Post 10 things that are going right in your life right now. I don't care how small. You're happy with your cup of coffee. You saw a flock of geese flying over. ANYTHING. Things that make you happy. Things that make you smile.
1> I now have chairs and barstools for my kickass apartment.
2> My friends love me (even though I spend most of my time with my foot planted firmly in my mouth)
3> I am taking classes which I find interesting and fun
4> I watched Stage Beauty last night and now I have Billy Crudup in my head... mmm
5> My hair is still damp from my shower this morning and feels really soft and silky
6> It also smells really good
7> I have about 30 new plays to read and I don't even have to feel guilty about buying them since they're for a class
8> I have nowhere to be until 4pm (work)
9> I'm starting to think I might pass this year
10> I'm happy!

Yeah, that last one is pretty vague, but I smile because I'm happy right now... could change any moment, so I enjoy it while its happening :)

I enjoy ranting about things that don't really matter to me or to anyone I know... turn this on its head and you'll realize it means I don't like talking about things that DO matter to me, which probably means I have issues, but let's leave those to the people to whom they matter and talk about what I really came here to discuss...

I was flipping through a book we got in at work on Friday 'Why Men Love Bitches' I've seen the title before, but with one thing and another I hadn't gotten around to satisfying my curiousity on it. So I flipped through to grasp the more salient points. Now, looking at the title I would have thought the book was about how a woman can stand up for herself and still be attractive to men, sort of counteracting the whole 'men fear strong women' problem (which in my experience is not always the case anyway, yes some men fear strong women, but the good ones actually admire them). Well, that isn't exactly what this title is about... this title, from what I could gather on a casual flip-through, is about how to manipulate a man into believing that he's in control while secretly controlling him the whole time... I mean seriously, what century do we live in?? I actually found a list of do's and don't's which struck me as partucularly amusing... here's a couple I remember:

Always get him to kill bugs for you and always look away until he's done. Afterward comment that "you don't know what you would have done if he hadn't been there"

Cling to him when watching a scary movie and cover your eyes until the violent parts are over.

Ok, these are the only two I recall, probably because I thought they were especially silly... I mean if you're scared of bugs fine, but if you aren't then why the hell would you act like that?? I'd feel like a damn fool if I made a guy kill a bug for me and as for violent movies, why on earth would I cover my eyes during the best parts of the movie??? Seriously, this book just screams hardcore manipulation.

Honestly I like teasing, flirting and such as much as anyone, and I am not a hardcore feminist, but apart from playing my stereotype in an arena where everyone knows its a joke I would never consider doing any of this stuff... the idea that there are people out there suppressing there inate awesomeness just to snag a guy who is too much of an idiot to realize she's playng him... kind of makes me nauseous just thinking about it... honestly, are there guys out there who want girls to act like this???

This kind of feeds into my whole theory that most relationship self-help books are just long-winded justification for why the author acted like an asshole... and don't get me started on my other favourite title "Mystery's Method: How to get Beautiful Women to Sleep With You" (That might not be the title, honestly I don't really recall) Anyway, part of me really wants to borrow these books and read them thoroughly just so I can make fun of them more completely... My mind is still kind of in the "I can't believe there are still people who think this way" phase. I mean I have no problem keeping secrets from people (let's be honest, that's what I do), but the idea of turning my enitre life into a lie just to get a man who will never realize, if I follow directions correctly, what I've done for him or who I really am... well, maybe I'm just too selfish for that, but I want a guy who knows who I am and loves me for it. Seriously, any guy I chose to be with would love that I enjoy the violent bits of horror movies, and I think the "scary bits" are sort of funny and that I'm independent enough to be able to get rid of a bug all on my own without having to avert my gaze or anything... pretending otherwise just sounds like a lot of work to no good purpose. I'll let y'all know if I actually bother to read this book all the way through (I'm a bit nervous about borrowing it from the store since it has to be in perfect condition about returning it and I have a feeling there will be points when I'll want to throw it against the wall, but I'll think about it).

Date:	2007-11-16 23:40
Subject:	30 Days of Night (2007 R)
Security:	Public
Mood:	mellow

Ok, so this is a pretty standard set up. Vampires attack a remote Alaskan town during the annual 30 days of darkness... oh, wait, that isn't standard. In fact, to my knowledge, it has never been done before in Cinema history. How has this never been done before?? It's such a perfectly delicious idea it seems wrong that no one has put it to screen prior to now. Quentin? Robert? Seriously, guys, you let me down here.

Anyway, the movie starts out really well. It creates character, relationships and back-story while at the same time setting up the audience for what is to follow. Fair warning for the squeamish, this movie is not for you. There is violence and it is graphic. For those of us who revel in that sort of thing however this movie delivers it.

The characters are believable and realistic. The hero (played by Josh Hartnet) is likable, charming and attractive... a little too nice for my taste, but well characterized. The heroine (played by Melissa George) is just sassy enough to be interesting, but not bitchy.

