Spots

The leopard just showed his spots

Such a dissapointing thing to say, attitude to have
She doesn't deserve that

What makes us friends again? I can't seem to remember
L

Happy?

Dear Jann,

I thought we were done, over. I thought I no longer needed your music. That my tastes had changed.

I was wrong... tonight was a Jann night for sure. I was searching for the right music for my mood, had tried multiple bands. Nothing was right and then it hit me, Jann - the album Happy?

Glad to know we still have time together.
Thanks for being here.

L

Sorry

It's 1:30 in the morning and I'm so tired my head hurts but I just can't sleep.

Maybe it's the stupid, petty fight I had earlier with a really good friend
Maybe it's the list of things I need to do tomorrow, running through my head
Maybe it's this weird mood I'm in

Sorry if I was weird tonight
L

**Update**
Maybe it was the flu that I think has just set in... could be

Lessons from this Evening

3 things I'm really great at

1. I make some killer tacos
2. Losing gracefully
3. Apparantly I'm lovely to nap with :)

3 things I'm not so great at

1. I cannot play pool... don't invite me if you're looking for a serious game
2. Sitting through a movie I do not enjoy... I might as well just go home before I ruin it for others
3. Saying no to anything after I've been called Darling, Dear or Sweetheart

L

When My Hands Get Cold

So if you know me at all it's no secret that I love to hold hands. Irena will vouch for me.

I've been thinking about it a lot lately... what is it about simple hand holding that's so enjoyable?

Friendship
Comfort
Love
Trust
Affection

At least I can say that in the last little while I've been much more responsible with my hand holding. It's been a long time since I've caused drama for myself...
L

Christmas Time is Here

When I was about 15 or 16 my Mom found these Christmas sheets for our beds. She bought 2 sets, one for me and one for MIchelle. She made our beds and hung mini lights above the beds so when we came home there was this glow and fresh turned down beds with the sheets showing. There have been other friends over the years that Mom has suprised with this little treat. This has become something of a tradition. Every year on or around the first of December we'd put the sheets on our bed, sometimes we'd put up the lights, sometimes we wouldn't. Michelle and I moved away from home and made sure we took our sheets, every year we'd continue to put the sheets on. Not only a Christmas tradition but however cheesey you may think it, it's also a bit of a bonding thing... Michelle and I knew that both of us were sharing in our sheets, even though we don't live close anymore.

So last year I got this fantastic new bed, it really is the best bed ever. Let me explain the beauty of it... The magic starts with the upgrade from the regular twin to a grown up queen. Pillow top on the top and bottom. I have a heated mattress pad that goes underneath the sheets, no more cold feet. Then I have these really nice chocolate brown sheets, a quilt from Grandma (Grandma quits really are the best) and then to top it all off a lovely feather duvet with a pretty cover. I sacrifice a lot of space for the bed and it wouldn't fit down the stairs so it had to come in the window but all this is worth it. The only real downside of this bed is that I no longer have Christmas sheets that fit. Last year I just did without and figured it didn't really matter. I was fully prepared to do the same this year but in Michelle's blog she mentioned her sheets... Michelle got married so she also upgraded and doesn't have sheets anymore either but she at least has pillow cases. Her blog made me realize just how much I miss my sheets... I know this sounds stupid but they are the beginning of Christmas for me.

So last year I felt a little scrooge-ish, I had a really hard time getting into the spirit of things. That's unusual for me, I normally really love Christmas. This year I'd been making more of an effort, I've been listening to Christmas music and trying but something was lacking. I've been putting off buying presents and I'm not even putting up a tree. I haven't taken any goodies to my neighbors yet and I feel this overall stress.

Yesterday was our Institute Choir Christmas performance... my Mom really loves our director and our choir so Mom, Dad and Grandma came up to listen to me sing, and play the handbell (insert handbell arm motion here).

They got to my house at 4:30 ish, I'd made them dinner so we ate but I had to leave at 5 to practice so I left my parents at my house, they came to the church at 7:00. The performance went well, I played my bell (insert handbell arm motion here), did the usual visiting and went home. I was heading downstairs to change and there was a light on in my room... I was surprised I'd left my lamp on cause it's not very like me. I decend the stairs, face my room... and freeze! All I could do was stare, open mouth. While I was gone my Mom had made and turned down my bed with brand new flannely Christmas sheets (they have snowmen on them). The glow wasn't my lamp but mini lights hung above my bed! So she's pretty much the best mom ever :)

So I slept in my super cozy sheets last night and for the first time in 2 years it really feels like Christmas. Apparantly the sheets were vital to my Christmas spirit. I'm looking forward to making goodies for my neighbors (I'm still not setting up the tree though). I feel like I'm really ready. It very much felt before like I hadn't done something I was supposed to do so nothing else was in the right order. Well the order is right and now I'm ready for Christmas, bring it on!

Christmas time is here

Happiness and cheer

Fun for all that children call

Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air

Carols everywhere

Olden times and ancient rhymes

Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air

Beauty everywhere

Yuletide by the fireside

And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here

We'll be drawing near

Oh, that we could always see

Such spirit through the year

Oh, that we could always see

Such spirit through the year...
L

If you had a superpower what would it be?

So I love this show called Heroes... "Ordinary People Discovering Extraordinary Abilities"

http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/

In the last episode there was this girl who remembered everything she heard, read or saw. If I could pick a super power I think that'd be it. You'd never forget anything, you could od anything you wanted because you'd know everything.

What would you pick?
L

Manly man

"You lock your doors at night?"

"It's a house of 4 girls, of course we do."

