Traveling Martini

Miss Freckles July 22, 1991 - August 4, 2008

2008-08-18T10:28:00.003-04:00

It is with the deepest regret that we must share some terribly sad news. We have lost a very loyal and dedicated member of our family proper. On August 4th our darling little dog, Miss Freckles, arrived at the end of her life to a very dignified departure surrounded by those who loved her and who had the privilege to revel in her extraordinarily long lifetime.

Freckles appeared quite unexpectedly into Shauna’s life nearly two decades ago while Shauna was still navigating her teen years. In short order Freckles and Shauna became inseparable, and in time they became synonymously attached to each other. Anywhere that Shauna stepped, Freckles was never far to follow. A celebrated seventeen year relationship ensued that is severed only now by the tragic, inevitable circumstances of late. In her prime Freckles was infamous for her mischievous and energetic nature as a curious hunter at heart. Yet, she was always famously quite gentle at hand.

Throughout the weaker moments near the end of her life, Freckles continued to display astounding dedication, energy and a commitment to life that lasted up until her final moments.
Faced with the prospect of losing a life-long companion and dealing with the emptiness that a loss of this magnitude might measure; Shauna and Freckles both displayed tremendous courage and composure throughout. Freckle’s truly unique, magnificent, and affectionate personality will be missed by all those who had the good fortune to encounter her. Freckles is now chasing rabbits in a peaceful and pain free place.

Mark MacDonald

HAPPY PRIDE!!!

2008-07-01T13:29:00.003-04:00

I'm not traveling much these days....

2008-06-29T12:24:00.000-04:00

But I can post photos of travelling I've done in the past.....

There are from my trip to Vancouver in February.

I'm alive! Just in case you were wondering....

2008-01-30T12:22:00.000-05:00

I have been extrememely busy...

I will be back VERY soon.

I'm a lucky Girl!

2007-08-20T11:44:00.000-04:00

I am feeling very fortunate today.

My friend & co-worker Flora threw a Bridal Shower for me yesterday. It was wonderful to spend the day with girlfriends.

I received many gifts, and love them all. But the most beautiful, and thoughtful, was the amazing garter my friend Kirsten knit for me.

Isn't it beautiful?!

It really was a great day, and I cannot thank Miss Flora enough for all her hard work.

I even got to see my Best Friend & her little bundle - she's sooo cute!!!

You can go here to check out the pics from the shower - again - Thanks to Kirsten.

Till next time.....

“Fun is good.” - Dr. Seuss

How to make the most of a Monday....

2007-07-23T11:02:00.000-04:00

Go to a concert... We're going to go see The Police tonight!

Lucky me - 2 concerts 1 week apart.

Tonight should be fun - there's a whole bunch of us going. Morris & his "Hot Date", Zoran & Noreen, Margie & her Husband, and I think maybe 1 or 2 more people.
We'll start on a patio for drinks & dinner and then head to the ACC for the show - woohoo!

This weekend was great. Mark, The Dogs & I headed up to my friend (old boss) Lewis's cottage in Burnt River. It's on 4-mile lake (near Fenlon Falls). We really had a lovely time. Lewis & Dale are wonderful hosts and have a beautiful place. It was hard to leave!

(photos to follow)

After we left the cottage, we headed for Lindsay to pay Mark's Mom a visit. It was nice to see her, and Mark's sister Laura too. While we were there, Mark's Mom, Ruth, pulled out some old photos of Mark. Ha ha ha - Mark with a Mullet!!! (I'll see if I can sneak one of the photos & scan it & post it here - tee hee) I haven't really seen many pictures of Mark when he was younger - he was soo cute! Not that he isn't now.. he's still HOT! He's so funny - almost in defense of his mullet he said "Bono had a mullet you know"....

We left Ruth's & hit the Kawartha Dairy for some ice-cream (it's the bomb) & I stocked up on chocolate milk. Kawartha Dairy's chocolate milk is THE BEST EVER. You can't get in in TO, so I bought 4 litres! YUM!

