Ruby Nite

Buffy vs Edward Cullen

nicole — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:12:39 +0000

I admit it, I’ve read all of the Twilight books. I’ll also admit that I wanted to strangle Bella and beat her for being such a spineless girl that needed a man to make her happy. But I digress. While I thought for sure I’d be much more enamored with Edward, I found myself wanting to poke up with sharp wooden objects by the beginning of the second book.

Really I’m amazed I finished the series.

Dusting the cobwebs from the corners

nicole — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:36:07 +0000

It’s funny, I think about this blog almost every single day. At some point during the day I inevitably think to myself “oh, I really should blog about this,” or “That would make a really good blog post” but by the time I get home I just don’t bother with it. I wonder about that sometimes, and remember when I lived in Colorado I would blog almost every day, sometimes multiple times a day. That carried on until I met Gary, and then my blog slowly took a back seat. I became too busy to post, or I was afraid that what I would post might hurt my ex-boyfriend’s feelings. That feeling slowly faded over the years, and now I realize that for some reason, I’ve become frozen when thinking about my blog. I’m completely unable to act and just walk away shaking my head.

You see, it’s such a different atmosphere for bloggers in today’s culture. Back when I was posting a lot, I didn’t think anyone was really reading what I wrote about, no one really cared. My family, both immediate and extended, had no idea about my online life, and I was pretty free to say and do what I thought. That’s completely changed now. My “little” cousins have this address, so do my aunts, my mother and my father. Also Gary’s friends and family know about me here as well and even people that I work with browse by now and then. These eyes have effectively silenced me for quite a while. I’m constantly wondering what I should write about and the stuff that makes it through my filter was…well boring. And if it’s boring to me I’m going to assume most people online would not care to read it.

So, I’m not sure what to do with my space here. I will always keep it, and I think over time I’ll be using it regularly again. I just need to make it a habit once more. I want to tie my website in with my love for photography and web site development, I’m just not sure how to do it quite yet. To help get over this writer’s block I have, I’ve started using twitter. Its quick 140 character limit has started to get the juices flowing again. For that I’m grateful.

I appreciate the people that have followed me over the years. I really hope that this year I can break this block and figure out what I want my online life to become here on this site. I’m sure no matter what it’s going to be, it’ll be something that I’m passionate about and I hope the ride is a fun one.

The way the vikings did it…

nicole — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:44:54 +0000

Tonight Vincent (no not Tim Burton’s Vincent but Vincent from My Pet Skeleton) stopped by for a visit. If you know me at all you know that I am not shy to announce that I love Vincent. I do, I think he’s a fantastic person and most importantly he puts my sarcastic streak to shame. I’ve trained myself over the last 6 years to suppress my sarcasm, but around Vincent I can just let the biting remarks fly. It’s kind of nice to be mean once in a while. I think it’s good for the soul.

Excuse me while I reign in my wandering thoughts and return to the reason for the post. You see Vincent came into town was because he wanted to see Gary’s artwork that he had showing at Cafe Taste. We headed over there for some amazing coffee and tea and after a nice talk with the owners, they presented Gary, Vincent and I with a small amount of mead.

It was presented in wonderful little stemmed glasses as a congratulations on Gary selling some of his art. We each took our glass, chimed them in a toast and while Vincent and I took a sip of the honey drink, Gary took his as a shot and downed it all at once.

There was a moment of silence when we all watched Gary’s face change when he realized that it was not a shot. Suddenly Gary chuckled and made some off handed remark like “I guess I better get me some class.”

We all started laughing at that point and the owners began making jokes about how next time they serve Gary mead they’ll put it in a horn so he can enjoy the flavour of it. This lead to Gary being associated with Vikings and well now you get the title….Gary drinks mead the way the Vikings did…in giant swigs!

Ok that was a bit anit-climatic but sorry people…it’s all I got and damn it I thought it was the funniest thing when I started this post.

Now, uhm, go look at the pretty picture of the Vikings!

Please?

2008 in Review

nicole — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:08:19 +0000

Considering I took a very extended break from blogging I thought it only fair to do a quick summary of the important things that happened in my life over the last year.

I got engaged! – That’s right, Gary asked me to marry him in April and I said yes The wedding is planned for September. See, really I’ve been doing you a favour and have not blogged about the wedding planning experience

We went to New York City….again! – Right after we got engaged, Gary and I flew to New York City to celebrate his birthday in a city that we both love. It also helps that we know some pretty amazing guys from the work he’s done with Royal Flush there and we were lucky enough to spend some time with them.

Pandora turned 7 this year and had a few set backs. - She had an unexpected surgery and an infected ear but all in all she’s doing fantastic and is still my beautiful little girl.

