From Saint Patrick's Breastplate

Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man
who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man
who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord.

Saskatchewan Girls

Speaking of stereotypes, a friend sent me this joke this morning:

Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had set their new wives straight on their duties.
The first man had married a woman from Ontario, and bragged that he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning that needed done at their house. He said that it took a couple days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were all washed and put away.
The second man had married a woman from BC. He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes, and the cooking. He told them that the first day he didn't see any results, but the next day it was better. By the third day, his house was clean, the dishes were done, and he had a huge dinner on the table.
The third man had married a woman from Saskatchewan. He boasted that he told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, snow shoveled, laundry washed and hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything, but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down and he could see well enough out of his left eye to do the dishes and the laundry; and he thought by Saturday he'd be able to shovel the sidewalk.

Judging a Book by Its Cover...

I make up stories about the people I see out and about. For example, I saw a man with a mustache carrying a backpack and immediately assumed he was a mailman. Some prejudice are ridiculous and unfounded but others are generalizations based experience.* To preface my story, the judgments are usually pretty silly and harmless. If the person heard about it, they would have nothing to be offended about.

As previously stated, I am only the oldest student in one of my classes. There is a guy who looks older than me but I figured was probably actually younger. He always wears a ball cap, jeans, a sweatshirt and hikers. He has a goatee. From this I figured out he is originally from a small town, has dated the same girl since high school and is going to university for the first time after working for numerous years. He probably played hockey up until he moved away from his small town if he still doesn't play now.

I bring all my notes for this particular class. It makes me a little paranoid when the rest of the class is silent and Janice is rustling her papers. *Cringe* Anyhoo, once after class said prejudged guy asked if he could borrow my notes. Since then we occasionally talk but up until today it was only ever about class. We started talking about why we were taking our respective degrees when he revealed to me that
- him and his girlfriend moved from a small town to Regina after high school so she could go to university
- he had been working up until last year when he started university for the first time

I prejudge to amuse myself, that is a little creepy.





*Of course, you could have a skewed experience but that is another discussion.

I Blinded Her With Science

For my computer science assignment, I need to create a program that find the first four perfect numbers. A perfect number is one that the sum of the factors equals the number (for example: 1+2+3=6). In one of my math text books, I found a formula that calculates perfect numbers using prime numbers. My CS was warily about me using this formula and I'm not sure why.

The first four perfect numbers are
6
28
496
8128

What would you rather do: find the factors for 8128 numbers and then add the factors or find the first four prime numbers? My program runs faster than the program she would prefer I create. Doesn't everyone want a computer program that no only works but works quickly? My program works perfectly, fulfills all requirements of the assignment question so I'm keeping it that way it is. I'm not going to rewrite a program that is perfectly fine because of preference. I created a computer program that uses Fermat's Little Theorem and the Euclid-Euler Theorem, I should get bonus marks for that.

Ok, Ok, I got to it...

I updated my blog roll, I have others I will be adding in the next week or so.

Some new notables include:
Kicking up Confetti Leaves - friend and former coworker
DC Power - my father, the greatest super hero of all time.

I think I need to tell the story about the pseudonym, DC Power (mostly because I don't think my dad remembers everything about it):
A couple years ago I wanted to demonstrate my new webcam to my parents. I showed my dad how to use MSN Messenger. I set it up downstairs and they watched me upstairs. Dad, set up up his display name as DC Power -- his initials (he has no middle name) plus his occupation (electrical engineer).

Fast forward a couple years and both of his daughters have blogs. After much "frustration" over his "serious reputation being ruined" on his daughters' blogs, he started to threaten "just wait until I have my blog". Just like he claimed he was going to get a trick bike, it seemed like a pretty empty threat. Before Christmas, my dad and I were watching hockey and he threatened me with what he would post about me o n his blog, once he got one. I asked him what his blog name would be. He wasn't sure so I started suggesting ridiculous ones: "Rashumba, Queen of Fabrics", "Papa Brisebois", "David Powpow"* and "DC Power". I even called Dad "Papa Brisebois" for a couple days preceding.

With my dad working more at home during the winter, a coworker suggested they start web conferencing. He logged onto Windows Live Messenger for what he thought was the first time to rediscover he already had some contacts and the display name "DC Power". He admitted to me later that he thought I had just made it up and thought it was a pretty good nickname, not realising it was he made up himself.

