Dec 13, 2008

meme

1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the "next" button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

-IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY?" YOU SAY?
Let's Go

-WHAT WOULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Symphony No.5 in D minor op.47 III. Largo
(this is a very dark piece of music)

-WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Don't Worry

-HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Cha Cha Cha D'Amour

-WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Strangers

-WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Amazing Life

-WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
O Come All Ye Faithful

-WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
You Should Be Dancing

-WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Light Magic

-HOW IS YOUR LOVE LIFE?
Mission: Impossible (Remix)
(Ummm... dammit?)

-WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Virgo

-WHAT IS 2+2?
Footprints

-WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BESTIE?
Come from a Land Downunder

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Was Your Face a Head in the Pillow Case?

-WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Brooklyn Roads

-WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Birdsong

-WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
I Want a New Duck

-WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Cry

-WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Trepak

-WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
SeƱorita

-WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

-WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Lifes Full o'Consequence

-WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Suspended in Time

-WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

Dec 10, 2008

christmas music

I read an interesting article on the CBC's website about the worst Christmas singles of all time. I found it interesting, because in the comments there were a lot of people who were upset about the distinction between CAROLS and SONGS.

I have an appreciation for both. I enjoy the popular singles, most of which date from the 40s onward, to the traditional carols. I don't think that we need to have a clear separation - there aren't two camps to belong to. Pink Martini doing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is just as good as "Once in Royal David's City" by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.

I just feel like at this time of year, people get caught up in the hype for sure, but that there is a hype to the hype. It is almost cool to hate Christmas. Me, I enjoy it. It's a nice break to life, and it means seeing people I want to see and miss dearly, good food, cozy rooms, fireplaces, baking, and watching the mailbox for Christmas cards (which reminds me... I should get on top of mine). Personally, I like looking at other people's trees as well - each ornament usually has a story or some significant meaning attached to it.

Everyone just relax and enjoy the season, regardless of the reason.

Dec 8, 2008

procrastimating

I got caught up this stupid survey stuff... why am I so gullible.

100. Do you want to be in a relationship? Longingly, but I recognize it needs to be with the right person, not just for its own sake.

99. Do you have a job? I have two jobs. I am a barista at Starbucks, and a Student Project Assistant in the Office of the President at Vancouver Island University.

98. Last 2 cars you were in/ with who? 1) Today, Honda Accord, with my brother in law. 2) the day before, in Andrew's Jeep TJ. Nicest guy ever... turns around and will drive me up the hill to school, even though he was going the opposite direction.

96. Lied in the last 24 hours? Yes. On an exam. Don't worry, I didn't plagiarize.

95. What is your current ring tone? Standard telephone noises.

94. What is the last movie you watched and with who? Running with Scissors, with a bottle of wine and popcorn.

93. Who makes you mad? A great number of people. I tend to repress it and dismiss it though.

92. What is your middle name? Michael James

91. Last text you sent/received? This afternoon.

89. What time did you wake up this morning? 7am

88. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to? Yes.

87. What are you doing? Procrastinating, and studying. In that order.

86. When's your birthday? September 1st

85. Does it bug you when people delete questions from surveys? Never really noticed...

84. Are you afraid of growing old? It happens.

83. Are you happy right now? Life is what it is, and I can only change so much.

82. What is sitting to your right? My bed.

81. What is your favorite sport to watch? Olympic Hockey

80. Do you have any kids? No.

79. Do you have a favorite stuffed animal? Yes, but he's in a box at my parents.

78. Did you go trick-or-treating this year & with who? Nope.

77. Do you know who Mr. Mistoffelees is? I know who Mephistopheles from Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe is, although I doubt that is the answer sought...

76. What song are you listening to? Just Like Christmas - Low

75. Do you sing in the shower? Rarely.

74. Can you Crank Dat? Clearly.

73. Did you have a valentine this year? Kinda. Met my most recent ex-boyfriend on Valentines.

72. Last time you listened to country music? In a rental car.

71. What do you think of the song Boom, boom, boom by Vengaboys? Never loved it, but it can make cleaning tasks go pretty quickly.

70. Do you laugh at your own jokes? Most of the time.

69. Where do you want to live when you grow up? This question is far to existential for me at the moment.

68. How tall are you? 5'10"

67. How many drugs are in your system? Caffeine, and lots of it.

65. What are you wearing? Jeans, my "I'm a Mac" tshirt, black socks, slippers, and my H&M blck hoodie.

64. Last person to comment you? Debra.

63. Do you sing? Ever been in the car with me?

61. Rock or Rap? Neither.

60. Do you like cheese? Love it.

59. Who called you last? Vancouver 2010 Volunteer Information Centre.

58. Last item you purchased? Greyhound bus ticket.

57. What jewelry do you wear constantly? Nothing.

56. Are you a crazy person? Ask Lindsay.

55. Who was the last person you hugged ? Ummm... Ella.

54. What candidate do you support running for president? I pass on this, for obvious reasons.

53. Are you a fast typer? Average, high end of average. Being a Data Clerk helped.

52. What time is it? 8:37pm

51. What do you smell? Chocolate. From the brownie I just ate.

50. Is anything bothering you right now? The list is too long.

48. What are you doing today/tomorrow? Exam in the morning, work in the afternoon, studying in the evening.

47. What's your favorite subject in school? Media Studies.

46. What's your worst grade that you currently have & what subject is it in? C+ in Victorian Literature.

45. Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries? Any reason to celebrate.

44. If you died right now, is there something you'd want to say to someone? Of course.

43. How many friends do you have on myspace? PFT! Who uses myspace? I have 223 on Facebook.

42. Who's one person you cannot stand? Katie.

41. What's your opinion on same sex marriage? Do you really need to ask ME this question?

40. Do you miss anyone right now? Yes.

39. What foreign language do/did you study? German.

38 . Does it take a lot to earn someone's trust? I think it is an organic process that happens differently for all.

36. Describe your life in two words? Stress, alternate-thought.

34. What shampoo do you use? Tresemme, Tresemme, oo-la-la!

33. What do you want right now? Time off, free of thought and commitment.

32. Jeans or sweatpants? Jeans

31. What should you be doing? Certainly not this survey.

29. Do you have socks on? Yes I do. I hate cold feet...

28. Do you own sunglasses? Nope. I don't like them, but I should get a pair out of necessity.

27. Have you ever cried so hard, you made yourself sick? Just to the edge of getting sick.

26. Do you like techno? It depends...

25. Do you get nervous in front of large groups of people? Nope!

24. What was your kindergarten teacher's name? Dr. Whitely

23. Plans for Saturday? Some latte slingin' at S'Bux.

19. Favorite TV shows: Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, The Simpsons, Family Guy

18. Do you like '80s movies? Sometimes, but sometimes they are so fucking pretentious in their 80s-ness.

17. Do you like "The Goonies"? Yes, but not obsessively.

16. What's your favorite food? Chicken strips on rice with ranch dip.

14. Last thing you ate? A brownie.

13. Current problem? Too many to list here. Getting through the next 4 days?

12. Been to London? Technically, twice.

11. Can you lick your toe? No, and I don't want to.

10. Who's the most photogenic person you ever seen ? Joanna Daley.

9. Been to college? University. Still there.

8. Ever been given a breathalyser test? No. I don't drink and drive.

7. Favorite time of day? Clear dawns.

6. Ever licked someone's cheek? Embarassingly, yes.

5. What are you looking forward to? Sunday - Liz is coming for the holidays.

4. Have you ever ran from the police? No.

3. Ever gotten lost in the dark? Yes. It is a discomfiting sensation.

2. What do you think of the last person who posted this? Fun and quirky, and far away.

1. Are you wanting something you can't have? Don't we all? But I know my limits...

Dec 6, 2008

song?

This was on the other day, and I have decided that it is the soundtrack of the circus of my life over the past 6 months...

We all gotta laugh.


