between lightning and light...

Farewell, 2011

2011-12-31T13:10:00.000-07:00

Christmas has come and gone. A surprise visit home from my sister who has been in Africa for the last six months was the best present ever. We spent our holiday with family and friends and it was wonderful. 2011 has been good to us. We watched Medea grow and change, moved to a new home, and have made many wonderful memories. I am so excited to see what 2012 has in store for us!! Happy New Year all. May this year be the best one yet.

Project Fail

2011-12-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes for my Project 365 photos. Take a photo a day? Not a big deal, with three cameras around, including a cell phone. Jump forward many many photos later, and I am now two months behind in uploading said photos. I have taken my daily photo, even if it required me to jump out of bed at 11:45pm to do it. I just couldn't find the time to upload these photos. And those three cameras that were to make it so easy? They actually made it much more difficult because I couldn't just pick the photos in sequence from a memory card--I had to search three different memory cards!

While I'm sort of annoyed with myself for having fallen so behind, at the same time, I have better things to do than upload millions of photos to flickr. Like unpack things in our new home, and tickle Medea until she laughs so hard she gets the hiccups. I hope to find time to upload the rest of my year...but we'll see.

Project 365 may not be completed, but I got pretty far. And have some great photos from it.

Onward to unpacking, settling in, and preparing for Christmas!

Moving.

2011-11-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

The time has come for us to say goodbye to downtown living. Our apartment has a great location and killer view, but it is just too small for a growing family. We found a new place with three bedrooms, and an open basement with potential for a playroom or gaming den. Plus, it has a dishwasher and in-suite laundry.
Russ can take the train to work, and while it is a bit farther to Medea's day home, it will be a less insane drive.
We have been living downtown for ten years, and it will be hard to leave. There is something to be said for being able to walk to the grocery store, or High Street for shopping, but there is also something to be said for having room to breathe...

Jim Henson Was a Wise Man

2011-11-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

"The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are."
~Jim Henson

Isn't it Obvious?

2011-10-26T20:14:00.001-06:00

Interesting food for thought. What talent are you downplaying right now?

Grateful.

2011-10-12T10:16:00.000-06:00

This weekend was spent enjoying the food and company of family. Once again I am reminded of how much I have to be thankful for.

Everybody Get Together, Try to Love One Another Right Now

2011-10-03T15:05:00.002-06:00

Taking public transit always reminds me to be grateful for our little car. Today was no different. I had Medea with me, in the stroller, so we were at the front. The bus was quite full. An older gentleman got on, and as the bus started moving, he lost his balance and fell into a fellow sitting across the aisle from me. The older gentleman quickly regained his footing, apologized, and took a seat by me. The fellow sat for a moment, busy with his iPhone, then, very loudly said, "What? You're not even going to f****** apologize for crashing into me? Really? What? It wasn't your fault? The bus just happened to lurch and you fell? Cummon!" Everyone around them let out a collective gasp. Had we seriously just heard that? The older gentleman looked very embarrassed and apologized again, saying he had lost his balance when the bus started moving. The fellow (wearing Ed Hardy laceless sneakers) scowled, muttered more expletives under his breath and went back to his iPhone. I felt very badly for the older gentleman, and wondered what made the fellow feel like he needed to be so awful to a perfect stranger. As I exited the bus, I wondered why people feel the need to be so awful to one another. Sigh...

All the Hats

2011-10-02T22:38:00.007-06:00

Once again, I have failed to regularly update this blog of mine. Part of the problem is finding time. Between chasing a toddler and working part time, as well as (kind of) maintaining a home and trying to have some semblance of a social life, this space has fallen to the wayside. The other part of the problem is the struggle I am having with figuring out where to go and what I want this place to be. Which hat should I don to write my posts--the mama hat? The artist hat? The writer hat? The random hat? Perhaps the Cat in the Hat?? Maybe I should wear all the hats at once! Did you know that there is an Argentinian band called All the Hats??

Back on the Wagon?

2011-02-16T21:59:00.006-07:00

Wow. I definitely fell off the blogging wagon this past year!! I don't know how well I'll be able to keep up with it now that I have a little munchkin to care for, but I can try. Medea was born on September 7, 2010 at 9:23 am. It was definitely love at first sight. She is now just over five months old, which I can hardly believe. She is definitely cooler than her parents.

Meet Squirmy...

2010-03-30T20:49:00.004-06:00

It's probably about time to announce that Russ and I are going to be parents! Yay! And yikes! Exciting and scary all rolled up into this tiny little bundle.

And So Another Chapter Ends....

2010-01-25T19:50:00.005-07:00

...as a new one begins. I finished my last shift at the bookstore on Saturday. It was very bittersweet. I met so many super awesome people working there, but I am soooooo ready to be done working retail. I welcome a giant change with this new job. I will be working regular hours, which means more time with Russ, and the pay is nothing to complain about.
Yes sir, things, they are a changin'!

New Beginnings

2010-01-04T21:46:00.003-07:00

This is the year of change. I can feel it. I know it. Things are already changing, and I'm welcoming it. New adventures await, and though they are scary and daunting, they are also exciting and something to embrace. Welcome 2010. I'm ready for you.

Christmas Time is Here...

2009-12-11T19:28:00.004-07:00

Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share

Christmas time is here

We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...

HelloooooOOOOoooo Nurses!

2009-11-03T22:07:00.008-07:00

I'm always at a loss for what to dress up as for Hallowe'en, so when my friend Dominika asked if I would like to join her and Scheherazade in dressing up as nurses from Silent Hill, I was stoked. It took two days to create the masks out of paper mache, which we then painted with acrylics.
The nurse uniforms that we found were distressed with tea and coffee grinds, then stained with water colour inks, acrylics, and cream paints.
We painted on veins with acrylics, and even though we weren't planning on taking off our masks, we painted up our faces like skulls for total creepy effect.
The overall result was AWESOME!!

The only people who saw us without our masks besides those who went with us, were the people at Tim Horton's, because we weren't allowed to wear our masks there for ID purposes. I guess three undead nurses with pipes walking into a Tim's would be a bit creepy, but really, zombies need doughnuts too!

What was under the mask...

We ended up winning the prize at New City for best group costume, and it was a great feeling! (Though I have to say it was a total BLAST to walk down Jasper and freak people out!!)

Gratitude.

2009-10-14T22:28:00.004-06:00

This weekend Russ and I were able to spend thanksgiving with my extended family, which is always an exciting time. This year there was much to be thankful for:

All of my sisters and I were able to make it home this year

Russ and I met Maria, the Brazilian exchange student who is staying with my parents for the year

My cousin Ben was at thanksgiving at my grandparents (Ben spent the last year in New Zealand, and this weekend was the first we'd seen of him since he came home!)

My cousin Jana and her husband Dan announced the exciting news that they are expecting (the first!)

I was able to wander around my old high school and take some pictures and refresh some memories before it is sold (the town has built a fancy new school)

There was copious amounts of delicious homemade food to be shared

There was much conversation and laughter to share

The snow held off on our drive home until we arrived in Edmonton

And finally, my wonderful, awesome and somewhat nerdy husband came across this sweet video on youtube:

Again, I Have Been in Remiss...

2009-10-05T14:00:00.003-06:00

It's not that life has been packed with excitement, but it has been so busy. At work, things are in the weird limbo right before the holiday season. At home, I'm trying to get through all the fantastic new books that have come out this fall, and spending time with Russ.

