Bio-Blog #22 - Christine

The story is always the same. We met in grade 8 but were in different classes and different friend groups. I always thought something was a bit weird about the fact that she wore two different earrings at once. But it was the late 80s so all is forgiven now. For the May long weekend I was graced with the kickass presence of one of my oldest friends: Christine.

In truth, our friendship did not solidify until grade 10 on a school ski trip and it has been sustained throughout the years in spite of life and distance between us. Chris and I always seem to eventually end up back in each other's company usually having a few too many drinks, getting into an argument and learning more about ourselves and each other in the process. I have been her pain mentor as she braved both her tattoos and he is also one of my only friends that likes to play crib with me. She has had her fair share of touch knocks in life and I continue to be amazed by her resiliance, her strength and her capacity to make her life her own. So in honour of her recent visit I share my friend Christine.

I am ... Christine Longpre
I can ... organize the shit out of anything! I'm also told I'm a very good list maker.
I love ... hanging out with my friends and family, reading books, & - I hate to admit it...watching tv.
I will ... always try my best and aim to please. Not always a good thing...

What is your sign? Sagittarius
Where were you born? Timmins, Ontario
Where do you live now? Ottawa, Ontario

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
France. My first trip to Europe, my first trip on my own. It was a BIG deal at that time in my life. I spent some time alone in Paris and then took a train to the south of France to visit Nat (yes, THE Nat) and Blair. What a fantastic trip. Sightseeing with friends who have their Masters in English rocks, and no, I'm not being facetious!!

What is your favourite:
Movie - My fave new movie is Juno but my all time favourite is Pride & Prejudice. Mmmm...Mark Darcy.
Book - I've read alot of good books but still love Pride & Prejudice
TV Show - The Office
Drink - Beer

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Jason Statham...yum, yum.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Ayaan Hirsi Ali - she's been through hell and back and still has the courage to keep moving. Read her book Infidel, you'll understand.

How do you know Raye?
I met her in grade 8, probably my first day at McLeod Public School. I don't remember much about it...due to my very poor memory...but I'm sure Raye could tell you all about it...part of why I love her so much. She's got the memory of an elephant!

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Independent, stubborn, adventurous (oh yeah, and crazy!)

Do you have your own website? No, where can I get me one of those? :)

Bio-Blog #21 - Heather

Okay, bio-blogs are not just about friends. They are also about some of the family members who make life great. This week I want to introduce my cousin Heather to the world. Heather is my book-end. I am the eldest grandchild and she is the youngest.

The reality of this relationship means that, until recently, our lives were very different. With almost a 10-year age gap between us (and 5 other cousins) our lives have only recently converged. And for me, that reconnection is very cool. Because this cousin of mine is a kickass young lady.

She is bright and fashionable and interesting. She is working through her first university degee and dating a "great guy" and she smiles alot - which she didn't do so much for a while there. She has also grown to be an amazingly supportive sister and I have seen her deal with her life's challenges with a tremendous amount of grace and care. So check her out!

I am ... a HUGE procrastinator
I can ... eat more then most men! (Probably shouldn’t be too proud of that!)
I love ...Fridays, when the school week is over!
I will ... travel the world! Starting with Italy next year.

What is your sign? Pisces
Where were you born? Dryden, Ontario
Where do you live now? Sudbury, Ontario

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
NYC baby! New York is really the only place I have been (not well travelled in my twenty-four years) that is worth mentioning. It was exciting and I hope I can visit it again.

What is your favourite:
Movie – The Goonies
Book – We Are Hungry By Dave Eggers
TV Show – Veronica Mars
Drink – gin and tonic

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Kristen Bell (I have a bit of a VM obsession).

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
I read this and thought ok, what celebrity, politician or super elite do I want to choose?! And I’m going to be lame here, but the honest answer is- all the girlies in the family. This Christmas was the first time that I was not considered the bratty little cousin, since we were kids. We all sat around talking over wine-it was great! (So now the pressures on Raye)

How do you know Raye?
She is my much smarter cooler older cousin!
What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Intelligent, charismatic, insightful

Do you have your own website? Nope.

Bio-Blog #20 - Anna

Spring is here so bio-blogs are back! Another chance to share my friends with my friends - cause who else would be reading this rambling page! So for the first entry of this year I want to present my friend Anna. First off, Anna got these great pics done this year to celebrate her happy life and puppy (Stella) which is why she is rocking the photographic hotness. This is not to say that she doesn't rock naturally because she does.

