psycholomo

It's proven!

2007-12-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

So I've officially proven that nobody reads this site anymore. I asked a question at the bottom of the last entry, and it wasn't answered by anyone, so this is the last post I'll ever make. I'm keeping the site though, because it's where I get all my links from.

December

2007-11-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Today is November 27th, and this is the first time since summer ended that I woke up to snow. It started last night, so I drove home in it, and I'm happy to report that though my tires aren't new, they're holding up so far, so I should be able to make it through this season without dying. Awesome.

It's been busy around here since I got back from the Dominican, so the wrap up of the trip will be short.

The people are beautiful, the driving is by far the most interesting part of the whole island, the flight up was uncomfortable, and far TOO comfortable on the way back (thanks to a certain person's credit card who helped me upgrade to first class), the shopping wasn't good at all (same types of stones, same styles of jewelry no matter what town you're in), and Canadians rules the roost at the resort, which kind of sucked, because I was really looking forward to meeting awesome people with awesome accents, though I did meet some seriously cute Brits who knew about Kelowna thanks to the Discovery Channel's being here to film the only known floating bridge currently in construction. The wedding went well, and wasn't nearly as hot as I thought it would be. Free drinks are a bad thing, but being so close to the equator (or at least, I'm thinking that's why) is good, because no matter how much I drank, I never got a hangover. Power is an interesting thing, so is cable, as it's not on very often, and we were sure by the time we left that they were shutting it down on purpose. The resort was enormous and well maintained, so don't listen to ANY review you read on the internet about Breezes Puerto Plata. Sure, it's a bit run down, because it's not like it was built yesterday, but they were doing major improvements and construction while we were there, so in about a year, it will be a FANTASTIC place to go. It was still very nice, and I'm glad we all went. Learning the cold climate again once I got back was no fun, but then I thought I'd choke and die (and so did the 50 people walking with us who all hit that hot and wet wall at the same time) when we hit the airport. 3 days later I had a cold, but I was climatized again. Dammit I'm having issues spelling that word. Anyway it was great, and some time today I should get the link for everyone else's pictures. I don't know why, but I wasn't very inspired while I was there, so I didn't take a whole lot. About 3 gigs worth, which sounds like a lot, but it really wasn't.

Anyway, Christmas time it so much fun. My sister has the most amazing Christmas music collection, so I'm currently compiling all the songs so she can cut down on so many CDs, and give them all to me. We decorated my place on the weekend, which is early for me, especially since for the last 5 years I have made my own tradition where I wait until my birthday on Dec 2nd before decorating, but I just couldn't help myself this year. I'm living completely alone, so it was MY choice where I put everything, and I didn't have to ask roommates what they liked. Actually last year everything I tried to bring out was shut down, so I only decorated my very small room. This year when I brought everything out, I was shocked at how much I really had. I didn't know I had collected that much stuff, WOW.

Christmas music has been playing in the car since that day too, which initially was annoying me a touch, since there was no snow in the ground, and the whole Christmas spirit thing felt forced. Now there's no area untouched, so I'm starting to get excited about this holiday. The invitations to myself and my similarly single sister are rolling in already. We have so many friends who have families who love us, so there's never a year where we don't have plans to go somewhere.

On Dec 8th we've even got plans to do a Hanukkah type thing where we're playing the game dradle. I can't wait to see what this game entails, my friend Nola said it involves gambling, which will be fun for me.

Finally, my 30th birthday is this Sunday. God help me, but I'm scared to see this one pass. I'm nowhere near where I wanted to be, and yet where I am is surprising. I never thought I'd ever get a job at Shaw, and I love it (even though it's filled with politics and corporate bullshit, but what monopolizing company isn't really?), and I never thought I'd be crazy cat lady with my 2 darlings, but hey, I'm not throwing old food at kids as they pass by while tapping the ground with my cane as I swish back and forth in my hundred year old rocking chair, so I suppose it's not time to consider myself old yet.

What are your plans for the holidays?

HOME!!!!!

2007-11-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Finally got home this morning. I'm doing laundry and processing pictures while I grocery shop. A better update is to come.

Good news

2007-11-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

The awesome luggage I bought? Absolutely fits all my clothes. I haven't tried any bottles yet for things like shampoo and conditioner, but there's still tons of room at the top of the suitcase, so I know I'm good.

I leave tomorrow night. My sister is off work at 5, and is instructed to come get me right after she's off. I have to be at the airport 2 hours before my flight for Vancouver leaves. I hate waiting in airports, because there is simply nothing to do! I have a brand new book, but I'm assuming the 8 hour wait I've got in Van until the Dominican flight leaves will eat that time up. My friends are leaving here between 7 and 8pm tomorrow night, so they should be at the airport at around 1-2am depending on traffic and the roads. I just checked the web cams they have up at the toll booth, and it actually looks quite dry. That makes me happy, as the last thing I need to worry about is my friends on a super slippery highway. In fact, it doesn't even really look like there's any snow on it, which is ridiculous, considering all the storms that highway has seen over the last week or so.

Tomorrow will be a busy day:

6am - Get up, head to the gym
7am - Come home, shower
7:30am - Continue packing, finish cleaning
8:00am - Take out recycling
9:00am - 10:00am - Vaccuum stairs, tidy room, start final load of laundry
Noon - 1:30pm - Attend industry update meeting at Ramada Inn
1:30 - 5pm - Sit on couch and freak out about impending flight, all the while trying to concentrate on what TV has on

Today I managed to get a lot of laundry and packing done. I did most of my cleaning as well, which was nice.

The cats are aware that something's happening. They keep eyeing my suitcase like it's going to jump out and bite their heads off. I am assuming they will be VERY mad at me when I get home, as my sister won't be around a lot to keep them company, or at least not like I would. I wish it was already the 16th, and I was at home planning my meals for the week. I don't know why, but I just can't get myself excited about this. It keeps feeling like something is going to go terribly wrong. And it will probably be my fault...

Time for a change?

2007-10-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

I suppose a site re-design is due...but I don't have time for it. In fact I don't have time for anything. I bought myself a really nice cross stitch pattern (with what else, but a Christmas theme) and I was so excited to have it, I couldn't wait to get started on it. I'm now about 1/100th of the way done, and haven't touched it in two weeks.

The sister got a new place, so for the first couple of weeks she was looking, I was coming with her checking out all the places out there. There's actually some nice ones, that aren't all that badly priced. Anyway, then she got the nicest one out of all of them, that is top of her budget, at the top of a road that will prove to be incredibly dangerous come winter. I guess we'll deal with that when it comes, which sadly isn't that far away.

Once she had the place picked out, and they approved her application, then we had to shop for furniture. She gets mad at me a lot, because she always says it's amazing that considering how much I make, I don't have any money ever. And yet, she works 5 jobs, and is so far in debt she's looking at around 7 years of payments (more than the minimum, too) before she's back in the black. I may not have a lot of extra income, but I'm always in the black (or at least, I am now). I've got 2 $200 payments left for my $1500 head gasket repair, and I won't owe a dime to anyone. Then I can save $1000 in my savings, and get one of those credit cards where it's your money you load on there, and you spend it and then make payments. It's like a loan from the bank that just keeps getting approved over and over. This supposedly is a fantastic way to build credit. So, to ensure I'm not nearly as irresponsible as I was when I was 18 and had a CIBC card, I will be making small purchases (gas, groceries) on the card until I have brought up my score by 10 points. Then, I will make slightly larger ones (clothes, some random computer parts I've been wanting, etc). Once the balance is back at $1000, I will make a larger purchase (brand new computer parts, so I can rebuild the whole thing again). Then, I will start applying for new cards, until I get one. Once that happens, I will shop for the best rate that is locked in for at least 3 years, and I will transfer whatever balance I have over to that one, and will NOT get any more cards. I have proven to myself over the last 11 years since my first ever card that even when it appears I am destitute and won't be able to eat, something ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS comes through at the last minute to save my ass. This means the school of thought "Oh, I'll apply for every card out there, in case of emergency" will die off, and I'll start behaving like a real adult.

I suppose I should have started this all a long time ago, but oh well, some of us are slower than others.

I bought myself a 20 inch 3000:1 contrast ratio with 3ms response time wide screen LCD. This is true geekdom at it's finest. And WOW? Holy shit does that game look good when you're not watching the refresh rate, well...refresh. The other 17 inch monitor now looks horrid every time I look at it, so I'm using it for my chat programs, and things I don't have to look at very often, like WinAmp.

I have $600 saved so far for my Dominican trip, and as long as I'm careful this week and next, I should be able to add another $100 to that from this paycheque, as well as about $300 from my next one, especially since I won't need groceries for half of the pay period. And the day I get back is pay day, so there you go! I'm hoping I won't go crazy while I'm down there because:

A. I won't have enough room in my suitcase to bring a ton of stuff back with me
B. I'll have a sizeable enough savings account that I can take care of my Christmas presents and not have to worry about being able to afford to bring random food with me when I go to all the Christmas dinners I've already planned on attending.
C. I can apply for that credit card I was just talking about, and hopefully will still have the $1000 balance I need in my account to be approved.

I figure as long as I'm careful, I can still have a GREAT time, because 98% of the reason I'm so excited to head down there is a ridiculously AWESOME photographic opportunities I'm predicting I'll have. Well, maybe not 98%. It's been a long damn time since all us friends were together, and we're all extremely excited to see each other, so I think it will be great.

The new kitten is adjusting well to life in this place. Belle is reasonably more happy with her presence in my home, which is a good sign. And, Belle doesn't appear to be so bored anymore, which is also good. The nights when I bust out the laser pointer are a LOT more interesting though!

2 weeks ago I got my nails done, and while I was there the nail lady broke out some darling stickers she had bought at a random dollar store many months ago. One was Hallowe'en/Thanksgiving themed, so I got one orange pumpkin (which turned out to be sparkly!) on each thumb. I sat there for the relaxing 2 hours, staring at the sheet, trying to decide what I would get done a few days before I leave for the Dominican. I think I'll get one red witch hat on each thumb. They were so damn cute, but the skeletons were pretty cute too.

The funny thing about the pumpkins though, is that only one woman that I've seen in my life or that I work with, has actually noticed the damn things. And she was a vet assistant that I only first met when I took Emma in for her first round of shots. Since then, it's been ALL MEN. Since when do men notice things like that? So very weird.

Weight wise, I'm down 23 pounds. Going to the gym each day before work has made me appreciate my days off, because I wake up on a Saturday, and all I'm REALLY bound to is whatever plans I made for myself. It's a nice feeling.

This weekend will be a busy one though, I fear. Friday night we've got a TSR outing (bowling at an alley near work), Saturday night us supervisors are heading to a sup's house, who lives near me, to drink and drink and drink. Sunday I know I have something planned as well, but I can't freakin remember what it was. The following week, all my appointments for the Dominican will begin. I have to take my traveller's diarrhea pills starting 7 days before I leave, which means October 31st is the day. I have to start my teeth whitening regimen 14 days before I leave, which makes it this Sunday. My second round of Twinrix shots are on the 27th, which is next Friday. My nail and hair appointments are on the same day on the weekend next week. Then, the next week, I have to start combing stores until I can find mosquito repellent with DEET in it. I've already started looking, and am not having an easy time finding anything so far. I've tried 3 separate stores, and haven't found a lot.

I will not be bringing my iPod with me, as much as I think I'd ABSOLUTELY enjoy having with me on my freaking 8 hour layover in Vancouver, because I've heard that the security people will take it away. Apparently it can be rigged to blow up planes, so they aren't allowing them. I wonder why notebook computers are allowed then? One of the tasks for the final week before I go is to call the airport to ask them for a very specific list of accepted plane stuff. I will also be bringing my cross stitch, as I think I will have a lot of time for that as well. They might not let the needle on the plane, because it could be construed as a weapon, so I guess I'll have to wait until I get the full list.

I managed to find a super cheap piece of luggage at MTF here in Kelowna. It's a decent size and was only $50. It has wheels and a pull out handle, which I am suspecting I will find VERY handy while I'm trying to amuse myself at the Vancouver International Airport. I wish I knew more people who lived in Van, as I'd love to be able to LEAVE the airport. Actually, I just thought of someone I could try to call. Thing is, they both work, so that will probably be a big fat no.

Anyway, I'm feeling more stress than excitement at this point. My friends that are coming keep messaging me and calling me wanting to talk about how excited they are, and all I want to do is have this whole thing be over so I can sort and process all the images, and get back into my working life and routine. Pretty sad when you're such a home body, a freaking trip to Puerto Plata isn't very exciting. Sigh.

What?

2007-10-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure why I continue to write in this thing, I haven't had a comment in a very long time, and nobody mentions this site to me anymore. Nothing really is happening, I'm settling into my new position, but I really don't like it. I have been considering stepping down from it. I tried to get some training approved, and rather than making a decision, others were consulted, and they all changed the one mind I had initially convinced. It really pissed me off.

Oh well, what can I do.

A dear friend of mine ended his marriage of all of a year and a bit with his wife. I found out from another friend in FSJ, who was as surprised as I was. People are strange.

September

2007-09-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but each year, during this month, I write a post on my blog about what a change month September always is for me. I found another website I write on that I'd forgotten about, and on it, I'd written one post, on September 11th, about how September is always a change month for me. During that year and that month, I was worrying myself silly over whether or not I'd obtain the job I just had my last day at on Thursday. I was incredibly excited for all the new information I'd get my learning hungry hands on, and couldn't wait to find out if it was about to become my path of destruction. About a week later, I found out I got it, and over the next 6 weeks I wondered if I'd made the right decision when I accepted it. There was a certain person on this crew that I instantly knew I hated, and was very upset when I saw how he was treating my new coworkers when trying to TRAIN them for the new job. Of all times to show what a dickface you are, training for a new position is not one of those times.

As I was saying, in that post on the other website, I mentioned that all I really wanted to do was get to the point where I was done smoking. That point that I hit a few years ago, the one that caused me to throw out the single remaining cigarette in my pack, and not even *think* about wanting another one for 3 months. And it was on that day that I had my first beer since I'd quit. And since that day, I have been trying to recapture that feeling again.

Part of my quit was attributed to a boy I was interested in at the time who had no patience for smokers. He was helping me move to my new place, and while watching him walk down the street with some of my stuff towards the truck, I looked at my pack, and that was the last time I thought about it.

