Well, the wedding was a success, despite all the things that were thrown at Ryan and Elise this week. It was all pulled together nicely, and was one of the best weddings I’ve ever been too. Elise and Ryan are now in Mexico, relaxing the week away, and then get to come home to a brand new condo and lots and lots of wedding gifts. Not too shabby if you ask me!

A few highlights and stories of the day…

• I was suppose to have the 9am hair and make up slot, but since we were a head of schedule (by a lot), I was woken up at 6:15am to start the getting ready process. Sweet Jesus!
• During the ceremony, my Uncle (who performed the wedding) accidentally hit the mike button and all of a sudden radio waves were coming over the PA system. He made a joke about it being the Devil and everyone laughed. Amazing save!
• My hand shook from being so nervous when I had to sign as their witness. I don’t know why I was so nervous.
• Chad and I were basically the shortest people in the bridal party.
• We took pictures at Deer Lake Park.
• Zia Patrizia made the best Roast Beef Sammich ever.
• Our shoes killed our feet.
• The girls went back to the hall early to finish setting everything up.
• I contracted a giant head ache.
• Luckily I had my over night bag in my Dads car and was able to take out my contacts, which added to the pain of said headache.
• There was a large Italian wedding in the hall beside us, and a small Russian/Eastern European wedding beside that.
• Nervousness + Giant Head Ache = Upset stomach – which meant I barely ate anything. This really sucked because the food looked so good, but I knew if I tired I would end up sicker then I felt. I’d really like to go to a wedding and actually be able to eat the food!
• Finally it was speech time. I think I did a good job. People laughed. I was happy!
• I cried like a baby for everyone else’s speeches. I have no idea whats wrong with me.
• We danced a lot.
• Chad busted his knee on Friday helping Ryan out so his dancing was down to a minimum.
• Colin and I planned out an Italian dinner we will make on Sunday.
• While walking from the bar to the dance floor I slipped on some spilled drinks and landed on my side. My hip hurt like a bitch, but the pain was gone by the next day. Now my shoulder and arm is killing me. I can barely use it. Le sigh.
• The Russians from the other wedding were nuts. One guy got super wasted and spent the majority of the night in the court yard attempting not to fall into the bushes. Eventually he did and then proceeded to full on punch himself in the face. Priceless.
• Ryan and Elise were on the dance floor all night long.
• Dario was on fire the whole night.
• We sang a lot.
• By the time our second cab came (the first one was stolen by Russians) we were officially the last people at the hall.

Now, there is so much to clean and organize at home and in our lives. Everything’s been put on the back burner for a while now, so we have to catch up.

I wish I was relaxing in Mexico!

It has become a favorite past time of our dear husbands to poke fun at the fact that you and I are ‘Best Friends’.  I know they do it just to drive us crazy, but it got me thinking of what in fact brought us together.

Elise and I grew up living very different lives. She grew up in the country and I grew up in the city. She was minutes away from our extended family, and I lived on the other side of a bridge, which as a kid, and even now sometimes, is a huge deal. I always felt that she had so many special connections to our cousins which I didn’t have, simply because of locations and circumstances. As a kid, when you don’t have control over who you see and when you see them, it’s hard to become friends and really know people that aren’t around all the time.

This, however, changed once the whole family started going to Manning Park each year. For four glorious days we were all together, and for someone who didn’t get to see everyone all that often, this was a big deal. Friendships blossomed, alliances were made, and Elise and I became sworn enemies!  It wasn’t anything too evil, we just took great joy in trying to annoy one another. There were fights over bunk beds, bribes to get Elise to bring me cookies in bed, and of course, Elise trying to convince me that the Beatles had died in a plane crash.

Eventually, as time went on, we started to see that maybe we had more in common with each other then just our mutual passion for the annoying. A truce was made and we paired up as the ultimate female tennis team to defeat our cousins Steven and Jacob in the first ever Manning Open. From there things started to change.

The most infamous story in the history of Danielle and Elise, came one summers evening while having a girls only movie night at our grandparents farm. We were forced to share the same seat since we were both too stubborn to give it up to each other. This then lead to a mutual mocking of Francesca (sorry Francesca!) who was over joyed to see a Swan swim across the screen in the movie we were watching. Now, I know it doesn’t sound funny, but to Elise and I, it was priceless. There began our endless list of inside jokes.

