Beaucoup De Vie

This is my first successful knitting venture.  Sim taught me to knit and purl, and I took some yarn leftover from my crochet venture and pulled this out.  It has no form or use but was a good test.  I failed miserably at the European stitch so I tried out the English stitch and it suits me very well.  I'm actually going to pick up some new yarn, and possibly a pattern to do a houndstooth scarf.  Should be interesting.

I went to see my parents again to celebrate their 40th.  I wanted to get them something ruby related, but instead opted to bake them some cupcakes.  I found a yummy looking red velvet recipe online and gave it a crack.  I think the end result was pretty alright.  I don't bake often, so it was fun.  It was the first time in a long time both my brother and I remembered and came together to celebrate with them.  I also swung by Port Credit on Wednesday to help me mom drop some books off at the local second hand store.  My dad was pressuring her to just trash them, but she put her foot down.  But she couldn't put her foot down alone she needed someone to do the heavy lifting.  When the bookstore only took a handful of books we went next door to the library they said they'd take another box.  And from there my mom has left them out at the side of the road and said they have slowly been picked at.  They also put out a turn of the century cradle.  I'm trying to remember correctly, but I think my great grandma was rocked to sleep in that cradle.  Feels weird to think that we just gave away all of that history, but I don't have any room or use for it.

I just got back from a nice dinner with Ausma on Queen W.  We went to Chococrepe.  Unfortunately my first two choices for crepes were unavailable, so I went for the Pesto.  I wasn't floored with the food, but the hot chocolates were delish.  They darn well better be for $6.  Good thing Ausma had a coupon for a crepe+hot chocolate for $10.  They were only going to let us use one coupon until she had to come back for a second time to tell me my second choice wasn't available.  I shouldn't even complain since Ausma picked up the tab.  She just got back from an awesome sounding trip to New York and DC.  My brother also went to NY recently for a long weekend.  He was telling our family a funny story from that trip.  He was taking a morning walk, I think through Harlem or Spanish Harlem and this car pulls up next to him and this guy says (in your best Joe Pesci voice) "Hey, hey you, put your money away."  Not knowing the guy was even talking to him he kept on, when the guy repeated himself, "Hey, hey, put your money away."  My brother looked down and he had a bill poking out of the top of his pocket.  And he looked back up to the guy in the car who repeated one last time time, "Your money, put it away."  Only in NY?  I love it.

I'm going up to Bobcaygeon with my mom on the weekend.  The parlour that hosted her parents' funeral holds an annual remembrance event.  I haven't been yet but thought I would keep my mom the company.  With my coworker going through some family health event it's bringing up some sad memories.  Even hearing the words palliative care just breaks my heart.

I just found out tonight that someone I know in connection to my volunteering took their life last week.  We only met a few times, but it's still extremely sad.  I don't think it's fully hit me yet.  The director there extended an offer of grief counseling, but I think that will be more important for the people that work there every day. So so sad.

On that unhappy note, I'm off.

Hidden Christmas Gem

While reviewing an old Christmas photo, I came across this gem of an ornament.  Oh hai there dad.

Overheard at Work #3

Sometimes when I'm not paying attention at work out of nowhere I'll hear something like:

"F***** sounds f***** like a f***** Vietnam f***** hitman."

And I don't even bother asking.  They've already apologized in advance for any swearing.

Still Happening As We Speak

I finally got my signed Hip CD off of Adam, and I've been jamming to it in my car on the way to work all this past week.  When Adam handed it to Downie he said, "And who is thiiis for?"  And Adam said, "My sad friend that couldn't make it today."  And Downie just looked back up and said, "No, what's the name?"  So he wrote "Julie's Blues" and they all signed around that.  Love love love.  At first listen I wasn't sure how taken I was, but that happens for me since I already have a hundred thousand favourites of theirs on my must-listen list.  But now I'm quite endeared to several of the new songs.  I actually just had a radio-hip spotting on Bloor this evening.  I swung by Adam's new place to drop off my level and pick up some brooms I had lent him and a passing car was jamming to either their CD or a song on the radio.  Either way it always fills my cockles with joy when I hear someone enjoying their sweet tunes.  Maybe in the sub-cockle region, or the liver, I'm not sure.