Speaking of books, I highly recommend Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games books: The first, The Hunger Games, and the just-released sequel, Catching Fire. Both books are action-packed, fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of wonderfully written characters that instantly capture your attention. I can hardly wait for the third novel to be released, but I know I'll be waiting a while...in the meantime, I have Douglas Coupland and Margaret Atwood to keep me busy.

It's Good to be in Love...

2009-08-22T21:45:00.008-06:00

When you are in love you can't fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams. ~ Dr. Seuss

One year ago today, I married my best friend.

I love your funny face, Your sunny, funny face.

I love you more today, more today than yesterday, but I don't love you more today than I'll love you tomorrow.
Happy anniversary, Russ.

A Much-Needed Escape

2009-07-28T01:05:00.012-06:00

Last night Russ and I got home from our week-long excursion to Vancouver Island. We drove down last Sunday and drove home yesterday. It was a fantastic escape, and I'm sorry it went by so quickly, but I am grateful for the many memories we made, as well as the chance to get to know some friends better. I celebrated my birthday while we were there, and I've decided that since we were in a different province, it doesn't count. We also attended the wedding reception of our friend Morgan. He met his wife in Kenya while working there for a year. He spent two years trying to get her into Canada. In February he went back to Kenya and they got married. She is finally here in Canada, and so his mom held a reception at her home in Lake Chowichan to celebrate, as well as provide an opportunity for friends and family to meet Besho. It was a wonderful day. The Island is a beautiful place, and it is incredibly tempting to relocate. However, right now, there are too many things to keep us here in good ol' E-Town, so in Edmonton we shall stay.

The Empress Hotel in Victoria

Pier in Sidney, BC

Morgan and Besho

The Legislature Buildings in Victoria

Wayne and Theresa Got Married!

2009-07-05T12:11:00.003-06:00

Yesterday we had the privilege of being invited to our friend Theresa's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and a beautiful day. We had so much fun with friends and were honoured to be a part of such a special day. Congratulations, Wayne and Theresa!!

Happy Birthday, Canada!!

2009-07-01T23:57:00.002-06:00

Happy birthday, Canada! I'm so grateful to be living in a country where we have so much freedom.

If You Tolerate This....

2009-06-27T06:48:00.000-06:00

Father's Day

2009-06-21T23:55:00.003-06:00

You can see where I get the goofy from...
Happy Father's Day, Dad! Love you lots!!

Oh Where Art Thou, Dear Summer??

2009-06-07T21:35:00.003-06:00

I am seriously beginning to doubt whether we will actually have a summer this year, at all!! Just when it promises to warm up and be sunny and delightful, we get highs of 12 degrees, cold winds, rain, and, in some areas, SNOW! It's JUNE!!!

On the positive end of things, we are gearing up for our road trip to Victoria in July, to meet Morgan's wife, Besho! I've never been to Victoria, and hear it's full of flowers and old people, but is a pleasant place to visit, nonetheless. It should be an interesting trip, and a nice break from the E-town routine. (Though, I do wish we could go to Hawaii...)

Love is Friendship Set on Fire.

2009-05-24T00:10:00.004-06:00

Congratulations, Lisa and Tyson! It was a beautiful day!

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T13:43:00.003-06:00

Happy Mother's Day, mum! Love you lots!

Caryn in Cairo.

2009-05-09T21:46:00.006-06:00

One of my sisters, Caryn is in Cairo, Egypt for three months, working at St. Andrew's Refugee Services. She is a teacher's assistant for a second grade class composed of children mostly from the Sudan and Darfur. Caryn used to be a major homebody, but one day, she got the travel bug, and has been going ever since. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous of the experiences she has had and will have, but it's still really exciting to hear about her adventures. If you want to follow along, visit her blog Caryn in Cairo, which she has been updating almost every day.
(The photo is from her blog.)

In Remiss...

2009-05-02T21:09:00.004-06:00

Oops...so apparently I haven't posted anything in almost two months. Please don't think that it's because I'm boring. I'm really not...I just have had no time to blog. This summer promises to be chock full 'o bloggy goodness though, what with two weddings, a trip to Victoria with my lovely husband, and our first anniversary! The weather is finally starting to look springy, (it should, it IS MAY, after all!!), and I'm ready to start running again. I've even broken out my inline skates. When you live thisclose to the river valley, it would be stupid to not take advantage of it!!!

Her Morning Elegance.

2009-03-09T23:33:00.002-06:00

Family.

2009-02-22T11:36:00.004-07:00

Friday was my mom's 50th birthday. Russ and I took the week off, and showed up at my parents' house on Monday. My mom had no idea. She had thought that the only daughter coming home was Cher, who was on reading week. Mom and dad went to a B&B on Tuesday. Tuesday night, the doorbell rings, and Cher runs up to get it. Russ and I remain downstairs. We hear Cher squeal, so we go running upstairs, and there, in the entry way, is Caryn!! Caryn is going to school in Winnipeg, and so no one had any idea that she would be able to come home! She planned it in January, and told no one except her friends Leesa and Brandon, because they picked her up from the airport. Christine came home on Wednesday, so when mom and dad got home on Thursday, we were all there. Mom was speechless. It was a great birthday surprise!

Escape...

2009-01-27T23:36:00.005-07:00

I've had the last four days off from work, and it should have been the perfect time to run about getting things done and being ultra-productive, but alas...no such thing has happened. Instead, I went to my sister's basketball game on Saturday morning, where they lost a very close game, but went on to win the next one by a long shot. I then didn't leave the apartment for the next three days. I sat around and read, baked, and slowly made my way through my latest boxed set. Not that I sat on my bum all day, but aside from some yoga, a sculpting dvd, and Wii Fit, I didn't do much. I am quite enjoying the advanced reader's copy of this exciting new release, though!

Another Year...

2009-01-04T10:41:00.006-07:00

The new year is always a time of reflection, as one year passes and another one begins, a sort of death and rebirth takes place. People always try to reinvent or improve. Some stick with it past January, some don't make it through the second week. While I avoid "resolutions", I definitely reflect on the past year. 2008 was actually a pretty great year. I got to marry the most wonderful man I've ever met. We traveled to Hawaii. My dad celebrated his 50th birthday. Of course the year also held the usual (and unusual) issues, complications and problems, as well as some real tragedies, but what is important is that we survived. I look at each new year as an opportunity for change and to venture into the unknown. Who knows what 2009 has in store, but I'm interested in finding out...

Christmas Time is Here!

2008-12-25T22:39:00.008-07:00

I enjoyed my first married Christmas with Russ and the fam, and it was wonderful! I hope your Christmas has been merry and bright.

In the Deep Freeze...

2008-12-22T17:51:00.004-07:00

One of the wonderful things about living in Canada is the glorious Arctic cold fronts that move in and camp out, plunging temperatures well into the negative digits (centigrade), as well as dumping delightful piles of crunchy snow everywhere. As delightful as all this wintry weather is, it has angered our car Max, and Max now refuses to start. On top of that, our apartment building was bathed in the warm glow of a fire last night. No big deal--fire in the garbage room, which filled the halls with smoke and forced the residents to wait in the cold for 20 minutes, but a neat little bit of excitement, to be sure. Oh well. Only a few more days until Christmas, and only ONE more day of work until a bit of time off and getting to spend time with family!!

Merry and Bright

2008-12-16T00:29:00.007-07:00

Temperatures are plunging and snow is falling...the most wonderful time of the year? In spite of the icky weather, all is well. I'm nearly done gathering my gifts, and am looking forward to spending time with the fam! The mall is crazy, and people are frantic to get everything done. I refuse to be sucked into the vortex of stress and instead, attempt to remain an outside observer. I refuse to allow stress to get to me, and I shall emerge from the frenzy, cool as a cucumber. I can't wait!

