Quebec Trip 2011

Alrighty, so it’s been a busy last couple of days. This past weekend my friend and I travelled to Quebec and Montreal to see one of my favourite musicians (Chuck Ragan) play a show. So here is Quebec trip 2011 with Krystles.

Thursday I was awake at 3:45am...I was not the happiest camper to be awake that early but I was excited! (Did you know the sun rises at 5am? I do now) I was at Krystle’s by 5:30am and away we went. I really can’t remember any of the first 400klm of the trip, I think I fully woke up somewhere in the middle of New Brunswick. Once we hit Quebec (is there no welcome to Quebec sign?) I wish I had paid better attention in French class as the signs were a little confusing.

First night in Quebec was a write off. Krystle and I took turns driving and it took us 11 and a half hours to get there (pee breaks included). Thanks to Stella (the name for my GPS, because everyone should name their GPS) we arrived safely. The first night we went out to dinner at a pub around the corner and we had terrible service and food but we were so tired we didn’t care. (Editors note: the people we met in Quebec were amazing, so nice and always helping us out this was the only terrible experience) After dinner we walked down the street and picked up a bottle of wine, then went back to the hotel had one glass and passed out.

Day 2: We were out the door by 9am and thanks to our hotel’s concierge who was the sweetest girl ever! She gave us a map and drew out our route. So we hopped on a bus (which for those of you who know me, I’ve been on a bus now 7 times my entire life) and up to old Quebec we went. It is sooo beautiful! LOVE that place! We walked around, shopped, ate at a cute little pub and had an amazing time. I learned if you look at a sales clerk shocked and confused they'll switch from French to English.

After shopping all morning we made our way back to the hotel to get ready for the show then headed to the venue to eat dinner. We were early, and after dinner we went into the bar but no one was there. The bartender came over and talked to us for a good half hour (super nice guy) then we decided to find beer and go back to the hotel to wait. Lucky Quebecers sell their beer at convenience stores which was right beside the bar.

Anyway by the time we went back to the venue the crowds showed up and we were lucky enough to get a table. I went to to the merch table to buy a t-shirt and the fiddle player (John) was selling them. I chatted with him for about 20mins about everything, from us travelling to Quebec to see them, to music and whatnot. He was awesome. Throughout this whole time Chuck was walking around so I finally mustered up the balls and asked him and Dave Hause for a picture, they were super nice and said yes.

Since this post is getting far to long I’ll cut to my favourite part of the entire trip. Chuck was just starting his set and we managed to get the front row. I’m standing there when two guys push their way beside me and start yelling. Mad I crossed my arms and made a angry face. Then one of the drunken guys looks at me and speaks broke French in a Scottish accent. This is where I pulled out my “jes napa pau france”...a little stunned the drunk Scottish/French guy asked me where I was from, I replied Nova Scotia, then he asked if I came all that way just to see Chuck and I said yes. Then he’s like “do a shot!” I nicely declined the offer as I was already a couple of beers in and I wanted to remember Chuck.

The next thing I know the guy leaves comes back with two shots and leans and asks me my favourite song is, I replied "Bleeder". The next thing I know he’s yelling at Chuck to come over to us, Chuck looks and then does walk over. The drunk guy hands Chuck a shot then one to me and replies “Sing Bleeder to her! She came a long way just to see you!” Chuck looks at me, we cheers, take the shot (which burned like hell because I don’t drink Whiskey) and then he walks back to the mic and starts playing Bleeder! the front row of people (who watched all of this) moved me to the center of the crowd and Chuck sangs Bleeder to me. That was the best moment ever. I was one happy camper. The whole trip was worth it in that 4minutes. Also after the show, Chuck gave and signed the setlist for me.  

I’m too lazy to write about Montreal right now, day 3 and 4 will be the next blog post.

- D

I'm Still Here!

