Merry Christmas!!

The title says it all. Hope you all had a wonderful day full of family, fun and friends!

Love, all of us.

GLEE FLASHMOB OMG

OMG you guys! Shaking and crying. Why can't this happen in my life?!

Slinky.

So I got a Slinky for my birthday from my brother. (my birthday is Dec.22, awesome, I know.)

Now, once I got over being slightly annoyed that I got my brother an actual gift for his birthday, and he gets me a $3 slinky, I began to really and fully appreciate it.

It is one of the true Slinkies. A perfect metal coil, with just enough spring to make quick work of any flight of stairs. It has the perfect slinky sound when you play with it.

It made me remember those old slinky commercials, with the really awesome songs that just stuck in your head... Everybody knows its Slinky!

Anyway, sorry for not posting in about a decade. I have been busy/traveling home/having zero interesting things to post/say.

Merry Christmas yo.

- ariel.

More funny cartoons

Also, Hilary, nicely done with the magnets! I've bought some that I can contribute too!

-N

Family Fridge Magnets

Our fridge in the house is really quite sad. It's boring and white with absolutely nothing entertaining on it. Now that I am home for the holidays with nothing better to do than to make crafts all day(heavenly!), I decided to make a few photo-magnets to brighten up our kitchen.

The inspiration? Our crazier-than-life-hyper-decorated fridge at home:

Our new family magnets:

More crafts to come, it's a guarantee. Hope you like these!

-hilary

Bitches I'm Back

Ok.

I know it's literally been forever since I've written a blog post. This is because I have had absolutely interesting to blog about. I have spent the last three weeks in academic hell.

But... Ladies and Gentlemen I AM FREE.

(at least until January 4th 2010)

Now i must resume my packing... I've got a train to catch tomorrow morning!

Watch out for more blog posts this Christmas break ;)

-alex

The Happy List

I was recently shown a post on another blog where the author listed 100 things she disliked. That post inspired me to make a similar list where, instead of being a Debbie Downer, I would write off the top-of-my-head about the things that make me a super happy camper. So here we are, good luck making it to the end (maybe I have already bored you and you didn't even make it to the end of this little blurb -eeeek) ...

1. Driving alone at night and belting out your favourite tunes circa 1999

2. The smell of walking past that little Christmas tree lot right after Brewer Park on the way home from a boring day of classes

3. Peanut butter and jam on a tortilla

4. Watching stop action videos on Youtube

5. This blog (she actually just listed things that make her happy too, how fun!!!)

6. The build-up to Christmas/everything about the Christmas season: the lights, the gift-buying-to-match-someone’s-personality, and the anticipation of having your brother wake you up at 4:30 a.m. on Christmas morning

7. The cycling segment of Wii Sports Resort, I look absolutely ridiculous when I try it

8. Sprawling out over my double bed after months in a single

9. Anything colourful, i.e. both my bedrooms

10. The instant connection felt between me, and the perfect pair of jeans (these jeans usually belong to Alex)

11. My weakness for LuluLemon bags, its almost fatal

12. Walking on the beach in Ireland and remembering the time when I would run along the same shore and collect seashells and pebbles

13. Making colourful and time consuming paper collages wherever there a blank wall waiting to be filled

14. The Ikea scene from the movie 500 Days of Summer

15. Coming home from university to a house where there are candy/chocolate dishes on every other table. I am munching on a mini Toblerone as I type.

