indieseen

excellent! reasons why I love my sisters

2012-01-19T12:54:00.002-06:00

To give you a frame of reference, I showed these pictures to my sister R:


Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/18/waynes-world-babies_n_1214326.html

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/waynes-world-kids-halloween-costumes_n_1069459.html

R: Omg i love them both! It would be so funny if those babies grew up to be those kids! Wouldn’t it?

Me: yes lol. OK so now our goal is to have kids around the same time so that we can do the waynes world thing. WHAT ABOUT DRESSING THEM UP EVERY YEAR so we can have WW through the ages!

R: Okay! I want my kid to be wayne though. Camera 1, camera 2.

NOT EVEN A QUESTION. I love you R! Now if only you'll agree to name our band Rocklitar!

Boring, boring

2012-01-10T20:09:00.001-06:00

Whee, another post from my phone! That means, my HTC Desire Z is great for Facebook, twitter, texting, blogging, acting as a remote for our new media server (XBMC ftw!)...ya, just about everything except for...drumroll...phonecalls. ya. I'll have to look into that. I think I need a new radio for it?

I'm kind of in a slump, and as a result, I don't have a lot to talk about. Concert season has slowed down quite a bit---last concert was the Arkells in November, and I don't have anything again until February (Hanson: version 3:0!!!)

Maybe 2012 will bring some excitement! Some potential with the Stones band, other band things with Rachael, a wedding in Ontario, and maybe even moving into a house? Maybe? A girl can dream...

turn the radio up, push the pedal to the ground...

2011-09-08T12:15:00.000-05:00

So. HANSON. Where to begin???

My lifeblood, AKA, my 2 sisters and travelmates for this trip. We made a "no negative energy" pact for the trip and I think we were quite successful. I think I may put this into action for any future trips I take. I think we forget how much stress comes with driving, driving instructions, meeting hotel check-ins, finding restaurants, getting to places in-time, and all in a strange city. And we're supposed to be having a good time? Luckily there was very little of that, and for what we did have, one of us would say "stop. Stay positive. it's HANSON!!!".

We are the three best friends that anyone could have...

Casino Regina had an actual show room, versus Winnipeg's Casinos, which just utilize the bingo stage (and close it off from the rest of the casino) for their shows. Say what you will about a band you love having to play a casino instead of a music-specific venue, but think of the pros:

Lots of security on-site
new venue=great sound
non-sticky floors
CLEAN BATHROOMS

Security told me ahead of time that if I wanted to stand/dance, I'd have to do so on either side of the stage as to not block anyone's view. Well, as soon as Rach and I got up to dance, a few people at a time joined us until we kind of spilled out to the center of the room, and then all rules were thrown out the window. Despite starting the dance party, R and I didn't end up quite at the front. Rather, we were behind two flippy-hair girls--you know, those girls with mid-back length hair that instead of pulling back their hair, rotate their entire head as to hit the person behind them? Yeah, those girls.

As part of Hanson's Musical Ride Tour, fans were given the chance to vote on what Hanson album they wanted to hear live...and Middle of Nowhere was chosen. Though I did want to hear Underneath, it was still awesome to hear MON, in its entirety! With You In Your Dreams? A Minute Without You? Thinking of You! that's Gold, Jerry!

Here are the keepers:

I just don't like moustaches.

See shirt: done.

portrait!

squee!

Solid other awesome Regina activities:

Riding in H's friend's retro VW Bus
Meeting new babies and kidders
Brunch --with Eggs Benedict--and Free Bird (Brewster's--they like playing classic rock, even at 11am on a Sunday!)
"Swag Swag" and Troll sing-alongs

We've gotten word that Wide Mouth Mason will be in Regina in November...anyone in???

waiting for this

2011-09-02T09:10:00.000-05:00

Ok, yesterday was just weird. I did manage to squeeze in some extra special nail polishin', just in time for the weekend.

Cute, huh? My toes are the same--though my right hand is not. I've learned over the years that my left hand is just not as steady at stuff like painting tiny designs on the opposite hand. See here for my reference point: That's right. Hanson. Live and electric (or at least for most of their set), TOMORROW. the fangirl inside me is squeeing so hard right now.

Anyways, back to yesterday: So I'm a pretty fairweather commuter cyclist, but since I only bought bus tickets (vs. a limitless bus pass) I was determined to use as few as them as possible, and decided to bike to work despite the pretty crappy weather--rained all night, bike was soaked, and it was super humid and muddy. But it wasn't quite raining, so I put my rain jacket (that I've barely even worn--oh yeah, we've pretty much had a drought all summer!) in my basket and away I go.

Well, luckily I keep a towel in my work desk drawer to wipe my face down after a ride, because I also needed it for my legs which were covered in little gobs of mud.

Fastforward to leaving job #1 for job #2 and I realize that I don't remember bringing in my jacket when arriving at work. Which means it was lost in downtown Winnipeg on busy commuter streets. Which also means there is no way in hell I am getting it back. I considered riding up and down the streets I took on the way to work, but with the murder of crows (read: bumbling drunk downtown dwellers) that were congregated by one of my intersections, I said farewell to my jacket and came home.

This terrible experience did have a silver lining (not white, like my jacket's lining): attached to my bike basket was a note, scribbled out on an old cigarette package saying "just wanted to let you know that your front wheel's forks are backwards" with an illegible signature. Since I have no idea what forks on a bike are, I asked another cyclist that happened to be unlocking his bike at the same stand--my WHEEL has been on backwards. And since I haven't changed it since purchase, that means Canadian Tire put the wheel on that way. I managed to change it around right then and there, and it seemed to ride much better after that. Boy do I feel like a n00b. But how awesome is it that some stranger took the time to write me a note to let me know about my wheel? Friendly Manitoba comes to life.

Quite possibly the worst part of yesterday (there's more?) was my shift at a certain witchy musical. One person in particular happened to take the name of the musical to heart in her dealings with Ticketmaster, which was most unfortunate. No, you cannot pick up your husband's tickets, because that is technically credit card fraud. I don't care if you can use it online to buy stuff, it is still fraud. Oh, he is coming tonight, just parking the car? Well then hang tight for 10 minutes. She did hang tight for 10 minutes alright, but her husband never came to my window. She stayed there, ranting and raving, filling up the air around us with negative energy and threatening me. Luckily everyone behind her heard EVERYTHING and were especially nice to me!

So I'm hoping that my weekend ends up a bit more happy than yesterday, and how can it not? Being with my 2 sisters=2 best friends that anyone can have, one of my favourite bands, road trip, EAST SIDE MARIO's.

Have a good long weekend, friends!

I'm writing this on my phone...cool!

2011-06-29T19:12:00.001-05:00

So thought I'd post an update, since I'm stuck here at work with no access to my google reader (well, I can read it on my blackberry, technically, but who wants to read interesting tech articles on a tiny screen? Not I).

R gets home tomorrow from her big European vacation and I'm so excited. There have been so many instances in the last month of me thinking 'oh, I need to text her about this!', whether I saw someone we both knew, heard a song we had an inside joke about, or just plain missed her. DON'T LEAVE ME AGAIN!!!

Also, think I am buying a new cruiser bike, which means I will have to retire the Red Baron--sad face, I know. But), let's face it, you are a challenge to ride, and not quite as carefree as a cruiser would be.

Well, I guess I should get back to work...

wouldn't it be nice

2011-06-22T23:22:00.002-05:00

So I just (well, took a shower--it IS the middle of a work week) got home from Brian Wilson. Oh lordy. This is the guy who wrote so many classic songs, and while many of them feel so carefree and happy, the guy was battling paternal abuse, drug addiction, depression, stagefright, and a blown out ear (a result of the abuse from his father) along the way.

He moved slowly. I'm fairly certain that he had a teleprompter. But that doesn't make the show any less moving. Brian played 2 sets; the first, a set of Gershwin classics that he had re-worked for an album that came out last year. Everyone really came alive for the second, which included the greats: "Heroes and Villians", "Good Vibrations", "Barbara Ann", "Help Me, Rhonda", and one of my personal favourites, "Darlin'". I was on an estrogen roll this evening, tearing up at my very favourites, "Wouldn't It Be Nice", "Don't Worry, Baby", and "God Only Knows". I wanted to punch two young ladies who, I guess decided to take a bathroom break? BEFORE GOD ONLY KNOWS. As Brian started to mention, "This next song is the best I ever wrote". Wow.

Wish List

2011-06-21T15:15:00.003-05:00

Concerts:
Hanson - Once is not enough for this band, and seeing a band alone is very different from going with friends, especially those who are also fans of a band. Not to mention I was under the weather in a strange city (Vancouver). and OH MY GOD I JUST FOUND OUT THEY'RE PLAYING REGINA. REGINA, of all places, in September! Road trip with little sister???

Wide Mouth Mason - Last show was June, 2010, and I need a live renewal from these guys at least once a year! I have trouble listening to all of their recorded stuff, especially the Live @ Montreaux record, without knowing when I will see them again, just so darn GOOD!

Miscellaneous:
Merlotte's T-Shirt - Oooooh yeah.
Basket for my bicycle
Euro Trip - I'm thinking, next spring? before the 2012 Olympics? We'd be beating the rush!
more blog ideas!

do they know that the world's on fire?

2011-06-16T09:08:00.005-05:00

A few things on my mind today:

Van-couuuuuuuuver...Holy cow, what is happening?
I think the best summary of what went down can be seen on the National Post's Page: http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/06/16/photos-riots-fire-destruction-after-vancouvers-loss/

So you've got your typical hockey fans who get angry enough to cause thousands of dollars of damage to public and private property, put many peoples' lives in danger, and equally as terrible, ruin any goodwill Vancouver had after the 2010 Olympics. It makes me so angry and confused that people can put aside their consciences so easily...turning over cars? lighting police vehicles on fire? damaging windows of businesses and looting stores? What a disgrace. I agree with many people in that social media networks, newspapers, and the public should be assisting the police in identifying guilty individuals and setting a precedent.

It all comes down to....July 14th.

The final Harry Potter adventure, based on the last half of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out on July 14th, and I could not be more excited...and terrified. I feel the creators of the past seven films have done a good job translating words to live-action so far, but in the end, it all comes down to this. I strongly believe that they cannot change any content from this adaptation, as it is all relevant to the end of the series. I'm excited to the extent that I'm going to try booking off July 15th so that I can attend the July 14th's Midnight viewing. The terror comes in not knowing how well the story will be portrayed...and for the whole crying in public thing. I haven't cried through any other film or book, but in Book 7, I put on the dark sunglasses (the last time I read it was in the very public Queen's Park in Toronto) and let'r rip. Thinking the same will happen for the live action version. This is an issue for which I'll need a tissue.

On a lighter note!
The guy I live with and I are reaching are one year anniversary of living together. Yay for not killing each other! Hope to have many more [years of not killing each other]!

piece about a mid-level rock band, struggling...

2011-06-07T22:02:00.005-05:00

Old Market Square. What a glorious place. Made even more beautiful by the fact that from my new workplace, I can hear the goings on from our fourth floor office, which looks out onto the space. Today I saw the Sheepdogs, of Saskatchewan.

I would say that they were a decent mix between the Allman Brothers and Stillwater (seriously. I was waiting for one of them to say "and the chicks are great". But honestly, pretty groovy tunes, would've liked to share the experience with one of my dudettes--R, (currently off in Deutschland--or is it another country by now? either way, jealous), H, not in the downtown area, and other H, working for the man x2. Next time, buds. Anywho, this band is on its way to Bonnaroo Music Festival, next stop, potentially the next Rolling Stones cover? Good luck guys. Prove to the world that Rock n'Roll has not heard its last death rattle!

Best purchase of the month has to be the Sookie Stackhouse novel series. Through Amazon, I bought book 1-8 as a set as well as book 11 which just came out (I already have book 10, gonna need boox 9 soon!). Makes for a good way to spend my lunch hours. Though I've read them all before, I like (or don't like...?) the reminder of how poorly the TV will portray these story lines. Speaking of which, Season 4 starts later this month. I'm interested to see how they will be continuing the show. I think Season 3 going into the tangents like it did (Sookie shooting off electricity through her finger tips? Lafayette still alive? Russell Edgington?) really distracted from the main ideas of the book...aka, Sookie and her relationships. *steps off soapbox*

It's the Golden Day, Golden Day, Gold....

2011-05-25T22:47:00.006-05:00

A lot has changed in the last few months. I started a new job at INDUSTRYimages, which I had enjoyed for a glorious month, including a paid work trip to Calgary to learn the tricks of the trade. That all changed in Mid-March--the company closed its doors (it has since re-opened in some other cities, but not Winnipeg). Luckily, I had kept my part-time job at Ticketmaster and that tided me over until the month of May.

In that two months, I went to a number of interviews and started to stress out...wouldn't you be if you had left a permanent full-time job for a job that disappeared before your very eyes? Thanks to my friends and family that helped me through that time. Anyone that has lost a job can relate to the fact that the experience is the pits!

My spirits brightened when low and behold, I was offered a job at the beginning of May! And at a firm similar to ii, which is often hard to find, especially in Winnipeg! I accepted, of course, and have worked there since. In the last month, I have been trying to feel out the company to see if it's the right fit for me and in that time, I was approached by another company who had received a referral from an acquaintance. They seemed like a better fit for me, so I accepted the new position and I start next thursday, which just seems crazy!

So I am winding down one experience and then it's on to the next! Where will I stop? nobody knows...

Non-career-wise, the other awesome topic I must mention is that my band, The Main Street Exiles, Winnipeg's Rolling Stones Cover Band accomplished the following:

Recorded 4 demos, available for your listening pleasure here!
Completed a photoshoot. I think it went really well, but you don't have to take my word for it! (see below)
Played our first gig out! I didn't think I was nervous, but looking at live footage, I still have a nervous leg twitch, à la Ashlee Simpson Hoe-down. Need to work on that. I think I sounded fine though!

Now I have really got to get some sleep--I have never been able to adjust my body to waking up at 7am everyday and now that I have found myself a job that I intend to keep for the foreseeable future, I will have to get myself in training.

get up and go!

2011-02-08T13:40:00.003-06:00

must I actually go outside today? The furthest I ventured yesterday was our stairwell, a necessary route to the laundry room. And because of our awesome washer and dryer, I got to take that trip 5 times:first to put in the washer, the next 3 to put it in the dryer/add more time on the dryer, and the 5th to bring it back upstairs. That's why it's actually less effort to bring my entire laundry basket full of clothes to one of my relatives' house to do.

It's only -25°C out right now, so I guess I should consider myself lucky.

Time to bundle up and buck up.

You know you make me wanna (Shout!)

2011-02-07T16:41:00.001-06:00

I'm having a nice relaxing 4-day weekend here, and I thought I should actually update the ol' blog! I've been away from school for almost an entire year now, and I'm going to need some way to keep up my writing skills, since my new job will likely require some brain use. Yes, you heard it straight from the horse's mouth...new job!

I start on Wednesday, hence why I'm not at work (and why I've got an entirely too large to-do list sitting in front of me). And, as everyone around me can tell, I'm very excited for this new job! First of all, it actually utilizes my 5 years of university. From what I've seen and heard so far, the office is pretty much the OPPOSITE of every other office I've ever worked in and that alone is just awesome. Very young, hip, small, tight-knit group. and HELLO, it's a 5-minute walk from our house!!! commutes just physically drain me so I am very much looking forward to this arrangement.

My friends and I have been lovin' old soul music ever since we got our hands on some of my dad's old compilations (Atlantic Soul Classics, Motown: the Classic Years, Stevie Wonder: the Definitive Collection) and so you can understand how thrilled I am since we've discovered several Winnipeg gems that feed my addition:

The Retro Rhythm Review: A pile of young'ns just like myself who play a great mix of motown and soul (Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, The Four Tops) and veer into later years as well (including Michael Jackson medley, Sly and the Family Stone, the Commodores). All very danceable. They seem to have a semi-regular gig at the Kings Head and the dance floor is PACKED every time we go to see them, which is awesome. Will be much better when we don't have to drag winter coats with us. Ha.
The Solutions: Right up there with RRR, this band makes for a good time! Songs chosen tend to be slightly less danceable, but no less classic. I was thoroughly impressed with the band's version of "Shout" (Isley Brothers). Trombonist doubled as a vocalist for the "Yeah Yeah!" parts, which had us nearly doubled over from laughter.
J.Foxe's Restaurant & Local: This pub is now very close to my hood (only a 20 Watt bus-ride away!), reasonably priced for pints, and seems to have soul-related nights quite often. We saw the Solutions there a couple weeks ago, and another night, they had DJ's mixing up some soul records. Not as hectic as a pub like the Kings Head on a weekend night, so it's nice and chill.

