Want Some Cheese With That Whine?

Cool Blog Alert!

2012-01-12T10:47:00.001-05:00

I don't live near New York City, and the chances are pretty slim that I'm going there any time soon, but it is a city that I would really love to visit sometime in my life. This blog that I discovered when a friend shared one of its posts makes me want to visit all the more.

It's called Scouting New York, and it's written by a film location scout, and some of the places he finds are just amazing. Places that the rest of the city never gets to see, or just ignores as they go about their business. I'm a big fan of abandoned places and beautiful (if sad) urban decay, so this blog really hit the spot.

I'd like to add that the photography is stunning. You almost get the feeling you're actually there.

Check it out when you have some time.

Oh, Hypocrisy

2011-04-25T21:11:00.001-04:00

Remember this post where I denounced Twitter?

I am ashamed to say I signed up for it this past weekend. It was totally peer-pressure-driven. The whole kiddie-table was doing it!

Anyhow, I really didn't know what I was missing. I rather enjoy it muchly. You can follow me if you like, but I'm not saying anything worthwhile. I'm mostly following celebrities.

Bald Eagle Cam!!!

2011-04-11T21:59:00.000-04:00

OMG OMG OMG LOOK AT THE BABIES!

Live from their tree-top nest at a fishery in Iowa, it's the Decorah Eagles! It's a 24/7 live webcam trained on a pair of bald eagles and their three chicks (eaglets?). Enjoy, because I know I am!

Decorah Eagles

New Hardware! Woot!

2011-02-17T23:06:00.000-05:00

So, I just purchased a lap-top for myself, so hopefully I can update my blogs more often now.

That's all I've got for now.

Mind Purge

2010-07-29T14:25:00.000-04:00

Just a few things on my mind that I want to say but don't know where else to:

1. If only he were younger.
2. I wish those Korean ladies in the building coffee shop would get some crunchy peanut butter.
3. Just when you think you have time to get something done, they throw something else at you.

I've hit a brand new low.

2010-07-09T10:44:00.002-04:00

I signed up on Plenty Of Fish the other day. Not for anything serious, just to see what it's about, but the fact that I did it still makes me wonder if I have a split personality, and the other person in my head is on some kind of behaviour-altering substance.

I will probably delete or clean out my account pretty soon though. I've always been an advocate of actually talking to a person...in...person...(too many "persons") instead of online for that sort of thing anyway.

UPDATE: I deleted the account. What a waste of time I will never get back.

It's like a heat waaaaaaaaave, burnin' in my heart!!

2010-07-06T09:45:00.000-04:00

Okay, not exactly in my heart. But darn near everywhere else! This week we've been under a bona fide heat wave, which is three or more consecutive days with temperatures at 32 degrees or more (that's 89.6 degrees for my American friends). Tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest day of the week, with the humidex factor making it feel like 44 degrees (111.2 degrees)!

Luckily I work in a nicely temperature-controlled office, and I haven't had to deal with the outside weather much during the day, but I really feel for all the people whose jobs have them working outside, and especially the homeless. Toronto usually sets up cooling centers for days like this, but maybe not everyone can take advantage. It is really like walking into an oven. I just hope that everyone can keep hydrated and cool as best as they can.

The best part about all this is that yesterday we already had a power transformer explode in the west end of the city. I think about 250,000 people were without power. With the days getting hotter as the week goes on and everyone turning their A/C to 11, I am hoping that this doesn't happen again. This is why that big blackout in 2003 happened! I suppose we're more prepared for that now, though. They said on the news that yesterday's power outage could have been much worse if they weren't so quick to disconnect the transformer station from the main power grid. We just have to be smart about our A/C use.

Okay, I lied. The REAL best part about all this is the killer apocolyptic thunderstorm we're inevitably going to get when the humidity finally hits the breaking point. I really love thunderstorms and am looking forward to it!

I like a little chaos mixed in with my order.

2010-06-23T14:48:00.001-04:00

Today at 1:41 pm there was a 5.0 magnitude earthquake, with the epicenter at 49 km north of Cumberland, ON, at about 19 km below the earth's surface.

View Larger Map

My mom and I were on lunch, getting into the car after shopping, and felt the car rock. It is a little windy today since we're anticipating a thunderstorm, so I thought it was the wind, but as a joke I wondered at it being an earthquake. We turned on the news and just as we did they were reporting that they just got word of people feeling the ground shake. We booked it back to work to make sure everything was okay there, and they must have evacuated the building, but we were allowed back in not to long after.

I've never felt an eathquake like that before since they don't really happen in this area, but apparently it stretched as far as Montreal and New York! There wasn't any damage as far as I know, and no one was hurt, so thank goodness for that. I really can't complain about a sissy earthquake like this when other, much more horrible ones have happened, but it gives us something to talk about for a while, I guess.

So it's World Cup football time...

2010-06-16T12:04:00.002-04:00

I spent a few days at Blue Mountain at a cottage with some family and friends, and while we were up there and all together, our team had their first game.

Can you guess which team that is?

Monsters that don't get enough love.

2010-06-07T12:53:00.003-04:00

I'm sure you're all aware of the huge fan base vampires are getting these days, whether you're trying to avoid it or not. Even werewolves are getting some positive attention (and I'll be frank, I prefer those over vampires).

But what about the other monsters we share our planet with? The ones that the teens and tweens pass over in their goal to get a more glamourous baddie? They deserve some love too!

Godzilla

Sure, he's just a giant iguana, and reptiles give most people the willies, but something about the power to smash a city block with one stomp could kinda get a girl hot under the collar, if she's into power, that is. And really, what girl isn't? And imagine the views if he let you sit on his head as he walks around! Just hope you like Japan!

Mummies

Yeah, mummies DO get the Hollywood treatment once in a while, but they're always cast as the bad guy. Why is that? Maybe they're just looking for a girl to lend them an ear (figuratively). A girl that's into history would love to sit and listen to all he had to say about what he's seen over the millenia. I know I would, being into Ancient Egypt myself. She would just have to learn how to decipher his muffled words through all those linen wrappings.

Zombies

Like mummies, zombies always get a bad rep, but have you ever considered that they can't always be out looking for brains. Maybe once in a while they need a good heart too. Just because you're undead it doesn't mean those feelings just go away. If you don't mind that not-so-fresh smell, a zombie could be for you. Just remember that his feeding time should coincide with your "alone time" to avoid an untimely...breakup. I guess that would be a gentler word for it.

Swamp Creatures

I will admit that it's a little tough to find anything positive to say about a swamp creature. Let's face it, he's stuck living in a swamp, he's had his DNA altered by some kind of radioactive goo, and that's just made him cranky all the time. Most girls just won't put up with that for long. Still, if you get on his good side, you won't have to worry about swamp crocodiles anymore! Okay, this one was a stretch, but there's always a silver lining! I just haven't found it yet.

Remember folks, it's rare that you'll find the man, woman, or vampire of your dreams. Sometimes if you compromise and change your expectations, you can find that special love of your life in places you never thought possible. Dark, scary places.

Why can't I take a compliment?

2010-06-04T16:41:00.001-04:00

-"You have such beautiful hair!"
-"Yeah, but it sheds so much. You should see my shower drain. It's disgusting."

-"You have such nice skin. You're like a porcelain doll!"
-"Oh, but I break out so much!"

-"You have a pretty name! Your mother made a good choice!"
-"I wish she chose the English version. No one can spell it or say it properly, and it just sucks."

People actually said these things to me recently, and I actually responded this way.

Why? WHY??????

Places I'd love to revisit, but can't without looking like a creep.

2010-06-02T15:24:00.012-04:00

Oh, the places we've been! In life, people can either move around from house to house, school to school, and job to job, or just stay where they are. Still, no matter what your own past situation is, there are some places you've been that you really can't go back to, even if you wanted to. Whether it's a place that holds fond memories that belongs to someone else now, or an intriguing place you wish you had explored more that doesn't exist anymore, going back there is going to get you arrested for being a peeping tom/pedophile/trespasser.

I'm very nostalgic so here is my list so far. I can see myself expanding on this in later posts.

1. Sam the Record Man:

(picture found on this site, in case someone wonders or complains)

This wonderful music store near the intersection of Yonge & Dundas in Toronto was one of my favourite places to go for music when visiting the city, before I found out about Sonic Boom on Bloor & Bathurst (I have a blurb about that place in an older post). It was founded in 1937 as part of a department store and this flagship location opened in 1961. Sadly, it couldn't keep up with the mp3 take-over of music, and had to close its doors for good in 2007.