"but you live next to 4 boys"

So if someone were to come in at night (not break in cause the doors were open), then I can expect him to wake up and come save the day?

I appreciate his confidance in himself and his manly protector attitude but I'll stick with the locked doors :)
L

A Song to Change your Life

So I've been thinking about his concept for a while now...

You know that song, that one that you hear that changes the way you feel? There's something about it that hits you in a way to change everything, or so it seems (I should have prefaced this by saying it's possible I can be a little over dramatic sometimes).

It might be the lyrics that hit you just so, they describe you at that moment better than anything else can or it's something about how right the chords are, how perfect the harmony is.

Weeks, or months down the line sometimes they've lost their magic... they're just another song but sometimes they'll be special forever.

There are a bunch of those songs for me right now...

Pompeii - Numbers
Something Corporate - Konstantine
Making April - Hurry Up and Wait
Vega 4 - Life is Beautiful
Mike Doughty - I Hear the Bells
Pompeii - States

So my thought is... how many other songs like these ones are out there waiting for me to find them? What if I miss them? What if I never find them? These songs affect me when I find them so not finding them must affect me too... In what way?

It worries me
L

The Best Cupcake You've Ever Eaten

Picture it...

1. The perfect chocolate cupcake, not too cooked and dry. Just the right size too, not small or big (leave them wanting more)


2. The best icing, sweet but not hurt your teeth sweet. Strawberry or Blackberry... you choose. Both made with real, pureed berried.


3. Just when you think that's all there is to it there's a perfet little surprise waiting for you. A centre filled with light, fluffy cream cheese goodness.

What did I tell you? The best cupcake you've ever eaten (sorry, no modesty here).
Bet you're wishing for one right now :)
L

There's an Ogre in my Shoes

You ever feel like an ogre woke up in your place?

I'm grouchy today, unreasonable grouchy. I suppose I could blame it on lack of sleep but since I chose to stay up late it's not really a very good excuse.

It's taking all my energy to keep myself in check and not inappropriately rip someone's head off. I'm seriously concerned for Betty... one wrong move and I could blow.

Be patient with me today, I'll be my usual cheery self tomorrow, promise.
L

Salt on the Shoulder

So I have this new theory for life

Whatever you decide to do you just have to commit to it.

Let me tell you how this came about (you’ll probably think I’m silly). So I’m making this ice cream pie, and it’s a really good pie. Skor bits, chopped up peanut butter cups and chocolate chunks mixed inside ice cream with a yummy corn flak-y, caramel-y crust. Then on top I drizzle peanut butter and chocolate as the finishing touch. It’s delicious and good looking.

So I’m about to drizzle the chocolate and as I take the spoon full of chocolate from the bowl to the pie to artfully drizzle I chicken out, I hesitate, I get nervous. What do I end up with? A blob of chocolate.

Example #2 – I’m out to dinner with friends and someone knocks over the salt, “What shoulder are you supposed to toss it over?” It’s the left, so she picks up the salt shaker and goes to toss but halfway through changes her mind... salt all over her shoulder.

One more... boys are so different. You take a paperclip; untwist it halfway so it will stand by itself pointing straight up. Take your palm and slam it on the upright paperclip (I know, the girls are thinking “why?”). If you do it with confidence the paper clip crumples. If you chicken out halfway through, the paper clip sticks in your palm.
Where am I going with this? Whatever you’re doing you just have to commit or you’re going to end up with a blob of chocolate, the paperclip will be stuck in your hand and you’ll have salt all over your shoulder. Had I just committed and drizzled with confidence it would have been beautiful, I’ve done it before. The same is true in life, just commit, give it your all and don’t chicken out. If you’re going to do something than you’d better really do it.

There should be no half way in life.
L

Betty Strikes Again

Remember Betty, the batty one?

This girl is not normal. She’s the kind of personality that you have to walk on egg shells around because you know that even if you mention it to her it won’t make a difference... she just doesn’t get it.

Well today she crossed the line. Maybe I wasn’t feeling very tolerant today but I can’t take it anymore! I won’t tell you what happened because it’s a long and boring story but I didn’t put up with it. I emailed her and told her it wasn’t okay. She rudely email back and things didn’t really end very well but I have hopes that somewhere deep down it made an impression on her. I want her to at least realize that I won’t accept that kind of treatment. I fully intend to call her on her rude behavior in the future too.

So here’s to standing up for myself!!
L

Good and Bad

I did it!

How long have I been complaining about wanting a raise? Well I finally did something about it today. I asked my manager if we could have a meeting so we headed off to a board room.

I told her that I’d been wanting to mention for a long time now that I really feel I deserve a raise. There was a co-worker who’d left to pursue a new job and since she’d left my role had changed. I have taken on more responsibility and I’ve been happy to do it.

The good part is she wholly agreed that my role has changed and that I deserve a raise. The bad part is she said raises only happen here in April. So apparently I’ll have to wait. I’m not sure if that’s an acceptable response but it will do for now. She also told me the percentage the raise usually is and it’s going to be way lower than I want it to be but I’ll deal with that when the time comes. I also mentioned that there are some courses I’d like to take and she was very receptive to that. She told me names of a couple people in the office who could probably help give me some direction with what courses would be most helpful. She also told me that she’s mentioned my change in role to the next higher up so when April comes that should help with the percentage of the raise.

All in all it was a good conversation, I didn’t get the results I wanted but I still feel good about it.
L

Memories from My Youth

My 3 big brothers tickling me till I couldn’t stand it anymore (which is why I can suppress being tickled like you wouldn’t believe – except with Ian for some reason), the 3 of them fighting, and I mean fighting! There’s still a hole in the bathroom door to prove it. I remember Rob, Tae Kwon Doe chopping me and James and Mike ALWAYS fighting. I’ve seen all sorts of Manly movies thanks to my big brothers. Some memorable ones include Beastmaster and Red Sonya (which is actually pretty girly) and of course some wrestling. I remember sandwiches with Kraft cheese slices, Sonic the Hedgehog and Toejam ‘N Earl. Smelly boys coming back from Scout Camps and the time we all though James was about to be killed by Dad. When he says “Get in the Van” he MEANS it!

So things have changed a little. Somewhere through the years my 3 big brothers turned into some pretty great men. Two of them are fathers, all three of them are married. We had enjoyable conversations all weekend and there was no fighting. Some things never change... they did make me watch Ultimate Fighting Championship and there were still sandwiches with Kraft cheese slices but they’re such grown up, responsible men.

It was good to see the three of them together again.
L

Prize Winning Pie

have this reputation as sort of a Martha Stewart-ish figure. I like to cook, it’s something I think I do well but I’m not really a fan of having to prove it. So the thought of a pie competition was intimidating to me (funny that I came up with the idea eh?). People expect me to win; they expect me to make something sensational... what if I let them down? What if their image of me is shattered... who am I then?

I didn’t want to make a traditional pastry pie... everyone would do that. Luckily my brilliant Chef brother is in town. Together we came up with an idea for a Skor-Chocolate, Peanut Butter ice cream pie with a yummy corn flake crust, just like Mom used to make. It must have been enough because my reputation is safe for another day, Best Presentation is good enough for me :)
L

Mascara Lament

The day was bright, the sky was blue,
and then came the shock, it can't be true.

What to do? I think I'll cry
But then it'll smudge, it must be a lie.

They're gone from Canada, never to return.
But where will I get the mascara I yearn?

Calorie 2000, so thick and black;
I tried some Great Lash... Boy did it lack.

I want some drama, my tantrum will last
But my favorite mascara is a thing of the past.

So I'm forced to switch to some other brand
While I wait for Max Factor to return to my Land

So this is my Eulogy, I'll continue to cry
To my fair mascara, I bid you goodbye
L

By Invitation Only

I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine the other day. We were both going to the same wedding; he asked if I wanted a ride so I said sure. I was also giving my roommate a ride so I asked if that was okay. He asked where her boyfriend was. I said I wasn’t sure if he knew the Bride and Groom, maybe he hadn’t been invited? He then asked the most absurd question...

“Oh, is this wedding invite only?”

Invite only! Weddings are always invite only! That’s why they give out invitations!

I asked why he went if he wasn’t invited, “Well, there are people there I know.”

“So you go to weddings to socialize?!” I’m a little shocked! To add a cherry to this story, he’d invited someone else to this wedding that he wasn’t invited to.

I’ve been invited to a lot of weddings this year... 17 to be exact and the year’s not over yet. In general, I love weddings. I love how happy everyone is and how much family comes together.

I thought I’d share a list of the highlights of each wedding
Elise & Alex Andrews - The Hairspray Comment
Jeff & Shelia Smigel - Jeff’s Vest and the Men’s ties
Devon & Kimberly Tyers - Cookie’s by George cookies
Daniel & Teddi Lee - The incredibly over decorated gym
Kim & Jordan Wheatley*
Ricky & Chelsea Bennett - The on again / off again relationship that worked
Mike & Janeal Bullock*
Justin & Andea Morton*
Byron & Rosie Redd - The Food and the long tablecloths
Ed & Meagan Yu - Mllowing Meenah to live out her dream
Leticia & Ammon Christensen - The Picture Perfect Couple
Lisa & Doug Johnson - The letter from Clive and all the Pink
Mark & Kim Hughes - The Temple and how much I love them both
Leah & Murray Phillips - The honeymoon in Mountain View
Josh & Nicole Tagg - The Chopsticks and the instructional video and the bride and groom on the top of the cake
Brent & Jen Garner - The most classy, traditional wedding all year. They used simple, beautiful roses as table centers and they had actual toasts with sparkling apple juice. We actually ate the wedding cake (I love that)
James & Lucy West - The new Sister I’m gaining

* not attended

I’ve also come up with a rule for all my friends... NO MORE WEDDINGS THIS YEAR!The wedding gift budget is spent so if you suddenly get engaged you get NO GIFT :)
L

Fairytale Life

I always loved fairytales growing up, I loved princesses and castles and knights on horses, Fairies with wings and flowers in their hair. I love dresses and makeup and ribbons and lace… I like looking pretty and cooking and taking care of others, boys opening doors and fixing anything broken. In summary, I’m about as stereotypically a girl as it gets.

This has led to the discovery of Laura jobs and non Laura jobs.
Lifting a rolled up raft from the truck to the shore, that’s definitely not a Laura job. Making breakfast for the strong men that will do the above job? Laura written all over it.
Carrying tents and moving stacked chairs also fall into the non Laura category. Dinners and picking up wedding gifts I’ve got covered though.

I appreciate those who understand our distinct roles. Glad we came to an understanding so early in our friendship.
L

Feels Like the End of Summer

Today was sad. Today marked the last Sunday Dinner as we know it. A group of us have been getting together for dinner, sometimes there are wild card guests but it has basically been the same group of us. The host provides the main dish and everyone else is assigned items, it's worked so well and we've had some of the best laughs and food. But all good things must come to an end; Kim and Mark get married on Friday and move to Waterloo. Nathan is going to Lethbridge, Jenn is leaving the ward. It was time.
Hopefully Kim, Mark and Nathan will carry on the tradition in their respective cities and we can make Sunday Dinners a Country-wide phenomenum.