Now my daddy has a blog, much to my surprise. Now, I know why my dad wants spring to come, he wants to learn some sick tricks on his new bike.


* Joe Powpow was a quarterback for the RoguhRiders in the 80s. Dad used to tease me that I was going to marry him someday just so my name would be Janice Powpow. I do admit, that would be a pretty awesome name.

Have you seen my silliness? I think I lost it.

The last two days I have been in a funk that I just can't seem to shake*. It started when I got back my computer science midterm. I lost about 17% due to careless errors and not reading the directions properly -- nothing to do with what I do or do not know. I didn't do poorly but it was the difference between an OK mark and an excellent mark. I have to step it up even more to reach my goals. It seems daunting right now but all I can do is improve my work habits one at a time. Sigh.

Yesterday my former faculty adviser emailed me to see how the semester was going. How can I tell him that I know how to learn, I know how to study, I know how to write a test, I know how to achieve the needed higher levels of thinking but I just can't pull it together to make it happen? Translating theory into practice. I've spent years transforming the work habits of students and can't transform my own. Being an above average student isn't enough.

I was feeling a little better this morning like "Hey, I have problems but I can tackle them." I received back an assignment this morning and I lost 10 marks out of a possible 50 because I forgot to include the last page. As the professor handed it to me, he looked at me like "What happened?"** I was in his office last week to ask him questions and he knew I was done. He is the kind of professor that takes his student's results kind of personally. It absolutely breaks my heart to think I disappointed him. OK, maybe not disappoint him but the frustration of a student who's mark does not reflect the ability.***

I'm supposed to go to my physic lab instructor's office to pick up my notebook so I can prepare for this afternoon's lab. I'm filled with dread -- I don't even want to know how I did. I think I did well but I'm not prepared for disappointment.

For disclosure, things that did not help the situation:
- I left my lights on yesterday and my battery died. Why do I only seem to need to call CAA during the winter?
- Bron's post
- etcetera, etcetera, etcetera

* The Project Runway finale didn't even help.
**My interpretation but I know him well enough that it won't be far from the truth.
*** Of course, I think he overestimates my ability since he has a slight bias towards me.

Talking Pants

Sitting in Calculus class, suddenly I heard a woman's voice inaudibly speaking. I looked around to see who was so rudely talking during the lecture only to find no females sitting anywhere near me.* I noticed the guy beside me looking around too. Very loudly she said "Hello? Hello? Are you there?" The guy next me looked shocked and started to TRY to shut off his cell phone from outside his pant pocket. I started laughing as he fumbled to get the phone out which got him laughing which got me laughing even more. His friends became very curious why their friend was in hysterics with a girl he doesn't know. He explained to them after class, his phone was on vibrate and he tried to shut it off but instead turned the speaker phone on. He didn't know what was going on right away. I was the only other person who saw what was going on.






* Contrary to a male classmates complaint of "too many chicks in the class". Stupid engineering students.

Who Says Women Aren’t Funny?

Who Says Women Aren’t Funny?
The idea that women aren’t funny—and which male said that?—seems pretty laughable these days. TV has unleashed a new generation of comediennes, who act, perform stand-up, write, and direct—dishing out the jokes with a side of sexy. Annie Leibovitz photographs a dozen of the wittiest dames in showbiz, from 30 Rock’s Tina Fey to Sarah Silverman, to S.N.L.’s current stars, while the author learns why the setup has changed.
Alessandra Stanley, Vanity Fair Online, April 2008

Some Germanic Truth

"When you say that you agree to a thing in principle you mean that you
have not the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice."
--Otto Von Bismarck

Grinning from Ear to Ear

My Habs are in first place in the East. The start a four game western road trip that should only extend their lead. It has been a very long time since they have been in this position so it is a little surreal right now.
For the past several years they start off strong, have a mid-season slump then pull it together to barely make the playoffs. Last season they started out strong but were hit hard by the flu that lasted about 3 weeks before everyone was back. Almost the entire team was dreadfully ill. They never were able to pull it together enough at the end to make it. (Didn't help that Toronto eliminated themselves and Montreal, stupid Maple Leafs).
Earlier in the week they traded Cristobal Huet, their goalie. I was livid. Former coach Jaques Demers said* that Montreal will not win the Stanley Cup without Huet and I tend to agree. Their go-to goalie, Carey Price, is very young and inexperienced**, you can see he has talent but I worry about the pressures of the playoffs. He has been doing well so far, time will only tell.
16 games to go...