Dec 5, 2008

friday night

I handed in my shorter paper, and wrote the final exam for my literary theory course.

The worst of it is behind me.

Tonight, I am watching a movie and enjoying a bottle of wine. Tomorrow, I have to work all day... then another short paper. And then... four back to back exams. Then it is over.

But the end is in sight.

Also, after much handholding and doing-their-work-for-them, StudentAid BC has decided that I do qualify for funding for the current semester... they didn't realize that before being in school, I was making student loan payments. Oh, and they claimed they didn't know that I had cashed out my pension, despite the two letters that specifically mention it.

SIGH.

But, I have some money coming.

Slowly, surely, and steadfastly, things are happening.

Dec 3, 2008

curve ball

I'm not atheletic. Everyone knows it. Throw me your car keys? I'll drop them on the floor... If you are lucky, in my dramatic flail to catch them, I will knock something over or break a precious item.

But I am getting better.

The universe threw me another curve ball today. I kicked, I yelled (more like roared) and then I broke down and I cried. A lot.

StudentAid BC denied my application for funding for the current semester. I have funding for next semester, but I have decimated myself financially to make it through this semester. The reason for denying me funding? I earned too much prior to studying. But wait, look at the numbers.

$10,000 reported net income, and they want me to save $7762 of that. How, I ask you?

So I appealed the decision. I have already been through one special appeal to get the value of my car waived - they viewed it as an asset, even though it is a liability, and due to the way it was financed, I am contractually forbidden to sell it until I have paid for it. Anyways, they waived the car, great. They refuse to adjust my expected contribution. Why?

THEY THINK I AM GOING TO USE IT TO RUN MY VEHICLE.

The vehicle that is parked, uninsured in Victoria. A fact that they are aware of.

Sorry StudentAid, but here is a list of things that have to be taken care of before I even dream of operating my car again.

1. Monthly Car Payment
2. Rent
3. Food
4. The $600 for books and school supplies I owe my family.
5. The $300 I owe my brother-in-law, who has been buying my groceries.
6. The $402 I owe Bell for my cell phone bill, due by December 25 (Merry Christmas)
7. The $450 I owe Desjardin credit for my suspended VISA card.

I have destroyed myself financially, liquidating my pension and mutual funds to get as far as I have in this semester. I am working two part-time jobs, equalling about 25-30 hours/week in addition to my course load.

I think that I have juggled bills, and have real demonstrated need. But alas, due to the arbitrary decision on the part of StudentAid BC (the all-caps phrase above is a direct quote from the email that notified me), I am fucked.

So next semester, I will take the $2600 they have offered, pay my tuition, and use the balance to try and repair the damage from this term. I will take only three courses, and work as much as I can in order to get back on the horse, and try and finish part-time.

Long term goal? Right now, it feels like I need to get out of BC. We'll see.

Things I have lost today: I won't be able to volunteer at the Olympics, my financial security, and a few tears.

Things I have gained today: The life lesson that sometimes, it feels like you shouldn't even try. But when that happens, fight back or fight different.

Thank goodness I only have $13 to my name, or I might be tempted to drink... actually, I'm tempted, but, you know. Rice and beans first!

So there you go... how to juggle a curve ball.

I'm out.

Dec 2, 2008

'tis the end

It's the end of classes, or rather it was yesterday.

I have most of today to work on that paper (and have to finish it actually), and then tomorrow I have another shorter paper...

So here goes!

Dec 1, 2008

Pinch and punch

A pinch and punch for the first of the month.

After my miserable failure last night, I went to bed and set my alarm (3 of them actually) for a 6am start to my day. All three alarms were not accessible from bed... I had to get out of bed to deal with them.

Come 8am, I woke up. All three alarms were off.

WTF is wrong with me? How the hell did I manage to turn off 3 separate alarms?

Now, I am extra fucked with a side of OMFG.

Nov 30, 2008

11:11pm


So I didn't manage it. Despite all my efforts (which were really in vain) I have lost an entire free day for paper-writing, and a 5-hour shift, all in the name of getting nothing done.

I have 2 pages of notes, on 3 of my 4 theorists. No thesis, no paper.

Dave is officially broken.

Can anyone tell me what's next?

One more time...

This is my attempt at clearing my mind so I can get going on the aforementioned stalled research paper.

Things that are happening this week:

Sunday: Literary Theory Paper (2500 words).
Monday: 3 classes, Media Studies Short Paper (750 words), Victorian Lit Paper (1000 words), Starbucks 5:45-10:45pm
Tuesday: Literary Theory Paper Research Binder, Starbucks 5:45-10:45pm, StudentAid BC Appeal Committee considers my appeal.
Wednesday: Starbucks 5:45pm-10:45pm
Thursday: NOTHING
Friday: Literary Theory Exam 9am, work at VIU for four hours in afternoon.
Saturday: Starbucks 7-3:15pm

How to write my paper:

1. Separate your four theorists.
2. Re-read assigned excerpts for each and annotate.
3. Peruse library books for back up.
4. Make connections.
5. Develop thesis.
6. Write.

There, now that I have compartmentalized it somewhat, maybe I can get something done.

someone help me

I am really starting to seriously think that there is something wrong with me. Some of you who know me know that I had an exceedingly rough few days over the last couple of weeks, and I feel like it has sucked all the resolve out of me. I simply can't give anything more.

The timing is terrible. It's the end of classes, and I have 2500 word paper due tomorrow... but I can't seem to work on it. I have been in the library for the last two and a half hours: I have three points, and have read an introduction, and taken some books out on speck. I am having to skip work tonight, but I just don't know where I can get the energy and ideas for this paper. And the stupid thing is, it is the last paper of the term - if I can just get over this last little hump, soon it will be exams and I can take some well-deserved mental time off over the Christmas holidays.

Does anyone have any ideas? Anyone want to write me a paper?

I'll just continue staring off into the fog until the library closes...

Nov 23, 2008

Meme (as per Lindsay)

Alright Linds, you tagged me. But I cheated. My photographic skills are nowhere near as good as yours... so I did the sixth picture of each year, going back to 2005.

Click here for 2005. This was the roadtrip.

This is 2006. The view from the bench at UVIC where friends and I would congregate between classes.

2007 brings a picture of Louis the Pug, Liz and Chris' dog.

And 2008 found me walking in the snow.

Alright, pass judgement in the comment field below!

Aug 12, 2008

wandering

I feel like I am drifting a bit. My things are packed, the move is over (for the most part) and the farewells have begun.

Lots to do. The countdown has begun.

Aug 7, 2008

Fresh blog




I promised everyone a blog re-start awhile ago, then I got lazy. Please bear with me while I ease myself back into blogging.

So here I am. I am packing for my move back to Nanaimo, the majority of which is happening tomorrow morning. It is very difficult to PACK when you know that you have to live in the place for another three weeks... I kinda need to pack for a three week holiday, then pack what is left after that to go to Nanaimo...

Full of mixed emotions. The end is near for me here, and this feel more, well, permanent than my last myriad of life changes. It just feels very final. I have so much to do in the next 3 weeks, and so much stress in life, and I am starting to feel like I can't cope - a sure sign of needing to move on into something else.

Anyways, I cannot spend too much time on this entry - I need to get going on packing. The 26-foot UHaul beckons. And tomorrow, I bid the dwelling below good bye!

May 26, 2008

Paris Day Ten

Paris Day Nine

Pontorson/Caen/Normandy Day Eight

Pontorson Day Seven

Paris Day Six

Paris Day Five

Paris Day Four

Paris Day Three

Paris Day Two

May 25, 2008

Paris Day One

Feb 21, 2008

whirlwind

Tomorrow is going to be a whirlwind... I have advising appointments at UVic and UBC, 5 hours apart... god bless a free flight to Vancouver! Then downtown to see if the SFU campus downtown has any material that might be of use to me, and then... phew!

