the guy with the smile: June 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

the count down is on.

Well folks, my friends Derek & Emily will finally be tying the knot within the next three days! My bags are packed and I'm ready to go...to bed. Tonight is my last night at home before the craziness will start. Have I mentioned that I am on the Bride's side? Always a Bridesman, never a Groom. Someday maybe.

Anyways, the first thing on our agenda is "Spa Day". Tomorrow the girls and I will be going to the Bride's parents house to get our nails did. I don't really have nails, but I'm actually looking forward to the massage part of things.

Friday is Emily's birthday, but also the rehearsal dinner. Should be an eventful afternoon and evening. We'll be going back to Emily's parents house for some crazy shenanigans I'm sure.

Then we have Saturday...The BIG DAY! WooWoo! I'm sure that will be a story all on its own. As most know, I still don't have a camera, so I might not have too many pictures to share.

Sunday is the gift opening and hopefully some recovering.

Unfortunately, I must bid you adieu. If I have any free time or an Internet connection in the next couple of days, I will try post. Otherwise, I will see you all on Monday. Happy early Canada day to those who celebrate it. Happy early Independence day for those who celebrate that! And here's wishing you all a happy weekend either way!

Much love,
JT

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

reviews-day tuesday.

Ghostbusters (5/5)

Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, & Sigourney Weaver.

Is there something strange? And it don't look good? Who can you call? This movie lets you know. A bunch of unemployed professors get together to bust some ghosts. One of my all time favourite movies. Slightly looking forward to the new one that is supposed to be coming out soon.

Beastly (5/5)

Starring: Alex Pettyfer & Vanessa Hudgens.

A modern day twist on the tale of beauty and the beast.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for fairytales! I loved this movie!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

sunday sighs.

Last night was the Bachelorette party and like I have said before, girls are way more crazier and wild then guys. What a night! I have a lot of laundry to do, due to someone getting a little ill last night. Here's a couple of pictures from the night and only two songs for today. I am too exhausted and need a nap! Hope your weekend was well!

My outfit. It was a Sex and the City theme. I wasn't wearing a suit, so I went as a New York City Marathon runner.

My fake Mom!

Emma and I giving Pam and the baby to be a big hug.

The "Walker" group.

The Pierces - Secret

Serena Ryder - Weak in the Knees

This is pretty much where I stand with Sara right now.

There are my choices for this week.

Take what you will, enjoy my taste or bash it with the best of them!

Be Well!

Friday, June 24, 2011

slighty sad.

Life has been busy and Emily and Derek's wedding is soon approaching. There are so many last minute things that are coming up and I'm trying to help with as much as I can. Unfortunately, the head piece that Emma purchased does not match her dress, and she was completely devastated. I feel like it could partially be some cold feet as well. There are so many emotions going on when it comes to weddings and sometimes the little things are the easiest to get upset about. Anyways, due to the colour being off, we're going to attempt to dye it to match the colour of her shoes...I think this will be fun and brilliant! How many brides have you seen with a lavender headpiece?!

Not only has life been busy and interesting, it has been slightly sad...As of this week, I lost a friend of mine. Someone who captures some of the best things in my life...Alright, I may be a little over dramatic. My camera died. At first, I thought it may have just been the batteries, but alas it is the actual camera. We have had a loving relationship for over 6 years; so she's had a good life. I am sorry to see her go, but am looking forward to a new relationship with a Fuji, a Canon, or another Kodak in the near future. Goodbye my friend, thanks for the memories.

I know its a little soon, but does anyone have any recommendations?

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

reviews-day tuesday.

Unfortunately, I don't have any movies or books to review today. The only thing under review is my sleep. Two nights of sleeping in town can be quite dreadful! Glad to be back home. Going to bed now. Happy Tuesday!

Monday, June 20, 2011

weekend update.

So let's bring it back to Friday. I went to the Murder mystery! I did it! I gathered up the strength to pull myself away from my comfortable home to the party. And "shockingly", I had a good time. Mind you the actually murder itself was a little lame. No one was really the murderer. We all played a roll leading up to Archie's death. The one part of the evening that was comepletely dreadful though, was dinner. It looked amazing and they did a lovely job, but they served chicken. I despise chicken. I didnt want to be rude, so I politely ate it...Man, did I have a killer case of the chicken sweats. The night finished early and on my way home I made a slight detour to my cousins place. I popped in for a quick visit and got some pretty good hugs and chats in with everyone.

Bonjour, Je m'appelle Jules.

Saturday I got all of my chores taken care of around the house that I have been putting off for weeks! I hate when that happens, but I love the reward you feel when you accomplish as much as I did by the mid-afternoon. That night I had my friend Emma's Bridal Shower, and it was a lovely time. Slightly weird that it was 7:00pm on a Saturday night, so we didnt finish up until after 11:00.