The vampires....oh, the vampires... these are not your parent's vampires. They are not sexy... ewww would be more appropriate. They are vicious and disturbingly quick. They speak their own language (which is translated with subtitles) and they have no qualms about killing anyone who gets in their way. They will not stop and try to seduce you... they will just kill you and move on. Gotta say, this is a good move on behalf of hollywood, much as I may miss my hot vampires.

The plot is good. The storyline moves quickly, as it should considering it covers the full 30 days. The ending (which I won't spoil... trust me, I'm a professional) is appropriately bittersweet. The script is at times slightly trite, but as this was originally a graphic novel (which are notorious for pulling off trite lines) it is forgivable... especially since the actors make the lines work for them.

There is little to complain about in this film, save that I like my vampire movies slightly more campy. That, however is simply personal preference, and I would not hesitate to recommend this film to anyone who likes a more serious vampire flick. All in all it was well worth the price of admission.

Date:	2007-11-04 13:14
Subject:	The Alberta Ballet's Othello
Security:	Public
Mood:	restless
Music:	The All American Rejects

It has been more than a week since I went to see the Alberta Ballet's production of Othello and it is still resonating in my mind like the bells of Notre Dame. First I would like to say that there is something about seeing a live production, doesn't matter what of; theatre, dance, music, even sports, that makes it more compelling. There is a level of intimacy that is well-nigh impossible to recreate on film. There are exceptions, but for the most part I would far rather attend a live production than see the same thing on film.

That said the ballet was magical, tragic, and beautiful. All the things Shakespeare's tragedy has and ballet conveys so well were there. Being the world premiere of this particular ballet you would think there would have been bugs to work out, but truthfully if there were any they were more than covered by the talent of the dancers and the tech crew because I never noticed them.

Othello himself was so graceful that he seemed lighter than air though he was by far the largest person in the cast (he stood almost a foot taller than Iago). He gave off an air of quiet strength and power. In his movements you could see his inner struggle against jealousy.

Iago moved like a creature of nightmare. His dancing was graceful, smooth, and insinuating. He was both compelling and disturbing. The duets between Othello and Iago were so intimate and eloquent that there were moments when you found it hard to believe they hadn't spoken a word.

Desdemona was one of the faerie. If Othello was graceful, Desdemona was grace itself. She conveyed both sexuality and innocence, a tough combination to show. Her desire for Othello was blatant and her love for him very real. Their duets were all that their relationship was; sexual, passionate, at times angry, and of course heart-rending. The death scene was quicker and less emotionally violent than I might have liked, and indeed if I had any complaint it would be that nothing seemed to last long enough, but since the piece was already three hours they really couldn't spend any more time on any one thing.

Othello has always been one of my favourite plays. Shakespeare has a talent for making tragedy inevitable and built into the characters. He takes what should be a trite and obvious piece and gives it depth and humanity. The ballet version loses none of this. It was easy to follow, though I admit I did already know the basic story and read the basic synopsis provided in the program. If you ever get the opportunity to see this ballet I reccomend it, I'm sure it will only get better as it is reworked in future productions. Each new cast will bring out different parts of the characters and I'm sure the few problems I had with the speed of happenings will be fixed in time.

Damn I love the theatre!

Date:	2007-10-06 10:39
Subject:	World War Z by Max Brooks
Security:	Public
Mood:	lethargic
Music:	Highway to Hell- AC/DC

A few years back Max Brooks wrote The Zombie Survival Guide, a humerous, tongue in cheek methodology of how to kill zombie's. World War Z is different. World War Z is not humerous; World War Z is not tongue in cheek. World War Z is quite simply the oral history of the zombie war.

Now, having said that, please don't think that there are no moments of humour in the book. There are many. My point is that this is not something that you want to read if you are looking for the book version of Army of Darkness or Sean of the Dead. This is more like the book version of a George A. Romero movie. Actually, George A. Romero's movies (ie Dawn of the Dead, Land of the Dead, etc.) were the inspiration of both World War Z and the previously mentioned Zombie Survival Guide.

I cannot even imagine the amount of research that Max Brooks must have done to write this book. Even assuming he had an interest in warfare prior to researching this book, the level of details he covers indicates a knowledge of military and culture, not just of his own country, but of the multiple different countries around the world that he discusses. His main character (who is never actually named, though it is implied that it is Max Brooks himself) interviews characters who should have an intimate knowledge of their goverment, culture, and military, and the amazing thing is that they do. There is no moment where you think, "Gee, this guy doesn't really know anything about this country." Instead you are amazed by the genuine reactions of those involved.

I think the best part of this book is the fact that he never cops out. If there really had been a Zombie War in the 90's people would have reacted pretty much exactly as they do in this book. From highly couragous tales of dering do, to the suicide levels sky-rocketing, to the people who can't deal with conflict to such an extent that their minds snap and they become indistinguishable (to the human eye anyway) from the zombie's themselves, though they don't carry the virus, every story is one that has motivation and huge amounts of humanity, both the good and the bad parts.

World War Z describes war. War that is worse than any war humanity has ever been part of, for as he points out, in a normal war you can count on the enemy getting weaker the longer the battle goes on. Imagine fighting an enemy that doesn't need to eat, doesn't need a leader to inspire them to fight, no matter how many of them you kill the rest will just keep coming, and worst of all, when your men die they join the other side. So rather than the other side getting weaker the more men you throw at them, they might actually become stronger. This is Total War in the truest sense of the term.

