Lesley's Blog

Good Liar

2006-06-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Good Liar (perormed by Aaron Lines)
(Brett James/Frank Rogers/Troy Verges)

It was a pretty good performance
Yesterday out on the street
Maybe they should give me an Emmy or an Oscar
Cause you didn't suspect a thing
We made small talk on the sidewalk
I even laughed out loud
And I didn't blink an eye when I told you that I'm happy now
I'm a good liar
I had you believing
That I wasn't dying watching you leaving
I'm good at pretending
I stood there unflinching
Baby with my heart on fire
Hey I'm a good liar

Truth is I've had a lot of practice
I've put on this show before
Just like the day you told me we were history
I was brilliant standing right outside your door
I convinced you and me too
It was gonna be all right
That we'd both be better off that I would get on with my life

I'm a good liar
I had you believing
That I wasn't dying watching you leaving
I'm good at pretending
I stood there unflinching
Baby with my heart on fire
Hey I'm a good liar

It's time I came clean
It's time I told the truth
No matter what I say I'm still in love with you
Baby I'm still in love with you

Yeah

I'm a good liar
I had you believing
That I wasn't dying watching you leaving
I'm good at pretending
I stood there unflinching
Baby with my heart on fire
Baby my heart's on fire
Hey I'm a good liar

Three weeks already!

2006-05-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've been back home for three weeks already. It feels like I've barely been here and yet my "summer" is nearly 1/4 over. As I should have guessed, I've barely seen anyone.

Work's been okay. It's been coldish and rainey so many people haven't wanted ice cream. Last night I was supposed to work 5-9pm, but was off at 6:30. In the six-and-a-half hours the shot had been open, only eight customers came in. Here's so hoping the weather gets warm and sunny soon! I'm relying on the hours to get the money to feed myself next year.

We have a family reunion tomorrow that I'm feeling quite bad about. My mom's trying to organize it and more and more people are saying they won't be able to make it. I know she's upset over that. What makes it worse is that it begins at 1pm and I have to work at 3, so I can barely make it. I was nervous to ask for time off work so close to beginning (since I need two days next week), but I'm now wishing I had have asked. I feel really rotten and wish there was some way I could make it up to my mom. Family truly is important to me and I wish I could be there.

Lyrics of the day: Complicated by Carolyn Dawn Johnson They pretty much say what's been going on in my brain for the past few weeks.

Now for the fun... I got the film that was in my camera developed.
Laura and Rose, in the pub:

Laura and Rose, at "the rock":

Rose and me, in the caf:

Laura and me, in the caf:

Laura, Rose and me taking a picture of ourselves:

Beth, in the laundry room:

"There's sperm on your door!":

The res from Simcoe third floor:

The Olympic Wall of Fame:

Random berries and cigarette butts...

2006-05-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

I'm home... in Owen Sound.

I was supposed to leave Welland on Saturday morning, but received a phone call from my dad around 4pm asking if I would like them to pick me up on Friday night. Yes! So, I packed and cleaned... and talked to Rose. My parents got to the residence around 9:20 and we were all ready to go by 10:15. This, of course, meant we got home at 2am.

As I was leaving the lady at the front desk said, "You'll be here next year, right?" to which I responded, "I haven't been told for sure..." She said, "You'll be here next year." Yay, I have a place to live!

Let's see, the last time I was here was April 21... so I guess I have a bit of filling-in to do.

I finally got to sleep around 3am that Friday night. I was not impressed. Saturday I spent the majority of the day with Beth. We went to the mall and Wal-mart and then back to the residence to do laundry. We ate chocolate and drank sparling peach juice in the laundry room while I asked her some questions for my Grammar assignment.

On Sunday my parents came down for my birthday. We went to Swiss Chalet and then did some shopiing. After this, they came back to my room to help me get in some early packing. During this time I was surprised with some presents from them, my brother and my cousin and aunt. Among them were 20 cupcakes, all numbered; Gavin Degraw's CD; clothes; a picture frame with my autographed tie and pictures of me with Aaron Lines, Paul Brandt, Deric Ruttan, Jason McCoy and Aaron Pritchett (the artists who had signed the tie).

The following week was apporopriately called "the week from Hell." It started off okay, but my Thursday morning... wow!

On Wednesday, Laura picked Rose and me up and we went to the bookstore in St. Catharines. It's a good thing I only had $20, or I would have been buying a lot more books. I must get back there some day! We stayed at Laura's that night for dinner... mmm, pizza!

I did my Current Events, Grammar and Photography exams on Thursday as well as 5/6 of my photography assignment and the finishing touches on my desktop publishing assignment. On Friday I did my final Psychology test as well as the remainder of my photography assignment. Really, Thursday was the day that killed.

As I said, I'm not home. I went out with Ashley yesterday. We went to Kelso Beach to bit on the rocks out by the water. I got so sunburnt (that it hurts to move my arms)! I had a blast. I have missed the people from around here - not that I won't miss the friends I've made from Welland while I'm gone.

My mom got tickets for us to see Aaron Lines in Barrie on June 24. We're also hoping to make it to his shows in Kitchener and London later this month. Now I just need to get the time off work to go... okay, I need a job first and then I need to get the time off.

Laura, Rose and I had compiled a ton of quotes that had cracked us up throughout the year; however, a few pages from my book seem to be missing. Ahh! I'll write what I've got and if anyone can think of any I'm missing... feel free to tell me.

"I've got ribs stuck in my teeth."
*Laura Narducci
"Cough up a lung?"
*Lesley Smith
(after dinner for Laura's birthday at East Side Marios)
----------
"Sex is like chocolate chip cookies... warm and gooey."
*Rose Somr
(a take on a saying from a book about teen sex)
----------
"So messy, but so good."
*Laura Narducci and Lesley Smith
(the bbq chicken subs at After Hours)
----------
"Oh, the penis is still there. We're good."
*Rose Somr
(making sure we were at the right set of lockers)
----------
"Rose calls me at 3am and is like 'it's tangled!'"
*Lesley Smith
(her mp3 player)
----------
"Trust me, if you need to be silent... you'll be silent."
*Barb Steele
(this one's pretty much what will come to your mind)
----------
"Is that a microphone in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"
*Laura Narducci
(a guy in After Hours had a mic... in his back pocket)
----------
"Winterfest has been postponed due to lack of winter."
*Sign at After Hours
----------
"There's sperm on your door."
*Rose Somr
(an ad for Plan B, as it turns out)
----------
"He could hold up his notepad!"
*Rose Somr
(smile and nod)
----------
"It's not the length. It's the depth."
*Gary Erb
(about columns)
----------
"It doesn't happen because we wrote it. We write it because it happens."
*Rose Somr
(wow, that's deep)
----------
"They're so huge. How could you fit that in your mouth?"
*Rose Somr
(her feet)
----------
"I'm surrounded by dates. Would you like to be one?"
*Lesley Smith
(I rock with the pick-up lines)
----------
"Could you relax my muscles?"
*Lesley Smith
(a conversation about muscle relaxants and a good-looking waiter)
----------
"Someone's backing up."
*Laura Narducci
(beeping during Grammar class)
----------
"Girls, girls, girls... Girls gone wild."
*Gary Erb
(to Rose, Laura and I. If you can explain this... please do)
----------
"Lesley's the babe of the group."
*Gary Erb
(that everything it was explained that "babe" was meant as "youngest")
----------
"I like the people in the nude book."
*Unknown
(I wish I could remember the circumstances behind this one)
----------
"I used to like the cheese balls."
*Rose Somr
(I can't remember)
----------
"Apparently Rose is sex obsessed."
*Laura Narducci
"Duh!"
*Rose Somr
(that really says it all)
----------
"It didn't hurt, so I assume it's pokeable."
*Laura Narducci
(I think I poked her)
----------
"That was a 'what the f*ck moment, brought to you by Lesley."
*Laura Narducci
(apparently I say random things)
----------
"I'll co-haunt your ass!"
*Rose Somr
(maybe a grammar error was made)
----------
"This is mint?!"
*Rose Somr
(yes, it's a candy cane)
----------
~The Rose-Somr-sticks-her-foot-in-her-mouth collection. She said all of these things in the presence of people they had to do with~
"I hate beards!"
"I'm afriad of bald people!"
"I don't like it when old men stare at me!"
"Who the Hell looks good in bright orange?"

This is for you, Rose, since you thought the tree outside the school was so pretty. This is the large version that's in my front yard... it's a Magnolia tree.

Sleep... please... sleep!

2006-04-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

It's April 22nd (at 2am, none-the-less). Do you know what that means? I'll be 20 tomorrow! Generally, I hate birthdays, I swear. The fact that I won't be a "teenager" anymore, though... wonderful!

My dad's birthday was on Thursday (April 20). Happy belated birthday to him!

I've been trying to go to bed since about 11pm. However, each time I would get close to sleep my roommate and her friends would come in. Now, she has every right to be social and every right to have friends over, but some respect for me and the fact I may actually want to sleep because I have things to do tomorrow (today) would be nice. Of course, there was most certainly alcohol involved, so...

In fact, the one girl seems to be quite drunk. I'm not making fun of her or anything, but gah! She's emotional and trying to get ahold of her boyfriend. She's puked a ton (I think once in the bathroom sink... nice!) and the others in the room are all trying to get her to calm down, stay in the washroom and sober up a bit.

Here's the deal: she's in the washroom and everyone else is in my roommate's bedroom. What's right between those two? Oh... my bedroom. Yelling (er... loud, loud talking) back and forth. It seems to have calmed a bit now. I'm sure, though, that as soon as I try to sleep again it'll all begin again.

Okay, I'll stop complaining.

I had my own fun tonight! Laura and Rose came over after school and we watched Bruce Almighty. Following this, we went to Don Coyotes. Mmm, good food (and amazing Raspberry Daiquiris, coincidently). Once dinner was finished, we wandered around the mall. Yay for the pet shop! I want the grey bunny, and the hyper lizard.

So, that was birthday party number one... Sunday when my parents come down it will be number two! Sunday is also the day I send a lot of my stuff home. Most of it is packed. It's really looking sad in here. For now, all that's left on my walls is my olympic shrine (which is coming down after this weekend) and my calendar that lists homework. Did I mention that the bare walls are a nice white cement?My shelves are empty... half of my clothes are gone. Moving sure is fun! (Note the sarcasm).

It was paper week at school. I'm pretty sure I was to have one story in the actual hard copy, but it got moved to page 30 (I also have stuff on 29 and 34) which is the online pages. I will admit that I was a bit upset. I realize others may have nothing anywhere, but it would have been nice to actually be able to hold something in my hand after pouring so much of my time and effort into things. Holy crap, I really am in a complaining mood tonight! I have 13 more chances... I'm sure I'll get in there some time.

