Licensed to Warp Young Minds

Yeah. I never use this anymore. I started a Project 365 (you know, where you take a photo a year) .. if you want to follow that, I'm also adding a music track each day to go along with it. You can find it here @ Tumblr. I'll stop by LJ sometimes, but Tumblr just has a ton more features, and you don't have to pay for it. :)

So I think I've fallen out of love with U2. Now that they've released that idiotic single and announced this overhyped already tour, I seriously can't handle it. It's stupid because they aren't talented anymore. I wish they would go back to the Joshua Tree days and make GOOD music that isn't just a freaking money grab. I have enjoyed their last couple of tour shows but I refuse to do it anymore. The general public won't get access to tickets until THREE DAYS after they're on sale to the people that have already paid $50 USD to join the online fan club and even then you still have to deal with ticketmaster which makes it all the more evil.

Suck it, U2, I'm not buying your crap anymore.

I'd much rather pay $40 or whatever to go and see Joel Plaskett and all he needs is a guitar and a microphone. Why? Cuz he's got mad skills and it's not about the money.

SUPPORT CANADIAN ARTISTS - they have way more talent than the majority of giant over-hyped pre-fab machines that turn out records like people discard tissues. Ugh.

/rant.

I know. I never update this damn blog. I really should because I "think" there are people out there who actually DO read this. Stupid Facebook sucks up my life. I do too much and at times, it's so much easier to just use that! Here's a nice long catch up type post that will tell you what's going on with me this month. It's a bit nuts.

I'm a wee bit stressed out .. some of you know what's going on in my life lately, but others might not really know! Here's an update to keep you all in the loop, so to speak ..

1) Countdown to Queen's - I'm doing the Meet and Greet Orientation session for the new students going to Queen's University in Kingston - class of 2012 (sounds weird to say/write that #!) - I'm one of the only Alumni to volunteer for this, and I was the head of the event last year as well. This means I had to spend time trying to get people to help me set up a venue. Thanks to those who offered great ideas as finally, the Arts Project came through. Sandra is a godsend.

2) Dragon Boats - I'm running into a TON of people who have never heard of this event. It's sad because it's been going on in London for over a decade and has a ton of devoted committee members doing this in their free time. It supports breast cancer survivors (who have the best teams ever), and all proceeds aside from costs go to the Children's Health Foundation. Last year we raised over $13,000!!!! I hope that my theatre friends realize this is "my" theatre event as I personally jumped onto the committee and created an entire children's area - this includes talking to volunteers (getting volunteers isn't easy at times), creating flyers, posters, colouring sheets, gathering supplies and donations, etc. It was insanely stressful for me last year but a giant success! I really hope some of you will COME OUT and see me and experience the festival. I put a lot of work into this and would love to see you guys! You can become a fan here.

3) Water Fight - this isn't a major event, but it's still something I hope people come out to. We're just going to RELAX and be goofy .. I need to get myself a water gun though .. hmm.. trip to Toys R Us anyone?

4) Urban Golf - Yes, the big one. I have one favour to ask of all of you. If you are honestly going to attend - PLEASE go to CITY LIGHTS, GROOVES RECORDS, or APPROACH ME (or Daphne) DIRECTLY for a ticket BEFORE August 23rd!!! (It will be cheaper if you do that anyway!)

It would REALLY help us to get a DEFINITE idea of #'s because we're going to have a TON of things to do the day of, and the smoother it goes, the better!

Things are looking good and it's been quite the adventure planning something like this .. hopefully all will go well and everyone will have a great time! Invite anyone else you think would like to do something different and fun.

This will be better for me later - once I have my costume, and things are closer to being finished.. :) I'm glad you all want to come and be goofy though!

5) London International Children's Festival - Teresa thought I should apply for the position of Box Office and Promotions Coordinator for the Festival .. so I did. They contacted me and want to see me for an interview, so that's coming up shortly too. I'm a bit nervous but since I don't really know what's actually involved, I don't know how I feel about this! Wish me luck!

6) Guests - I've just had Dan for a week .. and he's gone. Now my friend Regan is coming back to London to visit family and friends from tomorrow until the 15th .. and then hopefully (fingers crossed) one of my roommates (my favourite one) from Japan will be dropping by on his way to the West Coast - so keep your eyes and ears open because I'd like you guys to meet him.

7) Work - well work is going well .. things really aren't as bad as I sometimes think and just when I think "Aww, I'm doing a crappy job", I get recognized for something I'm doing well. I just hope I can keep this up! There's no teaching obvious on the horizon, so we'll see what September brings. Hopefully something good for myself and all the other teachers I know who are in the same spots.

Thanks for reading my saga .. hope you can support me where I need it and don't mind me being stressed out and wonky for the next few weeks! Ack!

In summary:

** Various Tuesday/Thurs nights - Selling tickets at the APK (anyone want to come and help?) **

Aug 13th - Arts Project 7-9pm for Queen's Reception
Aug 11-15th - Friend Visiting (not staying with me tho)
Aug 16th - Dragon Boats, 6am-6pm Fanshawe Conservation Area
Aug 17th - Water Fight, 2-3pm Victoria Park
Aug ??? - ??? - Roommate from Japan visiting
Aug 20th - Interview
Aug 22nd - Freak out day as Urban Golf is the next day ..
Aug 23rd - Urban Golf


Cheers to friends.. questions? Let me know..

