Ebooks and puppies

So i have been trying to get ebook from the library to work on my ipod but i have yet to be successful.  I think i have finally pinpointed the problem but i am having trouble implementing the solution.  See i have the app that is compatible for the ebooks from the library, i have downloaded the book.  But the book won't open with itunes.  But every time i open itunes it tells me that there is new software i should download and i agree to download it and it says it is going to take 3 hours....then i leave it alone to download and i come back after awhile and it has timed out.  This has happened 3 times.  And my frustration levels are very high.  I just want to be able to take out electronic books and read them, is that too much to ask? Because itunes seems to think it is.  GRRR.  I am going to try one more time and if it doesn't work, i am going to have to call in technical reinforcements.

I also met the cutest puppy yesterday named Radar.  He is a German Sheppard mix and he is blind.  But that doesn't stop him, he is a very active puppy.  Yesterday me and Heather were walking him in the ravine and he kept picking up sticks that were on the path and moving them over to the non-path area.  It was like he was cleaning the path up.  Then we introduced him to my cats, as expected Remy was much braver than Logan but both of them in the beginning were like 'what the hell is that'.  Then Logan refused to get close to him, he kept finding new places that enabled him to hide from the dog but keep an eye on him at the same time.  He would occasionally sneak up on him and observe him from above.  Remy on the other hand was much more upfront about it.  He followed the dog around, keeping his distance until he was distracted then he would venture closure to sniff Radar.  At one point i believe he licked Radar's tail.  But if Radar showed too much interest in Remy, Remy would run away.  There is a friendship in there I think, we just have to work on it.  Logan I don't think will accept the dog but i am sure Remy will.

Musings, Rants, and Career Plans

I work two and a half days this week.
During this short work week, i have lots of time to ponder things while I work because there is little interruption due to the ghost town that is work. 
Here are some musings:
- I may be in love with Jeff Bridges and not in the way where I love an older celebrity and wish we were just platonic best friends like me and Colin Firth.  I don't even know where the love came from...it was like I woke up one day and decided that Jeff Bridges, he is the one for me.
- I think Ally and Braydon would make a great brother sister band.  They both love music and sing all the time.  We could call their album Cars, Trains & Alphabet Songs.
- I got an A & an A- in my classes this term and when i use to be in school that would have made me happy but that A- pisses me off.  I had a A+ before the final assignment and one of my group members was suppose to do something and they didn't so they screwed us all and that brought my mark WAY DOWN.  I am still quite angry about it. 
- i want a place to live with a huge kitchen and a place for me to craft without destructo kitty interruption but i don't think i am ever going to be able to afford something like that. 
Which leads me to question my life.  I have always been so certain about some things but i tend to compare my life to other people and feel inadequate for a second and then realize that if I had their life i would be miserable.  I am not someone who wants to get married and if i have kids - i want to wait until technology can teleport that baby out of me so i don't have to go through labour.  We are no where near that technology yet and i am fine waiting. 
But what really frustrates me is that people tend to think that i am in the wrong for having these feelings.  There was this one girl who actually told me that i am disappointing god by not honouring his plan for me.  I was like 'god wants me to get married, have a baby, and live the white picket life? Tell him to mind his business!'
Sorry....random rant there but just venting and getting way way WAY off topic.
To make up for the rant I will tell you an exciting new business plan me and Leah came up with.  So you know how I love military fashion and I always say whoever is the fashion designer for the military has the best job ever.  Well me and Leah decided with her contacts (working RMC Banquets) and my military fashion obsession we could become the new fashion designers for the military.  So i am gonna work up a look book and make a bunch of copies then give them to Leah who while serving finds the most influential military man in the room and gives him our look book all sneakily.  Then he will be so wowed by our military designs that we will be offered the job on the spot.  Although that may mean i will have to move to Kingston which will create a small problem for me being that they don't have an h&m....but with all the military contacts i will have maybe they can force an h&m to open in k-town.
Anyways,  i am gonna do that or become a bread baker....i really like baking bread.  but the problem with that is they have to get up so freaking early which just isn't cool....maybe i could be like a midnight baker where i bake and sell my bread and stuff in the evening.  that way i don't have to get up early.  I will have to think on that one.  I need to plan it out better.

It's a party and all cousins are invited!!!

I use to spend Christmas visiting all my relatives but the older I get the less time I have.  Growing up the adults always had a fondue party while the cousins got together and would have a cousins party.  We are older now....but still don't consider us the adults.  So Alex decided to hold a cousin's fondue.  It was so much fun.  I enjoyed seeing everyone and having a big gathering.
Although I will admit I hit a wall at a certain point and got frustrated about certain things....oh well. 

I think we need to have a different game next year....i wasn't feeling the cranium.

But i really think that maybe we should meet up more often then once a year.  Maybe every few months we could meet up and have a gathering...we could take turns hosting....well people that own houses can take turn hosting.  My apartment may be a little small for everyone....but if people are in Toronto they are welcome to crash at my place.

I just think we should hang out more.  I love my family and I miss hanging out with everyone.  Think about it

The best way to create christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

So Christmas is over. 
The holidays as far as I am concerned are over now, because i don't consider new years a valid holiday.  If it is a valid holiday then my birthday should also be a valid holiday! 
Anyways.........
It was a good Christmas this year.  One of the cutest parts was Ally in church.  She loves to sing and will sing and dance on command but she only knows one song - the alphabet song.  So while we are all singing hymns in church Ally was singing her alphabet song loud and proud.  It was great.  She was so ON on Christmas eve.   The kids were all so hyper but especially Ally. 
Christmas day was also full of hyper kids and lots of presents.  I loved all my presents and i am very blessed to have such a great family.
Presents of note: IPOD TOUCH, a home made scarf (Andrea has become very talented with wool), a cookie press (i will be making cookies tonight!!!), and a special hat from Nana which one day I will try to wear in public....i just need to get the right swagger down, i will practice.

The ipod touch has filled the lack of music in my life.  I use to take my ipod everywhere, listen to it all the time and then i went a month and a half without it.  Now that i have the touch i have portable music back in my life.  I don't know if i can properly express why i missed it so much but I will try.

Yesterday I went to the grocery store to get some ingredients to make cookies but I didn't really want to go out, it was cold and crummy out plus i was watching an episode of 7th heaven where Simon realizes that he knows people who huff spray paint.  But i had to go.  As soon as i put my ipod on and played a happy song, i didn't mind leaving the house.  Music has a way to just pick me up.  I didn't want to go to work today but put my ipod on play some Glee and be taken to a happy place full of cheer. 

The other great thing about the touch is all the apps i have gotten, well i haven't gotten many because i was a little overwhelmed but i have one that tells me what mood i am in by scanning my fingerprint...which is important.  I like knowing what mood i am in.  Then i have the smurf village, they are doing so great...we are currently recovering from a gargamel attack...but we will get through, i am growing crops for potions to help heal everyone.  Then i have angry birds....most addictive game ever...i also like the idea of sling shooting birds to their death.  It is very therapeutic. 

Yoga Socks

I have wanted yoga socks ever since my most favourite yoga teacher had them on at one of my yoga classes.  They have a leg warmer part and then the foot is missing the heel part and the toe part.  These two areas need to be bare because you really need to support yourself with your toes and heels in yoga, the arch doesn't matter as much as properly preparing your feet to support yourself in all poses. 
Anyways...i am getting off topic.  But I have felt that these yoga socks were the best accessory that i could ever have and i searched and searched but never found the right pair.  So in desperation I took a pair of woolly socks and cut the toe and heel out and hoped they would do.
BUT
they didn't.  it just wasn't the same.  It didn't measure up to the expectations I had about the greatness of the socks.

Lulu delivered me the best present ever when I went shopping with Amy two days ago and there they were.  I battled through the crowds to get to the back of the store and hanging on a wall, ON SALE, the yoga socks i have spent a year looking for.  The socks that i have given up on.  But now that i have them...my life is complete....okay...not complete but i will finally be appropriately accessorized for yoga. 

I can't express enough how important the little details are in an outfit!!!

My Favourite Thing....

About living alone is the freedom. 

Today is Christmas eve and there will be a lot of family interaction in the next few days so I took last night to myself.  I had the longest hottest shower ever!  Then shaved my yeti legs.....i have been lazy about shaving since it has become cold.  Then i put on my fuzzy robe, turned on the much music countdown of top number one hits of 2010 and had a dance party. 

Since i have been living alone, i have a lot more dance parties. 

Then i watched the Grinch and packed for my parents house.  I am staying over one night and i have packed three possible outfits because i haven't decided what kind of dress up mood i will be in tomorrow.  Tonight is the pirate dress for sure, and I can't wait! 
I am also bringing my curling iron and my hair straightener. 

I am apparently not packing very light....and to be truthful, i don't pack light for anything.  Even my purse is a giant bag.  But i like to be prepared for any sort of fashion emergency.  What if i suddenly decide that i want to have super straight hair tomorrow because it goes better with the outfit i pick.  What if instead of wearing the purple velvet dress i decide that my dark skinny jeans will be better.  Also...i never decide on my accessories for the outfit until i am wearing the outfit.  Because how will i know what kind of accessory mood i will be in?
For Alex's wedding i brought two different bunches of accessories because i didn't know if i wanted to dress funky or posh. 
Anyways...i have rambled off onto my favourite topic, accessories.  Not part of the plan.  but i tend to write these posts exactly how i think.  As you can tell, i think with lots of run on sentences, poor grammar, and lots of made up words.

