Spending the Night With Oscar

Anyone who knows me well knows my die hard obsession with Hollywood award shows. I LOVE them. And anyone who knows this about me would also most likely know that the Oscars is the most important one - kind of the big finale at the end. The Oscars is the fanciest, the biggest and the most elaborate of them all.

For as long as I can remember, I've spent Oscar night infront of the TV, watching, admiring and closely following the stars as they walk the red carpet and are interviewed by entertainment show hosts, such as Mary Hart, Ryan Seacrest and Ben Mulrooney, to name a few. I don't know why I get so caught up in all of the glitz - Warren just laughs at me - but I'm not gonna lie to ya, I love the glamour. I love the gowns. I love the couple sightings. I love seeing who took who and who's wearing what, who's presenting and who's gonna win. I love the speeches. I love the emotion and the anticipation. There's something special and thrilling about Oscar night and I've always loved it. Actually, all the Bartel girls always have.

This year, Mel had me over and we had our own little Oscars night. It was great! She had made some fun snacks and we munched and gabbed together for the whole evening infront of the TV. It was really fun. My mom even called us halfway through to see who's dress we liked the best, who we thought would win, etc. Hee hee.

And so, the highlights. I thought Ellen did a fantastic job hosting. She's a hoot. I get such a kick out of her. I was thrilled that Jennifer Hudson won - talk about a comeback. First she's booted off American Idol and now she's won an Oscar! That's magic. Oooh... and I loved it when Jaden Smith and Abigail Breslin presented. So cute. It was kind of refreshing to have two little kids up there. I love watching guys like Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg - they're sensational - legends of our time. Man, have they accomplished lots in their careers, artistically. It's inspirational to me. Okay, so let's talk dresses. I thought Helen Mirren looked beautiful - she looks so glamorous for her age. Penelope Cruz - very feminine and romantic with a modern funk, Maggie Gyllenhaal - very old Hollywood, and of course, the always favorite Reese Witherspoon. Are we loving the hair, ladies? She's just doing her thing. The nasties? I was bummed at Gwyneth's choice - can we say Mother Earth meets the fish lady? Eewww! What was she thinking? And what about Meryl Streep? I love her, but c'mon...what was that, a trench coat? That was shocking, considering her latest movie was 'The Devil Wears Prada'. You'd think she'd step it up a notch.

All in all, a great success. Another beautiful and wonderful evening full of style, class and surprises. And it all happend at the Oscars.*

Squeals, Giggles and the Shock of a Lifetime

Something fantastic has just happend. You know those moments in life where something completely catches you off guard in the most wonderful way and all you can possibly do is utter a small but excited squeal? Almost a gasp. Your heart begins to pound against your chest and your eyes are huge. It's something you've always known would happen...it was just a matter of when.

Friday, I got the call. About 1:30pm, I answered with my usual, "Good afternoon, The Willows, Cyndy speaking", only to hear my little brother on the other end, rather than the expected golf member or possible client inquiring about room rentals or facility details. What the heck? Why was he calling me at work...from Ontario?? All at once, he started laughing and asked, "So, uh, I was wondering how you'd feel about adding another sister to the family..." What? WHATTT??? Are you kidding me??

Yup. That's right. Jon and Karen are freakin' engaged!!!

This is huge. First of all, he's my little brother...and secondly, he's a weiner!!! Karen is incredible. I love her to bits and have considered her my sister for years already - she has litterally been a part of our family for about 7 years. She's come on family vacations with us, slept over and been a part of Christmas morning and been there for each and every holiday. Good times, Kar!

These guys started dating somewhere around grade 10, I think. Nuts. I remember when they were both in grade 9 (I was in grade 12) and I remember Kar bobbing all around the school with her short little curly fro - so cute. I remember when Jon had a forever crush on this little girl....and now here we are. You have no idea how stolked I am about this. I have always said that when they get engaged, it's gonna be huge. Well, it is. I'm blowing my mind here.

Guys, just wanted to send out a few whoop, whoops and let you know that I am so, so excited for you two and what's ahead. God has blessed you both for years and I can only imagine how great the future will be. I also just wanted to tell you how much I value you both as friends in my life - we have so much fun! You are a true example of how I think a relationship should be done. I admire you both a lot. Keep going. Jon, this is fantastic - you stud...and Kar, I can hardly believe that we really and truly are gonna be sisters!! My giddyness continues...*

Now, That's More Like It!

Well, it's official. Some really good friends of ours - Tyler & Nelly - are engaged! We are SO excited for these two. They're such great people. We love them to bits.

Tyler is Warren's best friend from Optometry in Waterloo. Practically brothers. He's the best. The guys did their residency together in Alabama during their last year. They have a really cool friendship.

And Nelly was my roomie for my 2nd year in Graphic Design in Waterloo - we shared an apartment. She's adorable. Someone I love and admire for her happy spirit and spunky wit. We had ice cream together almost every night - it became an obsession. Hee hee. She bought me an actual ice cream maker for our wedding!

Tyler and Nelly are both optometrists and are living in Vancouver, BC. We can hardly wait to get out there to see them and celebrate this new chapter in their life. Hopefully in the next month or two...

This is kind of a funny picture actually - it's at Warren and Tyler's grad weekend in June of last year, but it was the best one I had of the four of us. We sure do miss hanging out together!! BIG CONGRATS!! Can't wait for what's ahead...*

My Cup Runneth Over...

Oh boy. The thing with being an auntie is that it fills your heart so full with love for these little munchkins, that I can't even imagine what it will
be like to have my own someday. We had Dave, Mel and the babes over for supper last week and as usual, we were entertained. I think it's so funny watching the girls because I see so much of Mel and I in them. The Mother Hen and the "I don't have to listen to you" Kid. Love it. I'm a very lucky auntie.*

A Sad Sort of Day

Today I'm really missing two very special people in my life - my two best friends from home, Lish and Genelle - we've been together since
our diaper days.

I'm finding it really tough to faithfully keep in touch and make regular phone calls, emails, etc. since moving out here. I really hate it. I hate being so far apart and having to rely on these things to stay up-to-date and close with these girls. It's so frustrating, especially when all I want is to be with them - spend an evening vegging in our sweats over a bowl of popcorn and share what's been on our hearts with each other. There's nothing quite like a childhood friend - they are the ones who truly know you and have been a part of your history, the very thing that makes you who you are. I guess today, I especially wanted to say how much I love you, Genelle and Lish and to know that even though we're not always great at regular phonecalls, etc, I cherrish you and miss you with my whole heart. You guys are extremely special to me.....I can't wait to see you again, whenever that may be.*

Ode to My Ford Focus

I got stuck on the way to work today....real stuck. There is SO MUCH snow out here, it's ridiculous. I'm still not in the mindset of a true Saskatchewan resident yet, so of course, I never think to pack an extra touque, scarf, gloves, snowpants, shovel, etc. in my car at all times, like everyone else I know. So here I am, in my flimsy little dresspants and dressy coat, FREEZING in the -22 degree weather - sooooooo cold!!!! People were coming in shifts to try and get me out and no one seemed to be able to do it. Warren was out of town early this morning at a clinic, so he was no where in sight. By the time things started moving, there were five men around my car. Kinda embarassing. Kinda funny. Hee hee. Aw, my little Focus. She had a rough start to her day. But after 45 minutes of pushing, freezing, heeve-hoing, and freezing some more, I was back on track and at work. I've felt chilled ever since...*