Interviewed!

The lovely Andrea from Miel et Cannelle, fellow Edmontonian, has sent me some tricky interview questions as part of this interview meme that has been circulating through the blogosphere. As if I didn't ramble on enough about myself already, she's given me fodder to continue. Thanks Andrea, for your great questions. If anyone else is interested, let me know. I can't promise my questions will be as great as Andrea's (she does work for SEE magazine), but I'll try my best.

And the rules are:
1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions
Here we go!

1. You've been talking about giving a wine and cheese party... if you could invite 5 bloggers, who would be your guests and why?? Who do you think would eat the most cheese or drink the most wine?

A Facebook event has officially been created for my wine and cheese party. Bloggers who I'd invite include (but are most certainly not limited to):

Andrea, from Miel et Cannelle: You're in the city already, so it'd be easy to attend. I'm intrigued by your blog and find you to be an interesting lady. A bottle or ten of wine and we'd certainly hit it off. Enough wine and we may be hallucinating that we're in the fantasy land you speak of in your post today.

Mary, from Real Mary Tales: I spent many, many nights in London (and a few in Edmonton for that matter) drinking with Ms. Mary. I don't think she could keep up with the wine all night, (she'd probably pull some hard stuff out of her bag), but oh the cheese that would be consumed! Also, Mary always has entertaining, and incredibly humiliating, stories about herself to keep party guests entertained.

Ben, from No Ordinary Rollercoaster: His readers love cheese, they're crazy about the stuff. I haven't been reading Ben's blog for long, but he's hilarious and an awesome storyteller. This post is the only reason I need.

Rachel, from Confessions of a Jersey Girl: Rach needs a drink. Have you seen the drama that is her life? I'd like to give her a break for just one night.

Kyla, from Kyla Bea: Kyla's a total sweetheart. Not only does she have mad champagne pouring skills (I promise I wouldn't put you to work, darling), but she would be the best person to have around in the event that you drink too much. Also, she's had some pretty incredible experiences and would make excellent conversation.

Drink the most wine: Would I be cheating if I said it'd probably be me? Most cheese: Ben. He'd simply have to, for his readers' sake.

2. You live in a chilly city come winter - what are your tips/tricks/indulgences for beating the cold and staying chipper?

Hot chocolate and Baileys. Coffee and Baileys. A travel mug full of tea for the walk home (warm drinks are awesome at keeping you that much warmer). Making the decision to either hide inside and avoid the cold altogether, by snuggling up in a blanket or by rocking out with some Rock Band, or to embrace the cold by hitting the mountains (where it's warmer than Edmonton). Getting friends together to go tubing is also super fun, it's hard to complain too much when you're laughing and carrying on.

3. Your city is incredible in the summer - what are you favorite spots to frequent in the summer warmth, and why?

I love the Legislature in the summer. It's transformed into most people's version of the beach. Alberta's beaches are not so awesome, so it's probably a pretty decent substitute. I love to go down there with a book, sit in the shade and people watch. I adore the outdoor market on 104 Street, just north of Jasper Ave. Fresh fruits and veggies, jewelry, baked goods, crafty awesomeness -- with a cold drink it's absolute summer bliss. Though, my absolute favourite spot in the summer, is my apartment balcony. With assorted herbs and flowers potted there, the barbeque, and my little patio set, it's an excellent place to relax with a book, glass of wine or dacquiri to wind down the day. Also, when there are parades down Jasper Ave., it's the perfect parade-watching locale. Oh how I will miss it. *sigh

4. It (being your profile) says you're in communications. What do you do? Do you like it?
I'm a writer (for now). I've done the whole news release writing, speech writing, media planning, campaign-creating aspect of public relations, and I love it. At this point, I've won as many awards in the field for as many years I've been in it. I tend to forget that. As much as I talk about myself a lot on here, I suck at talking myself up in person. I used to work for the Canadian Cancer Society in London as the entire PR team, it was absolutely amazing. I keep my PR skills strong by volunteering with interVivos, a group which brings together business people, politicos, community leaders with young professionals to inspire the next generation of leaders in Edmonton.

5. I've been told that Canadians, and specifically Albertans, are salty snackers, not sweet. What kind of snacker are you? Have any recipes to share, homemaker among us?

Interesting, I've never heard that. I alternate between salty and sweet, I think. I'll give you my favourite cookie recipe. These are the ones most likely to end up in the mail to friends back home (or potentially anyone who I have an address for). Also, my mom just sent me the township's anniversary cookbook from back home, and apparently this is now in there. Ha.

Elle's Chocolate Fudge and PB Cookies
1 cup butter (soft)
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups peanut butter chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar, beat eggs into mixture. Add dry ingredients (except chips). I usually add a little extra flour (makes them fluffier in the end). Mix in chips. Roll into balls, bake for 8-10 minuts at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Easy peasy.