My friendship with Anna really began over a cup of coffee on the Halifax waterfront in the summer of 2007. Since that time she has emerged as a true supporter and confidante at a time when I really needed one. The fact that we can shop, riff on shoes, enjoy Clive Owen's sex appeal, talk about boys and drink red wine together only helps the situation more. Finding genuine friends is always a gift and I am so happy that Anna happened to arrive in my path. Here is to the year behind us and the years yet to come.

I am ... a litle bit country and a little bit rock&roll
I can ... touch my nose with my tongue
I love ... being greeted by my dog every day when I go home. It reminds me that no matter how crappy my day was, she loves me for who I am. Or, she really needs to pee - one or the other.
I will ... not eat yellow snow

What is your sign? Capricorn
Where were you born? Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Where do you live now? Halifax

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Northern California. Great sunshine, great beaches, great energy, beautiful scenery, and any place where you risk sunburn in February is a-ok with me.

What is your favourite:
Movie - Napoleon Dynamite
Book - 'Eat, Pray, Love' - and not just because it's trendy.
TV Show - What Not to Wear
Drink - SCHOONER!

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
I am married to Clive Owen. One of these days he'll actually know it's really true.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Stephen Lewis. I forever admire his tireless commitment and passion to making the world a better place. He reminds me that even if you think you're just one little person, you can make all the difference in the world.

How do you know Raye? Through friends
What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Kind Hearted - Loyal - Intelligent

Do you have your own website? Nope.

Bio-Blog #19 - Mitch

Way back in highschool I was fixed up on a blind date. The date turned out to be Mitch. And we have been friends ever since. This week I want to talk about my friend Mitch. The guy who introduced me to Collective Soul. The "Spoonman". The guy who enjoys camping just like me but sho doesn't have the same alcohol tolerance (or so I like to think!). Mitch has lived a full life since we went on our separate paths after highschool. A few years in Mexico. A few serious life changes. Recently the gods were unfair to him in the cruelest of ways and noone deserves it less. He is someone who gives his friends respect, a sense of humour and challenging sarcastic edge and I consider myself lucky to be in that club. So here is a bit more about my friend Mitch...

I am ... afraid of needles.
I can ... run a 5 minute mile (just kidding)
I love ... a good movie
I will ... never understand reality TV

What is your sign? Gemini
Where were you born? Sudbury, ON
Where do you live now? Uxbridge, ON

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Mexico, mostly because of the food. Yum!!!!

What is your favourite:
Movie: Lord of the rings.
Book: Lord of the rings.
TV Show: Lord of the rings if it existed, but since it doesn't, Cheers.
Drink: Rye and ginger.

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?Salma Hayek

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
My dog. He is the best listener.

How do you know Raye?
We dated in highschool and have been friends since.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye? energetic, positive, bright

Do you have your own website? nope

Bio-Blog#18 - Lyndsay

Another week = another bio. This time I'm sharing a friend that is closer then many by the very fact that we share genes. She is my cousin Lyndsay. We have known each other our whole lives and were quite close as children because our family is one that di go the big gathering thing for the holidays (thanks Grandma!). As we got older and our lives became our own we saw less of each other; but recently we have reconnected and it has been great. We recently bonded over a wine-filled lunch and realized the similarities in our lives. She had just gotten back from Thailand and we discussed our wanderlust. And of course, we are both older siblings to ones who are much farther along in the family way (my brother/her sister) so we have agreed to be the cool aunts that our nephews and nieces will run to when their parents suck! And on that note ... I leave Lyndsay to you.

Complete thes sentences:
I am ... really looking forward to the weekend
I can ... already taste the lovely bottle of wine I will be opening on Friday night
I love ... sleeping in!
I will ... likely be suffering a slight headache saturday morning, but that won't stop me from enjoying the day!

What is your sign? Aries
Where were you born? Calgary, AB
Where do you live now? Mississauga, ON

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Bottle Beach on Koh Pha Gnan (island in Thailand)
The most beautiful, secluded paradise I have ever visited. No shops, no vehicles, no beach chairs, just me, my friends, some singha beer and our bikinis!

What is your favourite:
Movie: don't have one
Book:hmmm... don't know if it is my favorite but i really like "The life of Pi"
TV Show: right now.. grey's anatomy
Drink: beer or white wine in the summer...actually it seems to be a trend in all seasons

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
jake gyllenhal (spelling?) ever since donnie darko!

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
hmmm.. this is getting difficult!
I think my good friend catherine.. she took off to sydney 7 years ago and i rarely see her but she is like a sister and I love to see her whenever possible

How do you know Raye?
She's my cousin and the director of the first and only cabaret i have ever been in

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
brilliant, leader, fun!

