Welcome to not only Friday, but pay day and the beginning of our extremely long weekend!
Due to the fact that Canada Day (July 1st for all of you non-Canadian friends.) falls on a Tuesday this year, my office has made Monday, June 30 an optional work day. (I am sure all of you can imagine how many people are choosing to come into the office.) And so if we can just get through the next couple of hours, we will be work free until next Wednesday!
I have no real plans for my holiday. Maybe a few trips to our exciting mall, lots of sleeping in and multiple glasses of my favourite, angel inspired, lemonade slush. It seems like the summer is going to be okay.
It is hard to believe that July will soon be upon us, and before long, we will be saying a sad goodbye to our favourite Eric, as he leaves on his mission. Scarily the time has snuck up on us, and it feels like there just isn’t enough time to get more games of ‘Trains’ in, play ‘Parade’ or even sample more PMBs. It feels like everyday is filled with more lasts: last birthday celebrations, last trips to Calgary, last Sundays together. Needless to say, I am holding on to July as much as I can. (Not that being part of the Three Musketeers won’t be fun.)
Short of my eight day stint to Utah to drop Eric off at the MTC, my summer seems to be work filled and very similar to any other month and any other season.
Although, I am hoping the summer going to be filled with:
1. Too many more trips to 7-11 for slurpees and hotdogs
(why do we live so close!)
2. The Grand High Bocce Ball Tournament
3. Lemonade Slush and other divinely considered beverages.
4. Late night walks
5. Funny “roadtrips”
6. Movies in the Park
7. A triumphant and successful return to The Bridge
Good luck to all of you. Have an exciting weekend. And by all means, go to church.
Looking forward to talking to you all in July!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Does This Even Ring A Bell?
I’m bored. I’m cranky. I’m annoyed.
So today, I thought I would answer some questions to make the day a little more cheery. Here’s to the already lengthy day being over before too long.
Hoping tonight will be better.
Enjoy!
Hello, Hi, or Hey?
I thought for a long time about this one.
If it is a general friendly e-mail or message I will say hi, and if I asking a question, I will say hey.
Hello, just seems too intense, too formal, too much like a robot.
What's one magical thing that happened today?
I am just hoping and praying that the magical moment from the day hasn’t happened yet. I will be disappointed if this is the high point of the day.
Quick! What's a creative way to recycle an empty toilet paper tube?
Where is Mr. Dressup when you need him?
You could make an awesome pair of binoculars, or maybe a fancy kaleidoscope. Or, you could make a poor, poor sounding flute…the possibilities are endless.
I know it's time to clean the fridge when...
It is usually time to clean out our fridge. There always seems to be one or two pieces of cake, odd smelling yogurt, limp looking vegetables and overtly expired milk in our fridge.
What's your favorite blog?
There are 23 blogs that I check out everyday, not to count the random blogs I find every few days, but the blog I spend the most amount of time on, re-reading old archives is my own.
What's the strangest question you've been asked in a job interview?
There are always a couple of questions in every interview that are a little bizarre, but my favourites include: Would it be weird if your boss was younger than you?
What kind of tree would be you be?
The sitcom about my life would be named...
I have strict policies on the titles of movies and TV shows.
First of all it, it has to be something that isn’t too long. Usually one world is better, or failing that a short phrase, and it can’t be anything too embarrassing.
You don’t want to go to work one day and say to everyone, “Did you all catch that fantastic new show on TV? It is called, ‘I Just Met The Prettiest Girl Ever, And Her Name Was Denise Garner.’”
That is why ‘Temp’, although not a show based on my life, is one of the greatest titles Jenny and I have ever come up with.
What's the best compliment you've ever received?
When I first became a brunette, an old flame came up to me and was completely speechless for a few minutes and then said, “You look so great. I don’t even know what to say.”
I am totally paranoid about...
People at work rummaging through my desk. And I know they do it, all time! I don’t have anything overly interesting in my desk, old interoffice memos, various labels, candy and multiple packages of post it notes, but everyday, I find things that should be in my drawers on the top of my desk.
Where is Waldo?
My thoughts exactly! He is always taking off, just when we need him.
So today, I thought I would answer some questions to make the day a little more cheery. Here’s to the already lengthy day being over before too long.
Hoping tonight will be better.
Enjoy!
Hello, Hi, or Hey?
I thought for a long time about this one.
If it is a general friendly e-mail or message I will say hi, and if I asking a question, I will say hey.
Hello, just seems too intense, too formal, too much like a robot.
What's one magical thing that happened today?
I am just hoping and praying that the magical moment from the day hasn’t happened yet. I will be disappointed if this is the high point of the day.
Quick! What's a creative way to recycle an empty toilet paper tube?
Where is Mr. Dressup when you need him?
You could make an awesome pair of binoculars, or maybe a fancy kaleidoscope. Or, you could make a poor, poor sounding flute…the possibilities are endless.
I know it's time to clean the fridge when...
It is usually time to clean out our fridge. There always seems to be one or two pieces of cake, odd smelling yogurt, limp looking vegetables and overtly expired milk in our fridge.
What's your favorite blog?
There are 23 blogs that I check out everyday, not to count the random blogs I find every few days, but the blog I spend the most amount of time on, re-reading old archives is my own.
What's the strangest question you've been asked in a job interview?
There are always a couple of questions in every interview that are a little bizarre, but my favourites include: Would it be weird if your boss was younger than you?
What kind of tree would be you be?
The sitcom about my life would be named...
I have strict policies on the titles of movies and TV shows.
First of all it, it has to be something that isn’t too long. Usually one world is better, or failing that a short phrase, and it can’t be anything too embarrassing.
You don’t want to go to work one day and say to everyone, “Did you all catch that fantastic new show on TV? It is called, ‘I Just Met The Prettiest Girl Ever, And Her Name Was Denise Garner.’”
That is why ‘Temp’, although not a show based on my life, is one of the greatest titles Jenny and I have ever come up with.
What's the best compliment you've ever received?
