Wednesday, March 31, 2004
I really need to get a life!
But oh well, here it is, Em's second (and probably final) tv quiz-o-rama...
Which Buffy Character are You?
Let's just hope the images show up this time. Sorry if your favourite character doesn't show up, there is a season 3 bias to this quiz.
But oh well, here it is, Em's second (and probably final) tv quiz-o-rama...
Which Buffy Character are You?
Let's just hope the images show up this time. Sorry if your favourite character doesn't show up, there is a season 3 bias to this quiz.
Easter
Yep, em is coming home. But don't tell her mom and dad....shhh....it's a surprise! I'm flying home on the Friday night and back Monday afternoon. Not much time, but hope to see as many of you as possible! Reunion in Waterloo or TO on Saturday, perhaps??? Let me know.
Yep, em is coming home. But don't tell her mom and dad....shhh....it's a surprise! I'm flying home on the Friday night and back Monday afternoon. Not much time, but hope to see as many of you as possible! Reunion in Waterloo or TO on Saturday, perhaps??? Let me know.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
50/50
Emily's top 5 picks from the American Idol top 10 (in no order whatsoever): LaToya, Fantasia, Jasmine, George, Diana.
Emily's top 5 picks from the American Idol top 10 (in no order whatsoever): LaToya, Fantasia, Jasmine, George, Diana.
Monday, March 29, 2004
Note to Self
If the puddle looks 'kind of deep' and is really long and has large chunks of ice floating in it, you probably shouldn't try to ride your bike through it. In case you were wondering, there might be a few inches of ice underneath the few inches of water and if your bike runs into the ice then you might get a little damp when you try to avoid hitting the water face first. Oops.
If the puddle looks 'kind of deep' and is really long and has large chunks of ice floating in it, you probably shouldn't try to ride your bike through it. In case you were wondering, there might be a few inches of ice underneath the few inches of water and if your bike runs into the ice then you might get a little damp when you try to avoid hitting the water face first. Oops.
I've become one of the crazy people. I biked to work today. City rush-hour biking is kind of scary... I fear The Door. But overall, a good start to the day.
I've decided to stop going to bed early. My new philosophy is Sleep Be Damned. (I'm eating this banana now.) It's working really well. I'm getting more things done and have more energy. Odd.
Good weekend.
Helped out with kid's stuff for church Saturday morning. The rest of the day was nice and lazy. Made some thank-you cards for bronwyn. Julia and I rented the perfect lazy weekend movie combo of Bridget Jones- in honour of our pathetic love lives, Save the Last Dance- so much cheesy goodness, and Lara Croft- hot girls who kick ass are the best. Then last night we watched Honey 'cause we just needed more hiphop dancing.
Went to the gospel church in my 'hood (honestly it's pretty ghetto) Sunday. Most embarassing moment: Old guy sits down next to me and leans over to whisper in my ear, "Looks like you and I are outnumbered- colour-wise that is." Go away old man, people will think I know you. I really didn't want to appear to be sitting in the 'white tourist' section of the church! Overall lots of gospel-y goodness and I ended up sitting next to a nice old lady who definitely approved when she saw I could sing along with everything, no hymnal required.
I've decided to stop going to bed early. My new philosophy is Sleep Be Damned. (I'm eating this banana now.) It's working really well. I'm getting more things done and have more energy. Odd.
Good weekend.
Helped out with kid's stuff for church Saturday morning. The rest of the day was nice and lazy. Made some thank-you cards for bronwyn. Julia and I rented the perfect lazy weekend movie combo of Bridget Jones- in honour of our pathetic love lives, Save the Last Dance- so much cheesy goodness, and Lara Croft- hot girls who kick ass are the best. Then last night we watched Honey 'cause we just needed more hiphop dancing.
Went to the gospel church in my 'hood (honestly it's pretty ghetto) Sunday. Most embarassing moment: Old guy sits down next to me and leans over to whisper in my ear, "Looks like you and I are outnumbered- colour-wise that is." Go away old man, people will think I know you. I really didn't want to appear to be sitting in the 'white tourist' section of the church! Overall lots of gospel-y goodness and I ended up sitting next to a nice old lady who definitely approved when she saw I could sing along with everything, no hymnal required.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Universal Unveiling!