Do you have your own website?
nope..but have fallen into the facebook thing

Bio-Blog#17 - Brian

Well, it has been awhile since I posted a bio-blog (or anything really) and I am sorry for that. Don't think it has anything to do with my firends - who have been great about responding to my little request to expose them in this fashion. That includes this week's entry who was the first guy to answer my call this time around. Thanks Brian!

Brian and I met at university but we did not really become friends until that my final year when two things transpired ... 1) we worked on a class project together and 2) wings & beer nights became a regular thing. In the first situation I hardly made myself out to be a friend-candidate as I couldn't quite keep my mouth shut during the project and it was only thanks to the power of Messenger that we were able to diffuse things and establish a decent respect. In the second case I also can't keep my mouth shut but at least its all in fun. And so we became friends in that nice, see-each-other-when-you're-back-home-alumni way. And I always appreciate how sincere and fun Brian is. So check him out!

Complete these sentences:
I am ... a gear head
I can ... achieve any goal I set
I love ... fast cars (PG rated response)
I will ... need a 4 car garage for all the cars I want.

What is your sign?
Gemini
Where were you born?
Toronto, Ontario
Where do you live now?
Windsor, Ontario

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
The Okanagan valley in British Columbia. I fell in love with the area, the weather, the scenery. I plan on moving there someday.

What is your favourite:
(No favourites…. But here are a few fond picks)
Movie: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, White Chicks, I’m a fan of really cheesy comedies.
Primal Fear. The Usual Suspects, The Lost Boys
Book: Car and Driver, Motor trend…. Does that count???
TV Show: Pinks, Horsepower T.V, The Contender, House
Drink: Ceasars, Rye + coke, Jagermeister + coke.

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
There are definitely a few… A toss up between Elizabeth Hurley and Charlize Theron.
French singer Alizée is smokin, so is Demi Moore.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Dave Chappelle! Because he’s DAVE CHAPPELLE!

How do you know Raye?
Worked together on a labour negotiation project at L.U. Wasn’t that fun!?!
And then, there was "racer chick". Raye can fill you in on the details.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
talkative, intelligent, easy going

Do you have your own website? No

Bio-Blog #16 - Tannys

This week I present my dear friend Tannys. Tannys became my saving-grace friend while I did my undergrad degree in Sudbury. She started as my T.A. but there was just something about her that made things click and throughout my 3 years at LU she became a great friend (I put her on the "fast track" because she is so awesome!). The thing about Tannys is that she appears very unassuming but she is so inspirational. She has an incredible spirit and ability to support people. She is involved in more activities then I could ever imagine (so many of them volunteer) and is a mom, partner, friend and family-member as well. I really don't know how she does it. On top of all that, even when things are not glowingly fantastic with her she will listen to me bitch about my own troubles. I love her for that. For that, and those "special" nights when she actually decides to join me for a drink.

Complete these sentences:
I am ... a mother first and foremost
I can ... play four handbells at one time while thinking about the 4 different board meetings that I have to attend in one week.
I love ... hiking with my dog Morgan, Max and Bob (in that order)
I will ... hopefully get married this summer without drowning my mother, Bob, or myself (in that order)

What is your sign? Scorpio
Where were you born? Toronto
Where do you live now? Lively (one word oxymoron)

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
CapeTown SOuth Africa is the most beautiful place on earth, and my hosts were among the most gracious on earth.

What is your favourite:
Movie: Sound of Music
Book: Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
TV Show: Sopranos
Drink: Milk with Ovaltine *(no I am not 90 years old)

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Is there any other man on earth as amazingly talented or gorgeous as Val Kilmer ... what a silly question-you should just include his name as the obvious choice for this category duh...

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
My dad. He is my greatest source of inspiration, and the person that I admire the most.

How do you know Raye?
Met her at Laurentian University when she appeared and asked about being on our board of directors...we become friends, colleagues, and friends again.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
tenacious, timid, and tolerant

Do you have your own website? NO.

Bio-Blog #15 - Kendra

This week I present my friend Kendra. I met Kendra during my previous Katimavik days and instantly liked her. For me, Katimavik has been a place to meet some of the truly inspirational people in my life and Kendra was one of them. We would sit outside in the cool summer air and talk and drink. Ove the intervening years our lives would cross paths at random times and through unexpected co-friends. The last time I was Kendra was the summer 06 and she was happier thatn I had ever seen her. She introduced me to a new white wine (now my favourite) and to her now fiancee. She also dispensed her usual brand of good sense wisdom and reminded me not to let myself down. She is an amazing person to have in your corner and I am so happy to have her in mine.