I got a nice surprise at work the other day.  My boss came around and passed out gas cards to everyone for having a great month.  $100.  They are just the bomb-diggity.  No other way to explain it.  I think I also bring a certain new fresh dynamic to the office which has had the same 4 employees for the past 10 years.  For example, today this guy calls me to his desk and says, "Look, when I try to open a link from an email it gives me an error."  So I went back to my desk and googled the error and found a microsoft support webpage with a fix on it.  Sent the guy the link, he loaded the fix, rebooted and voila.  It was actually funny, when he went to test it out I rejoiced when it actually worked, and as I turned to walk away he said, "It's not working, it took me back to the fix page."  And I turned around confused for just half a second and then said, "That's because that's the link in the email you just tested."  Cheers all around.  He said he had been trying to get that fixed for a while but everyone else just said they didn't know.  Score one me.

I put my snow tires on today.  After a strange non-drug-induced moment of insanity when I thought the roads were covered in snow (don't ask), I thought it was a sign to get prepared.  So I asked the guys at work how much I should be paying per tire, as to ensure I wasn't going to get ripped off.  Then one guy mentioned that a neigbouring business does tires and we get neighbour-pricing.  He called them for me to make sure it still applied, and when he said my winters had rims I found out it was just $29.99 for the whole shebang, not per tire.  Since they have been switched off once and switched back on once, the rims have already paid for themselves.  They are massively heavy, since I have R17 sized tires, but still worth it.  And then they said once I got them switched to bring them to the back and they'd store them in the warehouse for me.  I backed my car up to the loading dock, my coworker heaved them up onto a forklift, and I walked back to the front and they took care of the rest for me.  No more rolling them up and down my parents' damn driveway.

I went to see my parents earlier this week.  To check in my mom and I offered to rake the leaves since I don't think either of them should take on the physical challenge.  My dad had already done the front once, and also cleared out the back.  I told him to sit tight and I'd take care of it this time.  He insisted he would help me.  I refused.  He insisted.  And gosh darnit am I happy he's more stubborn than I am.  Half way through both of us working on the front lawn I took a little sit down break.  By the end of it my arms didn't want to lift anymore. I don't know how I used to manage on my own.  Between that and my giant moving-fail with Adam I think I need to focus on getting in to some sort of acceptable shape.  I was going to say better shape than a Sloth, but even a sloth is in better shape than me.  Then I stayed for a really nice roast and a tea by the fireplace.  My parents are planning on moving very soon, so I should take advantage of that house before it's gone.  My dad said to me, "Would you disown us if we moved to Cobourg?"  I just looked at him and said, "No dad, of course I wouldn't.......because I'm already going to disown you as soon as you sell this house."  I'll miss that place for sure.  Since I first left I've lived in six different places, but for 25 years it was always a place I could call home.  For them too, it's the place they've both lived the longest.  I said to them I was almost happy that it's going to be torn down so a monster mansion can be built in its place, because I wouldn't want to think about anyone else living there.  Our old house in Toronto was eventually torn down to make way for a new home as well.  And the house they had before that was on a Toronto renovation show.  I can't remember which one, one of those take this house and sell it shows.  No one is satisfied with used anymore.  We were reminiscing about all the improvements they made themselves on the house.  The back patio used to be this stone monstrosity that tilted on an angle back towards the house and it would be a total nightmare when it rained.  And there was this awful awful porch cover that jutted out from the roof that looked like yellow translucent corrugated hot mess.  If I get torn up when I have to junk a car I've only driven for 6 years, I imagine this is going to be much worse.  Cross that bridge when we come to it.  And my mom is doing great, for the record.  She still has a build up of embarrassing surgery gas which is slowly working its way out.  Otherwise, thumbs up.