Everyone have a super merry Christmas!!!!  I hope you have a wonderful time with your families

The Week in Review

I was almost attacked yesterday by a swarm of pigeons.  They flew at me yesterday morning as I walked to the subway.  Now having an insane bird fear...this wasn't cool.  There were so many of them...and they flew right over my head...just to freak me out.  Birds are evil like that.  But no one else around me freaked out so i tried to act natural but it took all my concentration to not run screaming into the subway for protection. 

I have had that Florence and the Machine song that was sung on Glee in my head all week.  Sometimes it takes over and i dance, at my desk, in the elevator, on the way to the bathroom.  And sometimes i sing out loud but the only parts i know are 'the dog days are over now' and something about running from people.  And although it is annoying to have a song stuck in your head that you don't know all the words too and only the smallest part runs through your head over and over again.  But at least it is a song I enjoy that makes me want to dance in happiness and not the song that was stuck in my head last week.  "evacuate the dance floor" i don't even like that song or know anything other than that one line, i don't even know how it got stuck in my head but it was there for like 3 days last week.....not fun. 

I had a dance party last night with my cat Remy.  He was misbehaving and I was watching some sort of special on much music and Katy Perry came on...and i picked him up and made him dance with me.  Then we had a lovely little dance party until he scratched me to escape.  I like to host dance parties at my apartment, especially when i am getting ready to go out.  Sometimes I wish clubs weren't so yucky and filled with young idiots who just want to hook up.  Whatever happened to dancing because you loved it and had fun.  I have always loved to dance but clubs they are too crowded and i don't have enough space for my moves and everyone is concerned how they look.  That is not a place for me.

I wish i did not have to work this week.  It is dragging on so much.  Just way too much.  I want it to be Christmas!!!!

I tried on my Christmas outfits last night...and i think i have gained weight.  BOOOO!  I haven't been able to get into a steady exercise routine or eating pattern these last two months.  First there was school and now Christmas with all the treats.  But i am wearing my pirate dress Christmas eve, to church!  The purple velvet dress may have to be saved for another occasion.  Just because as much as i love it, I put it on last night, and I am not feeling it.  And if you aren't feeling an outfit, you will never be able to make it work for you.  Confidence is 80% of the reason an outfit works.  Even feeling fat, I love my pirate dress because it has a sash and it is piratey and who doesn't love those two things.  Maybe i will wear the pj's to Christmas day dinner.

Crazy Dream

So last night I dreamed that I had some insane musical talent.  I worked in this pub/bar where I performed shows when I wasn't bartending.  Apparently I am an extremely gifted musician who writes her own music and has an amazing singing voice.  (Are you laughing yet....it gets better) 
So I am so good that I have a very large following but I refuse to sign a record deal because I don't want fame....I do it for the music.  But I upload my music to the web as well as have a blog.  Even in my dream I am a blogger.  Love IT.....but still it gets better.
Adrien Grenier becomes my friend and wants to do a documentary about my talent and my refusal of all the record deals.  I tell him no, I don't want fame, I want to be left alone.  (watched teenage paparazzo last night)
Then I become email friends with this guy from England, named Harry.....I am assuming you know where that was going.  Damn royal engagement talk.

That's all I remember...but I can't believe i was such a stuck up self absorbed 'artist' in my dream. 

Anyways....SO CLOSE TO CHRISTMAS.....Are you ready?  This is gonna be a great next little while, Christmas then cousin's party....can't wait.  The only thing that will interrupt the fun is new years.

I don't know if i have mentioned this before...but i really hate new years.  People build it up so much...'the last night of the year' it has to be spectacular.....why? I mean why can't the 29th be the most spectacular day of the year or June 17th or October 4th or Feb 3rd? 
Why is Dec 31st such a big deal...the only thing that changes is the date on the calendar, and that happens every day.  I just find that people build it up so much that it can never meet expectations.  That's the thing about expectations, once you build them...it is pretty hard to meet them. 

Okay rant over, but think about what i said.  maybe i will plan a new year party on my birthday...after all it will be a new year for me.  One year older!

I've Found It

Okay, remember how I said my new obsession would come without warning and would be crazy odd.  Well guess what, not even a week after my curl confession, i have something to tell you.  I love Keeping up with the Kardashians.  I can't stop watching it.  I managed to mostly avoid the jersey shore but i don't want to avoid the Kardashians. 
Why you ask?  Because it is trash TV that offers no real benefit for existing.  Well, the main people in the show are 3 sisters....and guess what, I come from a 3 sister family.  And although we are nothing alike...there are moments when watching the show that i think, man that is so us.  And it is nice to see that my sisters and I aren't that weird.
For example me and my sister had this huge fight....like epic fight.  The biggest fight ever!  And it was over the stupidest thing but we couldn't seem to get back from it.  And last night, the Kardashian sisters fought over the stupidest thing ever and it took them 3 episodes to make up.  So it is nice to see that we aren't the only sisters that have crazy fights.



So, my ipod broke about a month ago, I don't know exactly what happened....but the computer stopped recognizing it and i couldn't upload any new songs.  I am not sure how it broke but i like to believe that the ipod and the computer had a fight and they are just not talking to each other and that is why the computer isn't recognizing the ipod.  Most likely what really happened was I dropped it way too many times, i would drop that thing all the time, but again, not my fault, maybe ipods shouldn't be made so slippery.  But i really miss music....I want the sound track to my life back.  And i want to add new songs to my life, I want to pretend i live in a musical and it is really had to do that without a musical aid.  I mean i am learning the guitar as fast as possible....well okay...the learning got boring so i decided, screw learning...i am just gonna make up notes.  And you know what...it is going really well.  I am great at making up notes and especially good at playing the blues!

You should smile more

Picture this, I am walking down the street near my apartment after just hitting up shoppers to purchase some new tights (I buy tights quite often because my cats will claw my legs while i am wearing them, thus creating holes and making them unwearable).   Anyways.....I am waiting at the light to cross the street and just as i am about to cross this guy who was crossing the other direction stops me and says 'Excuse me miss, you should smile more' then he kept on walking.  He didn't seem crazy, he seemed super polite and nice.  People come up to me all the time on the street, I seem to attract crazy people.  But nice average polite people...that is strange. 
More to the point, how does he know i don't smile enough, which is true....I don't.  I have been frustrated and stressed a lot lately.....all year it seems.  The lack of support and job security I have really worries and stresses me out.  I try not to think about it, i tell myself 'everything will work out the way it is suppose to'.  But then I secretly worry that maybe the way it is suppose to work out is me unemployed.  But then i think, is this even a job i want or enjoy? Would i be happier if I didn't have this job?  Then i get all stressed out. 

BUT..............................this is not the time to be talking about my insecurities.   There are 4 days until Christmas eve!!! 
We should be talking about what Christmas fun I had this weekend.

To start.....Baking with Amy and Jess, then Love Actually - had the best time, even though we had a small baking worry when i stupidly forgot to grease the wax paper and had to cut it off the Yule Log...but, we made it through. 
Me and Amy are also going to try and hit up Good Life every day this week since there will be lots of eating this holiday season. 

Then Saturday, I hung out with my parents, Andrea, and the kids.....it was a great.  I baked a Christmas morning treat (orange coffee cake), chocolate peppermint bark, and finished my jar gifts!  Oh we also made our Christmas day desert, peppermint ice cream cake!  Looks so good and I can't wait to eat it.   Oh and we watched ELF!  I love that movie....favourite moments: "Buddy the Elf, What's your favourite colour?" and "You're not Santa.  You're a liar.  You are sitting on a thrown of LIES!!!"

Sunday Mom and Dad came to our area and Steph and Mom wanted to run, in the snow.  I do not have enough running apparel to be prepared for running in this kind of cold.  I was wearing running tights with shorts over top, leg warmers, long sleeved top, jacket, and hat.  Then during the actual run, I was so cold, I ran ahead of Steph and Mom and finished for the first time ever, before both of them...like 5 minutes faster!

Also, did you know they made a new Muppet Christmas movie this year.  So excited about that!

Anyways, 4 days!!! Are you ready? I can't wait.  I just have to make it through this stupid week of work!

Obsessed

So I don't know if you know this about me....you probably do because I don't hide my crazy very well but....I have become obsessed with curled hair.  It seems that ever since I have grown out my hair, it is getting crazy long by the way, I am trying to come up with new ideas for doing my hair. 
Back in the day, i would spend all my money and time at the salon getting my hair cut and dyed, which as you know is not cheap.  So when I moved out over 2 years ago, I decided that was one expense I had to cut out.  So my hair got much longer and a lot more natural.  Which I find boring.
So at steph's wedding, the hair dresser curled my hair...and i thought it was crazy foofy and a little too girly but as the months go on, i become more obsessed with curled hair.  I have to do it, i need to jazz up my hair and curling is the best option.  But here's the problem, I curled it for Alex & Matt's wedding but it took like 2 hours to do it and i missed out on a lot of socializing because i was busy curling my hair.  Which let's face it...i am the only one in the family that would obsess so much over a look.  But when i decide to commit to something...it is all in or nothing.  So now that i have a taste for the hair curl, i want to do it more often but due to the length of time it takes me...i can't do it during the week...there is just no time in the morning.
But last night, i decided to curl my hair the rag curl method.  For those of you that haven't obsessively researched curling hair, you wet your hair then take sections and roll it up in a strip of material, then tie the material up and leave it over night.  Then magically you will have lovely curled hair in the morning.