Don't you hate it when you admit to your friends that you think a guy is good looking... just that he's good looking, nothing more... and the next thing you know you're developing a highschool-sized crush on him? Gah! I thought crushes were for those younger than I am! That's what I'll say about that.

There's absolutely nothing interesting going on in my life that I can think of right now, and I'm thinking I should attempt to get to sleep while it's a bit quieter in here. I'll just leave with some happy song lyrics...

Seeing Things by Aaron Lines
(Aaron Lines/Blair Daly/Gordon Sampson/Troy Verges)

That night, that dress
Baby, I must confess
I was tongue-tied, but inside
My mind got way ahead of me
I'm stuck in this confusion
Trapped in some illusion
It's all because of you
Somebody help me
I need an ice-cold glass of water
You left me out here in the desert
I'm losing it, hallucinating
Somebody save me
Pour me a strong cup of coffee
My eyes are playing tricks on me
What's happening
Girl, you got me seeing things

Sunlight on you face
Waking up with you each day
My shirt on you
Just the thought's driving me crazy
It's like I'm in a daze
Some kind of lovesick haze
Before I go insane

Somebody help me
I need an ice-cold glass of water
You left me out here in the desert
I'm losing it, hallucinating
Somebody save me
Pour me a strong cup of coffee
My eyes are playing tricks on me
What's happening
Girl, you got me seeing things

I'm drunk on love, I'm stoned on you
I'm wasted, your face is
Everywhere I turn

Somebody help me
I need an ice-cold glass of water
You left me out here in the desert
I'm losing it, hallucinating
Somebody save me
Pour me a strong cup of coffee
My eyes are playing tricks on me
What's happening

Easter

2006-04-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

An Easter story...

This takes place back when I was a child. It was Easter and a few of the children from the neighbourhood had gone outside. There it was. On the side of the road, at the house next door to mine. A rabbit. Dead. He had been hit by a car. Wow, a dead bunny on Easter. What an experience for children.

Happy story, eh? Meh, that's just the mood I'm in. (Mwahahaha)

Easter at home was nice. My dad and brother picked me up Thursday night and we drove home. Friday my dad and I went for a drive... and I got a picture of the sign that I'll post later on. Saturday we did the income tax thing. I get $200-and-something. Nice. I visited my grandparents as well; they just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last weekend. Today we came back here.

I packed some of my stuff and took it home Thursday. I sent a bunch more home with my parents today. Even more of it is going next weekend. Slowly it's becoming vacant in here. Sam has sent most of her stuff home already. The rooms can certainly look much larger.

One week until my birthday. It's odd that I normally hate birthdays and yet am looking forward to this one so much. I just want that "teen" word taken out of my age. If you ask me, I never really was a typical "teenager." My phrase of teen rebellion will surely hit when I'm 40-something.

Picture of the weekend:
--background first. During the showing of a WalMart documentary in Current Events, a traffic sign about Mennonites/ horse 'n' buggys sharing the road appeared. Laura seemed quite amazed and I had no clue that she had never seen such a sign. They're quite common in my area. Now, this was not taken with any disrespect towards Mennonites. Quite honestly, I am very interested in their lifestyle.

Chonky

2006-04-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

... and for the record, that's pronounced "chunky." Apparently I made both the sound of a chicken and the sound of a money today. The combination of these is "chonky."

(sorry for mistakes in here. my eyes need a break)

It's been a long time. I've wanted to come in, but I've been really busy. When I haven't been busy, I've been too sleepy. I had a nice cup of coffee just a short time ago, though, and I'm ready to go.

It's been back to school for nearly three weeks now. Wow. Only two-and-a-half weeks to go! Some days in the past eight months have dragged on and on, but overall it's gone extremely quickly. A year from now it's off to the "real world." Ahhh!

I got over that horrible cold I had, and was back to being sick this week. I have no immune system, I'm telling ya. I've been feeling fine today so I'm thinkin' this one's over. My goal is to not get sick any more before the end of the [school] year.

There's really not much that's interesting to share, until I get to the Casino Rama talk.

Rose and I went to the school last Saturday for the VIP Day. That's the day when students who will be attending the school next year can come to check things out. Generally this is done duing the highschool March Break, but that fell on strike time this year. Talking to these students was my original college connection story idea but I had completed and submitted another story already. I did take photos, though. Crappy photos... but photos.

As can probably be seen, I got my computer back. The most difficult part of having it gone for me was the last week I was missing it. That was the first week back in classes after the strike. Being here and having no computer drove me insane. But it's back now. I love it! I'm not too sure what was wrong or what was done. It really wasn't explained to me. I do know it was under warranty, so I didn't have to pay. It's back and I hope nothing goes wrong ever again.

Eleven days until I'm 20. Yay! However, due to a mistake I made on BirthdayAlarm.com, everyone was sent an e-mail notifying them that my birthday was April 3. I guess I'll be celebrating for the full 20 days.

Okay, I guess that leaves Rama... goody! I'll try to make this as short as possible. Warning: It'll be long!

Yes, I had to miss nearly the whole first Friday back after the strike. I don't really like missing classes... but it was totally worth it. Two concerts - involving my favourite artist (Aaron Lines, for those who may not know already... haha) as well as his fan club party. Oh yeah!

Friday afternoon my mom and I picked up who friends at Peason Airport and headed to Rama. When we got there, we dropped our friends off at their hotel and went to our own -- where we met with the three friends we'd be staying with. We went out for dinner, and then to the casino to await the show.

Time... went... slowly. Mikelle was the first artist up. She's 16 and a very new artist. She may have a strong voice, but her show was, in my opinion... and that of everyone else I've spoken with... just plain ol' bad. She's so staged that it's nearly sickening. I really wasn't upset when she was done and left the stage.

Next was Aaron! I know I sound like a freak for being so excited, but it was the first time I had seen him in eight months (and that's the longest I've ever gone without one of his shows). I know I'm biased, but I loved it. Loved it! Ten songs seemed to fly right by. Everyone needs to see Aaron perform. I demand it! Haha. I really can't say more without driving anyone crazy.

The final performer was Jeffrey Steele. He's a songwriter/singer. He's written songs performed by artists such as Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, Faith Hill, Trace Adkins. I know most people who will see this aren't into country, but here's hoping at least one of those names rings a bell. Jeffrey was really great. He was having fun up there. So much fun, in fact, that he didn't know the red light meant he was to stop singing and he went on for nearly two hours!

The show was four hours long in all.

After it was over, my mom and I, and our three friends/roommates decided to go to the bar (at the casino) for a while instead of going right back to our hotel. We we joined later by the two friends we had picked up at the airport.

Not too long after we sat down, Aaron came down. He came over to us to chat for a couple minutes. I thought that was really nice. Instead of just a greetingin passing he actually stopped.

A while later, Jeffrey Steele came down. He said "hi" to us when he arrived. A lot of the band members also came down. We talked to Aaron's guitar player for a while. I wish I could remember his name, but I can't. I do know he said he's going to be the new guitar player for Hot Apple Pie. People may know their song "Hillbillies."

Before going back to our hotel, around 3 am, we went to say a quick "hello" to Jeffrey Steele, as the bar was pretty much empty by this time. We didn't want to bother him. Like I said, just a "hello." I didn't spend long enough with him to form a full opinion, but he seems to be a very nice person.

Friday night: an hour and a half of sleep.

Saturday was fan club party day. All five people in our room were up and ready by 11am... the party was at 1:30pm. By noon we were heading to the casino (that's where the party was held). Time to kill. My mom showed me how to lose money to slot machines... haha. I don't gamble, though.

One-thirty. Yay!

The party started off with just the fans in the room. We got to say "hi" to old friends we hadn't seen in a while, and meet new faces as well. It was really nice. After a while, Aaron came into the room. He joined in the mingling, walking around and talking with everyone.

A game was played called "How Well Do You Know Aaron Lines?" I'll admit that I knew every answer. Not because I'm "obsessed" b\but because I'm sick when it comes to trivia and facts and a lot of things. I remember things without even being sure where I heard them. Three attendees had their names chosen out of a bowl to play. I wasn't chosen, but it was a thrill even to watch the others compete.

After the game, there was a gift presentation for Aaron. Being that it was April 1, we had an April Fool's Day joke to play. One of the fans and her mother brought a very, very ugly shirt. It was wrapped and given to Aaron, said to be a gift from the fan club. He was told, before he opened it, that we would all be honoured if he wore it on stage that night for his performance. Then he opened it. As he was trying to find something to say, we all yelled "April Fools!"

The real gift was then presented. It included a digital camera and an engraved bowl for Aaron's new dog.

CMT Canada was in attendance, doing filming for an upcoming episode of their Top 20 Countdown. The show will air on April 21-23. At this point during the party, CMT wanted to do some filming with Aaron. We all sat behind Aaron and the host, Casey Clarke, as the interview was done. Near the end we were all standing right behind them. I was pretty much between Aaron and Casey back there, so who knows... I could make it to TV. That's frightening.

When CMT was done taping, Aaron performed four songs for us... and four new songs at that. The first was called "Let's Get Drunk and Fight." Aaron wrote it, but Tim McGraw actually performs it. It was a nifty song. Another, Somebody's Son, was amazing. Aaron said he wrote it after seeing a news story one night where a soldier had been killed. In the song, the narrator talks about that soldier being somebody's son and then going upstairs to see his own son (the narrator's son). It was heartbreaking. The other two songs were There Are The Days and You Still Love Me. Both nice songs.

The party ended with a meet and greet for all. Pictures, autographs, getting to chat with Aaron a bit more. He asked me if the teachers were still on strike, haha. He had heard about it from me when I e-mailed him during the strike to ask a question for the CD review I was planning to write. It ever got finished though.

I got to talk to Casey Clarke, as well as Tiffany. I had heard that Casey has a tendancy to be a bit rude, so I was surprised when he was really nice. Somehow the conversation got into me being away at school and in Journalism-Print... which is what Tiffany took. When I mentioned that I was frightened about the "real world" Casey looked me right in the eye and said, "You know what? You'll be just fine." It's amazing how great that can make one feel.

After going back to the hotel for a very short time - long enough for a drink... haha - my mom and I went back to the casino where we met up with some friends/fan club members. Our three roommates were going to another show in the area that night. We had dinner... but not before I had another drink (you'll see where this is going). Y'see, I didn't have breakfast or lunch and I dare say, for the first time in my life, that I was drunk. I nearly fell over when I took one corner while walking with my mom after dinner. Haha. Oh man. I have a low tolerance, apparently.

