Okay, I think I might be willing to admit that I have a problem. An addiction.
My habit is expensive, but when I am about to score, I don’t even think about the cost. When I’ve got the goods in my pocket, I spend all day thinking about it, and then when it’s time, it is such a rush, and the high lasts for hours. No matter how down or tired I am it lifts my spirits and gives me a burst of energy. But the next day, after the rush is over, I come down, and all I can think about is the next time. On Wednesday, I got totally high, and then, on Thursday, all I could think about was how I could score again that day, if I really wanted to. I fought an inward battle. “No, I don’t really need it.” “But I want it so bad.” “Look what’s last night’s score did to you – you’re tired, drained.” “But it was so good!” Yes, this is the inner monologue of a tormented addict.
I am addicted to concerts. Specifically, Commodore Ballroom concerts, where I can stand close to the beautiful minstrels that connect directly with my heart with their lyrics and sound, surrounded by other addicts, swaying gently, or bobbing wildly.
Right now, for the first time in a long time, I have no concert tickets magneted to the fridge waiting for the special night. Actually, that is not quite true. Mark bought tickets to Keane this morning. But it’s at the Orpheum Theatre. Which, when compared to the sweet heroin of the Commodore, is like mild weed. I hope The Long Winters is the opening act.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Back in the Spirit
This past weekend was one of those times that I realize how totally frickin' awesome it is to live here in Vancity. Two things stand out as particularly fab.
1. I have never been particularly fond of shoes and socks. Sandals or bare feet have always my preferred fashion in footwear and Saturday was one of those days that I just didn't really want to wear shoes. So I wore my sandals. And, this being Vancouver, it was a totally acceptable choice. I didn't get frostbite, and my toes didn't fall off. Sweet.
2. Sunday morning I headed out and hopped on the little ferry to Granville Island to shop for presents. As the boat was motoring across False Creek, I had a flash of how yucky it would be to spend the day shopping in the mall. I was very happy to browse the Market stalls until I found the scarves I was looking for (it took about 5 minutes - seriously). The great part was that I was there and finished my planned shopping early enough to just stroll around and browse before the Market got unpleasantly busy. And when it did, I just went off on my merry way.
So a very pleasant weekend has restored my Christmas spirit and personal happiness. Although it is Monday. Which reminds me, I need to do a quiz. Actually, it was Elisabeth that reminded (demanded) that I need to do the quiz.
I hate my job. I know you are all terribly surprised - I've been hiding it so well. So this week's quiz is about employment.
1. What was your favorite job you ever had?
2. What is the earliest thing that you can remember wanting to be "when you grew up"?
3. Rate your current job on a scale of one to ten.
4. If you were independently wealthy, but had to hold down a job, what would it be?
5. Not including vacation, what do you consider to be the most important benefit for employers to offer?
1. I have never been particularly fond of shoes and socks. Sandals or bare feet have always my preferred fashion in footwear and Saturday was one of those days that I just didn't really want to wear shoes. So I wore my sandals. And, this being Vancouver, it was a totally acceptable choice. I didn't get frostbite, and my toes didn't fall off. Sweet.
2. Sunday morning I headed out and hopped on the little ferry to Granville Island to shop for presents. As the boat was motoring across False Creek, I had a flash of how yucky it would be to spend the day shopping in the mall. I was very happy to browse the Market stalls until I found the scarves I was looking for (it took about 5 minutes - seriously). The great part was that I was there and finished my planned shopping early enough to just stroll around and browse before the Market got unpleasantly busy. And when it did, I just went off on my merry way.
So a very pleasant weekend has restored my Christmas spirit and personal happiness. Although it is Monday. Which reminds me, I need to do a quiz. Actually, it was Elisabeth that reminded (demanded) that I need to do the quiz.
I hate my job. I know you are all terribly surprised - I've been hiding it so well. So this week's quiz is about employment.
1. What was your favorite job you ever had?
2. What is the earliest thing that you can remember wanting to be "when you grew up"?
3. Rate your current job on a scale of one to ten.
4. If you were independently wealthy, but had to hold down a job, what would it be?
5. Not including vacation, what do you consider to be the most important benefit for employers to offer?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
I am going to be rich
How you ask? Well, I'll tell you. I am going invent something that woman all over will want. Heck, now that I think of it, men will want it too. I will make a damn fortune. I am going to invent a nasal spray, or drops, that can be used to stop you from crying. How great would that be? In any situation where you are worried about being seen as immature, irrational, over-emotional or, in the case of the men, a sissy, you just duck out of sight, squeeze the mist up your schnoz, and bam, no more tears, you're ready for a fight. Keep one in your purse, at home, at work! Instant sanity, stability and credibility. No more crying when you shouldn't, and best of all no more crying more the more you try to stop crying. Whose with me? Only 19.95 plus shipping and handling. Call now.
And yes, I thought of this idea today, at work in my cubicle, with my head intently straight down looking at a piece of paper that I couldn't actually see because of the tears seeping out of my eyes. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, that I am right, they were wrong and I will bounce back. And seek vengeance. I am just mostly pissed that the ensuing red-nose and puffy face prevented me from going shoe shopping after work as I had planned.
On a funny and deliciously ironic note, check out the email Huey sent me yesterday:
Heather,
Are they working you hard at work? I am sitting in
the library working on my letters -- argh. I don't
think there has ever been anything so painful!!
I haven't had lunch yet. It is 1:30 and I will not
eat until I finish this essay damn it!!
You?
I read this email after I got back from a nearly two-hour lunch with the Vancouver legal team and the Toronto-based head of the legal department. I had the chipotle crusted halibut and a glass of Chardonnay. And it was on the company.
And yes, I thought of this idea today, at work in my cubicle, with my head intently straight down looking at a piece of paper that I couldn't actually see because of the tears seeping out of my eyes. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, that I am right, they were wrong and I will bounce back. And seek vengeance. I am just mostly pissed that the ensuing red-nose and puffy face prevented me from going shoe shopping after work as I had planned.
On a funny and deliciously ironic note, check out the email Huey sent me yesterday:
Heather,
Are they working you hard at work? I am sitting in
the library working on my letters -- argh. I don't
think there has ever been anything so painful!!
I haven't had lunch yet. It is 1:30 and I will not
eat until I finish this essay damn it!!
You?
I read this email after I got back from a nearly two-hour lunch with the Vancouver legal team and the Toronto-based head of the legal department. I had the chipotle crusted halibut and a glass of Chardonnay. And it was on the company.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Quiz Response and The Chicken Soup Diet
I am sick. Again. I cannot swallow, and my sinuses are making me feel as if my face is going to explode. This is not fair. I never get sick. I am a healthy, fit, and strong specimen. I want my old immune system back.
The good news is that the "Non-Drowsy" part of the Sudafed has kicked in and I am as energetic as hummingbird on pixie stix. I usually eschew cold remedies and opt for the "all you can do is rest and take lots of fluids" philosophy of colds, but I am just so sick of feeling sick. So I stocked up on drugs and was quite delighted to feel the intense pressure behind my nose and eyeballs clear up in a matter of minutes. For the record, I am also resting and drinking fluids to actually rid myself of the cold, but I wanted a night off from the symptoms. I do understand the difference between treating the symptoms vs. treating the underlying cause. I am a responsible drug user. Wow, can't believe I feel such a strong need to justify myself in this. Weird.
Anyways, as for the quiz, my personal answers are as follows:
1. I am a sitter. People who hover get pee on the seat which sucks for the rest of us.
2. I think those paper covers are ridiculous. Will that thin paper actually prevent the transmission of a dangerous disease? And what disease can be transmitted via the skin on my butt anyway?
3. Depends on the contents. If it is pee I just sit and go about my business (you know, if it's yellow let it mellow!). If it is nasty I usually pick a different stall. Unless there is someone else in the bathroom at the sinks or something. I don't want them to think I am all anal.
4. I hate continuing conversations while I pee, it is like a violation of my privacy. But I'll keep talking if the other person does.
5. We have autoflush toilets at work and I always let it flush on it's own. I think double flushers are way anal and big water wasters. Boo!