So this morning, i wake up excitedly (after my 3 alarms go off) to remove the rags and admire my curled hair.  Disappointment!!!! the curls in the front are way to springy and there is absolutely no curl in the back.  So now i am at work today with horribly uneven hair.  And you know how i feel when a look doesn't come together as planned.
Most likely tonight i am going to go out and buy curlers and so i can try that to see if my hair holds and curls better.  One way or another, i am gonna conquer this curl thing, and then i will happily move onto the new obsession.  Who knows what will strike my fancy...but i am excited for the next erin fad!

Peace

My favourite thing to do when it snows is to make myself a tea or hot chocolate, turn off all the lights and sit at the window and watch it snow.  It may sound weird but sitting there absorbing the quiet and the snow just floating down covering everything....i feel at peace.  It is a nice feeling...very zen.  I like to do it just before i go to bed, it calms my over active mind.


Oh also, i must say i am very disappointed with my neighbourhood.  I decided to go for a big walk after work last night to see all the wonderful Christmas lights....I live in an area that has huge houses and you with thing with all their money they would take the extra time to light up their house with Christmas joy....but no...i only say 4 houses in my half an hour walk.  Also i have learned, the only acceptable Christmas lights are white Christmas lights, i guess people think they are more classes...but i say colour it up.  Work that rainbow of colours.  There was only one house that was truly cool, they had these two tress out front that changed from red to green to white....they were awesome.  I almost went up to their house and congratulated them on their wonderful Christmas lights. 
But at least i got to really work out my winter boots on my walk...when i got home my feet were warm and dry.  BEST BOOTS EVER!!!!

Also, i got to watch Micky's Christmas Carol last night, it really got me in the spirit.  I am getting more excited about Christmas every day!!!!!
I have decided for the fondue i am going to work the ski lodge casual look.  Maybe i will get some jeggings, and a long sweater and i will bring my big boot slippers to wear.  Yes...i think that will be best.
Today, i have to pick out my Christmas wrapping paper...it is a very important decision, because i like to wrap all my presents the same so that everyone will be able to easily identify mine.  I am deciding between red and silver or gold and black.  I am leaning more towards gold and silver...i think the gold and black is just a little too uppity for me.  I also need to buy some leggings today....so to winners i go!!!

Snow!

SNOW!  I just need it to snow a little more.  If you have read my blog for a long time then you know about my struggle with winter boots.  Two years ago, I spent the beginning of winter in Uggs and getting my feet soaked, then they got a hole in them.  After that, I bought rubber boots because I was tired of having wet feet, but my feet absolutely froze.  So then last year...i went out and bought the most heavy duty winter boots every - Sorels.  And then it was a winter of like no snow and I didn't really have a reason to wear them.  So, i have decided that I am wearing them NO MATTER WHAT this year.  And because it has snowed a bit...I have had a reason to wear them without looking crazy....but I want it to really snow to just make these boots work!  I am wearing them right now.  I wore them last weekend too, and i believe my brother-in-law put it best with his comment 'those are some intense boots'.  And they are....but my feet will always be warm and dry!

Now, in other news.....I bought myself the Triumph toothbrush and it is wonderful.  My favourite part is that after i am done my 2 minute brushing, My tooth guide flashes a happy face at me.  That happy face lets me know that i have pleased my toothbrush and i did something right.  if only it gave me gold stars after every brushing...then my life would be complete.

In fashion news, I like to dress up nice on Christmas eve and Christmas day, and I have some outfit ideas....my pirate dress....finally i will have an opportunity to wear it.  I think i shall wear that on Christmas eve because Christmas day, i am second in command in charge of appetizers and deserts.  So Christmas day, i shouldn't wear white (all the kitchen work)...so i think i shall wear my purple velvet dress on Christmas day....with some grey opaque tights.  I will keep you posted on my fashion decisions.  I will also have to figure out the perfect cousin party fondue outfit....but i have time to work that out.  I am thinking skinny jeans and a plaid shirt.

Like I'm the only girl in the world

So this morning was teddy bear delivery day.  If you don't know what that means...let me go back a few steps.  We do an campaign at work where staff bring in and donate brand new teddy bears, and our department collects them, bags them, and sends them out to charities around the city for Christmas.  Every year we get close to 4000 bears.  Today we had to move all the bears from the storage room to the loading docks.  I had to be a work for 7am this morning to get that process started.  This year we had help from people in the loading docks...and we got to use the service elevator. 

I have never been to the loading docks before...it was quite exciting and it enter the strange and unusual world.  For example, the loading dock is full of mainly guys and big trucks...but the music that they were playing Rhianna and Nicki Minage.  Now i have that Rhianna song stuck in my head.  But all the Bears have been picked up by our delivering guy.

This weekend, i was very productive....i studied and helped dad pick out a Christmas tree...the biggest one i could find...it in fact is so large that we can't put a topper on it this year because the tree touches the ceiling.  I also did some important Christmas baking and more studying. 

Oh...i also watched Tron, the original and now i am raring to see the new one.  Maybe i will go see it this weekend....or maybe not....it really depends how busy i am with final Christmas prep.

How about all of you, how was your weekends?  Are you excited for Christmas....i can hardly wait...i am like a kid who can't asleep, i am so excited.....12 days!!!!!

And I'm back online

So I had to leave work early yesterday so i could be in home in time for the rogers guy that was coming to check out what was wrong with my internet.  It is all fixed and it's Friday....so i have great plans for celebrations.....i don't know if you can handle my plans but i am going to tell you anyways.  I shall be going home, ordering swiss chalet and studying for my final exam on Monday.  Watch out...exciting night. 
Then i have a big weekend, picking out our Christmas tree with dad, decorating it, making a food plan with mom for Christmas day dinner, and organizing and starting my Christmas baking.  Busy weekend but all stuff i love doing.  I love spending time with mom and dad....yes that may make me a daddy's girl or a mommy's girl but you know what....don't care.  I love the family and most of the time, i prefer to spend my time with mom and dad relaxing and having fun rather than going out and awkwardly socializing.  I think that is why i love family gatherings, i am most comfortable and most myself around family. 
Anyways.....I told steph about my genius jar gift idea and apparently she already had told me.  She says I never listen...but i do listen...she just has so many money saving ideas that my brain gets overwhelmed with knowledge and shuts down.

Christmas count down.....14 days.....2 weeks.   Can't Wait

I can see the finish line!!!!!

I am so close!

Last night, I get to class, hand in my assignments and practice my speech over and over in my head.  I am like freaking out for absolutely no reason because it is a 2minute presentation...but like I said...not my strong suit.  Plus, I called Andrea and read her my speech and she timed it at only 1.02 and it should be 2 so i was crazy under.  But i decided...embrace the shortness and just make it meaningful and believable. 

So....sitting there, first guy goes, his speech is crazy long and has no focus at all.  This makes me feel better...I can do this.  Next guy goes, and he is amazing, he had all these examples and stories.  I look at my speech and i am like dude, i approached this project all wrong.  A few more people go and they vary between great, good, and unfortunately not so good.

She is looking around the room waiting for someone to volunteer...and i am like fine, i will go, but before i can raise my hand someone else volunteers.  My pulse is like racing at this point.....pounding and pounding.  I yell at myself in my head, why am i freaking out, it is two minutes go up there, remain calm and speak clearly.  DO NOT RUSH.

So up i go next, first i trip over a chair to get up to the front...i get up to the front....say my speech....don't really remember it..adrenaline and all but it seemed to go well, everyone was smiling and my teacher was nodding.  Then i was finished and i sat down...feeling relieved.

Next, I hope to have my home Internet fixed today with the tec visiting...and then I have my final exam on Monday for HR.  Then i can finally focus on Christmas!!!!!!!!!

I have this great idea for Christmas presents, gifts in jars, you know where you put together mixes of stuff with instructions and it is like ready made drinks and stuff that just require water.  I just absolutely love this idea and it should be a thoughtful and relatively inexpensive gift.  I am gonna make some for family and co-workers.  Now i just need to find jars and some nice material that i can dress up the jar lids with.  It is exciting!!!  I love crafting or creating things.  Homemade is the best!

Laundry Happiness

So for the past week and a half they have been finalizing the laundry room make over.  Last night, I finally got a chance to use them.  The new machines are nice....real nice, front loader washing machines but they said that they would be 40% larger but it seemed like i couldn't cram as much stuff in the machine as i normally do.  But that is okay because there are so many more machines now.  I did 4 loads of laundry at one time last night.  Also, the card instead of using coin...MAGIC!!!  Also everything is cheaper than before...which makes me more happy.  I washed everything i really wanted to except my couch cover and best and most favourite part of laundry last night....i washed all my favourite sheets and cover.....so last night after weeks of using all the sheets i dis-like, i got to snuggle into my bed with my favourite sheet and a freshly washed cover!  So happy.

