My name is Caroline and I'm addicted......

Okay gang. There's a reason why I haven't posted anything lately. I have an addiction and it has started to cut into my 'online' time. It sort of snuck up on me. The thing is I'm not alone. My roomate also has the same addiction. He got me started and now we're both tangled in this web. We even have a deal going that we cannot continue unless the other is there also. So, is this still an addiction? Now I'm trying to make excuses.

Okay. Here goes. The truth about my addiction and what I'm going to do about it.

I'm addicted to nothing but. Ugh. Okay here goes. I, Caroline, am addicted to 24. That's right the tv show. We got our hands on Season 1. I was very skeptical about it and had never seen an episode. I mean, who would want to watch something you need to see EVERY episode of to know what's going on? So, Jeff asked me just to watch the first episode and if I didn't like it then it was 'just an hour'. So I did. I sat down, thinking I was going to hate it. The show ended and I wanted more. I wanted to see what happened next. I was hooked. I am hooked. We are now in Season 2 and have 8 episodes left. Each Season has 24 episodes (24 hours in a day 24 episodes in a Season). It's awesome and I suggest everyone watch it.

- Jack Bower


- Tony Almeda (CTU's sexiest man)

Okay, I feel better now. So for those of you who were concerned that I abandonned my Blog or haven't been on MSN this is the reason. I will be back on soon. I just need to get Season 2 over with and then borrow Season 3. But Season 3 is supposed to be the best of all of them. So I just need to watch a little more. My addiction will be cured. I NEED to be caught up before the next Season starts in January.

- Kim (Jack's daughter)

Thanks for listening to me talk about my addiction and thanks for keeping me on track and letting me know that I do actually have readers!

My little brother is leaving me....

That's right. He's moving back home hoping to move on to bigger and better things. I really wish he would stay in Ottawa a little longer but he knows what he wants to do and he's going for it. I give him all the credit for bitting the bullet and going back to Timmins. It'll be a big change for him at first but I think he'll be just fine. He still has friends there and he'll be living rent free.

So, my weekend is going to be mostly helping him load up my parents truck and I'm sure I'll be helping him finish up his packing. He's a procrastinator and if it's anything like the last time there will still be stuff lying around not packed! That's what Rob is all about. No worries....everything will take care of itself. Or at least Mom and I will take care of it for him.

I'm not looking forward to moving more stuff. I've moved, let's see, 8 times in the last 8 years and I've had 11 roomates. And I've helped my brother move 3 times now. Yep, crazy stuff eh? Mind you 3 of those moves was just going back and forth from Toronto for school and then home to Timmins for the summer. Still...it was a move just the same. And the rest is pretty much all the times I've moved since I've lived in Ottawa. I wish there was a magic button we push and everything would fold up nicely in a box. Why can't it be that easy?!?

So, I'm going to miss having my little brother around but I'm sure he'll come visit often. My parents are planning to come see a hockey game sometime in the New Year which I can't wait. I wish they would come visit more often instead of being forced to come to help us move. But at least I get to see them this weekend. The next time will be at Christmas. With the price of gas these days I'm going to have to make smaller trips instead of going home as often as I was. Eight hours of gas one way is costing a pretty penny these days!! And Lisanne, if you want me to come up longer you're just going to have to get married like Raina did and I'll take extra time off!

Oh Rob, thanks so much for the CD. I love it. My "Caroline Macoustic" Cd is fantabulous and I'll be sure to play it often. You're just going to have to make me more Cd's!! Love ya tons and I hope things work out the way you want them to! xoxox

What goes on at Camping stays at camping

A few months ago a few of us had the bright idea that a "work" camping trip would be fun. You know, get to know people away from the office and actually get to have a few laughs and forget about work. At first quite a few people were interested and slowly they started dropping like misquitos. The interest started to dwindle and slowly I began to realise what it was like trying to organise an office party. It sucks and no one wants to participate yet everyone complains that we never do anything. NOW I KNOW!! However, 4 of us did manage to make it out (2 of which brought their spouses and kids) so it turned out to be a good crew.

