthday for some cake and games (I’d never met that side of the family before) and becoming a third wheel on another friends first date to catch a movie (he probably won’t be seeing her again), I began to tire and soon returned to my apartment to find my entertainment center slightly askew, the ceiling high bookcase knocked over, and the contents of both cats stomachs greeting me. I realized that my girlfriend’s flight was about to come in, so as quickly as I’d arrived, I took off for the airport hoping that one cat might figure out how to turn on the gas stove and another might figure out how to light a match, and the problem might just kind of take care of itself.

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This last August I took a vacation like I have never taken.  I decided to attend Art Unraveled in Scottsdale, AZ.  Yep, just an hour and a half from home.  This was one of the best vacations I have ever had.

Art Unraveled has been around for the last 8 years.  Its a week with wonderful teachers in various forms of mixed-media art, writing, drawing.  Just in general any art form you haven’t done but would like to try.

Well yesterday the e-mail came in that announced the 2010 Art Unraveled week.  If you go to www.artunraveled.com you can see the instructors, the information on registration, the venu.  Anything you might have questions on and pictures of previous years.

I am preparing my mind and pocketbook to attend next year.  The hardest will be making a choice of which class to take.

Pop on over and see what Art Unraveled 2010 has in store for you.

While looking for a new swimsuit for my upcoming Carribbean vacation, I’ve come across a number of Retro style swimsuits. According to Swimco, a Canadian swimwear retailer, retro-modern is a term used to describe today’s styles that carry us back into the glamour and class of days past, while providing today’s women with well-fitting feminine swimwear. Common elements of retro styles include lower cut heights, ruffled fabric, broad straps and basic colours that almost any woman can wear. Inspiration of this trend can be seen in designers such as Jantzen and Michael Cors.  Here are a couple of swimsuits from the 1950s – classy, feminine and flirty.
 

What I love about retro modern swimsuits is that they take us back to an era of nostalgia where women were potrayed as these ‘vixens’, an image of classic timeless beauty.

Retro style swimsuits come in neutral colours (great for concealing figure flaws) or bright hues which give you an elegant youthful look. I’ve fallen in love with Jantzen collection but don’t know where to find them in the GTA area yet. In the meantime, I think I’ll visit Anthropologie and Bikini Village for similar styles. Here are some of my favourite pieces. I can’t wait to try them on.

 Image Credits: www.anthropologie.com ; www.bikinivillage.com

August 11, 2003

Our final day in Edinburgh.  Before the rest of our sight-seeing commenced, I got ready quick and ran off to the bagpipe shop while my wife took her time getting up and ready.

Yes, I am obsessed now about getting bagpipes.  I’ve been learning them (well, sort of), and now that I’m actually in Scotland, I must buy a set of authentic Scottish highland bagpipes.

I must.

The shop was open when I arrived, so I went in and started browsing.  It didn’t take me more than two minutes to canvas the entire store — it is a very, very small store with very little on display.  I was finally approached by a fairly young guy and I told him what I wanted — a good set of bagpipes.  I expected to be walking out of the store a few minutes later with the pipes.

Turns out, it’s not that simple.  At least, not at this store.  These guys know their bagpipes, and they custom make each and every set.  In fact, each set of bagpipes is customized to the person buying it (if that person happens to be the one who will be playing it).  So, over the next two hours, I was peppered with questions and made to play various sets of pipes as my set was being assembled.  The three guys working there (all of them around my age or younger) popped in and out of the workshop and at various times took turns playing the pipes that were under constructions.  Man, they were all damn good pipers, too.

And finally it was done.  I am now the proud owner of a gorgeous set of Scottish highland bagpipes made from African blackwood (of course).  Now I guess I should probably get to practicing more so I can actually play them.

Getting the pipes took much, much longer than I anticipated, so when I got back to the hotel, my wife already had us checked out and ready to go.  We headed down the street to catch a bus tour of the city, with the ultimate goal of getting off near the castle to look around there.

The first guy that was giving the tour was pretty good.  His sense of humor was fantastic, but there were several times we couldn’t understand what the fuck he was saying.  When this stretch of the tour ended, we hopped on another bus that would take us to the castle.  The woman guide on this bus was awful — it was like listening to a dying cat.  Except the fucking cat wouldn’t die.  In hindsight, we would have been better off just walking to the castle; it would have been faster, and we wouldn’t have been subjected to the comedy stylings of Edith Bunker.

