Desk By The Window

Insert Graduation music here...

2005-04-16T09:39:00.000-04:00

I finally did it! I'm finished! I am a college graduate! .... okay, technically the "convocation" ceremony isn't for another month and a half, but I've finished all my exams, and I have most of my marks. It's a weird feeling, to be done. I don't think it's quite sunk in yet, I'm sure it will in about a week or two when I don't go back. It's exciting though, to be able to say that I'm a College graduate, makes me feel accomplished. Though, to be honest, I'm just glad it's over with. I've never been a huge fan of school, and so I've been waiting for this day for a long time; since Elementary school really. And I made it, and it didn't kill me. My parents are thrilled of course, mainly because neither of them had the opportunity to go on to College. I'm one of the first ones in my family to graduate, so it's especially special.
People keep asking me what I'm going to do now, if I'm going to go on to University or what. I tell them, I'm going to work, and that seems to make them think I have something lined up. And, honestly, I kind of wish that I did. It would be nice to have that kind of security, but I guess I'll just have to keep applying and see what comes up.
Well, that's all I have to say for now, I'm too busy reveling in the fact that I"m done to come up with anything else to say...

I dreamed of a lake of beer, but not like this, never like this!

2005-04-05T17:42:00.000-04:00

Just a sad little story for you, while I try to come up with something witty to say:
http://www.hfxnews.com/news.aspx?storyID=32313

It's tragic, really...

Ka-ching

2005-04-03T22:52:00.000-04:00

I am proud to say, that I am typing this on my brand new laptop. After a week of staring at it in the box, I'm actually allowed to use it. (This is the downfall of having a tech-savvy boyfriend- he wanted to set my computer up for me and wouldn't let me touch it before then) Though I will say that I set up my wireless internet router and got it to work on the first try all by myself. (I rock!) So, although my pockets are a little lighter- about $1500 lighter, I'm still quite happy. It's a nice Compaq Presario I bought from Best Buy with my brand new Best Buy credit card. It was nice because that gives me 3 months to pay it off with no interest, something that my lack of income definetly needs. Anyway, I'm still playing around with it, but I like it so far. Hopefully this new lappy-top and my newfound wireless freedom will mean I get to write and post more. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Let's do the timewarp again....

2005-03-29T20:08:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been one of those bizarre days, right from the get go. Although I know that I set my alarm for 6:45, it decided not to go off, and so I was awoken by my mother this morning at 7:15, the time when I would normally be leaving for school. So, this is a problem. I jump in the shower, and grab some coffee and a "cajun style" (read: burnt) hot cross bun, and off I go to school. I get there around 8:15ish (the class is scheduled to start at 8) but class hasn't started yet. We have a normal class, and then I spend about an hour working with my friend on our project. So, I go home, watch an episode of Dead Like Me; which, if you haven't seen, you have to. Then, it's back in the car and back to Oakville to visit one of the little boys in my Sunday School class, because I'm using him for a project. Coincidently he lives a few streets away from where my grandparents used to live, and where my mom grew up. So, I play for an hour or so, then I take a drive past the house. It looks different... Could be because I haven't seen it since I was 7, or just that the new owners have changed some things in the past 13 years, either way it's familiar, but not the same, and it gives me a weird feeling. But now I'm nostalgic and I've got an hour or so to kill before I have to get to work. So, I head to Hopedale Mall, which is a deceiving name, because it's more a glorified plaza than it is a mall. But wandering around in there, seeing how it's both the same and different made me feel like I lost years of my life. So, I picked up my favorite Easter treat (at half off... so I bought two) yummy marshmallow Peeps. Off to work I go, and onto the computer, opening MSN. (I'm a hard worker) I haven't been online all that long, but who should pop on but an old friend, who I haven't seen or talked to in two and a half years probably, and we didn't exactly part on the best of terms. Now, I haven't even seen him online in two+ years, so I'm completely weirded out. So, coming up with the brilliant opening line of "I think I have your book..." (which I do) I open conversation, and now we're going to talk. I feel 17 again. And remarkably awkward. I don't know... It's just been a strange day, I feel a little lost in time. And lost for time, since I haven't gotten anything accomplished tonight...

It's just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right....

Let's do the timewarp again!

Sun shining bright above me...

