happy birthday, Tony Bologna!

There's no one else I'd rather drink cheap beer with!

And just because I love this photo...

P.S. 25 reasons I love him.

(Top photo from our trip to Cambodia; bottom photo by Kandise Brown)

happy birthday, Tony!

It's crazy to think that this time a year ago I didn't really know Tony other than as "the cute I.T. guy." It feels like I've always known him and I can't imagine my life without him. He turns 25 today and in honour of that, here are 25 reasons I love him:

1. He can cook. Recipe or no, Chinese or Western, it's always delicious.

2. He doesn't wear deodorant but never stinks! (Well, almost never.)

3. He makes me laugh every. single. day. Multiple times a day.

4. He helps me with my Chinese homework.

5. He (almost) never makes fun of me when I speak Chinese.

6. He's always up to try new things. Floor hockey, basketball, swimming, reading a classic. Anything.

7. He doesn't worry about what other people think.

8. He's a good kisser ;)

9. He brings coffee to me and my friends.

10. He loves his family and isn't afraid to show it.

11. He's honest and dependable.

12. He can solve a Rubik's Cube so fast.

13. He will help anyone with anything. Computer problems, translating, booking KTV, getting tickets to an event, carrying groceries.

14. He's the most kind-hearted person I know.

15. He believes the best of everyone until proven otherwise.

16. He's good looking. Very good looking.

17. He gives the best hugs.

18. He makes a cup of tea that is just as good as my Nan's.

19. He has so many dreams and I have no doubt he'll achieve them.

20. He says "shoops!" instead of "shit!"

21. He remembers to feed Goldfish every day.

22. He does the dishes and doesn't complain (unlike a certain blog writer—hi).

23. He makes the bed.

24. He has the dorkiest laugh, which he gets from his dad.

25. He's always happy. At least, it seems that way. He's definitely a "the glass is half-full" kind of guy.

Tony, you're my favourite. Happy birthday, babe!

P.S. I like your new eye wrinkles :)

my 23rd birthday.

I turned 23 on November 1st. And I have to admit, I wasn't really looking forward to the day very much because I thought it would be weird not being with my family and the same friends I've celebrated with for the past few years.

But I shouldn't have worried because it ended up being a great day*...

I woke up to a message from Alanna that said "Wakey wakey, birthday girl." 

Katie called me at 6:30am and sang "happy birthday." 

When I opened my door to leave for work, I was surprised by a card, helium balloons, and a piece of cake from Alanna. 

Melissa wrote me an amazing blog post and almost made me cry. 

Mathew brought me a mug of Baileys on the rocks. (I asked if it was straight and he said, "Of course." I cringed and then said, "I'm 23 so I'll woman up!" It was delicious.)

Katie brought me a "monster" cupcake. 

A group of us went to Blue Frog, where we ate fantastic burgers. 

I had a couple electric lemonades. And a piece of birthday cheesecake. (I wished for the same thing I always wish for.)

I called my mom and while I was talking to her I opened the presents she mailed me. 

Then I called my Nan. 

(I talked to my dad the next day.)

I received sweet messages from friends and family throughout the day. (Thank God for Facebook.)

Yup, my 23rd birthday ended up being pretty great. Thanks to my family and friends, new and old.

*I ended up sobbing while I was on the phone with my mom. And then I cried a bit while talking to my Nan. Couldn't help it, guys. It seems I get homesick on the "important" days. Like Thanksgiving and birthdays. And probably Christmas. BUT! I didn't cry as much as I did on my last birthday.

today's my momma's birthday!

I think one of the hardest things about moving halfway around the world is not being with my friends and family (although I am making new friends!). And this is even harder on special days, like Thanksgiving and birthdays. 

And today's my momma's birthday. 

Thank God for the magic of the internet. Specifically, the magic of Gmail. (Google, I think I fall in love with you a little more each day.) 

I was thinking about my mom all day. Wishing she would have a good day and feeling a bit sad that I wasn't there to celebrate her. Because of the 11 hour time difference, I knew we probably wouldn't be able to Skype (although that didn't stop me from checking to see if she was online several times). 