Ah ha ha ha ha!!!! *insert maniacal laughter here*

Feb 16, 2008

humpf

Just entering one of my usual existential crises here.

Feeling a bit adrift, lonely, poor, and unsure.

Perhaps good cup of coffee and a chin wag with a friend in the fresh air will help? It is my favourite kind of day today... moody and gray, but bright, with a freshness to the air.

Feb 14, 2008

So, I am bored out of my tree, and decided to see what my soundtrack would be in Round 2. Here are the results:

Opening Credits: I'm Always Chasing Rainbows - Judy Garland

Waking Up: The World is Not Enough - Garbage

First Day At School: First Day of School - Phillip Glass

Falling In Love: Guinness Song - Irish Drinking Songs

Fight Song: Ev'rything I've Got - Chick Corea

Breaking Up: Sun Child - The Vines

Prom: The Body Says No - The New Pornographers

Life: Everybody's Born to Die - Electric Light Orchestra

Mental breakdown: Forbidden Love - Madonna

Driving: Close Every Door - Andrew Lloyd Weber

Flashback: Do What You Gotta Do - Nina Simone

Getting back together: You'd Be So Easy to Love - Frank Sinatra

Love Scene: I'm Alive - Electric Light Orchestra

Wedding: Swallowed in the Sea - Coldplay

Birth of Child: I Can't Be With You - The Cranberries

Final Battle: The Dark of the Matinee - Franz Ferdinand

Death Scene: Fix You - Coldplay

Funeral Song: I Wanna a Little Sugar in My Bowl - Nina Simone

End Credits: 'S Wonderful - Diana Krall

Feb 4, 2008

another survey

I've never seen this, so I thought I would try it out.

If your life was a movie, what would the soundtrack be?
So, here's how it works:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool

Opening Credits: Feelin' Good - Nina Simone

Waking Up: An American in Paris - George Gershwin (kind of fitting)

First Day At School: A Fifth of Beethoven - Walter Murphy

Falling In Love: I Only Have Eyes for You - Oscar Peterson (also fitting...hmmm)

Fight Song: Dindi - Antonio Carlos Jobim/Astrud Gilberto (not at all fitting)

Breaking Up: Haydn - Nikolaimesse (the trend is collapsing further)

Prom: I Feel Pretty - West Side Story (I feel pretty, and witty, and gay!!!!)

Life: Big Girls Don't Cry - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Mental breakdown: Light Cavalry Overture - Suppe

Driving: Blue Eyes - Cary Brothers

Flashback: Volcano - Damien Rice

Getting back together: Any Dream Will Do - Andrew Lloyd Weber (what the hell am I supposed to get from this?)

Love Scene: Night in the City - Electric Light Orchestra

Wedding: Suite in D, Overture - Telemann (If I were having a princess wedding)

Birth of Child: Dreaming My Dreams - The Cranberries

Final Battle: You Wouldn't Like Me - Tegan and Sara

Death Scene: The Bones of an Idol - The New Pornographers

Funeral Song: Chim Chim Cher-ee - Mary Poppins (ummm...)

End Credits: Wake Up - The Arcade Fire

+++

God only know how (in)accurate this is...

Feb 2, 2008

feeling good


It is a beautiful day here in Victoria. I went to Starbucks, got me an Americano, and am just about to go for lunch with Hannah. The weather is going to be one of those West Coast days, but whatever!

I had a rough week, but I really feel like today is the start of something good. I am in a very good moods despite being tired (rare for me, as the two never go hand in hand), and I am looking forward to the day. Haircut, lunch with friends, hanging out with Adriane after her LSAT exams... It's gonna be good.

That, and I am feeling slightly goofy today. I hope the people in the old folks home behind me don't wonder about the sanity of the guy dancing alone in his apartment!

Jan 27, 2008

omnibus update

It's been a month, so I going to try to cover off on the big stuff. If you know about it, great, if not, consider yourself newly in the know!

Had an alright Christmas. I had the 25 & 26 off, and worked the rest of the week. You can put the fact that I work in quotations, as all the bosses were away, so the mice did play so to speak. Not much was accomplished. Over the Christmas holiday I made some decisions though - I am not at school right now. I had been kind of leaning that way anyways, but when Lindsay took the plunge, it made me think about it again. I haven't stopped my degree, but I will not be attending at UVic anymore. Working full time and trying to finish a degree there is almost impossible. The Gardens are being very flexible with my schedule, but unfortunately the English department offers almost nothing in the evening.

So I am taking the semester off, then transferring my credits to Thompson Rivers and finishing by distance education. I know I had a bad run with that in the past, but I figure I am much more mature now, and this is actually something I want to do. And let me tell you, taking this semester off has been a great idea. I do what I want, when I want. I read books when I want to. I don't have to juggle things. I think that 2007 was incredibly trying (I actually know that it was), and that perhaps I was pushing myself too hard. 2007 saw a lot of good, but it also saw a lot of stress. The cancer scare, followed by the medical things, stress about my car, buying a new car, getting myself rear-ended, ongoing medical treatments, surgery, then an extended recovery, a course I hated, breaking up with Eric, getting my wisdom teeth out... it was all a bit too much. I am calling this my sanity-semester!

In the exciting news category, I am off to Paris to visit Ella. I am very excited about this. Air Canada had a seat sale, and I got return tickets from Victoria to Paris for $1000. A great deal. I leave in April, and am spending 10 days there. Ella and I might go to the south coast of France, or Monacco for a weekend, we'll see how the $$$ work out, or shall I say how the the €€€ work out? In any case, I am very excited about that. I will bring you all a corny gift!

I am thinking about moving - this apartment is just about finished for me. I desperately desperately want a kitchen! You know how much I love to cook... and this is just not working. I buy food to cook, and get so frustrated that I don't cook, and then I end up wasting a lot of food, and spending even more money buying lunch at work and eating out at night.

But now, it is a new year (has been for almost a month) and new things are going to happen!

Dec 15, 2007

nothing to do

And it is a good thing...

I am up in Nanaimo, have been since Wednesday night. I am having an excellent time doing absolutely nothing at all. After the last few months, this has been a welcome respite. Because of my various health issues, and the fact that Liz and Chris' town house flooded out in September, I haven't had much of an opportunity to visit with them, so I have been happy to be here. We've watched movies, drank wine, and are heading out to the pub tonight with a bunch of people. Good times had by all!

I am feeling a lot better about myself in the last few days than I have been. Just taking things in stride. My mouth feels tonnes better now after the wisdom teeth, and my persistent, constant headaches are gone. It's a good thing. And I have a lot of fun to look forward to tomorrow. Drinks & a Christmas soiree at a coworker's house, and then off for a Christmas movie night with friends. Then back to work on Monday. My friends are destressing now that exams are winding down, so my social calendar is getting quite busy.

Here's to fun times in the coming days!

Dec 10, 2007

how green is my life?

Claire's recent post about the green-ness of her workplace made me think about how green I am at work, and how green I am in general. The thinking process was good, the result was bad:

UNGREEN

- I print numerous emails, and hang on to the digital copy as well. My manager is a "paper person" so there is no way around this.
- My water at lunch is always served in a styrofoam cup.
- The pitcher of water that is kept in the fridge tastes bad, so I get mine from the tap... I run the tap for about 45 seconds before it is cold. That, I can fix.
- My printer frequently malfunctions, spewing sheets of paper and envelopes with one single character on them.
- I drive 32kms to work in my car alone, then another 32kms back at the end of the day.
- I specifically use an incandescent desk lamp - the fluorescents hurt my eyes.
- I pack my lunch in a plastic bag every day, and throw it away when I am done.
- I use two caustic chemicals in my bathroom - the biodegradable ones don't work well enough, and I am lazy, so I use the nasty stuff instead.