2005-03-26T14:38:00.000-05:00

It's days like today that make me hate the fact I have to work on a Saturday. Now, mind you, I've never actually had a Saturday off, I've been working every Saturday for years, and before that I used to dance on Saturdays. So, every Saturday I've had off for as long as I can remember, I have been usually out of town, and sometimes doing something out of the ordinary. So, maybe I just have a false Saturday in my head. One where the sun always shines, and you never have any errands to run, and you have all the energy in the world, so you get to enjoy an afternoon, walking in the beautiful weather and doing all the things you always want to do, but don't have time during the week to do.
Here's the thing, it's Saturday (you think?) and it's beautiful outside, and since it's a holiday weekend, we're not that busy, and since no one was here yesterday, all those little daily jobs I usually have to do, like filing, were all done when I was here Thursday night. So, I"m bored out of my skull, and I'm in a glass building with nothing to look at but the beautiful sun outside, and all I want to do is go for a nice long walk, because in my mind, it's about 30 degrees outside, and not 10 like I'm sure it actually is.
I guess I'm wishing for summer vacation. (which I will probably not get this year) I'm wishing for a day where I can get up when I want, and the sun will be shining and it will be warm, and I can do whatever I want.
And I'm betting I'm not the only one...

The grammar nazi strikes again...

2005-03-19T09:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it's officially in our store; The New Jetta is here. Or, as our sticker proclaims the 06' Jetta is here. Evidently they think that this is the year 0620, and not the other way around... It's confession time... It's time that I admit that I'm a grammar nazi. It's true. When I see blatant spelling errors or grammar errors, it just gets under my skin. And I'm not exactly an English professor, so I'll admit that my grammar isn't always the best. I am the queen of the comma splice, and I am only now learning how to use a semi colon. Still, spelling is a strength of mine, and as is true with many things, since I am good at it, I just don't get why other people aren't too. For example, I was working on a project, a brochure for class, and the girls I was working with spelt it broshure; I wanted to rip my eyes out. I wish I was kidding, but such blatant displays of obliviousness just get to me. It's like the whole their, they're and there debacle. Why people can't keep those straight is beyond me. I mean, it's not difficult...

Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses

2005-03-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

After twenty years of 20/20 vision, I have finally had to succumb to the fact that my distance vision is not what it used to be. So, yesterday I got my first pair of glasses. I won't have to wear them all the time; mainly when I need to see far away in detail, such as during church, or class. Today is actually my first day wearing them for any length of time, and I think that they are going to take some getting used to. They kind of pinch my nose, and my eyes are a little sore. Plus, it just feels really weird to wear them. I mean, I can see better through them, but my eyes have to work harder to adjust when I move from looking close up to far away, and I can see out the sides, which is different than through the lenses, and currently very distracting.
I suppose I'll get used to them, but for now, I just feel weird...

All good things must come to an end...

2005-03-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

Well, it's over. I went to the Ontario Renaissance Festival's website and found this:

To the patrons and loyal fans of The Ontario Renaissance Festival:

After nine seasons of operation and effort to bring you a continually-growing quality family entertainment experience in Ontario we will be closing the gates of Trillingham. Our decision was made after much careful consideration of the past nine seasons and projections for the future of the show. It has been our pleasure to work with the entire company of performers and vendors who were the festival. Each season the festival and its vendors provided employment for more than six hundred people and over the years entertained more than half a million customers. Thank you for your patronage over the years and thank you to any of you who became our friends during that time.

- The management and staff of The Ontario Renaissance Festival

That's right: No more Renaissance Festival! I'm so depressed right now. After years of wanting to go, I managed to get out this past summer, and had a great time. It was everything I'd hoped for and more. It was truly a magical experience. The vendors were great, the food was appetizing, the entertainment was amazing, the atmosphere was just truly wonderful. I was so happy, that I became determined to work there this summer. I wanted to wear the costume and wish people "good 'morrow" and say things like "prithee" and "huzzah!" I have been thinking about this place since I went. So, to find out that it's over, truly saddens me. I think I might have to move. Maybe I'll just travel the Renn Faire circuit, going from town to town this summer.
I guess I just feel that I will be missing out on something truly magical.
Goodbye Renn Fest, I'll miss you.

I'm a poet and I didn't even know it!

2005-02-23T21:57:00.000-05:00

I know you're all stunned that I'm posting twice in one day. All of you being of course, all -two- of you. I just wanted to drop a line and say that I have posted my latest poems, written in the early hours this morning. You can find them here. And while you're there, check out the whole website.
That's all for now.

You know what assume means...