It wasn't until 8PM my time (9AM her time) that I realized: Duh! Call her using Gmail's phone feature!

So even though I'm literally halfway around the world from her, I was able to sing "Happy Birthday" to my mom. (And she had to explain to her coworkers why she was crying.)

Happy birthday, Momma! You're the best.

happy birthday, Cara!

I would say Cara and I have been best friends since January 2011 but it feels like much, much longer than that. Our journey began with a cup of "Reese Witherspoon Tea" and an iTunes gift card that made it all the way to Costa Rica. That was in '09 and '10. We should have realized then that we were meant to be friends.

In honour of Cara's 23rd birthday, 23 reasons why I love her:

1. She knows how to have a dance party. John Mellencamp and Whitney Houston will always make me think of her.

2. When we finish talking and it's nighttime, she says, "Suena con los angelitos." 

3. She is brave, friendly, and outgoing. Cara can talk to anyone and make them feel at ease. 

4. She sends the best mail.  

5. She introduced me to Woodchuck Hard Cider and Rickard's White.

6. She is the one who got me hooked on Friday Night Lights.

7. She is the best at keeping in touch. Snail mail, Facebook messages, Skype dates, phone calls, text messages. And she realizes it's not just the big stuff that needs to be discussed. It's the everyday things that are important, too, like rewatching FNL or something that happened at daycare. (Seriously, waking up to a Facebook message from Cara or receiving a random phone call from her makes my day!)

8. She is very good at rubbing your back. 

9. She appreciates a good mixed CD. (And makes good mixed CDs!)

10. Her ability to remember passages from books, movies, and TV shows is remarkable!

11. She always knows the exact right thing to say to someone, no matter what the situation. 

12. She is a beautiful writer. Really and truly. I beg her to write.

13. She is there for her friends. Even on demand.

14. She remembers important milestones and events. 

15. She is wonderful with children. She respects them and is able to get down to their level. 

16. She wears lipstick like a lady. 

17. She knows sunshine is where it's at. Especially on a rooftop or on the water.

18. She loves her family more than anything. 

19. She is a great running partner!

20. She is determined! Marathon? Check! Travel to Costa Rica? Check! Teach? Check!

21. She is inspirational. For all of the reasons listed above and so many more. 

22. She is humble. Oh so humble.

23. She is Cara. I don't know how else to say it. She looks up to Tami Taylor; I look up to her. 

Happy birthday, my dearest Cara. I could have listed umpteen more reasons why I love you.

happy birthday, Mere!

I met Meredith a little over 3 years ago. Soon after that first meeting, she witnessed me eat a panzarotti, garlic fingers, salad, and ice cream, and was shocked when I proclaimed I was still hungry. Luckily, my big appetite and knack for speaking way too loudly didn't scare her off. In fact, we became best friends. 

She is 24 today so I wanted to share some of the reasons why she's the best thing since chocolate-dipped cones: 

She'll draw on your arm in Survey of Children's Literature and then give you the nickname "Tigger."

She'll continue to refer to you as Tigger for the next two years and you'll know she's mad if she doesn't. 

She sees everything as an adventure and gets excited about it: "It's an adventure, Tig!"

She'll take you with her to Toronto to spend Christmas with her family. 

She'll give you the dill pickle from her burger every time and won't judge you (too much) when you eat a whole jar of them at Christmas dinner. 

She will learn how to play "Keep Breathing" on the guitar and perform it for you at a coffee house. 

She will take you to the Hopewell Rocks and wear funny hats. 

She will sleep on your bedroom floor when you have a broken heart and don't want to be alone. 

She will learn how to play crib. 

She will kick your butt when you play crib.

She will walk for blocks in Montréal with a broken ankle to find a café that serves real hot chocolate. 

She will send you care packages with your favourite things. 

She cooks the best Kraft Dinner. 

She will surprise you with a ticket to see Ingrid Michaelson. 

She loves Gilmore Girls as much as I do, if not more. 

She gives the best hugs. 

She'll remind you that when you're feeling down, you should stop feeling sad and feel awesome instead. 

She doesn't care if you could host the Olympics on your back. 

Mere, this list could go on and on. Thank you for everything and have a happy, happy birthday! 

happy birthday, Melissa!