We constructed these lovely dresses out of tissue paper.

Erica and I have some mad tailor & seamstress skills.

After the shower, I was supposed to be meeting Jack & Jill guy aka Josh for a drink. I was exhausted after the shower and wondered if he wanted to re-schedule, but he was still up for hangouts anyways. I asked if he wouldnt mind changing it up slightly and come out to my place so I could get home, get comfortable, have a couple drinks around the fire and a low-key night. It ended up being a really late night. Stayed up all night just chatting and getting to know each other. Seems like a really great guy! Who knows where that will go.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

something of a sunday.

First off, I would like to wish all the awesome Dads out there a Happy Father's day! And to all those Mom's, like mine, who have dual citizenship in that department, a happy day to them as well. I have a pretty fun story to tell about the mystery party, and also about why I didnt get a chance to write a post yesterday, but I figured I could discuss those tomorrow. In the meantime, here are my song selections for the week:

1. Oasis - Champagne Super Nova

2. Zac Brown Band - Knee Deep (featuring Jimmy Buffett)

Heard that Jimmy Buffet is a new member of the Zac Brown Band, pretty neat!

3. Eagle Eye Cherry - Save Tonight

Feeling a little nostalgic.

4. Leonard Cohen - So long, Marianne

What a talented man.

Anyways, there are my choices for this week.

Take what you will, enjoy my taste or bash it with the best of them!

Be Well!

Friday, June 17, 2011

murder mystery.

When you make plans, do you get anxious about that upcoming experience? Because I certainly do! Tonight I am going to a Murder Mystery party. I was completely excited about the original idea when it was discussed about two months ago. The date has arrived and I'm dreading it. Why? I was so pumped in the initial discussion! I find this amusing also, because I am someone who likes organized and planned things, but apparently would rather do a spontaneous event/party. People are weird!

Wish me luck! My character is a Parisian gem expert named Jules.

Here's hoping I don't get murdered.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

my nerdy t-rex pose.

I also look this way when I eat nachos.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

rutabaga...

...is a wonderful word! Say it enough times and it only gets funnier.

However, my post has nothing to do with rutabage, its to do with rhubarb.
Last night, I took a walk in the backyard and met a new friend. A Timberdoodle....That's actually the name of the bird. Brilliant right?! Apparently, it also goes by Woodcock...Also funny. I have named him Mr. Timberdoodle Woodcock. But I digress, I was taking my walk in the backyard, examing the property, clearing some paths and finally found my rhubarb.
And it's huge! Don't believe me? Take a look!

Rhubarb Pie anyone??

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

reviews-day tuesday.

Unfortunately, it's been another week, so I only have one review!

Drop Dead Gorgeous (4/5)

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Ellen Barkin, Denise Richards, & Kirstie Alley.

"A small town beauty pageant turns deadly as it becomes clear that someone will go to any lengths to win."

Complete cheese, but if you need a laugh, its great! Plus, who doesn't love a Minnesota accent?! Especially when some people can do them, some cant, and some come in and out of it, dontcha know.

Monday, June 13, 2011

what to do?

Alright blog buddies, it's time for the opinion round...I need your help.

Saturday evening was Derek and Emily's Jack & Jill, which was pretty awesome, minus a couple of issues. Anyways, I met a bunch of new people and had a blast. There was an older woman who was chatting me up quite a bit and we were hitting it off great. I don't know if it was friendly flirting, but it was still pretty fun. Anyways, that died down and I continued to party with my friends and dance it up. WELL, at the end of the night, I was completely taken back and flattered by what I was about to hear. This guy named Josh came up and sat down beside me. He went on to say "You know when you just have that gut feeling to do something and if you don't, you're going to regret it. As soon as I saw you, I knew I wanted to know you. You look like such a fun and caring friend. I've heard stories about you (this guy is Emily's mothers employee) and it's nice to finally meet you. I hope you don't find this too forward, but I was wondering if I could friend you on facebook. I'd ask for your number, but who does that anymore. Maybe we could hangout sometime." I thought this was completely adorable and I am always up for new friends so I told him to add me for sure. He messaged me when he got home and I replied back and we had friendly conversations yesterday. I guess, I'm slightly naive because I didn't think much of it and I try not to assume too much, but I'm realizing that he might be interested in me. Do I say I'm not looking for a relationship? Do I see how things go and become friends? or do I give the guy a chance and if he asks me on a date, go for it?

Alright, ponder away and tell me what you think! Wish me luck, either way!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

sunday in the country.

