Paper cuts are evil.

For those of you who don't know, I work in an office. I absolutely love my job. That being said, I have the sort of job that forces me to be constantly collating my own paper (new MRP program doesn't do it by itself... I don't get it... we can send people to the moon- yes, they really went -but we can't collate paper?). Anywho, I digress. So. I spend lots of time flipping rapidly through page-upon-page and ocassionally I get the odd paper cut. Today I got not 1 - not 2 - but SEVEN paper cuts! Seven! In one day! And one of them is from a file folder. If I put band-aids on all of them I would stick to my desk. I tried not to bleed on anything. Seven! I can't believe it.

Domestically Challenged

Well. I tried to bake yesterday. Notice that 'tried' is in itallics. It wasn't even that complicated really... pour mix in bowl.. add water... evenly distribute into 3 loaf pans of such and such a size... then bake. It was Angel Food Cake... or it was supposed to be angel food cake. I happily mixed the batter, which had the consistency of whip cream, and poured it confidently into the pans and put them in the oven. What came out of the oven was angel food cake on steroids. I would post a picture but the entire cake wouldn't fit in the lens (ok... it would have, I was just to mortified to show anyone). They exploded over top of the pans and looked like chef hats, with pleasingly browned tops. I couldn't get them out of the pans... what emerged by the time I was finished was a mishapen lump that resembled an overcooked, supersized marshmellow. It was suprisingly tasty. Next time I will get the bunt cake pan that you're supposed to use. So much for my experiments in being suzy homemaker. I'm supposed to cook a birthday cake for Austin's 8th birthday on Friday. Vanilla with vanilla icing. I think I'll just buy one.

I used to have good grammar, I swear!

I have taken several English courses over the course of my educational experience... excelled at them even. I'm sorry to report that a great travesty has taken place... I no longer remember my basic grammar skills. Yes, some of them are instinctive, and some are so ingrained that I couldn't forget them if I tried, but the rest are kind of sketchy. I re-read my posts thinking.. does that sentence even make sense? And what the hell is a semi-colon really for anyway? I'm switching tenses, I can't remember when commas are appropriate... I've forgotten my apostrophe S rules... so much so that I usually re-arrange the sentence to avoid using it at all.. leaving some of my writing sounding inappropriate and ill-written. I think I know what the problem is. In high-school, I had Corinne to edit most of my work and fix my grammar atrocities... now there is just me. In University my professor's must have taken pity on me and declined to comment, which would explain the decent grades despite my grammatical failures. The problem now is, how do I get it back? I'm too old to learn all over again! I don't think they make grammar primers for adults, unless you're taking an ESL course, but I don't have a second language to face my way through that. I'm sure there is supposed to be a paragraph break in there somewhere...

So take pity on me when you read my blog... I am not grammatically retarded... I just have the worst memory on the face of the earth... ok no really, what IS a semi-colon for?

What is a Chicki-Nut you ask??

If you have a minute, go and read this post. I happened on it randomly, and it was so funny, I had to read it twice. This is my favourite kind of humor. It's a bit of a read, but totally worth it.

http://funwithchickens.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-trail-of-wild-chicki-nu.html

Lazy Days

I live for the weekends. I try to get everything done that I need to do during the work week so that for at least one day a week I can have a Lazy Day. Lazy Days consist of the following: early morning scrapping, usually some non work-related surfing and blog reading... some chatting on my favourite web site, The Scrap Witch, and an easy supper. I live for these days. For the days when I can pick up my book and read as long as I want. Play a video game without guilt because I should be doing something else, and take an afternoon nap because, well... why not? Today was one such day. I was up early and chatted with some of the ladies on my scrapping website, headed down stairs for some scrapping, watched a good movie (U571), had take-out for supper (panzarotti..mmmm), and now we are watching the hockey game (canadians are loosing... HAHAHAHHAHAHAH). I even fit my nap in this afternoon. I feel refreshed, relaxed, and ready to tackle the world. God Bless Lazy Days.

I Love My Truck

I can't help it... I love my truck. It's not a truck really, it's an SUV. I know in these environmentally conscious times I should be driving a compact like a focus or a civic... but I loooovvve my truck. I suppose that makes me selfish, if not irresponsible. It's economically ridiculous to be driving it when I should be motoring to work in something much more fuel efficient, but I love my truck.

I guess it's my redneck roots coming out in me. If I could afford it, I'd buy an even larger truck. I can't help it, I'm a truck girl. If someone asked me whether I'd like to have a corvette or an F-150 Super Duty... I'd definitely get the F-150. It's just so much cooler than a stupid plastic corvette. I like the luxury of space, and I like being higher above the road than anyone else. It makes me feel safe.