Our trip began friday right after work. Jeff (my roomate/co-worker) and I came home and packed our things, changed and took off. The weather forecast all week said it was supposed to be beautiful on the weekend. Well, friday morning I hear that "a sudden change" happened to the weather and that it was going to rain all weekend. Well, Mr. Weather Man was right...it rained. And rained again...and then some more.

Friday night was fun. It was raining, so the idea of the campfire burning was nice, but we couldn't enjoy it. So we spent time in Sharon's camper playing cards. Everyone's beverages were going down quite nicely and so the laughing began. We laughed a lot. So much so, that Sharon was crying at one point and couldn't seem to stop. My cheeks hurt so bad and Chuck and Jeff seemed to be having some good laughs as well. There is now a few new nicknames for Jeff & Sharon that came out of this, but "what goes on at camping stays at camping". The card game finally came to an end and Sharon kicked the boys out at about 3am. Yep....we had NO idea it was that late.

Saturday morning we had a few more laughs with Jeff because he woke up in a puddle and was drenched. It rained again all day. Everyone was having a "lazy" day so we just sat around and pretty much did nothing. Played with the kids a little, watched a movie, played X-BOX and then started getting supper ready. We had a pot luck and man did we ever eat well. The food was awesome and everyone seemed to enjoy the food. A fire was started and we could enjoy it in spurts of about 20min at a time before the rain would start again. Sharon brought out glow sticks and sparklers for the kids so the rain suddenly disappeared with them. The rain didn't stop us from enjoying time with friends and chatting. All in all the camping was fun. It wasn't under the best circumstances but we're planning to do this again next year. I'm convinced it was an initiation and that next time it'll be sooo much better. My sweatshirt that stayed wet from friday to Sunday is finally washed and dried and now back to work tomorrow. Ugh! The weekend is over already!

Lisanne & Moi

Oh Lisanne my buddy. Where would I be today if I didn't have you around? For those of you who don't know Lisanne and I we're as close as two friends can get. You know when you get all sappy and say "Oh she's like my sister", "She's my best friend and no one else understands me", "She always knows just what to say to make me feel better". Well, that is exactly what Lisanne is to me.

Lisanne and I go way back. Grade 7 I believe. And I remember watching her run on the cross-country team and long distance competitions. Then, one day she convinced me to join the track team. "You don't have to run....you can throw" is what she said to me because I was concerned about my weight. I really did NOT want to join but Lisanne encouraged me and told me I had nothing to worry about. So, there we were in our try-outs and guess what...I had made it. Well I think everyone made it as long as they showed up and put in an effort. But, after my first competition I had won 3rd place in Discus and did not-so-bad in Shot-Put. And, as the competitions went on we became closer.



Now let's rewind back a little to when Lisanne was a baby. She was born with a heart condition and needed open heart surgery at the age of 9 days old. Now even with this major surgery she was able to learn to walk at 9 months old....7 months before I was brave enough to take my first steps...and we're only 2 weeks apart. If you don't think that is someone determined and strong willed from the beginning you need to look these words up!

Lisanne's life is all pretty interesting and is always changing with new nephews & a now a new niece on the way. She has a house with her very long term boyfriend Jess and 2 dogs who are like kids to them. Now lets forward on to today. Lisanne's heart problem has now come back. Yep, she's sick and just found out she will be having her surgery sometime this year. As anyone would be, she's scared but she's hanging in there and doing WAY more than she should. She wears herself out but she has never let her heart get the best of her. She's a smart girl and knows her limits. Although she likes to test those limits! Right Bella??? The one good thing is I get to see Lisanne more often because she has to come to Ottawa for her doctors appointments. That is our "time" and we plan whatever we think we have time to do. From shopping, walking in the market, going to IKEA, visiting friends/family and then we squeeze her yearly appointment.

