It's Time for the Holidays

I'm not sure what that means to anyone else, but for me the Holidays mean a few things: working (because, really, I have to play for school somehow!), spending time with my family, and seeing friends. This year is a little bit different though, as I have some friends that aren't returning for the holidays and I (once again) have to close at work Christmas Eve and will be unable to go visiting with my family. That doesn't mean that it won't be a great Christmas though - my grandparents and aunt and uncle's family are coming to our house Christmas Day for dinner and I will at some point in time (once everyone's back) be able to make plans to see a bunch of friends while they're home! :-)

The holidays also mean that I have an opportunity to clean my room (which I have to admit I've been avoiding for 3 months because I was busy working and studying and attempting to sleep at some point in time), and today I did just that. However, I ran into a gigantic problem while I was trying to put away all my books: They don't fit well on my shelf. Actually, I've double shelved them, stacked books on top, and still have a book or two lying around my room. Therefore, one of my goals during the break is to find a box and go through my books. I've already decided there are some that I will be donating to my local library or some used book stores, but there are others that will probably be put into boxes, labelled with titles and authors, and put into storage in my parents' crawl-space; I can't throw out books. If I have to get rid of them, I'll donate them, re-sell them, or store them, but books should not be thrown out (in my opinion). There's so much to learn and there are so many memories stored in the pages of a book that I have a hard time parting with most of mine (hence the pile of them I now own)!

What else? Hmmm, I've got wrapping to do and cleaning to finish and I may be making more gingerbread this week (my family already ate my first double batch!), and hopefully I'll be seeing Ren before Christmas for sure, and then after the Holidays it's back to classes (which probably means I'll be AWOL), an interview, and hopefully the next time we chat, internet, I'll have some big news (or I'll just drop in casually to say hello. Y'know, whatever) about a thing that's happening in February and then could (potentially) decide the next chapter of my life and also take months and months of waiting.

Well net, I'm off. My family is downstairs watching The Polar Express and I'm in need of finishing up a card to send to England tomorrow :-)

Pest Controller?!

So as many of you know (or don't, or know and don't care, whatever), I'm graduating from University in the Spring. Because of this, I decided (with the forceful help of my mother - love you!) to see a careers counselor and see what options were available as a career for myself aside from teaching. When I graduate I'll have a BA with an English Major ( no minor, I'm bad, I know). So we talked a bit, and she suggested a careers matchmaker test for me to do and then review with her later (appointment to be made). So, I did the test, and it came up with some good and some horrible careers. I though I'd share the list, with some comments...

1. Library Technician - this wouldn't be so bad for me; I love libraries
2. Writer - maybe... However, as you can maybe tell, I'm not so wonderful with my words. I come across as rather boring quite often, don't I? (let me know what you think, please? :P)
3. Print Journalist - this I could maybe do. I want to take red pens to my local paper and fix it, so maybe I could resolve some issues by taking this on as a career?
4. Critic - Nope, don't feel intelligent enough for that!
5. Casting Director - this sounds really neat, but they seem to have missed the fact that my theater experience is quite limited. I don't act. However, I can fit people to roles?
6. Archivist - Maaaaaybe..
7. Political Aide - Uh, nope. I don't do politics.
8. Personal Trainer - I don't think I'm fit enough for this.
9. Telephone Operator - ..... I don't want to live in a call center and get hung up on repeatedly!
10. Medical Transcriptionish - This would be cool, I think. I'd have to do more school though, pretty sure.
11. Receptionist/ Information Clerk - This I could do. This I would not mind doing. However, I'm not sure I'd love to do it for life?
12. Historian - Give me European History and maybe. Send to to Canadian and no. Nope. Much as I love my country, our History is not as rich and the 'older' countries. Actually, Egypt or Rome or Greece would be cool too. I don't know very much about the Asian world, but I imagine their History would also be alright.
13. Adoption Counsellor - what? Me? 
14. Activist - can you see this tiny body being an activist? I can't. Nope, not happening
15. Researcher - Maybe. What am I researching?
16. Professional Athlete - uncoordinated
17. Dancer - haven't taken a class in years, Do not measure up to anyone I've seen that does well dancing.
18. Curriculum Specialist - This actually sounds cool. Hard, but cool.
19. Anthropologist - ENGLISH MAJOR
20. Mediator - Uhm, I don't know if I want to deal with VIU vs others, or Teachers vs Government. Actually, this doesn't sound fun
21. Adult Education Teacher - This I could do :)
22. Medical Secretary - Again, more school. But it sounds pretty okay :)
23. Administrative Assistant - Maaaaybe? Lol, alright
24. Public Policy Analyst - No?
25. Pest controller - WTF?!
26. Health Records Professional - what is this? Question for Lyn
27. Communications Specialist - Maybe.. How good with technology do I have to be?
28. Sports Official - I'd have to know sports then...
29. Dispatcher - Hmmm, probably not
30. Immigration Officer - no thank you
31. Physical Education Teacher - wouldn't I need to know sports then?
32. Singer - have you HEARD me sing?!
33. Speech - Language Pathologist - Sounds thrilling, but not too much work here right now? Also, no Linguistics experience
34. Corporate Trainer - PR work I could probably deal with?
35. Public Relations Specialist - 'Specialist'? Erm, that sounds intimidating
36. Sport Psychology Consultant - ... there's that Sport word again
37. Concierge - yeah, I don't think that's the career I'm paying thousands for
38. Fundraiser - didn't I spend my Youth doing that?
39. Data Entry Clerk - All day every day?
40. Special Effects Technician - That sounds like it involves technology... Technology and I don't always get  along. 

On another list were also 'Lobbyist' and 'Career Coach'... I don't know about you, but I'm not so sure about [most] of the things on this list. It was fun though, and there are a few I'm going to talk to the Career Counsellor about later. Also, I've got to remember this week to go to a resume workshop again, and also find out more about writing a CV. I need to do these. However, that's all I've got for tonight. Sorry for the degradation in my typing/English/literacy but it's early morning/late night, I've been up for 19 hours, and because I just got off work 2 hours ago I can't seem to sleep. I also have to be up in 6 hours for work again.. Oi vey it's going to be a long term... I'm off to try to sleep/read The Wings of the Dove and/or Wacousta, and do such things a sthe weekend brings me... Tell me what you think of my career assessment test thing?

One week (and a bit)

That's how much of my summer is left: one week and a bit. Specifically, I return to classes on Wednesday September 7th, and although I'm really excited I'm also a little bit sad. I told myself that this summer I would try to see my friends more, hang out, and do all the things I never got much of a chance to do either as a teenager in the summer or last summer. Guess what? I didn't do that. Yes, I saw (some of) my friends. Yes, I went out. But I have also managed to work 57 of the last 70 days, occasionally for 10-11 hours. This sort of subtracts from the whole 'social life' thing - when your day starts at 6:30 am and you don't get home from work until after 8pm you don't really want to get dressed and go out again. Actually, you (or at least I) don't want to do too much. A trip to the local pub with some friends, a good book with a cup of tea, a visit with a friend, or some television/Internet before sleeping like a rock is about it. But you know, aside from not being hugely social (or swimming very much due to a summer that contained very little swimming weather), I feel like my summer has been pretty good. I've met a bunch of really interesting, super nice people (most of which may or may not be my mother's age and older), I've discovered a super nice bookstore (honestly if you have not checked out Russell Books on Fort St in Vic you totally should!), I've become slightly addicted to Zumba, seen my best friend (which WILL continue to happen until such time as she leaves the country), and just generally recuperated from a very busy 2 terms at school. Now however, I'm ready to return.

I'm ready to go back and see people I haven't seen since April (minus Miss Cammi, who unfortunately for me has returned to England - however, I still wouldn't mind seeing/chatting with her; Hi Cammi!!), meet some new people (hopefully - we all know how good I am at that), see the people that I have seen infrequently through the summer more frequently because we'll be on campus, read lots, learn more, and just generally be a student again. Heck, I'm even sort of looking forward to seeing Biblio full of people, haha. All that being said though, it's going to be a tough year.

My mother and I have been talking, and it has been decided that I need to go to a career counselor when I return to campus - 'What can I do with an English Degree' - I still feel like I want to teach, but I also feel like I really should understand more of my options. I apply to graduate this fall, and apply to Grad School. My mother also told me that I should consider taking a year off between undergrad and grad school and doing something. This evening, Bug suggested something that sounds super neat but may or may not be feasible (work my butt off for half a year, travel and visit friends while they're at school/off the island for a bit, see the world a bit), but I'm also considering the Disney International Program. It's something I've wanted to do for a few years, and if I take time off between schooling, it may be the perfect opportunity. We'll see what happens though; I've still got a week to get my head around returning to school and such.