When I wrote, last September, about how poor I was, I couldn't believe that I had to wait until I was broke to think about quitting again. This September, I am NOT broke, though not well off. And here I am, thinking about it again.

And guess what? A lot of changes took place during this month, and it's just past half over! I remodeled my front room, added more furniture and some actual accents that created a feeling like maybe I actually wanted my place to feel homey! I bought new clothing, started colouring and actually putting an effort into my hair before work. I drove my sister around, all day, at the expense of my poor car that came close to overheating a few times, and didn't complain once. In fact I thought about trying to come up with a way to help her out with her monetary situation, which is almost laughable, since she's the one with the crystal clear credit history. I also spent 3 days consecutively with her, and we didn't fight once.

As well, I accepted a new position, and today was the first day. I very regretfully left the technical department I was so excited to join in the first place, and went upstairs. I wasn't very happy throughout the day, though the more tools I realized I had access to, the more happy I got. There really is a spot for me up there. With a little humbling personality work, I can become friends with everyone again, and make new friends. To be honest I miss my old co-workers. But I still have a great relationship with my old manager, and she comes to visit us all the time, so I still hear all the news. That's really all I need, is to keep up on the news, so I am not lost when something new happens. I am no less technical today than I was on Thursday. I can still do my job, and I can still spend the day with a tech, asking questions and learning new things.

Even though some of the techs find the ride alongs quite repetitious and annoying, they still take part, and not because they are required to. I think they do it because it's different from the norm, and all people can use a good shake up now and then.

Tomorrow I am going to teach someone something new. Then, I am going to head upstairs and start learning more stuff for my new position.

Hopefully the rest of this month will continue on. Throw all the changes you want at me, September, I am ready.

Dominican trip, November 2007!

2007-09-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

This is the reason I love these two:

Who says a spa day is only for the ladies? Spoil me with a facial designed just for men’s special needs, soothing rough sensitive skin, razor blade irritations and dehydrated skin. This facial will leave me feeling radiant with the most handsome masculine glow!

Evil!

2007-09-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

I did something evil at work without even realizing it. I asked for something not realizing it wasn't my turn, because it's the last time for years, and I mean YEARS before I'll be able to partake in this particular activity again. So, I wanted to go for one last time. The thing is, it's not my turn. And because of the nature of the way this person has acted towards me, I don't care. In fact, myself plus 2 others are now looking forward to the look on his face when he sees what I've done.

In other news, I was going through my blog list just now, and I ran across this entry from WWWC. Because this photographer is AWESOME, and really actually has some talent, I have no qualms at all posting and linking to his website which is here, because he is really good, and will be bookmarked. I am VERY partial to this one, and I'm hoping it's the one I get. If not, no big deal, as all the other ones can be nicely framed and put almost anywhere, like, oh, I don't know, my new desk at work when I start my new position next week. I can't freakin wait!

August is done? Already?

2007-09-05T08:57:00.001-07:00

It appears to me August started and ended without anyone telling me. I was thinking that I'd have to plan carefully around the month, as rent was due, and I'd have to save a chunk of cash for an expensive trip to get the fucking passport bullshit taken care of.

Now I'm thinking ahead, to my trip in November to the Dominican (Puerto Plata) where I'll be watching my best friends get married. I cannot wait for this day, as I've been looking forward to it since I met them.

I had to cash in my stocks at work to be able to afford this, and I'm okay with that. They took $896 off in tax, so after cashing it in, I'll receive around $3000. The trip costs $1700, plus an extra flight my travel agent wouldn't schedule for me, as it can't be part of the trip. Oddly, my other friends in Fort St John and Kamloops were able to make the flight to Vancouver part of their trips, but I wasn't able to. So once I pay for the trip, I have to head down to the airport to schedule and pay for a flight to make sure I get to Vancouver in time to catch the correct plane. what a pain in the ass.

In other news, I am living in spider hell. Yesterday I saw a big brown one in my bedroom just as I was heading to bed, and only because my cat saw it first and tried to attack it. I shooed her away and killed it with a box of Q-Tips, as it was the only thing I had that was sturdy enough to kill something of that size.

This morning I went outside to have a smoke, and there was black widow #10, waiting outside my door. It was dead, thanks to Raid Spider Blaster. The shit lasts for weeks after spraying for the first time, and kills more than just spiders. However, I'm now seeing far more bug bodies than I've ever seen all in one place before, and I'm getting more and more afraid to come home at night, because I'm not sure what I'll find out there. I'd love to be able to ask my property manager to spray the outside of our places, but she refuses to pay for anything that will help us, as she's a complete psycho bitch.

SO, off to Home Depot when they open to buy a new door sweep, and more Raid Spider Blaster. I won't be able to retain my sanity for much longer. I've already had one almost sleepless night because I was so scared of them coming up on my bed, and/or hurting my cat. And according to the guy that lives next to me, this happens every year. I think it's safe to say that I'm never going to suffer through another summer in this god forsaken place ever again. I can't handle the new grey hairs I've sprouted over this bullshit. I wish I could just get over the fear, but they are UGLY, and the run too fast for my liking, and they really are a danger to my cat.

Gotta run, Home Depot is open, and I need to take care of my poor over stressed brain before I lose it for good.

Days off? What are those?

2007-08-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

So a few days ago we decided that we should all leave at 3am this morning to head to Vancouver to submit our passports to make sure they get here on time. It's now hour 39, and I'm still awake. In other news, passports have been submitted. Go me. I think it's time for bed now.

What a Whirl Wind Week!

2007-08-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

So, I dyed my hair, washed it, not thinking, got it cut, and dyed it again. I bought 2 new shirts and some MAKE UP. Somehow over the last 3 days off I've had, I turned into a girl. Heaven help me.

My cat is crazy

2007-07-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was a nutty one. And by weekend, I mean probably the last 3 days off in a row I will experience until around 2010. I got a second job at and office supply company. If you know me, you know I LOVE office supplies, so this is a good thing! However I am dedicating 2 of my days off each week to them, so this may or may not continue to be a good thing. I seriously need the extra money, so even if it isn't good, I'll make it work. Though I think I managed to work out in my head that I can still afford this trip without the extra bucks, I still want and need things, like some real furniture, so I can create a new style with my place.

I am tired of the "I got everything for free, who cares what it looks like, it works" style. Or lack thereof.

As well, when the iPhone finally launches who knows when, I WANT ONE. This thing makes me very happy for reasons few would understand. I can't wait until we get them, and the best part? Telus has NOTHING to do with the launch. So I can stay a Roger's customer, and continue to be happy, with a brand new phone! I would have bought a new phone by now, but I can't do normal text messaging. My current phone has a fold out QWERTY keyboard, and I'm afraid I have been spoiled. I don't need T9 predictions, because it only comes on when I don't flip out the keyboard, which is never. The iPhone appears to promise oh so much more than that. I can get rid of my clunky (but no less awesome) 4000 lb 20G iPod. It still works awesome, and the battery is brand new, but it's very heavy, and because it's old school, I can't find a single accessory for it, including those arm bands for them. Plus, I REALLY hate iTunes, and haven't really bothered to look into the other tools available for it (to bypass the annoying nonsensical bloated software). Eventually I'll get around to it, but still.

I had Mon/Tue/Wed off, which was nice, as I got a lot of social time in, and though it was very fun, I've about had it with people, and can successfully retreat back into my shell. I love talking and spending time with people, but after a certain point I miss my ME time, and feel the need to retract a bit and relax the way I like to.

Monday I went to the house my sister was house sitting at, and we watched a slightly boring movie that was all over the place and didn't really make sense. During the day I spent the day with my friend, though all we really did was hang out on her porch, drink a shitload of coffee, and chain smoke. I did bring all the pictures over for her, and we spent some time in Paint Shop Pro playing around, editing, and all that.

I have seriously forgotten how I really prefer to use PSP versus Photoshop CS2. I hate that there's 3458948 buttons, and 15 functions for each button in CS2. I love the software as there really is a lot you can do (same thing with Lightroom) but both, I find, have a workflow that doesn't work for me. I remember before Photoshop 7 got insanely popular, I was always a PSP user. I switched over because everyone else did, and because they were so good at it, it couldn't possibly be THAT hard to pick up, could it?

I remember why I initially almost dropped the Photoshop idea. After Stef showed me all the things you can do in PSP, with very little multi-clicking, I have decided to move back to PSP. I will be able to tailor my images better than ever before, and can up the quality of those that I post on Flickr. Speaking of which I've got more pics coming, I promise.

Tuesday I spent the day at home, doing my cleaning duties, and various other household tasks. After 5, when my sister was off work, we briefly considered picking up and driving to Vancouver for the Retrograde concert, but changed our minds, as I'm still not 100% about my car. We then watched 2 very strange movies, both of which were intense but far too long for the message they were trying to get across.

Wednesday I got up, hit the gym again (I went Tuesday too) came home, showered, and called Stef. We both needed to go grocery shopping, so I went over and got her and her son, and off we went. She told me about this place near-ish to me that is a Battery Doctor, that's also an authorized paint depot, meaning they take old paint cans and get rid of them the right way. They ALSO, and I am SO EFFIN GLAD I know this now, give the paint away for free, when it's still usable. Supposedly when people buy too much paint by accident, or hate the colour and have to buy new stuff, or when a mix went bad, they would take these (mostly) full paint cans an deliver them to this place. You go in, look at the cans you want, check out the colours, and if they suit you and you can use them, you put your name and number down on a sheet, and you can take the cans away. There is absolutely no limit on what you can take as well. Saturday is the day to go to this place, because most people drop it all off then. I cannot wait to see the colours in store for me. If only I was allowed to paint my place...

Anyway, after that we hit the Bay and Zellers looking for a good TV stand for Stef. We found one that was $60, and amazingly managed to fit it into my car. Sadly I broke the trunk latch in the process, but ahh well. It shouldn't be too expensive to fix.

After that we took everything home (the stand wasn't in a box, so we had no room for groceries) unpacked it all, and went grocery shopping. I took my groceries home, and then took them home. I hung around there for the rest of the night, and helped them clean their living room up for the impending party on Friday night. At the very least we are planning on a Cranium night, which is awesome, and then on Saturday my old boss is having a massive party that he apparently has each year, so I'll be attending that. Then it will be time to crawl into my shell again, which is good, because by then my hours at the Office place will have begun, and all my free time will be gone.

Hopefully I'll remember to update this thing more often. My bad.

Broke and Busy!

2007-07-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

The new pics up on the Flickr badge are from a Wide Mouth Mason show I attended last week. It was 100% worth every minute of sleep I lost. I haven't seen them live in years, and I think I forgot what they are like when on stage. The whole thing is a bunch of talking to the crowd, jamming, and playing their hits. What a blast. Too bad I didn't have time to talk with Shaun. Someone else was occupying his time, and I saw the guy's cell phone, and read the current time (1:30am) so I immediately gave up and went home. There was no way I was going to sit there for however much longer. I was already super tired as it was, but I had SO much fun. Pictures turned out all right as well, I think.

Anyway, I'm totally broke, and sadly last night was a rather pathetic bachelorette party that required my camera and therefore my attendance. It's too bad that didn't work out, but Wake Fest is in town, so that means bars are charging whatever they want for cover (a normal $5 cover bar wanted $100 a head for our party of 5. We ended up at Burger King, and were all at home by 2am. I was only out late because one member of the party and I tried another bar, and we weren't charged cover, and the bar wasn't busy, so we had one beer each and then headed home.

The hunt for a second job continues.

New Pics

2007-06-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

I guess I should explain the new pictures that are up on the right there. My mom and her fiancee/boyfriend Murray were in BC for 2 weeks. I think they left yesterday. Anyway, they bought a place in Keremeos, so they were there to get as much work done as they could on the new place in preparation for their move next year. They want to get out here really badly, but they just aren't ready yet, and for that matter, neither is the place. It was a perfect mess inside when we went in there for the first time. There was tons of stuff left behind, and it really looked like the people who lived there before hadn't moved out. There was a total of four bicycles left behind, 2 of which are in good condition, so mom and I are taking those. There was also some paintings and pictures, and even a photo album with a bunch of old pictures in it from the 30s and 40s, some wedding shots, and even a confirmation booklet! We saved that stuff, as the owner's name was everywhere on it, so we are hoping to track him down to give it back.

As for everything else, my 3 days off were a nightmare. Normally I would have relaxed, hit up the gym, cleaned the place, did laundry, all that. Instead, I took my car in to get the signals fixed (for the 3rd time) and when they told me to come and get it, I came, but the damn thing wouldn't start. AND, they went over my budget that I told them was limited at $250. I can't even make another down payment type thing on it, because I don't have any money left in my account. I even had to take the gas money my mom gave me and use it for groceries, because I didn't have enough. My own sister pays more rent than I do, has a shittier car, one extra non full time job, and she could afford the gas in her own car. I make almost $40,000 a year and I couldn't fucking fill my tank. This is getting ridiculous. Seriously.

Anyway, it was nice seeing mom and Murray again, and I can't wait until they move out here. I truly hope the business they want to start goes really well for them, because it's time for someone in this family to be successful for once.

I'm just hoping that I get my car back by Friday, because the last thing I want is to be without it for a long time again. I just can't do it all over again. Christ.

"I was a tongue. For years!"

2007-06-16T02:56:00.001-07:00

Had an absolutely AMAZING time tonight. I normally wouldn't write this late, especially since I had one of the worst insomniac episodes I've ever had last week, so bad that I actually missed 1.5 days of work, and had to go to the god damned forsaken from-hell medi clinic to get sleeping pills, and my doctor told me that part of good 'sleep hygiene' is that you go to bed at the same time every night, no smoking, no coffee, no life basically, but I know I'll look at this page over and over again in the next couple of days, promising myself I'll update it with the happenings of the weekend and will never get around to it.

SO.

Brooke's dear friend Beaner and her sister flew to Kelowna today on a whim for a holiday. We met them at their hotel at around 6, went for a few drinks at the bar across the street, walked down to another bar near their hotel, and met up with some friends of theirs. I met 3 of the most amazing people tonight. One was a Aussie with a very feminine name (can't remember what it was), another was a really nice woman whose name I don't think I EVER knew, and the other was a man named Trevor.