Lisanne is the best person to call if ever you need advice on anything! She's the do-it-yourselfer, a chef, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a mom to the pups, a girlfriend to Jess and a comedian. But the comedian part is something she doesn't try to be; it just happens. My favorite memory is of Lisanne and I painting her house when they first bought it. We had to re-caulk all the windows. So, the two of us march on over to Canadian Tire and start looking for caulking. Well, Lisanne is about a half isle ahead of me and yells out "Caroline, EASY CAULK THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT NEED!". And then I began to burst into tears laughing. Only then did she catch on to what she said. I literally had to go 3 - 4 rows away from her to stop laughing only to see her and begin all over again. It will be something I may have to bring up in a speech if ever her and Jess get married!



So, now you know the person I'm closest to and would be lost if anything ever happened to her. She is my little buddy who keeps me laughing, is proud of me when I do things, gives me the best advise, tells me when I need to try something different, is a shoulder to cry on (although she says I never cry), and makes sure I never give up on the things I want and the things I believe in. She is there to cheer me on even though she may think I'm wasting my time or just might not work out. If it's something I want to do, she's there for me and encourages me as much as I need it.

Lisanne, thank you for being you. For being, like a sister to me and for being there when I need you. You are beautiful, hilarious, fun, brave, thoughtful, caring, understanding, outgoing, and always know just what to say. Don't ever stop being strong, determined, or stubborn...those 3 things alone will make you recover quicker than anyone would ever imagine. Keep your chin up and things will work out...I promise. I hope that what ever you want for you and Jess comes to the both of you, you deserve nothing but the best.

Sherri's Wedding Shower

Well, my little Sherri is getting hitched. Sherri and I go back to when I first moved to Ottawa 3 1/2 yrs ago. She was the girl who's parents owned the house I was renting a room from but wasn't there the day I moved in. No one was there. It was strange moving into a house that no one was there and the only reason I knew it was the right one was because the key opened the lock. Thank goodness!!



Sherri and I got along great from the moment I spoke with her on the phone and told her I'd be willing to send her rent money without even seeing the place. Let me tell you it was one of the best decisions I'd ever made. Sherri and I became close friends in a short period of time. We almost had to considering the two other gals we lived with were a little off the wall. For example, the one girl asked Sherri if we had to put the garbage at the end of the driveway or if the garbage men came in the garage to pick it up! - No actually, if you leave your door unlocked, they'll empty the garbages throughout the house for you - That was just one of many stories.

So Sunday was Sherri's wedding shower. It was pretty fun and we definitely had a lot of laughs. I was in charge of doing the "Toilet Paper Game". It goes like this:



- teams of 3 or 4
- you get scotch tape and 4-5 rolls of toilet paper
- 1 girl must be the model
- you must try to fabricate what the brides dress is going to look like
- no cheating, if you can separate each team even better

I played this at Raina's shower, and because it all started so quick I didn't have a chance to introduce myself to the girls on my team. My introduction came when I began tucking strands of toilet paper under this girls bra. I then put my hand out and introduced myself! Let me tell you...it can get quite competitive but is probably the most interactive game and is definitely an ice breaker!

Now I get to see the actual dress in a month and see another friend of mine walk down the isle. I guess we're coming at an age where this is going to start happening more often. I'm so excited for Sherri because she waited long enough to meet Will. And he came when she wasn't expecting it. They managed to start a relationship while Will was working overseas and Sherri was living in Ottawa. As things became more serious they both decided to move to Toronto and start a new life together. Amazing how things turn out when you least expect them to. So, Sherri and Will, may you share many laughs, have many great memories and begin some new traditions! Cheers and best of luck to the both of you!