Tonight is the night....the end of my major assignments and presentations.  I am gonna do one final edit on the two i have written and then practice my presentation all day long while i work away in my cubicle.  Thanks Ryan for the advice, i hopefully with practice will feel more comfortable.  What use to happen when i would do presentations is practice lots but then let my nerves overtake me right before the presentation and forget everything!  But I think that had a lot to do with my insecurities and thankfully I have moved past most of those insecurities.  I am more comfortable with myself now and care less about people's judgements...although i still have flashes of insecurity.  But i am hoping that the practice will make all those go away.

Wish me luck and think of me tonight at 6:30!

One down A MILLION to go

Okay, that was a little bit of an exaggeration but that's what it feels like.  In truth, i am done 3 out of my four assignments for tomorrow, i just feel like they aren't good enough, and assignment number 4, it's a presentation...granted it is only a 2 minute presentation but dude...i hate presentations....so much. 

As for last night's presentation...well let's see, two people backed out and didn't show up for class and then the third person stood up with us but didn't say anything....and finally...this other girl, who between the two of us really did most of the project me and her also carried the presentation.  But i guess that is what group work is all about.

Anyways....i just need to write my presentation for tomorrow and then re-edit my assignments for a third and final time, just make some final adjustments. 

I was talking to my dad last night about my dislike of presentations and he said that i should love them because i am a talker.  Also he said that when i went to Ireland i kissed the blarney stone and my name means Ireland as well as i am Irish.....so i should have 'the gift of gab' and should be completely comfortable standing in front of people making a presentation.  I guess i just haven't got over the fact that i am standing up in front of a bunch of people judging me for my words.  And words have never been my strong suit.  I guess what i need to do is embrace my quirky oddball nature and just go up there and be myself. 

On a destructo kitty note, they have broken a glass a plate and a hand held mirror in the past 4 days.  They seem to be upping their destructive levels.  Remy also got into the bagels again!  It seems the more stressed i get the more destructive they get....we are all gonna have some meditation time tonight with calming music and maybe some yoga.

Caution....Rant Ahead

Just a warning....i am going to have the biggest rant right now in relations to my hr group.  If you would like to read something more positive...please read some older posts where i wasn't beat down and frustrated by group work.

Okay.....so i am in a group of 5 people....and seriously me and one other person have been carrying the fricking team...and I really didn't care about that too much because I want to make sure that what we hand in is good enough but we have a small presentation to do tonight and i up front said...i don't want to be the lead on the presentation...i hate getting up in front of the class and talking....my least favourite thing...which is crazy because i normally love talking and talking and talking but presenting is based on judging...i am being judged on my talking and that makes me forget even more of my proper english language talk and i turn into a rambling mess.  Which can be charming in a regular talk...but sucks in presentation world.

So the girl that has been with me carrying the team has an exam today right before the class so she is gonna be late to class, the two guys have been hardly involved at all and the third girl was pretty good...but i was relying on the third girl to have my back in the presentation...and she told me last week she really didn't want to come because not everyone has to be present for the presentation....but i guilted her into agreeing to come because i needed the help.  And today she txted me because it snowed too much and she can't make it.....basically everyone in my group is backing out and i want to punch them all.  I was very up front....and now i am gonna have to go to class tonight and do the fucking presentation.
In the mean time...i have 4 things due on Wednesday, no Internet at home (stupid rogers) and stress out the wazoo.  This is not gonna be a great week and i can already tell that.  Everyone should just keep their distance.  I have to write a presentation outline right now.  But the worst part is one of my things due on Wednesday is a presentation so i was already experiencing presentation stress now i am just exploding with stress. 

So maybe it is best if everyone keeps their distance from me and i don't talk to anyone for the week.  Because right now...i am at that stage of stress that i am angry and close to crying at the same time.  I am so close to the edge!

This just in...

I want a bedazzler......and an oral b triumph toothbrush.  

Seven Hours

So.....There are seven hours left of my week at work and i am gonna spend most of it thinking about my hr project for school.  I am very stressed out about this.  Group work is great sometimes and crazy stressful other times.  I guess the thing that really stresses me out is that when someone says they are going to do something and gives you a time frame they are going to do it in, then the time frame has majorly passed without a word from your group member.  I just think that you should follow through on your promises.  That goes for everything in life.  You promise to do something, you do it.

Sorry for the rant....i am experiencing group project stress.  I have to have something done today to send to my group but i couldn't do it until i got a part from another group member and she didn't send me her part until 11:30pm.....so i couldn't work on it yesterday evening as planned!

Okay, let's change the topic to more exciting news.....fashion.  Today i am trying another new look....i don't really have a name for it but i am gonna roughly call it professionally casual.  I am wearing skinny black jeans, a 3/4 length sleeved blue/green....well more green than blue shirt with a short sleeved black blazer over top of it.  It sounds weird but it looks not bad...it is the right mix of casual and professional.
Now there is one outfit combination that i have always liked and wanted to wear but i have never been able to work it out.  The shorts and tights outfit.....you know where you wear a nice pair of shorts with a pair of opaque tights.  I try this outfit at home all the time, i have two pairs of shorts that could work for this outfit...but every time i try it on...i can't figure out the top or i just don't have the fashion balls to wear it.  I put it on and then just go "NO...no no no".  
I wish i could pull it off....oh fashion why do you have to beyond my grasp.

And finally....tomorrow, I am very excited for Harry Potter in Imax.  Now Imax is my favourite type of movie...i will see any movie on imax, even if it is a movie that I absolutely hate.  And why do you ask will i subject myself to movies i don't like for imax.....two words - LASER SHOW!  The pre-movie laser show just makes my life.  I have the Scotia Theatre Laser show memorized....That is how good it is.  I invite you all to come to a imax show with me.

Get Through This

So it is Thursday, one day away from Cheese Bagel Day and one day closer to the weekend.  And all I can think about is....I am gonna die tonight at boot camp.  I caught a wicked cold/flu/sore throat last week....in fact, it is like a sick bomb exploded in my department at work because everyone here has some sort of illness....we are all sniffling and coughing...people avoid our department like crazy.  Anyway....last week I got winded just going up the stairs at my subway station so I knew i wouldn't be able to handle boot camp....now tonight...i am forcing myself to go but it is not going to be an easy class.
I just have to get through the next two weeks, 4 assignments due next Wednesday in my fundraising class, a group assignment & presentation plus a final exam in my hr class.  Get through those items and then I have Christmas to look forward too. 
Get through all that and I can decorate our Christmas tree, wrap presents, bake Christmas related goodies, and enjoy other Christmas fun.

On a side note....I miss my Ipod. 

Warm Fuzzies for Puck

Glee last night went well....I don't know what the critics are gonna say but I give it mostly positive reviews.  I do feel like this sectionals was not as strong as last years.....and I didn't enjoy all the in-fighting.  But my favourites were front and centre last night, Puck - the deluded bad boy and Britney - the dumb blond.  They were the two to have both my favourite quotes of the night.

Britney - "I am pretty sure the cricket that reads to me at night is stealing my jewelry"

Puck - "More like its Am-BAD-ASS-ador"

Unless you see the episode, these quotes won't make any sense to you but hopefully these quotes will have made you curious enough to watch the episode.  But regardless if you watch the episode, know this....one day, when my mutant powers come in and i get the mind control I have always wanted....we will be living in a musical!  So you better all be prepared for the excitement of music fusion and expressing yourself through song.

I secretly wish that I had some musical talent....I have been teaching myself the guitar but I am not very good at all, I find learning cords boring and I want to get right into playing songs...so a lot of my practicing comes down to me making up songs.  I always thought I would be great in a band!  I have the right mix of crazy and style.
I guess i will have to console myself with my crafting and sewing talents.....and now dream of doing the costumes for musicals instead of staring in them.

UPDATE: I just read an article written about Glee last night that has changed my view of the episode.  I really admire this women who wrote the article, she is a writer on the new degrassi series and she is best friends with my favourite gossip blogger.  She pointed out that although Glee has taken a very serious anti-bullying stance, they spent the episode bullying Rachel.  And I still enjoyed the episode for Britney and Puck....but my eyes are now opened about the bullying issue and I am not as happy with the episode as I was.

Please read the article: http://www.laineygossip.com/Glee_recap_Written_by_Duana_01dec1o.aspx?CatID=0&CelID=0

Today is the Day!!

So, I have been meaning to renew my passport for weeks now and the office isn't very far from my work.  I have my form all filled out, and my passport pictures taken.....so I am ready.  The office opens at 8am and I don't start work until 8:30 so I have half an hour to get it done before work.  But every morning when my alarm goes off, i sit up and decided....i can renew it tomorrow.  I have been doing this for like a week now and i really need to get this done because i only have until the 19th and then passport is expired and i can't just renew, i have to do the whole process again.  So i have decided...screw the lines, i am gonna go this morning and just get it done.  I am in fact leaving for the office in like half an hour.  No more procrastination!

On another note....i have 5 assignments for my fundraising class all due next Wednesday, so I will be quite busy this week.  Also in my hr class, we have a group project due on Monday as well as a presentation....then final exam the week after.  So lots of schooling on my plate right now. 

Now for all you gleeks out there, tonight is glee night, and it is sectionals.  Now let me tell you, i don't believe they are at all ready.  They haven't practiced at all or even picked a set list...and now losing Kurt...they are in serious trouble.  Now for our glee girls, we are at Amy's tonight, so excited, and i will be making a delicious snack.  Really I am trying out recipes that could work for Christmas Day appetizers.  Tonight, crescent wrapped baked brie with cranberry.  I think it should be delicious!