Sometimes I get really bored. So then I do things.
In honour of the combination of my boredom, my homesickness for Meat and Meat Mondays and Richella finally coming out to her family and friends I would like to present the world premiere of my very own Quizilla quiz:
Which QAF Character Are You???
This actually took me a really long time to make, so please take it. I cannot promise an unbiased perspective on any character in the show.
Sometimes I get really bored. So then I do things.
In honour of the combination of my boredom, my homesickness for Meat and Meat Mondays and Richella finally coming out to her family and friends I would like to present the world premiere of my very own Quizilla quiz:
Which QAF Character Are You???
This actually took me a really long time to make, so please take it. I cannot promise an unbiased perspective on any character in the show.
The Rumour Mill
This is not a confirmed rumour at this time, but the astrological charts are beginning to indicate a possibility that em will be returning to the Kitchener-Waterloo region at some time in the near future, with a possibility that she will remain for at least a year.
Then again, the stars also told me that my future husband is really a modern artwork composed of toothpicks, toothpaste and bacon. So I'm not getting my hopes up.
This is not a confirmed rumour at this time, but the astrological charts are beginning to indicate a possibility that em will be returning to the Kitchener-Waterloo region at some time in the near future, with a possibility that she will remain for at least a year.
Then again, the stars also told me that my future husband is really a modern artwork composed of toothpicks, toothpaste and bacon. So I'm not getting my hopes up.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Metro Morning
Man, this morning was one of those when I didn't want to get off the metro. Two good books going on at once right now. The Shipping News and Memoirs of a Geisha I'm so popfiction.
Man, this morning was one of those when I didn't want to get off the metro. Two good books going on at once right now. The Shipping News and Memoirs of a Geisha I'm so popfiction.
Monday, March 22, 2004
Congrats to my cousin Amanda for winning 'London Idol' (Ontario, that is!) Not too shabby at 16...and I still think she's about 4...
Unfortunately the CanIdol judges told her she was 'too Broadway' and to get poppy and come back next year. Maybe she'll be on TV though! Look for a cute skinny tall redheaded type of person on the TO episode.
Unfortunately the CanIdol judges told her she was 'too Broadway' and to get poppy and come back next year. Maybe she'll be on TV though! Look for a cute skinny tall redheaded type of person on the TO episode.
Holy Cow. Thanks to erin for the nerdiest nerd quiz ever! Things I am ashamed to admit I know what the source was for the question regarding green love slaves from another planet. Honestly, I've never read a Star Trek novel! (ok maybe one or two...but that's a reading addiction problem...)
'I am only resolved to act in that manner which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.’
Thanks for the reminder Lizzie.
Thanks for the reminder Lizzie.
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Quebec Weekend
Well, everything went exactly as planned. The girls did not leave the hotel from Friday night when we checked in until Sunday morning. I am positive they spent over 4 hours in the hot tub and more than 7 watching tv. What an exciting way to experience Quebec City! I walked around the old town on Saturday and did a little browsing and such. In the evening after dinner (hotel restaurant) I stayed in too, because I'm not quite fun enough to go exploring bars and clubs alone.
Plus I got to be the mom, yeehaw. Figured out all the cash, did all the driving, bought food when needed. I don't really feel like being a parent to people who are not children...at least I was allowed to leave them at the pool unattended!
Well, everything went exactly as planned. The girls did not leave the hotel from Friday night when we checked in until Sunday morning. I am positive they spent over 4 hours in the hot tub and more than 7 watching tv. What an exciting way to experience Quebec City! I walked around the old town on Saturday and did a little browsing and such. In the evening after dinner (hotel restaurant) I stayed in too, because I'm not quite fun enough to go exploring bars and clubs alone.
Plus I got to be the mom, yeehaw. Figured out all the cash, did all the driving, bought food when needed. I don't really feel like being a parent to people who are not children...at least I was allowed to leave them at the pool unattended!
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Stealing the neighbour's wireless signal. Sweet!
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Happy News!