Actually, tomorrow after going to the bank (I need to see about getting a better interest rate on my car loan with MY bank over the GBC) I'm going to head into town and get school supplies and possibly a journal of sorts. Nothing fancy, but something to write thoughts and such in (the other journal I have is full of stuff lol). Then I SHOULD come home and start my homework in earnest. Oh right, yeah, school hasn't started yet but I have homework. Basically. I've got to read something on Shakespeare before the first class (Histories and Tragedies - what have I gotten myself into?!), and by the second class need to have Titus Andronicus completely read. I haven't started yet. I have though started Dracula, and it is fantastic. I want to keep reading, but keep having to stop and absorb things and piece bits out. It's wonderful. And the Vampires in it are real and ghastly, not sparkly (no offence - well maybe a bit - but sparkly vampires? Not my cuppa tea). I gave up on reading The Wings of the Dove and put it down, and now I've lost it in my pile of books. However, I need to pick it up again soon - term is approaching! I thiiiink that's about all I have to say about right now, and so I leave you with this a) super long blog post [ yay, I've done something to my blog!] and b) two photos.

This first one is my bookshelf as it currently is: three shelves, two completely double rowed (so there may be Archie comics back there on one, okay?!), one over half doubled up. Yeah, I'm out of space. I have a box of Science texts in my closet if anyone's in need - let me know what you need, I may have it (years 1-2 only?).

This photo contains all the books that I have to read for class this term. Not year, term. Before December. There are 26 required texts here (well, 24. I currently have Dracula on my nightstand and Titus Andronicus is sitting in the front seat of my car) and I've read two in their entirety. I've also read Treasure Island before but I was about 10, so I have to re-read it. So I've read The Hobbit and Sabriel so far. I'm hooped. Oh well, I'll get through it... Once I stop procrastinating. Dammit Internet, stop being so alluring!

I don't have much to say

Tonight I've just basically come to the realization that I don't write in my blog as often as I could. Actually, I've started using Tumblr lately as a great 'time-suck.' It's highly entertaining, and I get to see lots of wonderful stuff about DW, HP, and Disney. So, that's where I am a lot of the time I could be blogging. If you're interested in what I'm up to, head over to www.corner-truisms.tumblr.com. I spend a bit of time there actually blogging, but a deal of time re-blogging things. Still, it's updated more than this is (sadly). Now that may not remain true as I go back to school, but we'll see shall we?

Until next time though, your faithfully,

Tink xo

Let's look through my purse

So, I came to the conclusion at the grocery store today that at times I put FAR too much stuff in my purse. Today was one of those days because it was fairly full. Like, it didn't close full. Want to know what was in it (because I do. I can't remember!)? Well, I think I'll clean it out and see just how much was in there.

• 2 t-shirts and a sweater
• lunch/dinner dishes
• eyeglasses in a case
• water bottle
• cell phone
• wallet
• deodorant (I went from job A to job B today, okay?)
• 3 sets of keys and a sign in fob
• Titus Andronicus from the Folger Shakespeare Library
• The Wings of the Dove by Henry James
• 2 year planner
• notebook (miniature)2 headbands
• 2 ipods (old and new..)
• contact lens solution
• camera
• 2 packs of chewing gum (5 Rain and 5 React fruit for anyone interested. yum!)
• pocket knife
• locker key
• hand lotion
• Tylenol and allergy medicine
• receipts
• lighter (from a camping trip, haha)
• lip balm (love my Burt's Bees!)

How do I get that much stuff in there?! Well, I guess that's all I've got today as all I'm doing lately is work, read (just finished The Hobbit), sleep, eat, etc. Oh, and buy books. Lots of wonderful books. So many books! :)

I need to buy a smaller purse.

How is it August?!

Hey internets! So it's been a few weeks, and I'm sitting here listening to the stereo pump out sped up 80's hits at work with no one around, so I thought I'd write. I missed you/this. And thus, here's a little update from myself; enjoy!

Well, the last few weeks have been a bit of a blurr. Between my two jobs I'm working about 50 hours a week and have some fairly strange hours (i.e. 8-1 and 3-8 in a day, or 7:30-12:30 and 2-8 in a day). My family are also MIA. No, they haven't been taken away by CSIS, they've just left me on my onesies for a while. Bug's gone to Honduras on a Missions trip, and my parents are out in the mountains camping and seeing bears. I'm here, working. But hey, it's not all bad!

I've just bought 22 of my 26 school books for September (and I'm reading some of them. It's hard to resist when the required reading is things like Dracula, The Hobbit, Sabriel, and Treasure Island), seen some friends, remembered to give my puppy his pills on time, kept the garden alive (and eaten fresh fruit every day!), and done a few other things. What are those other things? Well, first off, I validated and early registration account for Pottermore Friday and I'm waiting for my email to come saying that I can start using it [they won't let us all on at once :(]. So if there's anyone else out there on Pottermore, keep an eye out for DawnQuest114 if you'd like (I think that's my username). I also went to the dinner theatre with my Grandparents Friday night, and it was superb. We saw Fiddler on the Roof, which was brilliant. Because of this, I got home slightly before midnight, didn't sleep until around 2, got up lateish (7), and still managed to get to work early enough to open on time. I was pretty pleased with myself.

Other than that, there's not been tooooo much. Tonight was Doctor Who night with a friend, so we tried to get her as caught up in the show as possible. We have 3 episodes left to watch before she is completely caught up, but that's good time.. I think we watched about 6 episodes tonight, and we even made it through part of A Very Potter Musical while we were waiting. 

That seems to be my life in a nut shell at the moment. I'm waiting for a friend to see if she has a particular weekend off so that we can go be touristy in Seattle, so we'll see how that goes, and I'm heading off to bed now because I have to work 'tomorrow' (which is actually today because of the time of 'morning').

Ciao, love, and keep it groovy! :)

Lots of Rambling, or, Why People Should Come to the Gym More

Wow, am I actually posting a second blog in July? /there must be something wrong with me! No, really, there may be. But there probably isn't, I'm just tired and cold - but that's because I just finished a workout with the A/C on. So there!

Hmm, what's been going on lately? Well, I could tell you that I've finished another book, but that'd be a lie. Basically since I wrote last I've done a lot of the same sort of stuff I've been doing for months: reading (a little; if there were more sun I may read more and be out enjoying it-today was nice though!), working (both at the grocer and the gym), sleeping (my bed may be my current best friend.. Sorry Ray-Ray, but sleep is heaven), working out (which I should start doing less maybe.. I think my body's hitting exhaustion), attending Zumba (which is not only super fun, but one heck of a workout), and basically subsisting.

Thursday (like, a week from today!) Bug leaves for Honduras for her missions trip, and a few days later my parents head off on their duo vacation in the Mountains and plains of AB for 3 weeks. Am I jealous of everyone going away? Heck yes. However, they're leaving the dog home with me this time, which is like, a super upgrade. The only down side of this is that he's on prednosoln (sp?), and has to be given his pills everyday, which will become my responsibility. That and brushing his teeth, but that's not such a bad deal; I get big scary looking pet to stay with me (well, SOMEONE must think he's scary looking, right?), I give him what he needs. Seems fair. So there's that.

I'm considering maybe going to Seattle for like, a few days at the end of the summer, maybe just like, "2 nights" on the Clipper, so yeah.. Maybe give myself a vacation with that? But I'll have to see. I don't want to go on my own, but I know Ray-Ray is hoping to go to Europe in the fall and Bug can't go with me, she'll be just getting back into life in Canada. I dunno, it just seems like summer's going by super fast and I'm, well, working. Which isn't a bad thing, I'm rather enjoying my jobs (and one's giving me ample opportunity to do stuff like this AND get fit), but wow. This time next year I'll (hopefully) be a University grad. And at this rate I'll be back doing the same things I've always done for the summer - back to the grocer.

That sounds bitter, doesn't it? Well, I'm not trying to be bitter, just realistic. With the job market the way it currently is and the rate at which my luck seems to go, I'll be working in grocery stores well into my career teaching. So if anyone knows of a super great summer job I can get with a BA, English Major next summer, let me know? I'd love to expand my horizons! Hmm, what else have I got to say today?

I don't think that there's really anything more that I can add. I'm hoping maybe to have a day off coming up, and I might head into town this weekend after work to hang out, but until then there's not mu-

OH! I'm going to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 with a friend Sunday! I know, I know, super nerd. However, it has been such a huge part of my childhood! I can still remember picking up PS in the Fourth Grade, reading it avidly, and asking Mrs Allen if she had any more (which she didn't yet). I can remember receiving copies of the books for my birthdays because they were released around that time, or going out to camp and having to pick up the latest book in Costco halfway through a camping trip. Being jealous of my little sister's going to a release party without me because I had to be up early. Daddy spoiling the book for Grandma because we were passing it through the family on a camping trip and he forgot she hadn't read it yet (yeah.. 6 people, 1 copy of HBP... Bad mix). I can remember seeing the movies with my family, and sometimes going again with my friends. Although the films aren't my personal, perfect rendition of the Potter series, they really are great films in their own right, and so this last film, the eighth installment, is the close of something huge. It's not just the end of a chapter of my life, but a whole part.