I loved going because there was so much history there. Artists would visit for signings, and the walls were riddled with graffiti from visitors from over the years. The layout of the store was pretty cool too. It was two floors, and each genre had its own room with its own music on the P.A.. There was a malt-shop-like snack bar in the rock section (which I don't think was used for a long while in the end) and the Movies room was decorated like a 50's movie theatre with chairs and everything. I could always find the music I was looking for there, too. I still buy cds, I'm into a fair bit of older music, and living in a suburb east of the city, going to the music stores there is useless.

Why I want to go back: I went one last time pretty close to when they closed down. You could tell they were getting empty, and were starting to auction off the fittings and decorations. I wanted so badly to take pictures of the place, but all I had on me was a really crappy cell phone camera with little memory, so I missed out on a lot. I still regret it to this day.

Why I can't go back: Well, the store is closed down! It's been closed for 3 years. The building is still there, but Ryerson University bought it for something or other, and since I'm not associated with Ryerson in any way, what reason would I have to go? I'd probably be trespassing.

2. My high school.

There are probably millions of people in the world STILL in therapy because of the horrible time they had at high school. I can't say I had a great time either; I was mostly ignored, didn't have a lot of friends, but I wasn't teased and managed to get along with everyone.

I went to a Catholic high school in Pickering (east of Toronto) called St. Mary, and yes, we had to wear the standard uniform, kilt and all. It was known for giving a better education compared to the public schools, and had the best music program in the region. It didn't have a pool, but our sports teams did reasonably well, and the first year I was there, they finally started up a football team (the school only opened in '89, and I was there 1996-2001).

Why I want to go back: Heck, I miss the place. I should have taken more pictures with classmates and students, and should have taken one of the old mural in the cafeteria before the art class went over it with their not-much-better replacement. Just walking the halls and remembering good times would be fun.

Why I can't go back: I don't attend the school anymore. My sister doesn't attend the school. My brother doesn't attend the school. I don't teach there, I don't cook in the cafeteria, and I certainly don't clean the place up at night. A random adult wandering in the halls would be wrong, and I'd likely get (forcefully) kicked out.

3. My elementary school.

I went to three different ones, but the one I stayed at the longest (grades 2 to 8) was St. Isaac Jogues in Pickering. It wasn't the best-off school in the area (probably better in the earlier days) and not the biggest either (there was and I am sure still is a port-o-pak of classrooms in the back). We were right next to St. Isaac Jogues church, and even though I'm a staunch atheist now, I still will admit that was pretty convenient.

Why I want to go back: Pretty much for the same reasons as why I'd like to revisit my high school. I probably went into almost every room in that school, not including the boys' bathroom, but definitely including the boys' change room in the gym (we used to go to Italian class in the school on weekends, and when we did plays we'd use the change rooms to prepare as the stage was in the gym). Now one room that I never went into that always intrigued me was in the boys' change room and was always locked, and I think it was either a storage closet or gym teacher's office. I would have loved to see what was behind that door, even if probably wasn't all that exciting.

Why I can't go back: The same reason for not being able to go back to my high school, only it would be even more creepy because the kids are younger.

4. My grandmother's old house.

It's hard to accept the fact that you can't ever go back to a place you were welcome since the day you were born. My grandparents had a few houses since they immigrated from Italy, but the only one I was around for was the one in the McCowan & Eglinton area of Scarborough. It was a cute little 2-story semi-detached on a street that was pretty diverse. My aunt used to live down the street, and I suppose you could include her house in this section too. The family would gather there almost every weekend, whether it was for a birthday, a holiday, or just for coffee and conversation. I would sleep over with a couple of cousins often, and would never want to go home. It was a warm, loving place.

After my grandfather passed away in 2002, my grandmother stayed there a little while on her own, and with my aunt and her family for a while until her new house was built. She and the rest of us decided in 2005, however, that she would probably be too depressed if she stayed there and should move to Ajax with everyone else.

Why I want to go back: So many memories there! I would love to sit in the rooms and remember all the things that went on there. All the parties and visits, happy times and sad times. It would probably be tough seeing it empty or filled with other people's stuff though. I didn't really go to the house much in the final days of my grandmother living there, and therefore I feel like I didn't have any closure with it. I still dream about it all the time, about her moving back there, or about using it for a party.

Why I can't go back: My grandmother sold the place after my grandfather passed away. That was about 5 years ago now. I don't know if the same family is even living there now. How creepy would it be if some chick showed up at your door and wanted to poke around because some lady lived there before you? Yeah, I wouldn't let me either.

5. MY old house.

I was born in Toronto, and lived in a couple of places in Scarborough, but we moved to Pickering when I was five (1987), and stayed in the same house until 2005. It was bought brand-new so we wouldn't have any creepers showing up at our door hoping to have a look around at their old place, and it was in a pretty nice area. The school was a 10 or 15 minute walk away, there was a grocery store down the street, and we were pretty close to the mall too. We had fruit trees and a big deck in the backyard and shared it with our neighbours who were my aunt and uncle and cousins, and their oldest, Stef, is practically like a sister because of that.

What else can I say about my childhood home that you don't already know about, having one of your own? It was a place to live and love, laugh and cry (and there was a lot of both), the only place I could get a decent night's sleep, and the only place I wanted to be at the end of the day.

In 2004, everyone needlessly decided they needed a change (or whatever. I still don't know what the reason was) and we all bought houses in Ajax, the next city east of Pickering. It wasn't a far move, but it was still a change, and I'm not always accepting of change. Needless to say, I was angry, but still living with my parents and not being able to afford my own place, I had to follow along. We had a hard time selling the place though, and even though our new house was built and ready to move into by July 2005, we didn't officially move in until October.

Why I want to go back: Like with my grandmother's house, I didn't really have much closure. We still had the old house for a little while after we moved out and my dad would go back there to fix up here and there before it sold, but I never went back after we left. I'd just like to sit in the rooms and remember, and maybe see what the people who moved in did with the place.

Why I can't go back: It belongs to someone else. It would be creepy of me to try and get into a place that isn't mine, and illegal too. I drive by it sometimes because I still do a lot of stuff in Pickering, but I still feel pretty gross doing it.

Like I said, I'm pretty nostalgic, and I'm sure I'll come up with more places I can't visit anymore, but these are the ones that came to me right now. If you have any places like this, feel free to tell me about it in the comments!

Moar Wedding Pictures

2010-06-01T10:32:00.000-04:00

The photographer posted her pictures of my cousin's wedding on her Flikr site, and understandably I can't save them to post on here, so I will share the link.

Fancy-pants wedding pictures!

The Ten Commandments of a Real Worker

2010-05-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

I have always seen this sign hanging in my aunt's house, so I finally decided to take a picture of it, and I will try my best to translate it for you. It's basically ten rules or commandments for the procrastinator.

1. One is born tired and lives to rest.

2. Love your bed like you love yourself.

3. Rest up during the day to prepare for sleep at night.

4. If you see someone resting, help him.

5. Work is effort. (Not 100% sure about this one)

6. Don't do today what you can leave for tomorrow.

7. Do as little as you can and delegate what you have to do to others.

8. Too much rest never hurt anyone.

9. If you feel the urge to work, sit down and wait until it passes.

10. If work is acknowledged, so is misfortune (not 100% sure of this either)

Wow, those Italians really love their jobs, huh?

A few pictures from my cousin's wedding.

2010-05-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

My cousin got married on Sunday, and although I am very disappointed in how few pictures I managed to take (I was busy being IN them!), I will share some of them. I will try and post some official pictures (and maybe some stolen ones from other people) if I can get my hands on them.

Here are the bridesmaid and flower girl bouquets. They were white roses and some other flowers I'm sorry to say I can't identify. The flower girl had daisies instead of roses, and the bride's bouquet had orchids mixed in with the other flowers.

Here is the bride after (or while?) her corset was being done up.

My sister, mother and I.

Here's a sign we saw on the way to the banquet hall. Hope it's not going to be needed! Still, it's a good deal!

A shot from the park after the ceremony. This wasn't even posed. The photographer just finished taking a picture of the guys, and then told the ring bearer to do something, and I managed to catch all the guys looking at him. Couldn't have been luckier!

Here's the cake. Very cute!