We came home & dropped the dogs off. We then headed out for Oakville. Mark decided to take me on a trip to see where he grew up. That was pretty cool. I got to see where he lived, went to school, where he worked, etc.. I can now put a location to a lot of the stories he's told me about when he was younger.

Now- I just need to get through the rest of this working day.. I am really looking forward to tonight.

Till next time....

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.”

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

2007-07-20T15:46:00.000-04:00

OK - Def Leppard ROCKED!!! We had a great night!

Even Mark joined us for a bit...

Thanks Astrid & Eden - I had a blast with the 2 of you!

I have no pics to post because the Nazis at the Molson Ampitheatre confiscated my camera. C'mon, really - what kind of shots am I going to get from the lawns anyway?!

So off to the Kawarthas this weekend - yea! We are going to visit my old boss at his cottage - I can hardly wait - it'll be soo nice to get away from the shitty.

Till next time...

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME!

2007-07-16T15:54:00.000-04:00

Going to see DEF LEPPARD tonight with Kevin, Eden & Astrid - it should be a blast!

Kim Mitchell is opening - wicked!

I'm going to tease my hair up all big & wear some painted- on- jeans - just like back in the day!
(just kidding about the big hair part)

I will be back to post details of the show, as well finishing my update for the past 6 months!!!

Really - I promise!

Where o' where have I been?

2007-07-06T15:20:00.000-04:00

FRANCE!!!

Paris:

Rombouillet/ Dourdan:
Versailles:

St. Malo:

Mont. St. Michel:

Train to Rennes:
Plane from Rennes:

Strasbourg:

Cernay / Uffholtz:

Frieburg Germany:

to be continued....

A proposal....

2007-04-19T17:49:00.001-04:00

I know, I know. This is ridiculously overdue.....

Hawaii - Part 2

So we finally arrived safe & sound in the beautiful island paradise of Oahu, Hawaii. Isn't it great when you take that first step off the plane after departing from a frigid cold environment and feel that wonderful warm rush of tropical air hit your skin? Isn't that the best? Ahhh... that's one of my favourite things. We grabbed a cab, opted for windows rolled down rather than the air conditioning, the and headed for the Aston Honolulu Prince.

We were all so excited - just like kids at Christmas. I was particularly excited 'cause I was going to get to see Mark and plant a big kiss on him!

We arrived, and Mark greeted us with Leis & champagne - it was wonderful! I missed him so much! He had arrived ahead of us & managed to stock the fridge and the bar so everything was ready and waiting for us. Isn't he the best?! We settled in - sort-of.. well actually we just dumped our bags in our rooms & went out on the lanai to have more champagne & cocktails - didn't even change out of our travel clothes!

It was so nice, relaxing on the lanai, getting caught up, trading stories about all the U2 shows we had all been to - comparing notes on our "best shows" etc. So we're all chatting away, Mark got up and went inside to replenish his glass of wine, or so I figured. Well next thing you know, He comes back onto the lanai with a little box. He gave me the box, waited for me to open it, and then got down on bended knee and asked me if I would marry Him!!! OMG - I was sooo surprised! it was all a little overwhelming - my emotions got the better of me - at first all I could do was nod my head... of course I said YES!! I was crying, Zoran was crying, Morris might have had something in his eye, and even Mark had a few tears.... Mark had Zoran capture the whole thing on camera! Oh what a night!

You know what? Saying "Yes" was one of the easiest decisions I've ever had to make! I'm a lucky Girl!

Here's the happy "Best Men":

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING…..

2007-03-09T10:16:00.000-05:00

I know - It’s been months since I last posted… but… boy-o-boy I have A LOT to blog about.

Where should I begin?

I guess I should start where I left off….

December 3, 2006

Hawaii bound!

Part 1

Uncle Morris met me at my place & we took the Airport Express bus together to meet up with Zoran at the airport to catch our flight to Vancouver. All went well - we even had enough time for a cocktail before the flight! We arrived in Vancouver with enough time to go to the duty free and catch our connecting flight to Hawaii – or so we thought.