Finally at the castle, we were greeted with horrendously long lines to get in.  Well, fuck that.  We’ll just have to come back again when there isn’t so much going on.  Instead, we strolled down the Royal Mile again, stopping in some shops here and there.  Our landlords were watching our dog while we’re on this trip, so we got them a nice (aka damn expensive) bottle of Scotch.

Following a blissfully smoke-free lunch at Bella’s, we walked up Calton Hill to check out the view and see the various monuments up there.  The view of the city was fantastic; I’d really like to come up here and see the view at night.  I don’t have much to say about the monuments…  sort of a haphazard collection of small buildings and structures dedicated to various people or events.  Among the monuments is an old observatory that I really would have liked to investigate, but it was closed.

Time started running out on us, so we picked up our bags from the hotel and headed back to the train station to meet up with the rest of the group.  Gotta say, I think we did an admirable job avoiding all of them for the entirety of the trip.  The train ride back was quiet, and once in Harrogate we took a taxi to our friends’ to pick up the car.

Can’t believe the trip is over.  Looking back, I think I like Edinburgh much more than London.  Edinburgh has much more of that medieval feel to it that I geek out over.  I can see us going back several more times…  probably dragging visiting relatives with us.  Here’s to hoping our visitors like it, because whether they want to or not, they’re going.

The trip was AMAZING… obviously I can’t post about everything that happened, so I thought I would collage some of my favorite pictures of the trip

I went to shows in Vegas, relaxed by the pool in California, read 5 books, saw Jerry Springer, drank while walking down the street and so much more. I would go back tomorrow if I had the money!

Now I only have to work 3 more weeks until I go home to Nova Scotia for Christmas for 20 days!!! How sweet it is!

As many of you already know, as as some of you learn very quickly, we aren’t a typical couple. Especially when it comes to our wedding.

First, the ceremony will be a private ceremony—and even that doesn’t describe it correctly. Our good friend Andrew Gazzola will be assisting in the process. A few years back he became an ordained minister and has sinced performed a few other weddings. It will be held at Ashley’s parent’s home, better known as The Turner Complex. After the completion of the ceremony we will be holding a steel cage death match to determin the dominant family. Anything goes.

Secondly, the wedding is on Wednesday evening. Why? Well, there’s a very good reason for that, and this may explain a lot about us. Our first date was Friday, January 13th, 2005. That’s right. Our first date was on Friday the 13th. So to stick with this honorary tradition we felt it best to be married on the most appropriate date for our unique personalities.

Thirdly, we have decided to have a joint bachelor(ette) party. And what better place to have a party in the middle of winter than heading further north to the great city of Fargo! Ashley and I are pretty devoted fans of the Minnesota Rollergirls. If you are unfamiliar with this I suggest checking them out (www.mnrollergirls.com). Fargo recenty started up a team and we wanted to show our support as well as drink a lot of our friend’s parent’s booze while we are up there!

Finally, to conclude with what will come from all this once the party is over and the guests have returned home, we have the toughest decision to make. To honeymoon or not to honeymoon?

We have talked a little about the idea, but never anything concrete about if we want to go or not. This is where you, friends, family, and enemies, come in. Share your thoughts. Should we go, and if so, where? So we skip it and throw more parties? I guess what I’m getting at is you potentially hold the answer to our future and another chapter in the already unusally wicked awesome adventures of Marshall and Ashley.

We had a really nice time in vegas. We stayed at the Luxor. They upgraded our room. That’s always exciting. I really liked the size and layout of the room. It was a good size for a baby to crawl around in. We stayed in the pyramid so one of our walls was slanted.

Things I would recommend:

Luxor (premium?) suite

Company Restaurant in Luxor

Buffet at South Point

Things I wouldn’t recommend:

Room service at Luxor

Expecting the Mini bar to be stocked (Dale was really peeved that there was no beer in the fridge)

Here are pictures of our room, just in case you ever feel like staying there.

Guest Bathroom

There were sofas to the right

Hall to room

Bedroom

Bathroom

There was also a bar area that I was able store all of Ellie’s food stuff, totally convienent.