The good news is that the "Non-Drowsy" part of the Sudafed has kicked in and I am as energetic as hummingbird on pixie stix. I usually eschew cold remedies and opt for the "all you can do is rest and take lots of fluids" philosophy of colds, but I am just so sick of feeling sick. So I stocked up on drugs and was quite delighted to feel the intense pressure behind my nose and eyeballs clear up in a matter of minutes. For the record, I am also resting and drinking fluids to actually rid myself of the cold, but I wanted a night off from the symptoms. I do understand the difference between treating the symptoms vs. treating the underlying cause. I am a responsible drug user. Wow, can't believe I feel such a strong need to justify myself in this. Weird.
Anyways, as for the quiz, my personal answers are as follows:
1. I am a sitter. People who hover get pee on the seat which sucks for the rest of us.
2. I think those paper covers are ridiculous. Will that thin paper actually prevent the transmission of a dangerous disease? And what disease can be transmitted via the skin on my butt anyway?
3. Depends on the contents. If it is pee I just sit and go about my business (you know, if it's yellow let it mellow!). If it is nasty I usually pick a different stall. Unless there is someone else in the bathroom at the sinks or something. I don't want them to think I am all anal.
4. I hate continuing conversations while I pee, it is like a violation of my privacy. But I'll keep talking if the other person does.
5. We have autoflush toilets at work and I always let it flush on it's own. I think double flushers are way anal and big water wasters. Boo!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Monday Quiz
I find that some people do strange things when it comes to public bathrooms. I suppose I have a few odd habits and preferences myself. So here are some questions about your bathroom psychology:
1. Do you sit directly on the toilet, or do you hover?
2. If paper seat covers are available, do you use them?
3. If you enter a stall, and the person before you didn'’t flush, what do you do?
a. Move to the next stall
b. Flush the toilet before using
c. Do nothing but your business and flush when you are done
4. You are walking towards the restroom when you encounter another co-worker and begin a conversation, as you both continue towards the washroom and enter your separate stalls. Do you continue the conversation while peeing?
5. You are using a toilet with an automatic flush which has a 3 second time delay. Do you manually flush the toilet before leaving the stall anyway? Even though you know it will then flush again on it's own?
1. Do you sit directly on the toilet, or do you hover?
2. If paper seat covers are available, do you use them?
3. If you enter a stall, and the person before you didn'’t flush, what do you do?
a. Move to the next stall
b. Flush the toilet before using
c. Do nothing but your business and flush when you are done
4. You are walking towards the restroom when you encounter another co-worker and begin a conversation, as you both continue towards the washroom and enter your separate stalls. Do you continue the conversation while peeing?
5. You are using a toilet with an automatic flush which has a 3 second time delay. Do you manually flush the toilet before leaving the stall anyway? Even though you know it will then flush again on it's own?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
The Guinn Gazette
Headline News and Current Affairs
I have a sexy new haircut. See photo. I really like it and it is surprisingly easy to style in the morning.
Last weekend was full of housework and shopping. I managed to get a pretty clean house together and also had some success with buying clothes for work. I had a major brainwave and went into Laura petites. My problem with a lot of tops is that they are too long on me, but petite tops are just the right length, so I had a good selection, and found two nice tops. I also cashed in big time at Winners - where a found an amazing $140 BCBG sweater for $50. It is pretty sweet.
I had tickets for the Decemberists on Saturday night, but it was cancelled because the lead singer is sick. I was really disappointed, cause I spent all day listening to all their CDs while I cleaned house. But the show is rescheduled for Dec. 13, so I don't have to wait too long for the show, as long as Colin's voice heals by then.
I had to give a presentation at work on Wednesday. It was only an internal meeting, but I wasn't very familiar with the material, and I didn't have a lot of time to prepare, so I was pretty nervous. But it seemed to go okay, and people said I did a good job. I wore my fancy new sweater.
Sports
Last night I returned to the rink to get my ass royally kicked. I wasn't going to curl this year - I had it in my head that I would focus on getting back into Rugby, getting certified to teach aerobics, getting back into cross country skiing and finishing up my exams. But there were a few girls on the spare list who were interested in getting a team together, and when they called, I couldn't say no. I'm excited to be playing again - I really enjoy curling. But I am a little worried that my skip might be a complete bitch. She seems a little concerned about winning. Which is bad, because we are not good. I mean, I am more competitive than the average person, but I tend to reserve being competitive for things I am actually good at. Otherwise it is just frustrating. So we'll have to see how the team dynamic goes. I really like the other woman who is playing front end with me. She seems really nice, and shares my view that we should be there for a good time, no matter what the score.
Tonight Mark bought some new x-country skis and we are planning to head out to Manning park this weekend for a day on the trails. I was looking at my x-country ski boots earlier this year, and felt really bad that I haven't got more use out of them. They're the best pair of x-country ski boots I've ever had. So I am really excited to head out this weekend.
Weather
It is still raining most of the time. I honestly think I would prefer to be in a deep-freeze right now, as long as the sun was shining. I am so miserably tired of being wet and having to carry a damn umbrella everywhere. Even snow would be better. At least snow can be brushed off.
I have a sexy new haircut. See photo. I really like it and it is surprisingly easy to style in the morning.
Last weekend was full of housework and shopping. I managed to get a pretty clean house together and also had some success with buying clothes for work. I had a major brainwave and went into Laura petites. My problem with a lot of tops is that they are too long on me, but petite tops are just the right length, so I had a good selection, and found two nice tops. I also cashed in big time at Winners - where a found an amazing $140 BCBG sweater for $50. It is pretty sweet.
I had tickets for the Decemberists on Saturday night, but it was cancelled because the lead singer is sick. I was really disappointed, cause I spent all day listening to all their CDs while I cleaned house. But the show is rescheduled for Dec. 13, so I don't have to wait too long for the show, as long as Colin's voice heals by then.
I had to give a presentation at work on Wednesday. It was only an internal meeting, but I wasn't very familiar with the material, and I didn't have a lot of time to prepare, so I was pretty nervous. But it seemed to go okay, and people said I did a good job. I wore my fancy new sweater.
Sports
Last night I returned to the rink to get my ass royally kicked. I wasn't going to curl this year - I had it in my head that I would focus on getting back into Rugby, getting certified to teach aerobics, getting back into cross country skiing and finishing up my exams. But there were a few girls on the spare list who were interested in getting a team together, and when they called, I couldn't say no. I'm excited to be playing again - I really enjoy curling. But I am a little worried that my skip might be a complete bitch. She seems a little concerned about winning. Which is bad, because we are not good. I mean, I am more competitive than the average person, but I tend to reserve being competitive for things I am actually good at. Otherwise it is just frustrating. So we'll have to see how the team dynamic goes. I really like the other woman who is playing front end with me. She seems really nice, and shares my view that we should be there for a good time, no matter what the score.
Tonight Mark bought some new x-country skis and we are planning to head out to Manning park this weekend for a day on the trails. I was looking at my x-country ski boots earlier this year, and felt really bad that I haven't got more use out of them. They're the best pair of x-country ski boots I've ever had. So I am really excited to head out this weekend.
Weather
It is still raining most of the time. I honestly think I would prefer to be in a deep-freeze right now, as long as the sun was shining. I am so miserably tired of being wet and having to carry a damn umbrella everywhere. Even snow would be better. At least snow can be brushed off.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Cats and Dogs, and Viruses
Guess what? It is raining. In case you weren’t aware, the entire Greater Vancouver Regional District is currently in the market for an ark. And a regional drinking water reservoir that is not full of silt. At present I am watching the news (can you believe that someone got shot, when a fight broke out in a line-up to buy the new Playstation?), waiting for Sushi to be delivered to my door because it is too damn ugly to go out and get our own dinner, and drinking Tang. Thank God I two boxes of Tang from my brother, who stole an entire case of the stuff from the IMAX theatre where he used to work when the theatre was closing. Even after the requisite minute of boiling, and a trip through the Brita, the water does not taste too great. But the Tang that has been in my cupboard for the last 3 years is doing a great job. Thank you Keith.
So, I was pretty much sick all week. I had been feeling rough last week, but still put in a full work-week and spent two wild nights at concerts, and a Friday TGITEOE happy hour. (Thank God it’s the end of exams). Saturday I woke up with a sandpaper throat and a raspy cough which, although I spent all of Saturday on the couch drinking tea, did not even start to get better for four days. I took Tuesday and Wednesday off from work, and essentially just spent five days doing nothing. I actually thought it over and here’s a list, in chronological order, of all the things I watched as I lay on the couch:
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas
2. Brokeback Mountain
3. Little Women
4. Due South – The Call of the Wild
5. The Simpsons (two episodes)
6. House (season 1 finale)
7. Corner Gas (2 episodes)
8. Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl
9. CFL Eastern Final
10. CFL Western Final
11. The Simpsons
12. The Family Guy
13. Without a Trace
14. Fun with Dick and Jane
15. Wheel of Fortune
16. Jeopardy (“Celebrity” – where do they get off calling a CNN news anchor a “celebrity”?)
17. Corner Gas
18. The Class
19. Criminal Minds
20. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
21. In Good Company
22. Wheel of Fortune
23. Jeopardy
24. Gilmore Girls
25. House
26. Little Women
27. Legally Blonde
28. Forrest Gump
29. Pirates of the Caribbean
30. Wheel of Fortune
31. Jeopardy
32. Bones
33. Criminal Minds
Isn’t that amazing? And also kind of pathetic? I sure got my rainy afternoon movie wish, and then some. The upside is that I didn’t have to leave the house on the rainiest days this week. It was downright miserable. So although I felt like crap, at least I stayed dry.
This weekend I plan to continue to take it easy, althought I hope get back to working out by Sunday. I will probably also watch the Grey Cup, and try to do a little shopping - my winter work wardrobe is pretty dismal at the moment.
Hope you all have a good weekend!
So, I was pretty much sick all week. I had been feeling rough last week, but still put in a full work-week and spent two wild nights at concerts, and a Friday TGITEOE happy hour. (Thank God it’s the end of exams). Saturday I woke up with a sandpaper throat and a raspy cough which, although I spent all of Saturday on the couch drinking tea, did not even start to get better for four days. I took Tuesday and Wednesday off from work, and essentially just spent five days doing nothing. I actually thought it over and here’s a list, in chronological order, of all the things I watched as I lay on the couch:
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas
2. Brokeback Mountain
3. Little Women
4. Due South – The Call of the Wild
5. The Simpsons (two episodes)
6. House (season 1 finale)
7. Corner Gas (2 episodes)
8. Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl
9. CFL Eastern Final
10. CFL Western Final
11. The Simpsons
12. The Family Guy
13. Without a Trace
14. Fun with Dick and Jane
15. Wheel of Fortune
16. Jeopardy (“Celebrity” – where do they get off calling a CNN news anchor a “celebrity”?)
17. Corner Gas
18. The Class
19. Criminal Minds
20. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
21. In Good Company
22. Wheel of Fortune
23. Jeopardy
24. Gilmore Girls
25. House
26. Little Women
27. Legally Blonde
28. Forrest Gump
29. Pirates of the Caribbean
30. Wheel of Fortune
31. Jeopardy
32. Bones
33. Criminal Minds
Isn’t that amazing? And also kind of pathetic? I sure got my rainy afternoon movie wish, and then some. The upside is that I didn’t have to leave the house on the rainiest days this week. It was downright miserable. So although I felt like crap, at least I stayed dry.
This weekend I plan to continue to take it easy, althought I hope get back to working out by Sunday. I will probably also watch the Grey Cup, and try to do a little shopping - my winter work wardrobe is pretty dismal at the moment.
Hope you all have a good weekend!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Three Blogs in One?
Wow, I have been busy. Even with no more exam hanging over my head, I manage to pack the days full (plus I am at work all day again - a five day work week is long!), so there are a few things I need to catch up on. So here are a few housekeeping notes:
MONDAY QUIZ
Mom: I am in complete agreement with you on the ear wiggling. I really wish I could do that in the middle of serious conversations :)
Andrea: I appreciate your enthusiasm and creative thinking, but good luck getting into a submarine without anybody noticing the wall of water that would flood in with you. Assuming that you could overcome thousands of pounds of water pressure to open the hatch.
Elisabeth: I know you walk to school, but seriously, you don't carry ID to school? What if you get hit by a bus?
Huey: Thanks for the tip, but I don't plan on getting a flu shot myself. I feel that getting the flu is my God given right to sleep all day and take a break from life for a day. I may feel differently when I am vomiting and aching all over, but for now, that is my stance.
TRAGICALLY AWESOME!!!
Monday night, despite my crazy sore throat, we were off the Commodore Ballroom (capacity: 990 ppl) to see the Hip. OMG - it was so, so awesome. I dragged poor Mark right to the front, about 6 feet from the stage and into the mad the crush of crazy, dancing Hip fans. Unbelievable. It is so great to be that close to the bizarre entity that is Gord Downie. He is so weird :) Crazy dance moves, microphone stand boxing, and lying down on stage for no apparent reason was just the beginning. I screamed my lungs out and on the way home begged Mark to stop at 7-11 to get a Slurpee for my poor jagged throat.
CHICKS RULE!!!
I think that I should go to two concerts a week more often. Last night's show was the Dixie Chicks at GM place. Now the sound and level of intimacy of GM place leaves something to be desired after seeing one's favorite band at the Commodore, but still - a fabulous show. Natalie Maines is such a cutie. And she wears the role of feisty Bush-Basher so well. I think they struck a great balance, touching on the (unwitting) politicized of the band, but mostly just playing some great music. And Mom, you would have loved the violin (fiddle) solos. The crowd went crazy every time. It was awesome. I love that Rock-Bluegrass sound.
So that was my crazy week. This weekend we are taking it slow. I have one thing planned - dinner with Candace Sunday - and that's it. And I like it that way. Perhaps I will blog more. Who knows?
Okay. Over and out for now!
MONDAY QUIZ
Mom: I am in complete agreement with you on the ear wiggling. I really wish I could do that in the middle of serious conversations :)
Andrea: I appreciate your enthusiasm and creative thinking, but good luck getting into a submarine without anybody noticing the wall of water that would flood in with you. Assuming that you could overcome thousands of pounds of water pressure to open the hatch.
Elisabeth: I know you walk to school, but seriously, you don't carry ID to school? What if you get hit by a bus?
Huey: Thanks for the tip, but I don't plan on getting a flu shot myself. I feel that getting the flu is my God given right to sleep all day and take a break from life for a day. I may feel differently when I am vomiting and aching all over, but for now, that is my stance.
TRAGICALLY AWESOME!!!
Monday night, despite my crazy sore throat, we were off the Commodore Ballroom (capacity: 990 ppl) to see the Hip. OMG - it was so, so awesome. I dragged poor Mark right to the front, about 6 feet from the stage and into the mad the crush of crazy, dancing Hip fans. Unbelievable. It is so great to be that close to the bizarre entity that is Gord Downie. He is so weird :) Crazy dance moves, microphone stand boxing, and lying down on stage for no apparent reason was just the beginning. I screamed my lungs out and on the way home begged Mark to stop at 7-11 to get a Slurpee for my poor jagged throat.
CHICKS RULE!!!
I think that I should go to two concerts a week more often. Last night's show was the Dixie Chicks at GM place. Now the sound and level of intimacy of GM place leaves something to be desired after seeing one's favorite band at the Commodore, but still - a fabulous show. Natalie Maines is such a cutie. And she wears the role of feisty Bush-Basher so well. I think they struck a great balance, touching on the (unwitting) politicized of the band, but mostly just playing some great music. And Mom, you would have loved the violin (fiddle) solos. The crowd went crazy every time. It was awesome. I love that Rock-Bluegrass sound.
So that was my crazy week. This weekend we are taking it slow. I have one thing planned - dinner with Candace Sunday - and that's it. And I like it that way. Perhaps I will blog more. Who knows?
Okay. Over and out for now!
Monday, November 06, 2006
I almost forgot that today was Monday
Seriously. Well, I knew it was Monday, but I forgot the implications. Despite being tired, and now fighting a post-exam cold (Boo-urns), I need to think up a Monday Quiz. Ugh. Okay we'll keep it simple and just throw out a couple of would-you-rather/either-or questions and some other random things I gleaned from the six o'clock news.
1. Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune?
2. Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly?
3. Will you get a Flu shot this year?
4. Will you give blood this year?
5. If you could instantly be empowered with one of the following talents, which would you choose: able to stand on your head, wiggle your ears, hold your breath for 5 minutes, impervious to hiccups?
I know that was kind of lame. But my brain is tired. I'll try to be more interesting next week.
1. Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune?
2. Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly?
3. Will you get a Flu shot this year?
4. Will you give blood this year?
5. If you could instantly be empowered with one of the following talents, which would you choose: able to stand on your head, wiggle your ears, hold your breath for 5 minutes, impervious to hiccups?
I know that was kind of lame. But my brain is tired. I'll try to be more interesting next week.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween
Elisabeth, your friend "Belinda" is awesome. I'm tremendously impressed. You don't carve pumpkins due to a lack of artistic talent? The traditional jack-o-lantern face is comprised entirely of triangles. How hard is it to carve a triangle? Andrea, your mermaid girl story is impressive too. That takes mega guts. Maybe I'll do crunches every day for the next year and...yeah, never mind.
As for me....
1. Hard call - I loved the Snow White costume that was passed down to me from my cousin. My Aunt is a pretty accomplished seamstress, and it was a gorgeous dress. Too bad it was hidden under the parka. I also liked being a bumble-bee. I took an old "witch" costume (essentially two squares of black cloth sewn together leaving holes for my head and arms) and sewed yellow stripes around it. I felt quite ingenious.
2. Huey's Tinkerbelle of 2003 (I think). It was so cute. Check out the pic on her blog. Weird to see her with the blonde wig.
3. Coffee Crisp. My regular sized favorite is Skor and I've never ever seen a miniature one.
4. Eat a bag of candy while watching the Mercer Report (he is apparently going to have a sleep over with Stephen Harper's kids - I am surprised that Harper will let his children even speak to a Homosexual, let alone have a sleep-over with one - maybe he is not such a bigot after all, hmm... nah), and House. Then I will study until the sugar buzz wears off and I fall asleep drooling on my books.
5. Scary
As for me....
1. Hard call - I loved the Snow White costume that was passed down to me from my cousin. My Aunt is a pretty accomplished seamstress, and it was a gorgeous dress. Too bad it was hidden under the parka. I also liked being a bumble-bee. I took an old "witch" costume (essentially two squares of black cloth sewn together leaving holes for my head and arms) and sewed yellow stripes around it. I felt quite ingenious.
2. Huey's Tinkerbelle of 2003 (I think). It was so cute. Check out the pic on her blog. Weird to see her with the blonde wig.
3. Coffee Crisp. My regular sized favorite is Skor and I've never ever seen a miniature one.
4. Eat a bag of candy while watching the Mercer Report (he is apparently going to have a sleep over with Stephen Harper's kids - I am surprised that Harper will let his children even speak to a Homosexual, let alone have a sleep-over with one - maybe he is not such a bigot after all, hmm... nah), and House. Then I will study until the sugar buzz wears off and I fall asleep drooling on my books.
5. Scary
Monday, October 30, 2006
Halloween Quiz
OMG - 10 hours of hard core studying today. I walked in the door from the library 15 minutes ago. I rock pensions hard core. No really. Hard Core!
So this week's quiz is in honour of Halloween (what a surprise). I am pretty bitter about several years of Halloweens being sacrificed to the SOA, without any dressing up, pub crawls or parties. Boo-urns. So I shall live vicariously. Yay!
1. What was your favorite costume ever (that you wore)?
2. What was your favorite costume ever (that someone else was wearing)?
3. What is your favorite miniature chocolate bar? Is it different from your favorite regular sized bar? (I'm serious - ratios can be affected by shrinking to "fun" sizes, and taste thusly affected, so it would be reasonable to have your favorite miniature different than your favorite regular size)
4. What are your Halloween plans this year?
5. You are carving a Jack-o-Lantern. Scary face or Funny face?
I'm going to bed.
So this week's quiz is in honour of Halloween (what a surprise). I am pretty bitter about several years of Halloweens being sacrificed to the SOA, without any dressing up, pub crawls or parties. Boo-urns. So I shall live vicariously. Yay!
1. What was your favorite costume ever (that you wore)?
2. What was your favorite costume ever (that someone else was wearing)?
3. What is your favorite miniature chocolate bar? Is it different from your favorite regular sized bar? (I'm serious - ratios can be affected by shrinking to "fun" sizes, and taste thusly affected, so it would be reasonable to have your favorite miniature different than your favorite regular size)
4. What are your Halloween plans this year?
5. You are carving a Jack-o-Lantern. Scary face or Funny face?
I'm going to bed.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Missing Person
Tall smart and gorgeous Asian woman reported missing.
Last seen: Online the morning of October 15th
Responds to: Huey, Kiwi, Ed (go figure) and "Hey you - I've got food!"
Distinguishing Features: adorable unique freckles and unbelievably perfect tears (when moved)
If seen, please comment on this blog. We miss our Huey!
Last seen: Online the morning of October 15th
Responds to: Huey, Kiwi, Ed (go figure) and "Hey you - I've got food!"
Distinguishing Features: adorable unique freckles and unbelievably perfect tears (when moved)
If seen, please comment on this blog. We miss our Huey!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Quiz Response
My own responses are as follows:
1. I am definitely renting Little Women for my couch potato day. I never get tired of that one. Pirates of the Carribean is on the list as well, although I may look for it this weekend when I decide I need a little break and some cuddle time.
2. Today we had run out of cuccumbers, so I had cream cheese, salami and red peppers. The only reason these are all new combos to me is that I really never eat salami. It is just too fatty to have all the time, but you know what? It is freaking tasty.
3. I also choose Rick. Funniest guy ever.
In other news, tomorow I have my appointment at the Hewitt Annual Health fair. They bring in a private nurse every year and if we like we can sign up and get our blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and body fat measured. I'm really nervous that the nurse is going to tell me I am a fatty. I know it is a mainly irrational fear, as I am pretty active and, besides my sweet tooth, eat pretty healthy. But what if I am making this effort to exercise and eat right, and I am still in a health risk category? That would be so upsetting and frusterating. I was going to go for a run after work to make me feel better about it, but it was all dark when I got home. So I just spent 20 minutes peeling and cutting two pounds of carrots into sticks, so that I at least know I will be eating healthy snacks for the next few days. And I will go to kick-boxing tomorrow at lunch. And maybe I will sign up for that 10k I have been procrastinating about.
Time to go - TTFN.
1. I am definitely renting Little Women for my couch potato day. I never get tired of that one. Pirates of the Carribean is on the list as well, although I may look for it this weekend when I decide I need a little break and some cuddle time.
2. Today we had run out of cuccumbers, so I had cream cheese, salami and red peppers. The only reason these are all new combos to me is that I really never eat salami. It is just too fatty to have all the time, but you know what? It is freaking tasty.
3. I also choose Rick. Funniest guy ever.
In other news, tomorow I have my appointment at the Hewitt Annual Health fair. They bring in a private nurse every year and if we like we can sign up and get our blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and body fat measured. I'm really nervous that the nurse is going to tell me I am a fatty. I know it is a mainly irrational fear, as I am pretty active and, besides my sweet tooth, eat pretty healthy. But what if I am making this effort to exercise and eat right, and I am still in a health risk category? That would be so upsetting and frusterating. I was going to go for a run after work to make me feel better about it, but it was all dark when I got home. So I just spent 20 minutes peeling and cutting two pounds of carrots into sticks, so that I at least know I will be eating healthy snacks for the next few days. And I will go to kick-boxing tomorrow at lunch. And maybe I will sign up for that 10k I have been procrastinating about.
Time to go - TTFN.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Monday Quiz
It's back, after I forgot about it for a while. Just an couple easy questions this time, I'm not in the mood for hard questions right now.
1. While staring out the window at the library over the weekend I spent a good deal of time fantasizing madly about a rainy Saturday afternoon wrapped in blankies and watching several ridiculous movies in a row pausing only to make popcorn and pee as necessary. Recommend one ridiculous movie for my upcoming rainy afternoon.
2. Today, for lack of having anything better in the fridge, I made a sandwich of a combination I had never had before - cream cheese, cucumber and salami. It was really good. Describe a three topping sandwich you have never tried, but think would be good. Bonus credit if you actually try it this week.
3. Who would you rather go on a date with: Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert or Rick Mercer?
1. While staring out the window at the library over the weekend I spent a good deal of time fantasizing madly about a rainy Saturday afternoon wrapped in blankies and watching several ridiculous movies in a row pausing only to make popcorn and pee as necessary. Recommend one ridiculous movie for my upcoming rainy afternoon.
2. Today, for lack of having anything better in the fridge, I made a sandwich of a combination I had never had before - cream cheese, cucumber and salami. It was really good. Describe a three topping sandwich you have never tried, but think would be good. Bonus credit if you actually try it this week.
3. Who would you rather go on a date with: Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert or Rick Mercer?
Sunday, October 15, 2006
It IS Magical
So home last weekend, my mother was raving about the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. She said it was the best thing she'd ever used on the bathtub and I was intrigued. When I ran out of Fruits & Passion Botanical cleanser a while ago, I did something very environmentally unfriendly, and picked up a bottle of Tilex with Bleach. Yes, I feel slight guilty as I spary it generously over the tub, it sort of irritates my throat as I am wiping it down, and Mark complains bitterly about the scent of bleach (I am quite fond of this scent for various associative reasons, but that's another story), but damn, that is one sparkling clean tub when I am done. Shiney and white and perfect. But yes, I was inrtigued by my mother's claims. This little white sponge, really a magical innovation in cleaning? I had to try it. So on my way home from the library last night, I stopped in at London Drugs and when I got home went straight to the bathroom to try it. And yes ladies and gentlemen. It is magical. I was amazed. I have no idea how it works, but with minimal elbow grease, and what appears to be no harsh chemicals, the tub was sparkling clean. It is as if they somehow got the properties of steel wool into a peice of non-abrasive foam. Plus it is like a magnet for hair, which is the bain of my existence while cleaning the bathroom. Highly reccomended.
And for my Mom: Stop buying cleaning supplies and toiletries at Safeway! London Drugs is almost always, always cheaper. Only 3.29 for two Magic Erasers.
Okay. That is quite enough blogging about cleaning products. Time to go to the library.
Cheers.
And for my Mom: Stop buying cleaning supplies and toiletries at Safeway! London Drugs is almost always, always cheaper. Only 3.29 for two Magic Erasers.
Okay. That is quite enough blogging about cleaning products. Time to go to the library.
Cheers.
Friday, October 13, 2006
A gameshow host I despise more than Howie Mandel
My exciting Friday night study break is..wait for it...watching a new gameshow, 1 vs. 100. It had an interesting premise, so I wanted to watch a bit to see how it was. I still like the premise, but I swear, I don't think I can stand another minute of Bob Saget. He has got to be the world's biggest chump.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
I want to blog...
..but I have to go study.
Had a great time in Calgary last weekend. Too great, really. Going home made me homesick.
Later gators.
Had a great time in Calgary last weekend. Too great, really. Going home made me homesick.
Later gators.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
There is a little feminist inside of me.
Get ready, she's about to speak.
So, let me just say that I love the Gilmore Girls. Great show, look forward to it every week. Sweet and heartwarming, with enough sarcastic wit to keep me from puking from the syrup of it all. A great recipe for a show.
Also, let me say that I do indeed want babies. I can only hope to be so lucky as to one day squeeze out my own squirming, slimy, screaming progeny. I think it will be profound and wonderful, and I look forward to raising my children with great excitement.
But last night on Gilmore Girls when Lane announced she was pregnant, I threw up a little in my own mouth. I was beyond furious. The feminist inside me started to yell and there is no stopping her.
I mean think about it. Here's Lane, a great supporting character. She's show great depth, demonstrating the difficulty of clashing so deeply with one's family, but at the same time wanting to love them and be loved by them. She has shown how patience and love and the right amount of hot-headed rebellion can bridge that gap. She is a talented musician, and she is obviously the leader in the band she plays with, easily being the smartest and most driven out the four of them. And the only female. She's entered into what could be a very quirky, and dynamic marriage. Potentially full of comic material for the show. So after all this, apparently, this is how it went down in the writer's studio:
"What should happen to Lane and Zack?"
"Oh, I don't know. How about they record a CD?"
"Nah"
"How about we come up with some funny new scenarios as Lane tries to explore her sexuality?" (THIS COULD HAVE BEEN GOLD - plus it could've addressed in a positive way something that lots of women struggle with)
"Nah"
"They could buy a house? Start a business?""
"Nah - Let's just knock her up. That's all women are good for anyway"
ARGH! It just seemed so lame. And it seemed to very much reinforce that, according to Hollywood, all us gals are on our way to the barefoot bliss of the kitchen, so why not just hurry up.
It pissed me off and I think it is pathetic. mark my words, when the season finale comes down, it won't end with Rory landing her dream job as an Asian correspondent for the NY Times., and heading off to see the world. It'll end with her getting engaged. Because that, of course is the ultimate that we all aspire to. Vomit.
And in other news: Stephen Harper is a big dickhead. He seems to think we should allow people to discriminate against other people because of their religion. So if your religion is opposed to gay marriage you don't have to perform ceremonies for homosexuals or let them rent your church basement for a reception. So I suppose if you were a CEO and your religion is opposed to women having jobs outside the home, you should be allowed to not hire any women, for just that reason. Or if you own a restaurant or store and your religion says that women should be veiled when they go outside the house, you shouldn't have to serve them if they are wearing shorts.
He is so dumb. It drives me crazy.
So, let me just say that I love the Gilmore Girls. Great show, look forward to it every week. Sweet and heartwarming, with enough sarcastic wit to keep me from puking from the syrup of it all. A great recipe for a show.
Also, let me say that I do indeed want babies. I can only hope to be so lucky as to one day squeeze out my own squirming, slimy, screaming progeny. I think it will be profound and wonderful, and I look forward to raising my children with great excitement.
But last night on Gilmore Girls when Lane announced she was pregnant, I threw up a little in my own mouth. I was beyond furious. The feminist inside me started to yell and there is no stopping her.
I mean think about it. Here's Lane, a great supporting character. She's show great depth, demonstrating the difficulty of clashing so deeply with one's family, but at the same time wanting to love them and be loved by them. She has shown how patience and love and the right amount of hot-headed rebellion can bridge that gap. She is a talented musician, and she is obviously the leader in the band she plays with, easily being the smartest and most driven out the four of them. And the only female. She's entered into what could be a very quirky, and dynamic marriage. Potentially full of comic material for the show. So after all this, apparently, this is how it went down in the writer's studio:
"What should happen to Lane and Zack?"
"Oh, I don't know. How about they record a CD?"
"Nah"
"How about we come up with some funny new scenarios as Lane tries to explore her sexuality?" (THIS COULD HAVE BEEN GOLD - plus it could've addressed in a positive way something that lots of women struggle with)
"Nah"
"They could buy a house? Start a business?""
"Nah - Let's just knock her up. That's all women are good for anyway"
ARGH! It just seemed so lame. And it seemed to very much reinforce that, according to Hollywood, all us gals are on our way to the barefoot bliss of the kitchen, so why not just hurry up.
It pissed me off and I think it is pathetic. mark my words, when the season finale comes down, it won't end with Rory landing her dream job as an Asian correspondent for the NY Times., and heading off to see the world. It'll end with her getting engaged. Because that, of course is the ultimate that we all aspire to. Vomit.
And in other news: Stephen Harper is a big dickhead. He seems to think we should allow people to discriminate against other people because of their religion. So if your religion is opposed to gay marriage you don't have to perform ceremonies for homosexuals or let them rent your church basement for a reception. So I suppose if you were a CEO and your religion is opposed to women having jobs outside the home, you should be allowed to not hire any women, for just that reason. Or if you own a restaurant or store and your religion says that women should be veiled when they go outside the house, you shouldn't have to serve them if they are wearing shorts.
He is so dumb. It drives me crazy.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Birthday Recap
Here's a quickie before I hit the books...
- birthday was a study day (bummer), but that meant I got to sleep in and wear my comfy pants and favorite hoody all day
- a birthday phone call from my Great Aunt Norrine
- birthday bouquets, one from Mom and Dad, an exotic mix that included star-gazers (my favorite since Andrea bought me them for my sweet sixteenth) and one from Mark, a fall colors mix of red and yellow, roses, lilies, sun flowers and daisies
- 2 birthday mentions on other blogs
- 2 happy birthday comments on my blog
- 2 birthday cards in the mail
- a hockey game, where the Flames lost. Jerks. I have to keep telling myself it is pre-season so it doesn't matter
I think there might be more birthday greetings on my work email, but I left my laptop at the office for my study day. Which just means that I get to stretch out my birthday an extra few days.
- birthday was a study day (bummer), but that meant I got to sleep in and wear my comfy pants and favorite hoody all day
- a birthday phone call from my Great Aunt Norrine
- birthday bouquets, one from Mom and Dad, an exotic mix that included star-gazers (my favorite since Andrea bought me them for my sweet sixteenth) and one from Mark, a fall colors mix of red and yellow, roses, lilies, sun flowers and daisies
- 2 birthday mentions on other blogs
- 2 happy birthday comments on my blog
- 2 birthday cards in the mail
- a hockey game, where the Flames lost. Jerks. I have to keep telling myself it is pre-season so it doesn't matter
I think there might be more birthday greetings on my work email, but I left my laptop at the office for my study day. Which just means that I get to stretch out my birthday an extra few days.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Because Huey told me too.
Okay, so I haven't blogged in what might feel like ages. That's due to the following:
Sunday: Dinner at the Mervyn's in honor of my birthday. A delicious roast and a "Grand Slam" Cake. Mom, I am totally making this at Christmas. Elisabeth, this recipe is in "The Best of the Best." You should totally try it.
Monday: Taleen came over and we had Thai takeout, and indulged in a guilty pleasure - the season premier of "7th Heaven." Yes, I love that show. And I am not going to apologize or feel ashamed, so bite me. Everybody has something mindless that they enjoy, maybe mindless violent video games, mindless reality TV. I choose a mindless show that is sweet and idealistic, and I stand by that choice.
Tuesday: My birthday Surprise from Mark. Why three days early, you ask? Well, I suppose because I really couldn't expect Paul Simon to change the date of his concert just for me. OMG it was such a great show. How can he have such a fabulous voice at the age of sixty-five? I enjoyed the concert so, so, so much.
Wednesday: The Hewitt-Mercer Second Annual Texas Hold 'em Tournament in support of the United Way. I didn't play, but I helped out with registration and then ate pizza and watched the action. It was good fun. Some very intense play, and some very surprising twists.
Today: I was supposed to go to rugby practice, but I skipped to study. And now I am blogging. Because Huey ordered me to. But now I am going to go and make good on the studying, because I am weeks behind, and it's been four days since I cracked a book.
Later Gators.
Sunday: Dinner at the Mervyn's in honor of my birthday. A delicious roast and a "Grand Slam" Cake. Mom, I am totally making this at Christmas. Elisabeth, this recipe is in "The Best of the Best." You should totally try it.
Monday: Taleen came over and we had Thai takeout, and indulged in a guilty pleasure - the season premier of "7th Heaven." Yes, I love that show. And I am not going to apologize or feel ashamed, so bite me. Everybody has something mindless that they enjoy, maybe mindless violent video games, mindless reality TV. I choose a mindless show that is sweet and idealistic, and I stand by that choice.
Tuesday: My birthday Surprise from Mark. Why three days early, you ask? Well, I suppose because I really couldn't expect Paul Simon to change the date of his concert just for me. OMG it was such a great show. How can he have such a fabulous voice at the age of sixty-five? I enjoyed the concert so, so, so much.
Wednesday: The Hewitt-Mercer Second Annual Texas Hold 'em Tournament in support of the United Way. I didn't play, but I helped out with registration and then ate pizza and watched the action. It was good fun. Some very intense play, and some very surprising twists.
Today: I was supposed to go to rugby practice, but I skipped to study. And now I am blogging. Because Huey ordered me to. But now I am going to go and make good on the studying, because I am weeks behind, and it's been four days since I cracked a book.
Later Gators.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Free Hockey Tickets!!!
Woooo! Today at work I won a draw for a pair of hockey tickets. I guess they don't bother taking clients to the pre-season. But the best part? It's to the game on my BIRTHDAY and it's against Calgary! How amazing and perfect is that? Woooo! I can't wait. I think it has been about 15 years since I last went to an NHL game.
Those Flames better win on my birthday.
Those Flames better win on my birthday.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Actuarial Analysis
Huey: As per your answers we first deduct $80,000 for student loans leaving 1.5 million dollars. For your analysis, I have selected an assumed rate of return of 5.0% which is reasonable, and in the neighborhood of the rates recommended by the CIA for approximating annuity purchase rates. I have also used the Uninsured Pensioner mortality 1994 Table, with projection to 2015, which is again based on the CIA annuity proxy. Based on these assumptions, the immediate life annuity factor for a 25 year old female is 19.1605. Dividing the $1.5 million lump-sum by this factor yields an annual income of $78,286. Not too shabby. Taking the million dollar figure from her answer to question # 2, we get an annual income of $52,190. So we can surmise that Huey's implicit expected mortgage payment is around $26,000.
Elisabeth: I might have to again deduct credit for your vague answer; your lengthy description of all the fun immediate things you would do, left me having to make additional assumptions in my analysis. In the actuarial world, the fewer assumptions, the better, as our assumptions are never born out exactly in practice, and lead to various actuarial gains and losses (ie: us being kind of wrong). At any rate, suppose that of your $10 million you put $2 million aside in a separate "slush fund" to be accessed at any time to buy toys and take vacations. If you put the remaining amount into an ING savings account (if you ever do win $10 million I highly recommend engaging an investment consultant - last year my standard life RRSPs made like 14%), at 3.25%, the life annuity factor for you would be 26.0714, so you would have a yearly income of $306,850. You're right. You are greedy.
Note that if Elisabeth and Huey both won the same amount of money($1.5 million): at 5%, Huey had a yearly income of $78,286, but at 3.25%, Elisabeth would only get $38,326. Amazing what a difference that measly little 1.75% makes. Not to mention that Elisabeth is slightly older than Huey (yes, your annuity factors are calculated using your exact birthdays - only the finest actuarial calculations for my friends), so her $38,000 is expected to be paid for a shorter time.
Wow, I can't believe I did all that work stuff, just now, especially since I came home sick at noon today. You would think I'd have avoided this. But Huey blogged while she was sick, and I did have a fairly substantial nap this aft and am feeling somewhat better.
I hope that the skies are less grey where you all are. Vancouver style fall has asserted itself today.
Bye now.
Elisabeth: I might have to again deduct credit for your vague answer; your lengthy description of all the fun immediate things you would do, left me having to make additional assumptions in my analysis. In the actuarial world, the fewer assumptions, the better, as our assumptions are never born out exactly in practice, and lead to various actuarial gains and losses (ie: us being kind of wrong). At any rate, suppose that of your $10 million you put $2 million aside in a separate "slush fund" to be accessed at any time to buy toys and take vacations. If you put the remaining amount into an ING savings account (if you ever do win $10 million I highly recommend engaging an investment consultant - last year my standard life RRSPs made like 14%), at 3.25%, the life annuity factor for you would be 26.0714, so you would have a yearly income of $306,850. You're right. You are greedy.
Note that if Elisabeth and Huey both won the same amount of money($1.5 million): at 5%, Huey had a yearly income of $78,286, but at 3.25%, Elisabeth would only get $38,326. Amazing what a difference that measly little 1.75% makes. Not to mention that Elisabeth is slightly older than Huey (yes, your annuity factors are calculated using your exact birthdays - only the finest actuarial calculations for my friends), so her $38,000 is expected to be paid for a shorter time.
Wow, I can't believe I did all that work stuff, just now, especially since I came home sick at noon today. You would think I'd have avoided this. But Huey blogged while she was sick, and I did have a fairly substantial nap this aft and am feeling somewhat better.
I hope that the skies are less grey where you all are. Vancouver style fall has asserted itself today.
Bye now.
Monday, September 18, 2006
This Week's Quiz
First of all, the scores from last week's quiz. Huey and my Mom get full credit for answering (feta and velveeta, respectively). Bonus credit awarded to my mom for reminding me of the "edible oil product" category of cheese, and my own affection for Cheese Whiz. Elisabeth gets partial credit. Although she responded, her answer was more a description of her cheese-related shopping habits, rather than a fast commitment to consuming a single cheese for the rest of one's life. But thank you to all those who participated, and gave me motivation to think up another interesting quiz. This week, it is all about money, and there are three parts*.
1. What is the minimum amount of money you could win today, that you believe would allow you to quit working, and not perform another day of paid work for the rest of your life?
2. If your windfall from question one included a house, mortgage-free, how would your answer change?
3. If the house were in a small prairie town, say, Kipling, Saskatchewan, would you take it, just to be able to stop working? Or would you rather continue working so that you could live elsewhere?
*If you include with your response the interest rate you think you could earn on your winnings, and your current age, I will provide you with an actuarial analysis of your answer.
1. What is the minimum amount of money you could win today, that you believe would allow you to quit working, and not perform another day of paid work for the rest of your life?
2. If your windfall from question one included a house, mortgage-free, how would your answer change?
3. If the house were in a small prairie town, say, Kipling, Saskatchewan, would you take it, just to be able to stop working? Or would you rather continue working so that you could live elsewhere?
*If you include with your response the interest rate you think you could earn on your winnings, and your current age, I will provide you with an actuarial analysis of your answer.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Heather vs. Fashion
Fashion 1, Heather 0
*sarcasm warning*
I don't know about anybody else, but I am just so thrilled that the big fashion trend for this fall is tucked-in shirts and pants that sit at the "natural waist." I think it is so awesome. I mean, the fact that my "natural" waist is about 2 inches below my breasts makes tucking in a shirt positively delightful. Oh and the little wee belts that I am supposed to cinch around my "waist" are abolutey the most delightful accessory in years.
*seriously*
I tried on a pair of "natural" waist pants tonight, and tucked in a shirt, because I thought it would be funny to see what it looked like. And it was funny, in that "omg I look like a sausage and I am going to go home and cry into a pint of ice cream" kind of way. A very stylish sausage though. No denying that.
If anybody sees a pair of low-rise jeans with 2% spandex in 'em anywhere, please let me know. In the meantime, I am going to see how many days in a row I can wear my sweatpants.
Okay, bye now.
*sarcasm warning*
I don't know about anybody else, but I am just so thrilled that the big fashion trend for this fall is tucked-in shirts and pants that sit at the "natural waist." I think it is so awesome. I mean, the fact that my "natural" waist is about 2 inches below my breasts makes tucking in a shirt positively delightful. Oh and the little wee belts that I am supposed to cinch around my "waist" are abolutey the most delightful accessory in years.
*seriously*
I tried on a pair of "natural" waist pants tonight, and tucked in a shirt, because I thought it would be funny to see what it looked like. And it was funny, in that "omg I look like a sausage and I am going to go home and cry into a pint of ice cream" kind of way. A very stylish sausage though. No denying that.
If anybody sees a pair of low-rise jeans with 2% spandex in 'em anywhere, please let me know. In the meantime, I am going to see how many days in a row I can wear my sweatpants.
Okay, bye now.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Monday Quiz
I think I will try to add a weekly feature to my blog in the form of a fun question to ponder. This week's quiz question came to me while I was making a delicious omlette for dinner, with tomatoe, mushrooms and feta.
If you could only have one kind of cheese for the rest of your life, what kind would it be?
My three finalists for this question were brie, feta and sharp english cheddar. I think when pressed, I would ultimately choose the cheddar. It's probably the most versatile. But it has to be sharp, old english cheddar. None of that rubbery orange American junk.
Ciao!
If you could only have one kind of cheese for the rest of your life, what kind would it be?
My three finalists for this question were brie, feta and sharp english cheddar. I think when pressed, I would ultimately choose the cheddar. It's probably the most versatile. But it has to be sharp, old english cheddar. None of that rubbery orange American junk.
Ciao!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
iPod, iTunes, iRun
I am so happy to have my new toy, my sweet little 2GB iPod Nano. I swear I will probably only use it when I go running, but that will make it worth every penny. I enjoy running ten times more when I have the right music to keep me motivated. So far I have loaded 67 songs from 5 old mix CD's that I made years ago to take running with my clunky discman, which seems to be pretty much dead. So I loaded up the iPod, put it on shuffle, and hit the pavement. These are the tracks it served up:
1. Whiskey in the Jar - Metallica Version
2. Dizzy up the Girl - Goo Goo Dolls
3. Authority Song - John Mellancamp (Actually, I think that one is from his "Cougar" days)
4. Drug, Drug, Druggy - Manic Street Preachers
5. Spaceman - Bif Naked
6. Dreams - The Cranberries
7. Some dance track from Dance Mix 90-something. I think it is called "No Limit"
8. I want you - Savage Garden
9. Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
10. Everytime you Go - The Tragically Hip
11. Run to the Hills - Iron Maiden
12. If I were you - Kasey Chambers
13. Hello Time Bomb - Matthew Good Band
This list make me laugh. You can't say I have narrow tastes in music. I'm all about classic rock, banger metal, 90's pop, techno dance mixes, Welsh punk, Australian folk, modern metal bands covering Gaelic traditional. There are 54 other songs in my running folder on the iPod. I can't wait to hear what combination of tunes I get on Tuesday.
So, I have good stories from my run. First of all, I wasn't going to go, because it was raining when I got back from library. But while I was talking to my Mom on the phone, she told me to get off my butt and go anyway. Then by the time I was finished talking to the folks, it wasn't raining anymore. I left about ten past seven, and it was so nice out. Warm, but fresh from the earlier rain. I ran down Beach Ave, taking the "upper" path the second beach. Then I turned right and towards lost lagoon. I went around the lagoon sticking to the path close to the water's edge, until an enormous flock of geese seemed very uninclined to vacate the path, and instead continued to move towards me in a rather menacing fashion. I decided to avoid the confrontation, and ran up the slope to the higher path. As I was returning the second beach, I encountered two bicycles thrown on the path carelessly. Accident? Mugging? No, a family of raccoons and two stupid, stupid people feeding them and videotaping all their rabid adorableness. I wasn't terribly inclined to run past the garbage eating pests and risk frightening them, so I once again went off road, although this time I felt less conciliatory about it. I mean seriously. We don't feed the wildlife, people. They become dependent, and become even bigger pests than they already are. And yes, some of them do carry rabies. Idiots. I ran around second beach pool, and noted that the viz in the bay seemed pretty good (ever since I learned to SCUBA dive, I always check out the visibility when I am on the seawall). Spent the last stretch of my run with a full view of my apartment, which is always sort of fun. I was having such a good time that I ran a bit past our place, until I turned back and up the little hill back to beach ave. I counted 7 ships in the harbour and then had to wait and excruciating long time for the pedestrian light to change so I could make my way home to a hot shower.
Back to the library tomorrow. The good news is that I have only one chapter left to read in the textbook I hate the most, "Fundamentals of Private Pensions - 8th edition." Then it is on to the much more interesting "Private Pensions in Industrialized Countries."
I'm serious. It is way more interesting. Did you know that Chile has one of the most developed pension systems in the world?
Good night, and good luck!
1. Whiskey in the Jar - Metallica Version
2. Dizzy up the Girl - Goo Goo Dolls
3. Authority Song - John Mellancamp (Actually, I think that one is from his "Cougar" days)
4. Drug, Drug, Druggy - Manic Street Preachers
5. Spaceman - Bif Naked
6. Dreams - The Cranberries
7. Some dance track from Dance Mix 90-something. I think it is called "No Limit"
8. I want you - Savage Garden
9. Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
10. Everytime you Go - The Tragically Hip
11. Run to the Hills - Iron Maiden
12. If I were you - Kasey Chambers
13. Hello Time Bomb - Matthew Good Band
This list make me laugh. You can't say I have narrow tastes in music. I'm all about classic rock, banger metal, 90's pop, techno dance mixes, Welsh punk, Australian folk, modern metal bands covering Gaelic traditional. There are 54 other songs in my running folder on the iPod. I can't wait to hear what combination of tunes I get on Tuesday.
So, I have good stories from my run. First of all, I wasn't going to go, because it was raining when I got back from library. But while I was talking to my Mom on the phone, she told me to get off my butt and go anyway. Then by the time I was finished talking to the folks, it wasn't raining anymore. I left about ten past seven, and it was so nice out. Warm, but fresh from the earlier rain. I ran down Beach Ave, taking the "upper" path the second beach. Then I turned right and towards lost lagoon. I went around the lagoon sticking to the path close to the water's edge, until an enormous flock of geese seemed very uninclined to vacate the path, and instead continued to move towards me in a rather menacing fashion. I decided to avoid the confrontation, and ran up the slope to the higher path. As I was returning the second beach, I encountered two bicycles thrown on the path carelessly. Accident? Mugging? No, a family of raccoons and two stupid, stupid people feeding them and videotaping all their rabid adorableness. I wasn't terribly inclined to run past the garbage eating pests and risk frightening them, so I once again went off road, although this time I felt less conciliatory about it. I mean seriously. We don't feed the wildlife, people. They become dependent, and become even bigger pests than they already are. And yes, some of them do carry rabies. Idiots. I ran around second beach pool, and noted that the viz in the bay seemed pretty good (ever since I learned to SCUBA dive, I always check out the visibility when I am on the seawall). Spent the last stretch of my run with a full view of my apartment, which is always sort of fun. I was having such a good time that I ran a bit past our place, until I turned back and up the little hill back to beach ave. I counted 7 ships in the harbour and then had to wait and excruciating long time for the pedestrian light to change so I could make my way home to a hot shower.
Back to the library tomorrow. The good news is that I have only one chapter left to read in the textbook I hate the most, "Fundamentals of Private Pensions - 8th edition." Then it is on to the much more interesting "Private Pensions in Industrialized Countries."
I'm serious. It is way more interesting. Did you know that Chile has one of the most developed pension systems in the world?
Good night, and good luck!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Free Frap!
Right place, right time.
I have a study day today, but I went out to my office building at noon for my gym's Friday Ball/Core class, which I love and refuse to miss. And on the way home stopped at Safeway to pick up some extra things for dinner later. While I was returning to the produce section because I forgot lemons, a nice girl stopped me and asked if I would like a free green tea frappucino. They are putting a Starbucks counter into our Safeway and today was a training day for the new staff. So they are practicing making beverages all day and then handing them out free. Yay! I've never had the green tea frap. It is not bad, but I think when I have to pay my own money for a treat, I will stick to the sweet, sweet buzz of caffeine. I feel a bit guilty that I probably undid all the good from my core class with this sweet and creamy concoction, but really. I am not the type to turn down free food. :)
I went to Safeway to get some extra things I needed to make Greek Turkey Pitas tonight for me and Mark. At the beginning of summer I bought some pre-made turkey burgers (learn from my error children, never do this - make your own with plain ground turkey and your personal blend of seasoning), which essentially are simply salt flavoured. I have discovered I can get most of the salt out by boiling the things before grilling, but once the salt is gone, they just taste like slightly less salty rubber. So tonight I am going to try, boiling them, then slicing them into thin strips and serving with cucumber, tomatoe, red pepper, garlic, squeeze of lemon, olive oil, oregano, and mushrooms on pita bread. I am pretty excited about dinner. I love making up creative and slightly special dinners. Something different and fun. (I know mushrooms are not a typical Greek offering, but Mark and I both love mushrooms and tend to put them in just about everything we possibly can).
I should go now and get back to the books, but I might try and make today a double blog day, cuz I have an extra hour scheduled later to play on the computer, so that I can set up my new iPod!! So exciting. I am so happy that I will have tunes again when I run. I cant wait.
'til next time Sweeties!
I have a study day today, but I went out to my office building at noon for my gym's Friday Ball/Core class, which I love and refuse to miss. And on the way home stopped at Safeway to pick up some extra things for dinner later. While I was returning to the produce section because I forgot lemons, a nice girl stopped me and asked if I would like a free green tea frappucino. They are putting a Starbucks counter into our Safeway and today was a training day for the new staff. So they are practicing making beverages all day and then handing them out free. Yay! I've never had the green tea frap. It is not bad, but I think when I have to pay my own money for a treat, I will stick to the sweet, sweet buzz of caffeine. I feel a bit guilty that I probably undid all the good from my core class with this sweet and creamy concoction, but really. I am not the type to turn down free food. :)
I went to Safeway to get some extra things I needed to make Greek Turkey Pitas tonight for me and Mark. At the beginning of summer I bought some pre-made turkey burgers (learn from my error children, never do this - make your own with plain ground turkey and your personal blend of seasoning), which essentially are simply salt flavoured. I have discovered I can get most of the salt out by boiling the things before grilling, but once the salt is gone, they just taste like slightly less salty rubber. So tonight I am going to try, boiling them, then slicing them into thin strips and serving with cucumber, tomatoe, red pepper, garlic, squeeze of lemon, olive oil, oregano, and mushrooms on pita bread. I am pretty excited about dinner. I love making up creative and slightly special dinners. Something different and fun. (I know mushrooms are not a typical Greek offering, but Mark and I both love mushrooms and tend to put them in just about everything we possibly can).
I should go now and get back to the books, but I might try and make today a double blog day, cuz I have an extra hour scheduled later to play on the computer, so that I can set up my new iPod!! So exciting. I am so happy that I will have tunes again when I run. I cant wait.
'til next time Sweeties!
Monday, September 04, 2006
I should be studying...
Okay, so this is probably the worst possible time for us to have bought a computer and got connected to the internet. Seriously, since I only have about 1499 pages of reading to do over the next 8 weeks or so, giving myself yet another way to screw the pooch seemed like a great idea. So here I am spinning my words into cyberspace instead of cramming “Major Considerations for the Implementation of Registered Pension Plans in Canada,” or some other such crap.
For those of you who have been coaching me on purchasing a computer, hu*cough*ey, I thought I would throw in some of the impressive details of our recent big purchase. Mark and I are now the proud owners of an adorable 17 inch iMac computer which has the following impressive features: 1.83 GHz intel core duo processor, 1.5 GB of RAM (expanded from the standard 512 MB), 160 GB hard drive, handy-dandy iSight camera and many other great features. And the truly impressive thing? I almost totally understood all the things I just wrote - I didn't just read it off the box. :)
In truth I must confess that I have had this computer for about two weeks and been hooked up with Shaw for about 10 days, and yet haven't gotten off my butt and started this blog, which will be a sacrilege to my "Blog Buddy" foursome out there. You know who you are. I find my style of procrastinating really interesting. Suppose I have something that would be worthwhile to get done - housework, go for a run, start a blog, call a friend or relative - I will often decide," no, I have to study," and opt not to do something. But...I still won't study. I will stare into space, pick up a novel I've read 10 times, wander around the house, open the fridge (thinking to myself that the fridge needs a good cleaning, but insisting that I can't because I have to study)...etc. So NEITHER studying, nor one of my useful tasks get done. Strange, eh?
Anyhow, now I have a blog. A place to share my a ruminations with friends, family and whoever should stumble across this page. Thank you to those who are taking the time to read, and lots of love to those I miss far away. Cheers.
P.S. Why does the spell checker not recognize the word "blog"?
For those of you who have been coaching me on purchasing a computer, hu*cough*ey, I thought I would throw in some of the impressive details of our recent big purchase. Mark and I are now the proud owners of an adorable 17 inch iMac computer which has the following impressive features: 1.83 GHz intel core duo processor, 1.5 GB of RAM (expanded from the standard 512 MB), 160 GB hard drive, handy-dandy iSight camera and many other great features. And the truly impressive thing? I almost totally understood all the things I just wrote - I didn't just read it off the box. :)
In truth I must confess that I have had this computer for about two weeks and been hooked up with Shaw for about 10 days, and yet haven't gotten off my butt and started this blog, which will be a sacrilege to my "Blog Buddy" foursome out there. You know who you are. I find my style of procrastinating really interesting. Suppose I have something that would be worthwhile to get done - housework, go for a run, start a blog, call a friend or relative - I will often decide," no, I have to study," and opt not to do something. But...I still won't study. I will stare into space, pick up a novel I've read 10 times, wander around the house, open the fridge (thinking to myself that the fridge needs a good cleaning, but insisting that I can't because I have to study)...etc. So NEITHER studying, nor one of my useful tasks get done. Strange, eh?
Anyhow, now I have a blog. A place to share my a ruminations with friends, family and whoever should stumble across this page. Thank you to those who are taking the time to read, and lots of love to those I miss far away. Cheers.
P.S. Why does the spell checker not recognize the word "blog"?
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