Sunday Update: Moving Onward or Upward

"What's up with you lately?"

An innocent but loaded question as of late.

What am I doing right now? Watching the Vancouver-San Jose game.

What am I doing this week? Painting some walls. For the first time. Yep, you got it, this girl is getting her newly painted nails a little bit dirty. Well, hopefully not that dirty - white isn't my colour (and I don't think polish remover does much with paint).

What am I doing this month? Moving. A month ago, the Newf lost his job. A week later The Parentals advised they were looking to rent out their basement apartment. We made the executive decision to jump on the opportunity. Between our general dislike for the city of Toronto, and the ease of my transferring to a school in London it seemed like an obvious choice.

This move has been a humbling process, and I don't quite know how I feel about it yet. To secure my mind in the positive, I've decided to make a list of my pros and cons:

First, the pros:

1.) We will likely save a pretty penny on rent. Once the Parentals advise of the rental fee, I can confirm this, but it almost guaranteed the rent will be less than the cost of our studio apartment in the Toronto Beaches.

2.) I get to paint. Something about playing with colour gets me a little hot and bothered.

3.) Our place is a separate apartment, so theoretically the loss of privacy will be minimal.

4.) My younger brother, Jake, lives upstairs. At five years my junior he makes me feel young again.

5.) We really, really like the city of London. The tiny village I grew up in is a mere thirty minutes away, so I know what I'm getting myself into.

6.) It has a classy address. Sorry kids, I can't post it here, but I can assure you that I'm not living on a street that makes you do a double take. Nope, no Piccadilly Street for me; and yes, that superficial fact matters to me.

7.) I can (theoretically) transfer with ease to a photography program here in London. Once I get in, I will have 24/7 access to a full photography studio.

8.) My new apartment is complete with a wet bar. It has a beautiful polished wood bar that makes my liver tingle with excitement (my liver has always erred on the side of danger).

With this extensive list, let's look at the cons:

1.) We have to move. All of that cleaning, packing and unpacking is so much work. Once you include the address changes to that equation my eye starts to twitch.

2.) While it is a separate apartment with tons of potential, it is in the Parentals' basement. At twenty six (almost twenty seven) it is a humbling process. Not to mention a younger sister who is looking for apartments double my rent, and a little green monster is making a certain appearance.

3.) Despite the separate space, I am sharing the overall home with family. My family is cool, but they are still my family. Point made.

4.) My dog has suddenly turned into our dog. It isn't a matter that people are trying to lay claim to my furry friend, but more a fact that my family of dog lovers all have a different way of doing things. In my house, my dog is not allowed to sleep on the bed or sit on the couch. He is not fed from the table, even if he is really working the "I'm-sad-and-hungy" look. I keep tight restraints on his amount and type of exercise. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees and my carefully laid consistency has gone out the window. But, when your dog tops the scale at 140 pounds, can easily set his head on the table and has heartbreakingly bad elbow dysplasia we can talk. I'm going to have to let go a little bit, and I hate that.

5.) With its close proximity to my hometown, it is almost guaranteed that I will run into someone I know. Odds are, it will be a day I have not showered and am covered in paint.

6.) I have never painted. This could be a disaster.

7.) With my newfound geographical closeness to my immediate family I must begin to assert myself a little bit more. With anyone else a quick passive aggressive response would do, but I'm stuck with these people for life. The process is sure to ruffle some feathers, on both sides of the fence.

8.) It will be much more difficult to feign ignorance to all the nasty little tidbits of information I have on my siblings. Being the oldest of three, I tend to hear about everything the siblings do not have the guts to voice to the Parentals. Sometimes it is very rewarding. Right now it frustrating. Something about being expected to provide sympathy for a sibling who has provided the unabridged story six months ago is a little bit trying. I need to learn to walk away. I hate that too.

At first glance it may seem that this list is pretty even keeled. I may be crying over spilt milk. But, that is all resolved with the last listed pro. My new place has a wet bar. I have a pile of liquor and a hot husband. I have a brother who encourages intoxication.

Things will work themselves out. I can't say the same for the painting.

What are you working through right now?

Humbly at home,

L

It's a GIVEAWAY!

Do you like chairs? Are you a chair connoisseur? Perhaps a professional potato?

Well, either way, feast your sit savvy eyes on this baby, the Eames lounge chair.

My keister is already quivering. In fact, I've already purchased my (winning) lottery ticket, with high hopes of purchasing this feat of fancy.

It would look smashing in my darkened living room, surrounded by books and a massive picture window. My liquor cabinet wouldn't be far off either.

This chair is one of thousands of items (this is the Newf's favourite) that you can find within the CSN Online Stores.

Seriously, they have over 200 stores that you can shop in your skivvies. Hello, utter bliss.

The best part? You could win $40 to spend at ANY one of their online stores!

That's right, the lovely people over at CSN have provided me with $40 to give to one of you, my even lovelier loyal readers.