From there our friendship grew. We started our first business entitled ‘Under The Shade of an Evergreen Relationship Counseling’. We had sleep overs at the farm, watched Pride and Prejudice hundreds of times, wrote stories about our Favorite Zia Maria, and of course talked about boys.

That’s when Ryan came into the picture.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that if you are a Rossi, and female, you will date a Ryan. This began to get confusing when at the height of ‘The Ryans’, there were 4 of us, including myself, who were all dating boys named Ryan. I blame this on the 80s!

I remember Elise and I chatting online just as her and Ryan had started dating. She sent me over a photo and was so happy and excited to talk about him. I knew then that this guy was pretty special as Elise was not one to throw caution to the wind and just fall for anyone.

After spending many evenings in the presence of Ryan and Elise, it is easy to see that you are in the presence of true love. Even when they sit there and bicker at each other, in only the way Elise and Ryan can, you can’t help but laugh at how cute they are. The way they interact amuses me immensely. Elise is a true romantic and I’m so glad she found her perfect fit in Ryan. Much better then getting stuck with Mr. Colins, right Elise!?

When I look at Elise now, all ‘grown up’, I see an amazing woman who has worked hard, made good choices, and is on the path to ultimate happiness. I admire her strength and courage, and the way she stands up for everything she believes in. She inspires me more then she knows.   Plus, she makes me laugh hysterically every time we are together.

Although my friendship with Elise didn’t quite flourish to ‘best friend’ status until later in life, it doesn’t make me value her friendship any less; in fact, it makes me value it more. There is something beyond comforting about having someone who is at the same stage in life as you are. We share so many of the same beliefs and values, and I always know that if I need someone by my side, Elise will be there. It makes me so excited to look ahead to the future to see the 2 of us, in our High Point Equestrian Estates, with our horses tide up at the hitching post, making plans to take the kids to Disneyland, while the husbands sit back in their Man Cave discussing their latest Scotch discoveries.

I am so honored to be here today, to be a part of this amazing day. I love you guys very much, and I can’t really imagine my life with out either of you in it. You two are truly meant for each other.

If you will join me now in raising your glasses,

To Elise and Ryan,

May your love be as passionate as a Jane Austen Novel, and your journey through life as smooth as a well aged single malt.

For some reason I get highly annoyed when there is a ‘holiday’ Monday and people park in the curb lane, thinking that no one actually goes to work on Holiday Mondays, even though a lot of people do, and the sign says NO PARKING 7am – 9am MONDAY TO FRIDAY. It doesn’t say anything about excluding holidays Mister. I hate having to constantly change lanes because asshats can’t read signs. I like the curb lane. It gets me places faster.

Speaking of Holiday Mondays, clearly I got screwed because I am at work, and yea, no one is here. I think one other person is coming in at 11, other then that it’s dead. This whole Easter Weekend having to work Monday business really bugs me. I know a lot of people work the Monday, but I find it so cheap and lame. It’s MY religious holiday, not some day I sit around and eat chocolate, so give me the fair share of time off please. Le sigh.

Last weekend we spent the majority of it doing things around the house. Chad was going crazy thinking about the small nicks and stuff in the walls, that he finally put his foot down and patched, sanded, and painted everything. I went around and cleaned and touched up all the moldings, though, I just realized I forgot about the bedroom, but I’ll do that another day.

I planted some Spring flowers on the deck, but it’s not warm enough out to actually pull out the patio furniture and clean everything yet. Ever since I planted the flowers it’s been nothing but rain and wind and rain and wind. I guess it’s ‘technically’ very Spring like, but you can’t really enjoy flowers when you fear they are going to be ripped to shreds.

We had a bunch of candy left over from the movies Friday night, so Chad and I basically lived off of it all day Saturday while working. Not the smartest idea. By dinner time we were coming down from our sugar high and making dinner was soooo hard. Not to mention that after cleaning out the liquor cabinet, we found a bottle of gin with very little gin left, so I got Chad to make us drinks to use it up so we could get rid of the bottle. Only problem was we had no mixers, and I wasn’t about to shoot it straight.

Anyways, I found this recipe for a White Lady, which uses Gin, Cointreau, egg white, and lemon juice. You could substitute grenadine for cointreau, which we had so we did that. Only problem was, Chad didn’t read the recipe right and used the same amount of grenadine as he would have cointreau, which was equivalent to 2 shots. So we basically got 2 shots of pure sugar with a hint of gin. Hello sugar high number two.