I haven’t blogged in a long time and until now I just re-read my last one and it was terrible.  So let’s try this again…

The other week I had a meeting at RIM, which is the coolest building ever! It wasn’t a job interview, it was just a meeting.  So, as I waited for someone to come and meet me (you can’t just walk in that place)  I instinctively pulled out my Blackberry and filled the time with browsing the interweb and BBMing. Then it dawned on me and I realized….they’re probably reading everything I’m writing….Paranoid I turned my phone off immediately, and sat there the rest of the time fidgeting uncomfortably, so badly the security guard probably thought I had ADHD.  I’m pretty sure if someone had tin foil, I would have made a tin foil hat so that they couldn’t read my thoughts. God knows what those tech guys are inventing now an days (in the end the meeting went great)



Me hugging the sign on the way back to the car

 Another event that happened was last weekend I asked my friend if she wanted to go on a hike in Musquodoboit. She said yes, and excited about my second hike ever, I packed a small lunch, camera, and put on my new hiking shoes (“new” because I don’t exercise and until now never had an excuse to wear them) So! we started out on our hike on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Well, I was under the impression we were going to be going on a nice leisurely hike, and 10 minutes into the hike I realized my drill sergeant friend had a different idea of what a hike should be. Every time I paused for a break she would turn around and say “DO YOU WANT TO FIT IN A WEDDING DRESS OR NOT? LET’s GO!” Alarmed at this idea that I wouldn’t want to be plump on my wedding day I would start moving double step…..Sweating and gasping un controllably, I soon realized, I’m not even engaged! And no plans on it!


So, of course I would slow down again, she would turn and give me a glare, and the thought of being a bride and overweight on my wedding day came back into my head, freaking me out once again and I’d pick up the pace.  (after re reading that last line I just realized how sad my life is, but I’m not going to change it) I believe at one point I even said “I HATE THIS HIKE, and I know I’m complaining a lot but we are not friends right now!” The moral of this story is we’re still friends but I will never hike with her again.

I’m getting tired just writing about that whole experience, and so I’m going to go eat an ice cream sandwich to make myself feel better.

- D

Hump Day!

Again I have nothing else to write about so we’re going to Danielle on the spot thinking.
Well it’s been raining for about 2 weeks now and I’m pretty sure everyone in Nova Scotia is slowly going insane by this and I am no exception. Usually the saying goes, if you don’t like the weather here wait ten minutes and it’ll change. While that is a correct assumption, the weather changes usually within fifteen minutes and the chances are that the sun will come out but wait another fifteen and then it’ll be down pouring rain once more.  Today especially is just one of those days where you feel like punching the rain in the face and stealing it's lunch money.

Anywho enough of that depressing subject, on a lighter note, my best friend came home Monday from 15 months spent in Korea teaching. Krystle has been a good friend of mine for quite a few years and David will be the first one to tell you that when we hang out all rules are out the window. We always have a good time and if we both make it home in one piece then it was a good night. So last night we had a wine night just so we could talk and catch up. We ate and talked and talked, that girl has travelled and had some amazing stories to tell.

So, David came home from work with his house a mess and two girls sitting at the dinner table pouring more glasses of wine, eating and talking loudly between the giggles. He offered to drive Kryslte home after we were finished, and so afterwards, on the way to drive Krystle home she decided to go to her friend Jays house. David turned down Jay’s driveway and Krsytle got out and ran to the door. We sat in the car as she ran and I said “David just wait until Krystle goes inside before we leave”... “Just wait a second until we make sure Jays home and she’s inside”... “Just wait a second” the next thing I know we’re backing out of the driveway, halfway down the street. We never saw if Krsylte made it inside, because David ignored me and just reversed out of the driveway. THEN halfway down the street David finally speaks “Should we have waited till she was inside?” *Pissed*

Anyway no worries, Jay was home and Kryslte is alive and made it inside.

So to end this post I decided to post the video I made for Krystle for Christmas

- D

The Royal Wedding

Alrighty so William and Kate finally wed today and I like many others woke up a little earlier to watch. My alarm usually goes off at 6:30am and instead I set it for 6:00am. I rushed into the spare bedroom (which is also my walk in closet, I am a little spoiled) and flicked on the tv. I saw that I still had time to hop in the shower and get out before the ceremony began. So I hurried my little behind in and out of the shower and came out just in time to see everyone start arriving. Now if you’re one of those many people who is against watching the royal wedding and all that then fine, to each their own. For me *sigh* I felt like I just got married on tv as well (if u don't understand, ask any female and she was living vicariously through Kate Middleton too). I admit I like hockey, playing baseball, throwing a Frisbee for hours and attending punk concerts but I am also still a girl.