That being said, it's not something that I'm leaving behind. It simply means that there are no new films and books to come out (that we know of.. Jo better not be holding out on us!), so I have a "complete" frame of reference. However, there is still Pottemore (though I've not signed up for early entry or whatever - no free time for that lol), there's still a huge following, and I've still got my copies of the books. That being said, it may be time to get a new copy of PS. It has not only been read by multiple people, but chewed by my dog, cried over, and read amongst colds/flues, etc. It's falling apart, but it's the book that started it all. My little soft-cover, battered version. It's the only book I have in paperback, actually. The rest I got either the day they came out (my grandparents actually pre-ordered me  a few for my birthday!) or shortly thereafter, and though they're destroyed the hardcovers have saved them. So yeah, NOW I think that's about it...

I'm off to finish a bit more workout now that my stomach's settled and then wash floors and remember to turn off the A/C at the end of the night.. Have a wonderful evening, and remember "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." - JKR <3

Once a month?

Hey, internet! Guess what? I've decided I should probably update my blog. It's been a little while, hasn't it? Oops. I thought maybe with school over I'd be more able to blog or something, but I honestly haven't really felt like it. Sue me, eh?

So, what's happened since we last had a moment? hmmm... *scrolls back and looks at blog post from last month* Well, when I posted my last blog, it was actually the day before my birthday, so that happened. It was a good day, went and had some family time on the actual night of my birthday (because I worked during the day), and the next night after work I went up to the pub with some friends for drinks and appies... What else has happened since that? Hmm..

I finished the Hunger Games Trilogy last night, and Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen before that - all were so extremely good! And they're making a Hunger Games movie, I've heard. Tres excited, but it'll be hard to portray perfectly, I think. There's so much that is left for interpretation with regards to the horrors that the citizens of Panem face. I'm now reading John Green's Looking For Alaska, which is good thus far, though I'm not truly that far in.

July First was not only Canada Day (so a happy belated birthday, country of my birth!), but Ray-Ray's birthday too. We went up and did a high-trees adventure/obstacle course, rode ziplines across a canyon, and she bungee jumped, so that was an excellent day as well. Since then, basically what I've been doing is reading and working. I'm hopelessly addicted to the Zumba classes that the daytime manager at my Curves location teaches, so I've been going to those, and I'm considering (in my free time, and if it ever gets near me!) taking my certification if the opportunity ever presents itself. Ooooh, and I've updated some of my technology in the past month!

I bought a car. Not a brand spanking new car, but a newer car than the one I had, and a car that is new to me. I'm now the proud owner of a 2005 Honda Civic in standard. This is a little bit freaky for me as now I not only have car payments to make once a month for the next 3 or 4 years, but I am also driving a standard. I've driven standard before, but I was never very good at it. Well, now I have to be, don't I? So that's going pretty well - the only reason I've stalled in the last few days was due to distraction, so I'm pretty thrilled. Not so thrilled that Bug was along for it, but since she's got no insurance and needs a taxi service (or loaner car) and I had to go to work this evening, she had to be there. My other upgrade isn't quite so extreme, but I'm pretty thrilled about it.

I got a new laptop! Nothing super fancy, it's a Sony VAIO (in bright green!), but I'm thrilled. It's faster than my old HP was, and it's sleek and gorgeous. It also has a working webcam built into it (though I also have an HD webcam that I go for my birthday), so I can chat with friends that are away from me. I'm excited! Lol, I think that almost sums up my month to now...

Oh hey, so I was sick for like, 7 weeks. Then I took Cold FX and I'm no longer feeling like a leaky faucet, but I'm still not 100%. I don't have whatever it is I had before; now I've just got allergies. However, I've got a weird breathy cough and I'm losing my voice and all that stuff. Is it possible to just like, develop asthma? I'm having a hard time breathing during my workouts >.< If this keeps up too much longer I'm going to have to see my Doctor, and though he's a very nice man and everything, I'd prefer not to have to go to his place of employment - it's never a good thing for me. Aw well, I'mma eat my cherries and try to get through the rest of the evening here at work.

Sidenote: Yes, I AM writing this on a computer at work. I've finished my workout (mostly, but I've still got like 3 hours), I've tidied, and I've finished my paperwork and desk stuff. I could be reading, but I decided that I've been absent a little too long. Also, ABBA is stupidly catchy, and speeding it up to 140 bpm does not make their music any less catchy... "gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight..."

So I actually wrote this on the 16th..

-- And there she was. Emerging from the lake in her plain white nightgown, her dark hair standing around her shoulders made more obvious by th pallour of her skin. She was beautiful, but there was something wrong. Yes, her skin was pale, far too pale to be considered remotely healthy, but I shrugged this off and blamed it on the glacier fed lake and cold December night. No, it wasn't just her skin - it was her eyes. Instead of the burning intensity I was accustomed to seeing when I looked my baby sister in the eyes, they were dead. Devoid of any emotion, her eyes were staring blankly ahead of her. I ran to her in a panic, but she didn't see me. That blank stare, those dead eyes. The true colour of her skin began to register and I drew back in terror, opening my mouth to speak. My sister was one of Them, a re-emergence, and the village had to be alerted.
Hey! So, I'm back. It's been what, a week since I last wrote anything here, right? Well, in that time not too much has happened to me personally - work, coffee with Ray-Ray, shopping with Momma, the usual summer things (without the summer weather). But lots has happened in my province, though thankfully not near my home. The Canucks made it into Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, and the game was hosted in Vancouver. They lost, and riots ensued. I just don't understand this. I mean, obviously the people that started the riot went downtown explicitly ready to cause trouble, but why? (I realize they probably would have done this win or lose, but it's just so childish!) It's a sports event, it should be something to enjoy, cheer for, and gather. It shouldn't be a catalyst for violence. The people rioting were, in my opinion, not "fans" of either the team or the sport - they were just out to cause trouble - and in doing so, they have probably ruined a beautiful thing for multitudes of peaceful people. After the riot in 1994 and now this, do you think Vancouver will allow a public event like this to take place again? We (alright, they.. I just paid for it..) hosted a brilliant Olympics little over a year ago, and now this.. A beautiful, multi-cultural, international event that goes off well, and now this. Over a hockey game in which a handful of the players on the winning team are ALSO FROM CANADA. I guess I'm never going to understand sports.

I have to admire how well the situation was handled by the authorities, and I give them kudos and much appreciation for their hard work. I also admire the volunteers who went out and helped clean up the city; hundreds of people went out and helped to clean up a mess that they did not create, and that they (and we) will have to pay for with their tax dollars. To everyone involved in the security and clean-up, Thank you. To those causing the problems, I have nothing to say other than that I am embarrassed. So very, very embarrassed to share a home with you.

On a lighter note, I just finished reading Sabriel and I loved it. I can remember trying to pick it up in like, Grade 6 and deciding to read more Harry Potter instead, but since I've read those over multiple times and I was urged to read Sabriel by a friend at school this year, I did. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. I finished it while I was at work (it was super dead and I'm allowed to read to pass the time, okay?), and I instantly wished that I had a copy of Luriel (sp?) hidden away in my purse somewhere. The book had just enough of the fantastic in it, with a sound grounding in emotional reality (minus the development of true love or whatever, but that's just my opinion) to keep me reading, and the epilogue left me craving more. It also inspired me to write the blurb that's at the top of today's post. What do you think of it? Is it a little to strange or amateur, or is it something you may consider reading if I developed it further? Because as it stands, "That's all she wrote". That little bit just kind of happened along in my ming, and found its way onto some scrap paper to be put out here.

Also, I started watching Torchwood. It's not at all the same as Doctor Who, but I'm enjoying it as a way to help me pass my time and get my alien being in England fix. It doesn't hurt that Captain Jack was always a character I enjoyed in Who, either.

But I think that's it for me, I'm going to have some (more) tea. Let me know what you think.thought of my writing and Sabriel, and if you have any good book recommendations feel free to let me know! :) 

So, I posted this roughly a week after writing it. Why? Because I thought I'd lost it in cyberspace. Turns out my email manager thought it was junk mail instead (as I composed most of it while I was at work with the cleaning as done as it could get without closing..) and I've only just found it while getting my laptop back up and running after it died and daddy revived it. Shall I say it "regenerated"? I think so! :P

... She Lives!