16. Warm, fully-matching pajamas, i.e. my purple asian pjs – the roommates know what I mean

17. Realizing that whatever journalism assignment you are working on isn’t as hard as you thought it would be

18. Positivity – screw reality, things are more fun when you dream

19. Any non-espresso based drink (minus caramel macchiatos, they are good!) from Starbucks

20. Organized closets

21. Living with six girls and having there be no stupid, girlish drama

22. The mall at Christmas time

23. Grilled cheese with ketchup

24. Realizing that I do have the ability to make double layered birthday cakes that only mess up a little

25. The most amazing store in the entire world – The Papery

26. Ariel’s Indian man impression, especially when she talks about keeping plastic on her sofas

27. Dancing/belting/being insane while listening to Taylor Swift songs

28. Impromptu dance parties with my roommates in that little space between the dining room and the kitchen

29. Italian wedding soup with extra Parmesan cheese

30. Making incredibly personalized cards for people and being super excited to see their face as they read them

31. Making lists – so organized, so comprehensive

32. The show LOST and its addicting ability to make me watch four seasons in three short weeks

33. Dropping my cell phone and realizing that “HA, it’s not broken AGAIN.” Take that cell phone gods!

34. Chasing my brother around the house when I am trying to hug him

35. Watching the recording of my third birthday party, it may be semi-narcissistic but I am an effing hilarious child

36. Creativity and crafts - fun craft blogs!

37. Chris Bailey when he is not doing one of his weird toddler/old-man voices

38. Doing something psychotically weird and having my roommates give me that oh-so-familiar “what the hell” expression

39. Playing neopets and scamming 13-year-olds while doing so

40. The noiseyness of a type writer’s keys

41. Doing Benjamin Button impressions

42. Childhood innocence

43. Whistling at the dinner table with my dad to make my mom angry

44. Leaf fights

45. Snow fights

46. Watching Glee with all my roommates + often Dane and Rayne and squealing/screaming during the entire hour… then going to my room and downloading all the songs from that episode and putting them on repeat.

47. People who are happy and optimistic. Sure I worry and complain, but in the end is that REALLY going to get you anywhere?

48. Good looking houses

49. Wrapping my Christmas present and all of my dad’s because he incompetent

49.5 Ending lists with a weird half-number because it is exactly what people weren’t expecting

WHEW. I apologize for the length.

-hilary

Why the world is awesome:

N

Taylor Swift

Have you ever noticed how there is a Taylor Swift song to match your every mood?

Right now Amanda and I are sitting on the futon in the living room crying to the piano version of "Forever and Always" and "You're not Sorry" and belting out "You Belong with Me"...if someone was to look in our window right now they would most certainly think that we were insane.

One thing that guys might not know about girls, is that we ALWAYS over-analyze songs and decipher them so that they somehow match what we're going through. If we're listening to a sad song, most of the time you can just jump to the conclusion that we're doing some major boy-bashing.

Annnnnd this is now on repeat...

Once upon a time, I believe it was a Tuesday

When I caught your eye

We caught onto something, I hold on to the night

You looked me in the eye and told me you loved me

Were you just kidding? 'Cause it seems to me

This thing is breaking down, we almost never speak

I don't feel welcome anymore

Baby, what happened? Please tell me

'Cause one second it was perfect

Now you're halfway out the door

And I stare at the phone; he still hasn't called

And then you feel so low, you can't feel nothin' at all

And you flashback to when he said, forever and always

Oh, oh

And it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

'Cause I was there when you said forever and always

Was I out of line? Did I say something way too honest

Made you run and hide like a scared little boy?

I looked into your eyes, thought I knew you for a minute

Now I'm not so sure

So here's to everything, coming down to nothing

Here's to silence that cuts me to the core

Where is this going? Thought I knew for a minute

But I don't anymore

And I stare at the phone; he still hasn't called

And then you feel so low, you can't feel nothin' at all

And you flashback to when he said forever and always

Oh, oh

And it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

'Cause I was there when you said forever and always

You didn't mean it, baby, I don't think so

Oh, oh

Oh, back up, baby, back up, did you forget everything?

Back up, baby, back up, did you forget everything?

'Cause it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

'Cause I was there when you said forever and always

And I stare at the phone he still hasn't called

And then you feel so low, you can't feel nothin' at all

And you flashback to when we said forever and always!

And it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

'Cause I was there when you said forever and always

You didn't mean it, baby, you said forever and always,

Yeah

Amanda's favourite lyrics right now:

"If you could see that I'm the one who understands you, been here all along, so why can't you see you belong with me..."

WE LOVE YOU TAYLOR!

-h

A Perfect Description

Just make that through at 19 and it's me!

-N

I'm a typical university stereotype

-N

The most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time of the year because its...

Christmas? No, you'd think it would be because of that right?

Nope, it's EXAM TIME, the wonderful period of death that all us university students need to make it through before we get to experience the fattening Christmas baking and spoiled warmth that going home for Christmas brings.

At this time, I'm sitting in the basement of the library. I just finished laughing my guts out because as I started typing this blog, I looked over and saw Nat was about to do the exact same thing. IT'S NOT EVEN THAT FUNNY... but we laughed for a solid three minutes. We're just experiencing a severe case of "library fever."

Library fever - a mental health condition that comes from spending seven consecutive hours in the subterranean vault of the library; symptoms include giggly outbreaks, hysterical silent screams and the desire to bluetooth your roommates funny pictures of cats

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it just won't come fast enough.

On a positive note, will post Christmas tree pictures soon!

