Candice's Musings

Looking forward....

2011-12-13T11:53:00.002-06:00

One of those reflective posts again. I guess if you only write twice a year, that's all you can expect?

This year has been one of the busiest years I've ever had. I keep looking at the calendar and saying to myself 'after [insert event or weekend here], things will slow down'. Of course, that event happens, something else comes up, or something else needs to be done, then I repeat the exercise.

I started a new job in March. It's had a fair share of challenges, but I think I'm getting comfortable in it now. It was consuming alot of energy in the first 6 months, but I've established a balance and have been getting used to performing presentations again. I've made a transition from a technical job to a business based job and I'm really enjoying the business aspect and perspective, which I always held in the technical jobs, but now I have the power to really do things about them, and the skills to back it up.

Our yard is coming along at the house. This year, I was able to keep outdoor flowers alive! We laid sod in the backyard, as well as laid half the patio with patio stones. We planted some trees and bushes later in the year, I'm hoping they survive the winter, but if not, it was a super sale and all we wasted was an afternoon. Next year I hope that we get the driveway done, the other half of the fence and the front patio done. Then all we need to worry about is the one side of the house that's still mud, but it's coming. I can't wait to enjoy the patio and fire pit next year!

From Fall 2011

The animals have both been battling mites this year. I've been cleaning the house, and grooming them constantly. Hopefully when we're on vacation, they'll die out at the house. It seems I can get the animals mite free, but the house is another story.

From Christmas 2011

One of our revenue properties, my old condo, flooded in August. The toilet tank crack and the toilet ran for a few days destroying all the flooring in the unit, as well as some furniture and cabinetry. Since the insurance claims are all backed up due to SKs wacky weather this year, I've spent the last 5 months dealing with contractors and trying to get someone in there to fix it. It's been a very slow process and it's coming to an end. The unit has received a bit of a pro face lift and is pretty close to being a finished spare time project for me.

Speaking of spare time projects, the wedding planning has been a huge undertaking this year. We have all the big stuff booked and done, but there's still alot to do! For the most part it's been fun, I've had my fair share of 'freakouts' over silly stuff, but I suppose it comes with the territory. I can't wait till February, we have a lovely honeymoon booked in Thailand and Cambodia, and then we're off to Jamaica!

From Engagement Photos

And then what? I always have a list of goals that I'd like to strive for. I made a list a few years back of things I'd like to do before I was 32 when I had my 24 year old meltdown. I realized I had to make obtainable goals that didn't have outside interference in order to avoid a meltdown. Also, I couldn't treat my goals like a life plan. For example, you couldn't make a goal to get married, that depends too much on others, and could just make you unhappy, in order to make yourself meet it. There were things on there like 'Travel to Asia', 'Run my Own Business,' and lots of professional goals etc. I've met pretty much all those, with a few years to spare. Maybe I didn't aim high enough? Either way, it's time to take stock and make some new ones with a new deadline. Ryan and I have been discussing a few, one of our on-going goals is to take a large trip each year. We'd also like to be independently wealthy by age 40. <- who knows, it could happen, just need to make it a goal...

It's exciting times. We've accomplished so much and this is just the beginning. Dreaming up where you want to be by what age is just fun. If you get there, that's great! If you don't, you tried, and learned some things along the way. You've at least brought the idea to the forefront of your consciousness, where you can look out and make decisions based on it. So, what now?

From Engagement Photos

What's happening

2011-06-28T15:11:00.002-06:00

Well, it's almost bday time. What do I have to say for myself for the past year? It's been absolutely crazy. Ryan and I got engaged over Christmas time. We're planning a wedding for February next year. All the big stuff is done, now it's just planning the little things and the honeymoon, we're slowly picking away at those. Time working in our favour.

I started a new job in March. It's had its fair share of challenges. It's more of a business position than what I've held previously. I enjoy learning new skills and meeting the new people and learning from new mentors. Being back in a big corporation, I think I'm more suited to own my own business. Once I pick up some more skills here, I think I'm in a good spot to venture out to my own business adventure. I have lots of ideas that would work and I think I have a good network of people to help me get there...it's an idea that seeming more and more attractive. And lets face it, I'm a restless person, the slow periods kill me. Let see where this idea takes me...

There hasn't been too much travel as of late. We were a little overwhelmed with the house and renting out the condos. We did spend Easter long at the Banff Springs Hotel. That was an experience I'll never forget. The architecture, the service, appetizers in the lounge at 4pm, the hiking, the spa, the food. A 5 star resort experience packed into 3 days. We're working with a travel agent to plan our honeymoon in February. South Asia is the general area we've picked, lets see what the agent can do. We're not picky, if it's in our budget we're going there :D We're also going to Montego Bay, Jamaica in March for friends' wedding. We've never been to Jamaica so it was a good fit.

It hasn't been the greatest year for the lakes this year. It's rained alot to get to Ryan's parent cabin and my family cottage has suffered from the flooding in the Qu'appelle lake system and the rain to boot. There's not alot to do until the lake goes down and the weather smartens up.

Plus I want to get into my backyard. It seems to all be conspiring against me right now, but I'll get there and build my Rancho Relaxo in the back, just you wait. I did fancy up the front yard a bit, I'm not completely happy with what's there yet but it's a start.

From Summer2011

Tartanya and Bunnyrat have kept me busy this spring too. They were diagnosed with mites a month ago. It's been cleaning and vacuuming and brushing for me almost everyday. Luckily they both look better now and we should be out of the active mite territory. I need to train Tartanya how to 'stay' and train her to come to me all the time when I ask, not when just she feels like listening. I think I've been treating her too much like a cat in that respect. She can do a pile of tricks that I've taught her, but generally she thinks I have food when I ask her to do those.

From Summer2011

The Big E

2011-01-17T12:45:00.007-06:00

Well I finally have some time to myself to sit in front of the compy. Life changes are abundant right now.

In November we added a member to our family, little Tartanya, she's a 4 pound Black and Tan Pomeranian who just turned 4 years old.

From Fall 2010

She's been a handful to say the least. We've had to potty train her, (we're still in the process of this). I've trained her to sit, stay and shake a paw. She recently just had a surgery and had 11 teeth pulled and is now on anti-biotics, and right now she's in great need of a bath. She gets along with Bunnyrat really well and they play with eachother a bit.

Ryan started a new job at AMEC. They're an engineering consulting firm. He has more potential to move up in this company and has the chance to be mentored by experienced people. It's a great move for him and I'm very proud.

Christmas Vacation was very relaxing and much needed. I had all of our Christmas shopping done and wrapped in the first week of December. As of Dec 20th there were no gifts wrapped for me under the tree. I'm an avid present shaker, this was probably why. Ryan quickly wrapped up gifts before our first stop in Regina to visit my parents. To my dismay, neither of the presents were shakable. They had both been padded with something, my guess was laundry, since the laundry hamper was in the room Ryan wrapped the gifts in.

We went out with my friends from high school for our annual get together supper. It was great to see everyone. I only get to see most of these people once a year. We got back from this gathering quite late and it was then Christmas Eve. Ryan mentioned that it was Christmas Eve and since I didn't get to properly shake my gifts, I should open one now. Of course I knew what was up ;) He handed me one of the unshakable presents. Underneath a pile of sheets in this large box, was a ring box taped to the bottom of the box and a card. I opened the card and it was Christmas card with a rabbit on it and inside was printed, "I love you, will you marry me?" I looked at him and told him I would have to look at the ring first in order to answer. I opened the ring box and inside was the largest clearest diamond I have ever seen and held. It had a yellow gold band ( I love yellow gold for those of you who are crinkling your noses ), and a brilliant round solitaire diamond. I of course said yes.

So we're engaged! Christmas eve morning, I phoned around Regina to get the ring sized and hid it from my Dad and sis, I wanted to wait until my Mom got home from work to tell everyone all at once in person. My Mom got home before we were home from getting the ring sized and put together all the pieces. The empty box, the gift tag and the stray wrapping paper from an open gift and then scolding my Dad and sis for not noticing these things, ha, ha. We celebrated with them Christmas eve. We had a wonderful Christmas. I framed Ryan's Team Canada Softball Jersey from when he pitched on the team in 2001. He was surprised. Then we celebrated our engagement with Ryan's family on boxing day.

I'm so excited for planning a wedding and getting married. There were times when I thought that this wouldn't happen for me, but that was okay with me too. As long as you're happy, what does it matter? We're looking at wedding dates in early 2012, nothing set in stone yet.

So there's the update, there will be lots more to come soon if I can keep up. I'm missing a ton of things in here as it is!

I hope you all had a great holiday!

November Resolutions

2010-11-15T12:55:00.002-06:00

I'm feeling rather overwhelmed lately so I've decided to make a 'snap out of it' list so I can get back in the game and take back control. It doesn't help that my 'restful' long weekend was hijacked by a cold, but I'm determined to stop feeling overwhelmed.

1. Stay Zen at work - As long as I communicate things are too crazy and what will or won't be done, I think I can accomplish this. I need to remove myself from this situation a little and not let others get me overexcited, I'm only one person, I should be expected to do the work of one person.

2. Go to the gym. As soon as I'm well, it's gym time 1st thing in the morning. I feel weak and sore right now, and the gym always lifts my spirits. It's time to get back into it.

3. Research my career goals. I can't keep running at this pace forever. I need to do some research to see what my options are in Saskatoon and where I want to be. I need some positive focus, instead of 'I don't want to do that'

4. Take more pictures of Ryan. There's lots of me, Bunnyrat and Tartanya but not many of Ryan. As you guessed I'm not very diligent with the picture taking. I need to start doing more.

5. Christmas setup! Get my Christmas tree set up and try not to go crazy with buying new decorations since I have way more space to decorate this year :)

Alright, lets see if this happens now that it's in writing. Wish me luck!

Really? September?

2010-09-13T22:11:00.003-06:00

I feel like this year has flown by. The milestones, the ups the downs, the dramas, I feel like it should still be July and not September.

We've been soooo busy with the house and the condos and our summer sports. We got our front lawn in last week with the help of Ryan's family. It looks gorgeous and mother nature has been supplying lots of rain for it. Ryan and I dug out most of the front patio and if it stops raining before October, we'll likely put in the patio stones this year too. I think the plants for the front yard will wait until next year, I'm not sure if they'll have time to take before the fall frost, I feel that chill in the air already.

From Fall 2010

Fall means the end of ball. But we did sign up for the new gym that's a block from our house. So far I'm very impressed with it. It's a little busier than I'm used to and the clientele is way younger than the YWCA but there's actually less waiting and the equiptment is way better and it's the same price. I just don't have access to a pool which I'll have to figure out at a later date. I can't imagine stopping lane swimming.

We did however try hot yoga at the gym. It's actually quite enjoyable and I don't suck at it as much as I thought I would, so I'll most likely keep it up.

I've been thinking about adding another pet to our family but haven't quite figured out what yet. A dog is out right now since we only have 2 sides of the fence in the backyard and the back is still mud. Another rabbit would require a bigger cage for the 2 and there would need to be 2 cages to start with, that's very intensive. Also thinking about the Devon Rex cat but I really like my Chenille furniture. Bunnyrat is actually fairly easy on furniture as long as you watch her. But I guess a dog could be just as destructive. I will probably run into some creature soon that will need a home soon and at that point I'm ready to take something else in, that will probably be the deciding factor. I'm on a real Pomeranian kick right now. My aunt had one that was so cute and friendly. Plus I really liked a miniture toy poodle at one point in time. It seems to fit so well.

Speaking of dogs, my company will be featured in the paper sometime in the next month for our 'take your dog to work fridays' that we have. Some one usually brings in their dog on fridays, I get my dog fix then, and I suppose that's pretty unique.

Not too much to tell to the world. We're busy and I finally got a chance to breathe for a night, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Latest Obsessions

2010-07-07T23:11:00.001-06:00

My head is so wrapped in business right now. So much has happened at my work but there's so many lessons that have come out of it and so many more coming, I can feel it.

Then I come home and there's more business to contend with with our business venture with the condos.

Enough with the business already!

Here are a few of my obsessions besides business right now:

Lake - It's lake time! Y'all know where I am on the weekends.

Jillian Michaels - yes I love her new tv show "Losing It" and I'm reading "Making the Cut". I will be so buff by September, I'm excited!

Ball - I know I can hit a home run this year, just need the rain to stop to give me a chance! Watching ball should go here too. I love watching Ryan play ball at Gordie Howe, it's relaxing, exciting and nostalgic with it's old school concession stand, announcers and iconic stands.

That's all I have time for now. Hooray for Summer!

On the Move....

2010-05-02T22:47:00.003-06:00

Moving has always been very hard for me. I want to move to the house, I really do, it's just a little sad to say goodbye to everything.

We're renting out my condo as an executive suite, so it needs to be furnished. Alot of furniture is staying where it is. It's a little sad. I picked out everything in here with alot of thought and purpose, and it bugs me that whoever stays here won't appreciate it the same way I do. I know it sounds silly but it's a feeling. No one else will turn on the light in the China cabinet, just to appreciate it. I remember couch shopping with my Dad, sitting on every piece of furniture until I found one that was just right. Sigh.

Stuff is just stuff. Plus eventually we can get new stuff for the house, picked out with just as much thought and probably appreciated even more, and create and even more memories.

I did lots of growing up in this place too. So many life changing events have happened while living here. So many lessons learned. This place was the center of all of that. Contemplating these things looking over the river. It's all very emotional.

There's so much work to still be done. This week, we need to check references for the people that want to rent Ryan's place. It's generated quite of bit of interest which is great. Barbara is helping do the design/redesign of my place to rent out as an executive suite. I've been putting together spreadsheets for that. I still need to book maintenace for this place, the elevator to move, pick up odds and ends for the executive suite not to mention the actual packing. We move Friday. Tomorrow is Monday, did I mention I'm working during the day and I already have an hour blocked out tomorrow for a bank meeting? I'm thinking of taking Thursday off too, I can't see how this will all be done in a week.

I feel like we're a little light on the packing side right now. I know it won't
take that long once we're in full packing mode but being the planner I am, I can't see it visually accounted for right now.

It's exciting times but it is soooo busy. I hope our investments and time pays off. I think it's a pretty solid low risk plan.

My Enchantment with Saskatoon

2010-03-03T22:38:00.007-06:00

It's coming close to springtime. Which means it's close to summer, my favorite time of year. I always equate this time with a renewal, a cleansing, a time to start things.

I'm sitting here happily reading a book on my bed and looking at the lights on the Broadway Bridge. It reminds me of how much I like this city. It's not too big, it's not too small, it's very scenic.

Saskatoon has been a big part of my life. I lived here when I was a kid. Ages 7 - 14. You would think that I wouldn't remember all that much from that time but I do. The family bike rides by the river, riding on the ferry north of town, going to the forestry farm, and the pool in our backyard, the huge treed park that surrounded my elementary school. And of course shopping. How I loved shopping in Saskatoon.

I moved to Regina and lived there for 8 years. And at first I vowed I would move back to Saskatoon. Go to University there, and be there again somehow. Of course we know that didn't happen, and over time, and after living in Calgary for a year, my want to move back to the city of bridges faded and the visits became longer and longer apart.

I'm not sure if fate intervened, but somehow 9 years later I found myself back in this city. For the first few months, I thought the city had it out for me. Telling me to go back, anywhere. My first big career changing day in Saskatoon, I fell into a pothole in the sidewalk on the way to work, broke my shoe, and my bracelet. I really thought it was a sign. But I wouldn't let up, I persisted and made it my own again. Saturday morning coffee, and window shopping downtown, marathon-ish runs around the river, biking until I run out of city, slo-pitch....

I'm not really sure why I like this city so much, surely other cities offer the same. I had recreated a lot of all of this in Regina, lets face it, it's the same city, one has a river, the other has a man made lake. But Saskatoon feels like home. It feels like it's mine.

From Fall 2009

Here and Now

2010-01-22T23:13:00.005-06:00

I want to write that there's nothing new.

The fact of the matter is that there's tons new. I just can't keep up with the blog anymore I'm just too busy. It's not even that I'm too busy it's that when I'm home, I would like to not be on the computer, but spending time with family and friends.

It's my first night of vacation. No work for 2 weeks. It feels awesome. Went out of work with a bang with a night at The Keg and everyone from work. It was great. I truly like my job and everyone I work with. In the last 2 years of working there, I've experienced high highs and low lows. There's usually no middle ground. I joke that I'm addicted to the chaos and managing by emergency.

Outside of work, I'm very comfortable. I have a good routine going with gym, friends, Ryan and Bunnyrat. I really can't imagine my life any other way. I'm starting to warm up to the idea that I don't need to live downtown but it sure is convenient. As I'm looking around the Den here, I'm realizing we've outgrown this condo. I know, we probably were outgrown from it when Ryan moved in, but I'm warming up to being okay with that now. I have books on top of books in here, computer equiptment on top of computer equiptment, paper everywhere, guitars an electronic drumset, and did I mention there's the guest bed in here? The room is 8X10 feet. The living room is full, the kitchen is super full, I can't possibly fit another dish or appliance in there. Ah well, lets see what happens.

On Tuesday, Ryan and I are flying to Punta Cana in the Dominican. We have a Loft Suite at a 5 star resort booked for a week. I'm excited beyond belief. I can't wait to be in the sun. I had so much fun in Mexico last year without Ryan, it should be twice as much fun with Ryan. I can't wait.

I'd also like to go to Vegas again this year. Ryan and I had a blast when we were there, I hope we get to go again this year. I'm also keeping my eye out for some cheap European Vacations. There was a fabulous deal we missed out on a week to Portugal. I hope something similar comes up again. I've said it before, I just want to travel, the where part can find me, I'm not picky.

I'm re-reading Oryx and Crake right now by Margaret Atwood. I forgot just how much I love that book. I got Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood for Christmas. It's made it's way into my favorites too. The 2 stories intertwine in places, the social commentary is fantastic and the science is plausible.

I'm also still reading the Sookie Stackhouse series. It's not a particularly deep read, but it's sure entertaining!

I'm also relistening/reading to the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. I've just been listening to it on my runs at the gym. I'm getting alot more out of it the second time around.

Speaking of the gym, I'm in the best running shape of my life right now. After having some numbers at a bridesmaid dress fitting that absolutely horrified me, I hit the gym hard. It turns out the girl measured wrong, but still, I had some areas that needed work. I switched my steady state runs of 40 minutes long to 25-30 minutes of 1 minute sprints with 1 minute recovery walks. I cover more distance than my steady state runs, it's more entertaining, and it gets you in shape fast. And I mean fast. I can't wait till it warms up a bit out and I can see what my new running shape will do for me running outside on the trails by the river. Will I be able to do the trails faster? Will I be able to run longer? Time will tell.

Ryan's been really into his photography lately. He's bought 2 new lenses in the last 2 weeks. We have alot of rabbit pictures to show for it ;) We have another collage frame to fill, I still need a theme for it though. I'll be spending some more time going through his pics and framing them and putting them in sets. I want to get them up on the website for curiosities sake. Now that I have a hold on work, I don't mind doing that on my own time anymore. Ryan took Barbara's Convocation photos, and they look really good. He also took a bunch at his cousin's wedding, which he still isn't finished editing. (I think he's a photoshop wizard now), but they turned out good too. It's an interesting hobby for sure.

On the weekend I went to the first symphony performance I've been at in a year. It was Jazz themed and it was awesome. When I get back I'll buy tickets to the last performances of the season. I really missed going, and I really do enjoy it. In the fall, we went to go see the musical "A Chorus Line". I wasn't really enthused with the musical itself at the time. I thought it was so-so. But I'm glad I've seen it now. I'm picking out references and parody of it everywhere now. It really is a good one to know.

I give up internet, I cannot update you all at once. There is too much! I will revisit you at a later date.

From ChristmasHolidays2009

City Sidewalks

2009-12-02T21:57:00.004-06:00

It's that time of year again! I'm going insane with the craziness. The tree is set up, Christmas decorating is done. Gift lists have been made, it's just a matter of picking them up (Thank You Internet). I have a ton of errands I need to do in 3 weeks time too. It never seems to end. I can't see out of the Saturn right now and it needs new tires and an oil change. I need a haircut and dentist appt. I need to take my glasses in, the frames are pretty beat up and need to be tightened and looked over. Christmas cards need to get done. I think I need to take a me day from work in order to be able to do all this since almost none of it is doable on the weekends or afterhours and it's building up, I'm feeling the push!

Bunnyrat has found the new hobby of chewing the beads off of the tree skirt. When the presents go under the tree, the beads will be safe but the corners of any present will have a nip out of them like last year. In fact, if this post makes no sense, it's only because I'm getting up every 5 seconds to shoo her out of the Christmas decorations, beating up Santa Claus, stealing the tinsel off the tiny tree by the tv, etc. (I think the living room becomes a playground for her at Christmas time)

I could really use a vacation. I find it ironic that most of this stuff that needs to get done is so I can go on a vacation over the Christmas break. Ryan and I are going to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in January. That will be a nice vacation and I'm looking forward to it immensely, it's in my calendar scope, it's creeping up, I don't mind that. :)

I guess there's nothing too exciting to blog about. Same old, same old. I can't believe how fast this year flew by. Time really does fly when you're having fun. That's exactly what the last year was fun. I don't even know how to make next year better. If my life continues as it has been, it'll do it itself without my intervention, it's a good path right now. I have a few professional goals for the next year. But not really any personal. Guess I'll follow along and see how it goes, it's in a good stride right now.