Man, there has been a lot of discussion about my Gramma recently. And tonight, I randomly met one of her cousins at the Jack & Jill! Its funny, we talked and she told me a lot of stories of the good ole days. I started pondering about all the random connections that my friend Emma and I have with our families, thinking that our friendship is truly meant to be and makes me wonder where down the line the next generation will meet. Back to the Jack & Jill though, it was awesome! We raised quite a few dollars to help the kids out! One of my favourite things about tonight was that all the extra food was donated to the homeless shelter! So awesome! That, in my opinion, was completely worth the cost of renting the hall.

Anyways, there is my quick update from last night and my song choices today are all going to be country in honour of my Gram and her favourite day of the week, "Sunday in the Country":

1. Tracy Byrd - Ten Rounds Of Jose Cuervo

This song reminds me of my friend Erica & I.

2. Tim McGraw - It Felt Good on My Lips

3. Jason Aldean - Dirt Road Anthem

4. Craig Morgan - Bonfire

There is a Christmas parody of this song that is brilliant.

5. George Straight - Write This Down

One of my Grammas favourite songs and artists.

There are my choices for this week.

Take what you will, enjoy my taste or bash it with the best of them!

Be Well!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

jack & jill.

All morning I have been cleaning the house so when I get home late tonight, I can go to bed and enjoy my day off tomorrow. I've also been getting a lot of prep work done for my friends Jack & Jill tonight. Each member of the wedding party is responsible for a game and a prize. I just finished putting the finishing touches on my game and am pretty happy with it. Here's a mini preview of my sign:

I will try to get some pictures of tonight's shenanigans, especially my finished product and share with you this week! Happy Saturday!

Friday, June 10, 2011

wee ones.

It's been a while since I got to visit my wee ones; my little cousins. Pickle called me up the other day and asked me to hang out, but I had to tell him how busy I am with the upcoming wedding and didn't think I'd have the chance to get together...I pondered about it and how disappointed I used to get when my cooler older cousins were busy doing something, when all I wanted to do was spend time with them. So I packed two cooler bags full of goodies and made them a surprise dinner.

I didn't know if there would be enough food (the fear I always have) and as per usual, there was more then enough! I don't know how I manage that every time. I think its because my Aunt and Step Mom are the same way, so I have it instilled in my brain that you always need too much, rather than not enough.

After dinner, I started cleaning up...Meaning I wash a few dishes, dry some dishes and then chase the kids around with the damp tea towel whipping them. They LOVE this, they practically beg me to do it. I think we have some mini masochists on our hands. Then we talk about all the new things going on with school, friends, extra curricular's and what not. After they update me, they ask me to tell them interesting things that I have heard recently, because I am the only one who talks to them as if they are mini people, rather then kids. I tell them a few stories, which then turn into funny stories, which then turn into them asking me to tell them poop stories. Which leads to pickle producing explosive farts to bug Tay and I.

We had a blast tonight, but I felt awful leaving. They asked me to stay the night and wondered when I would come over next. Luckily, my family is insanely cool and gets together at least once a month for a family function. So I got to tell them it would be next week. Thank goodness!

This friday was a success and I hope the remainder of my half day friday's at work turn out to be this awesome! Hope you all have an amazing weekend!!

Be Well.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

LBJT.

No, I'm not talking about a new acronym for LGBT community. I'm talking about my friend Lisa and I.

I haven't really seen or talked to her since I started my new job, until just this past weekend when she shot me off a text asking how things were going. I excitedly replied with a let's get together to catch up. We were both pretty pumped to have an opportunity for some one on one action. You know how in some groups of friends you don't always have the opportunity to hang out with one person individually...that's Lisa and I.

We have always gotten along great in our group, but never really hung out with just the two of us. After tonight, I think it will be a less rare occurrence. We have so much in common and just shot the shit about life. I told her about my blogging and may have convinced her to start one up as well.

Anyways, thanks for a wonderful evening Lisa and let's hope you start a blog soon because the world needs to hear about your crazy antics!

Lots of Love,
JT

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

dreams. wet dreams.

Alright people, if you are ready for that Too Much Info story, you are about to get it. And for those of you who don't wish to read this, click away now. Consider yourself warned.

Topic. Wet Dreams. What the f*** are they all about? Seriously!

At about the ripe age of 12, I had my first wet dream. Luckily, I already knew what they were about, so I wasn't completely confused when I woke up with a mess (like I'm sure a lot of young guys do). After having one, I was prepared that it could become a more common occurrence anytime I went to sleep. However, I never really cared or should I say feared for it to happen unless I was staying at someone else's place or naps on the couch. It's one thing to be a buddy's house around the same age as you, because they know what it's like, but it's another to be staying at a friends cottage where girls are present...Yep.

I remember waking up that morning, with not only a delightful mess, but morning wood...which by the way you would have hoped to have been dealt with due to that "great" dream you must've had. There I lay, saying I was just tired and planned on staying in bed a bit longer....So I awkwardly waited until everyone left the room, threw all my sheets into my duffel bag, grabbed a change of clothing and a towel and headed straight to the shower. Quickly got back to grab the sheets, dirty laundry, and even clean laundry saying that I need to do a full load....no pun intended.