- hilary

FML

So pretty much im sitting at home #1 procrastinating from studying my stupid french that i totally dont even wanna look at until like 1 hr before my exam which would be a huge mistake #2 how much i want an oat fundge bar with hilary expect they dont sell them in stupid b-town #3 how im gonna miss watching glee with all my roomies tommorw as if i miss the finale and #4 how im gonna be snowed in tommorow with my brothers ahhhhh because were getting a snow storm tonight as if... i know brit is all excited n wishes she could be here lol

But today has been a sucky day and i need to vent: first the cleaning lady freakin wakes me up at 715 in the morning omgg as if i didnt even get enough sleep becasue i was tossing all night long for who knows why, secondly boys suck which im sure u guys will hear about in like 2 days n thirdly i dont wanna study.
However on the plus side we are putting up our Christmas tree tonight :) and i will bake my little heart out n bring back some delicious treats and im makin lasagna tonight n i finished getting hilarys secret santa gift ya!!!!!! and over the past few days i have slept my ass off n watched mind numbing tv n got my mom hooked on glee mission accomplished :)

Anywhoodle, a little tid bit of info im sure u will all enjoy is that i have wrapped all my presents as well :D i know so productive oo and today i got an hour massage dont u wish u were me right now :) anyways miss u all n see u rommies soontimes :)
You know you love me, Amanda

All the President's Men and mind control

So, just finished watching All the President's Men, the movie about how Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein basically single-handedly brought down Nixon.

Essentially, the movie blows my mind every time I see it.

Now not only are Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman super fine,

but it also reminds me of how much I love Canada.

Because of course after watching this movie, I obviously had to Wiki Watergate and I end up looking at all of the covert CIA Family Jewels, which details all the bat-shit crazy stuff the CIA carried out on citizens in the states some examples:

-Assassination plots to kill Fidel Castro (this one was approved by Bobby Kennedy)

-Super crazy experiments conducted on citizens with LSD to control their behaviour - fun little fact: the unibomber was a participant of some of these ridiculous and super-crazy experiments

-Surveillance of dissident groups from 1967-1971 (including over 30 universities in the States)

-Opening all mail going to and from the Soviet Union and China.

So the reason I love Canada so much is because no one really cares that much about us, so our government feels no desire to control us. We are very much like the forgotten middle child. We go off, do our own thing, and no one pays any attention.

So thank you Richard Nixon, for epitomizing evil and getting caught by two crazy little journalists at the Washington Post, who then wrote a book that got a movie deal who's Wikipedia page has links to all of the crazy shit the CIA has done to Americans, which makes me SO happy I live in Canada where no one cares enough to try to alter our behaviour with LSD or plot to kill communists in far off lands, or even to bug the headquarters of someone as boring as George McGovern. As ridiculous as Stephen Harper and his little sweaters are, I do love that there was never a giant mind-control operation here, and that no one would really ever try to do that, because, let's face it: No one cares enough about the forgotten middle child. Let's just go and get our tongue pierced or something.

-Ariel.

A few of my favourite things ... - Part 3

I'm fairly certain that these favourite things posts will steadily drift away from the whole studying aspect towards things that are basically just my favourite things. What do people blog about otherwise? So this series will now involve solely things that rock my world. Not rock my world to study to. I know you're all heartbroken because what will keep you going during the month of December, but put a little trust in your favourite lady. She'll pull you through this. (I just realized I used 'blog' as a verb... erg).

ONWARDS: enough of the lame-o Christmas themed posts (though I'm sure my next one will be about Christmas...) and on to something that actually matters. Number 3 on Natalie's list of favourite things:

3. FEMMES FATALES

I suppose I could relate this back to studying, as these women remind me of why I'm paying to put myself through this hell, but I won't. Here are my favourite inspirational ladies (some very old, some very dead but none the less fabulous) along with a couple honourable mentions.

In no particular order:

TINA FEY

Of course she would be here. I basically am Liz Lemon from 30 Rock. Tangent: Did I ever tell you about the time I almost choked while watching an episode because I laughed too hard? And that that episode was about Liz not wanting to be single because if she choked and died in her apartment no one would find her for months? That really happened. Back to Tina, I love this woman. She is funny, smart and awesome and married the first guy she really dated. And bitch does an awesome Sarah Palin impression, but you already know that.

Lauren Bacall

This woman. I might have to say that she might just be my number 1 out of all of these. Because classic movies are second to none and because she's in many of my favourites AND because she and Humphrey Bogart had the most amazing love ever, so here's to you Bacall. In this clip she is NINETEEN. Bitch is MY AGE. How does she manage to be so fucking bad ass, beautiful, mature and win all the men? This is beyond me, but I'll try to learn from the master. Watch and be amazed:

Carla Bruni

Obviously she's on this. I love her music, love her style, love her. She galavanted around Europe/the world as a socialite and model, breaking hearts of rock starts (Mick Jagger, Elvis Costello for example) for years before settling down with the right-wing French President Sarkozy. I read in Vogue that the reason she married Sarkozy is because "he was the only one to ask me." What a lady. What. A. Lady.