We got to US customs and I was first in line – no waiting – perfect. Then I realized that we had passed the duty-free on our way to customs & missed it. I asked if I could go back and the customs officer said “No – I’m sorry – once you are in the system I can’t let you back through”. Shit! I really wanted to get some perfume! He said that since Morris & Zoran hadn’t gone through yet – they could go, but not me. I batted my eyelashes and smiled my best smile at the officer, and he said “ Since you are so nice, I’ll let you back through – but be quick!”, I thanked him profusely, and we ran back to the duty free. I purchased my perfume, and I thought we were done. But noooo – these freaking new security restrictions about carry-on luggage had the Girls that worked there all up in a tizzy. They were certain I couldn’t take it with me – and I assured them I could – I had read all the restrictions before I left & knew that as long as it’s 100ml or less – I can carry it on. They insisted I put it in a Zip-lock bag as per the restrictions & took what seemed like forever getting one.
Meanwhile, it’s getting closer & closer to departure time. Tick.. tick.. tick…
Finally, we finish up there, and breeze back through customs, and get to security. No problem – right? D’oh! It turns out we didn’t have boarding passes. We should have got them in Toronto, but didn’t. Luckily the security officer made a call, and after a painful 10 minute wait someone from Air Canada showed up with our passes – and a tonne of attitude – Whatever!
We get in line at security and I looked at my watch – OMG! We only had 15 minutes until our flight left. YIKES! I asked security if we were going to make it through in time and he said “No problem!”. No problem my ass! Security decided they had to go through my bag of toiletries one item at a time. Never mind I had followed all the rules, and had everything out for them to see…. At this pint it was 5 minutes to departure, and I said – Just take everything – I don’t care – I’m going to miss my flight! Finally – they finished, I tossed everything back in my bag, and then we RAN! OMG – I can’t ever remember running so hard in all my life!
We ran to the gate as fast as we could - we are completely winded, our chests are heaving – I can barely speak - I handed the girl at the counter our boarding passes and she said (full of attitude) “I’m sorry the flight is closed.’ I said “Oh no – really? We got here as fast as we could!”(which is totally obvious because we are all completely out of breath). She was all huffy – and with a little begging from me – decided to “let us on”. So we got on - of course we get stares and glares from all the passengers we pass on our way to our seats, but really - I couldn't give a rat’s ass - We’re going to Hawaii! Woohoo!

Cocktail please!

OK - 2+ months later... I'm still alive!

2007-02-21T17:13:00.000-05:00

I know - I've been a very negectful blogger.

I promise I will be back very soon - life has been crazy is all.....

Till then, enjoy these.....

ALOHA!

3 more sleeps!

2006-11-30T15:52:00.000-05:00

OMG - I'm so excited - I can't wait! Ony 3 more sleeps till I get to see the love of my life, and the beautiful landscapes of HAWAII!

YIPPIE!!!!

I've booked us on a Whale/Dolphin watching/Snorkeling adventure - that should be WICKED. There are soo many thing to do & see there - I better make up my mind soon about where to go & what to see. Should I go atop Diamond head? Go to the north shore? Go to the Pearl Harbour memorial? Veg on the beach? Search out "Lost" filming locations? What a dilemma! Too many decisions.

What's a Girl to do?

....at least i'll have something to do on the flight there... other than have cocktails...

Well one highlight - and the original reson for this trip is to see my fav band - U2 - and as an added bonus - Pearl Jam is opening the show - AWESOME!

Till next time...

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss

Only 6 more sleeps!

2006-11-27T12:16:00.000-05:00

I don't know which I'm more excited about - going to Hawaii, or seeing My Man there. He's been gone for almost a week now & I miss him terribly. He's all the way in New Zealand. He'll be joining me in Hawaii - hopefully on the 3rd of December.

I miss you Baby!

Thank god for MSN Messenger, I've been lucky enough to IM with him & even talk to him using the telephone tools - it was so nice to hear his voice, and get to say goodnight.

Hopefully this week will pass quickly - not too quickly - I have a lot of things to take care of before I leave....

Till next time...