They were fantastic, hilarious, keeping us entertained and laughing for most of the time we were at the pub. Then, Trevor, the insurance company owner, bought ALL our drinks (EVERY SINGLE ONE, a fact I didn't learn until they moved on to the next bar, and I went to pay my bill, only to find there WAS no bill). I asked him what he did for a living, and he started off by saying that he was a tongue, for years. He started at this company 20 years ago as a mail person, so all he did was lick and seal envelopes for mailing later on, and stayed with the company for so long he eventually bought the damn thing.

The sister went home early because she has to work at 8:30 this morning, but the rest of us moved onto a bar I'd never been to before. This is the ONLY remaining bar in this town I haven't visited yet, and now I have. We drank, drank, danced, drank more, laughed, watched these AWESOME break dancers strutt their stuff on the floor, laughed, drank, flirted, danced, and drank. We had an absolute BLAST. They were here on business from Alberta, and staying in the same hotel as my sister's friends, so they all went home together too. The two boys have to work in Calgary tomorrow (I think) so they only came out for tonight.

We weren't even supposed to head out tonight, but the girls got into town a good 5 hours earlier than they had expected to, so we figured why not.

They left at about 1am or so, or at least I think they did. Trevor had WAY too much to drink and wasn't feeling to well. Beaner came to remind me that I was/am coming with them again tomorrow/tonight, and the Australian with the feminine name came, grabbed my face, kissed my cheek and told me I was darling, and then turned around and ran off.

The remaining girls, with whom I had original plans for the night, closed down the bar. In fact, I just got home about 25 minutes ago.

There's many more memories I want to share along with a SHITLOAD of pictures, none of which I took (I really need a point and shoot, dammit), but I'm tired and I have a long day ahead of me again tomorrow. The landlord is coming hopefully to drop off my new vaccuum, I have to finish cleaning my place, do the grocery shopping, and then it's back out to the bar again.

Sunday brings my mom and her husband to view the new place they just bought near Keremeos. Should be fun being outside in the rain when hungover. Harsh.

News

2007-06-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

This week has been a rough one. I got 5 fillings and lost 3 teeth in less then an hour. I thought that having 3 days off after this would be enough time to recouperate, and boy was I wrong. I have a huge bruise on my left cheek, and incredibly sore cheek muscle, and more medication (all of which upsets my stomach) that I can shake a stick at.

At work today, I had fun, except trying to eat when you can't really eat isn't that fun, and I found out through an incredibly lame email that I did not get the supervisor position. There are better ways of letting people know, and wth, why did the one person who said she'd never want the job, apply, and then accept it??? Either way, I'm glad one specific person didn't get it, and I'm sure there are good things in the future for us.

My travel agent is not working with me here. She's telling me the one resort 5 of my friends have booked 2 weeks at isn't showing up for her, ANYWHERE. It's also turned out to be $600 more expensive for me than everyone else, because I'm going alone. On top of this, the payments for my car, and the payments on the repairs for my car, is breaking my bank. I should have bought a $200 bicycle and said to hell with the rest. But, avoiding fights and keeping my sanity is more important, so fine, I'll lie in the bed I made for myself.

Work still isn't any fun, but more positions are coming up every day, which always mean more money, so I'll definitely be applying for them all.

In other news, there is no other news, except I wish I had known what my cell plan would be like when each bill came in, because then I would have chosen a better plan. Ahh well.

Hopefully things will get better soon!

Men!

2007-06-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what it is about men lately, but they have been acting stranger and stranger for no reason at all. I got my hairs cut, and now every male around me has lost his mind. But it's not just me who's driving them crazy.

Here's an example:

3 weeks ago, some guys who are from a random province here in good ole' Canada were sent here to help us with our workload. 2 nights ago was their last night in town. I was invited, along with quite a few others, to come to their hotel, sit in the bar, and say goodbye. So I went, had a few, and after much coercing, got my friend to come as well. Her and I ended up shutting the place down with the 2 men. The one, who was from a province that has such a strong accent it's immediately recognizable upon hearing one speak, got far more drunk than his friend. He got worse and worse as the night went on, and his attention became more and more focused on my friend as well. He even went PAST the slurring point, but that's okay, because his attention wasn't focused on me. Anyway, we went for breakfast with these guys. It was a great time, I really got along well with the other guy, so well in fact that I thought if he wasn't already married with 3 kids, the way my night ended would have been a lot different than the way it did.

I digress. This other guy wouldn't leave my poor friend alone, he was constantly touching her, trying to kiss her, flirting with her, hanging all over her, and on and on and on. After breakfast was done we walked back to our cars and got ready to leave. I said goodbye to both of them and got into my car, ready to go. Sadly, the guy wouldn't leave my friend alone again, so I ended up sitting in my car, waiting for him to go home. The friend that was nice, and not nearly that drunk, went up to his room, and said 'if you are having problems getting him to leave you alone, please let me know, and I'll come down and get him'. I ended up texting this guy after 30 minutes of us trying to leave to ask him to please come down and get his friend. So finally, after about another 20 minutes, we finally left. What a night.

So, last night, I'm sitting in my living room, watching a random movie, rejoicing that my hangover was finally gone, and guess what? I get this phone call from a different girl at work saying hey, we know you said you were going to come tonight, so we're wondering what time you're coming? I had completely forgotten all about the emails that were sent on my last day off. So, I put my contacts in, grabbed some perfume, and took off.

I got there, and all was calm and fun. I had forgotten how fun those people can be, it's been a long time since I even worked with them, especially with the launch of our current new department. Anyway, then 2 more people showed up that I didn't expect. One of them I haven't seen in a while, and I thought nothing of it, because he is moving very far north of where we are now. His wife has been in the new house for about a month now, getting the kids unpacked and getting everything set up, while he continued to stay here and train for the new position he just recently got.

And oddly, he was ALL OVER ME. He wouldn't stop touching me, arms and hands everywhere, making little jokes with big sexual connotations, flirting, a lot of the same stuff I'd seen the night before. It was insane, and it got even stranger. At one point he had moved to the other side of the table and was standing there talking with a friend who had my camera in her hands. He said something to her, and they both pointedly looked at me. I saw her say "No, I'm not going to do that!" and he said something along the lines of, "Just get the camera out, I'm gonna go do it!"

He then went directly to me and sat down in the chair next to mine. I can't for the life of me remember what he said, but the next thing I knew, he was kissing me full on the mouth. Well, this freaked me right out, as I wasn't sure where he was going with that or why. She didn't end up getting the shot, because the lens cap was still on the camera, and she didn't get to open it up fast enough. This is probably a good thing. We went for a smoke shortly after that, and he apologized and said he didn't mean to freak me out, which was fine, but still, it was very strange. He kept making all these comments like how I should get really drunk, because then I could 'be taken advantage of' amoungst many other small comments. Our groups split up so we could take off from that bar and check out the newly renovated peeler bar, down the street. I never saw him again for the rest of the night. I walked back to my car, and drove home, all the while punshing myself for drinking a second night in a row.

I'm not sure what it is about this and last month, but some VERY strange happenings have been occurring. I think maybe I will end up taking a step back and thinking on this stuff again later, but since I've told the story now, there's nothing else to say.

Highest gas prices in Canada saves lives.

2007-05-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

Yet antoher fire has hit our lovely Okanagan. This time it's a factory, but a huge one, that has taken out at least one building near it, and has caused officials to start talking of evacuating the grocery store and some homes in the area. You see, we've had very little rain, and slightly higher than normal temperatures for this time of year. 5 degrees hotter, and they'd probably evacuate the entire town of Westbank. Click here for a good picture of the fire.

I've been thinking lately that these realyl odd summer storms we're getting, where it gets extremely windy for about an hour, then spits for about 20 minutes, and then the wind blows all the clouds away, and then the sun comes back cannot be a good thing. The last fire season we had was a doozy, a scary one at that. We don't need another stifling hot summer and a ton of fires. The smoke in the air was REALLY bad, but with the ash raining down on everything, and no rain in the forecast made living here almost unbearable.

In other news, we, in our fabulous town of Kelowna, BC, have by far the highest price of gas in ALL OF CANADA. This is fucking BULLSHIT, for a number of reasons:

1. *I* live here.

2. I have a car with a bigger engine and about 80% less gas efficiency than my last car.

3. *I* live here.

4. I thought everyone said we weren't paying the "sunshine tax" anymore. WTF???

The ONLY good thing about all this is that the amount of street racing has almost dropped off the map, because nobody can afford to use their engines like that.

I remember last year when gas prices hit a new high, the ICBC people were pissed at how few car plates they had, because everyone was taking their cars and SUVs off the road because they couldn't afford to drive them anymore. Even my little 96 Cavalier costs $57 to fill up. I know for a fact that the SUVs are now at $80+, and they have to fill up more often, because gas efficiency and SUVs don't belong in the same sentence.

My final bitch of the day:

I just got my (fucking) Fortis bill today. My apartment isn't all that big, but the bill was still $113!!!!! WHAT THE FUCK!!!! This is insane, there's no way I use that much power. Assholes.

Cars.

2007-05-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

This morning I tried to put in a Yoga DVD I've had for more than 6 months. My back was very sore from the night before (not that I did anything to it, I just wake up some days with a very sore back) so I couldn't even do the first 2 poses. And all it involved was sitting up straight. I could feel the core of my back about to give out, so I bent it out to save a day and possibly a week of walking like my great grandmother, who couldn't walk upright for at least the last 15 years of her life.

I gave up after watching it for all of 10 minutes, and came back here to read all the websites I can't catch up on during the week. Today is Victoria Day, the holiday Monday. I work 4pm-9pm tonight, and I'm not all that concerned about it. I thought today would be hard to deal with, because it's an overtime shift, and sometimes it's tough for me to want to go into work. But I know that if I don't go in, nobody will be there to work, and that will be bad. Especially since I took all these shifts because nobody wanted to take them. Next week, when we need these same shifts covered, I will not be volunteering. I know I need the money, but I also need my sanity, and sometimes it's worth getting a normal paycheque.

I did my taxes 2 nights ago (way late, I know) and found out I'm getting around $156 back. WOW. That's the most I've ever gotten back since I was 18 and starting doing my taxes. And next year, I will still be with this company, which means my taxes will only involve 1 T4, not 5 or 6 like previous years.

Today when my laundry is done, I have to run down to the SPCA and pay my sister the montly payment of $200 for this piece of shit car I've got. Sure, it's pretty to look at, but when I got it back from the shop, I tried to drive to Kamloops. As per normal, I had to stop in Vernon to pee. When I went to turn on my car, it wouldn't start, and the "THEFT SYSTEM" light came on, a light I never see when starting my car. I called my friend, asked him to look up that light on the internet, and didn't get a lot back. I called the shop, and was told 235345 things to try, none of which worked. I called the friend back and said not to worry about it, because the shop was looking into it. After the promised 20 minutes the shop still hadn't called back, so I called 411 and got the number for a Chevy dealership. The dude I talked to was an asshole and wouldn't help me troubleshoot all that much, so I ditched him and called the shop back. I reiterated over and over that this never happened to me when I drove to Vancouver with 3 people in the car, and they didn't seem to hear me. Finally, and god knows what caused this, the engine cooled down, or whatever, and right before the help they were sending got here, the mother fucker started again.

I drove more, and got to Kamloops. They told me once I got there to leave it run for about 10 minutes and then turn it off. So I sat in the parking lot knowing all my friends were looking at me sitting in my car, wondering what the hell was going on. We had dinner, made some plans, and shock of all shocks, the car started just fine, after sitting there for about an hour. We had a great time, just sitting around talking and drinking, and then we went back to the house and slept. We got up the next morning, had a Timmy's breakfast, showered, and went shopping. I drove that car everywhere, up and down hills, going 90 kms/hr up the hill and back down again. And still, the car started fine.

I thought maybe that one thing was a one-off and I wouldn't worry about it. I passed Falkland and thought that maybe I should stop to pee, but figured, nah, the next town, Westwold, is all of 10 minutes away, I can totally wait. So I left Falkland, rounded a corner, and wouldn't you know? There was the world's slowest mother fucking train I have EVER seen. So by this time my bladder is about to float away, and there's nothing I can do about it, so I patiently wait. I took a couple of pictures of the train because there wasn't anything else I could do to keep my mind off of the bladder situation.

The train finally ended, and blissfully, I got into Westwold, parked the car, and RAN into the shop. No key was needed for the bathroom door, THANK GOD. I walked out to my car, much more relazed than I was when I went in, and tried to start the car. DENIED.

I called the shop's customer service girl on her cell phone (long story about why I have that number) and she said that the mechanic should still be in the shop, even though it was 6:30pm. So I called the shop, and sure enough he answered. I explained the problem again, and he was lost for words. He said they had spent some time researching this on the internet and came up with about as much as the friend who looked into it the previous day had. He was still on this thing that the fuel pump was gone and would need to be replaced, so I explained to him that this mechanic dude in Westwold across the street from the gas station I stopped at had come over to take a look, and when turning the key, the fuel pump isn't working at all. So, we tried to disconnect the battery and leave it for a bit. For some odd reason, it only took about 20 minutes, and the same thing started. I got home, and as I was heading into town, I remembered that the friend from earlier said he had something for me, even though the last thing I wanted to do was spend any time with anyone, I went over to his place. Naturally, because it was more highway driving, the car wouldn't start again. So we drove to my place in his parent's car, dropped off the 19 inch monitor, and came back. We unhooked the battery again, thinking it would start soon, which it obviously didn't. So we waited more and more, and then out of nowhere, the THEFT SYSTEM light went out, and the damned car started. I've worked 2 shifts since then, and not a damn thing has happened to this car. It's almost like it's only certain speeds that set off the light.

This whole thing is so BEYOND explanation, it's ridiculous. And the worst part of all is that the shop thinks this has nothing to do with them, even though this NEVER happened before the $1800 fucking head gasket was installed. Something definitely went wrong here. Argh.

Murph.

2007-05-17T00:51:00.000-07:00

It was decided amongst my friends and I that my new nick name must be Murph, as in Murphy's Law. If anything can go wrong, it will, especially where I am involved.