The weekend of rest

So, all my weekends for the past few months have been very full of activities and other such stuff which means I have not been able to do my favourite thing ever - lazy Saturdays.  So you guessed it.  I spend Saturday in my pajama's and watched movies and did some homework.  I still have a bunch more homework surprisingly but it was quite a relaxing weekend.  I didn't even misbehave food wise....no ordering out and no junkfood....just what I had in my kitchen. 
Although on Sunday, I did force myself to get dressed and leave my apartment.  I had a mission....it failed but I had to try.  As you know, I love crafting, and as you also know...I have two cats that are quite destructive.  That is not a good match.  See whenever I craft, the cats are quite interested in the wool, often Logan picks up the ball of yarn and runs away.....which drives me crazy because when I put my crocheting down to chase him, Remy starts attacking the wool I am currently using.  So they tag team me.  I have three blankets and a scarf that i have started that i haven't finished due to the frustration I experience while crafting...I miss crafting and want to get back too it....so I need to find a solution, so I popped up to Mary Maxim and was sad to discover that there was no storage/organization options for me.  So now me and my dad are going to Macgyver something.  If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

Anyways...my day is full of finishing my HR project and doing some work but I am hoping it will be a easy day....I caught a cold/flu last Sunday and it just won't go away....I have a horribly sore throat, no appetite, and a runny nose.  Although I hate being sick...maybe my lack of appetite will make up for the fact that I have zero energy for exercising.

On a Christmas update: 25 days until Christmas.  Are you done your Christmas shopping.  I only have a bunch of small things to finish up.  My one major issue is to decide my wrapping theme this year.  I like all my presents to look the same, that way everyone knows which presents are from me. 

Purple Slushie Friday

So, today at 711's across the US you can get a free purple slushie because it is purple slushie Friday.  And although it is freezing here and I have a terrible cold, I still wish i was in the states to get myself a free slushie.  But things are looking up here, as you know it is cheese bagel Friday, which is always a happy day.  There is also a draw today for a free day off.....fingers crossed that i win.  Although let's hope I use some restraint if i do win and not cash it in immediately.

I also forgot to mention yesterday.....it was a month until Christmas.  So the count down is on and I hope everyone is ready! I know i still have lots to do, most of my Christmas shopping is done but I still have to do all my Christmas baking as well as some cat proof Christmas decorating.  The cat proof decorating is really just hanging some bows on the door and high up on the walls.  Oh and I have to come up with a great baked brie and cranberry recipe...which i basically have figured out already. 

Anyways.....my brain isn't working too fast this morning so I can't think about what else to tell you but maybe later i will write something.

Winter Up You Twelve Year Old Girl

So....it is finally time to start admitting that it is cold out and we need to dress warmer.  Today, I traded in my fall coat for my winter coat.  And since I have grown my hair long I have been obsessed with wearing hats because I finally don't look bald, I can wear winter hats!!!  That is very exciting for me because I love any form of accessorizing and winter wear you can only accessorize so much - Scarfs (i have a lot) Mitts (i am retiring the mitts that are animals because I have been told i am too old) Boots (i have purple sorel boots because they are the most waterproof stylish boots you can find) and finally Hats (the one accessory that i have always struggled with).  You know how they have those hats with the ear flaps and all the fur...i believe they are called trapper hats.  While before they became all popular my mom brought me one back from Yellowknife....but i have never been able to wear it because i haven't figured out the right attitude to adopt when wearing it.  It just seems like it requires a level of commitment that i am not ready to make.  Also, i don't know what winter jacket I would wear with it...i only have two winter jackets, a businessy one and a snowboarding one.  I know what you are thinking...why do you have a snowboarding jacket when you shun winter sports because you don't have the coordination to successfully participate?  Well i wanted to have a jacket that would be good for winter sports if i decided to participate.  Anyways...back to the hat.  This year my goal is to successfully wear that hat and in the words of tim gunn 'make it work'.

Now one other thing i have been thinking about that i wanted to bring up....Maturity levels.  I know that i talk about being a grown up all the time and everything and how mature i have become.  But Alex made me realize something Tuesday night, I will probably always be a 12 year old girl when it comes to some things.  For example....I enjoy peach schnapps....and i know that is the preferred drink of choice for teenage girls but I considering that when I was a teenager I drank straight vodka because the boys said girls couldn't drink it...and me being me had to prove a point.  I deserve the chance to enjoy it now.  Besides it is great with Iced Tea...just add it and you have alcoholic peach iced tea.
But maturity levels aside and everything...I think like what you like...even if that means you can talk to a 12 year old about Wizards of Waverly Place and probably know more than them.
You know this is probably why all my friends that I have made at school this year think I am one of them, a young 20something going through school.  They all refuse to believe that i am 30....hell i refuse to believe it sometimes. 

Identification Photos

So here is what I have discovered.  When you go to take a photo for say a passport or an id, you are normally not allowed to smile.  This is a problem for me because my natural face for some reason isn't neutral it seems to be sad or mad.  What I need to learn is how to, in the words of Tyra Banks 'smize' (smile with my eyes for those of you who don't watch America's Next Top Model).  So this morning while getting ready for work, which by the way I overslept this morning, I decided to try this 'smize' thing....well it was not successful, let's just say I looked like a crazy person.  So I guess I will have to practice more...if anyone has any smizing tips please let me know.
My current passport, I look angry with short black hair, and the new pictures i took for renewing my passport I look sad with long brown hair.  I would like one where I look happy....because think of the reason you are getting your passport, so you can travel, that's a happy experience....so why should i look sad or mad in my photo....if they allowed it, I would be smiling with two thumbs up. 

Also, a new poll is gonna open soon, the facebook issue, i am still undecided on.  I just don't know if i should go back, I do miss being invited to things, but I am usually so disorganized that i always accept and then forget about it.  Or I cancel last minute because I am lazy. 

We had a lovely dinner last night at The Factory, it was so cheesey and delicious.  I also got a delicious Mango Lemonade, but what really made it awesome was the heartiness of the mug it came in....it was a serious mug, I could cheers the shit out of that mug and not even break it.  I have a history of cheersing to enthusiastically and breaking glasses.  But not is i always drank out of that mug.  An interesting topic came up about my lack of country pride because I don't want those new Canada mitts.  A lot of people I know what those mitts and think they are so cute.  And after some reflection, I have figured out why I am apathetic towards country pride....it is because everyone is so 'woot canada'.  Everyone wants to wear theses mitts...and I hate blending, and I hate matching other people....I feel like if I match someone, they are stealing my identity (Hey, i never said it was a sane reason).  Therefore, I have adopted the attitude of who cares.  It is part of my no logo's thing, I do not like to advertise for other people, also if i am wearing a cool outfit and someone likes it and there is a logo on it, they immediately know where to go to copy me, but if there is no logo, they must first come and compliment me about my outfit, which makes me all happy and then I will usually tell them where I got it.  Anyways....it may not make sense to you...but it all works out in my head.

One last piece of excitement....Alex mentioned to me last night that she was thinking of having a cousin's fondue....and DUDE...I love this idea...fondue is fun, and we haven't had a cousin's party in FOREVER!!! It needs to be done.  And I would volunteer my place but it is way too small and very messy (i am not good at the cleaning and i have so many clothes that they tend to take over my apartment)....So I think we should all think about this cousin's party thing!

Wait...I forgot to tell you, in laundry news, there was a note in my elevator when i got home last night, we are getting new larger front loading washing machines in our building....and they are card activated....I am free from the quarters and loonies....I don't normally do a happy dance when laundry is involved...but I made an exception!

The Factory

So that is what I have decided we should call The Spaghetti Factory from now on.  It just give it a fresh fun new name.  Just like Walmart should always be called The Mart, and Ajax should always be called The Jaxs.
Anyways, I am getting off topic, like usual.  Today we are gonna have a super fun dinner because my new bff Ryan and my favourite married cousin Alex are coming to Toronto for a concert.  I am so excited....I love The Factory and it is our regular family dinner place but we haven't been in awhile.

Now, I didn't blog yesterday because I slept all day, I called in sick and spent the day sleeping and sleeping and sleeping.  I felt like my head was going to explode, so much pressure.  But I press forward and forced myself to go to work today even though I feel yucky.  Due to my illness, I am crazy grumpy so I am avoiding my co-workers because it is just for the best I don't interact.

So our Christmas Parade party went great even though Andrea was sick and Steph wasn't feeling good.  The cake i baked and decorated did not get eaten which made me a little sad...but Brady was really into the parade this year so it was lots of fun.  I made this baked brie which was SO good.  Everyone loved it but now I am looking for a new recipe because we found that just the brie and the crescent roll dough was just a little salty and Steph suggested adding cranberries to break up the salt.  So it is gonna be an appetizer we will have at Christmas dinner but I am gonna look up a new recipe. 

And finally, let's say hypothetically I came into some money.....and you were suppose to use it frivolously, would you get your eyes lasered, buy a new wardrobe, or stuff for your apartment?

Friday's are my favourite

As I eat my Friday cheese bagel and sip my chocolate milk, sitting in my new cubicle......i am satisfied and happy.  Who know a change of location and some food would give me such an upswing of a mood.  Well okay, we all know food can sway me very easily but as I have always said - I am an emotional eater and being an emotional person, I eat a lot. 