Wow, so I guess it has been a while since I wrote anything in here, huh? It's not that I haven't wanted to, it's just that every time I think of it something either comes up and I get side-tracked for hours, or something else happens and I think, "Oh, I'll do it in an hour" and then realize that I have to leave. Even this blog post is being cobbled together at various times! So, I guess last time I wrote I was on the beach in the sunshine, contemplating a change of scenery... Well, guess what?

I'm still here.

Yupp, I'm still at home, but I'm much busier than before. I'm now working two jobs, which puts me at 7 days a week (on average) where I am at a workplace of some sort. However, I really love my new job. I'm working at a Curves location (where I had already been working out since 2007) and I really enjoy. Not only am I working out and getting back into shape, but I am meeting some truly amazing women with some great stories to tell and wonderful bits of wisdom.

Aside from that, not too much is going on. This past Sunday was my first day off in 2 weeks and 2 girlfriends and myself went up to Longbeach Saturday night, camped out, and had a blast on the beach Sunday. We also got some very toasty sunburns.. I'm nearly all recovered, but there are a few blotches on my back that may peel.. So much for wearing sunscreen! I had it on and I got nice and toasty.. D didn't wear any and is lobster red, so overall it was a fairly successful trip to the beach, right?

Aside from the beach and work, I'm all caught up on Doctor Who (and can't wait for Autumn to roll around!), I've started watching Doctor Who Confidential on occassion (which is sort of neat), and I'm considering watching Torchwood.. Has anyone out there seen it? Have any opinions as to whether or not I should see it?

I think that's all I can think of to write out for this post, but if any inspiration bites, I'll letcha know. I'm off to have a cuppa tea and then probably head to bed because I'm working (again) tomorrow... Ta! :)

Beach Writings

So I have this job interview for a job that is in a land-locked area, and lately it has set me thinking. I'm really excited about the job and totally hope I get it, but at the same time I can't imagine not living within driving distance of the ocean...

***

I'm not entirely certain as to why this is so, but I think it has something to do with the rhythms of the ocean and its ever-varying nature; it is the place I find myself constantly returning to, regardless of the weather. When I'm down or depressed, I take a trip out to the waterfront to calm down and find strength and support (when I don't feel like talking it out with my mama); when I'm calm and serene the ocean is a natural place that I turn to in order to discover new things or just be at peace. I think it's the natural, tumultuous nature of the place that appeals to me.

In winds and storms the waves swell and crash, beating against the shore relentlessly. This beating when you're upset can be sobering and soothing; it's as if nature is sympathizing with you and is beating back your problems, making them seem less dire. The wild nature of the waves ans stir emotions and calm them back down. If that doesn't work, you can picture yourself as the rocks along the coast.

The ocean is like the world surrounding you, and you are the shore. Ever so slowly the world beats you down, but it never succeeds in totally obliterating you. You hold strong and persevere, pushing through adversity and differences, each time emerging as something new. The world may beat away at you, but more than that it reshapes you just as the ocean reshapes the rocks along the shore.

On the flip side, the ocean is a place of peace and discovery when you are calm or light-hearted. There's always something changing or something new occurring. Whether is be the waves lapping against the shore or the critters hiding on the beach, there is always something new; something changes, something moves, and the entire picture is changed.

These two outlooks are only from the shores of the beach though; imagine what it's like out on the water itself. Not on some magnificent cruise liner where you can barely tell you're on the water, but on a calm day in the average vessel. Imagine getting far enough out to sea that all you can see is water. Water and sky are the only things surrounding you and you stop, turning off the motor and the stereo.

As the boat drifts in the tide you notice more than you ever thought possible in what some people have described as a "bland view". The rhythm of the water as it sloshes around your boat lulls you into serenity, and as you gaze at the water you notice not only the life forms below the surface, going about their daily routines, but the liveliness of the water itself. The fluidity captures your interest and soon you are lost in the colours, watching to see the water shift from one hue of blue to the next and noticing the amount of green in the water. You notice how the light reflects off the water, giving it more of a shining appearance, and curious you set your hand or feet into the water.

The cold temperature at first shocks you and you are tempted to pull out, but you don't. You persevere, noticing the ripples around your appendage and how they slowly meld with the waves until it looks like both the ripples and your appendage were always there. Slowly you realize that the water doesn't feel as cold anymore, and that it is instead rather soothing. You begin to drift off into thought now, slowly trailing your appendage in the water, and when you return to the marina at the end of the day you feel peaceful and calm. You feel as if you have left all of your problems out on the ocean and have carried the serenity and strength of the ocean home with you in their place.

***

This, I think, is why I'm having a hard time imagining living without the ocean; it's a place to think and be free, but it's also a hub of activity free from too much human influence. Some people will argue that a lake is just as good, but I disagree (I'm lucky.. I live within driving distance, or walking if I have hours, of both a lake and the ocean). Lakes are too contained; they are surrounded by homes and parks quite often, and can become over-populated with boats and swimmers. The magnitude of the ocean prevents it from feeling as cluttered as a lake, and its beaches seem to be more wild. Lakes aren't as tumultuous as the ocean in storms, and they will never hold that distinct ocean smell. No, I can't imagine living years without the ocean, but I'm definitely willing to give it a try for the summer!

[Also, sorry this is so long but I was sitting by the water writing in the sunshine earlier today and really liked this so I thought I'd share :)]

Zippers

I was thinking about what to write today and I could have gone with something like Zelda (which I actually played at a friend's place when I was little on what N64 because we didn't have a game console at home), but I don't know much about the game and I'm not feeling particularly interested in gaming tonight. Instead, I think I'm going to talk about two things: The zipper and the creation that is the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz (and its amazing creator).

So, zippers.. We use them everyday, don't we? I know for a fact I've worn 4 different zippering articles of clothing today: two pairs of pants (work pants and jeans), a jacket, and a hoodie. These awesome little toothed devices pull sides of fabric together, and I've always heard that they were invented by a Canadian. However, I've had a hard time finding evidence for this online, so I'm going to leave it as a question for anyone who may care to answer: Who actually invented the zipper as we now know it, and where are you finding this information? As an English person I feel like I should be able to find this stuff, but I just caaaaan't tonight. It may be the 8.5 hours of work and then hockey I just watched (Canucks lost. Again.), or I may just be dumb tonight, but I'm unable to find this stuff. Anyways, zippers...

They're wonderful! and we use them in a lot of different ways, including that stereotypical nerdy joke that we all hear in highschool Biology that helps us remember something from the course (if you don't know this joke, really? How've you not heard it). It was originally presented to me in 12th grade as a reallly horrible pick-up line, but I've heard a multitude of variations. Basically though, it's "Hi, I'm DNA helicase and I'd like to unzip your genes". But zippers aren't used only in these ways. Did you know that the first airtight zippers were created by NASA for pressure-suits, and were later adapted and used for space suits and (now) wet/dry suits in swimming?

Zippers are produced in the vast majority by the Japanese company YKK now, and with the 'double zip' (you know, the zipper that opens from the top and bottom that is often included in newer jackets and stuff) they're appearing all over the place. Disappearing are buckles and buttons, emerging are zippers. Actually, the zipper is probably the most widely used fastening device in the world today. Scary.

Anyways, I promised to talk about the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz today too, and basically what I wanted to do was leave you with something fun. Being the English-y person that I am, I thought I'd leave you with a 'Z' that was fun and meant a bit to me, and because the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz is a Seuss creation, it's always going to mean something to me. I was brought up on Seuss's books; some of the first books I ever read on my own were his, and Are You My Mother will always be a super cute favourite. I'd also, however, like to point out that though his books were fun and cute and educational, they weren't always over-the-top educational; they were a good way to teach children to read and write (remember, things that rhyme will stick in our minds for far more time, and a rhythm is always helpful too!), but they were definitely filled with impractical things, such as the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz. He's not going to appear on a spelling test any day soon, but he sure is a good way to teach children to say and write out their 'z's. Education and fun-always a good thing to put hand-in-hand!

So yeah, this has been my month (minus Sundays) in blogs. I may do something like this again, we shall see. However, if I do maybe next time I'll do it with more of a theme in mind. I'm off to watch some Doctor Who and go to bed though now.. I've got to be up at 6:30 tomorrow morning to go to work *gags*. I won't say goodbye forever though, as I can pretty much guarantee that I'll be back at some point in time. Ciao, it has been a slice!

Yeti

Yupp, I decided to go there. You know, the abominable snowman or the Meh-Teh? Yeah, they're all kinda the same thing. Big, white, monstery things. Specifically they're said to inhabit the Himalayas but I've seen one, and I've never been off the continent. What about you? Have you seen a Yeti? I can share my story about seeing the Yeti if you'd like.