My car is STILL NOT READY. This is day 14 of this ridiculous ordeal. It was a freaking head gasket, what the hell. AND, of course, bad things happened, and the price jumped by $600, to make this an $1800 repair, not the $1200 it was looking like it would be. Fine. Whatever.

I got a new kitty, and 3 days later had to return her to her owners. I did nothing wrong, but she is NOT meant to be with other cats, and of course did nothing but hiss and growl at me. When her original owner came to get her again, she heard the growl and was shocked that her darling kitten would make a noise like that. I LOVE cats, but I could not get this little bitch to love me. And, she hated Belle too, which wasn't a good sign either. I expected some hissing, and some establishing of territory, but this girl was completely insane, and would let me pet her and scratch her ears for about 15 seconds before she remembered that she hates me, and then would take a swipe, with her full nails extended.

The next 2 weeks will be completely insane. Here is what it looks like:

Thursday: Get up.
Call shop, have them come get me and take me to my car. Pay for car (or at least the first $1000, since that's all I can afford).

Go grocery shopping.

Clean house.

Vaccuum stairs and clean windows, as part of the contract where I am the maintenance chick. We won't even talk about what a terrible mistake that was.

Do laundry.

Explain to Brendan that I'm completely nuts, and have decided yet again that I can't make the Tupelo Honey show.

Call Earl and Nola, and try to make plans for coffee/lunch/whatever.

Call Tammy's cell and hope she answers, to ask what time they will be in Kamloops.

Decide whether or not to attend the Tupelo Honey show, thus making me look even more insane, especially if I show up at the show after all.

If I decide to go, call sister and make arrangements to head to the show.

If not, pack and decide what I'll wear today, and tomorrow.

Make sure there's a place for me to sleep in the Loops.

Travel to the Loops.

Come home with just enough time to do the rest of laundry, do dishes, prepare lunch for the next day.

Saturday: Work 10:30-9

Sunday: Work 10:30-9

Monday: Work 4pm-9pm overtime.

Tuesday: Work 4pm-9pm overtime.

Wednesday: Work 10:30-9

Thursday: Day off due to knowing I'll need to clean and do laundry.

Friday: Work 10:30-9

Saturday: Work 10:30-9 This shift is 100% 10 hours of overtime.<---After work I have plans with a boy!

Sunday: Day off again.

Monday: Work 10:30-9

Tuesday: Work 10:30-9

Wednesday: Work 10:30-9

Thursday: Work 10:30-9

Friday: Spontaneously combust.

And during all this time, I will consistently worry more and more each day about when we will be finding out about who got the supervisor position, and simultaneously looking for a new job, should the only person in all of my company whom I CANNOT work with to save my life get the job. Sounds petty, but I know my limits, and everything he does will test them. I don't have enough mental strength to hold my tongue, and eventually will get fired. Maybe I should transfer to Calgary?

Good times.

Nothing new to report.

2007-05-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

I got a new cat today, she's 6 months old, and an ultra bitch. I'm already wondering who I can give her to. I haven't even given her a chance, and I already don't like her.

I also wanted to say that I'm really enjoying October Road, which sucks ass because that means it's destined to be cancelled.

Car stuff.

2007-05-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Nothing much has been happening as of late, just thinking about work, working, and dealing with my car.

I was hoping that it would only take one day for this to get repaired, as trying to find a ride to work some days can be super challenging. However, someone at work was very nice and drove me every day, even though she was arriving 30 minutes early for her shift. Someone else I work with felt bad that due to my shift, it hasn't worked out once yet that I've spent a day with a tech, or gone to Penticton for any training, and VERY NICELY offered to flip a coin with me, even though he was scheduled to go. And I won.

So to Penticton and back we went, very quickly. I've never really been out that way before, but holy hell is that highway dangerous. I can see rear ending happening a lot there, especially in the winter. And the poor techs have to travel all over the place, as there's also Summerland and Peachland to deal with. Nuts.

Anyway, the training was fantastic, and I can't wait until part 2, as certain areas of my job are finally coming together. I am beginning to understand the nature of cable, how it works, how noise is traced, what causes outages, and how contractors, and sadly, Telus are to blame more often than not. Even worse than those 2 is our customers! Drunk drivers hit a pole, and angry customers call us. Some guy died due to drunk driving? SO? THE GAME IS ON, FIX IT NOW.

Today I have an interview for another supervisor position in another department, and I can't drive myself there, because 5 days later, the car still isn't ready. I'm hoping all the stars will align, and I will call the car shop after the interview, and they will say, hey, guess what! It's ready!

The one bonus to all this car stuff: it appears the extra $600 part will NOT be necessary, because I took it in early enough! Yay me!

sigh

2007-04-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

Well things with the boy didn't work out. He failed to call me that day, and then apologized saying whatever it was that he had to take care of took way longer than he thought. So we tried for yesterday, and I was busy all day. He said he would call, and didn't. So, I'm thinking that this isn't happening. Ahh well.

On the flip side of things, I helped my friend move in to his new condo yesterday, picked up a dresser for myself that I used to own, (the new owner painted it and about a year later, gave it back to me!), and then today I've got a supervisor interview at work, an appointment for my car, and a shopping date with the same friend I helped move in yesterday. No wonder I never feel rested!

Woot!

2007-04-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

There is a new boy in my life! I am waiting for him to call. He has 48 minutes, and then he's a write off and no matter what he says, I'm not going out tonight. I'm heading to bed in about 2 hours, and then that's it. I slept 3 hours last night, and it was very tough to get anything right at work today. I don't like it when that happens.

I worry.

2007-04-16T04:38:00.000-07:00

I was in Kamloops one night a few days ago for a Retrograde concert. Friends that I had when I lived there showed up for a few drinks and dinner. One of the topics discussed was our impending trip to the Dominican. I only have 6 months before I leave, and I don't even have a passport. So, I worried. About the passport, the flight, the cost of everything, what would happen to my cat during that time, all of it.

I was at the Retrograde concert in Kamloops. The music was loud and I had my camera out. I started taking pictures, and thought about what they would look like when I uploaded them. Like every time when I've got that beautiful piece of machinery with me, I excitedly thought that this time, this one time, all my pictures would get a professional look to them and I'd come home and be so excited that I'd make DVDs and hand them out to the band members and one of them would become an album cover. Then I thought that since I'm always taking the same angle for the pictures there was no way that would happen. No big deal, as I know I need new lenses and a whole lot of lessons. But then the boys left the stage and I knew that because my sister was there, we'd be getting a special visit from a certain someone. I worried again. What would I say, would I make an ass of myself (like always, I can't think of anything to talk about, so I make shit up in my head, which always seems like a good idea at the time, and 2 hours after the fact, makes me want to puke because it was so stupid), what would be said after I was gone to close personal friends, on and on.

A night or two later, I decided on a whim to invite my friend's parents over (they are more like my parents than his, even) for dinner, sort of a mini house warming, as they hadn't seen it yet. They were busy that night, but said they would come over the next night when they didn't have anything planned. I bought all the groceries, and started to worry. Would I be able to afford to put a dinner on, would I forget anything, would they only be coming over because they love me and not because they even care about my place, what if I burned dinner and couldn't afford to pay for pizza for everyone, what if I said something stupid at the table (as I am wont to do) and they got upset and left, what if I started the oven on fire again (horrid flashback to Christmas) what it something happened to my cat and I got upset and ruined the party (see last statement in brackets), what if my place smelled bad and they got freaked out and tried to get out as fast as possible, leaving me there to be embarrassed, what if what if what if.

Today I heard from the family. They wanted me to come for lunch. So, I worried. Would they think bad things about me depending on what I ordered, would my large behind be able to fit in the chairs, what if people at the restaurant looked at me (like they do sometimes when overweight people come in), what if there were cute men there and they turned their noses up when they saw me (sadly, that happens more than I'm willing to admit), what if I said something stupid and pissed someone off, what if the dinner upset my stomach again (seriously 3 days in a row, the pills aren't helping ), what if I drank too much and wasn't able to get home, the list goes on. I worried.

Tomorrow I have no plans, none at all. I could call a few friends and arrange a coffee after one of them is off work, but then I would worry even more. In fact I'm worrying right now. What if they say no, they don't want to, will I be upset because of it? Will they decide they want to, but I won't be in a great mood, so I'll cause them to have a bad time? What if when we get to the restaurant, I eat something because of poor planning and FAR TOO MUCH WOW playing, and end up going over my budget? Will I be thinking about all these coffee dates with friends and calculating in my head how much I have spent when it's September, and I'm looking at trying to come up with $1600 plus spending money for the Dominican trip in November, thinking that I am the biggest asshole on the planet? I've already done that to one set of friends, even with a free ride out to the town I couldn't do it because of poor financial planning in the past. I seriously hurt a seriously dear friend of mine, because I chose not to pay the good ole government.

In fact, though we don't leave for 6 months, I am worrying my texas sized backside off, what if I don't have enough money? Will I miss a wedding I've been waiting for since I met the couple? Again? Will I be comfortable in the airplane seats, will the plane crash, what happens if I don't get my passport on time? And when we get there, if I'm still this size, am I seriously thinking that it's a good idea not to at least wear shorts? Seriously? Will I get too drunk and not be able to function the next day?

These are the things that swim around in my head every single day. And sometimes I catch myself acting like an idiot, and worrying about things that have no chance of happening. Even when I know I'm doing it, I can't stop it. I try thinking about other things, but because of my boring sedentary life, there isn't a whole lot to think about.

A thought that just popped in my head, while I was writing that last sentence:

When I went over to the family's new house, my brother and step mom saw me, and the first thing out of their mouths was 'damn, you look GOOD!' like they were surprised that I'd lost a few pounds, and couldn't believe I didn't look sluggish and run down like I have lately. I worried about that, because what am I doing to myself? I have been eating a LOT better ever since T & P decided on the month for their wedding. But I haven't been adding any exercise. So 4 days ago, I went for a 45 minute walk. When I came home and showered I was in an awesome mood ALL DAY, and had so much fricken energy, I buzzed around the house cleaning and organizing and planning what I wanted to do style wise, and made plans for myself for the next day to go for another walk. It was great, I felt wonderful, and I smiled almost all day.

Then the next day came and I didn't feel as good, my stomach was upset, and I knew if I started walking, I'd want to turn around and come home. So as a substitue, I stayed at home and did even more cleaning. I made plans to get this photography project I've been planning for a month now off the ground and running. I made plans to take all my boxes out (every last one), get rid of all the shit I keep planning to put somewhere (3 boxes of books, anyone?) when I get a bookcase, a CD case, A DVD holder, a bigger desk, you get the idea. Value Village is great for taking pretty much anything you want to give. 3 weeks ago I went through my dishes and ditched a bunch that didn't match. I kept a bunch of them because if I hadn't I would barely have anything left.

I also planned on quitting smoking. I sat at my computer, in my great mood, wondering at how great I feel when I exercise, and thought wouldn't this be a great time to quit? I'm in a good mood, I've got 10 more days until the bane of my existence has to work a shift with me, and I should be over the bad 'oh my god I don't have my crutch anymore, and I seriously miss it' phase, and maybe, for once, I would be able to treat them like a human being, because I was on drugs. Why am I so mean to this person? They are retarded and taking their position FAR TOO SERIOUSLY, but they are trying, and were I in that position I can't say I'd be able to do any better. However, I don't think it's this person. I still don't think I have let go of the fact that even 6 months later, I still feel slighted at the fact that nobody BUT this person was considered for this position. I felt that the move on the sup's part was VERY inconsiderate and unfair, and though I let them know at the time, I did not feel any better. I got no apology, no understanding, no 'you're right, we shouldn't have done it that way, but now it's too late'. All I ask in situations like this is for someone to tell me that they are sorry. 2 words, that's it. But the person I was talking to about this was dealing with WAY more important things than my problems and didn't want to hear it. That's fair, but I still haven't let it go.

WHY NOT????

A boy at work asked me to go for a drink. You know what the first thing I did was? WORRY. What if we go for this drink, me and this person that I will be working very closely with in the next few months, and he sees me for who I really am, and he backs off and stops being polite towards me at work, doesn't answer my emails, and tries only to communicate with me when he absolutely has to, what if it goes really well and we start acting weird at work, and people notice and one or both of us gets in trouble, what if I tell my friends who this person is and they get that look in their eyes, the ones that say 'you know how we feel about this person and you still thought this was a good idea?' even though what he did wasn't horrible at all. What if what if what if again and again and again. We haven't even had the chance to try and get that drink happening, I was leaving for Vancouver the next night and wanted to go home, organize, pack, and worry about whether or not my car would make it, and so on. I tried to make it a date for the following week, and the day I picked didn't work for him. He emailed me back when I asked, and said something different from what I said, and without thinking I left the ball in his court. He even suggested something else that would end up with us being a lot closer in proximity to what I thought would happen, and that not only scared me, it made me WORRY. About many more things I won't even bother mentioning as this post is too fucking long anyway. And I still have a lot to get off my chest. I know by now I have no reader left, and I'm okay with that. Whatever flair I had for writing back in the day when I was snail mailing over 100 people each month ( we won't get into where I met these people ) has left the building. I just need to tell someone, ANYONE about this shit that has been stewing in my tiny little brain. Sorry, Internet.

Due to this person at work who will forever remain nameless on this site, and will never have any details divulged about them that would point to who they are, I have started to wonder if the computer/technical business is for me. Computers lately have been pissing me off. I'm tired of error messages and service packs and programs that stop working for no reason, and jerks who update programs that worked perfectly fine before but have slowed down so much that sometimes they can't catch up and end up crashing all my other programs. I'm tired of troubleshooting issues out in the field with the techs, even though I'm fascinated by it.

To the one person left who reads this site, if you're still with me, bless your soul. And no, this is not me getting upset over my situation and wanting to move to another town to start over. I promised myself yet again that I would move back here and make things WORK for once. No more hating people in general, moving to a new town, meeting the same types of people as before, repeating the same mistakes, and wondering why it still isn't working for me. In some respects I love my job. This company is one I've wanted to work for, for 10 years now. I've submitted at least one resume per year over that 10 years, and now I've finally gotten to a place where I can actually call this job a career... and now I want to leave. Silly, huh?

