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I adore lazy Sundays, and Jordy was kind enough to let me sleep until 9:30 this morning. Most of today we’ve spent in front of the TV, escaping the heat. The weekend’s highlight was definitely making the trip yesterday to Gastown to visit Rebecca, Duane and others as they blogged for 24 hours straight to raise money for their respective charities. Congratulations to all of you tireless bloggers and a huge thanks to all that donated!

It seems that Jordy became the unofficial mascot – at least for the afternoon – and had his photo snapped a number of times…

Photo: TylerIngram on Flickr

Photo: Miss604 on Flickr

Photo: tris on Flickr

John Biehler and Duane both took some great shots that aren’t yet uploaded, but I’ll definitely post them as soon as I can!

In the meantime, my mom has been babysitting Sienna since last night and enjoying “Oma Time,” so she spent some time in the backyard with the cutest little girl in the world. Charley has taken an undeniable liking to Sienna, and I have no doubt the two will grow up to be peas in a pod.

How did you spend your weekend?

Remember that time, in February of 2008, when Rebecca and I boarded a ferry for the Island and hit the slopes of Mount Washington for the weekend?

One of the most fun parts of that trip was making each other laugh over reader questions during our first ever podcast. Since then, we’ve also had the pleasure of interviewing Hanson via podcast, and now we’re ready to do it again! With her husband out of town on a guys’ weekend, Rebecca is tagging along with me to the Comox Valley for some sunny days before we pick Jordy up at his foster home.

This can be a really fun way to get to know each of us in a bit of a different way. Politics? Love? Movies? Sex? Music? Embarrassing childhood moments?

The first time Tony and Tina got married in Vancouver, the production sprung out of Tanja Dixon-Warren and Michael Fera’s dream to bring the popular New York show to the West Coast. With $300 raised at a garage sale and negotiations between St. Andrews Wesley Church and Vancouver’s Chardonnay restaurant, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding began. That was 14 years ago, and Tony and Tina have been getting married again and again every week since then.

Photo: Hoarse Raven Theatre

Truth be told, though I’d been hearing about Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding since the beginning, I had no idea what to expect. I knew it was an interactive production, but was in for a delightful surprise when I learned just how interactive the cast and audience really become! The evening began at St. Andrews Wesley Church where we were all witnesses to the nuptials. From moment one, the audience was drawn into the drama, excitement, laughter, family gossip and lovers’ quarrels as the Nunzio and Vitale families come together in holy matrimony.

By the time the entire wedding party and attendees (Rebecca and myself included) made the procession from the church to The Other Space at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for the reception dinner, it’s difficult not to feel like you’re attending a true Italian wedding. What happens next is anyone’s guess – and surprise! From a Las Vegas-style duo acting as emcees to Uncle Vinnie’s charismatic catering style (how would the Italians describe “je ne sais quoi“?) and Sal the photographer capturing every moment in between, laugh-out-loud fun is an inevitability. In fact, it took a solid hour after the lights went down before my cheeks stopped hurting.

Photo: Hoarse Raven Theatre

It’s almost time for the honeymoon to begin, as Tony and Tina will be walking down the aisle for the last time on May 30, 2009. Productions run Thursday through Saturday with church doors swinging open at 6:30 p.m. (beware of the groomsmen’s charms – they’re difficult to resist) each night. Tickets range from $70-85 and are available by calling (604) 665-2373, and include a full dinner buffet of Nona Nunzio’s best recipes. Visit the website for more information.

Join Tony, Tina and their families before the curtain falls for the final time. Eat, drink and be merry but, like any wild wedding, don’t be surprised if you still feel the buzz from Vinnie Black’s red wine the next morning.

Since my favourite busybody, Rebecca, was otherwise occupied with preparations for this weekend’s WordCamp Whistler, she asked yours truly to slip into her shoes and check out the second annual Taste BC last night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

A large number of BC wineries and restaurants participated in this great event to support the BC Children’s Hospital – Oak Tree Clinic.

While I wish I could tempt and tease you all with in-depth reviews of everything I came across that I enjoyed, the truth is that this blog post would turn into a novel.

The winner of Rebecca’s contest was none other than my pal Lindsay.

The Hyatt’s grand ballroom was packed with other “foodies” like me, wine glasses in hand, prepared to indulge and delight their senses. Amy was my date for the night, so between the two of us (plus Lindsay and her comrade Laura), we knew we were in for a fun night.

One of the first samples of my evening was from Forbidden Fruit Wines, an organic vineyard from Cawston. Their pride and joy should easily be their “Earthseries” 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, designated to promote sustainability of our planet with partial proceeds going to the David Suzuki Foundation.

Wild sockeye salmon on artisan bread with hot smoked salmon, sea salt and mustard cream cheese from Two Chefs And A Table. I’m pretty sure my tongue melted.

“Hippie Juice” wine basket prize – all wines from Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands.

I also really loved talking with the proprietor of Averill Creek Vineyard, Andy Johnston, who clearly has a passion for his craft. I’m looking forward to summer BBQs paired with their 2006 Pinot Gris (the 2006 Pinot Noir also did a nice little dance in my mouth).