GREEN

- When shopping for a new car for my 64km/daily commute, I got the most fuel efficient car I could afford.
- I do all of my errands on the way to/from work, so that I am combining trips.
- I signed up for SPUD.ca to have vegetables delivered to my door every week in a reusable container. The veggies all come from with 800kms of here, so they are relatively local.
- I use biodegradable cleaners when I can.
- My lights at home are all low-energy fixtures.
- I only launder once a week, and only with full loads, and a biodegradable soap.
- I try not to buy individually-packaged things like yogurt.
- I am very conscientious of recycling. Paper, plastic, glass, all that is recycled, both at home and at work.
- I take short showers.

I am sure that this is nowhere near a comprehensive list. I know there I things that I have forgotten from both sides. I applaud any and all efforts to minimize ones impact on the earth.

And Claire, as far as New Year's Resolutions go, I applaud that you make any, even if you do feel like you do not accomplish them. I don't even try. Maybe I'll see what I can do this year. Maybe 2008 will be different.

and I'm out.

Dec 9, 2007

weekend of social

whew! Big weekend! So much happening, now I am tired. I'm having breakfast for dinner... yum.

Sat: Computer lab working, then off to see "Glorious!" at the Belfry with Liz. It was an amazing play. So funny, and very well executed. Look it up. I love going to the theatre, and I haven't seen Liz since September, so it was nice. After that, off to Cheryl's house for a Christmas get-together. I had a lot of fun, and I am sure everyone else did too. The potluck was great.

Sun: Slept in, then went a Christmas party at a co-workers house, and that was a great time. One of his guests is a professional chef, and he did the food, so it was all amazing! And the drinks just didn't stop coming. I met a lot of people, and had a lot of great conversations. Then I was off to the lab for more work.

And here I am, at home now, realizing the weekend has drawn to a close, and it was good.

I'm out.

Dec 4, 2007

omelette

Went work today, and finished prepping all the Christmas cards that we have to send out. No small task, let me tell you. 368 cards, with varying quantities being signed by up to seven different individuals. Hundreds of envelopes printed. Most of the cards are signed, so I can start sending them out tomorrow. But before they can get mailed, they have to folded and stuffed into their envelopes, then sorted as domestic, US, or International for postal reasons. AHHH!!!!

In other news, I ate my first semi-solid food that required chewing. Best omelette ever, with little chopped up, pre-cooked veggies in it. It was yummy in my tummy. However, I have started to develop a dry socket (no pain) so I have a dressing that tastes likes cloves. All the time. All day. Every hour. Cloves. I am already sick of it.

Wrote my final, it went okay, but as per my previous post, I don't really care. I bought some Christmas lights today, and put them up in my apartment. And I have also busted out the Christmas music. 'Tis the season!

Dec 3, 2007

puffy face and funny colours

I went back to work today. Man, this fall has been an absolute whirlwind. I am most definitely looking forward to the end of 2007! That being said, don't wish your life away, right?

Last Wednesday, I had my wisdom teeth removed. I only had three to begin with, so I guess I got off 'easy.' No dry socket, and an amazing doctor to do the procedure. I just have to say, thank god for extended health benefits, or I would still be trying to dig up the roughly $1,300 this procedure will cost! What are you supposed to do if you don't have money, EHB, and your wisdom teeth are causing you pain? Answer me THAT, healthcare system.

The procedure went okay. For the first time though, coming out of a general anesthetic, I was very disoriented, and had a mild panic attack. I calmed down after a few minutes, but I am man enough to admit that I was bawling when I woke up. I was confused, in pain (until the put something in my IV), and all of the events of the past few exciting months just seemed to sort of pile on me all at once, and I lost it. Had a good cry, talked to a very sympathetic nurse, and then went home. I feel so much better for having had these teeth out though, both mentally and physically. Having them out has been weighing over me for about 2 years now, and it feels good to have it behind me. Not to mention, my persistent headache... is gone. And, since my diet is restricted, I have already lost 5 pounds! That being said, my kingdom for chicken strips right now. I am tired of canned/pureed goods. Hopefully at my follow up tomorrow I will get some more advice re: diet.

I am writing my one and only final tomorrow. Then, this horrible course that I have been hating will be OVER! For good. I still don't know any of my grades in the course at all, and frankly, I don't care either. Que sera sera!

Anyways, to bed with me. It is late, and I have a lot to do tomorrow!

And a quick welcome back to Claire. It's nice to have another blogger re-born to join us.

Nov 25, 2007

Christmas Party

Went to the Butchart Christmas Gala last night. Had a good time. However, this is the first gala where I haven't danced. Not one dance. I felt weird, and kind of old...

Many thanks to Hannah for the companionship!

Pictures below:





Nov 24, 2007

when will it stop?

My god, this has been quite the stretch.

Sat down for lunch yesterday, having bought myself a chicken caesar wrap, and a bowl of soup. I took a couple of bites of the wrap, then ate my soup. Went to continue with the wrap, and out of the corner of my eye, saw some pink. I thought "gee, that is some awfully pink chicken" then realized that I was currently devouring a shrimp wrap. Not good for me at all.

I threw the wrap down on my plate, told my co-workers to give the cafeteria heck, and called emergency first aid. I spent an hour in first aid, had a mild reaction (instead of anaphylaxis), and went back to work, so drugged I could barely stay awake.

How did I get a shrimp wrap, you ask? They were wrapped in exactly the same tortilla as the chicken, and on the same shelf where the chicken wraps have been for the last 2.5 years! The girls in the cafeteria gave the kitchen heck, and the kitchen said "We told you there were some shrimp ones in there with the chicken." Not good enough. No labelling, absolutely no indication that these wraps were different at all. They should have been cut in half so it was completely clear what was inside them.

While I was in first aid, one of my co-workers told the director of Food Services what had happened, and his response was "If it would happen to anyone, it would happen to Dave." I then saw him myself on two separate occasions later that afternoon. Not one "I'm sorry" or "How are you feeling?" or "That was awful!" It was business as usual.

This is the second time an unlabelled substitution has caused me grief... On Monday, I am going to go to the Food Services director and just be polite but firm: What is going to change? What can I watch for? Because, quite frankly, this shouldn't happen. Yes, the onus is on the allergy-bearer to be careful, but a wrap on a shelf labelled Chicken should not be full of shrimp!

Anyways, the Christmas Gala is tonight at work, so that is something to look forward to.

I'm out. Off to the clinic!

Nov 22, 2007

morning

My throat really hurts, a lot. More than it has ever hurt. I grimace every time I swallow. I have to try and convince the clinic doctor to talk to me about it today. You are only allowed to see one physician a day under BC Medicare, and I use that visit every day for my dressing change. Perhaps, the doctor will be able to cover off on two issues.

My wisdom teeth are coming out on Wednesday. My research paper and project are due on Tuesday. I start every day lined up outside the walk-in clinic 30 minutes before opening.

I want company.

And yes, I am feeling a little bit melodramatic lately.

Nov 21, 2007

happenings

Things that have happened to me this year:

- Met Eric
- Got great new job
- Travelled to London and Berlin w/Eric
- Took a Web Design Course and did well
- Moved out of a house and in with Eric
- Went to Edmonton for Eric's birthday present, saw Eartha Kitt Live!
- Developed medical problems
- Medical problems turned into cancer scare (briefly)
- Cancer scare turned back into medical problems
- Waited 5 months for surgery
- Spent the equivalent of days at the doctor's office
- Bought new car
- Stretched my credit cards
- Joined the pension plan
- Moved out of Eric's place to my parents
- Moved into my own apartment
- Got into car accident
- Started payments on my student loan
- Travelled to Kelowna with Liz, toured wineries, and visited friends in Nelson and Vancouver
- Went back to school
- Taking a history course that I absolutely loathe.
- Got my surgery date
- Surgery failed, must go to clinic every day.
- Wisdom teeth acting up, must come out NOW.

I am not sure what kind of year this has been... and it isn't over yet!

Nov 19, 2007

fragile

So here I am. Lindsay and I made a commitment to each other to restart our blogs, vowing that we would keep it completely separate from our Facebook lives.