After dinner I sat down at my mom's electric keyboard and tried to play Moonlight Sonata.  I used to be able to play the first two pages no problem, eleven hundred years ago.  It was not great, but there's potential there.  It's a really hard piece to sight read because half of the notes fall outside of the normal staff and I was also having trouble remembering to play all the sharps (C# minor).  The fourth sharp is D, D, D Julie, D#.

I'm tired.  I wrote about 400 words for Nanowrimo a few days ago and then stopped.  I'm also halfway through re-reading The Great Gatsby and I want to finish that soon.  It's one of my favourite books.  I lent it out in Calgary and never recouped it before I moved back home.  But I got a new personal copy at BMV the other day for like $3.99.  But I do need to focus on finishing things I start, was my point.  Speaking of, I think I should wrap this up now then.  Full stop.

You Don't Know Me As A Whole Person

I have once again proven to myself how incredibly week I am.  I helped Adam tonight moving a few small pieces that require two people to carry.  He's hoping to finish the single person items tomorrow so when his reinforcements show up in the afternoon it will just be a few key pieces.  So tonight we moved his tv and his keyboard.  He's moving into a cool third story walk up near Christie Pits.  I approve, for the record.  After the tv I was already feeling weak.  Adam carried the keyboard alone and all I had to carry was the keyboard stand and the fold-up stool.  By the time we got from the car to his front door I needed a break.  I told Adam to go up ahead knowing I was going to struggle.  At about 1 1/2 flights I took another break, and only half a flight from the top I asked Adam to come back and take one of the pieces.  I literally couldn't lift both at once!!!  Oh boy.  He's big and strong so he'll be able to handle the rest of it tomorrow alone.

He told me the most hilarious story the other night.  I've lost a bit of the context but a driver exiting a commercial parking lot got pissed at him and honked and then gave him the finger as she drove off.  And he leaned out his window and yelled, "You don't know me as a whole person!"  I just died.  I almost couldn't breathe for 5 seconds and then laughed for a good minute.  Good times.  We've also taken to adding "total bonus important" to things we talk about.  The cherry danish became "Total bonus cherry danish important.  And commenting on the amount of snow Calgary has gotten became "Total bonus big time snow important."  Or as a shortened version, TBBTSI.

I made a big mistake today.  I wanted to use up an egg that I'd had for a while.  I thought it would be ok.  And even though I was using it raw in a salad dressing I paid no heed to my own apprehensions and went ahead and used it.  What I did pay for was that decision.

My mom is having a surgery tomorrow.  So I'll be thinking of her in the morning.  And then my brother and I are going to go see her afterwards with our dad.  I've never been put under, so I don't understand the stress that comes with that.  I can only hope everything works out alright.  More like delude myself into thinking nothing could possibly go wrong, and carry on as usual.

Work is good.  I'm slowly getting used to getting up at 6:15.  Though I often push it to 6:30.  I love my half Fridays, and pretty much everything else.

I just emailed Sim about Nanowrimo.  I think I might actually try this.  I'm not a writer, but I think it would be an interesting challenge.  I may just get stuck at the creative part, ie. the beginning, but I will at least give it a go.

Time for bed

Le fin.

Little Face Mitt

This might be the funniest Mitt prank I've seen all election.
http://littlefacemitt.tumblr.com/

Lazy Girl Falls Off Chair While Reaching For Food

Today we catch up with Julie, who in attempt to grab her lunch bag from a seated position, fell to the ground with the chair still wrapped around her.

"I thought I'd be able to reach the bag no problem," Julie responded in defense of her fall.  "I swear it was just within my reach."  She admits with reservation that she came dangerously close to face planting, all for the sake of a mid-morning snack.