Story of my LIFE! Seriously, I love when that happens…and it tends to happens a lot, actually. This summer, it happened all the time. I can’t even count all the songs I found that basically described my life to me. 1,000 Awesome Things makes me happy. Anyway.

I’ve found myself missing the West lately. I’m not sure why. My family went on vacation to Utah & Arizona this past summer, and I’ve been to Colorado once before (favorite place EVER). I miss it. I want to go back. I love the mountains and rivers and that peaceful, adventurous feeling. Of course, I do have that just down the road from me, at least when I’m here at college. Mountains and rivers are absolute perfection to me. I can’t describe why. It’s just this incredible feeling I get, and it never goes away, no matter how many times I’m near them. I love it. Here in the east, the mountains are beautiful. They’re just…majestic in the West. I love it.</randomtangent>

Oh…GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?

THANKSGIVING BREAK STARTS TOMORROW AT 1:00PM!!!!!!!!!

Never too soon. I am sooo ready. This past week has been somewhat hellacious. I randomly got slammed with a ton of work, and have hardly seen any of my friends (which is pure torture for a semi-extravert like myself). I can’t even tell you how many people have said to me, “Ellie, I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever!” No, not forever. Just a freaking long week. Ugh!

But yeah, I am in serious need of a break. Thanksgiving will be nice, but what I really need is CHRISTMAS. A whole month to step back, reflect, breathe, and move on. I can’t handle being here much longer.* I’m going insane. This semester has been one heck of a ride… Oh, the lessons learned! (Look for a post about that, coming soon. I think.)

“When violet eyes get brighter
And heavy wings grow lighter
I’ll taste the sky and feel alive again
And I’ll forget the world that I knew
But I swear I won’t forget you

Oh, if my voice could reach back through the past
I’d whisper in your ear,
‘Oh darling, I wish you were here.’”
- “Vanilla Twilight,” Owl City**

*Of course, I’ll be dying to come back a week into it, I’m sure.
**Sorry, I’m obsessed! Their music has been the main thing I’ve listened to since August, and I’m still not sick of them.

Ontario’s tourism and resort destination areas are predicting a potentially outstanding fall season. Over the last few years, Ontario tourist operators have witnessed a steady growth in business over the fall season due to many factors including the weather. Weather patterns are slowly changing with the warm summer temperatures extending well into September and October, making the fall months much more desirable to Ontario vacationers. This autumn will be no exception. Additionally, Environment Canada is predicting a warm and dry fall for Ontario this year which is welcome news to Ontario resort owners who are nearing the end of a busy summer season that has been a little cooler than predicted and unusually wet.

The good news about Ontario’s rain-soaked summer is that it creates conditions that are ideal for producing the most brilliant coloured fall foliage. Weather conditions are always a determining factor in just how colourful the leaves will be each fall. Often, summers that are unusually hot and dry put trees under a great deal of stress, resulting in leaves in the autumn that are dull and drop to the ground prematurely. This year, the trees have not been put under any stress whatsoever as the summer has been both extremely wet and a little cooler than normal. The result should be a breath-taking display of fall foliage province-wide that should extend into the entire fall season.

Ontario is already well known for its spectacular fall colours which naturally draws tourists. However, the changing leaves coupled with the province’s abundance of activities such as fall fairs, special fall festivals, and events in many charming tourist destination areas, makes Ontario a sought after vacation destination. Additionally, many resorts offer a wide array of attractive and reasonably priced fall colour getaway packages for people who want to take advantage of everything this special time of year has to offer.

Many resort owners believe that stunning displays of brilliant colour are not the only reason tourists choose to vacation in Ontario during the fall months. Many people enjoy a vacation in the fall because it is less crowded than during the peak summer months. In addition, reduced rates in the off-season also provide an added incentive to plan a fall getaway. As well, the high price of gas will continue to discourage people from traveling far from home. Since many resorts are within a short drive of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), an Ontario resort vacation this fall is not only enjoyable but economical too.

Hubby & I have a unique travel tradition. 

We buy a couple of standard snack items that come with us on every single trip we take. These items get stowed away in our hotel room so we don’t need to run out every time we want a snack.

I honestly have no idea how this tradition really started.  It’s uniquely interesting because 2 of the standard food items are not items that we normally snack on at home.  I can’t explain this behavior, much like I usually cannot explain hubby’s male traits. But hey, they are what they are…. So I accept them.