My godson and I dancing.

The young ones were pretty wiped out and they had a "crib" made for them out of chairs. I wished I could do this too, believe me. There was a point I couldn't dance anymore, and I usually can go the whole night. Of course I usually get more sleep the night before a wedding.

All in all it was a very enjoyable day, and I wish the bride and groom well with all my heart. Hopefully I can get some better pictures up soon.

AYBS Flikr Update

2010-05-19T11:34:00.000-04:00

As promised, I said I'd post pictures of my revamped Grand Emporium/Grace Brothers when it was done, so here's the link to my photostream:

My "AYBS Lego"

Funny Sign Time!

2010-05-14T14:28:00.002-04:00

There's a tree farm near where I live, and I pass by it on the way to and from work. Recently I noticed they put out some signs advertising that they're open.

This is what it looks like:

Any guesses at what they're really selling??

I submitted it to the blog of "unnecessary" quotation marks. Let's see what happens!

Tears for Fears!

2010-05-12T14:50:00.001-04:00

Tears for Fears is coming to our casino circuit this summer. I'm a little sad that it's the casino and not some downtown venue like Lee's Palace or Massey Hall, but hey, if it worked for the Stone Temple Pilots (and they think they'll get that many people showing up) then it works for me.

I'm so excited. I think my favourite song of theirs is "Head Over Heels". It was a cute video too. I'm glad they're still performing together, because wasn't there only one of them still under that band name after a while?

And then there were three. :0(

2010-05-12T14:19:00.000-04:00

Today we "lost" another lady from our department. Well, apparently we lost four people today in total, but I don't know who the other three are. I say "lost" in quotation marks because really she has another two weeks to go, but they told her about it today. How crap must she feel to have to stick around and be pitied and patronized for another two weeks? If it were me, I'd want the eff out of there pronto.

And really, how much work is she going to feel like doing? She already went home early because her heart wasn't in it. I don't blame her. She's been here 30+ years, and is probably one of the hardest-working people I know, but the way this place is going, that doesn't matter much. It's all about saving money, just like everywhere else.

I don't think I feel all that bad for her though. As bad as that sounds, hear me out. It's a tough job she had. I don't think she got much rest, and there were quite a few days where she would go without lunch. She had to do a lot of work helping out the lady I used to be the assistant for before we had our big Division Shuffle a couple of years ago, and that wasn't her job. On top of that she had to start tracking for the other half of her division that she never had to deal with before. She had a long commute, got here early and left late a lot. I really think she deserves this rest. It's like that with everyone else who leaves this place. When they come back for a visit, they're practically glowing. I hope it's the same for her.

I wish her luck, and pray that they lay off the laying off for a while.

OMG WHITE HAIR ALERT or The Loss of Intactness (Intactnicity?)

2010-04-22T16:14:00.001-04:00

I was, well, let's just say I was fixing my hair recently, and I came upon three or four hairs that shone a little differently than the rest. Upon closer inspection, I could see that they were white!

I wasn't really surprised that they were there at my age, since I'm almost 28, and I know quite a few people my age that are already greying and/or balding. In fact, when I found them, I updated my Facebook status to express my chagrin, and one of the guys I went to school with responded that he was already getting white hairs in his beard. He also expressed hope that I didn't have that problem. I quickly told him that being Italian (like him), I will have that problem eventually. We all have that problem. I have been dying to use that joke for a long time.

To be honest, I don't really know why I was surprised. Perhaps surprise wasn't even what I felt. I think it was the universal dismay at getting old.

We all know what happens when we get old. Things start to hurt, fall off or fall out, change colours, and just plain stop working like they used to. We have to start taking all kinds of medicines to keep some semblance of normalcy in our bodily operations. This frightens me, and I'll tell you why.

If something is missing or broken, I don't want it anymore. I remember losing pieces or accessories from toys I had and never wanting to play with them again. Things weren't the same anymore. Barbie NEEDS the shoes that went with that dress! If they're missing, why would I even let her wear that dress anymore?? It's not the same!

I think it would be the same with my body. Once things start to go worse than they already are, I don't know how I'll live with myself. I will admit to seriously courting the option of throwing myself off a cliff once I hit a certain age, or not treat myself if I get some horrible potentially life-threatening illness, because I don't know how I will be able to handle it.

I'm still young for now and have lots of time to worry about it, and aging kind of comes gradually, so I know that I'll feel differently when I get older, and taking care of myself as best as I can now will make the transition into my autumn and winter years much easier. Still, it's daunting and sad watching people getting old and knowing that it will happen to me eventually.

Bring this back, please!

2010-04-07T16:18:00.001-04:00

I really long for the days where people would dress up just to leave their house, no matter where they were going. I enjoy looking at People of Walmart because it makes me laugh, but I also cry a little inside when I see what some people decide is acceptable excursion attire.

While blog-browsing, I came upon one called Old Hollywood Glamour, which is all about a great love of mine, classic movies and their stars. Going through it, I spotted these in a post about a John Galliano fashion show and instantly fell in love:

Here's the post they came from:

Old Hollywood Glamour - John Galliano Men's 2010 Paris F/W Fashion Show

While I TOTALLY do not agree with the corsets or the weird hair, I really do love a nice suit on a man. Why can't we do this anymore?

Passing Thought

2010-04-05T12:33:00.002-04:00

If it's a crime to steal someone's stuff, then I think it should also be a crime to steal someone's thunder.

Look What I Bought

2010-04-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

Much to the chagrin of my mother, who saw the box by the door when we came home from work, my latest LEGO Shop purchase arrived Thursday afternoon.

I know I was saying that I wanted to make a set for my AYBS minifigs, but when I saw that this puppy was out, I HAD to get it instead.

I started working on it at 8:00 pm, and didn't finish until about 3:45 am (Oh yeah, I'm hardcore. Once I start, I can't stop until the build is done).

The bottom floor is the clothing department, and it has a perfume counter, a change room, a cash register, and some mannequins in the window. There are two escalators, one leading to the second floor (Housewares, with goblets and plates) and the other to the third (the Toy Department, with a scooter and a toy house).

I'm thinking of leaving the ground floor as-is, but maybe adding some more clothing. The second floor I have already turned into the staff "canteen", since I had already started getting the parts together for that. I want to turn the third floor into Mr. Rumbold's and Mr. Grace's office, but since I don't have the desks yet, it's still a combination of Toys and Housewares. I DID, however, make a Mr. Grace minifig, and one of Mr. Rumbold's later secretaries, Miss Belfridge.

I'll post pictures on my Flikr when I'm done, but it may be a while, because there will be a lot of more important things I will need my money for coming up.

Dose of reality for the day.

2010-03-16T12:04:00.001-04:00

I don't care what Stacey and Clinton say, it isn't the shirt/pants/skirt/dress/ that makes one look fat.

My friends, it is one's fat that makes one look fat. I'm off to the gym now!

Blackberry Messenger!

2010-03-08T09:10:00.002-05:00

A year or so ago, someone sent me a bootleg link to update my Blackberry Messenger to BBM 5, the spiffy newer version of BBM. Like a naive fool I took the bait, because who doesn't want to be one of the first to get something new?

Of course, after I tried installing it, it wiped my BBM icon right off my phone, and I couldn't reinstall the program.

Now, all you Blackberry owners are thinking to yourself, "Hey, genius, why don't you just reset your phone with the back-up software it came with?" Well, yes, that's what I should have done right away, but it took me a year. One, I'm SUCH a lazy ass. Two, the house computer is also a lazy ass, and I was hesitant to install the software because it would take so long. I also didn't want to install it on either my brother or sister's laptops, because frankly, it's not their problem (I really need to get my own).

I didn't really care though, because I wasn't really using my BBM all that much. Still, seeing how everyone I know was slowly catching the Blackberry bug, I figured it would really be easier and cheaper to keep in touch with them through BBM, so I bit the bullet and installed the software on the house desktop.

It took 5 hours to install and fix my phone.

Anyhow, after a year, I've got my BBM back, so I'm happy. I'm also wondering why it took me so long.

PS: My PIN is 3026938E ...add me!

A Passing Thought

2010-02-24T10:37:00.000-05:00

It has been said that people do their best thinking in the bathroom. If this is true, why don't they hold more strategy meetings there?

I made the minifigs....

2010-02-19T11:30:00.000-05:00

..so naturally what must follow are the sets!