I've looked through the stores, and I already have a long list of loot I want. Even better, I've found some stuff I already have, and can say it is worth the purchase price (like this bad boy - my Newfoundland hasn't managed to ruin it yet).

So, I know you are asking "How do I win?" It's no secret that I like to gamble, so, do you fancy a little game?

I am going to pick a number between 0 and 1000. You have to guess what that number is. We run with the "Price is Right" rules over here, that means: the closest person without going over gets the prize. In the event two people have chosen the same number, the first one to choose the winner will be named the winner. No ties.

To submit a numbered guess, you must:
1.) Follow me. It's almost Valentine's Day, and I could use some love.
2.) Find & friend me on Facebook.
3.) You could Tweet your little heart out - include a link to this post (and please "@" me, so I can double check your entry).
4.) And finally, you could drop me an email or comment to tell me what your favourite post was, what your least favourite post was, or what you'd like to see more of.

With every guess, leave a comment below or shoot me an email. Don't forget to include your number!

This contest closes Saturday, February 19, 2011. The winner will be announced Monday, February 21, 2011.

Giddy about my (first!) giveaway,

L

FINE PRINT:
This is open to Canadian and US readers. To my Canuck friends, keep in mind there will be additional shipping charges (the duties are INCLUDED)! Consider it a tax for being awesome. None of my (Linnie's) immediate family members are able to enter - this includes Newf, the Beast, the Parentals, Grandma (the live one) and Dumpster Dog. The rest of my family either does not read my blog or does not receive preferential treatment (proof available). The number chosen by me will be photographed with a time stamp to allow my readers to rest assured there is no funny business. Oh, and I am awesome.

Duck, Duck, No Wait, It's a Goose!

My goodness, this is embarrassingly late. Some time ago, a love cupcake craving chick tagged me in a game of "Duck-Duck-Goose".

First, the girl. She is absolutely adorable, and I just love her blog. You'll love her too, especially if you love to bake.

Now, the game. I am required to post fifteen facts about myself, and then tag five new bloggers to complete their own list.

This was no small order. Partially because I am still chuckling over my original list, partially because I am always nervous opening myself up to the Internet.

"Why on earth do I blog?", you ask? That's a good question. I'll let you know when I have a good answer. I'm full of little idiosyncrasies like that.

Okay, that was a freebie. These bits are on the books:

1.) I am a photography student (although it still feels weird to say that).

2.) Photoshop and I have a love/hate relationship. We love to hate each other. Seriously. Hate.

3.) The majority of my photography projects, to date, have included a somewhat morbid theme. I tell myself it just "happens" that way, so I don't feel like such a weirdo.

4.) Big Brother? No. You need to be worried about me. I see everything, I make predictions and I am right most of the time.

5.) I respect your right to make your own lifestyle choices, although, it is highly unlikely I agree with them.

6.) Speaking of, I have a couple of friends I need to dump; I hate doing it, and never quite get around to it. Here's hoping you aren't on the chopping block.

7.) My spare brain storage goes to any, and all, etiquette rules. I love to know how I should be acting.

8.) I judge you by your wedding invitations.

9.) I also judge you by your table manners. However, all bets are off if we are wearing pyjamas.

10.) Pizza is, by far, my favourite food.

11.) Guilty pleasures? Baywatch and The Bachelor.

12.) I have never whitened my teeth.

13.) My little sister left for the army in September. She has some high ranking intelligence job and I don't really get to know where she is. I don't like to talk about it, because it makes me miss her more.

14.) There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that my husband will do anything and everything to keep me safe, no matter what.

15.) Chivalry turns me on (when it comes from a non incestuous source).

So, that is the list of Linnie. I hope that will tide you over until I create another one. Now, for the new bloggers.

The fabulously talented (and sweeter than sugar) Ana, at i made it so.
Ms. Charlie, who you can find at the best fashion blog:Heart Charlie. Forget the other fashionistas, this girl rocks my world.
The lovely Tammy George, a pure fan of colour who can be found at Punk Rawk Purl
The (knitting) needle neurotic Zoe, at A Giraffe in a Scarf. Check out her hats!
And finally, the crafty maven and an old favourite of mine, Chantilly, who calls from her corner My Girl Thursday.

GOOSE, you're it. Let's see if you are paying attention. We all know I wasn't.

I must might be crazy,

L

The Apple of my Storm

Darling readers,

Tonight I sit and wait. Tonight, the snow is coming.

For days the weatherman has promised the snowstorm of the year - high winds, lots of snow and even "thunder snow" (if you imagined snow and thunder, you'd be right). Services and schools have been cancelled in advance, and the sheep of the city have been bustling about collecting supplies and fretting about the frost.

Friends, I am not concerned. It is just a little bit of snow - this is what we Canadians are built for.