I feel really fragile right now. The last few months have had a lot of good, and a lot of challenges. I am definitely looking forward to the year being behind me. To get back into the blogger groove, I have been looking back through my previous posts... and I miss me. Does that make any sense? I look back, and I seemed so much more, stable or level, a little while ago. I don't know.

I think I am going to have to think for awhile.

May 23, 2007

My new car!

May 7, 2007

HMCS Ottawa

Hi all,

As mentioned in one of my previous posts, here are the pictures from my day aboard the HMCS Ottawa last week.

HMCS Ottawa

May 2, 2007

the week goes on

so I moved last weekend. I now share an apartment with Eric. Not that he is ever here... he is busy shooting a movie in Vancouver monday through friday, and so he is away all the time. But now the apartment looks like it exploded. Stress levels run high.

The job is super stressful right now. Really stressful. Like, missing sleep stressful. I don't know what happened this week. But work is definitely work right now, if you know what I mean. But each day is a new one, and so thing should be fine pretty soon.

I spent a day at sea on board the HMCS Ottawa on Monday. It was pretty freakin' sweet, if I may say so. Those boats can MOVE! A huge frigate that can go from zero to thirty knots in 30 seconds, and then stop in it's own length. Carving figure eights was definitely cool. Pictures will follow pretty quick.

Anyways, that is the latest update. I am off to Vancouver this weekend to see Eric, and so it should (hopefully) feel like a minivacation. Here's to relaxing!

And i'm out...

Apr 22, 2007

man, i feel like crap

So, you know how I was bitching about upholding family obligations that my parents planned? Well, the obligation was to transport my Grandma Anderson to the last youth orchestra concert of the season, which I didn't want to do, and wasn't planning on attending in any case.

The good news was that I didn't have to do that. The bad news is because Grandma Anderson had a massive stroke at some point on Friday night/Saturday morning, and passed away early this morning.

I feel like such a selfish scumbag. I mean, she wouldn't have been able to go to the concert anyways as a result of the stroke, but I still feel crappy for not doing something differently, even though there is nothing that I could have done that would have affected anything.

Luckily, she went quickly, and she was comfortable. Now, we wait for news from her son about funeral/memorial arrangements.

Geez.

Apr 16, 2007

family responsibility

I don't where my responsibility lies with regard to my family. My mom called and wanted me to go to the Youth orchestra concert. But I don't want to go. She needs me to run to the carehome and ride back with Grandma Anderson in the HandyDart. The home is not well staffed enough to actually make sure that she gets on the right HandyDart. They simply park her in the office.

I feel really selfish right now. I don't want to go to the concert, I don't want to ride in the the HandyDart, and it isn't up to me to cover the staffing shortfalls of the provincially-funded carehome.

God, I feel like such a loser right now. I am just tired of having to help the parents cope with plans that they make and expect me to help them fulfill on some level.

Ah well. I am off to bed. I start the Corporate Rowing challenge tomorrow, and I must get my stuff lined up.

the blog

Between Facebook and my blog, I don't know what to keep updated. Each has it's advantages... so stay tuned.

That is the extent of my blog creativity at the moment.

Berlin

Berlin

Apr 3, 2007

London

London

Apr 2, 2007

Exeter

Exeter

Mar 31, 2007

organic cotton

So, I am feeling a little bit better this morning. I think the fact that we are finally getting some sunshine is helping loads. I am so tired of dreary days. I mean, it is cloudy today, but at least it isn't dark. I got so sick and tired of it being dark all the time. So yay for good weather!

For the first time, about a week ago, I was able to open the sunroof on my car. A true sign of warmer weather. And higher spirits. But allergies, good lord! 'Tis the season. My hayfever has been going nuts for about 10 days. It is pretty annoying. Having to stop and sneeze when driving because you can't stop sneezing is pretty annoying.

But I love having fulltime work. I have to watch my expenses, but not as tightly as before. And I can try and save some money too. I am thinking about purchasing property in two years, and so I need to be responsible AND take care of my student loan debt.

I went to MEC the other day and bought some great new polo shirts. They have released a line of organic cotton clothing. I know, we've all seen it before, but it is pretty cool that MEC has priced it so that they are accessible. Organic cotton Polo shirts for $19? Tshirts for $12? That is pretty darn good for ANY shirt, never mind organic. Not mention, I really enjoy the colours. :-)

I have been trying to be a little more aware of my 'cunsumptiveness' with regard to the environment. That being said, I drive to work everyday in a single-occupant vehicle. I could take the bus, but I am LAZY. I would have to get up much earlier to catch the bus, and my laziness/desire to sleep overrides my environmental sensibilities. But I do what I can.

Speaking of the environment, in the last week I have watched An Inconvenient Truth and Who killed the Electric Car? Both are excellent films, and I would reccommend them both to everyone. An Inconvenient Truth is by far the most depressing of the two, but who every claimed that climate change was supposed to be uplifting?

And those are my thoughts for the day.

Mar 30, 2007

life just keeps rollin'

I had a really bad day at work today. I mean, like, crawl under a bush and die kind of day. But all ended okay, and I headed off to the Brentwood Bay Lodge for a drink with Dave, which was great. Both of our work days were less than stellar, so it was nice to have a couple of pints to relax. Then I spent 30 minutes arguing with VISA about my card... and got treated like garbage by the rep. Long story.

I was feeling a little pissed at this point. Bailed on my parents, and headed back to Eric's house (he's away in Van for the next 3 months). I thought that I would take it easy, do some tidying, laundry, and assemble the bookshelf he bought at Walmart.

Trust Walmart to sell a book case where the screws strip the allen key. What the fuck is that? So now there is a half-assembled (not even) bookcase sitting on the living room floor, and I am angry!!!!

And drinking beer. Beer solves all problems... which is mildly concerning. I miss Eric...

I want him to come home.

But life, keeps on rollin'

Mar 17, 2007

gah

and gah to the world too.

Geez, social engagements at the parent's house are so stressful.

Always.

Mar 10, 2007

last minute change of plans

Off to Poco tonight to hear the Creddence Clearwater Revival band with Eric and his dad... I love being spontaneous! This weekend is looking up!

and yes, I know this band is really me.

Mar 9, 2007

kinda

So, I feel kinda like I've checked out a bit. I have a lot of good in my life right now, and a lot of promising perspectives. But I don't know why I feel so detached from all of it. I really don't like where I live. The house smells, and we ran out of heating oil, so the house is always cold, and smells really dank. I never see my roommates, no body ever cleans, and I am tired of living with people. I haven't prepared a meal in months. No joke. The fanciest thing I have produced in my kitchen is tea. But I also don't feel much like doing anything about either, since we are all moving out at the end of April.

I have to find a place for May 1. Which seems like a really daunting prospect. I don't even really want to get together with friends. Everything feels like an effort. Since I got back from my trip I have been so exhausted all the time. It is starting to worry me, that I am so tired all the time. I'm told that it can actually take your body a couple of weeks to get over the westward time difference, but I dunno.

Blah. I just feel a little bit blah.

But like I said, I have a lot of good. I really like my new job, and am finding it pretty rewarding. Definitely a steep learning curve, but enjoying it nonetheless. Eric and I are getting along famously, and just celebrated 2 months together this past week (no small feat for me, conidering I have never been in a relationship).

Anyways, I'm just ranting. Things will look up. Maybe some sunshine would help. Cause good lord, I am SICK and tired of it being grey here all the time. It really blows balls.

I think I'll go to Nanaimo this weekend and chill at the sister's place. I dunno.

i'm out...

Mar 5, 2007

blah


Samara left today... moving back to Nelson.

Dave is sad now.






Feb 28, 2007

whew...