Life went on and wet dreams seemed to dwindle as I grew older. So why would I bring the topic up today you might ask? Well, because I randomly had a wet dream last night. The best part about this dream was waking up immediately thinking, "Whoa, talk about a good dream!" And then realized, "Wait...F***". I honestly thought it was more of a puberty thing. After much research, I see that it can happen throughout the rest of your life, potentially. Basically, it's due to a excess of semen... What I don't get is you're telling me this 20 something year old male has extra semen right now...Really? Apparently.

So don't worry if you have an extra flow of semen in your pipes, just look at it as a plumber dealing with your problems while you're out for the night. All you have to do is pay the quick price of a clean up when you get home.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

reviews-day tuesday.

Chocolat (5/5)

Starring: Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Lena Olin, & Johnny Depp.

Nanny McPhee meets Willy Wonka is the best way to describe this movie. Though, Nanny McPhee did come out after the fact. So I guess Nanny McPhee would be a version of Chocolat and Willy Wonka...either way, great movie. A tale about a woman and her daughter who travel to wherever the wind will take them. They open a specialty chocolate shop, that causes a bit of disturbance within the community.

I Am Number Four (4/5)

And it's only getting that review because I wanted to like it, due to me loving the book.

Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron, & Callan McAuliffe.

As you may remember, I read this book back in the Winter and was really looking forward to the movie. Despite most people, I enjoy seeing a book come to life, but it can be a little disappointing when things change and your ideas of what things would be like aren't the same. Luckily for me, there were only a few minor changes in this adaptation, so I coped well. I pre-ordered the sequel to the book when I finished the first, so it should be arriving around my birthday in August...Happy Birthday to me!

Monday, June 6, 2011

music today.

I brought my laptop in today and have been listening to a chunk of my 6900 songs on shuffle. I've concluded that I miss hearing the sound of saxaphones, harmonicas, and acordians in music. I'm quite happy that violins are making a comeback though.. I've also decided that I really need to focus on my music again. Im going to try to get some guitar/piano practice in this summer! Piano is my most favourite instrument and sound, so I really should focus on that one the most, but nothing beats picking up a guitar and whipping out a hilarious song around the campfire, like Smelly Cat.

What are your summer plans?

Sunday, June 5, 2011

bachelor sunday.

Last night was my friend Derek's Bachelor party...Talk about a gong show. Also, I did something I have never done before...Oh my. Got to love the influence of alcohol. Anyways, here are my song selections of the week.

1. Mother Mother - The Stand

You need to check out the video for this one, pretty funny.

2. Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

After hearing this song, I'm really wanting to see Coldplay again.

3. Karmin - Carbon Copy

Another Karmin song for you guys.

4. Karmin - Teenage Dream (Katy Perry Cover)

Last one.

There are my choices for this week.

Take what you will, enjoy my taste or bash it with the best of them!

Be Well!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

BBQ.

Last night I had my first BBQ party of the season and it was a success! I have never cooked a pork loin before and I wish I had of taken a picture of it! It was massive and beautifully cooked! I also made an apple coleslaw, a greek pasta salad, nachos with homemade salsa, and some roasted potatoes! The best part of the whole night was only spending about $25 on the grocery bill! Gotta love that! Can't wait for the next one, probably not until sometime in July though. Commencing this evening will be the first of many wedding related events coming up for the month of June! Item 1: Bachelor Party Tonight!

On a completely unrelated topic, support this band! They are fantastic!! I present to you, Karmin.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

some people's kids.

I heard this at work today:

"If I don't look very nice, it's because I'm not feeling well. So don't think it's you, it's me. I'm not a mean person, however if I want to be, I have the right to be. I am 60 years old and I'm allowed to be mean."

I'm sorry, I don't think anyone has the "right" to be mean. I understand we all have bad days, but being mean is never necessary. If you have a problem with someone or something, deal with it.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

photo dump.

I believe I finally have the internet at home. All it took was 28 calls, a lot of arguing, a couple of escalated calls, an email, and a bad review.

Took ya long enough Bell!

(I'm still looking into another services)

Anyways, these are some pictures I've taken over the past couple of weeks that I've been holding and am ready to share.

This was my Epic burger that I made my Mom for Mother's Day. Delicious! Half pounder with seared bacon and cheddar cheese with a topping of caramelized onions!

My Lemon Cupcakes with Butter Cream Icing that I made as an ice breaker to finally meet more of the staff that I work with.

Some Bruschetta that I made for Derek & Emily. I bought these new little Ciabatta buns from No Frills! They were amazing! I think they are intended for mini sausages, but are perfect for Bruschetta.