When asked if she would attempt another seated-pick-up Julie just laughed and yes, yes she would.  And she wouldn't be surprised if she continues to fall on her face on a semi-regular basis.

-Dissociated Press-

Overheard at Work #2

I was talking to my boss today and a few funny things came up.  The second of which I actually started laughing and couldn't stop for almost 30 seconds.

Boss: I saw that singer on the National on Sunday
Me: Gord Downie, I saw that too.
Boss: I couldn't understand a fucking word he was saying.

And in reference to someone messing up her tax payments;
Boss: ...I would commit harikari.

Gooood times.

12 Mile Lake Thanksgiving Getaway

Some shots from the weekend:

 The new fireplace.  It kept us warm as long as it was going.

The driveway was a mosaic of autumn colours.  I took another photo and made a puzzle out of it.  - http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/D715D4D106E?z=0

My dad's old hang out, in his hay-day.

I call it Church beach but clearly I'm wrong.  It's also not on Church Rd which I also call it.  This is the beach I will forever remember being stranded on with my canoe when I ended up walking home waist deep around the shoreline.

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary

My mom has for a long time been offering to buy me a piece of original art.  She morbidly says it'll be for me to remember her by.  We've been to many art shows and galleries together looking around for just the right piece.  I've come close a few times, but this past weekend I finally found what will be part one of my deadly gifts.

It's actually a crow and not a raven.  I guessed wrong, but was corrected by the artist.  We picked it up going on the Haliburton Artisan tour that takes place over the Thanksgiving weekend.  My brother picked up a lady holding a glass, and last year my parents got a three little birdies on a post that goes in the garden.  So that's probably it for us buying from him but it's been well worth it.  The artist is clearly massively talented.  I don't quite have the right spot for this fella' in my current space, but he will eventually find his proper home.  I still have some funds left over to get a painting when I find the right one.

Overheard at Work #1

I have a feeling I am going to have several of these moments in the near future:

Guy 1: *ranting about the NHL lockout*
Guy 2:  Fuck sports, fuck the media, fuck the gov't, fuck everything!
Guy 3: That's it guys, we're going off the grid.

My Music @ Work

I'm extremely grateful Adam got me off my butt and down to the free Hip show last night.  They are still going on today and tomorrow at the Supermarket in Kensington.  I do hate waiting in line for anything, but for them I will make an exception.  Love, love, love.

G10 Fantastico

Let it not be said I've given up on adding photos to posts.  I cleaned my car today.  It was a lot dirtier than I had originally thought.  I was unable to get the sap off my windshield, that shall require a second go.  While I was out back I took a quick snap of the most unused garage in Toronto.    It has been a learning experience having to use a back alley way for parking.  Sometimes it's nice, sometimes sucks hard.  I wish I had this nice big spot to pull into and not worry about a having someone park so close I can only access the car through the back passenger door.  But I digress.  Plenty more photos to come, hopefully.

The Long and Overdue Post

Not a whole heck of a lot has changed since I updated last, except I am now gainfully employed!! I've never wanted anything given to me without me having to try, but my dad set me up with a sweet offer with a wicked recommendation such that they couldn't refuse offering me the job. I work at a company that imports and distributes fire safety equipment (what whaaat). My hours are 7:30-3:30 with Friday afternoons off. I spend most of my spare time these days sleeping to catch up on what little sleep I get each night. Though I am getting better and going to bed at a reasonable time. I'm being trained to take over multiple responsibilities relating to the financial side of the business. Money in, money out, give me money now, you pay now, etc. It's a teeny tiny company, with just 5 other employees, and so far I love it. I actually thought I would die waking up at 6am every morning. Week one was a complete success. Week 2 I faltered to snoozing until 6:30, but this week I've been back on track so far. A huge huge huge huge huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can spend money again, on things I've wanted for a while but have had to do without. I finally got a replacement antenna for my tv and it's total sick-boss-wicked. I just need to mount it on the wall and it picks up like 10+ channels. Not bad for NoBlo.