There are so many around me who have educated themselves, completed school and started applying to places to work in a field they love. I still don't have a place to go that I love. I don't really think I want to be in this field anymore, and I've only been in it for about 6 years. My mom would say I'm too intelligent, and that's why I can't make a decision and keep to it, I get bored so fast that there's no way for me to ever be happy in one place. My friends would say that I've got a good job and am being an idiot, thinking I want to leave, especially since I've never been as financially secure as I am right now. My other friends would say that I need to suck it up and for once in my life stop complaining! My close family (sister, brothers) would ask me what it is that I want to do, and then tell me to go after it. But therein lies the rub. There isn't anything in particular I want to do. I want to do it all. I want to be in the Ops centre in my job, working a steady, good shift Mon-Fri. I want to be able to take classes at the University or even at the local centre (basket weaving? ceramics? painting? sign me up!). I want to be a photographer, professionally. Concert photography, photographer to the stars, anything. Not wedding photgrapher though, the whole 'what do you do for a living? oh, you're a wedding photographer? hmmm' doesn't do it for me. How about this? 'what do you do for a living? you're a wildlife photographer, freelance, for National Geographic? really? where was the last place you went? tell me an amazing story.' 'you're a concert photographer? which bands? did you go on tour with them? who was your favourite?'

Yeah, that does it for me.

I want to start a home based business with my mom when her and her fiancee/boyfriend/whatever he is move to this province. I want to be a writer for a living, I want to write books, go on tour, meet a million people, do something amazing with my life. I want to do all those things, and many more.

Instead, I work where I work doing what I do, which isn't a whole hell of a lot, feeling incompetent most of the time even when I'm doing a better job than most, because I'm so unhappy.

I think it's been far too long since I last made time to write in this thing. I got way too much out in this one tiny post, and though it's 343423 lines long, it hasn't even scratched the surface of all the things on my brain. Because people I know read this, there isn't a lot I can talk about, so on my more anonymous blog, I write things I don't want other people to know about, things that don't identify my nationality, just things I don't think other people need to know. Deeper insecurities. Nothing bad, just thoughts that people wouldn't believe I have on a daily basis. Things that would make them say, 'man, why do you worry about these things? it's such a waste of your time...'

Super super busy

2007-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Everything has been insane lately. No time for anything I used to enjoy, like posting here. Work has been nuts with new stuff coming from EVERYWHERE. We are training like crazy and planning more in the future. Had a work function the other night, was fun. They paid for the bowling and a shitload of pizza. It was at the Bad Place, where, the last time I was there, was a Christmas party for another job. I've never been so drunk in my life, and I completely made out with someone who was awesome at the time, who turned out to be an ass. Such is life.

Still working on the pics of the new place, plus an explanation of what I'm seeing. An opportunity for lots of OT came up at work today, and I accepted some, so it won't be for a while.

It's 7:28pm, and I'm 32 minutes away from bedtime. 6 am shifts can kiss my ass.

Ooops

2007-03-25T00:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe I haven't posted pics of the new place yet. I'm still deciding if I want to work on the landlord to see if he'll let me paint, but since the garbage setup is the most annoying thing ever, I'm working on that first. I want a BFI bin!

In other news, yesterday there was a Retrograde concert in Van. I got a new car, so we drove in that. It was fairly decent on the Coq. A few days earlier I'd taken it on a quick trip to Vernon to see how it performs on the highway. Other than needing oil, it was all good. The trip to Van was FUNFUNFUN. I took tons of pics (mostly of Retrograde), but I got a sweet shot of the street that the Plaza was on. In fact it was the last picture I took on that entire trip, and I think it turned out the best.

And finally, the MOM unit comes to visit tomorrow. I'll be getting up early, cleaning the place, grocery shopping, and then showering and commencing the long wait until I know whether or not she wrote down my cell number. She doesn't have one and neither does the boyfriend, so all I can do is sit around and wait.

Should be fun.

Awesome

2007-03-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

The new place is awesome. Pics to come once I'm done decorating.

Just a quick update

2007-02-23T23:24:00.000-08:00

Nothing much that's exciting is happening around here. I've been packing (oh, joy) and cleaning (double joy). I'm finding that there is seriously very little I can do when it comes to packing until the actual moving day, as there's so little room in here with all my boxes out, I can't sort anything.

In other news, the lady from ICBC emailed me to let me know that the other dude took 100% responsibility. I've mentioned this before, but thought I would do so again as it's SO EXCITING. This means my license won't go up! Yes!

I picked up the cheque, paid my sister the $90 I owed her (I used her credit card to pay to get my battery replaced in my iPod, and forgot to pay her back until now) and then Brooke and I hung out for the day, shopping and waiting for her car to be finished in the shop (she got the brakes done and had the lights replaced). Once she got that we headed back to my place to watch Grey's Anatomy, and off to home she was.

Today I just enjoyed the fact that I hada day off. I did most of my packing, but as I said I can't do much more until I actually get some of this shit outta here.

Belle is a bit freaked by this whole thing. She knows something is up, but is enjoying it at the same time, as there's so. much. to. play. with. Her leg is doing better now, she's putting weight on it more and more often, which is a good sign.

Other than that, there really isn't anything new!

A great thing happened today...

2007-02-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

ICBC called to let me know that the idiot that tried to run over my car in the superstore parking lot decided to accept 100% liability. I picked up a cheque for $440 today. Hip hip hooray!

Check out the new Flickr pics. That party was an awesome time. Must head to bed, cold medication is kicking in.

February

2007-02-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well it seems that I only post on average once a month now. I wish I had more to say, but there really isn't anything I can say. The month so far has been a boring one. I got a $500 bonus cheque from work for reasons unknown to me, which sadly got deposited and spent on groceries (fun). I still have more than enough money in savings to get a new car should this one conk out on me, but still, it would have looked much better if I could have put the bonus cheque into my savings account. Ahh well. They taxed the shit out of it, so next year's tax season will be awesome.

In other news the kitty is fine, she is chewing on her cast a LOT, so I'm planning on calling the vet and setting the date for her to get it off for this Friday. She will be one excited kitty, that's for sure.

Our dear friend Earl is coming for a visit sometime during the last 2 weeks of Feb, which will be the highlight of this month.

I seriously can't think of anything else to say. I really need to start taking more pictures though, as I'm adding new contacts all the time, and yet I never give them anything to look at. Hopefully the whole photography club I joined will start to work for me, and maybe I'll get inspired. It's been really nice outside the last week or two (there's almost no snow left because it's been raining so much) so that means I'll be spending more time outside.

Not sure what to say

2007-02-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

I've had a whirlwind couple of days. 4 days ago I was on my way to pick up my sister after she got her back surgery, and on my way there some fucking cop without a cop car motioned for me to pull over and then handed me a $167 ticket for running a yellow light. Awesome.

Got to the hospital, ended up waiting for more than an hour because they were so backed up. No biggie, because I got to drive the wheelchair.

Went back to Brooke's house, did the 4 car shuffle (many grey hairs sprouted over how we were planning on getting all the cars back in place)(okay, maybe just Ashley sprouted the hairs), came back, watched Harry Potter. That ended, so we watched some movie with Leo DiCaprio, the name of which I can't remember, which was weird but good.

Went home, slept, and since then I've worked.

Lately I've been thinking every time I'm in my car that some huge truck or something is going to SLAM my front end really hard. Maybe it's underlying fear that the last mechanic told me that by spring the structural integrity of the car' s body would be comprimised because of all the rust. Maybe I've been in more accidents in the last 2 months than the last 2 years. Who knows.

Work is fucking shitty, I really hate one person I work with, one I am seriously losing my patience with, and the third is pissing me off outside of work. Is that weird?

I hate people, and the older I get the more prominent that gets. It's like this wart that threatens to take over my face, and sometimes it gets so bad (this hatred of people) that my moods are affected by it. I don't think I've had a truly happy day in months.

Hopefully that wasn't caused by the meds I started taking 3.5 months ago. I keep thinking I should head back to the clinic to get the prescription refilled, but there's this nasty flu that's going around. It's causing all the clinics to be overflowing with nasty sick patients. I think I can wait a few weeks. I'm not TOUCHING those fucking magazines though. Ugh, the thought of all those germs...

In other news I'm moving. Again. I have a place all sorted out that money wise is perfect, especially since I can have my kitty with me, BUT, now my friend is telling me that he used to deliver pizza there and even he was thinking he should be cautious. Add that to the fact that the current resident tells me that him and his GF came home from work one day only to have the neighbours tell them that someone tried to break in. This place is on the ground floor, and theirs was the only one that had a screwdriver taken to it. Supposedly the neighbour scared the dude off and then called the cops, but I never did find out whether or not he was caught. I like the place, and I LOVE the in suite laundry...but...I don't know...

And finally, I'm thinking of working overnights permanently so I don't have to deal with a specific person. You know it's bad when I actually want to work nights again. I have to admit, now that I'm older, I've decided I fucking HATE that shift. It wouldn't be so bad if people at work would be patient with me while I work out the nightmare of a schedule, but EVERYONE wants the perfect schedule. I'm sorry, with 24 hours, three 10 hour shifts a day, and only 6 people to work with for a 7 day rotation, IT AIN'T HAPPENIN. Well, there is one way it would work, but nobody is going for it, so I give up.

Other than that nothing much is happening. Just living the same ole same ole.

2007-01-15T03:43:00.000-08:00

There is this rumour going around that if you start schooling to become a nurse there exists somewhere a contract, where if you sign, garners you the entirety of your schooling, PAID, by the BC Government. Many women at work are excited about this, and seem to think it's actually true. From what I've heard is that you have to promise you'll stay in BC for 5 years. Anyone know of the validity of this rumour?

Even if it is true, I am not sure this is a path I want to walk down. Sure, the medical sciences fascinate me, but I don't think it's enough that I want to go back to school full time for 4 years and have to stay here for another 5 years after that. I know there is a massive nursing shortage, as on Castanet.net today there was a story about how the Albertans are actually being sent to 4 overseas countries to entice nurses to come there. I don't know what other provinces are having the same problem, but I know we are.

If it turns out the sister has to go back to Saskatchewan for surgery (that is, if she ever gets her MRI), which means she has to move, I'll go into the law program at the UofS. Or maybe nursing, the hospital is part of the school after all...

In other news, I started a new eating plan. It isn't very exciting, I just started having incredibly heart healthy meals about 2 weeks ago. It takes up a LOT of my time, because there's so much more preparation of the foods, plus cooking and all that other BS. That's sort of why I never started it before now. I have a deadline though. Tammy and Peter are getting married overseas. The last time I was invited to a wedding of epic proportions (well to me, anyway) it was in simple to get to Victoria, and the tax man cut off my proverbial balls at the last possible second, rendering me almost penniless and ready to scream. The sadness I felt while writing the email explaining that I couldn't go is a feeling I won't forget for a while. This time, though the car is still a pile of unsafe shit, I have more money in the savings account than I've had in a long while. It's nice to know that I can afford to go, but because it's a tropical island, there's no way I'm going in my current condition. I was planning on waiting until I moved to the new place, but I'm not sure where this new place will be, and since the community centre is all of 5 blocks from my house, there's no reason I can't buy some drop in tickets, at least to get started. That way I'll know what I'm looking for in a routing, and can start actively looking for a workout buddy.

Either way, it's happening.

Time to switch gears again!

For some strange reason, in the last month and a bit I have practically had to beat the boys off with a stick. There's 2 reasons why the 2 that are hounding me are no good for me, which is why I've said no over and over and over again. Those reasons will remain unstated, as they both work with me (?? wtf is with that???). Believe me when I say it...those reasons are enough for ANYONE to say no...or at least those in their right minds. Having someone attracted to you is the neatest thing. Having them hound you about it and constantly email you though, that's something else entirely. Either way it's under control now, for the one guy. I think he got the hint at least. The other one on the other hand...sheesh. I'll find a way to get him to lay off.

Last gear switch!

Tomorrow (or should I say later on tonight) the Burning Crusade, xpac for World of Warcraft, will be waiting for my friend to pick up at midnight. I pre-ordered it today while on my way to work. I'd thought about ordering it before, but when I was at EB Games, they told me they were expecting 300 copies, and only 200 had been pre-ordered. So I thought, meh, why not. A buddy from work is getting his copy the same night from the same location, so I am dispatching a friend to pick him up, so neither is alone while waiting in line.

Basically I'm saying if you try to contact me during my 6 days off starting in T minus 3 days, it better be a /w Aurianna on Khadgar, or else I won't be responding.

Off I go to dream of my BE Priest....

Christmas Wrap Up

2006-12-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

I spent most of the day worrying about my first attempt ever to make a turkey. I thought it was going okay, because the oven was on, and no fire had started. I was using the wrong element, which I discovered when after an hour, the oven barely had any heat and the turkey was not the least bit cooked.

I turned it up by about 200 degrees, and then the top of the turkey started to burn. I turned the bottom element on, and the bottom of the turkey started to burn. After many calls to all my moms, I finally lifted the oven rack up by one and turned it down by 100 degrees. It finally started to heat up without burning or sizzling or anything.

I sat down to watch a movie, and 1.5 hours into it, the sister showed up with more boxes of Stove Top stuffing. You're supposed to be able to stuff at least 2 packages into the turkey, but that wasn't happening. I think I got all of 3/4 of one package in there, and it was going all over the place, the sink, the floor, the counter.

I gave up on that and figured we could make it on the stove. The turkey was cooking well in the bag, but I wanted to make sure that it was cooking evenly, so I went to turn it in the pan. When I did so, a bunch of grease that had piled up in the back of the pan dripped directly onto the element at the bottom, which was 350+ degrees. So, a huge fire started that soon put itself out.

Not soon enough though. I am terrified of dying in a fire, and terrified of fire itself (except camping fires, I'm fine with those), so out of terribly fast reflex, I grabbed the oven rack (keep in mind, this rack was under the turkey, so it was probably 350+ degrees as well) and pulled the rack towards me, to get it away from the fire.

I then pulled my hand off the rack LIGHTENING QUICK as I had just burned the shit out of my entire hand. I would have taken pictures of the burns but it was very gross. I will definitely have scars from this event, that's for sure.

Anyway, the guests started to arrive about an hour after I burned my hand. The fire scared me enough that I took the turkey out of the oven completely, left the door a little bit open in case a fire happened again, and turned the oven off. See? I told you I was scared.