I said I would try not to buy any LEGO for the rest of the month, but when you're addicted, you can't stop! I'm going to make some sets for my AYBS figs, starting with the lunchroom, or canteen as they called it, and I've already started buying the parts. Next will be the manager, Mr. Rumbold's, office, and then gradually I'll tackle the sales floor.

I'm just slightly ashamed that I STILL haven't finished my semi-inaccurate Largo Winch set before I get started on anything else, but I DO feel good about the fact that I finished my Ghostbusters one, so I'm even with myself, I suppose.

Here they are!

2010-02-14T18:31:00.001-05:00

As promised, I am posting my Are You Being Served LEGO minifigs, and some reference pictures:

You can see them better, along with some descriptions, on my Flikr:

My AYBS minifigs on Flikr

AYBS? Lego Immortalization 99% Complete

2010-02-11T10:43:00.003-05:00

I am happy to say that I've almost finished my Are You Being Served? Minifigs, but I am currently waiting on better hair for Mr. Lucas. Once I get that, I will post them. They're too cute!

EXCUUUUUUUSE ME....

2010-02-11T10:41:00.001-05:00

...but I was looking at the water!

I'm sorry that all I've been doing lately is posting funny pictures and websites, but nothing is really going on lately, and this blog IS also about keeping my likes, dislikes, and thoughts together in one place.

Who is the Cutest?

2010-02-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

Who is The Cutest??

Tee hee! ;-)

No one is ever right for your son.

2010-02-05T09:10:00.001-05:00

My cousin sent me this, because she saw it looking for ideas for her own wedding invitations and thought it was hilarious.

If you're ever mauled by bears...

2010-01-26T11:47:00.000-05:00

New LEGO Immortalization Idea

2010-01-11T15:56:00.007-05:00

So I've been on a "Are You Being Served" kick (as I always have been, but it's bigger now that I'm watching my complete box set :-D ) and I'm thinking of putting together some LEGO minifigs to portray the characters (and maybe even make a set down the road!), but the only trouble I am having is finding the right torso for the ladies. Their uniform is a brown tank dress thing with a white or beige blouse. The legs are fine because I'll take a brown 2X1, and attach some yellow round 1x1s for legs, but the torso is tough! Nothing I've seen really works. There's a Han Solo one that comes close, and I would have used it, but the vest isn't brown. I can always try and make do, but I'd like to be as accurate as possible.

This is what I want to reproduce:

The men are simple because they just wore regular suits and there are a few of those available.

Also, YAY, IT'S MY HUNDRETH (hundredeth?) POST!!! YAY!!!

Ahem.

UPDATE: I'm going with this. It's too light, but it's the best I'm going to get.

(Photo from http://www.bricklink.com/)

Adult Language

2010-01-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

Before you get your mind drowning deep into that gutter water, I'm not talking about that kind of adult language.

What I want to say is that when you work for a company that has some semblance of professionalism, the least you can do is try to use professional-sounding language.

I won't go into details, but if you're a grown person, it's NOT okay to say "timsing" when you mean "multiplying" in your letter. In fact, it's not even okay once you've passed grade 3 (or whichever grade it is when they start teaching multiplication).

Jewellery-Making Class, Take 2!

2010-01-07T09:34:00.000-05:00

Durham College was offering their jewellery-making class again, so I jumped at the chance! I just hope they don't cancel it again, but it could happen since it's during January and February, and the weather may deter some people. If that's the case, there's another one in April.

"Hey Janine...."

2009-12-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

"...there's something wrong with Ecto-1. We need to borrow your car...again."

New "This is Relevant to My Interests" Website Alert!

2009-12-09T16:17:00.000-05:00

I am a bit of a Cold War fan. Okay, "fan" sounds kind of wrong, so I'll say "junkie". I find the public service announcements and propoganda deliciously creepy, and I've sworn (rather loosely, however) that I would aquire a radio with CONELRAD markings on it before I die.

That being said, I was browsing James Vaughan's Cold War blog (Atomic Annihilation) and he posted a link to a site that works with Google Maps that allows you to drop a selection of nuclear weapons onto a town of your choice and see the range of damage.

It's a handy tool that can help you prepare for disaster. Alright, no it isn't, but I have to have some kind of excuse for why I'm having too much fun with it.

Here's the link: Ground Zero

Is it a little too nerdy...

2009-11-27T14:19:00.000-05:00

...that I'm obsessed with the NASA channel right now, and I'm procrastinating at work by watching their live feed of the shuttle being carried away after landing? I think it is, but I was never one to worry about these things.

Calgary yes!

2009-11-18T16:29:00.002-05:00

So the meeting is on for sure, and I'm hitting up Calgary in another week and a half. Should be fun!

LEGO Ghostbusters Revisited

2009-11-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

So a while ago I posted some grainy pictures of my LEGO Ghostbusters side project that I was working on. I finally took some better ones of them (in their better uniforms) and their HQ, so here are some links to where I have the pics:

My BrickShelf: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=409324

My GBFans Fan Art section (this has some descriptions included) :http://www.gbfans.com/fans/art/real-ghostbusters/13226/

Enjoy!

Calgary? Yes? No?

2009-11-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

I've been waiting for this ever since I started working with the agents on the west side of the country. A business trip to Calgary! Okay, it's not a big deal for most people, but I'm pathetic when it comes to travel experience, and I've never been out of my own time zone so I'm looking forward to it.

Of course, I'm not going to get TOO excited about it, since everytime I do, nothing ever works out. That, and the meeting itself is still tentative, but the outlook is good.

New "This is Relevant to My Interests" Blog Alert!

2009-11-10T14:37:00.000-05:00

http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com/

This blog showcases some unfortunate photograph choices when showing off a house that is on sale.

Finally Got Started

2009-10-26T15:32:00.000-04:00

So I made my first necklace yesterday. Nothing fancy, nothing unique, but it's a start.

I've started a blog for this hobby and the picture of the necklace is there, so if you are interested, here is the link: http://cevjewels.blogspot.com/

More Geekdom

2009-10-20T20:03:00.003-04:00

So, in keeping with my current Ghostbusters osbession, I ordered these puppies from http://www.thinkgeek.com/ :

They're Ghostbusters Minimates, and this is Series 1, with Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, Dana Barrett, and Louis Tully/Key Master Terror Dog.

Peter Venkman comes with a proton pack with a removable ion stream and a walkie talkie. The head, hair, torso, arms and leg assembly come apart quite like a LEGO minifig, and the shirt also comes off, revealing a black t-shirt underneath. The thrower also attaches to the proton pack, and the walkie-talkie to the belt.

Egon Spengler is made up pretty much the same way as Peter, except a different head and hair style, obviously, and instead of a walkie-talkie, he has a PKE meter.

Here's Dana Barret and the Key Master terror dog. Dana's head, hair, torso, skirt, and legs also separate, but for dignity's sake, I won't be doing that. I can, however, show you what happens when you remove from the terror dog his head, arms, torso, legs and leg cover.....

...a very disheveled Louis Tully! The set came with some extra hair, arms and feet to make the Keymaster himself. It is a little difficult to remove and replace the leg cover, though, so the transformation won't happen too often.

I'd say I'm happy with my purchase. I've also pre-ordered Set 2 and 3, and a mini-set with Louis Tully in a Ghostbuster uniform and Slimer. Set 2 has Gozer and Stay-Puft along with Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore, similar to the others above, and Set 3 has GB II Janine Melnitz, Walter Peck, and a marshmallow-covered Egon and Winston. Can`t wait!

We found our dress!

2009-10-19T09:29:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we did a little bridesmaid dress shopping in Toronto, and the Wedding Gods smiled down upon us, because we found our dress in the first store we went into.

This is just the sample they had on the rack, as the bride's colour is a deep purple. Annnnnd it has pockets! The night before we were researching which stores to visit on the net, and we saw a few dresses with pockets, and we were surprised they even did that on an evening gown. Why not wear a fanny pack too? But when we tried it on, you really couldn't tell the pockets were there, and in the end, I'm sure they'll be useful, if not for carrying tissues, then for carrying some flip-flops when our feet eventually get sore.

Here is the maid of honour modelling the dress:

New "This is Relevant to My Interests" Blog Alert!

2009-10-15T11:38:00.001-04:00

I came upon this website where people submit pictures and make them corny by adding rainbows and unicorns. After going through a few pages, this is my favourite so far. Turd Ferguson never looked so good:
Unicorn Happiness #11610 | Cornify

Shared via AddThis

Thanksgiving Weekend!