2005-02-23T19:55:00.000-05:00

I really shouldn't be allowed to think for myself. I just never come to the right conclusions. I mean, I leap from crazy idea to crazy idea, and when I think I've finally got it right, that I'm not being crazy; it turns out that I still am. And that hurts. It hurts to think that I'm just hurting myself by reading too much into things. Yet, I can't stop it. I keep drawing my own conclusions and getting hurt, time and again, and I don't want to do it anymore. I'm tired of being hurt, I'm tired of feeling hurt.
There was this one instance where something was talked about so much, that I made the mistake of thinking that it was true. So, I sought confirmation, on the slim chance (or so I thought) that I was just a mental-case. But it was proven yet again, that it was all in my head. I just have to stop thinking. Or at least, I have to start assuming the worst, because at least then when I'm wrong, I'll be relieved and not disappointed.
And that's my rant for the day.
Later on, some of my poetry I wrote early this morning...

Does anyone actually read during reading week?

2005-02-21T17:39:00.000-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again. The time when college and university students everywhere, let out the breath they've been holding for the past two months, and collapse into bed in total and utter exhaustion. Which is exactly what I plan to do this week, other than having to go to work, I plan on doing pretty much nothing. Sleeping, watching TV, and maybe reading a book because I want to and not because I have to. It will be a much needed break. It's like you have two months to knot every muscle in your body, and wear yourself out to exhaustion, not to mention, turn your brain to mush and come within inches of a total meltdown, and then you have one week to undo that. It's a good system... really.
Well, that's all I have to say for now... I'm headed back to bed.

Happy Hallmark Day!

2005-02-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

So, here I am, updating every two weeks, and wondering why no one is reading this... Not that there is any excuse but I am very busy, what with work placement and real work and school; I am just constantly on the go, and if I'm not, then I'm working on something for one of the three.
Well, I went for a beautiful hike up near Lowville yesterday and I'm feeling it in my ankles and my throat today. I'm not so sure that someone as burnt out as I am should go outside, because I think I've made myself sick. My throat has been completely dried out, and the vast quantities of liquids that I've been consuming have done nothing but cause me to spend a ridiculous amount of time in the bathroom. And it's always a pleasure as a receptionist, when you're losing your voice and it hurts to talk, because there is no rest for the weary, or perhaps just sick as I am today.
Anyway, back to my walk. I went with the boyfriend, who took a million or so pictures, which you can see here. We hiked for about 2 hours, and about 3 kms or so, which is decent, but not lethal. Then, we warmed up but heading over to the Lowville Bistro. We had the soup of the day- Potato Bacon, which was fantastic. When I have a minute, I have every intention of trying to find a recipe for that. We also had some fantastic sandwiches. It warmed us up and was just an all around pleasant experience. So, if you're in the Lowville area, make sure you take a stop by the Bistro.
Today, I'm having a stressed out day, because I have misplaced a bunch of my work which I need for this week, so I'm running behind. They give us ridiculously large assignments to do, knowing full well we have no time during which to do them. And to think we pay them for this service. *sigh* So, I'm stressed about that, as well as the closer I get to the end of the school year, the more I realize that I need to begin the job hunt. And it's not easy looking. Online is almost useless. It is literally impossible to find listings for an ECE on monster.ca I look and look, but no matter what version of child care worker or daycare worker or ECE or even teacher I put in, I end up with military positions and accounting firms and financial planner positions. Workopolis turns up some better results. I prefer Canada's job bank in the end, though. I don't know why, but it always seems to have the best and most extensive listings. Anyway, I can search these jobs all I want, I still have to re-do my resume. And I just don't have time. Maybe I will once I graduate, but frankly, I'd like to get a head up on all those others who will be looking for jobs at their graduation. I'd rather be one of a few than one of a million.
Life is stressful.
Oh, and it's Valentine's Day, so enjoy your Hallmark holiday. I, for one am just hoping my dad keeps up with his tradition of buying chocolates for the whole family, because that's really my only potential this year.
Have a good one.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

2005-02-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I am just having a fantastic day! I don't know if it's the beautiful weather or what, but I'm just happy today. The sun is shining, it's something like 4 degrees outside (and that's plus 4) and it's even supposed to go up to 7 tomorrow. It's just a beautiful February day and a nice reminder that spring is just around the corner. And I think it's affecting everyone, because I have found people to be especially polite today. Everyone seems to be reacting well to the bright rays that encompass everything. I guess after a few months of the winter "blahs" it's refreshing to have a day that's a little warmer and brighter.
Add to that the fact that I just handed in a major project, and have completed all my requirements for my field placement, and so it's like a huge weight has been lifted off of my back. As well, we (meaning my boyfriend and his family along with myself) have started to plan a little more for the future, in terms of a house, etc., which is nice for me, because I like to have at least a general plan for my future.
So, that's all I wanted to share with you. Just that I'm having a great day, and I hope that everyone else is having a great day too.