When I first became a brunette, an old flame came up to me and was completely speechless for a few minutes and then said, “You look so great. I don’t even know what to say.”
I am totally paranoid about...
People at work rummaging through my desk. And I know they do it, all time! I don’t have anything overly interesting in my desk, old interoffice memos, various labels, candy and multiple packages of post it notes, but everyday, I find things that should be in my drawers on the top of my desk.
Where is Waldo?
My thoughts exactly! He is always taking off, just when we need him.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Operation Was A Complete And Utter Failure
Hey, here’s a movie review!
It really has been a while since I last gave you my opinions of a new movie; this is mostly due to the fact that all of the big summer blockbusters that have been hitting our theatre have not been attended by me.
Truth be told, I am not overly interested in viewing movies in a movie theatre, what with the sticky floor, tempting popcorn, and strategic arm rest placement that usually haunts people of my age and relationship status. Besides, multitasker to the core, I find it difficult to sit still while only watching a movie.
So last night, I rounded up my favourite movie watching gang, and we headed to see Get Smart.
Only knowing bits and pieces of Max Smart from the small amounts of Get Smart late night reruns and my faithful viewing of cartoon spin-off, Inspector Gadget, I went with limited KAOS and Control knowledge.
Overall the movie was pretty good. But I do wonder if I would have enjoyed it as much if Steve Carell had not been the lead actor.
I love Steve Carell. Michael Scott is my favourite character on The Office. (Yes, Jim is a close second.) Don’t even get me started on my absolute love for Dan in Real Life, and we might have even made it through more of The Forty Year Old Virgin, had the other characters in the movie not been so crude.
Four Bad Things About The Movie:
1. What was with the weird Eddie Murphy movie preview? Really? Why can’t you just go back to making Beverly Hills Cop 87?
2. I don’t really think they hired any stunt actors for the movie, as there really weren’t any stunts, just weird cut aways, and fast editing.
3. Maybe it was just me, but I still don’t see the romance between Max and Agent 99.
4. We figured out the not overly complex twist in the plot within the first five minutes of the movie.
Three Good Things About The Movie:
1. Jelly Belly’s at a movie! Great idea!
2. There were a lot of true laugh out loud moments.
3. Getting the band back together. It just isn’t right to watch a movie without any of you.
4. Steve Carell
Looking forward to making more Dan in Real Life fans.
Good Luck. Please God speed. Maybe tonight will go better.
As Always,
It really has been a while since I last gave you my opinions of a new movie; this is mostly due to the fact that all of the big summer blockbusters that have been hitting our theatre have not been attended by me.
Truth be told, I am not overly interested in viewing movies in a movie theatre, what with the sticky floor, tempting popcorn, and strategic arm rest placement that usually haunts people of my age and relationship status. Besides, multitasker to the core, I find it difficult to sit still while only watching a movie.
So last night, I rounded up my favourite movie watching gang, and we headed to see Get Smart.
Only knowing bits and pieces of Max Smart from the small amounts of Get Smart late night reruns and my faithful viewing of cartoon spin-off, Inspector Gadget, I went with limited KAOS and Control knowledge.
Overall the movie was pretty good. But I do wonder if I would have enjoyed it as much if Steve Carell had not been the lead actor.
I love Steve Carell. Michael Scott is my favourite character on The Office. (Yes, Jim is a close second.) Don’t even get me started on my absolute love for Dan in Real Life, and we might have even made it through more of The Forty Year Old Virgin, had the other characters in the movie not been so crude.
Four Bad Things About The Movie:
1. What was with the weird Eddie Murphy movie preview? Really? Why can’t you just go back to making Beverly Hills Cop 87?
2. I don’t really think they hired any stunt actors for the movie, as there really weren’t any stunts, just weird cut aways, and fast editing.
3. Maybe it was just me, but I still don’t see the romance between Max and Agent 99.
4. We figured out the not overly complex twist in the plot within the first five minutes of the movie.
Three Good Things About The Movie:
1. Jelly Belly’s at a movie! Great idea!
2. There were a lot of true laugh out loud moments.
3. Getting the band back together. It just isn’t right to watch a movie without any of you.
4. Steve Carell
Looking forward to making more Dan in Real Life fans.
Good Luck. Please God speed. Maybe tonight will go better.
As Always,
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Food For Thought
So on Sunday night, I came home to a plethora of Chapters’ employees at my house. My roommate had been hosting a Chapters event planning meeting at our house. By the time I came in, the meeting had already moved to the greet stage, and everyone was just hanging out at our house, laughing at various customer-induced follies.
A debate raged on for a while of whether or not re-reading favourite books was beneficial or just a waste of time. Was it good to know every twist and turn, even if you are near quoting the book, or it is better to start fresh, with no real preconceived notions or expectations?
One of the girls made a comment that stuck a nerve and had followed me around the past couple of days, “You can never read a book for the first time again.”
Is it better to just have a bunch of new experiences, even if they just lead to funny stories? Or are old ways best, even if they lead to the same frustrations?
Good luck with your day.
As Always,
A debate raged on for a while of whether or not re-reading favourite books was beneficial or just a waste of time. Was it good to know every twist and turn, even if you are near quoting the book, or it is better to start fresh, with no real preconceived notions or expectations?
One of the girls made a comment that stuck a nerve and had followed me around the past couple of days, “You can never read a book for the first time again.”
Is it better to just have a bunch of new experiences, even if they just lead to funny stories? Or are old ways best, even if they lead to the same frustrations?
Good luck with your day.
As Always,
Friday, June 20, 2008
You Worry Too Much, I Won't Make You Sorry
So last night after book club I wasn’t overly interested in going home right away, so I decided to go to one of my favourite places in the world:
The Carwash.
I am a big fan of automatic carwashes, whether touchless or with the brushes, I find a good song, sit back and let my car (pealing paint and all) soak.
Last night I tried out a new carwash on the Westside, and then decided to pick up a few groceries on my way home. So, at me and Jenny’s favourite late night time to shop, I entered the Safeway and found all kinds of single guys wondering the store.