Wedding Envy

2009-11-07T21:03:00.002-06:00

I have intense Wedding Envy at the moment. Last week one of my best friends got engaged and I was asked to be the maid of honour. I'm so excited and so happy to help her with everything. I have ideas for a speech already and I have ideas for the bachelorette party and shower. We found her wedding dress today, it totally suits her. I love dresses and fashion, I just absolutely loved looking at dresses. It's just all falling in place for her, and I'm so happy for her.

At the same time, I'm in this place in my life where it's kind of decision time. And I'm completely jealous and envious of her. What bothers me is that I can see it all fall in place for myself too. I have all the pieces, I'm so lucky.

I've never been one of those girls. I never planned a dream wedding when I was kid. I never really thought about it when I was a kid. (I didn't even know girls did that!) I wasn't that girl. Even when I was engaged, I didn't really want to plan a wedding. Maybe I knew it wasn't right, maybe it just wasn't my personality, I'm not sure. But something's changed. I can't just hole myself away and protect myself forever. Life is much better when you share it with someone.

In essence, right now, I'm planning a wedding with Ryan in the background of my mind, I can see a dress and a venue and shoes and flowers and colours and trinkets. I'm kind of scared, since it isn't like me. Is it all right? Does that mean I've found what I'm looking for and it's all coming naturally? I think I'm certifiably insane at the moment because I've never experienced this want or what I call "craziness" before. Is it just because I'm going through the motions in the background that's bringing this all to the surface. But I've done this before for 2 other friends and the only thing that is different is my partner.

I think I'm just freaking myself out for nothing. I think it's a good thing I'm going through this at this time. If I wasn't, or if I didn't, I think I could be pretty comfortable for a long time without actually thinking that far into the future. I think I'm happy to settle on, let the past be the past, but don't let it affect your future. It's okay to be jealous as long as you're not hiding from your own issues and as long as you're truly happy for the person you're jealous of.

I guess I'm just really scaring myself at the moment. But I think it's good.

Wanderlust

2009-10-15T12:48:00.003-06:00

I'm a little restless these days.

I've finally recovered from the crazy summer and I'm hesitant to schedule my winter, I needed a bit of a break.

I've decided I'm going to go back to the YWCA and continue my workouts replacing running with swimming. It's too cold and icy here to continue running outside. Plus I've been doing so well with my current running plan it'd be a shame to stop the habit. I've also taken to reading on the recumbent bike. If I'm sitting there reading, I may as well be doing some sort of exercise, it really doesn't take much more effort, you end up a little sweaty but I'm fine with that.

Travel plans are filling my head. I went from not knowing where I want to go to having way too many ideas. Ryan and I aren't very picky when it comes to traveling, it comes down to what's on sale and when we want to go. It makes it hard to choose anything when you're comparing the Dominican to Europe, an all inclusive to a book your own everything. The choices are unlimited but we've been through this a couple times now and we're starting to narrow down the wanderlust each time. I want to take at least one warm trip every year and then one big trip every year like a tour of Italy or a Mediterranean Cruise or a tour of New Zealand. We're getting there, we got the warm trip down for next year. We're going to Punta Cana in the Dominican. We're staying at a 5 star resort. There's so many tours and adventures we'd like to do. It's all coming together.

I'm also trying to figure out what to do at lunches now at work. I used to go take a walk or go shopping. It's too cold to do that now. I need to get up and do something. I also want to limit the driving, I don't like driving in the winter. I'm not sure what to do yet. Gym is out, it takes too long to put myself back together after a good work out. Skipping lunch is an option and leaving early, but alot of the times I end up getting sidetracked and out of work at my normal time anyways, so I end up being deprived of my lunch time....What do other people do for lunches?

Asking the hard questions

2009-08-19T22:05:00.002-06:00

Where to start?

This summer has been really crappy weatherwise. I don't think I've seen a summer this rainy and cool. Makes me wonder if I'm wasting time in Sask. Might want to think about somewhere warmer....Mexico or US maybe?

Work is insane. Work is always insane. Work doesn't seem to have very long periods of non insanity. I love it, but it's draining. It's Wednesday, I'm completely mentally exhausted. Does everyone work this hard or is it just me that comes home utterly mentally exhausted? I know for a fact that not everyone works this hard, but can you be passionate and enjoy something and not be mentally exhausted at the end of the day?

Sports. Next summer do I want to play 2 sports? I'm exhausted from running around after them. I'm not digging frisbee this year. I like the strategy of it, and game plan. This year there's not really any of that on this team. I think I'd be happier with 2 slopitch teams. Or just one team and that would give me time to bike and run on my own and still see my non-sporty friends. I'm juggling too much I think.

Weird happenings. 2 ex-boyfriend run ins in the last 2 weeks. One can't look me in the eye to say hi, the other wants to meet to have coffee. Both incidents make me say, What was I thinking back then? And even prompt me to become a bit mad at myself for those. Man, did I not have my head on straight then. Me now would of punched me back then. How could I have been so naive? And thank god I've smartened up to what I really want and what's really important.

Exhausted, might be coming down with a cold. Happy where I am right now lifewise, but always with the questions. :) Don't construe this as complaining. I'm just dumping my brain on the internet for the world to see. Pressing the giant reboot button on my brain....

Take a step back....

2009-06-23T22:50:00.003-06:00

Hectic, hectic. That's all I can describe this gong show as.

I basically haven't stopped since the relay. I keep going and going and going. I got to relax a bit at the lake this weekend, but I drove back in a some crazy thundershowers, that kind of put a damper on the relaxation.

Frisbee, I'm busy finding girls that will play and I absolutely dread every game. It's no fun when you're sprinting the whole time because there has to be 3 girls on the field at all times. Luckily we've had 2 subs the last 2 games. That makes it worthwhile and enjoyable, but still doesn't count out the initial dread.

I lost my ruby necklace. The one Ryan gave me for Christmas. I feel awful. I don't lose things, that's very rare. I usually know where everything is. I've checked everywhere, luggage, floor, jewellery box, car etc. It's haunting my dreams. I've had dreams where I remember taking it off in the bathroom or in the car and putting it there. It's interfering with the reality of where it actually is....

Bunnyrat is getting spayed tomorrow. I'm super nervous for her. It was pretty impromptu. One of the guys at work, his wife is studying to become a vet, she wanted to assist on a rabbit spay and let me know there was an opening tomorrow for today. So I took it. I know it has to be done, but I've been putting it off. I just don't want anything to happen to her...

On top of all this, contractors are coming in and out of the house to repair water damage from a year and a half ago. I'm very skeptical of their work, but then it'll be over with. No more harassing the condo association etc. (I have a sneaky suspicion, that if I left the damage the way it was, it'll be less noticeable than the fixed result.

Ryan and I did reorganize the den. I have to admit it's way more spacious in here now. It's still functional and usable, and I now have access to guitars, a drumset and an amp at an arms reach, and still kept a few toys to tinker with. There's still more to be done but it's a good start. The world didn't end, I didn't throw as big of a temper tantrum as I thought I would. It's all good.

Going to the lake this weekend, and then, next weekend I took a long weekend in lieu of Canada day. I find it funny that my good friends had that weekend cleared for a party for my bday anyways, even though I said it wasn't happening. Boy do they know me. Of course it's happening. On a smaller closer scale. It will be awesome and I will turn 27 in happiness with my Ryan, family and friends. Couldn't ask for anything more.

So that's it. Summer is officially here. I'm trying to hold on to my sanity. Next year, one sport, I swear.......

Humbling Experiences

2009-06-11T11:36:00.001-06:00

Work is insane, what else is new?

My schedule is insane, friends, sports, volunteering and trying to keep up with housework. I haven't done laundry in over a month and Bunnyrats nails really need to be trimmed. Next year, I'm only doing 1 sport! I promise myself this, I don't have time for 2, I feel too rushed and run down.

Ryan and I finally decided to "officially" move in together. I know, I know, he's been living at my place for a year now but not alot of his stuff was. We decided to meld everything into my place since it's in such a convenient location, even though his place is 3 times the size but on the edge of town. We can both walk to work at my place and I love the river for biking and running, and downtown for shopping, nevermind sitting at the comfy patio set reading a book overlooking the river. Especially since he's not around on the weekends anyways, I'd be constantly driving downtown weekends and weekdays.

So this whole experience is turning into me dealing with the issue of "mine". My place, my rooms, my furniture. I'm having alot of trouble with it. Each room I've thought out carefully in the first place, and now it's all being turned upside down trying to meld Ryan's things into it.

My Den is the worst in the whole house. It always has been. It's a spare bedroom and a collection of hobbies that I no longer have time for. Yet trying to give up that space for those hobbies is hard! I know I no longer write much, or putz around with my computer equiptment or do crafts. It's all stuff I'd like to do, and I have the space to do it, I just don't have time. Yet trying to get rid of my space to make it 'Our Space', proves to be daunting. I don't want to. Plain and simple. But it's something I have to do if I do want to accept a life with someone.

On top of it all, I realize it's just 'stuff'. I don't like to think of myself as a 'stuff' person, but lets face it, I hold on to 'stuff' like no one's business unless I'm too lazy to move it, then I seem to have no problems getting rid of 'stuff'.

I seem to have issues with contributions too. Let's face this sad sad fact: I've never seriously dated a guy that could soundly support himself financially. There I said it. I feel dirty that that's the truth. Big purchases and decisions, they've always been up to me. Yet Ryan is offering to purchase a flatscreen monitor to get rid of my giant 19" flat screen CRT, which is 75lbs and takes up so much desk space, and I have issues with that. The monitor may look ancient, but it suits my purposes just fine. It was $400 8 years ago, and I don't see the point of replacing it with a nicer bigger one that takes up less space for $200. I'm not sure if it's my inner frugality, even though I'm not the one shelling out for it, or if it's the fact that I won't be making the purchase. Accepting help from others. I need to learn to accept it. I wouldn't even let him by my headphones for me for my iPod when we were out one day, ($16). My reasoning was, if I needed them I would buy them for me. Yes I can take care of myself quite comfortably, I can take care of myself and someone else and a rabbit quite comfortably, but now I'm being offered help. Why can't I accept the help? Why is my brain wired this way?

2009-05-19T23:19:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since I've wrote on here.

I've outgrown the blogging a bit. I deal with things a little differently now than I used to. I love having a written record of things to look back on though. Good times and bad all important.

So what's new? I lost one of my favorite Uncles last week. I'm truly going to miss him, and am so glad I went to Mexico with all of them in February. I still can't believe it, it's so surreal that I don't want to believe. It's just not going to be the same without him.

On another note, Ryan and I had planned to take an extra long weekend. We visited Edmonton for 2 days. We checked in late on Wed and we got upgraded to a suite for free. The room was huge!!!!! Almost bigger than my house. I found 4 pairs of pants, also a find, and some other cute outfits.

Ryan and I went watersliding. He got me to go down Nessie's Revenge, I'm surprised I had the courage to do it. It wasn't the one that went straight down but the big one that goes almost straight with humps kind of. I did it, but I don't think I'll do it again! Water goes where it shouldn't when you pick up that speed....not comfy.

We spent 3 days in Jasper. We found a cute sandwich shop/bakery called 'The Other Paw'. We let them pack our lunches for hiking ;) They had cute names for their sandwiches like "The big bad wolf", which had 3 types of pig on it, "The Humpty Dumpty" which was a curried egg salad, and 'Old McDonald's Farm' which had everytype imaginable on it.

We hiked most of the Valley trails. Ryan tried out some photography techniques, I enjoyed the fresh air and the walk. It was so gorgeous there. We could hike until 10 at night and it was still light out. Then we'd find a restaurant to eat, they were still all open, and by the time we were done, the sun was just starting to set. Absolutely amazing.

One night was cold so we stopped hiking early, then it started to rain, so we took a drive to the Miette Hot Springs. They were packed with people! I like the idea, but I like to relax, not fend off kids and get splashed by people. I think I would enjoy them a bit better if it weren't as busy.

Ryan's family babysat Bunnyrat for me. Sometimes when I pick her up from there she doesn't want to come home, she has too much fun. Bunnyrat is chilling out right now, she doesn't seem too upset with me, yet ;) Rabbits are moody.

I got a chance to visit with Sarah and Erika while in Edmonton. It's amazing what your friends remember about you even though you haven't talked for a while. It was great to see them and catch up. It's great to feel like even though some contact has been lost, time doesn't seem to have been lost at all, you know?

I'm happy to be home after the tumultuous time and vacation. I'm happy to be back at work with a clear, rested mind and sunny perspective. I'm happy for how lucky I truly am to have such great friends, coworkers, family, extended family and adopted family.

I don't know how this update turned into one of 'those' posts. But it did. Sometimes it takes huge events to realize how lucky we truly are and that we need to tell and remind the important people our lives how much they mean to us.

What Books Have You Read?

2009-04-18T15:50:00.002-06:00

What books have you read?

The BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up? Share. (Seriously???People don't read????)

Copy, edit and paste into a note of your own. (stars are what I've read)

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen*
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien*
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee*
6 The Bible - (some of it)
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte*
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell*
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens*
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott*
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare (some)*
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien*
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger*
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger*
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell*
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald*
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy*
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams*
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck*
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll*
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame*
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy*
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens*
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis*
34 Emma - Jane Austen*
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis*
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini*
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden*
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne*
41 Animal Farm - George Orwel*
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown*
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood*
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding*
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan*
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel*
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen*
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens*
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon*
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez*
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck*
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold*
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas*
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville*
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens*
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker*
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett*
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce*
76 The Inferno - Dante
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray*
80 Possession - AS Byatt*
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens*
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker*
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert*
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White*
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom*
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad*
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery*
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas*
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare*
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl*
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo*

57 / 100 Kristen, I know you've read more than you clicked off, heck half of these books are still in a box at the house, the huge heavy book box I left at home....

Pride, Prejudice and Zombies

2009-04-16T11:39:00.002-06:00

I have to read this book next, Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favs. I love that Mr. Darcy.

But now my favorite book has more zombies:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." So begins Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton—and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers—and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Can she vanquish the spawn of Satan? And overcome the social prejudices of the class-conscious landed gentry? Complete with romance, heartbreak, swordfights, cannibalism, and thousands of rotting corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies transforms a masterpiece of world literature into something you'd actually want to read.

Guilty Pleasures

2009-03-31T11:36:00.001-06:00

I don't like country music, but I really enjoy Taylor Swift's album Fearless.

Yes the pigs are flying....

So tired, clown'll eat me

2009-03-12T21:12:00.002-06:00

Exhausted.

That puts everything in a nushell.

Work has been insanely insanely busy. I show up at 8:30 generally don't take lunch, I eat at my desk, and then I'm there till 5:30 or 6 on an early day or 8 on a late day when supper has been brought in, longer if supper hasn't been brought in. There's been maybe 3 days in the last 3 weeks I've left at my normal time and/or taken a proper lunch.

I get home, I do some chores, and then I'm wiped. I get 8 hours of sleep and wake up to do it all over again, completely exhausted. It doesn't matter how much sleep I get, I'm so tired lately.

I keep on pushing forward, there's so many projects and changes at work that need my attention and I know it won't stay like this forever and that this is a trend at these sorts of companies in Saskatoon right now.

Also this week, Ryan's in San Jose. I've always loved living by myself, I generally love my alone time, but this is different for some reason. I actually miss all the action that goes on around here when he's here. Huh, I'm growing up I guess. Bunnyrat's good company, but I'm finding myself a little bored. It could be that work is eating into my own social life as well. I missed girls night this week because I was at work. I even turned on MSN this week, gasp! Actually it was good, I haven't spoken to far away friends forever and I miss that. But still weird....

I can't wait till the weekend. Sleep, man do I ever need sleep........

Smarten Up Self!

2009-03-08T15:37:00.002-06:00

Dear Self,

It's almost spring time, it's time to smarten up.

Remember those bangs that you got trimmed in the fall, that were straight across and oh so in. You found them cute for a month, but got tired of them and now they don't know what to do. They're not bangs and they aren't grown out.

Remember the hair colour that you couldn't decide what to do with over winter? Well now you have 7 inch roots and perfectly two toned hair. Smarten up and figure out something to do with it. Dark, light, red, streaks, your hair just wants to be a uniform colour.

Also, it's time to get out your spring work attire. Belted sweaters and blouses are starting to look and feel too much like housecoats since they've gotten so much use this year. I know you like comfort, but it's time to be professional.

Also you need to realize that you have to tote around 2 pairs of shoes to work. One pair for walking to and from work, then once you're there, you can wear those oh so cute heels. Your feet are tired of getting killed wearing 4 inch heels for 7 blocks and through a park on the way to work.

You also need to clean your car. It looks like it came from an off roading rally. Is it orange or gray? Also the rabbit litter that was spilled in the back over summer really needs to be vacuumed out.

You've ignored you for too long. It's time to smarten up!

Thanks,

Candice

The cost of going green

2009-03-05T14:12:00.000-06:00

In the last couple years I've made quite a few changes that will help the environment. I think it's a worthy cause and I go along with it. We recycle almost everything at home. Cans, bottles, jars, juice and milk cartons. I use reusable shopping bags most of the time, it's just easier to get stuff up to the condo with a nice sturdy reusable shopping bag than a flimsy grocery store one that doesn't hold much and breaks. We use ShamWow's instead of papertowels. I buy maybe a roll of papertowel a year.

We both walk to work most of the time. In the winter I drive but it's only 7 blocks, I usually fill up with gas once every 7 weeks or so. In fact the lady at Saturn that books oil changes has phoned me once for the last 3 months to book one and I'm not even close to my 5000 kms. She was a little perterbed the last time. "Why do you have a car?" , she asked. "To get groceries", I said.

But then in the newspaper I was reading that most toilet paper is made from absolutely no recycled paper. And toilet paper alone is responsible for 5% of Canada's Forest decrements each year. So I did some research online and sure enough. Ironically, toilet paper is something I spluge on, I buy the expensive Charmin extra soft stuff. It's sooo nice, like pampering your bottom with a pillow. So I did some research on what would be more environmentally friendly. I could only find one brand that I've heard of and seen in stores and that was the PC Green Toilet Paper.

Now, when I first lived on my own in Calgary, I cheaped out on everything, so that I could afford to live there and do stuff and might have some savings when I came back to go to school. One thing I cheaped out on was Toilet Paper. And what was the cheapest toilet paper? You guessed it. Pc Green. It was so hard and scratchy that I vowed I would never ever cheap out on Toilet Paper again.

So I'm at a crossroads. I love the forest, yet, I don't want my butt to hurt. I can rationalize it that we don't use that much toilet paper. Some people go through it like crazy. We both use it responsibly. What's the happy medium so that I don't kill forest and use the bathroom in comfort?

Couples Quiz

2009-02-12T21:46:00.003-06:00

This looked like fun:

1. What are your middle names?:
Dawn and Stephen

2. How long have you been together?:
It'll be a year next month :)

3. How long did you know each other before you started dating?:
Almost 2 years. I was engaged and he was dating someone when we met. I didn't even think he was interested, I thought he was just friendly.

4. Who asked who out?:
I asked him out on the first date, he was trying to guess if it was a date all night. Then he asked to make it official a few weeks later.

5. How old are each of you?:
We're both 26, he's almost a month older than me.

6. Whose siblings do you see the most?:
Ryan's, I see Brittany more than I see Kristen.

7. Do you have any children together?:
Just Bunnyrat.

8. What about pets?:
Ha, ha, I suppose Ryan could be Bunnyrat's Dad. She likes him more than me I think.

9. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?:
Our current living situation, 2 people a rabbit don't fit comfortably in my condo. We're making do though.

10. Did you go to the same school?:
Nope, not at all. I went to UofR, he went to UofS.

11. Are you from the same home town?:
Nope, I'm from Saskatoon/Regina, he's from Prince Albert.

12. Who is the smartest?:
We're both smart in different ways.

13. Who is the most sensitive?:
I think I am.

14. Where do you eat out most as a couple?:
Pho's, although we don't eat out much, we prefer to order in ;)

15. Where is the furthest you two have travelled together as a couple?:
Las Vegas, it was a blast.

16. Who has the craziest exes?:
Me. I have a whole collection of weirdos for him to marvel at.

17. Who has the worst temper?:
Neither of us really has a temper. We're pretty calm people for the most part.

18. Who does the cooking?:
We both do. It's usually whoever gets home from work starts but we usually cook together.

19. Who is more social?:
Ryan, I'm perfectly happy being a home body and then you have Mr. 500 facebook friends.

20. Who is the neat-freak?:
We both are in different areas, makes for a tidy house most of the time.

21. Who is the more stubborn?:
Probably me.

22. Who hogs the bed?:
After I learned how to use a queen size bed, I now take up the whole bed. If I lie on it diagonally, I can make use of the most space. It drives Ryan crazy.

23. Who wakes up earlier?:
On weekdays Ryan is usually awake before me but he doesn't get up. On weekends I'm usually awake and ready to go way before Ryan.

24. Where was your first date?:
At the Galaxy Theater. We saw Semi Pro with Will Ferrell.

25. Who has the bigger family?:
I think I have a bigger extended family.

26. Do you get flowers often?:
Often enough to appreciate them.

27. How do you spend the holidays?:
Try to book the same amount of time in both cities with both families.

28. Who is more jealous?:
I don't think this is really in our nature.

29. How long did it take to get serious?:
I dunno, are we serious? We never had that discussion. I would say when he started living here so 3 or 4 months?

30. Who eats more?:
Definitely Ryan. I know I've cooked a good meal when the recipe says it feeds 8 and there aren't any left overs.

31. Who does the laundry?:
I think I do the bulk of it, but Ryan will do a load here or there.

32. Who’s better with the computer?:
We're both good. I think I'm better at Windows and Linux and Ryan is way better with a Mac.