So sleepy, but no time to sleep...

2005-01-24T19:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't posted in a while. Between the craziness that is field placement, school, work and trying to see that guy of mine in between I don't seem to have much time for anything anymore. I'm always on the run, going from one place to the next, spending my time at work doing things for school, and my time with my boyfriend doing things for placement. I am always on the go and it's beginning to run me down. I think I almost need to get away for reading week. Or maybe I'll just take a week or two off work once my classes are done, and try to regain my sanity. I mean, I am just exhausted mentally and physically. It's no wonder I came down with the stomach flu (or something) early last week. My body is just retaliating and forcing me to rest. Which I managed to do for only most of a day, and I will have to make up for later anyway. I suppose that is the life of a student... And to think I still want to add in the stress of planning a wedding for this calendar year. (Which isn't happening anyway... Probably a good thing)

In the words of chocolate (namely Kit Kat) Gimme a Break!

My Ethnicity? I'm, I'm..... Canadian?

2005-01-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

So, I'm taking this class called Learning to work in a Diverse Environment (or something along that lines) and for our first assignment we had to answer these questions about our own ethnicity. *Insert cold sweat here* I looked down at the paper in front of me and realized that I had no answers. I have essentially, little to no ethnicity. Let me break it down for you, I am blond, blue eyed, pale skinned, protestant and my first language is English. I was born in Canada, my parents were born in Canada, their parents were born in Canada, and so on... On both sides of my family I am descended from "Planters" and "Empire Loyalists". We came over on the boat. Or as I like to joke "we're the ones that handed the Natives the smallpox infested blankets" Needless to say, my family has been here a long time. We've retained little to no culture from the United Kingdom, except for, of course, English and a penchant for Fish and Chips. We have no customs, nothing that really ties us to the "homeland" Frankly, we don't even eat a lot of "British" food.
Looking around, I notice that's there's really not even that much diversity in the town I live in. It is predominantly white middle class protestants. I live in a fishtank full of goldfish, instead of an ocean of diversity. And that saddens me a little, because what then do I have to pass on to my children that is uniquely our heritage? What traditions and language and food and even dress can I pass on? I suppose I can be proud of my "Planter" roots, I mean, back in the 1700's we took a chance on the "new world" but in terms of something concrete, I feel like I'm lacking.
I suppose that's why I am fascinated by, and love culture of all kinds. It's something that I don't have for myself, and so other people's cultures fascinate me.
I suppose I am fortunate that my boyfriend is "right off the boat" and so, I'll at least have some culture to pass on to my kids, even if it's not my own...

The dreaded "m" word (thank God no one reads this)

2005-01-10T19:29:00.000-05:00

So apparently I'm quite as good at keeping this thing updated as I had initially thought; guess I just don't have anything to say. And since my loyal audience consists of, well, me, I'm starting to feel like this is a much more private diary, and really just a writing tool than a real blog. But please, if anyone actually reads this, let me know; it'll make me feel a little less crazy, but probably a lot more embarrassed about what's on my mind today.
Relationships.
Yes that evil word. And you know immediately it's an evil word, because no one ever writes about their relationship when they are happy, no ones writes to brag, just when they're upset. But don't get me wrong here, I'm completely happy in my relationship. I love my boyfriend more than I could ever tell him. This is where the trouble comes in. The fact is, I may actually love him too much, I may potentially be too happy in my relationship. I am so happy in this relationship and so in love with my boyfriend that I actually want to marry him. *gasp* I know, I said the dreaded "m" word. In fact his reaction was much that way. How dare I bring up the "m" word when he still has things to accomplish?
The fact of the matter is, that I've really felt God laying it upon my heart to move forward and to get married. (I know, I said the "g" word. The unmentionable "g" word. With all these unmentionables it's no wonder my readership is at zero, but I digress...) I just feel like it's the natural progression to move forward and after more than two and a half years, we're now just running on the treadmill and not going anywhere. And it's not that I don't like where we are, I just think that moving forward could be a good thing. It could make things that are already great, even better. And it's gotten to the point where I can barely sleep anymore, I can barely think about anything, because a thought about this will flit into my mind and I just get knots in my stomach. I mean, maybe I'm crazy, or maybe my anxiety has chosen a new thing to take a hold of. I just don't know, but I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want to spend my time trying to convince him that it wouldn't be the end of the world to marry me. I never thought that I would be that girl. I never thought that I would try to convince someone to marry me, who doesn't want to. I never even thought I would want to marry someone who so obviously doesn't want to marry me. Or more truthfully someone who just may not want to get married at all. And the thing is, I don't know what to do, and I'm starting to feel like a crazy person, or perhaps just like a crazy person has taken over my body and made me act like this. But I'm freaking out, and it's that time of year so marriage is everywhere. Every website has a link or an article and every newspaper has an advertisement and every second television commercial is for another bridal show in Toronto. Not to mention the fact that everyone I know is asking when I'll be getting married, and at least a half a dozen people demanded to see my left hand right after Christmas (though one person asked if I got any "bling" for Christmas which was quite funny) The fact is, I have marriage and weddings on the brain and I'm going insane over this. I want to marry him.