The show that night was the same - except Jeff Steele's set was shorter - so I won't go into that. I'll just say "yay!"

After the show a number of us met at the bar. We took up three tables and were really jammed in. Our three roommates came back from their show to join us. They had mentioned the bar to the artists they had gone to see - Gil Grand and Jake Matthews - and the guys showed up. Aaron came down as well, and chatted a bit again before going back with the other artists and band members (they had their own section this night). Jeff Steele came down later too, and Mikelle (16 and in a bar...?)

This night ended at 4am. We got to say goodbye to Aaron as he was leaving, because it happened to be the same time we were leaving.... coincidence, I swear.

Saturday night: an hour and a half of sleep.

It was a wonderful weekend. The best weekend I can ever remember. I had so much fun with friends and concerts that I will smile every time I think back to this weekend.

I guess all that's let is to share some photos:

Aaron and I at the party. Note the hockey jersey... it's my birthday present:

Casey Clarke and I at the party. He had been wearing a shirt that said "Aaron Lines #1 Fan" but changed before I got this pic:

Me wearing Aaron's shirt. We bid and won it at the party (proceeds to the Red Cross). I now have his socks and shirt... haha:

Aaron on Saturday night:

Jeff Steele on Saturday night:

All Aaron on Saturday: http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brcpammy2001/album?.dir=fa97&.src=ph
All Aaron Fan Club Party: http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brcpammy2001/album?.dir=852a&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brcpammy2001/my_photos
All Jeff on Saturday: http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brcpammy2001/album?.dir=59c3&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brcpammy2001/my_photos

Back to the Bargaining Table

2006-03-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

They're back to the bargaining table today. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

We called about my computer again on Friday. The people at the Mac place don't sound like they're too impressed that we have called twice now, but c'est la vie. We were told they would call when they knew what was wrong. No call. When we called Friday they said they needed to order a new "top" for my computer. Whatever the "top" is. They said it would take five days to get the part and they would install in the day it arrived. I don't know what day they ordered it... but I hope it's fixed soon. I really, really need that thing.

Last week was a whole lot of not much. I didn't get done 1/10 of the writing that I wanted to. My brother was on March Break, so getting the computer was an on-and-off experience. He's back at school this week so I'm taking advantage of it today. We'll see what I can get done. It shouldn't be too bad. Whenever we get back to school my first goal is to track down Tami and ask her the one question I need to fix up my story on someone who works at the college. I hope that our college connection story deadline will be extended, because I haven't done it.

I'm still sick. I'm feeling considerably better, but I still have a lingering cough. It was pretty bad at the concert I was at on Sunday. I couldn't even clap without starting into coughing fits. The show was great, though. Johnny Reid, Terri Clark and Brad Paisley... third row at Copps Coliseum.

Before we went to the show, my mom and I went to the res. to pick up some more of my stuff. It's going to be weird to go back there, whenever that will be. Like Christmastime, I have become accustomed to being here.

We got some sad news on Monday about a friend from Aaron Lines' website/message board, Amy, passing away. Though she and I hadn't talked one-on-one much recently, we had had some good conversations in the past. It's so sad... I'll really miss seeing her around and talking to her.

On Saturday I attended a baby shower for my Michelle - my cousin's (and her husband, Chris) baby, Alliyah. I think that is the very first baby shower I have ever been to. I'm not around children much. In fact, I am just starting to warm up to them now. I didn't hold her, though... I'm not quite there yet. However, I considered it.

I think that's all the excitement that's around here. Woohoo!

Less than two weeks until the two Aaron Lines (and Jeffrey Steele and Mikelle) shows at Casino Rama, and the Aaron Lines fanclub party... I'm so excited. I've been counting down since before Christmas.

Saturday... I think.

2006-03-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

Y'know, this teachers on strike thing really messed with the days of the week. I've been one day off since Tuesday. I think today is Saturday, though. Haha.

The concert last night was amazing. I need to do some contacting around to find out information because it needs a story/review -- whether it be for n@n or just to show to others. I don't know the full story of the family, but it involved two sisters. One sister had twins and shortly after had a stroke. The other sister took her and the twins in to her family... and one of the sisters also has a child with downsyndrome, I think. However, there needs to be additions/renovations to the house to make it more accessable. These are the things I need clarification about.

Johnny Reid was there to perform a fundraising concert. I've seen Johnny a few times... but wow! He has an amazing voice, no one can deny his talent. Along with Johnny on the stage was an acoustic guitar player, a fiddle player, and a man singing backup. Incredibly beautiful. There was an acapella song that blew me away. I really need to organize my thoughts.

I see Johnny again, with Terri Clark and Brad Praisly, tomorrow night at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton.

There may be a change in plans about me going back to Welland. Because there aren't even talks about talks yet, everything seems very far off. It is quite possible that tomorrow before the concert we will continue on to Welland where I can pick up more of my stuff and come back home for the duration. Here I also have a computer to do work on. I'll be much more productive here than sitting around in the res.

My brother had a knock out experience yesterday... literally. He called my dad yesterday afternoon to come get him from school and take him to the hospital. I guess Greg (that's my brother) had been playing basketball and tripped. He hit the gym floor and knocked himself out... the teacher estimated for about 15 seconds. Everything seems to be okay with him, thankfully.

I did my essay on Cuba yesterday. It didn't take very long at all. I also did the grammar assignment with the use of "to be." As far as I can tell, I only used it once. I found the assignment way too easy though, so I probably messed up somewhere. Greg lent me Radio, so I can use it for my Psych. essay.

I guess that's all the interesting (and yet not-so-interesting) news.

Can't Anything Go Right?

2006-03-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

Monday night, approx. 11pm. Rose and I are talking, awaiting the teachers' strike verdict. There will be a strike. Great (note the sarcasm).

Tuesday was okay. It was pretty quiet around the res. I read the remining three chapters of my Psych. textbook and that was really it.

Wednesday my computer broke. It's difficult to explain what it's doing, so I won't attempt to. I called the Mac Outpost in St. Catherines where I bought it and explained what it was doing. The guy on the other end of the line suggested something. I tried it, it didn't work. He asked if I could bring it in. A taxi to St. Catherines and back costs a ton. Before bed my allergies were acting up, so I popped an allergy pill before heading to bed.

Thursday, yesterday. My mom and cousin came down to bring me home for the concerts this weekend. Those allergies from the night before... not allergies. ANOTHER damn cold! Does college = no immune system or something? To make matters better, we took my computer in on the way home. After trying a few things the dude at the store said to leave it there and they would try some things with the software. If it isn't that they'll need to order hardware and do some fixing.

That's great, but how can I get it back? As I've already mentioned, a cab is way too expensive for my budget. That means that if it isn't fixed Monday, I'll have to wait for another weekend when my parents are not busy so they can come and get it for me.

So, to recap: journalism student who can't use a computer, student with nothing but free time and nothing to do, ill (complete with aches, cough, light headedness and sore throat) again.

I'm the world's most upbeat person right now I tell ya.

Rant done.

For now.

P.S. Concerts tonight and Sunday night... YAY!

Back in Welland

2006-03-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

I got back to Welland around 11am yesterday. We left at 7:30am... the day was long.

Friday night I went out for coffee with Lauren. It was so nice to talk to and see her. We saw each other at the end of Christmas break, but it was very difficult that night to have a one-on-one conversation with anyone. I was so tired while we were out that I thought the large black coffee I drank may wake me up. I was wrong... until...

2am when I woke up. Not just woke up, but was wide awake and I didn't get back to sleep. I tried to nap yesterday when I got back and that didn't work either. Finally, I began to get tired around 8pm, just as the hockey games were begining.

By 8:30pm I was so tired that I needed bed. However, I'm crazy. The second game last night was Calgary and I really, really wanted to see it. I set my alarm for 10pm and went to bed. I woke up and watched the first period and a half of the game and then was very tired again. I knew I wanted to see the end, so I set my alarm for midnight. Like I said, I'm crazy.

Today I woke up at 9am and just wasn't in a good mood. I'm still not. Perhaps sometime I'll divulge what's on my mind, but it would all just come out as one massive whine right now. Boo hoo! *rolls eyes at self*

Both my roommate and I brought around a month's worth of groceries back with us. We have an apartment sized fridge and each have one self in the cupboards. Things are packed. I don't know when I last saw this much food. It all fits, though, so that rocks. I forgot to bring my bread and english muffins from home, so I need to go to Avendale tomorrow to get those.

There's a grammar test tomorrow and I should study a bit. I don't really know what there is to study, but Rose has me freaked out... haha.

------------
I'll leave with this, which was sent to me in through e-mail the other day:

You know you're a 90s kid if...

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE!" (hah, yeah)

2. You can sing the rap to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" (sure can)

3. You've worn skorts and felt stylish. (I remember those things)

4. You yearned to be part of the Baby-Sitters club. (No, but I read the books)

5. You use to love playing with your My Little Pet Shop. (I had bunnies)

6. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey from "Blossom" and that "How Rude!"comes from Stephanie from "Full House." (I enjoyed both shows as a child)

7. You remember when it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons. (I just commented on this the other day)

8. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head and had fluffed bangs. (ponytail: no, bangs: yes)

9. You got super excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school. (eh?)

10. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in kindergarten. (huh?)