This brings me to a warning note to the men reading this who have girlfriends. The warning is: when we attend weddings with you, expect a fight after. Here is why:

1.)  There is obviously free liquor, which we will all take advantage of, so our emotions will be in over drive

2.)  We just witnessed our friend/family member/ complete stranger just have their princess day (remember we dream about this day the day we start dreaming) Emotions in over drive

3.)  We’re wearing a pretty dress that we spent to much money on for the ceremony, but as soon as we see the beautiful bride we realize we are wearing the most ugly outfit in the entire world (this is the booze fault)

4.)  We are talking with our girlfriends about the special day (and we usually have been for the previous week as the bacherlotte party is usually in this time frame) and we plan every detail only to realize it’s useless because the day isn’t happening for awhile for us.

5.)  By the first dance the first two points are in full over drive and we start thinking that we may never get that day, and or we want that day right now (more sadness)

The only solution to this situation is to allow us to run our course, we may yell, give you the silent treatment or just give you dirty looks and say we don’t want to be around you. But just know this, we love you regardless and the next morning we may or may not apologize (or remember) and after a few days everything will go back to normal and you’ll be a happy couple again.

My parents on their wedding day

Back to the Royal Wedding, when Kate finally stepped out of the car and her wedding dress was revelled I was shocked to see that she was wearing the  same dress my mom wore to her wedding. I knew my mom would be elated over this (and when I saw her latter she was). This is awesome because obviously the new trend will be Kate’s dress and thankfully I now have one at my disposal (if my mom can get it restored).  

Ironically I had a conversation with my mom a few days ago, and I asked her when would I get married? She replied “You will someday Danielle, when the time is right” (the typical reassuring speech a mother is suppose to give her daughter) after a sigh I said “I know, but I don’t want to be an old bride” She replied “Now don’t worry I was 25 when I got married and......oh wait you’re going to be 25 next year, Nevermind” (ouch to the ego). David and I are just fine, fully in love and fully established as a couple, we’ve been together for a long time (not saying the years) and we are not rushing into anything because our lives are already perfect together.

So congratulations to Will and Kate and may they live a happy life together. I am already so lucky for the happy life I have with David and not a day goes by that I don’t love him just a little more.

-         D

The Job Hunt Continues...

Well I've been super busy lately, which is both a good and bad thing.

One of my best friend Jamie (who I haven't seen in two years) was down for her father's surprise birthday party (HAPPY 50TH DAVE!) and so on Saturday I went to that at the Oakland Pub which was fun (especially when the karaoke started) . Then I had a girls night on Sunday with my EVO girls (Shelley and Jamie). So as you can imagine I was too dead yesterday after work to think of anything witty to say. Today I still feel the same way, so I thought I'd make this blog post about my hunt for the perfect job which fits perfectly  with this hilarious video my aunt Janet had sent me.....enjoy

PS: If anyone knows of a Human Resource Assistant job opening, I'm open to suggestions!

- D

It's Monday!

So it’s been awhile since I’ve wrote and I cannot think of one thing to write about so I’m going to write about nothing except for what pops in my head as I type. This is going to go well....

First: I learned what a busy body is, contrary to popular belief, it does not mean that you are a busy person. Nope it does not, a Busy Body is defined: As a person who meddles or pries into the affairs of others, in other words a nosey person who gossips about your business and is not very liked within a community. I highly suggest not calling your uncles mother this until you know what the word means first. Thankfully, She was great about it, and after the moment of dead silence where everyone stared at me in disbelief I was soon informed of it’s meaning. Seriously I did a survey, ask anyone 30years or younger (who doesn’t watch mad men) what it means and they’ll say what I thought. Anyone who is older knows it’s the real meaning.

Second: I’m loving cooking new things. Thanks Oprah Network we now get! (for a limited time before they take it away from me) All of these cooking shows, cooking books as gifts and a little bit of raiding my parents cupboards I know make more interesting meals. Goat Cheese Bruchetta, homemade chicken fingers, Teriyaki Beef/spinach/ rice meals, and herbed potatoe paddies with cheese are just a few I have attempted and love! And not one of these things will David eat. If it isn’t meat and potatoes he’s not going to eat it and so although I now have a new love for cooking, every night I cook two meals because I can’t have a starving David.