Why doesn't he want to marry me?

Wanted: A Large Number of Editors

2005-01-04T19:02:00.000-05:00

Well, the new year is upon us. Several days upon us in fact, so I suppose I'm a little behind. Fortunately for me, though, the new year has brought with it a few ideas for a story. So, I'm working on a new novel, which, with any luck will actually get finished. Since I am the queen of procrastinators and unfinished stories, this will be quite a feat for me. So, this brings me to a very important question, which I will raise to all 3 or 4 of you who read my blog- would you be interested in reading a novel as it is being written?
The reason I ask this is because I am thinking about posting my work in progress as I go along, a chapter or two at a time. With the pressure of other people reading it, and the added feedback I'd hopefully get, I think it might help me to get it written. But I don't want to force myself on the internet, so I thought I'd ask around to see what people think. So, if you have an opinion (and I'm sure you do) then please either leave me a comment to let me know what you think, or you can vote through a poll I set up on my site; http://www.deskbythewindow.com
I look forward to seeing what you think; and btw Happy New Year!

Endings and Beginnings

2004-12-28T17:52:00.000-05:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone, and I'm sure we're all grateful. I hope everyone had a great one, though judging by the craziness that was the mall yesterday- I can only assume that not everyone got what they wanted from Santa. I, however got more than I expected. So, I've been truly blessed this year. Plus, I got to spend some quality time with friends and family- which is always a good thing. I love Christmas, so it's sad that it is over, in my opinion far too soon. It's a magical time of year, and this year was truly magical. I have a lot of blessings in my life and celebrating the birth of Jesus (even if it's not technically the right time of year) makes all that a lot more exciting and real for me.
Now, I'm looking forward to a new year and the changes that will come with it. I'm only months away from graduating school, and that's definitely something to look forward to. So in less than four short months I will have graduated and thrust into the "real world." So, it's a scary but exciting time. We'll just have to wait and see what it brings.
I hope you are all having a great holiday season, and enjoying the snow that comes with it. I hope you continue to enjoy the remains of 2004 and I wish you luck in the coming year.

'Twas the night before the night before Christmas

2004-12-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

So, here I am, two days before Christmas. And yes, two days, Europeans celebrate Christmas on the 24th and that's when it begins to me. Anyway, two days before Christmas and still I am one gift short. With no prospects or even half-decent ideas. I need something for the boyfriend's father, and this man is impossible to shop for. He doesn't seem to need or want anything and I'm about 30 seconds away from just offering him cash. I am seriously going out of my mind trying to find a gift for him. I've been thinking and browsing for months, and still I can't think of anything. And since I am the "Christmas Nazi" and I like to have the perfect Christmas, with the perfect gifts, most of which is done months before Christmas, I'm sure you can imagine how crazy this is making me. I really just want to rip my hair out.
And then tonight at work I was swamped, which is incredibly bizarre and I'm now trying to coordinate the office dinner and going out for coffee with my good friend who's leaving. And all this time it's snowing outside, and it's supposed to be a snowstorm and dangerous and all that. So, I'm hoping I won't kill myself driving home.
So, wish me luck and good coordination.
And if I'm not on before then, Merry Christmas to all!

I Found Neverland, and you can too... (A message from your local ECE program)

2004-12-16T18:18:00.000-05:00

Well, as of tomorrow evening I will be finished my semester, and all the papers and exams that come along with that. Then I'll actually get to relax for a while. And by a while, I mean about 12 hours between working as a receptionist, working as a supply, going to a mini-seminar, and all that is the holiday season- baking, shopping, dinners, parties, etc. And after those restful two weeks, it's back to the grindstone, with field placement three days a week and classes the other two. Oh, it's a wonderful life indeed.
Though I must admit, it's awfully comforting knowing that in just under three and a half months I will be done with school. Which means that I am (with any luck) done with part time jobs and finally be able to live in the "real world" I've been hearing so much about. And the more I think about my chosen profession (working with small children) the more I love the idea. I mean, it's the ideal life, really? I get to go to work and play every single day. I get to be Peter Pan and never grow old. I get to play forever. And I love it. It's just really exciting for me to think that I get to be a kid and play as my job.