Maybe Jenny and I are going to the wrong stores at the wrong time, but it seems the only people we run into are relatives or old church leaders. I looked a few people up and down, flirted a bit with the cashier, and went home to tell Jenny of my exciting find.
Never believing that people asked others out at a store, I left this idea purely for the movies, but a few years ago this happened:
One day, before I knew any and all of the employees, I went to Chapters to wander the store in hopes of finding a new book or two. I went to one of my favourite sections, cookbooks, and for reasons unknown picked up an enticing book about creating cocktails.
Minding my own business, I suddenly felt a pair of eyes on me. I glanced up to see a half cute guy staring at me. I forced a weak smile and continued to read about margaritas and martinis. A few minutes later, my new friend came up and said, “Maybe you could come to my house sometime and I will make you one of those drinks.”
Not quite catching on, I once again feebly smiled at him. Had this guy really asked me out? I looked around for laughing friends or hidden cameras, surely this had to be some sort of joke, people don’t really ask you out in bookstores, but especially not in Lethbridge.
My self-assured guy continued, “My name is Jeff. Have you found any good drinks yet?”
Shaking my head, I replied, “I don’t drink. So I don’t even really know why I am reading this book.”
Not missing a step, Jeff went on, “That is surprising, I don’t drink either. Can I get your number? We could find something other than drinking to do.”
I gave Jeff my name, and a fake phone number. And as soon as we made our farewell speeches, I hurried out of the store.
I know, you are all pretty upset that I gave him a fake phone number, but I just couldn’t see myself going out with some stranger. Sometimes I think about my Jeff friend, wondering if he is still wandering the city looking for some blonde named Denise. But don’t worry about him; I am sure he never called.
Here’s hoping for good luck all around. Have a great weekend. I’ll talk to you again next week.
As Always,
The Carwash.
I am a big fan of automatic carwashes, whether touchless or with the brushes, I find a good song, sit back and let my car (pealing paint and all) soak.
Last night I tried out a new carwash on the Westside, and then decided to pick up a few groceries on my way home. So, at me and Jenny’s favourite late night time to shop, I entered the Safeway and found all kinds of single guys wondering the store.
Maybe Jenny and I are going to the wrong stores at the wrong time, but it seems the only people we run into are relatives or old church leaders. I looked a few people up and down, flirted a bit with the cashier, and went home to tell Jenny of my exciting find.
Never believing that people asked others out at a store, I left this idea purely for the movies, but a few years ago this happened:
One day, before I knew any and all of the employees, I went to Chapters to wander the store in hopes of finding a new book or two. I went to one of my favourite sections, cookbooks, and for reasons unknown picked up an enticing book about creating cocktails.
Minding my own business, I suddenly felt a pair of eyes on me. I glanced up to see a half cute guy staring at me. I forced a weak smile and continued to read about margaritas and martinis. A few minutes later, my new friend came up and said, “Maybe you could come to my house sometime and I will make you one of those drinks.”
Not quite catching on, I once again feebly smiled at him. Had this guy really asked me out? I looked around for laughing friends or hidden cameras, surely this had to be some sort of joke, people don’t really ask you out in bookstores, but especially not in Lethbridge.
My self-assured guy continued, “My name is Jeff. Have you found any good drinks yet?”
Shaking my head, I replied, “I don’t drink. So I don’t even really know why I am reading this book.”
Not missing a step, Jeff went on, “That is surprising, I don’t drink either. Can I get your number? We could find something other than drinking to do.”
I gave Jeff my name, and a fake phone number. And as soon as we made our farewell speeches, I hurried out of the store.
I know, you are all pretty upset that I gave him a fake phone number, but I just couldn’t see myself going out with some stranger. Sometimes I think about my Jeff friend, wondering if he is still wandering the city looking for some blonde named Denise. But don’t worry about him; I am sure he never called.
Here’s hoping for good luck all around. Have a great weekend. I’ll talk to you again next week.
As Always,
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wondering Why and Why Not
Hey, the calendar says it’s Juneteenth! I only wish I would have known earlier to organize a big Juneteenth party. (I didn’t know what it was either. Read about it here.)
I look good most days. (And never suffer from a low self esteem.) When I decided last night what to wear to work, I took just as much care as normal to arrange my work wear for today. But the office is certainly in a tizz today over fiery pink blouse and the fact that my, almost back to natural, golden brown, much too long to wear down, hair is pulled into a low chignon.
None of this is new, neither the shirt nor my dainty looking hair and in fact, my office saw this very outfit just a few weeks ago. Usually I am overlooked by most of the office, but today every, single person in the office has felt the need to comment on my “new” attire. And in fact, one of the senior lawyers commented on how fantastic it was to see someone so young dressing so professionally. (Apparently, they all missed all of the other days and weeks of my proficient dress.)
Anyways, hopefully you are looking good wherever you are right now. I had every intention of mentioning Paul McCartney’s birthday yesterday, and I never did. Back when I was a newer supporter of The Beatles, birthday celebrations were more deliberate, but today, after 10+ years of celebrations, they have all just seemed to fall to the back of my memory. Happy Birthday, Paul! (You never know, he could be reading this.)
Alright, on with the show, sorry about the long lead up.
My brother, Eric, agrees with me. But I have a feeling that I have above average hearing. Yes, maybe Eric does have below average hearing, but I tested my theory out on an ever so accurate online hearing test, and it confirmed my believe that my hearing is as good, if not better than the average listener.
As a result of this super ability, small, undetectable to normal ears, noises bother me more than anything. If you are looking for my kryptonite, it is noise pollution. My family and Jenny know all too well about my theories regarding noise pollution evils. Even the new world authority, Wikipedia, agrees with me about noise pollution.
The other day, hard a work, in my small “office”, looking just as professional as ever, I heard a new constant buzz coming from my ceiling. I found it irritating, but tried to solider on, after a few hours believing I was going crazy, I pulled some co-workers into my office to listen for this new buzzing. They were quiet for a while, until one of them spoke up and acknowledged that she thought she heard something. After a few more hours on annoyingness, I realized it was from the air conditioner being on.