Rich and Telma got hitched! – That’s right, two of our best friends tied the knot this summer and Gary and I were lucky enough to be a part of their wedding. And girls, I actually DID wear the bridesmaid dress again…that’s what happens when you have a fucking rad bride!

Gary and I quit smoking – That’s right, we quit in June (I think) and haven’t looked back. My lungs are so much happier with me now and my asthma is almost under control. Yay for non-smokers!

Gary had his first Art Show! – Considering it was right before Christmas and in shit weather a lot of people came out to see Gary’s art. It was an amazing night and so many people helped make it come together, so once again thank you to everyone!

The Creepshow rocked! - Gary and I became a lot closer with the The Creepshow and I ended up doing their website using Gary’s design. They are an amazing band to see live, so if you ever have a shot, don’t miss it!

My Dad has been on a health roller coaster this year – But of course he’s always positive and upbeat so please keep your fingers crossed that this year will be much easier on him

Ruby Nite finally launched – My new website, finally launched after a year of futzing around with it. Digital Masquerade was way too hard for people to type I still really love the design but of course I want to change it now It’s not quite finished but I’m not sure I’ll ever really finish it to be honest.

All in all this has been an pretty fantastic year. Despite a few set backs and a couple of melt downs, I have to say that I am a very lucky woman. I am marrying the man I love, we are both healthy and about to start a new chapter of our life together. Cheesy, sure it is, but what can I say, I’m a big ole softy.

I really hope that I use this site a lot more in the new year and also get back into photography. I have thousands of photos on my hard drive demanding my attention and my goal is to get them online. I’ve missed taking photos and sharing them. I got a new camera for my birthday and I plan on making some heavy use of it this year. So I apolgize in advance if you start seeing a lot of bad photos

I hope that 2008 was good for you and I wish you all a kick ass 2009.

2008 Holiday Relief

nicole — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:05:52 +0000

The holidays are now over and I have to say that once again I’ve been very lucky. I got to spend it with family that I love dearly, both my own and Gary’s. It was filled with good food, laughter and a lot of love.

Unfortunately Gary came down with a case of strep throat and after an afternoon wait in the walkin clinic and some antibiotics he’s feeling much better. But it meant that we had to stay another night in London. At least Gary’s parent’s place in London is incredibly comfortable and spending an extra night here is by no means a hardship.

I do have to admit, however, that I am looking forward to coming home. I miss my own bed and having my things around me. We haven’t been home since Christmas morning and tomorrow when we walk through that door I’m going to breath a huge sigh of relief.

This will be the first time in quite some time that we’ll be able to relax. There is no art show to deal with, no immediate wedding things that we need to accomplish and no family to visit. We can actually just chill out, and watch some Dexter and The Office.

Tomorrow will be a good day

Gary’s Art Show

nicole — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:11:28 +0000

Gary is having his first art show in Toronto on December 20th at the Gladstone hotel at 8pm. If you’re in town and can make we’d love to see you there!

Most of the work there will be limited edition, professionally framed (and unframed) prints, and very affordable. So grab some last minute Christmas gifts for the weirdo in the family-or for yourself! Hope to see you there!

Here’s the official press release with all the info:

From the Rue Morgue House of Horror
MARRS MEDIA INC.
2926 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
M6P 1Y8
PH: 416-651-9675
FX: 416-651-6085
E-mail: info@rue-morgue.com
Web: www.rue-morgue.com

GHOULISH GARY BRINGS BACK HALLOWEEN !

Toronto, CANADA – Halloween may be over but the monsters refuse to die! This December, Toronto will once again creep with I REMEMBER HALLOWEEN: THE ART OF GHOULISH GARY PULLIN (Saturday December 20 at the Gladstone Hotel 1214 Queen Street West, doors 8 PM). The evening will feature a celebration of original horror imagery courtesy of Rue Morgue Magazine’s legendary art director, and will also showcase a gaggle of terror tunes by DJ Tomb Dragomir and rot n’ roll music by DJ Shannon, Plus, classic horror trailers, ghastly giveaways and more. Jovanka Vuckovic, Rue Morgue Magazine’s Editor In Chief, will be Master of Ceremonies!

“For me, Halloween is never over,” says Ghoulish Gary. “As a holiday, it’s almost a religious experience for some horror fans and as a tribute to monster lover’s everywhere, I am excited to unleash my newest work.”