This is a brilliant book, I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of George A Romero's movies, anyone who finds the idea of a zombie war fascinating, and anyone who simply has an interest in human reactions in times of strife and hardship. Maz Brooks doesn't let you down. The human factor is there, and it makes World War Z a winner.

I have arbitrarily decided to make this year the year 3020 instead of 2007. Want to know why? Look up arbitrary in the dictionary, it'll explain...and you might just learn something. Want to know what gives me the right? Well, what gave the monks who originally set the western calendar up the right to do so? Their date was somewhat arbitrary too...I mean it wasn't even accurate to what they said they were setting it to (Christ's birth was four years off the year they said) and the eastern hemisphere had already set up a calendar that was far more accurate many centuries previous. Why should they be allowed to set the year and I can't? So now in my book it is 3020. I encourage all of you to set your own date. Maybe even change the names of the month....why the hell not, who says you can't? So far as I know there is no law against it. Let me know what the date is so far as you're concerned. I'll be sitting here in 3020, enjoying the view of the rest of the world as they follow blindly a system that was put in place, more or less, arbitrarily.

So school starts on Monday...I figured I better get a blog in beforehand since I will have way less time once I'm working full time and going to school full time. Those of you who didn't already know I'm crazy can now smack your heads and wonder how you missed it for all this time. I have three years to get my bachelors degree and lord knows how long after that to get my masters. I am excited about it all, but freaking out a bit since this means I am basically stuck where I am for the next three years at least...I am not good at staying in one place for more than two years at a time and enforced status makes it feel that much more scary.

Ok, just let me breath a moment...(breath in, breath out...phew)

That said I am looking forward to growing as a person in the next few years... honestly, I don't feel trapped at all...

(breath in, breath out...)

Anyone wanting to place wagers on my ability to stick with this long enough to get a degree at all (much less a masters) should leave a comment with their bets. Odds at this moment are 20-1. Betting pools close at the end of September.

(breath in, breath out...stupid wanderlust...breath in, breath out)

Date:	2007-08-28 13:00
Subject:	I feel like I should blog...
Security:	Public
Mood:	tired

...but I have no idea what to write except thank God for friends who care and are there even when I'm worried, scared, and absolutely no fun to be around. Bless you all for your concern and prayers. I love all of you.

Date:	2007-08-11 11:35
Subject:
Security:	Public
Mood:	blah

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I have quite the number of scars...the one I will talk about is the one I got when cutting up an orange for my younger sister...citrus juice really hurts in wounds...five stiches later...

2. WHAT DOES YOUR CELL PHONE LOOK LIKE?
A cell phone...why?

3. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO?
I have very eclectic musical taste. I am particularly fond of classic rock just now, but I'll listen to most genre's, so long as they aren't whiny...whiny just makes me angry.

4. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
I have no clue...I think it was sometime in the A.M. which is just so very helpful, but I really don't know...

5. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
Coffee...well look at that I got it...um...Irish Cream for my coffee...damn, I guess it doesn't actually work every time

6. WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Majesty...ie the ocean, the mountains...places that make me feel... not insignificant, not that, but that make my heart hurt with the glory of them.

7. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
Probably my car...without it I would effectively be trapped in Calgary and reliant upon others to get me out...I don't like being trapped and I don't like relying on others.

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SMELL?
there is one cologne...I have no clue what it's called, but when a guy walks by wearing it...damn!

9. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Oh yeah. Did I mention I don't like being trapped? I don't just mean metaphorically...I always need an escape route...can we say paranoid anyone?

10. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Hell no...the dark and I are very close friends, indeed we don't spend as much time together as I'd like. Stupid regular job.

12. WHAT KIND OF HAIR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Good hair...depends on the guy and what suits him, though I am a bit of a sucker for long hair...but only if it's well maintained...that it looks good is way more important

13. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF BEING PROPOSED TO?
You said....I'm sorry? What? ME???

14. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS?
Mmmmm, give me that sweet dark coffee...

15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
I'm easy...I like pizza however it comes...I prefer that it have cheese, but whatever else is good...

16. IF YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Something light and tasty....like the Joyce's brie and strawberries...

17. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU MADE MAD?
Probably some random CDI customer...cause it's my fault that your school didn't tell us that your course was starting and we needed to reorder the textbook...not that I'm bitter

18. DO YOU SPEAK A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE?
I pretend to...honestly if you put together all the snippets of other languages that I know it might make up a language...give me a year or so to improve my admittedly poor Spanish at Uni, then I'll tell you. Mi Espanol es no muy bueno.

19. WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIFT SOMEONE EVER GAVE YOU (OF THE OPPOSITE SEX)?
That I can remember? Probably the stuffed mouse my best friend Andy gave me in Jr high...I think I still have that tucked away somewhere...hafta dig him up (the mouse, not Andy)

25. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?
People...in general

26. HAS ANYONE EVER SPAT ON U?
On purpose? Not that I'm aware of, but if you did and I don't remember by all means remind me and I'll put it up here...I apologize for forgetting.

27. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Oh...so very many...the worst just now...I am incapable of letting other people help me, even when I find I can't do something myself...working on that, but it's a long process.

28. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Either janitorial work, or babysitting, both started around the same time (when I was 10 or 11) I can't quite remember which was first.

29. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Of course...hasn't everyone? I'm actually quite good at it provided everyone in the room is quiet.

30. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED OUT THIS SURVEY?
Making coffee

31. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Why would I want plastic surgery? I like who I am...Now that you mention it though I would like laser eye surgery...I'd love to be able to see without glasses/contacts

32. WHY DID YOU FILL OUT THIS SURVEY?
B/c I was annoyed with MySpace...bastards

33. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
Toss up...my smile or my uniqueness

34. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL?
Open a SpeakEasy. Kim could get her gin in a teacup from me. Damn, now I want to do that...

35.WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Don't much care actually, there are things I'd like to have, but most of what I want other people can't give me.

36. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
Umm...no...I love kids...I do, but one of the things I love about them is that I can give them back to their parents later.

37. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yep

38. DO YOU WISH ON STARS?
Depends on how whimsical I'm feeling

39. WHICH FINGER IS YOUR FAVORITE?
Didn't know you could have one...I'll be holding a contest later...whichever finger loses get cut off...the winner gets....I don't know...not cut off I guess...damn this is starting to sound like work.

40. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
I really can't remember, I don't much cry...

41. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
It's not pretty, but it's readable and that's all I really ask of my handwriting

43. ANY BAD HABITS?
I ritualistically sacrifice small animals. I also lie, a lot.

44. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD YOU OWN?
I'm not absolutely sure, but probably my Chipmunks Christmas CD....how nostalgic.

45. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
At first yes, but then we would drift apart because neither of us calls or writes or even keeps up a blog decently, one day we'd run into each other and all the old memories would come back, and it would be like we'd never been apart at all...oh what a beautiful moment that would be...too bad it will never happen...thank you for making me depressed.

46. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Often

47. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
Ah, this is my specialty any one or more of the following:
I take a long walk,
I watch a violent movie(the more people die the better)
I play my XBOX (again, lots of death)
I also swear a lot more, it's just important that if I'm really angry I get away from easily damaged things, like china, people, small trees...

48. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME?
Don't have one of those just now

49. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY?
Nope...there are very few people I trust at all, and none that I trust completely

50. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
well...I'd like to be pretentious and say my imagination, but while that was important, I'm gonna be honest and say my BB gun...I really am a very violent person...

51. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Nope...not at all

52. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A MOSH PIT?
yep

53. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY?
Good sense...adeventurous spirit...independence...humour...brains...the usual I guess, plus a bit more...

54. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
let me think about this one...no

55. DO YOU UN-TIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Um, no...cause then I'd have to retie them

56. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Ice cream sandwiches...does that count?

57. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS?
Black, purple, green, blue

58. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE?
None anymore, the dentist came and stole them...

59. WHO/WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST RIGHT NOW?
didn't we have this question already?

60. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Meh, why the heck not, if I'm not too lazy to do it, no one should be.

61. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Back in Black-AC/DC

62. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
Still working on that coffee...still no Irish Cream

63. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My brother I think...

64. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE PREFERRED SEX?
First thing?? um, how he approaches me/others...respect and charm are vital

65. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Wellsville, NY

66. SCARIEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?
I'd rather not talk about it

67. FAVORITE DRINK?
Tough call...I love my rum of course...I also love good wine, fine scotch, a nice tequilla...alcoholic? me? no way!

68. FAVORITE JOKE?
Inside jokes are the best

69. FAVORITE SPORT?
Theatre sports...cause I'm good at them

70. YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Currently dark brown, but that is subject to change without prior notice.

71. YOUR EYE COLOR?
Green-hazel, don't worry you don't have to remember that, no one ever does, but that's what it says on my drivers licence

72.DO YOU WEAR GLASSES?
if I want to see when I'm not wearing contacts

73. SIBLINGS?
yep

74. FAVORITE MONTH?
Why so many favourites questions? I really don't have a favourite month, sorry.

75. YOU LIKE SUSHI?
yeah, don't eat it much though

76. LAST THING YOU WATCHED ON TV
Don't get television...so probably some DVD or another...oh no wait, I watched myself and my brother kick butt on the original Turtles arcade game that he has on hi XBOX360...I love that game...

77. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
again with the favourites...I don't know...today?

78. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
Too shy? no. I have other reasons.

79.SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter, always and forever...snow is my favourite and my best (told you I love inside jokes)

80. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Why would you even ask this question?

81. WHO DO YOU SECRETLY LOVE?
If I told you it wouldn't be secret anymore, now would it...I keep secrets very well...it's one of my best things actually.

82. FAVORITE SONG AT THE MOMENT?
Touch Too Much-AC/DC (cause I am)

83. LAKE OR OCEAN?
honestly, I would pretty much give one of my more favourite body parts to go to the ocean right now...