Complete these sentences:
I am ... getting married - WOW
I can ... still do a front handspring
I love ... too many things to list!
I will ... quit smoking this year!

What is your sign? Aquarius
Where were you born? Mississauga Ontario
Where do you live now? Ottawa Ontario

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
The Queen Charlotte Islands! Mystical, calm they drew me to them and held me there!

What is your favorite:
Movie: Tough choice I LOVE movies ….
Stupid Comedy: Dodge Ball
Comedy: The Guru
Drama: The Mission
Current Release: Pan’s Labyrinth
Children’s: Princes Bride
Obscure: St. Ralph / The dangerous lives of Alterboys
Art Film: Whale Music
Of all time: Watership Down
Book: Lamb the gospel according to Biff Christ’s childhood pal
TV Show: Only get one channel so – Law and Order SVU
Drink: Daily: Diet Coke // Special treat: Cosmo

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Does my fiancé count? Come on he is a celebrity in my books… Okay Okay… Uhm…. Dermot Mulroney

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Oh I just don’t know…. Do I pick an intellect and sound well informed, an activist and look like I care, a religious leader and give the impression of depth, a celebrity and appear shallow…………
I think if I could have lunch with anyone it would be my grandparents who have all passed on. Why, because I miss them and I am curious and would love to know what happens (if anything) after death. The small issue with this is that they are not “in the world” as the question requested. Oh well!

How do you know Raye?
The Katima connection!

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Energy & Spirit, Integrity, Kind & Caring

Do you have your own website?
Nope!

Bio-Blogs are Back!Bio-Blog #14 - Katrina

A new season of Bio-Blogs starts now as I bring you another friend of mine from out in the world. We kick off this series with the wonderful mate - and all round woman extraordinaire - of the guy we finished with last year. So this is Katrina. I met Kat when she was dating my university pal Scott and it was not all roses and smiles in the beginning. I really think there is something about be-friending the romantic partners of your dear friends that we all find hard at times. But in the end, Kat and I found some common ground in hosting decent get-togethers, Scott's fashion-sense(less) and our all-around awesomeness. To say that Kat is a force is an understatement. She is s woman who has always tackled life head-on with determination and a wicked sense of humour. She is an excellent writer, musically talented and about to complete her first year of motherhood (about which I don't think she could be happier). And for all these things I find her an inspiration and I am glad we become friends afterall.

Complete these sentences:
I am ... a mother, daughter, sister, friend, partner, wife, 12 year old girl and 31 year old woman.
I can ... do pretty much anything I set my mind to, except maybe pee standing up.
I love ... chocolate. And my son. And my husband. Not necessarily in that order (depends on the day).
I will ... do it all, maybe just not all at once.

What is your sign? Taurus
Where were you born? Montreal
Where do you live now? Oakville

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Jamaica. I loved the people. They were so happy and laid back, enjoying life, unencumbered by the constant need for material things like we are in North America.

What is your favourite:
Movie: The Royal Tenenbaums
Book: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
TV Show: Grey's Anatomy
Drink: Oyster Bay Sauvingnon Blanc

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Justin Timberlake

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
My mother, because she is my closest friend, the smartest person I know, and I don't get to see her nearly enough.

How do you know Raye? She went to university with my husband Scott

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Fearless, Intelligent, Beautiful

Do you have your own website? Yes - Fickle Feline

Bio-Blog#13 ... Scott

Wow - it has actually been so long between bio-blogs that I forgot what number I was on. And then it turns out that my dear buddy Scott ends up being lucky number 13. Too sweet on that. Scott is one of my longest-standing male friends and part of the my first university crew that included Dave and Cathy. He is, without doubt, one of my biggest fans and I can always count on him to remind me of my super-duper qualities. He also credits me with being instrumental in teaching him how to dress - a task that desperately needed to be accomplished. He is quite swank now. And married. And a father. And I am so happy for him. And his friendship.

I am … struggling to become a grown-up
I can … write a little
I love … that I've been allowed to survive long enough to live this part of my life
I will … take great pride in achieving my goals on my own terms

What is your sign? Taurus also "Slippery When Wet"
Where were you born? Brantford, ON
Where do you live now? Oakville, ON

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
I don't know. I don't think I've been there yet.