Well, after bring up for 24 consecutive hours, I am home. I think next time I would plan the flights a little differently. We left Berlin at 1pm (4am PST), then had a layover in London for 3 hours before getting on the flight to Vancouver that left an hour late at 5:45pm GMT (8am PST), then were on the plane until 6:45pm PST when it landed in Vancouver. We had a semi-long wait at passport control, and kind of got grilled a bit (Eric more than me) and then a really long wait for our bags. So we missed the PCL coach from the airport, and we had to take a taxi to the ferry ($$$). Then we caught the 9pm ferry. Simon and Kira met us at the ferry terminal, and we drove Eric home and then I got home, at 12am PST, which is 9am Berlin time, precisely 24 hours after I woke up.

I think I would have a longer connection maybe. Either at least a day in London, or perhaps a connection in Toronto. I know it sounds crazy, who actually asks for connections? I do. I spent far too long on an airplane yesterday.

But I had a great time over there. I saw a lot of sights that we don't have over here, ate some different foods (some of which disagreed with me, but all of which tasted good). I even saw an English-language version of "The Queen" in Berlin. All of our hosts (Hannah in London, Miriam and Tara in Berlin) were very gracious, and full of good sightseeing ideas, as well as some more obscure, not-quite-on-the-map sights, like the East Side Gallery in Berlin.

Anyways, I have more then 700 pictures to look through, so I will have some to post shortly!

and I'm back.

Feb 25, 2007

enough

The trip has ended...

Almost. We are just about finished here in Berlin. And I have to say that I am ready to go home. I am craving my own things. My bed, my pillow, my food... I am kind of tired of having to 'figure out' everything, you know? I got a little bit lost on the transit systems today (Berlin has three different kinds of trains operated by 2 different bodies, but one schedule) and I had a little freak out when I couldn't find a map of the system in the largest station on the network.

But that aside, I have had a good time. We went out to Sansoucci today, which is the Versailles of Germany. It was beautiful, it is this huge park with 5 palaces in it. The park itself was beautiful, but it was kind of cold and windy too. Eric and I went to Potsdamer Platz on the way back for dinner, and ate an Australian bar. I had a burger, but I could have gotten kangaroo meat if I wanted to! Eww!! I couldn't imagine eating a little kangaroo!

It is Sunday night here, we are planning to watch the Oscars tonight (live, which is 2am-6am Berlin time), and then Eric and I have Monday in Berlin before flying out Tuesday afternoon. 1pm flight from Tegel Airport, we will layover in London for 4 hours, and then back in Vancouver at 6ish on Tuesday night. 9pm ferry home, a gracious ride from the ferry courtesy of Simon and Kira, and then off to my own bed.

I'm out for now!

Feb 22, 2007

Ich bin in Berlin!

Hi all,

I am in Berlin now, and have been since Monday night. But internet access here isn't as cheap or frequent as North America, so here I am at Tara's place, finally catching up on email and dropping a note to the bloggers.

I had a good time in London. I really enjoyed spending time with Hannah and Eric while we were there. I will admit though, that I had a little breakdown on Monday. Hannah had gone back to Exeter for class the previous night, and Eric and I were spending our last day together in London. We went out to Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum, but it was too long of a queue, and the admission was £25.00, which is too much.

I wasn't feeling well, kind of nauseous. I went to a chemist and got a drug that I had never heard of, and then got nervous about taking it. So I decided to get some food. I saw a Subway (I know, we can get Subway at home, but it really appealed) and I got lunch. Eric left me there and walked up the street to see where the Sherlock Holmes museum was. I decided that I wanted to talk to Liz, so I called her, and got the answering machine. I left the weirdest message ever, and then hung up. I don't know what did it, but all of a sudden I just had the uncontrollable urge to cry. I kept it back for a little bit, then the floodgates opened. So I had a quiet little cry sitting on Baker Sreet in London, and Eric came back and found me weeping into my sandwich. Well, I had realized that I was a little tired and overwhelmed by the city, and a little bit homesick. But after my little cry, I felt a lot better. My nausea was gone, and I have been enjoying myself since. Even the language barrier in Berlin isn't really bothering me that much.

But I must go. We are going to watch a movie and drink Radlers. It is this gross-sounding drink that it half-beer, half-orange Fanta, but it is freaking delicious! Everybody here drinks them.

We are seeing the sights, and I have tonnes of pictures to show when I get back. I will try and post again before I head back.

Tschuß aus Deutschland!

Feb 16, 2007

from the UK

Hi everyone,

I arrived in Exeter late last night. Travel was a little bit of an ordeal, but here I am. I STILL don't feel like I have arrived though... Exeter looks a lot like Victoria. I mean a lot. For one thing, there are seagulls. Another thing: it is pouring rain, grey, and overcast. Third thing: everyone is carrying an umbrella. Fourth: the university architecture is almost identical. I could be writing this on a grey, rainy day in the Craigdarroch residences at UVic.

But, I am sure that will change later today. Hannah has her Chaucer class until noon, and then we are off into Exeter itself to see the cathedral, and the rest of the sights before catching a train into London tonight. I think when I get to London I will really feel like I have gone somewhere.

Travel: Flight leaves at 8.30pm. Must take 1pm ferry to ensure we are at Vancouver International soon enough. Get there early, at 3.15pm. 5 hours before our flight. Wait one hour before the check in desk even open. Check in. Discover the plane was late leaving London, so our flight is delayed until 9.35pm. Clear airport security. YVR has embarked on a massive reno project, meaning there are 3 cafes, 1 duty free, and a pro shop open. Can't even buy a book. Waste many hours sitting in terminal, getting increasingly cranky (sorry Eric!). Plane arrives, excitement builds. Then all of a sudden "British Airways is paging the following passenger: Would David Ross please report to gate D52 for a message." Heart leaps into throat. Go to D52, turns out that they were concerned they had lost my bag: both of our bags were checked under Eric's name. No problem. Finally board aircraft. Oops, they have to run tests. Sit on the tarmac for ten minutes. Finally take off, at 10.40pm, more than 2 hours late.

Flight over OK. Dinner and drinks served after takeoff. Chose a movie, fell asleep. Got woken up at 5am PST for breakfast, which was nasty. Delays at Heathrow. Holding pattern for 15 minutes. Land. No free gates. Wait ten minutes. Finally get off the aircraft. I feel like garbage, and my cough is coming back at this point. Get through Passport Control pretty quickly (20 minutes) then off to the Arrivals level. Bags claimed no problem. Take Eric to the Heathrow Express station to get him settled on his way to London. I go the National Express desk to pick up my ticket for the Bus to Exeter. I pick it up at the Terminal 4 desk, as instructed on my online confirmation. The lady says "The bus leaves from the Central Bus Station at Terminal 1. Go take the Heathrow Express (no charge) but you will probably miss your bus." Run back to Heathrow Express. Run down the esclator. Run into Eric on the platform. We get on the train. Train gets to Terminal 1 at 5.15, bus leaves at 5.25pm. RUN down the worlds longest corridor. Follow sign to Terminal 1. Take a long escalator ride. Get off escalator. Go around corner, another escalator. Ride it. Another corner, another escalator. RUN up it with my bag. Go around corner: long hallway. Start running. Completely don't see the travelator, so ran next to it. 5.20pm. Arrive in hub where 4 corridors meet, no more signs for the Central Bus Station. Finally spot an elevator with a paper sign on the door "Temporary Lift to Central Bus Station." Take it. Get to bus station. 5.23pm. Run to info desk, go to platform... Bus is 30 minutes late.

Got on the bus, and slept, slept, slept. 3.5 hours later, arrived in Exeter. Hannah met me, we walked back to her flat at the school, and was finally able to relax. Took the best shower of my life, and went to bed.

I suppose it could have been much worse. It actually isn't that bad. I just wanted to document that part of my trip before I forgot.

I can't wait to get to London tonight!

and I'm out for now!

Feb 13, 2007

Europe, here I come!

I'm off to Europe tomorrow! I'll see you guys later!!!

Feb 10, 2007

here i go...