Now, for eight hours every day, I am bombarded with a madding drone, slowly, yet surely, driving me more insane. At this point, I am just praying more rainy days.
Back to the grind. Thanks for stopping by.
Looking forward to:
Friday! It is about time!
Another birthday celebration. (What did you get your mom for her birthday?)
All kinds of puppy fun
Book club (Can you actually believe I am staying caught up with the reading?)
More good times
And maybe some great oldies.
As Always,
I look good most days. (And never suffer from a low self esteem.) When I decided last night what to wear to work, I took just as much care as normal to arrange my work wear for today. But the office is certainly in a tizz today over fiery pink blouse and the fact that my, almost back to natural, golden brown, much too long to wear down, hair is pulled into a low chignon.
None of this is new, neither the shirt nor my dainty looking hair and in fact, my office saw this very outfit just a few weeks ago. Usually I am overlooked by most of the office, but today every, single person in the office has felt the need to comment on my “new” attire. And in fact, one of the senior lawyers commented on how fantastic it was to see someone so young dressing so professionally. (Apparently, they all missed all of the other days and weeks of my proficient dress.)
Anyways, hopefully you are looking good wherever you are right now. I had every intention of mentioning Paul McCartney’s birthday yesterday, and I never did. Back when I was a newer supporter of The Beatles, birthday celebrations were more deliberate, but today, after 10+ years of celebrations, they have all just seemed to fall to the back of my memory. Happy Birthday, Paul! (You never know, he could be reading this.)
Alright, on with the show, sorry about the long lead up.
My brother, Eric, agrees with me. But I have a feeling that I have above average hearing. Yes, maybe Eric does have below average hearing, but I tested my theory out on an ever so accurate online hearing test, and it confirmed my believe that my hearing is as good, if not better than the average listener.
As a result of this super ability, small, undetectable to normal ears, noises bother me more than anything. If you are looking for my kryptonite, it is noise pollution. My family and Jenny know all too well about my theories regarding noise pollution evils. Even the new world authority, Wikipedia, agrees with me about noise pollution.
The other day, hard a work, in my small “office”, looking just as professional as ever, I heard a new constant buzz coming from my ceiling. I found it irritating, but tried to solider on, after a few hours believing I was going crazy, I pulled some co-workers into my office to listen for this new buzzing. They were quiet for a while, until one of them spoke up and acknowledged that she thought she heard something. After a few more hours on annoyingness, I realized it was from the air conditioner being on.
Now, for eight hours every day, I am bombarded with a madding drone, slowly, yet surely, driving me more insane. At this point, I am just praying more rainy days.
Back to the grind. Thanks for stopping by.
Looking forward to:
Friday! It is about time!
Another birthday celebration. (What did you get your mom for her birthday?)
All kinds of puppy fun
Book club (Can you actually believe I am staying caught up with the reading?)
More good times
And maybe some great oldies.
As Always,
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Before This River Becomes An Ocean
I know, I know, sorry about yesterday. I am not sure why I was so down. I definitely was looking fantastic, I had gone to bed much earlier than I have for the past five years, the sun was shining, and I was able to accomplish a myriad of tasks at the office. I don’t know why I let the one missing peg in my life affect me so much. Shouldn’t I just be happy with the 100+ other good and fulfilling things in my life?
Yesterday I had two dinner invitations and Jenny and I ended up at Amy’s house for some delicious food. The first day I met Amy, she taught me how to make Fry Bread and we seem to take every opportunity we can to eat more.
Jenny and I rounded out our evening with another $5.00 movie. Not having cable, Jenny and I have filled most of our evenings watching old forgotten movies or various episodes of TV we have on DVD, but the other night, Jenny and I ventured to the 2 for $10 bin at Wal-Mart and picked out movies that seemed okay.
Not expecting much, we sat down Monday night to our first straight to DVD movie choice. We were greeted by a true mess of a movie. A story about a girl who wants to be a book editor, however, the movie never quite wrapped up that storyline, or in fact, any storyline it began. Dating an older man, issues with her father, her insane new boss, her desire to advance in her career, her father’s out in left field sickness and just as quick death, her boyfriend that recently returned from Europe, her creepy, purvey brother, her ability to make amazing grilled cheese sandwiches, the negotiations with the rockstar author, nothing seemed to make it to full resolution, just small snippets of a story here and there.
Jenny and I quickly came to realize why this movie was in the $5.00 bin. But I did wonder how and who thought that would be a good movie to make. Please just promise me if I ever make a movie, please buy all of the copies before it gets to the $5.00 movie vat. As we pick though all of those movies in search of something half viewable, I always feel bad for those people who put so much of themselves into making a horrible movie.
That is about it for today. Just counting the long minutes until lunch.
Thanks for all of your continued support
As Always,
Yesterday I had two dinner invitations and Jenny and I ended up at Amy’s house for some delicious food. The first day I met Amy, she taught me how to make Fry Bread and we seem to take every opportunity we can to eat more.
Jenny and I rounded out our evening with another $5.00 movie. Not having cable, Jenny and I have filled most of our evenings watching old forgotten movies or various episodes of TV we have on DVD, but the other night, Jenny and I ventured to the 2 for $10 bin at Wal-Mart and picked out movies that seemed okay.
Not expecting much, we sat down Monday night to our first straight to DVD movie choice. We were greeted by a true mess of a movie. A story about a girl who wants to be a book editor, however, the movie never quite wrapped up that storyline, or in fact, any storyline it began. Dating an older man, issues with her father, her insane new boss, her desire to advance in her career, her father’s out in left field sickness and just as quick death, her boyfriend that recently returned from Europe, her creepy, purvey brother, her ability to make amazing grilled cheese sandwiches, the negotiations with the rockstar author, nothing seemed to make it to full resolution, just small snippets of a story here and there.