Something that Makes Me Smile...

2008-11-24T22:41:00.005-07:00

This is one of the many things that makes David Usher so awesome.

It's Christmas Time Again, Charlie Brown...

2008-11-19T23:47:00.004-07:00

Retail tries to ruin Christmas for me. Being forced to listen to stale, boring classic Christmas music on a loop right after Halloween, being surrounded by crazed shoppers day in, day out...Christmas isn't about the gifts. It isn't about the baking and treats (though they are really great!), it isn't about the lights and the decorations, but it's been eclipsed by them. The consumerism of this holiday is especially frustrating because I'm surrounded by it daily. Being stuck in the mall at Christmas is frustrating. I love Christmas. I love listening to the good music, decorating a tree, (even if it as tiny little one on our table), I love spending time with family, making and eating treats...Christmas is a sweet time, outside of the mall.

Touching.

2008-11-14T00:21:00.004-07:00

This broke my heart, and I had to share.

T'is the Season...

2008-11-13T22:33:00.003-07:00

The first snow has fallen...and melted, but there is a distinct chill in the air.

Things have definitely taken a more festive turn, and everything is beginning to feel holiday-esque. Work is a frenzy of holiday-product-related activity, and people are already frantic to get their holiday shopping completed.

This will be the first Christmas that Russ and I will actually spend together. We will actually be together on Christmas morning, rather than talking on the phone. We will actually have presents for each other under the tree, and will get to see the other unwrap them.
While I dread the time leading up to Christmas, as working in retail has that effect on anyone, I'm definitely excited for my first holiday with my husband.

Much to be Thankful For...

2008-10-13T17:41:00.007-06:00

Thanksgiving flowers from family

Lovely fall days

A wonderful husband

I hope that everyone else is feeling thankful for life's blessings!

One Month-Aversary.

2008-09-23T17:11:00.002-06:00

Today we celebrate one month of marriedness! It's hard to believe that it's already been a month, and yet, at the same time, it seems like it was forever ago...

Russ bought me the new David Usher CD which came out today. He knows me so well.

The mattress set that my parents bought us as a wedding gift finally arrived on Saturday. We don't have a bed frame yet, as the one we want is currently sold out until Friday, but we set them up on the floor, and it was probably one of the best sleeps I've had in YEARS!!!! I actually felt rested when I woke up!

We went and used some of our wedding money to buy a steaming jug and thermometer for Francis, as well as a magical butter crock that allows you to keep your butter on the counter, so that it's spreadable, without it going rancid! Everyone should have one!

My...I feel so domestic today, raving about various household gadgets. I guess this is what happens when one joins the ranks of the Smug Marrieds...

Sadie, Sadie, MARRIED Lady!!

2008-09-06T10:34:00.006-06:00

Yup! So totally married!!! Everything went absolutely perfectly. The day was sunny and warm, but not too warm. Our families met for the first time on Friday, and hit it off right away. The rehearsal went quite smoothly, and we had a big barbecue afterward, which was lots of fun.

I was absolutely calm the whole morning. Got up, had grandma-made cinnamon buns for breakfast with a cup of tea (NO coffee--I would have been bouncing off the walls!!) Lisa got my hair done ahead of schedule, and it looked fantastic. Sarah did my makeup and it looked beautiful, and natural, but was totally bulletproof. We gathered up our stuff and went to the church where I was putting my dress on, so it wouldn't get rumpled in the car. I was totally calm...until 20 minutes before the ceremony. Suddenly I was totally nervous and excited, and was sure I would hyperventilate or throw up on Russ at the front of the church. It was ridiculous. So as I was being all nervous, the pastor came down and said it was time, so we headed up and got ready to go in. As I was coming in, my aunt handed me my awesome bouquet--that weighed about 10 pounds! I made it down the aisle, my dad didn't cry until after he sat down (if I had seen him cry, I would have absolutely lost it.) I managed to make it through the first bit, until the vows. Russ got to go first, and his vows were so unbelievably beautiful that I almost fell apart. I managed to make it through my vows, which turned out fine, and then the rest was gravy! Yay!!!

The rest of the day went by so quickly, but it was so much fun. We got to see friends and family at the reception, eat delicious food, and CAKE! The cookies that we made for the favors went over like gangbusters. Everyone has been raving about them. They were really good cookies.

I honestly couldn't have asked for a better day. Yay marriage!

Commencing Count-down, Engines On...

2008-08-20T17:12:00.008-06:00

Okay, so whoever decided that writing our own vows would be a great idea is an idiot. Oh wait--that would be me!! What was I thinking?!!! Well, I'll tell you what I was thinking..."Oh, it would be so much more personal and wonderful to express our feelings in our own words and make our own promises to each other. How magical!" Until I realized, "Oh Crap!! I have to actually put to paper those personal and wonderful expressions of my feelings in my own words and make those promises to Russ!!! AGH!" Now I'm trying to write them and it no fun at all! I keep wanting to throw in jokes and other inappropriate things that pretty much ruin the entire sentiment of them.

Has anyone watched Friends? It's like a combination of the episode where Joey is going to officiate Monica and Chandler's wedding, and he keeps talking about having and holding and giving and receiving...over and over, and the episode where Monica and Chandler have to write their vows and their relationship doesn't fit into the mold of standard vow writing...needless to say, I wish I was watching those episodes right now instead of trying to make these vows not suck. Normally I would have Russ read them over and check them, but of course, since we decided to not share our vows beforehand, that's not possible, which, I think is adding to the stress. I guess I just have to keep trying and hope that they don't come out lamely.

Alzheimer's...

2008-08-06T23:23:00.006-06:00

The strangest form of cold feet???

Russ has been a bit forgetful lately. Don't worry...it's not Alzheimer's, but I joke that it is his form of cold feet, because it seems that all the things forgotten are related to the wedding. Most of it is little stuff, and it's not a big deal, but right now I'm worried, because Russ has lost his ring.
Yup...hasn't even had a chance to wear it yet, and it's already missing.

When we were moving, I told him that we should either put it in the lock box, or take it to my parents' for safe keeping, but no, he had a much better place, and so he put it "somewhere safe". Well, that place turned out to be so safe that no one can find it!!

"Who am I? Who are you? Why am I in a suit? I do what?"

30 Days...

2008-07-24T00:50:00.006-06:00

In just thirty short days, I will totally be married!! How crazy and weird is that?! Don't worry....I don't plan on going into a big long squee about bouquets and centerpieces and favors. I don't think any of that stuff really matters, and besides, it's all taken care of. I just needed to put down in words what I've been trying to wrap my brain around for the last couple of days--the wait is almost over. I just have to remind myself that all the little things will get done, and what doesn't, isn't important anyways. As long as we have a marriage license and a minister, we're good to go! So, in just thirty days, I'll be partying with friends and family, and dreaming about escaping to Hawaii with my husband.

Two Exciting New Releases Rolled into One!

2008-07-12T21:07:00.001-06:00

51 Days.

2008-07-03T01:31:00.005-06:00

Never underestimate the value of the company of good friends. It shouldn't be surprising that spending just a few minutes with a friend can completely change your mood or your day, but it still never ceases to amaze me. As I sit here, late at night, with a random episode of Friends playing in the background, I am thinking over the last few days, and all the friend face time I've been lucky enough to enjoy!