Well, it's time to tackle some of the stuff on my to-do list. Until next time!

Small Town Love

2011-01-09T23:35:00.002-06:00

5 months since my last post. is that a record yet? H was right when she said that school was good for one thing...marking time. It's hard to believe I've been working full-time for that long, as I am still very much on a university mind-set: update blog? no....minesweeper is calling to me!

It hasn't been all slacky...our suite was decorated for Christmas in record time (read: by November 11th!), I've been working a fair amount at the box office, along with my day job, and the Rolling Stones cover band is slowly getting back to practicing on a regular basis. Hopefully we can start getting our gig-on. That'd be fun!

Top 5 awesome things that happened this week:

Bought an exercise ball. Fun to sit on, and maybe I'll do some stretching on it...
Got an unlimited IMAX pass..."The Alps: Climb of Your Life" is in my near future. Steve got one too, and H is planning on getting one as well1
2 band practices (well, in the last 8 days, I suppose). We're sounding great, I think! we need a BIT more practice to just boost our confidence in knowing the songs, but I think we're a great fit, member-wise
Received an EP from Great Bloomers...*swoon*! Definitely cannot wait until they make the trek to Winnipeg again!
Updated my blog. too soon?

I'm a big kid now!

2010-08-14T09:11:00.005-05:00

This deserved a huge update! I cannot count the number of times I've opened up the dashboard only to get distracted by the internetz and run out of "time" to blog.

Ok, first things first: I moved in with Steve! We live at the top floor of a house in a quiet little neighbourhood near-ish downtown. Kudos to MIL for taking picture on moving day, haha, I don't think I've even TAKEN any pictures inside or out of the house yet in the last month and a half.
I guess I've lived on my own-ish before, in Toronto, but it's very different living with someone else. Some chores work out ok: I like doing the laundry, because some of my clothes have special instructions--anything can be done with his, and he doesn't mind taking out the garbage and recycling. However, and I don't know if this is because I'm a female, or semi-neurotic, or my mother's daughter, but I'll be puttering around the house getting various tasks done and I just have no clue why a)S doesn't realize that these things need to be done b)S doesn't offer to help and c)I end up getting mad when I have to do things myself. I think I've just determined that certain things bother me more than S, and he doesn't realize things need to be done, but if I ask (and not yell) he will do them. So, we'll see how things work today with a HoneyDo list

I am now also gainfully employed. yay! So far, so good, but I really haven't gone through the right amount of training in my 2 weeks there, as August=everyone takes holidays. I expect things to get a lot more challenging in the next few weeks. The office is nice, the girls in the same job as me are close to my age, so we get along quite well, and we have a kitchen, a monthly-ish lunch, and potlucks.

July and August have been filled with lots of events, concerts, and gettogethers!

June 26: Ok, well, it was still in June, but near the end...I had a grad party at the 'rents house, which ended up turning into a moving out/let mom show off her newly renovated kitchen party. Despite a pretty epic thunderstorm in the middle of it, it turned out excellent. There was a little 3-year-old there. and Let me explain something to you....kids don't like me. I'm too loud and brash, I have no idea what to say to them, and they usually just hide behind their parents when I come near. Well, this little guy really liked hanging out with me! Maybe to do with the fact that I gave him a tambourine and egg shaker to play with, and blew bubbles for him, and gave him ICE CREAM (which I had to finish anyways :D)
THEN, it moved on to even more epic proportions: karaoke. Got a decent amount of people there to begin with, followed by my rents and aunt/uncle/some distant relative later. AWESOME! Did probably my best ever version of Highway to Hell! Aaand of course we ended the night with Bohemian Rhapsody so yeah, epicness just rolling off our tongues that night.

July 1st: (moving day) and also Canada Day at the Forks, and also WELCOME BACK ERIN! Went to see the Waking Eyes at the folks (never disappoint) and fireworks (I am disappoint)

July 3rd: H and I went to this Manitoba homecoming thing at the Forks, just to see Inward Eye play 4 songs. We rocked hard! Add this with 40°C weather with humidity and you could just see our exhaustion. We then headed down to Old Market Square for the Jazz Fest wrap-up Weekend, because Retro Rhythm Review was playing. Lots of fun, even when it started raining! I can't recall if we ended up going to karaoke after this, H, did we?

The middle of July was just a LOT of work at Ticketmaster. Bomber shifts, and I worked nearly the entire Folk Fest. That was fun, I guess, but I'm not huge into camping or eating outdoors, or portapotties. I'll take regular plumbing, please. The music was pretty good, but I'm not really one to spend a pretty penny on a lot of bands I don't know if I'll like.

July 31: Wide Mouth Mason show # 18, in Minnedosa at Rockin' the Fields. The show was pretty awesome, we got a SHOUTOUT from the guys during the show, I gave myself whiplash, and I think, were surrounded more or less with peeps who were enjoying the set.

August 7th: Rock on the Range! I originally wanted to see the Arkells, Danko Jones, and the Trews, in that order, but the Arkells went on tour with Tokyo Police Club instead (boo...but I'll see them in Sept, that tour stops in Winnipeg). Danko's set was great, but very short, and the Trews' set ended in a very bad mosh pit which almost cost H her glasses. We stayed in the stands for the remainder of the night, and enjoyed Godsmack thoroughly.

And...I have more, but I just got a king-size bed delivered, hence the reason I was up so early on a Saturday without having to work, and I'm gonna go christen it!

i've been thinking 'bout something other than you!

2010-06-21T23:10:00.003-05:00

Alright, blog has been prettified!

I'm kind of in a weird mood, have been in it all day. I'm waiting to hear back from jobs, and one in particular, as well as from a potential landlord. Yes, Steve and I found a place that we loved, a 3rd floor of a huge house in Wolseley. Hopefully the only news I hear this week is GOOD.

Either way, I've picked up some overtime hours tomorrow at current job. The Eagles concert is tomorrow and as of 6:30pm tonight, about half of the floor had been labelled, with no volunteers expected to show up tomorrow to help. I likely ruined the pair of shoes I was wearing today, as it was POURING, but smartened up and bought rubber boots, my first pair since elementary school. I like the feeling of being dry, when the world around you is wet. That reminds me: I have to find and pack my 2 ponchos for tomorrow!

This week has somehow turned into a super busy time period...extra hours tomorrow, band practice Wednesday, Goldeyes game for mom's birthday/father's day on Friday, gigantic grad party/karaoke excursion on Saturday! Hopefully, all of this activity keeps me distracted from the real items that are on my mind...

Don't have use for words anyway...

2010-05-16T21:06:00.004-05:00

Has it seriously been 3 months? I do actually go to my blog several times a week, to check if my friends update their blogs, but I haven't had the motivation to update my own.

I am graduated! well, convocation is on June 2nd, but I passed everything and I tentatively have my B.Comm (Hons.). Whoohoo!

These last few months have been a whirlwind of activity, from finishing up this term (which was one of the toughest of my school career), working 3 jobs at a time (Teaching Assistant, Karaoke Host, Box Office Agent), seeking full-time employment (still looking; it will come!), and joining a Rolling Stone cover band (as backup singer). It has been a nice change to be able to focus simply on the cover band, finding a job, working a single job.

Yesterday marked an epic evening in terms of GREATEST SOCIAL EVER! All the golden oldies we like to hear, live bands, parents dancing (specifically, my own), and lots of great get-down dancing. Erin, you missed a goodie: I'll just have to try to repeat its epicness at a future social.

This summer is shaping up to look really good: Danko Jones tomorrow, ZZTop (with WIDE MOUTH MASON!!!) in June, Rock on the Range (Arkells, Trews, Danko Jones) in August, and HANSON in September (going to Vancouver!)

there's no place like this where I've been...

2010-02-18T00:15:00.003-06:00

Well, I certainly haven't gotten as much done as I had hoped for reading week, but I really can't blame it on anything except for laziness. If Steve and Rach were home, I would have been distracted by them instead of the Olympics and gotten as equally little homework done.

That being said, hope those two have had--and will continue to have--a great time on their respective trips (Panorama in B.C.; Fort Myers/Eastern U.S.). I really wish I could afford to let loose on a trip, but that was what Toronto this past summer was supposed to be for me. I'd also like to give a shout out to Erin...she is the main reason I log into blogger so much (and do not blog myself)...I always enjoy waiting for her next blog entry. It sounds like she is having a hoot in Koper. It's too bad her current fellow countrymen have been unlucky so far at this year's Oly games (because I would know, as I have watched more of the games than I'd really like to admit---come on, curling? what's wrong with you, Nicole?!?!?)

I really do have to get cracking on homework, because I have no idea when ma peeps will be back in town and I have to allow for more distraction and thus less-getting-homework-done time. I work tomorrow and Friday evening, as well as Sat/Sun daytime shifts...Disney on Ice and their very strict exchange policies *shakes fist*. Luckily, my weekend shifts are in the South Box Office which is usually less busy, which allow for more homeworky time. In addition to the 4+ chapters I have left to read (since Friday have read: 1¾ chapters...boo), I have a take-home midterm due Thursday and a regular midterm ON Thursday that I have yet to begin preparing for. And then I have another midterm the following week.

I actually started to look more seriously at the job situation yesterday and whaddya know, I find like, 3 jobs. total. Not a good-looking situation at the mo, but I'll just have to make a point to look every week or so and actually put in an application instead of just bookmarking the job postings. Because, I need a job post-graduation.

So tomorrow will be filled with:
-Waking up on time, instead of an hour later than my alarm
-Not painting my nails or taking an extra-long shower or watching the Olympics
-Finishing more reading!
-Applying for ALL of the jobs on my bookmarks

And to persuade myself to go to sleep sooner than later I will end my night with a little accounting textbook reading...because my textbook would put the most caffeinated, awake person to sleep.

tap tap..."is this thing on?!?"

2010-01-26T19:22:00.003-06:00

Holy holy crap, so, I can give up one of the upcoming potential events...I am going to start hosting karaoke at the local neighbourhood seedy bar (aka, OUR bar!!!) This Saturday! I wasn't expecting to start so soon, but no time like the present, right? I'm so excited!

It's all happening...

2010-01-24T23:39:00.003-06:00

This term has started out pretty overwhelming, and whilst the overwhelmingness has only increased since the beginning of January, it's a good overwhelming? right.

I'm on the verge of finishing all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls. It's been great! A tad (in other words, a lot) distracting, but great. There are tons of moments that I don't remember, even later in the series when I thought I had been a devout follower. It will be nice to get my evenings back so that I can, oh, do my homework in a reasonable amount of time.

I've got some things non-school related coming up on the horizon, so I'll have to see how those things pan out, and hopefully my head won't explode before the end of term...I'd hate to have no head left after 5 years of studying!

Inward Eye show this Wednesday, looking forward to that (esp. my partners in crime, Hoho and my old friend J).

this is the final countdown

2010-01-01T21:58:00.003-06:00

Top 5 Bands I've seen this year (for the first time)

1. The Arkells
I saw this band 3, count'em, 3 times in 2009. The last time, in November, was the greatest, as Heath and Rach were there to share the experience with me. The best band to come out of Hamilton since...well, has there been another band?

2. Great Bloomers
I saw this band in Toronto oh, 3 times? and then once more in Winnipeg with my sisters, both of whom felt a deep like for them! They are the closest genre to country that I will admit to liking and even still, I would consider them more pop than anything else, as they are great to dance to!

3. Jet
I've been waiting to see Jet for the loooongest time and I got the shock of my life when they actually came to Toronto when I was there, and an even bigger shock when they came to Winnipeg in the fall. They are great live! And their Scottish roadie is ridiculously nice!

4. Jamie Cullum
Jamie was FAB-u-lous! Any man that will open up his piano, pluck the strings, and then jump on top has my vote as a great entertainer. He also has the same birthday as me, and gave me cheek kisses when I informed him of this! *swoon*

5. AC/DC
Been waiting to see this band since at least 2001, and got the chance to see them twice in 2009, once in Fargo, once in Winnipeg. For a band that has been around this long, it's great to see that they are still great performers. Angus is INSANE! and you've gotta love stage gimmicks like giant tattooed boobular women.

I can make it rain, whenever I want it to

2009-12-31T13:33:00.003-06:00

It would take me to the last day of the year to blog again. I have literally been on my dashboard and then gotten distracted by other mindless junk I could be reading/watching. gah!

I have been getting really panicky lately because of a) my upcoming busy last semester b)my inability to pay back my loan with the Bank of Mom and Dad and c) total procrastination in terms of searching for jobs. I am going to have to try really hard to completely forget this all at least for tonight, and have a GREAT TIME. We're doing Karaoke at the Dirty Curty tonight, then back to Hoho's for an all-night girlmore girl fest.

Until next year,

N

back in the saddle again...sort of...

2009-11-04T10:08:00.002-06:00

Whooooot. November, despite being ridiculously busy, is somewhat looking up for me. I've been working upstairs at TM on my days off from school and it's a welcome change of pace from being in the box office. Customers tend to be much less angry over the phone than in person--maybe it's because my "customer voice" tends to be a pitch higher over the phone--but either way, it's a good feeling to be asked my name, and then told "thanks so much for your help!"

School is really looking OK for me for once (that's gonna chance for winter term, so I'd better enjoy it while it lasts!). My research group did pretty well on the first part of our project, and the second part is simply administering questionnaires and analyzing the data. My marketing management project actually interests me--I want to see what we can recommend to our organization and see whether or not they take our advice.

I'm going to see the Arkells with rach for her birthday, and I'm super excited because she actually thinks they're pretty good, and I think her opinion of them can only get better once we go see them as they're what I call a Good Time Band, a band that will make you have a good time, even if you are unfamiliar with their music.

I'm attending the Commerce Business Banquet again, and this year I deliberately chose a table without a specific company, as many of the companies did not particularly interest me. Instead, I just want to practice talking myself up to a stranger. I've also decided to go with some friends from class, so at least I know a few people at the table.

November also holds Rachael and Holly's other birthday parties, which will keep me busy, not that I'm complaining.

Steve and I are keen to move out right after I graduate which is getting me excited, but I really have to hold off in thinking about this until I a)actually graduate and b) find a job.

Speaking of both of these things, I'm at work right now but should really get some other work done for school!

In the midst of this cruel healing...

2009-10-12T23:20:00.004-05:00

so much for coming home with the big goal of pounding out some homework. True, I did get my agenda book up-to-date, and finished off my computer usage assignment that took me waaaay longer than it should have to complete.

I am no longer ahead of the game in any of my classes, but I'm not behind, which I suppose is all I can hope for. I've already gotten a group case presentation out of the way, and I have an individual one due Thursday, which is pretty much all that I have on the horizon for this week due date-wise. My marketing classes both have final group projects and presentations, however, that we need to start prepping for.

TA-ing is going well, but it will likely be a mad-house on Tuesday as the first assignment is due on Wednesday. I'm also getting a lot of shifts at TM *knock on wood*, which is great for me, as the sooner I can pay everyone back, the better (and the less stress I'll have next term)

My costume is progressing nicely. I need to finish making my head (I'm being animal from the Muppets) and work on a few minor things, but I shouldn't have too much work ahead of me. I need to put it on the back burner for this week though, while I take care of bidness.

it's time to start the show!

2009-09-27T23:32:00.003-05:00

2 weeks later, and I think I'm well into the swing of school. I'm a couple of weeks ahead in my comp usage class which will be beneficial later in October, when I start having more to do in my other 2 classes. I also have a lot of work to do on my Hallowe'en costume: I'm being Animal from the Muppets! Should be a hoot, as we're all going as a group.

I didn't get quite as many shifts for october as I had hoped, so I'm going to see if I can pick some up, then maybe my debt will be paid off by Christmas? Gah, I hate having to think that far in advance. I'm already planning christmas presents though...they are going to be homemade, either food or crafts.

Time for bed, I work everyday this week!

I am landlocked

2009-09-15T00:48:00.004-05:00

Darn you, Hanson, for only coming as close as Minneapolis in your fall tour! if I had SOME money right now instead of being up to my elbows in debt, I'd totally hit that. Here's hoping they decide to add some Canadian dates: specifically, Winnipeg. I bought tix for JET, who are coming to Winnipeg--going with all my in-laws (mother, father, brother), but curiously not the boyfriend.