Anna Friel

Pushing Daisies was the most adorable show to hit television, but obviously because it was so great it was under appreciated and was eventually cancelled WAAAAY too early. Anna Friel was the star, and ever since watching that show I've only grown to love this woman more. She has the most amazing style (not to mention hair), great acting chops, and is married to Professor Lupin.

Ayn Rand

Ya, ya I know she gave Reagan and Thatcher the biggest hard-ons ever, but bitch can write a book. (Even if they are much too long and sometimes whiney). She was a Russian immigrant who lived through the Russian Revolution, moved to America, and eventually became one of its most influential philosophers and writers. She spearheaded the Objectivism stream of philosophy. I love her because not only is The Fountainhead one of my favourite books, but because she was so influential. (And had a bunch of affairs her husband was cool with). Also, she was totally batshit crazy.

Honourable Mentions

-Michelle Obama -Liza Minelli -Margaret Atwood

Ugh I forgot how awesome Pushing Daisies was, and how sad it made me that it got cut short. I think I'm going to have to do a TV show post and one dedicated to my favourite leading men. (We can't be sexist now can we?)

Until I get around to another one - N

The best month. EVER.

December is most definitely the best month. You have happy snowmen being made, long breaks from school, mandarin oranges, my birthday, Jesus's birthday, Santa-times, and Jimmy Buffet's birthday. There is no denying that it reigns supreme over all other months.

December facts:

December 5 is Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, from what I can gather, it is rather like Christmas here, (but not) and instead of stockings, he fills up your shoes (which you have to leave outside) with treats and small presents.

December has it's own flower Holly, and Pointsetta. That's right December is so awesome it has two flowers.

Festivus is on December 23. Festivus: the holiday for the rest of us! It involves the annual airing of grievances, then the festivus feast followed by the feats of strength, this is where you have to wrestle with the head of the household and the holiday is only over once this has occured... There is also a festivus pole.

Frank Sinatra's birthday on December 12. Frank married 4 super gorgeous women, with Ava Gardner definitely being the love of his life. He had three kids, one of which sung that really annoying boots song. And when he died, the lights on the Vegas strip were dimmed in his honour.

-Ariel.

SAAANNTTAAAA!!!

So were all sitting here watching ELF which is probably one of the best Christmas movie made but I have decided to compose a list of the top 5 movies:
#1 Santa Clause
#2 Love Actually
#3 Elf
#4 Christmas Story
#5 Frosty the Snowman

Im super excited for the holidays now and I finally bought my eggnog cos its the most amazing drink next to peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks :) I cant wait to go home and put up the Christmas tree and go ice skating even though i end up on my ass the most of the time omgg and go tobogging wehn it decides to snow even though i totally do not like the cold at all... it better snow on Christmas though....

So Elf has finished i know its depressing but i cant wait to buy presents for people and open gifts and see peoples faces and make cinnemon buns..
But first I travelled through the seven layers of the cnady cane forest past the swirly twirly gum drops... omgg i love Christmas and I cannot wait until exams are all done!
Until next time, you know you love me xoxo Amanda

Baking Extravaganza

With December just around the corner I figured that starting Christmas baking was completely acceptable.

After I pestered my mom to email me her special sugar cookie recipe, I felt I was condemned to share their deliciousness with the entire house (and special guests Linda and Karli)...

So the sugar cookie adventure began, with a night full of Costco-sized bags of flour and lots of fun Bulk Barn sprinkles. I'm also proud of the fact that in our frantic search for a rolling pin, Ariel and I managed to improvise and use our coffee tumblers as handy rolling devices.

In the end, the cookies came out looking great, if not a little burned from our psychotic stove. Since I am the biggest photography whore, I obviously took a million pictures of the cookie decorating/eating process and decided I would post them here for your viewing pleasure!

Tools of the trade..

-hilary

POST SECRET

Today was one of those rainy days where all you want to do is lie in bed, watch trashy TV and internet creep - I've done all 3.

- Slept in til 1. (It was WELL deserved, I think my roomates can account for that)

CHECK

- Have spent/am currently watching an entire season of the Hills

CHECK

- Internet surfin like it's my job.

CHECK

So, I decided to share one of my guilty pleasures... POST SECRET!

There's something captivating about reading people's secrets and I think that's why PostSecret has gained the cult following it has...

Every Sunday I visit PostSecret's website and indulge in the private thoughts of strangers.