2009-10-09T08:27:00.000-04:00

Just want to send some warm Thanksgiving wishes to the Canadians happening upon my blargh (It's on Monday, but I like to be early).

Have a great one! Any Monday off gets me a half-day Friday off from work, so it's always a great one for me!

See what happens?

2009-09-22T13:00:00.003-04:00

I think there's someone somewhere who doesn't want me to have a good time. Everytime I look forward to something, something has to go wrong. I have to learn to be more unaffected.

They cancelled my jewellery-making course because there weren't enough students. Boo-urns. :-(

NEW FAVOURITE BLOG ALERT!!!!

2009-09-17T16:45:00.001-04:00

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com

There's nothing to say here. Just visit.

Side Project

2009-09-01T12:25:00.006-04:00

Due to my recent unexplainable obsession with the Real Ghostbusters cartoon, I have made the characters out of LEGO (if I want to make the movie characters, I'll just get black hair for Egon). Still waiting for the parts from Brick Link to make their traps and proton packs. I have also taken grainy photographs with my Blackberry, for your viewing pleasure.

Here they are contemplating how to battle the oversized Care Bear behind them, using only relay racing batons:

But where's Peter?

With the ladies, of course:

Yay Continuing Education!!

2009-08-19T08:46:00.002-04:00

I just signed up for a jewelry-making course! I have always been attracted to cool necklaces and rings, so now I'm going to learn how to make my own! I don't expect to be a pro-star at it after a beginner course, but hey, I was going to teach myself anyway, so some instruction is better than none!

It's just too bad that the campus is a little far from my place, and it starts kind of early in the evening. I hope I make it on time. But it's only once a week, so I'll make do.

And everyone's getting necklaces for Christmas.

Unusual Human Behaviour

2009-08-18T08:56:00.002-04:00

Last night I had to run to the drug store to get some insulin and stamps. As I was driving into the parking lot, I noticed a guy in front of the store smoking.

I'm not a smoker, so maybe I don't get it.

The guy clearly didn't work there, because he wasn't in a uniform and was in line paying as I was leaving, so what I don't understand the need to stand outside smoking. Like I did, most people usually run in and out of the drug store. They're usually not in there long enough to have to take a smoke break.

Like I said, I'm not a smoker. I guess when the desire arises, you have to give in, even if you look dumb doing it.

Words of Wisdom for the average procrastinator.

2009-08-13T10:06:00.003-04:00

I am a horrible procrastinator. It took me a year to get the AC fixed on my car. I have yet to get a passport. I am probably a month behind on some work stuff. My endocrinologist says I should really get on an insulin pump, but I never went to an information session.

Still, I always find a little inspiration in the following quote, whose source I really can't remember right now,

"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."

So get 'er done, people, or you're not going to go anywhere.

Now I wish I would just listen to myself.

Sometimes I wish...

2009-08-13T10:03:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I wish that I could take my eyes out, plug a USB cable into them, and upload everything that I've seen so the rest of the class can laugh too.

All I'm saying is that 80s hair should have died with the 80s.

I've become the enemy!

2009-08-11T15:41:00.002-04:00

At work we're doing a special project, conducting a survey on all our clients who have purchased a Cancer Disability insurance policy, and they've given me the job of calling some of them.

So I have become one of those annoying people who call you at suppertime asking, "Would you like to take a survey?"

Someone please redeem my soul.

Life Mission Accomplished

2009-08-06T11:24:00.003-04:00

Well that was fast. I accomplished my new life mission to buy some Real Ghostbusters (the animated series based on our favourite paranormal scientists) on DVD. And boy, I think I over-accomplished it.

I just spent $225 on the COMPLETE series from TimeLife. I am such a complete nerd.

SUCH.

My new life's mission.

2009-08-03T15:30:00.004-04:00

You know how sometimes when you go back and watch some old cartoons from your youth and realize how incredibly cheesy and total crap they were, and wonder to yourself (and everyone else that used to watch it) what you ever saw in it?

Not the case with me and The Real Ghostbusters. Recently the movies were on back-to-back on tv, which I watched, of course, and that got me to looking up the cartoon on YouTube. I found someone who put up a bunch of episodes, and watching them again, I know exactly what I saw in them when I was a kid. Of course it was a little cheesy, but I appreciate some of the jokes more now, and I find that my silly little cartoon-crush on Egon Spengler is still there (I know. Don't say anything. I find a man, real or not, who can throw around big words quite attractive.).

Also, I always wondered what was up with it being called "The REAL Ghostbusters", until I saw, also on YouTube, that there was a knock-off that had nothing to do with the movies at all. WTF was with that gorilla??? I don't always agree with Slimer, but at least he's relevant.

Anyhow, I noticed on someone's comments on one of the episodes that Season 1 is out on DVD somewhere, so I am now making it my life's mission to locate and purchase it. Wish me luck.

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-07-01T14:32:00.000-04:00

I'd like to wish my home and native land a happy 142nd birthday!!! Sadly there aren't any celebrations in Toronto because of the darn city-worker strike (but they let the Pride parade happen, which probably created MORE mess, but brought in tourist money), but I have to go plan a Jack and Jill, so I can't enjoy any celebrations in my own city either. Anyway, no worries, just want to wish my fellow Canucks a great day!

MJ & FF

2009-06-26T09:28:00.003-04:00

I'm not about to write a huge post about how much I loved Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, and how huge a fan of theirs I am. It has all been said already, and probably better than I could ever say it. It's only about 80% true in my case anyway.

I just hope they rest in peace.

Some progress

2009-06-26T08:51:00.002-04:00

So I'm still working on that LEGO project, slowly but surely. I've done a fair bit of planning, and have already ordered parts from LEGO for the exterior walls and raised floors, so when those come in and get set up, I can do more planning with the interior walls and furniture.

I have also started making use of my BrickLink account, and have found it to be pretty easy to use! I've already received almost half of my orders, and I haven't had any trouble with the other members; they all seem pretty nice. It's going pretty well so far. I wonder why I found it so intimidating!

The Sound of Music

2009-06-15T08:58:00.002-04:00

We took our mom to see The Sound of Music production at the Princess of Wales theatre in Toronto on Saturday night, for her Mother's Day present.

It was a beautiful show! Of course they skipped a lot of stuff, but you try including everything from a 3 hour movie into a 2 hour show! The sets and costumes were beautiful, and the singing was amazing. There were times when the actors sounded exactly like the movie.

Of course, the actor that played Maria was chosen by we, the common Canadian people, by way of a reality show, so we wouldn't have a right to complain if she wasn't that good anyway.

The theatre was really nice too. I've been to its sister theatre, The Royal Alexandra, to see Mamma Mia. It's a few steps east of it, and a bit older. The Princess seemed more modern and intimate. I had actually thought it was much bigger than it was when I was looking at the seating map when I bought the tickets. We were sitting in the middle balcony, which gave us a perfect, non-neck-straining view, although I have a feeling there wouldn't be a bad seat in the house.

I really enjoy the theatre, and there are a lot of shows always playing. I don't know why we don't do this more often! Okay, expensive tickets are one reason, but besides that!

Spontaneous Concert Ticket Purchases

2009-06-11T09:52:00.002-04:00

Wow, I just bought tickets to see the Cult at Massey Hall. Wasn't even planning it, I just got an alert from Ticketmaster that they are coming in September. Of course I got shafted on the price, but that complain has been addressed in my Pearl Jam post.

Anyhow, I'm glad to be seeing the Cult again. It was an awesome show last time, and this one should be good too. Massey Hall is a relatively intimate indoor venue, compared to the Molson Amphitheatre, and it's a beautiful old place, so it will be fun.

You know you're e-ghetto when...

2009-06-10T08:56:00.001-04:00

...you use Microsoft Excel as a CAD program.

But hey, it worked, and that's all that matters!

Step 2 Before Step 1.

2009-06-09T08:57:00.010-04:00

This is me starting to get a feel for where everything will go on my little obscure TV show set replica.

I threw this together a couple of days ago, actually, before I started mapping things out on graph paper. I wouldn't have bothered with the graph paper step altogether, but I am debating between 1-stud-thick or 2-stud thick walls. 1 stud is good because it leaves more space in the rooms, but 2 studs allows me to have one single colour for the outside walls, and another for the inside, which is what I really want. I'm graphing it out so I can explore both options at the same time.