After dinner I passed out on the couch before even attempting to clean up from the day and Chad sat there in a Gin, Wine, and Sugar coma. I’ve never seen him so out of it. It was the grossest feeling ever. Never eating that much sugar again.

This weekend was less busy during the day and more crazy at night. It was a big weekend for us, partially because of Easter, and partially because Chad decided that he wanted to become a Catholic, and Easter is when all the hoopla goes down. We’ve been taking classes at my Uncles church every week because Chad had questions and wanted to learn more, and through it all he made the decision to get baptised.

Thursday night was when we celebrate the Last Supper and there were 3 ladies who had been baptised in the Anglican Church who were received into the Catholic Church.

Friday was of course Good Friday and we celebrate the Passion and then had a big Fish n’ Chips dinner with family.

Saturday we celebrate Easter Vigil, which is a very special mass done after dark. This is the mass where those who want to become Catholic get baptised and receive the other sacraments. There was Chad, and one other girl who was 10 who were getting baptised. It was a pretty special night. I was Chads Godmother, which was fun. I got to practice being the Godmother of Gold before I’m actually a Godparent to someones kids.

After the mass we all went over to my Uncle house and drank scotch to celebrate. Everyone was pretty excited for Chad.

Sunday was amazing because we basically spent it sleeping and watching TV and being lazy until it was time to head over to my Moms for dinner. She had invited 20 people to dinner including our family, Chads family, and some friends. It had been a while since the house was the full of people!

Now we can relax a little after the busy weekend. I don’t even know where the time goes sometimes. I’ve got all my appointments lined up for my Body Scan at the Cancer Clinic, so I guess that is the next big thing to look towards.

I can’t wait until May and my little Birthday Getaway.

For now, rain and work!

So before this year of CRAP is over, I figured I should pump out some Christmas pictures! I mean Christmas does come before New Years after all.

Christmas eve was spent at the parentals with my Moms side of the family (since we usually see my Dads side a few days after). We had dinner and opened presents and then all hung out until it was time for Midnight Mass.

Little Cousin Zoey

Mom is excited for presents!

Chad setting up my new laptop.

I bought Steven NHL 10 for PS3 so you know the boys were obsessed.

After dinner and presents we headed to my uncles for Midnight Mass, and then off to bed for a little amount of sleep.

We spent Christmas Morning at home this year. We were late risers, which meant we were late arrived at Casa Ciavarro for breakfast, but oh well, it’s Christmas Morning!

Chad and I opened our stockings and our gifts to each other. A lot of DVDs and books and kitchen things. You know, the usual.

The epic amount of presents.

Jonas and Emily playing with their new things.

Emily had a glass of White Wine for breakfast.

Spoiled again. Chad and I came away with a boat load of gifts. Olympic merch, Computer games, Body Shop gear, just tons of stuff.

After breakfast and opening presents, everyone took their stuff and scattered. Chad and I headed upstairs for some relaxation and nap time. Chad passed out, but I didn’t of course. Instead, I got cat fur in my eye and attempted to suffer the consequences for the next three hours. I don’t know how people live with cats even when they are allergic. I would seriously go mental.

After nap time and hanging out all afternoon, we headed over to Grandma Heagles for dinner and more family time.

Molly was all dressed up in her Christmas outfit.

Nice hat their buddy.

A shinny pen from the Christmas Cracker that I forgot to bring home to me. I also love how out of focus and crappy the one picture of me at Christmas is. I really need to get Chad to participate in photographing me more often.

Can we please take a look at how much grease Chads crown absorbed. OMG so gross.

A little Creme Brule and Butane for dessert!

The musical act for the evening. Connor got a new guitar and Eric was showing us how its done!

Twins.

Tex and Rex got wasted when no one was looking.

You can’t go to Grandma Heagles and not have 100 pictures of puppies. You know how obsessed we are with them.

Over all Christmas was a success. I really was not expecting to get a lot of gifts considering I was asking for some pretty pricy items, but I lucked out. I took pictures of everything and will post them to flickr soon. Chad actually got more clothes then me, but I really don’t need any.

Christmas was a pretty good end to a pretty crappy year, the only thing that sucked was kissing too many Italians and then getting this cold. I love how 2009 decided to jab me one last time on its way out!