So you might be wondering, what are these snack items?

Well, one is a tube (or quite possible 2 tubes – if that’s the right packaging description?) of Pringles.  The flavors may vary but I always buy them to pack in our luggage on every vacation.  Maybe I initially started with Pringles because they are packaged in a way that allows me to stuff them into our bag without finding myself with a crushed bag full of crumbs or, perhaps it’s because it’s easy to grab a mini stack of 5 or so to have a quick snack.  Either way, Pringles always come with us on a trip.

The 2^nd item is a large package of twizzlers.  I’d have to assume once again, that I was applying some sort of logic at one point when I decided what the “travel snacks” would be.  These are easy to grab & easy to pack… and hubby loves them.

So, I got to thinking recently that perhaps the biggest reason I’ve decided on these 2 particular snacks is because they are easily rationed.

Rationed??   Yes…. .rationed.

If you’re wondering why I need to ration anything, then you haven’t been reading along.   You can read about my snack battles with hubby here:  Snack Battles or here: Did You Take The Last?

In order for me to get my fair share (you could also probably read this as any) of the travel snacks, I need to make sure hubby hasn’t eaten them all in one sitting.  Years ago, we used to operate on basic consumption trust but then I realized that on day 3 of vacation, the snacks that were designed to last all week, were almost gone.  So, he forced me to do something I never wanted to do.   I felt like that mom that says to her 4 year old “if you can’t share, I’m going to take it away from you.”  So, while I certainly didn’t want to take them away… I had no choice but to react.  And, since we’re in a foreign place and I cannot run to the store to buy more twizzlers.  I was forced to put him on a strict twizzler allocation. And… he thinks he’s sneaky, but I know that, sometimes if I’m not paying close attention, he’ll sneak extras… so I have to be on full alert at all times! 

A replay of our absurd twizzler conversation…

Hubby:  “Can I have some twizzlers?”

Me:  “How many have you had today?”

Hubby:  “I’m not sure”

Me: “You’re not sure, or you don’t want to tell me?”

Hubby: “Uhm….”

Me: (getting the package from the dresser) “Babe, this package is half empty.. I think I’ve eaten like 3 of them since we got here”

Hubby:  “Well, how many can I have?”

Me: “Probably none… not until I catch up.”

Hubby: (whining) “Come on… I want some now”

Me:  “Ok, take a few, but just remember that if I don’t get any, you owe me!”

Hubby: “You don’t eat them fast enough”

Me: “Am I gonna have to start hiding snacks on vacation like I do at home?”

Hubby:  “No, just eat faster”

At this point I’ve removed a few twizzlers from the package and I’m whipping hubby with them……

Hubby:  “Owww.. stop hitting me”

Me: “You don’t like this do you…. Then, stop eating all the twizzlers”

Hubby: “Please just give them to me”

Me: “You can have these but, if you don’t comply with the allocation rules, the twizzlers are going into the safe with our passports and I’m not telling you the combination.  I may also hide the beer from the mini bar if you don’t shape up!”

Hubby: “Ok, ok…. You win, I’ll share the twizzlers..”

Aha!  I found the magic solution to ensure I had my share of twizzlers…. All I had to do was threaten the loss of beer… Wow, I wished I’d learned this lesson years ago!

• We’ve heard of some weird Thanksgiving concoctions, but perhaps the strangest of all combines two Thanksgiving staples—turkey and alcohol. A New York City bar unveiled the 100-proof turkey, a bird infused with peach-, raspberry-, cherry-, and apple-flavored vodka. [FitCeleb.com]

• Adults aren’t the only ones who need to watch their waistlines during the holidays. It’s important to keep kids healthy and active during the colder months as well. If getting your little couch potato onto the asphalt seems like a daunting task, check out these six tips for picking a good fitness program for kids. [U.S. News & World Report]

• We’re big fans of active vacations, whether they’re by bike, on foot, or even at sea. But what if you’re not in good enough shape to hike, paddle, or hoof it around your dream location? This personal trainer specializes in whipping travelers into shape for their big adventure vacations. [That’s Fit]

• You can do your wallet (and the Earth!) a favor by wrapping this year’s presents in old newspapers, leftover wrapping scraps, or even the kids’ artwork. But the eco-friendly efforts don’t have to end come January 1. Check out these 10 innovative ways to recycle paper. [AllYou]

• If your Thanksgiving feast is likely to leave you too stuffed to move, but you don’t want to completely let your workouts fall by the wayside, try some gentle post-meal stretching. These seven soothing moves are meant to ease and aid digestion. You’re welcome. [FitSugar]

Previous news from Around the Web:

So, I am off for the week…And loving it so far!