Third: Friday we went to see Hey Rosetta at the Palace. Which was hilarious because anyone who knows the Palace, knows that it is a club and anyone who knows Hey Rosetta fans know they’re a little bit (how should I say this) Hippiesh. At least you could always find a waitress because they were dressed as they normally would (for a club) and well lets just say the hippies had the same about of material on their upper bodies then the waitress’ did on their entire bodies. So if there were boobs around you, chances are you could ask this lady for a drink and they would bring it to you.
The show went great, good job on Hey Rosetta as per usual. We had a blast and after we went back to our car, and I won’t name names but let me just say this. Halifax may have had 5 shootings in 9 days but attempted murder aside, if you leave your window down, on a Friday night, ON pizza corner until 1am in our instance not one thing was stolen or touched. We may have a bunch of murders here in Halifax but no one will touch your Sh*t. No one even reached in and stole my awesome travel mug, or IPOD!
After we went to watch the hockey games at a bar until god knows what time. I’m not going to say much about this other than, this is my first year of finally doing a hockey pool and the whole double guessing your picks is wayyyy to stressful. I liked it back in the day when the leafs didn’t make it and I would just root for the team that I hated less than the other, and who had the hotties. Sigh, only two more months.

Anyway I’m going to go make two meals for dinner because David’s off work soon

-       D

Danie`s World of Music

Hello


Alrighty I've started a second blog that is dedicated only to Music (Danie's World of Music) As many of you know I am a huge "Music Enthusiast" and will probably chat your ear off about some musician you have never heard of and could care less about. So for those of you who are actually interested in some of my thoughts of music you can go here.

PS: This doesn't mean I won't still talk your ear off about music


- D

Hello Canada, and Hockey Fans in United States and Newfoundland! NHL Playoffs Are Coming Soon

Alrighty Hockey post. As many of you already know the Leafs are out of the playoffs. Which to some comes as a surprise and to others well if you say 67 I’ll punch you in the gut. Now I'm not a Hockey guru by any means whatsoever, I’m just a fan who likes to voice her opinion and so it’s that time of year when those whose teams were eliminated (such as Senators who were eliminated in February and the Leafs who were eliminated in April) to move over to another team to watch and cheer for.  Below are some of the pointers I take into consideration for how I chose which playoff team to root for (and for you non-hockey fans this should dumb it down for you).

First step is simple: Go Canadian. I mean come on who are you going to root for...the Hawks?? Pffff...My uncle is the biggest Hawks fan in Atlantic Canada, and maybe the only as far as I know? He once told me he went to a Habs game wearing his Blackhawks jersey and no one there bothered or booed him (that’s probably because the Habs fans were in shock that there was actually a Hawks fan in Canada). Whenever I try to make a jab at him and his favourite team he simply raises his arms above his head in a firm and steady Stanley Cup stance, a large smile on his face and you can’t not but feel for the guy. He’s been waiting 49 years to do that. I will admit though that much of my Hockey knowledge growing up came from him. Uncle Kelly has a Hockey room in which everything (floor to ceiling) is Blackhawk. I knew the Blackhawk symbol before I even knew what Hockey was. (don't tell him because I need to keep my Hockey (leaf) pride strong but obviously during the playoffs last year I was rooting for the Blackhawks because of him) Then growing up as a figure skater the rivalry was deep and everything Hockey related disgusted me (this was also during my boys are gross phase, and Sidney Crosby was blossoming in Nova Scotia at this time so I directed a lot of my despise at him during the late 90’s and early 2000’s). Fast forward to now and figure skating is still good, but I love a good old fashion hockey game.

