THERE’S NOWHERE QUITE LIKE HOME
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than with my family and friends. I try to go for dinner at my parent’s house every couple weeks since I’m really close with my family… but it’s always nice when they put something special together! Like a birthday dinner 
I’ll keep this one short since I have to get up early tomorrow for a morning open skate at Burnaby 8 Rinks. (I’m learning to play hockey… well, learning to skate first :))
My mom is a great hostess, and even growing up when we were trying to make ends meet, she’d still always put together a great meal on special occasions.
This year, my mom and dad put together a nice roast turkey dinner with gravy, with salad, butternut squash, beets, stuffing, home baked bread (she grinds the flour herself…), pan fried potatoes and other vegetables.
My favourite dessert in the whole world that my mom makes is her tiramisu. It’s not really tiramisu, it’s more like cheesecake, but we grew up calling it that. She also made a chocolate cake to satisfy everyone else who doesn’t like cream cheese, but really I was there for the tiramisu 
There’s nothing that makes you feel more grounded than spending time with your mom and dad, brother, and close loved ones. I’m so thankful to have them in my lives!
Well, it’s off to bed and up early for some skating. I can’t wait!
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November 14th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Good god… the chocolate cake looks *so* freaking good. Like seriously, is that rich dark chocolate frosting? *jealous*
November 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I second what Mike says, that cake looks delicious. Happy Birthday Allie! When was it?
November 14th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
omg I am so sorry, I totally spaced - happy belated birthday!!!!
I meant to ask you for your address - can you please email it to me?? Thanks
November 14th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Thanks everyone!
Yes the homemade dark chocolate cake… yep, rich chocolate frosting!
UD, thanks, my birthday was yesterday (Nov 13).
Thanks Sandy! I’ll email you my address ASAP.
November 14th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Happy Birthday!
Congrajulations on entering the world of ice stuff. You have to be brave(crazy) to learn how to skate when you’re an adult…I know because I did the same thing over the last couple of years. I played ice hockey for the 1st time in my life last season and had a blast! There aren’t many opportunities for beginner hockey here in Nelson but the journey was great.
You’re probably already doing it but make sure you wear protection….not being able to work because you hurt yourself learning to skate sucks(trust me):
Oh yeah turkey b-day dinner….so good.
November 15th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Err… Happy Belated Birthday and all, but how come I didn’t get an invite to a stellar meal like that? Having a birthday in February, I don’t see anything near what was on the table there.
I kinda feel left out now.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Thanks Lovewine, yeah starting hockey is really tough. I bought a few things and borrowed the rest of my gear from a girlfriend. It really helps my skating to have all the gear on, and I like going to the rink in the early morning when there aren’t that many people around to laugh at me
Nice team photo! Who’s all in it? You’ve been playing for a season! Wow… how long did it take you to ramp up to be able to play on a team?
Chris — thank you. Next time I’ll get my mom to invite you
lol. I should make you some cupcakes for your b-day in February.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I know what you mean about thinking people are laughing at you….I was a little self concious when I 1st stepped onto the ice. The Skating Monitor told me I should be wearing a helmut and I agreed….much more padding was also needed.
I went to public skating as often as I could for two winters and then I went to a 5 day hockey camp. I started playing in a beginner co-ed league last season and after awhile I started playing more drop in hockey. It helped that I played street hockey as a kid because I can shoot and stick handle(sort of).
Its really all about ice time…get as much as you can. Stick and puck drop-in is a good thing…check to see if they have ice time when you can practice skills. Even try indoor floor hockey if you need some hockey practice.
The photo is of our co-ed league…lots of friendly supportive people. They helped me alot when I started playing.