A Year In The Life

With 2007 approaching faster than we all thought, we decided to make CDs of the songs of 2006. This CD idea is better than the compilation CDs that normally come out this time of year, like Big Shiny Tunes or any of the Now CDs that seem to come out ever week. The CDs that we are making are more like a year in review. Songs that sum up what 2006 was/is.

Faith—George Michael
Bulletproof—Blue Rodeo
Kill—Jimmy Eat World
The One You Want—The Get Up Kids
Which To Bury, Us Or The Hatchet—Relient K
How Far Is Heaven—Los Lonely Boys
Night Drive—Jimmy Eat World
The Mary Ellen Carter—Stan Rogers
Borderline—Madonna
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight—James Taylor
If Only—Goldfinger
Middle of Nowhere—Hot Hot Heat
If You Don’t, Don’t—Jimmy Eat World
How Long Is Too Long—The Get Up Kids
Bizarre Love Triangle--Frente
Bridge To Nowhere—Sam Roberts
Stuck In A Moment—U2
Lovefool—The Cardigans
Hold Me—Weezer
Happy Some Day—Plain White Ts
I Will—The Beatles

If There Is A Dragon On The Poster, Chances Are It Is About A Dragon

Last night, we all went to see Eragon. And I was promised this movie was not about a dragon…even though 90% of the movie, dragons are shown and/or talked about.

Problems with the movie: (WARNING: spoilers ahead…kinda)

This movie was about a dragon. Good thing if you like dragons. Bad thing if you don’t. I do not enjoy dragons.

There was only one preview at the beginning of the movie. And I can’t even remember what it is for. All I do remember is that it was nothing that I was interested in viewing.

We went to the late show. Not good. If it was a Friday night and no one had to do anything the next day, that would be one story, but to go during the week is just suicidal. We are all getting too old. I woke up late for work, and had to come with straight hair. Boo. Hard to win all my divorce client’s over with straight hair….I am kidding. I could win anyone over in straight or curly hair.

I think Satan was cast as one of the bad guys. Very creepy/ugly. Where is Jude Law or even Jack Black?

A review I read summed up the set perfectly.
“For my part, I wondered why the evil king settled for such a crappy interior decorating job on his castle. His throne appeared to be set in lumpy, hardened lava and the castle lighting was dim and unflattering. What's the point of taking control of the world if you're going to live in what looks like an exhibit for apes at the Evil Zoo?”

There is no kiss at the end. There is a moment that gives you hope. But no. What kind of movie ends like that?

Don’t worry, there were some good things:

The sandwich that I got to be a part of. I did strategically placed myself to be in that situation. Took a lot of work, and just the right amount of pausing, but it made the movie bearable.

Ben’s fast driving. He enjoyed it, and we won the race.

At least we got to be all together for Sarah’s birthday.

The very merriest of Christmases to you. Here’s to lots of turkey, It’s a Wonderful life, mounds of wrapping paper, time off work, and everything you asked Santa for and more.

Love you, no matter what holiday it is.

If Your Boss Was Out Of The Office, What Would You Do?

Random stories for a random day. Hooray! (Say that like a horse…a command, not a suggestion.)

First, I must apologies to all the sick people in my life. I am a carrier. Short of a half day of general malaise, I have felt fine. But everywhere, from my parent’s house, my house, to work there are sick people and the only common thread is me. So, I am sorry that I made you all sick. Good luck.

Secondly, why did I leave my Christmas shopping so late? I went to Wal-Mart last night. It was just me and all of the other lame last minute shoppers. I think we are all at a point where we are just putting stuff in our carts, and sorting out who gets what later. Deicing crystals for my grandma, pastry flour for my brother and an extension for my mom. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Be honest. When I go into a store, so I always have a lost expression on my face? I use to hear my grandparents complain about how there is never anyone to help you in a store these days. If you are nodding your head in agreement. Fear not. I am your solution. It doesn’t matter what store I go into or when I go into it. Someone always asks me if I need any help finding things. Am I just approachable? Do I really look lost? Is this everyone’s problem and not just mine? Thank you, but I don’t need the help, stop asking me. Yesterday, I was at Wal-Mart, where I met up with an old friend and we started talking. We weren’t really next to anything, nor really looking or studying any items. And Mr Sales Associate Guy approaches me and askes if I needed any help. I looked over at my friend and he just shrugged. We were in the middle of a conversation, not even related to anything to do with Wal-Mart.