(If you don't care, disregard the next little bit. Otherwise, carry on)

So, I went with my family and we took this sort of slow pace up to the top of the mountain, seeing some stalactites and stalagmites on the way up, and ice and stuff. Then we started heading down, and it was dark. We're rushing down the inside of a mountain by this point, in the dark and cold, and then we see eyes. We get separated from the people slightly ahead of us, and then it comes. There's this Yeti looming over us screeching, and we whiz past it and it's gone. That's my only encounter with a Yeti, and if you haven't guess, it was on an attraction. A specific attraction, actually: The Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland Park.

I honestly don't remember much about the first time I went on this ride (I was 12, okay?) but I do remember that it was darn cold. And the Yeti scared the beegezus out of me; it was big and lit with strobe lights and it was terribly loud and sprung upon you. It was terrifying to my 12 year old self for a few seconds, until we were whipped around a corner and I was laughing again. The second time I was on that ride it was just funny (I was nearly 17 by this point, and was on a trip with my school. Everything is much more awesome when you go with your friends!) and enjoyable, although the person I was riding in the sled with was slightly uncomfortable about the situation.. He wasn't thrilled about sitting behind me in the sled. Oh well, not my fault! The third time I went on the ride I was 18 and with my family and the sled was a little squishy, but otherwise the ride was still fun. This time we went on it at like, 11:30pm and the park was nearly empty. It was so much fun, and the Yeti was probably the highlight of that trip. With the complete darkness brought on by the absence of the sun the strobes surrounding the Yeti were just that much more epic, and the glowing lights were even more penetrating. The general feeling of surreal surroundings was increased by the strobes hitting the white walls and 'ice' and creating a glimmering, beautiful effect set off totally by this hulking ape-like cryptid.

I would compare and contrast Yeti sightings to further this blog post, but to be honest I'm only really interested in the Yeti I've seen. The myth is always fun to hear and it something to listen to and all, but I've never been faced with anything to prove the existence of a Yeti, and so I will continue to believe that they only exist in things such as Disney rides, stories, and as people spotting Spirit Bears and being totally off track in thinking that they appear ape-like. Giant white apes are on the list of things I would believe in, but abominable snowmen are not.

** Oh my gosh guys, I can`t believe after I finish this post off (very shortly) There`s only one left to write! This month has flown by, and this summer is just getting ready to pick up. I realize these blogs haven't been the most amazing things ever, but I'm enjoying myself. If you want quality writing, check out my papers or turn to someone else's blog; this one's for fun, freedom, and venting. However, it's not over yet! So, while I leave you to mull over my random musings (I've just realized I could have done this whole blog and referred only to things Disney, which would have been SO much fun!... Maybe next time), I'm off to enjoy my new Summertime Rooibos tea (which is essentially strawberry-rhubarb tea and tastes like warm ice cream, or pie. I call it 'magic tea' or 'crack tea' because of its addictiveness) and enjoy my evening. Lots of love! <3

'X'

So I could be stereotypically nerdy and write about X-Men or something, but to be honest my knowledge of the X-Men is highly limited. I also can't be bothered to look more into it at this moment, as I'm playing lazy and just don't feel like it. I have, however, finally come across a topic to write about today for X: The lack of dictionary entries starting with 'X' in my dictionary.

There are actually only 9 definitions in my dictionary for words starting with the letter 'X'. 9. I don't have like, a new dictionary or the most super awesome dictionary out there, but I've got a Collins Pocket Reference English Dictionary published in Canada in 1998. I'm assuming therefore that it has all the entries in it that could be considered imperative or pertinent. However, only 9 entries? That's slightly sad. And you know what the entries are? Obviously not if you're there and don't have a copy of the dictionary in front of you, so I'll tell you: 'X', 'Xe', 'Xenon', 'xenophobia', 'Xerox', 'Xmas', 'x-ray', 'xylem', and 'xylophone'.

The biggest disappointment for me was that I went into this whole "let's check the dictionary and see if there's a cool word I can talk about" thing totally stoked to learn a new word, and I didn't learn anything new. It may sound pathetic, but with only 9 words, there wasn't really much to learn. And honestly, after studying Biology and English Literature as I have, the only words that could have been questionable ("Xe", "xenophobia", and "xylem") have cropped up in lectures on more than one occasion. 'Xe' is the chemical abbreviation of xenon, 'xenophobia' is the fear or hatred of people from other countries (which my Lit prof for 18th century novels liked to point out occurred quite a bit in some of our assigned readings), and xylem is the plant tissue that conducts water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Wow, looking over that it makes me sound extremely boring and nerdy, but I suppose one of the two is at least slightly correct. I'm a bit of a nerd, I'll admit it. However, that doesn't mean I wasn't disappointed. I may have to go out and buy a better dictionary for myself soon. You know, one of those ones that looks like a gigantic tome, and when you pull it out people kind of gape? Yeah, I definitely want one of those! It'd be like when the guy in my Archaeology class pulled out a quill to take notes, but even more awkward. Yupp, it'd be great.

I feel like I haven't done a great job of talking about anything to do with 'X' today, but with only 9 entries in my dictionary how can I? It's not like I need to learn anything new... Xenon is bad to play with in large quantities, Xerox is a brand of copy machine, I can play the xylophone (though not amazingly, it's a skill I was taught in elementary school - ukulele, marimba, xylophone, recorder), 'X' is used in multiple ways (wrong, unknown, etc), x-rays are something I've had far too many of, and the others have already been explained. Oh well, I guess there's not really much more I can discuss.. I'm off to nerd out, I guess. Or watch hockey. And I'm going to eat some salmon dinner soon too, then have a glass of tea. And tomorrow I'm going with Ray-Ray to her last day of classes! :)

Words!!

Look, it's Wednesday night and it's 'W'! I'm excited! Lol, but really today I've decided that I'm going to talk about words. They're wonderful and they help us to communicate. We all use different words and we all use them in different ways, but we can all communicate in some manner; even if you don't go into a place knowing a language you'll know at least a few words by the time you leave (even if they're cusses or things like 'washroom', they're words!).

And there are so many great words. I'm going for a short post tonight because I've put basically no thought into what I'm going to write as I relaxed this morning, looked up some skating stuff, went to work, hung out with some friends, and ended up here. However, I can share some of my favourite words with you today it you'd like. (hears no replies).. I'll take that as a yes!

So, I love the word 'awesome'. I know it's over used and fully girly sounding, but it's a nice sounding word; it rolls off the tongue nicely. I'm also a fan of the word 'skookum'. If you've never heard it you're obviously not from the West Coast of Canada, but basically it's another word for great. The word 'whisper' is also pretty great; it's one of those words that sort of comes out sounding like what it means.. If you have ever said it in the right tone you'll understand what I'm talking about.

But really, I think that's all I'm going to get up to tonight; my brain has stopped functioning fully so I'm going to go catch up on watching the vlogbrothers, then it's off to bed. G'night!!

Voices

So, I had a difficult time choosing a topic to write about again; 'V' is such a difficult letter for me. I could write about my personal victories, but that just gets far to personal and emotional and all that (plus, what I consider a victory is way different from what some others may consider a victory); I could write about old friendships etc, which this letter of the alphabet bring to mind, but that could get messy and possibly vindictive; I was considering writing about VISI (Vancouver Island Skate International) which used to be one of my favourite competitions, but that's just going to bring up skating memories and such, and I don't feel like doing that tonight. No, tonight I'm going to talk about voices.

Not the voices in my head (although I will acknowledge their existence; they get upset when I don't), but the variety of voices I actually use. You see, I have my collection of work voices, school voices, speaking with children voices, and acting adult voices. Then I have my 'normal' voice and my singing voices; it would appear that I use a large variety of voices. Oops.

So I thought up this topic at work when I realized that in the last 5 customers my voice/tone had changed 5 times.. It started rather sweet with a really sweet elderly couple that came through my till; they're regulars, and they always have nice things to say and encouragement to offer, so I like them. I used my sweet voice for them, and chatted. Then things began to pick up and my half harried, but still pleasant voice came out. With this voice, you can tell I'm slightly distracted and am talking to you and listening/responding, but it's also clear that I'm paying a great deal of attention to my work as well. The third voice that I used with the third customer was a pleasant voice, and then I noticed the small child she had with her, and my talking to children voice came out, which is a bit higher than normal, and I use the words "buddy" and "sweetie" more. My fourth voice is the one that takes the cake.