From Summer 2008

25 Random Things

2009-01-28T22:16:00.004-06:00

"Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about yourself. Then, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you."

Hmmm, 25 things about me, tagged 3 times, lets see how I do....

1. My trip to Las Vegas in November was my first real vacation in 6 years. Saturday I will be leaving to Mexico for a week :)

2. I'm extremely competitive and for me to keep going, sometimes you have to let me win. But you'll have to do in a way that I don't know you're doing it, otherwise I'd be mad.

3. The events of 2006 have changed my life forever. I learned the most lessons in 2006/2007 than I ever have and am thankful for the wakeup call and experience

4. I love animals, big or small, hair or no hair. I even make Ryan escort spiders or bugs out of the condo without hurting them. ( Mosquitos are the only exception)

5. I never do one thing at a time, I'm always doing 5, sometimes it shows in my absentmindedness.

6. I have a real tough time sitting still, I need to be doing something I deem constructive at all times. 1 hour tv shows are torturous to me. Yet I can sit for 3 hours and play Fable 2....

7. I really enjoy volunteering. I'm doing the 24 Hour Relay again for Camp Easter Seals this year and am having a great time fundraising and planning for it. It's a great cause.

8. I donate to the local SPCA every month. It's a cause I feel strongly about and it's a way I can help.

9. I live with my 2 best friends, Ryan and Bunnyrat, I couldn't be happier.

10. I find technology interesting, but I've lost a little bit of my passion for it. I have a hard time doing it on my own after work. On the other hand, I do what I like at work now, that would be too much at home as well.

11. I'm goal driven. I had a list of things to accomplish before I was 25. I did all of them except for 1. Now I have a list of things to accomplish before I'm 30 and am glad to report I'm on the right track.

12. I'm very close to my family. I miss not seeing them as much as I used to.

13. I want to do lots of travelling and have found a perfect partner in crime to do that with, and a job that will allow it.

14. I don't really like shopping. It may seem like I do but I don't. I don't mind clothes shopping or window shopping, but any other type, I make a list and I get in and out as quick as possible. Sometimes I don't mind the thrill of the hunt for the best deal...

15. I love summer, beaches, pools and the lake. If I could combine those in some sort of way so I get paid, I would be overjoyed.

16. I love exercise. I can't sit still but if I go to the gym or for a swim or a bike etc, I can get myself to settle down for a bit after, like now.

17. Most of my friends are women now. A couple years ago I had way more guy friends than I did girl friends. I learned my lesson the hard way and am happy the way things turned out.

18. I love the CBC, I like the TV channel, I love the news website, I love Radio 3 and the Galaxie radio channels. I can't get enough.

19. I believe that everything happens for a reason and have no regrets for anything. It's all part of something bigger than me.

20. I sometimes forget to take care of myself. I put everyone before me. A good example is I've made sure Bunnyrat is fed in the morning, I make Ryan a sandwich for lunch in the morning and then I forget to make myself one, or I forget mine on the counter.

21. I have a celeb crush on Ben Affleck and have no idea why.

22. My right foot is bigger than my left foot. It's sometimes hard to buy shoes :S

23. My legs are insanely long for a person of my height and torso abnormally short. I usually have to go to a bigger center to buy pants.

24. I hate the radio. Or radio stations in Saskatoon anyways. I find it sexist and offensive most of the time. Yesterday one of our stations was playing "Which celebrity was breastfed" Come on! I prefer listening to Talk Radio.

25. I love music. All different kinds. I'm not a huge fan of the Top 40, but I love rock music.

Puerto Vallarta!

2009-01-26T09:10:00.001-06:00

It's +28 in Mexico right now, I added the weather to my google desktop. I can see that it's -33 here and +28 in Mexico side by side now. 5 more days!!!!!!

Deep Freeze

2009-01-23T14:00:00.002-06:00

It's cold out! It was nice for a little while, I was walking to work, but now it's just frigid!

At work we had to write a 3 sentence biography for ourselves and then get our pics professionally taken. We had the photos yesterday, I'm curious to see how they turn out. Bunnyrat is in mine :) Ha, ha, ha. Well some people brought their dogs to have in theirs, I thought there was nothing wrong with having a rabbit in mine. Bunnyrat was so good for the photos too! She sat still for a good 15 minutes, just let out a couple huge sighs, but that was about it. She got lots of treats last night.

Ryan and I decided to try Keo's in it's new location. We both loved the Phad Thai at their old location. We went we ordered the same thing. When we got the food, they only brought one dish. I called the waitress back over and had to explain that yes we both wanted our own dish of the same thing, as in 2 of them. It took her a while to understand. We're doomed at restaurants, I swear. But the food was still good, even though they charge $6 more for a dish now than they did in their old location :S (50% rate increase, really!)

I'm looking forward to the weekend. It'll be a nice break, I've been working my butt off a little too hard lately.

At Peace

2009-01-16T23:05:00.002-06:00

Sorry I haven't updated lately. Everything is so calm and peaceful that there's not too much to write about.

I'm counting the days to Mexico, I'm going to Puerto Vallarta with my Mom and Aunts and Uncles and cousins. I've never been anywhere tropical, I'm looking forward to it.

It's been super cold here, I have a little bit of cabin fever. Today was the first nice day in a long time, I took a walk etc. It was nice to see the sun and get a good stretch.

I messed up my shoulder good. I might have to go to the chiropractor. I thought it might loosen itself but it's not happening. I'm on a "get fit for Mexico" rampage and maybe I overdid it a little. I'm swimming every Tues and Thurs evening. I really look forward to it all day. I love the pool, it doesn't feel like work and my times improve phenomenally every time I go. I'm waiting to hit a plateau but it's not coming. Which is cool, but probably bad for my shoulder :( I'm also running 3 miles 3 times a week. I've found a cool audio book which is entertaining. "Getting Past No and Negotiating in Difficult Situations" I don't know why I get so enthralled with these for runs. It's entertaining and takes my mind off the running part. Treadmills are boring after the first 5 minutes.

Work has some pretty cool projects that I'm excited about. I stayed late almost everyday this week and barely noticed it as work. How many people can say that? I was integrating payment gateways into our e-commerce solutions. They were all fun and man, can I go on a rant about paypal. Paypal is not your pal.

Ryan's got hockey this weekend. I like how we have our separate activities. It's really nice and keeps everything interesting. I dunno what we'd do if we were like those couples that do absolutely everything together. That'd get kinda boring wouldn't it? Don't get me wrong, we do lots together, it's just nice to have some time with friends.

I was thinking about going to Regina, but I have too much to keep me busy this weekend. I started the Twilight Series and I really really need to do laundry. I know, I know, not much of an excuse, but seriously, I'm on my last pair of underwear.

Shannon and I started doing Sat morning coffee which I enjoy, it gets me up and out and about early! Also nice because now that I don't work at Vecima we don't chat as much and I miss that.

I also started Fable 2 for Xbox 360. As much as I have a hate on for RPGs, I really really enjoyed it. It's fun. I had to laugh that my purchases at the mall today were Fable 2 and New Moon, the 2nd book in the twilight series. Once a nerd always a nerd?

I could go on a rant about the Twilight series too. I like vampires and I like teen novels. But this one is a little different. I don't necessary like the characters and I think the premise is quite weak, but I can 't stop reading them, if not just to complain! I guess it's fairly well written and an easy read, and some part of me must enjoy it to continue on in the series. Maybe if I were 12? I dunno, but it's an interesting journey anyways :)

That's all from me, same old same old :)

The Reflective one

2009-01-02T22:40:00.001-06:00

I've been trying to sit down to write a reflective post but am having troubles.

2008 was an incredible year with everything that happened. Bunnyrat, new job, new boyfriend, new job, travel, vacation planning. It truly was fantastic. I don't know how far I can get into it.

I finally feel comfortable in life and comfortable in my own skin and I think it shows to others and through my accomplishments. My home continues to feel more like home, it's so cozy. Ryan kinda informally moved in this year. One day we were talking about moving in, I said it was too soon, and then he just never went home. It kinda happened, ha, ha. I enjoy it though, we help eachother. It's a new concept to me. I'm used of being the caretaker, but it's nice to see it in return and I can continue to do it without become bitter about it. It's nice. My place is getting a little small for 2 and all our stuff though.
That will be a challenge for 2009. A house would be hard to take care of if you want to travel yet condos are cramped. The 2009 challenge!

I'm impressed with how I've done with work. I was thrown into management and it was a little 'sink or swim'. I think I'm treading quite nicely now. I've made some big mistakes, but I think I'm making up for them. It doesn't help that the personalities of programmers are a little different than most people, but I think I'm doing okay and continuing to improve. I actually kinda miss work when I've been away for a while, which means I don't hate it, I must enjoy it. Plus everyone at the company is a great person, that helps lots.

Vacation, my first vacation since 2002 or 2003? Ryan and I went to Las Vegas. It was awesome. I like travelling with him. Well except for the part where he told me I could bring more goods across the border than I had and it being the opposite! I was a little nervous about that. But I look like an honest person, right?

I finally saw the Foo Fighters this year. I've wanted to see them since I was 14. They lived up to all the hype, it was absolutely amazing for the show and the company included. I'll never forget it.

Bunnyrat has been a great addition to my family this year. I have her trained pretty well, she's litter trained and doesn't really shed. She's super excited when I come home and if I'm chilling out, she's right here, either thumping her foot at me for attention, or stretched straight out, resting, and thinking I'm staring at her. Just don't leave her out of her cage while you're at work. Lesson learned.

In the new year I want to continue my swiming and the gym, save up for a trip to Europe, fix my living space problem, celebrate Toni's bday in Vegas, challenge myself at work, eat better, you know same old same old. I've surrounded myself with positive people who support me and care about me, anything is possible this year :)

New Year's Quiz

2009-01-01T18:39:00.004-06:00

1) Where did you begin 2008?:
A small party at my place playing wii.

2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?:
Newly single and mad at boys. Toni and Enobong were my Valentine's last year.

3) Were you in school anytime this year?:
No way! I'm done with that.

4) How did you earn your money?:
Many a way, I was a software developer at Vecima, then I was a Senior Software Developer at St Solo, and now I'm the Manager of Software development at St Solo.

5) Did you have to go to the hospital?:
Once and I didn't even get to see the Dr! I waited for 6 hours at night in emergency with a bladder infection. Finally I went home drugged myself to sleep and went to minor emerg in the morning.

6) Did you have any encounters with the police?:
Yeah, there was a drunk guy trying to get into my condo one night, I had to phone the police. I phoned Ryan to come over too, I wondered why both were taking so long. Apparently Ryan knew the police and they were visiting in the lobby.

7) Where did you go on holiday?:
Christopher Lake, Pasqua Lake and Las Vegas.

8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?:
Nothing, taxes and insurance and a vacation for next month.

9) Do you know anybody who got married?:
Too many to name! It was the year of weddings.

10) Do you know anybody who passed away?:
not this year I don't think.

11) Did you move anywhere?:
Nope I stayed put, and someone moved in.

12) What concerts/shows did you go to?:
The Foo Fighters! OMG, they were so amazing! I love Dave Grohl. We also saw Cirque Du Soleil in Vegas and lots of free shows there.

13) Are you registered to vote?:
Yuppers, you can't complain about the gov't if you don't vote!

14) Who did you want to win Big Brother?:
That's still on?

15) Where do you live now?:
Downtown Saskatoon by the river. I love it so much.

16) Describe your birthday:
Lake party of course! Dave wrapped a hotdog in beef jerky, professor Barb attended, it was good times.

17) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2008?:
Go to Vegas

18) What has been your favourite moment?:
There are too many. This year has been full of favorites, best year ever.

19) What's something you learned about yourself?:
I need a pet! Bunnyrat has been one of the best additions this year. I should of done it sooner.

20) Any new additions to your family?:
Bunnyrat!

21) What was your best month?:
March was the best month I think. They were all good

22) What music will you remember 2008 by?:
I don't know there wasn't really an album that grabbed me this year.

23) Who has been your best drinking buddy?:
Ryan, ha, ha

24) Made new friends?:
Lots with a new job and the frisbee and ball teams.

25) Best NEW friend?:
They're all great

26) Favourite night out?:
The night at the Overdrive in June with the girls was fun. Well Ryan, Brant and Steve were there too. Ask Brant for his rendition of "I kissed a Girl"

27) Three people you've dated?:
Darrell, I went on some dates with some people I met online and then Ryan.

28) Have you kissed any of the three from #27?:
Only 2

29) Did you kiss anyone of the same sex?:
Not this year

30) Something you're looking forward to before 2009?:
2008 is gone now, I'm too late

31) Where will you start 2009?:?
In Toni's trailer with my wonderful boyfriend, friends and drinks :)

Gift of Things

2008-12-18T12:16:00.002-06:00

Ten things you wish you could say to 10 different people right now but can't:

1. We should totally just live the rest of our lives.
2. You need to treat him better!
3. Stop dating losers!
4. I wish we could see you over the holidays!
5. You're worth so much to so many people and you don't realize it.
6. Make a decision and live your life!
7. Stop being depressed and get on with your life.
8. Thanks for being the greatest mistake.
9. You're the person I admire the most
10. If it has a hole in it throw it away!

Nine things about yourself:
1. I annoy easily
2. I am annoying
3. I need structure and organization
4. I put my family and friends before me
5. I'm sensitive and I pretend not to be.
6. My favorite way to spend a cold weekend inside is doing a puzzle
7. I work too much, for now I'm okay, but I think it'll become an issue later in life
8. I hate doing laundry and ironing
9. I need a clean house

Eight ways to win your heart:
1. Listen to me, not as in 'do what I say', but remember what I said
2. Make me laugh
3. Do some housework without being asked
4. Don't lose yourself
5. Clean up after yourself
6. Love my Bunnyrat and Pumpkin
7. Don't run away if I start to cry
8. Reign me in when I get carried away at home or work

Seven people that cross your mind a lot:
1. Ryan
2. My parents
3. Barbara
4. Toni
5. Ryan's parents
6. My extended family
7. My sister

Six things you do before you fall asleep:
1. Feed the Bunnyrat
2. Change into my PJs
3. Take all the pillows off the bed
4. Wash my face
5. Brush my teeth
6. Turn the alarm on

Five people you couldn’t live without:
Technically you would adapt if you lost any of these people. I don't like the wording of this. I had a hard time filling this up
1. Ryan
2. My parents
3. My sanity, Barbara and Toni
4.
5.

Four things you’re wearing right now:
1. A really warm cream coloured cotton sweater from the Gap
2. Black Ankle Boots
3. My Ruby ring
4. My watch

Three songs you listen to often:
This constantly changes! Since it's Christmas it's Christmas music
1. Father Christmas - Greg Lake
2. All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey
3. Baby It's Cold Outside - Michael Buble

Two things you want to do before you die:

1. Visit Europe
2. Hike the West Coast Trail

One confession:
1. I'm the happiest I've ever been in the last year. But I'm sure you all knew that.

I'm too drunk to taste this chicken....

2008-12-03T23:44:00.002-06:00

Have you ever made out in a bathroom?
Can't say I have

What is the last non-alcoholic beverage you had?
A glass of Milk

Ever kissed a brown haired, dark eyed person?
Possibly, I can't remember eye colours anymore. Ryan's are gray-blue, not sure if that counts.

Where did you last sleep other than your house?
Las Vegas!

If an ex said "i hate you" what would you say?
Meh, they're an ex for a reason anyways

What is your current annoyance?
I'm kinda wired, I don't think I'll be able to sleep.

What would you do if your best friend told you they were moving?
Well if Ryan were moving, I'd consider following, if Barbara and Toni were moving, I'd just cry.

Can you play guitar hero?
Yup fairly well.

Do you prefer warm or cold weather?
I like hot

Have you ever been on a horse?
Yuppers

Are you wearing pjs?
No, my cougars bunnyhug, which is on par.

Do you like Chinese food?
Yup, it's okay

Do you get distracted easily?
Sometimes, othertimes I could block out a nuclear disaster

What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
I don't remember, when I sleep I sleep

Was this year the best year of your life?
It most certainly was.

Do you have any strange phobias?
I don't think so. Well I'm kinda afraid of new born babies, but they know that too.

What was going through your mind during your last kiss?
that's for me to know ;)

Who was the last person you cried in front of?
Ryan

Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle?
All the time

Have you ever broken someone's heart?
Yeah probably

Believe in love at first sight?
Possibly

Is heartbreak really as bad as it sounds?
It's the most awful thing ever

Has anyone seen you in your underwear besides your mom?
yup

Are you stubborn?
Very

Who are the third and eighteenth texts from?
Probably Ryan, I hate texting

What is one emotion you are feeling right now?
awakeness, that's an emotion right?

Do you think you're wasting your time on the person you like?
Not at all

How do you feel about the person who text you last?
awwww

Who was the last person to hold your hand?
Ryan
Who was the last person you threw out of your life?
It's been so long that it's not even worth discussing.

What kind of bottoms are you wearing?
Guess Jeans

How many windows are open on your computer?
2

Is something bothering you right now?
not really

Are you sarcastic?
very

What are you doing tomorrow?
Working, swimming, shopping

What day this week has been your favorite so far?
Probably today

In the past week have you felt sad?
Yeah, I've been kinda PMSsy this week though

Has someone disappointed you recently?
No

Do you have plans for this weekend?
Yup, going to a couple christmas parties and visiting with Barb and Marnie.

Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
For sure!

Last thing you said aloud?
"He's not that creepy..."

Have you ever had your heart broken?
Oh ya.

Are you hungry?
not at the moment

Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
yuppers, a couple times

Do you say sexy a lot?
Only when referring paper, my work does alot of print work

Where do you keep your money?
In a bank.

Has anyone ever given you roses?
I can't remember the last time I got a rose...I prefer Orchids, Lilies and daisies and tulips better anyways

Where was your facebook default picture taken?
In Las Vegas, at the M&M factory during a free 3D movie

Who woke you up this morning?
The Coalition Government

What are you listening to?
Ryan's commenting on the survey as I type.

How long is your hair?
Medium length

Are you happy right now?
I would say so

Are you wearing make up ?
Yuppers

What have you done today?
Worked, got my hair cut, watched Ryan play volleyball

Have you smiled recently?
Probably am right now

What are you wearing?
I answered this already, bunnyhug and Jeans

What color are your eyes?
Green

When was the last time you wanted to punch someone in the face?
oh man, I can't put this up on here

How many hours did you sleep last night?
8 more than Ryan

Do you know anyone that smokes pot?
Sure, but it's not my cup of tea

Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with a R?
Been there, done that, could be doing it right now..

Has anyone ever told you they're in love with you?
sure, all the time

Are you playing hard to get right now?
Nah

Is there anyone who doesn't like you?
I know of a few, my arch nemisi

Is there anyone you wish you could be with right now?
Already with them

Have you ever dated your friend's ex?
Yeah, but it wasn't a serious ex. I wouldn't date a friend's ex who they got super serious with.

What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
Chocolate

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Cherry Cheesecake or Cookies n' Cream

Who did you ride in a car with last besides your family?
Ryan's, this should just be the Ryan survey already

Your heart is racing, who are you standing next to?
See previous question

Have you ever been in trouble with the cops?
No, cops love me, they escort me to the parties rather than away from them

Tears are falling from your face, what's the reason?
Probably had a bad day and series of stupid events will push me over the edge

Have you ever stayed out past curfew?
I never had a curfew, well I set my own anyways and I have stayed out past that

You've won free gas for 5 years, Now what?
I dunno, yay free gas...

When someone calls you in the middle of the night, do you remember the conversation?
Definitely not

What are you going to do after this?
Go to bed

Do you have the same name as one of your relatives?
No

What's been different this year?
Ha, ha, everything! New job, new sports teams, new boy, everything.

Meet anyone new this year?
Yeah lots of people

Do you hate being alone?
No, I usually prefer it actually

Who have you texted in the last 48 hours?
Ryan, like I said, I hate texting.

Are you in a good mood right now?
I definitely answered this already.

The phone rings; What do you say?
Hello or 'Candice Speaking'

Do you care if people hate you for no reason?
Nah, if they hate me without a reason they're not worth getting to know

blur

2008-11-30T22:40:00.003-06:00

My life is a blur again at the moment. I'm so busy. There's some cool things coming up at work, that's taking some time, I'm busy catching up with friends, it's hard to get us all together these days and then put Christmas shopping on top and sheesh!

Friday Ryan and I went out with Vecima people and then Ryan had free tickets to go see Great Big Sea. It was an awesome concert, we had box seats, they were really good. I felt a little like a poser, I don't know Great Big Sea's songs well enough and the audience could sing them all. We both really enjoyed the Acapella songs, it was fabulous for a free concert. Lots of family visiting was done this weekend, my parents were up for the weekend.

I've started swimming regularly again. I try to hit the pool every tuesday and thursday. Man do I get sore the next day though! My times are pretty slow at the moment, but they tend to bounce back pretty quick.

I've made a resolution to myself that I will make my lunch every day this month. No more eating out for lunches. Alot of the time I end up grabbing fast food or a grocery store special which is high in salt and fat. Plus I want to have some extra money this Christmas. It's expensive eating out every day. An added benefit is that all the weight I lost in Vegas won't come back. I get so entrapped in work some days that I literally don't move for 6 hours. Since we have an open office concept, I get really good at blocking things out like conversations, noise, lunch time etc. I'm really bad for it. And I notice it in weight. Plus I'm going to Mexico in less than 8 weeks now and I want to look like my amazing self in a bathing suit the whole time. :)

It's hard to believe that that vacation is coming up so quick. Vegas was just here, then I'm taking a week and a bit off at Christmas time, which I think is mostly planned out now. Hooray travel! I think I'm going to keep an eye out for seat sales to Vancouver for May and June. I really really want to hike the west coast trail, and I know I wouldn't have to twist Ryan's arm to come with. I've got the hang of this vacation thing now, if I book the flight, I will go ;) I've just got to stop over-analyzing everything. Also I want to shove a bunch of money aside to go to Europe either at the end of next year or the beginning of the next. A hiking trip in between will be perfect :)

Well I think I've rambled on here enough for now, I've had enough of this sitting in front of a computer on Sunday night thing...