What do you do on your time off?

It has been a busy few days for the Mackenzie family in Hilton Head, SC.  The best way I have found to start a vacation is to go to a local congregation and worship God on the first day of the week.  We went to he Hilton Head church of Christ and it was a wonderful blessing to see other Christians worshipping the same God.  A lot of times there is the tendency to skip worship and it seems that the Saturday drive is too much to wake up and worship God on Sunday.  We dismiss it usually saying, “We can have our own service/devotional sometime during the day!  I mean we did drive over 500 miles and it was tough on the kids and it would be such a hassle to wake them up on Sunday morning.”  That statement is true.  It was a hassle to wake the kids up and it was difficult to find the church on an island that does not have signs over 5 feet tall.  But you know what?  What if God had that same attitude on us because he was too tired?  What if Christ decided in the garden of Gethsemane to say, “I do not want this to happen so I will not do it even though my Father wants me to”?  Our family chose to worship Sunday because it is the only way we can start our week off and center ourselves in what is most important. 

Today was a day of shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall and what an event that was.  We found no presents to buy but only things we needed for the kids that were on sale.  Then we went back to the condo and relaxed and played cards.  I consider myself blessed because we are staying in a beautiful condo and I got to see my aunt and uncle.  Stay tuned tomorrow.  I am told I have to leave as I am typing.

Country with two thousand cays and over seven hundred exotic islands form Bahamas and is the ultimate tourist destination. Bahamas is located in Atlantic Ocean, surrounded with United States in the southeast and Cuba in north.

While choosing for the best vacation for you with less to spend, Bahamas is the right choice. Choosing Cheap Bahamas vacation is the great way for saving money on your tour as well as taking benefit of all the things to do there and see the breathtaking beauty. Almost every Bahamas vacation offers include accommodation, travelling charges and even the tour and activity charges. You can also avail the cheap travel fairs and rental cars to take a tour of Bahamas.

You can easily find numerous cheap vacation offers for Bahamas during the peak holiday season. And, if you want to avail the maximum discount offers, it would be better to get your bookings done in off season as charges are comparatively lower at this time. December and April are the main Holiday seasons for Bahamas so getting discounts on traveling and accommodation would be a very difficult task then.Spring time is one of the best season and buzz with loads of tourist activity in the place.

Even if you have got delayed in the bookings of tickets and accommodations for Bahamas on time still you can have last time bookings done. There are many airlines and hotels that offer you last time bookings to fill the vacant seats and suites in affordable range. Bahamas has always been popular for its flexible and affordable holiday packages.

You can have lifetime enjoyment with your family and kids in Bahamas and indulge in various sports activities on the trip. Some of the most popular activities that tourists enjoy in Bahamas include scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and golf as well. You can also get on board cruise which would be an amazing experience while enjoying the sea breeze wafting along. The holiday plans to Bahamas are also inclusive of cruise ships that greet you with drinks and meals from Bahamas culture. You can enjoy sun bathing on the beautiful and exotic beaches along with your favorite drinks.

You can instantly book your cheap Bahamas vacation online which saves your time and hassles of hunting for travel agents. There are many holiday packages available with desirable amnesties and discount offers. You can get bookings done for the holiday package that fits well into your budget. Right before holiday seasons you can avail the maximum discount offers so make sure that you get your booking done with that travel company which offers you maximum discount and facilities and you will find number of them.

The major attractions of Bahamas are its beautiful and exotic islands like Abaco Island, Nassau, Freeport or Paradise Island where one can enjoy the sea breeze and golden sunshine falling on the white sand. Cheap Bahamas vacation allows you to save money which can later be utilized in shopping and getting indulged in tourist activities in Bahamas.