I have this voice that I reserve for "problem customers"; you know, the ones that argue with you about prices, are never satisfied with what you've done, and say that they'll never come back, but 3 days later they come through your till again and are all smiles. Oh yeah, they get their own voice (and smile). Because of performance I've got this smile that I can basically pull out of my pocket that makes it appear that I'm genuinely having the best time. With a few tweaks this smile can be tailored to make it look like I really care what is being said or that I'm sympathetic. Also with this tweaked smile comes my 'compassionate' voice when really I may want to smack the person I'm talking to. Those of you who've seen this will know what I'm talking about; it's not until my eyes look like they're turning black and my smile takes of a slightly vicious appearance that you've got to be careful. Anyways, got rid of my "problem customer" and then had a "young gallant" and his friend through my till.


 He was nice and pleasant, and it was weird.. He asked how I was, made small talk, and when he went to give me his money he like, made a small bow over my hand. And then when I gave his change back he bowed in acceptance.. But I'm talking about voices, and by this time things had calmed down a little bit so I was using my relieved/happy/work voice. You know, the one where it sounds like I'm happy about everything and if I'm not careful I can be accused to flirting. However, I'm pretty careful with this voice at work because a). most of our customers are far too old for me, b). if they're not too old they're either friends of mine, people I went to school with, friends of my sister, or are decidedly unsuitable, and c). I'm not interested in meeting someone while pushing their groceries at this moment. Finally I got rid of them, competed my night, and ended up here (again).

And now I'm munching slowly on a piece of home-made (by myself even) citrus cheesecake, talking to Ray-Ray and another friend, listening to the hockey game (Go Canucks!), and debating making tea. But really, that's all I've got to say tonight; Talk atcha tomorrow (hopefully)! :)

University

So, this topic was actually suggested to me; the first thing to my mind was umbrellas, and I have had bad experiences and luck with those, so I decided that that topic wasn't appropriate. When I asked my mother what to write about she suggested 'underwear' and I decided that could get a little too risqué; Ray-Ray suggested unicorns, and I was very sorely tempted. But you know, it's sad. I didn't even think to talk about Universities, and I'm AT University. Well, was. I've just finished off another term, and now I'm (as you really should know by now) on SUMMER VACATION! (which means I'm picking up as many hours as possible at work and applying for additional jobs). 

But hey, University - I love it. You know, it's actually not all that different from my high school as I expected it to be (probably because I went to a "self-directed high school" which is a nice way of saying that I could get away with skipping so long as I did my work. Basically. Not that I ever actually did this; check my attendance record :P *sweet smile*); I go to class, go do some work, hang out, and hand stuff in. Oh, and I have awesome, random discussions and meet incredible people!

Not that my high school friends aren't awesome, but the people I've met at University are awesome as well; I think it's a novelty thing, and the fact that I see them more than I see my friends from high school. However, my besties are high school friends :). I'm off track again though, aren't I? Yup. So, University and conversations, etc. Well, because of the upcoming election (Yay! I get to participate in democratic activities again.. Boo! We had to have ANOTHER election this quickly) I've had political debates at school, and have actually participated in political discussions and understood what was going on. This has never happened before, but it may have something to do with the fact that the first discussion I participated was prompted by this video. However, it's not just that; I've met people with similar interests to mine, spoken many words with other English majors, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of it. 

Now, as many of you know (or not), I started as a Biology major. BIG MISTAKE. I know some people really love it, but it turns out it just wasn't for me. Now, I'm nearly done my English major and I'm regretting those lost 2 years; I could have taken so many amazing classes! My University offers Latin and ASL and Greek and Roman Studies and Germanic Studies and.. I could go on, but you get the ideas: I didn't take the courses that now sound to absolutely thrilling, and I'm sad. Maybe I'll come back to University as a senior, I hear it's free... 

I know there are a lot of people out there who think that University is all about the social life, but with a schedule like mine, it can't be. I had the Breakfast Club (no, not the movie) and a few others that I hung out with, or members of the Breakfast Club at different times of day, and I had my friends from home and that was about it; that's all there was time for with 6 courses and a part-time job (not to mention commuting/napping, sleeping, eating, the gym, and occasionally cooking dinner and going to skating 2 times a week... holy carp, I sound like a drone >.<). 

However, I thoroughly love my University life. It's liberating and educational and honestly, even though I feel like I spend 90% of my time studying/working and 100% of my time sleep deprived, I love it. I love the people I know, I love my campus, I love my studies, and I even find myself loving some of the work. Heck, I picked up a couple late Victorian novels to read over the summer because I want to, not because I have to. That's how much I'm enjoying this stuff!

And so, before I go do something else (alright, I'll admit it: it has taken me almost an hour to write this much because of youtube, convos on MSN and bubbles, so really this has been the 'something else') I'd just like to encourage everyone to find something that they love to study, sign up for University, and meet amazing people. Because I have, and I certainly love them all (also, I'm going to miss them this summer and the years coming, for those that are leaving)! Tons of love all, I'm off to find some tea, think about what courses I want to take next September (Germanic Studies courses, English, maybe some Greek Mythology...), talk with Ray-Ray, and blow more bubbles in mah bedroom! :)

Ta!

Telephones

Wow, looks like I'm back to my "normal" blogging hours - night times! That's because I was with my parents watching movies until about half an hour ago (we flipped between Alvin and the Chipmunks and 2Fast 2Furious because that's how cool we are!) when my mom turned to me and basically said that if I didn't go to bed she wouldn't leave me chocolate (okay so it was actually something about going to bed or the Easter Bunny couldn't visit but I think that I may be able to see through that after over 20 years. I hope.). So I ended up here again my lovelies, and am hoping to squeak this post in just before it's Sunday to keep up with my nearly perfect Blogging A-Z April Challenge record (for the record it's now 11:33 pm).

So, today I decided I would talk about telephones. They're pretty amazing, I mean you can now talk to someone across the world in "real time" without leaving your living room, or you can walk around the house and chat to them while doing laundry. Or you can call your parents while they're in the house and you simply can't find them; actually, the only time I've ever called home from home was for a really good reason. Now I guess I have to tell that story, eh?

Alright, so in the old house (before we moved obviously) I had about a quarter of the basement to myself as my bedroom and the door had a lock on it. Standard, right? Well, no. The doorknob had been put on wrong and the lock was actually on the outside of the bedroom, so you could lock the door from the outside. Since the doorknobs didn't match, once the door was locked it couldn't be unlocked from the inside; there wasn't a keyhole or even a mechanism to unlock the door, and I wasn't in the habit of keeping screwdrivers in my room at that point (after this happened I started keeping one in my skate bag, haha). Normally the stupidly locking door wasn't a problem, but on this particular summer day it apparently was. My little sister had been playing with the door and inadvertently locked the door. Then she proceeded to come into my room with me and shut the door; I bet you can see where this is going.

So we're in my room goofing off or whatever and I go to leave. And the door's locked. So of course I spend a while freaking out, then my eyes fall on my lamp/telephone (honestly it's the best combo-it's a lava lamp, but the base is a telephone. Not cordless or anything, but I love it. And it's blue!). My bedroom windows were open and I could hear music playing out back, but I knew that I couldn't yell loud enough to be heard and because the screens on my windows were older and I was weak (minded) I couldn't get them out to crawl out the windows (which were on ground level). So I called the house number! Well, eventually my parents picked up, came, and let us out, but not until they'd soundly told me off for not picking up the phone!! Telephones-they're wonderful, and they're weird.

The actual patent for the first telephone, as we all know, went to Alexander Graham Bell. However, there are several controversies surrounding who invented the telephone first. Which I'm not going to get into either; I just found it sort of interesting that there seems to still be so much controversy over it. Even though many people have moved onto cell phones (I myself use my cell far more than my home phone; no one calls my house anymore if they want to talk to me), I still love my original telephones. Those great huge ones with multiple pieces that were mounted on the wall in the early 1900s? Those were gorgeous pieces of work, but I'm not sure I could deal with the open lines system they used to have in some communities; nope, I like my privacy on the phone.

And the phones with the dials? Those are pretty awesome too; actually, we have one in our house. The power goes out a lot here so it really pays to have a land line instead of just cordless phones (which we all know are essentially useless when the power is out), and so my Dad brought this huge old dial phone back from his parents place last month when he, Bug and Mom helped Grandma move. This thing's great. It's black, very square, has the old dial on the front, and even has the classic ring; I love it (probably because it's so ancient looking, haha).

Telephones; they're great, and they help to keep us all together. Cell phones may be more convenient now, but they wouldn't be here without their precursors. Long live telephones! But now it's time for me to say goodnight; I have 5 minutes to upload this before I miss my 'deadline'. Until Monday then. Goodnight!!

Sunshine!