84. BIGGEST TURNOFF?
Stupidity

85.LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Just over a week ago, when we went to see Becoming Jane together.

86. LAST KISS?
*snicker*

87. LAST TEXT YOU RECIEVED:
From Kim

88. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH:
Can't we find a less childish term? Honestly I refuse to admit to feeling such a Jr high emotion...so creepy...

89. DO YOU WISH YOU COULD SEE ANYONE PARTICULAR RIGHT NOW:
yep

90. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NAME:
Not sure...I like "J" names...and "D" names...

91. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED/ ARE ATTENDING:
Which one? I went to four.

92. WHERE ARE YOU NOW:
At my computer....typing this meme....not so bright are you?

93. ARE YOU SMILING:
Yes, actually...

94. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING:
Well, I'm sick, so I'm still wearing my black PJ's with Snoopy the pirate and his Pirate loot on them...I have to get dressed soon though, sick doesn't mean I get to laze around all day sadly...

95. ARE YOU IN LOVE:
Not that I'm aware of

96. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
I can't answer this question, it would take too long

97. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG?
You already got my current favourite...that is the best I can do.

98. WHEN WAS YOUR LAST RELATIONSHIP:
ahem...*snicker* again

99. EVER GONE CRAZY?
gone? nope...I am stark-raving sane

100. ARE YOU GETTING DRUNK SOON?
Nope, 1. I have no alcohol in the house
2. I am not feeling well already
3. I don't get drunk much...regardless of what you may think, I like drinking, but not many have seen me truly drunk.

Date:	2007-07-15 01:38
Subject:	So here goes...
Security:	Public
Mood:	pleased

Alright, since no one will shut up about these "tags" (and by no one of course I mean Jenna and by "tags" of course I mean "something I was told to do months ago, but was too lazy to do so I made up reasons why it was against my moral code") I am finally cracking down on myself and hopefully now everyone will be happy (this time everyone means Jenna).

Seven Random things about myself (In no particular order):

1> I hate peas

2> I hate doing what I'm told

3> I still maintain that by mandating seven random things you make the meme not random, thus it is inately flawed and will likely cause the universe to implode

4> There is no....random thing 4>

5> I will not be the cause of the universe imploding

6> Or if I am it will be because of some fiendishly evil plan of my own, not because of some random "non-random, but saying it is random, meme"

7> This thought makes me happy

(There... I did it, I managed to make everyone happy, while at the same time perserving my own twisted sense of morality. Ha! Now just to make sure I don't get into trouble I will remove all references to Jenna and cleverly disguise my meaning behind well-crafted parenthesis walls....mwa-ha-ha-ha! none will ever know my true thoughts. For as everyone knows, no one actually reads what is written inside the paranthesis.)

Apparently it's been more than a month since my last post, and honestly I can't claim any real excuse except that every time I thought about posting it just seemed like too much work. Not that I've been excessively busy or anything like that, I haven't been. Indeed I am now back to working one job full time, so I actually have more free time than I did. Basically, I just suck at the whole blog thing, but then we knew that. Anyway, not a whole lot happening, getting used to the new place, catching up on my reading since I don't get television here and I no longer get free rentals...that's right, I now no longer work at the video store. After almost five years of getting endless free rentals I've been cut off...strangely I haven't missed it all that much yet. Maybe because I wasn't really taking much advantage of it recently. Ask my sister, I would almost never remember to rent anything. I think I was just getting bored of the whole thing. So now I work in the bookstore full time and I have to say I'm enjoying it so far. Way more laid-back. I am no longer "The go-to girl" whenever there is a problem. I do rather enjoy being a wretched peon, though I do kinda miss being the person who knew more than most managers, district or otherwise. However, I really needed something new to learn. I like knowing stuff, and learning new stuff, and it was at the point where there was really nothing left to learn in the video store, so it was really time to move on. So we'll see how much I can learn at this new job and how fast I become the go-to girl again. *sigh*

Well here's to never standing still. Always moving whether it be forward or backward. Always learning, and by God, always having fun doing it.

Date:	2007-04-11 15:03
Subject:	Rebel Without a Cause (1955 PG-13)
Security:	Public
Mood:	tired

Ok, so pretty much everyone who knows me knows that I love old movies, and this one is a great one. It just happened to be on AMC last night so I watched it, and now I'm wondering why on earth I don't own it. First off it stars James Dean an actor whom I have an affinity for (I think I just like actors with the initials J.D.). Second it is just a kickass movie. I mean, it touches on transitional issues of the time such as gender roles. It also deals with personal responsibility and honour vs safety. Finally, it's just a cool story with lots of angst.

On a side note I have to say on of the things I like most about James Dean is the almost inane giggle that he does so well. It both contrasts and emphasises the "cool" persona that he portrays.

So now I have to be on the lookout for a copy of this movie on DVD. I don't think I've seen it anywhere recently, but I'm sure it will turn up...after all it is a classic.