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.”
Dr. Seuss

meet HOUDINI (aka Miss. Freckles)

2006-11-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

So Mark & I got some child-proof clips for our kitchen cabinets. Not to keep out the children (because we don't have any other than the Muppets), but too keep the dogs (namely Freckles) out of the garbage during the day while we were at work. I was tired of coming home to garbage strewn across the kitchen floor, into the dining room and on into the living room. Never mind the risk to the little Muppets if they get into things like chicken bones, or spoiled food. So we bought and installed these child- proof thingys. As he was installing them, Mark said "If she still gets into the garbage, I won't be mad... I'll be impressed." I concurred.

So the other day I get home from the market, laden with groceries, looking forward to making dinner for Mark. I unlocked my door, took two steps in, and...

O-M-G!

HOUDINI strikes again! I couldn't believe it.

So she managed somehow to get one of the cabinets open, and accessed the trash that way. It still couldn't have been easy after that - the bottom of the sink interferes with the lid of the garbage can, so I can't imagine what it took for Freckles to be able to get her snout, paw - I have no idea - into it to retrieve the wonderful goodies that waited inside!

That is one determined, tenacious little dog.

She might be 16.... but she's still full of beans!

She never ceases to amaze me.....

A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of.
Ogden Nash (1902 - 1971)

...and we're baaaaaack!

2006-11-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

Well, it certainly has been a while.
Life has been quite hectic since my last post. Let's see - where to begin?

WARNING! WARNING! looooooong post ahead....

.....I've moved, gone through quarter-end at work, been under-staffed at work, saw The Beautiful South, celebrated My Man's 40th birthday etc., etc.

Moving is fun.... NOT! Even this move - which was the easiest move of my life (trust me on this one- I have moved A LOT) was still not a pleasurable experience.

Our neighbours across the hall moved out at the end of September, and we had an opportunity to check the apartment out. It turns out it has a great layout, is on the quiet side of the building (contrary to where we were) and, despite the fact that it's a 1 bedroom apartment (we were in a 3 bedroom), it's only 300 sq feet smaller (not to mention significantly less expensive too)! Bonus points all around! So we "decided to go for it" (insert Stewie Griffin soundbite). We had been planning on movin in the new year - but this was perfect - and right accross the hall!

That was on October 5th or 6th. We planned on moving the 24th of October, which of course doesn't leave much time for packing and purging.

Meanwhile, life at work was insane. One of my co-workers has been off work (due to a car accident) since August. She's going to be OK, but has an injured back. The end of the 3rd quarter is our busiest time of the year, and this year is no exception. HOLY CRAP! I can't remember in the 5+ years that I've been here, it being so f-ing crazy. Quarter-end reporting, client meetings, audit requests, blah blah blah...

So between working extra long days at the office, and trying to get things organized/packed at home, it didn't leave time for much else. Somehow I managed to get the day off for moving - WooHoo!

Mark's friend Jim was kind enough to come over & help move the big stuff, my Brother Kevin was also a big help with hanging curtains, pots, light fixtures etc., and the rest was up to us - or should I say - up to Mark. With the arthritis as bad as it is in my elbows these days, I'm pretty much useless when it comes to lifting anything heavier than a few pounds. My Man toiled all day... things were somewhat easier with the help of a rented dolly, but boy did he work his cute little butt off! We managed to get the bedroom, kitchen & bathroom functional that night & said enough is enough. Mark rented us a movie - "The Breakup", and brought home a pizza. The perfect way to relax after a long hard day. Isn't he the bomb?

So back to work the next day, back to the salt mine.... long days - workin really late, comin home exhausted, but managing to get a box or two unpacked... the weekend couldn't come soon enough!

The next Wednesday we went to see The Beautiful South at the Phoenix with Mark's best friend Zoran, his wife Noreen, and their friend Marjorie. That was fabulous! We (less Mark cause he had to work & was meeting us later) went to my favourite sushi place for dinner before the show, and as always, had a fabulous meal. Mark met up with us after & we went to the show. They were great! I didn't really know their music, some of it was familiar, but they were really great!