Tonight we are off to a little house party tucked away in the suburbs of Surrey. Tomorrow will be the first day of 2010 and hopefully the first day to a much better year.

Sunday was the traditional Heagle Craft Day over at Grandmas house. This year though, instead of crafts we decorated cookies. Nom nom nom.

It seems like everyone was baking this weekend.

Mom was taking lessons on how to Pipe stuff. I finally got the hang of it this year.

This is me in Cookie form. Pretty but radioactive, hence the eyes. Chads mom thought it was amazing. Hahaha.

The cookies Mom and I did.

Emily & Stevie

Once I finished my share of cookies, I moved onto Christmas Origami. The box was the only thing I could figure out. Usually I’m pretty good at Origami, but for some reason I just could not figure out the instructions.

They are such nuts. Stevie asked me if I was pregnant because she said Emily wants a cousin, and I’m her only hope. Ha. Not yet Stevie, not yet.

Stevie also thought my Mom was in her 20s.

Emily is pulling out her true Asian face here.

Grandma Heagles shirt said ORLY in big sparkly letters. No one noticed it except me. When I pointed it out to Chad he almost lost it.

ORLY Grandma!?

The girls went crazy with their colours and sparkles and everything. Their cookies were almost glowing Neon. I love watching kids decorate cookies.

I just realized that our Moms almost have the exact same hair cut.

Mom was getting her Dog fix that day, considering its been a while. She was baby talking Ebony like nobodies business.

I think she almost stole her on the way out.

Chad shows up and the kisses continue.

Abby was getting some lovin’ as well.

After decorating cookies and making boxes we all ordered pizza and scarffed it down.

Then Chad and I headed over to Steves to catch the Canucks game.

It was pouring rain like I had never seen before. You actually had to pass through a waterfall just to get to Steves front door.

Thankfully the game was a bore because it allowed me to pass out on Steves couch.  Car rides home when all you want to do is sleep are so damn crappy.

So one more day of work ahead of us and then a little bit of a Christmas break. If only that were actually true. Chad is stressed out to the max thanks to work and stupid tenants. He still hasn’t bought my Christmas gifts which I believe is adding to the stress even more. Each day he has planned to take off to go shopping he has been called into work. Even this past Saturday they called him in. It’s getting to be a bit much. He was also told that he will be on call all through his Christmas holidays and if they call him he NEEDS to come in. I can’t wait for numerous dinners and activities to be ruined. Woohoo!

I really need to get off the negative train! Hopefully everything will work out this week. I just wish there was something I could do to relieve Chads stress. Le sigh.

The stomach is in a bit of a tiff after this weekends adventures. My eating habits were all over the place and my body does not appreciate this.

Went out to the Tyrrells on Friday night to watch the game and munch on Pizza. We had to drive out there in terential rain with a side of snow, lots of Thunder and Lightning, and major flooding. The HWY was insane. Thank God Chad was driving.

We watched the Canucks with Dario & Mike upstairs and then headed down to the basement after the game once the boys had left. We all just sat on the couches and talked about scotch and family.

I then came to the realization that I need lounge pants that can be worn out of the house. When I am at home I have a pair of sweats that I wear from time to time, and of course my PJs, but I don’t really have anything in the ‘comfortable’ category that can be worn out of the house. Friday night was a perfect example. All we were going to do was hang out in Ryan’s basement watching TV and doing nothing. It would have been the perfect night for some out of the house lounge pants, but I did not have any. So I had to sit all uncomfortably in my skinny jeans while Elise lazed around in her Lulus. Dammit, I need a pair of Lulus. I’VE BEEN CONVINCED! Too bad everyone’s already bought all my Christmas Gifts.

GROVE PANT PLEASE

While channel surfing Elise and I came across the Exorcist, which neither of us had seen before, and which I never had planned on watching ever, but for some reason we though why not watch the last half of the scariest movie of all time!? The Boys were not impressed and attempted to talk loudly about Bitches & Shit while we hid behind pillows. Smart idea girls, smart idea. Thankfully neither of us had nightmares, but I could not stop thinking about the movie all night.

We got home at 1:30 and we were both out like a light. We slept in on Saturday until 11 and it was glorious.

I didn’t get out of bed until 12. The Real Housewives of NY was on.