But seriously to be sitting with people again....so happy.  I have already accomplished way more work then normal, I haven't even looked at one gossip site and I get to talk with all my co-workers.

And so excited about tonight....body flow class with Amy and Steph, then we are gonna watch Glee and order in dinner I believe.  Then maybe a fun girl movie. 

Then tomorrow I will be busy with Christmas lights and prep work for our Santa Claus Parade day party.  I am in charge of snacks and fun.  Which let's just say...those are two of my strengths.  I am gonna do some sort of dip or maybe crescent wrapped and then baked brie.  And cupcake decorating for the kids...which mom hates because it is messy but dad loves because it is fun.  So we are gonna do it!  I just need to find someone to take me to bulk barn before Sunday.

I will keep you posted on the Santa Claus Parade Day party!

Have a great Friday....remember everyone should get a cheese bagel from Tim Horton's it makes the day SO much better!

Goodbye Classy

So I was told today that my time in my fancy office is over, I am being moved back to the bullpen with my co-workers.  An Economist needs my office, which you know...I am fine with.  As great as having a window office on the 63rd floor....the glare from that window make it hard to see my computer screen and the chair I have keeps sinking so i am always really low at my desk.  It was never really my office anyways, it is filled with tons of economic paperwork and charts....it is better to move back with my people.  Plus it is lonely in an office in the Econ area...no one to talk to and no one comes to visit me.

So...woot, I am returning to my roots, a cubical in a crowded area where everyone can hear everything and i can chat all day with my co-workers.

In other news....I bought a Christmas present and then decided I loved it so much....I may keep it.  So I need to brainstorm a new plan.  I am also almost done all my Christmas shopping.  I just have to buy myself some long john jammies and wrap them and put them under the tree from Santa.  Grandma buys us pj's every year and this year she gave steph the money for all our presents and i spend all my money on Christmas themed bake ware and a running sweater.  But i want some long john pj's, and i will just have to get them from 'santa'.

Lastly, I am thinking of re-joining facebook.  Just for the fact that I never know what is happening...well, even when I had facebook I never knew but at least people remembered to include me.....even if I didn't pay attention to their invitations. 

So it is poll time:
Should I rejoin facebook?  Or should I continue my shun of all social media except this blog which apparently is a form of social media according to steph...I just view it as my online diary.

So i don't know how to actually put in one of those poll in....so just comment and then maybe after talking to steph she can help me set it up.

Issues of the Day

So I am 15 minutes into my work day, and I am not enjoying it so far, everything seems to not be going according to plan.  The hem on my pants fell and i had to staple it back up, an event on Sunday has no host, and I need to do laundry so bad.  I was gonna do laundry on Friday night....yes that is how i spend my Friday nights because the laundry room is deserted and i get complete access to all the machines.  But last Friday....NO QUARTERS.  So i had to post pone the laundry.  Now on Wednesday, I am wearing clothes that are quite obviously second time around clothes. 

I woke up this morning wishing that I had caught some illness that would require me to stay in bed!  Like Mono, last time I had mono, it was great.....I got to sleep all the time, I love sleeping and to have a illness that requires you to stay in bed, AMAZING!!  I could read trashy novels that don't require thought, and watch movies and TV series that I haven't had a chance to see yet. 

I think I am in a funk and I need to break free.  I am not happy with anything I do at all.  And this is the time of year where I am super happy to the point of annoying people.  I love Christmas and that should heal any grump funk I am in.  Hopefully the funk will dissipate soon.

Tuesday

So blog world as you know I have been on an exercise quest and although I SWORE I would never join the running cult....I started running. So now to make me seem even more crazy steph suggested that we run at 6:30AM on tuesday's and friday's because it will help us be more alert at work.
I am so so so so SO not a morning person and I laughed at this plan at first. But because steph is sort of my trainer I found myself running this morning at 6:30am.

In other news I am off today to help my dad get settled at home after his surgery. Which means glee night may have to be rescheduled because I don't know what time I am getting back from my parent's.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Fast Pants, Surgery, and The Destructo Kitties

So it was quite a weekend for me....hopefully everyone else had a great weekend.

Let's start my weekend recap with a story about fast pants.  In our boot camp class, this one girl wears exercise pants that are super form fitting, like leggings but made out of running pant material.  Marv always teases her and calls them her fast pants.  So on Thursday me steph and mom went to the Reebok store at Vaughan Mills and I purchased myself some fast pants.  See in terms of running, I am terribly under prepared for winter running.  I don't normally buy running pants because well, I am too short and all the pants are miles to long for me.  I buy a lot of carpi's, which on me works out to floods.  So I went crazy and got fast pants and then when I went with steph for our normal Saturday run, I had to pull them pretty high up and it bunched weird in the crotch and then I was worried I would suffer some sort of camel toe...all scary things so I wore my short shorts of the fast pants thus hiding any embarrassing crotch issues.  I really need to work on my winter running wardrobe.  I also got a running jacket on Saturday...steph helped me pick it out, it is aqua with lime green inside.  I really enjoy it even though the colours are not something i would normally wear.  I think it won me over with the weird location of the pockets and the thumb holes.

Anyways....in other news, I have scratches all over my feet because when I am sleeping or in bed, the minute i move my feet the destructo kitties attack!!!  They bite and scratch my feet, which normally wouldn't be so bad if the covers protect me but they are sneaky and get under the covers.  Also, Saturday Remy just wasn't feeling the sleep in and he meowed for an hour....that's right, i was stubborn enough to ignore his meowing for a whole hour before I sat up and yelled 'WHAT IS IT YOU WANT, I DON"T SPEAK CAT'.  Then he tilted his head at me and meowed again....so I forced him to cuddle with me, then he scratched me and escaped and at that point I was pretty much awake so i watched TV in bed...while Remy still meowed.  I think it is all my fault because on Thursday when I was off, I used my blackberry to reflect the sun onto the wall and Remy chased it and chased it...and now he stares at the wall meowing because he can't find that shinny thing to chase.

And finally, my Daddy had his appendix removed this weekend, he is doing fine and plans to be back at work in a week (which is crazy, we may force him to take two weeks off).  He should be released from the hospital today. 

And don't worry this surgery will not affect the Santa Claus Parade Christmas Season Launch Party that dad hosts every year.  I will be spearheading the party planning committee this year.  It is gonna be great!  There will be a cake, and I will be putting the Christmas lights up on the Saturday.  I have everything under control!

How Embarrassing

First off....Alex, you rock.  I love you!  Thanks for all your comments on my previous posts...and don't worry...I have decided to merge the Erin Awesomeness with a more professional Erin to get BUSINESS ERIN.  That is what i shall call my work persona from now on. 

Okay...so now, I have the most embarrassing story to share with all of you.  On Wednesday, I wore a lovely 'afternoon tea' dress to work, it was black and grey plaid, and sort of taffeta material, with blue tights.  Now on Wednesdays I go from work to the gym and then to school, so it is a busy day.  Lately, I have been bad with the exercise but I was forcing myself to go....so I am walking in the underground from work to the Eaton's Centre and as I am walking through the mall my hand brushes my leg and i feel tights...and this worries me because my dress goes to my knees, i should not be feeling tights near my upper thigh.  My dress on the one side is up around my butt!!!!!!....so to not draw attention to myself or to make a scene, i grab the hem of my dress and yank it down.  Then continue to walk to the gym like nothing happened.....although for the rest of the night, i held that dress down while walking to ensure that something like that could never happen again!

Embarrassing, Right?  So embarrassing and worst part.....I don't know how long it was up there for, which means, i could have flashed my way through the underground.  Although it would have only been my tights that people saw and they were thick blue tights...but still...."hello world here is the my right butt cheek" not the message I am going for.  I was going for the "hello world, look how cool and fashionable i am with colour tights and motorcycle boots"

Everyone enjoy my embarrassment, I am here for your entertainment!!!

PS.  Everyone watch Conan.  I love that tall skinny awkward dude.  If you need some enticement, his show is filmed in the studio where Goonies was filmed and he would like to try to reunite the cast!

From fundraising to weight loss

I have been working on a blog post all morning and decided it was too depressing, talking about fundraising and people in need.  I don't want to bring people down....it's hump day, we need something to lighten our spirits.
I have tomorrow off! As do all of my family except my brothers-in-law, which sucks for them but what are you going to do?
Most people have taken Friday off as well because they can get a super long weekend.  Me, not so much, I have no more vacation left only sick days and it would look extremely suspicious if I called in sick after a holiday before the weekend.  So am coming in...but on the plus side, the office is gonna be deserted so I am going major casual and I have a meeting at 10am but after that I will be spending the day going through boxes looking for documents and I will probably leave early.  Because I deserve it, especially after the crazy ass long day I had last Friday.  Which ended with me having a cab driver deliver tickets to a limo driver who then deliver the tickets to the SVP of my department.  It was exciting and stressful.

I have been extremely stressed out lately...so stressed that i have been breaking out a lot...which I hate...because you think i would have grown out of that...but nope....i get stressed and I eat and break out.  I really need to get back on the exercise train.  Because I do not want to gain the weight back.  I need the exercise because I like to eat my feelings.  And i enjoy fitting into tiny dresses and skinny jeans, I have never before been a person that dresses in revealing clothing, it has always been baggy pants and baggy tops.  As I lose weight my confidence sky rockets, and confidence is important when you are the only single girl within your friends and family. 