The Madore Family of Four

My parents are still married after 27 years. My Mom is my inspiration and my motivator. She just recently lost close to 200lbs. That's right....Two hundred. She is the most determined person I've met and when she knew it was time for her to do this for herself she did it in a year and four months. There was no turning back and she didn't cheat once during the first year she began this journey. That's right...not once. I feel I should write a letter to Oprah! She now loves working out, walking, spending time with her sister, cross-stitching and often joins my Dad for hunting. My Dad. Well, I'm Daddy's little girl and if I ask him to build me something he will. No questions asked. I learned at an early age to appreciate my family because you just never know what could happen. My Dad was electrocuted two weeks after my 13th birthday. He had 11 burns and the one burn was an inch away from his heart. So, I was an inch away from losing my Dad and never getting him back. Because of this, I've learned that you shouldn't sweat the small stuff and enjoy the time you have with those you love...because you just never know. My brother. He's my little buddy and we have a bawl together. When we start giggling we can't stop. He's seen me happy, sad and crabby. Yet he has no choice but to love me! He is extremely laid back and doesn't get bothered by things until he just doesn't know what to do anymore. Then he panics. He's understanding and funny. All he wants is to have a good time and not be bothered with things that really don't matter. He has an amazing talent. He can take a little picture and draw it 50x bigger and it looks just the same. Ever since he was little he did that and I was always jealous that it came so naturally to him. He loves kids and someday he'll be a great Dad. We are all very close and have fun when we're together. My favorite memories are of us going camping, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling when I was young. To only go back to those days! And that my friends, is the Madore Family of 4.

My buddy Jeffro

Well, I promised Jeff I'd write a post about him and here it is. Where to start. Jeff and I have been friends for over 3 years now. And to think when he first started working at the office I tried to avoid him. For some reason, I kept my guard up. Then one day, as I went to get some paper at the printer near his desk, he said he needed someone to talk to. That's right. He wanted to talk to me and he had no idea what I was all about. His girlfriend at the time was a nut bar and he just needed to vent. So I lent him an ear and we've been friends ever since.



Now. Let's talk about Jeff's luck. The worst luck I can ever imagine anyone having. From a crazy ex, to a deer hitting a corporate vehicle, a disastrous blind date, MP3 players, loud teens keeping him up at night, hooking up our cable and so much more. He's a never ending book of stories. If you want a good laugh you make sure Jeff is around, grab a bottle of beer and enjoy the entertainment. A friend of ours is convinced he could have his own comedy show just talking about Jeff and his life.



And ladies, do you want to know what the best part is? He's up for grabs. Thats right, for a small fee (just kiddin') I can hook you up with a guy who can make you laugh and can tell the best stories. He's a great guy and loves adventure. How can he not with some of the things he's been through! He loves working out, camping, fishing, snowboarding, a little golf, cars, shopping for deals (with his buddy Bill D) and the list goes on. Oh and I can't forget his favorite shows are the OC, 24 and Lost. Now I can't reveal too much because that ruins the fun of meeting a great guy.


Can you guess who his favorite group might be??

So, come one or come all. He's been through enough and can use a nice girl to make him happy. Let's hope his luck changes at some point!

"Sometimes I give myself the creeps...."

Green Day was a blast. Need I say more? Actually I can say it was faneffintastic. There was a crowd of about 12,000 people. Although a huge crowd, Green Day managed to keep the entire crowd of people on their feet, jumping-cheering- & screaming "Ay-Oh". Not to mention how Billy Joe almost tricked us into doing a male version of Meg Ryan's orgasm scene in "When Harry met Sally". The crowd went from cheering Ay-Ya to "oh yeah" to "ohhhhh yeeaaahhhh" and then we all clued in and began to laugh. He knew right then and there that he had all 12,000 of us wrapped around his finger.




I had a few favorite parts throughout the show. At one point there were two hoses at either side of the stage and Billy Joe began soaking the crowd. He got to one end and then would run to the other. Finally he pulled a 10yr or so up on stage to help him out. The kid became the most popular kid in school....especially if today was his first day. My second favorite moment was when Green Day decided they wanted to start a new band right then and there. So, up went 3 teens from the crowd onto the stage. One drummer, one bass guitarist and one lead guitarist. So, they did it. They learned the notes they needed to and off they went while Billy Joe sang. Can you imagine the feeling those guys had?? And the lead guitarist got to keep Billy Joe's own guitar!! And last but not least. They broke out into a jazz tune! It was amazing and then they covered Operation Ivy's Knowledge, a combo of "Shout" (you know you make me wanna SHOUT, throw your hands up and SHOUT) and "Stand by Me" (So darling, darling...stand by me ohhhh stand by me" It's still ringing in my head!)