Sue came in and saved the day by using the turkey baster I'd asked her to bring to drain a ton of the juices out of the pan, so we could heat up the oven again and get that sucker back in there.

After the potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cheese sauce, and gravy were done, we carved the turkey and served er up. It was awesome, the meat was falling off the bone and was tender and juicy. Everything else turned out well as well.

After that we opened presents and started playing with the gifts we got. My sister's friend's sister found some of the body art jewels that I bought for Shaunn for the roomie Christmas, and put them on my brother:

Nik, originally uploaded by Neroausity.

Mr. McNeil, originally uploaded by Neroausity.

We were still in the midst of opening presents, but because a few people were taking a break, I tried to get a good shot of Sue:

Miz Sue, originally uploaded by Neroausity.

She was in the midst of explaining to me why she hates having her picture taken, and that she rarely smiles when someone has a camera pointed at her. Ahh well, it's not a direct shot, but it looks good anyway.

Overall the night was a smashing success. We had beers, presents, turkey, and ice cream cake, as one of our guests had a birthday the night before and was too hung over to eat the cake, so they brought it with them. I was in bed by I think midnight. Everything went over a little TOO well. I am ALMOST thinking about doing this again next year. Am I insane?

Okay.

2006-12-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

So, things are a bit better now, although the cat is sooooome pissed at her shitty situation. See, she's not allowed to jump on anything, because if she jumps off again, she can break the broken bones again. She's also not allowed out of my room, which quite possibly ended her life, as the dog is allowed everywhere. We can't risk that he will chase her again, because she will jump up onto the Ledge Of Doom again and will fall again and this time will have 1.2 legs to hold her up. Can you spell "I-can't-afford-$300-again"?

So we are dealing the best we can, I have been feeding her an unholy amount of wet food, which sadly causes her poop to become soft, and because the cast is all the way to the end of her foot, she can't feel when she accidentally steps in the poop, and therefore runs around my room (and on my bed, and all the way up the side of the bed) with poop streamer behind her, marking up her 'territory'.

In other news, I had my Shaw Digital Phone installed today. Actually it was installed a month ago, but I got a phone number today. Sadly, it knocked the other phone offline as well. So now we have NO phone. Needless to say, the technician is on his way back to my house (or will be within the next hour) to get us back up and running. I personally think it's just our two cordless phones + a shitty Telus wireless router (that has caused us issues before), but before I blame any one peice of equipment, I want the tech to diagnose the issue. He had trouble getting a dialtone when he was here earlier, and he said it was because of the plate they installed last time they were here. If he pushed in a single wire on the plate, BOOM, we had dialtone.

Anyway, hopefully he gets here soon, I haven't finished my Christmas mailing, and since one card was returned (with the CORRECT ADDRESS ON IT (thanks, Canada Post, assholes)) I have to re-envelope that one and re-postage it to get it back. However, due to CPC being overloaded this time of year, things take forever, so my best friends will NOT be receiving their awesome Christmas card that I waited more than 2 months to send (Costco gets their handmade cards SUPER EARLY). If I'd known the jackass letter carrier, I would have smacked them upside the head, driven to Coquitlam, and delivered the fucking thing myself. Aaaaanyway.

What a fucking NIGHTMARE

2006-12-19T00:54:00.000-08:00

Wow. I don't even know where to start.

We had the Christmas with the roommates last night. It was great and everyone had an awesome time up until my cat fell. And fell REALLY FUCKING FAR. There is this ledge in our place that at it's deepest point, reaches all the way to the bottom of the bottom flight of stairs. I hope I am explaining this properly...

Anyway, a very unfortunate series of events took place next:

One of my dear friends who came over put her purse on the ledge right up against the edge where my cat normally goes when the dog chases her, to get it out of the way, so the dog wouldn't try and eat anything inside it, and so no one would step on it.

Unfortunately the dog engaged in his normal activity of chasing the cat, and she went to jump up on the ledge. The purse was in the way, and when she jumped up, because it's super pliable leather, she tried to find purchase and couldn't, which means she fell of the ledge.

She ran and hid, which everyone assured me was normal. She had fallen a long way, and was scared shitless, so she ran and hid under one of the roommate's bed. She wasn't wining or anything so I figured it was okay.

She ran upstairs after about 3 hours, and one of the roommates noticed that she was limping. I was worried, so I went into my room, where she chose to hide under the bed. After a while, she came out enough so we could look at her. Her back paw was VERY swollen, and when my sister felt it, she said it felt like there were bones sticking out.

We took her to the vet today, and $300 later, it was deduced that she did indeed break 2 bones in her leg (right before where her feet are attached). So tonight she is spending the night at the vet because they had to give her general anaesthesia to knock her out while they set the bones back into place. This means no running no being chased by the dog no NOTHING for at least a month. Which also means I am NEVER going to get any sleep, because when she wants out, she scratches the door until I let her out. I have used spray bottles with water in them, plugging the bottom of the door with a towel, EVERYTHING. Nothing deters this kitty. So now she will be running around in my room only with a splint and a cone on her head for 30 days. After that I have to stuff her back in the cat carrier (which is always fun) to take her back to the vet so he can decide whether or not it's okay to take the split off. That means another $120 Xray to determine whether the bones have fused back together or not.

Sadly, because I don't handle extremely worrying situations well, I pretty much ruined the rest of the night because I was in a terrible mood. I also snapped at one of my best friends. I apologized today, but I still feel bad that I ruined everyone's night. It wasn't anyone's fault which makes this even harder to deal with because I don't have anyone to blame. Sometimes screaming at someone or at least explaining why you are upset can help, but there isn't a single person who wants to hear it. Or needs to, for that matter.

As I was saying, I was initally relieved that I knew what was wrong and that she wasn't going to die (although the way I reacted last night you'd think my cat just did die), so I thought, okay, I'll head with Brooke to her doctor's appt so she could get more painkillers, and then I'll head to work and decorate.

I went home, packed the car FULL with my decoration boxes and the stereo I bought for us to use at work, and on my way there, I got rear ended.

I.

Got.

Rear.

Ended.

When the fuck is my terrible fucking luck going to end? am I really that horrible of a person that I deserve this shit?

This on top of all the stress I'm feeling at work because I can't handle my boss was the last thing I needed.

I just need my car to die, which will be the best ending ever to this year.

Christ.

Since I have nothing better to talk about...

2006-12-16T04:22:00.000-08:00

PROCRASTINATION MEME
This is a meme from Clare at Ink and Incapability.

Explain what ended your last relationship? A relationship? What's that like?

When was the last time you shaved? This morning.

What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.? I was getting up to pee, and listening to a roommate apologize for waking me up (though it wasn't her fault; I really had to pee.

What were you doing 15 minutes ago? I was outside smoking.

Are you any good at math? Not a chance.

Your prom night, what do you remember about it? We arrived to the dry grad in a very nice car that kept my bum warm due to it's heated seats. There were raffles for many nice prizes, and I didn't win anything. My date left to get beer for us for later, and wasn't allowed back in (fucking Catholic schools and their rigid regulations).

Do you have any famous ancestors? Nope.

Have you had to take a loan out for school? Since I have no college degree, I'd say no.

Last thing received in the mail? A Christmas card from one of my best friends who now lives 10.5 hours away from me (bitch)

How many different beverages have you had today? Well it's 4:25am, and I've had a Pepsi, coffee, and now I'm drinking water and hot chocolate.

Do you ever leave messages on people’s answering machine? All the time, especially my sister's.

Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to? New Kids On The Block

Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? If I visit a beach before I die, I will do that.

What’s the most painful dental procedure you’ve had? Well the only one I can really remember is the one that took place less than 2 months ago. I had 1 tooth removed because it was more of a battleground than a tooth.

What is out your back door? Grass? We don't really have a back door, just a side one.

Any plans for Friday night? This Friday I will probably be sleeping.

Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? I've never had ocean water in my hair. However, rain water does WONDERS.

Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns? No, but I've thought about buying them for others.

Have you ever been to a planetarium? I think so. I'm not sure where...somewhere in Saskatoon.

Do you re-use towels after you shower? Yes, but only once.

Some things you are excited about? The Christmas Roommate Extravaganza we are having this Sunday (more on that later).

What is your favorite flavor of JELL-O? Not a big JELL-O fan.

Describe your keychain(s)? My friend's family went back to Saskatchewan last year (I think for Christmas). When they came back, I was given an SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) safety pack. Inside was a keychain. I now use that one, and another one with a green push button light on it, that has come in handy more times than I care to remember.

Where do you keep your change? I don't, I spend it.

When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people? When I held a team meeting for the last time to say goodbye to my agents in Kamloops, as I was moving back to Kelowna for the job I have now (BEST MOVE I EVER MADE, WOW).

What kind of winter coat do you own? It isn't so much a winter coat as a cool weather coat that I don't want to replace because I love it. It says Coca-Cola on it (even though I drink Pepsi). I won it at a Christmas party 2 years ago when I worked at the Ramada in the banquest section.

What was the weather like on your graduation day? It was a nice night I think.

Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed? I want the door to be closed, but my cat seems to think too much interesting stuff is happening to be cooped up all night (even though most of the time she sleeps on my bed with me and doesn't move until I do). If I close it, she will scratch at it and not give up until I open it. I don't even bother with the water bottle and all that. She'll do what she wants when she wants.

You know what?

2006-12-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have always wondered something: When someone sets up text messaging on their wireless phone, and they get trivia questions and things in their inbox, what happens when they can't spell?

WOW.

2006-12-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

I had an amazing time at my birthday party. We started off at my house, where we had appys and kinda chilled out (oh, and I opened presents, all of which were AWESOME) until it was time to bowl. I was already feeling kinda happy when I got there, and was VERY happy by the time we left. One of the roommates met us there, and my buddy called his brother to meet us. Off to the bar we were. The live band there was not only shitty, they were a complete cover band. Normally I wouldn't mind, except the lead singer couldn't sing worth a shit, and there was no flow to their music at all. Many shots were purchased for me, and many hugs were given. After that, we headed back to my place, where we continued to drink and eat nachos and cheese courtesy the roommates, who are awesome. I don't think I've been that drunk in a long freaking time, and while I really beat myself up the next day (I was so sick I couldn't stop puking, and I missed my birthday present from one of the roommates (tickets to Anne of Green Gables)), I still had an excellent time. I wasn't quite aware of how good a time I had until today, when I saw the pictures. Wow.

OMG OMG OMG

2006-11-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

I am going to be 29 in 4 days. This is the age where no one believes you're this age because you simply MUST be lying, and actually be 30.

The ONLY good thing about this age? I thought I'd have WAY MORE gray hair. Go me!

Interestingness

2006-11-17T17:17:00.000-08:00

I've had the craziest couple of weeks. At work it's probably been the 3 most fascinating weeks I've ever experienced in my life. The cable world is insane. I can't believe how much more there is to the technology that what I'd originally thought. Either way, the training for my new position hasn't been structured at all, but what I've learned I will be able to use in the new position, so at least there's that.

Car wise it's still making a rubbing noise which I figured was because the protective covering that protects the wheels from shooting rocks into my oil pan had broken, but after Shaunn looked at it he deduced that it's just that the bolts had come out. Tomorrow morning at 8am I have an appt at RPM Automotive to have them find out where the squealing is coming from, and just to take an overall look at it, to see if it's worth hanging onto, or if I should be considering this Mercury Topaz that my brother doesn't want anymore. I think he will give it to me (and I'll pay him $200 when I can) as long as I fix the oil pan, which he destroyed by driving WAY TOO FAST on his girlfriend's street, which was experiencing massive construction on the roads.

Electronically, my monitor that I got with a computer at an auction type thing at my old job quit 3 nights ago. I had just finished moving my computer tower, as it was getting hot. I noticed that the side fan wasn't doing much of anything, as I have the air flow inside the case set up so a lot of heat is ejected through the side, and it was leaned up RIGHTAGAINST my entertainment centre. So I tilted the tower a bit to give it more room to breathe, and unfortunately right after that the monitor stopped working. I didn't have time to deal with it until today, thinking it wasn't a big deal as the cord probably became unplugged in the back (which has happened many times before), but after all the troubleshooting I can think of, I can't get a picture to come up. The monitor was probably 8 years old anyway, and was used all day every day in a call centre, so it's no surprise that it went. Just glad I love the dual monitor setup, as I still have a monitor that works. Sadly, I love the dual monitor setup, and am feeling awfully cramped.

In other news, I have recently started listening to Army of Anyone, and WOW they are insane. The bad is a mish mash of formerly popular bands, with the lead singer of Filter, and the bassist and guitarist of Stone Temple Pilots. I have had this CD with me for all of 2 days and I have noticed I am singing the songs in my sleep. These guys will do well.

In more 'other news' 2 nights ago I was at Shaunn's house having dinner. Brendan of the awesome band Retrograde has been there for a few months off and on, and while Shaunn was burning something for me, Brendan came downstairs to chat with us. Shaunn mentioned that I'm not a huge fan of Muse, so him and Brendan played a bit of a HUGE concert they put on last year in Glastonbury. I have to say that for 3 people in a band, they have phenominal HUGE sound. I think I may have to watch that entire concert and try their music out again. Shaunn has been trying to get me into it for a long time now (ever since he started liking them) and I wasn't really interested. Now that I've seen them in action, I hum a song or two every once in a while and imagine them on stage, which is usually the first step towards fandom. As well Brendan played me 3 or 4 new Retrograde songs that weren't totally finished but still sounded good. I am loving the direction they're taking. Hopefully the album will be out in the early new year for my sister and I to play until we almost hate it. That typically means a tour...and more chances for my Digital Rebel XT to shine.

This weekend is shaping up to be a busy one, last night I worked 7:30am - 4pm, and then came back at 10:30pm and worked until 6am. I was not required to come in today, which was awesome, and I got to do something no one else has done. Saturday I have the appt for my car, and then after that Brooke and I were invited to Brooke's friend's parent's house for dinner (the friend still lives in Alberta). They are simply the cutest British parents ever. I can't wait to see them again.

Finally, I will leave Earl with this thought (since he's the only one who reads this site):

I am NOT impressed with this fucking bullshit the TV networks are pulling where they play an extremely popular show for 3-4 months, and then kill it with the promise of coming back 6-18 weeks later. Who the fuck do they think they're playing around with? I don't care about your fucking dropping ratings, I care about my shows. If you want to see the ratings go down further, keeo doing what you're doing. And why the fuck isn't 24 starting until the new year? Bastards.