11. You remember reading "Goosebumps." (The Coocoo Clock of Doom was my favourite, I believe)

12. You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off." (not really)

13. You have pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf. (yes!)

14. You took plastic cartoon lunch boxes to school. (nope)

15. You remember the craze then the banning of slap bracelets and slam books. (I sure remember the bracelets)

16. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence... Not... (... and sometimes I do it, too)

17. You knew that Kimberly, the pink ranger, and Tommy, the green ranger, were meant to be together. (I also remember having a big crush on Billy, the blue ranger)

18. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up" (I know the phrase, but don't remember it)

19. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates (nope)

20. You ever got injured on a Slip' n' Slide (I did... the thing hurt me!)

21. You wore socks over leggings scrunched down. (no)

22. "Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, all dressed in black, black, black, with silver buttons, buttons, buttons, all down her back, back, back" SHE ASKED HER MOTHER MOTHER MOTHER FOR FIFTY CENTS CENTS CENTS TO SEE THE ELEPHANTS ELEPHANTS ELEPHANTS JUMP OVER THE FENCE THE FENCE THE FENCE" he jumped so high high high he touched the sky sky sky and he didnt come back back back til the forth of july ly ly he jumped so low ow ow he stumbed he's toe oe oe and thats the end end end of the elephants show ow ow" (I've been singing this in my head since I received this)

23. You remember boom boxes vs. cd players. (sure do)

24. You knew what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare." (there's a care bear on my bed...)

25. You remember Alf, the little brown alien from Melmac and Vicki the Robot from "MY Little Wonder." (I loved Alf, I had an Alf doll. Vicki I don't know)

26. You remember New Kids on The Block when they were cool. (I grew up with country music, so I didn't know NKOTB until much later. I do remember my friend having an NKOTB Ken doll, though)

27. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell." (one of the best shows ever)

28. You played and or collected "Pogs." (my brother loved them, I wasn't a huge fan)

29. You used to pretend to be a MIGHTY MORPHIN Power Ranger and you owned a Skip It. (I watched the show. I owned a skip it... a bright pink one)

30. You had at least one GigaPet or NanoBaby and brought it everywhere. (no. My best friend had one though. We named it after a guy we didn't like and punished it a lot... and it died... uh oh)

31. You watched the original Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. (boo yah!)

32. All your school supplies were "Lisa Frank" brand. (who?)

33. You used to wear those stick on earrings, not only on your ears,but at the corners of your eyes. (I'm ashamed by my answer)

34. You remember a time before the WB. (I didn't get The WB until this September)

35. You've gotten creeped out by "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" (oh yeah! I'm a jumpy one)

36. You thought it would be so cool to be Alex Mack. (yeah, man)

37. You know the Macarena by heart. (oh the flashbacks!)

38. "Talk to the hand" ... enough said ('cause the face don't care)

39. You thought Brain would finally take over the world. (I hated that cartoon, yet I always watched it)

40. You remember the true Adams Family. (barely, but yes)

41. You had a "Walk-Man" that lit up! (they lit up?)

42. You watched "My Pet Monster" and wished that he was yours. (awww)

43. You watched "Sailor Moon" and found out with her who the other "sailor princesses" were! (I wasn't a fan but, again, watched it)

44. You remember the "Aminaniacs", and can sing the theme song still! (Wacko, Yacko, and Dot) (yeppers)

45. You remember learning how to line dance in gym class. (yes, but I'm a country girl so I also know a few from out-of-gymclass)

46. You recreated battle scenes from "power rangers" at recess, and got in trouble. (no... Sailor Moon and I was in an all-girl singing group too)

The week-end

2006-03-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

My week's up now.

It was really nice to be home and to get to spend time with my family. It was nice to relax. It was nice to not, until this morning, think about the two piece-of-*bleep* coloumns I submitted.

Tomorrow morning I go back to Welland... for five days. Thursday night I am to come home again. Ah, concert season. Now, don't get me wrong... I don't usually miss school for concerts. This is the first time in the last six months that I have. Granted, I will also be missing the last day of March but that one's a give-in.

This means that I have to remember to ask Geddie if there will be any homework assigned on Friday. That's one thing that sucks about grammar on Mondays and Fridays.

I bought a lot of groceries to take back with me tomorrow. Hopefully I shouldn't need anything (aside from juice and bread...) for the next month. The money in my bank account is going down too quickly and it's frightening me.

We rented The Corpse Bride last night. We wanted Walk the Line but there were none. The Corpse Bride was a nice consolation prize.

Rose, I know you commented on my last post... but for some reason it's not here. I could read what it said, but it's not showing up.

Time for an installment of "who's that very chubby... but cute... child?" Clue: Me. See some of you Monday.

The "Mullet's" Gone

2006-02-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

My dad and grandma arrived around 3:30 on Friday and we headed for home. Yippie!

Saturday night was the Doc Walker concert in Mount Forest. My mom and I met our friends Shelley and Jess (another mother-daughter pair) there. The show was great! Originally I wasn't even supposed to go, and yet ended up first row (my tickets were for 8th). Woohoo! The bad weather caused us to stay in Mount Forest that night, in the warmest motel room I've ever been in. There was steam when we opened the front door in the morning.

Monday I went to the dentist to see about my tooth. There is, apparently, nothing wrong with it. I'm not complaining. I'll be 20 in less than two months and I've still not had a cavity. Yippie.

Today I got my hair cut. Yes, Rose and Laura, no more "mullet". I hope that it is short enough this time to last for a while. It'll be two months before I can get it done again. There was quite a bit of hair on the foor when I left this morning, so it should be great.

There is definately a lot of snow here. It's even settled and there is still a lot. I'll try to get some pictures of me with the snowbanks for all you non-local folk. Haha. My dad and I went for a drive through Harrison Park this morning and there were trees down all over the place. It's such a shame since the trees were a lot of what made the area so beautiful. Now there are gaps everywhere.

I guess now it's time for Lesley's random picture corner:

*This is the drawing my cousin did for me that I would like to get as my tattoo*

*I found this yesterday. While I was studying for my grade 10 Science exam, I got up for a drink. When I came back my cat was studying for me*

*A couple shots from Doc Walker*
(Chris)

(Dave)

(Murray)

(Group... bowing. I couldn't get the two other band members until this time)

(Lesley and Doc Walker. Who knows where I'm looking!)

That's all the random pictures I've got for now. I love random pictures.

The past week

2006-02-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday - I don't know what I did. I just can't remember. Next.

Monday - Ah, random table condom Monday. Enough said, really.

Tuesday - Crazy quote Tuesday. The pub was fun at lunch. Food rocked (seriously, if you haven't tried the BBQ chicken sub you're missing out), hockey-watching was very nice, Mario Kart winning was awesome.

Wednesday - I cleaned, I packed, I wrote. The Canadian men's hockey team got put out of the Olympics. I really wanted to yell and throw things. I was very into it.

Thursday - Newspaper caption Thursday. I now have the best Olympic shrine on my wall. The fire alarm is being a jerk. For the past week it has been beeping once or twice a day and tonight it was going on and off for longer periods of time. They got us out of the building, and I assume called the fire department to fix it. I went to the school during that time. We came back and it did it again. They told us we could stay in. It was so loud. I'm going to sleep well tonight, not. I'll be wondering when it's coming again.

Friday - Home! My dad and grandma should be here around 4 p.m.

Next week I need to hand out resumes, go to the dentist and get my hair cut. Yes, a haircut! My hair is turning into a major mullet! I'm most looking forward to seeing my family and some friends. And... that other thing... could I only gather some flippin' courage.

I'm going to go enjoy more of my popcorn and Smirnoff Ice now. G'night.

P.S. I appologize for all of the short and choppy sentences. I am very tired. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

I'd Pay to See That...

2006-02-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

The people in the house next to my parents' have a habbit of being a little... strange. Are you ready for some fun (it's too bad no one will - likely - know who I'm referring to. It sure would have the imagery better)?

Due to all of the snow, the pine tree in the neighbours' yard was leaning over towards our house. They were apparently afraid that it would fall over onto our car.

So, the lady of the house, who is somewhere between 70 and 80, climbed the pine tree and attached a cable to it. The other end of the cable is attached to a car in their laneway to keep the tray straight.

Wait, let me back up... an elderly lady climbed a pine tree and I missed it? Awwww, man!

Zoink!

2006-02-17T22:48:00.000-08:00

Happy birthay, Laura! I hope you were feeling well enough to celerbrate (hehe) tonight.

Owen Sound was again hit my a storm. I had Global news on while I was making dinner and turned around only to see the Owen Sound logo on TV with commentary that people are again without power. I want snow! There's no snow down here. It's cold... the wind's freezing, but where's the snow.

I sent a letter to the paper in my hometown about an article they had in about a former teacher of mine and it went in today. I wasn't even sure it would make it there, but I'm glad it did. It's short and a little crappy, but I typed in the letters for seven months last year so I was being empathetic.

Rose told me last night that I come up with the best pick-up lines. I find this funny. Really, I'm just immature and always being dumb, but if I can make others laugh then I'm all for it. I know I say them on a regular basis, but the only two that are coming to be right now are:
--I'm surrounded by dates, would you like to be one of them? (Rose was commenting on being "surrounded by dates" from having multiple calendars)
--Hi, could you relax my muscles for me? (From a conversation about muscle relaxants being forgotten)

Sometimes I find it odd that people here actually laugh at my humour attempts (my dry, sarcastic humour). Everyone at home is so used to it that they just roll their eyes or ignore it all together. My dad and I have the exact same sense of humour; I never tire of his. Last night Laura commented that she had ribs stuck in her teeth (as in, the ribs she had eaten for dinner) and I asked if she had coughed up a lung. See, that's the eye-rolling stuff. I like making people laugh, though.

I have a dentist appointment for a week from Monday while I am home. I'm having trouble with one of the teeth at the back of my mouth, but I can't figure out which. I'm worried. I'm 20 (almost) and I've never had so much as a cavity.

I'm exhausted, so I'll leave this here.

Happy Corporate Fabrication Day

2006-02-14T03:06:00.000-08:00

Ahh, yes... February 14. The day many businesses thrive off of. The day centred on spending money to "show you care." The day of doom.

Now, before anyone gets it through his/her head that I hate this day because I'm single... think again. I've been un-single of Valentine's Day and I felt the exact same.

Why is it that we single one day out of 365 to tell and show someone how much we care? If you truly love someone why should it take that one day to make you express that? Should you not be expressing it every day? Why with material things? Why, why, why?

And it's digustingly pink!

Okay, enough complaining.

I have been eerily happy for the last two days. If anyone has an anwser as to why, I'd love to hear it. Quite frankly, I'm begining to frighten myself.

I think I just bombed my desktop publishing test... a lot. I'm going to try not to dwell on that, but I'm sure I'll end up doing so anyway. I know the answers are stored somewhere in the back of my brain, but I just couldn't pull them up. It also scares me that some answers that I did know were worth 10 marks, and I couldn't answer in more than four sentences.

Tomorrow is grocery day. I'm craving brocolli right now, so we'll see if I still am tomorrow.

Under the Elephant's Tail... Owen Sound

2006-02-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

I'm about to display the, perhaps sad, fact that I think I am from the most beautiful place on eath. Yes, I look for stuff in my spare time. I couldn't resist sharing. I'm ever so slightly homesick... so sue me!

I think I took the title of this from a book my dad has, but I can't find the author.

I have been looking at pictures of my hometown (Owen Sound) for a while this morning. As the title of this particular blog suggests, we are located under the tail of the elephant. The elephant is able to be seen in southern Ontario... some people can't see it. I'll attempt to demonstrate (the image must be turned a little bit for the elephant to be standing upright):

And then there is Owen Sound, the elephant's butt hole.