Sure, why not?

2008-11-26T22:33:00.003-06:00

What's your favourite Dr. Seuss book?: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish or Hop on Pop

If you could live in any home on a television series, what series would it be? I dunno, I'm not a huge tv fan and I like alot of sci fi, which I wouldn't want to live in

What's the longest you've gone without sleep?: I dunno, I need sleep and it doesn't matter where I am when I get tired enough

What's your favourite Barry Manilow song?: Don't have one

Who's your favourite Muppet?: I've always loved Miss Piggy. Erika was right, she got shit done!

What's the habit you're proudest of breaking?: I don't think I've ever broken a habit...

What's your favourite web site?: www.disapprovingrabbits.com and www.icanhascheezeburger.com

What's your favourite school supply?: Pens and Post-its, I still love em

Who's your favourite TV attorney?: I can't even name one, oh Lionel Hutz!

What was your most recent trip of more than 50 miles?: Las Vegas of course

What's the best bargain you've ever found at a garage sale or thrift store?: I don't have the patience for either

Where were you on September 11, 2001?: At university. I remember being upset there was news on the radio on the drive to school, but I didn't actually listen to it long enough to figure out what was going on.

What's your favourite tree?: Apple Trees

What's the most interesting biography you've read?: Tie between Courtney Love's and Randy Pausch's

What do you order when you eat Chinese food?: I dunno, I don't eat chinese that often. Vienamese however, when I go there they know to have a Beef Satay Noodle Pho sitting there for me.

What's the best costume you've ever worn?: Lara Croft, I loved that costume, I was Tombraider at least 5 years in a row.

What's your least favourite word?: ascertain

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?: Maine?

Who's your favourite Care Bear?: I honestly don't remember care bears well enough

Describe something that's happened to you for which you have no explanation: if something doesn't have an explanation, I usually invent one

If you could travel anywhere in Africa, where would it be?: Somewhere without war and has Tigers

What did you have for lunch yesterday?: I had penne is a chicken cream sauce

Where do you go for advice?: Ryan, Dad, Mom, Barbara, Toni

Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?: I use both quite often

Have you ever been snorkeling? Scuba diving?: Nope, 3 more months :)

Have you ever been stung by a bee?: Wasps yes, bee, no

What's the sickest you've ever been?: Probably 3 years ago when I had to go to the hospital for food poisoning/crohn's possibly. It was painful! In the end I think it was stress.

What's your favourite form of exercise?: Swimming and running.

What's your favourite Cyndi Lauper song?: Don't really have.

What did you do for your 13th birthday?: I had a pool party in my backyard, oh the days of having a pool.

Are you afraid of heights?: Terribly! But if I work at em I'm okay. Took me a year to walk over the Train Bridge here in S'toon, a little while to use my balcony....

Have you ever taken dance lessons?: At one time I did. I think I still want to learn to jive better. All I've got going for me is the Barrell Roll move.

What's your favourite newspaper?: don't read. I usually go to cbc.ca for my news and watch the local news on CTV or listen to Talk Radio

What's your favourite Broadway musical?: They're all my favorite, I love musicals. Mamma Mia, Grease, The Producers, Phantom, all so excellent!

What's the most memorable class you've ever taken?: CS 340 I think. I couldn't understand the prof for the life of me. Then I realized that he wasn't actually teaching us stuff we needed to know, that was all in the book, he was just doing extra math on the board. Once I figured that out the class went much smoother.

What's your favourite knock-knock joke?: I think this is the one Dad used to tell us all the time. "Knock Knock" "Who's there?" "Lettuce" "Lettuce who?" "Let us in, it's cold out here"

What's your favourite commercial?: I agree with Erika, the one where the man bends down to tie his shoe outside of the jewellery store. I laugh every time.

If you could go to DisneyWorld with any celebrity alive today, who would it be?: Ben Affleck, barring he doesn't get sick or dizzy on rides.

Do you prefer baths or showers?: Showers! In my condo I have unlimited hot water. I love sitting in the hot tub as well, but I wouldn't call that a bath.

Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight?: I don't chew gum, it hurts my jaw

What's your favourite breakfast food?: All of them, I love breakfast foods. If meals could just consist of breakfast foods I'd be happy. Eggs Benedict and Tomato Juice is my fav if you made me pick

Who's your favourite game show host?: Bob Barker!

If you could have a super power, what would it be?: Meh

Do you like guacamole?: I love guacamole, I love Avacados, I can't believe I never had one until I was 20.

Have you ever been in a food fight?: Possibly.

Name five songs to which you know all the lyrics: I dunno all the words to any song!

What's your favourite infomercial?: I love infomercials! Right now it's the one for that steam mop. I wonder if it really works, we all know how this ends up....

What's the longest you've ever waited in line?: Ugh, I also hate lines. Forms and lines are my nemisis. If something requires either of those, they get procrastinated.

What's on the cover of your address book or day planner?: Kittens!

Have you ever taken your picture in one of thos ephoto booths ? Back in highschool

Va-ca-shun!

2008-11-25T22:03:00.004-06:00

So I've been back for 2 weeks now, but I haven't blogged about my vacation yet! I'm sure most of you have seen the pics. I'm sure most of you thought, Las Vegas?? I thought you were going to California?

Well, it's a long story. I was supposed to accompany Ryan to San Jose about 20 mins outside of San Francisco. He was supposed to be on a work trip and I was tagging along and then we were going to take a couple extra days there to tour once he was done work. Late at night 3 days before we were supposed to leave, we found out the work trip had been postponed. It had already been postponed once, I had to keep on shuffling my vacation around. But the way I planned vacation in work timelines was that I needed to be here at the end of November. So I couldn't push the vacation back anymore.

We discussed and a stressful day later of planning, asking permission and setting up, we booked a last minute trip to Vegas. We booked it on Friday morning and flew out Monday morning.

Vegas was awesome. We did lots of site seeing, saw Cirque Du Soleil, I got to go Factory Outlet shopping, it was warm enough to hang by the pool and swim and tan, the hotel was pretty fancy, it was the MGM Grand. We were total gambling N00bs. We enjoyed playing Roulette but we were done at one table and took our Roulette Chips in our cash bucket and walked away. We had a couple drinks, played some slot machines, then decided to play our chips at another Roulette table. When we sat down, the 'dealer' noticed our chips. He told us that the casino was looking all night for them. Apparently, you're not supposed to take the Roulette chips off the table, you need to cash them in for Casino chips. It was apparetnly a big faux pas. Roulette chips are marked specially for each table and there's only a certain amount. We had no idea.

We did enjoy Bloody Mary's. Ryan likes them even better than Caesars. I can't figure out how to make them. They must have 'bar tomato' juice in the states. Our tomato juice certainly isn't the right consistency.

The wax museum was fantastic! Check out the photos, we had tons of fun there. Cirque Du Soleil was indescribable. So fantastic! We ate at alot of Buffets, they were reasonably priced. Ryan ate so many crab legs, he almost kept a waiter employed full time by removing the shells from our table! We had this one sushi buffet that was so amazing! So many different types of maki and nigiri sushi, plus they had Sashimi! They also had Udon Noodle bowls, tempura, all of your favorite japanese foods were there. I've never stuffed myself that full before.

From Las Vegas 2008

Ryan discovered Tira Misu. Every buffet I was on the lookout for it. To a lesser extent he discovered Creme Brule but he went Tira Misu crazy.

I really enjoyed Sigfreid and Roy's secret garden. They had baby white tigers. The cubs would play with eachother and wash eachother. The trainer was in the pen and telling stories about the cubs and the other large cats that were there. It was so interesting. They also had huge white lions, panthers, cheetahs and llamas and dolphins. There was a baby dolphin too. He was cute.

From Las Vegas 2008

Ryan pet a Manta Ray at the Shark Reef at Mandalay bay. I pet one too. We did so much I can't even begin to write it all. All in all it was a well deserved vacation, and I'd do it again.

From Las Vegas 2008

I promised friends I'd devote a whole blog post with pictures to my shopping finds. I won't disappoint, just not today :) I have so much other stuff to post on this blog too, I'm so far behind. Too busy living and not writing! I'll hit a balance soon, I can feel it.

Too Excited

2008-11-05T10:42:00.002-06:00

I'm getting way too excited for my vacation. Last night I googled the best shopping areas. I found a huge factory outlet mall 30 mins from where I'm staying. It looks like it's run by the same company that has the huge outlet mall right outside of Detroit, so it has to be excellent! I also googled the normal person mall and the closest DSW. I figure I'll spend 2 full days shopping when I get there (when Ryan is doing the bulk of his work and then I'll leave more of the sightseeing touristy stuff till the end, when he'll be more likely to be around to participate). Plus that stuff is more fun to do with someone, I don't want to drag him around shopping anyways.

I've found lots of tours in San Fran, tours of the Napa Wine Valley, apparently I need to google some more tours of the Sonoma Valley. I'd like to checkout the boardwalk at Santa Cruz, see the world's crookedest road in San Fran, see the bridges, have some seafood, see alcatraz etc etc etc.

Now to get through this week. I'll most likely have to put in some OT today and tomorrow to leave everything to go away for a week. Oh well, it'll be worth it! I can't wait.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T22:17:00.009-06:00

Well I didn't dress up this year for Halloween, I meant to but there were really no plans but that didn't stop me from dressing the Bunnyrat up!

Happy Halloween Bunnyrat!

From Fall 2008

Bunnyrat went as a skunk this year:

From Fall 2008

But she can only be patient for so long and got tired of that:

From Fall 2008

But cotton balls on a rabbit really just looked like cotton on a rabbit. So then I thought, what could be more entertaining that a large hat, scarf and pearls on a rabbit:

From Fall 2008

But then the hat was made of straw:

From Fall 2008

Then I had to give up:

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Lobster Topped Potato

2008-10-28T14:53:00.002-06:00

Okay y'all.

You have to, have to, go to Red Lobster, and pay the extra $3 for the Lobster Topped Mashed Potatoes. They are to die for. They are their regular garlic mashed potatoes, topped with clarified lobster butter with chunks of lobster.

I insist that I eat all my potatoes this way from now on.....

(They had this Lobster topping for their baked potatoes as well)

Are you a girly girl?

2008-10-24T09:29:00.003-06:00

Would you consider yourself a girly girl?:
sometimes

Would you ever consider having plastic surgery?:
Nope, not a fan of unnecessary surgery, I'd rather do the preventitive stuff and hope that works out for me.
Besides, my Mom looks pretty good for her age, lets hope that happens to me too.

What perfume do you wear most often?:
Incanto Heaven by Ferragamo (it's smells soooo good)

Favourite movie?:
Big Fish, I absolutely love it

Favourite "chick flick"?:
When Harry Met Sally and Indecent Proposal

Do you drink "girly" alcoholic beverages?:
Yeah I do

Favourite brand of clothing?:
I don't really have one

Starbucks drink of choice?:
Caramel Frappucino

What shoes do you wear most often?:
My glittery ballet flats

What is your shoe size?:
6 1/2

What is your dress size?:
Usually a 4 or 6

What is your ring size?:
4 or 4 1/2 or something like that, it's tiny

Are you a fan of jewelry?:
I like pendants and things that sparkle

Is there a particular item of jewelry you wear all the time?:
My ruby ring my mom bought for my grade 12 Grad.

Favourite flower?:
Daisies, Lillies, Orchids..

Favourite candy?:
I'm not a big candy person

Favourite love song?:
The Luckiest by Ben Folds

Eye colour?:
Green

Hair colour/style?:
Longish and Brown with sideswept bangs

IDEAL hair colour/style?:
I like my hair as it is, I might go a little darker for the winter.

Favourite brand of makeup?:
I dunno, Covergirl for the basics and then Lancome for colour

If you could wear ONE type of makeup, but no others, what would it be?:
Foundation

Favourite actress?:
Don't really have one

Most attractive celebrity?:
I don't really know

How tall are you?:
5'9

How much do you weigh?:
120 lbs says the scale at the Y, I think it's off and my bathroom scale takes watch batteries for some reason :S

Are you a hopeless romantic?:
Not really

Are you a feminist?:
Yuppers

Favourite type of spa treatment?:
I'm not really a spa person. I don't really enjoy those things. I can't sit still voluntarily for that long.

Do you get your nails done?:
Noppers

Do you have a pretty cover for your cell phone?:
No

What colour was your prom dress?:
Sapphire Blue

Do you watch "girly" shows like Gossip Girl, The Hills, etc.?:
No, those don't really interest me.

Would you rather be prettier or smarter?:
Smarter, you can always be smarter, I'm pretty enough

Was your first kiss good or bad?:
I seriously don't remember who my first kiss was, so it couldn't have been that good. I would have to dig out an old diary.

Was your last kiss good or bad?:
It was most excellent.

If you have a car, do you have a lei of flowers around the review mirror or other girly accessories?:
Yeah, I have my fuzzy leopard print dice that Dave won at Ruckers. It matches my leopard print steering wheel cover

What do you want your future career to be?:
I don't mind what I'm doing now, but it's alot of work!

Don't lie girls, do you have your whole wedding planned out already?:
I have no clue, I never have. As long as there's a party and close friends and family, I'm happy.

How do you deal with "that time of the month"?:
Sometimes I don't even notice, other times I have one really really bitchy day and then I'm fine. I generally avoid people on that day.

Are most of your friends girls or guys?:
Girls.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?:
oh dear, probably 20-50 pairs

Look at your answers. NOW do you consider yourself a girly girl?:
In some ways yes.

Alive!

2008-10-19T19:40:00.003-06:00

Well I made it out alive. The teeth are out, Friday I was in quite a bit of pain, the same with Saturday, but today I'm pretty much okay. Ryan's been taking good care of me, yesterday I had the supper of champions, a blizzard and poutine at dairy queen. Both soft and delicious! It didn't even take 20 mins for the teeth to come out, it was so fast.

We watched a tonne of movies this weekend. Ironman was actually better than I thought it would be. The Happening was kinda neat but hoaky. And Harold and Kumar 2, well lets just say it wasn't as good as 1. I bought The Price is Right for Wii, and I absolutely love it. I've won about 5 vacations, a couple coffee machines, a recliner and about 4 new cars. I love the price is right! I really miss game show games. I like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, I really miss games like Concentration etc.

Ryan bought Rock Band 2 today. We've been playing it all day. The new drumset is neat and I really like the set list. I can't sing today though, my teeth aren't recovered enough for that.

The Last Supper

2008-10-16T14:08:00.004-06:00

Well it's finally time to say goodbye to my 2 last wisdom teeth. Tomorrow they will be gone. Although they've been absolutely killing me the last 2 weeks, I'm still freaked about tomorrow, even though I have nothing to be freaked about. Yes I'm not getting knocked out, but these should be way easier to extract than my bottom ones. Ugh, scarey stuff.

So today I'm eating all the crunchy and pointy stuff I can. I had Nachos for lunch. Tonight, maybe some spring rolls? What else is crunchy that I won't be able to eat for a while?

I do have a selection of soft food right now. There's chili in the fridge that Ryan made, and butter chicken that he made as well. Hmmm, when was the last time I actually cooked now that I think of it.....oh I made a taco salad the other day with left over chili, hmmmm.

Ryan's going to San Jose again next month. I'm trying to clear my schedule and get everything organized so that I can go with him, hopefully it's doable. He'll be working during the day, but I'll be okay shopping and touring San Fran during the day. I can buy some pretty sweet Christmas gifts when I'm there.

Talking about Christmas gifts, I really want a roomba. I just want him for the kitchen. After doing some research on them, most of price differences in the roomba are because of software features (what else is new?) Cheaper Roombas will commit suicide by not sensing stairs and throwing themselves down them, expensive roombas have a home and come out and clean and then return back to their home when they are done. Maybe I just like the word Roomba....

Turkey's coming!

2008-10-09T15:45:00.002-06:00

I just thought of that title now, in relation to Dave and Thanksgiving....

After the last weekend I didn't think I'd see Regina for a while. I was totally wrong. I ended up in Regina for work on Monday for some training, which means I got my expenses paid, which means I got a free weekend visit to Regina.

I ended up seeing alot of movies, it wasn't very nice at the lake. Then Dave and I went to the movie theater, I know I know. Monday was training and all of Monday was a gong show. I woke up nice and early and got ready and left for my training 50 mins early. I had to stop at the bank on the way to get money for parking (archaic Regina and not having electronic Impark stations). So I get to the end of the street leading out of Wascana View only to see that it's closed and that I have to go all the way back around the circle. Would have been nice to know 10 blocks ago! So I do that and get my CIBC on University Park Drive, only to find out that the bank machines are down for exactly that morning! Then I stop at the nearest 7-11 to also find their ATMs not working. So by this time I'm a little worried I'm not going to make it downtown on time so I thought I'll take my chances that one of the parking lots around the Regina Inn take credit or debit. I drive around the 3 ground Impark lots behind Regina Inn. No luck, cash only. So I take my chances on the Impark Parkade in the Regina Inn. I drive up to the booth, ask if they take anything besides cash. The attendant, Leonard, says no they don't but I can go park as long as I promise to come back with some cash, and if not, it's not a big a deal he's out $5. So I take advantage of this and park. Go into the Regina Inn go to find the ATM. Of course, it is out of order.

By this time it's time for my course to start, I go take it, go have lunch, find a bank machine and come back to pay Leonard, only he's left for the day and you need to pay at the machine. So I take the parking money plus some extra, write Leonard an I'm sorry note and stuff it int he parkade booth between the windows. Hopefully he got it. I would feel terrible if he didn't.

I've kinda had a cold for most of this week, it's not very fun. I've been doing alot of sprinting on the treadmills at the gym and I'm in pretty good running shape for the most part when I'm not full of outdoor allergies. Had DQ with the gals yesterday. And I'm going to the Keg tonight on work's tab, horray, so that will be fun.

This weekend Ryan and I will be spending thanksgiving in PA. Ryan's Grandma is making a turkey (yum). It should be good times.

Bunnyrat is shedding to no end, I'm worried she's ingesting alot of hair, rabbits can't puke up hairballs. Hopefully it slows down soon and she's eating a tonne of hay, helps work all the hair through the system.

I get my wisdom teeth out next week. I'm a little worried but I think it'll be fine. No gas or anasthesia for me, I will be awake, with just a local anasthetic at a regular dentist's office. They haven't broke through yet, they seem to be just under my gums, but they hurt like hell right now, I'll be glad to have them out soon. Short term pain is way better then long term pain.

Yeah so that's my life, not too too interesting :) But just the way I like it.

My house is a mess. I haven't been around to clean too much and when I have been home I haven't been too well, allergies and sinus troubles have been knocking me down. Ryan's done alot of cleaning lately, which is awesome. But I still need to get around to doing laundry and tidying up the Den. I tidyed up the top and inside of the giant desk in there. One day Ryan was looking for an empty drawer in my room to store more of his stuff in and stumbled upon some ex boyfriend momentos of mine. So as I was cleaning out the desk and stumbled upon some more of those, I thought I may as well find the hidden ones in the bedroom as well. I don't really know why I was saving them, but they're all trashed now. Some people think I should of saved them but, meh, what am I going to do with them? Plus I need that room for new momentos. Out with old, in with the new and improved?? hmmmm....I should stop now...

Happy thanksgiving y'all!

Waiter

2008-10-01T21:09:00.003-06:00

I had to blog about my restaurant experience on the weekend, it's too hilarious.

Ryan and I were in Regina on the weekend, mainly for my sister's bday. On Saturday night we met up with Marshall and Moria(sp?) at a new Regina restaurant called Bitten. All I've heard is good things about this restaurant. Marshall made an early reservation at 5 since Moria had plans for the evening.

Ryan and I show up at the restaurant and Marsh and Moria are already there. We sit down, the waiter comes not even 2 seconds later and asks if we're ready to order. I say we need a couple mins because we just sat down. A couple mins later he's back at the table, Marshall and Moria order drinks, and the waiter walks away without asking what Ryan and I want. He's back a few minutes later to take our order. Moria points out that we would like to order drinks. I said I'll have a Caesar to drink and Ryan asks for one too. Then Moria orders an appetizer and an entree, the Brie Chicken Entree, Marshall orders the same entree. Then the waiter turns around to walk away! I loudly say that "We would like to order entrees too!" So I order the beef entree and Ryan orders the pork. I realize the waiter hasn't asked us about the sides that are included with the entrees, there's a choice. So I ask him, what sides come with the entree? He says he doesn't know and stares blankly at me. So I point and read him the menu, Moria and I try to figure out what the sides are verbally across the table, it wasn't quite clear with the 'ands' and 'or's being used. So Moria and I think we have it sorted out and order our sides for the entree.

About 10 minutes go by and Marshall and Moria finally get their drinks. The waiter comes back and ask Marsh and Moria what chicken they want in their salad. They say they didn't order a salad and proceed to explain to the waiter what they want. (There was a total of 4 entrees on the menu and about 20 menu items in total) Marshall says they want the Chicken and Brie entree and points to the menu. At this time, Ryan realizes that we don't have our drinks yet. He tracks down the waiter(who was peaking at us from the back) and asks about them. The waiter tells him that they're in the kitchen being made. Ryan said, you make drinks in the kitchen? The waiter apparently thought we wanted Caesar salads and hadn't heard of a Caesar, the drink.