The following Saturday was my Man's 40th birthday. I managed to arrange for his best friends to join us for dinner at LeBifteque. It was supposed to be a surprise, but Mark was having none of that stating "I don't like surprises". So he managed to drag it out of me... the big jerk! It's OK - all's well that ends well right? I got up & made him a big birthday breakfast, and he went off to the spa for some relaxing. I spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking some more, and getting the place a little more presentable for guests, since the plan was for everyone to come back to our place after dinner. My brother & his partner Stephen joined us as well, and we all had a wonderful time. I think Mark had a pretty good Birthday.

Since then I've still been working like a dog at the office, and trying to get things at home more settled. But....I can finally relax..... I finally finished quarter-end reporting, the client meetings are mostly done, and things at home are really coming together.

So I apologize to all of my Friends and Family I've been neglecting as of late, but I think you can see why, and hopefully, will forgive me.

I do have some pictures to add - but they'll have to wait until later. Blogger is not co-operating today...

Oh yeah - HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Till next time.....

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
Dr. Seuss

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

2006-10-11T12:57:00.000-04:00

So I'm another year older/wiser.....

I don't know about older - I don't feel any older. Life is too good to feel older! Are you kidding me?
The last year has been quite a whirlwind - that's for sure! I fall deeper in love with My Man (best Boyfriend EVER!) every day, I have traveled to many far away places I never thought I would, I checked a few things off my "Things to do before I die" list, I've seen a lot of bands (some in far away places), I haven't changed my address (just yet), and my friendships grow stronger all the time! WOOHOO!!!

Maybe I'm a little wiser..... whatever... Life is FABULOUS!

I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for me!

I am celebrating the occasion with My Man, Kevin & Stephen tonight with some yummy sushi, and some yummy Martinis. Perfectly fitting - celebrating with my favourite people, favourite food, and favourite drinks! Too bad Gertie live so far away... then it would be absolutely perfect.

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful birthday wishes!

I know.. I'm a BAD BAD Blogger

2006-10-10T16:33:00.000-04:00

No, I didn't get lost in Vancouver, or get eaten by a whale...

Noreen, Zoran (the Kids) & I made it to Vancouver safe & sound. Our flight left late (not a problem for me - I was able to get a couple of cocktails into me before the flight that way), but managed to gain back the time & we landed right on time in Vancouver. We hopped in a cab downtown via Granville St. Of course it was rush-hour, and Granville is the only way in to the city (over the bridge) so it took a while...at least the scenery is great! We finally got in to downtown Vancouver, I got Zoran & Noreen to their Hotel & waited at Johhny Fox's for Ross to arrive (and have a Martini or two!). The bar is conveniently located right beside the hotel The Kids were staying at, not to mention no further than a block away from Ross's place too. So we had some cocktails & then it was time to head-out.

Mark's brother Ross & I caught Margaret Cho's show -it was HILARIOUS!! She is one crazy-funny girl! We then went into Yaletown for some cockails. That's when I was introduced to the "Rosstini" - YUMM!!! I can't remember what exactly is in one... but I guess that's a good sign...

In the meantime, My Man was flying in from TO, and The Kids were exploring a bit of Vancouver on their own.

After a couple of those "Rosstinis" it was time to go back to Johhny Fox's to meet up with everyone else. That's My Man - Mark, Zoran and Ross. Noreen decided to crash at this point, so it was just The Boys & I. Even though we all knew we had to get up at the crack of dawn the next day, we stayed for some more cocktails.As these pictures show - we were having an awful time...

So we finally went to bed and got up at the crack of dawn to go here:

And get on one of these:

To get into these suits; To get on one of these:

To go & see some of these:

AWSOME EH!!!!

PROPS to Uncle Ross for arranging the Whale watching excursion! You ROCK Dude!

Scrape me off the ceiling & pass me a martini please....

2006-09-22T11:50:00.000-04:00

Wired... I'm totally f-ing WIRED... I always get this way before I get on an airplane. I am both excited and nervous. It's a strange brew of energy. As much as I love to travel, and as often as I do - I am still a nervous flyer. Cocktails always help with this, but it's a bit early for one right now. Or is it? I'm sure it's afternoon somewhere in the world right now....