The first week (Well, first day) of school went about as good as could be imagined...except for my room mix-up for my first class--luckily, I realized it was the wrong room before the prof closed the door! I think I'm on track with the readings so far, even though it takes me a ridiculous long time to read anything as I'm distracted with Doogie Howser, M.D., How I Met Your Mother, and keeping up with my other stories. Though,I haven't started reading my textbook for Computer Usage 2 yet...I bought it new for $122 and then discovered I could use an older edition, hello $38 on Ebay! I didn't want to wrinkle any pages knowing I'd be returning it. I have started reading the notes for the class though. Whoot for Powerpoint and secure FTP sites.

I lucked out with my TA shifts and I only have to be in the labs on the days I have classes (Tue/Thur), which maximizes my chances for shifts at TM. That is excellent, as I have to maintain/increase my hours in order to eliminate my debt. Sigh. Hopefully, the number of events in October, November, and December will be good to me.

Time for bed, second day of school tomorrow! Rise and shine at 9am

meatatarian

2009-08-20T01:55:00.001-05:00

holy crap, what could be better than steak, a Filet Mignon, wrapped in bacon and covered with blue cheese and garlic? 6 hours later, I'm still stuffed!

Rach, thanks for the delish birthday dinner!

lock up your daughters!

2009-08-19T00:33:00.003-05:00

Home! Finally! Well, I've been home for awhile, but haven't really felt like writing.

My last couple of days in town were bittersweet. I was busy packing for the majority of it--I had to repack things a couple of times just so that they would fit in my suitcases, and I had to expand both of them.

Thursday, August 6th: I had dinner with Meg. We went for sushi, which was de-lish. We went back to my house afterwards to pick up various kitchenwares, and made the expedition to Meg's apartment. I almost fell over multiple times under the weight of our bags, but somehow we made it there!

On Friday, I met Jen for lunch--My first time trying Indian food. It was pretty good! I bequethed the remainder of my kitchenwares to her, and I spent the rest of the afternoon stuffing the remainder of my belongings in my suitcases, backpack, and sobey's bag.

And then I was on my way! Steve met me at the airport, and then I was home :)

For the rest of the weekend, I caught up with Steve and family, and unpacked my bags--I'm STILL trying to find enough hangers for my clothes.

Tuesday, August 11th: The sisters and I decided to hit up Folklorama, the Slovejnian pavilian (like usual!) Fun times, great food, awesome dancing. Steve and Rees stopped by, too.

Thursday, August 13th: I worked in Winnipeg again for the first time! Yay for paying off my trip! Haha. That evening, the sisters and I went to Lo Pub to see Great Bloomers, the band I fell in love with in Toronto. We had a great time dancing it up: I definately worked off the blizzard I ate earlier that day! I think the girls had a good time as well.

On Saturday, I worked at the Stadium, Rifles Football and then a Bomber game. Such terrible weather, but at least it let up in time for the party at Hoho's house! It was great to see more family (family we don't see that often) and friends that I hadn't seen yet since returning from Toronto. We had an impromptu jam session later that evening, and that was lots of fun! Hope to do it again soon.

I worked again on Monday (Rod Stewart! That was a ridiculous show, with seat relocations and huge lineups) and have otherwise been takin'r'easy. Watching lots of movies, painting my nails, hanging out with Steve. Tomorrow Rach is taking me out for a birthday dinner (whoot for the Keg!), I work on my actual birthday (Thursday), and it's AC/DC on Saturday! Crazy!

do you strike those years from the record?

2009-08-05T21:03:00.008-05:00

Update, Update! I actually had my blog open in a tab yesterday and was going to update, but then got side-tracked by the goodness of Empire Records and attempting to find the CTV clip with Chris Murphy (of Sloan) in his blue cast--he was involved in a hit and run with a drunk driver and broke his collarbone, but apparently he still had his goofy grin in the short clip. Oh well.

July 11th, aka 7-Eleven Day, aka Free slurpee day was awesome! Got 4 free slurpees at 3 different locations in Toronto! Slurpees really aren't a big deal here...the Centers of the Universe prefer starbucks and smoothies to sweet, icy cups of heaven. Their loss. Had someone call me "Sick" at work because--and this is SHOCKING--but the two lowest price levels sold out and thus the cheapest Argos ticket was something like, $60. You know, people, sometimes this happens on GAME DAY for a SEASON OPENER. On another note, GO BLUE!

I spend literally days reading Harry Potter books 1-7. It was my full time job for a while, and surely, if I had an employer, I'd be getting gold stars at how quickly I turned those muthas out. Finally it was time for the movie! (SPOILER ALERT) Mixed feelings about it, really. I understand they had to cut some events out and thus add other ones in to make the storyline work, but if Heath was correct in why some events were changed in #6 (like not so much of a focus on Charlie getting injured, no fight, and the burning down of the Burrow, thus to be able to cut out the wedding in #7), I'm frustrated...what was the point in making #7 into two movies if you're going to cut out such a large and exciting part of the book?
I was also shocked by the absence of any costume wearers...I wore my Hives guitar pick earrings that have a Hogwarts-like Crest, and used colour-changing nail polish, but I only saw one Griffyndor scarf!

Friday, July 17th - The Arkells at Sound Academy! It was a win-to-get-in event and it was packed! like, 2000 people or something. I brought 2 roommates and one of their friends and all of them had an awesome time, even though it was their first time seeing them: that's always a good feeling. They covered "Tears of a Clown" and I was meaning to ask them why they would choose to cover such a song (odd, because Inward Eye covered it too) but when I met them, all I remembered to say is "Come back to Winnipeg!!!" Seriously friends, this is a good-time band, fully danceable and better than Sing-Along Songs and Kidsongs (remember that show?)

Monday, July 20th - The Ticketmaster summer party: Since I missed the Winnipeg one, I thought I ought to attend the Toronto one. It was a lot of fun! They had great food, everyone was really nice, and I won a $50 gift card to the same restaurant we were at (Alice Fazoolis), whahoo! Afterwards, I walked over to the Horseshoe Tavern to see the Datsuns, a New Zealand band. They were really good, I only wish I had known the songs better. The guitarist was wearing essentially a Canadian Tuxedo, Rock Star Style (tight jeans, tight jean shirt), the other guitarist had longer hair than anyone I know, and the singer/bassist was crazy and came out into the audience and had us all on the ground (good thing I was wearing my skort!)

Tuesday, July 21st: Not so fun. I was up at 9am registering for classes...or trying to! One of my classes got cancelled so it screwed up my entire schedule, I had a lot of courses to change around, and keep in mind I had, up to this day, been sleeping in until at least noon everyday. 2 calls to the university later, I got everything settled and promptly went back to bed.

Friday, July 24th: Met Meg for dinner at Alice Fazooli's, courtesy of Ticketmaster! It was delicious and we figuratively had to undo one notch on our belts. However, that did not stop us from pigging out on snuck-in candy when we later saw 500 Days of Summer. The movie was cute, and of course, co-starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt so it really can't go wrong, but well, i had mixed feelings about it.

On Sunday, July 26th I went to see Great Bloomers at Sneaky Dees and finally bought their album (which is excellent, Rach can't wait to get home so you can rip it/love it too!). It was only an opening set but it was still excellent. I also can't wait to see them in Winnipeg on August 13th (announcement: all Winnipeggers, you should be seeing them, GREAT BLOOMERS, LO PUB, AUGUST 13TH)

The following week was pretty uneventful. The most exciting thing was going to Karaoke on Thursday and getting hit on by a drunk old man, to whom I finally said "I'm sorry, but the age difference between us is making me really uncomfortable and I think you should go over there," pointing at his seat at the bar, and he left. Sang Foo Fighers, Jet, and AC/DC which proves if I'm going to make it as a singer in this industry, it's going to be as a male singer, as I seem to dislike my own kind.

On Friday, Meg and I went shopping (yay for holiday hours) and I found my first pair of ass jeans since junior high! they are fab-u-lous! I first went into Jean Machine and asked the sales person for a pair that fit me right, for under 70 bones, and he said "can't help you". I quickly picked my jaw up off the floor and booted it to Bluenotes, where I paid a cool $40 for a yummy pair of dark boot-cuts. Seriously, how do the unemployed afford jeans?

Saturday, August 1st: Heather arrives in Toronto! Excitement ensues! I showed her a bit of Bloor West (Honest Eds, really) and then we took the Spadina Streetcar south so she could see Chinatown. We walked into Kensington Market from there, and each bought a dress that we wore later that night (see below for details). We took in Queen West from Spadina to Yonge, checked out H&M, and then bought groceries to make dinner: and what a feast we had!

That night, we dolled ourselves up and headed to Sneaky Dee's for their monthly Motown Do-Wop Dance Party. Though it was a late start (I think Torontonians are notorious for coming to bars late) it was SO MUCH FUN. Much better than Modernized or Mod Club in Winnipeg, all our favourite artists, and everyone dancing their hearts out.

Sunday, we ended up sleeping in a bit, as we were tuckered out from little sleep and lots of activity. Heath and I hit up Eaton Centre and I think that's the longest I've ever shopped for...we were there for like, 4 hours? I bought a beautiful bathing suit for my minneapolis trip at the end of the month, and Heath bought...bottoms. lots of them! We decided we needed to replenish our carbs and went to East Side Marios and gorged ourselves with bread, salad, artichoke dip, and pasta. It was glorious! We decided to stay in that night, and watched IT Crowd and So I Married an Axe Murderer. (whoooa-man! So Love-Ed?) Hahaha.

Monday, August 3rd: Yay for the Ferries running again! Heath and I went to Toronto Island, where we got great weather! We didn't wear our bathing suits (odd, since we had so many of them), but we sat on the beach for awhile, where H stuffed her bag with rocks and I got my crotch soaked (*shakes fist at waves*). We were going to rent paddleboats but the rental place was closed, and we didn't feel like biking so we just chilled. We walked along the waterfront when we came back downtown, and took some pics on the wavy bridge (it is steep!) Our massive walk deserved more carbs (pasta leftovers and Lays), and we watched more movies (The Wedding Singer, High Fidelity) before calling it a night.

Heather's final day here, we started the day off right: breakfast sammies from Tim's. After that, we were off to the Hockey Hall of Fame....not my idea, but Heather wanted to see it. It was enjoyable, fun to see all the coaches' pimpin' hats, haha, and everyone saw what a terrible goalie I made in the interactive section. It was really cute to see little kids get so excited upon seeing the Stanley Cup [Replica, Heath tells me] and all the other hockey memorabilia.

Afterwards, we decided to take'r easy and see Funny People. It is literally the funniest and saddest movie combined in one. Go and see it, peeps! Yay for $4 Tuesday Movies, too.

We scarfed down dinner and left for the airport and for some reason, mixed up flight times and left waaaay to late and ended up running through the airport (I took off my flipflops for speed and safety purposes), arriving at the Air Canada desk 5 minutes before expected departure time, only to find out the plane was leaving an hour later, at 10pm. Proceeded to wait in a useless line for 10 minutes before finding out we were supposed to be in a different line--thanks, Air Canada, for your lack of proper signage and unhelpful employees! An electrical storm meant her flight didn't leave until after midnight, poor thing...hope you got to catch up on sleep tonight, H, in your glorious giant non-squeaky, non-spring-y bed!

Today I actually did laundry (yay, I have clean underwear again!) and returned library books and such. I am continuing to pack but ultimately cannot pack my final, 50-pound suitcase until Friday, as I need my bedding, toiletries, clothes for 2 more nights. Still questionable on whether or not everything will fit in said suitcase, but (yay for me), Heath took one of my suitcases home, so if need be, i can bring a shopping bag full of whatever as a carry-on bag.

I am really excited to be going home. Yes, I liked living in Toronto and living alone, and being close to Meg, and going to lots of events, etc, etc, but I miss my family and friends back home. Talking on the phone is not enough: I like to be physically close to people!

Some things I learned/confirmed this summer:

-I can cook: I can make a mean cheesecake and perogies with a low breakage rate
-I miss dad's jokes. I mean, they're still funny via e-mail, but nothing if I can't reply "oh da-ad!"
-NO REGRETS. I was pretty mopey on my own for the first half of the summer because my trip didn't really turn out how I had planned. No job, not even one that paid minimum wage (besides one day a month at TM). Not a lot of friends besides the one in my house. Borrowing money from pretty much everyone I know. I kept half-wishing I had stayed in Winnipeg for the summer. I could've been working 2 jobs, spending loads of time with my honey, chillin' with my sisters, actually saving money, but I really don't regret coming here: I got to see Jet (who I NEVER thought I'd see), I got DOUBLE-CHEEK kissed by Jamie Cullum for crying out loud, met a few people, got a lot closer to my cousin, who up to this summer I didn't really know as she bonds more with my sisters than I, had a few nice visits from family and friends, and finally, I actually miss Winnipeg.

Now, it's time to end this entry and clear off my bed so I can get some sleep!

high voltage

2009-07-10T20:44:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, June 24th: I got my hair cut at this place that was having a promotion, but the service was meh...the stylist had trouble cutting my hair so that it was even on both sides, so I definitely won’t be giving him any referrals. I then prepared dinner for Meg and I...roasted garlic parmesan asparagus and pasta with sirloin beef strips and a rose sauce. It was delicious and so filling!

Friday, June 26th: Meg’s birthday! So much fun! I made a white chocolate raspberry oreo cheesecake for the occasion, and despite it being my first attempt at cheesecake, the feedback was excellent. I’ve saved the recipe so I can make it again (though it’s fairly expensive, as many of the ingredients aren’t always lying around one’s pantry/fridge). I got a hot red dress for the occasion, which I will likely be wearing for my birthday too. The chosen bar was actually decent, as far as top 40 bars go; at least the bathrooms were nice, and they played Thriller and a whackload of other MJ songs (I know, this ongoing memorialisation is getting old but I do like a good MJ dance now and again).

We didn’t get nearly as much sleep as we required that night, so the next morning, we stumbled, tired and hungry, to the distillery district to meet my parents and aunt and uncle for breakfast at the Mill Street Pub. An omelette has never tasted so good! We had to drop Meg’s friend off at the bus depot, and afterwards, walked to Kensington Market to enjoy a cool drink in the shade while waiting for our rents to finish touristing. Our groups met again at a wine tasting held in Nathan Phillips Square for the Jazz Festival, before Meg and I headed out once more, to change and liven ourselves up a bit. The fams met once more at Avli, a Greek Restaurant just off Chester and Danforth. It was delicious. Tired, but not yet wanting to pack it in for the night, we decided to try finding a patio; well, it was impossible for such a nice Saturday night, and after trying Milestones, Jack Astors, and Imperial Pub, we settled for indoors at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Sunday Morning, I woke up early (what? 9am is early for someone who doesn’t have a job!) and met my parents at their hotel. From there, we went to our first Blue Jays game. We got free ballcaps when we entered, and many free Gillette samples upon exiting, and were gouged out our ears for snacks inside. Fitting, I suppose. Mum wanted to hit up Chinatown, dad and I walked slowly, bored at watching mom buy cheap knickknacks and consider buying 6 t-shirts for $10. I wanted to go to East Side Marios for dinner, as I hadn’t been yet. We were not impressed with their service, but you can’t argue with bottomless breadsticks and salad.

Monday, June 29th: The rents wanted to go to Niagara Falls, so we caught a bus around noon. We ended up getting great weather (in jeans, I was quite warm for the majority of the day). The Falls were nice to see, the rest of the town was kind of dumpy-looking. We didn’t look at a lot of the tourist attractions though, so I have something to see when H comes to visit! We didn’t eat before catching a bus back to Toronto, and as a result, our stomachs were growlin’ something terrible. Luckily, we stopped at the most awesome Chinese Restaurant on our way back to the hotel...it was seriously 5-10 minutes from ordering to getting our food, hot, fresh, and delicious. The service was excellent and I’m thinking my dad tipped big that night.

Tuesday, June 30th: I actually got my parents into H&M! Haha, my dad bought like, 7 shirts (he really can’t resist a good price), and mum bought some stuff too. We dropped off their purchases at the hotel, and off we went again. We hit Queen Street West before stopping at Jack Astors for lunch. From there, we walked to King Street and took a streetcar yet again to the distillery district. We were able to do a bit more walking around than the previous visit, and also saw two different wedding parties taking pictures. It was a pretty location for the shots. Mum bought some flowers/plants, and then we took a walk to St. Lawrence Market, which I haven’t been to since our last trip to Toronto back in...Grade 11? Yeah. Finally, I left my parents to their own devices and went home to get ready for the Jamie Cullum concert.