So, on a whole other topic here, did anyone read that article about the father who came home from a night out and left out a water bottle containing a date rape drug. His toddler took a sip and is now in a coma in critical condition. This man was a husband and a father and was out scoping girls in the evenings to molest, which is bad enough. But then he leaves a highly dangerous toxin around his house where his children are. How stupid can you get? I mean, what goes on in your head that makes you do something so absolutely dangerous and moronic, as well as sick. It just enrages me. I mean it's one thing when people are mentally losing it- but this was a sane individual who was thinking and planning all this out. It just makes me so angry...

The doctor is in...

2004-12-14T19:13:00.000-05:00

So, what make people think that as the receptionist, I want to hear all of their problems. If an irate customer calls, once they hang up the phone and come over to my desk to tell me all about it. I'm sure that I am privy to all sorts of information that I"m not really supposed to know. And why? Because I sit at a desk and answer the phone... I guess that makes me an expert. Just today one of the managers comes up to me and starts ranting all about this irate woman on the phone. And this woman wasn't even bothering him, she was bothering one of the other managers and he was so irritated that he rushed over to tell me all about it. He told me all the background on this woman and her whole issue; as if I really needed to know. Now, I understand that sometimes you just need to let off some steam, but I am consistently baffled by the fact that people always want to direct these rants at me. It certainly didn't read in my job description "psychiatrist." I wonder if they did this to the last receptionist, or if I'm just a really good listener. I mean, I try to be, but you never really know if you are or not. Very few people get complimented on being a "good listener" Probably because the other person won't shut up about themselves long enough to to acknowledge the other person.
Frankly, if you've got that much to vent about, you should just get a blog like the rest of us...

That perfect gift

2004-12-08T17:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know that I've had a lot of Christmas gift posts, but I can't help it, that's what's on my mind right now. I am having the hardest time trying to buy a gift for his parents. They are an older european couple. They don't go out for dinner, they are picky about what they like in general and they are impossible to buy for. I'm ready to pull my hair out, I just don't know what to do. I have come up with at least a dozen gift ideas, all of which have been vetoed by the boyfriend. I'm just going crazy here.
Anyone have any suggestions?

Smittens!

2004-12-06T14:23:00.000-05:00

Smittens!

Okay, this is perhaps the corniest, and at the same time, the cutest thing I have seen in a long time. If only I could convince the boyfriend of the same thing.
I want some smittens!
They're great.

'Tis The Season

2004-12-03T00:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it. I managed to get myself into that Christmas spirit. There's this one radio station that plays nothing but Christmas music, so I put that on in the car, and I watched The Santa Clause 2 (which BTW was actually quite cute) and I put on a red top, and forced myself into the Christmas spirit. And it worked. I'm still lacking for some ideas about gifts, but at least now I'm in the mood. Then last night it snowed! And I LOVE snow, so that was very exciting. The snow then got me into even more of a Christmas mood, and now I actually want to Christmas shop. I even figured out what I'm going to do for everyone at work. (I'll give you a hint- "baking") So, now I'm all jazzed for Christmas, and I can't wait for it to get here. It took all of my self restraint to not blow off my afternoon class to go Christmas shopping. So, I'm going to go afterwards. Of course, seeing as I'm blogging this during my class, you can tell that I'm definetly focused.
Christmas is coming! Get excited!

2004-12-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I figured after a few links, I should probably pipe in with an actual post. Although I must admit, there's not a lot going on with me.
Except that it's December 1st and I just can't get my brain around that. It's December already, and I'm just not prepared for that. I have very little of my Christmas shopping done, which drives me crazy, because I'm an early Christmas shopper and I'd like to be done by now. But I'm not. In fact, I'm sorely lacking in ideas this year, which is also uncharacteristic of me. I think it's all those stupid school assignments, they've melted my brain, and now I'm just completely useless.
That, and it just doesn't feel like December yet. I mean we've had the odd bit of snow, and right now I'm sitting across from this gigantic Christmas tree, yet I still can't get in that mindset. And I am a Christmas person, a Christmas fanatic if you will. Yet, I can't get into the holiday spirit. *sigh* Maybe I'll be able to get in the mood when I go Christmas shopping tomorrow, I hope so... It's just not the same without that Christmas excitement. I'll have to get my Santa hat out of the closet and force myself into it.
Anyway, those are my thoughts of the moment. Enjoy.