We had the pleasure of attending two beautiful weddings on Saturday--Congrats to Elizabeth & Nathan, and Shea & Jason, by the way!! As we were sitting with friends at Shea and Jason's reception, someone mentioned that the next wedding that we would all be congregating at would be ours, and it was actually surreal to think about. August 23 seems so very very far away, and yet...it will be here in a blink of an eye. I would love to just stop and enjoy every single second leading up to it, but, unfortunately, life generally does not allow that sort of thing. I'll have to be satisfied with what I AM able to savor...

Someone asked one of my sisters whether she thought I would be a bridezilla or a calm, relaxed bride, and she said it could go either way. I honestly am calm. If things don't go according to plan, we make a new plan. If the church burns down the day of the wedding, I'll have the ceremony out front. All that matters is that I marry the most amazing man on earth. That rejuvenating feeling I get when I'm with friends is multiplied many times over when I'm with him, and I want that feeling for the rest of our lives. He is totally my zen garden. He calms me down and evens me out. Even though his weird quirks drive me crazy sometimes, I do love him for them...they're what makes him, him. Fifty-one days seems like quite a long time, and there is so very much left to do, but at the same time, I kind of wish that it was fifty-two days from now....

We Survived...Barely.

2008-06-27T00:37:00.003-06:00

It's been a while, but June has been ever-so busy!! We started the month with the move into the new apartment. We weren't able to move in until the third, but we survived, and have a fantastic new place to call home. The apartment is bigger, with a working stove, and an AMAZING view of the river valley. I still can't get over it! Now...just have to unpack...
I also had two bridal showers thrown for me at the beginning of the month, one by my mom's friends from work, and one by my aunts. I felt so incredibly spoiled--we were given so many wonderful (and useful) things, it was almost embarrassing! Now, with our working stove, we'll be able to use all those great kitchen goods and cookbooks and other delightful things. Now, on to a busy Saturday of attending not one, but TWO weddings!

If I Hear "We'll Get Through It..." One More Time...

2008-05-28T09:52:00.002-06:00

I'm going to smash something. So FANTASTIC news about the already stupid and complicated move...we have to be out of this place May 31st...but can't move into the new place until "June 1st or 2nd". But we'll have new carpet. I'm SO SICK OF THIS!!!! I want a house, but we can't afford one in the stupid bloated jerkface Edmonton (or Alberta, for that matter) housing market. So what the crap would we do if we couldn't put all our stuff in my sister's place for a few days? How the heck to people do this?!!! AAAAAAAAARRRRGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Garden Island.

2008-05-11T22:41:00.008-06:00

Firstly, happy Mother's Day to all those mamas out there!!

Russ and I have officially booked our plane tickets (a total of four planes!) and accommodations for our trip to Kaua'i in August, and now we just have to get our butts in gear and get those passports finalized!

I bought the Lonely Planet guide to Kaua'i and have been going through it starring and circling things right and left, and am now starting to get really, totally stoked. A few must see spots for us are:

Wailua Falls

Kauai Coffee Plantation
Kalapaki Beach

We don't want to rent a car, so we went and bought a couple of expedition packs from MEC. We plan on walking from the airport to the place where we are staying, which is about 2km. Russ says that if we can't walk that, we should die...We are planning on renting bikes for the week, and taking one day to rent a pair of scooters so that we can go a bit farther, to see the coffee plantation and other sights. With the money that we will save from not renting a car, we are even considering going skydiving!! Scary, but exciting at the same time! Only three months, twelve days, and seven hours to go...

Stupid Society! (Warning: Venting to Follow...)

2008-04-27T20:21:00.007-06:00

This weekend was a wedding planning weekend. I headed down to Olds to meet with the florist and to help my mom finish up the invites, so that we can get them in the mail. I'm very pleased with how they have turned out, but less than pleased with the fact that we ended up doing them all on our own, after having been promised help. It seems that some are so eager to offer their services, but then, when you actually need them....nothing. Oh well, I'll never be able to thank my mom enough for all the time and work she's put into everything!

I'm quite excited about the flowers. I went into the meeting with a few ideas for flowers, only to discover that every single flower I had picked out will be out of season by time August rolls around. I think we figured out some really sweet alternatives that I think will work out really well. The only issue was that I definitely don't want "wedding-y" looking arrangements, and my mom and the florist had more traditional ideas. After a bit of talking, and going through a bunch of books, we finally all came to an agreement for some really fun, unique arrangements, which won't look at all "wedding-y". :)

I knew that I would probably have to justify some of my choices regarding the wedding, as they tend to not always fit the norm, which can be exhausting sometimes. "Why don't I want a big diamond?" " Are we going to replace the ruby with a diamond when we can "afford it"?" "Are you really going to wear RED shoes?!" And so on... The thing is, that now it's to the point where I am getting all stressed out about things, because I don't want to deal with the questions about them! I know I shouldn't give a crap about what others think, and generally I don't, but sometimes it gets to me. Stupid wedding reality tv is ruining everything for real people!! I don't want to feel like I have to justify my decisions regarding our wedding. It's our day, and if people have a problem with any of the elements involved in it, that's their problem, not mine, but I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me sometimes, though...

Oh well. I know that it will be an amazing day, and none of that other stuff will matter. Plus...the invites are done, and they look awesome!!

If April Showers Bring May Flowers...

2008-04-22T16:07:00.006-06:00

...then what the heck do April blizzards bring?! The weather has been seriously schizo these last couple of weeks. It went from being 20c last Sunday, to -12c and blizzarding this Saturday. I just don't get it. Stupid global warming...ruining everything...
All I can say is that I am absolutely sick of winter, and ready for spring!! No MORE SNOW!!
OoooOOOoo!! As I was just typing that, the sun came out! I think I shall take that as a sign of things taking a turn for the better, weather-wise. Then again...we do live in Alberta...

Maybe I will take a trek out to go to the jeweler's to see the wax of my wedding band. Oh wait...they close in 5 minutes. Crap. Oh well...more time to try to decide between a ruby accent or a moissanite one. Any opinions?

Happy Earth Day, everyone!

Surreal Awakening

2008-04-18T23:44:00.005-06:00

Have you ever had that creepy feeling, when you're asleep, that there is a spider on your leg or something in your hair? Well, this morning, I had this feeling that there was something brushing along the top of my head and along my face. I woke up, and looked over to see a snake slithering it's way along my head.

Silly me! I'm not awake yet!! I should wake up now! I think.

Wait...

I AM awake. That's not a snake...it's the cord from the Christmas lights that frame the window above the bed. But if it's the cord, why is it moving?!

It is at this point I begin freaking out, and wake up Russ.

"What THE HECK IS THAT?! SERIOUSLY!" I'm beginning to hyperventilate.

Russ grabs his handy dandy flashlight that he keeps by the bed, because he's ever-so cool, and shines it on the moving cord...which is, in fact, a freakin' SNAKE.

The snake had slithered in through radiator pipes, and since we have a futon, it ended up on my pillow, rather than under a bed, if we had had a real one. Russ, being the hero that he is, grabbed the snake and put it in a cooler until we found a cardboard box to put it in. He put the box by the mailboxes with the following note taped to the top:

HI I'M A SNAKE IN A BOX!

I'M PROBABLY SOMEONE'S PET, BUT I ENDED UP ON APARTMENT 6'S PILLOW, WHERE I AM UNWELCOME! (ESPECIALLY AT 6:00AM)

LOVE
CREEPY PILLOW SNAKE

The box remained unclaimed. I was leaving to meet a friend for lunch, when the crazy guy from across the hall comes out and asked if I knew what was in the box. I told him it was a snake. He said I couldn't leave it there because someone would trip on it. I said it wasn't mine, and not my responsibility, because it was enough that we didn't freak out and kill it or throw it outside. As we were talking, the girl from upstairs shouts down, "Did you find a snake?!" I said yes, and she came running down asking where it was, so I grabbed the box and handed it to her. She apologized profusely and thanked us for not freaking out and killing it. She said it was very friendly and doesn't bite. I just hope it wasn't dead after sitting in a box by the door for hours.