Some (more or less) interesting facts about Owen Sound:
-Had the most northern end to the Underground Railroad
-WWI flying ace Billy Bishop was from Owen Sound
-Nellie McClung (known for establishing women as persons) was born just outside the city and attended highschool in O.S.
-painter Tom Thompson (famous for his work and death) was from just outside of the city
-Greenwood Cemetery the only in Canada to have three Victoria Cross winners (Billy Bishop, Tommy Holmes, David Currie)
-the Summerfolk Festival is known far and wide
-the Fishing Derby is also known far and wide
(there's more, but I'll leave it there and move on to...)

Pictures! All of these are from www.osaic.com and are of Owen Sound and the surrounding area.

Owen Sound is on the Niagara Escarpment and as such has many water falls, including--
**Inglis**

**Jones**

**Indian**

The harbour is on Georgian Bay (part of Lake Huron)--

Downtown Owen Sound--

That's all... I couldn't find any more very exciting pictures.

Animals and Self Esteem

2006-02-10T03:34:00.000-08:00

I needed a theme. I found two.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A lead class discussion today about PETA made me again think about my views on animals and their treatment. My views are weird as they come here and there. I know more people read my blog than reply, so I thought I'd attempt to state what I believe. Really, it has nothing to do with PETA.

**Eating**
I do not eat (most) meat. I eat boneless skinless chicken breast, I eat ground beef when it's in things such as spaghetti, I will occasionally eat roast beef. Does this sound hypocritical? Read on. I do not eat meat because I do not like its taste and/or texture. I don't have a problem with the taste/texture of those listed above. I will not be the person to harp on someone because they are eating meat and I only hope that others respect me by trying not to force me to eat it.

**Clothing**
I don't like fur coats. They disturb me. Fur coats are an instance where I see only dead animal. It's nearly impossible to avoid leather in all products, but I try to buy as few as possible. I don't like the smell of leather.

**Zoos and Marine Parks**
No way, Jose! Foricng aminals into cages and tanks that are too small and probably too far from their natural homes... I can't help but find that wrong. If I would like to see an (un-domesticated) animal, I would like to see that animal in the wild.

**Pets**
I'm fine with normal pets. Sometime the news with have information on people having very exotic pets and I don't find it fair when they are pets that are usually able to roam free. Cats, dogs, fish, some birds, etc... fine. If it's not an animal that is readily found in a pet store, I may see it as going a bit too far.

I repeat, though, that I am not a supporter of PETA. I think PETA is insane. I knew of PETA and many of their actions before today. Actually, I belong to a message board (where I no longer post) that had a few topics about Veganism and PETA. I went looking for them when I first got home so I could post here an could only find a couple. In those couple many - if not all - of the links had become expired. I'll post them anyway.
--This one is about PETA sending a vegetarian cookbook to a cannibal: http://www.combatsylvania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1444
--This one is about Veganism: http://www.combatsylvania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=83524&highlight=#83524

Funny, isn't it, that my parents once used to tell me that everything I was eating was ham just so I would eat it?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My roommate and I were talking the other night about boys. Yeah, boys. I mentioned that I don't think guys find girls like myself all that attractive. I'm more tomboy than I am girly girl. She responded that some night we will go out and I can get all dressed up and have my makeup done.

Is that really what I need to do in order to receive any form of positive attention? (Would it even be "positive" attention?)

I don't need an answer. In many circumstances I'm sure it's true. It makes me sick. Truthfully, I cried myself to sleep that night. I really don't care if I'm viewed at pathetic for doing so.

However, I'm not sitting here saying "Oh, boo hoo... I need a boy." That's not the case. That's not the case at all. It's just that sometimes the thought of having a guy who views me as more than just a friend sounds very appealing. I've had exactly one boyfriend, and that boyfriend had a habit (perhaps even without knowing it... who am I to judge?) of suggesting I change the little things about me that make me me. I'll tell you right now that that does nothing for self esteem.

Oh well, there's no use complaining. I'm not going to be anything but myself and people (all people) can just take it or leave it.

Anyway, that's really it... until Tuesday. Just wait until my Valentine's Day rant is revealed.

Lights of my Hometown

2006-02-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Aaron Lines is doing a fanclub chat tomorrow night. I'm thrilled. Now I just need to come up with some decent questions. You think that wouldn't be difficult for a prospective journalist, but I'm struggling at the moment. I have a couple and I'm sure more will come to me. I can't wait until March 31/April 1 either. Two concerts and a fanclub party.

Also, he sings my current theme song.

~*~Lights of my Hometown~*~
They're not really expecting me
But I know where they hide the key, under the welcome mat
There's no better place than that
Don't know how long I've been gone
All I know is it's been too long and I'm off track
That's why I'm coming back

When I see the lights of my hometown
I feel like the world stops spinning 'round
Everything makes sense
Maybe it's the innocence
I know it's just a few miles down the road
I'm getting there as fast as I can go
I can always find peace of mind
In the lights of my hometown

The static is almost gone
From the station I grew up on
I'm getting closer now
So I turn it up real loud

Funny how a little thing like that
Can make it all come rushing back
They say it's not the same
But to me it will never change

When I see the lights of my hometown
I feel like the world stops spinning 'round
Everything makes sense
Maybe it's the innocence
I know it's just a few miles down the road
I'm getting there as fast as I can go
I can always find peace of mind
In the lights of my hometown

And though I've said good-bye
The best of me still lies inside, that city limit sign

I know it's just a few miles down the road
I'm getting there as fast as I can go
I can always find peace of mind
In the lights of my hometown

-----

An update from my mom:
"You want it...you got it. Check out these poor trees. Mike (next door Mike) called, there are wires down in his backyard but neither of us are missing any power."

Snow

2006-02-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

I was looking out the window wondering when it was going to start snowing. It started. I hope we get enough to make it white out there. Rain and bare trees is more depressing than not. It's snowing in Owen Sound. My mom sent me a picture last night of what the house across the road looked like.

That's what I want. I want snow that makes it look that peaceful outside.

I've been in a weird mood for the past few days. Not bad, just weird. I have no desire to be social with anyone, but I'm not angry. Maybe I'm just really into the school work I'm doing (and really getting nowhere with), or maybe I'm just odd. Who knows. Here's for hoping it passes soon since tomorrow begins a whole new week of school.

Rose and I did our lead class discussion for current events on Friday. It went much better than mine did last semester when no one would talk. I wasn't frightened to go present, but I was that no one would say a thing. Nothing to worry about. Phew.

Being that I'm so anti-social, I really have nothing to say.

$0.79 chicken pies taste like crap! Have a nice day.

I am me.

2006-02-01T22:43:00.000-08:00

I've been negative lately. A regular ol' party pooper. I thought it would be fun to lighten things up. A message board I am a member of had a topic recently appear where people could state odd things about themselves. Many people seem to have exhausted their responses, I still have a list.

* Socks. I love socks. This really isn't a shock to most people. White socks, coloured socks, normal socks, toe socks, slipper socks... I love socks. I have nearly 35 pairs. I'm always looking for more.

* Abe Lincoln frightens me, a lot. At around the age of seven I watched a show on him with my father. Ever since then he has scared me. The poor man didn't do a thing wrong, he's just terrifying.

* I talk about grammar for fun. I'm not alone in this, but so many people find it odd. It really improves grammar skills if you do it, and it really is quite fun. I don't even notice half the time that I've gotten myself into it.

* I have a fear of surprises. It's not a funny fear, it's a real fear. There's no name for it, though. Spontaneous plans, tests and exams, horror and suspense movies, amusement park rides, gifts... frightening. Surprises are impossible to avoid, so I adapt as best I can.

* Bananas are disgusting. Not the taste. Not the smell. The sound! If someone near me eats a banana I gag. Bananas are the world's most disgusting sound.

* Dishes left in sinks are gross. If you're not washing dishes right away, leave them on the counter. When they are put in sinks, any leftover crumbs get soggy. Eww!

* I hate "cheers!" Others around me can partake, but I cringe (and do take part, reluctantly). Clinking one glass against another feels so weird for me.

* The feel of cotton makes me feel funny. That funny feeling where your skin crawls and your teeth feel different. I have to wet my fingers before grabbing cotton balls, so as to lessen the feeling.

* Helicopters are scarey. Yes, I am scared of a lot of things. Planes are fine. They don't have open blades. ER (the TV show) ruined helicopters for me. Walking to OSCVI last year (the school is located next to the hospital) I could have sworn the helicopter was going to land on my head.

--- that's all I can think of for now, but I'm willing to bet I'll have a new list later ---

Large, Pointless, Boring Complaint

2006-01-31T23:50:00.000-08:00

The list from the other day shrunk a bit. This is what remains:
-reply to the e-mails that have been in my inbox since October (and maybe the newer ones as well)
-try to deveop my ideas for columns into something more

Not bad.

I've barely slept (I wrote "spelt" which surely proves what I'm trying to say) in three days. I'm exhausted, but as soon as I lay down I'm wide awake again. This morning I gave up between four and five a.m. and decided to read through newspaper articles to see if there were errors... for fun. As you can see, I really need a life. Not even this was enough to put me to sleep.

I need to go shopping for all sorts of cold stuffs tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the Vicks. Mmmm! That stuff aughta put me to sleep. I also need to do laundry, meet Rose to do the powerpoint for our current events presentation, and go grocery shopping. Is it Friday yet? I need a day of nothingness.

I got 88% on my first pysch. test. I would have liked to do better, but 88% isn't half bad. There's always the next three to do better on. I'd better do better on this week's current events quiz, though. I'd better...

I wouldn't tell Rose and Laura the idea that's been rolling around in my head for my column. I guess I will though. It's just one of many, many ideas, but the first that I'm actually doing anything with. I'll just say "Country Music" and leave the rest up to the imagination for now.

It's nearing midnight. I should finish up the few things I need to and crawl into bed. If anyone wants to cross fingers for my sleepness to return, I'd be thankful. I'm sure the world would be a much brighter place for everyone if I were less grumpy tomorrow.

Large, pointless, boring complaint ---- done.

Grrr-freaking--rrr

2006-01-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well, after nearly a week, my stomach finally was feeling 100%. Yesterday was Heaven because of that. This morning I wake up with a throat that's killing me. Did I do something wrong that has caused me to deserve this?

Okay, enough complaining...

My parents came down yesterday! The visit seemed all too short, but it was wonderful to see them. We went to Niagara Falls for the afternoon. I saw the pretty casino, but I enjoyed the view from outside much more. The Falls never cease to take my breath away. I'll see my folks again on February 25th. Four weeks.

On the list for today:
-translate the article/information for the current events topic into terms that are understandable
-study for tomorrow's psychology test
-do the grammar assignments
-reply to the e-mails that have been in my inbox since October (and maybe the newer ones as well)
-try to deveop my ideas for columns into something more
-write a letter to the editor of my home-town paper
-write a letter of thanks to the donators of the award I won

It seems like so much less when it's written out.