They range from hilarious to heartbreaking and there are usually one or two each week that I can identify with...

Here's a taste... Enjoy!

- Alex

Death by Steak (the best way to die!)

So I might have eaten a bad steak tonight. It was kind of greyish in colour and has made my stomach make this gurglegrumbleikdfowiejrs sounds. I can't really blame the steak for going bad, I mean, I did pay $3.00 for it and it was 30% off on top of that... Was I asking for it? What can I say, I'm a cheap and semi-broke student. In the end, I just George Foreman-ed the hell out of it and smothered it in BBQ sauce. Pretty good, huh?

This is what my steak looked like, except that brownish part in the middle was EVERYWHERE!!!

On a similar note, Nat also feels sick. Too much DELICIOUS pad thai can do that to a girl.

Also, a steak related quote to end this dinner ordeal story:

"The only time to eat diet food is while the steak is cooking."

AMEN Julia Child, a-freaking-men.

- hilary

The Hills

So pretty much me n hilary and alex have been watching the hills religiously(me n hilary but alex a litlle too) for the past week were getting hilary all caught up all she keeps saying is next episode..or one more so shes pretty much hooked. so i pretty mcuh hate LO shes a toolface and needs new friends n so does spencer he needs to go out becasue all he does is sit his ass on a really expensive couch. O n the habs one the other night n carey price is the sexiest goalie of life not that anyone craes about hockey in this house as much as i do.



And Nat's post on studying music inspired me to post some music that makes me focus on my work: SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS


I know what you guys are thinking... but seriously whenever i have a mental block or wanna throw my text books at the floor i losten to this and i have a magical like i dont know the word but o o revelation like i just know what im gonna write about...

Anywhoodle ima gonna dip cos i wanna make food...
you know you love me xoxo Amanda

Dogs in Costume ... and bacon.

If there is one thing I truly hate, it is when people dress up their pets.

These poor dogs...

I mean, I like a picture of an impossibly cute puppy or kitty far more than the average person, (in fact, I sometimes just search cute kittens playing on youtube) but I still cannot see the benefits of dressing your pet up in a ridiculous costume if they can't object.

Also, today I was making a very delicious breakfast, and the bacon attacked me! Seriously, I was taking the deliciousness out of the pan, when it spat out at me burning me with grease!! Now I have a very disgusting blister from this run-in with the bacon. If you see any bacon EAT IT, and show it no mercy, just as it showed me none.

You hear that bacon ... IT'S ON!

-Ariel.

Roommate Bonding

We had a girl's night tonight and made cupcakes and watched Four Christmases (doesn't Christmas look SUPER weird pluralized? It should not be done)... ANYWAYS, never have I been more hyped on sugar. Solid Friday night.

The cupcakes in all their pixelated wonder! Delish!

- hilary

A few of my favourite things ... to study to - Part 2

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath hoping, praying, living for the next installment of "my favourite things to study to". I'm kind of a big deal now, with all this popularity and stuff. This is basically the new, online, student version of "Oprah's Favorite Things" (which by the way isn't airing this year! What on earth will all those housewives spend their credit on now!?)

Off track.

If you are one of my roommates - which 99% of the people reading this are - you'll know that what also makes Natalie feel is...

2. THE WEST WING

This show. This show. THIS SHOW. Where on earth do I begin? I've only recently jumped on the 10 year old bandwagon that is the West Wing. I am arguably the political nerd in our house. Hence the study-age of political science. I love absolutely everything about this show. EVERYTHING. I don't think I can stress that enough so I'm going to say it again. EVERYTHING.

From the constant walking everywhere,

to the layman explanations of the intricate workings of the American political system,

to the sexy, smart, motivated politically oriented men,

to the fact that the President is a Nobel Prize winner of Economics and his wife (who happens to be Stockard Fucking Channing) is equally as amazing, successful and intelligent

to C.J. Cregg.

CJ dominates at her job as Press Secretary:

Everything about this show screams me. Each episode deals with a completely realistic issue that could very well come up at any moment in an actual political administration. During the summer I got a little hesitant as to whether or not I actually had chosen the right career path. Then I watched this show.

How it relates to studying is that, of course, one has to take breaks from the constant bombardment of study etc, so I take these breaks by learning more! Of course I do. I'll grab some great snackies, curl up with my mug of tea and settle in for a glourious 40 minutes of political nerdom.

I'll end today with the clip that solidified my love of this show. This clip says absolutely everything I wish I could say to ignorant people.

President Bartlet kicks some major bible thumping ass:

3:09 is where shit gets real.

Woah I totally fangirled in this post. The West Wing is my Twilight apparently.

Later Days - N