My truck has a sunroof. Nothing makes me feel more free than flying down the back roads on a summer day, with the sunroof open, and Bob Seager playing on the radio - the ultimate summer music, which is closely followed by Collective Soul and John Cougar Mellancamp. The world has unlimited possibilities and I can do anything. <---- I'm sure there is some psychology wrapped up in all of that but I'm too cheap to pay to find out what it is.

So no. I won't sell my truck and buy a compact. Trucks are a dying breed. I'm sure someday I will be forced by manufacturing circumstances to down-grade to something inferior... but for now, me and my escape are just fine.

Worth the Read

I was scrolling through the blogs of note today and found one that actually IS of note. She In China is smart, funny, and provides a unique view of Chinese culture. I actually laughed out loud. I also added it to blogs I follow because I can't wait to see what is in store for the Swedish heroine next. Here is a link, I definitely recommend taking the time to check it out.

sheinchina.blogspot.com

I am afraid of change.

there. I said it.

Tim Hortons

Question to self: When did coffee become part of my necessities? At what point did I need it so badly that I actually delagated $30 per week to Tim Hortons?

In these economic times, I'm sure we are all looking for ways to cut spending. I have x-amount of reduced hours at work, therefore I must cut x-amount of spending. However, I've noticed that rather than cut my Tim Hortons budget and put that extra money on something useful like my Visa, I make sacrifices somewhere else... like groceries. Sure, I'll eat kraft dinner for a week if it means I get my daily Java and bagel toasted with butter and jam... who wouldn't?

Praise be to the gods of Tim Hortons who make such addictive legal stimulates. Where would I be without you? Probably out of debt.

Video Games

Are you a gamer? I wouldn't call myself a gamer... more of a gaming enthusiast. I like to play, sure, but mostly only trivia related and puzzle games. Although I do like quite a few of the RPG games. My all time favourite being Final Fantasy. Currently I'm playing Zelda: Princess of Twilight on the Wii. It's realatively simple, but the puzzle aspect and the story line are what draw me the most. I've loved Zelda from the beginning. And I just recently learned that you can download most of the previous Zelda/Link games for the Wii directly to your system (for a small fee of course). This means I will no longer have to set up old consoles when I'm feeling nostalgic. Yard Sale here I come!

I also like to watch other people game. Since my hand eye coordination is the equivalent of that of a two-toed sloth, I find it more interesting and exciting when someone else is at the helm. I like watching games like the god-father... or scary stuff which I would never have the courage to play by myself... I know, I'm a coward. I still like to jump on the bed from three feet away so that whatever is under there won't get me. In short, the Wii is the perfect system for me. It has easy games, and I get to practice that all important hand-eye coordination. Maybe if they had developed Wii when I was a kid, I would be more graceful.

Stress Relievers

Ok, so I'm having a bit of a rough go at the moment, for various reasons. In short, I've had to find effective ways to relieve stress. Here is the best of what I've found:

Excersize: This is the absolute best. It's hard to get motivated, but once you do it's great to work off all of that negative energy, feel like you've acomplished something, and generally feel healthier (not to mention less depressed about those 10lbs you put on at Christmas...).

Hobbies: Scrapping is my lifesaver. I get to excersize my creative muscles, and it is so much fun. When I am all finished I feel like I completed something worth while... and theres that feeling of acomplishment again... hmmmm....

Tea: The variety of herbal tea out there is amazing... try to avoid caffine, it will add to your stress level. My current favourite is Summer Berry Blend by Tetley. It calms and relaxes me, not to mention warms me up. Cold weather causes us to bunch up our shoulders and adopt bad posture which strains our backs. This leads to more tension.

Talking: Don't bombard your family with all of your negativity... you may feel better, but they won't! Instead, talk about your feelings in a constructive way: "This is really bothering me... what do you think I should do?"

Have a shower and apply lotion... the rubbing increases your circulation and gets your blood flowing. You'll also be realeasing those feel-good hormones from your brain that trick you into thinking all is well, which leads to....

Sex: I don't have to describe this... of course it makes you feel better!

Creativity

How do we learn to be creative? Is it a gene that some people have, and others don't? Personally, I think it is a primarily nurtured gift. Those who are exposed to the arts and creative thinking as children will have stronger gifts as adults. However, like language or any other skill, it's lost if not exercised regularly. You have to stretch you creative muscles to grow.

The big question is... why am I more creative on some days rather than others? This weekend for example, I had the time, the tools, and the space, but I couldn't come up with a single exciting idea to excersize my creativity. Everything I put down on paper looked like someone elses work (and sub par at that). It seemed that because my own creativtiy was lacking, my brain automatically mashed together examples of other peoples work and output that as a back-up plan. Where did my own creative identity go? Maybe it is just taking a break. I hope it comes back soon, I've got 5 days off coming and am looking forward to spending most of it in my work room. Maybe I just need to find the right inspiration!