Journalism rewrite #1 tomorrow. It should be interesting.

Wednesday

2006-01-25T22:13:00.000-08:00

Apparently I'm ill... again. Gah! This time worse than New Years, though. I was fine when I came home from class yesterday, but then started feeling like crap later on. Add the massive headache of today to it and I'm a right ol' cheery person.

Today was one of those days where I thought I got a lot accomplished, but now don't think I did. I did dishes and cleaned the kitchen, cleaned my bedroom and did laundry. Tonight I got groceries. I should have done some more homework, but I guess I needed a break.

It turns out that I had messed up my desktop publishing page something awful. Paul gave us the opportunity at the end of yesterday's class to have him go over it for us so we could make the changes. He pointed one thing out on mine and told me to change it... and come to see him with the rest of the changes once I was done that. I caught a few other things on my own, so I hope it's okay. I'm going to try to find him tomorrow before current events. All these days that I don't need to be in class for 8:30 and I'm still at the school for then.

Now, it's time for Lesley's Philosophical Corner. The following is not intended in any depressing and/or suicidal way... it is just a thought I have pondered before and have been wondering about again. Maybe I need a hobby, haha. What is the purpose of life? Not just human life, but all life. What are living things here to accomplish? I can't explain my thoughts, which is probably why they throw me so much. Most of the time I'm fairly happy with life... but I don't understand it's purpose. Please excuse my thoughts.

It appears as though Stephen Harper has won the Canadian election with a minority government. I'll be a nice, non-opinionated person and not share my views on this. But discuss certain issues with me and I think my views will be quite clear.

During a random lunch conversation the other day, the following quotes came up. Yes, they are about sex... but it was just a conversation designed to make one laugh. Perhaps a little background first. I once saw a book where sex was compared to chocolate chip cookies. I mentioned this to Rose, Laura and Barb one time, and thus many of these conversations were born (and even moreso the warm and gooey)
"If you eat a lot of chocolate chip cookies, you're gooing to get fat. If you have a lot of sex, you're probably going to lose weight because you're burning a lot of calories. So, I say, 'eat a lot of cookies and then have a lot of sex'... but use proection." - Rose
"Sex is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're going to get." - Laura

The hockey game just started. I'm going to go watch a bit of it before bed.

I'm... so... sleepy...

2006-01-21T20:16:00.000-08:00

I don't think that my plan to stay in bed all day today worked. After going to bed at 3 a.m., I woke up at 7:30 a.m. I was unable to get back to sleep. Grr! I took a half hour nap this afternoon. It was unplanned, but it was nice.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROSE!

I now know of a total of four people with this birthday... the newest is my cousin's baby. My mom just told me that she was born this morning.

Rose, Laura and I went out last night. Well, first we came in. We watched 10 Things I Hate About You (I finally saw the whole thing). We also got to experience the power outtage. It's amazing how silent it gets in here when there's no power. After we watched the movie we went to M.T. Bellies. We missed the waiter -- by one table -- but it was a fun meal. Complete with lemon and a dill pickle being dropped under the table. They sang to Rose. I'm thankful that wasn't me, but she seemed pleased, haha.

I think my key for the res. is royally messed up, but no one seems to be understanding me. Because the doors are set up like hotels, the keys are cards. I can get into my room no problem, but I can't get into the front door. I'll go and get it fixed and it will work once, but not again. I'll go down tomorrow night and see if I can actuall explain myself then. I'll even pay to get a new key!

I did the interview for my assignment on Someone Who Works at the College the other day. I interviewed my current events teacher, Tami, but I still need to write it up. I was going to do that today, but with how tired I am I didn't figure it would turn out too well. That can be my goal for tomorrow.

I have become a complete junkie for two separate TV shows. The OC - I always loved it, but lately it's insane - and hockey. They need to show more Calgary games on TV though. Earlier this season that's all I could catch and it caused the team to become my favourite, and now every team but that one seems to come up. The Ottawa vs. Toronto game is on right now. 3–0 for Ottawa. Nice. :)

It would be really great if I had more to say, but I just don't. I need to learn how to be exciting.

I'm going to munch on some Honey Comb cereal and watch some more hockey.

Later!

Another weekend...

2006-01-16T00:41:00.000-08:00

What a confusing weekend. In some ways it dragged on and on, in others it feels it barely began. It was one of the best I've had in a while, and yet it's one of the worst as well.

I give up on the Desktop Publishing project. Perhaps "give up" is the wrong term. I'm done. We are allowed to have 5" of a story contintue on another page. I have 5.25" that won't fit. I worked on the thing from 7:00 p.m. yesterday to 7:00 p.m. today (with the exceptions of eating and sleeping, mind you) and that's the best I can do. If I work on it any more, I'll be grey by my 20th birthday.

Yesterday I talked to someone on MSN that I had not talked to in quite a while. Months, in fact. I had been too scared to strike up a conversation since I embarassed myself way back in September. The conversation made it smile. It felt great.

But since then I have been contemplating my thoughts a lot. Though I haven't seen this person in a long, long time, I have always had "more-than-friend" desires in the back of my mind. There was a time when I could have sworn the feeling was mutual. I don't think it is. It breaks my heart and I once again feel unlovable. *Sigh* I'm a baby.

It's nearly 1:00 a.m. I should go to bed. Yeah, lay down and think about it more. Why do I sense that I'll be in a grumpy mood tomorrow? I'll just smile and bear it... I'm sure it will pass soon enough.

Things I have learned since coming back to Welland

2006-01-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

I'm copying Rose's idea. Mine won't be nearly as funny as her's, though. I guess I don't learn much.

The same waiter will cover the same table at M.T. Bellies... apparently any day of the week.

Despite getting internet access for the past four months without being plugged in anywhere, an ethernet cable is needed to make proper use of it.

Homesick feelings are strongest as soon as the parental figures leave. Watching Hockey Day in Canada helps ease the homesick feeling.

Getting your baby toe stuck under a door hurts. Taping it to another toe with a bandaid (because the baindaid was too big, of course) makes it feel funny when you wear shoes.

Rose has an "MP3 player." MmmHmmm *rolls eyes*

Even if you teacher tells you that the porn he watched over the holidays was "soft", it does nothing to ease the fact that the day before he announced to the class that he had watched a lot of porn.

Rose had a fry that "tasted like ass." How she knows what "ass" tastes like, I do not yet know.

There is always room for cowboys on this girl's wall.

If you space out during Erb's class, Laura and Rose will think you're asleep.

Laura has been given no right to be called "Laura."

Apparently a frog with a fifth leg, when put in the paper, can look like a well-endowed frog.

Rose and Laura like to point at me and laugh as I walk away... and then laugh at me again later when I failed to notice them doing this.

I'm too tired to come up with funny things. Sleep is good. Good night.

I'm boring

2006-01-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

To begin with, I've had some questions about my schedule, so I thought this may help:

I had a nice - short - trip to London and back. We arrived at around 9 p.m. and went to visit my uncle, Kevin, and aunt, Cathy. My cousin, Michelle, and her husband, Chris, were there too. They're expecting their first child; a girl. I believe she's due on January 12.

We arrived in our hotel, watched some TV, and went to bed. The next morning my dad needed to be at the hospital for 8 a.m., so my mom took him while I stayed in the hotel and got ready. My mom and I had breakfast, went to Pier One, and then picked my dad up to go home. See, short stay.

I got a film developed the other day. I had taken some pictures but couldn't remember all of what was on it. And yes, I do still have a film camera. When I got the pictures back, I discovered some shorts of my room in the residence. Oh, and if you haven't discovered yet, I love pictures -- and sharing pictures!

My brother and I ordered a pizza and watched My Girl yesterday afternoon. I was craving Pizza Hut, and it was nice to spend time with my brother! As much as he is able to annoy me, he's wonderful.

Last night we went to see the Festival of Northern Lights. That's the light display that takes up quite a few blocks in the middle of the city. It's the same every year, but I wanted to see it! It's tradition, what can I say?

I'm nearly completely packed and ready to go back to Welland tomorrow. I don't know how I have so many extra things to go back, it's a little bit insane. I am eager to see my friends and start classes again, but I am also already home sick. It feels a little bit like September all over again.

I should go and finish that packing stuff. See ya later!

2006

2006-01-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

It's a brand new year... 2006. I'll be 20 in a couple of months. Yeehaw!

I came down with a bit of a stomach flu on New Years Eve, but from others I've heard that have had it, I didn't get it too badly. Despite this, I was able to be a bit social. I watched Life as a House until 10:30 and then ventured downstrairs where I brought in the year with my family and our guests. Then I played Go Fish for a while. It's the only card game I'm really any good at.

New Years Day I didn't do much of anything. Not that I can remember, anyway. We had chicken pie for dinner. I love my mom's chicken pie!

Yesterday I finished one of the best books ever. The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks. That man couldn't write a bad book if he tried. This one had me not wanting to put it down to go to bed on Monday night, and then waking up at 7am yesterday to read the last 200 pages.

Last night I went out for dinner with some friends: Ashley, Lauren, Katie and Jenn. I knew that Ashley and Lauren would be there, but Katie and Jenn were a surprise - but a great one. I hadn't seen Ashley and Lauren in months, and Katie and Jenn in over a year.

We went to Joe Tomatoes (mmmm). Afterwards, when Ashley and Lauren were giving me a ride home, we drove downtown - quite slowly, I might add - to play the "The next person we pass is ______'s future husband" game. I will cry forever if the game's predictions ever come true!

Tonight I'm going to London with my mom and dad. My dad needs to be at the hospital down there for 8am tomorrow (for nothing major) so it's much easier to go the night before. Mmm, car ride!

It's hard to believe I go back to Welland in less than a week. I want to go, I'm eager to see friends and get back to classes, but I want to be here with my family too.

Shower time!

I'm back again...

2005-12-30T14:29:00.000-08:00

I've noticed that it's been a week since I last posted a thing. I have wanted to, but I have been so busy (doing what, I'm not sure... but the time has been flying by)

Christmas was great! I got spoiled more than I should have, but that doesn't mean I'm not thankful.

Christmas Eve my aunt, Kim, and cousin, Cheryl, came over for a gift exchange. I also exchanged gifts wth my brother - it's been a long-standing tradition of ours. I received Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (my brother) and a very pretty shirt and necklace (my aunt and cousin). Spoiled already.

Christmas morning we got us at 7:00 a.m. I was expecting earlier, but I'm really not complaining... haha! So many gifts! Too many gifts! Some very cool things!

There was a voice recorder. Small, so it's easy to carry, and digital, so it doesn't use tapes. I write quickly, and am learning to go even faster, but I have a feeling this will come in very handy.