What a wonderful way to greet my summer vacation; the sun has come out and after sleeping in this morning (okay, so I didn't go to bed until after 3 and initially woke up around 7, then dozed off and on until something like 10, but I 'slept in'), watching some Modern Family with the friend whose place I crashed at last night, and saying goodbye to her and her roommate (and wishing them a safe flight home to England) it was time to grab some lunch with another friend (the one I talked about in the 'Reunions' post). Then I drove home through an interesting part of town, saw a lot of flowers, and savored the sunshine!

And by savored the sunshine I mean that today, I hid inside but sat in a sunbeam.

It was an extraordinary, gorgeous, sunny day. However, it felt an awful lot like it was still winter; sunshine is wonderful, but I sort of wish it had brought some heat with it today. Not to fear though, they keep telling me that summer's on its way. I mean, it must be, it's like, the 22nd of April. Late May and early June are when it starts to get really nice around here, so it's almost here! (Late May and early June specifically because I can remember being stuck in classes and wishing that I were outside those months while in high school). And even then, "really nice" means that the sun comes out and the temperature peaks above twenty degrees Celsius. I guess this is better than a lot of other places though; we don't have to worry about it getting too outrageously hot (although we've certainly hit mid 30s in the summers, and that's nice!), but we need not fear freezing (or frost-there's a frost warning for tonight. Again.).

I dunno, I'm rambling but that's alright. I think that today's blog post is going to have alot (yes I'm aware of the 'typo) of nothing in it, which is fine. I'm on vacation, I can be free and not say anything important. Or at least that's how I feel today. And with that said, I think I'm going to leave you all with my random ramblings about nothing, head off for a cup of tea, maybe watch some Doctor Who, and sleep before getting up for work again tomorrow. Ciao!

Reunions

Before I get into my topic today, I'd just like to take a moment to celebrate; I just finished my last exam of the semester, and that means that I'm officially done with my third year! I'm pretty excited about this, as it means not only have I come this far from when I graduated high school and went into the wrong faculty (yeah, Science wasn't for me), but I'm that much closer to achieving my goals; I'm only 1 year away from obtaining my first (hopefully of 2) degree! :)

And now, onto topic: reunions. We've all been to them or had them, right? I'm about to be reunited with summer "vacation" (as soon as spring decides to show up at least), or we've all been to that great big gathering of a bunch of people that we haven't seen in a while, right? Well, I've decided that reunions can be a good thing and a bad thing; even reunions happening for unpleasant reasons can turn out to be good things.

For example, recently (okay, so a few months ago - it feels recent though!) I went to a family reunion of sorts when I attended my grandfather's funeral. Funerals aren't really a pleasant time, especially when they are being held for people that you love, but it was a chance to see the part of my family that I don't normally get to see, which was a nice thing. I even got to meet my new cousin (err.. my cousin's daughter; I'm not exactly sure which relation she is to me technically) which was awesome because I have several relations all under about 4, half of whom I've actually met. I also got to spend time with aunts, uncles, cousins, and people that I basically consider my family but actually have no blood relation to that I almost never get to see because we live in different provinces; for this reason, even bad things can turn out to be alright.

A more positive reunion (or form of reunion) would be a high school reunion, or an annual family reunion. I'm not going to either of these any time soon (so far as I know), but I do get to be reunited briefly with some of my friends! Now that the bulk of exams and classes are over (I'm done! But I have a friend who doesn't finish exams for another week or so, and Ray-Ray isn't done classes until the month's end because her school decided to be dumb) I have friends returning home to see people (like their families and myself and many many others) before jetissoning off to interesting places that I wish I were living in for the summer. They're off to take part in co-ops, etc while I'm stuck here (maybe?) where it's still not really spring. But that's besides the point; they're coming home for about a week each, and I'm going to get to see them!

I'm ridiculously excited about this, because I need to get out more. However, it's a chance to catch up in person instead of online (oh hey, remember that post?) or through texting, and this is what excites me. Reunions truly are wonderful things!

I think I've exhausted all that I really wanted to say today, which I'm sure you're relieved about; I'm off to find some lunch or a spot to read (or both) before I hit the rink and then head out to a friend's going away party (reunion? not really, since I won't know many of the people there; just party). Hopefully I'll manage to keep my record in tact tomorrow by updating at some point, but we'll see how that goes.

Bye!

Questions

Questions; we use them every day, whether or not we realize it. They crop up in our thoughts and our conversations, and they tend to drive us towards things. When you're looking for your keys you ask yourself (or others) where you've put them; when you meet someone new you may ask them their name; and if you're like me, you ask people multiple questions many times a day like "are paper bags alright" and "do you have a card? Debit?". They're all questions, and they all deserve answers. All questions deserve answers, right?

(oooh, super trick-that's another question! *gasp*)

Well, I'm not sure. My grandpa always says that there's no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer, but is this really true? I mean, when you ask me if my slacks are black, it initially comes across as a stupid question, but if I reply with something like "no, they're a darkly tinted grey" that's a stupid answer, because I'm just being picky - my pants appear black. But honestly, DO all questions deserve answers, or just acknowledgement? Let me know what you think!

And now, on with the show. I have some questions that I have been wondering about, and I thought maybe I'd type them and their answers out so that we could all learn these things together. Just so you know though, my main sources will probably be Wikipedia and Google, or myself, so be prepared!!

What books should I read this summer? (The answer to this is partially provided by the stack of new used books I just bought and Christmas presents): Robin Hood, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, The Moonstone, Sabriel, The Druid's Tune, The Time Machine, Cold Fire, and Whispers Across Time. I'd like to get my hands on the Hunger Games books as well. Any more suggestions, please let me know!!

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? (Now I'm just being mean) The riddle answer is "Why, a woodchuck would chuck all the wood he could chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood", but really it varies and depends on the individual woodchuck and a bunch of other factors.

And one that I can't answer, but maybe you can for me: Why did they stop making Chargers and Challengers the same as they did in the late 60's/early 70's? I mean, aside from the obvious upgrades and technological advances, why'd they change the body?

What's you favourite car?? (Mine's the '69 Dodge Charger, if you couldn't tell.. Dukes of Hazzard (tv series) FTW)

Time to pack up, finish my tea, and go to bed; my last exam is tomorrow!! Ciao!

Potter

Well, with a title like that I could be writing about several things, couldn't I? I could be talking about the potters you refer to when you're talking about the people that make pots (ceramics maybe?); I may be mentioning the wonderful creator of Peter Rabbit, Miss Beatrix Potter; or, I may simply be talking about the best book series out there: Harry Potter. Which I am.

Yupp, you've caught me: I'm a Harry Potter fan. I've read all of the books, seen all of the currently released movies, and also own Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which were rather enjoyable to read through. However, let's not go all crazy on this- Harry Potter is still only a book series and is not actually truth; but bloody hell, if it were real I'd certainly prefer to be a witch. I'm not going to give you a run-down on the books because if you haven't already read them you most certainly should. But I'll tell you a little big about my Harry Potter experiences, if you'd like (none of which are overtly thrilling, but I rather enjoy them!)

So the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published in 1997 (so I was about 7 when it came out), and shortly after this I found it on the shelves of the school library. It took me a while to slog through, but after reading it I was hooked. When it came time in the 6th grade (years later) to do a book report on it, I was set. For the first time in school, people were actually seeking me out to be in their groups for work. This wasn't because I was popular but because I had read the book and knew the material; however, I was elated and will always fondly remember the first book and some of the things that came with it. Heck, I can still remember that it was raining most of the time I was reading the book (it rains a lot here)!

The second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, I don't have as many pleasant memories about, but I most certainly do remember when we went as a family to see the movie! My little sister doesn't like spiders and was about 9 when the movie hit theaters, but we went to see it anyways. We were sitting in a sold-out theater with my sister and I between my parents, Bug beside mom, and Aragog and co. became heartily present. Well, as soon as Aragog appeared on screen that was it! Bug shrieked and jumped, landing in mom's lap (this also happened later on when the Basilisk was introduced - she's a mite jumpy, but I love her!). I'm never going to forget how terrified she was, and though I feel bad for her, I can't help but think back on it an laugh.

Prisoner of Azkaban doesn't bring forward many memories about reading or seeing the movie that aren't related to the plot, but let me just say: I really liked this one, and the Dementors are freakin' gross. Goblet of Fire doesn't inspire too many memories either, except that at ten I read the entire thing in less than a week the first time, and about 3 or 5 days the second (I skimmed more the second time it would seem.). I also received GoF for my birthday, so that was awesome.

Order of the Phoenix took me about a week to read the first time as well, but I heartily enjoyed it; I spent a whole week out in the summer sunshine, hiding in the shade and languishing in the sun alternately, reading. Who wouldn't have enjoyed themselves?! Then out came Half Blood Prince, and that took about 2(?) days to read, and I enjoyed it. Deathly Hallows though is where my nerdiness comes out: I bought it at Costco while we were camping and it was pouring rain, and I read it in a night. Yeah. I stayed up all night reading Harry Potter on a family vacation, and I loved it.