Wow...majorly off topic.  I am very good at the wandering ramble.  Give me a topic and I will take it to places that it has never been before.

I hope everyone has a great hump day!

Today is....

Going to be interesting.  I had a weird carnival dream last night....I was at a place that was like a cross between a Dave and Busters arcade and the Exhibition.  And I was on roller skates carrying a duffel bag because I had to deliver it somewhere.  That's really all i remember there are brief flashes of me trying to roller skate (not very good...don't have the balance or coordination in my dream) and looking at all the candy I can buy....but not buying any.  It was a weird dream that didn't really make sense.  But it set has set the tone for my day. 
I get up and one thing I always do to max sleeping time in the morning is pick my clothes out the night before...then i have a strict no changes rule because i don't have time to be running around being indecisive about clothes in the morning.  But this morning...I changed every single wardrobe choice I made last night.  Then i couldn't find my hair brush...so I haven't brushed my hair yet today....I finger combed it so that should count for something. 
I have a stupid superstition that if i make a wardrobe change in the morning than it will be a bad day.  This usually works for me because then I have to weigh the pro's and con's of outfit change vs bad day..and usually I stick with the original outfit.  I really hate bad days.

But today...i changed everything and no problems so far...well there have been little annoyances but I knew about them yesterday...If someone agrees to go to an event there should be a no take backs rule.  I hate cancellations...they throw my whole mojo off.

Anyways....I got home from work and school yesterday and decided i should bake.  So I bakes these cookies that are kind of like scones...they are called tea cookies...then i frosted them pink...but i had way too much frosting so the cookies might be over frosted but that is never a bad thing right?  They are for Glee tonight. 

On a side note...i have realized I have very few preppy casual clothes.  So I am back to the afternoon tea dresses.  Although i have been wearing my new motorcycle boots with them....they are just so comfy...and i love the clash of cute girly dress and big clunky boots.  so much fun.  Man...I am never going to dress appropriately 100% of the time.  It just isn't me....i have too much rebel in me.

3 Domer Day!!!!

You see 1 dome on your adventure, it's gonna be a good day.  You see 2 domes on your adventure, GREAT DAY.  But 3 DOMES....out of this world day! 

You are probably all wondering what I am talking about and questioning my sanity again.  But here's what I can tell you, I went to shopping in the states on Saturday with a goal of finding appropriate boots to wear with my new skinny cargo army pants and to find some Christmas presents.  I left the states that night full of Olive Garden and in possession of 5 Christmas presents, 2 pairs of boots, a new pair of skinny jeans, and a sense of satisfaction.  It was indeed worthy of a 3 Domer Day.

I will say: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Examples of our lucky 3 Dome experience:
Nine West - all shoes buy one get one half off.  I bought my motorcycle boots and a pair of peep toe stiletto bootie.  And both shoes combined cost me $100
Skinny jeans - new world to me and found a pair of grey skinny jeans for only $25.  Woot
I found the best coordinating Christmas presents for Dad and my brothers-in-law.  I am so excited about these presents....if this wasn't a blog that they had access to...i would tell you about it right now.  But I can't...if you are curious about what this amazing present situation is....bbm or txt me.  Because seriously...you are gonna love it as much as me!

And finally - Olive Garden.  I love me some olive garden...yummy pasta with lots of free bread sticks and salad...so delicious.  But always a crazy long wait.  When we showed up on Saturday....1 hour and 45 minute wait.  We were gonna leave but then Will found a table in the bar area and we sat and ate right away.  It was slightly awkward that all the people that agreed to wait stood around and stared at us the people in the bar area.  But it was a great score of a table and probably Will's favourite moment of the whole trip.

Now for the icing on this fabulous trip.....Car-e-oki....the whole drive home we sang and rocked out to Sarah's wonderful sing-a-longs and anthems playlist.

It was a good day and I had so much fun...although I was shopping and that is my happy place!

The Adventures of TinTin

Steph this link is for you:
http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/11/01/adventures-of-tintin-first-look-at-the-spielberg-jackson-collaboration/

If you don't know the tin tin story, don't believe Stephanie's version.  It is completely exaggerated.  But since that is where my nickname came from...the one that for some unforeseen reason has stuck better than anything else....I thought I should post the link.

After all, i do sort of have a soft spot for him now. 

Steph bought me the box set and although it doesn't work in my DVD player...one day I will watch them and then finally be worthy of my nickname.

Making Lemonade

I know I have talked about this way too much lately but I just wanted to let you know that I have decided to take the critical comments about my wardrobe as an opportunity to branch outside of my regular style to find a new work style. 

Yesterday I worked a blazer and a turtle neck, sort of a college professor look...here's what i learned...blazers make me way too hot.  They look great but I am only gonna pull them out for special occasions.  Also...i really don't like turtle necks, they make me feel a little claustrophobic all that material around my neck...yuck. 

The look I am working today is Preppy casual...and you know what, I really like it.  I think on the second try i may have found my new business look.
Just in case you are wondering what preppy casual looks like I am wearing Skinny leg grey pants, a purple button up collared shirt with a black scoop neck sweater over top.  I am also wearing cute little purple plaid flats as well as a multi string fake pearl necklace.  Also I have pulled my hair up in a clip.

A good look all comes down to the details...that is why I am so good at administrative work.  Details are key!  For example a cupcake is only a cupcake when it is iced...until then it is just a sad muffin.  Same with an outfit...you can wear the pants and top but you won't achieve perfection unless you pair it with just the right shoes, accessories, and hair style.  But I won't go into this too much because no one wants another fashion rant from me.  But just remember you want your outfit to really rock just ice it with the right frosting.  OMG that was way too lame.....i really should delete that last sentence but i believe in honesty and honestly I am lame! 

Okay back to the topic at hand - my work appropriate wardrobe.

I still love all my dresses and tights that I wear but I think i will have to find ways to make them a little more businessy.  But I love a fashion challenge...and I do enjoy playing around and trying different looks.  So although her comment about my clothes hurt...it is time to take those lemons and make lemonade....and then drink that lemonade as a sign of my victory.  Then of course a victory dance will be required...maybe even a victory dance PARTY! 

Who wants to come to my victory dance party? 

Average?

So....I am completely obsessed...about the comments PLP said yesterday.  And it is so stupid to be dwelling on them but i am a champion dweller!
Although what is different this time?  Normally I would just stew and worry about the comments and secretly get upset but never actually do anything.  This time I really want to just go sit down in the girls office who said i couldn't handle the job and confront her...ask her why she thinks i can't handle it and then prove her wrong.  But I am trying to not create more office politics and uncomfortable situations...So i guess nothing has really changed because i will suffer in silence.
Also...the clothes thing......I have never claimed to be a conservative dresser.  As you know from previous posts, I pride myself on my fashion and my ability to dress to express my feelings.  And yes she may have a valid point that i don't always dress appropriately but at the same time, i never dress scandalously.  I just get so tired of people constantly talking about my boobs.  A lot of times...I will joke about them first and stuff but that is because i am still really insecure about them. 
I have been losing weight for over a year...i would say 20 to 30 pounds and not an ounce has been lost from the bust line.  I was saving up for laser eye surgery so I could wear sunglasses any time i wanted but I am really considering using that money for a breast reduction surgery. 
Then maybe every shirt i put on won't look so boobular....maybe then people will stop judging me for the boobs.
A couple of weeks ago I compared two extreme body types, Tall and model skinny and short and curvy....we each wanted the other...but maybe it is better to all just be average.

Jelly fished

Have you guys ever seen Bridget Jones 2.  It is a movie that doesn't stand out in my mind but i just experienced something that was described perfectly in that movie.

So, there is a position available in my department....me being on contract, i am very interested!  The person that is leaving the position has offered to train me because I am covering the work while they hire the new person.  The person leaving the position, we will call her PLP, came in today to train me and while we were talking she said a bunch of things in the name of friendship and caring about me...and just wanting me to succeed that were positive negatives....like saying i just want to be your friend while stabbing you in the stomach.  In Bridget Jones she compared it to jelly fish stings.

Anyways...here is what PLP told me.  She wants me to get the job but i should be careful because a different co-worker has said that she doesn't think i can handle the position.  Also PLP told me that she loved my outfit today and i look so pretty but then told me that if i get this job i will have to dress much more conservative, i need to re-evaluate the image i am projecting.  Also she sort of implied that i may not be smart enough for the job.

All i can say is that in the last hour and a half my confidence which was at an ultimate high this morning is now in the negative.  I clearly have some self esteem issues that i have to work on.  Because, i can do this job, i am smart enough.  But apparently everyone has counted me out...like everyone is supportive to my face but is ready to push me under a bus if the opportunity arises.

All I want is a place i can work and feel comfortable in.  Sometimes I worry that I will never be able to just relax and focus on doing my job.  I am a great worker, focused and loyal and dedicated but apparently some people can't see me...the only see what they want to see.