And, so that is the strange story of the snake on my pillow.

Could Someone Please Explain...

2008-04-16T20:30:00.004-06:00

...the Barbie car phenomenon?? I have now seen three different vehicles around town this week with the Barbie logo in vinyl on the back window! And none of the cars were pink--one was a beat up looking army green-coloured pick up truck. I'm so confused.

I've been so exhausted these last few weeks. Moving into an assistant manager position definitely has it's perks, but it is also a LOT more work and responsibility. I feel like I'm completely starting over, and sometimes I wish that I had been with the company longer, and had a better grasp on the basics before having to learn everything else...but on the flip side, I totally dig the challenge!
I just wish I wasn't trying to plan a wedding as well...thank goodness for my family, without whom I would definitely be LOST! Whenever I get stressed thinking about work or wedding planning...I just remember that in 4 months, 6 days, and 17.5 hours, we will be married! And then, in 4 months, 7 days, and 11ish hours, we will be on our way to Hawaii!!!

I HEART ETSY!!

2008-04-14T15:11:00.006-06:00

Seriously, I am so addicted to Etsy.com! It's a fabulous site where you can buy and sell all things handmade. I could spend hours browsing...and have. In fact, I found this beautiful necklace that I hope will match my wedding dress. The artisan who made it was absolutely wonderful to do business with, and I recommend that you all check out her stuff!!
An added bonus to getting a gorgeous necklace, she donates a portion of her profits to breast cancer research, being a survivor herself. On top of that, she included, as a free gift, these gorgeous earrings that perfectly match the necklace. It's so great because I was trying to find some earrings that would match, and to no avail.
So go! Browse! Fall in as much like with etsy as I have!

A Way With Words...

2008-04-06T00:55:00.004-06:00

Have you ever noticed that some people have a way of making the most pedestrian, everyday things seem magical and epic? I have such a hard time turning my everyday experiences into some sort of lesson or pondering, which is why I hardly ever post. I feel like things are boring for ME, so why would anyone else want to read about it?? That's not me being self-deprecating, just honest and practical. Since I'm pretty sure that no one reads this anyways, that's all fine and dandy...but if someone does happen to stumble across this little blog, I don't want to bore them to tears! So, I could post everyday, about everyday things...or I could post once in a while, when inspiration strikes. Or, I could attempt to do both. I do want to post more...perhaps I'll just start typing and hope something decent comes out of it...

On a side note, hooray for RED wedding shoes!!

Thought-Provoking Talk.

2008-04-05T01:01:00.004-06:00

I am up way too late, but working late shifts has thrown me back into my night-owl ways. I was catching up on the latest David Usher blog posts, and came across a link that he had posted for a talk given by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard neuroanatomist, in which she describes her experience of having a stroke. It is incredibly thought provoking, and I thought I would share.

Love!

2008-03-10T22:20:00.005-06:00

http://www.mywedding.com/russandcassareawesome/

The New "Messiah"...

2008-02-29T11:33:00.007-07:00

Working in a bookstore is an interesting experience. It allows you to make some observations about society based on the people that come in, and what they buy. One thing that has surfaced is my extreme dislike for Oprah. I never liked her to begin with--I can't say she doesn't do a lot of charity work, but at the same time, she is also prejudiced. I don't agree with a lot of her views, but the thing that bothers me the most is the way that people almost worship her! Oprah says "Jump", and women all over North America squeal, "How high?!" Any author that Oprah features on her show, or through her book club, celebrates instant celebrity, and we can't keep their books in stock. People don't seem to care at all what the content is...they just gobble it up because Oprah says...

Oprah was raving about James Frey's "biography"...until it was revealed that he "embellished"key aspects of it, then she was forced to issue a statement about it, yet people still come in searching for it.

A while ago, a customer came in and told me, "I just read one of the books from Oprah's club, and it was so amazing...I was just wondering when the author is going to put out a new novel?" I asked her what book it was, and she told me that it was Anna Karenina. It was all I could do to keep a straight face as I explained that, since Leo Tolstoy had died in 1910, it would be unlikely that he would be publishing anything new, then directed her towards War And Peace, but explained it was a lot more complex than Anna.

Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious was flying off the shelves at Christmas because she was on Oprah, but the idea that hiding veggies from kids when they should be cultivating tastes for new things is a controversial idea, and not necessarily a good one.

Selection #61 on the book club list is A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, which is a self-help book. We can't keep it in stock. The thing that bothers me is that people are buying two or three copies of this book, without even knowing what it's about! The author bio on the back describes him as a "contemporary spiritual leader", traveling the world, spreading his message. One woman actually asked one of my co-workers where she could find Oprah's new book. He responded with, "The Eckhart Tolle one?" and she said, "No, the one that Oprah just put out--A New Earth." So he explained that it was not WRITTEN by Oprah, but rather, just selected by her. The woman didn't understand...
It's getting to the point where I just don't want to even SEE another copy of this book.

Now don't get me wrong...I really enjoy my job. I love books. I just wish that people would pick out their own books, not what a TV personality tells them to read. I totally get that Oprah is getting people to read when they wouldn't normally choose to do so, and that she is supporting the book industry...but SERIOUSLY!

Okay...That's my rant. I'm putting the soap box away....I feel better now...

Pictures Don't Do Justice...

2008-02-07T21:37:00.002-07:00

Today, I set my mind at ease. Today, I took a giant load off my mind. Today, I FINALLY found my dress, and I must say, I'm freakin' surprised at the one I chose!! It makes no sense, and yet, it looks fantastic on me. My mom took pictures of it, and while I thought it looked really great in the store, and in the mirror, looking at the pictures, it doesn't look as pretty. That's what I hate about pictures--no matter how magical the camera, or how skilled the person behind it is...there is some spark that is always lacking. Don't get me wrong, there are millions of photos out there that just take your breath away, that capture a magical moment in time, but I have yet to find a photo that captures a memory as vividly as my own memory...just a little thought for the day.

Here Comes the Beast...

2008-01-30T20:13:00.002-07:00

So I've pretty much had "wedding" on the brain since the beginning of January. I think it has something to do with the fact that in December, "August 23, 2008" seemed so far away...like, in another year or something. Now that there is less than seven months left to go, I'm realizing how much work and planning there is to do, between then and now! We registered on Sunday, (in the midst of a snowstorm), at the urging of my family, but it was kind of fun. Next week is the crazy planning week, and HOPEFULLY, I'll finally find my dress. I've also realized that I really don't want to look like a snow beast in my dress, so I'm using this as motivation to get in shape. The crazy thing is that I've realized how much I love strength-training! I still hate sweating, but I suck it up, do it, and feel better for it. Now, I feel weird if I don't work out, which I never thought I'd ever say... And that is my blurb about wedding stuff. I definitely don't want to be one of those people who can ONLY talk about the wedding, yet, at the same time, it's a hard subject to avoid when everyone is asking about it. I don't mind talking about it when people ask--that's not the issue. I just don't want to come across as self-absorbed or involved like some girls, who want to do nothing but flash The Rock and squee...definitely NOT what it's all about! But I am looking forward to the next seven months...

Welcome, 2008.

2008-01-01T15:09:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year, everyone!! I know that this year has a great deal of things in store for all of us, and I, for one, am pretty excited.