I had the wierdest, most messed-up dream last night. In fact, it was so messed up that I need time to process it and figure out wtf I was thinking before I can actually explain it to anyone...actually I may never get to the point of explaining it to anyone...damn, but it was screwy...what on earth did I eat before bed last night???

Date:	2007-03-02 12:32
Subject:	Yep....like I thought...very embarrassing...
Security:	Public
Mood:	embarrassed

Just copy, go to your space and paste and put an x by the ones you have watched. It's fun mine was 140.

(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
(x) Boondock Saints
(x) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
(x) Neverending Story
(x) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
(x) Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas


Total:10

(x) The Princess Bride
(x) AnchorMan
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth
(x) Saw
( ) Saw II
( )White Noise
( ) White Oleander
(x) Anger Management
( ) 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
(x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Total so far: 17

(x) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
(x) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
(x) American Pie
(x) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
( ) American Pie Naked Mile

Total so far: 21

(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
(x) Resident Evil 1
(x) Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
(x) Lilo & Stitch

Total so far: 29

(x) Finding Nemo
(x) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
( ) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
( ) Robots

Total so far: 34

( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
(x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
(x) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
(x) Never Been Kissed
( ) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
(x) KING KONG

Total so far: 38

(x) A Cinderella Story
(x) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
(x) Final Destination
(x) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving X-MAS
(x) Flubber

Total so far: 43

( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(x) Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
(x) Ghost Ship
(x) From Hell
( ) Hellboy
(x) Secret Window
(x) I Am Sam
(x) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards

Total so far: 50

(x) The Day After Tomorrow
(x) Child's Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
(x) Bride of Chucky
(x) Ten Things I Hate About You
(x) Just Married
( ) Gothika
(x) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
(x) Coach Carter
(x) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask

Total so far: 60

(x) Bad Boys
(x) Bad Boys 2
(x) Joy Ride
(x) Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
( ) Ocean's Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x)Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
(x) Bedazzled
(x) Predator I
(x) Predator II
( ) The Fog
( ) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George

Total so far: 70

(x) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
(x) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(x) ET
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
(x) Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
(x) Rush Hour
(x) Rush Hour 2

Total so far: 76

( ) Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(x) She's All That
(x) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
(x) Event Horizon
(x) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
(x) The Terminator 2
(x) The Terminator 3

Total so far: 87

(x) X-Men
(x) X2
(x) X-3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
(x) Freaky Friday
(x) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
(x) Cruel Intentions
(x) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2

Total so far: 100

( ) Swimfan
(x) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
(x) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old-virgin

Total so far: 102

(x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(x) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Total so far: 108

(x) BASEketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
(x) Elf
(x) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
(x) American History X
( ) Three

Total so Far: 112

(x) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(x) Titanic
(x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(x) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard

Total so far: 117

( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
( ) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicle Of Narnia The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days Later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
(x) Waterworld

Total so far:120

(x) Kill Bill vol 1
(x) Kill Bill vol 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) The Hills Have Eyes (original
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
(x) Army of Darkness

Total so far: 123

(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
(x) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
(x) Ewoks The Battle For Endor

Total so far: 131

(x) The Matrix
(x) The Matrix Reloaded
(x) The Matrix Revolution
(x) Animatrix
(x) Evil Dead
(x) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
(x) Silence of the Lambs
(x) Hannibal
(x) Red Dragon

Total: 140


I think the most embarrassing part of this is that of the ones I haven't seen there is only a half dozen or so that I have any intention of watching due to my admittedly predjudiced standards...there is definitely something very sad about that...but as I say, in my defense I have been working in a video store for close on to five years...that makes it better....doesn't it??

100 things I've probably answered before
100 Questions about ME!

001. real name →yeah...um...anyone who knows me probably already has this information, and if you don't know me, no offense, but this is not the forum I would choose to share it in.
002. nickname → many that I won't admit to....
003. single or taken → single
004. zodiac sign → Capricorn
005. male or female → female
008. eye color → green-hazel...though they never have that as an option on any form I've ever seen
010. hair color → dark brown
011. long or short → kind of mid length
015. are you health freak → I eat healthy when I think of it....which is generally about the way I deal with eating in general, food is kind of a secondary thing for me
016. height → 5'10
017. do you have a crush on someone → next ask which New Kid I like the VERY BEST and the flashback to JR high will be complete (btw I NEVER liked any of the New Kids, I was very uncool in JR high)
018. do you like yourself → some days
019. piercings → just three...my job is prejudiced
020. tattoos → nope
021. righty or lefty → righty most of the time...