Ghoulish Gary Pullin has been Rue Morgue’s art director since 2001. Since that time, Gary has been the creative force behind virtually all design aspects of Rue Morgue, including the magazine, event posters, merchandise, stickers, and website. An eclectic original with his heart dipped in blood, Gary is one of the horror industry’s leading visionaries. So join us just before the Xmas holidays for a Hallowed evening of art inspired by classic horror films, maidens of the macabre and All Saints’ Day!

“Like a modern Frankenstein, Gary reanimates nostalgia and unleashes it to bite your ass!” – Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy).

Sponsored by Critical Mass, Anchor Bay Entertainment, Rue Morgue Radio, Rue Morgue Magazine, Daniloff Productions, Jagermeister, Amsterdam Brewing, Darkside Store, and Sister Salvation Tattoo Studio.

Tickets for I REMEMBER HALLOWEEN: THE ART OF GHOULISH GARY PULLIN are $10 at the door.

For more info or to schedule an interview with Ghoulish Gary Pullin please contact:
David Daniloff at 416-530-2442
E-mail: daniloff@rue-morgue.com

The Most Amazing Shrimp Recipe

nicole — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:56:43 +0000

Last night I cooked. Yes, that’s right, I cooked. I can hear the shocked gasps as my two sisters read this because unlike most of my readers they know that I don’t normally cook. I can reheat, I can throw a sandwich together and a salad or pour a mean bowl of cereal but I don’t often cook. Hell I had to create a whole new cooking category for this post.

Mostly it’s because I’m way too tired when I get home from work to bother doing anything other than the above and really it makes for a pretty unhealthy lifestyle most of the time. So Gary and I have decided that we are going to branch out. We are going to try new recipes and eat healthier because as much as I love my bowl of fruit loops, I don’t think it was meant to be dinner two nights of the week for a 32 year old woman.

So this weekend I started searching some of the cooking sites and came across this lovely recipe for Greek Spiced Baked Shrimp. Gary and I are both big fans of shrimp and feta so I thought why not, I’ll give it a shot. I was a bit wary of the spices but it got some great reviews so it sealed the deal for us.

Last night I came home tired but determined to try this recipe. I fiddled, I measured, I chopped, I pinched and dashed, hell I even sautéd and damn it I was pretty damn proud of myself because I was “cooking”. I felt like a grown up and a healthy grown up at that. I also quickly realized that our kitchen is really disorganized and not really set up for the whole cooking scene but that’s another post for later.

I must say while cooking the sauce the spices smelled absolutely heavenly together. Once the shrimp was in and the dish was topped with feta, I threw it into the oven. We weren’t sure how the dish would turn out so we made some penne pasta to go with it. I would skip the pasta next time and just serve the dish with some fresh crusty bread (we used buns because the store was out of fresh loaves) and a nice green side salad. I would also try making it next time with low fat feta to try and make it even healthier.

So go ahead, if you’re feeling adventurous give this recipe a try. Hopefully you won’t be disappointed. Gary and both agreed that this was the best shrimp dish we’ve ever eaten.

My version of twitter.

Halloween – My Favourite Time of Year

nicole — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:04:39 +0000

If you know me at all you know that I love Halloween. Even before I met Gary, Halloween was always a huge deal for my sisters and I. Every year we would have to think of a costume to outdo the one we had last year. I’ve been everything from a gyspsy, to a witch, a doll, a faery, a Fraggle inspired alien, and…well you get the idea.

When I met Gary and dazzled him with stories of my haunted house in Hamilton, I think he fell in love with me a little bit that night when he discovered I loved Halloween almost as much as him. As you can suspect once Gary and I started dating and later became engaged, surrounding ourselves with all things Halloween is no longer a yearly delight. We surround ourselves with the macabre all year long. It has infused every part of our home from art, to bedding, knick knacks, toys, tattoos, you name it and we have it.

Despite our mutual love for Halloween, we’ve never really been a couple costume in the past years that we have attended the Rue Morgue Halloween Parties. Instead we both kind of just do our own thing. Except for this past Halloween. This was the first year we dressed up as a couple and went as demons. I think the costumes turned out quite well. Ok I’ll admit it, I think we look awesome!

Now I know I’ve been kind of neglecting the site in the last year and half. Photos are no longer being posted, hell posts aren’t even being posted so this is me, trying to work at changing that habit. So, for your enjoyment I’ve uploaded my photos from Rue Morgue’s Halloween Party: The Curse of the Pharoahs.

Now I just need to figure out what I’m going to be next year…

This is why I love The Office

nicole — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:42:03 +0000

No related posts.

Information Overload

nicole — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:10:19 +0000

It’s like a car crash. You can’t seem to take your eyes away from it.

“Please keeps you hands inside the moment at all times”

http://now.sprint.com/widget/