Christmas Time is Near...

2007-12-01T20:21:00.002-07:00

Well, winter is definitely here, and Christmas is just around the corner. Christmas lights are going up everywhere, the malls are playing twenty versions of Jingle Bells, and people are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, already frantic to get their shopping done.

I'm slowly getting into the Christmas mood, and am hoping to get my shopping started this week. I'm just excited that we are allowed to wear red to work in December, and Monday is Christmas Socks day...now, if only we had room for a tree.

Random Acts of Road Rage

2007-11-23T20:05:00.002-07:00

So tonight, Russ, Smeagol and I were the latest victims of Edmonton road rage. We were driving home from west ed, and we were turning right onto stoney plain road, and we were being this Grand Vitara who was going about 15 km/hr and going to get us in an accident, so I honked once, and the driver actually SLOWED DOWN. So I got around them, and Russ looked over, and he was TEXTING, and gave Russ a "whatcha gonna do about" wave!!! So Russ flipped him off. At this point, he switched into our lane and started to tailgate, and we both figured, eh, impotent jerk, what does it matter in the grand scheme of things...
We then pulled up to a red light at the intersection of 142 St, and the guy was in the lane next to us. He screeched to a stop, jumped out of the vehicle, and came ripping over to us. We heard a *thunk* on the trunk as he slapped it on the way around to Russ' side of the car. He ripped open Russ' door (lesson--KEEP YOUR DOORS LOCKED!!) and hesitated, because he wasn't a big guy, and Russ is a big guy with an almost brushcut and a giant neck...then he yelled in a heavy lebanese accent "Who did you give the finger to?! What were you fingering me for, you SOB?!" Russ said, "Dude, you were TEXTING while driving!! That's NOT SAFE!" The guy said something else, I told him to get lost, and then he did the classic bar-bitch thing, and pulled away like he was going to walk off, only to punch Russ in the jaw! Luckily, the guy was weak, and hardly even made contact at all (Russ said I could throw a harder punch!) Russ yanked the door closed, and I locked the power locks, and the guy tried to rip the door open again!! At this point, I think he realized that we could have a machete under the seat, and that Russ had about 40 lbs on him, because he went skipping back around the car, and thunked the trunk on the way back (you can see a nice spot where there's no dirt now) I wanted to roll down the window and shout " We have your plate number and are calling the cops", but Russ thought it wasn't worth it, and that we didn't know what he may do... So if anybody sees a maroon Grand Vitara with a Lebanon banner, give serious thought to keying the driver's door.

SHOCKER!!!

2007-10-22T18:48:00.002-06:00

I love my new job. Seriously! No, you didn't read that wrong. (You can re-read it, if you don't believe it...it is in writing after all...) I actually like my job! Think about it. I'm surrounded by thousands of books, I work with other people who love books as much as I do, and who are educated as well, and I get to help customers find books! The type of customer that comes into a bookstore is definitely different than the type of customer that comes into a grocery store, or a coffee shop, or a clothing store. One huge difference is that they actually assume that you KNOW SOMETHING!!! They don't usually try to come off as being smarter than you!!

There are a few drawbacks to working in a bookstore though...one being that you are surrounded by books, shelving books, sorting books and immersed in books...which makes you want to buy LOTS of books with your discount. There also was a slight pay cut from working at the place whose name I shall not utter, but it's also closer to home, accessible via public transit, and DOESN'T SUCK.

Cass is happy.

I Blame Facebook.

2007-10-18T18:08:00.003-06:00

Yes, I blame my lack of postage on the addiction that is facebook. That, and I'm pretty sure that no one checks this thing anymore anyways...once again, because of facebook...Lots of things have happened in...five months...wow. That's pretty bad.

Let's see...in the last five months, Russ and I have had the pleasure of watching friends get married, (thanks for inviting us, Arden + Erika, Mary + Patrick, Alvin + Fiona), and this makes me realize that we've entered into that phase of our lives...everyone is transitioning from the college phase into the falling-in-love-and-getting-married phase. It all seem so "grown-up"...

Another, much sadder event in my life has been the passing of my Grandma on my dad's side. It's strange, because I wasn't as close to her as I am with my mom's parents, because she lived in Washington, and we only saw her once a year. She was a very strong lady though. That I know for sure. I mean, she was diagnosed with brain/spinal cancer and given a few months to live...6 years ago. Last February, the doctors only gave her a few weeks to live. On October 5th, they said she wouldn't survive the weekend. She passed away in her sleep at 6am Thanksgiving Monday. In a way, I'm just glad she is no longer in pain, and take comfort in the great memories that I do have of her.

I suppose that this would be where I say something profound about the phases of life...but I just don't have it in me today...so I shall leave it at that.

Engaging News!

2007-05-08T21:55:00.002-06:00

After about five years of togetherness, Russ and I are (finally) engaged. Pretty big news! I'm really excited, Russ is really good at hiding his excitement. I'm sure you all are thinking "it's about time!" Well...you're right. For everyone who has been asking, we went for a walk around the ledge grounds on Saturday evening, messing around with the camera. We stopped in front of the Centennial Flame, and Russ asked me to marry him. So, of course I said YES. And so it is. Now begins the next crazy phase in our crazy relationship, and I couldn't be more excited to marry the love of my life!

2007-04-11T18:55:00.002-06:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Sinking on a Ship of Fools...

2007-04-03T20:16:00.002-06:00

I think I have the "ich hasse alles" today...everyone is annoying me with their stupidity. I got a giant flippin' chip in Smeagol's face, and work sucked because it was dead, and the useless secretary went home early because she was, yet again, "sick", and so we had to cover the phones, which meant getting NOTHING BLOODY DONE. That, and winter won't GO AWAY!! And that week of nice was just a cruel joke on Mother Nature's part--"Look! Remember summer? Remember how much fun that was? Well, you don't get it, but wasn't it fun?? Mwahahahahaaaaa!!" BAH!!! I just got a call from Russ, who is ditching me to watch movies with his friends...Awesome. Everyone should avoid me today. Oh wait, they already are!! FOOLS! I'm totally sinking on a ship of fools....

...

2007-03-24T10:47:00.002-06:00

*hugs*

Hugs for everyone! They're free, come an' gettem while they're still hot and I still feel like givin' them!

Strange Birds.

2007-03-20T20:49:00.001-06:00

Just thought that I would let you all know that the new David Usher CD, "Strange Birds" is absolutely, ridiculously, unfreakin' believably AMAZING!!!!! LOVE IT!!! BUY IT so you can love it like me!!! That is all. Oh yeah...happy first day of spring, which arrived in a hail/snow storm. Awesome.

Bucket o' Pics

2007-03-18T11:38:00.001-06:00

Hey kids! Just thought I'd let ya know that I started up a photobucket page, and there are some pics of some of you in there!! The link is on the side, in the links column, so check it, yo!

Ich hasse alles.

2007-03-10T01:07:00.001-07:00

Ever had one of those days where you just want to go around shouting and smashing and lighting people on fire and throwing rocks at their cars? Well, for some reason, that's how I feel right now, and I'm not quite sure why...maybe it has something to do with the fact that I haven't gotten a proper night's sleep in over two weeks...stupid insomnia. Stupid everything...blargh.

Greatest Comic EVER!

2007-03-05T23:24:00.001-07:00

Change "Natasha" to "Cassandra"...

Hey Kids! What are you rocking for?