I received socks; I love socks! There was a pair of Monkey socks, Christmas Monkey Socks, Blue-Striped fuzzy socks, Pink-Striped fuzzy socks, Pink slipper socks... and craziest of all... a pair of Aaron Lines' socks. Apparently my reaction to that was somewhat priceless! Odd? Perhaps to some, but I am known for my love of the uncommon.

Later in the morning we went to visit my grandparents (my dad's parents) for a little while. We then returned home to work on Christmas dinner.

Mid afternoon my cousin, Tammy, and her boyfriend, Mike, arrived. Later my aunt, Kim, came. We talked, had a few drinks, and exchanged gifts before dinner. Cool Water perfume and a magazine about Macs. My cousin says she finds it very helpful and I'm sure I will too.

Dinner was fantabulous! Oh, how I love turkey and stuffing. MmmmMmmm!

Boxing Day my mom and I braved the "crowds" to go out and get a few things. We weren't looking for the sales, though. I was surprised that there weren't more people out. Surprised, but happy. I bought a pair of black dress-pants and the smallest stepper you'll ever see (so that I can work off all this weight I've gained since I've been here... and more)

I've been hanging around with my family a lot, but I'm not complaining one bit! The time being here is going too quickly. I miss my friends in Welland, but I am so thankful to be here as well. And since I don't know when the next time I'll make it back is, I plan to savour it. My dad and I finished off the Star wars movies today. They're much better than I remember them being.

Tomorrow is New Years Eve (just incase anyone forgot, haha). We are planning to get together with some family friends. They are coming over here. Their daughters (one my age and one a year younger) won't be coming so it'll just be me. Maybe I'll have a Johnny Depp night.

Monday I have plans to go out for dinner with Ashley and Lauren... and maybe even Katie, too. Yay! :D

I'm talking like a mad-man, er, mad-woman! I think I'll just post some pictures and be on my merry way.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My socks:

Me making stuffing:

My brother, Greg, and I:

My mom's scarf... or is it my hair?:

Me opening my perfume (that's the shirt and necklace from the night before):

Snowmen, 'cause I love snowmen:

The Angel from atop our tree:

Okay, that's all.

Happy Holidays

2005-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well... it would appear that I'm back again.

My e-mail's being a jerk but I don't know why. It's a YahooMail account, so I'm thinking if mine's messed up, everyone's should be. Apparently that's not the case. When I reply to e-mails, sometimes they go through and sometimes they don't - yet it tells me they all do, so why knows? Grr.

I got an early Christmas present the other day, and boy was I ever surprised! My favourite artist (singer), Aaron Lines, phoned me. For the last two years his fan club has auctioned off holiday phone calls, with the money going to charity. My parents did this for me last year, as well, but this year I wasn't expecting it. They spent way too much on me, but I am so very thankful.

Now, this should be a picture of me on the phone:

I made a bit of a fool of myself because I was so surprised. That's just the way I am, though, so I'm trying not to sweat it too much, haha. I get to go see him live March 31 and April 1, so I'm excited.

Hmmm, what else to say...?

My dad and I rented all six Star Wars movies and plan to watch them all. We've watched the first three so far. I'm enjoying them. I understand the storyline a lot better than I did when I was younger - the last time I saw them.

We got final marks the other day. I can stand all but one, and that one makes me so very angry (and it's no one's fault but my own):
Journalism -- 96%
Grammar -- 81%
Desktop Publishing -- 82
Photography -- 84%
Current Events -- 73%

Anyway, I am being called for breakfast and it smells good, so I'm going.

Take care everyone, and happy holidays!

insert title here

2005-12-21T05:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been home for a few days now, and it has finally sunken in that I'm not just around for the weekend (duh, considering it's been more than four days now)

All of my Christmas shopping is done and wrapped. Busy malls where people refuse to walk with any sort of speed drive me absolutely crazy. I was surpised the stores around here weren't more busy when I was out on the weekend. The only one that was was Music World. That place was just insane.

I ran into a friend from where I worked last summer the other day. It looks like I won't be getting a job back there this summer like I had hoped. Apparently a centralized call station has been set up, and Classifieds doesn't get many calls any more. There were four others there when I worked this summer, and now there are only two. Crap. I'll still try in the spring, and see if the News Room may need anyone. I'm even willing to do the jobs like typing in the Letters to the Editor.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was on TV on Sunday (and it will be again tomorrow... mwahaha). I love that show so much. "Why am I such a misfit? / I am not just a nit wit / Just because my nose glows / Why don't I fit in?" I know I own it, but it's not the same was watching it on TV. I counted down the hours until it would be on. Yeah, I'm nearly-twenty, going on five.

I got my hair cut yesterday and my eyebrows done. Yeah, perhaps you didn't wanna know that, who knows. My eyebrows have always been what I am most self-concious about, so I'm a little proud right now. Haha.

We visited the grandparents last night - my dad's parents. I had really missed seeing them, so it was nice to go over for a while.

Without mentioning any real names (and no real names mentioned in replies, either *cough* *wink*) I have come to the conclusion that boys should still have cooties. Life would just have one less annoyance if that were the case. But, no, of course that can't be. Grr.

There's a snowy-owl that keeps perching itself on light posts between OSCVI (my old highschool, for those not from here) and the hospital. But, whenever my mom and I go to take pictures, he isn't there. Crazy owl!

Anyway, this is getting to be rather lengthy. Take care, and smile 'lots.

I'm home!

2005-12-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

When I got back from my Photography exam yesterday, my parents were already waiting for me. This means I had no time to kill... which was a good thing. We lugged my stuff to the car and off we went. I arrived home in plenty of time for dinner.

I'm here on their computer now. Not being on a Mac is so confusing after four months. The way windows work, not having an "apple" key... Oh well, I have Internet and that's what counts here. Hah.

I have some - unofficial - marks for my classes. One I can't even wager a guess (and it's not posted), two I'm not so proud of, and two I am proud of:
Journalism - 94%
Grammar - 81%
Desktop Publishing - 82%
Photography - 85%
Current Events - ?

Eighty-one per cent in grammar? Me? Woah! I got 82% on the final. How? *Pats self on back*

My family, though they put the tree up, waited until I was home last night to decorate it. Seeing that tree now means that it is Christmas for me. Before it was just... winter (kinda).

Anyway, my mom and I are going out Christmas shopping and then baking some goodies so I should head towards that shower.

Today is the day

2005-12-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

I had a message from my mom when I signed in to Yahoo Messenger this morning. Despite the nasty weather that engulfed (er, just woke up... sp?) our areas last night all of the highways are clear, and they will be here in a couple of hours. *does a happy, happy dance*

The Current Events exam yesterday seemed easy. Very easy. At first that made me very happy, but now it has me a little worried. Also, I just not the marks back on my final photography assignment. My worst mark... by about 32%. Ahh! But I knew I wasn't going to do well and actually did better than I had hoped. One of my shots was awesome; the other sucked something large.

Our room is even more a sad place than just an empty fridge now. They are going to clean a lot while everyone is gone for the break. Thus, the kitchen table and chairs had to be put into a bedroom and the counters had to be all cleaned off. I'm sure sounds would echo in here right now.

I'm all packed... except for my computer. The thought of packing it up and living for a couple hours is killing me a bit. But I know that if I don't, I won't get anything accomplished.

I should go make my toast, so I can put the remaining bread in the freezer. If you're someone I won't see over the break, have a wonderful holiday season. If I will see you, I'm very excited.

*prepares to pack up the 'puter*

Relief

2005-12-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

I just got an e-mail back from my Desktop Publiching teacher. I feel so much better now. He's going to look for my ads tomorrow. You guys have no clue how relieved I feel right now!

There's an hour before I need to head to the school for the Current Events final. I think I will use this time to catch up on the studying I missed while I was freaking out last night. Yes, I am a loser.

I go home tomorrow. If I had more energy right now I would do a dance about it.

Right, studying. I'll be back!

STRESS!

2005-12-14T22:26:00.000-08:00

*rips hair out in hissy-fit fashion* AHHH!

Okay, I think I'll be fine for a few minutes.

I wrote my Grammar exam the yesterday. I think Geddie wrote that thing to spite me, haha. Sure, I can get perfect when it comes to punctuation, but the punctuation section was so very small. All I want is a pass. Desktop Publishing was okay. 33/40. Not bad since I didn't study. Normally I would have, but Grammar took major priority.

Tomorrow I have Current Events. Friday, it's Photography.

But exams are not my only stress. Oh no, that would be far too simple. It seems that while everyone else has had their marks posted for Desktop Publishing, mine is missing a little something. A little something like 15% of my mark in the form of the ads assignment. The ads assignment I handed in seven days early. I'm freaking out. I feel sick with worry. It's crazy. Paul's received a desperate e-mail from me and I'm going to see if he is in his office during his 'office hours' tomorrrow. If not, then I'll try calling. I'm just hoping he'll be around in some way-shape-or form before I leave Friday. It's not fair for me to miss this much of my mark on something I've done. Paul's a great guy and I'm not angry with him; I'm just bitter about the situation right now.

Rose and I went to M.T. Bellie's last night. She's a hot date, I tell ya (j/k). Give us some alcohol – vodka and cranberry for me, gin and coke for her – and let the grammar discussions begin. Yes, we frequently discuss grammar in our spare time, despite my utter sucking-ness. You think we're weird? I don't think we care. Hah!

I'm nearly packed to leave. Hopefully I will be gone by 1:00 p.m. on Friday. The fridge is looking mighty empty (a tub of margarine, half a loaf of bread, a jar of mayo and a bottle of salad dressing...) and the the cupboard and freezer aren't far behind – but they can have food remin in them. Friday I can come back from the exam, unplug everything and wait for my folks to show up. Yeah, I'm excited.

I'm far too out-of-it to come up with anything random. It's unlike me, but it happens.

Seven days... and counting.

2005-12-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

It's approaching 7:00 am and I'm sitting here looking out my window. It's the final day of class for the semester. It snowed overnight. Just a bit... but enough to keep me happy. Between the grass that was showing out there and the Carribean Christmas music yesterday at lunch, I was beginning to question where exactly I was living this December.

Carribean Christmas music does rock, though. A kettle drum, beat machine and electric keyboard... ooooh yeah! Silent Night was the best of all.

I thought I broke my toaster oven last night. I got in this brilliant procrastination mood where I decided to clean the kitchen. Really clean the kitchen. After scrubbing down the mircowave I thought I would empty the crumb tray on the toaster oven. I opened it, cleaned it... and then it wouldn't close. Of course, like a small child, I called my parents about what to do. I explained it to my mom just fine, but when I explained it to me dad I began to cry. Yeah, I'm a baby... I'm feeling a bit stressed right now. In the end I did get it to close. Phew.