*My French isn't the best and I was watching RDS. I think that is what he said.
**CBC news story about the Huet trade, will open up as a CBC video player.

Tim vs Christian Walk Off

With special bonus of Heidi Klum tickling tim Gunn.

Not Cool at All...

Prince Harry and the Secret Kept by Fleet Street, BRIAN STELTER and SARAH LYALL, March 1, 2008
Despite London’s rabid tabloid culture, journalists kept quiet for 10 weeks about Prince Harry’s deployment to Afghanistan.

In the case of Prince Harry, his life was put in more danger than it already was for the sake of the "latest information" to feed the voracious appetite of the general public. Real news organisations never publish the whereabouts of troops or people visiting troops until after fact for their safety. The UK tabloids which are reportedly are the worst offenders, managed to keep their mouths shut about it. Matt Drudge and that Australian magazine went way too far.

Here's some pictures the British Army released after he was safely back home. Yeah, they're pretty hot.
Prince Harry in Afghanistan, John Stillwell/Agence France-Presse -- Getty Images, Published: 20080229
British reporters unleashed into the public domain all the interviews and video scenes of him discussing his deployment, wearing fatigues and firing his machine gun that they had been saving for later.

Wouldn't that Bore a Hole in His Head?

"On a Buffalo power play, Thomas Vanek fired a laser beam that found the glass behind the Montreal goal, bounced right back in front over the top of the net, hit Price in the back of the mask and rolled down his back and in."
Source: Plekanec and Price are peerless in victory over Sabres, Friday, February 29, 2008, 10:15 PM ET, CBC Sports

I watched the game on RDS (French TSN). I have no idea where Vanek even got the ray gun from. I personally did not see the laser beam so maybe the sports writer was wearing special infra red glasses. Since the ref was also not wearing infra red glasses could be why no penalty was called. I think the Habs need to petition league officials to review the tapes; shooting laser beams at least deserves a three game suspension. I've seen fans kicked out of rinks for using laser pointers during games so I'd imagine a player using a ray gun would be way worse.

Thomas Vanek and the offending ray gun




Author's Note: Yes, I know I'm ridiculous. Am I any more ridiculous than a man who writes about metaphoric laser beams?

Idiom Shortage Leaves Nation All Sewed Up In Horse Pies

WASHINGTON—Authorities expect the shortage to subside by April, but until then, urge citizens to skip shy the rickshaw until the flypaper marigolds can waterfall.

Ode to My Mother

My mommy is the bestest. She anticipated my need for .7 HB lead for my mechanical pencil.

Puzzling

I got the "whattup" nod from a 19 year old boy today. I have never seen him before in my entire life so it wasn't a greeting "whattup".

As Seen on a T-Shirt...

"You laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at you because you aren't"

Weird Question but...

Today someone during office hours at a location in the suburbs of Cleveland looked at my post about Bea Arthur wrestling dinosaurs four times. They may or may not be marginally clever. Any theories as who it could be? Any theories why they looked at it four times?

The Reality of My Finite Nature: Part 2

Here's a review of part 1.

I really feel like garbage. I ran out of time on my physics midterm and got a terrible grade. So much for bringing up my GPA. I had high hopes that physics was going to be my highest mark. It got me thinking about what will my average have to be to bring up my GPA to even consider applying for grad studies:

Current GPA: 76%
Classes Completed: 42
Needed GPA: 80%
Classes to Complete: 21
Total Classes: 63

(42/63)*76 + (21/63)x = 80
(2/3)*76 + (1/3)x = 80
3[(2/3)*76 + (1/3)x = 80]
2*76 +x=240
152 + x =240
x = 88

That's right folks, 88% average over 21 classes for 3rd & 4th year honours math classes, some second year physics, some first year chemistry and biology classes. I realized I may have blinded some of you with my mad algebra skills* but you don't need to be a mathemagican** to know that is a tad on the improbable side.

Why do I feel like I'm being punished for choices I made in my late teens and early twenties? I made a conscience effort to settle for doing "okay" so I could have a social life. Forty of those classes where completed before age 22. At the time, I needed at least 70% in my major (secondary math education) and 65% in my minor (secondary English education). I had well above that. Now I have 23 classes of the 40 that do not count towards my degree but do count towards my GPA.