T.

I've been really pissed at someone who has completely shafted me in the friendship department. They used me for what they wanted, and now that I apparently have nothing of value for them to take from me, they want nothing further to do with me.

That really fucking pisses me off. I must be some kind of asshole sucker type to continually allow people to come into my life and rip my heart out.

Perhaps I need to not make any more friends.

At any rate, I wrote this person a message and told them exactly how I feel. I doubt anything will come of it, but we have mutual acquaintances so this should make for some spicy social fireworks.

Fuck that guy.

Well I just wrote a big post and then it got erased. Like this hasn't happened before. In a nutshell I was saying:

- it's weird to think LJ is connected to FB. Of course I'm not going to tell ANYONE who doesn't already know about my blog. I'd still like to keep that secret.

- I bought a dress online totally blind, and it almost fits perfectly. It would if I could lose 5-10 pounds, which is my new goal for the next three-four months. Wish me luck. I'm not going to kill myself to do it, but I think small changes could really help.

- Looking forward to my birthday .. I don't know what is going on, but I think something is in the works for May 10th. If you'd like to come, let me know and I'll pass along that information to whoever is actually doing something about this. There may even be a Facebook group.

- That's about it really .. I'm getting over being sick, been teaching quite a bit recently, got shafted for yet another job, but otherwise, am loving the new weather and enjoying my new pairs of flip flops, courtesy of Old Navy.

Hope all is well with everyone out there.

I've completed a few things on my list.. thought I'd share so you can keep up with me. :) Hope some of you made your own lists!

16. Only buy medium coffees for a month. (30/30)
23. Read 20 non-fiction books (1/20)
25. Read 12 biographies (1/12)
26. Read 50 of the 100 Best Novels, 1923-Present http://www.time.com/time/2005/100b… (17/50)
28. Write to the people who sent me Christmas cards.
38. Cash in Airmiles and cut up card.
40. Put batteries in my watches.
62. Try Letterboxing.
79. Clean up and organize my iTunes library (WIP)
97. Use or donate the remaining scrapbook materials I own.
100. Donate clothes I haven’t worn in over a year unless sentimental/irreplaceable.


Woot. Some things are now done. Others will be coming shortly. :) Some are works in progress! I have to figure out how to use strikeout in one of these entries. Hah!

I seriously was deluded into thinking this would be the 2nd and last sitting for this tattoo. What's rather upsetting to me is that several people have asked me if it is a tattoo of chili or jalapeno peppers. I think, "Are you stupid or something?" but it didn't stop that niggling of self-doubt in my mind. Then I went back to, "Nah, you're just stupid".

I like it dammit. Anyone with half a brain can figure out what it is. Bitches.



Next, and final, sitting is now scheduled for April 12th. I definitely can't afford any more after that one!

Maybe some people need to re-look at those peppers first before opening their fat traps.

Perfect Image Tattoo in London, ON, done by Dana Carnegie .. time? 3 hours 1st sitting.. two more to go .. finish the outline and do all the colour. I can't wait!

HOLY CRAP!

I tried to post this on the start date (which was February 1st) but the interwebs wasn't working properly that day. .

So now, I give you my challenge list. You can do one too .. if you like.. message me for details.

I'm going to try and keep this updated as I do the things on the list. Wish me luck!

101 THINGS IN 1001 DAYS - START DATE: FEBRUARY 1ST 2008!

Health - Physical - Food
1.Lose 5, 10, 15 and 20 pounds. (0/4)
2.Buy a bicycle.
3.Cycle to work 3 times a week for two months. (0/2)
4.Drink soda once a week for a month.
5.Stop drinking soda entirely for three weeks. (0/3)
6.Drink green tea instead of coffee for a month.
7.Go cross-country skiing twice during winter. (0/2)
8.Go canoeing.
9.Cook one dish from each cookbook we own.
10. Make chili from scratch.
11. Get a massage.
12. Go to the beach 10 times in a summer (0/10)
13. Eat at 15 restaurants alphabetically picked out of the phone book. (0/15)
14. Stay home every night for two weeks. (0/2)
15. Go without fast food for a month (restaurant food is ok, as long as it’s healthy).
16. Only buy medium coffees for a month. (0/30)
17. Make sukiyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe using my electric pot. (0/3)
18. Go to bed before 1am for two weeks straight. (0/2)
19. Spend quality time with Peter at least twice a month.
20. Listen to loud music and dance around when angry.
21. Get a tattoo that represents my relationship with Peter.
22. Go one week without watching television or movies at least 5 times. (0/5)

Literary - Film
23. Read 20 non-fiction books (0/20)
24. Watch Casablanca.
25. Read 12 biographies (0/12)
26. Read 50 of the 100 Best Novels, 1923-Present http://www.time.com/time/2005/100b… (0/50)
27. Read about 3 different religions. (0/3)
28. Write to the people who sent me Christmas cards.
29. Ask each friend to recommend a single book to me, and read it.