(Actual Appetizer Count = 2)
(Waiter Appetizer Count = 4)

So the owner of the restaurant brings us our drinks and explains that the waiter is new and scurries away. A couple minutes later a tray full of appetizers is brought to our table, they aren't ours, we explain this, they're taken away. Our appetizers that we ordered get brought out finally, and they are both pretty good. About 30 mins after we finish those, we're getting hungry for the main course. In the meantime our waiter and the owner keep on bringing 2 more appetizers to our table (They were a brie appetizers, I realized later), and we keep on telling them we didn't order any more appetizers.

(Actual Appetizer Count =2)
(Waiter Appetizer Count =6)

Finally the owner comes over and asks Moria and Marsh what they ordered again. Again Marsh explains. Chicken and Brie Entrees, the only chicken entree on the menu! Then the waiter comes back and asks us all what we want for sides again. Then he comes back 2 separate times to ask how I want my steak done.

Well finally it's all sorted out. I don't know if the waiter got canned that night, but he was no longer there, and finally we got our entrees and great service the rest of the night. The entrees were delicious, and dessert was amazing. When the bills came, the waitress explains to us that the original waiter wasn't very clear, and sure enough we had extra Brie entrees on our bills.

Looking at this from a logical standpoint, it really isn't that hard, 2 couples, ordered 2 appetizers, 4 entrees and 2 desserts. Why our waiter decided that Marsh and Moria ordered all appetizers and no entrees is beyond me. I also don't know why our waiter thought we ordered salads instead of drinks, when the other couple ordered drinks. It's all common sense isn't it?

Common sense indeed. But the food was lovely, and it was nice to catch up with good friends amidst the chaos and the feeling of being in a bad Monty Python Sketch.

Orchids

2008-09-24T22:17:00.001-06:00

I promised you guys I'd post my beautiful flowers from our anniversary:

Aren't they gorgeous?

Lucky

2008-09-22T12:10:00.003-06:00

It's lunchtime, it's cold and rainy out. Can't go for a walk, what should I do? Blog of course.

The weekend was pretty awesome. Ryan and I had our 6 month anniversary on Friday. It feels like it's been alot longer than 6 months, sometimes it feels like we've been dating forever, (I mean this in a good way :) ), but yeah it's only been 6 months. We went for a fancy supper, Ryan had flowers waiting for me at the restaurant. They were the prettiest flowers I've ever gotten, they were even my favorite colours. They were blue and purple orchids. I'll have to post a picture of them when I get home from work. They're the most unique orchids I've ever seen.

On Saturday Ryan and I played in a 2 pitch tournament. Our team lost the whole thing. Oh well, it was still fun. I attended a martini party in the evening at a co workers and then Sunday was spent trying to find some new Pants. (It was so hard, but I finally found 1 pair that was long enough) I ran into Shannon on the way to the mall and she accompanied me on my venture. Then I had to move Bunnyrat to Ryan's because they're going to be in and out of my condo today (an ongoing saga from the flood in april). I also made some really good homemade soup. I just kinda threw stuff in a pot, (I intended on making canned soup but there wasn't one that interested me), it was done in 15 mins and it was delicious!

This week should be fairly slow. I'm going to move Bunnyrat back, meet up with the girls, go to the gym, and then head to Regina on Friday. It's Kristen's bday this weekend. Plus I haven't spent an actual weekend in Regina in ages. I've warned Dave I'm coming, I'll have to get in contact with Marshall, Wes, and Heather. I want to take Ryan to the indoor mini golf there, it's pretty cool and maybe subject him to a fishbowl night at BPs, not sure yet....

Bunnyrat's Day of Terror

2008-09-18T22:49:00.005-06:00

This is what happens when you either forget to put the rabbit away for the day or she breaks loose:

I'm never going to underestimate my handy skills again. Here is the chair now:

Trust me that's the best I could do. Now it just looks like my chair had a little boo boo.

Now here's my chair in it's normal sitting/guest position:

Good as new. And yes that pillow and blanket are normally like that.....

anyone out there?

2008-09-10T16:39:00.003-06:00

Alright, it's been a month since I last posted. What's up with that?

Actually everytime I go here to update it I get distracted by the Rabbit and Cat links on the side.

In the last episode you left me, I was insanely busy. Well not much has changed but I'm still having fun. When you're busy and not having fun, that's when the problems occur.

Ryan and I have been attending lots of weddings lately. We have another one this weekend in PA. It'll be fun.

Our relationship is going sickeningly well, I think that's why I don't blog too much about it. It's pretty much perfect. It's kinda crazy and it would probably bore you guys to tears.

Alot of my girlfriends are starting private blogs. I think that might be the way to go. My blog is too public for comfort right now, it's linked to everyone's facebook. Which was absolutely great when I had time to blog about things that irritated me and cats, you know, general topics that appeal to the masses. But the bulk of this blog isn't that anymore. In fact, alot of times I could be successfully stalked using this blog, that's kinda going against the principles of why I started this in the first place. And in reality, the whole purpose of the blog was to help me through a tough time. A public place to organize my thoughts and even a reachout for help. I was going through a nasty time when I started this thing, so unsure of myself and my decisions and in general not happy. I got through it, and I guess to that extent this blog has served it's purpose, and it's gone back to being a public place for me to reach out to family and friends. Don't get me wrong, there's lots to blog about, it's just this is too public a place for it now. Where to go from here?

Wow, that was a rant in a half.

So yeah, I'm alive! I just wanted to say hi to blogland!

Summer, where?

2008-08-12T11:01:00.002-06:00

Last week I was trying to figure out where my summer went. It seems to have gone by so fast!

Then I took all the pictures off the cameras. Out of 1000 pics I posted 200 online. And I still have 2 more folders to go through. I've done alot this summer and have been super busy. I think next year I will just play 1 sport. It's too hard to do 2, hang out with my friends and watch some of Ryan's sports as well. Right there that takes 4 nights out of my week, and I haven't grocery shopped or cleaned yet. But all in all the summer has been great and fun.

We took Thursday afternoon off last week to go to the Ex. Ryan and I bought ShamWoWs and they really do work! Pretty amazing actually, and they also do a nice job on the cars. Finally, an infomercial purchase that does what it says! Of course I did all the rides and we ate lots of junk.

We have another wedding coming up this weekend. It should be fun.

I've been reading a tonne. So many good books out there right now! Right now I'm reading a book for work, but it's written well and really interesting.

Bunnyrat loves outside on the leash. She looks so cute, just check out the summer photos.

From Summer 2008

I had her at the vet today and found out she's a Mini Rex rabbit. That was entertaining. I hadn't really been able to find other photos of rabbits that look like her before and now I google it and find so many different colours of rabbits that looks like her, it's entertaining.

Disapproving bunnies

2008-07-23T14:22:00.014-06:00

People always think my rabbit doesn't like them.

Bunnyrat loves everyone, it's just a rabbits nature to disapprove, they always look grumpy.

http://www.disapprovingrabbits.com/

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Interesting

2008-07-14T22:08:00.003-06:00

So it's been a while again. I'm wondering if I should just shut the blog down. I just don't have time for it anymore. And I'm using my paper journal alot more. There's so many happy things to put in there and that's where I want them to be. It used to be that I only used to write in the paper one when I was feeling really down. It became this big book of depressing things. I want to change that. Then by that time, I don't want to rewrite that here. Plus I have so many more outlets now for negative like that now. Most of them more constructive than just writing down thoughts.

Here's a brief update of things now, I'll mull over the future of this blog another time. Ryan's in San Jose at the moment for work, he's been there for a little over a week. I kinda really really miss him. That's hard for me to admit, that's just not my nature. But I do and I'm accepting it. I guess I just get so used of being my own rock, and just depending on me, it's hard to admit that I've given a little of that away. But on the other hand, it's a good sign that I'm branching out again and trusting again. I can't wait till he gets home.

All my sports have been rained out lately. Tonight was the 3rd event in a row!! But I went for a bike ride and did all that pesky stuff I've been putting off, like laundry and vacuuming. Work is getting better and I'm really starting to enjoy it now. I've cut out the crazy OT almost completely. It was just an insane workload attributed to me learning the ropes. But I feel more comfortable now, and I'm really really starting to like it. I'm applying the classes I loved in school, project management, decision support systems, design methodologies, I love it. I'm so busy when I'm at work, but the days go by so fast and I feel like I'm accomplishing something at the end of the day. I like that.

Bunnyrat and I went out to the lake this weekend. Bunnyrat likes her leash and I had her outside most of Sunday. Now that we're home, she's eating the pretty daisies Ryan got me for my birthday. She's so sneaky about it too! I was finishing off a book tonight and I hadn't seen her for a while. As I was about to get up and look for her, I saw a head pop over the end table behind me, she took a bottom petal of a daisy quickly and then popped back down to eat it, without making a sound. What a brat, the daisies are starting to look pretty sparse......

Another year older

2008-07-06T20:44:00.004-06:00

I feel like I haven't blogged in forever! I'm just so busy these days and my time to sit and reflect has gone way down. It's all good though, I'm pretty happy being ridiculously busy.

The big 2-6 came and went. Of course it wasn't without it's own set of drama, but otherwise it was pretty awesome. The lake party was good, and celebrating with Ryan during the week was fantastic, and yesterday at Paul's wedding, I got to stand up while everyone sung to me, which was so nice of Paul and Tamzen. (You, see I own July 5th) Ryan also got me some beautiful gerbra daisies in Swan River.

I usually take the time out every year on my bday to reflect on the past years events and my thoughts on turning older. This post won't disappoint. I think I've really matured in the last year. I think I'm figuring out more where I want my career to be and my sunny outlook on life has returned. It evaded me for a couple years there. My patience,internal calmness and diplomacy has also returned. I've mended fences, burned bridges and de-cluttered my life in the last year. All for the best. A new relationship really surprised me and it's bringing back feelings I'd never thought I'd have again and creating new ones I didn't even know existed. There's just such a peaceful quality about my life right now, I'm trying not to take it for granted and slow down and enjoy it. I welcome 26 and hope that it carries on the tone that I set in 25.

Revalations

2008-06-22T21:40:00.003-06:00

It seems I've missed my 2 year mark in Saskatoon. It was at the beginning of the month. And what a 2 years it's been.

It makes me ask the question, what's normal anymore. Normal used to be going to school, going to work, study, sleep, start again. But these years normal seems to only last a few a months, change and then that becomes the norm only to change again. Which one do I like more? The latter is definitely more exciting, but the former seems to be alot more comforting.

Don't misconstrue this to say that I don't feel like I'm at home. I'm very much at home here in my life and I like the change. It's just do you ever get back into those periods of non change again in life?

Alright, enough of the existential talk.

Lots gone on in the last little while. I've stepped into my managing position at work. It's alot of work. I'm not going to lie, I can't say I expected it to be this much work and pressure. I'm sure that will just be for now until I get used of it and figure out my way.

Ryan's bday was last weekend. I bought him a bat. Well I also bought him the DVD Risky Business and gave it to him first. I wanted him to think that's all I got him. But disappointingly he seemed quite happy with the DVD he knew nothing about. I wrapped the bat up like a bat, that was fun. I'd do it all again to see the smile on his face when he saw it. We went to Red Lobster, had giant caesars and seafood, I made him a trifle, it was a pretty good day.

This weekend would have been the perfect lake weekend, but I stayed behind and caught up on housework, accompanied Ryan to a wedding reception, checked out the Jazz Festival, visited with Enobong, etc. Anyone know why they call it the Jazz festival when I couldn't really find a band that played Jazz? There was folk music and country music, but I wouldn't really call that Jazz.

Universe Part II

2008-06-11T19:30:00.002-06:00

It's funny. Ryan asked me the other day what Part I of this post was a couple days ago. And I really couldn't remember. I was fretting about it, but I wrote it down and went on my merry way and all was forgot.

But today it all came flooding back, and what I thought the universe was preparing me for was correct. And it was preperation well worth it, and needed and I came out fine and unscathed. No panic attack, no physical reaction whatsoever, just a firm appreciation of the past when it was good.

I really have to credit some advice. A good way to stop missing someone or something is to find one you like more.

Long Weekend

2008-06-10T22:12:00.006-06:00

Here are a few pics from the long weekend that Ryan's Mom took of Bunnyrat, Razzle and Mika:

Ice Cream

2008-06-05T13:43:00.002-06:00

There's an ice cream hut 1 block away from work. I visit it quite frequently I love ice cream in the summer. I've been trying to cut down lately, I haven't been all week, until today.

This morning I got up. Made up Bunnyrat's breakfast put it aside in a pile. Made Ryan a lunch pile, put it aside, made myself a lunch pile, put it aside. I the went and fed Bunnyrat, wrote a note on Ryan's pile, and somehow only ended up taking half of my pile to work for lunch. I forgot the most important part, the sandwich.

So for lunch today I thought, why not have ice cream for lunch? I've been good all week I thought. So for lunch I had 2 scoops of Cookies n' Cream and 1 scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough, all in a waffle cone. So much for cutting back ice cream for the week. I singlehandedly put it all back in one sitting, since I usually just get a single scoop........ Plus I'm sooooo full at the moment.......

( yes my work is fun :) swings, ice cream, cats, I love it!)

Universe

2008-06-04T09:33:00.004-06:00

The universe is trying to tell me something.

I'm ignoring the message, I don't like it one bit. There's been a few odd incidences the last couple weeks. And I'm at a place in my life that I really really like and would like to hang in it and not stir anything up. Maybe I'm interpreting the message wrong, maybe it's intentionally throwing these things out there to see how I react. I think I've reacted quite well so far, better than I have in the past, I haven't overreacted, I think. This is one message I'm not going to pursue. Maybe it's just some sort of universal foreshadowing to prepare me for something coming up so that I no longer react at all.

Let's just say it's coincidence. I probably shouldn't put so much faith in the Universe in the first place, it has led me astray before :) I like my conclusions.

25 going on 8

2008-06-02T22:33:00.002-06:00

There's adult sized swings a block away from work. The last couple weeks I've made sure my afternoon walk included a swing. It's so much fun, and I feel a little silly as I kick off my dress shoes and make a run for the swing barefoot, but I don't care, it's fun and I will continue to do it because it makes me happy.

Groceries

2008-05-29T10:42:00.002-06:00

I have almost no groceries in my house. Last night I picked up some things to tide me over:

Lettuce
Field Greens
Parsley

(Alright I lied this stuff is for Bunnyrat)

Nachos
Salsa
Milk

What more does a person need to live on?

Stolen from Erika and Sarah

2008-05-27T10:39:00.000-06:00

Why are you not going out with the person you want to?
Well I am.

Where's the last place you went?:
Work, work, work

Are you looking forward to something as of right now?:
Looking forward to ball tonight, then prolly back to work :(

When will you next kiss the last person you kissed?:
I dunno, maybe in a couple hours?

Have you ever worn false eyelashes?:
no, I don't have patience for stuff like that.

At the moment, are you more warm or cold?:
I'm just right

Do you find guys with facial piercings attractive?:
no, I like the more clean cut guys I guess

When was the last time you saw snow?:
It's been a little while now

Who are your favourite people to talk to when you're down?:
Barbara and Toni

Who was the last person to insult you to your face?:
not sure

Has anyone ever tried to shove their religion in your face?:
Yup, highschool was a minefield for that sort of thing

Who was the last person you sat next to?:
I'm sitting next to Jared and Hayley right now

What did you do today?:
Got up, got ready, played with Bunnyrat, came to work

What did you do yesterday?:
Exactly the same, cept went for a run and played with Bunnyrat some more

Who can you tell anything to?:
Barbarab, Toni, Ryan, my Dad, I'm pretty open

What are your plans for tomorrow?:
Same as today but watching ball after work

What are you thinking about right now?:
Why the heck are they inserting rows into this query?

Do you smile often?:
all the time

Do you prefer an ocean or pool?:
I love both

When was the last time you cried?:
I really don't remember

Why is your relationship status the way it is?:
Because I like it that way with the right person

How long is your hair?:
Shoulder length

Last thing you ate?:
A bagel and cream cheese

Who last sent you a text message?:
Brad it looks like

Last person you hugged?:
Ryan

Who do you dislike currently?:
There's no one I dislike

Are you wearing makeup?:
Yuppers

If you could have something right now, what would it be?:
I have everything I could need or want

Your heart is racing, who are you standing next to?:
Ryan, he, he

Something you hate more than anything?:
socially awkward people

Tears are falling from your eyes, what's the reason?:
By the time that happens, I've been pushing aside stuff that's bothering me until it builds up and then when I can't open a jar or something stupid, it all comes spilling out. I'm a jar cryer.

Have you kissed anyone in the past month?:
Yup :)

Is tomorrow going to be a good day/night?:
It will be very good

Are you in a good mood?:
Yup

Would you rather get up early or sleep in?:
Get up early in the summer, sleep in in the winter

Are you wearing anything?:
Yup, comfy comfy clothes 'cause I'm going to be here forever today

Are you paranoid about something?:
nah

Does it take a lot to make you cry?:
oh yeah, see the above

Wanting to tell someone something?:
Kinda but they know I think

What would you do with five million dollars?:
quit my job and travel a while, but hold some back in a high interest savings account and live off the interest

What do you think about toe socks?:
they annoy my feet

Would you rather watch a romantic movie or a really gory one?:
Probably gore but it depends on the cheesy-ness of the romantic one, there are a couple I really like.

If you had to live off one type of fruit, which would you pick?:
Watermelon

What are some of your nervous habits?:
Fidgeting

If you had to move in with a friend, which one would you pick?:
I like my space. Bunnyrat counts as a friend.

What is your favourite curse word?:
I dunno, don't use them too often

Do you have a favourite toilet paper brand?:
Charmin, like wiping your bum with a pillow

How long does it take you to get ready?:
30 mins, shower or no shower

Would you change yourself to make someone like you?:
no, I'm past that stage

Are you the type of person people should take seriously, or should they think you're joking most of the time?:
A little of column A, a little of column B

When you like someone, and they don't know about it, are you the type who wants to tell them, or them to make a move first?:
Well I asked Ryan out first. But that was because I was giving him super mixed signals and beating myself up for it later. And I didn't want him to get snatched up in the meantime.

Does it annoy you when people say their heart is "broken"?:
Nope, 'cause it sure does hurt.

Still the crazy cat lady

2008-05-23T11:42:00.004-06:00

Here's some statics on the different routes home from work. I walk 7 blocks home everyday.

7th Ave
# of Cats Seen: 2
# of friendly Cats: 0

8th Ave
# of Cats Seen : 8
# of friendly Cats: 4

9th Ave
# of Cats Seen : 6
# of friendly Cats: 1

Spadina
# of Cats Seen : 2
# of friendly Cats: 2

For the record I usually walk down 8th :)

Fun in da Sun

2008-05-20T16:35:00.003-06:00

May Long! Spring Break! Whooo!

I have a nice tan from the weekend, mission accomplished. We went out to my lake on Friday, it was so nice out. On Saturday, Ryan was put to work unloading the new peddle boat out of the truck. It's a pretty nice boat, has a little bit of a design flaw, it needs some weight in the front to be able to go fast and steer. So Ryan peddled me around the lake for a while (it's really not that bad of a design flaw...), Dave came out to visit, we played some Bocce and did some suntanning, we went for a canoe ride, I also escaped paddling on this one too, we made s'mores, all in all a fun day, somewhere in there I got a piggyback from Ryan and he also did all the real driving. I'm pretty spoiled.

The next day we headed to Ryan's parent's cottage at Christopher lake. It's a little different than what I'm used to. "Where are all the boat houses?" Bunnyrat made friends with Ryan's Mom's cats and dog. Although the one cat kept on trying to paw at Bunnyrat and would sit there and stare at her. Bunnyrat wasn't really thrilled with that one. The others were just fine. We had a campfire there too and got to sit in the neighbors hot tub. We played Ticket to Ride, which I'm starting to get hooked on. It's a pretty fun board game. I thought I won this one for sure and then we tallied up the points and Ryan beat me by 7! It was his first time playing! Bah, and 7 points is the difference of one 4 car train, so frustrating. Oh well, it was fun, nevertheless.

Oh may long how I love thee, back to real life again, sigh....

Change is good

2008-05-15T11:53:00.003-06:00

From the beginning of this year to now my life has completely changed. My mood has completely changed, everything is so different.

It just goes to show that when you get unhappy, change is an answer. It can be hard and scary but so worth it. Dan always used to tell me all the time that he didn't like change and he was so unhappy at that time. I never understood that. Life is all about change and managing it with someone is half the adventure.

My new job just rocks. I like everyone at it and even play frisbee with a bunch of them on an Ultimate Team. I get to do Management I found out yesterday! Yay! I'm really excited about that. That's where I've been trying to get to for a while. I haven't even been here 2 months either, but it feels so great to be around people that see the potential in you. One of our people is leaving though, that's why I have the opportunity, and that's freaky because he has so much knowledge! Scary, but good scary. It's all so exciting!

My personal life rocks too at the moment. I really like Ryan and I hope he sticks around. I don't seem to get tired of him, which is odd for me, usually I like my space, but he entertains me and takes care of me and Bunnyrat. We were joking yesterday that he's locked into this for another 2 months since I have his bday present under way and then I need to stick around for that to be reciprocated at my bday. He doesn't seem to be jealous of my successes but rather supports me in them, that's a change from past relationships. It's all good. All good. We're going to my cottage for half the weekend and then to his cottage for the rest of the weekend. Ah, lake and sun and campfire and running and ball and frisbee and peddleboating..... So excited.