Melissa and I have known each other since our first year of university. Over the past four years, our relationship has gone from acquaintances to co-workers to best friends to roommates. Today, she is 23 and I'd like to share a few reasons why I'm lucky to have her in my life:

She is the best coffee-guzzling, top-of-your-lungs-singing, heart-to-heart-talking, picture-taking, road trip buddy ever. 

She is an amazing cook. Seriously. And she knows how to barbecue. 

When I was doing shift-work, she brought me supper and energy drinks.  

She organized my 22nd birthday celebration and made sure there were balloons!

She listens. It doesn't matter if I'm angry, complaining, excited, or sad, she's always there. 

Girl can dance! Especially when the music is Michael Jackson's. 

She has a super soft bed and doesn't mind if I fall asleep on it. 

She appreciates a good chick flick and loves it when I laugh my "watching TV" laugh. 

She doesn't mind when I decide that her room is a good place for a dance party (in my underwear, no less). 

She cares about her friends and family so much and does more for them than I think she realizes. 

Melissa, you are so beautiful, inside and out. Happy birthday!

happy birthday, Aunt Natalie!

My aunt was 17 when I was born, which means that she was automatically designated "the cool family member who will spoil you and treat you like a grown-up." She accepted the position (with pride, I think) and did not let me down:

+ She introduced me to Boy Meets World. I can still remember us laying across her bed on our stomachs, getting caught up in the life of a teenage boy. Even at such a young age, I knew that Cory and Topanga's relationship was a great one.

+ She was the only one who could wash my hair without me screaming bloody murder. To rinse my hair, she used a toy watering can and sang a song about watering the garden. I don't know why no one else thought to use this trick.

+ She took me to see my first movie on the big screen. We saw The Lion King and it still holds a special place in my heart. I got to decide if we would go to the matinee or the evening show and of course, I chose to go at night. (It seemed like the more grown-up thing to do.) Natalie picked me up from my babysitter's and we drove to the theatre. The concession stand was mesmerizing; so much candy! I chose Junior Mints, so I can probably credit my love for peppermint chocolates to her as well.

+ She knew the words to every song on the radio. Or that's how it seemed anyway. We'd be driving down the road and she would be singing the entire time. I wanted to be just like her.

Happy birthday, Aunt Natalie! I hope it's as sweet as a box of Junior Mints!

happy birthday, Nan!

My Nan is a beautiful woman, inside and out. She is amazing for SO many reasons and some of my best memories are from time I've spent with her:

// She lets me take a zillion photos of the two of us just because and we laugh the entire time. 

// She offers gems of advice such as, "Don't let them think you're easy, sleazy, or disease-y." 

// She has the best recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. 

// She sometimes makes race car noises while she's driving. (I may have taught her that.) 

// She used to go for walks with me every night and we went to Curves together, too!

// She makes the best cup of tea. 

// She let me live with her and her husband, Dan, for two summers. 

// She loves God and lives her life showing love for others. 

// She whoops my butt at cards almost every time we play. 

// She asks me to play "that soldier song." 

// She is one of the best listeners I know. 

// She was the first one to call me Mandy. (She has called me that my whole life and I never even noticed it until a couple of years ago. I guess I was just used to it.)

There are so many other things I could write here but I think the most important thing is that I love her with my whole heart. And I know she loves me, too. Nan, happy birthday!!!

happy birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday! I don't get to see him very often, but I think about him all the time. Here are just a few reasons why he is the best: 

He let me use the umbrella on graduation day; hence the soaked shirt. 

He has great taste in movies. He's the one who let me stay up late to watch The Breakfast Club for the first time. He's also the one who introduced me to The Shawshank Redemption and Uncle Buck. (Side note: I'm fairly certain that my dear dad took his parenting style from Buck :)

He gave me an appreciation for tattoos (temporary and real) and what they could mean. 

He taught me to express myself and to not worry about what others think. 

He taught me to "walk this way," even in grocery stores. (Especially in grocery stores.)

He played catch with me. 

Soccer, too.  

He watched Big Brother with me and rooted for Evil Dick. 