It's supposed to be an office building for a big international company. The top third is the main character's office, with a bedroom on the left, a sofa area in the middle, and a desk area on the right. When the characters aren't out fighting threats to their company, they're usually hanging out here discussing threats to their company.

There is a boardroom below the office, and although I have a rectangular (sort of!) table in the picure, I recalled that the table is supposed to be round, not solid, but more like a ring, so that may be a challenge. I'm hoping LEGO has a piece that can facilitate this, or else I'm going to have to improvise, and I don't really want to take up too much space with it. I still want to have 6 to 8 chairs around it though. I'll probably get some more minifigs that resemble some of the minor characters of the show later so I can fill up the room.

The bottom right corner is what was called the "Bunker" on the show, but it's the computer server room where another of the main characters had his office, and is another gathering place for everyone. It's a bit of a dark room with computer lights all over the walls, which might be hard to replicate, but I'll think of something.

When I said in my last post that I was recreating this set "loosely", I meant that I would be adding a room that wasn't really part of the show. I am going to put a chem lab beside the boardroom. Even if there wasn't a lab in the show, every major corporation that dabbles in a bit of everything needs a good R&D department, no? Probably will be the easiest room to make. White everything, some cupboards and a sink, maybe a little supply room, we'll see.

I have to also leave space for a lobby with a security desk, and a hallway, since a lot of stuff happened in hallways on the show.Also, the desk area in the main character's office and the Bunker are supposed to be sunken, so I am thinking that I will have to raise the floor for the whole rest of the set.

It sounds like a challenge to me, one with little artistic ability, but I think it will be fun and I'll love having it around when it's done.

P.S. 3 golden stars and my eternal esteem if you can guess the show.

Project in Plastic

2009-06-08T08:54:00.003-04:00

I've got an expensive habit, and it's bound to get worse. I've become addicted to LEGO.

My sorry collection is limited to some of the new Pirate sets, a couple of Creator houses, and a few other odd sets, but I bought one of those big 48x48 stud gray plates with the intention of building something from scratch. Actually, I lie. I've built something from scratch before, a bar/pub type thing, but it's not very good, just somthing I slapped together. I want this one to look decent.

I was debating between a house or recreating (loosely) the set from an obscure TV show that I used to watch (which actually had David Carradine in it for a few episodes, R.I.P), and decided the set would be easier. If I find my lost talent with this, I may try a house later.

I understand my scale won't be right, nor will be the location of the rooms in relation to each other, but I just want to see if I can do it and make it look presentable.

I can get a lot from the LEGO Pick-a-Brick tool on their website, but I am sure that I will have to go to Brick Link (which I have just signed up with and am a bit wary of) to get some pieces I won't find there. I bet it won't be cheap.

I'm still in the mapping stages anyway, and won't start buying something until I am happy with my plan, but I figure if I tell someone (even the few people that follow my blog), it will actually get done. I'll update as I progress.

Jack & Jill/Bridal Shower Games

2009-06-03T09:47:00.002-04:00

This is a long shot, since only a few people read this blog, but I'm looking for some interesting games for a Jack & Jill and/or a bridal shower. My cousin seems to be planning her J&J already, even though her wedding is still a year away, and as the bridal party is responsible for this stuff, we must brainstorm for game ideas.

Of course I've been to enough bridal showers to know a few of the likely games everyone plays, but I'm just looking to see if anyone has any different ideas, to supplement my own search.

The girls are also going to go out this weekend for some wedding/bridesmaid dress shopping, finally! I think that's one of the more fun parts of the whole wedding thing! Unless you're me who has a crappy time finding a dress any time. Still, (because I will have some SPANX in tow) it will be a fun day, and I can't wait.

Belly Rubs

2009-05-26T21:38:00.003-04:00

Since I'm purging my BB of its videos and putting them on Youtube, I thought I'd share my June-Bug getting his belly rubbed. He lurrrves it!

Talking to Strangers

2009-05-15T16:41:00.000-04:00

Today my mom and I ate lunch out at a busy restaurant, and while she was up getting more food, the lady at the next table started talking to me about the selection of desert. I didn't really want to continue the conversation, but I immediately chastised myself.

When did I get so impatient with other people that I can't even make small talk with them? And it's not just me, it's everyone! Way back in the times of the caveman, people probably wandered around for weeks or months before they came upon another tribe, and when they did, it was probably cause for a big party. Now, we cram ourselves into a subway with dozens of people every morning, and we can't even make eye contact? Smiling at them makes you a weirdo , and you'd better not even TRY saying anything to them!

I think we should just all be a little more open to chatting with the people around us, even if we don't know them. I bet it would make our and their day a lot better.

'Tis the Truth!

2009-05-15T12:47:00.003-04:00

I just read this somewhere, and thought I'd share, since it's true:

"Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit."

It's supposed to be a quote, but my source didn't quote THEIR source. Oh well.

May 2-4

2009-05-15T09:45:00.002-04:00

YAY, it's the May 2-4 weekend! Okay, technically it's called Victoria Day, where we honour Queen Victoria's birthday, but it is either the 24th, or the Monday before it, if the 24th isn't a Monday.

Of course, everyone just calls the May 2-4, since it's the first of the summer long-weekend series, and everyone goes to open their cottages, sit around together, and drink, you guessed it a 2-4 of beer or two.

As per usual, I get to leave work early today, but I'll probably end up doing housework for today. I just really hope I can get some fresh air this weekend, and maybe some sun. I don't have a cottage but I can take time to sit in the backyard or something. I also vow to get a tan this summer, somehow. I'm pretty pale, and burn easily, but I've always received compliments when I get a little colour in my cheeks.

Hope all you Canadians out there have a great long weekend!

Pearl Jam Pre-Sale

2009-05-07T08:52:00.004-04:00

So the Jam (no, not the "Town Called Malice" Jam) are coming to the Molson Amphitheatre on the 21st of August.

This morning my on-and-off again favourite radio station is holding a pre-sale at 10:00. I hope I can get some tickets then, but my boss is in the office today, and there's a global conference call at the same time he wants us to sit in on. I'm sure he'll understand if I'm five minutes late on the call though, since the first 5 minutes usually consist of people still checking in, and a roll-call.

I REALLY hope I can get these tickets today. I love the band, and I love the venue. It's a covered outdoor band-stand that's on a little chunk of land that sticks out into Lake Ontario, and I loved it when I saw The Cult there a few years ago. If I can't get tickets today, I'll probably have to settle for lawns later, and I think that would suck if it rained.

UPDATE: I got the tickets, but it took a few tries. Plus, when I got through, my Ticketmaster account didn't have my new credit card number on it, so I had to go do it all over again so I could add it. On top of that, I ended up with the cheaper ones, so they're probably lawns like I guessed, but they certainly didn't end up being cheap! Where does one get off charging $113.00 for two $39.50 tickets?

Had a rough night.

2009-04-30T12:54:00.001-04:00

Usually when I get home from work, I don't even go to my room until after dinner.

Same thing last night, but upon my visit to my room, I see that, due to the fact that I have a lot of clothes in my closet, the bar where you hang your hangers on had totally collapsed, bringing a shelf with it, so all my clothes, toiletries and other stuff were all over the floor, and pushing my sliding doors right off the rails.

Add that to the fact that I'm sick with a cold, crampy, and tired, and I just cried and cried.

While I was moving piles of clothes around my room, I spilled my plant and had soil all over the place. Then my mom gave me crap, not because of what happened, but because I was grumpy.

On top of that, I forgot to take my insulin after dinner because I was so busy cleaning up that when I went to take it before bed, my blood sugar level was pretty high.

I don't even know when it can get fixed either, because my dad pretends to be an angel and helps fix other people's houses, but doesn't do much with his. I'm sure it's going to end up being me being able to do it, and Home Depot helping.

Got me a cold.

2009-04-28T15:05:00.002-04:00

Grazie, mamma. As if the gift of life wasn't enough, you bestowed upon me your gift of the common cold. The coughing, the runny nose, the raspy voice that makes the other person on the phone think they're talking to some demon from the underworld.

I wouldn't mind getting a cold if I were one of those people who like to take time off whenever they can get it and use up all their vacation days, personal days, AND sick days by March. I am not one of those people, however.