I'm a blogging machine today.
A friend of mine at work got accepted on his refugee claim! He said it only took about an hour and a half (way less than usual). The arbitrator he had usually only accepts about 20% of claims, apparently. Plus, during the hearing, the arbitrator read a letter that I wrote for Wildy about his claim here and said that it influenced the decision! Yay for doing something useful in my job.
I'm a blogging machine today.
A friend of mine at work got accepted on his refugee claim! He said it only took about an hour and a half (way less than usual). The arbitrator he had usually only accepts about 20% of claims, apparently. Plus, during the hearing, the arbitrator read a letter that I wrote for Wildy about his claim here and said that it influenced the decision! Yay for doing something useful in my job.
Aaaand
Went to John Mayer concert Monday night for Jo's b-day. I liked the opening band best. They're called Guster and they have a kick-ass percussionist who plays bongos and cymbals with his hands like a madman! Then my friend and former housemate Jen, who just happened to be visiting from Conneticut just happened to have their cd and I just happened to rip some songs. Impression confirmed, they have some good stuff going on.
Went to John Mayer concert Monday night for Jo's b-day. I liked the opening band best. They're called Guster and they have a kick-ass percussionist who plays bongos and cymbals with his hands like a madman! Then my friend and former housemate Jen, who just happened to be visiting from Conneticut just happened to have their cd and I just happened to rip some songs. Impression confirmed, they have some good stuff going on.
Hey Whiny Mc Whine-a-lot!
Ok, less complaining. Had a great time with my parents, we ate and walked around places, the perfect combination. Saw some churches, some views of the city, some gardens, some museums. I really need to make a list of the things I want to do before I leave Montreal, I feel like there are tons of things I still need to see!
Seeing my parents did give me a hearty dose of homesickness, though. I think I need to come back to Ontario at least for a while. Anyone know of any cool job prospects for the summer? I've been terrible about looking for something.
Ok, less complaining. Had a great time with my parents, we ate and walked around places, the perfect combination. Saw some churches, some views of the city, some gardens, some museums. I really need to make a list of the things I want to do before I leave Montreal, I feel like there are tons of things I still need to see!
Seeing my parents did give me a hearty dose of homesickness, though. I think I need to come back to Ontario at least for a while. Anyone know of any cool job prospects for the summer? I've been terrible about looking for something.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Remember how I used to be funny? And things were fun?
Now is not that time. Montreal is sucking my soul.
I think it's because I live with people whose hobbies include cosmetics, television, going to the gym, giggling and pore-reducing masks.
We're going on a 'house retreat' to Quebec City next weekend, and the whole plan (as far as I can tell) is to lie around the pool at the hotel. But... I like history and culture and speaking French and stuff. Guess I'll be a lonely tourist.
Anyone want to come live with me 'til the end of April? I know lots of fun places in Montreal that I'm sick of going to by myself!
Now is not that time. Montreal is sucking my soul.
I think it's because I live with people whose hobbies include cosmetics, television, going to the gym, giggling and pore-reducing masks.
We're going on a 'house retreat' to Quebec City next weekend, and the whole plan (as far as I can tell) is to lie around the pool at the hotel. But... I like history and culture and speaking French and stuff. Guess I'll be a lonely tourist.
Anyone want to come live with me 'til the end of April? I know lots of fun places in Montreal that I'm sick of going to by myself!
Friday, March 12, 2004
Weekend Excitement!
Jen, who was my housemate before Christmas, called last night and said she's coming to Montreal for the weekend! Yay for Jen!
Aaaand....my parents are coming for the weekend until Wednesday! I'm so taking Monday and Tuesday off! Woohoo for no work. In fact, I'm planning the funnest week ever. Monday and Tuesday, fun with parents. (plus John Mayer concert Monday night for Jo's birthday!) Wednesday and Thursday worky things. Friday morning- Biodome with a guy from church and his daughter (I hope...) Friday night-Sunday night house trip to Quebec City, including deluxe hotel-suitey goodness. Ah, the simple life. I'm livin' it.
Thinking of finding someone's place to crash at for May/June here to enjoy a bit of Montreal in nice weather, maybe do some writing and odd job babysitting type stuff for the cash. We shall see.