Opening act was kind of boring; they were good, just not at all into plainly instrumental music, especially jazz. Jamie was fab! Just as I imagined he would be (and, living up to the recorded performances I’ve seen on tv and youtube. I hung around after the show to try to meet him and it paid off. He mentioned during the show that this would be his last performance of TwentySomething because he was turning 30 in August, and he mentioned to someone around me that in fact, his birthday was on the 20th. I told him my birthday was the same day as his and he gave me 2 cheek kisses, which I handled awkwardly because of my non-british ways and plain awkwardness. Still awesome, though.

Wednesday, July 1st: Canada Day! Also, my parents’ last day in Toronto. I helped them bring their luggage to my house at checkout time, met Meg for a quick lunch together, and then we all headed off to the airport to see them off. All in all, it was a good visit. I think they both enjoyed Toronto. At last, Meg and I headed to Mississauga for their Canada Day celebration. We arrived a tad early, as we really only wanted to see Sloan, but it gave us a change to just hang, check out a bit of Mississauga, and get a good spot (nearly at the front, centre) for Sloan. They were great, but just stuck to singles. The fireworks were spectacular, I guess to make up for the nearly 20 minutes of shoddy music they played. We nearly got stranded in Mississauga for the night, too, when they didn’t send enough buses to get us back to the subway. Lots of angry people, including us. ½ hour later and we wouldn’t have made the subway!

Weekend involved...not sure? Karaokee with roommates x2, watching Grandma’s Boy with commentary with Meg on Sunday, and catching up on Weeds episodes (I’m almost up to date—it’s so good!).

Monday, July 6th: JET!!! Gah! They were fantastic! Meg came with me and we had an awesome time. To quote Meg’s facebook status, “Jet concert = four dirty Australians and one very happy girl”. Well, make that 2 happy girls. They played Timothy, which I didn’t think they ever did live, I met them all after, and the super nice Irish/Scottish roadie gave me lots of guitar picks with which to make earrings...whoot! I also made friends with a pair of sisters, who I hope to hear from soon (they took a picture of me with the drummer as my camera decided to die after only one band picture)

Since Monday, I’ve been biding my time until HP#6 comes out in theatres. I read books #1-6—just finished the last one an hour ago—and will likely take’r easy this weekend. My one knee is hurtin’ a bit so I put a pause on running, so it’ll be guitar time this weekend. I also work tomorrow (yay, money coming in!) and it’s 7-11 which should mean free small slurpees? I shall see.

And there you have it, Hoho.

i can leave for the east coast tomorrow..

2009-06-22T23:31:00.007-05:00

Ok, so it's not exactly later last night but it'll have to do...I was busy making curry, it took longer than expected and didn't turn out right...despite having massive amounts of curry powder, it is flavourless. I'll have to fix it up when it comes time to reheating leftovers.

Wednesday, June 17th:
Kicked off the afternoon at work! Ya, working the Argos pre-season game.

Went to the Drake Hotel for NXNE Kick-off...to start, they played 4 short films (and by short, I mean 3 minutes or so each) about various bands/venues in Toronto, and the first one featured Danko Jones, talking about Maple Leaf Gardens. He and his bassist JC were at the venue to watch it, so I made sure to say hi. I heard about the secret Broken Social Scene show but I'm not a huge fan (or just, fan) and I just ended up going home afterwards.

Thursday, June 18th:
Thursday was a bit of a bigger day for me. I started the evening off at Melissa Auf Der Maur, playing at Dundas Square. As far as chick singers go, she was pretty good. She had pretty funny stage banter, and she's hawt to boot. some barely-legal boys in the crowd were likin' it but too drunk to remember her name, and I ended up giving them my hand-written evening schedule to copy into their cellphone. When i was leaving the square later, they saw me and said "Hey, it's that awesome girl. We Love You!". Haha.

I headed over to the Whippersnapper Gallery on College & Clinton to catch my first special guest of the festival. The band, No Age, were really good. I'm not a huge fan of 2-person bands, but they were tight, the drummer was a decent singer, and the guitarist can restring in 30 seconds flat.

I then headed over Clinton's on Bloor West to catch Great Bloomers, with whom I'm falling in love. Their songs are layered with slow and fast parts, easy to dance to, and one particular song, Honey Blanket is constantly being streamed on myspace (until I can afford their album!)

Following their set, I walked to Lee's Palace, just in time to see the Skydiggers, referred to me by a friend. While I don't think I could be a huge fan, they were enjoyable, the singer had awesome stories to tell in between songs, very Hawksley Workman-ish.

The Special Guests at Lee's were Elliot Brood...decent, but kinda boring so I returned home.

Friday, June 19th:
Started off the night at Jen's where H's other friend was staying as well. We watched a couple of very funny episodes of the Office (coming from a non-Office watcher)...seriously, if anyone sang Take a Chance on Me with backup singers on speaker phone I think I'd die of happiness. We then decided that we must try Ein-Stein's deep-fried pickles. Now, I'm also not a huge pickle fan, but these were delicious! I have no idea how they get the batter to stick to those suckers!

We tried to make it to Dundas Square to catch Wintersleep but we only caught the one-song encore, which is just as well because that song was slooooow movin', not really my style. I was really feelin' seeing Magneta Lane, who was next on my hand-written schedule, so I jumped on a train to come home, get my camera, freshen up, drink a beer, and head out again; this time, to Lee's Palace again.

Met a nice young man in line who I hung out with for the show...strange enough, my age, named Nick, and having a birthday one day before mine! We watched the end of No Age's set (glad to have seen them again), and then kinda stood there in shock/confusing at King Khan...I say, if you need a gimmick like crazy costumes on stage, you're not really that good.

The best part of the night was that Nick said he had an extra ticket to Edgefest the following day, and that if I wanted it, it was mine! I had mentioned I had a boyfriend, so hopefully there was no confusion.

Saturday, June 20th:
Woke up to rain, and more rain. Thank goodness I stopped at the dollar store by my house for a child's $1 poncho, because it really did come in handy! I wasn't allowed to bring my umbrella in (hid it in my backpack--they weren't checking) because it's considered dangerous, yet later found out that schick had a booth and was handing out free razors, many of which later littered the ground. Not a good thought, as I was walking around barefoot for much of the day: mud+flipflops=huge mess+stuck feet. Consideration for future years: those shoes you wear in the water so that rocks don't bother you.

I did enjoy walking barefoot in the mud: I got a bit of free exfoliation and it was really soothing! We (Nick, his friends, and I) spend the earlier part of the day walking around to the Beer Gardens, checking out merch, etc, but managed to hear/watch parts of K-OS, Metric, Cancer Bats, and Moneen. I was really only there to see the Waking Eyes, and the trip to Downsview Park was worth it once they started their set. They were just ON that night, the crowd really grew once Alexisonfire finished up on the main stage, and I even got a few people around me to do the Clap breakdown in the middle of All Empires Fall. Righteous.

After realizing how late it was getting, I decided to head back to civilization and get ready for another night of NXNE. My bottled water came in handy for washing most of the mud off my shoes, but my legs were still covered in mud for the public transit ride home...I got a few stares and a couple of "So, how was edgefest?" comments.

One half-shower, redressing, and feeding later, I was ready for that night. My schedule slated me to see Oh No Not Stereo, a band that got rave reviews at SXSW, but they were unable to cross the border, so I went to option #2 on my list, Novillero at El Mocambo, who are always a good time (man, can those guys tambo!)

I wanted to make sure I got into Bovine Sex Club to see Inward Eye, so I scooted down there, and awesomely got a prime viewing spot. The boys were fabulous as always, the new songs are sounding good and you always know you've come to a good rock show when the guitarist blows a fuse in the first song. Ha. When they were done, the folks behind me were talking to themselves and said "See, the best bands come from Winnipeg, it must be something in the water," and I turned around and said, "I know, I'm from there!" Struck up a conversation with them about Inward Eye.

I stuck around to watch part of The Dogs, from LA, but I'm not really into that style of Stooges/Detroit Rock, so I headed to the Horseshoe Tavern, where I caught the end of Jason Collett's set and half of Hot Panda's set...they were meh, so I left, as I didn't feel like missing the last subway simply to see a meh band.

Sunday, June 21st:
The last day of NXNE! My first stop was at El Mocambo to catch Regina's Rah Rah. They were great, and not just because they had Hula Hoops and streamers. They had a wonderful song about Regina, which should always bring respect.

The next two bands at El Mocambo cancelled out, so instead they had the Hank and Lily Show, which again was too gimmicky for me...Lily had antlers and a high-pitched, but interesting voice. Hank and bassist wore face masks and crazy goggles. I eventually left and headed over to Racho Relaxo and what a great idea it was! I caught only the last few songs of Dan Griffin, who is also a member of the Arkells (who I unfortunately missed at Edgefest; they played first). He was alone with an accoustic guitar and the last song he played, East Coast, was hauntingly beautiful: it brought tears to my eyes (which I later told him--in response, he asked for my name and shook my hand).

The next band at Rancho was Bellewoods, and they were decent, a good way to end the festival.

Today:
Returned some library books, make tacos for dinner, listened to some beautiful tunes on myspace, chatted with my lover, and just enjoyed the beautiful day.

This week:
Interview tomorrow, Haircut on Wednesday, Meg's Birthday on Friday, Parents visit (aka FamJam) on Saturday through Tuesday!

we've sacrificed our purities and crafted new identities...

2009-06-21T14:09:00.005-05:00

Have so much to tell!

Thursday, June 4th:
Steve arrived! soooo happy!

Friday, June 5th:
Thank goodness for good weather! We took the ferry to Toronto Island, rented Quadricycles (which were traded in for regular bicycles when we realized how difficult it was to ride the Quadricycles), and took in the day. Upon returning to downtown Toronto, we headed to Yonge-Dundas Square, where the Luminato Festival was kicking off. We met an older Torontoian couple in the beer gardens, who brought with them interesting conversation. It was going to be awhile until Randy Bachman hit the stage, so we decided to go eat dinner at Imperial Pub on Dundas St., just East of Yonge. It was pretty good, and very filling...and beer was served in these giant mugs!

Randy Bachman was awesome, and though it was hard to stand on concrete for so long, I think Steve enjoyed it too. Jen met us for his set too, which was awesome because we started singing the songs to each other.

Saturday, June 6th:
Canada's Wonderland day! Much to my body and internal clock's dismay, we [Meg, Steve, me] woke up really early to make sure we were at the park fairly early on. Despite arriving 1/2 hour after the park opened, it was a Saturday and full of kids, thus we still had to wait an hour and a half to go on our first ride. We got in about 3-4 rides, plus the waterpark, so I guess it was worth it....Next time, it'd be more worthwhile to go on a weekday before school lets out. We also had foot long hot dogs (haven't had that in a while!) and I got an ICEE, my first one in a number of years.

After going home and freshening up, we hit King Street for dinner, trying the Red Tomato (the second time, for me)...again, it was delicious and the price was right. We were all pretty exhausted, so we headed home for good afterwards.

Sunday, June 7th:
Steve's last full day in Toronto :( We didn't want to do anything too strenuous because we were still tired from the last few days, so we grabbed some cheap candy (thanks, dollarama) and met Meg at the theatre to see X-Men Origins: Wolverine which was really good--now I have to see the other X-Men movies!

In order to limit required walking, we ate dinner at Spring Roll, also very good.

Monday, June 8th:
Took Steve to the airport! Saaaaaad face. Had a relatively slow day, besides going to another job interview that evening.

Wednesday, June 10th:
Met H's friend A, who took me around to the restaurant districts in Toronto, gave me pointers on applying for jobs, told me where NOT to apply, etc etc. Much appreciated, and hopefully it comes in handy.

Friday, June 12th:
Had 2 interviews, one went well but job turned out to be ridic, one went terrible, based on my non-experience at serving. The day redeemed itself when I bought Jet tickets--they're playing Toronto July 6th! In addition, Meg and I went to the Thea-tah to see The Hangover...seriously hilarous!

Uneventful weekend, But I have been reading quite a bit, as well as watching a lot of movies. I watched He's Just Not That Into You, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Revolutionary Road, Rachel Getting Married, Penelope, and The Soloist.

This weekend, on the other hand, has been much more exciting, but I want to get outside and enjoy the sun for a bit...I'll try to update again later today!

Guys? Chad fell down...

2009-06-03T23:41:00.005-05:00

ahh behind again. I just haven't been in the mood to write, but my mood is in the process of changing, what with Steve coming to visit tomorrow!

Friday, May 22nd:
I had my first shift at TM here! The work is exactly the same, the only things that are different are the customers, co-workers, and venue maps. Kinda neat starting a new job and knowing what to do already.

Saturday, May 23rd:
Another shift! A looong shift! The event, Seseme Street Live, was fun to work...not many angry customers at all, everyone was there to enjoy themselves.

Sunday, May 24th:
Picnic! At High Park! While we didn't get a chance to have a good look around, Meg and I approve, based on it's park/cabin/beach-like properties. I wish I had a bike here so we could do it up in style. Picnic was a potluck so I brough perogies, I hope the other ladies liked them! Afterwards, I went back to Meg's, where we ate dinner and watched Footloose. We have decided to learn the end dance from the movie for our next bar night. It's going to be amazing.

Monday, May 25th: NOTHING, besides talking with the rents over SKYPE, which does not work well with my internet connection, lemme tell ya.

Tuesday, May 26th:
I won premiere tickets for Away We Go so Meg and I met for dinner and then went to the movie. It was fabulous! two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

Wednesday, May 27th:
Pouring. Didn't leave house.

Thursday, May 28th:
Still raining, but decided I had to leave the house sometime. Went to Dufferin Mall to apply for jobs and then buy a fan and mattress pad. I was successful for the latter two activities! Also watched Glee Club, one of Fox's new shows and I was pleasantly surprised.

Friday, May 29th:
Partay! One of my roommates was leaving Toronto, so we had a dinner party. There was so much delicious food! Afterwards, we went to the bar to meet some friends. Good night all around.

saturday, May 30th:
Due to our late night, I slept very late at Meg's, even while we were watching The Departed. I went home eventually, then watched more movies on tv, The Little Black Book and The Breakup, both being decent. I also made curry! Based loosely on Steve's mum's recipe, I think I did pretty good.

Sunday, May 31st:
Went to the library, got some books out, hung around all day.

This week was just a write-off. We'll leave it at that.

this song explains why I'm leaving home to become a stewardess

2009-05-31T01:02:00.003-05:00

Ok, so my trip thus far hasn't exactly gone as planned. I am still looking for a job and other than another interview on monday, the prospects haven't been great. I can feel the springs in my mattress (though less so, after buying a foam mattress pad). I have to carry TP to the bathroom. My kitchen cupboard kinda smells. But I am trying to stay positive. I do like living in Toronto...I like being able to walk downtown at night without fear, the excellent public transportation, the true diversity of Torontoians, and my newfound independance...I can cook! And not just pasta--surprise, mum and dad!

I just have to keep on, keepin' on.

The world is, the world is, Love and life are deep, Maybe as his eyes are wide.

2009-05-21T17:49:00.006-05:00

Yay, for warm weather! It hasn't helped me update the ol' blog, but it sure has put me in better spirits!

Wednesday, May 13th:
I met up with my friend BR who decided to come to TO for a couple of weeks. We did some massive amounts of walking along Queen West (I mean, when one is wearing totally unsupportive $5 flipflops) and finally decided to eat at the Original Motorcycle Café on Queen. The service was pretty terrible (I mean, inexistant) but they had delicious shoestring yam fries...mmm... Then, we went to the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) because they have free admission after 6pm on Wednesdays. We only just completed the first floor (there are 5 or 6) before closing time, but the stuff we did see was pretty cool.

Thursday, May 14th:
I decided to go on MTV live because they actually had a live band on, instead of just plain blathering on. The band, Great Bloomers, was ok, but they were kind of a plaid mafia. Later in the week, I saw the singer, still in plaid, walking out of the Eaton Centre. Ha.

Friday, May 15th:
Boyfriend's parents, J and K came into town! What fun. They stayed at the Cambridge Suites downtown, which they got a really good deal on and was really nice and luxurious. J and K wanted to go to this BBQ place at College and Ossington so we had a College streetcar adventure. Phil's Original BBQ was delicious...the chicken was so tender and smoky, and the coleslaw rivaled my Baba's in deliciousness.