I was getting help on an assignment this afternoon when the prof said "An intelligent person like yourself...". He was impressed*** that I figured out how to do a question that he did not teach in class and it isn't covered in the textbook. He was convinced he had covered it and went as far as looking through all of my notes to make sure. It made me feel a little better but compliments from profs do not bring up one's GPA.

People in my life, be prepared to see me even less for the next two months.

* I did the math in my head in the shower, that is why it is mad skills.
** Nickname a student gave me. I was also referred to as a mathlete. He was much more interested in math-related nicknames than the actually math.
*** Yeah but it took me two hours. Well it mostly took me two hours because I was watching hockey and then Sport Centre. C'mon, it was Trade Deadline '08. My boy Cristobal Huet was traded so how could a girl concentrate fully on linear algebra? It will be a future blog rant, trust.

You Go Girl

Emma Thompson Fights Miramax's Weight-Loss Demands, NYMag.com, "The Cut", 2/25/08,4:57 PM

7 Odd Things About Me

Yes, yes, tag I'm it. I finally got to it.

1. When bored I often imagine sound effects to people’s words or that the people around me break into elaborate dance sequences and /or musical numbers. My mind is very amusing.

2. When I was a first year teacher at a conference, I found out that my ability to learn by hearing is incredibly low and learning by doing and seeing are incredibly high. Learning by hearing is so low that the teacher facilitating the session was surprised I got good grades in school. People learn less by hearing than by seeing or doing but I learn way less than normal.

It really made sense to me. People have accused me of being hard of hearing and I usually retort that I am hard of listening. I can’t really spell something by sounding it out but rather remember what it looks like. Sometimes I even forget what word sounds match with what letters. Telling me a phone number or how to spell a word? You have to slowly say one letter/ number at a time. If I’m occupied with something else and someone starts talking to me, they will be half way through what they are saying even before my brain has processed that someone is trying to talk to me. I have a hard time watching TV if people are talking. This is why I often sit in the basement by myself to watch TV.

3. I was one of the shortest girls in my class up until grade 8. In two months I grew about 4 inches and became the second tallest girl in my school.

4. I hated apple juice even from the time I was a baby until I started getting allergy shots. I loved orange juice but it started making me very sick. I can only drink in it if it mixed with other juices or if I only have half a glass occasionally.

5. I can’t seem to eat crusts on bread. They are all scratchy on the roof of my mouth. If I’m eating a sandwich I’ll eat the crusts of the first half but not of the other. I used to dip my crusts in orange juice but now cannot (see above).

6. English was always my best subject in high school. I was always good at math but I was passionate about literature (still am). I didn’t get passionate about math until my second year as a teacher.

7. I can rewind and fast forward songs in my head. This may sound contrary to #2 but it actually isn’t. People’s ability to remember music is different than regular listening skills.

Tennessee Helpless Against New Basement Tornadoes

Tennessee Helpless Against New Basement Tornadoes

Seems oddly familiar...

E-Mail From Aunt Accidentally Opened

Sew Not Over

Shows With More Episodes this Season

Here's a list of shows with new episodes that will be produced before the end of the season.
The Return of Mother, Life and, Oh Yeah, Lost, Kristin Dos Santos, Eonline, Wed, Feb 13, 2008, 4:42 PM

Where's Will Smith when you need him?

Senate Passes Bill to Expand Government’s Spying Powers
New York Times, ERIC LICHTBLAU, Published: February 12, 2008
The Senate vote, a major victory for the White House, also gives legal protection to phone companies that aided government wiretapping.

Most Fun Photo Shoot Ever

To promote his upcoming movie, SI interviewed Will Ferrell for their swimsuit issue. You need a swimsuit model so get the one with the sense of humour to pull it off.

The Fug and the Fab

NYmag's 100 Most Fabulous Looks for Fall/Winter '08 from NY Fashion Week - including two looks from a Project Runway designer.


Even more amusing is NYMag's 100 Most Hideous Looks for Fall/Winter '08 from NY Fashion Week - vibrant plaids! yeti arms! paratrooper wear!

Those Wacky Communists

Kristin Dos Santos was covering the WGA union meeting in LA yesterday for E!. She noticed "Communists were distributing literature at the gate under the vague guise of being WGA helpers, but one wag who managed to duck the handout quipped, 'Oh, god, the Scientologists are everywhere!'"