I'm trying to plan out some more vacations for this year. I think I'm going to aim to go to NY at the end of summer, and Italy in the late fall. And definitely Mexico in the winter that's a non contest.

On a completely different note, Ryan and I tried out the new Mexican Restaurant in town La Bamba. It was amazing! Well the food was amazing! Better than EE Burittos. We had nachos as an appetizer, the plate was huge, and I've never had guacamole that delicious before, so creamy and flavorful. I will definitely be back! The main course was delicious too, oh all so good!

Gobbledygoop

2008-05-15T11:51:00.000-06:00

Stolen from Crystal:

Ever dropped a cell phone?
Yes, that's part of the criteria when I buy a cell.

Smoke?
noppers

Sleep with or without clothes?
either or, depends how cold I am

Do you believe in astrology?
not really, but I think it's fun

What was the last text message you received?
Call me when you're free from the Dreamboat

Pick a lyric, any lyric?
Don't say goodbye, say good journey

Have you ever been in the hospital?
A few times for me, lots of times for others

What is something people say to you that always gets on your nerves?
I dunno, doesn't really happen

Name something you have in common with all your siblings?
We both like video games

What was the most amount of physical pain you have ever been in?
Probably 2 years ago when I had either food poisoning or Crohn's flare ups. I think I was just way too stressed and it was causing me physical pain.

Who is the last person you wrote a letter to on paper?
I kinda wrote a letter to Ryan, it was more of a post-it note on a bagel....

Have you ever had the same dream more than once?
yeah, when I think life is spiralling out of control I dream that I re-live June 8th 2006. And then I re-read my blog after and realize the dream was much better than the real thing I went through. Either way that dream hasn't happened for a long long time.

If you were in an emergency situation and you had to deliver a baby, could you do it?
I guess, I'd prefer not too. I'd rather just be knocked out and then when I woke up, I'd have a baby. That sounds like a much better idea, no?

Do You Prefer Regular Or Chocolate Milk?
Skim Milk please

Favourite location?
If I told you, you'd go there and it wouldn't be a secret spot anymore. I have a couple in S'toon.

Wish someone was next to you this morning when you woke up?
Someone was next to me when I woke up. I was glad he was.

Spell your full name without a E,S,Y,I,R,A,L:
cndc wngtn

How many times have you had your heart broken?
Once really really bad.

Hugged someone you didn't know?:
yuppers

Been on the phone until the sun came up?
I don't think so

Twos

Two Names You Go By:
1. Candice
2. Candy

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. I'm pretty content
2.

Two things you did last night:
1. Played Ball - I hit a Double!
2. Watched Ryan play ball

Two people you talked to last on the phone?
1. My mom
2. Ryan

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Getting my haircut
2. Going for a run

Have you ever:

thrown up on yourself?
possibly

thrown up on someone else?
yes, lesson learned, do not attempt to drown your sorrows in alcohol while at a good friend's wedding and confronted with your ex-fiance in the wedding party. Otherwise you end up crying in a coat room throwing up on him.

Who were the last people you sat at dinner with?
This is going to be a really boring survey. Ryan

Finish the sentence:

Life as we know it is . . .amazingly wonderful

If I had a million dollars . . .I would put it in a high interest savings account and then retire early

NOW

Is your hair up? nope
Is your phone right beside you? yup, work and cell
Do you miss someone? no
Do you wish you were somewhere else? nope
Who's the last person you messaged? I dunno, I just end up phoning

Alphabet

LETTER A
Are you available? no way
what is your age?25
what annoys you? annoying people

THE LETTER B
Do you live in a big house? It's huge! 27 floors!

THE LETTER E
Have you ever been in the emergency room? ya
Do you have both your ears pierced? ya

THE LETTER F
Do you use fly swatters? I don't think I own one
Have you ever used a foghorn? yes...

THE LETTER G
Do you chew gum? no, it hurts my jaw

THE LETTER H
How are you? excited!
What color is your hair? brown with blonde highlights
Do you live in a house? condo

THE LETTER I
What's your favorite ice cream? cherry cheescake or Cookies'n cream or peanut butter chocolate

THE LETTER J
What's your favorite jelly bean? red
Do you wear jewelry? I have a pretty beaded pendant on right now.

THE LETTER K
Do you want kids? Eventually, not soon

THE LETTER L
When was the last time you said I love you? At lunch to my family's answering machine. I love you answering machine.

THE LETTER M
Do you still watch Disney movies? ha, ha yup
Do you like mangos? I love mangos

THE LETTER N
Do you have a nickname? candy I guess

THE LETTER O
Do you like the ocean?sure, I guess, haven't been around it for a significant amount of time.

THE LETTER P
What's a personality trait you look for in people? Honesty

THE LETTER Q
Ever had your oil changed at the quick stop? no...

THE LETTER R
You watch reality tv? not really
Are you one to cry? Depends, I do when I have to. I at least let myself do it now.

THE LETTER S
Do you prefer sun or rain? Sun
Do you like snow? I like snowboarding, and toboganning

THE LETTER T
When was the last time you slept in a tent? Last summer

THE LETTER U
Are you wearing underwear? yup

THE LETTER V
Whats the worst veggie? Parsnips
Where do you want to go on vacation? New York, Italy, Mexico, Dominican, Japan, Australia. I'll do a couple of those this year it's looking like :)

THE LETTER W
What's your worst habit? Fidgeting or poking people

THE LETTER X
Have you ever had an x-ray? a few

THE LETTER Y
Do you like the color yellow? Sure
What's one thing you yearn for? I dunno, I have everything I need to be happy

THE LETTER Z
What's your zodiac sign? Cancer

More random:

What would you do if your best friend went out with your ex?
Been there done that, obviously not my best friend anymore. She knew the circumstance and still went behind my back.

Pick one: green or gold? Both, go Campbell!

What's your sport?
Ball

Do you know how to keep a convo going?
Most of the time, sometimes I drop the ball.

Do you like the rain?
It has it's purpose

What hat would you rock?
I rock them all, with a drink in a pineapple on hand.

Were you ever with someone completely different to you:
Yup, it didn't really work out.

Have you ever had a crush on someone that was in a relationship:
no, they get put in to my unavailable category at the get go.

When was the last time you were told you were beautiful?
I get told I'm pretty all the time and that's fine by me :)

What is bothering you right now?
absolutely nothing at the moment, the karma gods have been good to me lately and I hope to return it to others!

I'll bet you miss someone right now?
no I really don't

Are you easily scared by horror/thriller films?
A little but I like them.

If you were given $100, would you spend it, or save it?
Save!

If there was a large spider in the room, would you stay?
I'd name him Bob and then see how long I'd have to touch his legs for for him to move. Then I'd grab Pumpkin and put him beside the spider to see what he would do.

Do you have any enemies?
none

When was the last time you were truly happy with your life?
Right now, I've got it all together finally, every piece.

When is the last time you made someone else cry?
Possibly a couple months ago. (whoops!)

Would you be able to date someone who had a kid with someone else?
I don't think I could. I'm not ready for that.

Last person you had a deep and meaningful convo with?
maybe Ryan?

Reason behind why you last cried?
I don't remember the last time I cried.

Do you have a deep dark secret?
no, my life is an open book.

What was the last thing you ever got grounded for?
I never really got grounded ever

What was your childhood nickname?
Don't think I had one

What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?
I dunno

Who(opposite sex and your own) would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
Ryan and Shannon

Who do you blame for your mood today?
Me, I'm awesome.

Have you ever seen a dead body?
no and I don't intend on it

How do you vent your anger?
go for a run or bike, do some writing. Then when I have some thoughts collected and have figured out what exactly I'm angry about I'll talk about it.

Are most of your friends virgins?
ha, ha no

Are you a mama's child or a daddy's child?
prolly Dad

Who was the last person you took a picture with?
Ryan again

Is anything alive in your room?
Bunnyrat if she's under the bed looking for trouble.

Have you ever had a broken rib?
noppers

Straw, straw everywhere!

2008-05-09T14:03:00.004-06:00

Another crazy week. Frisbee here, ball there. Trying to get my patio in order. I found some chair pads that match my patio set and balcony finally! But then I ran out of propane for the BBQ :( I can't win. But all is well because I decided to buy a brand new shiny BBQ this weekend :) So I'll be entertaining in style.

My parents are coming this weekend to help me with the closet. Also we're all seeing Phantom of the Opera this weekend. I'm looking forward to it, I've heard so many great things!

Tonight I'm heading to Barb and Brant's for a BBQ. I decided that since I hadn't cooked for a while I'd make something for it. So I bought ingredients for my famous dip ( mostly so Brant wouldn't whine) but then I found this recipe for a Santa Fe Salad and decided I'd make that as well. I didn't know how much the recipe would make so I doubled it. Apparently one would have been fine, the dip is massive and the salad is even more massive. Plus I even have extra dip. The salad has black beans and red peppers and is in a homemade chili lime dressing, it's delicious, I taste tested it on Ryan yesterday. I kinda like having him around, he's handy.

I bought Bunnyrat a new bed on the weekend. It was straw, I thought it would solve the "sleeping in the litter box" problem and give her something to chew. The first day it looked great! She was sleeping in it and everything, the cage looked so clean, she looked comfy. Day 2 though, the whole bed was torn apart. Straw everywhere! And to add to it, she emptied out the hay rack on top of it all. It was the hugest mess ever! On to the next great idea.

zoom

2008-05-02T10:38:00.000-06:00

This week went by so fast! I can't believe it's friday. I can't believe all the stuff that was accomplished this week.

It was a little rainy here, but still warm. Monday I told Ryan to come to our frisbee practice. He's pretty good actually and fast. Although doing frisbee drills against him we don't really get much practice, he's much better and faster than I am.

Tuesday it was nice out, hot even. Ryan and I went for a good run by Gabriel Dumont part, and then we went to the batting cages. We both wanted to practice. He fixed my swing for me, so expect some triples or home runs this season. Then we stuffed our faces at Fuddruckers. I know, great way to end a night of exercise! It's kinda really nice to have someone around that can keep up to me, actually sometimes I'm the one that can't keep up in this relationship.

The next day I couldn't move my wrist. Some of my project timelines look like a 5 year old drew them up. I'm glad I bought new batting gloves, I'd really be in pain if I didn't have them. It was girls night that day, I needed it.

Then yesterday I kinda stuck around home, I started to really clean off my balcony. I bought a heavy duty broom and started looking for some patio cushions and covers. All I came home with was the broom. I couldn't find the rest yet, maybe it's too early in the season. I also plugged in my beer fridge and started filling it with coolers. Balcony season is here!

This weekend I need to work some OT at work. And I need to clear out my walk in closet, donate stuff to community living and take out my recycling. Get everything cleaned out for next weekend when my Dad will come and help me with my walk in closet. It'll be awesome. I might take some before and after pics....

Shin Splints!

2008-04-29T14:24:00.003-06:00

Ow that really hurts! Time for new shoes.

One of the girls here works at the Running Room, I will pay her a visit. I think it's about time I actually invested in some good ones and get someone to examine how I run. I'm obviously not stopping running anytime soon. And I sure don't want to stop because of shin splints. But man, are they painful.

Yield Please

2008-04-28T11:08:00.002-06:00

My mission for this week is to slooooow down. Last week was just insane, I need a bit of a break. Between condo leaks, emergency room visits, socializing, and volunteering, I'm a little bit worn down. But 2 of the big things that made last week insane were emergencies, so as long as I don't encounter an emergency this week, I'm good!

I volunteered for a BBQ selling hot dogs and hamburgers in front of Canadian Tire on Sunday to raise money for Camp Easter Seals. It was fun and we raised alot of money. It brought me back to my BK days. The girls I work with are fun, and customers are funny and friendly, I kinda miss talking to strangers. I might volunteer next weekend too.

It was Brant's bday party on Friday. We went to Yuk Yuk's. I hadn't been before, it was alot of fun. Both comedians were really good and drinks were pretty cheap. We ended up at Winston's later, we somehow fandangled, (I know this is the wrong word, don't make fun of me), ourselves a private room. Martini's were had, fun was had. It was Ryan's 1st time at Steve and Marnie's. He claimed he loved that place, as we walked in, everyone was playing Rock Band and then Marnie's guitar sat out in the open and Steve offered him a beer, what more could a guy want?

We also got a chance to take a run on Saturday too. It was a good run too, didn't have any complaints, no pacing issues or complaints that the other one couldn't keep up. It was fun, I'm a little amazed. I like this one.

My Bunnyrat has become too affectionate with her favorite toy. I'm going to have to book her in for surgery soon to get spayed. I was wearing my favorite duck slippers around the house Sunday and she was following my feet around and mounting them everytime I stopped. Somehow yelling "But you're a girl rabbit!" doesn't do anything....

more, more, more

2008-04-24T13:51:00.002-06:00

1. If I looked on your bed, what would I find?
On my bed I have lots of throw pillows and a cerulean coloured throw. My bed looks very comfy and inviting and relaxing.

2. Do you go to the bathroom with the door open or closed?
Open, then I can see and hear the Rat getting into trouble.

3.Are your underwear and socks folded in your drawers, or just thrown in?
My socks are folded but it's all just thrown together in one drawer

4. Sleep on your back or stomach?
Usually my side and then roll on from there

5. Are you a cuddler?
yup

6. What would I find if I looked under your bed?
Under my bed there's my snowboard, snowboard boots, tent, sleeping bag, various camping stuff....

7. Something that happened today that made you angry?
Nothing at all, I'm pretty content

8. What were you doing before this survey?
working

9. What will you do after this survey?
same thing

10. Marriage or living together?
I'm a big fan of the trial living together before marriage. If I didn't believe in that, I wouldn't be nearly as happy as I am now.

11. What are you wearing right now?
Guess jeans, a pretty purple lacey tube top, a short sleeved blazer, and my purple pumps and purple purse. I look stylin today.

12. How many times have you been in love?
I thought it was twice, but really only once and possibly sliding into it now, I dunno, love is fun :)

13. Do you de-label your beer bottles?
no, I don't drink beer.

14. Do you talk about your feelings or hide them?
I used to be the queen of hiding them. I always felt with work and school that talking about feelings was too girly. Now I talk about em a bit more, okay alot more.

15. Is there something you regret and wish you could take back?
Nothing at all. Everything happens for a reason, I think I've found a big reason.

16. First thing you do when you wake up?
Listen to the weather on talk radio, then decide if it's worth it to jump outta bed.

17. Last person you told you love them?
Probably my Dad.

18. Sneeze with your eyes open or closed?
closed

20. Last argument you got into?
A lady rammed me with a cart in WalMart on purpose after I was so nice to her......the rest is history.

21. Do you tend to rip the paper off water bottles?
no, that's just not a habit for me.

22. What is one thing you love to do with your best friends?
Eat and Talk. Barb and Toni know all about this one.

23. When you shut off your alarm clock, do you tend to fall asleep again?
yeah within 10 secs, that's why I push snooze

24. If you were given the chance to take care of a monkey for a weekend, would you?
For sure!

25. What is the current advertisement on the side of the screen?
there isn't one, good ol' notepad

26. What are you looking forward to in the next few months?
everything! Weddings, my bday, summer holidays hiking, ball.......

27. When will you turn 50?
2032 (Thanks for the math Crystal!)

28. Ticklish?
noooo........(shifty eyes)

29. Where do you wish you were right now?
I wish I was where I was when I woke up this morning

30. What song are you currently listening to?
nothing at the moment

32. If you caught your significant other cheating on you what would you do?
Depends on circumstance but most likely leave him.

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

34. Do you have any cousins?
yuppers, lots

35. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Kristen

37. What is the worst subject they teach in college?
There's too many to name

38. Where do you plan on living when you grow up?
I am grown up, I live in the most gorgeous condo by the river downtown. I'm living my dream.

39. What was your last dream?
I don't remember, it had something to do with Ryan though...

Explosion!

2008-04-22T12:01:00.000-06:00

I feel so scatter brained lately. My house is in constant disarray and I haven't spent very much time there at all. And then there's all the usual craziness, sports, appointments, volunteering etc. The weird snow does not help things either, it's so cold here right now! What happened to spring? Tonight I want to finish putting my house back together and veg. I'll cuddle with a Bunnyrat and watch one of my 3 most favorite movies. That shall be the plan, lets see how it goes.

The weekend was good. I hung out with Ryan a bunch and friend from my old work. It was fun. I helped Ryan pick out an Upconverting DVD player. I might pick one up for myself actually, they aren't very expensive. Also the Pelicans and Comorants are back, they were swimming in the river, about 40 or 50 of them, I could see them from my house, I love living by the river.

Sunday night I came home, it had been snowing and raining for a good part of the day. It sounded like water was running in my place, so I took a walk around, determined it was pipes or something and went about my business. Later I noticed a drop of water on the floor in the hallway. I thought that was super weird, I'm known to leave water drops around but I wasn't in the hallway with anything wet. So I wiped it up. About 20 mins later I heard lots of dripping in the hallway. Sure enough there was a leak in my ceiling, also odd because the hallway isn't near any outside walls. I phoned the maintenance guy, who was as helpful as ever. Said he couldn't do anything about it, it was the rain. So I phoned Ryan and he suggested to put some plastic over my floor, then I put towels over top to sop up the water, and then ran a fan over the leak to try to dry it out. But then I had to figure out what to do with Bunnyrat. I knew there'd be condo people in my place the next day, checking out the leak and to see if there were anymore leaks. I'm not supposed to have a pet. So at 1am I was moving Bunnyrat and all of her stuff over to Ryan's. Luckily living in a condo, I don't have coordinate any repairs, the condo fees and association covers all that. I was on the phone all day yesterday making sure of that, and figuring out when people were coming so I could move Bunnyrat back in tonight. I'm exhausted....

Also it's so lonely in my place without Bunnyrat! I slept there last night without him, I miss him. He's not lonely though, he's staying in a house full of people that play with him. Ryan's sister's been taking good care of him. But I woke up this morning, and was kinda disappointed there was no one wagging their tail and jumping back and forth waiting to see me. And all morning I was looking out of the corner of my eye expecting to see her, and there was no one following me around stomping their foot.

busy, busy, the way I like it

2008-04-16T12:06:00.003-06:00

Time is going by so fast at the moment. It seems like just yesterday it was February. I'm pretty comfy in my new job. Didn't take long for that to happen. Come to think of it, I have a whole new life. Yet everything just feels so familiar, like I've been here all along.....that doesn't make sense, but it does.

Frisbee practice started this week. There was a familiar face, a mutual friend of a friend on my team. That was nice to see. Looks like it'll be a fun season and everyone will show up. Ball practices haven't started yet either, I'm looking forward to those. I gotta get Ryan to fix some of my ball skills and get out to the batting cages. I have access to a free hot ball trainer, I may as well take advantage!

Still running, still swimming, yup, I'm a regular summer camp. Also lots of visiting with friends in between and making some time for Bunnyrat. He was hilarious yesterday, he was hopping on my area rug, running around the coffee table and then he ran into the one lone ray of sunlight and just flopped over mid run. It was hilarious, and then he basked in the sun for quite a while. I wonder if he was actually on his way somewhere mid flop.......

The Hot Guy Camera

2008-04-14T16:07:00.002-06:00

This weekend was great. It was sooo nice out. I decided earlier in the week that since it was going to +20 out on the weekend, that I wanted to go out to the lake. And while I was doing that, I may as well take Ryan to meet my family. (Plus I wanted someone to play ball and frisbee with ;) )

First of all, Ryan was all ready to go after work on friday, that was a boyfriend first ever!! It was so impressive. He even took his guitar to work that morning on the bus. That's just plain brave. We got out there that night, I got Bunnyrat all settled in and had a nice visit.

Saturday it was nice and warm, we got a chance to take a walk and play some frisbee. I got to check out the toys at the boat shop in Ft. Qu'appelle, and Ryan got to meet my cousins. I got to harass one of their cats, it was all good. We fell asleep during a hockey game, Bunnyrat peed on Ryan. Ew. Bunnyrat had a nap on top of us too, I should of known better. Sunday was much the same, we took a longer hike and played some ball. Pretty much an awesome weekend.

Dad had said that there was this camera at the lake. It was a "Hawk Eye" Camera from the middle of the 20th century. All I kept on hearing was "Hot Guy" Camera, and was a little confused. And then people made funny of me when I was finally corrected. I'd like a "Hot Guy" camera, I don't know about you.....

So I got one, here's the pic I took with mine:

From April 2008

See, that's way better than a "Hawk Eye" camera.......:)

Printemps

2008-04-10T23:09:00.002-06:00

I always say that Summer is my favorite season. And it is for everything that makes me me. Baseball, Biking, Hiking, Running, Swimming, Suntanning etc..... I love everything about summer. But lately, I've really come to enjoy this time of year, Spring.

For the last 8 years or so, Spring time has always represented, new beginnings, a cleansing, a revelation. Winter is usually my dark time of the year, but the last few haven't been too bad comparatively speaking.

Spring is a time to get excited, the weather is warming up, everything looks so fresh. It always feels like I have a new perspective on the world and I can take on anything, and nature is supporting that. Here's a pic I took from my balcony today. It doesn't even do what I'm seeing justice. There's a fog over downtown, it's partially raining and all I can see are these beacons of light along with the sound of the seagulls in the river.

Yay Babies!