I am enjoying my last two days off before I leave for my trip. Today is Saturday, and I leave on Wednesday! I am getting very excited. But my goodness, I have had a lot of work to do in the meantime.

Every time I do something to get ready for the trip, I am reminded of just how close it actually is. Today, I went to the bank and bought some pounds sterling so that I have a little cash when I land in London. I asked for £50, and it cost me $116 Canadian! But I am trying not to think about the expense of the UK, I'll worry about the VISA bill when I get back.

But yes, preparations abound. I need to make arrangements to get to the ferry terminal on Wednesday, go to my parents to get the suitcase I am using, I need to do laundry, get my carry-on bag prepped with the bare essentials (apparently British Airways has been losing a lot of luggage lately...) I have so much to get done!

But it will all happen. Speaking of which, I need to go. I'll try and post another update before I leave!

and I'm out...

Jan 30, 2007

more info

Okay, for those of you who were not in the know on things, the aforementioned position that I got hired for today was:

Administrative Assistant to the Director of PR at Butchart Gardens.

Yes, it is a full time position. Yes, I have had to drop out of school. Well, not completely. I have dropped three of the four courses that I was taking. The schedule at this job is such that I can continue with my English 401 Web Design course.

I am not quitting school. I want to make that clear. What I am doing is restructuring my education. Right now, I am a third-year English student with two years left, and $25,000 in debt. And so, I have decided to get a job and PAY my way through the rest of my degree with real money, not student loans. Yes, it will take a little longer, but this was an opportunity that I could not refuse. So I took it.

And that is all. Tomorrow, I have an appointment with a financial advisor to determine the best bet for my pension benefits, and then I am off for a fantastic haircut. To that end, I am posting a 'before' picture tonight. I will post an 'after' picture tomorrow... And yes I know I look like a creeper...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!!!!!

I got the job!! WOOT WOOT!!!

Not really able to communicate how happy I am right now... not at all...

Just imagine me jumping up and down in excitement at the bus loop at UVic when I found out... perhaps that image will help you!

Jan 25, 2007

weeping...

AHH!!! So MacBooks are supposed to be indestructible, right? Right? I even double checked on Apple's website, and found this direct quote:

"And since MacBook is sure to become your constant companion, a durable polycarbonate shell keeps it ready for the rough and tumble of everyday life."

So since my MacBook IS my constant companion (it goes to school with me every day), how in god's name did THIS happen?

And Apple wants my computer for THREE WEEKS to repair it?

Did I drop it, you ask? Throw it across the room? Oh no, I was simply typing merrily along, when I lifted my wrist and this little plastic edge started to peel away. So now my beautiful MacBook has a piece of scotch tape holding it together...

Boo...

Jan 23, 2007

academia

To loosely quote Eric, I feel like I am losing my passion for school. I don't know what it is, but with each passing week, my courses become duller and duller. This semester, I am taking four courses: Conversational German, Early Victorian Lit, Copy Editing, and Web Design. I am only enjoying one of those courses. The others just feel like work.

I am disliking German a LOT!! It seems like no matter what I do, I am incapable of succeeding in that course. There is homework due every single day. I hate it! And with Copy Editing, I just don't care, I really have no desire to go an sit in that classroom and listen to a lecture on the construction of adverbial phrases. Several times I have been in WebReg for one reason or another, and it has struck me that with two mouse clicks, that course could be out of my life forever. Really. It would be that simple. Web Design is okay, except that we are moving at a snail's pace. Early Victorian Lit, on the other hand, is amazing! Dr. Surridge is so passionate about her subject. Her lectures are engaging and varied, and really promote discussion and questions from the class. I would definitely take courses from her again.

One of the reasons that I feel so discombobulated lately is that I have an incredible employment opportunity that has come my way, which I applied for. I got shortlisted and interviewed (today, actually), and think that I have a decent shot. I should find out by Friday whether I got the job or not. Monday at the latest. I just kind of want to know, you know? I have so many projects coming up in the next 10 days, but do I need to apply myself to them or not? If I get the job, the answer is no, as I will be dropping those courses. But I need to apply myself in case I don't get the job.

Why is life so complicated some times? lol

But ah well. Life is not so bad! School aside, I feel a little more 'balanced' of late. Maybe Eric has something to do with that? I dunno! And yes, Eric, I know you are reading this too. But I really enjoy spending my time with Eric, and thinking about him, and waiting to talk to him at night, and becoming a clingy, overly-obsessed boyfriend. I just hope I don't scare him off!

On that note, I am going to bed. I have finished reading Wuthering Heights, and now I need to start reading Cranford. Yay!

Jan 22, 2007

sitting in the computer lab...

life goes on...

so much homework to do...

and i don't want to do any of it.

Jan 19, 2007

laid off

I got laid off at the Gardens again...

Little does Payroll know, I start there tomorrow in a different department! AH-hahahahahahahah!!!!!

Take THAT, unnecessary paperwork!

I can really be an ass sometimes!

Jan 9, 2007

Eric

Here it is, as promised. A picture of Eric. I hope this works out!

a BIG update!

Well, this update isn't big in quantity, but it is big in substance.

As some of you know, I have had myself out there on a few online dating sites, inspired by the success of Claire. Well, after a few coffee dates and some odd moments, I think that I have finally met someone. I don't mean to be cliched, but we really clicked when we met the other day, and have been spending a lot of time together. We are very similar in nature, and both enjoy each other's company. I am very happy, but also very cautious. You know us virgos, there always has to be a barrier of some sort!

Anyways, his name is Eric, he's 29, and a boom operator (he holds the big fuzzy microphone over actors on tv sets). I'll post a pic later on when I get a chance.

That being said, I am off to school (and lunch with Eric!!)

Dec 7, 2006

updates are in order

So it has been a ridiculously long time since I last updated my blog. Several times over the last *gasp* 8 weeks I have thought of updating, but have just never gotten around to it. Other things to do I guess.

So what has happened? Well, I got my cast off in mid-November, and my ankle is healing well, although the physiotherapy is a royal pain in the rear. I can only seem to go early in the morning, and I feel like I keep doing the same excercises, only to have little progress actually made. But the good part of all this is that my fitness levels are increasing. I managed to gain a little bit of weight while my mobility was resticted, so I am happy to be a little more active. I am now walking at least one way to school every day, usually both ways, so things work out pretty well.

In the middle of October, I went to Vancouver to see the "Body Worlds 3" exhibit at Science World, now unfortunately named the Telus World of Science. The exhibit was okay, but after awhile it was pretty tiring, and somewhat absurd. I was expecting it to be cold, hard science (no pun intended) but there was an element of the theatrical which I found perturbing. Not to mention the fact that one body looks a lot like the next. There was also a somewhat-disturbing focus on the perfect body: none of the bosies on display were overweight, they were all perfect specimens, and the ones that still had skin were all caucasian. It was a little weird. Factor in the $21 admission rate (yes, that was the student rate!!) and the exhibit wasn't worth the price. All in all, I can say that I went, but I wouldn't reccommend the exhibit to anyone who wasn't an anatomy student.

While I was in Vancouver, I met up with Lindsay and Ryan and saw their new place, and spent the night with them. It was really nice to see Linds, as we hadn't been chatting much because of school. We walked up to a Starbucks near her house and had a good chin-wag. It was good.

In October I quit my job with Cinecenta, and applied for a position with the Student Facilities Group to work in the Clearihue Computer Lab. I got the job, and it has been working out pretty well. It is definitely lacking in some areas, but the wage certainly makes up for it. I do miss the people at Cinecenta, and the set schedule of hours, but it was a good move, financially at least.