Char- OE told me they're all filled for early summer but still looking for July and August...
Jen, who was my housemate before Christmas, called last night and said she's coming to Montreal for the weekend! Yay for Jen!
Aaaand....my parents are coming for the weekend until Wednesday! I'm so taking Monday and Tuesday off! Woohoo for no work. In fact, I'm planning the funnest week ever. Monday and Tuesday, fun with parents. (plus John Mayer concert Monday night for Jo's birthday!) Wednesday and Thursday worky things. Friday morning- Biodome with a guy from church and his daughter (I hope...) Friday night-Sunday night house trip to Quebec City, including deluxe hotel-suitey goodness. Ah, the simple life. I'm livin' it.
Thinking of finding someone's place to crash at for May/June here to enjoy a bit of Montreal in nice weather, maybe do some writing and odd job babysitting type stuff for the cash. We shall see.
Char- OE told me they're all filled for early summer but still looking for July and August...
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Last of the Crazy People
A number of people who work for my organization are on a social assistance program and are 'trained' by us. It is a part of my job to give these people $50 a month toward their transportation costs. Mostly, this is not too complicated. Except for one person. He is paid every two months, so I had two $50s for him last week. Unfortunately, it was not the day for him to go to the bank (according to him) so he refused to take the money. So today when I got to work he'd already been standing outside my office for a couple of hours. He stopped me and asked about the money, but told me he would only take it in $20s. So off I went to the bank, and he waited on a random street corner near my place of work until I came back. He then took the money in a napkin and told me he didn't have time to sign the petty cash voucher for it, as he needed to walk to the bank, which would close at four p-dot m-dot. The good part is, my office smells much nicer now that he's gone.
A number of people who work for my organization are on a social assistance program and are 'trained' by us. It is a part of my job to give these people $50 a month toward their transportation costs. Mostly, this is not too complicated. Except for one person. He is paid every two months, so I had two $50s for him last week. Unfortunately, it was not the day for him to go to the bank (according to him) so he refused to take the money. So today when I got to work he'd already been standing outside my office for a couple of hours. He stopped me and asked about the money, but told me he would only take it in $20s. So off I went to the bank, and he waited on a random street corner near my place of work until I came back. He then took the money in a napkin and told me he didn't have time to sign the petty cash voucher for it, as he needed to walk to the bank, which would close at four p-dot m-dot. The good part is, my office smells much nicer now that he's gone.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Just got back from watching The Passion. Left strangely cold. Mel Gibson sure is a Catholic. I think I would've liked it better if Ingmar Bergman had directed it. Liked his interpretation of the temple curtain 'rending in two'. Guess if the whole temple splits in half... some serious inaccuracies though! (and we all know I'm a stickler for detail) Particularly disliked the Romans speaking Latin. Romans spoke Greek- hello, Hellenism! Also want to read the verse where that guy's eyes get pecked out by a crow. "And a crow decended from the skies and his eyes were drawn forth from their sockets by its beak?" Way to make God all sick and vengeful, Mel. Overall I didn't hate it. But I didn't love it.
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Mennohouse Idol
So today my housemate Julia and I had our own 'Idol' competition. I competed as the quirky, yet sassy, 'Wooden Spoon Girl' who wowed the judges with her stunning rendition of Son of a Preacher Man. Julia took the stage as 'Wearing A Purple Bra On Her Head Girl', whose wacky antics while she performed Natural Woman certainly made an impact. Again I took the stage, this time as 'Q-tips In Ears' girl and rocked out large with a killer vocal/guitar solo in Summer of '69. The act that really stole the show, however, was Johanna as 'Could You Guys Keep It Down I'm Trying To Sleep Girl'.
So today my housemate Julia and I had our own 'Idol' competition. I competed as the quirky, yet sassy, 'Wooden Spoon Girl' who wowed the judges with her stunning rendition of Son of a Preacher Man. Julia took the stage as 'Wearing A Purple Bra On Her Head Girl', whose wacky antics while she performed Natural Woman certainly made an impact. Again I took the stage, this time as 'Q-tips In Ears' girl and rocked out large with a killer vocal/guitar solo in Summer of '69. The act that really stole the show, however, was Johanna as 'Could You Guys Keep It Down I'm Trying To Sleep Girl'.