So what else did I buy. I just bought a new camera off of Sim for a ridiculously good price. I've been meaning to take it out and take some photos, but I've been le-tired. I went to Shoppers and dropped like 2 fiddies on stuff I wanted. Actually most of it was stuff I needed but I picked up some Veet waxing strips. OMG, awesome. They hurt like a mother, and my legs went bright red and itched like an expletive, but the end result was fantastic. Of course I missed some spots cause I'm a buffoon, but next time I get all the hairs! I tend to let myself go for about 9 out of 12 months when I can wear pants and not be judged, but maybe this way is better. Actually I'm pretty sure it is better.

I was just watching The Girl That Player With Fire on Netflix. I kind of stopped half way through. As good as the movies are they make my stomach churn in a really uncomfortable and unnecessary fashion. Rape and torture are really just disgusting, and they aren't even alluded to, it's flat out in your face sexual abuse and physical assault. BARF. Next.

I've been sick for a few weeks now. I don't really want to admit it but I've been feeling worse lately and not better. So hopefully that is about to change, fingers crossed.

OH, and how could I forget, I've been summoned for jury duty. Great timing gov't. I've been sitting on my ass doing nothing for months dying for income and as soon as I get a job you summon me away. I'm hoping that because they had my address wrong I won't qualify for the pool they are pulling for. Here's hoping.

And lastly, a moment of silence for the old blogger layout format thing.

Ciaos.

AMAZING!!!

Straight from Newfoundland. Thank you Adam!

Book Review: Baghdad Express

Baghdad Express, by Joel Turnipseed, was the first Gulf War Memoir I've read. There seem to be mixed reviews. I enjoyed this book. I didn't love it, but it was a solidly acceptable read. I'm not really selling it am I? Joel provided a really interesting perspective to the war. As a part of the Sixth Motor Transport Battalion Turnipseed wasn't in a heavy combat zone and admits to struggling with being considered a hero. The story follows his journey from the US to Saudi Arabia and back to the US. His keen interest in philosophy has his nicknamed Professor, and he adds snippets from philosophy texts he spends most of his spare time reading.

If I took anything from this book, I think I finally understand the ending to Full Metal Jacket. Perhaps there's no connection, but I have a feeling there's a link.

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream

I'm exhausted. I just want to put my head down and sleep, and not be soaked in sweat in a matter of seconds. Without my fan I can't cool down enough to sleep. And with my fan it's too noisy. So I'm screwed. I thought I might as well blog.

Adam is in Newfoundland right now and I'm jealous. Although I don't have the motive or the money to trip out East, a part of me pines for the adventure. I'd want to go back to the Bay of Fundy, and take the hwy through the middle of NB, and tour Southern NS, and Cape Breton, and of course spend more time on PEI. But most of all, I want to visit the Rock. The last province on my list, and the toughest one to get to. My time will come.

My Jackie is leaving me, and I've been mentally avoiding the matter. Now that it's less than a month away, shit is starting to get real. I can only hope that some day we find ourselves living in the same city together. I promise if we do I'll make you as much grilled cheese as you want (for one day).

Hot diggity it's been hot out lately. Today I think it reached a high of "feels like 42/43." I took some recycling down and took a seat outside and I was sweating from doing nothing. NOTHING! It really truly helps to have a fan pointed at your face all day. I don't know what I would do without this fan. Surely surviving would not be it.

I have an interview next week, second round. It's kind of my last hope. If I'm not employed by the end of the month I'm giving my two months notice. My parents have promised me the two adjoined rooms downstairs. One for a living room and one for a bedroom. And I could even use the back door as a private entrance if I wanted. But having slept on the first floor while I lived there previously I know that I'd be waking at least my dad up if I came rolling in after 11. Or to be honest, some nights 9.