Jenny and I quickly came to realize why this movie was in the $5.00 bin. But I did wonder how and who thought that would be a good movie to make. Please just promise me if I ever make a movie, please buy all of the copies before it gets to the $5.00 movie vat. As we pick though all of those movies in search of something half viewable, I always feel bad for those people who put so much of themselves into making a horrible movie.
That is about it for today. Just counting the long minutes until lunch.
Thanks for all of your continued support
As Always,
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Just When I Thought Things Were Different
So congratulate me, I got married. But if you missed the wedding, don’t feel bad, I missed it too.
This morning I opened my e-mail inbox to only see a message waiting to be read with the subject: Congratulations Denise and Mr. X! I opened the message and read on.
“On this your most special of days, we want to wish you continued love and happiness as you begin your life together.”
Congratulations!
“Some Dumb Wedding Website”
I wracked my brain for a while trying to think of why some website thought I was getting married today, and when I had even visited a website regarding weddings. That’s when it all came back to me.
Too many years ago, when I was still in high school, a friend and I entered an online contest to win a trip somewhere. In order to enter the contest, we had to register at on this wedding website. Laughing as made up our wedding dates, I chose a date ten years into the future, knowing for sure I would be married by that date; after all, it would be 2008!
Somehow, that joke backfired, and on top of it, we never did win the trip.
But maybe today wasn’t the day to get that e-mail.
I looked around church on Sunday and realized just how much it is a wasteland. Seriously, no exaggeration, I think the average age of the ward on Sunday was 22. I watched as 18-year-old girls nosily flirted with people much too old for them during Sacrament Meeting, as well as Sunday School, and then listened as the same girls discussed their various conquests during Relief Society.
Just my luck as well, due to logistics, poor planning and just all round back luck, we are no longer attending the mid-singles conference this weekend. And all of this just after I had finally registered and finally wrapped my head around the idea of going, but I will be spending my weekend dog sitting.
I am trying not to let all of this get me down, but it is hard. It seems just as true today, as the first day I heard it, “The loneliness is palpable.”
Sorry for the Debbie Downer post. For the most part things are going well in my life. I was able to get quite a few errands taken care of yesterday, and soon will be the proud owner of a passport.
Just hoping to get out of my head for a while.
Trying the best I can.
As Always,
This morning I opened my e-mail inbox to only see a message waiting to be read with the subject: Congratulations Denise and Mr. X! I opened the message and read on.
“On this your most special of days, we want to wish you continued love and happiness as you begin your life together.”
Congratulations!
“Some Dumb Wedding Website”
I wracked my brain for a while trying to think of why some website thought I was getting married today, and when I had even visited a website regarding weddings. That’s when it all came back to me.
Too many years ago, when I was still in high school, a friend and I entered an online contest to win a trip somewhere. In order to enter the contest, we had to register at on this wedding website. Laughing as made up our wedding dates, I chose a date ten years into the future, knowing for sure I would be married by that date; after all, it would be 2008!
Somehow, that joke backfired, and on top of it, we never did win the trip.
But maybe today wasn’t the day to get that e-mail.
I looked around church on Sunday and realized just how much it is a wasteland. Seriously, no exaggeration, I think the average age of the ward on Sunday was 22. I watched as 18-year-old girls nosily flirted with people much too old for them during Sacrament Meeting, as well as Sunday School, and then listened as the same girls discussed their various conquests during Relief Society.
Just my luck as well, due to logistics, poor planning and just all round back luck, we are no longer attending the mid-singles conference this weekend. And all of this just after I had finally registered and finally wrapped my head around the idea of going, but I will be spending my weekend dog sitting.
I am trying not to let all of this get me down, but it is hard. It seems just as true today, as the first day I heard it, “The loneliness is palpable.”
Sorry for the Debbie Downer post. For the most part things are going well in my life. I was able to get quite a few errands taken care of yesterday, and soon will be the proud owner of a passport.
Just hoping to get out of my head for a while.
Trying the best I can.
As Always,
Monday, June 16, 2008
A Little Too Much Fun With Links
Hey everybody, look at this!
My mix tape was featured on Odd Todd this weekend. That doesn’t really seem like a big deal, but it is always exciting to be featured on a more prominent website than this one: his 10,000 hits a day, to my 27 (but I am grateful for the hits I do get.)
Anyways, if you want to go back and listen to my tape again, or missed it the first time around the link is here. It features quite a few songs that are going to be on my yearly CD this year, so it is a fun preview.
(But then again, some of you haven’t even listened to my CD from 2007 yet, which I really don’t understand. Boo! I’ve listened to yours!)
For all of those who missed out on the CD exchange, find my track list here. And if you are interested in a copy, let me know and I can get you one. And if you lost your original copy (heaven forbid) I can also get you a new one, that is if you actually listen to it!
Alright, moving on. The weekend went by much too quickly. We had a midnight hotdog party (So far hotdogs are still delicious; we haven’t gotten sick of them yet.) We recently have taken up 30 Rock as our new TV DVDs. After a whole night of watching lame “reality” shows on MTV, Jenny and I were definitely ready for a little higher brow comedy.
And Saturday saw an impromptu trip to Calgary. We listened to Car Talk, had delectable milkshakes, enjoyed Ikea a little too much, and even hung out with a bite-y dog.
I managed, somehow, to make it though another Sunday and with more sleep than I think I have gotten in quite a while, I have actually been quite productive today. I am hoping this week is full of more than good luck.
Doing the best with what I have.
As Always,
My mix tape was featured on Odd Todd this weekend. That doesn’t really seem like a big deal, but it is always exciting to be featured on a more prominent website than this one: his 10,000 hits a day, to my 27 (but I am grateful for the hits I do get.)Anyways, if you want to go back and listen to my tape again, or missed it the first time around the link is here. It features quite a few songs that are going to be on my yearly CD this year, so it is a fun preview.
(But then again, some of you haven’t even listened to my CD from 2007 yet, which I really don’t understand. Boo! I’ve listened to yours!)
For all of those who missed out on the CD exchange, find my track list here. And if you are interested in a copy, let me know and I can get you one. And if you lost your original copy (heaven forbid) I can also get you a new one, that is if you actually listen to it!
Alright, moving on. The weekend went by much too quickly. We had a midnight hotdog party (So far hotdogs are still delicious; we haven’t gotten sick of them yet.) We recently have taken up 30 Rock as our new TV DVDs. After a whole night of watching lame “reality” shows on MTV, Jenny and I were definitely ready for a little higher brow comedy.
And Saturday saw an impromptu trip to Calgary. We listened to Car Talk, had delectable milkshakes, enjoyed Ikea a little too much, and even hung out with a bite-y dog.
I managed, somehow, to make it though another Sunday and with more sleep than I think I have gotten in quite a while, I have actually been quite productive today. I am hoping this week is full of more than good luck.
Doing the best with what I have.
As Always,
Friday, June 13, 2008
Everybody's Going Off The Deep End
If there is anyone in the world that is working for the weekend, today it is no one more than me. I have been a day ahead all week, thinking on Tuesday that it was really Wednesday, and had to disappointedly find out that there was still another day to my workweek. But we have really made it to Friday and I am beyond ecstatic there are only four more hours until our weekend begins. (Don’t think I am not planning on sneaking out of here early today.)
So today is just random tidbits that don’t seem to really fit anywhere, so I thought I would string them together for some entertainment today.
In my old age, I have gone crazy. Yes, I will admit that I was a little eccentric before, but things have gotten worse. I thought by the time I was twenty-seven I was pretty secure on knowing who I am, and what I like and don’t like. But that all changed when I suggested a Chinese dinner for my birthday. Not overly fond of the Pan-Asian cuisine, everyone, including myself, was surprised by my choice.
I am in bed these days long before the clock hits single digits, and I hate to even mention that The Beatles have only barely cracked the Top 25 Most Played Songs list on my ipod.
I am hoping all of this is just a phase, that I will once again be out of my sweatpants wearing, sleeping before midnight, up before my alarm, rice eating, non Beatles listening, colour wearing, quasi morning person phase, and back to my real life, because this new person is a little too much for even me to handle.
Yesterday was our Gone With The Wind book club. I am surprisingly staying caught up with the reading, and in fact trying to keep a little bit ahead of it. I am not overly enjoying the book; I still can’t take all of the long detailed passages (surprising, I know. Have you ever heard me tell a story?) but I am, astonishingly, sympathetic to Scarlet. After all, I am writing the book We Didn’t Date, But We Sure Brokeup. It is great to see that this, for reason’s unknown, seems to be a timeless problem, and whether you spend all you time at a BBQ or Break the Fast flirting with everyone to make others jealous, it is the same.
In unrelated news, yesterday I put $60.00 of gas in my car it ended up being a little bit under full. I only mention this and our $1.31/litre gas prices because I know in a couple of months, we will read this, laugh and wish for the days when we were paying so little for gas. I am coming to realize that I hate recessions, inflation and poor economics.
Thankful for:
Paydays
Possible Haircuts
Unscheduled Saturdays
Hot dogs
Sleeping in
Casual Fridays
Some Sun
All That I Have
And of course, you
As Always,
So today is just random tidbits that don’t seem to really fit anywhere, so I thought I would string them together for some entertainment today.
In my old age, I have gone crazy. Yes, I will admit that I was a little eccentric before, but things have gotten worse. I thought by the time I was twenty-seven I was pretty secure on knowing who I am, and what I like and don’t like. But that all changed when I suggested a Chinese dinner for my birthday. Not overly fond of the Pan-Asian cuisine, everyone, including myself, was surprised by my choice.
I am in bed these days long before the clock hits single digits, and I hate to even mention that The Beatles have only barely cracked the Top 25 Most Played Songs list on my ipod.
I am hoping all of this is just a phase, that I will once again be out of my sweatpants wearing, sleeping before midnight, up before my alarm, rice eating, non Beatles listening, colour wearing, quasi morning person phase, and back to my real life, because this new person is a little too much for even me to handle.
Yesterday was our Gone With The Wind book club. I am surprisingly staying caught up with the reading, and in fact trying to keep a little bit ahead of it. I am not overly enjoying the book; I still can’t take all of the long detailed passages (surprising, I know. Have you ever heard me tell a story?) but I am, astonishingly, sympathetic to Scarlet. After all, I am writing the book We Didn’t Date, But We Sure Brokeup. It is great to see that this, for reason’s unknown, seems to be a timeless problem, and whether you spend all you time at a BBQ or Break the Fast flirting with everyone to make others jealous, it is the same.
In unrelated news, yesterday I put $60.00 of gas in my car it ended up being a little bit under full. I only mention this and our $1.31/litre gas prices because I know in a couple of months, we will read this, laugh and wish for the days when we were paying so little for gas. I am coming to realize that I hate recessions, inflation and poor economics.
Thankful for:
Paydays
Possible Haircuts
Unscheduled Saturdays
Hot dogs
Sleeping in
Casual Fridays
Some Sun
All That I Have
And of course, you
As Always,
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
It's Raining Now
I don’t know what everyone is complaining about, I love the rain. I don’t necessarily want to stand out in the rain, but if it rains the whole rest of the month I won’t really be sad.
Jenny and I are lucky. Living on the second floor of a four storey concrete building, our house cannot flood (short of a biblical flood), and our roof won’t leak. Even if there is a tornado (knock on wood), Jenny and I can hang out in our small windowless, cinderblock constructed bathroom. And any power outage wouldn’t be that devastating; after all, I have the whole of Gone With The Wind to read.
I am not an outdoor person. My idea of fun NEVER includes outside. After all, isn’t that the reason we invented houses and are not living in tents? If people were meant to be outside, we would live outside. So the rain has been perfect for all the interior fans like me.
What better way is there to spend the summer than curled up on the couch (hopefully with someone) watching your favourite movie (or even lame cable) drinking divine hot chocolate (or failing that, low acid apple juice)?