Saturday, May 16th:
J and K invited me to visit the hottub in their hotel, which was awesome! on the 22nd floor of the hotel, with a ridiculous view of the city! It was nice to be in a nice hot tub when it was pouring outside. When the rain finally let up we streetcar'd it to the top Patio in Toronto, Sweaty Betty's. The patio wasn't open, since everything was wet, but we enjoyed a nice pint of local brew before heading out. From there, I met up with BR, and we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dindin. I always love going into the Hard Rock, if only just to look at the fine memorobelia.

We walked off our dinner on our hunt for icecream, having to settle for the only icecream place we could find: Dairy Queen! I do love a good vanilla softserve cone. Afterwards, we kind of felt like drinking and going to a pub or something but after finding out that it was $8 cover just to see some unknown indie bands at the Horseshoe, we decided to hit the LCBO and get our drank on at my place, where luckily, Batman Begins was on tv...uncut! Showcase = ♥

Sunday, May 17th:
On Sunday, I took my first trip on the Bloor train farther east than my stop, to Danforth. J, K, and I went to Kristina's, this really nice Greek restaurant where they had Calamari and I filled up with bread, haha. Instead of oil or butter, they give you like, ground-up olives in a little bit of oliveoil. It was salty, but tasty. I just like how all of the neighbourhoods here have their own character. In Winnipeg, there are a few small neighbourhoods like that but everywhere you look you see big box stores, and they are not so self-contained...need electronics or groceries or entertainment? gotta travel for it.

I finally showed J and K my summer house, I hope they approved. I mean, it's nothing fancy and I wouldn't want to live here forever, but for the rent I'm paying (and I've looked at what the rent goes for in this particular neighbourhood) it's fabulous. Then, we sat back and relaxed. Well, for awhile. We met up with some other Torontoians/friends and went to dinner at the Red Tomato on King West, which was delicious! $23 got you a martini or beer, entrée, and dessert, all of which were great.

Monday, May 18th:
The long weekend ended with a bang! No, not fireworks, although I heard the ones at the Beaches were good. J, K, Meg, and I went to Toronto Island, my first time there, and it was a lot of fun! The water is beautiful, and we rode TANDEM bikes! A lot of fun. I can't wait to bring Stevie there.

We were all exhausted and returned to J and K's hotel room, until ordering Chinese to the room. Later in the evening, I bid the couple adieu. They were a ton of fun, adventurous, and very generous to a jobless Nicole! I hope they had fun while they were here.

Tuesday, May 19th:
What did I do? I think I brought resumes to more places? Oh yes, I did. Somehow I always get sucked into the Eaton Centre...gravitational force? On my way home, applied at my first temp agency.

Then Meg came over for dinner...perogies and leftover chinese! faaaaantastic.

Then Shakespeare in Love with my girl roommates (and a few of the males, who scoffed at first and shut up after Gwyneth's boobs play a starring role.

Wednesday, May 20th:
So apparently even Starbucks isn't hiring? Their weekly job fair has been cancelled for the next 5-6 weeks. Grrr. So instead I applied at 2 more temp agencies, made many more photocopies of my resume, and headed home. Attempted to make twice baked potatoes which will now be known as amazing cheesy baked potatoes. Except that I still don't have a potato masher so they ended up pretty chunky.

I decided to meet BR downtown and see Star Trek. $13 later...it was pretty good! I was all about Spock and that chick...that was hawt. H, you can keep Pining for Chris...bahaha you can't escape my punnery!

Today:
I had my second interview, same place! I think it went well...I'm keeping it underwraps. Visited the Toronto Reference library which is huge and really pretty and got my library card. Did my first load of whites, and nothing turned pink, so that's always good.

McDonald's and Tim Horton's were giving away free iced coffees so I had one at each chain. Because Winnipeggers can't resist a steal of a deal even if they didn't really feel like a second cup of coffee...on my way home, saw two interesting people: the first was an older, portly, moustached gentleman in a mesh shirt---uh...did not rock that shirt; the second was a woman sporting pantaloons. I was laughing inside, but she was wearing heels and looked pretty styling, all things considered.

It was far too nice of a day to spend the rest of it inside, so i spent an hour in my front yard while sunbathing and reading my plethora of free weekly magazines. After cleaning up and putting a shirt back on, I met Meg at Boston Pizza for dinner, followed by I Love You, Man which was hilarious. I STILL have Rush in my head (they are mentioned quite a bit in the film). We were 2 of 4 people in the theatre, which was funny in itself.

Which brings us up to date, again. I have to get to bed, as I work early on Saturday (ok, so I do have a job but it is very part time and my first shift is tomorrow) and my sleeping schedule is all screwed up. G'night!

they live a rougher life than we...

2009-05-13T12:10:00.003-05:00

it's 18°C outside right now, and I'm inside and bored out of my mind. I could go shopping but I really don't think it would be wise to do anymore unnecessary spending before finding a job. I think I'll probably just go for a walk or something.

Thursday, May 7th:
Rach and I met downtown, and finally finished going through Eaton Centre...it only took us 3 days! We also traveled further on Queen St. W, hit up Rachael's second Urban Outfitters. Rachael had her first taste of Pizza Pizza--I wonder how much her lactose intolerance acted up? We returned to Meg's apartment, and I took a 2-hour nap...It's crazy how tired one can get from walking and shopping, and not even working. We were all pretty beat, so I headed home.

Friday, May 8th:
I decided to take a walk down Bloor West, finally found a second Puma Store (the one on Queen West apparently doesn't exist?), and bought me a pair of comfy shoes. Which are comfy when you're wearing them. To be able to pay for them though, I need to apply for jobs and in applying for jobs, I can't really wear comfy shoes, ironic, isn't it? Found my 3rd H&M Store, that one was pretty European-Styled--by that, expensive, not comfortable-looking, and not practical. I headed home to eat lunch and pack for the weekend.

Rach came over and we booted it downtown to meet Meg, with only one misdirection on a unnecessary street car (I'm good at directions when I have a map!), and then we racewalked to the bus depot to travel to Guelph. I think it was decently priced, at $25 for a round trip. It took about an hour and a half to get there, and by the time we got there, we were starved! We attended Meg's friend's birthday dinner at Atmosphere, this restaurant that had pretty good martinis, tasty food, but tiny portions. Luckily I had had a late lunch so I was stuffed. Then we ran off to get ready for the bar.

After we were glammed up, we walked to e-Bar, which was just up the block from where we were staying. The music was ok, I suppose, based on my skewed standards, haha. There are a lot of jokes from that night, including but not limited to:

The ridiculous "DJ Slim" who was this skinny, long-haired boy who looked about 15 years old. He was wearing Maiden shirt that I felt he shouldn't have been wearing, based on the fact that he knew every single word to the top-40 shiz he was playing.
The crazy football jersey/sweatpant-wearing bro who kept hanging around on the outskirts of the dance floor, trying to rock out to the song, but obviously not courageous enough to come up to any girl
I pulled an Angus-on my knees-air guitar move, which I've done many times before, only this time I accidentally kicked off my kitten heel into the great abyss. It took a good 5 minutes for me to find it, and that involved me walking around the dance floor and pointing out my naked foot to people and asking if they'd seen my shoe. thank goodness we found it! Unfortunately, this luck did not extend to my favourite (and ONLY pair with me here) jeans, as I discovered a huuuge crotch rip the following day, undoubtedly from my wicked dance moves. Meg and I are holding a pant-ripping ceremony later this month.

Saturday, May 9th:
I did NOT feel good the next day, I suppose a combination of my bellini/caesar/beer-fest the night before, a restless night, and early-ish morning. I felt better after eating, though, at a hole in the wall restaurant called Appollo. Then we were off to the Greyhound station, to head back to Toronto.

We had a lazy day at Meg's apt, deciding to have a baby movie fest, including Knocked Up (well, the first half, before the dvd screwed up), and Juno. Then we got dressed (not up though), and walked to Graz-ie, Meg's fave restaurant. It had really good Italian food! Rach and I got a bit tipsy from the wine, and we headed back to Meg's apartment with her friend to walk Baby Momma, which was still funny on the 2nd viewing.

We went to bed faaaar too late for the morning we had ahead of us.

Sunday, May 10th:
Rachael's leaving day. She planned it for a Sunday to make sure that Meg could accompany us to the airport, unbenounced to the fact that subways don't start until 9am on Sundays. So we had to catch a cab to the airport. Late nights+early mornings+me=siiiick. We sent rachee off, and then Meg and I very sleepily took the subway to our respective homes. I went to sleep as soon as I got home, and slept until about 1pm.

After waking up, I decided to head to the Dufferin Mall, which was an excellent decision on my part! The best H&M so far, and decent sales there, as well as at Suzy Shier. Also, I found my first Dollarama. Exciting!

Monday, May 11th:
I had my interview, which I think went ok. We'll see! I applied for a few more jobs, bought a headset so that I can chat with steve and my peeps online, and then headed home.

Tuesday, May 12th:
Happy birthday dad! I walked to the library to print some application forms, and they told me I have to bring a piece of mail or something if I want a library card, so...someone send me mail please! ASAP! Then i walked down Bloor West and Yonge Street, all the way to College again, applying at a few more places. I found a dollarama closer to where I live! and a 7-eleven!!! Since it was 17°C yesterday, I partook in a 40oz-er.

After a quick stop at No Frills, and 2 stops at the dollar store by my house (this is what i get for not making shopping lists), I was on my way to making perogies! It took me at least an hour and a half to make the dough and the filling, and 3 hours total for the whole process. I don't think I got the expected yield of 6 dozen, but I didn't have any trouble pinching, as far as I know. I boiled/fried up 7 for a very late dindin yesterday, and 1 of the 7 opened, which is pretty good! The filling was a bit chunky, as I didn't have a potato masher and used a fork instead. They also aren't cheesy enough, but I do have a weakness for old cheddar.

I chatted with my parents for awhile, and found out that they are listing my Baba's house for sale, which is crazy. I didn't expect it to happen so soon. But it's good, it will be nice to have her even closer to us, and I think it will be good for her to see us more often. If I do end up moving out of my parent's house when I return to Winnipeg, there will be an extra bedroom for someone to sleep in, so that would be good for them. I have to see what my financial situation is like, though.

Today:
Nothing. Hahahaha. Keeping up with my daily ritual of chocolate granola and orange juice/lemonade while watching the price is right, and then finding things to keep me busy for the remainder of the day. So far, I've eaten glosette raisins, updated this blog, facebooked until there was nothing left to facebook, and cleaned my room slightly. I should get out and experience the warmth before it starts raining.

cheers!

we're on our own tonight

2009-05-06T23:45:00.003-05:00

I'm here!!! I've kept pretty busy in the past week so I'll try to remember everything I did, and then hopefully I can just redirect peeps to this site instead of typing it all again...I hate typing on laptops for long periods of time.

First day:
Ok, I was exhausted after we woke up in the wee hours of the morning to catch our flight, made it to the last boarding call, and proceeded to lug 4 suitcases, a giant pillow, and a heavy backpack on the bus/subway/walk to Meg's apartment. We went on another long walk to Metro to pick up groceries, and had to walk home in the rain...no fun. But then we went to karaoke! Really fun to go with people who will actually sing. I think we did One Week, Semi-Charmed Life, Sunday Morning, My Generation, Wouldn't it be Nice, Bohemian Rhapsody, and then all of our solo songs. I did You Shook Me All Night Long (were you surprised, really?) and seriously kicked that song's ass. I mean, duck walk, on-the-knees air guitar, and a whole lotta beltin'. YES.

Friday, April 30th:
Somehow, we managed to get out of bed after the debauchery the night before. We hit up the 3-storey H&M in the Eaton Centre, which we lost Rach in a few times. ha. I bought 2 pretty sun dresses which I haven't been able to enjoy too much, as it's been pretty cold. We met Meg's friend who was in town for a party and window-shopped in a number of the more expensive stores in EC...you know, the ones where you're almost scared to touch stuff in because it's so expensive.

On our way home we rented Twilight. It was..interesting. I mean, there was quite a few differences between the book and the movie. Not to mention Kristen Stewart's twitches and stutters. I mean, I stutter and I have total sympathy. but not in a recorded movie? Grow a pair, Bella. Stayed at Meg's house again, as it was late and I was not yet ready to cut the cord.

Saturday, May 1st:
Rachael and I trekked to Urban Outfitters on Yonge. We spent quite a bit time, since, as a rule, Rach finds something she likes at pretty much everywhere we go (Lucky! although my wallet is happy that I'm like me). Then we headed back to Meg's to get ready to partay. Lol. Meg's friend was having a dinner-then-bar night. We met them at the Pickle Barrel--despite the name, it's a pretty swank place. I got Oriental Nachos, which were essentially chicken-y, cheesy wontons. A bit too rich for me to fully enjoy, but still delicious. Dinner was followed by an impromptue Rock Band session at Meg's friend's apartment. M's friend did SOAD's Chop Suoy, I have proof! then we went to Montana, which is a fancy bar. it had 2 different dance floor, one that was ridiculously busy that had a Mashing DJ, the other one which was empty but focused on Dance Mix '95-era hits. At one point in the evening, they played a bit of The Right Stuff, and I threw out my best NKOTB dance moves (the penguin with a bit of shoulder-brushing). Nice. Took pretty much the last subway running back to Meg's.

Sunday, May 2nd:
After an exhausting first few days, we took Sunday off. We went for a walk up north Yonge, and into a dog park. Totes would have been more fun without flip-flops. But still really nice to see the "other side" of Toronto ie., there IS still green space somewhere. Just...not a whole lot. Went home to spend my first night in my new house!

Monday, May 3rd:
So....I'm not used to living somewhere with so much traffic. At home, I lived in a basement in a neighbourhood that didn't get a lot of traffic, either from cars or hoodlums. I hear there's a hospital pretty close to here, and besides, I am about 3 blocks from Bloor in one direction, and 3 blocks from Yonge in another (perpendicular, to be exact). So that is hard to get used to. And my bed is kind of on the hard side, making me consider getting a mattress pad. Will that help at all? Or just be a pain in the back (pun totally intended) to get back to winnipeg? Dunno. I'm kind of on opposite schedules as everyone here so I rarely see any of the supposed 25 people who live here. Kinda nice, because right now it seems like I have the house to myself during the day, but that will change when I (hopefully?) get a job working during the day.

Rach came over and we went to Kensington Market (Rach's first streetcar! Exciting.) I decided to look for a leather jacket, as it would totally help my indie cred. But no such luck, all I found were Jesse and the Ripperz-era or else fringed. I'll have to check back, or else cheque somewhere for fake leather (because it will be cheaper and lighter). Only thing purchased in Kensington Market was a set of 3 pins for M, R, and me that said "Hello!", because that has been the POTT (phrase of the Trip). After that, we travelled to M's work to meet her, and on the way got my first Toronto slurpee! It wasn't a 40 ouncer; it was a mere pup.

We took the subway to Walmart. It is amazing close to where I live! Like, 8 subway stops? I think that's close. Get this: the walmart is 2 floors, and along with the escalators, there are cart escalators! Crazy! I'm sorry I didn't get to see one of those in action, but I'll probably hit up walmart at least one more time while I'm here so maybe just maybe I'll get an empty cart just so i can try that sucker out.

Yesterday:
I really had to start getting on find a job, so yesterday I had an alone day while searching my neighbourhood. I went on an hour+ walk, applied for maybe 5 jobs? There aren't a lot of places for me to consider working at around me. It was really nice just to explore on my own without using a map. I would've continued to walk around but my stomach was grumbling, I was wearing the wrong shoes (little kitten heels), and I was getting hot in a white blouse and black pants. I had Pizza Pizza for the first time ever (seriously, M, we don't have these in Manitoba!) It was decent for the price. My internet was down until about 7pm so I had to chill until it was fixed, and then I lounged around watching 30 Rock (funny!) and catching up on emails from H and talking to my ♥!

Today:
Had lunch with Rachee, then met up with Jen (H's friend) and we went to a taping of the Hour! George is very good looking up close. And funny. His guests were interesting, too. We got pictures of Masquerade Boy with him! AND on his interview chair, teehee. I watched the show when it aired tonight and you can see me like...3 or 4 times? My hair actually looked decent from the back lol. Have to work on my posture though.

Rach went to Much on Demand instead, and she had fun on there, and was actually asked a question on air? I didn't see a repeat of it yet, apparently it is on tomorrow morning so that will be a reason to get up! Not sure what else I'm doing tomorrow, but I do need to apply for a bunch more jobs, possibly get a library card, and get on with life in Toronto.

Cheers!

glycerine?