Well, thats that I guess. I could go and on and on but it's enough. Aleisha (my friends 13 yr old whom I brought and it was her first concert) certainly picked a good concert to go to as her first. I think she had the "Time of Your Life" and was a "Basket Case" on her way there! It definitely was a night to remember.

All about Me

Alright. I always hate doing "all about me" but since this is my very own Blog I guess I should have just one. So here goes. I'm 25. Gulp. Yep the big 25. What did I get for my 25th birthday? Well I wanted to try and forget it but as the gifts and flowers started to arrive at work I knew there was just no way I could get away with it. Okay, I'm lying. I LOVE birthdays. Everyone I work with knew it was the big 25. But little did I know a singing Gorilla dressed as a firefighter was on his way to grace me with his presence and make sure all the attention was on me. I hate being the center of attention. That's not a lie. Not only was he going to sing, but also strip. That's right a singing, stripping gorilla at my work!! How embarrassing. There were pictures taken but the photographers were laughing so hard that they turned out blurry. Did Lisanne accomplish what she wanted? I was mortified and one of the summer students who left on Friday said to me that the Gorilla was the funniest part of his summer job. Oh great...people remembered one of my most embarrassing moments!

What else. I'm patient, sometimes more than I should be. I'm caring and love to help others. I'm close to my family and love them to death. I'm shy yet I love meeting new people. I'm probably the most indecisive person you could meet but when I know I want something there's no turning back. I'm not good with words or telling others how I feel. I like to keep things bottled up inside and keep quiet. I love to keep busy but I also love those days when you snuggle up on the couch and do nothing. We all need that once in awhile, right? I hate having to rely on others or asking for favors. I enjoy good company and love to laugh. Might be why a few people call me "Giggles".

"Little Known Facts"

I'm a lefty & sooo clumsy
Eye Color: Brown, lighter in the summer
Favorite food: liver
Worst Smell: cough syrup
Tattoo: 1
Favorite Drink: Aunt Cloey's slushy
Birthmark: under my right foot
Smoke: Nope never even tried it
Biggest fear: Drowning
Favorite time of year: Fall
Funniest relative: My grandfather

Caroline & Raina

My very own Blog? Is this possible? I get to rant and rave all I want! I love it. So where to start? One of my best friends introduced me to Blogging. Raina. She's a doll and is someone I can talk to about anything and she will never look at me any differently.

How did I meet Raina? Well, at the age of 7, I had moved across the street from her. I had no friends so my brother and I were outside playing. Wrestling actually in our front yard. I noticed two kids across the street watching us with their fisher price binoculars. Yep, that's right. They were spying and I didn't enjoy it. So, I stood up, put one hand on my hip and asked them if they had a starring problem. They instantly ran inside and I didn't see them the rest of that day. The next day my parents bought me a duck for Easter. That's right a baby duckling. I was so excited about my new pet but I had no friends to show it off. I went outside to take it for a walk and decided to walk right up the front steps at the kids house to show off. I knocked at their door and asked if the "little girl" would like to play. And that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Now, 18 years later, I was asked to be the Maid of honor in her wedding. Who would have known!?

So Raina, I want to thank you for introducing me to this blogging epidemic. I love it. Still trying to figure it out but I'll get there. Thank you for being a wonderful friend, for giving me great advise about guys and for always knowing how to make me laugh! You are a great listener, have the best sense of humor, are confident, beautiful, energetic, thoughtful, wise and are the most grounded person I know. I appreciate everything you do for me. So, because you've introduced me to Scrapbooking and now blogging, I thought I'd show you how much I appreciate all of it by posting my very first comment all about toi! Hope you enjoy!