FIRSTS :

022. first surgery → at the ripe old age of 19
023. first piercing → ears
024. first best friend → um...DeeDee I believe...I was four
025. first award → don't recall really
026. first sport you joined → voluntarily? I avoid organized sports as a rule...unless they involve theatre....too much shouting and sweating in one place
027. first pet → a big fluffy orange cat that I never got to name because he died two days after a got him...stupid cat decided power cords were his friends...a double backflip in the air later and I was once again petless
028. first vacation → um..does moving several times a year count as vacations?
029. first concert → um...don't recall really...might have been Don Francisco with my parents when I was six or seven...
030. first crush → MacGyver (always went for smart adventurous type really)

CURRENTLY :

049. eating → nothing yet (see below)
050. drinking → nothing at the moment
052. i'm about to → eat luch when it's cooked
053. listening to →The blessed sounds of silence
055. waiting for → my money tree to grow from the nickel that I planted in the backyard...if that works I'm so planting a twoonie next (bigger denomination, bigger returns)
056. wearing → jeans...shirt...don't really feel like going into more detail than that

YOUR FUTURE :

058. want kids? → only the kind that I can send home when I'm bored of them
059. want to get married?→ not so much
060. careers in mind? → actor extraordinaire

WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX? :

068. lips or eyes? → eyes....definitely eyes
069. hugs or kisses → um...no
070. shorter or taller → usually taller, but I don't mind a bit shorter, so long as it's not too big a difference
072. romantic or spontaneous → big on the spontaneous, but there's nothing wrong with planning either...truth be told most guys are more romantic than me anyway...at least most that I know.
073. nice stomach or nice arms → give me a nice set of abs any day of the week
074. sensitive or loud → neither actually....sensitive sounds too whiny, and loud sounds too...well...loud.

075. hook-up or relationship → meh...
077. trouble maker or hesitant? → sadly I have always been into the trouble-makers, hesitant just doesn't do it for me.

HAVE YOU EVER :

078. kissed a stranger → no...no...
079. drank bubbles → what sort of bubbles exactly? I ate a bath bead once...

080. lost glasses/contacts → who hasn't?
081. ran away from home → thought about it...just last week actually...decided they'd probably find me, so it wasn't worth my time
082. broken any bones → oh yes
084. broken somone's heart → not that I am aware of, I'm not really the heartbreaker type
085. been arrested → arrested? no...usually being arrested involves someone finding out
086. turned someone down → oh....many times
087. cried when someone died → probably
088. liked a friend → once or twice

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

089. yourself →depends on the day of the week...and the hour of said day...and, well, you get the idea
090. miracles → yes
091. love at first sight →not as such, no
092. heaven → yes
093. santa clause → if I said "no" I'd never be able to look my niece in the eyes again

094. sex on the first date → yeah, lets everyone think about who you're asking
095. kissing on the first date → meh
ANSWER TRUTHFULLY :

097. is there one or more people you want to be with right now?
there are many people I want to be with...a lot of them are fictional, but none the less...

098? where are you?
somewhere in the void of normalcy

099. had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time?
no

100. do you believe in God?
Yep...and more importantly (especially from a philisophical viewpoint) He believes in me

Apparently there's a curse going around. People around me are falling to it right and left. Last year I saw two weddings of people who are particularly close to me, and heard tell of many more. This year I already have the expectation of meeting that same total and January isn't even over yet. Should be interesting to see how the curse progresses. I'd leave the country, but apparently it's already jumped continents. Those who are still unaffected by this curse I give you warning: be wary; we do not know how it is spread, nor how to stop it once it has begun. The most frightening aspect of it is that those in its clutches, far from fighting to regain control are often seen to smile, even laugh, as they are dragged down into eternity. Be wary, my friends. The curse is everywhere, who knows but that the next person struck might be you.

Date:	2007-01-14 14:46
Subject:	First blog of the new year
Security:	Public
Mood:	content

Ok, so I don't write all that often....no one should be surprised anymore since everyone knows I'm a terrible procrasinator (or would that be I'm a good procrastinator since I put things off so well....well anyway you know what I mean.) Point being I really suck at keeping up with these kind of things. So everyone I know has made the first blog they do in the new year a list of highlights from the last year, I'm not usually one for bandwagons, but what the hell, I need something to write about....

Awesomest surprise to pull on someone: Hands down, my older sister's 30th birthday party...I still kind of wish we had kept the whole "you're going to see Phantom" thing a secret right up to when we got to the Jube, but in the end it was probably for the best. Wiser heads than mine prevailed (I may love secrets just a bit too much)

Largest purchase: Ok, so this one is kind of ambiguous....I mean I know I wrote it, but I'm not entirely sure whether it would be my car(which isn't completely paid off yet, so I don't know if it counts) or my beautiful black leather sofa (which was significantly cheaper, but is entirely paid for....so pretty and leathery)

Most interesting introduction: The introduction to the wonderful ghost Emma who haunts a friend's workplace. She seems very nice, for a ghost, though she may have tried to kill me (long story) It was good to visit her grave, and I hope the evil hot dog vendor is still there next time we go back.

Favourite new band: Cake. Every time I hear another song of their's it's better than I expect. I think it has something to do with the fact that all their songs sound like they are a fluke. No one should have so many songs that are that good.