For the November Reading Break I went to Nelson with Ella to visit my friend Samara's parents and drop Ella off at her mom's house. It was a great couple of days, spent hanging out with Samara and her family, doing very little, and eating a lot of amazing food! Samara's dad is a coop owner of the Kooteny Coop Bakery, and there stuff is amazing! The Baker's Breakfast on a spelt pizza bun? Definitely yummy! And the coffee from Oso Negro was delicious as well. I just wish we had more time, it didn't seem like long enough. My car did pretty well through the mountains. Road conditions were favourable, and Samara and I shared the driving. The drive up with Ella was fun, but we had to spend the night in Hope at the Alpine Motel because there was a blizzard going through the mountains. On the way home, Samara and I got caught in that dreadful storm that swept through the lower mainland. Incredible winds, power outages, no traffic lights. It was a nightmare! It took us two hours to get from Langley to the ferry terminal. But the trip was good, and I had a good time. I will really miss Samara when she moves back to Nelson in February, but I guess it will be one more excuse to go visit her!

In late November, I picked up a new job. Chris's parents bought a coffee shop downtown, and they brought me on board to help them out as a managing consultant. I also get to work the bar ocassionally. It is a great opportunity, and one that I wouldn't pass up, but it is job number three for me! Between three jobs and school, I have been stretched pretty thin this last little while.

Speaking of school, classes wound down last week, and I just finished a run of exams. I had German 200 on Monday afternoon, which I suspect is a disaster, and then I had my oral exam for German on Wednesday. It went alright, but the TA kept interrupting me and it through me off, so I made a few mistakes. But they can't be expecting too much, it isn't like we spoke German in class very often. I wrote my Shakespeare final last night, but it was pretty good. I felt reasonably confident coming out. I will interested to see what my final mark turns out to be.

Finally, I put myself on Lavalife and Plenty of Fish, and have had a couple of interesting leads. In fact, I even have a date tonight!

I think that this pretty much sums up what has been going on in the last little while. Not to mention, the longest blog post in awhile. Hopefully I get some pictures up soon.

And I'm out...

Oct 6, 2006

update

So I don't have much to update on, except that ENGL 353: Introduction to Medieval Literature is a freaking hard course! The prof assigns a LOT of work. Next week, we have two hours of reading for each class, a five page assignment due on Thursday, and a translation quiz on Thursday as well. And that is a typical week.

And, in typical Dave fashion, I have been procrastinating quite badly. I am going to rearrange my room, do the dishes, go see a movie, go for coffee, do ANYTHING except my schoolwork. Add to that, I started up on MySpace. So there is a few hours out the window right there.

Speaking of movies, I went and saw Little Muss Sunshine. It is one of the best movies I have seen in years. Well executed, and absolutely hilarious. I have now seen it twice, and laughed my ass off both times! If you have an opportunity, I would strongly recommend seeing this film. Not to mention, the soundtrack is so cute!

And I'm off to my German class...

Sep 24, 2006

I'm tired, cranky, and sore. My ankle hurts, and now my arms and hands hurt from the crutches... life's a bitch.

But it could be much worse. To quote Monty Python: "Always look on the bright, side of life"

Sep 18, 2006

So yep, my ankle is broken. I broke my fibula in 2 places, and have to get a cast. I'll be on crutches for the next 4-6 weeks, and in my "AirCast" for 6 weeks, followed up by more xrays. Oh well.

The bad thing is that the cast is approx $300 dollars, and it might not be covered under my health insurance, which is super shitty.

Sep 17, 2006

So I had people from work over for an end-of-year party last night, and everybody had a great time. The clincher? I have likely borken my ankle. We don't know for sure, I am going in for xrays tomorrow morning, but it sure looks/feels broken. How'd I do it? I fell the down the last half of the stairs from our deck to the backyard...

Oh well, shitty things happen. Maybe people will pay alot of attention to me if I am temporarily crippled. The bad news is that I had to cancel a shift at the Gardens, cause I can't really work a standing canape reception with a broken ankle, can I?

Sep 5, 2006

My house is pissing me off...

Aug 20, 2006

Sitting in Nanaimo

Alright, so here I am in Nanaimo popping in on Liz and Chris' place. They are getting back from Europe in about a week. Hopefully they will have brought something for me with them. I just wanted to include some pictures from my Okanangan visit. So below, here they are!


A view from the top of Knox Mountain, looking across the bridge over Okanagan Lake.


The view from Cedar Creek Estate Winery


The view from the patio at NK'MIP Cellars, where we ate lunch.


The Grotto at NK'MIP, where they age their red wine in oak barrels.


The view into the vineyard at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery in Summerland. It used to be the fairway for the first hole of a gold course, before Sumac Ridge bought the course and started the winery.


This is a picture of the Barrel Cellar at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. It is underground, and quite a dramatic site. It was just a little too polished for my liking, like a "Disneyland of Wineries." The Barrel Cellar is stunning, but you just know that there is a warehouse somewhere stacked high with barrels and lit with fluorescent lights, where they actually make wine. It was stunning there, but a little fake.


Above ground at Mission Hill. They have a stunning site. The entrance to the Barrel Cellar is underneath the bell tower.


This is one of the cutest dogs I have ever met. His name is Tux (for Tuxedo) and he is on the sweetest dogs ever. I wanted to take him home, but Rowan's mom wouldn't part with him.

Aug 15, 2006

so much wine...

So I have been up in the Okanagan for the last three days, and man, have I tasted a lot of wine. Rowan's parents have been gracious enough to let us stay with them in Kelowna, and we have been running around. On Sunday, we went to Summerhill Pyramid Winery, and Cedar Creek Estate Winery. Monday, we went down to Osoyoos, and went to NK'MIP Cellars, where we had lunch. I had caribou sausage and bison steak. It was really quite good. On our way home we stopped at the Golden Beaver Winery, which was an experience in and of itself. This morning, we went to Sumac Ridge Estate Winery in Summerland, then on to Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. After Mission Hill, we stopped at Quail's Gate. Needless to say, I have purchase 6 bottles of wine for myself.

Anyways, I am on a borrowed internet connection, so pictures and details will follow later!

And I'm out...

Aug 6, 2006

BaratsandBereta.com

These two guys make this videos, among others, and they are all pretty darn funny. From what I can gather, they attend Gonzaga University, a Jesuit university in Spokane, WA. Visit their website at BaratsandBereta.com and prepare to laught your ass off. They are also posted on YouTube.com

omg

I don't know where these people come from...

Jun 22, 2006

long time no blog

So, as usual, it has been a long time since my last entry. Here we go in a nutshell:

We had our Corporate Challenge Regatta on June 3rd: My team took the championship in our division (Challenger Quad). It was a lot of fun, Claire dropped by to watch, and a great time was had by all at the party afterward.

I bought my ticket to go to London/Exeter/Berlin/Munich/wherever Tara will be living in February. Quite exciting, now that I actually have the ticket. Although I have some supreme jealousy. Liz and Chris are going to Europe for three weeks this August. I hope they have a good time, but they better bring me something!

I am settling into a routine at the new house. We are coming up on two months now, and so far there haven't been any roommate clashes, so we are doing pretty well, considering that there are 6 people living in the house.

I had the Father's Day from hell. Mom mad at Matthew, Liz and Chris trying to get back up the island to take care of their pug, and mom angry at me for having the gall to make breakfast plans, even though we agreed that I would go to their house at 12:30pm, so suck it up Mom. But Chris' parents came as well, we had a barbeque (although we ate indoors), and it ended up pretty well. I also found out that my Mom is certain that I was molested by the janitor at my elementary school, who was arrested on molestation charges last year. I found this out from my siblings. Thanks a bundle, mom.

Work is work. I am not really enjoying it this year. They are cracking down on expenses, and management is riding everybody really hard. My director has me terrified to take a lunch break or 10 minutes to have a glass of water, cause he always comes down to check on the outlet when i am on my break, and has this impression that I am never there. Add to that chronic understaffing, and it is a pretty stressful place.

What else...

I had breakfast with Mera on Sunday at DeDutch. It was good, but not quite what we were looking for. But Mera treated, and we had a good time.

I think that is everything I can come up with at the moment. I'll post some pictures later!

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