I have been far too un-random today. For this, I will just mention that my advent chocolate was a toadstool today. Interesting...

I got my new schedule yesterday. I don't want the elective at all, but I suppose it is a requirement. I took social psychology. I do have an interest in it, but just not at studying at the post-secondary level. It was the lesser of all evils though. What knows, maybe I'll really enjoy it. I do have two days where I don't begin at 8:30. I'm not really a person who sleeps in... I just don't like to do things first thing in the mornal. Lazy... yeah, I think that's the term.

I really do need to begin studying tonight. If not, I'm headed towards a 62% of worse on the grammar exam (I know I'm capable of 62% though, so I guess I'll pass...) I knew everything Geddie was talking about during her review yesterday. But when it comes to tests, BAH!

RPR, I was still ill Wednesday and didn't get to the mall last night either. Thus, I don't have the blow-up doll for this morning. I'll see if I can come up with anything else that's interesting to put on your chair.

Seven days until exams are done. Seven days until I go home.

I'm sleepy!

2005-12-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's Monday. Woo-hoo?

I had my last photography class (for this semester) this morning. There were only 11 for the whole semester. Wow... odd.

I spent my weekend being lazy.

On Saturday I finished my personality profile. On Sunday I didn't get out of my PJs. I wore them from Friday night right through to this morning. They're so comfy. *grin*

I talked to B-ka, too. How long's it been? Six months? Insane! We do have to have a potluck... with Shelle and Seb as well. It's been far too long since I've seen any of you. I'm a bad person! Anyone interested in taking in a hockey game?

It's sad, really, that after two spare days I can't even say enough to write a couple of paragraphs.

Maybe I'll just post some random crazy things. People like to read random crazy things.

~I'll begin with something that may equate to 'high school immaturity' But, it was so fun. If anyone can think of any others... please let me know. Wow, it must seem like sex is all that ever crosses my mind. I assure you it's not the case; it's just the sourse of much humour.

Sex is like...
...A chocolate chip cookie: warm and gooey!
...Vapour rub: warm and gooey!
...Roasted marshmallows: warm and gooey!
...A tongue: warm and gooey!
...Mashed potatoes: warm and gooey!
...Melted cheese: warm and gooey!
...Brownie batter: warm and gooey!
...Chocolate fondue: warm and gooey!
...Cinnamon buns: warm and gooey!
...Poutine: warm and gooey!
...Spaghetti: warm and gooey!
By RPR, Laursey and Lesra

-------------------
~Stephon the Alternative Lifestyle Reindeer by Cledus T. Judd

Rumors emanating
From the North to all the Poles
Outsiders speculating
Who's designing Santa's clothes
He's the newest face in Christmas
And soon the world will know
That Rudolph's nose
Is not the only reindeer appendage that glows...

(CHORUS)
Stephon the alternative lifestyle reindeer
Heaven help Santa should he call him queer
He's standing tall
Against the wall
Of prejudice and fear
He's Stephon the alternative lifestyle reindeer

Well he came out of the forest
And that's why he's on the news
And ever since that legislation's changed
Now they can't make poor Stephon
Join in all those stupid stupid reindeer games

(CHORUS)

Prancer up in front of him
He's got Blitzen to the rear
He's Stephon the alternative lifestyle reindeer

He's embarrassed by his antlers
He retains progesterone
And in his mind he looks like Doris Day
And if the health plan springs for surgery
Some day
You know he really may

(CHORUS)

He's standing tall
Against the wall
Of prejudice and fear
He's Stephon the alternative lifestyle reindeer

Affirmative reaction
The world is on it's ear
Hey that speech that Jesse Jackson made
Brought Rush Limbaugh to tears
And he'll go down in history
For months or even years
He's Stephon
(Stephon)
The alternative lifestyle reindeer.

------------------

Something actually productive to come from me soon.

It's Saturday

2005-12-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday!

I unfortuntely couldn't make it home for my brother's birthday this weekend. My parents said that Owen Sound was getting snow squals and I want my parents to be safe. I'll call him tomorrow and wish him a happy birthday. I can't believe he's already 16. My earliest memory was the night before he was born.

And thus, today is the anniversary of my memory. Hah! Going to my God parents' house... the scary lamp that changed colours... hearing the ambulance as I lay in bed trying to sleep. Shall I celebrate?

My horescopes keep being about sex. Random thought, eh? Well, at first they were actually about sex and now they're just really easy to relate to it. My favourite was the day that I was telling Lesra about the day before (which told me to take part in either physical exercise or sex) and when I picked up the paper right at that moment, it said "You will talk about sex." Wow. I don't actually believe in horescopes but they are funny to read.

I was working on my personality profile today for journalism. It's jam-packed full of quotes but it's still so short. Lots of information but I'm having difficulties expanding it out. I have come up with a few more questions and left a message for Stef to call me back if and when she has a couple minutes over the weekend. But, this one is already better than anything else I had written and I haven't received a mark below 9.5/10 yet. If I get perfect on this one, I'll get 96% in the class. WOW!

Last night I made pretty snowflakes to cover the windows in my room with. I suck at making snowflakes. I suck a lot. But some of them turned out pretty cool so I'm proud. They're mostly square in shape though, so 'boo' to that. I'm not big on Christmas shopping or recieving gifts, but I do love the Christmas season for all of the other reasons.

Especially Christmas music. From the fun and lively to the soft and slow, I love the stuff. I learned this year that Cledus T. Judd rocks at Christmas music. My favourite of his songs is "Stephon the Alternative Lifestyle Reindeer." I have an urge to put a Christmas CD on now. I think I'll do that once I am done here.

Anyway, this will be huge... so I'll just post something that I stole from RPR's blog (XX=yes):

XX 01. I miss someone right now.
XX 02. I watch more tv then I used to.
--03. I love olives.
--04. I love sleeping.
XX 05. I own alot of books
XX 06. I wear glasses or contact lenses.
--07. I love to play video games.
--08. I have tried marijuana.
--09. I eat stuff on the ground
--10. I have been in a threesome
--11. I have been the phsyco-ex in a past relationship.
XX 12. I believe honesty is the best policy.
--13. I love my skin
XX 14. I curse (sometimes)
XX 15. I have changed a lot mentally in the past year.
XX 16. I have a hobby.
--17. I have been told i have a nice butt.
--18. I carry my knife everywhere with me
--19. I’ve never broken anyone elses bones.
XX 20. I have a secret that I’m ashamed to reveal
--21. I love rain.
XX 22. I’m paraniod at times
--23. I would get plastic surgey if it was 100% safe, free of cost, and scar free
--24. I need money right now
--25. I love sushi.
XX 26. I talk really fast sometimes.
--27. I have fresh breath in the morning.
XX 28. I love to travel.
XX 29. I have at least one brother and/or sister.
XX 30. I was born outside of Australia.
--31. I like Sarah McLachlan
--32. I have a twin. (a fake one...)
XX 33. I am actually wasting time doing this thing.
--34. I couldnt survive without caller I.D.
--35. I have lied to a good friend in the past 6 months.
XX 36. I am usually a pessimest.
XX 37. I have mood swings.
--38. I think Britney Spears is hot
--39. I have cheated on a significant other.
--40. I have kissed someone of the same sex.
--41. I enjoy talking on the phone
--42. I practically live in sweat pants.
--43. I love to shop.
XX 44. I’m obsessed with my blog
XX 45. I don’t hate anyone.
--46. I’m embarassed to be seen with my mother.
--47. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months
--48. I have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life.
XX 49. I want to have children in the future
--50. I’ve changed a diaper before.
--51. I have had the cops called on me before.
--52. I bite my nails

Good night ;)

Happy December

2005-12-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a few days and I'm sure I have more to say. Oh, who'm I kidding? When it comes to typing I always have more to say.

My parents came down to visit last Sunday. It was wonderful to see them after being more homesick than I had been since I moved down here. We spent the day shopping, and decided to take in a movie at the end of our night; Walk the Line. Unfortunately, someone pulled the fire alarm in the mall and we had to leave the movie. I ended up with three free passes which can be used for any movie AND three tickets that will be honoured to see Walk the Line again. Anyone wanna go? It's an honest offer.

When I got back here my roommate, Sam, and I spent time together. I stayed up until around 3:30 -- way past my normal bedtime. Haha. I made it through Monday surprisingly okay. I have, however, been having difficulties sleeping in the days since and it's really starting to annoy me.

On Tuesday I went to the mall and bought some Christmassy things to decorate my room (yay Dollarama!) My door is wrapped in Santa paper, a stocking in hung on the door knob, there's a snowman and a Santa on top of my TV, a snowman on the back of my door and a snowman on my wall. Yes, I have a thing for snowmen. I want to make paper snowflakes for my window.

I've finished my ads assignment for desktop publishing, and my photography assignment for... well... photography. Last night I completed the interview for my personality profile for journalism and tonight I plan to write it. Finally there's actual work to be done and I'll just thrilled.

School's going well too. Between some great friends there and being more social around the res. (or, moreso, my room) I'm laughing a lot.

"Sex is like chocolate chip cookies" ... "warm and gooey!"
: Nick, Laursey, Lesra ...

Exams are just over a week away and then it's Christmas break!

I'll try to update more often so they aren't so long.

My Random Thoughts

2005-11-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

My parents are hoping to come down this weekend to visit, so long as the weather doesn't completely suck. I am looking forward to seeing them, but only want them to come if the way is safe. We've had way too many accidents happening to family and family friends already this season.

I've been so homesick for the past few days though that I really, really want to see them. I need a real hug more than anything in the entire world. Whoever knew that my little hometown would be so missable? But here I am, without seeing my family in a few weeks and without seeing any hometown friends in a few months.

However, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. If only more people really knew the thoughts that went on inside my head, they'd understand how amazing it really is that I'm here and succeeding. I'm proud of myself. Yes, proud of myself despite the last grammar test. What do you get if you cross being a person who freezes on tests with someone who is ill? Apparently it's me and my 62%. Ouch!

Two more weeks of classes, and then it's final exams for thiss semester. Wow. Time's going so quickly and I'm growing up. In my head I'm still eight years old playing kick-the-can with the other kids in the neighbourhood. In a couple of months I'll be two decades. No longer a teenager, finally. Wow, again.

I'm rambling. I should make dinner. Good night.

Number One

2005-11-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

Everyone's got a blog these days. I guess maybe I should jump on the bandwagon, so to say.

Ummm, hello to anyone who may read this?

I'll leave it there and start in to things when I have something interesting to share!