We don’t need long walks or hikes, sun tanning, camping, water fights, hot temperatures or bright cloud free sunny days. We can have just as much fun with a rainy summer as we can with a sunny one.
Keeping it short today.
Working on all kinds of surprises.
Hoping to get my room unpacked, finally.
As Always,
Jenny and I are lucky. Living on the second floor of a four storey concrete building, our house cannot flood (short of a biblical flood), and our roof won’t leak. Even if there is a tornado (knock on wood), Jenny and I can hang out in our small windowless, cinderblock constructed bathroom. And any power outage wouldn’t be that devastating; after all, I have the whole of Gone With The Wind to read.
I am not an outdoor person. My idea of fun NEVER includes outside. After all, isn’t that the reason we invented houses and are not living in tents? If people were meant to be outside, we would live outside. So the rain has been perfect for all the interior fans like me.
What better way is there to spend the summer than curled up on the couch (hopefully with someone) watching your favourite movie (or even lame cable) drinking divine hot chocolate (or failing that, low acid apple juice)?
We don’t need long walks or hikes, sun tanning, camping, water fights, hot temperatures or bright cloud free sunny days. We can have just as much fun with a rainy summer as we can with a sunny one.
Keeping it short today.
Working on all kinds of surprises.
Hoping to get my room unpacked, finally.
As Always,
Monday, June 09, 2008
I'm Only Good At Being Young
Close your eyes and try to imagine the worst cake you can. Okay, not like a fish cake, or a cake made out of mustard, but a cake that you might actually be able to buy, at an accredited store, and not in some back alley.
Now is this cake a incredibly dry white cake, does it have brown gloppy “strawberry” jam as one of the fillings, and it there an extra filling layer of “chocolate” whipped cream?
Is it topped with a thick layer of green icing, dotted with large pink rosettes? And just to help the cake along, are there large swags of whipped cream decorating the side of your cake?
If it is, you don’t need to dream about this cake, just come and get some of my birthday cake my office lovingly picked out for me.
Last week, our receptionist came to my office to ask me what kind of cake I would like. Without even looking up from my work, I answered emphatically, chocolate. (If Ken Garner taught me anything, it was that chocolate cake is the only kind of cake.) She then proceeded to ask if maybe I would like a nice strawberry shortcake. I counter offered with Black Forest cake. She came back with the chocolate cake with strawberries. Not quite understanding her strawberry push, I conceded, and it was decided that I would have chocolate cake with strawberry filling and whipped cream instead of icing.
I waited most of the morning for my cake to arrive so that I could serve it to the office. But when I went back to cut the cake, I found the above mentioned cake. Our receptionist flippantly remarked, “I didn’t think you would really care, but I changed your cake order just a little bit. I am so sick of eating chocolate cake.”
I just smiled through gritted teeth and cut the monstrosity of a “cake”. After I had served the remainder of the office, our receptionist insisted I take the largest piece, with a large pink icing rose in the middle of portion. My stomach is in knots from the amount of horridness I have just ingested.
Oh well, it’s the thought that counts, right? But then again, don’t I pay $5 a month to a cake fund to get whatever kind of cake I want?
So, yup, here it is, my birthday. There isn’t much to say about it. I don’t feel older, I definitely don’t look older. And short of the surprise cake, and lame comments on my office circulated birthday card, it seems like the same Monday as always.
So let’s just move on and talk about the weekend instead.
Our free cable finally got cut, and I am beside myself with grief. I have lived at houses before where we didn’t have cable, and somehow survived just fine. But after a year being able to watch Crazy Quilt or Iron Chef whenever we wanted, I don’t know what to do with my time at home.
Saturday we braved the rain and ended up at the mall where we ran smack into Internet Boyfriend and his roommate. The roommate and I had a good talk, and even though me and the Internet boyfriend were only 2 feet from each other, we said nothing and didn’t even make eye contact. We haven’t spoken since the hockey playoffs began and now with the season over (for now) I am hoping that our chance meeting will inspire him to action. (But I have learned long ago not to hold my breath.)
Jenny and I bit the bullet and decided to use our Earls gift cards we had received at Christmas. I am surprised that we were able to last six months before we broke down to use them. I think, as of right now, that was my favourite birthday present, dinner with all of my favourite people, just like it use to be. Thanks. Let’s try it again, in a while.
Sunday marked my birthday Weekday Eve. Another angel whispered idea, Weekday Eve, or just our Sunday night get-togethers are my favourite part of the week. So to combined my favourite night with my birthday just seemed to make sense. The inclusion of hotdogs (using our fantastic hot dog cooker) and birthday cupcakes made the night even sweeter. Short of birthday presents from Jenny and Mary, the night moved along as most of our Sunday nights have for the past year.
Thanks to everyone for the birthday well wishes. I am looking forward to the birthday celebration with my family tonight and more surprises to come.
Here’s to 27, hopefully just as good as 26.
As Always,
Now is this cake a incredibly dry white cake, does it have brown gloppy “strawberry” jam as one of the fillings, and it there an extra filling layer of “chocolate” whipped cream?
Is it topped with a thick layer of green icing, dotted with large pink rosettes? And just to help the cake along, are there large swags of whipped cream decorating the side of your cake?
If it is, you don’t need to dream about this cake, just come and get some of my birthday cake my office lovingly picked out for me.
Last week, our receptionist came to my office to ask me what kind of cake I would like. Without even looking up from my work, I answered emphatically, chocolate. (If Ken Garner taught me anything, it was that chocolate cake is the only kind of cake.) She then proceeded to ask if maybe I would like a nice strawberry shortcake. I counter offered with Black Forest cake. She came back with the chocolate cake with strawberries. Not quite understanding her strawberry push, I conceded, and it was decided that I would have chocolate cake with strawberry filling and whipped cream instead of icing.
I waited most of the morning for my cake to arrive so that I could serve it to the office. But when I went back to cut the cake, I found the above mentioned cake. Our receptionist flippantly remarked, “I didn’t think you would really care, but I changed your cake order just a little bit. I am so sick of eating chocolate cake.”