Materialistic - “Stuff” - Money
30. Buy a Wii.
31. Save $1 a day for 6 months. (0/180)
32. Spend $100 on a single clothing item.
33. Spend no money for 14 consecutive days. (0/14)
34. Contribute $1000 to my RSP. (0/$1000)
35. Eat at an expensive restaurant, all dressed up.
36. Start my own savings account.
37. Create and stick to a weekly budget for at least 6 months (1/6).
38. Cash in Airmiles and cut up card.
39. Rent a convertible for the weekend.
40. Put batteries in my watches.
41. Buy a complete towel set that matches.
42. Get a family portrait made.

Travel
43. Go diving in a tropical area.
44. Go to Scotland.
45. Go to Greece.
46. Go to the London Art Gallery.
47. Go to the ROM.
48. Go to the Bata Shoe Museum.
49. Go away for the weekend at least 10 times (0/10)
50. Go on a camping trip in the USA.
51. Go to New York City at Christmas.
52. Go to the Opera.

Social Events
53. Go to a baseball game.
54. Go to a basketball game.
55. Go bowling.
56. Go to a murder-mystery party.
57. Try to go Geocaching here in London.
58. Have a sleep-over party with at least three girlfriends.
59. Start a weekly or monthly girls’ night.
60. Go on a picnic with 10 friends.
61. Have a bbq party and serve margaritas.
62. Try Letterboxing.
63. Play a round of “real” golf.
64. Learn to play poker and host a poker night.
65. Go to Yuk Yuk’s and laugh out loud.
66. Organize and go on a pub crawl with friends.

Learning - Hobbies
67. Learn how to crochet.
68. Practice guitar an hour a day for three months. (0/90)
69. Start a plant from a seed and keep it alive for 6 months. (0/6)
70. Learn to play a Joel Plaskett song on the guitar.
71. Learn to play a Feist song on the guitar.
72. Learn to play a Sarah Harmer song on the guitar.
73. Knit a sweater.
74. Go to a shooting range and try shooting a gun.
75. Create my own piece of art.
76. Finish Katelyn’s blanket.
77. Creatively display old ticket stubs and concert items to hang in the house.
78. Listen to 12 albums all the way through while not doing anything else. (0/12)

Computer - Internet
79. Clean up and organize my iTunes library (WIP)
80. Turn off my cell phone for a week straight, at least 5 times. (0/5)
81. Get negatives put onto disc and make a travel book with them.
82. Only use the computer for 30 minutes a day for two weeks (not including work) (0/14)
83. Use my LJ to track my progress with this list.
84. Find creative uses for digital photos.
85. Stop using Facebook for a period of two weeks. No exceptions. (0/2)
86. Friend 10 random people on LJ and get to know them. (1/10)
87. Do project 365 starting on my birthday in 2008. http://photojojo.com/content/tutor…
88. Send out at least 10 postcards on postcrossing.com. (0/10)
89. Make a list of another 101 things to do in 1001 days when this is finished.

Career
90. Get a full-time teaching job.
91. Update / revamp my portfolio and resume for finding a job.
92. Take at least one Additional Qualifications course.

Charity - Donations - Sold Items
93. Donate books not read in over two years.
94. Give away, donate, sell electronic items that haven’t been used in years.
95. Loan someone money on kiva.org
96. Donate 100 grains of rice a day for a month on freerice.com (0/30)
97. Use or donate the remaining scrapbook materials I own.
98. Go through stuff and get rid of anything not immediately useful or sentimental.
99. Randomly send someone I know flowers for no real reason. (0/5)
100. Donate clothes I haven’t worn in over a year unless sentimental/irreplaceable.
101. Get rid of extra glasses/dishes we aren’t using and donate them.

I've made it my quest to end up owning the CBC Radio 3's Top 100 songs of 2007. I'm subtly pleased that I actually DO own a portion of what they deem to be the best of 07 already. I'm going to use it as a way to hear some stuff I never would normally be able to hear.

So far I have 76 out of 100 songs in my playlist. I haven't listened to most of them as I'm saving it for when I manage to find at LEAST 90 out of 100.. I figure 10% loss isn't that bad. :)

What are you listening to currently? I find I'm growing increasingly fond of non-mainstream stuff - I barely listen to "top 40" stuff and most of the stuff I love is pretty obscure as to what most people know, even just by word of mouth. Go ahead, listen to your Britney and stuff, but it won't do much for me!

I like to say I'm open to new things .. but a lot of what other people say is good, I think is crap. LOL! No accounting for tastes I suppose. I just expect MORE from music than most mainstream artists can possibly provide. Yes, I do have weaknesses for bands like U2 and Zeppelin, but you have to admit, they have been around for decades now and are still extremely well liked and admired (well, U2 might have slipped a bit, but it's almost my only guilty pleasure).

Anyway.. I'm not going to drone on and on .. if any of you out there would like a CD, let me know.. I have tons of stuff you probably haven't heard but probably should!

Oh, and here's a photo just for old times' sake.. :)

(I'm not in the photo as I'm taking the darn thing!) This is part of the group of crazies I hang out with on a regular basis.. lol! Hysterical!