2009-04-22T12:16:00.004-05:00

Trip update:

Packing: Almost done. I have a few essentials that I will need to pack next week (toothbrush, blowdryer, computer stuff) but it's looking like everything is going to fit, and in smaller suitcases than I thought: one big, one small. I have still be weighing the suitcases on our bathroom scale to make sure I don't exceed the 50lb limit for the flight...I'm getting pretty darn close with one of them, despite it not carrying my shoes or frying pan.

Job: No luck at the moment. I've applied for quite a few positions, and haven't gotten so much as a response from any of them yet. I'm worried that I'm going to have to go to Toronto with a blank slate...talk about a stressful first week!

Other Stuff:

I do have a fun next week planned...Gavin Rossdale tonight, a Social/Going Away Party on Friday, Dinner with my aunt and Steve's Birthday Party on Saturday, and Steve's Other Celebration on his birthdate. Plus, the possibility of bra shopping with the aunt, which will be nice.

dynamite

2009-04-19T17:41:00.003-05:00

I'm done!!! School, that is. All I want to do now is kick back and relax, which is what I think I will do tonight. I'm feeling the start of a cold so I just need to get loads and loads of sleep, tea, and vitamin C.

Got my tickets for AC/DC so I'm psyched! and Friday night was Wide Mouth Mason and it was ever so much fun. Love hanging out with the girls (and Blaine). It was a great show.

11 days until I leave! I still have to pack but I think I resist it until I feel better and until I can pack more items.

lazy hazy crazy days of summer

2009-04-08T12:59:00.002-05:00

deposit is IN! whoohoo.

Another thing I have to do before I leave is download all of the songs found on several of my dad's mixtapes, Read the Picture, MOREREMOMEMORIES, and the greatest one of all, Summer With Sylvester. Because it's not a summer without hearing "Hot Fun in the Summertime" or "Dance to the Music". Plus, I'm going to miss all of my social buddies, hopefully I will be able to get a dance party up in hrrrr (aka Toronto).

shine on

2009-04-08T00:51:00.002-05:00

Ok, so toronto residence is pretty much confirmed, all I have to do is send my deposit and then sign the lease! exciting. only 22 days until we leave which just leaves me thinking to myself "holy holy crap". I still have a ton of stuff left to do before I leave...I work quite a bit, have 2 projects and 2 exams to finish up, my room should be tidied up, I need to pack (which is going to be a full-time job in itself...how much do you bring when you're going to be somewhere for 4 months?)

I'm actually super proud of myself for getting some more job applications taken care of...they've been in my bookmarks for the past week and I've been tied up in group projects. I think I have a hold on my surfthechannel/spider solitaire addictions.

I'm going to find it really hard to concentrate on school for anotehr whole week...

rip it up!

2009-03-30T16:48:00.003-05:00

Apartment hunting is exciting...so exciting that I made an excel spreadsheet, as well as a special google maps analysis to determine the best place for me to live.

It is just too bad that I still have school stuff that requires deep concentration...2 presentations this week, presentation, exam, and 2 projects due next week, an exam and project due the week following that and I'm DONE!

Things I am happy about:

living in another city in just over 1 month from now!
foxmarks...I'll never lose my firefox bookmarks again, and they sync between my computers!
Finding a HUGE number of sublets in TO that are cheaper than I thought, and close to downtown...I'm hoping to walk a LOT and limit the amount of money I have to spend on public transit
taking a train! apparently you can see the northern lights during travel (it goes through Northern Ontario), I've never been on a train before, and it's like a trip in itself
GST cheques this Friday! And coinciding with payday, how glorious!

ahem.

2009-03-25T23:56:00.003-05:00

I finally told the parents about moving! I feel so liberated! and Rach is coming with me via train, which should be exciting. The tentative t-date (toronto/train) is April 30th. Whee!

Another exam is over, too. I had meant to get more done tonight, but I didn't get home until nearly 10pm, and I was distractly with the whole telling the rents thing.

Now it's time to watch Law and Order and try to work on a group project.

whoo whoo!

2009-03-24T10:25:00.002-05:00

so it looks like the cheapest (and most exciting) way to toronto for the summer is going to be the Train! It may only be like, $20 cheaper and take a couple of days instead of 3 hours, but I think it would be an adventure! I mean, when else am I going to take a train?

Ahhhh i want to plan my trip already but I have too much school stuff to do. Just over 3 weeks to go though...

the watuzi

2009-03-24T00:21:00.003-05:00

still trying to figure out how to fit a full term's worth of notes onto 2 pages. So far, I'm working with size 8 font, 4 columns, removing any free spaces, and taking out anything I know fo sho. I have a feeling I'll be up late doing this tonight and tomorrow...after this exam on Wednesday, I'll have 1 assignment, 3 group projects, and 2 exams to go...I'm excited! Still have a lot of work ahead of me though.

2 of the group projects require presentations next wednesday and I'm feeling overwhelmed about the amount of work that still needs to be done for both of them. In one of them, we've barely gotten started. The other one requires a lot of detail and research, so it's not as easy as a "let's meet this day and get it all done" group project. We know, as we met today and that's what happened. All of these projects, though similar to each other, are very different from anything I've done before and I think that's why I'm having trouble getting to work.

Oh, and because I want to play spider solitaire all the time.

happy tomorrow again!

2009-03-11T21:26:00.002-05:00

Alright, so I did my tax return...*yay*, but I was disappointed to learn that I wasn't getting much back. At least I don't have to pay anything yet but who knows when that'll change.

I worked my little butt off yesterday on The Bottom Line...in the span of 2 days I worked on it for probably 20+ hours, and it's probably the best issue out of the three--better articles, better images, better layout. I'm excited to see the printed copy. And I will be updating the website as soon as I get some motivation.

Instead, tonight, I had better get started on a powerpoint presentation that my prof sprung on us yesterday and is due tomorrow. Who does that? It's going to be awesome because of my group (of 3--most other groups have 4-6 members), I'm the only one who has commited any time to working on it. Yep, yep.

I'm just semi-happy--we'll put it at neutral because at long last, the summer jobs are popping up so I'm not feeling so worried about the summer. I WILL find a job, I WILL be able to afford rent and food, I WILL find a way to pay for my remaining year of university, and dammit, I WILL have fun while doing it!

just slide.

2009-03-04T21:47:00.002-06:00

I figured out today that I don't like to be on broken escalators. You know, the non-moving ones that become stairs. Anyways, for some reason they make me uncomfortable, because you think they are moving, when really, only you are.

That's Nicole's Thought of the Day (as I try to avoid working on my Canadian History paper)

pick up your number

2009-03-03T16:22:00.004-06:00

I got my resumé in for the job that I am really passionate about getting for the summer...let's hope I at least get a call back!

I've been pretty hush-hush about what I'll be doing for the summer around my parents, but I showed him the job description and my coverletter so he could edit it, and he thought I had a good chance for at least an interview...he didn't mention anything about the fact that I would be leaving Winnipeg for the summer in order to do the job. Perhaps he didn't realize that I'd be leaving Winnipeg whether or not I got this job.

But enough about that job...I have to keep it at the back of my mind because I have a lot of projects and exams to get through before that time comes, and I have to semi-face the possibility of not getting hired.

put your money where your mouth is

2009-03-02T23:26:00.003-06:00

gaaaaaah just when I think I'm getting somewhat ahead, financially, there is something to let me down. o'Mally has a leak in the...radiator? I don't know cars. But it's going to cost us $500 to fix which just sucks...and our insurance is due, and we were ordered to get an immobilizer put in. I had better get a decent tax return, is all I'm sayin'...

Now it's time for some reading so that I'll feel sleeping and go to bed early...ha!

SHUT UP!

2009-02-28T01:20:00.002-06:00

ahhhh I just finished watching two episodes of "What Not to Wear" with my dad and it was awesome. Now if I could only get him into "How to Look Good Naked"...

long way from freedom

2009-02-27T00:18:00.006-06:00

Oh, where has the month gone? I never seem to have the "time" to update, meanwhile I'm getting plenty of spider solitaire time in--I was on the verge of deleting it, but I can't...I haven't even made it up to 2 decks yet. On January 31st, we said goodbye to our dear friend Andrea...because she's going to Australia, the lucky girl!!! We thought we'd show her what a good time was: we took her to modernized, the best thing since the compilation album Spirit of the Sixties (H, you know what I'm talkin' about!). Here is proof of that night: Yep. The week before reading week was trying for my family. My grandma passed away on February 12th. My aunt, uncle, and cousin (Hi Meg!) came in from out of province to be here, and while it was nice to see them all, it wasn't the ideal situation. Here are some pictures to commemorate her life--we played these and others at a slideshow at her funeral.

Grandma Loves Kitties

Min (Middle) in younger years

Grandma and Me (and highwaisted pants, I know, I know)
Artsy picture, courtesy of Daddykins

Steve had been looking forward to going skiing and I didn't want to let him down, so we still went to Asessippi that weekend (Feb 13-15). It was so cold on Saturday that it felt like 2 trucks had run over my feet, so we packed it in early that day. We woke up on Sunday to a windchill of -35, so we cut our losses and headed back to the city, but not before taking a few more pictures

Nice, Steve

The rest of my reading week was uneventful; in fact, I think it was the worst reading week in history for actually getting reading done.

Aaaand that pretty much brings us up to date. I finished my last midterm of the year today, now only 3 group projects, 5 presentations, and 4 finals to go! *sigh*. At least I have summer to look forward to. My March will be coming in like a lion...haircut, the Waking Eyes, lots and lots of work and school!

mashed potato, wha wha!

2009-01-26T19:17:00.009-06:00

If it's not one thing, it's another, right?

My big computer is broked, so I'm on the little baby sapphire, which is just a
s well, since I'm in my jammies, watching House, and getting little homework done.

In the past 3 weeks:

-Manitoba Showcase (Jan. 8) was fun, except for some rugrats sitting beside us who thought it was fun to flash cameras at us throughout the entire show. I was ready to rip them out of their hands and stamp on them. Such is what happens with a free show in Winnipeg. It's too bad that the Waking Eyes only got one song, but at that, it was great--way better than the Acoustic version of All Empires Fall that they did for a magazine website.
-Heather's partay! (Jan. 9) dressed like the Hives--or rather, H and I did! Sushi was delish, bowling was fun--and free.

-AC/DC!!! (Jan. 17) whooohooooo! The trip was fun, less some "bros" who put a serious dent in the bus's clean air, had a weird fascination with Sade's Smooth Operator, and were unbelievably awake despite our 5am return time.

Bryan wasn't always amused.

A little Highway?

Let There Be Rock

That band still puts on a great show. I was a bit disappointed with the crowd though; perhaps all Fargo crowds are like this---not excited in the least. Here's hoping for a Winnipeg show in the summer: maybe there are more hosers in Winnipeg?

-Sammy Roberts! (Jan. 22) Always a good show! And the Nuge was so dancey, it was great.I think I'm going to bring a sign that says "NUGE" next time, haha
.

-Modernized on Saturday (Jan. 24) was so much fun! What could be better than Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Nancy Sinatra, The Beatles, the Isley Brothers, and all by request? Good times.

Anywho, I'm going to save this puppy to add pictures from my other computer later (which, at the moment, is now working--but for how long) and off I go to do more homework.

back in school.

2009-01-07T00:42:00.004-06:00

my goodness I need to get to bed soon! just came on to tell you how busy I was:

Today I worked ...Moose Game.
Tomorrow I get to go to a Moose game for free! The Moose Reps want us to experience a live game, since they realized most of us hadn't ever seen one before (myself included).

Thursday entails a free Manitoba showcase at Centennial Concert Hall...including the Waking Eyes and Inward Eye. and all the other eyes. ha!

Friday is H's birthday! I need to get my drawers ready (?)...we're dressin' like the Hives!

And Saturday is another of Steve's ex-workplace's socials, so I get to listen to decent music, drink cheap booze, and hopefully dance a little bit?

Now it's time for sleep! Hopefully I don't wait up at 4:30 with a terrible stomach ache again like I did last night...I did not dig that one bit.

Also, I'm on a John Cusack kick...I've seen Say Anything (love it!), High Fidelity (always love it!), A Sure Thing, and Grosse Pointe Blank...If anyone has suggestions of what else to watch, please let me know! the list of movies he's in is so long that I don't have time to watch all of them right now!

tall skinny macchiato coming up!

2008-12-28T15:09:00.003-06:00

whoooooo post-christmas post!

some of the load:
-new beautiful pillows that allow me to sleep until noon
-AC/DC - Black Ice
-socks, a sweater, change purses to attend the bar with me
-AN ESPRESSO MAKER!!!

I really should be taking pictures of everything I make, just as a record. On Christmas I made chai lattes; today I made double espressos, an Americano, and a Caramel Latté (essentially, a Caramel macchiato minus the caramel sizzurp on top). It's a matter of perfecting everything--how much water to run through the espresso, how to better produce microfoam, how many ounces of syrup to put in each cup, and the list goes on. I need espresso drinkers to come and help me experiment.

Aaaand I bought myself skis! It was a big investment (note: they are an asset, not an expense, as they will come in handy many times over).

So now I have a full week and a half with no work, no school so I think I'm going to work at de-cluttering my office and perfecting my barista skills...again.

MGG

2008-12-16T23:59:00.003-06:00

omg. boss, thanks for borrowing me season 1 of Criminal Minds; sis and I are reaching the pivotal moment where Matthew Gray Gubler kisses a fake actress! enchanting. Unfortunately, besides studying and painting my nails I haven't gotten much else done today.

time to finish watching the episode while wiki-ing MGG. Whee!!!

sick.

2008-12-16T15:31:00.002-06:00

Of course, I'm all ready to start studying for my last exam, seeing how horrible my last exam went. And then on Sunday the flu pretty much hit me on the back of the head...seriously. I finally woke up this morning for the first time without a splitting headache.

I've got an exam tomorrow evening and I'm not quite sure how it'll go. I've just been reading up on notes and hopefully that'll be ok.

After my exam, I have a bunch of other stuff to do...finish my christmas shopping, clean my room and work on a bunch of stuff for the bottom line. but for today, I'm just relaxing, studying, painting my nails, and trying to get rid of this sickness as soon as possible!

ce-le-brate good times!

2008-12-10T22:03:00.003-06:00

I'm done another exam...yippee!! This one didn't go so great, but at least it's over. Hoping that I did better than the curve, but only time will tell.

I have a lot on my to-do list for the christmas holidays:

one more exam
shopping! I have pretty much everyone left on my list
work x-mas party (from the summer job, it will be nice to see everyone)
Quinzmas: should be a HOOT, I know it was last year, and it should be lots of fun with rachie coming with me this year.
The Waking Eyes CD release party...which YOU should be going to! Apparently there will be a bubble machine.

I also have to get through 2 seasons of Sabrina the Teenage Witch (ILU surf the channel)

Speaking of hoots, Andrea's party was fab-u-lous!

YES.

ride on

2008-12-04T16:29:00.003-06:00

OMFG. Haha, I had to explain what this meant to my mother yesterday, and I think that's funny in its own right.

I am DONE my papers for Canadian History so all I have left to do for tonight is study for cost accounting. Hmm...all. Meaning 1 mock exam and as many of the 6 in-class question sets that I have and then hoping for the best.

Yesterday night I had a dream that I went to AC/DC in Fargo and I forgot my ticket at home and so my boss from TM and I had to go to the box office and get the other ticket, and the employee there realized she knew me, and I was late getting into the concert. When I woke up abruptly, I sat up, it was scary!

At least, being done my Canadian History take-home, I'll be able to relax tomorrow after writing my exam and helping invigilate for Comp Usage. Plus, I have to work on my hat for Andrea's birthday...we've decided to go animal themed and I have an idea for mine...

This will give you an idea of how CRAZY we get with our hats. yes, this Saturday should turn out just fine...

brother DOWN

2008-12-02T23:26:00.003-06:00

Group project is DONE! And good riddance! Now I can focus on studying for exams, writing 2 papers, and working on my Christmas list.

December is shaping up to be quite relaxing and fun...we've got one birthday party, a x-mas party that steve is DJ-ing at (which means excellent music, if I do say so myself), Commerce Christmas Social (involving getting dressed up which is always fun), and not a whole lot of work. Well, we'll see if I like that last point. I was hoping to get a lot more work at TM in over this term since I wouldn't be TA-ing for Computer Usage, but with my new initiative to take 5 courses, I doubt I'll have more time that I had this term.

Back to the grind...I have one more chapter to read for Cost Accounting before hitting the hay (aka, my bed which has new sheets - thanks Auntie!), one more day of classes, 3 exams, 1 take-home exam, and 1 more TA shift, and 1 more assignment to mark (x 150 students). Wish me luck!

how's it going to be?