2007-03-04T23:26:00.001-07:00

So the new David Usher album, Strange Birds, comes out on March 20, and the video, for his single The Music, is up on his website. I cannot wait for this album!! He's also coming to the Urban Lounge on April 4, and 5...the crappy thing being that I'm working evenings that week!! Hopefully Shila will switch one shift with me so that I can go...because...well, you all know how much I love David. On a different musical note, Korn's unplugged album is coming out on Tuesday, and I really want to get it, because it's just so different! You can check out their unplugged version of Freak On a Leash featuring Amy Lee on their website. On a side note...I'm not really a charlatan..but it was a fun quiz...

2007-03-03T12:46:00.001-07:00

Girly Questions...Yup...Can't Sleep...

2007-02-27T22:09:00.001-07:00

**Answer them with truth.**

What color is your bra?
satiny black.

Do you straighten your hair everyday?

pretty much...which sucks...which is why i'm trying to grow my hair out--so i can do ponytails.

Do you worry about the size of your boobs?
only when i'm buying bras...or running...or buying shirts...

What's your favorite girly magazine?
glamour and allure. i used to be into cosmo, but then realized that cosmo sucks and is for dumb people.

Would you kill for chocolate?
not really...i like it, but i don't think i would commit a felony for it...

Jeans or skirts?
jeans...i like skirts, but really have no occasion to wear them.

Do you wear clothes/shoes/jewelry that's uncomfortable?
shoes, yes...clothing, not usually...though i usually take off my bra as soon as i get home...

Did you ever spend all day/night getting pretty for a guy?
um...i don't look that pretty without it...

Did you ever cry during a romantic movie?
not necessarily romantic movies, but movies that warrant tears, sure!

Would you leave the house without makeup on?
i would... but i wouldn't be happy doing it.

Do you consider making out "unladylike".
depends...where am i?

On a scale of 1-10, how fun is shopping?:
depends who i'm with, what i'm looking for, and how much money i have.

Are you spoiled?
nope.

Do you think lip-gloss is the best?:
i LOVE lip-gloss!! lipstick lasts longer, but it's harder to find proper colours.

Do you freak out if you miss your favorite show?
depends on the show...usually, if i miss it, i just download it.

Do you yell a lot?
define a lot. i'm a very expressive and emotional individual.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
too long...but it depends where i'm going.

Do you wear sweatpants/pajama pants to school/work?
i did during my year at grant mac, but not otherwise.

Accessories make the outfit; true or false:
very true.

Do u like skater boys?
they're okay...

Is pink truly the best color in the entire universe?
no, but i don't hate it anymore...

Status?
of what?

Have you ever dressed unlike yourself to impress a guy?
once, but it backfired, so never again.

Do you often wish there was something you could change?
sure.

Gold or silver?
silver... i just like the look better.

The guy that you like/love/whatever, what does his name begin with?
r.

Do you dress up too much for holidays?
not really.

Do you like to wear dresses?
as long as i look hot in them...

Do you write a lot of mushy love poems?
not since grade 9...

On a scale of 1-10, how much do guys confuse you?
uh...between 5 and 7...

What makeup product could you NOT live without?
lip balm. my lips would shrivel up and fall off.

My Name Is...

2007-02-26T19:13:00.001-07:00

Okay...i saw this on a website. Some of them are lame, but some of them are pretty frickin' rad...try it...you know you wanna....

YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name) - Kacey 113

MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your mother's side, your favorite candy) - Shirley Rockets

YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your last name) - C Whe

YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, favorite color) - Monkey Red

YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) - Brie-Anne Olds

YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name) - Whe Inn Mol

PORN STAR NAME: (middle name, street you grew up on) - Brie-Anne Silverthorn

SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, the automobile you drive) - The Crimson 6000

The Last King...

2007-02-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Russ and I went to see The Last King of Scotland, with Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, and Kerry Washington. It's about Idi Amin. Very VERY intense and graphic, but incredibly well-done. I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone, especially if you liked Hotel Rwanda. Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Amin was so good, it was unsettling. I hope he wins the Oscar, because he definitely earned it in this film. So yeah. See it!

@_o

2007-02-09T19:36:00.001-07:00

I'm so bored I'm tempted to eat my own eyeballs for entertainment.

Seriously.

Ich bin nicht tot.

2007-01-30T21:46:00.001-07:00

That's right, kids. I am, in fact, very much alive, contrary to what you may have assumed based on my lack of posts as of late...The new job is going well. I would try to explain what it is that I do, exactly, but it never seems to make much sense...and I'm too lazy to do all that typing...essentially, I process orders. Have only had one problem with Smeagol, but only because he was being a moody whiner...apparently, it got too cold for him one day, and he refused to start. So Russ took out the battery, trickle-charged it, put it back in, and he started as if nothing happened. I've been busy, yet devastatingly bored--I desperately need to get out and have some fun. Other than that, not much is new...

Why We Can NEVER Understand American Politics....

2007-01-06T18:01:00.003-07:00

SO many things wrong with this...check out the full explanation for this abomination at Andrew Sullivan's blog.

Late-Night Greetings.

2007-01-01T02:33:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to wish you all a happy new year! I hope it brings good health, happiness, excitement, etc, etc!!

+/-

2006-12-27T22:03:00.001-07:00

Ever have days where ya just feel like everything is in negative and positive, with nothing in between??

Merry Christmas, Friends!

2006-12-24T17:05:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to wish you all a very very MERRY Christmas, and an exciting and rockin' 2007!! Can't wait to see what the new year has in store...love you all!

2006-12-23T13:53:00.001-07:00

You are Bettie Page

Girl next door with a wild streak
You're a famous beauty - with unique look
And the people like you are cultish about it

What Famous Pinup Are You?

Things are Definitely Looking UP.

2006-12-14T10:32:00.001-07:00

*singing* Cass has a new job, new job, new job! Cass has a new job toooooooooday!!

Yup. I hand in my notice at Suck On Foods today, and go on Christmas break on Monday, so really, my two weeks will be spent gone! Whoo HOOOOo!!
The new job is going to be pretty sweet, as it is NOT in customer service. It is a position as an order processing clerk for Van Leeuwen Pipe & Tube (Canada) Inc. I'll get 40 hours a week, regular shifts, a signifcant pay increase, great benefits, and Heidi works there!! The only downside is that it is on the south east side of the city, but that's what Smeagol is for! I'm a little bit nervous, but very excited. Yay!! Bring on Christmas!

The Stupidest Angel...

2006-12-06T23:05:00.001-07:00

So, in order to get into the spirit of the season, I am reading one of my favorite books: "The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror", by Christopher Moore. It is a great way to get Christmasy, without letting the stress of the season get to you. The author's warning, on the first page:

"If you're buying this book as a gift for your grandma or a kid, you should be aware that it contains cusswords as well as tasteful depictions of cannibalism and people in their forties having sex. Don't blame me. I told you."

The opening line paints a beautiful picture: "Christmas crept into Pine Cove like a creeping Christmas thing: dragging garland, ribbon, and sleigh bells, oozing egg nog, reeking of pine, and threatening festive doom like a cold sore under the mistletoe." Seriously, a hilarious read...though you can't really read it in public, unless you want strange looks when you burst out laughing....but it somehow makes me feel Christmasy...

Evidently, I am "IT"...

2006-12-06T13:21:00.001-07:00

So, I have been "tagged" by Dani, and now I have to reveal five secrets about myself...so here it goes:

1. While I do love a good cerebral read, I have a secret weakness for Brit-chick-lit. I hate chick lit, but I can't resist the British stuff.

2. My vast CD collection includes such train-wrecks as the Baywatch soundtrack (Jeremy Jackson sings, as does David Hasselhoff!), Effel 65's Europop, and um...Limp Bizkit.