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Not in Kansas Anymore!
The best part about being named 'em' is that I can become someone's 'Auntie Em'! Then I get to say things like,
Now you go feed those hogs before they worry themselves into anemia!
and
For twenty-three years I've been dying to tell you what I thought of you! And now... well, being a Christian woman, I can't say it!
The best part about being named 'em' is that I can become someone's 'Auntie Em'! Then I get to say things like,
Now you go feed those hogs before they worry themselves into anemia!
and
For twenty-three years I've been dying to tell you what I thought of you! And now... well, being a Christian woman, I can't say it!
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Walking Home
I've had the craziest conversations on my walks home the last couple of days. Yesterday I ran into Karim, a guy I work with who's from Burkina Faso and we had interesting conversations. He tells me I'm not married yet because I haven't looked for a husband- and really, I guess he's right. Hmmm...note to self- If interested in marriage, look for husband.
Today I stopped at Vortex, my favourite used bookstore in Montreal and had a little gab-fest with the armchair philosopher proprietor. I love that guy. His gems of the day, "All life takes is a little confidence. There's nothing you can do that you can't forgive yourself for."(in the context of the average decent person) + "When people list their assets, they always forget to include themselves." + "People think they need money, when what they really need is other people."+ "We aren't like lions, they can kill things without guns."
Ah whacky book man, good thing you pick good books for your store, or you'd just be a nut!
I've had the craziest conversations on my walks home the last couple of days. Yesterday I ran into Karim, a guy I work with who's from Burkina Faso and we had interesting conversations. He tells me I'm not married yet because I haven't looked for a husband- and really, I guess he's right. Hmmm...note to self- If interested in marriage, look for husband.
Today I stopped at Vortex, my favourite used bookstore in Montreal and had a little gab-fest with the armchair philosopher proprietor. I love that guy. His gems of the day, "All life takes is a little confidence. There's nothing you can do that you can't forgive yourself for."(in the context of the average decent person) + "When people list their assets, they always forget to include themselves." + "People think they need money, when what they really need is other people."+ "We aren't like lions, they can kill things without guns."
Ah whacky book man, good thing you pick good books for your store, or you'd just be a nut!
Morning Beauty
Woke up just before 7 this morning with no alarm (mostly because things were melting and I thought there was water pouring into the dining room again!) and the sun was shining bright gold on the city. It was so beautiful that I went out running (in shorts!) before the rain started at 8. Such a good start to the day, especially since it's been rainy ever since.
Crystal Ball Gazing
Options have been narrowing...
- people from the college in Newfoundland where they teach outdoor adventure guiding have been super nice and emailed and called lots. I don't actually want to work in adventure tourism, but I would really like to have the skills I would learn in the program
- internships are a possibility, working with kids in South America, peace centre in South Africa, WCC in Geneva...but I've been wicked homesick lately so I don't know if the best way to cure that is leaving the country
- find work in GTA, live in a house in the country, pay off debt, work as a volunteer on film sets, good times.
Right now, go home. Watch American Idol. My life is full of fun.
Woke up just before 7 this morning with no alarm (mostly because things were melting and I thought there was water pouring into the dining room again!) and the sun was shining bright gold on the city. It was so beautiful that I went out running (in shorts!) before the rain started at 8. Such a good start to the day, especially since it's been rainy ever since.
Crystal Ball Gazing
Options have been narrowing...
- people from the college in Newfoundland where they teach outdoor adventure guiding have been super nice and emailed and called lots. I don't actually want to work in adventure tourism, but I would really like to have the skills I would learn in the program
- internships are a possibility, working with kids in South America, peace centre in South Africa, WCC in Geneva...but I've been wicked homesick lately so I don't know if the best way to cure that is leaving the country
- find work in GTA, live in a house in the country, pay off debt, work as a volunteer on film sets, good times.
Right now, go home. Watch American Idol. My life is full of fun.