To the Bravest Lady I Know

Dear Cheryl,
Yesterday you finally rested. I know it is selfish of us to want you to stay, because you were so very tired. I watched you in the various stages of your battle and never did I see you let up. You fought harder than I have ever fought for anything in my life, of course, I have never faced cancer armed with nothing but determination. There are so many things I wanted to say but didn't know how. Still don't. I have many regrets. I'm sorry I didn't have the courage to be there for you, and I'm sorry that on the last day we saw each other I didn't have the courage to say what was in my heart. Perhaps wherever you are, you can forgive me.
I hope heaven gave you a motercycle, although, I'm sure if they didn't Al will have one waiting. I hope that you are young and that you don't remember your struggle. I hope you know how much you will be missed and remembered. I choose to remember you as you were on that day in November with your eyes flashing and your face smiling. I hope that someday I have your courage.

Try, Try Again

Ok. So I didn't go home and jump back into my musical glory days. Life gets in the way. I'm trying not to be too angry with myself. I'm going to give it another go this week. We went to Welland this past weekend, and we have the munchkin at the house over night again this Friday. I'm trying to plan a quick craft, as we have to take him home in the morning, but so far I am clueless. I'll go and surf tonight for an inkling I think.... after I practice my guitar of course!

Cheers

Get back into the music of life.

One of my resolutions this year is to get back my music. I have all the tools, and now thanks to cutbacks at work I have the time. I want to put aside time each day for my guitar. Even if it's only 10 minutes. I also want to get my clairinet out again... don't laugh... I used to be pretty good. I'm planning for tonight.... I'll let you know how it goes.

A great starter

I am a great starter of projects (obviously, as this blog was started years ago and I haven't posted since 2006). I start a diary every January, and sometimes make it to February before I lose interest, or lose the diary entirely. I'm a great at starting to clean the house... but moments in something inevitably attracts my attention and I am lost again. I am also great at starting laundry and then forgetting about it because one of my work shirts reminded me that I wanted to start a new project at work and I've gone off to brainstorm.

I attribute this lack of follow-through to the fact that I want to do EVERYTHING and there is just not enough hours in a day. I have far too many hobbies.... painting, photography, drawing, scrapping, video games, movies, writing..... the list goes on and on. How is one to get enough time in for all of them? I have gotten into the extremely bad practice of only dusting off my guitar when I go to dad's house on the holidays. How am I supposed to learn anything new?

I absolutely LOVE the feeling you get when everything is complete and you know you can sit and relax and do whatever you want without guilt. Unfortunately, this hasn't happened since I was a small child and my chores were done for the day.

Today I will make it a point to start AND finish a project... but what to start?

Fitness Woes

So. I've started this new fitness routine because I've decided I'm tired of not being able to breath...no I havn't quit smoking... come on, one thing at a time people. Anyways. I'm doing the cardio step thing... which I LOVE. It's almost like dancing. Seems to be going well so far. To give myself a little boost, I borrowed this AB Rocker from a friend of mine. I'm supposed to be an engineer in training, but I'll be damned if I can figure out how the god damned thing works. Drew and I sort of worked out this horribly uncomfortable position that makes your back scream in pain... but works your ab's great! I think I'll take it back tomorrow. Sit-ups are way easier than trying to use that stupid thing. The things that people will waste money on to be fit is unbelievable.

Sunday

I haven't decided whether Sunday in my most or least favourite day of the week. On one hand, it's quieter than any other day (except for those annoying church bells). Most of the stores are closed meaning I don't have any errands to run. It's generally a lazy day for doing nothing. On the other hand, it's the day before going back to work. This is the thought that runs through my head all day and completely ruins my Sunday. I have a hard time enjoying the day because all I can think about is work. This is depressing. There must be a solution. I know! I will call in sick on Monday! Then Monday will be the day before I have to go to work, instead of Sunday! Genious.

P.S. Why is a sundae called a sundae? And why is it spelled like that? Are we supposed to eat them only on Sunday? Hmmmmm........

Crazy Morning People

Are you one of those people who jumps out of bed and goes ninty miles an hour immediately after putting your feet on the floor? If so, I hate you. I need at least an hour of quiet. This means no radio, no talking, no decision making. Don't ask me a question in the morning... because no matter what it is, the answer will most assuradly be no. Don't get me wrong, I like mornings, no i LOVE mornings... I just like them quiet. So. Note to you. If it's before 10am, DON"T BUG ME!

P.S. I drink double double... this will make the transition from quiet-morning-Julie to social-afternon-Julie much easier.