Actually, I could have finished most of the later books in day if I hadn't had to be responsible and like, go to work the next day or something silly (or skating. I used to skate in the summer and have to be up early; I was cool, eh?); those were the days: books could be read for hours, and there was sunshine. Right now I'm sitting in my room after a day in which it was sunny, rained, and freakin' HAILED. The weather has been nuts, and I can't wait until summer. But, I'm off. Gunna finish off a Harry Potter Fanfic I've been reading, and head to bed. Work at noon shall be... Fun...

Goodnight, internet!

Online (my mind's wandering, and it may not make sense!!)

So, I'm sitting here in front of my computer earlier, staring at a blank blog post and wondering "what starts with 'O' that I can write about". Not only was I thinking about it, but I texted some friends for suggestions (because I'm that brain dead tonight, again), so there were a few of us thinking about roughly the same topic and this one never came up: online. How I failed to think up this (rather open) topic earlier I'm not sure, but I'd like to thank Youtube and Brad Paisley for their inspiration, haha. 

So, online. Broad topic, right? Well, guess it's going to stay fairly broad, and I'm just going to talk a bit about it. For example, I'm "online" right now in more ways/places (I suppose) than one. I've my msn open to chat with friends (because I'm old school like that, and skype hates me. But I have that too lol), I`m 'online' on facebook, and I'm 'online' in the sense that I'm on the internet; not to mention any other devices I have that are connected to the internet currently (like my ipod).

But I'm not here to tell you how many windows I've open on my computer right now (if you're wondering, it's 7), I'm here to talk about online. That void, that digital (?) place that we all end up in/at at one time. It's amazing the things that are available online: the music, videos, documents, photos... All those things that we post in "private" that make their way out to the general public, etc. It's an amazing place, and if you know how to navigate online, you have access to almost anything (so I hear; I'm computer illiterate). However, even if you're computer illiterate you can find a multitude of things. Heck, forget trying to FIND things, you can create things. Yupp. You can make "new" things. Like people.

Well, technically you're not actually making a new person (hello Frankenstein?),  but you can create an alternate ego. I've done it before, but I can't actually link you to it because my friend had the link, and it's like, 7ish years ago, and I don't even know if it's still out there. But it was fun; I was more alternative than my truly preppy self, and I was definitely more outgoing. It was all in fun too, so there was no fear of anyone taking it very seriously; it was also clear it was all in fun.

What else can I say about online? Not much tonight because I'm sort of out of it-I'm listening to Brad Paisley/ watching the Dukes of Hazzard, drinking tea, and eating chocolates after a long, painful day, so yeah... I'm going to go wallow and enjoy it.

(p.s., what do you use to go online? Google chrome, internet explorer, firefox? whatt?? I'm on Google Chrome atm..)

Night-time

That would be what time it is now; nighttime. As I sit here typing this in my kick-ass Tinkerbell pajamas (which I love, minus the fact that I've ripped one of the seams partially open in the leg - ventilation?) the only thoughts running through my head really are about what I did today, how much comfy my bed looks, and how I've got to write a supposedly thrilling blog before I can be off to bed because I somehow managed to forget that I was doing this until 11pm. And I have to be up in little over 6.5 hours for work >.<

So, what'd I do today? Well, I managed to sleep in until 8am (gasp, I know. It's super late, eh>), lounged in bed until 10, got up and had breakfast, cleaned up, showered, and dropped Bug off at work (because she's playing Gotcha and currently has a stalker, she's trying to avoid using her car, I gather). Then I headed into town to cruise used book stores in the April sunshine!!

It sounds totally nerdy, but I love a good used book store. The first one I visited today (yeah, I went to two) I hadn't actually intended to stop into originally, but I remembered seeing a sign for it as I went by on the highway a while ago, so I went in. And came out with 6 books for $21. I'm stoked! I'm now going to be reading (or re-reading in some cases) Robin Hood, Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, Sabriel, The Moonstone, and The Druid's Tune over the summer, for sure. This place had shelves and shelves of books, and since it was also an antiques store it was really neat just to wander through. Then I headed over to my intended destination (which is going to undergo renos this summer and will no longer have as many thousands of books. Sad.) and perused the shelves. Here I didn't hit as much luck, but it very well could be due to the huge number of books that they have. They've got oodles of them! I came out of there with The Time Machine and Cold Fire; the first I`ve never read and am super excited to after reading War of the Worlds this year, and the second is an old favourite that I`ve taken out of the library dozens of times. And then I headed out the doors to the street market.

One of the things I'd forgotten about the area that I was visiting was that they have a "farmer's market" every Saturday for like, 4 hours. I was on my own so I probably looked either like a loser or slightly pathetic, but I thoroughly enjoyed wandering around all the different little tents and looking at things. I even bought some really nice smelling handmade goat's milk soap to use for the summer. Needless to say, I love street fairs. Especially when they come with a live band like this one did. It was the perfect blend of good literature, folksy music, sunshine, and just general happiness all around. Then I came home, read, went grocery shopping, read, ate dinner, read, and watched Tron with my parents, and now I'm here.

In actuality though, my bed is totally calling my name, and since I now have to be up in significantly less time than before (because I got side tracked writing this and ended up on facebook and twitter because I've not been online all day) I think I'm going to set my alarm, plug my phone in, and curl up under my fun, circle be-decked duvet. Goodnight lovelies!! (And I haven't had a single cup of tea today! But I did have a glass of Nestea Iced tea. Does that count?)

Motivation

So I don't know about anyone else out there, but lately it's been really hard to find the motivation to do my studying - I just want school to be over, the heck with all these exams! But alas, I had 6 to write (I say 'had' as I now only have one less to write), and I finally found motivation to study. Or at least to work on the last remaining course I have, haha. 

How did I find this motivation? Well, I wrote an exam this morning.

There's someone out there that's extremely skeptical as to how this could possibly help me find my motivation, but I swear it makes sense. Let me explain: I wrote my psych final this morning, and it was pretty much the easiest final exam I've ever written. It was 80 multiple choice questions and we were allotted two hours in which to complete it. Because I've been studying throughout the term, and because I find the work to be somewhat easy and repetitive, I completed this exam in something akin to forty minutes. Me. I finished a final exam (worth 90/200 points of my grade) in under an hour. That's not the scary thing though. The scariest bit? I found it incredibly easy. 

There's someone out there laughing at me again but I'm serious. The ease with which I completed this exam not only gave me vast amounts of confidence, but it gave me the motivation to study for my next and final exam. The fact that the last exam is an English exam doesn't hurt. Nor does the fact that I have yet to finish the assigned reading... Which isn't as bad as it sounds; I've only got two novels to finish off. About 70 pages in Maria Edgeworth's Belinda, and then all of Opie`s Adeline Mowbray and then I`m done, so I'll be able to do it before the exam :). And then it's just reviewing notes and getting my arse out of bed at 6 am again after working afternoon shifts all the week prior. Yuck.

But I'm out, this took far too long to write and I'm going into town to pick up take 'n' bake pizza for dinner with Dad. Luvs!

Limits

When I say limits, this may be what comes to mind for some:

Personally however, I do not think of that for limits. Well, I do to a certain extent in that I took calculus and I hated it, and thus limits draw to mind bad experiences (or thoughts of The Big Bang Theory) and near failing grades. That's not what I was going to refer to tonight though. Tonight I'm going go talk about personal limits and how I'm beginning to think I've reached one of mine.

Everyone has certain limits, si? Like a limit to how much alcohol they can hold before they are sick, or a limit to how long they can go without sleeping. Well, I'm beginning to reach my stress limit, again. Which is fine because it's the end of term, but it still stinks because it basically means I'm exhausted. I came home from school yesterday and had a nap because I was so tired - I don't nap. I don't like napping, it takes time out of my day, and that's valuable time that I could be spending in better ways. Or rather, I nap selectively because I will admit that if Daddy's driving me home from the city (because we carpool when possible) I nap. And if I'm getting a ride somewhere at 6 am and nothing's happening, I nap. But that's about it, besides yesterday.

Not only am I reaching my limit with my exhaustion, but I'm also tired because I'm stressed. I'm stressed because I've written 4 of my 6 exams so far, with another tomorrow morning. This will be alleviated soon, as will my sleep deprivation so really, I'm only approaching my limit. And this limit is not going to be reached if I can help it!

Yay limits. Stressful as they can be, they're still really helpful in making sure that I'm me. They define me. And so, now I'm off to get a cup of tea and relax before I go to bed. Short, boring blog tonight because I've very little energy. Ciao!!