So what's new. Took another mother sponsored trip to the Wychwood Barns Farmer's Market. We walked down which was nice. Momma got me some veggies and coffee and paid for a nice lunch at The Rushton. I got stuck on the 401 in dead-stop traffic last week for over 3 hrs because a tractor trailer exploded at Bathurst and 401. Coming from the hwy I chose express thinking I'd flip back over. That decision sealed my fate for the night. The 409 skips the Kipling express-collectors off-ramp, and the Keele off-ramp was closed. Anyone lucky enough to be in collectors was forced to exit at Keele, but that's what I wanted!!! To make matters worse the express lanes closed after the Allen and we all had to bottleneck into the empty collectors, and then bottleneck again into the furthest right lane and pass the fire in a single lane. I say single lane, but some very lovely respectable people thought the paved shoulder was a second lane for their own personal use. I should have rammed them, I really should have. I also wish they had "opened" the Keele offramp and allowed us to exit into the collectors and onto Keele. There was no point to the closure. It wasn't under construction at the time, and the only thing stopping us was a parallel cop car and a few pylons. I'm surprised more people didn't go for it. In the end I had to go all the way to Avenue and double back. Rawr. While we sat and waited I did see a few collector side pickups for family members that for whatever reason couldn't last. And the passenger to the guy ahead of us waited about 2hrs and then grabbed his shoulder bag, hopped the barrier, ran across collectors, hopped that barrier and disappeared into the darkness. I can only imagine he was met by several large fences, but I guess a guy's gotta do. An 11pm airpot pick-up, with a quick McDs stop at the end had me home at 4:30am. I was dead tired, but I knew I needed something in the tummy so I could sleep. The final bit of icing was the fact that McDs was out of fries so we had to have a side salad. It was ok, but not really the point of fast food. Ironically, the pick-up was planned for 7:30pm but the first flight was missed. All that for nothing. Thank goodness I peed before I left my parents' house, though that didn't stop me from thinking about having to go for 5hrs straight.

I spent a good amount of time cleaning up today. Tomorrow I put away an eternity of unfolded but washed clothes, clean out my closet (not very messy), put away my last moving box from the Nemesis shoot (I know), a more thorough desk tidy up and we're done. I did a surface cleaning for when my mom dropped by last weekend, but now it's time for a thorough one. And if by the end of the month it's time to go, it will be all the easier to pack up. And if I get to stay it will be much nicer to live with.

That's about all. I am kind of wired now. Hoping reading a few more chapters will help me slip into dreamland.

Book Review: Mister Pip

I've been posting the books I've read on the side bar for a while now, but I thought perhaps it was time I try my hand at a review or two. I just finished reading Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones. I've noticed lately it takes me a few chapters to get invested in a book, and this novel was no different. Eventually something clicked and it was like I wanted to know more and couldn't help but to pick it up and dig through 50 or 100 pages a sitting.

Young Matilda is growing up an a small war torn island in the South Pacific. Everything seems to be collapsing around her but she finds something to hold on to when "the only white man left on the island" steps in as the teacher and introduces the class to Great Expectations. Perhaps it was because I read Great Expectations in high school, I caught most of the references. And I'm not going to lie, having watched the Ethan Hawke version of the movie helped some too.

It was nice for a change to read a novel with a single narrative. It seems like a lot of writers require telling the story from multiple points of view, which can be alright but also can grow tiresome. It shows commitment to have a single voice, because when you pick that voice it has to be the right one to draw readers in. As I mentioned I wasn't sold off the bat, but I can be like that. TV shows I now consider favourites got a resounding "meh" after the first show or two.

The book took some interesting twists. There was some gruesome behaviour which I could have done without. And also the last 20 pages should have been summarized into one page and been done with.

In looking up the publisher's link for this book I noticed it's been made into a movie, which should be coming out this year. If Hugh Laurie wasn't starring in it I may not have considered watching it, as I'm not sure what a movie could bring to the table that the novel didn't already provide. And there are some scenes I would rather not have a visual for. I'm sure they would be discreet, but still.