I just smiled through gritted teeth and cut the monstrosity of a “cake”. After I had served the remainder of the office, our receptionist insisted I take the largest piece, with a large pink icing rose in the middle of portion. My stomach is in knots from the amount of horridness I have just ingested.
Oh well, it’s the thought that counts, right? But then again, don’t I pay $5 a month to a cake fund to get whatever kind of cake I want?
So, yup, here it is, my birthday. There isn’t much to say about it. I don’t feel older, I definitely don’t look older. And short of the surprise cake, and lame comments on my office circulated birthday card, it seems like the same Monday as always.
So let’s just move on and talk about the weekend instead.
Our free cable finally got cut, and I am beside myself with grief. I have lived at houses before where we didn’t have cable, and somehow survived just fine. But after a year being able to watch Crazy Quilt or Iron Chef whenever we wanted, I don’t know what to do with my time at home.
Saturday we braved the rain and ended up at the mall where we ran smack into Internet Boyfriend and his roommate. The roommate and I had a good talk, and even though me and the Internet boyfriend were only 2 feet from each other, we said nothing and didn’t even make eye contact. We haven’t spoken since the hockey playoffs began and now with the season over (for now) I am hoping that our chance meeting will inspire him to action. (But I have learned long ago not to hold my breath.)
Jenny and I bit the bullet and decided to use our Earls gift cards we had received at Christmas. I am surprised that we were able to last six months before we broke down to use them. I think, as of right now, that was my favourite birthday present, dinner with all of my favourite people, just like it use to be. Thanks. Let’s try it again, in a while.
Sunday marked my birthday Weekday Eve. Another angel whispered idea, Weekday Eve, or just our Sunday night get-togethers are my favourite part of the week. So to combined my favourite night with my birthday just seemed to make sense. The inclusion of hotdogs (using our fantastic hot dog cooker) and birthday cupcakes made the night even sweeter. Short of birthday presents from Jenny and Mary, the night moved along as most of our Sunday nights have for the past year.
Thanks to everyone for the birthday well wishes. I am looking forward to the birthday celebration with my family tonight and more surprises to come.
Here’s to 27, hopefully just as good as 26.
As Always,
Thursday, June 05, 2008
What Good Will It Do?
Sorry everyone, but with all of the hard work, late nights and new house excitement, I have been out of commission for the past couple of days. Sorry to all of those who have been waiting with breath baited for the exciting conclusion to our move.
I think Jenny would agree, but moving was not only an effect way to get rid of a lot of our unwanted items, but also an effective way to clear our heads.
Jenny and I worked pretty hard last Friday to get everything together for our big move on Saturday. In the end, we made four trips, with both of cars full of garbage, to our secret dumpsters, two trips to Value Village (the last one ill fated), and one well needed sugar break.
We had everything beyond ready to go by the time everyone came to help us move. And the move itself only took us two hours. A big thanks to all of those who came out to help us, we really appreciated it!
We returned to our empty house early Saturday evening, spent a few hours cleaning up, said goodbye to our pink house and closed the door on that chapter of our life.
The time we spent at our old house really was wonderful. We have had a lot of experiences there, lived with a variety of people, started and ended a few friendships, and even invented Weekday Eve there. But Jenny and I excited to have new fun and new memories of our new place.
So far, a week into our new abode, Jenny and I are loving life at the new place. We still are excited by the fact that we are one of the only apartments who’s terrace really is in the middle of an evergreen, can’t hear one peep from any of our neighbors, up/down or either side. We have had nights with visitors, and nights with our free cable (please forget to cancel it!) and count the hours left of work until we can once again return to our little apartment. I am hoping our enthusiasm for our small residence doesn’t fade.
Moving on. For RS book club for the summer, they are reading Gone With The Wind, and I have decided to take up the challenge. It is a huge book! A little over 1500 pages. Our assignment this week was the read the first four chapters. It was a little less than 120 pages, and covered a time span of a little more than an hour. (It really is a long-winded book.) I am hoping I enjoy the book more than the movie, (See review here.) and can keep up with the weekly reading.
Thanks to all of those who actually care.
Looking forward all of the carefree birthday plans.
Stop by and see the house if you have time.
As Always,
I think Jenny would agree, but moving was not only an effect way to get rid of a lot of our unwanted items, but also an effective way to clear our heads.
Jenny and I worked pretty hard last Friday to get everything together for our big move on Saturday. In the end, we made four trips, with both of cars full of garbage, to our secret dumpsters, two trips to Value Village (the last one ill fated), and one well needed sugar break.
We had everything beyond ready to go by the time everyone came to help us move. And the move itself only took us two hours. A big thanks to all of those who came out to help us, we really appreciated it!
We returned to our empty house early Saturday evening, spent a few hours cleaning up, said goodbye to our pink house and closed the door on that chapter of our life.
The time we spent at our old house really was wonderful. We have had a lot of experiences there, lived with a variety of people, started and ended a few friendships, and even invented Weekday Eve there. But Jenny and I excited to have new fun and new memories of our new place.
So far, a week into our new abode, Jenny and I are loving life at the new place. We still are excited by the fact that we are one of the only apartments who’s terrace really is in the middle of an evergreen, can’t hear one peep from any of our neighbors, up/down or either side. We have had nights with visitors, and nights with our free cable (please forget to cancel it!) and count the hours left of work until we can once again return to our little apartment. I am hoping our enthusiasm for our small residence doesn’t fade.
Moving on. For RS book club for the summer, they are reading Gone With The Wind, and I have decided to take up the challenge. It is a huge book! A little over 1500 pages. Our assignment this week was the read the first four chapters. It was a little less than 120 pages, and covered a time span of a little more than an hour. (It really is a long-winded book.) I am hoping I enjoy the book more than the movie, (See review here.) and can keep up with the weekly reading.
Thanks to all of those who actually care.
Looking forward all of the carefree birthday plans.
Stop by and see the house if you have time.
As Always,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)