Don't Click on this if you have a heart condition!

2004-12-01T12:23:00.000-05:00

Warning: Not for the faint of heart

To think things like this exist...

BTW, the reviews are the best part

Squid, anyone?

2004-12-01T12:14:00.000-05:00

Times Online - Food & Drink

I will give the first person to try this $10. I'm serious, you send me a picture of you cleaning this squid and I will send you a cheque.
This definetly does not even come close to being on my list of things that I would ever want to do or god forbid, need to do.
Pull out the inner quill. Cut off the tentacles, from just above the eyes, and squeeze and discard the small ball-like beak that pops out.
It is, in fact, the anus, but you don’t have to think about that if you don’t want to.
I just might be traumatised for life.

Life through the lense and down to the pixel!

2004-11-30T12:55:00.000-05:00

So here's my shameless plug for the boyfriend's blog. He's feeling a little concerned that no one will ever see his blog, and since I know that at least a few people have seen mine, I thought I would do my part to get him out there. I hope you enjoy it.

Life through the lense and down to the pixel!

A writer on writing...

2004-11-24T18:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I've decided (with a little help) that I need to really push myself to get out there and get writing. So, I've joined a few writing forums so I can get some feedback from other writers. This is something that I'm always hesitant to do, probably because I'm terrified that they won't like what they read. I don't want to find out that what I've wanted to do my whole life happens to be something that I'm going to suck at. It seems no matter how many people enjoy my stuff, unpublished as I am, I am still terrified that I will fail. And I don't know how to get past that. I don't know if that's something that I will ever get past. But I'm hoping that by joining these forums, I might be able to start getting past it. At least, I'll be able to get some good pointers and feedback, and maybe even some ideas. (Not that I'm usually lacking for ideas) Better yet, maybe I'll just get enough motivation to finish everything I start and not just the 50% that I do finish.
Sometimes I feel like I just kill my brain writing all the stupid papers that I have to write for school, and when I'm done that, I just don't have the energy or the brain power to write anything else. My brain turns to mush from all the mind numbing facts and repetition and quote "cut and pasting" of college papers. I need to get my motivation to write back. Despite the college life.

Any suggestions?

Boredom thy name is Reception Desk

2004-11-20T12:17:00.000-05:00

I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to become a p/t receptionist. I guess I thought it would be more exciting, or just better than retail. Or maybe it was the fact that it was a couple bucks more an hour. But, I don't think I've ever been more bored than I am when I am sitting at this desk. The phone doesn't ring, and I've got no typing to do. If I didn't have the internet, I'd have shot myself by now. It would also help if most of the people who called weren't so stupid. I mean, maybe they live under a rock, maybe they honestly think that businesses don't have receptionists. They just seem to think that whoever they wanted to talk to, anything from a mechanic to the General Manager would be the person who answered the phone. Honestly, some of these people must work in offices- do they not have receptionists in their offices? Do they not understand the purpose of having someone to answer the phones and direct the calls? I mean, it's not a difficult concept. And I hate having to tell people "I don't know, I'm just the receptionist" It's just degrading to say. I mean, I am an intelligent person, I'm a college student, one who just got 100% on her paper, I'm more than just a receptionist. But when it comes to things like selling a car, and booking a service appointment, I'm "just the receptionist." Remind me later to stab myself in the eye with a fork. This royally sucks.

Thoughts anyone? Someone has to be reading this blog, so I challenge you to comment.

Spam is for sandwiches...

2004-11-16T17:32:00.000-05:00

So, I'm headed back to my car after class and I notice that some idiot has left a flyer on my windshield. 3 Tans for $3! It tells me. "new customers only" the fine print says. Why on earth would they put that on my windshield? I mean, isn't it bad enough that I get dozens of spam messages in my email each day? And that I get junk mail delivered to my house almost every day? Must my car get included in this bombardment of spam? I mean, it drives me up the wall that companies are wasting their time and often their money on clogging up my email inbox and my home mailbox, with stuff I throw out right away, because it's mainly just junk. And the really annoying part is that they must be getting business out of it, because they keep doing it. I mean, they wouldn't continue to waste time and money if it didn't benefit them, right? So, some person is getting that flyer, and saying "hey, $3 for 3 tans with a side of skin cancer is a great idea- I think I'll sign myself up for that" or "wow, I bet that could make my erection last for almost 4 hours, I'll take 3 bottles!" and they are allowed this annoyance that is spam, to not only continue, but to flourish.
So, please, make these annoyances stop. Don't pick a product just because they throw it in your face every chance they get. Don't support spammers. Because no one wants their mailboxes clogged and it's not right that companies get to push themselves on us like that. In fact, as far as I know, here in Ontario putting flyers on car windshields is illegal. Don't support the propaganda.
Just say NO to spam!