I'll be fine - I'll be at the airport in a couple of hours sipping a cocktail and having a smoke to calm my nerves - wait a minute - that's right - no smoking in the airport anymore. D'oh! Fucking fuckers! That's jobbies.

OK - I'm gonna try & get some work done, although I can't really cncentrate on anything right now.

See ya on the Left Coast!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!

C'mon Friday... Only one more sleep!!!

2006-09-21T11:29:00.000-04:00

Isn't it terrible how we sometimes wish our weeks away, wishing for it to be Friday already? It's like we are wishing our lives away....

Well I have a f-ing wicked excuse this week - I am off to Vancouver Friday afternoon -YIPPIE! My Man & I, and a couple of friends are off to visit his Brother, and perhaps do a little whale-watching. That's right WHALE WATCHING! How exciting! I'm also going to catch Margaret Cho's show at the Orpheum theatre Friday night, thanks to Uncle Ross for securing a ticket for me.

I'm such a lucky Girl! Not only do I get to go away to a beautiful city, and spend the whole weekend with my Man, but I get to cross something off my "Things to do Before I Die" list. WOOHOO!!!

On a crochet note, my progress on the Crocheted socks is steady... albeit a bit slow. I'm still on the first one, if time & my creaky elbows permit, I'll try & get some more work done on it tonight.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

2006-09-15T09:49:00.000-04:00

TGIF!!

I don't know if it's the crappy weather this week or what - but it sure has been a long one. Phew! I am delighted that it's over. BRING ON THE WEEKEND!!!

Sleeping in tomorrow! Yippeee!! It's gonna be goooood... all the quadrapeds and me, all snuggly & smooshy & warm, slumbering in bed, till we can't any more... my second favorite way to spend Saturday morning... (the best way is being all snuggly & warm with my Man there with me too). Always remember - NEVER call me before noon on the weekend.

So I went to my first Downtown Knit Collective gathering last night with Eden & Kirsten (Sorry no pics.. I'll have to remember to carry my camera around more often, now that I'm a blogger. I know that pics make blogs more interesting). There were soooo many beautiful things! There were lots of georgeous new yarns, using wonderful blends of wool, alpaca, silk.. etc.. etc... One in particular is the new Patons SWS, a soy/wool blend, that looks really great felted. It's loveley! I think that I'll get some for my first ever felting project.

I started a new crochet project last night at the meeting. I'm going to try my hand at some crocheted socks. So far so good, alhough I'm just working on the ribbing of the sock-top right now. I'll post pics of my progress later.

BTW - I LOVE SUSHI!!! And it has been quite some time since I have indulged in one of my favourite things. Tomorrow I'm getting together with some friends for a sushi pig-out.. I'm so excited! I actually dreamt about eating sushi last night... (did I mention that i'm a freak for sushi?) I think we are going to go to Sushi Island on College St. for an all-you-can-eat sushi-fest. YUMMM!! I think some mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmartinis will be in order as well.

OK enough rambling for now...

Have a FAB-U-LOUS weekend Y'all!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACOB!!!

2006-09-13T13:33:00.000-04:00

OMG - I can't believe 3 years ago today, I was priviledged enough to be there to see you take your first breath and hear your first cries (sniff, sniff...).

What a smart, handsome young man you are becoming.
I'd post a more recent pic here - but your Mom hasn't sent me any new ones - tell her to get on that K? I don't think I'll be able to make it to your party this weekend : ( , but I'll be there soon to visit you & your Mom & Dad.

Love,

Auntie Shauna

OK - here goes....

2006-09-13T13:14:00.000-04:00

I figured I should get with the times and try out this Blog-thingy...
I'm not making any promises about how often I'll actually post here, but I figure it's a good way to keep all my friends & loved ones in the loop of my life.
It'll be a great way to share my adventures in traveling, concert-going, downtown-living, as well as all the other more mundane things that go on in my life.

With the help of my friends Eden and Kirsten, I hope to learn how to make this an interesting place to visit.. with lots of pictures and stories etc....