Source: Strikewatch: Live from the Shrine Auditorium, Kristin Dos Santos, Sun, Feb 10, 2008, 12:51 AM



Like my new tag? Ten points for the first person who gets the reference.

V-Doub Representing Deutschland

My favourite commercial of 2007:


There is something inherently funny about Germans.

The Reality of My Finite Nature

I had to withdraw form a class and I feel terrible. It was a difficult class and I just didn't have the time or energy to dedicate to it. I have been thinking about for awhile and thought it would be enough to quit my job. My semester is just too heavy, especially for my first one back. I still need to take the class in the future but now that I know what to expect I can plan my semester accordingly. I still feel like garbage about it.

I need to think about the future : bring my GPA so I can get my honours degree and be eligible for a MSc. I'm not saying I will pursue my master's degree but I want to have the option. Not that my GPA is bad, the standards are different for an education degree. I did well enough but I could have done better. As it stands, my average is fine for an honours degree but not so fine if I even want to consider applying anywhere for a master's program.

Yes Mom, I know it is late. I'm just too wound up to sleep. You know how I get.

The Talk Show Throw Down

Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert make a surprise appearance on Late night with Conan O'Brien. A "feud" erupted between O'Brien and Colbert over who made Mike Huckabee a viable presidential candidate. It culminated into:
'Vicious Cross-Network Melee Leaves Stewart, O'Brien and Colbert In Critical Condition' on Defamer*






* Sorry, I tried to embed the video but NBC website kept on embedding the wrong clip. I could only get the correct clip form the Defamer website.

SuperBowl Ads

Since when are Super Bowl games exciting? Apparently exciting enough to take me away from my mounds of homework and watch it. I'm usually meh towards the NFL. It isn't that I don't like football, I just don't have a team that I'm passionate about. Whether you like football or not, you need to check out The Only Super Bowl Ads Worth Watching.

It is like Christmas twice a year...

New York Fashion week is once again upon us. The Fugly Girls are back posting for New York Magazine's fashion blog.

Nutcracker of Truth sez...

"Lyn is pretty."

I've finally uploaded more pictures on Flickr, check them out.

I heart i*

Know that I am an honours math student, my prof turned to me and asked if I had taken any complex number analysis classes. I wasn't sure if he was looking at me since the class was in a lecture theatre and there was about 10 other people he could have been looking at. Maybe he misunderstood the sudden joy** of hearing there was such a class at the university as that I already had taken it.

I'm not sure why he singles me out in a class of over a hundred students. This is the third time he has done it. The first time he ask me specifically if I understood the theorem he just explained. The second time I dropped my eraser he he leaped off the stage to retrieve it. It maybe because the first time I met him I asked how his name was pronounced which he appreciated. Or maybe my dad told him I do a wicked awesome impression of him. Who knows.



* i = sqrt(-1)
**Yes Kate, I know that I am a nerd.

What I read instead of Abstract Algebra...

Shia LaBeouf Models the Latest in Cow Couture - pictures not used from his recent SNL appearance.

From Gawker: Science Proves You Just Like Music Because It's Popular - I knew it! You conformist sheep.

Stephen Jay Gould Speaks Out Against Science Paparazzi

I'm such a nerd...

I finished working on homework early so what does Janice do? Catch up on her TV shows? No. Go to bed early? Nope. Read a non-school book? Not even close. I decided to work on a bonus question from my computer programming class. I know, I'm ridiculous.

Man Braves Freezing Weather To Cross Parking Lot

Man Braves Freezing Weather To Cross Parking Lot

Top Ten Campaign Promises

Book Meme

1. Name one book that changed your life.
The Information by Martin Amis. I really started to look at the world differently after reading it.

2. Name one book you have read more than once.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Has to be the most pleasant book ever. It makes me happy in the same way Amelie and Pushing Daisies do. Everyone needs to be reminded what it is like to be a little kid.

3. One book you would want on a desert island.
The Bible. It is the Book of books you know.

4. Two books that made you laugh.
Joe's Apartment by Gordon Korman
The Information (it realy made me realize what a dark sense of humour I have).

5. One book that made you cry.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. A little boy named Oskar finds a key in hidden vase by his father who died on 9/11. The boy begins to search to see what the key is for. I loved this book even more than Everything is Illuminated.