I will come to work sick as a dog. Heck, they'd find me here even if I was on a gurney! Okay, that's a lie. I've been on a gurney and didn't go to work. Still, I find it so hard to take time off, since I don't really have a back-up, and there's just so much to do.

Now I don't get sick all that often. I owe this to my not being an obsessive germaphobe. I think it's okay to eat stuff off the floor once in a while (okay, not really), get a cold, get your body immune to that virus, and never get it again. Some people practically drink that hand sanitizer stuff, but I hate using it.

Most of the time I don't even take medicine when I get a cold. I just ride that puppy out. That's probably the only thing you can do. Cough and cold medicines don't really do anything anyway. I just strap a box of tissues to my hip and plod ahead.

Do you think my co-workers would take offense if I shoved some tissue up my nose and left it there for the rest of the day?

All downhill from here.

2009-04-16T07:43:00.001-04:00

I went to see a health professional last night and got less than stellar news. It's no big deal, nothing life-threatening, definitely nothing worse than what I already have, but it still makes me wonder if I could have done anything differently to prevent, or at least prolong it.

It's also a reminder that no matter how invincible we may seem in our youth, eventually everyone has something shrivel up, fall out, or just stop working like it should. That's life.

One good thing is that I get to see this health professional more often...and I like him lots. ;-)

Stone Temple Pilots @ Casino Rama

2009-04-15T08:57:00.000-04:00

Yay! I got free tickets to see the Stone Temple Pilots at Casino Rama in July! Can't wait!

Now here's hoping the show doesn't get cancelled because they broke up again, or Scott is too drunk to go on.

The Eaton Center/Sonic Boom

2009-04-14T09:04:00.009-04:00

Yesterday I had to hit up the big city, because I had to do some birthday shopping at Williams-Sonoma, and the only mall that has one is the Eaton Centre downtown.

It's Toronto's main mall, and it's pretty big, so it's a tourist attraction, and I usually go around Christmas, so it's always packed solid.

Last night was a typical Stevie Wonder ordinary day with nothing going on, so it wasn't busy at all. I could actually walk! I really, REALLY hate crowds, so this was refreshing.

Also, my cousin works at one of the stores, so I stopped in to visit her, and luckily for us, she was got off early so we could hang out. I don't see her that often so I was really glad for the chance.

Another reason for the shopping trip was to visit my favourite music/movies store, Sonic Boom.

I freaking love this store. Combining the fact that I still buy cds with the fact that I like old bands that I can't find music for in an average music store, this is paradise for me. They sell new and used cds, dvds, VHS tapes, cassettes, vinyls, 8-tracks (100% serious, but who would buy them?), and I almost always find what I'm looking for, for cheap. If you're ever in Toronto, it's on Bloor and Bathurst, across the street from Honest Ed's tacky storefront.

I say I almost always find what I'm looking for because last night my reason for going was to find a Giorgio Moroder album, but they had none. The girl behind the counter said they had got some not that long ago, but someone must have bought it all. Boo-urns.

Then we went across the street to an art store because my cousin needed some paint, and I found some gorgeous journals. I loooove pretty journals, and must have them, even if I don't know what I'm going to put into them.

All in all it was a good night, even if I did get home late and was scared stiff that I would get mugged getting off the subway.

Warning Offensive material!!!

2009-04-12T14:10:00.002-04:00

Happy Zombie Jesus Day!

There, I said it.

Lovely!

2009-04-07T14:06:00.002-04:00

Our parent company's policy is to let their people leave a bit earlier the day before a long weekend, and last time they did that, we didn't really know so I thought they were going to lock us all out or something.

This time we're older and wiser, and are expecting it, since it's Easter weekend. We got to leave at 3:00 on Family Day weekend, but our VP says we can leave at 1:00 this Thursday! That's awesomes!

And of course, it's a jeans day.

The Chase

2009-04-03T23:17:00.002-04:00

A long time ago I found some of my mom's old cassette tapes that she made off of her vinyls. There was one song that I really took a liking to, but it was an instrumental, and the tape wasn't labeled.

For years and years (and I'm talking close to 15 here) I could not identify this song. I couldn't Google it because there were no lyrics. I did hear a snippet of it once as an intro to a radio show (UPDATE: that radio program is "Coast to Coast AM. Thanks, Wikipedia), but research on that lead proved useless. My mother didn't even remember what it was called. I thought this song was lost in oblivion.

Then, miracle of miracles, I saw that I could download Shazam onto my BB. This application let's you identify a song by holding your phone up to it. What do you think the first thing I thought of was?

I'll admit I wasn't even sure it would find the song, but it did! And now I can walk into Sonic Boom with a purpose. It is called "The Chase" by Giorgio Moroder. What a fitting name, since I've been chasing it all this time.

My life is a little more complete now.

Jen's Baby Update

2009-04-01T17:50:00.000-04:00

A while back I mentioned that my cousins Jennifer and Anthony are having a baby. Well, they decided they'd like to know the gender in advance, and they discovered that she has a female bun in the oven. Anth was rooting for a boy, but I know he's just thrilled. I can't wait for the baby! Anth is the first cousin on my dad's side to have one. I know my Nonna is proud.

Twitter

2009-03-31T10:48:00.002-04:00

It seems that there are 2 schools of thought regarding Twitter. You either love it or you you don't. I thought I'd throw my two cents in.

I have never been to the Twitter website. I do not plan to go to the Twitter website. I already change my Facebook status more often than half the people on my friends list, and none of them care about what I'm talking about there. Why would they or ANYONE care about what I'm talking about on a site where ALL you do is change your status? Reversely, why should I be expected to care about what they're talking about.

Sorry, I'm not going to inform the world about my harrowing decision between the turquoise or black underwear, or between the Corn Flakes or the Rice Crispies. And frankly, I don't want to hear about how your baby spit up on "daddy's good shirt" or how there's nothing good on TV.

You know what? I wouldn't even care if someone CALLED me to tell me their baby spit up on their dad's shirt or there's nothing good on tv. But, it's still better than Twittering (tweeting? twooting?)

I know I'm not sounding like it right now, but I promise I am a somewhat hip 20-something who isn't afraid of new technology, but only if it isn't useless.

I just don't want to be a twit.

Engagement Party

2009-03-30T20:53:00.007-04:00

Here's the cake:

Here is the female half of the bridal party (and the groom). The bride is between myself and Desraye (in the white shirt). The groomsmen all left before the paparazzi session:

Can't wait for the big day! It'll be fun times.

Must Be Hormones

2009-03-30T17:58:00.001-04:00

I was watching "Herbie Rides Again" and there's a part where the little V-Dub calls on all its V-Dub friends to help save a fire house from getting torn down. One of them was in a scrapyard to get wrecked but it started up when it was "called". I don't know why, but it made me almost cry. I think it reminded me of animals in the pound. I am such a sap.

-4

2009-03-26T11:48:00.003-04:00

We're now losing another 4 people in our Administrative Services department. We already lost 3 from there in February.

What stinks is one of the people in that department is married to someone in Marketing, so they could both be out of a job together!

'Tis not over, folks! More to come.

What a s**t day.

2009-03-25T19:49:00.000-04:00

Today we found out that 5 out of our 8 Marketing Department staff are getting let go, and 6 out of 14 Regional Sales Assistants too.

The Marketing Department wasn't a surprise since they laid off the one at Head Office in Chicago, and much of the work will be outsourced so there's no extra burden on who's left.

The R.S.A. Announcement was surprising though. Without elaborating, it's a busy, stressful job, and with 6 of them going, the rest are going to have to take the extra load, since they can't outsource it. I can't even begin to imagine how they'll handle it.
I used to be an R.S.A. before they have me other administration duties, and even though I'm not keen on the job I have now, I don't miss that one.

Top this crap news off with being tired, having a sore throat, and copying 7 different expense reports (which is one of my more hated tasks) for someone who hasn't submitted them for the past months, it made for a really s**t day. Oh, and I'd like to add that there is almost no one more useless than a Sales Executive.

Hard to buy clothes

2009-03-23T11:48:00.003-04:00

Why is it so hard to buy decent clothes these days?

I find everyone seems to be cheaping out on quality, but raising prices (not surprising). I have my cousin's engagement party this Saturday, but she's having it in her house, so it's not really semi-formal, but not really jeans-and-a-t-shirt either (for the Italians, anyway. I don't want to know what everyone else will wear). I went out to find a nice top to wear, and everything sucks!