2008-12-01T23:37:00.005-06:00

Correction: DON'T have the Accounting case under control because it just so happens group members love to NOT e-mail their progress to me until the night before it's due (and only after much prodding), only to simply send something that was ctrl+c'd and ctrl+v'd off the web. Fantastic.

At least I have my fantastic new fridge that I won at a social this weekend...I no longer have to leave my office to get fully caffeinated! That corona is certainly looking good right about now...

it is the storm before the calm

2008-11-28T21:36:00.002-06:00

I'm getting overwhelmed again...here I thought we had my accounting case study under control and let's just say that was a whole lotta gobbledy gook. I can barely understand my accounting work after it's marked, so it's even harder to figure out what other people were doing.

I've done as much as I can for now, because I'm waiting for other people to get stuff to me. I have 2 more school-related things on my to-do list, as well as taking a shower and I don't know if I'll get to all of these items tonight.

H, you are actually going to get a birthday present on time! You should be so proud of Rach and me, but you should also be shaking your finger that it took us away from precious study time, and that it was on Black Friday, too.

So I'm a complete doofus and I was thinking that I could actually graduate by January of next year, but...it means I won't have a relaxing summer. Still...I could try? It'll mean 5 courses next term, 3 during the summer (with 2 being by distance ed) and then 4 in the Fall. Let's just say I won't be doing a whole lotta working during that time.

I'm going to be a star!

2008-11-22T12:34:00.002-06:00

I'm going to be in a movie! Albeit, a 5 minute film, but none the less, I can officially put Actor on my resumé, haha. More details after shooting.

getting my bum in gear

2008-11-18T09:49:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I may have missed my first class today (I slept in, my hair desperately needed taming, and I needed to eat at least one meal if I was going to wait for Steve to finish work today) but other than that, I'm working really hard at getting my bum in gear. My brain (or agenda) haven't fully realized the immense amount of items that will soon grace them with their presence.

Has anyone caught the show Less than Kind? It's set in Winnipeg, has the Weakerthans' "One Great City" for a theme song, and has many references to its location.

mission: half complete

2008-11-16T16:57:00.003-06:00

omgomg

I think I actually have too much [canadian] content for my final Canadian History paper!!! I mean, it will be difficult to cut it down, but so much easier than trying to find additional information. At least the topic isn't putting me to sleep, as I decided to write about my OTL (one true love), Canadian music.

Completed today:

Giant slurpee: 1
Bag of chips: 1/2
CDN history asst: 1/2

I'M NOT A KID ANYMORE

2008-11-09T08:50:00.002-06:00

another day, another dollar.

I wish I could stay home and do homework though...who wants to go out in -15 weather?!?

i heard it through the grapevine...

2008-11-03T21:16:00.004-06:00

gah! To things not turning out like I wanted to on my excel spreadsheet schedule...though, other to-do items made up for the negatives.

Yay for the Waking Eyes and the Watchmen, hometown heros at the Powerball...really brought up the class of the entire arena, if only for 40% of the time.

Had a panic attack on Hallowe'en, as I had spent the week working on Steve's costume and had but a mere afternoon to work on mine...the needles (yes, the existing needle AND the spare one) broke on my sewing machine, so I was left to do it by hand...I shed some blood in order to look awesome as a California Raisin.

All in all, I think the past week was a success...I saw Lenny Kravitz, the Waking Eyes, the Watchmen, Jet Set Satellite, and Bob Dylan; I was able to mark assignments in record time; I made myself a schedule for the next 2 weeks that i think I'll actually be able to stick to; and I still have tons of candy to last me through at least the next week!

Now it's time to slip into my PJs and quite possibly go AHEAD of schedule...whoohoo!

no time!

2008-10-27T09:45:00.003-05:00

Midterms: done.

Everything else: incomplete.

I am so sick of school, I just want my b.comm and to get out of here! not because my classes are too difficult, but because I'm having a really hard time just getting everything done and work two jobs and keep up with all of my other obligations. I haven't even gotten my Hallowe'en costume yet!

Stuff on the horizon for this week:
-Buying/preparing my Hallowe'en costume
-Working on the BL--we want it out in the first two weeks of November
-Finishing my group's Consumer Behaviour project...it involved doing a photo shoot yesterday morning, while there was a wind warning and everything!
-Start marking for one of my jobs...It takes me so long to get started because my assignments take precedence
-Lenny Kravitz on Wednesday, The Watchmen/Waking Eyes on Thursday, and JET SET SATELLITE on Friday!
-Class: um...now.

boldly going...

2008-10-01T23:57:00.002-05:00

I'm getting my hair cut on saturday. short. and my length is being donated to cancer for wigs.

I'm scared!!!

new posters!

2008-10-01T13:36:00.004-05:00

These are some posters I made to promote the magazine I co-edit. What do you all think?

Excuse the poor quality...blogger can't attach PDF files so I had to copy and paste into paint and save a JPG! Crazy. Now back to work!

fabulous

2008-09-11T23:48:00.003-05:00

Is anyone else addicted to scrabulous? I know I am....in that, I can't wait for one of two (or both) people I have open games with to put in their word, so I can put in mine!

Tomorrow the only non-school related thing i have to do is fill up o'mally, so hopefully I can get down to work, as next week is busy...Sloan, A Night in Bollywood Social, and who knows what else will happen?!?

And now, the first installment of Regards, Nicole:

Dear Superstore:

I love your clothing brand and I don't mind that you never have staff on hand to answer questions or help one find feta cheese. However, when you give someone a rebate form for contacts that they've purchased from your eyewear centre and the form cannot be used for the type of contacts you've been persuaded into getting, it's NOT COOL. Especially when you end up calling the 1-800 number on the back to ask them, and they redirect you to someone else who likely will think you are an insane lady who wants to save a buck whenever she can. (Won't argue with them, they're right). But contacts are expensive...in fact, here's a sub-letter

Dear Manitoba Blue Cross,

I know you're just trying to do your job and all, but $400 every 2 years is a bit tight for contacts, especially if you need to get new glasses on top of that...not only because the prescription was from 2 eye exams ago, but because both of your existing pairs are damaged, either missing a nose piece or being super-glued together.

Ahh, it feels good to get things off my chest.

Regards, Nicole

oh, school.

2008-09-10T23:30:00.002-05:00

Good evening. I do feel ashamed that I include "maintaining a blog" on all of my resumes. Sigh. Well, school has once again started and I'm already sick of it. haha, well, not really. But I've got a lot of work ahead of me this year. My classes sound interesting enough...consumer behaviour, productions, Cost Management Accounting, and Canadian History (well...maybe not so much here, but I needed an elective).

The bottomline stuff is up! http://csabottomline.blogspot.com We are already starting work on the next issue...there is really no downtime! I think I'm going to write an article for this issue. Should be a hoot.

Hoping to write again soon,
n

heart-to-heart with mummy <3

2008-06-20T07:53:00.004-05:00

discussing my upcoming camping trip with my Mother...

Me: No mom, I don't need to bring that much booze because we are going to the bar Friday and Saturday.

Mom: Drinking and driving?!?

Me: No...we're camping so we'll walk from our campsite

Mom: Drinking and walking?!? that's just as bad!!!

...

I love you mom!

So I'm leaving for my first ever camping trip...wish me luck! Hope I don't get eaten by a bear, or worse yet, go hungry.

correspondence.

2008-06-06T08:10:00.003-05:00

dear grey feathered-hair lady on the 19 this morning:

When it is pounding rain, it is really unnecessary to abruptly stop in the doorway of the bus as to not allow anyone else on the bus, especially people who left the house with a broken umbrella which probably will hit the trashcan before I head home today.

BTW, your hair was on the verge of a mullet.

Sincerely, your bus buddy.

I think I made a mistake by wearing my high-top chucks today instead of sandals...if I had worn sandals, I could have just wiped my feet dry on the carpet here, but instead, I'm trying to go as long as I can without putting my chucks back on. Grr.

already exhausted.

2008-05-13T22:55:00.004-05:00

ahhhhh

Well I've started the full-time summer job, and it's pretty intense. Lots of learning, and making sure that I'm telling our customers the correct information, but I'm asking lots of questions and I'm very comfortable with my co-workers already, so I think I'll enjoy the summer there.

May has been quite busy. The Waking Eyes played a double set at the Albert on May first, and that was awesome...originals and Weezer's Blue Album in it's entirety! I got pictures...haven't gotten them online yet (and I can't do it now--on the new laptop, so nice to be on the couch and able to watch tv with my mom while also being on msn).

Rachael and I hit up the CSA's year-ender social, but we were kind of tired, so we left early, stopped at McDonald's, and then went home.

Queens of the Stone Age was last Wednesday...waaaay more awesome than the previous show! They actually played "Go With The Flow" which I was happy about. Mugison, the opening act, was quite unique.

Then, on Friday, the Pink Ladies (minus Andrea--darn summer courses) went to a social...while the music dragged at times, the night in general was so much fun! love dancing.

OH! On Mother's day we took my mom to bingo--double prizes. I was the one who won though...a whole $68! Whoohoo!

This week: more work, Danko Jones on Wednesday, Prologue to HP in HD on Friday, and more in the next week!

However, time for bed now.

Love, Nicole

update, update

2008-04-29T00:35:00.008-05:00

My, has this month been a whirlwind. March 20th - the UMFO (U of M Finance Organization) Banquet. A bit awkward for my first Asper banquet, considering I'm not in UMFO, or majoring in Finance, and I didn't really know anyone there. It was delightful, however, to step downstairs and realize that the pianist in the ballroom was playing Baby, One More Time, which he followed with The Way (Remember Fastball's one hit?). After a brief discussion with the doormen, I discovered that the same pianist did a mean Stairway to Heaven. If only the beer wasn't $10 a pop, I'd make my way down there just to check him out.

The most fun was had at the Dirty Curty. Oh yes, I met my pink ladies there and we had a blast.

Me and H, polka-ing the night away.

Me, apparently our co-worker's roommate, and H, during Thunderstruck

The Pink Ladies. YES.

April 4th-5th:...was a blurb. on the 4th, I hit up a friend's sister's social, we totally missed the boat on midnight snack and we didn't win any prizes.

We did make a pretty sweet beercup castle

On the 5th, it was Jenna's birthday and we did whatever she told us to do. Haha.

It is really too bad that this shovel was for opening the pinata and not for my signature dance move, "Shovellin' it and Carryin' it Away in a Wheelbarrow".

H and Jenna also had the brilliant idea to wear funny hats. It was really one of the best decisions we made all year (so far, anyways)

Then, my social life took a turn for the worst. Exams. Yup. 4 exams, including one that was 100% final. The only mark I've gotten back so far has bumped up my GPA a little bit, but with further results, it is sure to go down. I just got blasted with this exam period. Mind-blowing, in the not-nice way.

I have recovered quite nicely, I feel. On Friday (April 25th), H and I took in the Trews concert. We really didn't know what to expect because we were disappointed with their last album, Den of Thieves. However, I think they are BACK! Jack, we love you and your tight pants, non-existent knees, sparkly vests, and kiss-blowing!

Here are some nice shots I got--despite the security guard telling me that my camera was "too professional"!

YES.

This past weekend, it was Steve's Birthday! I couldn't really figure out anything REALLY GREAT to get him so I went with tried, tested, and true: clothes, an organization unit, and a new water bottle (so he doesn't have to mooch off me!) The party was fun, even if I did fall asleep way before everyone else.

May is another crazy month for me: two workplaces, many concerts, and a possible opportunity for HP in HD.

these eyes

2008-03-12T09:30:00.003-05:00

Who knew there was a difference between hand rolls and maki rolls? Obviously, not I. Despite the fact that I ordered the wrong roll type, I am told the sushi was still delicious. So yay.

I spent way more than I should've (based on the hours I've been working) at my good friend Joe's on monday, but I'm happy with all of my purchases so that is the only thing that matters. besides, a lot of the stuff I bought is for the summer months as well. It's an investment in workplace attire/awesome shiz. I'm pretty much just offering to stay late all this week, haha, so that my paycheque will cover it; otherwise, I'll have to dip into my savings and I just don't want to have to do that.

I will have pictures up in the future, mainly because I want to e-mail Joe and say "please make me your spokesperson, since I'm doing it for free at the moment!"

I hope I will hear about my summer job soon---I wish to work at the same office as last summer, so hopefully everything comes up milhouse for that!

Since I've been working at the Brier all week and I've been too lazy to make dinner, I've been eating at the MTS Centre quite a bit...chicken on Sunday, Sushi yesterday, and likely more throughout the week. All day, I see people walk by with frozen yogurt.

Me: sweetups. i think tonight is TCBY night.
Heather: I should hope so.

ahahaha.

Time to sleep...er, go to class! later days.

yuki but NOT yucky

2008-03-09T23:00:00.002-05:00

Thank you, Winnipeg Free Press. I recently (Well, about a month ago), found out about a great sushi restaurant that is downtown, cheap, and delicious. And finally, it is starting to get the recognition it deserves.

Yuki Sushi is located in the legendary McLaren Hotel on Main Street and while it may seem like a sketch location, I assure you it is not. No, I haven't gotten food poisoning or salmonella: the worst I've felt after eating there is from being stuffed to the bone. No lie.

Since you may be wary about the location STILL I invite all of you work buddies to order something from the menu while we all hurry hard at the Brier this week. I've scanned the menu so you can take a look at it....cheers!

I have a very busy next 7 days so there will likely be no updates, but know that
a) shopping at my new buddy Superstore! I'm waiting for them to make me a Joe Fresh spokesperson
b) potential sushi on Tuesday, whoot!
c) possible dance party on Saturday...boy's doing the music somewhere...

love, nicole

I'm in!

2008-03-04T23:23:00.001-06:00

Whoot, I made CSA...the Commerce Student's Association. I'll be working for the Bottom Line, which is Asper's magazine. Should be quite the fun time.

I'd post pictures from saturday but speaking of fun times, it's time for sleep! Hehe.

More in the near future

backseat sweetheart

2008-02-28T17:46:00.002-06:00

In less than 3 hours, my second midterm of the day will be complete and I can calm down for at least the rest of the weekend.

Which is a good thing, because Saturday night is Two Hours Traffic. Ladies, do yourself a favour and take a listen to these hombres. They are fantastic and I really can't get enough of their latest album.

I've decided that I will fix up the old homepage this weekend, as I need a break from school already, haha.

I should go sit down and relax a bit before my midterm, so I bid you adieu.

it's all smoke and mirrors, roy.

2008-02-27T18:52:00.002-06:00

I'm feeling like I want to update this page, but I can't tell if it's really me thinking this or if it's my mid-term studying talking.

ha.

All I do know is that the midterm-studying is telling me that I should get BACK to studying.

oh, thank heaven

2008-02-27T13:38:00.001-06:00

I stand by my decision to do a slurpee run on my way home from school.

In fact, slurpee runs are always the right decision.

chairman, wow!

2008-02-27T09:33:00.002-06:00

I am very proud of myself for coming to school today, since my second class was cancelled (we have a midterm tomorrow). On the other hand, I wish I didn't have to waste 2 hours in transportation today for a class that's 75 minutes.

Some concert announcements:

Queens of the Stone Age - the last time QOTSA was here, the show was quite disappointing. The convention centre is a horrible place for a concert, and the merch table ran out of beautiful hoodies before I could grab one! I hope to purchase tickets to this one but I don't have the presale password in my e-mail yet and I have to be heading to class.

Van Halen - with David Lee Roth! Which means they'll actually play "Hot For Teacher"? I won't be purchasing for this show, as I am not a huge fan, but it should be a good concert anyways...

time for class :(

I'm a ghost, I'm a shadow, I'm gone pfft

2008-02-26T12:07:00.004-06:00

I can't believe that I forgot to write Happy 100th post!!! very exciting indeed.

Well, I'm back from my ski trip and...I'm not dead! The first day at Asessippi, I took a snowboarding lesson and my one and only trip down a hill was hell. I have no balance, it turns out, and I couldn't stay up on the bloody board for more than 5 seconds. Plus, snowboarding made me so sore! Up until yesterday I was going down stairs one at a time.
The second day, I took up skiing instead and it was great! I didn't fall down once.

Pictures to come soon, so everyone can see my sunburnt face (yes, I can get burnt even when it's -3 outside). Haha.