The Only Exception

So, yesterday I was shopping....gasp! i know shock...Erin Shopping, that never happens.  But anyways, we were in Costa Blanca, a store i have never really shopped in before, but let me tell you, super cheap clothing although they are slightly form fitting but still a good deal! 
Anyways, a song comes on and it has been stuck in my head ever since.  It is not a song I would normally love because it is way too mushy and it's slow so you can't rock out to it.  There are very few slow songs that I love, Hallelujah - the version sung by K.D. Lang, kills me every time! Also Skin by Alexz Johnston, and I Wanna Hold Your Hand from the Across the Universe sound track.
But this song i heard yesterday...so stuck..and the worst part, only one line from the song stuck 'you are the only exception'
Now just imagine that line going through your head over and over and OVER again.  But now I think it may have brainwashed me because I want to hear the whole song...I want to put the song on my ipod.

So i googled 'only exception lyrics'  and there is the song...Only Exception by Paramore.  Now i find this hilarious because Paramore opened for No Doubt last year and i wasn't too impressed by them...not at all.  And now they have this song....that i can't get out of my head.

I have yet to decide if a song that gets stuck in my head is evil or awesome.  Thoughts?

Army Print LOVE!

The story of my love of army print starts a very long time ago when I was in grade 10 and decided that i didn't really identify with any high school 'click'.  I mean I had friends but we weren't jocks or popular, we weren't nerds or sci fy people.  We were just a bunch of kids.  I tried out a few things but by grade 11, I decided that i was just gonna wear what i liked.  Apparently that meant i wore a lot of black and mesh and big plastic jewelry I made myself.  I also took to thrift store shopping.  I think a large part of my wardrobe came from value village and then I found the Army Surplus store...where i bought the best pair of army pants ever!  the forest cameo! Later I went on to buy a nice spring army jacket and a black bomber jacket as well.
Those army print pants...they were the most consistent piece of clothing i owned.  Granted, i wore them with everything....luckily most everything else I owned was black so I still matched.  But I seriously wore these pants until they started fraying and falling apart.  Then I cut them into shorts and wore them for even longer.  The only reason i stopped wearing them was because...well embarrassing to say, i gained weight and they no longer fit.  But now that i have lost all that weight...i went looking for them...and i can't find them. 
In the past I have bought more fashionable pair of army shorts..but they just weren't the same.

But with the Military look still hot in the fashion world...i am taking this opportunity to stock up on all things military! 
Now i know i often ramble about fashion and end up on some random tangent that has nothing to do with m original post topic but there is a point for all this army print talk. 
Today....I purchased a pair of those skinny cargo's i keep talking about....but here is the best part.....1) I got them from winners so they were a third of the price i would of had to pay in stores...only 29.99! 2) They are army print! 
That's right...I finally have another pair of army print pants.  My life feels whole again!  Next stop on this military fashion train....so girly motorcycle/combat boots...maybe with a heel. 
I have finally figured out how to wear military and have it still be feminine and not so angry!

I was quite worried that i wouldn't get them...see i was planning to buy a pair from the victoria secret catalogue but was in winners yesterday with Ebony and the power of E squared happened and there was a pair of army print skinny cargo's so i tried them on...We decided I could pull off the skinny jean even though I am hippy but I didn't have my wallet, I had forgotten it at home!  So i had to leave them and pray that they would still be there in the morning.  So i woke up early and got to work a half and hour early so i could stop and winners....and they were still there....JACKPOT!!!

Low on IRON?

So I have been super mega tired lately...but I can't sleep and this weekend I developed the most major migraine ever....which is strange for me because i don't normally get migraines. 
I got through most of my trip but I bailed out early...and I feel bad about that.  But there were large amount of alcohol consumed by everyone but me...and they volume level was quite loud..and I felt like I was bringing everyone down.  I try to never be a party pooper...I like to make everyone happy and see everyone have fun.
Sunday....I grabbed a bus back to Toronto.  I started to feel better being in Toronto.  It's weird I still felt horribly sick but being in Toronto helped.  Like i knew that i could be in my bed in a matter of minutes.
When I did get into bed, Logan and Remy cuddled up with me and we all had a much needed nap. 
I also feel really bad because I have been leaving Remy and Logan alone a lot lately....so that nap really made us all feel much better.  They are good cats...they just like to destroy things.

Anyways...What is happening this week.  I will investigate the Skinny Cargo and if they are right for me, I will be looking for a new job, I will attempt to sleep a lot more,  I will also be going over my finances....HBO may be going Bye Bye.

Cheese Bagel Friday

So it's cheese bagel Friday again.  My favourite day of the week.  The day starts off with cheese bagels.... then me and my one co-worker get lunch....usually something we should be eating and then if we are feeling super rebellious we will also get candy.  See we spend all week being good, she goes to the gym every day at lunch, i go after work, we both eat healthy lunches and dinners.  So Friday we indulge.  I know it seems counter productive...but you got to do what makes you happy right.  And eating Friday...it makes us both so happy!

On a different note.  I have decided i want a pair of skinny cargo pants.  This is a super hot trend right now..and normally I am not one to march to a trend but do my own thing.  But these pants have a very army feeling too them..i can even get them in cameo.  And i miss my army pants.  The military trend is 'back' but even with it being fashionable right now...I have never stopped loving the military trends...i will always have a soft spot for army green or cameo.  So...me getting these pants is not me jumping on the bandwagon but having the bandwagon finally catch up to me.  Although to buy these pants...i am gonna have to dip into my emergency shopping fund....but that's what emergency shopping funds are for right...for fashion emergencies.  And with my dress for Alex's wedding being so cheap ($15) i have lots of funds still left in the emergency fund.

I hope everyone has a great Friday...and remember to indulge in some eating! 

The headphones

So I dressed all nice today, pretty dress, my favourite pair of ankle boots, nylons. And what is my job today? To go through more boxes in the storage room. Because I am bored and inappropriately dressed for this task. I thought everyone would enjoy a picture of my trouble causing headphones.
Also, I have already ruined my nylons and decided to go barefoot for the box searching task. While listening to my ipod and dancing. Enjoy that imagery!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Bakesale

Okay people. The bake sale may have been worth it. Prices were great and I don't even notice the tiredness I was experiencing before. But that may be all the sugar coursing through my veins this early in the morning. Here is a picture of what I bought but haven't eaten yet. Best item so far wasn't even sweet. It was a bacon cheddar muffin. I must bake these now.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Thurday

So today is the day of the 'amazing' bake sale that I have to come in early for.  I am having trouble a bake sale is so good...i should wake up half an hour earlier to come to work.  I will let you know the outcome.  I was also told to bring a Tupperware container.
So..my end of fall coat, the aqua/blue one with the fur around the hood.  Well as much as i love that coat...and I do because it was the first thing i bought when i started to lose weight.  So it has a special place in my heart....BUT due to the matchiness of it to my headphones I can no longer wear the two together....yesterday some one called me turquoise girl.  So i went into my closet and pulled out a different wintery fall jacket...shocking that i have more than one...but i do.  It is a black coat....but one look at it and it was like cat fur city.  So i started to de-lint it.....i used an entire roll of de-linting sticky tape stuff...and the coat is still hair city.  I am starting to think that my cat's fur is un-de-lintable.  Which would make sense because they do love to make my life ten times harder than it actually is.

Also, now that i can email posts in...from my blackberry....there will probably be a lot more posts until i get bored of the novelty and then move on to something funner.

Test

So I was fiddling around with the settings on my blog and learned you can email your posts. So I am testing right now to see what that is like.
Here is a picture of a destructo kitty in my purse.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Snooze Button is Evil

So I am not feeling this day at all.  I have been tired all week....the kind of tired that makes you want to stay in bed and you turn off all 3 of your alarms and use the snooze button so much that you literally have like 5 minutes to get dressed and leave the house.  But I trek on.  I did my mid term on Monday, it went okay after I got over the blind panic that i forgot everything.  I also had a red bull and some chocolate to take the edge off the panic.  Tuesday I had one of those days....where nothing goes the way I want it too.  I was tired and grumpy from work and I ate my feelings.
Although...truth - I eat all my feelings, not just the grumpy ones.  The grumpy ones get carbs, the happy ones usually get pie, the sad ones get....everything in sight, and the excited ones, they get candy.
Anyways, we did our usual glee night, which was fun although i found the glee episode a glorified music video and I am losing faith in the show...oh that doesn't mean i will stop watching it....oh no, singing and dancing are like my favourite thing. 
The Destructo kitties have been acting up lately, I have been away too much and I think they are mad at me about it.  Last night just as i was about to fall asleep, Remy pushes my entire container of nail polish off my desk....do you know how many bottles of nail polish i have....A LOT. I had to run around the room to pick them all up and make sure none of them broke. 
I have class tonight but i am already fantasising about not going...and instead going home and getting a pair of warm and fuzzy pants and cuddling into my bed to watch TV and fall asleep by 9pm.  But that wouldn't be very responsible of me....I am an adult now.  Even though one of my class mates asked me my age last week and after I told her she refused to believe it and demanded that i show her my licence.  She still thinks it is a fake licence.
Anyways....due to my just phoning it in today...i am gonna leave you with another list of things i need to do this week:
1. pick up contacts from post office
2. schedule my interview for my hr project
3. LAUNDRY
4. get quarters so i can actually do laundry and buy some laundry detergent
5. Take out my recycling...why make garbage so easy with a shoot and then make me walk my lazy ass all the way to the ground floor to dispose of recycling.
6. remember to come in early tomorrow so i can go to the bake sale.

Anyways....enjoy your day....hopefully you won't be in as lazy of a mood as i am in and you will accomplish a lot today.  I will be proud if i can actually make people think i am awake.