I don't know where these clothing manufacturers get off making a fancy top out of t-shirt material, and then have the nerve to charge $70+ for it!

Then, the other problem I have is that even if I do find something suitable, the twins get in the way. I'm not overly heavy, so I don't need a big size, but the way some of these shirts are made, I have to have almost zero bust for them to look right, and that's not how my genes made me.

I did find something in the end (thank goodness, since there's not much time left), but I hate the struggle. I hate shopping in general, and this is why.

It keeps getting worse.

2009-03-20T08:27:00.001-04:00

I work for an insurance company in sales administration. We have had two sales forces for almost ever, but we will be merging them next year.

They did already merge sales admin, though, and since the sales force I was with was smaller, they fired most of our department and split the rest of us up. I got out with the people I wanted to be with the least.

Now, it seems they're going to split up the Compliance department so there's one person for each of the four sales divisions we now have. Wouldn't you know I end up with one of the more disliked people in the company on my team.

I think it's going to get to the point that when they have their next lay-off blitz, I'm going to hope it includes me.

Not much to say lately.

2009-03-18T08:48:00.003-04:00

Haven't updated in a while, but the title says it all. Not much going on to talk about. Such is my life.

A Black Dog

2009-03-10T21:56:00.000-04:00

I've got a little black dog that comes around from time to time, and likes to follow me around for a few days. Nothing major, just a regret or two. I just have a hard time letting things go sometimes, that's all. Everyone else is happy, so there's no reason I shouldn't be. I wish I could believe that, though.

The Gym!

2009-03-04T09:14:00.001-05:00

I'm so proud of myself. I went back to the gym last night after quite a while. My other blog is exclusively about that, so I'm not going to discuss it too much here, but I am hoping I stick with it this time.

MS Zune

2009-03-02T21:10:00.003-05:00

I bought a new one finally, on Friday. Boy, does it feel good to have an mp3 player that works properly for once.

Now I can tune out the crap music and the grunting sweaty men at the gym.

Gadgets

2009-02-27T09:52:00.005-05:00

I left my BB's web browser on last night. And it's happened before. I'm just glad I have an unlimited data plan or I'd be bankrupt right about now.

I also have been meaning to buy a new MS Zune, because the last one I bought (from Walmart, so maybe that explains it) was a piece of crap from the start, and like a woman who marries a bad man, I didn't give it back because I hoped it would change. I'm hoping if I go to Best Buy or Futureshop instead, theirs might be in better shape.

I want to do this soon, because I desperately want to go back to the gym, and since I go alone, I really need an mp3 player for entertainment. The treadmills with the TVs on them are only good if there's quality programming, and there's a dearth of that lately.

Just when we thought we were safe!

2009-02-24T15:49:00.003-05:00

It looks like Maple Leaf Foods is in trouble again. They make deli meats, hot-dogs and the like.

In August last year (wow, didn't seem like that long ago!) they had a massive recall of 191 of their products because there was listeria bacteria contamination on the machines in their production plant. 47 people caught listeriosis, and 20 of them died from it.

The CEO did the right thing about it too. He accepted full responsibility, and put out commercials and full-page ads in papers apologizing for it. There was a grudging respect for him. They cleaned up the plant and were putting out food again, and all seemed well.

Wouldn't you know, I took a gander at my favourite news website and I saw that Maple Leaf is recalling their hot-dogs again! For the same reason!

Okay, it is voluntary. Apparently there are 6 types of listeria, and only 1 is dangerous to people. They didn't find that type, but they did find one, so they're recalling to be safe.

All I'm saying is that since it was so soon after the last one, they may not be able to get out of this so easy this time. I know I'm not buying their hot-dogs now. Not that I buy them much anyway.

I'm going to keep an eye on their stock.

The story is here:
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_32368.aspx

The crows came back.

2009-02-19T11:32:00.003-05:00

Remember a while back I posted about a couple of crows hanging around the window? They came back and I managed to get a longer video of them. Here it is, and I hope it works. If not, I'll fix it when I am at home.

Such a cheap slob!

2009-02-18T16:14:00.003-05:00

I have a candy dish on my desk, and everyone is free to partake.

However, one of our agents that comes in once in a while makes a meal out of them. The worst part is that he always leaves the wrappers all over the place, like it's his right. I know my desk is a mess, but it's work, not garbage. I've called him on it before too, but nothing sinks in with this man. It's like that with his work too. Big promises, no results, and no matter how many meetings you can have with him, he never changes.

He's also pretty cheap. You're supposed to order supplies through our warehouse, but he comes in and raids the small stock of stuff we keep in our area for our use. Then, when we need it, it's gone.

I don't care what kind of gross crap you do at your house, but my desk, and our office floors are NOT your rubbish depositories. And do your work properly. GOD!

ARGHH I'm so mad.

10, 9, 8, .....

"I know a guy"

2009-02-18T12:24:00.002-05:00

I love how guys always seem to "know a guy" that can do something or get something for them. Absolutely nothing is wrong with it. It's good to be so connected and have so many friends. I just find it amusing. I can't even say why. Maybe I just wonder if this person who is so dependent on his guys is ever "a guy" that someone else knows. I'm sure he is, he just never talks about it.

Why is it....

2009-02-16T22:40:00.001-05:00

...that when you have some time off work, it's like you haven't worked in ages, but when you get back, it's like you've never left?

Amusing Packaging

2009-02-14T18:13:00.002-05:00

My uncle came back from Italy on Wednesday, and of course brought back the customary suitcase full of souvenirs. One of them was a "cotton swab holder" for my grandmother, but this was what the box looked like:

I'm pretty sure that's a soap dispenser.

I no believe!

2009-02-13T13:43:00.001-05:00

The do0dz working on our broken elevator are done! I think they're still cleaning up the temporary shack they built around the elevator so no one touches their stuff so the elevator itself still isn't running, but they're done and it should be okay to use when we get back next week.

Just in time for the other one to break down from excessive use.

Want Some Cheese With That Whine?

Cool Blog Alert!

Oh, Hypocrisy

Bald Eagle Cam!!!

New Hardware! Woot!

Mind Purge

I've hit a brand new low.

It's like a heat waaaaaaaaave, burnin' in my heart!!

I like a little chaos mixed in with my order.

So it's World Cup football time...

Monsters that don't get enough love.

Why can't I take a compliment?

Places I'd love to revisit, but can't without looking like a creep.

Moar Wedding Pictures

The Ten Commandments of a Real Worker

A few pictures from my cousin's wedding.

AYBS Flikr Update

Funny Sign Time!

Tears for Fears!

And then there were three. :0(

OMG WHITE HAIR ALERT or The Loss of Intactness (Intactnicity?)

Bring this back, please!

Passing Thought

Look What I Bought

Dose of reality for the day.

Blackberry Messenger!

A Passing Thought

I made the minifigs....

Here they are!

AYBS? Lego Immortalization 99% Complete

EXCUUUUUUUSE ME....

Who is the Cutest?

No one is ever right for your son.

If you're ever mauled by bears...

New LEGO Immortalization Idea

Adult Language

Jewellery-Making Class, Take 2!

"Hey Janine...."

New "This is Relevant to My Interests" Website Alert!

Is it a little too nerdy...

Calgary yes!

LEGO Ghostbusters Revisited

Calgary? Yes? No?

New "This is Relevant to My Interests" Blog Alert!

Finally Got Started

More Geekdom

We found our dress!

New "This is Relevant to My Interests" Blog Alert!

Thanksgiving Weekend!

See what happens?

NEW FAVOURITE BLOG ALERT!!!!

Side Project

Yay Continuing Education!!

Unusual Human Behaviour

Words of Wisdom for the average procrastinator.

Sometimes I wish...

I've become the enemy!

Life Mission Accomplished

My new life's mission.

Happy Birthday!!!

MJ & FF

Some progress

The Sound of Music

Spontaneous Concert Ticket Purchases

You know you're e-ghetto when...

Step 2 Before Step 1.

Project in Plastic

Jack & Jill/Bridal Shower Games

Belly Rubs

Talking to Strangers

'Tis the Truth!

May 2-4

Pearl Jam Pre-Sale

Had a rough night.

Got me a cold.

All downhill from here.

Stone Temple Pilots @ Casino Rama

The Eaton Center/Sonic Boom

*Warning* Offensive material!!!

Lovely!

Warning Offensive material!!!