He always comes through. 

He taught me the importance of a good bike. 

Because of him, I know what it's like to sit high in an eighteen wheeler. 

Because of him, I love the smell of diesel. 

He taught me to love the Oak Ridge Boys and Waylon Jennings. 

I know that I'll always be Daddy's Girl. 

Dad, I love you more than you know. Happy birthday!

I miss her, too.

My best friend, Cara, who lives in Vermont, sent me a message on my birthday. This was part of it:

In fact, we discussed your birthday in the preschool class room earlier today. And I'd like to share with you now how the conversation unfolded. You see my children have been taught to sing the "happy birthday" song as they're washing their hands so we know they've actually scrubbed their hands and rinsed them as they should. They insisted today that I do the same.

So I sang the song and as I neared the end I sang "Happy Birthday Dear Mickey Mouse! Happy Birthday to you!"

They all started chorusing "It's not Mickey Mouse's Birthday!"

And I laughed and said, "Oh! You're right! I'm so silly!" Then I sobered the mood and said, "Actually, though, it is my friend's birthday today. Her name is Amanda and she lives nine hours away from me."

Which of course prompted the most frequently asked question a preschooler could possibly pose, "WHY?" 

"Why?" I replied, "Because she and I went to school together but now we're all done with school and I am here with you and she is spending time with some kindergarten students where she lives."

And this one little boy named Tucker who I love dearly says very quietly, "Do you miss her?"

And I said, "I do".

And he said, "I miss her too."

Oh man, it melted my heart! (And so did the rest of the message! Cara, I miss you, too!)

birthday recap.

My 22nd birthday was a success:

There were birthday balloons. 

There was a birthday cocktail - Candy Apple!

There was a birthday cake and birthday candles and a birthday wish. 

There were birthday surprises. 

There were sweet and thoughtful birthday gifts and birthday cards. 

There were great friends and lots of laughs. 

There were also tears. If this birthday had a subtitle it would be "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To." 

Another subtitle might be "22: The Philosophical Year."

There were inappropriate jokes. 

There was a sock-puppet show. 

There was champagne and lots of "Here's to the times..."

There were birthday phone calls. 

I have the best friends, but I already knew that. 

write it on your heart.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote was on the birthday card that my dear friend, Matt, gave me. I cried when I read it because it was perfect; it put into words the way I try to live my life. All day yesterday, I kept telling myself, "Yes, it's my birthday, but I can be just as happy tomorrow and the day after, too, because every day is special."

enjoy it.

"'It's very simple,' she thought. 'You wake up, you go, you do, you see, you put one foot in front of the other and along the way, you do your very best to enjoy it.'" - Elise Blaha

I am off to enjoy my 22nd birthday. To enjoy a birthday tea. To enjoy a birthday bagel. To enjoy birthday cards and birthday messages. To enjoy the day!

happy birthday, Emily!

My best friend, Emily, turns 21 today. 

She is one of the best people I know. Seriously, if there was a "Best Person of the Year" award, Emily would win it. In fact, she would eventually be banned from entering the competition because she would win it every year. Not that Emily would enter the competition, because she is extremely modest. Someone else would have to be stealthy and secretly nominate her for the award.

If I was up for the challenge of being stealthy and secretive, these are some of the things I would write on the nomination form: 

If you are sick with a horrendous cold, she will bring you Vicks VapoRub and the newest issue of People. 

She tapes treats to your door just because. 

She writes quotes and lyrics on your whiteboard and Facebook wall. 

She likes to travel and I just know that she is going to see a lot of the world in her lifetime. 

She is adventurous. I have had some of my favourite "adventures"with her: visiting a sugar bush to see how maple syrup is made, apple picking, whale watching, and visiting Hunter Brothers' Farm.

She'll comfort you when you just can't stop crying. 

She'll listen to you complain and not make you feel bad or guilty about it. 

When you're (finally) done complaining, she will make you list 3 good things in your life. And then 5. And then 10. Before you know it, you're feeling pretty darn good again. 

She cares about the environment. "Reducing, reusing, and recycling" might as well be her motto. 

She pays attention. If you say something once, she will remember it. 