Also, store related, there seems to be a trend now that people have to stand abnormally close to me when I am paying for my items. Okay, here is the set up. Usually when you are waiting to pay for your items, the person in front of you stands up with the cashier, and you wait back the 3 feet with your items until they are finished and then you proceed up to the cashier. Can you see it in your mind? Well, for some unknown reason, no matter what store I am at, the next person in line, just comes and stand up with me, waiting for my transaction to be over, so that they can proceed. It is a bit unnerving, especially when you have to put in your PIN with the debit machine. What do I do? Turn around and say, do you mind?

Well, that is it for the random stories. Go out and tell a few of your own today.

A BIG happy birthday to Sarah. The big 2-0 today.

And a BIG thanks to all my RS ladies. Without you, nothing would be possible.

Love you all more everyday.
Where are you? When are you coming back? Not that I really care anymore.

I'm Loving It!

Since when did McDonalds have a host? Isn’t the point of fast food for me to have as little contact with the employees as possible. I don’t go to McDonalds for the atmosphere or for a rousing conversation. It is all about efficiency and convenience. Get in, get out.

So, last night, I went to McDonalds with my family. We have other places to be, so this meal is all about speed. We are eating quietly and this old lady approaches me and my mom.

“Good evening ladies. My name is Bev and I am your hostess for the night. If you ladies have any questions or comments please let me know.”

But that wasn’t all. She kept coming back and telling/asking us more things.

“Would you ladies like a refill on your drinks? Compliments of McDonalds.”

“We have a special on right now, two pies for $1.39. Can I interest you in some?”

“Everyone loves McDonald Gift Certificate and today only, they are on sale! You can purchase them from me, or one of our other customer service representatives. Gift Certificates make the perfect gift for everyone, teachers, neighbours, family friends.”

There was no escape. Maybe this lady was really into her job. And maybe people enjoy getting interrupted continually. Just beware next time or use the drive thru.

Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend. And the time spent with me.

Maybe This Is Why I Am Date Free

Well, I am on a phone sabbatical. What exactly does that mean? A few weeks ago, I got a relatively nice letter from Bell. Saying that they would be updating the network in which my phone was on, and as such, I would need to bring my phone in to the Bell store for re-programming. The letter continued and said it would take about half an hour and they would even give me a free cup of coffee (yes!)

I think the wording was “please respond to this request as quickly as to not disrupt your current phone service” Although, I can’t really remember, the letter is lost somewhere is the mess of my car…I think.

Well, the other night I tried to make a phone call and this is all I got.
“Beep Bop Beep…the number you are trying to reach is not in service. Recheck your number, and try your call again.”

So then, I tried to send a text message, which also didn’t work.

Finally, I decided maybe the problem was with my phone, so I called it, and got the following message. “You’ve dialed a number that is temporarily disconnected. We are sorry; we can’t complete your call.”

The next day I e-mailed Bell, asking them why my phone was so weird. And this was the only answer I got back. “Did you get your phone re-programmed?” Suddenly the memories of the nice letter and the free coffee came back into my head.

I went to the Bell store the other day to get my phone back on track, and was told that the “programmer” wouldn’t be in until Saturday or “next week sometime”. So, now I am phone free. And being that this is my only home phone, no one can reach me. I guess I still do have e-mail and people can just stop by my house. Am I panicked? No, not particularly. It is quasi nice to not live and die by my phone anymore. It is more like an expensive watch now. Maybe next week my phone will be back in service, but for right now, I am enjoying the peace and quiet.

A User's Guide To Cheer And Merriment

Today I made up my gift giving list (yes, I checked it twice) and every year it seems to grow. Yes, maybe I have more close friends that I would like to show my love to and I did gain a sister in law, but there also seems to be a plethora of unnecessary gift getters this year. You know who these people are, the unexpected gifts from coworkers, or your visiting teachers, or friends that you have lost touch with, but always seem to remember you at Christmas.

Growing up, we always had extra boxes of chocolates wrapped up under our tree in case such a person would stop by to give us a gift. Somehow, I always thought that it was cheesy. Here they come to your house with a whole plate of cookies or an elaborate spread of cheese (one of the saddest parts about moving from Brooks.) and we give you some non-personalized chocolates that we are trying to pass off as “We got this for you, we just haven’t had time to drop it off yet.”