Favourite new title: Sister-in-law. Yay! I have a new sibling. (TSM was a very distant second, though it was pretty cool)

Biggest realization: That it is actually less tiring to work two jobs six days a week than to manage a store in Calgary. Thank God I came to that realization because otherwise I would be writing this blog from either the looney bin or the morgue (ok, maybe not the morgue, cause that implies that I would be alive and for some reason spending my time in the morgue, and I highly doubt I would have suddenly decided to go into mortuary work, what I really meant to imply was that I would be dead, in which case I would not be writing this blog at all, unless I finally found my vampire....unlikely)

Basic outline of the year: In the past year I went from working in Fort Sask and living in Stony Plain (45 minutes apart) to working in Calgary and living in Three Hills (1.5 hrs apart) to working in Calgary and living in Calgary (10-15 minutes apart). I went from managing a store to training others on how to manage a store and then to being nothing more than a senior customer service rep. I started the year with 2 sisters and 1 brother and ended it with 3 sisters and 1 brother. I had a total of 2 vacations, 2 trips to Canmore/Banff, 1 increase in pay and 1 decrease, 2 epiphanies, 1 serious bout of depression. I attended 2 weddings, and was privy to 3 engagements. I had my first turn as a bridesmaid. There were many parties, presents, and celebrations. I drank a lot of Guinness, smoked multiple Cigars, and discovered the best Irish Pub in Canada. I miss many old friends, made several new friends, and came new realizations of the value of both old and new. I dissapointed some, let down others, but at the end of the year I find that I was in neither group. I may not have always done what people wanted me to do, and only rarely what they expected, but I always did my best and finally learned that its ok to do what is best for me, even when it might make things more difficult for others. To sum up....It is well, I am content.

Date:	2006-12-07 10:23
Subject:	Bugger
Security:	Public
Mood:	cranky
Music:	Light of Things Hoped For; Brave Saint Saturn

Arrrgh...Why is it that when you think you have everything organized and you know what's going on that's exactly when something happens and suddenly you don't know how you'll get through? I guess it's Gods way of reminding me to rely on him. I just wish He didn't have to keep reminding me so strongly. Meh. I'll get by, I always do. I just felt the need to complain for a minute.

I originally hadn't planned on posting this, but some of these ended up being so priceless I just couldn't help myself.

If your life was a movie, what would the soundtrack be?

How to do it:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc).
2. Put it on Shuffle.
3. Press Play.
4. For every question, type the song that's playing.
5. When you go to a new question, press the "next" button.
6. Be honest.

OPENING CREDITS
Prove, Fuel (yes, because we all know I'm not something like human)


WAKING UP
Violet Beauregarde, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Soundtrack (I have nothing to say to this)


FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Four-Fifty-One, Five Iron Frenzy (Huh, apparently WMP knows what my school was like)

FALLING IN LOVE
Dig My Grave, They Might be Giants (ok, everyone feel free to share a giant chuckle, how very apt)

FIGHT SONG
Juggernaut, Five Iron Frenzy (again, very apt)


BREAKING UP
Dumb, Nirvana ("May be just happy, Think I'm just happy)

PROM
Man Who Sold the World, Nirvana (sounds like I had quite the prom don't it, also that Nirvana is the track for this portion of my life)

LIFE IS GOOD
Otherside, Red Hot Chili Peppers (I would like to point out that this is supposed to be when my life is good....and that just about covers it)

MENTAL BREAKDOWN
White Wedding, Billy Idol (ok, who is playing with my WMP? Seriously people, I'm not that bad)

DRIVING
Real Good Thing, Newsboys (Ok, so what are you saying about my driving?)


FLASHBACK
Heart-Shaped Box, Nirvana (of course, because not only is this movie that depressing, it also has a heck of a lot of Nirvana in it...not that I object, I like Nirvana...its just...oh never mind)

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Slow, Fuel (yeah, ok I can go with that)

WEDDING
Video Killed the Radio Star, The Buggles (I have no idea what this means)

FINAL BATTLE
Enamel, Brave Saint Saturn (Apparently the battle will be bitter and take place somewhere in Mexico)

DEATH SCENE
Sex and Candy, Marcy Playground (This...is...creepy... uh oh here they come....The Jibblies...shudder)

FUNERAL SONG
Don't Fear The Reaper, Blue Oyster Cult (How perfect)

END CREDITS
Shadow of Def, Brave Saint Saturn (Well if nothing else people will know how cocky I am)

That was fun, I must admit I laughed so hard I almost cried in places, and for the most part it was remarkably apt. Play your own version of it at home if you get anything really good let me know...

I enjoy the dark. Always have as long as I can remember. Even when I was little and terrified of the monster in the closet it was the monster I was afraid of, not the dark. To this day whether I'm depressed or overwhelmed or just plain tired of the world, nothing cheers me up more than spending some time in the dark. Whether it be a long walk at night or, if it's too cold for that, sitting alone in a dark room. I spent a few hours doing the latter today (it's really quite bitter out today and I'm feeling rather fragile to the cold). It's always rather restful to me that I can have the luxery of time away from not only other people (even if I love them they wear on me sometimes) but also from the light of day. Light is rather over rated in my opinion. The best ideas are thought of in the middle of the night, or so it seems to me. Possibly this makes me odd or melencholy, but I'm ok with that. Indeed, I revel in it.

My darkened living room is calling to me and I think I shall have to answer. I will leave you all with one of my favourite poems.

Acquainted With The Night
by Robert Lee Frost

I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
O luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.