I am old enough to remember the Ice Storm of '98. I am old enough to remember when losing power was a problem and we had a kitchen full of neighbours huddling around our gas stove. Finally, I am old enough to remember my father filling up every pot and container we had with water, lest we really get snowed in.

Those were the best snow storms.

Tomorrow, instead of cursing the commute, think of those who call the street home. Think of those who are really braving the cold. Consider what we can do to help.

But tonight, when you are happy at home, enjoy the moment.

I know that with a Newfoundland man to my left, a Newfoundland dog to my right, and the Environment Canada radar onscreen, I'll be just fine.

My lights are off, but we are all home. We are the freaks who fret about a lack of snow.

Hoping for some havoc,

L

My Mid-January Resolutions (Because I Never Follow the Crowd)

Right now I allow myself to be dominated by a fire that stole my belongings, and what I thought was my life.

As you can imagine, it really only stole what I let it (in a philosophical sense of course, I had no choice in the flame-licking fun).

And so, it is necessary that I declare death on the past, for it really is dead (or crispy, if you will).

I need to be focussed on the now and the "what will be", because allowing death to dominate does nothing but kill my knowledge.

"Knowledge is thirst" and I think I need a cocktail. A really, really big cocktail; I deserve it.

So please, my friends, join me on my journey from scared to striking.

This journey begins with two resolutions ('tis the season):
-> My nails (fingers and feet) will remain polished and pristine
-> My story, titled "Blown Apart", will be finished, and I will finally let go.

To start my life as a fresh faced wonder, I plan on purchasing some fabulous foundation (aka makeup). Nothing too heavy, and nothing to light - I need something just right.

Any suggestions ladies and gents?

Facing my freedom,

L

Dad, Your Boat is Showing

Are you freezing yet friends?

As you may recall, the Parentals flew in for the holidays. For those of you who are not aware, the lucky buggers spend their time floating around the Caribbean on their sailboat.

I guess that is their reward for raising three children.

Never one to disappoint, Mother Nature was there to welcome them with a wallop of snow.

A full frontal shot of the house.

That black bit is the dog - my full grown Newfoundland, aka The Beast. He digs snow.

The darling Mini Cooper. We left it clean and cozy at midnight.

Never to disappoint the neighbourhood, my father ventured out in the subzero weather to snap these pictures. While he was outside he chatted with a couple across the street. The catch? He was wearing nothing but a bathrobe.

Thank goodness the wind wasn't blowing and the garage was full of liquor.

I missed you Dad.

Check out his blog for the full sized shots, sailing stories and anything else suspiciously screwy.

Spawn of the strange,

L

Blown Apart: The Preface, Part ii

Three years ago today, my apartment burned to the ground.

Blown Apart: The Preface

Three years ago today, my apartment exploded.

Piglets and Tiaras

Friends,

I have some fabulous news, I get the Beast back tomorrow!  He was staying at my brother and sister's while we were in Newfoundland and this weekend we get him back!

He is 120 pounds (and growing) of black fur and he tends to follow me around everywhere I go.  The Beast is fabulous company (in his mind I am always right) and I have missed him.

These last few days I have settled for the company of Napoleon, the Newf's pet guinea pig.  Normally I would give him a false name, as I do with everyone in my blog but this pig can take you down.  He's gruff, tough and a distant descendant of the The Killer Rabbit, whose fluffiness belies its murderous intent.  You may remember the infamous rabbit from the humorous flick, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  If you have not already watched this classic you must, I highly recommend it.

But I digress.  The Newf rescued the runt because he was suffering at the hand of all the other pigs.  They were beating him up.  His first day home the little guy was covered in scars, scabs and skinny as anything.

In true Napoleon style, this pig has exploded and taken over every morsel of food he possibly could.  Napoleon has also grown a fondness for the Newf which the boy could not be prouder of.  

Notice the double chin.

He gets rather feisty and despises having his nails clipped.  Having a number of pounds on the little guy I do have to force it on him.  The Newf usually leaves the room as he cannot bear to see someone force unpleasantness on his piggy friend (despite the fact his nails could pass as misshapen claws).  I assure you, the deed was done directly after this picture.

Napoleon loves his luxuries.  Grapes and apples are his favourite.  He's drunk on berries, if you will.

Eating, eating and more eating.

As you can see, the tiny pig the Newf originally brought home is no longer.  We are left with a loud, proud squeaking machine.  He is a rotund little fella and despite his size he makes his presence known (especially when the refrigerator is opened).

RANDOM FARM FACT: Guinea pigs are often used to keep barn rats at bay.  Their squeak is very similar to that of a big, Babe-like pig.  Rats are terrified of big pigs because big pigs have a tendency to stamp rats out.  Contrary to popular belief (and multiple children's movies) pigs have a nasty temper when it comes to things like blood and rats.  

So, to anyone who is feeling down in the dumps: if Napoleon can do it, you can too.

Have a great weekend!

Pig loving and pretty,

L