Ich bin mal wieder urlaubsreif, und da immer nur nach USA fliegen langweilig wird, habe ich beschlossen, mal den etwas anderen Urlaub zu buchen. Inspiriert hierdurch:

Ob es da wohl auch ein 5-Sterne-Hotel gibt?

You may be packed, but are you ready?

Congratulations, freshwomen; you’re almost done with your first semester of college! Finals are coming faster than you can say “blue book,” but before you get there, you have one last big hurdle: going home for Thanksgiving. If you haven’t been home yet during the semester, odds are, you’re excited to see your friends and, though you’d hate to admit it, your family. Keep in mind, though, that your glorious homecoming might not be as bright and shiny as you imagined.

Remember to keep breathing.

The moment you step in your house and drop your bags onto your trundle bed, you’ll grab your parents’ car keys and meet up with your high school friends. These meetings are going to be your refuge from what’s happening at home, but they are also going show you how much you and your friends have changed in those few months at school. When you come together (at your old favorite restaurant/in someone’s basement) you will immediately compete one another with your “craziest college story EVER” and share new life experiences (“Wait. You did…it!?”). It may seem like everyone has changed, but things will fall right back into place when you reminisce about old times by your lockers and talk about all those weirdos who never left your hometown.

There will of course be uncomfortable run-ins with the people you were dying to get away from after graduation, the people you didn’t like that much to begin with and exes. These potentially awkward situations don’t have to be so bad if you remember to wear makeup be nice. It’s entirely possible your time apart has made things better. And if it hasn’t, well, just remember your breathing. And pretend you’re on the phone with someone and don’t see them as you scurry off in the opposite direction.

If you’re a town mouse who’s learned to make her way in the big city over the last few months, your town may feel small when you get back home. (Especially when you realize the only food that comes in the form of delivery is pizza…and only until 9pm.) The time between move-in day and Thanksgiving has flown by, and you’ve grown in leaps and bounds. Your new-found sense of freedom, your worldliness, and your social habits may not go over well. Mom and Dad are expecting to pick up their baby from the airport, not a young woman equally familiar with Marx and Long Islands. Let them let you go in their own time. They will keep telling you what to do and when to be home. They will keep talking to you like you are their baby. Just keep breathing, deeply. It will take some time for them to loosen up.

But that’s really the least of your problems. Your parents–nay, every adult family member–will want to know what your plans are. Do you have a major? What do you think you want to do after graduation? If you don’t know yet, tell them, “I think about being a [blank] major, but I’m still exploring my options.” Most are quick to back peddle and say, “Well, I guess you still have time.” Be prepared to answer the same questions about your major, your friends, your roommates, and your dating habits many, many times. This is perhaps one of the toughest parts of Thanksgiving. Try to talk to groups of family members at once to cut down on the number of times you have to explain things but do not, under any circumstances, show that you’re annoyed. Take a bite of mashed potatoes, swallow, and smile.

Somewhere between all of this you will have to fit in some reading/studying for your Monday classes. Just don’t bring the books out in front of the family; unless, of course, you want to answer 25 more questions on what you’re learning and how you’re doing in that class.

Eventually, with a full belly and a massive headache, you’ll it to Sunday. Pack up your leftovers (don’t forget the stuff in the freezer!), the things you forgot in August (like your high school yearbook), and hug your family and friends tight (promising to “be a lot better” about those weekly phone calls). Take a deep breath and head back to the sanctuary that is your college life.

And with that you’ve made it through your first Thanksgiving. It may have been tough at times (like when your parents made you come home on Saturday night by 11), but just indulge in that leftover stuffing and know that this was only a test run for the real race: Winter Break.

So I know there are a lot of people this year who have been out of work, who’s finances have been tight, and who have been otherwise hindered by these sucky economic times- therefore, I can’t very well shout my glee from the roof tops and so this will have to do.

I’m getting a Christmas bonus! Wooooot!