I wish I had more to report.

2006-11-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

I don't really, other than normal rambling. This Monday I am off, which gives me a 3 day weekend. Normally I'd be happy about this, but I get so god damned bored all the time.

I think I like being in training at work with no end date. Too bad we haven't trained anything yet. Guess I'll enjoy the Mon-Fri 8-4:30 while it lasts.

Nothing new on the home front, except that I bought 2 Christmas presents over the weekend and then came home only to discover that I have NOWHERE to store this stuff that potential 'interested eyes' CAN'T see it. Dammit.

In other news, my blogroll is old and needs more new interesting stuff. Anyone have any suggestions of good reads?

Woot!

2006-10-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

WOW, thanks to the amazing HTML skills of Dirk, my site looks much better! There's still some things I don't get about it, but oh well, at least the pictures don't overlap in Firefox anymore! Yay! Thanks!!!!

In other news, I've received money from work (yay for petty cash!) to shop for Hallowe'en decorations! I also get to look for a tote to hold everything in, which is awesome. My sister and I have a date for my day off, which is this Sunday to shop until we drop. I can't believe I've been at this company for all of 3 months and they're handing me cash to do things like this! They've also got cash ready to go for Christmas, which is even better!

In the next post, look for pictures of all the pretty things I bought at Home Sense, all for a reasonable price.

Work wise things are going as well as they can be, but we STILL have not heard about the new job. I am hoping that soon we will, as I think we are all getting tired of waiting!

Home wise things are well as well. The roommates are out of town visiting friends, and the other roommate that's left is working overnights, so it's like having the house to myself. It looks like I have this Friday/Saturday off, which is nice, but it's not enough time for me to be able to visit my friends in Van. It sucks, my schedule is all over the place from one week to the next. I'm glad I get a Sunday off though, because Sundays are the best days to relax and have a good time with family (kinda like Christmas!).

And finally, the cat is doing well. She's in a very lovey mood today, so I think possibly some her and me time in front of the TV is in order.

This site looks like ASS in Firefox.

2006-10-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

I missed my cat's third birthday, which was yesterday. And I didn't realize until today that I chose her BIRTHDAY to tackle her with my friend and chop her nails off. WORST. MOTHER. EVER.

Does anyone have any idea why this site looks so bad in Firefox? In IE the Flickr pics I post don't overlap the Flickr updating notifier thingie on the right hand side, but in Firefox they do. Help?

My WOW Character

2006-10-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

My WOW Character, originally uploaded by Neroausity.

I have been spending some time playing my new character in WOW. I doubt it will be a 60 before Burning Crusade comes out, but I'll try. I saw the South Parl episode where they make fun of WOW, and it was damn funny. They did an eerily good job of protraying what I also think is the average WOW player. I know there's all types that play, but I still thought it was funny how horrible all the kids looked by the time they were done doing what they were doing. I thought the whole "sword of 1000 truths" would turn into this annoying thing in the actual game, but other than a few people here and there, relatively few people actually pretended to have this sword. Thank god.

I'm still waiting to hear on the position I applied for, and the wait is getting arduous. I know they said 'by this Wednesday' but I don't think they mean it. It's like it's fun to watch me sprout more grey hairs over this or something.

Thanksgiving was alright, I'm nursing a nasty cold, so it could have been better. At work we did a pot luck type of thing, which was fun, and surprisingly good. I brought 3 bags of chips, and make 5 dozen cookies, which were a huge hit. Other people brought cases of pop, hallowe'en candy, and someone made what he calls "turkey cups". Basically it's a mini turkey dinner in a baked into a piece of bread that was stuff into a muffin tin. It was really good. I've never had anything like that before, so it was kinda neat.

After work I went for a drink with a friend, and then came home to bed. I thought I was going to fall over, I was so tired. The great thing about being sick is that your body is so tired from fighting off cold germs it's pretty easy to get to bed at night. I've been loving all the sleep I've been getting. If only I had enough energy to complete my household tasks...

The other day while having a smoke while on break, someone came out and mentioned that she was looking at the calendar, and realized it's only 6 paycheques until Christmas. Ack. 6 isn't a lot. I am hoping to be done by end of November, not including impulse buys and possibly a stocking for my sister. We'll see what happens with the new job and the money and all that. This place we're living in right now it huge, so it cost a lot to cool off in the summer, and will cost a lot in the winter to heat. I paid $150 for the power a few days ago, and I've still got more than enough left, so I should be alright.

I apologize to anyone who cares (though I'm thinking I don't have any readers left) for not updating lately. I have been stressting about this new job, and trying to get other things sorted out. I will update more, I promise!

Wednesday

2006-09-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

I seem to have a lot of Wednesdays off. There is no reason for it, I just end up getting those days off. Wednesdays are good and bad days to have off, as the roommate has them off as well. I never quite know what to do when she's off, as she reads for most of the morning and then there's a flurry of activity until it's time for bed. I, however, prefer to get all my stuff done early on, and have no plans for the rest of the day. The reason for this is that if something popped up mid afternoon, it would be okay, as I'd have gotten everything done already, and have made room for an interruption in my plans. See how that works?

Last night when I went to start my car so I could take it home from work, the following pattern ensued:

Start Car.

Car Dies.

Start Car.

Car Dies.

Wash rinse repeat FOUR MORE TIMES. I finally got fed up, pulled the e-brake to stop it from rolling, and tried to start it by giving it some gas. THEN, it went.

So now I'm wondering what the problem is. It seems like it's a starter/fuel pump/fuel filter/ignition switch. So the next question is, how do I get it fixed without paying through the nose? Does a place that actually does good work without trying to put you on social assistance even exist out here? Anyone?

Canyon

2006-09-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

September is change month, and always has been for me. I don't know if it's because it was the month everyone always went back to school, or what. What I do know, is that the most major changes in my life happen in September. Usually.

This year I moved back to K-town in July, and started at a company I've been trying to get onto for 10 years. Yes, 10 years.

This month, I applied for a new position in that company. My interview was last week, and my boss said that he knew who did and didn't get the positions, but he was in no position to divulge. Bastard.

I thought it would be the month I would quit smoking, but it isn't looking like it's happening. I have a 3 day stint off for the last Mon/Tues/Wed of the month, and although I've been trying VERY HARD to get to the point where I am sick of smoking and ready to quit, it isn't happening. It's too bad I always have to get to the point where I have so little money I am actually thinking about which one is more important: nicoteine, or groceries. How effin' sick is that?!?

Sadly that isn't the first time I've considered that.

In other news, I finally got myself a cell phone, on a real plan, that isn't pay as you go. That's nice, as it helps build credit, and I won't have to think about how much time I have used on the card, and I can pay a monthly fee and actually be able to upgrade and downgrade the service whenever I want. Sure, it cost me $200 because of the bad credit, but my dear sister was nice enough to provide me her CC number so I could get it. Now, as long as I'm not a dumbass, and go an quit my job over something retarded, or go and get my ass fired from this place, I should be alright. However, this might not be a good thing, as I've had it all of 3 days and I'm thinking about upgrading the plan. Not a good thing.

Either way life surprisingly is good right now, though I'm still depressed and need some things to change. I'm not enjoying my camera near as much as I should be. There was no composition in this shot at all, and look at it:

Canyon, originally uploaded by Neroausity.

It's too bad that all the smoke from the raging fires in Washington has been dirtying my beautiful town. Course, that's not to say the massive fire we had didn't dirty up American soil, as I know it did, but still. For once we are fairly LARGE FIRE free, and I was hoping I'd be able to breathe one clean breath while outside. Guess not.

Fort St. John is the place to be

2006-08-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just finished talking with a friend who visited another friend of ours in Fort St. John, and it seems that the place is teeming with high paying jobs.

She told me that most of the restaurants there, as an example, close early every night because they just don't have the staff to fill the positions. It also seems that it's a nice little town.

Now my friends are thinking of moving there, as our old boss got a job there a few months ago at the oil & gas company, and loves it. They already have a place to stay, and it looks like they've both got jobs already. All they have to do is move and it's all good.

I am still thinking this stupid town isn't the right place for me. It's almost like the fucking place is telling me to move back home to Saskatchewan, as BC obviously isn't the right province for me.

The reason I say this, is there's more issues with my car. Lately it has been stalling right after I start it, almost as if there isn't enough gas passing through to keep it running. It doesn't stall after that, it drives just fine, but it's worrying all the same. I talked to my car buddy and explained what was happening with it, and he said it was either a leak in the fuel line, which he really thinks it is, or the fuel pump, or a faulty ignition switch. I doubt it's the switch though, because it starts fine, it just doesn't stay running until I start it a second time. There's that, and then there's also the fact that I can smell gas, and it's a very obvious smell as well, very strong inside the car. My car buddy gave me a test to try, so tomorrow afternoon I will do that and see what happens. I guess he will be able to determine what's what once he has a chance to hear the result of the test.

I am just praying that it isn't the fuel pump, as for Hondas they tend to run around the $400 range. What is it with this flippin car and $400 repairs? I CANNOT AFFORD THIS DAMMIT!

In other news, I am trying to sell my camera. I love it and it's beautiful, but there's nothing I can do at this point. It appears my bad luck in Kelowna has struck again. It's just so....coincidental (?) that 3 days before I move back, the gov't starts to garnishee my wages. Then I get into town, and my car decides it hates the alternator, so I get to pay $400 for that. There hasn't been anything major since then, but keep in mind I've lived here all of 1.5 months, and this is already what's happened. The future, she ain't so bright.

Sorry.

2006-08-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

It seems I haven't updated in a while. I also haven't played WOW in a while either. I promise an update and much more WOW playing is in the near future (tomorrow). I promise!

I am an idiot.

2006-07-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

Canada Day turned out not to be all that great. Or at least, Cold Driven wasn't. Their performance was alright, but it wasn't near what it was the last time I saw them in Vernon. But then, it was like +90 degrees outside, which might have killed the lead singer's voice, who knows. I just know we walked an awful long time in the stifling heat to hear a band we all liked, only to finally get there, sweat for 35 minutes, and then walk all the way back. I wasn't impressed by the time I got home. We then had a BBQ with a bunch of people I didn't know, who turned out to be very nice. They cooked our dinner, then took all the burgers my sister bought (that I was planning on using for supper for at least the next week) and put them in their freaking hotel room, NOT IN A FRIDGE. According to my sister, who went to their hotel room, they had only checked in earlier that day, and the place was a disgusting mess. But still, even though dude cooked our food for us, it doesn't mean he can take all the food he can see. I'm fucking broke as can be, and I really needed that food, and now it's gone. Ass.

I won't talk about work as I don't want to get fired, but I LOVE that place. I learned a hell of a lot today thanks to a tour I was invited to be part of. I got to see something I've never seen before, and it was awesome. My job rules.

Canada Day Celebrations and More

2006-06-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an odd couple of days. Yesterday was a really bad one, as my alternator went. I have very little money as I am transitioning b/wn jobs right now, and with rent and moving expenses and all that, it hasn't been fun. The used alternator that the dude at the shop tried to acquire for me didn't work, so I was left to buy a new one. After taxes and shop fees, it came to $370. Ouch.

Now I need a new valve cover gasket, because if I don't get one, the 2 year warranty on the alternator will be void, as the oil that's leaking out is dripping directly onto the brand new alternator. I should know better than to buy used cars from people I don't know. At leas the grey car I had before actually had very little issues. I don't know why the hell I ever got rid of that car, that was a stupid move. I guess I was just sick of driving an automatic.

I'm sure the next thing to go will be the clutch, as I don't know how old it is, but I know it's old enough that I need to be concerned with something like that. Hopefully it will wait until after I've come back from Vancouver, but knowing my luck, that won't happen. Maybe I'll look into that second job I've been thinking about. There's a place here called Trail Appliances that wants a secretary one day a week, only on Saturdays. It's too bad I don't quite know what my shift will be at Shaw, or I'd definitely apply, or would have applied yesterday.

In other news the famdamily has decided they are coming over for a BBQ on July 1st, which is tomorrow. I'll be spending today doing some deeper cleaning, and then sweeping all the floors tomorrow before they get here. There's a bunch of concerts in the park tomorrow, one of which we are definitely going to see, and that's Cold Driven. They opened up for Retrograde last time we saw them play, which was in Vernon. It was an awesome show on both parts, and I purchased a CD that night that hasn't left my disc player in 4 months. Hopefully they'll have some new stuff to deliver tomorrow.

It's actually kind of odd how excited I am to see them. It's almost like seeing my favorite band for the first time. Retrograde will always be my favourite, but I didn't know a single song of Cold Driven's, and now I know all of them on the disc, so it will be neat to see which parts of their songs they change when they're live. Should be good.

Stupid Car

2006-06-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

I went to do downtown today to take some pictures of Ben's wedding, and out of nowhere the oil light came on. I turned around and hit the first gas station I saw, which was 7-11. I bought 2 litres of oil, poured them in, then checked the dipstick. Nothing. didn't even register that there was oil on there. I went back in and bought another litre, and then it showed up. I thought everything was fine, so I went to the park where the wedding was. I ran back to my car to grab some more water because it was SO hot out there, and I noticed that there was a huge oil puddle under my car. Uh oh. Checked the dipstick, and sure enough, there was no oil registering again. So I grabbed an extra litre of oil I missed earlier that was in my hatch, and poured it in. I barely got home. The oil light flickered off and on the whole way, and when I got home I called the only mechanic I know. He was unfortunately in Chilliwack for his girlfriend's birthday and said he couldn't look at the car until Monday, which unfortunately is the day I'm schedule to move out of town. Fuck.

Moving sucks.

2006-06-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I do this to myself, but I always do. This has to be at least the 15th time that I've moved since I left my mom's place. To be honest, I've lost count by now.

I am moving back to K-town, which is awesome. I got the job at the company I've wanted to work for since I new they existed. Awesomer. I am living with awesome people in what sounds like an awesome house in downtown K-town. Awesomest.