A Day in the Life of a Receptionist

2004-11-13T13:54:00.000-05:00

I'll tell you, there are very few things in life more exciting than being a receptionist. I mean, sometimes I have to answer the phone a dozen times a day. And I might have upwards of 4 things to file. Sometimes, I even have to make a pot of coffee. I just don't know how I manage it. It's such a trying and busy job. Honestly though, sometimes I think that I'm going to go insane working here. There's nothing to do. Most of the time consuming jobs are done by the day receptionist, and nothing is left for me to do but answer the phone, which, lets be honest, does not ring very much.
My only saving grace is the fact that I get to sit behind this fabulous computer, complete with internet. But even the internet is starting to lose it's appeal. Within my first few hours I've read everything and seen everything.
I thought this would be better than retail, which, don't get me wrong, sometimes it is. But the fact of the matter is, I never got as bored working retail as I have as a receptionist.

If I'm still here a year from now, someone please kill me.

What are you getting?

2004-11-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again; time to agonize over what to get that special someone. Now, normally I love Christmas shopping. I'm literally obsessed with Christmas, it's my favorite time of the year. I'd start celebrating on November 1st with a tree and everything if I thought my loved ones wouldn't kill me for doing it. This year, however, I'm having a hard time getting started. I'll get an idea of what I want in my head and then I go out to buy it, and I can't find it. And nothing that I do find seems right. I think I've become so intent on finding the perfect gift, that nothing less will do. I just like getting something that I know the person will love, and usually that's accomplished fairly easily, but this year, not so much. I suppose I have plenty of time left, but I find that the longer you leave it, the harder it is. My other problem is that I don't want to get something that they ask for. That way it feels like I didn't put any thought into it and when Christmas rolls around they already know what they're getting, and where's the fun in that? I want to get them the gift that they didn't know how much they wanted until they got it, something they'd never think to ask for. I don't know, that's just one of my weird quirks, I suppose.
Are there any other "perfect" gift givers out there? Let me know...

Writers Block

2004-11-10T19:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I just found out yesterday that people are actually visiting my website. I didn't think anyone ever saw it. People are even signed up to see when it's been updated. I suppose that's a good thing, but it makes me a little stressed out, because now I feel obligated to update much more frequently than I have been. So, I'm trying to write some new stuff and I find that I feel so much pressure to do so that I can't. Which is odd because when it comes to school assignments, I could only write at the last minute when I was under pressure. Though I guess under those circumstances, I wasn't required to be creative. Maybe it's creativity that's stifled under pressure. I just don't know. What I do know is that I have Writer's Block.

But really, what is writer’s block? I mean, it’s not something physical and really, it’s not even the writing that being blocked. It’s more of a creativity block than anything else and couldn’t this then affect anyone. For example, you could have web design block or painter’s block. But you never hear anyone complain of these. Only writer’s block. Are we so special that we are the only ones who experience this? Or are we just so arrogant that we must give it a name and announce it to the world as being something that affects us as writers. I think I’m going to strike against writer’s block. So, I'll just be stuck and uncreative, but I won't have writer's block. I have deemed the term politically incorrect.
What do you think?

The journey begins...

2004-11-10T18:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I've finally done it. I've finally gotten around to actually creating a blog for myself.
This will be kind of a companion site to my website http://www.deskbythewindow.com where you will find my writing. Please feel free to visit this site and leave me a comment about what you think about it.
I guess I should tell you a little bit about myself. I'm 20 years old and an ECE student. (For those of you who don't know, ECE stands for Early Childhood Education) I live in Ontario, Canada, in a fair size city where nothing ever happens. I (unfortunately) still live with my parents, my younger sister (18- Friday) and my poor overweight, diabetic cat, who lately has become obsessed with the faucet in the bathroom.
I work as a receptionist in a car dealership, which is very exciting. Few things in life are as fun as answering the phone for four hours a day.
Well, I guess that's everything you need to know about me for now. I'm sure you'll learn the rest on the fly. Don't forget to check out my writing. *insert shameless plug here*