I really love you all, hopefully I can find some way to fill the void you're leaving behind :)
L

New Aunt

I'm an Aunt again!

Baby Gage Lee West was born on Thursday August 3rd. He is 21 inches long and a whopping 9 lbs, his Dad was the same weight :)

I added some pictures so you can see just how cute he is.
L

Summer is my Best Friend

So I've done it!

I walked by a waterfall, ate ice cream in a national park. Sat by the lake and went trail riding. I got bit my mosquitos, a little sun burned and let my hair blow in the wind. I ate BBQ Chicken and played catch in a park. Saw a chipmunk and a little fawn. I visited Monarch A.B. as my random Alberta visit and skipped stones in the Old Man River. What a great weekend!

So far my quest to live summer to the fullest has been successful! Stay tuned for more updates!

This weekend reminded me of how much I love the Prairie's, they're so beautiful. Coming to the top of a hill, looking out and seeing miles and miles of farmland and foothills is far more beautiful to me than any mountain range. The mountains make me clausterphobic, I can't breath, there's not enoug sky, there's nothing like a prairie sky. So big and blue and with clouds like today it's perfect. I'll take the prairie's over the mountains any day.

The drive home made me contemplate my city living, a good looking cowboy may be just what I need
L

The Good Left Undone

The inbox is empty… there’s nothing to do.

After an afternoon of reading other’s blogs I’ve decided that I’m not taking full advantage of this summer. I should be going on Road trips, hiking in parks… floating down rivers. Watching movies outside, embracing the mosquitoes, not letting them scare me off. I need more summer in my life.

Who’s with me?

Luckily for me I have a trip to Waterton planned for the weekend… no more sitting around waiting for summer to come to me. I’m going to get it myself.

I want to go somewhere in Alberta I’ve never been…like Stettler or Rocky Mountain House. It doesn’t have to be exotic… random is good. I’ve lived in Alberta my whole life and there’s lots I haven’t seen, so here’s fair warning… be prepared for day trip invites. Cause I’m bored.

I want more!
L

Ward Hike

What a successful day.

The hike turned out to be so much fun, not very hard, just nice. It was really hot but lots of the path was shady. Once we got to the lake there was lots to do, like swim if you're crazy! That's glacier water! There were people rock climbing and lots of people having lunch. We hiked down on the hard path and had such a beautiful view of Canmore. Once we got to the bottom we had some delicious sandwiches and juice and such.

I was pleasantly surprised with how well the day went. A few more people would have been fun but I liked that group that we had. Check out the pictures so you can see all the fun you missed.
L

Whack-a-Mole Champ

"What do you want to do at Stampede?"

It occurred to me on Saturday that I've never played Whack-a-Mole, so that's what I wanted to do at the Stampede. So we find a Whack-a-Mole place and I give the guy my money and then I get a text message, so I whip out the phone, start repsonding and Whack-a-Mole starts!! I WON!!! All these years I've been hiding my light under a bushel, I didn't mean to hide the talent, I'll share it - I promise :) The Whack-a-Mole guy said that's the first time he's seen someone text and play and still win... see Tonia, txting makes me smarter ;) I have this cute green stuffed frog to remind me of my win.

Whack-a-Mole was just one of the memorable experiences. I sat in a helicopter! It was pretty neat. I ate a footlong hotdog smothered in onions and cheese (if you know me then you know that's surprising).

I've come to the conclusion that I need more rodeo in my life... the Chuckwagon races were so much fun! I want to go back! I liked the grandstand show but I loved the fireworks! It was a great way to spend my birthday. The only thing that could have made it better was cake

Thanks for the good times and celebrating my 25th with me Brad.

Thanks to all who wished me a Happy Birthday, love you all
L

Kim, I'm excited to hear about the house and if your offer was accepted

Happy Birthday to Me

I’m 25 today

It feels like a big deal, like a big number, you know?

How did you celebrate your 25th?

Mine will start with Breakfast with some friends. Then I’m going to the Calgary Stampede (now that I live in Calgary it tends to steal my thunder). I’ve never been to the chuckwagon races or the grandstand show, so I’m excited! I’d like to fit a Crave cupcake somewhere in there too but we’ll see if time allows it. Ideally I’ll receive multiple phone calls from all the good friends that are missing today and end the evening with some fireworks.

I’m not sure I’m where I thought I’d be at 25 but life is good.
L

Mean is hereditary

So I have this really mean landlady... and when I say mean I'm referring to the kind of person that takes pleasure in drowning kittens. Somehow she's gotten the idea that we're really bad tenants, I'm not sure how she came to this conclusion. We pay our rent, we mow the lawn (occasionally), we haven't destroyed anything in the house and we very seldom call to have things fixed. But despite the mentioned points she thinks we're awful. She's decided to raise our rent $300 which is unfortunate.

So she called about 2 1/2 weeks ago to say she'd be out of town for a while. She gave us the name of either her son or daughter to call if we had problems and she reminded me that she needed new rent cheques... no problem. I had every intention of taking them over early just to be considerate but things came up and I forgot. So today I realize it's the 30th and she needs cheques by tomorrow so I dropped them off in her mailbox around noon.

I come home this evening around 8:00 and there's a message from Mean Landlady's daughter. I'm going to type the message in as much detail as I can remember:

"Hi this is Mean Landlady's Daughter, I was supposed to have cheques from you by this morning but when I checked the mailbox they weren't there. Just wondering where they are or if this is your way of giving notice. Please call me because until I hear from you I'm going to assume this is your way of giving notice to vacate the property."

Going to assume we're vacating the property??? What? That was completely unecessarey... rent is due on the 1st, not the 30th. I have every right to wait until tomorrow to deliver them if I so choose. I called and left a very pleasant message saying we are not giving notice and the cheques are in the mailbox but I'm annoyed... there's no reason to be so mean about everything. Her tone was very rude and condescending.

And we get it already... you want us to move...

Good to see her mother is rubbing off on her
L

Rant

I oficially hate Stabilo (it's a music group)

A friend of mine loaned me their cd so, as per usual, I brought it home, opened up my iTunes and went to listen. But wait - iTunes doesn't recognize the cd, that's odd. Oh well, I'll just open its folder and copy it onto my computer and then I'll put it into iTunes.

Why would anyone... at this day and age make a cd that isn't compatible with iTunes?!! I don't get it but I'm angry!

The cd will let me burn it or copy it to my computer but it won't play in iTunes. The only program I ever use to listen to cd's is iTunes but they expect me to count them as an exception and use another program? Forget it... I just won't listen to it. I spend the majority of my time listening to music on my iPod... can't do that with this cd.

The only up side to this whole situation is I actually don't really like Stabilo's music so I wouldn't really want to listen to them anyway.. it's the pricipal of the situation though.

So, in conclusion... not being able to use iTunes ticks me off

So I just googled itunes and Stabilo together and came up with this message from the band...

"We're very sorry your experience buying our music was a negative one. e are grateful that you actually went to the effort and shelled out the cash to actually buy the cd. unfortunately, we the band have no control over the copy protection on the album. in fact, we asked the label not to make our disc copy protected. unfortunately the bottom line is that it's not our call. however, there are ways around it particularly if you are running a mac (which i'm assuming you aren't otherwise it should have worked). itunes is another option. again, we're sorry this was your experience, realize there is a lot of great music and hope you will find a way to listen to ours. thanks for the support."

stabilo

I feel a little less angry
L

"just do it again and this time with feeling"

Straylight Run
A Slow Descent

i'm tired
cynical and broken, but wiser
heavy with a sense of resentment
but i used to be so much different
i used to have so much faith
when i startedyou knew that i always meant it
i knew i could make a difference
i struggled to be heard
and then finally, one day people started listening
and i knew it
but as soon as it began it was ruined
a slow descent from unique to routine
over and over
"just do it again and this time with feeling"
the spotlightthe focus on the friends and the feelings
that made those stupid songs all worth singing
and don't you say a word
unless you're pretty sure that you want it analyzed
so we drovefor what seemed like days
over roadsand four lane highways
we said all we had to say
and i realized in time that it didn't mean anything
never
not ever again...
not like that
"it's only a matter of time"

L

Win! Win! Win!

We won our first softball game tonight!!! Not only did we win but we actually deserved the win. The final score was something like 24 to 13. It took us the whole season but with one game left we did it. If we continue maybe we'll make it further in the play-offs than we expected!

I even got two people out on second tonight, yay! (we won't go into detail about the girl I sort of hit in the face... oops, that's why you don't slide)

Everyone played so well tonight! Good game team, can't wait for next Wednesday.
Don't forget to check out the pictures of tonight's game

It might be going to my head that Jenn said I was the cutest player on the team :o) Thanks Jenn!

L

V for Vendetta

I just went and saw V for Vendetta and all I can say is...so good!!! I loved it!

A Very interesting Version of the power of one's Vehement Voice and the Victory that follows

The thought of how corupt Governments can be is horrifying I was pleased with the content too. There wasn't a lot of language and there was no sex scenes. There was some violence but less than I expected. I would recommend it to anyone
L

To Sir With Love

“I made it just for you”

Let me paint you a picture… I’m lying on bed just finishing donating blood. There just happens to be a cute blood donor guy collecting all the bags of blood. My bed just happened to be close to his table… the above was my witty, flirty line

He responded with something like “It’s such a nice colour”. Heh heh, flirting over my blood.

There was a little more to the exchange but I’ll just leave you with that highlight.

Turns out cute blood donor guys make the whole process much more enjoyable
L

The Thirsty Dog

Picture it... Calgary... 2006...Friday Night

I stand in The Thirsty Dog (a pub), next to a pool table with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Not really my typical Friday night.

It all started on Thursday night, Will, a fairly new convert very randomly called me and invited me to check out this band he loves. The randomness of the call immediatley put me into excuse mode. Our Stake was having a Broadway Night that a friend and I had considered going to... we were going for sure now!

Friday dawns and Broadway night doesn't really work out... I now have no excuse. I don't want to just not do anything, especially in case he asks how Broadway night was and I don't want to go alone so I call up Will.

He tells me the location and time to meet him. As suspected it's a very smoky bar.
A bunch of his friends are there and they're pretty great people. Ayla was the owner of the beer and cigarette, I was playing pool with her and it was her turn to shoot.

Turns out I'm not so bad at pool if there's someone there to tell me exactly where to hit each ball... I sort of won twice and I was winning for a long time another game. I choose to believe that Will wasn't trying to let me win :)

There were some interesting characters there... there was the shirtless old man. He was wearing a fleece zip up sweater that was zipped down pretty far and there was no shirt underneath... don't underestimate the grossness of it.

Then there was the extremely drunk, hoe-ish girl. The kind of girl you instantly dislike, despite not knowing her at all. Like a train wreck, I couldn't stop watching as she threw herself at every male in the bar (I'm sure her boyfriend of two years would love that).

Then there was the drunk couple that started "dancing", it was entertaining.

It actually turned out to be a really fun, unusual night (don't worry Mom, I won't make a habit out of it and my date neither drank or smoke).
L

Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas)

This movie is inspired by a true story, which happened during the World War I, for Christmas Eve 1914, in many different places of the battlefront.

“When war breaks out in the lull of summer 1914, it surprises and pulls millions of men in its wake.

And Christmas arrives, with its snow and multitude of family and army presents. But the surprise won’t come from inside the generous parcels which lie in the French, Scottish, and German trenches.

That night, a momentous event will turn the destinies of four characters: An Anglican priest, a French lieutenant, an exceptional tenor and the one he loves, a wonderful soprano and singing partner. During t his Christmas Eve, the unthinkable will happen: rifles will be left at the bottom of the trenches to go to see those opposite, shake their hands, exchange a cigarette and a piece of chocolate, wish them Merry Christmas!”

“If we could read the secret history of our enemies
We should find in each man’s life sorrow
And suffering enough to disarm all hostility”
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


I loved this movie… it’s one that I wish everyone would see. I highly recommend it.

Trailer:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony/joyeuxnoelmerrychristmas/
L

The Enjoyable Tele-Marketer

I get this call from a guy…I wish I’d caught his name.

He’s trying to sell me the Globe & Mail and let me tell you, he almost convinced me of the Joy and Pleasure I can receive from this Well Oiled Machine. There are Puzzles and Comics and the latest Sudokus. He proceeded to tell me how this magazine has changed his life…he’s a better man because of it. At this point he proposed that I try it on a trial basis and then when it Blossoms into something Beautiful I can sign up for a longer term contract.

If I don’t jump out of bed and hit my head on the ceiling he’ll be surprised…but don’t worry, their Stealthy-like Ninja Carriers won’t ever wake me up…they’re that quiet.

Their handy vegetable based ink won’t get all over my clothes or the furniture.

When I politely refused the offer of this incredible magazine he then told me about the Beautiful Saturday paper I could sign up for, telling me I would Cherish it as it is Therapeutic Value at its finest.

When I again politely refused he made me promise that if I change my mind I’ll “Grab the Bull by the Horns” and let this magazine change my life.

When I commented on my enjoyment over the phone call he informed me that he hasn’t even started on the coffee, that he’s only drinking some Safeway like Cola. He’ll be a bit more peppy once he gets the Coffee. I’m not sure he could have been peppier.

I know this might sound unbelievable but I haven’t exaggerated any of this…all of the descriptive words I used above were his…I enjoyed the call so much that halfway through I started typing up notes. He actually said all of that stuff above. There was also something about how nothing would make him happier then me signing up and something about him river dancing if I subscribed.

My favorite part was the Stealthy-like Ninja Carriers…I actually had him repeat that part.
L

Sexy

“That looks…sexy”

I’d just made up this very nice little chart for a report I’m working on. Upon giving it to the person I was doing it for that was their response.

It made me chuckle and seemed blog worthy.

Nothing about this particular chart was very sexy. It was a map of Canada with boxes of information surrounding it. Funny how different things look when they're important to you.
L

Thoughts of a Rainy Day

If the weather were my mood today it would be dark, cloudy and rainy.
Despite my really great weekend I'm sad.

When I was little my Barbie's always had the same name...My average time at every job I've worked is 3 years. I've been in Calgary for 6 years and only lived in 3 houses, all within 8 blocks of each other. I don't like change...I don't like when change is forced on me...

I don't like when people think they know me and it turns out they don't have a clue.
I worry too much about what others think...
I should be nicer...

Most of all I don't like drama

I shouldn't blog when I'm sad
L

Sunday Dinner with Cam

Ever had an evening so good you weren't sure how any other would top it...last night was that night.

Sunday dinner with Cam was full of many pleasant surprises. We were a little concerned about the dinner because Cam was nervous and we felt we'd kind of forced him into hosting but all our concerns were for naught...Cam not only held his own but he took it to the next level.

It started off as any other dinner, set up and preparation. None of knew what we were eating but we'd been given very specific instructions on what to bring so we were looking forward to seeing it all come together. Kabobs were on the menu for the evening and the question was raised...what makes a shish kabob different than a regular kabob? Jane is happily cutting some meat we found in the fridge when Cam opens the oven to reveal mostly cooked marinated steak and chicken, in an act of pure instinct Jane freezes, "Cam am I cutting up your dinner for tomorrow?" The fridge meat was in case we ran out, which we didn't but it was a beautifully classic moment.

I was whipping cream in an ice cream bucket due to the lack of a bowl when I noticed cream all over the counter...when using an ice cream bucket to whip cream make sure you check for cracks in the bottom of the bucket. :o)

Cam amazed us once again by pulling out "the BBQ set". It was so awesome it defies description. Dinner was delicious, dessert was a perfect ending to the meal.

Next came out Catchphrase...I'm a little ashamed that the girls were beat 3-2 by the boys...it never should have happened. Personal highlight of the evening "Shut up Nathan!" I don't think I've laughed that hard in a year, it brought me to tears. Thanks Cam

Just when we thought the evening was coming to an end Cam stepped it up again and out came the smores.

The evening ended with a chuckle after us being not so subtly kicked out so Cam could head to bed...the memories from this evening will be long lasting and hopefully the next dinner is not shadowed by the overwhelming success of this one.

One of the highlights of 2006 for sure!
L

Middle Name Pride Day!

Happy Middle Name Pride Day!!!

Hope everyone is celebrating...I have a pretty sweet party planned for the evening. We're all going to go by our middle names for the evening.

If you didn't already get the evite you should stop by my house tonight at 7:00, it's going to be a good time!

Hopefully I'll update this with pictures of the actual event...hope to see you all tonight!

Have you ever had a day where you were so bored that you typed up your grocery list and organized it by the layout of the store? (I know, pathetic) That was my day yesterday...today looks like it will be about the same...hopefully I'm wrong.
At least that was the first really boring day in a while.

Stay tuned for Middle Name Pride Day Pictures
M (Michelle)

Bowling

I went bowling on Saturday. I don't think I've been bowling for at least a year. Last time I went was with Cora and Ken and I can't remember who else. I just remember my shameful game. I was terrible...luckily I vaguely remember someone being worse than me (but it was pretty bad). So this weekend when someone suggested bowling I had my reservations.

The last time I went was ten pin and this time we decided to play five pin which apparently makes a HUGE difference. After warning everyone multiple times how really bad I was I somehow managed to come in first in my lane and second overall...twice! I was more surprised than everyone (especially Nathan who got beat by a girl twice :o). It turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable evening.

So the moral of this story...don't give up on something if you're really bad at it...just try a new variety of the same something! You might be surprised.

(As a side note, by the time I got to the end of this blog I remembered vividly my last bowling experience. There were three boys there that made things extremely complicated...one of them I was just beginning to be interested in...one I'd held hands with but wanted nothing to come of it and one I think I should be interested in. I bravely attempted to show equal interest in all three so no one's feelings were hurt and I think overall it was pretty successful. Take my advice...don't go with three boys you might be interested in...not good.)
L

I Carry Your Heart

So I watched the movie In Her Shoes this weekend and despite my low expectations I loved it! It was such a great girl movie. In the movie they read this poem that I think is really beautiful so I'm going to post it here...just because I can :o)
L

i carry your heart with me

I carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

Relient K!!

So last night I went to this fantastic concert. I went to see Relient K! They’re such a great band, if you don’t know who they are you should go here and check them out…it’ll be worth your time.

http://www.relientk.com/news.aspx

So it was my first real “mosh pit” experience. Up until this point when the opportunity to mosh presented itself I’ve opted out but this time I was with some fun, hard core moshers so I committed and in I went. I’ve gotta admit, I enjoyed the experience a whole lot more than I expected and I was a lot tougher that I thought I’d be, I discovered that I can hold my own in the pit.

We maneuvered our way in and eventually, after shoving like mad we made it up to the very front. We pushed, we jumped we screamed and got soaked as security gave us water. We decided it should be a rule that all girls must put their hair up in the pit because dealing with girl’s hair everywhere is unpleasant.

The opening bands were Maxeen (pretty great), you can check them out here http://www.maxeen.com/intro.html and The Rocket Summer who I think are super lame but you might like them…you can go here http://www.therocketsummer.com/ It doesn’t get any more EMO than this. I did touch the lead singer’s leg as he crowd surfed over me, too bad it wasn’t someone I actually liked. I got a guitar pick from Relient K though, that’s something right?

Sadly the night had to end sometime and before we knew it, it was all over. We lay exhausted at home drinking water and drying off.

Thanks for making it a great night Aaron, Kim, Irena and Mikyla (sorry about the spelling)
L

Cookie Scandal

So Last night we decorated sugar cookies for FHE. Jane made some great heart shaped cookies and some nice pink icing, all we had to do was combine the two. Since small group FHE is routinely at my house I had the leftover cookies. I thought it would be a nice Valentine gesture to bring them to work for my co-workers.

Now I think I’m an honest person…I don’t steal, I normally drive the speed limit.

I don’t know what possessed me today, but I took full credit for those cookies. They raved about how good they were and wondered how I had the time to make them. Two girls even asked for the recipe…so I gave them “the recipe” (my own personal one). They asked about the icing so I made up some ingredients. I modestly accepted their praise thinking the whole time "What am I doing...I didn't make these cookies Jane did" but it was too late...the damage had been done.

“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
- Proverbs 12:22

How will I ever live among this web of lies!

(Sorry Jane)
L

Lip Balm Anonymous

http://www.lipbalmanonymous.com/

They say the first step towards solving the problem is admitting you have one...

I firmly and proudly say "I don't have a problem" :o)

So I like my lip gloss, what's the big deal...so what if I have 6 different varieties in my purse right now and wouldn't leave home with out them, that's not an addiction, it's an interest...right?

It did make me second guess myself when the site talked about how companies are devious and give you free samples to hook you. All I could think was "Fee samples? Where?"

