Tim Burton

I have been a fan of Tim Burton films for as long as I can remember. As a child Beetlejuice held a special place in my heart along with Edward Scissorhands. As the years went on, so too did my list of beloved characters with Jack Skellington perched right at the top. An honorable mention to Big Fish a magical movie full of surprises and wonder; Burton never fails to amaze and entertain.

I had the pleasure of watching Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street recently which I would be hard pressed to dislike for the few simples facts that it was A) A Tim Burton film B) A musical (which I dig) and C) starred Johnny Depp. It was a dark/gothic horror with a great amount of bloodshed and gore however, the use of blood was more impressionistic than realistic and I loved loved loved every moment of the film. Even though Sweeney Todd was so dark with splashes of colour here and there it was visually captivating and rather humorous in parts. The singing was not operatic by any means but rather simple, you may even find yourself singing along as you exit the theatre.

WIGSF made his own meme, feel free to complete your own:



1.What do you really want for Christmas but you know nobody will get it for you?

A GPS as I have absolutely no sense of direction and get lost on every road trip I take.

2.What do you not want for Christmas but you know that somebody will get it for you?

Pyjamas…pyjamas and more pyjamas.

3.When do you open your gifts (Christmas Eve or Christmas morning)?

We open our gifts on Christmas morning of course. Why do people open them on Christmas Eve?

4.Do you prefer gifts wrapped or in gift bags?

I prefer wrapped gifts as they are fun to open….oh and envelopes of course ;)

5.Did you regift anything this year?

I’m not regifting per se but I am giving my friend a little something that I do not want. It was a little freebie on Black Friday that I do not need, we normally don’t exchange presents so it’s not really a Christmas present.

6.What’s your favourite Christmas movie?

Christmas Vacation, I freaking love the Griswolds.

7.What’s your favourite Christmas TV special?

I have a soft spot for Rudolph.

8.Do you like egg nog?

I do like egg nog, however I haven’t had any yet this season.

9.Real tree or fake tree, which do you prefer?

You would think I’d be all “fake tree” because of the environment and the senseless killing of trees however, I’m a fan of the real thing *hangs head in shame* I enjoy the smell!


10.Would you actually use one of those fireplace DVDs if you don’t have a fireplace?

Ummm nooooooo! Do people really buy those? Have any of you bloggers tried one? I’m not judging, just asking *snicker*

11.Are you sick of Christmas music yet?

Not really as I’ve avoided malls at all costs since November and I certainly do not listen to Christmas music on the radio, if a song comes on I change the station. I’ve really only heard a few songs this year. I do enjoy “Last Christmas” by George Michael and “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey.

12.Are you getting up early to wait in line to do some Boxing Day shopping? (Canada’s equivalent to Black Friday)

Yes of course, it’s a bit of a tradition with the ladies in my family, up at 6am and in the car by 7am for an hour and a half drive to a mall in a different city. We only leave early so as to avoid the chaos that ensues around noon at the malls when the rest of the shoppers get there. We’re done by then and on our way home.

13.When was the last time you sat on Santa’s lap?

I haven’t a clue, I was obviously quite young. Maybe my friend who’s having a holiday party this year (he’s a firefighter) will have “Santa” at his party. Actually I’m going to put in a request right now that one of his co-workers dress up, I’ll have to tell Santa how naughty I’ve been this year…….

Snow...and more snow...and more snow

(This was taken at the beginning of the snowfall)

So we had our first snowstorm of the year which made me a very unhappy kitty. I have been stuck inside all day (other than the 4 times I was out shovelling) as my street of course has not been plowed and it is rather dangerous out there. I did witness three cars attempt to get down my street only to get terribly stuck. I have great snow tires but was not about to test them today. Instead I sat down with a new book and enjoyed lounging around in my jammies all day long. It's almost 1AM now and I just took a shower! Believe me, I know how to lounge :)

(this was a little later on)

And of course a short video for your viewing pleasure. I just want all of the people in the warmer climates to see what they are missing Ha!! Notice the lights in the distance....yet another trapped car. For once I would like it to continue throughout the evening to insure a snow day tomorrow! Fingers crossed :)

Lights

Bah Humbug!! I am a bit of a Scrooge this time of year. I loathe Christmas music & snow but will admit I enjoy the chocolate advent calendar my dear mother buys me every year (yes I'm almost 30)! I avoid the mall at all costs during the December rush and am thankful that I only have two gifts to purchase....one for my mom and one for my dad. Christmas dinner, meh I could do without; however I do enjoy the times spent with friends and the paid week and a half I have off from work.


One thing I do not understand are the massive amounts of lights a la Clark Griswold that people proudly display. They are ummm interesting to look at I suppose but in more of an "oh my" point and laugh type of a way. As most of you know PP and I trek through neighbourhoods looking for such places and have found some treasures in the past. I am certain that this year will prove just as fruitful. I really can't imagine the type of person who A) wants to pay such an atrocious hydro bill and B) has enough time to string lights up from the roof to the lawn and back up again.


It doesn't even have to be a Clark Griswold display to make me cringe. The lights look misplaced in the photo above...yucky!!

(this one is OK but it's still a little busy and the white lights don't match but this is more my style)

I am more of a simple girl, a few nice white lights tastefully placed and I am delighted. I think it's garish when people have white lights, coloured lights, blinking lights oh heck let's add a big blow up Santa and a string of different coloured lights for the hell of it........sooooo tacky!! It also drives me nuts when people have the string of lights that go up to an outside tree lit, it looks so bizzare. That being said haha what kind of lights do you have on display if any???

Mitch Albom was on Oprah today discussing his book For One More Day. A very poignant question was asked: What if you had one more day with someone you had lost; who would that person be and what would you do?

If I had one more day to spend with someone, I would spend it with my Aunt. She succumbed to cancer extremely fast and at a very young age. She went into the hospital with what they thought was pneumonia, and passed on about a month or two later. I was 22 at the time of her passing and had just been accepted into school. Education was very important to her, she was a strong woman and felt that we should be able to support ourselves without the help of a man or a partner. I had attended University prior to this, however left as I felt it was not for me. Just as I was accepted into College, she lay in the hospital, unaware and dying.

If I could spend one more day with her, I would first and foremost apologize for always saying I would come and visit for a weekend "one day" but never actually doing so. I was a teenager, interested in my own life and selfish. I would wrap my arms around her for a very long time and tell her how much I love and appreciate her. We would go for a walk, sit in a park and talk about life; she was never one to sugar coat anything and I truly admire her honesty. She had so much wisdom to offer of which I was only able to scratch the surface, in our short time together. If I could spend one more day with my Aunt, I would sit and listen to her thoughts on life and love; try to learn from her experiences and take in any advice she had to offer; and of course we would laugh and laugh until we cried......I miss her dearly.

They say that ordinary days are the most precious, cooking breakfast, talking over a coffee, those are the things that we miss the most when someone has passed on, the simple everyday moments.

So my fellow bloggers: What if you had one more day with someone you had lost; who would that person be and what would you do?