However, I have a lot less time to pack than I thought I would. We had figured that the roommates would come from Alberta and unload everything, then go from K-town to the Loops where I am, get all my big stuff, and head back. Then I received word today that no, in fact, they threw out a lot of CRAP and made tons of room in the truck, so we can take everything at once. This would normally be great, except that instead of having all day Thursday to finish packing the things that can't fit into my car, my time was shortened by 10 hours. That's not bad though, as I managed to take down my bookshelf and my computer desk. All that's left now, which I can do tomorrow, is my entertainment centre. That will be a shitty job, as will the bed (especially because it only became my bed when I moved in this place) but mostly because I've never taken the thing apart, so I'm not sure how it will work. The new roomies will be able to help me figure it out though. It also sounds as if we may have some extra help when we get everything down to K-town. My friend from there was originally going to come with the roomie to get all my stuff, but now that they're stopping in on their way out, there's no reason for him to do so. I left some messages for him asking him if he'd help us once we got into town, but I haven't received an answer yet.

The last few days at work have been insane. Absolute chaos. We received a new contract on Friday without anyone really knowing, a 24 hour contract, and within 1 day we had 2 people gearing up to start the training, which begins on Monday. As well, although many people filled out applications, not many handed them in, so the two of us went around harrassing people until we met our quota. I felt bad for my friend though; she got there at 6:30, and didn't leave until 5:15. And tomorrow they have their first client call, where they will finally have the answers to the questions they've had for a long time now (3 days).

As well, 2 people left my team yesterday and today, and another gave his notice for 2 weeks from now. A fourth also said by the end of August he'd be gone as well. If I wasn't leaving the company completely, I'd totally head over to the other side, as it's the shift I've wanted for a very long time, and to be part of a new piece of business is great for the ole resume. That's okay though, I think my resume more than speaks for itself at this time, especially since I got the job I wanted.

Our bathroom sink is broken right now. It's been more and more sluggish draining water in the last couple of weeks, and then all of a sudden BLAMO. The roommate goes to fix it, turns one piece of the pipe to get it cleared out, and the completely rusted out pipe splits all the way to the wall. Unfortunately this means we have to wait for the World's Worst Landlords to come over or at least TRY and make an appointment to fix anything, which probably won't happen until I've moved. Unfortunately, that means we are brushing teeth and washing faces in the kitchen sink, which to me, is just gross.

I think I've got around 1-3 boxes left to pack (the little stuff never looks like much until you try and fit it into a box) and then I'm done. Yippeeeeeee!

got it!

2006-06-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

I got the job. I start July 1st.

Awesome.

2006-05-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was bored, so I thought it would be a good idea to head to Kelowna. I made this decision at the last minute, and though I tried very hard to find time to look at homes, it wasn't happening. We were busy from the time I got there until I left. We hit a most delicious barbecue in quite possibly the most comfortable home I've ever been in in my life. We ate moose! For dinner! It was great! Brooke and I also went on a photography trip right before I left town to Carrs Landing. We had a nice walk, and I got a few cute pictures. Then I drove home and while on the way discovered a horrible new rattle. It sounds like there's a rattlesnake in the bottom of my car trying to get out but can't.

Still no call from dream company. *sigh*

Update!

2006-05-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

2 days ago, I had an interview for a position I applied for in Kelowna. It's a company I've wanted to work for for many many years now. Ask anyone who knows me; this is the place for me. It's a good reputable company with much opportunity for advancement, which was why I've wanted to work there forever and a day. Plus, I love all the services they offer, including the new one coming up in the next month or so. I hope I get this position, as I think it would rule, and would be a great excuse for me to move back to my home.

Last night my friends and I decided at 7pm that it would be a good idea to drive 2 hours to my home and play some games at the gaming centre they have there. They have batting cages, indoor and outdoor mini-golf, bumper cars, and video games. I only spent $17 and managed to waste 2 hours. It was great fun.

We went for coffee at a place I've been to many times before, and didn't get home until 4am. I slept well last night for the first time in around 3 weeks. Now that the interview is over, I don't have to worry about whether or not they will even call for an interview. Now I'm on the other side of it, waiting for 'the' call, 7-10 days from now. I don't like the waiting, but I understand the reasons why, so I'll just wait patiently and hope it goes my way.

I've been reading many articles of this home town of mine, and it's unbelievable the change that's occurred lately. Housing prices are ridiculous, and the unemployment rate is so low they could not report it statistically in January. It currently sits at 4%. The same is happening in the town I'm in right now. Employers are posting help wanted signs everywhere you look. However, the market is for skilled labour. If you are skilled in cabinetry, this town is the place to be. You will basically have your choice of employer, and will be able to afford to live anywhere you want. Since there's so few employables in the town, people are scrounging for employees and are almost willing to pay anything you ask for.

Today in the paper they were saying that a house purchased 5 years ago would have gone for $155, 000. Now, you'd easily get $355, 000 for it. Insane.

Harsh.

2006-05-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

The weather has spiked to an already uncomfortable 31 Celsius. Fires are burning everywhere, the worst of which is at Cache Creek. It's already the size of 7 football fields.

Tonight is Chris' birthday. I came home at 6:30 to an already drunk roommate. Good times, good times.

Well.

2006-05-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

I would have updated by now, but nothing is happening. I definitely did not get that job at Shaw that I wanted so bad, in fact I didn't even get an interview. So, I'm just floating through life here, wishing something would change soon. Sorry.

Back and Forth

2006-04-26T22:48:00.000-07:00

So I applied for the job, which I think I mentioned before. No word yet, and I am not expecting any word. I keep going back and forth, one minute it's a great idea for me to move, the next it's stupid, and why the hell would I leave, I've got it good here, and blah blah blah.

Indecision is always a big part of leaving...

The thing I worry about the most is that I'll fail if I move back. I've had tough times in the past when moving back there, and though my family is there and I know I want to go back, what if I do get the job and then get fired because of total incompetence? Gah.

Sick :(

2006-04-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have not had a good couple of days recently. I thought everything was fine until 2 days ago, when my friend Nola was in town. We went for lunch and for dinner, and almost immediately, my stomach was upset. This is nothing new, as it gets upset a lot. But then the next night I went for a barbecue and had almost the same dinner as the night before, only in a smaller portion, and with mashed potatoes instead of fries.

See, I've been trying to eat healthier lately. I don't want to eat out anymore, and I want to make sure that when I do, it's healthy food. And rather than eat the same thing every morning for breakfast, and the same thing for lunch, I have been mixing it up, making egg white omelettes in the morning, and trying to remember to cook foods the night before so I can have something different for lunch.

However, today before work my stomach was so upset I almost called in sick. This is the worst I remember it ever being, and it kind of worried me. I still went to work, but around an hour later I left and went to the doctor.

He was a South African gentleman, and seemed nice, but didn't introduce himself when he came into the room, he just started reviewing the issues I'd covered off with the assistant earlier. He asked me if I'd ever had my stool tested for parasites, and when I said no, I instantly regretted it, because guess what I have to do?

He also recommended that I drink Metamucil every single day for the next week or so, and continue on with the Immodium I've been taking, to see if that helps. Tomorrow morning I have to drop off the sample at the lab, and then we'll go from there. I'm sure everything will turn out fine, and I think the doctor is too, because he didn't seem too worried about my symptoms. He thinks it is just IBS, which is something I've been suspecting for a while now. My family thinks it's all in my head, as they do with most things, and to be honest I'm glad it has a label. I'm tired of telling them that, no, really, it's not within my control, this is something that actually has a real definition.

Nothing has ever made me feel so old as the Metamucil suggestion though. I don't mind, except the only flavour I could find was Orange, and not being a huge Orange-flavoured-anything fan will make it tough for me to choke down.

Ahh well. For now all I can do is wait and hope nothing terrible comes back from the lab. Wish me luck.

So.

2006-04-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

My dream job was just posted. I will not be updating in the next week as I will be working on a cover letter and resume that will knock their socks off.

Saskatoon

2006-04-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Specific things I remember:

-the pot holes are far worse than they ever have been. I don't think the City of Saskatoon remembers how to pave anymore.

-Brooke and I got lost trying to get back to 8th street from Circle Drive East

-Mom cried when she saw us, and again when she saw her present

-I drank a LOT

-the lake in Chitek had tons of ice on it and people were snowmobiling all over the place

-Quads were out, and it was probably the nicest weather Saskatchewan had seen since the last Christmas we visited (ha, ha)

-I got 1 Timmy's coffee, and while waiting in line saw the HOTTEST ambulance attendant in my life. I wanted to attack him as soon as I saw him.

-I did not take nearly as many pictures as I thought I would

-gas wasn't any cheaper there than it is here

-nothing much has changed. Although all my friends have moved onto different provinces/jobs, all of Brooke's friends were still in the same old town, doing the same old shit (if not with slightly different people)

-there are a few new buildings, (including an Old Navy!) but for the most part the city hadn't changed a bit.

-while it was nice to visit, I found I was glad I didn't live there anymore, and more than slightly surprised that the map of the city came flooding back so quickly. I was able to navigate the city a lot easier than I thought I'd be able to.

SURPRISE!

2006-04-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

The trip was awesome, everything went off without a hitch, and mom was so shocked she cried! We rule! I'll post a trip wrap up along with a short timeline as to what we did while in Saskabush in a few days. Work has been completely insane lately, because I was off for a week and now will spend the next week keeping on top of things while catching up on what I wasn't here for. Remind me never to take time off again!

Can't wait!

2006-03-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

I am leaving at 10am tomorrow morning for Kelowna. I'll be there overnight, then at 9am on Monday the plane leaves for Saskatchewan. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

2 more days!!!

2006-03-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

I heard back from the guy who was interested in buying my car oh so long ago: he's coming to pick it up on Saturday. and will have the cash on hand. Yippeee!!! Then on Sunday, I'll be driving out to Kelowna, where I will meet my sister, and we will make more plans for the surprise birthday. Then, the next day we leave for Saskatchewan. After that I will return with many pictures and many stories. This time though, I plan on writing everything down as it happens, so I don't forget anything when I get home. Now if only I could come up with a solution for my whole lack of a way to empty the memory card on my camera without losing the pictures. God dammit!

2006-03-18T22:33:00.000-08:00

I am still not sure if I like the site design yet. I love the colours, but the yellow seems to take over the whole thing. If I unbold the links, the yellow fades away and everything starts to overlap. God I need to learn stylesheets!

I am no closer to selling my grey car. The person that was supposed to buy it ended getting into trouble with the gubmint, and now has lost his son. So obviously, other things are on his mind. Guess I'll try advertising in the paper again, and maybe I'll make a sign for work.

I cleaned this house from top to bottom on the weekend, and ended up getting so much done in one day, I spent all of today trying to find things to do to amuse myself. I went for dinner with a friend and then came home with about 7 hours of nothing to do ahead of me. Thankfully many friends were online, so I whiled away about 5 hours playing Wizard. Man that game is insanely addicting.

I watched the latest episode of 24 today. Wow, there's something I shouldn't have done. Tony's gonna die too? THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING! First Michelle, now Tony! No!!! At least Jack and his 456875898231286476253 lives are still going strong.

I changed the name of this site because the old name stopped meaning anything to me. As well, I REALLY love the Lomo effect you can do to any picture in Photoshop, and it's actually something I can do without screwing up too badly, which is nice. Eventually I'll have to get the roommate to give me more Photoshop lessons, as he knows many tips and tricks you can't find on one page on the intarweb. Plus, he creates some awesome stuff, so maybe I'll pick up some good ideas along the way.

I know my Flickr badge is overlapping, and eventually when I figure out how to move it over, I will, I promise. It actually looks neat with the 4 pictures overlapping the candle shot. But when words are involved it just looks messy.

Hopefully by the end of the week a resolution will reveal itself to me.

Candle

2006-03-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

Candle, originally uploaded by Neroausity.

Took this last night, and it inspired the new decoration for the new site!

Comments update

2006-03-17T23:35:00.000-08:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

More updates on the day.

2006-03-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

There is much work to be done this month, and I promise, come April 1st, many more updates will come forth. This will be my main blog, but until the mom's birthday party that she knows NOTHING about is over, I cannot share this link with very many people. I can't risk ruining the surprise.

Welcome to the new blog.

2006-02-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are new to this blog, I have two other blogs that I chose to stop writing in, because way too many people who know me were reading it. I will do more of an introduction later on. For now, here is my story for this week:

So it appears I may not be moving out of this place now. Things happened, a marriage ended, and a call was put through to the landlord. I will know much more tomorrow, if my roommate can stop avoiding me long enough to tell me what's happening. I can't blame him though, that's a horrible situation to be in, especially when everyone around you is giving you that look. The one that says "I told you so, this woman was no good from the start, why didn't you listen to me?"

In other news, I have decided to put off applying at Dream Company for now. Though it's a good time to get the fuck outta this house, it's not a good time to leave the roommate in the lurch for someone to share rent with. He needs some time to settle in, and I need more time to make decisions.

Part of me wants to leave this place right now, get out while the getting's good, leave my company before they realize what a huge mistake they made when they promoted me, and start fresh in the Dream Town with my family and friends. The bad side? I'd be leaving a ridiculously awesome support system with my mentors and boss at work, and would also be leaving behind some AWESOME people. Those that I chose to share this internal struggle with know how long I've wanted to work at Dream Company. After talking to a rep from Dream Company for almost an hour last night, suddenly the outlook is a bit more dim. It isn't quite the company I think it is. It's not set up the same as the company I work for now (of course it isn't), but that's more of a letdown then I thought it would be. I have moved to and from Dream Town before, and while it certainly is a fun place to live, especially in the summer, I never seem to do well when I move. Of course, other than one job, it's always been part time jobs. But with Current Company, I'm full time, I'm a manager, I'm on salary, I have great benefits, and I've only been there just under 2 years and 7 weeks, and I've got 5 weeks of holidays.

And, I booked all those holidays last week. Every day except 3, because I want to save those for special occassions. I have a wedding to go to, a surprise for my mom in March, camping in July, a long weekend for my sister's birthday, and Christmas back home. That takes money and vacation time, and I won't have nearly that much time if I leave and try out a new job now. I think I'll push it back a few months until I know what's happening. I CANNOT miss out on the wedding, it's something I've looked forward to for years, ever since I met the couple.

It will take careful planning, but I think this might be a productive year.