I’m so lucky. For the first time in my life I have a job that I enjoy getting up for in the morning (that is BIG because I never enjoy getting up in the morning). I work for a great company who really values their employees- the company is quite large and yet it has still managed to keep it’s “big family” feel. I have the best boss ever and my co-workers are great. Compensation at my company is also top-notch. I’ve worked for a few companies and my current one is definitely top of the salary cap. Last year I got a huge performance bonus and a Christmas bonus. This year we were expecting nothing as most of industry is cutting costs- but a meeting last week confirmed we will in fact get performance bonuses this year, though the pool is being cut by 50%. This morning I got an email indicating we will still get our $600 Christmas bonus as well!! Yahhhoooo!!! Now I just have to remember to spend some on myself instead of blowing it all on Christmas presents for other people! Maybe I will give CH a shout on Facebook tonight and we can chat about that girls vacation that I’ve been putting off due to lack of funds. Hmm…

Yyyaaaaaaaay!!

It’s Christmas in Nashville. Join us at the Nashville KOA for an exciting quite winter retreat. Stay in one of our country setting lodges or bring your RV to the Music City Capital- Nashville.

Radio City Rockettes Nashville
Take in the world famous Rockettes as they host their Christmas special in Nashville, TN. You’ll experience high-precision dance accompanied by themes including “12 Days of Christmas,” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” and “Living Nativity.” Hurry to book your tickets for this very limited engagement.

Carriage Rides at Opryland
Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Gaylord Opryland™. hotel to enjoy the decorations and lights around Gaylord Opryland™. This magical ride is sure to delight young and old!

A Civil War Christmas
Held at the Sam Davis Home and Museum, 1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna. Visit the Sam Davis Home during this holiday season to learn about Christmas in the midst of the raging Civil War. Regular hours and admission rates apply. Contact: Sam Davis Home, (615) 459-2341

21st Annual Dickens of a Christmas
Franklin 615-595-1239
This annual Victorian holiday festival is the signature event for Williamson County’s holiday season. It features characters from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” as well as carriage rides, ‘living window’ crafters, strolling minstrels, great food and fun. The festival takes place outdoors along Main Street and the public square.
Radio City Rockettes Nashville
Take in the world famous Rockettes as they host their Christmas special in Nashville, TN. You’ll experience high-precision dance accompanied by themes including “12 Days of Christmas,” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” and “Living Nativity.” Hurry to book your tickets for this very limited engagement. Find us online at www.VacationsMadeEasy.com or call (toll free) 1-800-987-9852.

RiverView Mounds Christmas celebration
‘A Country Christmas’
1715 BOYD RINEHART RD CLARKSVILLE TN 37043 (931) 362-3832
Experience Clarksville’s Newest and Most Exciting Holiday Tradition. The magic and wonder of Christmas awaits you…down on the farm!
Get your picture made with Santa, cozy up to one of our campfires, delight in the beautifully lit scenery…visit with Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer…Choose from a variety of fresh pre-cut trees..Sing a long with continuous Christmas Music and take SL’hayride with Santa’s Elves as they read you a Christmas Story. Make this your family tradition.

Victorian Masquerade Christmas
November 7, 2009 – December 31, 2009
BELLE MEADE PLANTATION 5025 HARDING ROAD NASHVILLE 615-356-0501
All mansion tours will take place in this lovely Christmas atmosphere! Wear a masquerade mask as you tour the beautifully decorated 1853 mansion and learn Victorian Christmas traditions. Hear period music, practice a period dance in the parlor, and participate in Victorian parlor games. What a Christmas treat!

A Country Christmas
GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT 2800 OPRYLAND DRIVE NASHVILLE 615-889-1000
Enjoy a multitude of holiday family fun at the Gaylord Opryland Resort with any of the shows and activities offered during the holiday season. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world-famous Rockettes is back this year by popular demand.

Plantation Holidays
TRAVELLERS REST PLANATION & MUSEUM 636 FARRELL PARKWAY NASHVILLE 615-832-8197
Experience an 1830’s Christmas with costumed docents.

Christmas at Belmont
BELMONT MANSION 1900 BELMONT BOULEVARD NASHVILLE 615-460-5459
It’s a Victorian fantasyland with yards of garland, fruit and dried flowers and traditional tussie-mussies. It’s a beautiful time of the year to take a tour!

Nashville Ballet presents Nutcracker
Tennessee Performing Arts Center

This ballet tradition is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Nashville Ballet and a youth cast of more than 150 dancers bring to life the tale of Clara and her magical Nutcracker doll. For the third year, surprise guest stars will appear in the lively role of Mother Ginger. Larger-than-life characters, beautiful sets and costumes, bright lights and a bold dragon operated by nine dancers take the audience on a magical adventure. They journey through the Land of Sweets and the Snow Kingdom, with suspenseful battle scenes and engaging dancing along the way. Tchaikovsky’s classic score, performed live by The Nashville Symphony, sets the mood for the ideal holiday evening.