Now to breakdown the playoff selection:

-          Montreal Canadians/Habs: As a Leafs fan, saying that you are rooting for the Habs is like saying “I just ate dog poop”. Once you pass the ridicule, Habs fans will try and take a jab at you and say “you’re only jumping on the bandwagon because you’re team is out of the playoffs”. That’s exactly why I’m doing it and I still don’t understand how stating the fact is trying to rub salt in the wound? Yes I hate you ten months out of the year but for these two months can’t we all just be friends? And if we’re going to get all serious and matter of fact, Carey Price is a very good goalie, but I’m more interested in seeing his face because that guy is extremely good looking and the chance that he lifts his mask and I can see him is *girl sigh* (this is the point where all males reading this blog move to the next point). Also let’s face it whenever they say anything about Gil, who doesn’t say “aww Gil” from the Simpson’s in their head? Two favs: Cammie and Gomezs

-          Vancouver Canucks: Who has anything bad to say about this team? They’re good, solid goaltending, the same guy keeps passing the puck to himself and scoring, they’re so far ahead in the standings that it doesn’t matter anymore if they win or not.  This is an easy choice to root for, because there is also a chance that the team you want to win actually will. Downfall: Before it was extra easy to hate the Habs, just look at Lapierre’s face on tv in a Habs jersey. That guys face is more annoying than listening to a Habs fan bash the Leafs. At least for the past couple of months while he was on the Ducks he wasn’t getting any tv face time but now that he plays for the Cunucks I’m contemplating just listening to these games with no visuals.

-          Pittsburgh Penguins: Now I know you’re thinking of Course the girl from Nova Scotia would say Pens. Alright, It’s true I have forgiven Crosby for stealing my thunder growing up, and I admit it's cool every time I pass him on the highway when he’s back in town for the summer, but it is annoying how much attention he gets on TV. The guy hasn't skated in the past 2 months, then does for 15min and they take 4 hours out of each day to talk about it. BUT Rant aside it is apparent in the past 3 months the pens are fine without their super star. With the likes of Fleury, Letang, Kunitz and my all time favourite Tal-bits (or Talbot as he is usually known in the media and/or Superstar! As he is known by from the female lovers such as myself - who doesn’t love this commercial and commercial) They play good games, hard and fast pace and for the girlfriends of guys watching the playoffs, this is the team with the most cuties (habs are close second).

-          Washinton Capitals:  Come on, who didn’t like them a little more after 24/7 Winterclassic? With the likes of Brucy Boudreau as coach and being a complete "F**king butt head" no wait a "F**king shit bum" No wait he actually has his "F**king ass out of his head". Whatever he is, Green, Backstom, Semin and Knuble are my favorite. Like many Canadians I won’t lie I had my hate on for the superstar Ovie, but until March when he started using twitter again, between the laughs of these gems #1  #2 But not as awesome as this One (viewer descretion is advised for Leafs fans). You have to feel bad for the guy I mean come-on Olympics (fail), Stanley Cup (fail every year) Faceplant during the AllStar Shooting skills (fail) 89% of Canadians hating him (remember when he dug out the loonie from center ice after Russia won and cut it in two?) (Fail) But it was his nonsensical tweets that won me over (Ovechkin twitter)

-          Boston Bruins:  For the reason that I have so many Habs friends that I just want to sit there saying “ZDENO CHARA IS THE BEST HOCKEY PLAYER EVER! ISN’T HE AWESOME? HE’S SO HUGE!” (remember you can’t punch  me because I’m a girl) Also remember to get to game 4 and then jump ship.

-           Detroit Red Wings: There's a Newfie on the team  and they're good (so newfies generally lean towards this team)

-          Philadelphia Flyers - they're a bunch of bullies so never mind them

 

-          Blackhawks: For the reason that my uncle shouldn’t be the only fan

-          Atlanta Thrashers: For the reason that my uncle shouldn’t be the only fan (but Toronto’s better than them, Danielle for the win)


So there it is, come playoff time when I jump ship (because my ship has sunk for the past 14 years) I’ll base my assumptions on whoever I like best, like Jarome Iginla I mean who doesn’t like that guy?!?! But seriously who likes the Flames? (Remember I’m on the east coast and I know no one). Or Corey Perry?! Who goes out of their way to watch a Ducks game? Don't get me wrong I like the movie. And seriously it looks like all Columbus Blue Jacket games were filmed on a cell phone camera from 2006, the NHL can’t spare them a few dollars?

Best of luck choosing and GO LEAFS (next year) 

When I Was Just a Little Girl, I Asked My Mother What Will I Be?...

