i do wish these were real

As a lot of you know, I am a huge Harry Potter fan.  I mentioned on a previous post that I was re-reading the series in preparation for the final film installment.  I didn't quite finish all of them in time for the first part of the final movie (no matter, I still know what happens), but I am currently finishing up in time for the second part in June (about halfway through The Half Blood Prince right now).  So it's no wonder that considering I have all the time in the world right now to browse the great wide web (see previous post for reason why), this is one of my favourite blog posts I stumbled upon recently:

{via wit + delight}

on the third day

He is risen!

Happy Easter to you all!  Today is a good day.

On a less exciting note, I've spent/been spending my Easter with, not tonsillitis, but with Mono.  Yup- got a blood test on Wednesday and it's official.  I think I picked it up from a past roommate who had it and it stayed dormant in my system until now (which is typical).

Despite this, I don't let it ruin my Easter!  Bring on the festivities (with a few naps in between)!

via dolorosa

Sick, once again.  This time, tonsillitis.  The perk of being unemployed at the present time: I don't have to worry about calling in sick.  I love sleeping on and off all day when I'm not feeling good.  But thanks to Advil Cold & Sinus, I've been feeling slightly on the uprise since yesterday.  I've abandoned the darkness of my room and had the window open all day; love the fresh air.  Not better, but getting better!

And not a moment too soon...

It's almost Easter!  I love Easter.  I enjoy the family gatherings with all kinds of goodness for my taste buds and tummy to discover, including Easter Bread (aka Paska).  I think, just like many other of our religious holidays, we tend to become lax in the reason for it.  Guilty.  I know we hear this all the time ("the reason for the season"), but it really is true.  Despite the fact that I love paska and Mini-Eggs, I want to be impacted by Christ beating death.  Death, people.  I know it's still quite Hollywood and Mr Gibson isn't exactly riding at the top right now, but his movie The Passion of the Christ kind of helped make some of what Jesus went through more realistic; it was horrible!  I bawled my eyes out when I saw it in theatres- not just because it's theatrical effects made it good, but for its ability to make me realize the Truth in it.  I don't want it to have to take a movie to make me appreciative of my blessings.  I don't mean to get all preachy, but this blog should be more than a bunch of pretty pictures if I'm to reveal myself through it.

That's just a piece of my brain I've placed in your hands...so, there it is...

Shalom!

(Nap time)

hanna

Went to see the movie Hanna yesterday.  It hasn't been incredibly publicized, but it should have been!  I loved the young actress Saoirse Ronan ever since I saw her in Atonement; she was incredible in job in this movie as well.  Not to mention the all-stars Cate Blanchett and Eric Bana who starred along side her.  You should really all go see this great story about humanity:

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On a different note, I actually finally bit the bullet and got that membership at the gym like I mentioned.  I can't believe I dropped that money when I'm already poor as it is.  However, I always find that I work out longer and/or harder, or just more productively, when I have a gym to motivate me.  Plus, I'm happier when I feel fit & healthy!  Maybe keep me accountable that the money was well spent....

the smell of old books

 I was bored and needed to get out, so I went for a walk (after a lunch of salad and homemade bread courtesy of my sister).  Went through the Assiniboine Park then across Portage to an antique shop then over to Joe Black's Coffee Bar for smoothies and latté's (and a break from the dusty wind).

hiatus

I'm back!  Apologies for the unannounced hiatus I took from my blog.  Sometimes you need a break, comes with the territory of being human.

I'll share some pictures with you that have been camping in my "Pics I like" folder.  I'm horrible at crediting where I get pictures, but when I see something that catches my eye, I just gotta SAVE it, ya know?!

1.  A bit of an inside joke with a certain boyfriend of mine makes me really want this tshirt from etsy.com.  2.  When I had a desk, I found myself doing that a lot.  There's just something about sitting on the desk...  3.  I dunno, it's cool.  Plus it's spring and flowers are just around the corner.  4.  Just been thinking about cinnamon buns a lot lately and how good they are (am I right?).  Maybe I'll stop at the bakery down the street soon...  Although 'tis the season for paska...  5.  Hah.

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Considering it's a new season, perhaps a new template is in order soon.  I guess you'll have to stay tuned!

Cheers.

weekendings

I'm in Wink-town visiting my parents with my sister and brother-in-law for the weekend.  I ended up going for a nice walk by myself this evening since the weather is taking a turn for the better!  I love going for walks in spring; everything starts smelling so fresh and despite the air still being a bit chilly, it's invigorating (<--quite the choice word, ah?).

When I got back, my bro-in-law ended up teaching me how to slide guitar! (well, just to Amazing Grace).  He jammed on his guitar while I attempted some sliding on my parents'.  I'm pretty poor, but it sure does make me want to actually learn how to do it well.  I'm terrible at chording (I really don't have the patience to gain calluses...), but sliding- I like the blues and it requires zero calluses!

vintage ballers

I love basketball.  And I love women's basketball (naturally- being of the womanhood category).  While I was reading one of my regular blog reads, Wolf Eyebrows, I came across a post of some vintage pictures of women's basketball teams from the early 1900's!  And check out even more photos of them here.

We all know basketball was a lot different back then (personally, I think it'd be hell trying to play ball in garbs like them), so it's super cool to see.  It's interesting to think of the societal changes since then; it's crazy!

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On another note, my last post was actually my 200th post!  I don't know if that's bad or good considering how long I've had this blog, but hey- it's still a decent number.

asparagus risotto success

Yesterday I came across a recipe for asparagus risotto that I immediately sent my sister.  We ended up making this dish for supper along with some Boursin chicken that she had discovered a few weeks ago.  It turned out deliciously!  It was also incredibly filling.  I wished I had my camera to document this, but I did manage to get a few with my phone.

Here's the one from the blog:

They look pretty similar, no?

That same blog now has a post up for an easy chocolate cake.  Perhaps the next kitchen adventure?