One year I had a friend come to my door with a Christmas present for me. It was incredibly odd. We had spent most of the previous summer together and even went on a few dates, but had been living in different cities once school started again. I wasn’t sure if I was suppose to get him something in return. We were good friends, I guess it was just unexpected. I never did get him anything, and we haven’t really spoken since….no…he got married. It isn’t like that.

There is always the question of what, if anything to get your boss for Christmas. I was approached this afternoon by one of my coworkers asking if I would like to contribute money so that they could get the big boss something. And how much do I give? I don’t have that much contact with him in a day, maybe 5 minutes, on a good day. Is $5.00 not enough? Is $20.00 too much?

A couple of years ago, I was helping in a Grade Two class as a Teacher’s Assistant. The teacher and I really didn’t get along well…something about me not disciplining the kids enough and I didn’t like her because she didn’t like me. Christmas came, and I felt obligated to give the teacher something for Christmas, so I gave her a box of really crappy chocolates. “Chocolate Flavoured” chocolates. She also had gotten me a present. An elaborate Christmas ornament, that I am sure was more than the $2.00 I spent on the fake chocolates. Maybe I should have at least gotten her real chocolate.

Here’s to presents a plenty! And to cheep chocolates if you don’t really like the person. Hopefully you don’t get too many boxes of imitation chocolate yourself.

All Your Distress Calls Have Gone Out, And Your Ship Is Going Down

The week ahead looks as though it will be shared with a lot of people. The focus on your opposite sign of Sagittarius suggests that you will be involved in events that will keep you really busy. Good times lie ahead as you attend those office parties, the kids' parties, the club parties, and every other way of getting together that you can think of. There is plenty of good humor around and a lot of reasons to feel optimistic about your relationships in 2007. The more you are willing to cooperate, the more you will benefit.

At least my horoscope is optimistic today.

Is Christmas even here? This year I am really trying to get in the Christmas sprit, but there doesn’t seem to be any of it. Maybe I have been a scrooge for so long that I just can’t feel it anymore. We went to see the Forgotten Carols last night. (And there is a reason why they are forgotten…sorry to all the people that enjoyed the play.) It was incredibly hard to concentrate on the play due to the following facts:

1. It seriously was 1000 degrees in the theatre. Okay, I understand that I am not the best judge of heat. Partly due to the fact that I lived at the “hot house” for so many years. And I understand there were a lot of elderly people in attendance, and perhaps they get cold easily. However, the heat could also be due to the second factor listed below.

2. The girl I was sitting next to was sitting abnormally close to me. I believe it was because she didn’t want to sit close to the person on her other side, but I seriously believe that my ribs are bruised from her elbow in them from the time we sat down. The standing ovation, was a nice break. Plus she seemed to know some of the actors in the play, so when ever they would do anything remotely funny, she would yell “Oh Bill.” However, it was always right in my ear she would yell it. I think I am deaf in my left ear.

Okay, let’s just face it. I am a grinch, and a naysayer, and extremely emo. Maybe I should do as my horoscope says, “The more you are willing to cooperate, the more you will benefit.”

Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Still love you. For now at least.

I Have Answers. Do You Have The Questions?

Sometimes at work we get Youth Secured Services files, and on the file are different psychological test results. The one that I am most interested in and is the most fun to read, is Rotter’s Incomplete Sentence Form.

This apparently can “express current life themes and will measure the intensity of four traits (hopelessness, suicidal ideation, negative self-evaluation and hostility.)” I have no idea if I passed or not, but I thought it would be fun to try it.

The happiest time…is when I am with people I love.

At home,…I feel like myself.

I regret…changing my education practicum class.

Boys…are funner than girls are

What annoys me…is people that try to boss me around.

My mother…is one of my best friends.

I feel…good (in a special way, I’m in love and it’s a sunny day.)

Reading…articles is one of my favourite past times.

I need…you.

What pains me…are people that won’t show affection.

I am very…hungry

I wish…you were here.

Most girls…are confused.

Crossed Lines I Shouldn't Have Crossed

Sorry for no updates recently. I guess there hasn't been enough scandal going on to merit a new entry.

After a recent trip to one of my favorite places, the University pool. I decided to include a story from the blog I kept in University. (Please don't be an Internet Ninja to find this blog.) Sorry to all of my 'Weekday Eve' group for already knowing this story.