2008-04-08T16:08:00.002-06:00

This weekend was entertaining. Saturday morning I took off early to go to Calgary, the main even being Brett and Alnaar's baby shower. I spent Saturday with Brett's family and their friends, we celebrated Brett's bday. We also got to see Brett and Alnaar's new house. It's really nice and I like the colours and how it's decorated, very similar to my own tastes actually. I picked up all the pieces from Ikea to redo my walk in closet, the poor thing has been falling apart in pieces, but I guess you get what you pay for, ha, ha. Then on Sunday was the main event. They made me eat chocolate out of baby diapers and taste baby food. Yuck! I think Brett was more excited about some parts of it than Alnaar. It was nice to be a part of the whole event. And I got a good visit in with good friends, it was a great weekend.

This week looks entertaining as well. Ryan and I get along quite well, I enjoy him. I'm meeting his folks tonight. Ryan and his sister talk alot, so I'm expecting more of the same, it will be fun. Also I finally bought a new frisbee at lunch today. We have our first frisbee practice on Thursday. My frisbee is purple and sparkely, go figure.

Also, I'm running in the 24 Hour Relay this year. I still need to go out and get some pledges. Ryan said he'd run it with me if that weekend was free for him. I'm training a little for it, because I seriously want to run it. It looks like fun, and it's for a good cause, Camp Easter Seals. Fun, fun, fun, that describes my life these days.

Tax Evasion

2008-04-03T16:56:00.000-06:00

1) How old will you be in ten months? The big 2-6

2) Do you think you will be married by then? In 10 months? That's quick, prolly not, unless something happens on a whim, and I can trap a gooder by then....hmmmm...ideas, ideas :)

3) What do you look forward to the most in the next three months? Going to the Beach, planning my West Coast Trail Hike

4) Who was the last person you called? Ryan

5) Who was the last person to call you? Ryan, ha, ha

6) Do you prefer to call or text? call, I have the phone in my hand already!

7) What's your favourite position? uhhhhh (shifty eyes)

8) What were you doing at 12am last night? can't say, shoot, it ruins part of today if it's read too early

9) Are your parents married/separated/divorced? married

10) When is the last time you saw your mom? At Easter

11) What happened at 11am today? Learned about the Pork Industry :)

12) How many states have you lived in? none

13) How many cities/towns have you lived in? 3, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary

14) Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? bare feet

15) Are you a social person? yuppers, very much so

16) What was the last thing you ate? A Tim Horton's cookie! So unhealthy!

17) What is your favourite ice cream? Cherry Cheesecake or Cookies n' cream

18) What is your favourite dessert? I'm not a big dessert person, I guess cheesecake when push comes to shove

19) What kind of jelly do you like on your pb and j sandwiches? raspberry or strawberry

20) Do you like coffee? I don't mind coffee

21) How many glasses of water a day do you drink on average? Probably 10-15

22) What do you drink in the morning? milk, apparently it helps me absorb my vitamins

23) Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone? I like to cuddle

24) Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed?kinda, more diagonal across the bed

25) Do you know how to play poker? in rummoli I do

26) Do you like to cuddle? yup

27) Have you ever been to Canada? Yup I live there

28) Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Yeah Jen from my old job.

29) Do you speak any other languages? only bits pieces and phrases Wie ist das wetter? Il y a un poisson dans tonne bibliotechque

30) Have you even been in an ambulance? no thankfully

31) Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? either or, I'm happy around water

32) Do you prefer a window seat or an isle seat? window, I like to see what's going on

33) Do you know how to drive a stick shift? kinda, not very good at it though

34) What is your favourite thing to spend money on? pfft, house stuff takes alot of money

35) Do you wear any jewlery 24/7? My ruby ring and my watch

36) What is the main ring tone on your phone? I dunno, it's a new phone and then I gave most people ringtones that remind me of them. My parents house is the Circus Theme, ha, ha, ha

37) Do you still have clothes from when you were little? I don't think so

38) What is the colour of your bedroom walls? grey, I think, or tan, it's one of those colours that doesn't look like a colour

39) Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of killer bees? Bees I think

40) Do you flirt alot? Sometimes, depends on my mood and whether or not the people I'm around know what harmless flirting is

FOR YOUR ENTIRE LIFE: HAVE YOU EVER?????
Smoked a cigarette? no
Drank so much you threw up? more than once
Crashed a friends car? never
Stolen a car or tried to? nope
Been in love? yuppers
Been dumped? yup
Been laid off or fired? nope
Quit your job? I quit quite a few
Been in a fist fight? nope
Snuck out of your parents house? never had to
Had feelings for someone who didn't have them for you? In high school
Been arrested? no, Dad always told me to leave before the cops came
Gone on a blind date? kinda, did some online dating
Lied to a friend? yup
Skipped school? couple times, who schedules data structures at 8am in the morning, really people.
Seen someone die? nope
Been to USA? Yup
Been to Mexico? maybe this year
Been overseas? maybe this year
Been on a plane? lots
Been lost? I get lost all the time, not too lost though, I have a good sense of direction
Been on the opposite side of the country? yup
Gone to Ottawa, or Washington? yup
Swam in the ocean? kinda, not really fully
Felt like dying? yeah, at my old job I felt like death all the time, they were slowly poisoning me
Cried yourself to sleep? yeah a couple times
Played cops and robbers? I think so
Recently coloured with crayons? no :(
Sang karaoke? I will tonight!
Paid for a meal with only coins? Lunch yesterday, but it was only $3.49, I love the Lucky Dollar
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Yuppers
Made prank phone calls? When I was 14 and 15, that was a form of entertainment!
Laughed until come kind of beverage came out of your nose? A couple times
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yup
Danced in the rain? Yup
Written a letter to Santa Claus? Yes
Been kissed under the mistletoe? Yup
Watched the sun rise with someone you care for or love? Yup
Blown bubbles? I love bubbles in the summer
Made a bonfire on the beach? yup
Crashed a party? for sure, I invite myself places all the time
Gone roller skating? Yup
Gone ice skating? Yup
DO YOU HAVE ANY NICKNAMES? Candy, Canders, the girl, token
MOTHER'S NAME? Lori
ANY TATTOOS?? no, I don't think that's for me

Penchant for Greatness

2008-04-01T11:09:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have that feeling when you meet or get to know someone that they will change your life forever?

It's a feeling I've had quite a few times in my life. You just meet someone you know that they have some quality and are destined for greatness in their own lives and yours.

Here's some examples:
Dan, of course. He changed my life in so many ways, and I had this gut feeling about him after 10 mins of talking to him. Even though it didn't work out,he's changed my life positively forever, making me realize my goals and dreams and the do's and don'ts of realtionships in general.

Then there was Jeff at my old old job when I was a co-op student. After talking for about 20 mins, I realized I could learn alot from that guy, and I did, and he was more than willing to show me. But it was the gut feeling in the beginning that tipped me off. Without a great mentor like Jeff, I wouldn't be where I am today in my career.

Quite a few years later, I met Shannon. She's one of my best friends, and we got along great right from the beginning. We'd do anything for eachother, and are a steady point for eachother. We're alike in alot of ways, but different in some really good ways, it's great to have someone like that to pitch ideas off of.

Recently I've had that feeling/revelation again. Just a gut instinct, that's destined for some sort of greatness, but I'm not sure what yet.

Worst customer ever

2008-03-31T09:15:00.004-06:00

This weekend was nice. It was the first weekend in quite a while where I didn't have to be anywhere or do anything.

I finally got sick of people not hearing me on my phone so I bought a new one. It's tres cool. It's got a camera and 2 Gigs of storage, which I'll never use, but it fits nice between my shoulder and my ear and I can hear people 200 times clearer, and they can hear me! It came with the data cable too, so I can syncronize my contacts and create ringtones. I think I was the worst customer ever in the cell phone store. I went in there and said, I need a phone that I can hear and talk on clearly, I don't need mp3 or camera or texting stuff, just a phone, and I'm a dropper. After the dude handed me the ugliest phone on earth, granted it did everything I wanted, I responded that I couldn't walk around with that, I was a computer scientist. After that, I found the one I have, then we sit down to talk price and they tell me SaskTel charges a $25 programming fee. I told him he could phone SaskTel, I wasn't paying that fee. After the poor salesguy came to, he said he's give me a $25 discount on the car charger for the cell instead, if I didn't make him phone SaskTel, and a deal was made. I'm such a brat.

I also needed a new camera. I went to Staples and London Drugs. London Drugs had absolutely nothing, but the sales dude told me that they are getting in all their new models on Tuesday, it's new model season for cameras. That's all the information I needed, I went to Future Shop and haggled myself a great deal on a last season camera. It's like my old camera but this years model, I ended up getting $40 off with my haggling, the camera was pretty cheap. I also bought a case for it.

Ryan came over that evening and we hung out, he made a really good pork tenderloin on the BBQ, and I made garlic mashed potatos. Here's a pic of our supper with the new camera:

From March 2008

Ryan took that one, I'm still a little shakey with the camera, but getting better. Sunday I meandered around downtown, the river and went to the gym. All in all, a good weekend.

Starstruck!

2008-03-28T09:42:00.000-06:00

Wow, that's all I can say to describe last night.

The Foo Fighters were absolutely amazing. It's the best concert I've ever seen. Dave Grohl is amazing and hot. We were pretty close to the action, if you had a seat in the lower section, no matter where, it was an awesome seat. They had a runway that extended lengthwise across the pitt at Credit Union Center. Also at the other end they had a drop down acoustic set. They played an awesome acoustic version of my favorite song Everlong, they played a 20 minute version of Stacked Actors complete with a crazy 5 minute drum solo, dueling guitars and a blues line. It was so good, I can't even explain. Dave Grohl knows how to play a crowd, the encore was hilarious with Dave standing in the backstage on camera, pointing at the set list they wrote out for Saskatoon, getting the crowd going for a 3 song encore. It was just amazing.

Before the concert I went out for supper with Ryan, Steve and Marnie, Barbara and Brant. Ryan and I had both bought 2 tickets for the show, so we ended up selling one set to Steve and Marnie. Ryan also hadn't met these friends really, so he was kinda kiboshed. I love my nosy friends. I'm serious, I do, it was hilarious.

I had my Dave Grohl radar on all night, even before the concert. Ryan kept on gasping at how cool the guitars were before the show, I thought he had seen Dave, it kept me on my toes. Against Me! opened. They were pretty good live as well. Not quite the showmen that the Foos were, but the music sounded great. So the whole concert was just amazing and it was really great to share the experience who likes the music just as much or even more than I do. Overall it was just an amazing night.

Bah, mass consumerism!

2008-03-25T23:01:00.003-06:00

I feel like a corporate shill.

Today I did the worst thing I could possibly do, that goes beyond my belief system.

I bought a running top from Lululemon.

For years I have boycotted them. You want how much for a pair of yoga pants???? No thanks, I'll take my $10 Costco yoga pants and most of you won't be able to tell the difference. But I needed a new running top bad. The shelf bras in the others were done, and I mean done done. I went to SportChek, they didn't have any smalls in anything! I went to SportMart, Walmart, Costco, The Running Room etc, to no avail, couldn't find a workout top, and if I did, not in my size. So I went online to Adidas and Nike. Their Canadian stores are just awful and they're sold out. That left me with one option. I feel so dirty! (But my new top is so pretty and supportive).....

Carbs, where you at?

2008-03-25T10:59:00.000-06:00

Somehow, I've accidentally eliminated Carbs from my diet.

It started with George Foreman, it's so easy to cook meat and veggies on there, that I don't think of making anything else, or I don't want to dirty a pot to make some sort of Carb.

Why is this all coming up you say? Well, the past couple days I've absolutely been craving McDonald's. I've also been back to running, and running alot. You wouldn't believe how easy running is now that I can breathe, and my muscles haven't really detiorated either from the time off. I can just go and go and go, and I do, but I get so hungry. Apparently, 50% of my daily intake should be carbs. I'm definitely not eating enough of the foods I need. I've got Protein, Milk, and Fruits and Veggies covered, now I need to add in the missing piece....Any healthy ideas?

Ologies

2008-03-23T00:51:00.003-06:00

MOUTHOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Depends on the Salad, usually I make my own greek or basalmic vinegar dressing

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. Depends on my mood, McDs for cheeseburgers and fries, BK for whopper jr heavy alls, A&W for tangy teen burgers with onion rings....

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Also depends on my mood.....I think it's a toss up between Pho's and Chianti's

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. 15%

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick off of?
A. Sadly Mac and Cheese with canned tomatos, it's soooo good!

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Ol' reliable pepperoni, mushroom and green peppers, when I'm in a gourmet mood, spinach feta and tomato

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Margerine

Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. I don't like any gum, it hurts my jaw

TECHNOLOGY
Q. Number of contacts in your email address book?
A: I dunno

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. Depends on the compy, work I have an I Can Has Cheezburger cat, home laptop, I have a lake picture, desktop I have a purple peony, and on my server I have Katamari

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. 1, there's one of me, makes sense

BIOLOGY
Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. righty

Q. Do you like your smile
A. yuppers, my parents spent enough money on it, that's for sure

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Just 2 wisdom teeth, I need to go back and get 2 more removed now :S

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. Supersonic hearing

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. last time I was at the dentist unfortunately, what's that about?

Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?
A. My new coffee table!

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. Nope

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A No way

Q. Is love for real?
A. If you believe in it, it is

Q. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
A. I wouldn't, I like my name

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Purple

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. I don't think so....

Q. Have you ever saved someone's life?
A. yuppers

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. possibly, well yes, someone has

DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
A. Sure, I'm pretty comfy and confident

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. No way

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. In a heartbeat! As long as I could still write in my paper journal

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A. No problem

Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. Noppers

Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
A. Easy!

DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A: I don't have any pockets

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A: I hated it the first time, the 2nd time was hilarious

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. laminate in the main areas and short shag in the bedrooms

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A: Who sits in the shower?

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A: Yup

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A: More than I can count, I love summer

Q: Where were you born?
A: Regina

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A: Late friday, early Saturday morning

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: I never thought I'd be a software developer, that's for sure

LASTOLOGY
Q: Friend you talked to?
A: Wes and Dave

Q: Last person you called?
A. Wes

Q: Person you hugged?
A: Wes and Dave

FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
A: 25

Q: Color?
A: Purple or Orange

Q: Season?
A: Summer, it's almost here, I can feel it!

CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
A: Yeah, a little actually

Q: Mood?
A: happy, excited, full o' turkey

Q: Listening to?
A: February Stars by the Foo Fighters, one of my favs ever.

Q: Watching?
A: The computer screen

Q: Worrying about?
A: nothing! :)

RANDOMOLOGY
Q: What can you not wait to do?
A. A blog is not the appropriate place for the truthfull answer

Q: What's the last movie you saw?
A: Half of Harold and Kumar go to White Castle. Will they ever make it there? Who knows?

Q: Do you smile often?
A: That's the compliment I get most often, that I'm always smiling

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A: I think so

Q: Now that the survey's done what are you going to do?
A: Maybe sleep?

Best Salad Ever!

2008-03-19T22:21:00.002-06:00

I made chili last week in my new slow cooker. It was delicious! So I have alot left over, even after feeding a hungry boy. And I discovered the most amazing salad ever, it's been my supper for the past few nights. I don't think it's the that healthy though.....

Candice's Chili Taco Salad

Ingredients

2 handfuls crushed tortilla chips
1/2 c salsa
4 tblsp Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
1 1/2 c warm chili
1/4 c grated cheese
Shredded Romaine Lettuce

Toss in bowl and eat.

Delicious.

Best of all, you can share this with your local Bunnyrat.

Comfortable

2008-03-16T18:56:00.003-06:00

I don't know where to start with this post.

It's so nice outside these days, it's almost time to run outside, most of the ice and snow is gone, but not quite enough to go biking or running.

I've been back to the gym lately. It really feels great. My lungs are still giving me a hard time from all the troubles I've been having lately, asthma/allergies/poison particulates, but they're definitely better than they were.

My new job rocks! I feel comfortable and confident already, and my co-workers are pretty good.

I can't stop listening to the new Louis XIV single and the new Angels and Airwaves albums this weekend. I absolutely love the new Angels cd.

I bought a leash and collar for Bunnyrat. I can now be the crazy rabbit girl, is that a step up from the crazy cat lady? Bunnyrat really doesn't seem to mind either, but walking a rabbit is a little different from walking a dog, you just kinda follow them around instead of guiding.

Had Barb and Brant and Steve and Marnie over last night. Marnie is trying to interest me in a dance class of some sort, and I'm actually thinking seriously about it. We'll see though. I've never taken one, I might as well, how do I know I won't like it?

Things with my new guy are going great! I don't want to post too much about it though, I don't want to jinx anything. It's got good karma written all over it as it is, I don't want to mess with that.

Also I need to find out some way to balance this blog and my personal life. One boyfriend complained that I didn't blog about him enough, so therefore he wasn't important, even though I was just respecting privacy, and then the next complained I blogged about him too much, or too personally anyways. I know I've made some mistakes with relationships and blogging and I've set out some ground rules now.

On the otherhand, I know you guys want the dirt ;)

Lists

2008-03-13T15:53:00.003-06:00

Here's a list of things I've learned to like in the past year, even though I thought I never would.

1. Coffee - I love lattes and cappucinos and it's even spilled over into just plain coffee. I think my fancy coffee maker pushed this one on a little

2. Tea - I love fruity herbal teas and I love green tea. It keeps me warm and hydrated with no calories.

3. Steak - Darrell is to blame for this one. That blue cheese crab steak at the Keg for his convocation supper did me in. I don't mind a well flavoured medium rare steak once in a while, I rather enjoy it.

4. Potatoes - I have potatos all the time now, especially mashed garlic potatoes, I absolutely love them. Even once in a while I have a baked potato with sour cream and salsa for supper.

I still don't like roasts or parsnips, don't expect me to budge on that one.

Hitting the nail on the head....

2008-03-09T22:07:00.002-06:00

Here's something I took from an online personality test. Man, is it bringing back memories on how people respond to me.....

Negative Reactions Others May Have Toward You and Your Emotional Stability

When it comes to dealing with emotions we all meet some people with whom we don't match well. You bring a balanced approach to your emotional life. As such, those who are at the extremes are most likely to have a negative reaction to you. Those who live in their emotions may feel you tend to "live in your head" while those who go through life as an emotional rock may feel that you are a bit too "touchy feely" for their approach.

And of course it is always possible that because you do balance your emotional approach to life you may misread others - we all do at times. So there have undoubtedly been those times when you have misread cues and stayed in your head with someone who hoped for a more open emotional approach or you may have opened up emotionally with someone who keeps their emotions bottled up. But these things happen and since you do have a good balance of being in touch with your emotions and not being overly impacted by emotional swings, you undoubtedly are able to adapt.

Another potential problem is that as people get to know you well, they will discover that you have a great balance between emotional expression and emotional control. If they don't have this balance they may wind up envying you. They can't express feelings as well as you, or they are too often out of emotional control and resent you for your ability to cope so well with the very emotions that may trip them up.

Too Excited to sit still...

2008-03-07T22:09:00.002-06:00

There's so many good things going on right now. I don't even know where to start.

I started my new job on Thursday. It's going really well and so far I really enjoy it. I feel right at home with it and comfortable. There's looming pressing deadlines, like the last job, but I somehow feel better prepared and more confident. It's an open work environment ( no cube walls), and I really like that. Reminds me of the days in the CS lab in the university, and I seem to stay more focused and don't get as lonely. There's also no creepy hawaiian shirt guy looming over my shoulder asking if I minded if he watched me program, like the CS lab tended to have. That incident prompted me to never program in the back lab, with no window, by myself.

So yeah, job is going good, personal life is going really good too. I'm very excited about it.

I also really like having Bunnyrat around. I should of had a pet a long long time ago. It's so nice to have someone so excited to see you when you come home. And I like chasing her around the house and having someone to annoy me. I find I relax alot more too because I take the time out to play with her and nothing else seems to matter at that moment.

I do miss all my friends at the old job. I'll still see them, just not everyday anymore. I miss going for walks with Shannon too, she listens to all my boy nonsense talk, and never seems to be annoyed by it. But I do the same for her, we have a good system. Once it gets warmer we can begin to take more time to do those again too.

My parents are coming this weekend. I didn't clean as much this time as I did last time. I kinda thought, what's the use, if every little thing is criticized anyways. Besides, alot of things got cleaned, not by me, last time, that was sorta a bonus.

I could get used of this....

2008-03-04T22:43:00.003-06:00

I could get used of this unemployed thing. Today was rather enjoyable. I slept in, took a long shower, played with Bunnyrat, cleaned the washroom (well that part wasn't as enjoyable), crocheted a washcloth, read a book at Starbucks, visited with with some cute 20 year olds in the hot tub......all in all a fun day.

I also suppose, if I really were unemployed, I couldn't afford to do any of this, well I could if I ran up a debt, but what's the fun in that?

When I was at the vet yesterday, she gave me deworming medicine for the Bunnyrat and showed me how to give it to her. It looked so easy in the vet's office. Today I tried. It was obvious that that was not happening. I even put honey on the syringe so that the rabbit would open her mouth. This led to honey on my finger along with medicine and me licking the sticky honey off my fingers absent-mindedly. I would like to inform you all, that I'm now worm free.

And to end the story, I ended up using the medicine as salad dressing for Bunnyrat's breakfast, that worked much easier........

Bunnies 'n' boys

2008-03-03T15:14:00.002-06:00

Bunnyrat had her first visit to the vet today. Boy is she ever mad at me. Luckily she's in perfect health, and was great for the vet. They even clipped her nails. Unfortunately now her nails don't clack on the laminate, so I can't hear her as well when she's getting into trouble. I gave her lots of treats to forgive me for doing this to her, she seems to be coming around now.