Perhaps this has been a lackluster review, but the process needs to start somewhere.

I Am a Rocket Ship, I'm Out of Control

I've been kind of quiet with posting lately. Not much new is going on. I have a phone interview on Wednesday, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that. If it's the one then I can stay in my apt. Otherwise I need to get over it already and give my notice. I'm just not ready yet. I know I'm somewhat of a broken record on the matter, but I just can't get over it.

I got back from a nice solo trip up North. I do get nervous sleeping alone there by myself. I guess it all depends on the situation. I can hear noises outside my window here and not sure if someone is in our "backyard". I use that term extremely loosely. But I got over it. I sat on the deck and took in the breeze, feed the chipmunks, and took the occasional dip in the lake. The water was magnificent. I ate mostly food that was already there, which was nice. I also vegged out on some tv. I should get a new antenna for my tv here. It's such a waste for it to sit in my living room unused. I also use the word living room loosely. Because really, how could you define this space? On Sunday when I had to make a meal, clean all of my dishes and then sweep and vacuum I was missing having a second pair of hands there. But being able to just melt into the deck chairs and not worry about what anyone else thought was pretty brilliant. Lemonade on a hot day is pretty brilliant too.

I wasted almost all of my phone battery taking videos and little photos of the chipmunks. And I liked one of the videos enough that I uploaded my first youtube video ever:

I wanted to name the chipmunks but I only got around to one of them. I called him scarface because he had scarring from a gash on his head, about 1cm long, which was most of his head. Nikki and I had named the stubby tailed chipmunk Quoi de Neuf from that time we were there and the only channel available on tv was an ad for a French quiz show called Quoi de Neuf. What of nine?

I just finished rereading Alias Grace. I heard it was being adapted into a movie and I wanted a refresher. And I just read that Sarah Polley is directing. I am very much looking forward to this. Since the time Jackie pointed it out in a bookstore and I read through it like butter I have been in love with this novel. I even tried to get my mom to pitch it to her book club. They said no, but she's going to read it anyways and try again for next year if she likes it well enough.

Anyhow. That's it for now.

Not Going To Stop

I'm at my parents' house right now. I am for the first time in a VERY LONG time, gainfully employed. I should hold onto this feeling because it will be over on Friday. A week of work is a week of work, so I can't complain. It's something to put on my resume to interrupt this seemingly endless gap. Just in time it seems, as my EI claim has just ended. I guess it's officially do or die time. Unless I want to make this cold lonely basement room my new home. Since I was running out of daytime minutes I thought I would come home so I could take advantage of unlimited minutes (and I'm not complaining about the AC).

What else. I just had 3 cavities filled. Luckily I have a dental insurance program. 100% coverage. It's called "My parents are paying for it." I struggle to accept handouts (except from the gov't), but for dental health I'll take it. Otherwise I wouldn't go twice a year, and I'd have found myself in even more of a mess. Also my dentist gave me a hardcore good deal for his time. And I passed all of the savings onto my insurance providers.

I almost took a walking tour down Oakwood Rd on Saturday for an outdoor arts festival, but the rain kept me inside. I was also going to trip up North this weekend with a few extra days tagged onto the end, but this gig kept me in town. I'm going to try to get away next week for a few days during the week. The one and only thing I detest about tripping up there alone is being alone at night. I know I have neighbours on each side that are always around, but I'm so paranoid. It doesn't help I have been overindulging in crime shows on Youtube for the past few months. One time last year when I was alone up there I was kept up by what I'm going to call hooligans. ATVing off the hwy close to our road. Every rev made my heart flutter, like a gang of 20-somethings were going to know I was alone and come attack. Truth: I left the tv on low all night to keep me company. Moving on.

It's been a while, so I thought I would update. Not too much new going on. Life is still slowly crumbling. The new same old.