Amy’s bright red satin number went well with Sympathy For The Devil’s 2005 Merlot, with vineyards in both the Okanagan and California’s Napa Valley. And yes – you guessed it – the brand is a partnership with the Rolling Stones. I’m dying to try their Pinot Noir icewine!

The Benton Brothers were on hand with a selection of local artisan cheese, including some from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks on Vancouver Island.

Tucked in the far corner, Lindsay and I discovered the Fort Wine Co. out of Fort Langley. Many fruit-based wines simply taste fruity, but theirs were earthy and true. The 2007 Isle Queen Blackberry dessert wine – made with naturally-grown blackberries from the Queen Charlotte Islands – is unbelievable!

A chocolate fountain with decadent truffles from Rogers Chocolates? Um, okay!

Amy told me that I simply had to try the tonic water at the Fentimans booth, but I was skeptical. As it turns out, she was right. Created through a process of brewing and fermenting with natural herbs, Fentimans’ time-honoured tradition produces something unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before. Zesty, tingly and completely delicious. Dash in a bit of gin and you’ve got yourself a fantastic Friday night!

It goes without saying that the four of us had an amazing time and the event it certainly something I’d like to check out again next year. I owe a huge thank you to Rebecca for the honour. To read a more in-depth review, head over to Miss604.com.

If you’re interested in trying any (or at least most) of the wines featured at Taste BC, visit your local Liberty Wine Merchants shop.

Sometimes you turn 29 for the first of many times. Sometimes you visit Yaletown’s most prestigious nightspot for the first time.

Being that Rebecca was in Iowa when she celebrated her 29th birthday – officially – a large group of her friends got together to celebrate her 29th birthday – belatedly. The scene of the crime: Elixir restaurant at the Opus Hotel in Yaletown.

Me, my tits on toast and my one-dimensional smile gladly came out for the night. Duane managed to make it back downtown from Chilliwack in time to partake in the consumption of beer.

Amy of http://www.we’regladshe’snormalanddoesn’thaveablog.com showed up.

DaveO couldn’t hide his excitement for WordCamp Whistler.

Sis604 and her hubby came to wish the birthday girl all the best.

My arms are ripped!

He’s the NerdWordCamp Duaniac.

I like her.

They’re real and they’re spectacular.

Well that was fun.

Sometimes finding a topic or idea to blog about is more painful than a trip to the dentist’s office, so this morning I put the call out on Twitter for suggestions. “Blog about an embarrassing high school moment. Those are brutal.” How true, my friends… how true. The moment in question came to me within a split second.

Photo: wvallen on Flickr

Throughout the entirety of my adolescence, I was awkward, graceless and not entirely attractive. I am pretty sure I still suffer from ugly duckling syndrom [huh?] as a result. In 12th grade, I had a huge crush – huge crush – on the captain of the snowboarding team. He was ridiculously good looking, sponsored and a year younger than me. For some reason unbeknownst to me, he was still nice to me in our Japanese classes together.

One morning, the entire student body was in the gymnasium for an assembly when a fire drill was called. Once the coast was clear and we were all herded back into the gym, I somehow managed to not see the curb in front of me. In all my awkwardness, I tripped – hard – and bailed onto the concrete – even harder. Yep, I was in the middle of the entire crowd; and yup, my snowboard god saw it all go down, including the pebbles that became lodged into my elbow, drawing massive amounts of blood.

Just call me Lucille.

Now tell me your most mortifying high school moment.

Also…

Yes, Becky, I stole this from your Facebook.

The first thing I did this morning upon turning on my computer was conduct a Google search. “Today in history” was the search term, and I was suddenly inundated with countless hits – everything from France declaring war on Spain in 1718 to Richard Nixon’s birthday and even a plane crash. Nothing, however, seemed comparable, fitting or even worthy of why January 9th is exceptional.

What all of these Google hits failed to mention is that today is one very special girl’s very special birthday. (It’s also Schillinger’s birthday – that guy from Oz – but we won’t go there.)

Being that I was unable to find anything fitting or comparable, I took a trip down memory lane and looked to what I wrote last January 9th. It’s funny how the sentiment hasn’t changed and much has stayed the same, if not become even better.

In a city where good people who are worth their weight in gold are a precious commodity, I have found a friend in Rebecca. Whether in business or friendships or making personal choices for herself, Rebecca is a woman who conducts herself with confidence, integrity and a little dash of sauciness.

Good friends are the family you choose, and as we each become one year older on our birthdays, it becomes easier to reflect on what’s important. Surrounding yourself with people who bring out your best, listen to you, encourage you and are comfortable enough with themselves to allow others to return it back to them are key.

Rebecca, on this – your birthday – you need to know that you are loved and celebrated. I thank you for showing graciousness, patience and understanding. I praise you for being a respectable, admirable and well-rounded woman (with fantastic ta-tas). You have touched many lives in both enormous and little ways, not unlike Tinkerbell with her magic wand. Enjoy everything that 29 has to offer and every adventure that this next year brings your way.