What is your favourite:
Movie: The Big Lebowski
Book: The Great Shark Hunt by Hunter S. Thompson
TV Show: Arrested Development (yeah, I know it's cancelled, don't remind me)
Drink: Crown and Coke

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
I don't really have one, I find them pretty interchangeable.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
My brother, because it would mean he was home safe from Afghanistan

How do you know Raye?
From Ryerson Journalism School – she was the smartest one there

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Brilliant, creative, worthy

Do you have your own website?
RaptorBlog.com

Bio-Blog #12 ... Jodi

This time around I present my friend Jodi who is one of the greatest people I know. Of course I say something to that effect about ALL my friends but Jodi is special because she inspires me. She challenges me. She rocks in so many arenas and we just generally have a kick-ass time together. She is currently starting her own business after returning from several years in Indonesia. We have these long conversations over vodka, or gin, or tequila shots, or whatever that dive was serving when we went out over Easter. Still, my favourite moments have to be those mornings after staying at her place while visiting T.O. and we (plus Cindy of course) hang out eating breakfast and reading the paper. I tell ya, nothing gets you back on your feet like a few days with her.

I am ... a dreamer, a woman, an entrepreneur
I can ... swear like a sailor in multiple languages
I love ... the good life - friends, food, wine, music, laughter
I will ... be a millionaire someday soon

What is your sign? leo
Where were you born? Whitby, ontario
Where do you live now? Toronto

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Yogyakarta, Indonesia - heaven on earth. With Ubud, Bali as a close second (and possibly taking the title as Yogya rebuilds)

What is your favourite:
Movie: Moonstruck
Book: Poisonwood Bible, God of Small Things
TV Show: Amazing Race
Drink: gin and tonic

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Antonio or Enrique

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Teguh Wicaksono because I miss him.

How do you know Raye? Katimavik

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Inspiring, uplifting, energizing
(other words that made the top ten: intelligent, independent, witty, fun, loyal, spicy, and the adjective that goes with perseverance)

Do you have your own website? no

Bio-Blog #11 ... Tanya

This week I present another recent friend from my new life in Halifax.Tanya and I met on the third day of orientation and were thick as theives for the first semester. In fact, I can honestly say that I don't think I would have had half the fun, or met half as many people if I hadn't had her in my life. She was my saving grace. It is hard to not love Tanya. She has enormous energy and one of the most forgiving souls I have ever met. Her Cape Breton pride is infectious and no one makes you feel more at home in the maritimes than she does. She is one of the few gal friends I have that acutally makes me feel girly - her love of soccer, cars, hockey and videogames makes her a man's dream come true. These days we don't see each other much because I can't handle the party pace anymore and work for both of us is, well, hectic to say the least. But she is always there with an entertaining invite or a logical insight and I appreciate both so much!

I am ... having fun
I can ... forgive
I love ... life, the good and the bad
I will ... own a Porsche 911

What do you do? Work, MBA, Party

What is your sign? Cancer
Where were you born? Sydney, NS
Where do you live now? Halifax, NS

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
I have two:
1) San Francisco - my first trip on my own
2) New York – Saw Manchester United vs. Juventus @ Giant Stadium

What is your favourite:
Movie: Star Wars
Book: Sextrology: The Astrology of Sex and the Sexes - Cancer fits me to a tee
TV Show: TV!? what is that…do you know how busy I am
Drink: WAY TOO much…”I would like to thank the Russians for inventing vodka and God for creating limes”…quoted from my speech at the MBA Fun Awards
Hockey Team: the Habs
Soccer Team: Manchester United
Football Team: the Pats
Bar/Pub: The Lower Deck and Cheers
Thing to do at the bar: pickup…hahaha No! DANCE

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Matthew Mcconaughey…mmmmm…yummy

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
That’s tough….hhhhmmmmm…Warren Buffet or Alan Greenspan – I know! I am such a geek

How do you know Raye? Sobey MBA Program

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Fun, Bold, Curious

Do you have your own website? No just an MSN Space

Bio-Blog #10 ... Justin

So this is Justin. One of my trusted commerce buddies who teaches me about cars and inflates my ego cause he asks my advice on things. Justin always amazes me because he has been so diligent in making his dreams come true. He has always wanted to write about cars - so he went to the newspaper and got a job doing that very thing. He also contributes to an online auto site. I think it's so cool. He wears really bad running shoes and still dresses like he's in highschool. One day I'm gonna take him clothes-shopping and he's gonna help me buy a car ... that's what friendship is about!

I am ... a hopeless gearhead and independent type
I can ... do all sorts of cool stuff...like cook and swim
I love ... the thrill of the open road and cute fluffy animals (especially my puppy Tundra)
I will ... some day get paid lots of money to drive really cool cars.

What is your sign? Gemeni
Where were you born? Between my mothers legs
Where do you live now? Sudbury

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Quebec class trip at the end of highschool. It was the first taste of independence and freedom which I still wish for!

What is your favourite:
Movie: Bad Boys 2
Book: Anything with the Hardy Boys
TV Show: Family guy, of course
Drink: Sleemans honey brown

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
That hot chick from Hannibal...what's her name.....she's old but i dont care (that would be Julianne Moore)

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Bill Gates because he proves that even ugly skinny nerds can make it big.

How do you know Raye? From School

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Loves Shoes Alot

Do you have your own website? yes www.pacenews.ca

Bio-Blog #9 ... Nicole

I have known Nic for 16 years now - can you believe that. I love the fact that at 30 I have friends that I have known for half my life and they are still around and as amazing as ever! The thing about Nicole is that I don't get to see her very often because whe lives out west. In fact, we recently just got back in touch after two or so years of being in communicato. The best part is that it was like we had never missed a beat. We have lived lives that are opposite in about every conceivable way but she is always there for me with the best and most undertanding wisdom. I love her to pieces.

I am ... happy,a mom, thankful for my blessings
I can ... multitask at a superheros intensity
I love ... the mountains
I will ... retire in the mountains

What is your sign? Leo
Where were you born? Lethbridge, Alberta
Where do you live now? Grande Prairie, Alberta

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Our Holiday to the West Coast. When we went to the Ocean and just watched the tide come in. There is nothing like visiting the Ocean and realizing how insignificant you are in the vastness. And then looking at your children and realizing in the next moment how important you are in the vastness.

What is your favourite:
Movie: Meet Joe Black ( I know, Iknow) or The Sacketts or Spaceballs . Sorry I couldn't decide.
Book: Eragon - Right now. It changes so often . But the one I come back to the most has to be Jane Erye.
TV Show: Rick Mercer report
Drink: Ceaser

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Thomas Jane

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Gary Larson. From The far side. I want to know if he is crazy or a genius.

How do you know Raye?
Raye moved next door to me in Grade 9. And we have been friends since.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Strong, impassioned, free-spirit

Do you have your own website? Nope.

Bio-Blog #8 ... Cindy

So I made Cindy complete this bio super-fast for last weekend and then didn't get it posted. I apologize for the two-week gap in friends due to the Easter holidays. This week it's all about my gal-pal Cindy who is looking totally derby festive in her picture cause she's living in Australia and went to the horse-races. I hope when she comes home I will FINALLY have someone who will go to Woodbine with me! But enough about that. Cindy is one of the Georgian Bay hags (there are 4 of us!) - my last full Katimavik cluster. What a year that was and I got three exceptional friends out of it - one of which is Ms. C here. I love the time I get to hang out with Cindy. She has things like the "jaunty walk" and putting her hair in her eyelid (don't ask!) that I will always remember about her. And she has this great way of looking at you with an amused expression that makes you feel like a nut and completely loved at the same time. Not alot of people can do that. She's one of a kind - and my friend.

I am ... extremely lucky in friendships, not so lucky in love.
I can ... appreciate the small things, speak portufranglais, forget a name as soon as I hear it and sometimes my friends' birthdays, and get so into a book that I forget where I am and where I'm going.
I love ... food. Music, movies, books, parties, dancing, and of course my family and friends. A good challenge, new experiences.
I will ... never stop learning.

What is your sign? Leo and Dragon
Where were you born? Wingham, Ontario, but mostly grew up in Kincardine.
Where do you live now? Sydney, Australia. Temporarily

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
That's a tough one. Sitting on top of an inselberg in rural Mozambique feeling completely at peace with the world. Or snorkeling in Cuba with my best friend despite our fear of sharks.

What is your favourite:
Movie: Mr. Holland's Opus
Book: The Life of Pi
TV Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or ER
Drink: gin and tonic, beer, champagne, wine... you know, the basics.

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Goran Visnjic

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Bono. I think his political work is interesting, and he's not hard on the eyes.

How do you know Raye?
Katimavik, of course. We worked in the same cluster and she amazed me with her organizational and motivational skills. And we talked a lot about boys and movies and became known as the alcoholic cluster. We rocked.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
energetic, determined, sensitive

Do you have your own website? www.cindytwo.blogspot.com

Bio-Blog #7 ... Beth

I went back to university, didn't party much and lived with my parents. Because of this, it took me awhile to find some friendly gems in the nickle city. One of the diamonds is Beth - this week's biography. Beth came into my life through a random social idea that has now become a bit of an institution and a solid gal pal in the greater scope of life. We've had great times sipping martinis, watching cheesy movies, enjoying a good BBQ and closing down the pub with rousing tales on ANY subject. She totally inspires me because she is one of the most genuine and caring people I know who has managed to raise two lovely daughters, get her university degree and still dream big. And then we had that one night with the INCO guys ...

I am ... sooooo flattered that Raye picked me as the first bio from her Hometown!
I can ... burn pretty much everything that I try to cook!
I love ... so many different things! Number one is my girls, but I also love Cadbury mini eggs, listening to music in my car really loud, and making people laugh…..usually at something stupid that I did!
I will ... never forget how much my family has done for me. My dad is the most amazing person I know.

What is your sign? Aries
Where were you born? At the Sudbury General Hospital. March 31st @ 8:31 pm
Where do you live now? Sudbury!

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Hmmm, I’m not a world traveler like Raye and her other friends. I really haven’t been to many places. The best place I would love to visit is Australia, but I’m also hoping to visit Raye in Halifax in the near future!

What is your favourite:
Movie: Forest Gump, Monster’s Inc,
Book: Where the Red Fern Grows, Da Vinci Code
TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Drink: Rum & Diet Coke or Dry White Wine and Georges Mint Chocolate Martini’s

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Jake Gyllenhal, and George on Greys

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
I think I would have lunch with myself when I was about 13 years old. Give myself a little pep talk and some insight on how wonderful life will be after puberty is all done and over with!

How do you know Raye?
I know Raye from her less exciting educational journey at LU. St. Mary’s sounds like a blast! Raye was in the same program as me, we were in a few classes together but never really hung out until I got invited to one of Raye’s Wings & Beer. I really looked up to her…..she is soooooo smart. I was having a horrendous time with a Policy paper (and presentation for the next day!) she was gracious enough to pull an all nighter with me to fix MY paper….the rest is history! I miss her buckets!

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Brilliant, Dramatic, Cool
Do you have your own website?
Nope!....not even a “My Space”…hmmmm, I should get with the times!

Bio-Blog #6 ... Greg

This week I present my new friend Greg. He was supposed to be posted a couple of weeks ago in honour of his birthday but he didn't submit his info on time. In spite of this tardiness I am still his friend. In truth, Greg is one of my best friends in Halifax. Our friendship is occassionally wobbly in its newness but it is always sincere in its intent and full of respect. We are sometimes (often?) not on the same page but we definately live in the same book of life. He was there for me once when I really needed it and for that he will always be my friend. Someday he is going to let me re-arrange his apartment and/or take him shopping but until then we will fill our time with rambling conversations that would likely put other people to sleep but satisfy us just fine.

ok Raye, I will do this on one condition. If i die or am maimed you promise to take this down. Ok?

I am ... an forgetful and scatterbrained
I can ... cook a great chicken pesto pizza
I love ... spending time with my familly and friends
I will ... never get old

What is your sign? Pisces
Where were you born? New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Where do you live now? The slums of Halifax

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
I firmly believe the people make the place. So anywhere i have met great people (and great people are throughout the world) can be considered a great place.

What is your favourite:
Movie - Lawernce of Arabia, Catch 22, Star Wars, Citizen Kane, Unforgiven, Matrix, Momento, etc
Book - Enders Game, Gateway both sci-fi, bio would be Errol Flynn
TV Show - Arrested Developement, Coupling, the Office
Drink - Vodka Paralyzer

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? The chick from Lord of War [Bridget Moynahan, Angelina is #2

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Mom. Cause she's old school cool.

How do you know Raye? Jail.
What 3 words would you use to describe Raye? Bubbly, organized, and generous.

Do you have your own website? Yes, but you are not allowed to see it.

Bio-Blog #5 ... Cathy

This week I present my friend Cathy. Cathy is currently house-hunting in the urban jungle that is Toronto and kicking ass in a new job. We have known each other 10 years - and although most of it has been apart - we do an excellent job of maximizing the time we have. We go to plays, take walks in the park and re-evaluate the independent woman's lot in life over cold pints of beer. She credits me with "inspiring" her to go to Australia - but really? how hard could that have been? I'm hoping we get to spend some time on the seashore this summer if she gets some time to visit me. In the meantime, we get this little biography about her!

I am ... a WebGoddess, a fantastic girlfriend, a loving daughter, a bit of a delinquent sister
I can ... build a website, write a bang-up journal, organize the hell out of anything except a move, sew a stellar baby quilt, cook a gourmet dinner, plant a bumper crop of onions.
I love ... my job, traveling and my family. And my boyfriend, but don’t tell him I said that or he’ll get all mushy.
I will ... never cheat on my boyfriend, live on the street, stop having a sweet tooth, exercise as much as I wish I did, have a good memory, regret having braces.