Radio City Rockettes Nashville
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Radio City Rockettes Nashville

Radio City Rockettes Nashville The Radio City Rockettes are once again returning to Nashville for a limited engagement during the Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas. Held at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House, the Rockettes will showcase their famed precision dance numbers while surrounded by scenes of the season. From the always popular “12 Days of Christmas” to acts including the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and the “Living Nativity,” the Radio City Rockettes will offer an entertaining look at the traditional holiday motifs while spending your winter vacation in Nashville, TN.

Well, I’m back from St. Maarten! (Insert extremely fake happy voice here.)

Warning: Although I know most of you only read this for my amazing wit and overall awesome sense of humor, this post doesn’t really have any of that. I’m still in post-vacation depression mode and I just don’t have it in me yet.

But since I’ve been back for over a week now, and I know you’ve all been anxiously checking this every day, I figured I should get something up here so you didn’t all think I had fallen off the face of the Earth.

So, hello everyone! I’m back in the States after a week of pure bliss in paradise. And boy oh boy, Boston sure knew how to welcome us back after a week in 85-90 degree weather. We flew back last Saturday night and came back to rain, cold, and overall disgustingness. (I don’t care if that’s not a word, that’s what it was.)

My tan…well, ok, sunburn….is already faded and my summer clothes have all been washed and put away for next year.

Ugh.

So forgive me if I’ve been a little lax about posting here. It’s gonna take some time people.

Stayed tuned tomorrow for a little more about my week in paradise, and an article on everyone’s favorite breed of humans: Gingers!

Okay, I’ve been absent long enough. And I’m going to be posting a bunch.

Hopefully enough that you’ll forgive me for being absent around Thanksgiving.

Also hopefully, I’ll be able to figure out the darned delayed posting thingummie that wordpress (so thoughtfully) provides in time, and make it so you guys don’t notice my absence… erm.. well, except for the fact that I just… um… told you. Just now.

*slaps himself a la Gibbs*

P.S. – That last bit owes itself to a nifty little show called NCIS, a guilty pleasure for anyone of refined taste, but well worth it anyway for the cast. The cast has an amazing amount of chemistry for being in yet another csi rip-off, and the characters are so well realized that one wishes that NCIS had been the first, and not CSI.

P.P.S. Ms. Christie – If you don’t approve of my use of your work, feel free to let me know and I will immediately remove the image from my site. I’m using it more to illustrate a point than anything, and yours was the best image I could find for doing so.

Excitement is growing.  Euphoria is beginning to take effect.  I’ll be on vacation after only three more sleeps!  Arrive in Walt Disney World in 6 more days!!

I’m trying to ignore all the usual worries.  “Dread” tries to partner “excitement” in the vacation anticipation.  It refuses to be ignored.  Please let nothing go wrong on our long drive.  Please let all of us get along and please keep us all healthy.  I’ll add pleas as they come to mind.  Thank you and Amen.

We’re watching our favorite vacation planning DVD–Happiest Celebration on Earth.  I’m leaning towards ignoring my usual demand of a spotless house at departure.  I love to come home to a clean house, but this time, I just don’t care.  While I’d still love to be welcomed by a spotless abode, I don’t want to get stressed over preparing, packing and Thanksgiving.

I’m going to look for a chant to ward off dread and a cheerleader to keep me on the excited side.  My nerves are starting to get…well, nervous.

Here is a graph representing the official Nano Progress thus far:

Now, before you roll your eyes, keep in mind that I have 30 more pages of hand written stuff that I am transcribing. While I am still woefully behind, I do a ton left to transcribe. What I have learned thus far is this:

1) I do get cranky if I do not write at least a few hundred words a day
2) I enjoy writing about my parents
3) I may never get published, and I am no where near as good as some of my friends, but I can write something.

Those three lessons are far more important than 50k words in 30 days.

Now if you will excuse me, I am going to drink a delicious beer from New Glarus, Wisconsin. Here is the brass kettle where my beer was brewed: