Great Googley Moogley !!

My spirits have been both run down and lifted considerably since I last posted, and for several reasons really....

1. A certain someone at work from my first desk was back at it today.. made me feel rather frustrated.
2. I was hungry and that darn piece of toast w/ peanut butter just did not cut it
3. (it gets better from here)... I completed some pressing errands, thus helping me to tick off my to-do list (I just love doing that)
4. I attempted to go for a run - now, this requires somewhat of an *, please note that I have not really ran since BASIC - 9 years ago. I have tried over the years but failed miserably and therefore gave up rather quickly. This time, motivated mostly by fear of fitness tests and more BASIC I tried again after work. I didn't go to the gym, or outside but rather attempted this chore at a friend's house on their treadmill. I started with a grim feeling that I was going to "ease" into this running business by doing 3 minutes of running, followed by 2 minutes of walking and so forth until I reached 1/2 an hour or so. However, after the prescribed 3 minutes I felt pretty good so I went for 5 minutes, and then 7 minutes, and then 10 and so on and so forth until low and behold I was at 30 minutes of straight running!!! I wasn't actually running, but jogging with an incline of 2. Not bad for my first attempt I think. Maybe I will pass this darn fitness test after all! ** Note: I think that my ability to run, coupled with the fact that my workout this morning was the best thus far is indicative of the magical powers of the t-shirt that I wore... my old BRT 9902 Basic Training T-shirt... I should have got more than 1 I think!
   
5. At the aforementioned friend's house, I always have a nice time, and I am almost always fed something tasty. This time was no exception - Steak, sweet potatoes and beets.. what could be yummier I ask?
6. I got my laundry done - another thing checked off my list - yeah!
7. I learned all about investing and mutual funds, plus I finalized realized what the hell went wrong in the US with their darn sub prime mortgages.... which consequently is something quite important to my job!
8. Someone told me that they could see a difference with all the kick-boxing I was doing. That really made my day!
   
9. This is my 400th post!
10. I'm now at home, watching NCIS, reveling in the fact that I like running, I wasn't horribly out of breath after my first 30 minutes and and I can actually sort of, kind of do it... perhaps another run is on the docket for tomorrow, and of course some more push-ups!
    

So there we have it, well done me!

* Note: the title link has really nothing to do with the post, I just thought it was a great expression (quite fitting in fact), and a great commercial.

AHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!

Kickboxing this morning was brutal, I can hardly type this out my arms are so tired..... Let me explain why though.

Last night was upper body toning - I always seem to think that I can do better than I actually can and therefore end up using up all available energy just to get through the workout, which now that I think about it is probably a good idea. Anyways, last night my workout, I felt, lacked a little something something... in fact my push ups were so crap that I went home and did oodles more. I think I needed to redeem myself in my own eyes or something to that effect. Anyways what ended up happening is that this morning I was so tired, and without very much arm strength that kickboxing was indeed quite difficult. Nevertheless I gave it my all, working harder than I have yet and feeling much better about my performance.

So then, arriving at work, I trudged up the stairs (cause now with my eco-friendly attitude I do not take the elevator unless I cannot physically make it up the stairs) and collapsed at my desk taking a bit of rest. When I got my strength back I trudged up the stairs again to change into proper clothing (my floor is being renovated to the ladies room is either up or down stairs to me), and came back to make my breakfast. I missed my cell ringing and when I checked the messages... I had a message from the military peeps - they wanted to book my fitness test... YIKES!!!

So this would be the final bit before I am totally in. I am pretty scared, but I called, made the appointment for next wed the 30th and then if I pass I am in - which means I should be doing non stop push-ups and cardio from now until then.... double yikes! I know I will pass, but I am scared nonetheless.... maybe I'll screw up and be banned from any and all military activities... but really, it just hit me - this is it - I am in, I am going, wow...

Week 2 Wrap up

Last Saturday morning was the unofficial end to week 2 - the hardest one apparently - the official end was of course Saturday evening, but at least I was finished with the exercise part of it. As usual, the kickboxing was killer - Shelley is the hardest instructor, and those mornings spent with her have become the bane of my existence... well, that coupled with the fact that I work for 8 hours on my feet after the killer session really doesn't do anything to lift my spirits.

Job #2 however, wasn't too terrible - people were generally quite decent, nothing of note occurred, but I was quite tired when I got home.. thankfully the girls drink night had been postponed so I went home, put on my pjs and made some dinner. Later that evening my little sister called and decided we were long overdue for a visit and wanted to pop 'round with some movies and Mr. Coop, I of course thought this was a great idea and they made their way over. After the movie and some chatting I eventually went to bed as it was 1 am and Amy left around 2, I think... I was asleep so I'm not too sure.

Sunday morning is always a wonderful time for me, I generally can sleep in and relax which in my life seems to be somewhat of a rarity. This week was no exception - I woke up around 9:30 and leisurely got ready for out annual "World's Largest Robbie Burns Dinner" for the Homeless. Being around lunch time this year means of course that it was more of a lunch than a dinner but a meal nonetheless. The official numbers haven't come in yet, but as last year we served over 800 people in less than 45 minutes and this year it was much much colder out pretty much guarantees that we served close to 1000! Roast Beef, Haggis, Mixed Veggies, Turnip, Mashed Potato and Gravy were all on the menu, and it was a hit from what I heard. I think we even gave out socks!

After that was all said and done I made my way over to the local 7-11 to pick up my Sunday treat - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, along with some Vanilla Milk... then back home for a bit of R&R before movie night with the other R&R - I seem to have watched a few movies this weekend! Anyways, back to the movies.. "Paris When it Sizzles" with Audrey Hepburn was up first. A very interesting movie, fun to watch with friends, and of course loads of snacks... and being that it was Sunday we basically stuffed our faces with all sorts of things bad for you, but guaranteed to please... Movie number 2 was "Fracture" with Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling - not a very Linda movie, but it was very good. I even guessed the outcome 38 minutes into the movie... fun times for sure!

After that it was off to bed and up this morning for the start of Week 3... I can't hardly wait..

Book of the Week

Remebering yesterday's post about manners I thought this week's book should also be along the same line. Now, I could have gone old school and posted an Emily Post Etiquette guide or perhaps a Miss Manner's tie in, or even something Martha-esque, but I think I shall choose "Talk to the Hand" By Lynne Truss. It isn't a book on etiquette per-say but it does deal with the breakdown of basic manners in today's society, and to be quite honest it really is funny

In Lynne's own words:

" Writing Talk to the Hand was a process of synthesising and organising. I had been banging on about the rudeness of modern life for a couple of years on the radio; I’d also written talks about the burden of choice and the pernicious effect of the internet on the way people think of themselves in relation to “society”. There is a lovely example in one of David Lodge’s novels of a person sitting final exams, carefully pouring his knowledge into his answers, day after day, until he’s poured out the whole lot and the exams are over. I felt something similar about Talk to the Hand. I had so many things I wanted to say, but I had to say each thing in exactly the right place, and not to have any left over. When the process was complete, I felt quite purged. As far as I was concerned, I had laid out the problem to my absolute best ability.
People still tell me I wrote a book on etiquette, which is a bit depressing, but I suppose Talk to the Hand was a bit hard to classify. It didn’t tell people how to behave, in the style of the traditional book on manners; and although it was, unashamedly, a big long moan about modern life, it didn’t have much in common with Grumpy Old Men or Is It Just Me, or Is Everything Shit?, either. I was trying to do something quite new with Talk to the Hand: maybe amateur sociology, in the way that Eats, Shoots & Leaves was amateur linguistics. Anyway, “forensic polemic” was how someone described my strategy, and I liked this description very much. If you hate something, I think you have a duty to ask why you hate it, and also whether it’s reasonable to hate it; then you have to try to understand why this hateful thing seems to have come into existence. I brought a lot of modern life under the umbrella-category of rudeness – including automated switchboards, customer service, mobile phone abuse, littering, and telling strangers to Eff off. And, as I said, it made me feel ever so much better."

Pet Peeves

I just read this and I agree... I believe that there is a very large problem these days with the general public and the lack of manners and disregard for the fellow person.

Reading through the list has brought a few things to mind... For me I would have to list basic table manners as my biggest pet peeve. My mother drilled these into me a as a child and I am generally shocked at the apparent lack of intstruction these days. Meaning, elbows on the table, chewing with mouths open, speaking with mouths full of food.. these kind of things are never acceptable and I cannot fathom my their mothers / fathers / parental figures never taught them how to behave like civilized humans at the table.

Lateness is another pet peeve of mine, 5 minutes is fine, frustrating but fine, but after that it becomes rude and shows the obvious disrespect that the person in question has for someone's schedule.

Yikes, that was rather preachy wasn't it....

MMMM Peanut Butter Cups...

Is it good that I barely have enough energy to lift my arms?? Driving sure is fun this way!!!

No really, I am tired, very tired, but quite happy that I am pushing myself this hard.. yeah me! The best part is that I don't think that I will feel any less tired at week 8, 9 or even 10 - but that means that I am working hard, right? and I should get the proper results, right? I just hope that I can make it through basic without keeling over and dying...

In other news I went dancing last night, after my upper body workout.... not the smartest idea, but hey, I like to socialize. Dancing went well, I remembered most of it and hardly screwed up at all. I also got a brochure for the St Giles dance workshop and ceilidh the last weekend in April, I think I should go.

Nothing much else to report to you, my week has been rather lack-luster, mostly working out and cleaning of the house, plus a side of cooking to go along with it all. Maybe my weekend will be better, I have some drinks scheduled for Saturday night and a movie day on Sunday... and yes I will be eating Reese's peanut butter cups, and maybe even some nutella.... until now I will have to satisfy myself with some peanut butter on toast

Yikes! It's Tuesday

I just realised that I haven't posted anything since last Friday so I thought I'd give you the run down on how I've spent the last few days.

Friday, the first Friday night I haven't had to work in a while, so what did I do? A killer upper body workout... then I raced across town to attend the first annual (?) R & R Fondue Party.. mmmm .... sadly due to the kickboxing I was only able to partake in a portion of the culinary delights. Even so, it was fun, and tasty.. the right mix of people, and some nice conversation. Well done you two!

Saturday morning was killer, kickboxing at 7:30, this time with the Nazi instructor... but I was happy after I made it through the workout... it was the toughest yet so I am sure that I will be looking forward to each and every Saturday... yeah right! After I was thoroughly exhausted I zipped up to job #2 and spent the entire day on my very tired feet... not so much fun. But in the end I was also glad I had made it through the day - I even had a special lunch date! The evening was much better as I got to dine with my Grandma and Aunt, always a blast, and they made me dinner, plus I got to hang out in the old hood later that evening so really I came out a winner that day!

Sunday was my free day, meaning I could eat whatever I pleased, and I did... Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are my weakness it seems and I indulged... mmmm... I also worked, had some very very ridiculous customers... ask me later and I'll tell you the stories - they are something else! Sunday night was another dinner date, this time across the street at La Viena - I behaved in my food choices with the exception of the white pasta and Caesar salad.. oh well, I'll live I guess.

Now onto Monday, worked, had another special lunch date (lots of those lately huh?), worked out (lower body this time, including 256 sit ups, yeah I counted), cleaned my disaster of a room and fell into bed.

That brings us to Tuesday. Kickboxing this morning, it was so tough... and some grocery shopping quickly before work, and I've some clean up work to finish before lunch. On that note, I should go...

Ciao!

PS - Good Luck Today Chump!

8 Years

Today marks the anniversary of that fateful day 8 years ago when I began my European Obsession, not that I wasn't completey obsessed before that point, but this was the first time I was actually going to said continent. So here I was ready, waiting with oodles of luggage, delayed at the airport for hour after hour as the electrical storm kept my crew from departing Vancouver.... but finally 6 hours later I was on my journey......

What a journey it turned out to be, crazy Swiss people, spoiled children, beautiful scenary, small town living and of course the French language that I am so happy to be able to speak.

Book of the Week

I decided that I needed a better knowledge base about certain world conflicts. I know that I used to keep up with it when I was in school - mostly because I had to in order to write something, or pass something. Now however I am doing this for me, and really that is a quite the reason. So without further ado.. this weeks Book of the Week is "In the Hot Zone" by Kevin Sites.

I've read about 4 chapters thus far, and I can say that Kevin has a nice easy style of writing. Although the theme of the book is rather morose and although you do end up feeling dissapointed in humanity and their actions, it is a good read.

From the Publishers:

Kevin Sites is a man on a mission. Venturing alone into the dark heart of war, armed with just a video camera, a digital camera, a laptop, and a satellite modem, the award-winning journalist covered virtually every major global hot spot as the first Internet correspondent for Yahoo! News. Beginning his journey with the anarchic chaos of Somalia in September 2005 and ending with the Israeli-Hezbollah war in the summer of 2006, Sites talks with rebels and government troops, child soldiers and child brides, and features the people on every side, including those caught in the cross fire. His honest reporting helps destroy the myths of war by putting a human face on war’s inhumanity. Personally, Sites will come to discover that the greatest danger he faces may not be from bombs and bullets, but from the unsettling power of the truth.

Happy Reading!

Quite a night

Lower Body Resistance was the name of the game last night... it went well - a bit awkward with bands pressing on my tendon but I suffered through... and then zipped across the city for my meeting. I arrived late, sat through very boring budget / financial reports and the like patiently waiting for the pièce de resistance..... January meetings are always fun with a bunch of Scots, meaning that they are dedicated to Robbie Burns and therefore we eat a traditional Haggis. Which despite knowing what is in it, I enjoy. So here we are after the meeting, standing in awe of the haggis being piped in, then one of the members recited the traditional Robbie Burns Ode to a Haggis. The recitation was quite well done, and the Haggis was tasty, but the real treat came when our President thought to serve the traditional New Year's Drink.. Atholl Brose. Another tasty concoction, this time made of whisky steeped in oatmeal, drained, mixed with brandy, cream and honey. Quite nice indeed... sadly I had only a small sip, but I might have to make this another time! I've pasted a bit of an explanation as to the history of this tasty brew.. Slainte!

The history of the Scottish drink Atholl Brose It is not known for how long Scottish folk have been drinking Atholl Brose but the earliest recorded recipe dates back to 1475. Prior to this Atholl Brose recipes were handed down from generation to generation as each person was taught to make this delicious drink.

The drink is so sweet and tasty that legend has it that it led to the capture of renegade Iain MacDonald the Lord of the Isles who was leading a rebellion against the King. He was caught supping at a well that had been filled with whisky, oatmeal and honey at the order of the Earl of Atholl who knew that MacDonald drank regularly from the small well. The Duke’s recipe was the downfall of Iain MacDonald who stayed to enjoy the drink and was captured by this cunning trap. Since then Atholl Brose has been enjoyed by many a Scot since.The drink is so sweet and tasty that legend has it that it led to the capture of renegade Iain MacDonald the Lord of the Isles who was leading a rebellion against the King. He was caught supping at a well that had been filled with whisky, oatmeal and honey at the order of the Earl of Atholl who knew that MacDonald drank regularly from the small well. The Duke’s recipe was the downfall of Iain MacDonald who stayed to enjoy the drink and was captured by this cunning trap. Since then Atholl Brose has been enjoyed by many a Scot since.

Hot Damn!

The moment I've been waiting for... and the whole reason why I put everything possible on my visa card.... I have enough Aeroplan points to fly to Scotland!!!!! In fact if I get 15 000 more points I can fly Business Class... O Happy Day!

Now, I just need to save some spending money and book the time off work... I can't friggin' believe it!!!!

Day 2

Yesterday was the first day of the UBC course. For those of you who do not know what that is, let me enlighten you. My Co-worker Sandy took this course last January... now keep in mind that she is quite fit to begin with... and basically it is a 10 week course of intense kickboxing and resistance training. The schedule is as follows...

1. Resistance Training Upper Body (Monday)
2. Kickboxing (Tuesday)
3. Resistance Training Lower Body (Wednesday)
4. Kickboxing (Thursday)
5. Resistance Training Upper Body (Friday)
6. Kickboxing (Saturday)

The next week of course the lower body resistance is 2 times and upper body is only once. The point of this post, however, is to explain how friggin' intense the course is. Sandy was so incredibly different after the 10 weeks last year, and the other pictures I have seen are just as amazing, if not more, so I am left wondering what will happen to me if I do in fact give it my all the whole way through - and trust me Sandy will not let me slack off. My main concern is that I have almost never pushed myself this hard (except for the military of course), and just now it is starting to set it how sore I am going to be. Well, that and the fact that my resistance training was at 6 pm last night and my kickboxing was at 6:30 this morning, so not much rest for my poor poor arms.

Tonight is fun TV night, yeah! NCIS, followed by The Unit (my fav) so I will be sure to be watching that... but before that I have my fitness evaluation as I missed Saturdays due to work... I'm not sure how wise it was to have it today after I've already kick boxed seeing how my arms are feeling rather weak and I have to do push ups.. yikes! Nevertheless, I shall do my best and immediately go home and soak in a tub full of Epsom salts. I can't wait!

7 Eco-friendly Resolutions...

Something I think we can all try to do... #1 see my resolutions, #2 and#3 very helpful and something I will do immediately...


1. I will relinquish my title of Most Likely to Acquire Useless Crap I Don’t Wear or Need.Admit it — your closet is full of had-to-have items that have been banished to a life of hanging unworn. You have enough notepads, pens, books, magnets, and collectible tchotchkes to fill a ministorage unit. Yes, our purchases keep the economy going, but most of us buy far more than we need. (There are whole TV shows dedicated to demonstrating ways to unclutter!) Remember that packaging, waste, and pollution are created to make these items available to you. If you trash those once-new goodies when you’re no longer interested in them, they will live in a landfill for years and years. It’s time to clean out, and stop collecting crap.

2. I will avenge my phantom load.Phantom load has nothing to do with the pounds that mysteriously appeared on your midsection over the holidays. The term refers to the energy wasted by electronics and power chargers when they are plugged in but not in use. That’s right — your computer cord, cell phone charger, and time-telling DVD player are all sucking energy from the outlet even when there isn’t anything attached or being watched (hence the spookyphantom-ness). Actually cut the power to your electronics by plugging them in to a power strip and flipping the switch to “off” when you’re not watching or listening.

3. I will be smarter than bottled water companies and drink for free what they are trying to sell me.Kicking the plastic water bottle habit might sound like an impossible feat if you’re as addicted as the average thirsty American; last year we consumed enough water to fill about 50 billion plastic bottles. If the fact that plastic is bad for the environment doesn’t get you to quit, just think: Several bottled water brands use the same H20 that’s available from your faucet. So buy an eco-chic reusable stainless steel bottle, and refill it throughout the day — for free. If you’re parched at the mere thought of quitting cold turkey, ease into a plastic-bottle–free life by bringing one less bottle a week to the gym, or by giving them up at the office.

4. If I can remember to TiVo “Dancing with the Stars,” I can remember to bring my own bags to the grocery store.It’s as if plastic shopping bags are required to exit a store—the disposable sacks are forced on customers even when the purchase is just a can of soda. But plastic bags are made from petroleum and only about 1 percent of the estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion Annie Bell plastic bags consumed worldwide are recycled each year. Most end up in landfills (where they take perhaps 1,000 years to decompose) or in the sea. If you start bringing your own bags now, you’ll be ahead of the curve if plastic ones become outlawed in your community.

5. I will switch to recycled paper products at home (but not if they make me chafe).We know there are some folks out there who must have two-ply, but even you can commit to changing just one thing. If you have a Larry David-like aversion to recycled toilet paper, try the paper towels. If brown won’t match your kitchen colors, look for recycled paper towels that are whitened without chlorine or stick with washable dishcloths. By purchasing recycled paper products you’re preventing trees from being chopped down, and paper waste from ending up in landfills. In addition, less energy and water are required to produce a recycled paper product.
6. I will consider whether my meal came from the farm or the factory.Big agriculture isn’t all bad. Everyone has a guilty culinary pleasure that comes from a big factory (see: Oreos, and Cap’n Crunch). But while you’re worrying about your own carbon footprint, remember that your food has one too. Think of how many miles your food has traveled (do you really need berries from Chile?), how many chemicals are used, and how much pollution and waste have been generated in the production of your foodstuffs. Support local agriculture by shopping for food at a farmers market. The goods will be fresh, and you might enjoy meeting some of the people who grew your dinner.

7. I will take a day off from road rage and take mass transit or car-pool one day a week.If you have public transportation options available to you, try switching to the train or bus one day a week. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline each year, and can reduce household expenses by $6,200. Plus you’ll get a day off from road rage. If you don’t live near public transportation, try organizing a once-a-week carpool with your neighbors or coworkers. You’ll save on fuel, tolls, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing cars from the road. As a bonus, you’ll gain access to that exclusive carpool lane.

4 times a charm!

Hot Damn we've got ourselves another gold medal... it was a freakin' nightmare of a third period, and a fantastic overtime one... I can't say I was very well composed throughout but in the end we did quite well..... more than well - absolutely brilliantly!!!
Well done boys, you made this Canadian girl very very proud!

PS - Calgary had an extra special day as the Flames won in overtime as well.. bravo to you too!

Going for Gold

4-1, Yeah Baby!

Book of the Week

Seeing that it is the end of the first week of January and most people have made some kind of resolution to be better this year I thought it fitting to have this week's book as "Getting Things Done - The Art of Stress-Free Productivity" by David Allen.





It outlines how to get things done, which could be extremely helpful this day and age where most of us can admit to experiencing some degree of procrastination.





From the Editors:


With first-chapter allusions to martial arts, "flow", "mind like water", and other concepts borrowed from the East (and usually mangled), you'd almost think this self-helper from David Allen should have been called Zen and the Art of Schedule Maintenance.
Not quite. Yes, Getting Things Done offers a complete system for downloading all those free-floating gotta-dos clogging your brain into a sophisticated framework of files and action lists--all purportedly to free your mind to focus on whatever you're working on. However, it still operates from the decidedly Western notion that if we could just get really, really organised, we could turn ourselves into 24/7 productivity machines. (To wit, Allen, whom the New Economy bible Fast Company has dubbed "the personal productivity guru", suggests that instead of meditating on crouching tigers and hidden dragons while you wait for a plane, you should unsheathe that high-tech sabre known as the mobile phone and attack that list of calls you need to return.)
As whole-life-organising systems go, Allen's is pretty good, even fun and therapeutic. It starts with the exhortation to take every unaccounted-for scrap of paper in your workstation that you can't junk. The next step is to write down every unaccounted-for gotta-do cramming your head onto its own scrap of paper. Finally, throw the whole stew into a giant "in-basket".
That's where the processing and prioritising begin; in Allen's system, it get a little convoluted at times, rife as it is with fancy terms, subterms, and sub-subterms for even the simplest concepts. Thank goodness the spine of his system is captured on a straightforward, one-page flowchart that you can pin over your desk and repeatedly consult without having to refer back to the book. That alone is worth the purchase price. Also of value is Allen's ingenious Two-Minute Rule: if there's anything you absolutely must do that you can do right now in two minutes or less, then do it now, thus freeing up your time and mind tenfold over the long term. It's common sense advice so obvious that most of us completely overlook it, much to our detriment. Allen excels at dispensing such wisdom in this useful, if somewhat belaboured, self-improver aimed at everyone from CEOs to football mums (who, we all know, are more organised than most CEOs to start with).


On a side note, my dinner experience last night with KQ was fantastic.... Thanks again for the company KQ! Oh, and the game today for the World Juniors goes at noon... Canada vs USA... should be a good one -

GO CANADA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MMMM Prime Rib

My mouth is already watering. Tonight is the first annual KQ and LS Prime Rib Dinner at Smugglers. It seems as though we might be alone in our date, but boy are we going to be satisfied. Especially when we get all access to the salad bar, which by the way is quite fantastic.

Last night I was also treated to a great culinary experience, this time is was the Keg and I ate a delicious bacon wrapped Filet Mignon. Not as fantastic as the Château Briand at the Inn, but nevertheless a lovely piece of beef. If I could I might eat this way 4 times a week, but sadly I am a poor bastard and thus cannot pay for delicious steak.. poor me.

Anyhoo, to further the temptation I've decided to post a lovely picture of exactly what I shall be dining on this evening.. aren't you all so very jealous????

SYTYCD- Lauren and Pasha (Hip-Hop Routine)

Way to cool not to share...

Resolutions

Well, it's Jan 1 - and what do we do this time of year but make resolutions to be better individuals. So here's my take on it, even though new year's resolutions are generally crap. Oh, and these are in no particular order...

1. Keep in better contact with my friends
2. Get up early and enjoy each day
3. Be more productive on a daily basis
   
4. Be more positive about everything
5. Purge my belongings... I have far too much stuff

In regards to my last years resolution lets, recap shall we...

• Smile more, and mean it, aka be happier - and this I will make an active effort to do so! Not bad this year... I think I definitely laughed more - courtesy of course of Lanster and Eleni...
• Have better posture - I used to have wicked awesome ballet dancer posture, somehow over the years it as suffered a wee bit, it's not really that bad, I'm not a sloucher by any means, but it could use some improvement. Also, improved a bit - no doubt by going to the gym.
• Get more sleep Funny stuff... sadly no improvement here
• Cook more at home - I have amazing cookbooks and I should freakin' use them I did well here, I found some more recipes and hopefully I will do even better this year
  
• Stop procrastinating Yikes, I think I made this a resolution this year...
  

So after all that I think I should review what I actually did this year...

• Changed departments twice
• Did eye exams in Tunisia for people who needed eye care
• Saw the Sahara desert
• Acquired 2 husbands... one in Tunisia and one in Montreal...
  
• Zipped out to Montreal twice to visit friends
• Visited with Rupinder when she came home from the UK
  
• Almost Visited with Maya, mental note to visit with her this year - in person of course
  
• Finished 3 classes in the Land Admin Course, too bad it is not for me
• Became an Auntie (not a real one)
• Participated in 3 charity walks
• Cleaned up a flooded apartment twice
• Bought a fancy new Mac laptop
• Started Scottish Dancing
  
• Left the eye clinic and started a different Job #2
• Saw Diana Gabaldon in person
  
• Joined the Naval Reserve
• Went to Vegas to see the Spice Girls
• Made some very important new friends, including my twin, and of course re-kindled some old friendships

**** Actually As E-Money Pointed out, I acquired 3 husbands... Sorry Scott.. how could I ever forget you?

I think that just about covers it... I am just hoping that 2008 is even better, and more exciting.

And what do you think this year might bring for you?

Hogmanay .... HAPPY NEW YEARS

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And days o' auld lang syne

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup !And surely I’ll be mine !And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We twa hae run about the braes,and pou’d the gowans fine ;But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,sin’ auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,frae morning sun till dine ;But seas between us braid hae roar’dsin’ auld lang syne.

CHORUS
And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !And gies a hand o’ thine !And we’ll tak a right gude-willie-waught,for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

4-1

We won!

GOLD!!!

YEAH YEAH!!! A Win at the Spengler Cup in Switzerland. Now all we need is a win at the Juniors today and we're good...

3-4 ????

So sadly I have to report that we lost yesterday - to Sweden..... I know, I know, why do we have to lose to Sweden? I happen to remember another loss to Sweden, Olympics style this time, and that was devastating. Hopefully this loss will serve as a wake-up call. Anyways, the next game goes tomorrow against Denmark at 10 am our time.

Not much else to report in my life these days. I worked Friday night and Saturday day. My feet are sore and I was tired. Other than that, I had a night in last night, with Amy, in preparation for the January from Hell - but really I can't complain, I did it to myself.... yuck!

Now, it is Sunday, after noon and I'm still in my Pjs... I should really get going.

Ciao!

Book of the Week

I think we all know how much I love reading a good Bill Bryson book, right? I mean, I actually laughed hysterically in public, by myself, whilst reading Neither Here nor There.... So, I think you'll understand why I've decided to use Bill Bryson's newest entry into the literary world as the Book of the Week.

I've not yet read this one, it is on my every growing list, but I can assure you that it will be good, very good in fact, and very funny.

From the Publishers:

William Shakespeare, the most celebrated poet in the English language, left behind nearly a million words of text, but his biography has long been a thicket of wild supposition arranged around scant facts. With a steady hand and his trademark wit, Bill Bryson sorts through this colorful muddle to reveal the man himself.
Bryson documents the efforts of earlier scholars, from today’s most respected academics to eccentrics like Delia Bacon, an American who developed a firm but unsubstantiated conviction that her namesake, Francis Bacon, was the true author of Shakespeare’s plays. Emulating the style of his famous travelogues, Bryson records episodes in his research, including a visit to a basement room in Washington, D.C., where the world’s largest collection of First Folios is housed.
Bryson celebrates Shakespeare as a writer of unimaginable talent and enormous inventiveness. His Shakespeare is like no one else’s–the beneficiary of  Bryson’s genial nature, his engaging skepticism, and a gift for storytelling unrivalled in our time.

I must leave you all know as it is my fat Friday at work and I am therefore in quite the heinous mood. I guess feeding your office full of fellow co-workers a feast will do that to you.... adieu!

George

Hours of Laughter...

World Juniors - Day 2!

Hot Damn!!! Another WIN!!!! 1-0 Slovakia.......

World Juniors et al, Day 1

Being Boxing day means that today was the first day of several hockey related endeavors. #1 Being the World Juniors, played this year in the Czech Republic and #2, The Macs AAA Hockey Tournament, and #3 the Spengler Cup in Switzerland.

I'm not sure if I am going to catch any local hockey, but I will be sure to cheer on our boys overseas. We started today with a win, of course, in the form of 3-0 against the host nation(Canada vs Czech Republic in World Juniors). Tomorrow we met Slovakia at 8am our time, I think, I should check that out actually. Spengler Cup action was another Canada win (of course), 4-3 against HC Pardubice. The next game in that series goes tomorrow at 12:15 pm against HC Davos

Today also, was the Wedding Shower for my good friends Colleen and Drew - and it was really fun. Rachel and I met up and headed out to wish them well and spent the afternoon laughing and catching up... I should really get out to Montreal again to visit them soon...

I'm not too talkative tonight - I'm still suffering from all that tryptophan - and of course the laughter that erupted from the ridiculous game of Scattergories, oh that Anthony and his switching letters!

K, so that's it for now, I'm going to relax in my new plaid pants and Stanford Hoodie. Night!

Happy Birthday Jesus

So here it is Christmas Eve, and no Jesus Cake to be found. I can't say that I'm not disappointed... Jesus Cake is mighty tasty.

Funny thing though google images has lots of Jesus Cake, so here you go, fresh from google - Ladies and Gentlemen I am pleased to provide for your viewing pleasure... JESUS CAKE!!!


Merry Christmas to one and to all... I wish you a wonderful day spent with your family and friends, and of course to all of you who do not celebrate Christmas I wish you a Happy Hanukkah, Crazy Kwanzaa, or even perhaps a Wonderful Eid Al-Adha (although they may be a few days late)!!

Weekend Update

Nothing too fun to tell for this weekend, mostly I worked... Friday night and Saturday - and wow, it was busy... people were a bit snarky, a bit impatient, that sucked, but whatever. Saturday night I saved lanster from being Bridgett Jones at a party, but in doing so I became Bridgett myself - we had a fun time though. Eleni and Crystal on the other hand had to stiff it out at the office Christmas party in kanaskis. From the stories I heard it was quite the evening, nudity, suggestive comments and the like... I'm not going to lie I am pretty happy I said no to the invite as I was really not into partying with the company that was going...

Sunday was Santa day as I made the rounds and chatted / dropped off presents to friends - which is always fun but I ate waaay too many Christmas goodies.

Now that brings me to my next point - eating too many Christmas goodies... I need to finish up my naval entrance stuff which means I need to do my fitness test, and of course get through basic training. In order to do this I need to be quite fit. I do go to to the gym and do as many sit ups and push ups as possible if I watch TV, but I need something more hardcore to be ready. So I've decided to join a co-worker in the UBC, ultimate body shaping course (aka kickboxing) for 10 weeks from Jan - March. The deal is every day you alternate between toning / resistance training and kickboxing, taking Sunday off. Hopefully all will go well and I'll be fit enough for basic. I am worried though that I won't be able to walk for the entire month of January...

So now I have to work in this new workout into my already packed schedule... I think I've got it figured though:

Mon - Toning
Tues (am) - Kickboxing
Wed (am) - Gym
Wed (pm) - Navy
Thursday (am) - Kickboxing
Thursday (pm) - Job #2
Friday - Toning
Saturday (early am ) - Kickboxing
Saturday (later am) - Job #2

having written it out I am thinking I forgot dancing... so maybe I shall slide that in on Monday nights, or maybe Thursday night and I'll work job #2 on Mondays... ahhh - i don;t know.... I just know that from now until July I will be ridiculously busy and I apologize in advance for being absent.. maybe we can do lunch sometime - call me.

Book of the Week

Yikes, it is almost noon and I am just now posting this - sorry guys...

This week's Book of the Week is "The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World" By A. J. Jacobs.

Now, I haven't read it yet, however it looks hilarious and quite honestly seems up my alley, although I am in no way even close to being the smartest in the land - granted if I read this book I may be a bit closer to achieving that fame.

The synopsis goes like this:

Part memoir and part education (or lack thereof), The Know-It-All chronicles NPR contributor A.J. Jacobs''s hilarious, enlightening, and seemingly impossible quest to read the Encyclopaedia Britannica from A to Z.
To fill the ever-widening gaps in his Ivy League education, A.J. Jacobs sets for himself the daunting task of reading all thirty-two volumes of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. His wife, Julie, tells him it''s a waste of time, his friends believe he is losing his mind, and his father, a brilliant attorney who had once attempted the same feat and quit somewhere around Borneo, is encouraging but unconvinced.
With self-deprecating wit and a disarming frankness, The Know-It-All recounts the unexpected and comically disruptive effects Operation Encyclopedia has on every part of Jacobs''s life -- from his newly minted marriage to his complicated relationship with his father and the rest of his charmingly eccentric New York family to his day job as an editor at Esquire. Jacobs''s project tests the outer limits of his stamina and forces him to explore the real meaning of intelligence as he endeavors to join Mensa, win a spot on Jeopardy!, and absorb 33,000 pages of learning. On his journey he stumbles upon some of the strangest, funniest, and most profound facts about every topic under the sun, all while battling fatigue, ridicule, and the paralyzing fear that attends his first real-life responsibility -- the impending birth of his first child.
The Know-It-All is an ingenious, mightily entertaining memoir of one man''s intellect, neuroses, and obsessions, and a struggle between the all-consuming quest for factual knowledge and the undeniable gift of hard-won wisdom.

Bizarro

7 Things you might not know about me

It seems as though I've been tagged by K at Inspired by Dooce... so here we go...

First, the rules:
Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to then report this on their own blog with their 7 things as well as these rules. They then need to tag others and list their names on their blog. They are also asked to leave a comment for each of the tagged, to let them know that they have been tagged and to read the blog.

7 things you may not know about me. Check the end to see if I've tagged you - haha!

1. I really cannot deal with people who have poor table manners...

2. I have serious doubts about the Navy, and I wonder what exactly this will do to my life.

3. I wish I could be much smarter than I pretend to be.

4. Sometimes I feel very very short even though I'm taller than most of my friends and family.

5. I really need to figure out the whole middle east conflict... (see #3)

6. I am ridiculously shy and thus am in no way as social as you might think... I can be rather like a hermit.

7. I detest cilantro

Now time for fun... Megan, Kate and Colleen - you're next!

Things to warm your, well my, heart

During the past week or so I've either seen things, or done things that make me quite happy, and I shall list them for you....

1. Little kids playing hockey on outdoor rinks... who couldn't be happy about that?
2. Ikea at Christmas
3. Tea and cookies with Grandama
4. Meals and visiting with friends and family
5. Fluffy snow
6. Buying Skates
7. Knowing that you have a job after christmas
8. Crossing off things on your to-do / to-buy list
9. Christmas specials on tv
10. Waiting for your SPICE GIRLS Greatest Hits CD / DVD
11. Christmas Concerts / Ballets, I guess we can just say Activities..

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!

Alright, so here we go. First though I should apologize for the tardiness of this post, but it was such a great show and I'm not sure that I can really undertake to explain just how much fun we had, but I shall try...

So Friday night Lanster picked me up from work, and we arrived at my place about 11:15... Amy was already there, in bed trying to sleep. We of course woke her up, introduced her to Lanster and basically began laughing and that lasted until we left for the airport at 4 am, while a small 1/2 hour break to attempt to sleep (which really didn't happen..) Alright, now it's Saturday morning - Heather graciously woke up to drive us, what a sport she was - and she was even quite cheerful and listened to us blab on and on about whatever it was we were chatting about while we drove to catch the flight. Not to much to report from the airport... security was fine, amazingly, and voila we were on the flight. I slept most of the way, so did Amy, poor Lanster though didn't, but she was a real trooper and toughed it out - all day long Saturday as well...

K, so we arrive in Vegas, get off the flight, collect our baggage, catch a cab to the hotel, try to check in early , find out we can't so we call the other girls' room and make them come down and get us from the lobby... Turns out they just got home and were trying to sleep... they arrived the day previous and had spent a rather interesting night at the LAX nightclub in the Luxor whilst in the company of one Criss Angel, one Pamela Anderson and one Tito Ortiz... Pictures are on Eleni's facebook if you are lucky enough to have access....

Anyways Saturday during the day we basically toured around, had breakfast and then lunch / dinner and got ready for the concert.... now for the concert....

We arrived at 7:30, concert was to start at 8, but didn't until 9 - but in the meantime music was being played over the loudspeakers and a lot of people in the audience were up and dancing. As soon as Soulja Boy came on however, almost the entire audience screamed, jumped up and danced.. it was quite the sight... Then after a while the concert started... and for two whole hours they danced, sang and we danced and sang the whole time as well.. Sometimes we screamed so loudly that you couldn't here the girls.... But, wow, it was quite the show - the choreography, the set, the costumes, the individual performances, the songs, the confetti, the video screens... amazing! You all should youtube the spice girls concert... I've been doing it every day since I got back, just so I can re-live how awesome it was.... I cannot wait until the DVD comes out, to tide me over I've just ordered the Greatest hits CD and bonus DVD of all the music videos from Amazon.. it should arrive on Thursday. Well, that and the fact that I've been blasting the Spice World CD in my car all week and even watched all 10 parts of the Youtube video of Spiceworld posted by ThaRockGoddess.... AHHHH, I love it!!!!

After the concert we were all pretty exhausted not having slept for about 2 days so instead of partying it up, we in fact crashed into bed after saying goodnight and goodbye to our other half and then it was Sunday.

Sunday brought breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe, A good load of shopping at H &M (of course) and Bath and Body Works (mmm) and then more sightseeing... including the fountains at the Bellagio , Luxor, MGM, New York New York (mmmm , pretzels), Paris and Planet Hollywood. After dinner at the Luxor, who buffet seriously sucked this time - ps, do not get excited when you see the Creme Brulee cause it is absolute crap - I was seriously pissed off..... we were off to the Imax show of the journey down the Nile. It was really fun and I remembered how sad I was that we don't really have an Imax anymore. By the end it was 12:30 and we were not in the mood to put our dancing shoes on and party it up so we headed back to the hotel and chilled, chatted and fell asleep after a very long day of walking and shopping.

Monday morning we had breakfast downstairs at the Sherwood Forest Cafe, took a cab to the Wynn, walked through the Venetian, the Mirage, Caesars, the Bellagio, Monte Carlo, New York New York and back to Excalibur to pack and off to the airport we went.

So there we go, 55 hours in Vegas and we were on our way home. Sad to leave, sad to see the end of the concert, but elated that I was in the same room as Posh and the rest of the girls, and happy that I finally got to see them.

Nutcracker

Just thought I might remind everyone that my favourite ballet is on... by two different companies - the Alberta Ballet of course has it's production of the Nutcracker and then there is this one, it is much less expensive and has cute kids performing in it, and the venue is much smaller and more intimate (Vertigo Mystery Theatre)... plus the choreography is a bit different so it looks like fun....

Although the poster has the 2005 dates printed on it, they apply to 2007 as well. So if you want to go with me, let me know and we'll make a date of it..

Book of the Week

I know what you are all thinking... where the heck are the Vegas pics... and my answer to you is that they are coming.. I forgot to bring the camera to work so I could upload and post the pics.. I'll try for the weekend, I promise. But, in the meantime let's all chat about some good books - shall we?

So for this week I think I will go with "A Year in Provence" written by Peter Mayle. I picked it simply because I am remembering the Christmas I spent in France and the laughs that this book brought me while I was there, and even living in Provence to boot! Almost everything that happened to Peter Mayle happened to me - with the exception of purchasing a house / car cause I was a poor student.. but that is besides the point. It was hilarious both when it actually happened and when I read about it in his book. The French have a certain - je ne sais quoi - about them and their way of life that causes mass confusion for the English speaking people who live in their fine country. But to be quite honest, this is a funny funny book, and I have and will continue to recommend it to anyone who loves to read about travel.

PS - When you get to the part about the market and lurid Johnny Halliday T-Shirt.. call me, or read these two posts and I shall explain why that is the funniest thing that I have ever read... oh Johnny, I really do miss you and your crazy silver suits...

From the Publisher: In this witty and warm-hearted account, Peter Mayle tells what it is like to realize a long-cherished dream and actually move into a 200-year-old stone farmhouse in the remote country of the Lubéron with his wife and two large dogs. He endures January''s frosty mistral as it comes howling down the Rhône Valley, discovers the secrets of goat racing through the middle of town, and delights in the glorious regional cuisine. A Year in Provence transports us into all the earthy pleasures of Provençal life and lets us live vicariously at a tempo governed by seasons, not by days.

Au revoir!

Happy Birthday

SNOOP!!!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

(I sure hope I spelled that correctly... )

Have a Fantastic Day my dear, say Hi to Amir for me!

Book of the Week

I just had to.....


From the Editors:
'I've always been a girls' girl. And I know from experience that making the very best of yourself is something any woman can do. I was never the six-foot-tall pin-up. I've always been the girl-next-door who got lucky. I've come a long way in the last ten years, but this book isn't my attempt to tell you what or what not to do. It's just to share some of what I've learned.'

In That Extra Half an Inch, a tongue-in-cheek reference to her love of high heels, Beckham shares her tips for finding your own style including:


Learning how to dress for special occasions
Shopping for everyday wear and where to look for it
Accessories: defining the looks that work best for you
Helpful hints for the holidays
Making the most of your wardrobe
How to feel confident and look great every time you leave the house

That Extra Half an Inch is a beautiful, nothing-but-the truth, easy-to-use book on fashion, beauty and style. Victoria shares her personal style secrets so whether you're getting ready for work, a night out on the town or even doing the school run, you too can feel confident and look great every time you step out of the front door.

We could all use a bit more style in our lives right?

20 Hours, 30 Minutes

So, my other half of the group has just landed.. and I am barely able to sit still waiting for my turn... Today should be rather long, especially since I have to work again tonight... but in less than 24 hours I shall be there and living it up...

We even asked our boss, a lawyer, if we can have a 6 for 1 deal on annulments... Hey - we're just preparing for the possibility, right?

Ok, I'll sign off for now - Vegas Pictures to follow on Monday....

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

1 Day, 19 Hours, 46 Minutes

Wow, I'm almost there... I need to start thinking what I will wear to this shindig... Maybe I should wear Geri's mini??? or perhaps Posh's LBD (little black dress).... I'll keep you posted.

And now for something to cheer us all up.. today has not been the best.....


Spice Girls - Never Give Up On The Good Times

Whoo!

She used to be a chancer, sparkle in the rain
Told me she needed a friend
If shes going crazy, baby's on the way
Seems like the day never ends

Everybody needs some affection [Ah ah ah]
Never shines [never shines] gotta try [gotta try]
Wherever your going

Chorus
Never give up on the good times, gotta believe in the love you find
[Never give it up, never give it up no oh oh]
Never give up on the good times, livin it up is a state of mind
[never give it up no, never give it up oh oh]

Bossanova baby, heart is never soul
Shouting but he's never heard
Eyes all wide and open, streets are paved with gold
Someone come back on their word

Everybody needs some affection [Ah ah ah]
Never shines [Never shines] gotta try [gotta try]
Wherever your going

Repeat Chorus

Down and dirty city, feeling outta place
Maybe you've ran outta time
Treats her like a lady, smile upon her face
Make up the last of the lines

Everybody needs some affection [Ah ah ah]
Never shines [Never shines] gotta try [gotta try]
Wherever your going

Repeat Chorus

Never give up on the good times, gotta believe in the love you find
[Never give it uuuuuuuuup]
Never give up on the good times, livin it up is a state of mind
[Believe in the love you find]
Hey now look around, pick yourself up off the ground
I said hey now look around pick yourself up off the ground [x3]
I said [Never give up] hey now look around pick yourself up off the ground
I said hey now look around, pick yourself up off the ground

I said [Never give up] hey now look around,
pick yourself up off the ground
I said hey now look around, pick yourself up off the ground
I said [Never give up] hey now look around,
pick yourself up off the ground

I said never give up [x3]

Never give up on the good times, gotta believe in the love you find
[Never give it up, never give it up no oh oh]
Never give up on the good times, livin it up is a state of mind
[never give it up no, never give it up oh oh]
Never give up on the good times, gotta believe in the love you find
[Never give it uuuuuuuuup]
Never give up on the good times livin it up is a state of mind
Never give up on the good times, gotta believe in the love you find
[Never give it up, never give it up no oh oh]
Never give up on the good times, livin it up is a state of mind
[Never give it up no, never give it up oh oh]

1955

Oh, to be a 1955 Housewife....

2 Days, 22 Hours, 2 Minutes

The performance last night was really great...loved the outfits... Posh even sang - and well! Yeah for her!!! Emma looked great, even after just having a baby... I can't wait!

3 Days, 17 Hours, 50 minutes

PS - They perform tonight on the Victoria Secret Fashion Show... Channel 12 for those in Calgary!

A quote

"You can hide things in vocabulary" Dick Liddil (a member of the Jesse James gang)

This may be my most favourite quote...

4 days, 21 Hours, 41 Minutes

Weekend Update

So I finally have my phone back... last night after work I zipped over to my Aunt's house for some chit chat and yummy dinner... I love when people make me dinner, because really - do I want to make a whole dinner for myself? Besides that - I love hanging out with my Aunt and Grandma...

So there we were chatting away... eating a fantastic dinner and suddenly it was 11:30.. yikes!!! Time for bed... so I drove home, got into bed and realised my phone was sitting on the kitchen counter. Not good...

No worries, though I still have email right... this morning I got up, planned my movie date with Megan... got ready and walked down to the theatre... it is very very cold out p.s.

We watched The Assassination of Jesse James. Not bad, a bit depressing, a bit somber, but the Alberta scenery was great and I'm a wee bit embarrassed to admit that I didn't know how he died.... turns out it was a bit crap...... It was great to see Megan again, her life is so much more glamorous than mine and thus I enjoy living vicariously through her. Back to the movie though - it was shot with somewhat of a cold light so I spent the entire movie with my jacket on.. but Brad is looking a bit haggard, and tired.. he needs some R&R or some plastic surgery or something...

Afterwards it was back to running errands, up to Crowfoot Chapters to grab some books for the kids in the Evenstart program and back out to the house for my phone. More dinner (thank you!!) and then back home for a night in...

Oh, I guess I should talk about Friday. It was quite the night - I worked during the day, worked at night, met up with Eleni and Katherine for the Reagle Beagle's monthly theme night / music trivia night. This month's theme - White Trash - and although I was not in costume they sure were. Eleni in a walmart get-up and Katherine as a trucker, it was a sight to behold and I am so glad that I popped by to see it! Bravo girls, you made my night!!!

K, I'm done for today.

Ciao!

Wedding Dance

Just saw this on Ellen... pretty funny!

St. Andrew's Day

One more thought... Today is St. Andrew's Day. For those of you not in the know, he is the Patron Saint of Scotland and Namesake of the St. Andrew's Caledonain Society...



Sadly I am not Kilted today, I have to go to Job #2 later on tonight. However, I shall leave you all with the Glorious National Flag of Scotland!

Book of the Week

Well, I'll admit, I am in no way prepared for this week's book. I am still reading about 4 books, nothing new however, and thus I do not have one ready. But, I think I can muster enough brain power to find one that interests the masses (I hope!)

Ok, ready... here it is.. The reason I know about this book is because the cutest older gentleman (a university professor in fact.. ) told me about it. It is called "How the Irish Saved Civilization" Written by Thomas Cahill. It chronicles the fate of ancient texts (think Plato, Homer etc...) in the hands of the Irish.


From the Editors:

The perfect St. Patrick''s Day gift, and a book in the best tradition of popular history -- the untold story of Ireland''s role in maintaining Western culture while the Dark Ages settled on Europe.

Every year millions of Americans celebrate St. Patrick''s Day, but they may not be aware of how great an influence St. Patrick was on the subsequent history of civilization. Not only did he bring Christianity to Ireland, he instilled a sense of literacy and learning that would create the conditions that allowed Ireland to become "the isle of saints and scholars" -- and thus preserve Western culture while Europe was being overrun by barbarians.

In this entertaining and compelling narrative, Thomas Cahill tells the story of how Europe evolved from the classical age of Rome to the medieval era. Without Ireland, the transition could not have taken place. Not only did Irish monks and scribes maintain the very record of Western civilization -- copying manuscripts of Greek and Latin writers, both pagan and Christian, while libraries and learning on the continent were forever lost -- they brought their uniquely Irish world-view to the task.

As Cahill delightfully illustrates, so much of the liveliness we associate with medieval culture has its roots in Ireland. When the seeds of culture were replanted on the European continent, it was from Ireland that they were germinated.

In the tradition of Barbara Tuchman''s A Distant Mirror, How The Irish Saved Civilization reconstructs an era that few know about but which is central to understanding our past and our cultural heritage. But it conveys its knowledge with a winking wit that aptly captures the sensibility of the unsung Irish who relaunched civilization.

That's all for now... I'm tapped out. Happy Reading, and happy weekend....

Ciao!

Have you ever noticed that once it snows, the moonlight, or any light for that matter seems to be different?

I say this having woken up very early the past few mornings and just enjoyed the sight of it. From my bedroom it almost has a purple-ish quality to it... it's a nice change from the pitch black we had before the snow. Another thought that just popped into my head... I can remember walking down the alley from Kari's house back to my place and the whole place was covered in snow - everywhere.. and the silence was deafening.. the snow was squeeking beneath my feet and there was no sound, not at all..

Interesting thoughts on a thursday morning....

The Medical

Woke up this morning with a somewhat familiar scared / nervous feeling. The reason I got out last time was because I was not happy. I was hurt, I was on crutches for 2 months, I couldn't walk, in short I was super unhappy with where I was and it was just not working with me.

Now, I am in the midst of rejoining, and this morning I had to go through another medical, something which I was certainly not looking forward to. Turns out (as it usually does) it was not bad at all. I got there, smiled and nodded, answered health questions and did the vision / height / weight thing - well I might add. Then it was off to the sound booth and my hearing test. It was kind of fun actually, I got to don wicked cool old school headphones and sit in a insulted booth with a Jeopardy style buzzer... my dream come true! Anyways, I passed the test with "excellent results" and was off to answer more questions. In fact I mostly chatted with the MWO, and he concluded that upon approval from my GP I am good to go. All that remains is waiting for HMCS Tecumseh to schedule my fitness test when they get the go ahead from Ottawa.