She gives the most thoughtful gifts. 

She has fantastic taste in books. She is the one who recommended Still Alice to me. And The Art of Racing in the Rain. And The Wednesday Sisters. I have never been disappointed by a book she has suggested.

She is one of the most caring people I know; she is kind to everyone, and oh so reliable. 

She is thoughtful and philosophical. You can talk to her about anything. She is probably the wisest 20-year-old 21-year-old I know.

She gives the best advice. If you have a problem or need a suggestion, see her. 

Emily, you deserve the happiest of days, along with the award! Happy birthday!

happy birthday, Momma!

Today is my Mom's birthday! I won't tell you how old she is but I will share just a few reasons why she is the best momma ever:

// She will cut your sandwiches into fun shapes and slip notes into your lunchbox. 

// She rescues you from school when you call her complaining that you're sick, even though she knows you just hate your new haircut. 

// She'll buy you a new shirt for the middle school dance because the boy you have a crush on asked you to go with him and you have nothing to wear. 

// She knows that one of the best cures for a stomach ache are McDonald's french fries. (Weird, but true!)

// She makes the best ribs. And the best biscuits. And the best spaghetti sauce. 

// She doesn't mind when you become her shadow after you go through your first break-up and can't stand to be alone. In fact, she'll even take you to a dance with her on a Saturday night and make a request to the DJ to play something "young." 

// She does the dishes for you because she knows it's your least favourite chore. 

// She knows that being the best Mom means loving unconditionally. 

Momma, I hope you have a happy, happy birthday. I love you!

happy birthday, Amy!

Today is Amy's 23rd birthday and I am so happy to celebrate with her! Amy is one of the best friends a girl can have. 

She bakes delicious deliciousness like Rocky Road Squares and black forest cake. 

She is mature and possesses a great deal of common sense. 

She gives the most wonderful advice. 

She is a fantastic listener. 

She is hilarious! I am constantly laughing and smiling when I'm with her.

She puts people at ease. With her, I am comfortable. She makes me feel like I can be myself. 

She is genuine. 

Amy, I am so glad that we've become closer over the past year. I am lucky to call you my friend! Happy birthday! 

happy birthday, Tiffy!

My best friend, Tiffy, is 23 today. To celebrate, here are 23 reasons why I love her / facts about our friendship: 

1. It was with her that I first discovered my love for salt water taffy. (What a wonderful beginning to a wonderful friendship). 

2. I blame credit her for getting me hooked on Diet Pepsi Lime. 

3. Her space is always warm and welcoming. Whether it's a dorm room or an apartment, I always feel like I'm "home."

4. She is my "person." I can be 100% myself. There is nothing I can't talk about with Tiffy. 

5. She makes delicious omelets and smoothies, sandwiches and stir-frys!

6. She is from a beautiful town that reminds me of Stars Hollow (à la Gilmore Girls). 

7. We can be cranky with each other and still love one another. 

8. She knows exactly how to cheer me up. 

9. She gives the most thoughtful gifts. 

10. Her elbows are bony and she digs them into your sides, but never on purpose.

11. She was one of the first people to call me "Mandy." 

12. She introduced me to the wonderful Keurig coffee machine. 

13. Her hair always looks good. (Seriously, I've never seen her have a bad hair day). 

14. We have been friends for two years now and I don't doubt that we'll be friends forever. 

15. She told me that I'll "never be cut."

16. She is one of the reasons that I am addicted to caffeine. 

17. I'm still thankful that she stayed up all night with me (twice!) to write papers. 

18. Some of my best naps were in her bed. (Even when she wasn't home). 

19. She is the best listener. (Trust me, I love to talk). 

20. She is one of the most wise people I know. 

21. She is genuine, honest, and hard-working. 

22. She has taught me many lessons, including some important ones about boundaries. 

23. She is beautiful, inside and out. 

Tiff, I love you and I hope your day is as fantastic as you are. Happy birthday, soulmate! 

my little brother is 18 today.

Wow. Where does the time go? I remember when he used to beg me to play "Barbies" with him. (He probably wouldn't want me to share that on the Internet. Oops.)

16th birthday.

Happy birthday, Murray!