My boy front is ever intriguing. I've been chatting to some online, not really quite finding what I'm looking for there. I had a date with a super nice guy, unfortunately he needs quite the makeover. Clothes, hair, you name it. I did that once already, I'm not doing it again. Perhaps it's that I'm not interested enough to even try to do it. I think that's a good way to put it. On the plus side, the bowling was insanely fun. I had no competition, but I really like to compete against myself for something like that. Note to self, start doing wrist and arm exercises to be able to bowl better. My wrist is sore today.

Actually, I find myself really really attracted to a friend. It's been creeping up on me the last little while. I think he might be interested, I'm not quite sure. The more I think about it, the more I think it's a pretty perfect match, and would be pretty awesome, and the more I get nervous about it. I could barely get out a couple sentences to him last week, they were all jumbled, and then I kinda ran away. How old am I? 14?

Learning to be single

2008-02-28T10:16:00.001-06:00

I don't make the greatest single and looking girl at all.

I've had boyfriends for so much of my dating life, I don't really think about myself in public and automatically turn away male attention.

Yesterday at Walmart, I was buying Vitamins. The cute pharmacist came over and asked if I need help. I said no thanks, I've found what I'm looking for and he walked away, past another couple people in the aisle that definitely looked like they needed help. I didn't think of it till later, wait, I should of started a conversation with him!

The next stop was Canadian Tire. I heard they were having a sale on area rugs, I was all excited because I knew there were a couple I knew I liked. So I pick out my rug and am trying to get it off the shelf. About 3 guys non-chalantly stop and ask if I need help, not employees, shoppers. I instinctively said no, I had it covered. Then again in line, the guy behind me asked if I needed help getting it into my car. It was actually really easy to carry and manouver, so again, I instictively said no thank you.

After I got out of Canadian Tire and was driving home. I realized, what I had done. Then I started thinking to myself, how many times this happens to me when I'm out in public. It happens quite often, I get lots of male attention and I turn it away. Because it wasn't right to accept that attention before, that wasn't fair to whatever relationship I was in at the time.

But now it's fair game. I need to learn how to play this game and become more aware of my surroundings and take my auto response off. There's lots out there, but I need to be open to it.......

Joy

2008-02-28T08:29:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love this song right now, I could listen to it on repeat all day.

Against Me
Joy

All's quiet, except for this song.
So maybe while I'm not together I can feel like I'm not alone.
And somewhere off in the distance, rapidly advancing, is an onslaught of sorts.
Young sirens wail in a skewed sense of glory.
And the lions in the cages roar at the memory of fight.

And there's a joy, a joy in all I can see.
A joy, in every possibility.

And all around us is a great, great failing.
American rockets red-glare in a most
disgusting triumph.
And in passing I am asked "Do you believe in a God?",
I shrug off the answer, continue to get high
in this terror of no explanation.
I am looking for a faith.
My panic is an only reason.

There's a joy, a joy in all I can see.
A joy, in every possibility.

Note to Self #186

2008-02-22T08:22:00.003-06:00

After being in the grocery store for over an hour, I remembered that the grocery store is the perfect place to meet men.

However, when your grocery store of choice is Costco, and no men in their 20's have run out of a 9 year supply of chicken fingers, (giving you only 2 chances in their 20s to find em!!!!) , all you find is middleaged men being dragged around by their wives. Note to self, find younger, happening grocery store :)

okay, round em up!

2008-02-18T18:24:00.003-06:00

Hi Blogland,

Sorry I've been ignoring you for a while, there is way too much going on.

Work, friends and relationships, they've all caught up to me in the last little while. Dreams and goals should be added on there as well. I've officially finished all my 2008 goals. I seriously thought they would take me a year, apparently I just needed a month.

Being sick this week, I've had lots of time to reflect. I made a couple promises to myself, for the future, regarding relationships. Just because I've fallen far from my "ideals" doesn't mean that it's too late to implement them again. It's never too late. Also I've come to the revelation that even if I have to wait 5 years for something really special, it's so worth it, it's indescribable. And I'm not going to settle for anything less but that ideal and more. I'm ready for you now life. Personality compatibility is personality compatibility, but love is a little harder to find, and now I'm ready to do some hunting.

Career wise, I feel, that I've finally moved it back on track. I got a new job starting next month. It's something that I should really enjoy and provide some great learning experiences and opportunities for me. In the next couple months, I'm really going to buckle down and make a good name for myself.

Everything is going my way this year, it's up to me to make the best of it!

Wham!

2008-02-10T19:59:00.000-06:00

Wow, I totally didn't see this one coming.

Darrell and I broke up. I think. It's complicated. One minute we're having our normal fight about living together, should we, shouldn't we, how, and fears in general. Then the next we're talking about families and kids, and he said that may never be a possibility for him. And I said I couldn't be with someone if that wasn't even a possibility. And I'm kinda solid on that one. That's kinda a deal breaker for me. Then what's the point of dating basically? So in 5 years he truly decides that's not up his alley, and then I'm completely shattered....again....no, never again.

It's so unexpected. Last week I was going though old blog postings and I came across one, from when I was super sad, about what a good relationship was like. And I felt so happy after re-reading it, because I realized that I had all that now. Or so I thought.

This was also kinda the first relationship I've had where the guy hasn't been very forward with life intentions at all. Usually at month 2, or sometimes even date 2, they want to marry me and I freak. But it's still a nice reassuring feeling.

Ugh, I dunno. Toast to a new journey, I suppose? I can't convince someone to think that way about me, and I really shouldn't have to......

Reason #226 to Date an Engineer

2008-01-29T22:21:00.000-06:00

When this guy:

Chews through your cell phone cord, for your one and only home phone,
This guy:

From Summer 2007

Can repair it and make it better than new.

(Disclaimer: goggles are not indicative of quality of repair, must provide your own engineer)

I'm Famous!

2008-01-29T12:05:00.000-06:00

Check out this article:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/refunds.html

Pretty cool huh?

Relationship Survey

2008-01-19T15:36:00.000-06:00

Longest relationship?:
6 years

Shortest relationship?:
2 weeks

How many boyfriends/girlfriends have said "I love you" to you?:
I think 3, hard to remember, 2 for sure.

Have you ever thought that you were going to marry the person?:
Yup I really did, working on the next one though ;)

Have you ever loved someone so much that it hurt?:
Definitely!

Have you ever made a boyfriend or girlfriend cry?:
Yuppers

Are you happier single or in a relationship?:
In a relationship, a good trusting one.

Have you ever been cheated on?:
I don't think I have, I've had some friends that really disrespected me in some areas but definition of being in a cheating relationship, I don't think so

What is your favourite thing about the opposite sex?:
They're warm and fuzzy :)

Have you ever had your heart broken?:
Yup, I can pinpoint it to the exact moment, I'll never forget it. We were arguing about money and work, and I said I didn't mind working and providing, because when the situation is reversed, like when we had kids, I know that he'd do the same for me. He informed me that he didn't think he could do that for me. Cue the sound of the broken heart.

Have you ever broken someone's heart?:
I'm sure I have.

Do you talk to any of your exes?:
Not really

Do you believe that you are a good boyfriend or girlfriend?:
I know I'm awesome

Have you dated people who were not good to you?:
Yuppers, well they weren't good to themselves, which in turn made them not good to me.

Have you been in an abusive relationship?:
Well not physically abusive, but I think I've had my fair share of emotionally abuse

Have you ever dated someone older than you?:
Yup, Darrell is super old.

Younger?:
Yeah, I think Rick was a whole year younger

Do you regret anything that you have done with a boyfriend or girlfriend?:
Yeah I have my fair share of those too, they key is to learn

Do you believe everyone derserves a second chance?:
Not everyone deserves a second chance. But yet some people get more than a second chance. I'm fairly intuitive with this.

Believe in love at first sight?:
Yup I do.

Ever dated two people at once?:
Kinda

Ever been given an Engagement ring?:
Yup, I gave it back

Do you want to get married?:
I think I do, but it still scares the crap outta me. I more just want a stable loving relationship and I will be happy and the married thing will come later.

Do you have something to say to any of your exes?:
Not that I would post here.

Ever stolen someone's boyfriend or girlfriend?:
Not that I know of, but I have been lied to too, so I guess not intentionally

Ever liked someone else's boyfriend or girlfriend?:
yeah but not in a datable way. I think those people just get filtered to another category for me.

Do you still have feelings for any of your exes?:
Well I'll always have feelings for one. How could I not? But there's always room for new feelings for new people as long as you keep your heart open.

All about time

2008-01-18T13:33:00.000-06:00

It's been a while without an update. There's so much going on that I can barely keep up. Work is crazy, I've been working like crazy, Darrell has been working crazier. And my internet at my house isn't working properly, SaskTel is sending someone out next week to swap out my router (they wouldn't let me do this myself, eyeroll). And Facebook has been blocked at work. So no I haven't fallen off the edge of the planet, I'm still here.

The Bunnyrat is settling in. Once I get my internet back at my house I will be posting lots of pictures. I bought my Bunnyrat a bunny. It's stuffed and squeeks, but he really likes it. He follows it around, and washes it. I bought him a big chewable ball with a bell in it. It turns out he's scared of bells. He keeps a pretty close eye on that ball. He also hates alfalfa sprouts. I really like them on sandwiches though. I'm trying to get him more used of being picked up, it seems to be working, he'll relax while you're carting him around for a little while now. I'm trying to get it so that I can flip him upside down and put him in a trance without him freaking. I'm almost there, it'll take some more practice.

Last weekend my parents came for a visit. Although, I dunno if they came to visit me as much as they came to visit The Bunnyrat. I saw lots of family last weekend. It was nice. I also found some bar stools for my kitchen island. After a long time looking I found some perfect ones. One has a red seat, the other has a blue seat and they have a stainless steel one post design. They fit perfectly in the kitchen.

I've been looking for some new jobs as well. I actually found one in Saskatoon that I would like. I applied for it, so we'll see what comes out of that. They said they'd contact me next week. So I'm crossing my fingers.

This weekend is a symphony weekend. Darrell and I are going to the Station Place Restaurant, (fancy restaurant in Saskatoon with an old tymey train car/station theme), and then to the symphony. They're playing some Shostakovich and have a guest violinist. Exciting. Also I'm having a Wii party tonight with work friends. (Non gamers thought it was small party, a wee party, I was amused)

Dave got an interview for where I currently work. I hope he gets it, I've been making some good plugs for him in management. It would be nice to have him here in Saskatoon again. Although time is of the essence these days, I notice Enobong and Robin have both left me messages, and I haven't found time to phone em back yet. Once I get the work thing fixed everything will just fall into place again and I won't have to explain to people that I'm not dead.

On an entirely different note, CBC has based a tv series off one of my favorite books, jPod by Douglas Coupland. I had such high hope for this series, because I just loved the book. I was thinking the show would have the lovable monotone well developed characters like The Office, crossed with the narration of Arrested Development. Would that not be cool? But disappointingly, it's a poorly produced, and poorly adapted version of the novel. In some cases poorly acted. Alan Thicke is so cheesy as the father! So overacted. And the boss is a terrible character, they should have an actor that makes people think that this guy is for real. I have to admit the 2nd show was better than the pilot. And I really like the actor they have playing Cam Fong. Perfect fit. I'll give it another chance, I was just pretty overall disappointed with it. I wonder if Douglas Coupland will come into the series to play himself. (He wrote himself into the book, it was quite humorous and reminiscent of Kurt Vonnegut books).

Lookout it's The Bunnyrat!

2008-01-10T10:11:00.000-06:00

It's a new year. I think this is the first real post of the new year. Check out the new header, I made it myself, I'm quite proud of it. It took a little while to get used of photoshop again. I'm more used of The Gimp in Linux land, but it still did the trick. I really should have a linux machine at home. There's so many tricks in Linux I like better than Windows. Plus it works like a computer scientists mind thinks. Linux is awesome. I think I will build myself a server. It'll be good to get into that mindset anyways, I want my career to go back in that direction, and there's no use in putting myself out there with rusty skills. Sorry C land, I'm tired of you.

Now for some talk that not only computer sciency types will appreciate. So that rabbit that my family was taking care of over Christmas, guess who he came home with. Yup that's right, I'm now a rabbit owner. I scrounged for names for him, but none seemed to suit him, except for the original name I had been calling him. The Bunnyrat. He's been at my place for almost a week now. Last night he discovered that there was another whole section to the condo. He had been sticking to the living room and dining room. He's now discovered the kitchen and the hallway. He also follows me around when I least expect it. I won't be able to hear him hopping around while I'm doing some chores, but then I'll turn around to see where he went and he's right behind me.

Darrell thinks I'm in some sort of 'nesting' mode. Maybe I am, maybe I'm just comfortable.

I've been grilling stuff like crazy on George. It's so easy to clean and cooks everything so fast. In fact in the Urban Dictionary has a verb for this. The verb "to foremanate" is often used to refer to cooking when using the George Foreman Grill. Interesting, no?

Tuesday I subjected Darrell to the movie 'Enchanted'. I thought it was really good. It was cute. Here's a quote from the evening: "I don't remember the last movie I saw that didn't have flesh eating zombies in it" I'm pretty sure the last 3 movies I saw had zombies in em. I love zombies, but I never thought I'd ever say that......

The Abominable Snow Rabbit

2008-01-04T14:18:00.000-06:00

Copied from IMDB

Hugo the Abominable Snowman: [holding Daffy, whose shirt makes him look like a rabbit] Oh, what a cute little pink bunny rabbit!
[cradling Daffy]
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: Just what I always wanted. My own little bunny rabbit. I will name him George, and I will hug him and pet him and squeeze him...
Daffy Duck: I'm not a bunny rabbit...
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: ...and pat him and pet him and...
Daffy Duck: You're hurting me. Put me down, please.
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: ...and rub him and caress him and...
Daffy Duck: [shouts] I ain't no bunny rabbit!
Bugs Bunny: [surfacing in the middle of the Himalayas] I shoulda toined left at Albekoikee!
Daffy Duck: Old pal, do me a favor, will you? Just don't do me any more favors. You just stay here and study to be a snow shoe rabbit. I'm going back to Perth Amboy.
Daffy Duck: Oh, sure I know I'm a louse. But I'm a live louse.
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: ...rub him and pet him and squeeze him and rub him I will stroke his bill and rub his pretty feathers... Hey, wait a minute! Bunny rabbits don't have feathers and bills.
Daffy Duck: I know! I know! There goes your bunny rabbit!
Bugs Bunny: Okay, Abom. Here's your bunny rabbit.
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: Duh, bunny rabbit, George?
Daffy Duck: Bunny rabbit? Me?
Bugs Bunny: Yes, you, doc.
Daffy Duck: Ho, ho, very funny. Ha, ha, very droll. Hey, shorty! What do you consider to be the distinguishing characteristics of a rabbit?
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: Distinguishing character, uh...
Daffy Duck: Yeah, yeah! What makes a rabbit look like a rabbit?
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: Why, duh, duh, long ears!
Daffy Duck: And whom around here has long ears? Sorry to have to do this to you, bud.
Bugs Bunny: [has tied down his ears and sticks two fingers behind Daffy's head] Eh. Don't give it a second thought.
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: [grabs Daffy] Oh, boy! Just like I always wanted! My own little bunny rabbit.
Bugs Bunny: They really do make a charming couple.
[at Palm Springs, the Abominable Snowman is talking to Bugs, unrecognizable in a robe, shades and hat]
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: And I searched and I searched - Ooh, it's hot - but I never caught up with my little bunny rabbit.
Bugs Bunny: Gee, that's tough, Mr. Abdominabubble.
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: And now I'll never - Gosh, it's hot - never see my bunny rabbit again.
Bugs Bunny: Don't give up hope yet, doc. If you love him, he'll come back.
[hearing Daffy approaching through the burrow, Bugs holds a hood with rabbit ears over the hole, so that Daffy slides into it when he emerges]
Daffy Duck: Well, here I am! Massacre started yet? Fireworks gone off? Balloon gone up?
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: Oh, boy, a bunny rabbit! Just what I always wanted!
[grabs Daffy]
Hugo the Abominable Snowman: I will name him George...
Bugs Bunny: And I will hug him and squeeze him and pet him and pat him and... Hey!
[Where the Abominable Snowman once sat there is now a puddle with his hat floating in it]
Bugs Bunny: Hey, what do you know? He melted! He really was a snowman.
Daffy Duck: [emerging from the puddle] Abominable, that is.

Picture Ode to 2007

2008-01-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

Out with the Old, in with the New

2007-12-30T18:02:00.000-06:00

One of these reflective posts again, if you don't like them, I suggest you skip this one.

When I look back on 2007, I don't even know how to begin to describe it. I had some of my greatest moments along with some of my worst. It was all over the place.

The beginning of the year brought on a new relationship. One I wasn't entirely ready for or ready to accept fully, but it happened, and I'm glad. I adventured on some major physical feats, including joining gymnastics and doing a 40km hike.

The summer was tough but also fun. I had to straighten out some things that were really bothering me on a personal level. Dave also lived with me for the summer. That was fun and interesting. It proved to me that I'm not un-livable, as I previously thought. Brett and Alnaar got married. My Dad retired. I tried to mend some bridges the best I knew how from 2006. It was really interesting. I had my first real nervous breakdown. I don't recommend it.

The fall I got to be a part of Barbara and Brant's wedding. Darrell and I found a niche that worked, and we got to know and trust eachother more. And I started to do alot more of the things that made me me again. Overall it was just a time to make myself happy and be comfortable again. And I really am.

To summarize the year, I really regained my self confidence back. It was really bruised in the breakup in 2006.

Hopefully this next year will be a little more even kiltered. I solved alot of the things that were making me off kilter in 2007, psychologically, personally and even chemically. 2008 is already bringing lots of big questions that need answers, and I'm going to have to face some decisions I've been putting off for a little while now. Examples being, deciding what I'm doing on the job front and relationship fronts. 2008 will be the time to really really think about these, while not allowing outside pressure to influence my decisions. I will be doing alot more travelling in 2008 as well. They key is not to stress and just enjoy. Life is all about change, and if you can't adapt, you're going to have a 2007 every year. I wish I could list all the revelations I had this year, but I can't, there's way too many.

I guess I was right in stating the fact that life didn't really begin until after school was over, but that was only because I wouldn't let it, it wasn't really a reality, just something that happened because I believed that. The biggest lesson I learned of all this year, was to live for today, not for the future. You miss alot of things waiting for things that may or may not happen. Having dreams and goals doesn't need to mean putting everything in life on hold until you get there.

Also, I learned that when I worry about things, I need to tell people, otherwise they drive me crazy. There are so many times in the last 2 years where I wish I would have vocalized them more. I'm better about them now. The key is having people that you're comfortable confiding in, and who won't freak out. Alot of times I was more fearful of the reaction that someone got from my worries than the actual thing I was worrying about. And when that happens it's almost instant panic attack. Most of the time the worry isn't even significant. But if there's a reaction to it, then my brain goes crazy. The key is to not even get to that point. Also I learned that high drama people, elicit high drama reactions in me.

Wow, this got way more reflective than I thought. I invite everyone to reflect on the past year a little, and then let it go to make way for 2008.

Happy New Years!

The holidays

2007-12-27T23:26:00.000-06:00

So far the holidays have been quite good to me. I really can't believe I'm only here in Regina for another day. This week has gone by so fast! I'm not even close to being bored yet. That's usually the norm for me around Christmas, I usually get bored. I haven't had the time to be bored.

I spent quite a bit of time with Darrell's family. We had lots of fun. They held a chinese gift exchange with random stuff from their basement. I'm happy to say I came out of it with a cooler! Score! Darrell unfortunately won some sorta solar battery charger, I think he traded it in for something else from the basement.

My family did our usual Christmas eve supper with our cousins. I had some mighty delicious stuffed trout. It was yummy. For Christmas Santa left me all kind of goodies, including a George Forman ( I opened it and exclaimed "It's George!"), and new pots and pans, they were desperately needed. I also got lots of socks, and a really nice ring from Darrell. It's white gold and has 3 hearts with diamonds on it. It's purdy. Also got a purple purse to match my purple pumps. And Mario Galaxies for Wii. And BBQ tools! No more dinner fork and jumping out of the way of flames for me! We watched a tonne of movies Christmas day. Including Pee Wee Herman's Christmas special. Let me tell you, that was entertaining! Who knew that he knew so many famous gay people, wow!

Dave, Angelica, Darrell and I went toboganning on Christmas Eve. It was a blast, I have many a bruise. Crazy Carpets like to sideways alot and then catch an edge and then you go rolling down the hill. It was much fun. Dave seemed to have the most skills with sliding.

Boxing day we went real sledding. Darrell and I took the ski doos for a rip around the lake. So much fun. Well once Darrell got used of going fast enough anyways. A couple times I had to stop and wait.

The 'high school reunion + Wes' party was also entertaining. I hadn't seen everyone in so long. I didn't get as good of a visit in as I wanted to with everyone but a glimpse was good.

And then I'm all booked until Toni's party on Friday in S'toon. Man how time flies. I could use some more of this vacationing and fun.

Also we have a guest rabbit over the holidays. We're taking care of Ian's rabbit. He is so cute. I could take him home. Ian calls him McLovin', Kristen calls him George, I call him BunnyRat. He likes to be pet and comes to you when you go near his cage. I've got him to flop over on his side on command almost, and he plays with you. He'll charge at you and stomp his foot when he's playful, he'll also try to push you around. He's cute. Pumpkin doesn't really bother with him either and he doesn't seem to care about Pumpkin, seems to be working out.

Thought I'd give you all an update. I'll be back hopefully soon to write my new year's wishes and goals. Too much visiting and fun to be had!