Lip Balm Anonymous Self-Test for Lip Balm Addiction

1. Do you ever use more lip balm than you planned?
2. Has the use of lip balm interfered with your job?
3. Is your lip balm use causing conflict with your spouse or family?
4. Do you feel depressed, guilty, or remorseful after you use lip balm?
5. Do you use whatever lip balm you have almost continuously until the supply is exhausted?
6. Do you ever wish that you had never taken that first application or hit of lip balm?
7. Do you have an obsession to get lip balm when you don't have it?
8. Are you experiencing financial difficulties due to your lip balm use?
9. Do you experience an anticipation high just knowing you are about to use lip balm?
10. Without using lip balm, do you have difficulty sleeping without taking a drink or another drug?
11. Are you absorbed with the thought of getting coated even while interacting with a friend or loved one?
12. Have you begun to use lip balm while alone?
13. Do your lips, nose, or other areas hurt when you avoid Lip Balm?
14. Do you ever have feelings that people are talking about you or watching you?
15. Do you use larger doses of lip balm to get the same protection you once experienced?
16. Have you tried to quit or cut down on your lip balm use only to find that you couldn't?
17. Have any of your friends or family suggested that you may have a problem?
18. Have you ever lied to or misled those around you about how much or how often you use?
19. Do you use lip balm in your car, at work, in the bathroom, on airplanes, or other public places?
20. Do you occasionally coat heavily after a disappointment, quarrel or rough day?
21. When under pressure, do you always use more heavily than usual?
22. Can you handle more lip balm now than when you first started using?
23. When using with others, do you try to have a few extra coats when they won't know it?
24. Are there certain occasions when you feel uncomfortable if lip balm is not available?
25. When you start using, are you in more of a hurry to get the first hit than you used to be?
26. Are you secretly irritated when friends or family discuss your lip balm use?
27. Do you usually have a reason for occasions when you use heavily?
28. Have you tried to control your lip balm use by switching brands or following different plans?
29. Have you often failed to keep promises about controlling your lip balm?
30. Have you tried to control your lip balm use by changing jobs or moving?
31. Do you try to avoid family or friends while using?
32. Are you having an increasing number of financial and work problems?
33. Do more people seem to be treating you unfairly without reason?
34. Have you ever decided to stop using for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
35. Do you wish people would mind their own business about your lip balm use--stop telling you what to do?
36. Is lip balm affecting your reputation?
37. Do you crave lip balm at a definite time daily?
38. Does lip balm cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
39. Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of lip balm?
40. Are you afraid that if you stop using lip balm your work will suffer or you will lose your energy, motivation, or confidence?
41. Do you spend time with people or in places you otherwise would not be around but for the availability of lip balm?
42. Have you ever stolen lip balm or money from friends or family?
43. Can you apply lip balm with one hand?

Lip Balm Anonymous members adhere to a set of principles which are listed in Twelve Steps.

1. We admitted we were powerless over lip balm - - that our lives had become unmanagemeable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would ijure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other lip balm addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Good luck kicking your habit...personally I'm going to revel in mine for a little longer
L

Update on Jonathon "The Impaler" Sharkey

So get this...it turns out Jonathon's been arrested.
Hopefully this will put an end to his campaign.

Minn. governor candidate impaled by his past

Sharkey arrested on Indiana warrants issued for his pro wresting persona

MORA, Minn. - A fringe candidate for governor who played up his satanic side — and pledged public impalement for terrorists — wound up behind bars Tuesday thanks to a sharp-eyed sheriff's dispatcher.

Jonathon “The Impaler” Sharkey, 41, of Princeton was arrested Monday night on two felony counts from Indiana, said Mike Smith, the Mille Lacs County jail administrator. One warrant was for escape, another for stalking.

Sharkey launched his campaign last month under the banner of the Vampyres, Witches and Pagans party. His platform includes an emphasis on education, tax breaks for farmers and better benefits for veterans, but he also said he favored impaling certain wrongdoers in front of the State Capitol.

Sheriff Brent Lindgren said Sharkey's warrants were discovered by a dispatcher making routine warrant queries. Lindgren said the dispatcher had seen news stories about Sharkey's campaign and recognized the name on the warrant — Rocky Flash — as a name Sharkey had used as a pro wrestler.

Sharkey was arrested by police in Princeton without incident, Lindgren said. He remained in the jail Tuesday pending extradition proceedings.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11116988/
L

Dark Day for Laura

Yesterday was a dark day at work...

Apparently my MSN was noticed and so it was removed. I'm now left with nothing to do in my boredom but blog. My first thought when it was removed was "Maybe I should find a new job". I'll admit, that's a bit extreme and the desire passed but I was pretty devastated. At least I still have iTunes. I'll use Web Messenger occasionally but it's to frustrating to use all day.

So I have a new nephew...his name is Tyler James and he was born on January 31st at 11:00 am. He's just the cutest boy ever isn't he?
L

Jonathon "The Impaler" Sharkey for Govenor

Okay...this guy is so freaky...check out the site. The more I read the more I'm horrified by him.

He's a Satanic Dark Priest, Sanguinarian Vampryre and Hecate Witch. And he's running for Governor of Minnesota.

He hates God and his agenda includes impaling terrorists and George Bush and this next one was so good I wanted to include it word for word "Blacklist - I will blacklist all companies that have left the US and relocated to another Country. No company will prosper as a result of causing Americans financial hardship from losing their jobs, as a result of that company relocating to another country. He likes casinos a lot so he's going put up 13 of them. He also plans on running for president eventually.

There are too many point of interest to type...seriously check out this website. It's so crazy, messed up. He'd better not get on single vote.
L

http://www.jonathonforgovernor.us/Home_page.html

Bored...so bored

So it's 4:16 on Wenesday and I finally get to go home in 15 minutes. This has been a record breaking, boring day. Thank goodness for Nathan and MSN, Jen abandoned me today so I didn't have a personal email buddy. Thank goodness for MSN, it keeps me sane.

I had some super yummy sushi for lunch and it reminded me how much I really like sushi. I'll have to eat it more often.

This week has been awful, I think I've woken up on the wrong side of the bed every morning...I've had to drag myself to work and considered phoning in sick every day. Too bad I'm not even a little bit sick.

On the brightside, only two days left and then it's the weekend.

Anyway, that's all I have to add to my boring blog...sorry it's not more interesting or more cheerful.
L