I kinda love you.

(P.S. I promise I won’t ditch out on your birthday for Michael Bublé this year!)

While streets, yards and sidewalks all over the South Coast of BC are being washed clean of the fluffy white stuff, there’s one place that the snow is definitely sticking. Despite a slight delay with the opening of the 2008/2009 ski and snowboard season, Mount Washington has been kicked into high gear with a base of over four feet of packed powder, with more fresh stuff falling every single day!

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort – snapped at 10:35 a.m. on January 6, 2009

I’m sad to say I’ve yet to get up there this season, and my snowboard gear is currently collecting dust in my mom’s garage. Fear not, o’ my faithful readers, as yours truly will be strapping on her Forum board, grabbing Miss604 and hitting the slopes on Friday, February 6, 2009 (one month to the day!) for another installment of the Kokanee Day For Dudes [event page].

“Wait a minute – you’re not dudes!” you must be exclaiming. True, but the only thing better than snowboarding is snowboarding with eye candy. So for those of you gents wishing to experience my favourite mountain at a bargain price, head up. $62 will get you a full-day lift ticket, all-mountain ski or snowboard lesson, a Kokanee aprés event, prizes, entertainment and – of course – Kokanee girls! Look for us snowbunnies on the slopes…

(And click here for my Flickr stream of good times to be had at Mt. Washington!)

Tonight was the Best of 604 awards reception gala at The Cellar in Vancouver. Rebecca did a phenomenal job in pulling together such a stellar event with fantastic sponsors and the expertise assistance of her husband John. I know I can speak on behalf of many in saying that the night was fun-filled and exciting. I’m not normally one to partake in the social media scene’s events, but this was most certainly an enjoyable evening.

I tagged along with Jenny, Amy and Lindsay for the night and we managed to get into some gin and tonic-induced shenanigans. Rather than just tell you what the night was like, allow me to show you.

The girls came over after work for some pre-gala chardonnay.

Our bartender was like Jeremy Sisto meets Javier Bardem. That’d be hot if he wasn’t a BARTENDER!

Once all was said and done and the awards were handed out (check Miss604’s website tomorrow for a complete list of winners), the four of us packed it in and headed up Granville Street to the arcade for some, ahem, adult entertainment at the price of 25 cents per minute. It was a first for Lindsay and Jenny.

Our bellies empty, we decided we needed chicken wings. En route, some random stopped Lindsay, handed her a Red Bull from the flat of them he was carrying and told her it was “just because you’re beautiful.” And she is.

We got side-tracked on the way to Wings by Dare To Wear. It’s trouble!

We finally made it to Wings. $3.99 paralyzers. Phewf.

The girls got naughty on Davie Street on the way home. Paralyzers, beer and hard liquor will do that to you. So glad I have to work in the morning.

In July of 2001, one life would change a sleepy town on the West Coast of Vancouver Island forever.

Killer Whale L98 – more affectionately known around the globe as Luna – emerged from the ocean waters and unknowingly impacted a community, an island, a province and a country. The life Luna lived was an incredible one, and the ripple effect he had has been captured in a touching documentary entitled Saving Luna.

Photo: Byron Bay Film Festival/Mountainside Films

Knowing that I have a deep love and affinity for killer whales, Becky invited me to a private screening of the film at the Vancouver Aquarium. Naturally, I accepted in a heartbeat.

What started as a three-week journalism assignment about a curious orca calf for the husband and wife team of Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit turned into a three-year adventure.

When Luna first showed up in the Gold River area of Nootka Sound, people were perplexed how such a young killer whale was surviving at his age – let alone thriving – all alone. But soon enough, local residents were keenly aware that Luna was reaching out…

Killer whales, by nature, are social creatures – very much like humans. And when Luna found himself surrounded by creatures who were unlike him, he seemingly made the choice to communicate and show affection. While some considered Luna to be a nuisance, countless others fell deeply in love with Nootka Sound’s newest resident.

It wasn’t long, however, before controversy began to stir at a fervent rate. Saving Luna tells the tale of a whale, of the Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s decision to attempt to relocate Luna back with his pod, a community’s battle to adopt the whale and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations’ deep desire to protect a creature that was so affectingly respected and understood.

Despite years of ongoing efforts, on March 10, 2006 Luna collided with the propeller of a local tug boat. He did not survive.

More than two years after Luna’s death, to this day no one truly seems to know why Luna graced the world with his presence. His playful antics and seemingly magical effect have been greatly mourned. Saving Luna begs many questions of its viewers: should Luna have rejoined his pod? Should he have remained in Nootka Sound where he chose to make his home and communicate with human beings? And most importantly, what does Luna represent in consideration of the love, affection and attention we as mammals all have an innate need for?

The film was concluded with a panel discussion including the film’s producers/directors, Jamie James of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht band, a member of the DFO and esteemed staff of the Vancouver Aquarium. If you’d like to find out more about this very special documentary, visit Saving Luna’s official website and view the trailer on YouTube.

P.S. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. By the time the credits rolled, there wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre.