A return to blogdom

I know I have been absent much of this fall from my bloggy blog. I have no excuses. It's been a busy fall, but I should not have abandoned my poor little blog.
I also was feeling a great deal of pressure (largely brought on by myself) to have something witty for people to read on the regular. But I realized that I'm at my funniest when I'm not trying...I also happen to think I'm funnier in person than in print, but who knows.
So, over the coming days and weeks I hope to have many more posts up here on the 'ole bloggy blog for my loyal blog followers (all 10 of you :) ) And of course, I will link it to my FB profile page.
I think 2011 will be a big year for Pam of nicelikepam.blogspot.com, so stay tuned for little updates and random tales here and there :)
xoxox
Pammy

Hello Hallo!

It's Hallows eve...and it occurs to me that I have been neglecting my poor little bloggy blog for the months of September and October.
I really have no excuse...I consider these past two months to be two of the slowest months I have ever had. No school?!!? WHAT?!
It's crazy....It's been the better part of a decade since I have not had to line up to purchase insanely expensive textbooks and re-stock up on highlighters.
The first part of fall has absolutely FLOWN by. I have no idea what happened to October at all. But I'm stoked for November. My family is coming for a much-anticipated visit to celebrate my graduation from UVIC and mine and my sister's birthdays :)

OH MY GOD!! It's a gourdddddd!

Yay! Go Scorpios!
I have a packed calendar this upcoming month, lots of events to attend, celebrations to be had, and November is sure to be peppered with some shenanigans...so keep checking in on the 'ole blog.
I thought I'd leave you with a few images from the Halloween gathering that we attended at my friend and colleague Ann-Marie's (and her hubby, Jim's) house.
Mitch dressed up as "Bernie" from Weekend at Bernie's and I was the lovely Norma Jeane Baker/Mortenson aka Marilyn Munroe.
The hair is a wig (obvs)...and with the exception of the eyelashes..the rest is all me, baby!
LOL.

Bernie and Marilyn

Marilyn kisses!

Pam's epic toast!

Don't mind me and my creepy eyes ;)

As some of you may or may not know--if you are in the latter group...where the heck have you been?? I digress...I had the honour and privelige of being my BFFFE (Keira-leigh)'s MOH this past July 24th.

As part of my duties (many of which I assumed without having been asked...lol)

I wanted to give a toast to the bride...perhaps a little untraditional, but what can I say..."My name's Pam, I do what I want!"

This speech was very important to me...and I read all of the etiquette books and looked on all the wedding forums and blogs. I knew what I had to do.
 I also knew my speech was about 8 minutes longer than all of my sources advised! LOL. Oopsies! I practiced and practiced and I had gotten it down to just under 10 minutes--however, when it was my turn to give my toast I got oddly nervous and I knew I would need more time to regain my composure in places.

I had asked my hubby to makes sure he captured this momentus address on video so that I could share it with people I know and love who weren't able to be there to witness it live.

After a few months of waffling about posting this video, and also attempting to handle the technical stuff alone, the best man Zack has assisted me in posting this video on youtube and then linking it on my blog.

I'll give you the same warning I gave the guests...it's a long one...if you need a bathroom break or to stretch your legs, now is the time. So, anyhoo, I hope you all enjoy watching this as much as I enjoyed writing and delivering this speech/toast...let's face it, a toast is meant to be short enough that your arm won't get tired holding up your glass. No, this is more of a keynote speech. Being brief is not my strong suit, but washing briefs....there's another story altogether.

ENJOY!

Pam's epic bfffe toast/speech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftQVVg7jW2I

 

I was also very moved by the number of people who came up to me afterwards and complimented me on my toast. I also learned where Ryan's "total eclipse" embraces came from as I received a similar one from Papa aka Jim Drake, Ryan's dad! Cute cute cute!

Convocation+Family+Birthdays=November

In just 53 more sleeps my Mom, Dad, and Nana will be arriving from the east coast to have a visit with me, Pam, of nicelikepam....and two sleeps later, my Bean, my sister will be joining us from Brisbane, Australia.

Me and my bean a year and a half ago in Melbourne!

We have not been together as a 4-some in almost 2 years. I am hoping we will get up to lots of fun stuff in the time that they are all here. My Nana is arriving from Halifax, via Ottawa, and I have not seen her since my sister's wedding in 2007.
November will be a busy month for sure, but I can't wait to see my FAM :)
Also, after many long years as a student, I will receive my degree on either the 10th or 12th of November!
Then, on the 15th, Julia (aka Bean) will turn 29, and then the very next day I will be 26!
Party Time!!!!!!!!!
Stay tuned for party details, but I hope all of my friends will come out for a smashing good time :)

Fall is Falling!

You'll never guess who?!

Although I know it is only the first day of September...and people are loathe to think the summer has come and gone. I'm always happy when the cooler temperature rolls around....and here is a list of reasons why (and some random photos)

A man with my umbrella!!!

I like sweaters

I like boots

I like my birthday

I like making soup

I like eating soup

I like Thanksgiving

I like wearing hats

I like pumpkin pie

I like fall colours (outside)

I like reading break getaways (oh wait...nm)

My birthday dinner AND reading break combined 2 years ago, in Tofino!

I like wearing tweed

I like Remembrance Day

I like crunchy leaves under my feet

I like turning on my gas fireplaces

I like funky umbrellas

I like fall drinks at Starbucks

And lastly, I like....EGGNOG!!!

Nom Nom Nom!

Laundry Day

Sooooooo...it happens to us all...we all have to do it...the dreaded "L" word...no, not that one..I mean...(cue scary Law&Order music) LAUNDRY!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I have been doing lots and lots of laundry lately.
Have you ever noticed how you can do load after load of laundry...whites, darks, delicates...and somehow there is always that ONE thing that you don't have!?! Well, this happened to me on Sunday...and what was the item in question you might ask?? That's right...the over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder, upper decker flopper stopper, boobie baskets...well, you get the idea...a BRA! What?! 56 clean white socks, 67 towels, 4 jean skirts...but NOT A SINGLE CLEAN BRA IN THE HOUSE?!

Well...that is just impossible! So I searched high and low...and the only clean bras I could find were my 2nd least favourite wintergreen sportsbra from Costco, my bikini top...or my super formal white satin corset. Sigh...to wear...to a golf course..one would assume the sports bra would've been the popular choice, but nooooo.

I felt compelled to dress up for work, so naturally the corset was my choice.
Which made me laugh because the boning kept poking me when I sat down...it humored me so much that I thought it may just make for a funny blog entry. My sister had sent me the postsecret card in an email a while back, and my situation reminded me of it..except of course, next time I may opt for my bikini top! I knew all of you faithful blog followers were just waiting for me to get so so so so skandalous....so...here it is...your smut for the week!

Pamela Badams, B.A.

Aerial view of UVIC's campus

Well....it would appear that after many many years of attending the University of Victoria-----I am FINALLY graduating. It is so surreal. I never thought this day would come!! There were definitely times where I thought I should just quit or find a new program or University...but I'm happy I stuck with it!
This year more than any other year, was the hardest on me...academically, emotionally, physically, you name it! When everyone else was tapering and fnishing off their last little courses and papers, I was flailing...quite epically. I loaded up my timetable in the fall, preparing for spring convocation in June. I had one final co-op to complete from January-April and one other course...who knew it would be the hardest semester of my life?!

My sweet Tiina, at our Tara's wedding, July 2009 :)

Following the high of landing a sweet co-op with the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport in December, came a super low with the death of a good friend in January. I had no idea how my dear Tiina's death would affect me, as I compare our friendship to those of her nearest and dearest, I feel like we had barely begun our journey as friends.

Add that with the stress of an upcoming surgery and some difficulties with my final course and I became a little...well..unglued!

I decided to drop a course and pick up an extra one in summer session...which would still see me graduating in 2010.

So, upon successful completion of my summer class "The Psychology of Well-being: Flourishing in the Modern World" and paying $24.00 in library fines :( it appears that I will be permitted to convocate in November of this year!

My parents have booked their flights, and I have a super cute dress hanging in my closet...tags still on! I couldn't have accomplished this without the love and support of my nearest and deareset, not to mention my super supportive and patient husband, Mr. Mitch...who has only really known the student 'me'.

I DID IT!

Now, if only my big Sis would come.............that would be the bestest as we turn 26 (me) and 29 (Jules), on the 15th and 16th of November. I think we should party party party....sister style!

Could be dangerous....

Watch out world...coming soon to a Recreation facility, Government office or cruise ship near you....Pamela Badams, B.A., Rhed!

What to do with RHED?

Baguette, bosu-boxing, blackholes and Byatt!

About a week and a half ago I  had the opportunity to spend some time with my girl, L.B. Now, Madame L.B. and I have been friends for a couple years now...but this past year and a half, maybe 2 years we have become supah good amies. With our franglais (thus the "Baguette" in the title) and frequent cawfee tawks and email rants... It has been as she says "good times good times."
L.B. is going through some life changes, and I couldn't be prouder of her...she is so brave, starting her own business, living her life...she is inspiring and artistic, kind and hilarious. She is a constant delight and I never know what will come out of her mouth next, but I know it will make me laugh.
Now, L.B. can work it out with the best of 'em, and I kind of invited myself along to her "Bosu Boxersize" class at the Y. Now, bear in mind that I have recently had shoulder repair surgery, so the average person probably shouldn't try this...but I am SUPER SPAM....so I...DID! And, actually, according to all sources, I did just fine..and I was even in the front row!

Not me..but I look this h-core...

The instructor seemed confused and slightly offended by my enthusiasm though :(
Perhaps she has never known injury and the boredom and anxiety that comes from having parts that don't work so good or do other things good too ;)
In any case, I had a super sweaty great time and very much enjoyed the bosu boxersizing...especially because my girl L.B. was there and two other girls who I knew happened to be in attendance as well!
Because we were so super duper sweaty L.B. and I decided to part ways to go shower and change, later I picked her up to go to a late dinner at one of my fave places, The Mint!
L.B. and I had wicked scrumptious noms and a couple of Mojitos! The DJ was spinning some old skool Skee-lo, "I wish", so I serenaded L.B. with mid-nineties rap as only a small white girl from Canada can.

Nommy cheesecaaaaaaaaaaaake :)

We finished the eve with some fab cheesecake, which we shared by candlelight...most romantic.
The next day, I helped L.B. do some moving of her things from one apartment to the next. She was surprised to learn that my little bitty 1991 Nissan Sentra could fit so many treasures inside! It's like a vehicle blackhole!

So, after several hours of moving we got a bit silly...so...enjoy...some photos she snapped on my little Iphone!

Sure, L.B. I can carry your carpet, I'm strong!

Maybe not...I'm sleepy and hungry!

Carpet noms??

L.B...can i nom on this??

Pam can haz privacy??

Oooh, what a view!!

Workplace Kindness

Since my blog is supposed to be about random kindness....and to date I haven't really posted a single thing that has had to do with that...so, I thought I should :)
Today, on my way into work I was carrying my purse (aka prada suitcase), my lunch bag, my phone/ipod and my coffee mug. I could kind of sense that there was someone behind me and even though I had my music on I could tell that as we approached the side entrance he was trying to say something to me. So I turned around and popped an ear bud out and asked him to "say again?" He replied, "Allow me to get the door." To which I responded "Why thank you." He waved his pass, which had been hanging from a lanyard around his neck, and as I waited for the familiar beep, the gentleman opened the first door into our building.
I smiled at him and entered, he quipped, "looks like you had your hands full", to which I countered "No more than any other day...let me hold this one." (as there are two sets of entry doors.) He passed through and I followed behind, feeling like it was going to be a great day! How nice, a man who holds doors...under the age of 65!

As I watched him walk away ahead of me I began to envy him...he waltzed into the building with nothing more than his lanyard around his neck and some levi's on his legs...oh, and a shirt...belt, shoes...but you get the picture. While I on the other hand had not one but two bags, plus my coffee cup....why is it that some people, men, in particular, can just meander around town with hardly any gear?
I had loads of stuff shoved into my two bags...a catastrophic environmental event could occur and I could be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours with the amount of items and food in my bags! So, it begs the question...how do men do it? Not carry so much stuff? Where do they keep their lunches? Wallets? Phones? Keys? Emergency almonds? Spare flip flops...etc. If it's possible to make it through a day with so little stuff...why do I need so much??

If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it... so he did!

BFFFE's!

This past weekend, my BFFFE (That's best friend for freakin' ever...for those of you who live under rocks) got married in gorgeous North Cowichan (aka Duncan). I had the honour, nay, the privilege of being the MATRON of Honour....(Matrons are married maids...fyi.) This duty required me to assist the bride with whatever she needed leading up to and including the day of the wedding.


Naturally, I was quite thrilled to assist with the planning and shopping and decorating and shower and stagette throwing! This is, after all, my BFFFE we're talking about...and we all know, I love a good party :)  The day before we all gathered at the grooms (Ryan) parents' house for the rehearsal and dinner. We got started a little late as we were waiting for some folks to make their way from Victoria. We didn't mind though, as the day was warm and sunny and the mojitos were cool and minty!

After we became finished the rehearsal and subsequent dinner, the girls (Christy, Andrea, myself and bfffe Keira) made our way back to our wonderful Bed and Breakfast, Holmesdale House www.holmesdalehouse.ca and had some good old fashioned girl fun! Wine, hot tub, licorice, girl talk and we even watched part of a Rogers and Hammerstein. It was a restless night, but we awoke with the sun, excited that this day had finally arrived :)

The preparations began in earnest after we had nibbled on some fruit and yogurt and had a few sips of our mimosas! Hair and make-up were about 15 minutes away at Freestyle Salon www.freestylesalon.ca in Mill Bay, except for the Bride who had her own personal Courtney Edge doing her 'do! (Shout out Court!) We then returned to the Bed&Brekky to get our dresses on and have some more mimosas and brunch and photos!

The funny and talented Kirk Klein http://k-tography.com was the wedding photographer, along with his assistant Silva. At this point, we seemed to be on time....but there were a few small snafoos which caused us to run a tad behind the timetable for the day.

Never a dull moment under the arbor!

When we all arrived (by limo!) at Mamma and Papa Drake's we organized ourselves and did a few final touch-ups. We lined up outside near a gorgeous arbor and awaited our cues. Luke and Helena Stones (who played guitar and violin at Mr. B's and my wedding in 2005) strummed and bowed some beautiful melodies and we were on our way!

MOH

I didn't make it very far before I felt the tears well up in my eyes...I looked at Ryan (the groom) and he was so happy...and I think he knew that after me, came his Bride, and he was so stoked.

Keira and her Daddy, Harve!

We all stood (well, the guests did, we were already standing :) ) as my beautiful BFFFE floated down the aisle on her father's arm. Ryan's face was so fun to watch...he was so happy...I just tried not to cry.

The ceremony was beautiful and partially shaded, which was great because I was wearing what a co-worker (Deaners) dubbed the "Pink and Black Attack" or PBA...and sun+black=scorch.

WooHoo!

Vows were stated, rings exhanged, registry signed, communion taken, and then all that there was left was the moment we'd all been waiting for...the kiss! And it did not disappoint! By far, the loveliest smooch I have ever seen!

The rest of the afternoon was a blur of photos, family, friends and fun!

Epic Speech!

The reception was wonderful, but I was quite nervous as I was prepared to give what could be the longest wedding speech on record.

 The couple cut the cake, a gorgeous three tiered square, off-set number by Jacki Bickford and soon it was my turn to give the toast. I was very anxious and feel like I kind of rambled on for an epic 14 minutes! The video is so long that I can't seem to upload it anywhere, but I haven't given up yet! 

I gotta feelin'!

Yellow, Pink and Orange

(as the photographer dubbed us!)

The evening was topped off with a wicked music and lights dance party under the tent. The playlist was made by Ryan, with some input here and there from close friends and us bridal party guys!

After the couples first dance "Better Together" by Jack Johnson (I know, so cute right??)The playlist started with the Black Eyed Peas "I gotta feelin'", nice choice..."Single Ladies" by Beyonce was also a popular jam! The rest of the evening was a blur of fun and dancing and good times had by all. I also had the opportunity to dance with a very handsome young man named James to the song "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC.

One of the boys grabbed their iphone and put this little gem on as well!

Congratulations Keira and Ryan--Wedding Success! High Five!

Love you BFFFE!

Babies are like white pants

Now stay with me faithful blog followers...I shall explain.
Ever since Mitch and I got married (and even before), people have been asking us when we're going to have babies...not if...when.


This can get very frustrating for 4 major reasons:
1) People assume you are going to have children
2) People assume it's their business to know when you are planning on having children

3) No matter how you answer the question, the person who asks it always has an opinion on your response

4) In essence, people are asking you about your sex life, and that's just none of heir beeswax!

I guess there are several other reasons why this question makes me crazy...but those are my top 4.
That aside, I do LOVE babies, and all children as a whole...but this leads me to my post title.
Babies, to me, are like white pants. On a somewhat superficial level they share many of the same qualitites.
I will outline a few things I feel they have in common:

• Both get dirty quickly
• Both can be scary
• Both have the ability to make or break relationships
• Both may cause you to look larger than you actually are

• Both shouldn't be seen after Labour Day....no wait...scratch that...

 For myself, I know that someday I would like to be a mother...but that can mean many different things. Whether it be adopting children, having my own children, or being a foster mom, I look forward to the day when I get to be a member of the PTA and make a million cupcakes the night before a school bake sale.
But, I'm in no real hurry, and the thought of being responsible for a tiny person, full-time, 24/7/365 terrifies me...in the same way that white pants do. A good, clean, crisp pair of white pants with a carefully chosen top and accessories can be phenomenal. However, more often than not, wearing white slacks will turn into wardrobe hell. There are so many things that can go amuck when attempting to pull of the white trouser, whether it be made of linen, luon (like mine), cotton, denim, or polyester (do not attempt post 1977).
Secondly, they're white, so you're basically giving the universe "the bird" and daring it to come find you with all its' dirt, oil, grime, coffee and pasta sauce.
Thirdly, you must ensure that you are wearing the proper undergarments. I don't know how many times I've seen people wear white pants with hot pink polka dot, full bum underwear. Srsly??! Why not wear them on the outside of your clothes then?! Because that's how crystal clear I can see your gitch.

Babies....are adorable...unless you have an ugly baby...
Steve Lynch--Ugly Baby
And they do get dirty, and cry, and require speciality apparel and gear.
They keep you up at night, wake up early, smear quasi-disintegrated baby teething cookies all over you...
Who wouldn't want that right?
But when they are clean, nothing beats a lungful of that fresh baby smell...
I'm fortunate enough to have many many friends with young children, so I get my fill. And they seem like a lot of fun...but also, a lot of work...and right now, I'm amazed if I can get through my work day, find time for a work out and make a meal or two...So...to recap...no babies here for a while (so stop asking)  white pants...perhaps if the right ones come along...

Toilettiquette

Ok. So, this may be a touchy subject for some..but it's something that has been on my mind for a few weeks now.Toilettiquette. 

I don't know if this word actually exists..if it doesn't...it should!

It combines Toilet and Ettiquette--thus Toilettiquette. Bathroom Beahaviour has been an awkward yet popular topic of conversation as of late. Recently, I've observed there to be a lack of what I describe as Toilettiquette.With boys telling tales of conversation no-no's or ill-spaced urinals, and girls sharing stories of feminine hygeine product mishaps and requests from under the divider to "spare a square". 

I was at work this week and I walked into our ladies' washroom--which has about 6 stalls, three sinks, a counter with a large mirror (for make-up touch-ups!) I was suprised when I heard a woman having a one-sided conversation...I was even more suprised when after the flush, a lady came out of the stall pants undone and a cell phone precariously placed between her ear and shoulder. Surpised that she had obviously taken her cell phone into the washroom stall...I kind of shot her a little "look", that said...ew...you are on the phone in the bathroom. Thinking this look would be enough to get her to finish her call, I proceeded to a stall. I waited to hear the tell-tale signs of a dwindling conversation...:talk to you soon" or "I better get going"...As I stood there contemplating sitting on the throne...but those phrases were never uttered. 

Now, I'm of the opinion that it is rude and disgusting to carry on a phone conversation while in a lavatory...but I could see if this lady needed to take this call, and there was no one else in the washroom...why she may have been tempted to continue the conversation....but then....

She continued talking while I was "tinkling", as I could no longer hold it, and I could tell she wasn't going to be ending her call anytime soon! And after the crazy auto-flush toilets we have at my work did it's thing...I walked towards the sink to wash my hands. The lady is still on the phone! So, just as I reach for the paper towel, she hangs up her cell...and then turns to me...I, at this point am fully expecting an aplogy with a very detailed explanation of the importance of the offending phone conversation. But no..........she proceeds to check her reflection in the mirror and tell me about the great deal she got on her blouse?! 

Dumbfounded, I congratulated her on her shopping saavy, although I thought in the back of mind..good thing she got a deal...that shirt is frightful! 

This is an interesting connundrum I have found myself in lately..I tend to "run into" people that I know in the washroom...mostly co-workers...and I am "confuzzled" about the length of conversations that people are willing to have while "taking care of business." But am I the only one?? If you begin a conversation with someone in the "foyer" or sink area of a public washroom...is it appropriate to allow it to continue once on the other side of the stall door?? Or is it considered poor form to carry discussions over "the other side"?? Is taking the phone with you to the loo the thing to do?

Comments? Questions? 

Shoulder Scopes and Sun Salutations!

For those of you who did not know, I had an arthroscopic shoulder surgery May 5th of this year. This was to repair what has been an extremely annoying injury that occured as a result of my clumsiness some years ago! All in all, my surgery went very well and I have a gifted surgeon, a fantastic physio, a nurse-maid mom, and loving husband to thank for that :) The staff at VGH were excellent as well and I was even fortunate enough to have a nursing student, named Julia (yay!) who inserted my IV with amazingly little pain or struggle...on the first try! When I was transferred upstairs, a very hairy man, who was covered from head to toe (and nose to neck!) by scrub apparel was in charge of my medical care while I was waiting to be wheeled into the OR. He was a funny sort of man, a bit gruff, but silly. He asked me a question, he said "What is the first thing you're going to do when your shoulder is fixed?" I, without hesitation responded "A sun salutation!" This of course caused my yeti-like man nurse to howl with laughter..."A sun salutation?!", he repeated incredulously. "Yes, a sun salutation", I replied ( a little hurt by his laughter.) "It's a series of yoga poses," I explained cautiously. He said, "Oh...it's just that word 'salutation', it's not something you hear everyday."  "No, you don't...unless you're into yoga!" I quipped. So, this blog post is to say Mr. sasquatch male nurse...that on Tuesday, July 6th, I did my first post-surgery sun salutation :) and boy did it feel good! Oh Yoga...how I've missed your gentle stretches, twists and bends. I've missed the calm and quiet in my life...I look forward to many more downward dogs and tree poses in the near future!

How my blog came to be...er...my blog!

Well. I've done it. I have started a blog. You may be thinking as you read this...and I believe this is the voice in everyone's head (Mr.Macadow (sp?!), our gym teacher from AFCENT circa 1995) "Paaaam...Paaaam...why would YOU write a blog?" The answer is clear to me...now. I have lots to say! And I want a place where everyone can read all that I have to say! If you follow this blog, I can guarantee you posts that will be both funny and uplifting, as that is my modus operandi. More than likely, they will be somewhat random as well, like my life.
As I have never attempted this blogging business before...if you have comments or feedback or neat shortcuts, please let me know so I can become the blogger I was meant to be!

The title of my blog and the url took some time to decide on...with much input from friends and co-workers. There were many great suggestions and some pretty funny ones, including, but not limited to: BadAdams, Badadams, smallpam, pam-a-log, thetinyfirecracker, pamiam, pammywam, greeneggsandpam, plog, thepam, blogela, blam, pamdemonium and bambamsblog. While these were all excellent candidates...sadly, most of them were already spoken for. Then, in a lightbulb moment, my bus friend and co-worker, Andrea was telling me about a friend of hers who may be coming to stay at her house. And she said "My friend is nice, she would be a nice houseguest." To which I responded, "nice like me?", and my friend said "Yes...nice like you." And then it hit me! That should be the name of my blog! But nicelikeme was taken :( Foiled! By a german person who has "keine posts" --no posts!
Geschirrspulmaschine! (What we used to yell instead of a curse word--it means "dishwasher" in German)
So, I tried nicelikepam and it was available! Thus solving my dilemma.
I look froward to many late night or early morning posts and seeing all of your comments!
Thanks Bean for all of your help...and all of your future help in advance :)