David's Favourite Photo from my Birthday

Well Friday was my birthday and I am now 24 years old. This makes me want to reflect on the 24 years that I have been on this earth. Many things have happened; some good and some bad.

I graduated high school by the seat of my pants, only to go to University, spend a ridiculous amount of money to find out I actually really enjoy learning. Receiving A’s and B’s and graduating with one degree and so many majors and certificates that I get out of breath explaining them all.

I’ve said goodbye to my Sunflower (Pontiac Sunfire to those who have no idea what I’m talking about) after many years of fun, laughter and a few tears. Such as that one time I called my father because my car wouldn’t start. I blamed him for it not working (because I was told to ignore the check engine light) he drove all the way to Halifax, asked me if there was any gas, I replied YES there’s almost a ¼ tank! He rolled his eyes, poured a can of gas in it anyway and magically my car started (In my defence I was parked on a slight slant). Or the time the Sunflower drove me and three of my favourite lady friends on a 72 hour road trip to Boston/New Hampshire to see a punk show. A trip that none of us will never soon forget, and even if I wanted to tell the story I have no idea where to begin, the key point is we all made it home alive, extremely over tired, with slight liver damage and maybe 5 years of our lives taken off.
I now own a brand spanking new Yaris, which is my pirate ship “Yarrrrr......is”

I’ve lived for the past 4 years with my wonderful, kind, caring boyfriend David. In the 6 years we’ve dated I’ve been asking for a puppy almost every day for the past 5 ½ years and guess what? David always wins in the decision making and I’m still puppyless. (Just saying) But he’s still wonderful and I love him a bunch.  

I’ve spent over 10-12 years of my life Figure Skating competitively and now am an old has-been that when the opportunity arises and there is free ice time, I still try to attempt what 14 year old me did so effortlessly. The next day I’m always unable to walk but for those few moments that other people see me do something they cannot do, the ego boost is always worth the enormous pain I feel the next day.

Today I work as an office assitant, and am still slowly looking for the big career job you're suppose to get after university. I do love my current job and like I always remind my boss "Can't spell the word Assistant without the word "ass" and I take my job of being an Ass. very seriously"

So anyway this list is starting to make me feel kind of crappy, and I’m going to go eat a piece of Apple Pie

Que sera, sera, Whatever will be, will be, The future's not ours to see, Que sera, sera.

-          D

Vancouver Trip (part 2)

Day 3: Momma Bear and I woke up early and decided to take a ferry to Victoria, British Columbia. We had a rental car which was P-i-m-ping Nissan something or other, but it was fancy. Once on the boat I made a B-line to the deck and watched as we set sail. I kept saying “I’M ON A BOAT!” in which my mother replied “Yes you are, now what do you keep saying that?!?!” (If you don't understand click here)

The boat ride was about an hour long and once on land again I was amazed at the beautiful scenery. Victoria and Vancouver are just like Halifax  except on steroids and with mountains. Victoria was awesome, the people were friendly and the food is great! This was also where I bought one of David’s many presents. I bought him some of those Buckyballs, he loves them  and plays with his balls for hours on end (not going there)

Day 4: Momma bear and me drove up to Whistler, which is now my favourite place on earth right now. So beautiful minus the hernia you get driving back on the edge of cliffs. We made a stop on the way to see some of the Olympic parks and then finally arrived in Whistler. After a half hour trying to find a parking space we walked around the Village for 4 hours shopping and eating some Irish pub food (which is where we always seemed to eat, gotta keep the Nova Scotia Irish/Celtic love). It was also a beautiful sunny day so you could actually see all of the mountains. The average age there is about 16-24 and the retail prices were about $20 more than anywhere else in Canada. Still loads of fun and I can’t wait to go back!

We were only in Vancouver for 4 days and I can’t wait to go back. I told David over and over that we were moving there, and that I was going to “miss” my plane and stay there forever. Just to humour me David did look up the cost of living there and immediately informed me that if we sold our house and everything we owned we would only be able to afford a 10foot by 10foot shack there. He’s such a dream crusher.... or a realist whichever. 

Monday Momma bear and I flew home. She was in first class on the plane but was able to bring a “guest” with her into the Air Canada lounges which are awesome! They give you free food, magazines and booze...which I took full advantage of.

Speaking of which I'm hungry now
- D