6. One book you wish you’d written.
Can't think of any.

7. One book you wish had never been written.
Fifteen by Beverley Cleary. Seriously the worst book I've ever read in my entire life. A teenage girl wants a yellow rain slicker but her mom buys her pick one. Said teenage girl gets so upset she puts roses in the garbage disposal. Parents can't handle such a rebellious girl so they decide to send her way to live with her mom's friend. Teenage girl finally gets a boyfriend who just happens to be a popular basketball player. He starts failing classes so they aren't allowed to see each other anymore. One her last day before going home she realized that she really truly loved this random boy who is barely in the book. She is devastated. There was a lot of "You got to be kidding me!" while reading this book.


8. Two books I am currently reading.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. I'm about 2/3 done which means I've read over 600 pages. This book is never going to finish. A coworker remarked "What? Only Tolstoy's second longest book?".
I'm currently also reading Physics: Principles with Applications and Programming and Problem Solving With C++

More Than Anyone Would Want to See...

I have the unfortunately incident of seeing an old man's butt on the bus. My seat was facing the door and his pants exposed at 3/4 of his old man hairy butt. Gross.

Apple as an Economic Indicator

Follow this logic: analysts say since Apple had the most profitable quarter of its history (and sold the most amount of product), the American economy is not in a recession. The only difference between the good times and the bad are the number of companies that are profitable. Now there is a company that is so tied into our culture it alone is considered the economic indicator. Hear that? That was my mind being blown.

Source: Analysis: Apple's best-ever quarter is no disappointment by MacJournals.com,Jan 23, 2008 5:48 pm

For Those Who Like to Doot Doot D.A.N.C.E.*

Did you that Downloads.com has a music section (music.download.com)? I discovered it recently. Most music you can only stream but there are some free MP3s you can download. Here is one of my favourite songs of the moment:
Justice featuring Mos Def and Spank Rock - "D.A.N.C.E." (Benny Blanco Remix)





*That's an in joke.

You know you are tired when...

You fall asleep on the bus, miss you stop and have to walk 4 blocks in January.

I think Jerry O'Connell just redeemed himself...

A Short Rant About My Physics Lab

1. The physics dept got the bright idea to have reports due two days after lab instead of a week. They did not tell us this until the lab. Even though I lucked out and enrolled in a Thursday lab (meaning a Monday due date), this still is not enough time. It gives a student no time to go to the lab instructor for clarification.

2. This is the first time that they have ever had this particular experiment for this class. I really don't think they realized how long it would take non-physicists to do this lab or this report. I going on to the 7th hour of working on this lab and I'm no where close to being done.

3. They changed the format of the lab so they give the student less directions. They want students to figure out more on their own. Dude, how about you teach us how? they reworded the whole lab book and the instructions are confusing. We get questions like: what is the volume of atmospheric pressure? The volume of atmospheric pressure? Let me think, most of the Earth's atmosphere is within 10km of the surface, the Earth has a a radius of approximately 6,371 km. V=(pi)(6371km - 10km)^3 = [maternal expletive] nothing to do with this experiment!

4. I'm tired and I'm making stupid mistakes. It is nearly 2 am and I wanted to go to bed at 8 pm. I have been averaging less than 6 hours of sleep a night and I look and feel like death. Now I have the tough decision of do I go to bed now and try to wake up early or stay up until it is done?

Overheard in a Call Centre

Coworker1: Oh, you're a musician? What do you play?
Coworker2: Steel drums
Coworker1 [shouting]: HOT!!!
Coworker2: [crickets chirping]

I know I should be asleep but...

I had to tell you my seamed nylons arrived today courtesy of her Majesty's mail. That's right fellow babies, they're imported from England. Not only are they seamed nylons but they are seamed nylons for the big and tall girl.

Blogger's note: I'm not awake from excitement, I'm awake with a case of the "too much homework". That seems to be going around lately. I'm allergic to eggs so I couldn't get the shot for it.

The Student Commutor Workout

Equipment Needed: Shoulder bag containing at least one large hardcover textbook, various food filled plastic container, a travel mug, one clipboard, one package of loose leaf, cell phone and various miscellaneous office supplies

The Workout:
Phase One: Trip to the University
Leave your house in the morning at the last possible minute so it is guaranteed that you will nearly miss your bus. Run like your life depended on it to catch the bus or you will be late for school. Motivation is the key to this workout.