I have 2 midterms on Thursday so hopefully I do OK on them. I didn't study at all during reading week so I have a lot of work to do tonight and tomorrow. March is going to be pretty intense. I have 15 shifts at Ticketmaster ( there's a period where I work 8 of 9 days in a row!), plus school.

Lunch time

blehhhh

2008-02-13T09:28:00.002-06:00

oh frig, I'm sick.

Yesterday started out fantastic. My first class was cancelled. When I woke up and checked my e-mail, I discovered that my second class was also cancelled--no school! Steve and I went to Yuki Sushi for lunch--for anyone looking for a good, inexpensive place to get sushi, I've found it! I got the tempura combo, and it was delicious.
We then went off to work so I could pick up my agenda which I had left there last night and low and behold, 2 people called in sick so I just stayed to work the Moose game. H and I had fun with slurpees in the south box office but my throat started getting scratchy...I thought it was due to the slurpee.

Then on the bus ride home I started thinking maybe my throat's closing up...I'm allergic to something I ate at Sushi? and then I realized...I'm getting a cold. And we go back to Frig.

What makes me even more mad is that I can't really stay home from school because there are only two days left before reading week. Plus, Steve and I were going to go to the gym after school and now I don't even feel like going...I just feel like sleeping.

So I just think I'll take an advil and hope for the love of god that I don't fall asleep/passout in any of my classes today

unbelieveable!

2008-02-06T09:33:00.000-06:00

I can't believe this. I really can't.

My dad has never seen me perform my signature dance move before--that being, "shovellin' it and carryin' it away in a wheelbarrow". Not only that, but I had to demonstrate the lawnmower and the sprinkler for him.

Oh dad, I'm going to have to take you dancing!

it's in you to give

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

ahhhhhh

So I was hindered. I started getting dizzy and hot and had to lay down after donating blood. And this was after one of the nurses bruised my left arm trying to stick the needle in. Hence, why I'm at home writing on my blogger instead of being in Human Resources. Though, to even it out, I'm also reading my HR textbook right here.

Haven't figured out if I'm going to be ok to head to school for my 2nd tues/thurs class...I should go, because it's review for our test on Thursday. We'll see if I can get up the stairs without feeling dizzy.

2008-02-04T09:38:00.001-06:00

My god, I am so tired/sore. I went to the gym for the second time ever yesterday, and my workout included 10 minutes on the track, 10 minutes on that cycling thing, and about 10 minutes on the elliptical, as well as loads of sets on various machines. My gluts are now screaming "why did you do this to us???". I think my tiredness has something to do with my soreness, because I did get like, 8 1/2 hours of sleep which is way more than I usually get.

Hopefully this doesn't hinder my ability to donate blood this afternoon!

And...scene. time for class.

less than a day

2008-01-24T12:11:00.000-06:00

holy crap holy crap!

we leave in 23 hours and am I ever excited! So excited that I REALLY don't want to do my homework that is due Monday, but I must! Wide Mouth Mason is going to be fantastic, and I have high hopes for the hippos and gorillas at the Calgary Zoo, as well.

I intend to take so many pictures...this is going to be epic.

Love, Nicole

sooo sleepy

2008-01-07T09:35:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'd totally be adding more funny pictures that I've discovered while scanning, but I am unfortunately at school. I felt really ill this morning, likely because I had to shove myself out of the going to bed at 3:30am, waking up at 1pm routine.

This term should be a lot more fun than Fall term: Calgary trip in t-minus 19 days, and boyfriend wants to go on a trip to Asessippi (likely on reading week). I myself haven't skiied since I was in grade 6 (so....8 years?). I have a lot of catching up to do for that. I think we're going to go to spring hill, the dinky ski place that is closest to Winnipeg, so that I can practice/learn how to snowboard.

I think I am getting a gym membership! Boyfriend has agreed to be my gym buddy and H said she might be one as well, that'd be fun!

I really want to sleep before class but it starts in 15 minutes...can't wait for tonight.

I hear the whistle blowing!

2008-01-03T02:51:00.000-06:00

I am record-setting!

Today was slow-starting...I eventually decided to scan all of my dad's old pictures...there are about 10 albums full, plus tons of loose photos. I'm in the middle of the 5th album so far, which has resulted in 500+ pictures scanned. Makes me wonder how much more I can get done before my holiday is over--I just don't want it to be a project I start and don't finish.

Here are some funny pictures I found:

I was like, Oh my Dad!

I heart you dad!

My mom is one short puppy!

Speaking of unfinished projects: I started a little bit of weight training with 3lb dumbbells and my arms feel a little jello-y now...I am out of shape! We shall see how long I can keep this up for.

And after this batch of scanning I am heading to bed because I am planning a day with the boy tomorrow; plus, I told my mom I'd [help] make dindin!

ultra high score

2008-01-02T02:56:00.000-06:00

Second update in 3 days? something must be up! and something IS up...my caffeine levels. Oh, sweet sweet slurpee.

With the exception of having to work yesterday and today, my New Year's was pretty good. I got quite a nice buzz going on (which probably didn't help my karaokee singing--oh well).

This is me on Caesars...also quite a good depiction of me+slurpee

My parents even came! I almost got dad up for karaokee...but he said "I would've died up there!"

Even boy had fun! Whee

So now I get to have fun fixing my poor worn out body before school begins again. I've been staying up and sleeing in late, eating only about 2 meals a day (and junk at that). and I'm so out of shape...Rach and I were running for the bus last week--I shouldn't even say running. 1/2 a block after leaving our house I was like, "Rachael...stop...I..can't do this...". It makes me really want to join a gym, but the Ukrainian inside of me is saying "You can't afford that!". I really don't know if a gym membership is feasible based how much time I will really have to work out. I'll have to think about it.

Enough of this 3:30 bedtime shit. Goodnight.

5...4...3...2...peggle?

2007-12-29T01:14:00.000-06:00

This afternoon:
Me: Ugh, this zit on my nose is ridiculously huge, I feel like Rudolph!
Boyfriend: Nonsense, Nicole, it's a little red but that's it.
Later this evening, in the kitchen:
Dad: Nicole, what's that thing on your nose?
Me: What? Oh dad, you do wonders for my self-confidence
Dad: It's a bit late to look for part-time work, Nicole...Santa doesn't need any more help this season.

Mother, you chose a keeper! At least he bought us a nice new TV with digital cable, and it will be in my haven, aka, the basement.

I've been feeling really guilty for not really DOING anything since school ended, but I had a rather stressful term, with two jobs and 4 courses so I think this break is well-deserved (even though you'd catch me playing Peggle quite often as well). I did exert the effort tonight to fix up one pair of pants...they needed to be hemmed and tailored to make them skinnier. After doing that one pair, I was exhaused...I have 3 more to do, plus some shirts that need some sewing. I'm hoping that I can get at least one pair of pants done tomorrow, and then keep doing them through the week.

Finally: to avoid any stresses of New Years, Steve and I have made plans to get semi-dressed up (his new cologne and dressy shirt are hawt!) and head on down to our local motor hotel, they're having karaokee, food, and free cover...if that party sucks, we'll bus it to the other motor hotel in my area of town...if that blows, we can just go home, since we are really close! So I am excited (bought a new dress and shoes and everything!). I can only hope I don't pull a 19th birthday party passout that night (you know, it looked like I had been shot on my bed and I was OUT). Stay tuned for updates.

switcheroo

2007-11-16T00:13:00.000-06:00

yay, I finally switched over my blogger account to the e-mail address I use most often. Before, it was a pain because I'd have to sign out of one, log in to the other, and then when I'd be checking my e-mail, I'd have to sign out of that one, and into the one I typically use. A pain.
I have more additions to make to this, as I no longer have a profile image or anything. But that will need to be done another night because I was hoping for at least 8 hours of sleep tonight...tomorrow brings a 3-hour TA-shift, then a 4-ish hour shift at the Moose game, then off to the Cavern to see the Waking Eyes!!! Whoo hoo! Looking forward to that. But not looking forward to Saturday, when I have to catch up on everything that I won't have time to do tomorrow.

Anywho, I'll try to get on here more, I have things to tell, pictures to display!

ketchup, catsup?

2007-10-03T23:45:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact that I am getting paid premium bucks to help people who have no clue how to use Office, in my own office in the basement, I cannot tame this wild beast.

I've declared this weekend my Ketchup Weekend; ironically enough, I don't plan on eating any French Fries or experiencing Freedom.

contain yourself!

2007-09-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

today I was so fucking pissed that the container I put my carrots and dip in (there's a little compartment for the dip in the middle) did not keep the dip contained. Now my carrots are going to be all dippy when I eat them.

Also, I have a "quiz" aka, a test at 5:30. blegh!

wake me up before september begins...oh wait.

2007-09-03T17:10:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I finally have some more spare time. I'm spending the week at H's while her hubby is away...makes me feel like I don't live at home anymore.

What else happened in August?

I had my birthday party...I turned 20 on the 20th, whoot. Got lots of sweet stuff--surround sound speakers, a new tv card, a new roller chair, V for Vendetta and lots else!

August 26th was Queens of the Stone Age. It was a great show, don't get me wrong; however, I did not enjoy it as much as the last show I saw, at the Burt. The convention centre sucks as a venue, for one thing. The mosh pit felt like I was dying.
The new album is also not my favourite...I much prefer Songs for the Deaf and Lullabies to Paralyze.

I took some pictures...

Plus, they were out of the hoodie I wanted to purchase :(

I went to the lake this weekend, as one last hoopla before the end of summer...it was too cold to be in the water for long, but walking into the water, there were no rocks, it was excellent. I didn't get any pictures, Rach did (I didn't even bother)

And Friday was supposed to be my last day at work, but they needed my help so I'm coming back for Tuesday and Wednesday, then going to school on Thursday.

Lots of stuff coming up for September and the school year in general:
-Got hired as a TA for Computer Usage 1 for the Fall Term. It pays really well and I got an A+ in the course when I took it last term, so it's a perfect job for me!
-The Western States on the first day of Classes--I keep missing them!
-The Banjo Bowl Concert featuring 54-40 and the Waking Eyes - September 8th
-Inward Eye, free show for orientation - September 14th!
-Danko Jones, myBar - September 18th

I think one of the biggest reasons I'm looking forward to going back to school is a new agenda...for serious.
So September is really looking up, month-wise.

sleepy time

2007-08-28T22:48:00.000-05:00

exactly a month since I last wrote here...a lot of shit to update.

Painted my rooms downstairs and I'm all moved in! I ended up with the colours liquid blue and warm muffin. aka, blue and tan/yellow. Bedroom is blue with a tellow stripe, office is tellow with a blue stripe, and both with white accents and ceiling. You really need to see it to understand its coolness...and I want to get to bed before 11 so too bad, you don't get to see pictures just yet!

We didn't end up going to Brandon, it was just too much to worry about, especially since Steve had been diagnosed with bronchitis. We did, however, end up going to see Jet Set Satellite at the Charley aka, The Charleswood Motor Inn...booyah.

And it's already 11pm! gah!

Ok, more later...

...this is the drug that told her she could fly

2007-07-28T23:38:00.000-05:00

oh gaaa, I'm finally starting the feel the real true effects of my 40 oz-er (slurpee, of course). At work I had the buzz, but now, at home, my fingers fly off the keyboard and I feel a strange separation from the room. Strange.

Last saturday was so fucking fun I can't even begin to tell you about it. well, I guess I can. I was invited up on stage with Jet Set to sing "Best Way to Die" and it was awesome!

See how much fun I had??? Yeah....redonkulous. video and more pics are up on facebook for those of you adventurous types.

On Thursday, I worked John Fogerty...that was great! A few great things I took out of that concert:

"Thank Yew!!!"
We are going to start wearing bandanas around our necks
After hearing him cover Heard It Through the Grapevine, Heather saying "I thought that this song was by the California Raisins!"

Other than the natural high from last weekend, and Johnny, this week has pretty much sucked. My babe has been sick, starting with the day that I was supposed to hang out with him. He is still sick, as far as I know, and I invited him over tomorrow for supper but I doubt he'll come (dunno if he's still contagious). I miss him like mad.

Well, the Montrèal idea has came and went. rach doesn't have enough money, and I shouldn't be spending mine, really. considering that I have only 4 more paycheques from the city, and after the summer starts, very little from ticketmaster. Despite my higher-paying job this summer I still worry that this schoolyear will be like the last, where I was scrambling to come up with money for tuition payments, as I can't stop spending money. I just need to slap my hand and keep my wallet in my gigantic purse.

This brandon trip has me quite stressed, regarding finding transportation and accomodations. I just hope I can figure all of it out soon (which would also be easier if the other half wasn't ill!)

Picked up Era Vulgaris by the Queens of the Stone Age and The Walk by Hanson...I know, quite a unique mix, right? I need some time alone with Rosie to really listen to these two, but I'm finding both of them quite attractive right now.

And...what else? I registered for school already, and got all the classes I wanted. Doesn't mean I'm looking forward to it...corp fi, commercial law, and intermediate accounting? blegh. We'll see if I make it through alive.

Also: the rents have said yes to the idea of me moving downstairs and taking over H's old bedroom and my dad's computer room (my dad will move into my old room upstairs) so that is something to get excited with...I will get to paint the rooms and reorganize! man, is it lame that I'm excited about that. Oh well.

Time to work off this caffeine and get the pjs on.

count the days and several ways.....

2007-07-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE I am excited. T-minus 8-ish or so hours until I go on stage to perform Jet Set Satellite's last song with them!!! That's right. I've been so hyped up this week that now I don't even feel like talking about it on here until after the fact. But...I thought I'd post it on here anyways.

The rest of this summer is just going to fly by...Another TBA Jet Set Satellite Show, Queens of the Stone Age, possibly Colin James in Morden (if I can get a ride), and Rach and I have decided that we want to travel to Montrèal for an end of summer trip. We're going to try to do it on the cheap (hostels, here we come!) but I think we'll have a fun time anyways.

More details when I know more

you don't know what love is...

2007-07-03T23:18:00.000-05:00

June is gone already? The month was a blur for me.

I started my new job on June 11th. The job itself is easy, co-workers are nice. My goals in the next few weeks are to find a garbage can for my cubicle and a stapler that doesn't get stuck with each attempt to staple timesheets.

We held Holly's bachelorette party on the 14th. Everyone had a good time! We went to the Old spaghetti Factory, then to late night bingo at the casino.
On Friday, we had pre-rehearsal lunch with the relatives, rehearsal at the church, and the rehearsal dinner at B's parents' house.
June 16th was w-day...the church ceremony was excellent, and the wedding was fantastic. we had a kickin' time.

I was able to volunteer for the Jazz Festival and I had a fun time. I think, the best event I worked was the Derek Trucks Band, he was great.

I also worked at Roger Waters which was amazing...and extremely loud. I was surprised. The effects were really good, and Roger wasn't too bad.

The past, Canada Day weekend was fairly hectic. Friday, I came home after both jobs and relaxed at home. On Saturday, I went to a graduation party, then volunteered at the Jazz Fest. Then stayed at S's house. We went to brunch at the Pancake House on Canada Day. Later in the day, we were to go to Assiniboine Park to see Emm Gryner, Kyle Riabko, and the Waking Eyes; however, it started pouring and by the time we got to the park, they cancelled the concert. By then, it was hot and sunny (and this was at 7pm!). Oh well. I stayed over at S's house again that night, and the next morning we went to Winnipeg Beach. S's family has their boat there so we drove it out to the lake and jumped into the water. It was nice and hot.

We got back in time for the White Stripes...they had signs up saying no cameras, but it wasn't enforced at all.

More on the ol' photobucket.

Time fo'bed.

amigone?

2007-05-31T22:22:00.000-05:00

I shan't be on here for too much longer, I should be heading to bed soon, as I work at 9:45, leave the house just before 9am, but my body doesn't like going go bed before midnight.

Large amounts of caffeine have begun to have a strange effect on my body. Today, after getting the large, 1.18L slurpee, I feel as though I have had one or two girly alcoholic drinks. Strange...I'll have to cut myself off size large for now on.

Still waiting on parts for my computer. And still desperately wanting to update my now-1700+ songs, fix everything up.

Tomorrow is my last shift at the Bombers, at the box office. It's exciting! I don't know if I'll have to work any of the games. Probably not, at least for the summer, as if they are on a weekday, I can't get there until 5:30 and the shift would've started at 5.

As it is, I don't know if I can actually volunteer for the Jazz Winnipeg festival...I was chosen, and I found someone to work my shift on Saturday so that I can go to the orientation, but I work 4 events at the MTSC in the last two weeks of June, which is when the festival takes place. *sigh*, here's hoping!