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002 @ 10:49 pm

To all my fans that have been listening to the continuing saga of the mysterious sociology boy. Here is more of my story. (Plus that way I don't have to write 1000 e-mails.)

Well, for those that don't know. I have been sitting next to this cute (but shy) boy in Sociology since class started. Wait..he has been sitting by me. I tested my theory one day and sat somewhere else, and he sat beside me. Okay, maybe our regular place was taken, but still.

Back to the story. We introduced ourselves on the first day of class. Our prof made us tell something unique about ourselves...not just where we are from and what we are majoring it.
So being the shy boy he is...I went first.

I told him that I was Denise, Majoring in History (I know, I broke the rules) and an interesting thing about me is that I bought my car on September 11. Well, we got started talking about what we were doing on September 11. (He was at the dentist that day) When class was over I realized that I hadn't found out anything about him. So I said to him when we were leaving. "What is your name?"

Well, I don't know if I am just hearing impaired or what. But I think he said Casey. So I said to him. "Oh like Casey and Finnegan?" (you know off Mr Dressup)Well, I don't know if him mom let him watch CBC in the morning when he was little or what. But he just gave me a weird smile..and didn't really answer me.

So I thought, well maybe I have gotten his name wrong. It wouldn't have been the first time. Names just don't stick in my head. I really wish people just wore name tags all the time.
(I know...this really is a saga)

Classes went by, and we never talked to each other. We would would ask to borrow notes every once and while. But that only consisted of two words.

One day we were walking out to our cars and we noticed we were parked right next to each other. So we got in our cars and as he drove away...he waved to me. So we can't talk to each other...but we can wave.

(Yes there is more to this story, don't you want to find out what his name is?)

The next class he FINALLY spoke up. And said "I never pictured you driving a brown car." I know, I know....if that is the best pickup line...I don't know what is. And this was my response. "I never thought I would drive a brown car either."

We kept walking out to our cars together...they were never parked together, but in the same parking lot. (He drives a red Ford truck...if you care)

I have a friend who works at the University security. I told him I still didn't know this guy's name. He suggested that I get his license plate number and bring it to security...he should be registered on it (you register your car when you get a parking pass) So I got it, and went down there....of course his truck wasn't on there! (I know...I am totally stalking!)

I kept going to class...having our one sentence conversations. And trying to find out more about him. Well we were going to have a midterm, and he said to me "Denise, we should study together." Wait a minute! How did he know my name. I said sure, and I quickly wrote out my e-mail address...thinking if he e-mailed me, his name would be on the e-mail (always thinking!)

I checked my e-mail the next day on the hour...I needed to know his name. As I was coming out of my Archaeology class...I ran into him. "Oh Denise, I was just about to e-mail you! Is Friday at lunch a good time to study?" I wasn't even thinking...I just thought...my goodness, if I had just come out of class a few minutes later, I would have his name.

On the Friday, we studied together and went over the study guide. It was good studying, but I didn't get to talk about anything other than Sociology.

The test came on Wednesday...and I thought for sure I would get his name. So as we filled out our computer sheets, I looked over at his paper....crap....he hadn't filled out his name yet...just his student ID. I tried to look over again at the test, but how to you look for someone's name without looking like you are cheating.

On Friday, before Thanksgiving we went to class. It was snowing out, and I was stressed out because I was going to be driving home as soon as the class was over...I didn't want to drive on bad roads.

He came into class. And told me the road were crappy. And THEN...we finally got to talk. And not just about Sociology...about real stuff. He is from Calgary, he works at a pet store. I told him I was from Brooks, and that I lived on the northside. I don't know...just all kinds of stuff. We talked before class started, all during class, and a little bit after.

But I didn't ask his name. How can you be in class with someone for 6 weeks, and then ask their name! Well, as we left he said "Have a good Thanksgiving, and drive safe." And then he gave me a hug! I know....what is that all about. I think even he was a little taken back by it.

So all weekend long I figured I had better learn his name. I figured I could go to the pet store..but I don't have any pets...what would I buy there, and not make it look obvious that I was there to see him?

Well, today we went to class, talked about our thanksgivings, and got our midterms back. (I got 80% if you care) So we compared midterms...and there it was....Casey Owens! My goodness his name was Casey! (He got 83%)

So we walked out to our cars today, and I said..."Thanks Casey for studying with me, and I sure that is why I did so well."

THE END...until Friday.