Phase Two: Trip from Class to Class
To get the full benefit, make sure that your professor never end class on time and your next class is on the opposite side of campus, up several flights of stairs.

Phase Three: Trip to Work
Before catching your bus to go to work, purchase lunch from the most popular food establishment to guarantee the longest line thus the longest wait time. Try to eat your food as quickly as possible and underestimate how much time you will need repack your equipment (see above). Run like your life depended on it to catch the bus or you will be late for work.

Once you arrive downtown, get off at least 4 blocks away from work because transferring to the bus that would take you right to work would make you late. To ensure greater motivation, walk to work in the middle of a winter storm. Strong winds not only encourage you to increase your pace but also provide excellent resistance training.

Phase Three: Trip Home
Make sure your boss give you too much work so you have to leave late so you have approximately 8 minutes to cover 3 blocks. This will ensure that you will in fact miss your bus forcing you to run to the next stop two blocks away like your life depended upon it. In fact your life does depend upon it because it is after 9pm, you are downtown and the next bus doesn't come for another hour. As with phase three, winter weather is still a great motivating factor.

The results: Even the fittest person will feel the burn in their abs, legs and shoulders.

Just Call Me Student Lady

Hello Blogosphere! I hope you missed me. I really need to be in bed but we have so much to catch up on.

This week was Teacher Lady's triumphant return to university and what a week it was. I'll try to break it down into categories.

The Bus
I decided not to get a university parking pass and opted instead for a student bus pass. It will also save me gas money. I had a transit pass in Calgary that cost me $75/month and I was amazed that a student pass here is only $48/month (there is no such thing as a student pass in Calgary and an adult pass is for anyone over 14). After studying the routes, I figured out that driving 5 minutes and parking my car at a nearby mall would save me about a half hour of travel time. I was pretty used to this concept since I always used to drive my car to a nearby train station in Calgary.

The first day I took the bus was on Tuesday. After classes, I take the bus downtown to work. As of this week I've shifted to part-time hours and Tuesday was my first 1-9 shift. The plan was to catch the 9:15 bus at Victoria Park which is a couple blocks north of work. As I arrived at the bus stop (early) the bus started to pull away. Since I was coming from behind the bus driver didn't see me. The next stop is at Cornwall and because of the one way streets the bus has to go to Broad and loop around to 11th. Cutting through Scarth Street Mall, "I ran. I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid." I beat the bus there. Actually, I beat the bus there but didn't know it and had to check about 7 other buses to see if they were the right number. I had to double back when my bus arrived. (See illustration below. My path is black, the bus' path is blue). I had two text books in my bag and I was wearing winter boots and the impact on the pavement and the lack of proper footwear bruised the bottoms of my heels.

Excuse the crude path drawing, I'm still learning GIMP

In other news, the route on the way home from the university makes me motion sick. I don't know why but I suspect it is because it winds so much. Today I took Gravol to combat but since I couldn't swallow, it got stuck at the back of my mouth. So gross. Once swallowed, I had a peppermint to get rid of the taste. Bad idea, you should not mix peppermint and Gravol. Peppermint relaxes the esophagus opening* and I think it messed with Gravol working properly. It also made my throat numb. I should have known better.

Classes
This semester is going to kick my butt, as my former roommate used to say. I have five classes (one of which is an honours math class) and two labs, all of which are faculty of science classes. Every week I will have 4 assignments, 2 labs and 1 quiz. Four out of my classes seem like the work will be easy but just a lot of it. My honours class probably will make me cry and make me cry often. I'm struggling with the review material (does not help that I took the prerequisite class over ten years ago). I was slightly comforted by the fact that I have more of a clue of what is going on than the rest of the class (comforting but does not help the grade). A fellow student found notes from a different prof as well as his old assignments and tests. I hope this will be a help since I've only had two classes and I fell like I'm a semester behind.

They restructured the math requirements for Education, Science and Engineering so now everyone takes the same classes (For example: they used to have specific Engineering Calculus classes). I'm not used to such big classes, especially 3rd year math classes. Three out of my five classes are held in lecture theatres. My honours math class only has five people in it and the class room is comically large.