Things are doing well on that front, although quite honestly, as much as I feel that this is where I need to be joining is always a scary thing. I would have to go to Basic again, this time fortunately it's Reg Force equivalent which would help me a lot in the future if I do decide to go Reg Force. The sad thing is that it may be in the future as more and more layoffs happen. But I digress, the fact remains that basic is going to be tough, and it's a damn good thing that I have several months to prepare, otherwise I would be a lot more stressed than I am currently. In the meantime I'm off to the gym at 5:30am, plus after work sessions when I can fit them in and push-up / sit up sessions in front of the TV at night. My real hope is that I can work up to 300 push ups per day (like we had in Basic last time) and hour of jogging, something I have yet to do in my life.


Well, that should just about do it for now, The Unit is on and it is a good one - I clearly have my priorities.

Crank Dat Soulja Boy

Simply Fantastic!

The Weekend

Alrighty, I promised a weekend run down and here it is...

Friday - Worked, during the day, found out some unsettling news. Turns out that our law firm is being closed and even more people were laid off.... scary huh? Yeah, so we're all scared for our jobs - seems that the whole mortgage meltdown in the US is affecting us. Funny how if an American Title Insurance company owns your company then you are affected when their economy tanks - that's just super! Friday night I worked again, it was busy but the cleaner - funny thing, his name is Cam - decided that I needed a pick me up so at the end of the night so he fed me Starbucks leftovers...mmmm...

Saturday - got up went to work... it was very very busy... and I was happy to leave. Sad thing was that I had to rush home and fix up the house... I so do hate a messy kitchen... anyways, mad dash to clean, curl my hair and fix up the makeup, set up the booze, and start welcoming the guests. Oh, perhaps I should mention

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL"

Everyone that came was great, we all had a great time but as the night wore on the party became decidedly french. I think it could have been because the entire Centre Francais
was there and thus the language shifted to French - with some English of course for those who weren't from the Centre. More and more drinks were had, in fact I broke out the 1.14L bottle of Gin that I won at work and I think I might have been the only one drinking and it seems to be only half full now... oops! In any case we chatted, played french games and chatted some more... 4:00 came and we dedcided to call it a night. I was in bed by 4:30 and....

Sunday - Was up for Dim Sum with Ronnalie. For starters Dim Sum is just plain yummy, Ronnalie is just plain fun, together, however, they are just great! We met up at 10:30, stuffed our faces, talked about life, wondered over to the Golden Happiness Bakery (part of our Dim Sum ritual) ate some more and then finally finished with a trip to the Gift shop in the Chinese Culture Centre... great times for sure! We parted ways there and I came home, freshened up and drove down to visit with a dear friend who was spending a spell in the hospital. After that it was back home, and quite honestly I cannot remember what I did after that... must have been exciting though, I'll tell you that much!!

Today however wasn't really that exciting, not much to report...

I'll leave you with a pretty funny youtube video... it's classic! (it's the post right before this one...)

Countdown

Just now I was reminded of the fact that I leave in exactly... 11 days, 21 hours, 11 minutes and 56 seconds ....

Weekend update to follow...

Book of the Week

This week's entry is a current events sort-of read. In light of what is happening in Afghanistan these days, I think we all should bone up on our information. I mean, how many of us actually know what is happening there?

Do most of us believe in the mission?

Are we all in agreement that the Taliban should be dealt with?

What about our troops that are over there, fighting for these people and laying their lives on the line for what Canada believe in. Do you support the troops?

Be careful with that last response though, I asked if you supported the men and women who are over there trying to make a difference, not whether or not you supported the war... that is a different question all together (remember the whole yellow ribbon campaign?)

I'm sure you know my response to these questions, but this week I thought this book would be appropriate. It was written by a reporter and outlines the "Stories Of Bravery, Friendship, Life And Death From Inside The New Canadian Army". It looks to be a great read.


Here is the write-up from the publisher:

Long before she made her first trip to Afghanistan as an embedded reporter for The Globe and Mail, Christie Blatchford was already one of Canada’s most respected and eagerly read journalists. Her vivid prose, her unmistakable voice, her ability to connect emotionally with her subjects and readers, her hard-won and hard-nosed skills as a reporter–these had already established her as a household name. But with her many reports from Afghanistan, and in dozens of interviews with the returned members of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and others back at home, she found the subject she was born to tackle. Her reporting of the conflict and her deeply empathetic observations of the men and women who wear the maple leaf are words for the ages, fit to stand alongside the nation’s best writing on war.

Happy Reading!

Dance-a-thon

There wasn't really a dance-a-thon but I couldn't come up with a better title so let's just go with it shall we?

Last night I dragged myself to dancing... and I did have quite a bit of fun. There were quite a few people there so it made the sets a lot more even. We did also chat about the upcoming ball season and apparently the RSCDS Calgary Branch is having a Robbie Burns Ball on Jan 12. Sounds fun, but I looked at the program and I only knew 3 of the dances... yikes!!! I guess I should buck up and learn the others.

As January is pretty much dedicated to Robbie Burns there is also a Robbie Burns dinner for the homeless that the St. Andrew's Society puts on at the Drop In Centre, this year (well 2008 actually) it is in fact a luncheon - but we are still bringing the haggis and the pipes - good times for all! Last year (and by last I mean Jan 2007, but you get the point) we served 880 people in about 35-45 minutes...... yep, we're that good!

There is also an Officer's Mess for the Highlanders that I went to last year with my good buddy Jen - from old job #2 - and her hubby... more haggis, more men in kilts, more pipes, more scotch, not so much dancing, but this time there were at least some officer's to hang out with... my kind of time I tell you! But in all seriousness I am really looking forward to this January.. it promises to be busy and fun.

February seems quite packed as well. There is a Ball in Edmonton for their branch of the RCSDS, and I got an email yesterday about another Ball at the Royal York in T.O. I love that hotel... I've stayed twice, once with Cam after a wedding down east and once with Megan on our shopping trip to H&M... that was really fun! Not sure if I can manage the airfare and such to go down, that plus the fact that I don't have a "date" to come with... we'll see I guess. Oh, and I think the Lethbridge people have a Ball in Feb too... I'll check it out in the meantime.

March brings some rest, I think, but in April we have a bit of fun... Apparently there exists a "Hawaiian Highland Festival" nothing to major, but our President wants to organize a group to go down as sort of a "Retreat" for us. Sounds interesting enough, I've never been to Hawaii and I am sure my mom would like to come... she can show me around. In addition to the fun in Hawaii I think the Monday night RSCDS people are putting on a Ball in late April... so really, I have quite the season ahead of me... wow, I'm going to be very busy (but what else is new?)

Back to present time - tonight KQ is coming for tea o'clock... I'm very excited - we haven't done this for a while....

Oh, one more thing - Saturday is Rachel's Birthday Party at my place... all are welcome to come - starts around 8ish... if you don't know where I live, then call me, or email me...

Ciao!

Most Likely.....

Most Likely today will not be a good day.



I'm not going to pretend that everything is well and I am happy, because I am really not, I am really sad and especially today I am feeling rather lonely.

I'm sad because I am reflecting back on all the memories, and the fact that I do not have my best friend - it is truly a melancholy sort of day.