3. I almost got kicked out of a finger eleven concert...I had forgotten my ID in the car, and so had the "underage" arm band. The boy that I was smitten with was in the "cool" section, so Yvonne and I traded arm bands in the bathroom...but security caught us, and so we gave them some line about how my armband had fallen off, and that the woman handing them out hadn't ID'd me, and so eventually, the guy let me go to my car and get my ID, and I got back just in time for the concert to begin.

4. I buy makeup and beauty products compulsively. Seriously, I have about 10 different shades of purple eyeshadow, and justify it by the fact that each one is slightly different...I buy things just because I don't have them. Russ has forbidden me from buying lotions...

5. I pretty much have every episode of Friends memorized.

So now...I guess I'm tagging anyone who reads this and wants to do it?

"Wanted" Woman.

2006-10-29T22:43:00.001-07:00

Things have been less crappy lately. I start training for the cash office job next week, and I found out that I qualify for dental coverage. They also want to train me for front desk, because apparently, I have the "right personality" for the front desk. When they asked me if I would be up for working front desk, I said "I guess...but will my rampant misanthropy be an issue?" Of course, I just got a weird look and nervous laugh...
I was also told that they want me in Price Change...which would be interesting...it would be a graveyard shift 10pm-6am, Saturday nights. You get a $2/hr shift premium, and all you do is put on your music, and walk around changing the price tags on the shelves...plus the department manager is frickin' awesome!! I dunno though...that would really screw with my system. I think I'll stick with this stuff for now...I'm totally pumped for this week's Eastbound trip too...can't wait to see everyone!!

2006-10-25T00:20:00.001-06:00

Cass --

[noun]:

A beat poet working the streets

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Would the Soundtrack Be? (Expanded, With New Questions!!)

2006-10-23T00:42:00.001-06:00

I stumbled across this on some random late-night random blogathon, and had to try it out!

So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...

Opening Credits:
Empty City Lights: Hearts of Black Science (yay!! What a perfect intro song!!)

Waking Up:
All I Need: Air French Band

Average Day:
Heart of Glass: Blondie

First Day At School:
24: Jem

First Date:
Black Black Heart: David Usher

Falling In Love:
Let Go: Frou Frou (so fitting!!)

Secret Love:
White Rabbit: Emiliana Torrini

Fight Song:
Cigaro: System of a Down

Breaking Up:
Smoke: Natalie Imbruglia

Life:
Ein Lied: Rammstein

Mental Breakdown:
I'm Only Happy When it Rains: Garbage (my personal theme song...how fitting...)

Learning a Lesson:
Good Times: Finger Eleven

Deep Thoughts:
My Medea: Vienna Tang

Driving:
Be Still My Heart: The Postal Service

Flashback:
The Shining: Badly Drawn Boy

Party Song:
I Get Around: Dragonette

Happy Dance:
Rock Is Dead: Marilyn Manson

Regreting:
Embrace: Joydrop

Long Night Alone:
Useless: Imogen Heap

Getting back together:
Like Her: Mandalay

Wedding:
The End Starts Here Today: Bis (um...irony??)

Birth of Child:
America: Simon and Garfunkel

Final Battle:
Green Bird: Yoko Kanno

Death Scene:
Think It's Gonna Rain Today: Claudene Longet (wow...incredibly fitting! Creepy!)

End Credits:
So Says I: The Shins

So, I think it is safe to say that my playlist is a fitting soundtrack, since most of these songs actually work! I suggest you all try it, and DON'T cheat...it's much more fun this way!!

Exhaustion Makes Me Weird.

2006-10-22T23:52:00.001-06:00

Cass's synonym --

influential (... as in efficacious!)

'What is your synonym?' at QuizGalaxy.com

HoBS, yo!

2006-10-18T12:56:00.001-06:00

If any of you get a chance, you HAVE to check out Hearts of Black Science. They are from Sweden, and so AWESOME!! I just bought their EP, and can't stop listening to it! So check them out!!

Learn.

2006-10-17T00:13:00.002-06:00

are you feeling lost and lonely?
you needn't be
like you've lost all hope and your sanity
oh you needn't be

if we only have one turn
in this life we have to learn

carrying the world on your shoulders
you needn't be
ever more as you get older
you needn't be, oh you needn't be

if we only have one turn
in this life we have to learn

we wish our lives away
hoping for a better day
the future's miles away
and what is past is done and gone

if we only have one turn
in this life we have to learn
~lamb~

Friday the Thirteenth.

2006-10-13T23:03:00.001-06:00

I'm feeling unproductive. Everyone else is doing something--in school, redoing their new home, getting married, getting a new job...and I'm still working at Save-On, getting letters from the Government telling me I have to give them money I don't have. On the bright side, I might start working in the cash office at work, which means no customers, something good on my resume, and possibly a slight pay increase....
I miss my friends. One of the "perks" of working at Save-On is that there are no set shifts, so I have no reliable schedule, which means I can't see my friends...EVER. I miss you guys! I'm spending too much time inside my own head, which is never good for anyone, but especially not for me...I need a day off.

Life for Rent.

2006-10-11T11:57:00.002-06:00

If my life is for rent,
And I don't learn to buy,
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'Cause nothing I have is truly mine.
~Dido~

Congratulations!

2006-09-22T23:46:00.002-06:00

Wind, and Rain and...SNOW?!?! Oh my....

2006-09-14T23:32:00.001-06:00

So, apparently, it's WINTER??? Though we have not yet got snow on the ground...it's freakin' gross out!! It's been a while since I've posted anything...but I haven't felt that there has been much to post. I'm still in Save-On hell, and every day it sucks a little more life out of me. Seriously, if I didn't hate Chad with such vengence, I'd consider going back--but I hate Chad. I'm getting exceedingly frustrated with the job search. Russ is doing well in school--in that he is the smart kid everyone sits by so they can cheat off of him...you know how he is. Right now I'm in Olds, visiting my family. My parents have another Japanese exchange student living with them, named Haruka. She's totally cute! Honestly, not much is post-worthy, and thus, I end this brief update.

Square One.

2006-08-18T10:48:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Square One. Population: Me. Yup. Back at Square One. I went to the Cup to say I would return...and was then told that the one person who I wanted to work with, is quitting on Monday. So on Tuesday, I shall have to call and say that I shall not be returning, because I'm not taking a pay cut to work with people I don't like. So I guess for now I stay at Save On and blanket the city with more resumes. Yay me.
P.S. Thanks for the links, Dani. I applied to a few of them, so we shall see!!

ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-14T20:19:00.001-06:00

ARRRGGGHHHH!!!! So...the Cup on Jasper and 118th wants me back. They are tempting me with 40 hours a week (a 7-3 shift monday to friday), a raise, and working with the guy that I really liked working with there, even knowing that I am looking for a better job. I'm sick of Save On, because I am smarter than the managers, and they are screwing me out of benefits. I've been working 24-37 hours a week since I started, and you need to work 13 consecutive weeks of 20 hours a week in order to qualify for dental. The week that is my 13 th week, they scheduled me for-get this-19.75 hours!!!!!!!! And the week after, they scheduled me for 35 hours!!! Apparently, I'm not the only one they did/do this to. I don't know though, because I really don't want to go back to Second Cup, but at the same time, the offer is better than what Save On is doing to me...but thinking about going back to that Cup gives me a bad feeling too...Russ thinks I should go to Second Cup because working in a grocery store is killing me...but working in a Second Cup was killing me too...I honestly have NO idea what to do. And that really REALLY sucks.