What is your sign? Leo
Where were you born? Alliston, ON
Where do you live now? Toronto, ON

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Australia. Because it was the last time I had to be absolutely free to do what I want, unencumbered by what others wanted or expected, in a gorgeous climate with other people who were similarly unencumbered and fun.

What is your favourite:
Movie - The Mission, Moulin Rouge
Book - The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay
TV Show - ER, CSI, Daily Planet, What Not to Wear
Drink - chocolate martinis or really good coffee (latte/flat white)

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Hugh, as soon as I see the next XMen.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Raye – she enjoys a good meal and she is always the most interesting person to talk to. Plus, we never see each other enough.

How do you know Raye?
We met in university and I was awed/inspired by her ability to go down a different path and make the everyday special.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Creative.succulent.neurotic.

Do you have your own website? www.webgoddesscathy.com (don’t.kid.yourself)

Bio-Blog #4 ... Kat

I can't believe a week has gone by already. You can tell it was a busy one because my consistent posting fell off completely and now you get two bios almost back-to-back! This week I present a different kind of friend. She's different cause she's actually legally bound to my family! She's my amazing sister-in-law: Kathryn. She's been with my brother longer than I can remember and for most of that time I haven't been around - so it's only been recently that we have forged our friendship. But it is one of the friendships that I count on the most. Kat has been SO good to me. Listening to my dramas. And we both like a good day of Winners shopping!

I am ... a mother and a wife, happily
I can ... clone human DNA, read the genetic code, write a +100 pg thesis, but still can't get the laundry done on the weekend...
I love ... my family more than words
I will ... never stop learning

What is your sign? Aquarius
Where were you born? Orillia, Ontario
Where do you live now? Brampton, Ontario

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Cuba, it was beautiful and I will always have good memories from there.

What is your favourite:
Movie - couldn't pick just one
Book - cheesy, but I enjoy the Harry Potter series
TV Show - The Price is Right :)
Drink - pomogrante juce is so darn good (I bet it's good with booze in it too)

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
I have a Jake Gyllenhaal thing right now, which is why I won't watch Brokeback Mountain...

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
My husband, who gets enough quality time with a one year old?

How do you know Raye?
Sister-in-law extraodinaire

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
thoughtful, neurotic, sensitive

Do you have your own website? just one with pics of the baby :)

Bio-Blog #3 ... Nann

A little bit late on the bio-blog this week. It's that time of year when alive = busy.This time I present my dearest friend from the west coast - Nann. We have been friends for almost 7 years (WOW! where did the time go?) and she was my saving grace in 1998. Now she lives on the completely opposite side of the country as me and we don't get to see each other nearly enough - my attempts to get her to live in Ontario with me failed utterly. Oh well, she has stayed my friend through thick and thin and - for me? - that's the most important thing. We will be reunited someday soon. For now, I offer this insight into one of my bestest gals.

I am ... a nannconformist
I can ... write and pick things up with my toes
I love ... the memories that some smells invoke - especially the ones that remind me of "home"
I will ... never compromise myself

What is your sign? A moderately well-balanced Libra
Where were you born? Ashcroft, BC
Where do you live now? Cloverdale, BC

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why? Clare, Nova Scotia. Maybe it was because I was there in August (3rd rotation in my Katimavik experience) - but it seemed to me that no matter what the weather was like - it was always beautiful. Even when the fog rolled in and you couldn't see two feet in front of you - we would walk on the beach when the tide was out and it was just magical.

What is your favorite:
Movie - Breakfast at Tiffany's
Book - Fall On Your Knees, by Ann-Marie MacDonald
TV Show - Simpsons will always be the front runner, I think. But right now - I am very much into House, Grey's Anatomy...and,uh...America's Next Top Model....don't tell anyone.
Drink - Rum n' Coke

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Joaquin Phoenix. He's had the most staying power so far, kind like your Ben. But, like Nat, I also went through a Colin Firth phase.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Frank Black because he's creative and brilliant. He's also got the best wail in rock music and he can scream everything at me when we're talking if he wanted to .... it's be like having lunch with Bobcat Goldthwait - but I don't care.

How do you know Raye?
I met Raye when I was 18 in Hinton, AB. She quickly became my savior, roommate and dancing/drinking partner. She still continues to be a rock...and be rockin'. On top of that - she is the only person in the entire world that I can shop with.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Just. Wickedly. Awesome.
That's three right? Also - Smart. fun. determined. non-stoppable. Woman.

Do you have your own website?
Yes, I do http://falteringme.blogspot.com but have patience - I don't really know what I'm doing yet.