As of today, I am officially an honours student. I had enrolled as one but through a clerical error I was not registered as one. The Department of Math recognized me as one but the university did not. There is a summer research job I'd like to apply for but it needs to say on my transcript that I am an honours student.

Making Myself Known
I'm trying to be bold and make myself know to my professors, lab instructors and people in the math department. I figure it can only help me in the long run so I had to bite the bullet and overcome my shyness. The acting department head is the only professor I have this semester that I've had before. I asked him a question after class and we got talking about his markers (as in people who mark). When I mentioned I previously had been a high school math teacher who has taught Calculus, he encouraged me to apply to be a marker in the fall (too late now). I also randomly ran into the former dept head who I've had many dealings with when I was previously at the university and after as a teacher at conferences. He is retired from teaching but still works at the university running a math education website. He gave me his card because he wants me to come visit him. He wants to talk about my academic future and get my feedback on the website. He was one my favourite profs, second only to Jimmy P (but who can ever complete with a soulful tenor?**) He is so awesome, he has a great bushy beard and wears cable-knit sweaters.

I Am So Old (But I Don't Look It)
Nobody has called me a Narc yet, so that is a plus. Even though I am probably the oldest person (besides the prof) in the class, I don't look it. Some of my classmates look 12 but some look older (poor premature balding boys). It helps that I am mostly taking 3rd year classes.

The university had to reissue my student card since my purse was stolen after the last time I took a class. The girl gave me the option of using my old picture since I "look the same" (her words). I could not believe they would let me use an ID picture from 1996 of an 18 year old Janny. Almost 30 year old Janny approves and will take that as a compliment.

The math dept head looks exactly the same as he did ten years ago. I think he is in his late 40s (judging from how long he has had his PhD). I'm pretty sure he has the same clothes too (or he buys his clothes in bulk). His Dr Martens circa 1994 would be the dead give away.

More stories for another time.....

*gastro-oesophageal sphincter if you want to get technical
**An April Fool's Edition of the U of R newspaper ran an "article" about a boy band comprising of beloved faculty. The nickname, Jimmy P, stuck. Jimmy P, kicking it to you history style.

Wisecracking Applications

I was converting some avi files to mpeg-4 when iSquint kept on switching how long it was going to take. First it would say 7 minutes then less than a minute then back to 7 minutes again. Finally it said:


When you go into advanced settings it announces "What? You think you're better than me?"

***Blush***

To combat boredom, myself and a co-worker make paper snowflakes to decorate our cubicles. Yesterday I was leaving a message on a customer's voice mail. While explaining how I fold my paper, I realized I had not ended the call. Approximately 40 seconds was for message and the other 90 seconds was explanation on how to make paper snowflakes. I don't blush often but my co-workers noted I was beet-red.

Oh Snap*

I spent most of today calling customers to let them know when they can upgrade their cell phone. From as much as I remember, this is a VERY revealing conversation I had today. The names and places have been changed to protect the innocent (and not so innocent).

Teacherlady: Hi, is [Bob] there?
Wife: No, he's at work. Can I take a message?
TL: [Company preamble] Can you let [Bob] know that the cell phone he purchased from us about two years ago is eligible for an upgrade [later this month]?
W: You must have the wrong [Bob], we don't have a cell phone.
TL: Is this the [Bob Smith**] residence?
W: Yes, what address do you have?
TL [Cherrytree Lane]
W: That's our house. When was the phone purchased?
TL: Two years ago.
W: Hmmm, When was the last call made?
TL: Sorry, I don't have access to that information. Only if [Bob] called directly could he find that out. If there has been some sort of mistake, tell [Bob] to call us directly so we can get this fixed.
W: Umm, [long pause] well thank you for telling me. [long pause]
TL: Well, [awkward pause] thank you for your time and hope you have a good day.

A couple minutes later I was on the phone when a co-worker told me there was a very angry woman on the phone who would talk to no one but me. By the time he tried transferring the call, she had hung up.

I explained to my co-workers and supervisor what had happened. Then I told them what I wanted to say the customer if he called in mad. "Number one: It's not my fault that you two have trust issues. Number two: It is not my fault that you are dumb enough to use your house number as your customer contact number for your secret cell phone."

* I never use the phrase but that was my honest reaction after hanging up the phone.
** The real name is actually uncommon so it was no mistaking that I had the right house.

"All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down"

At my previous school, one of the teacher assistants JUST HAD to tell me her daughter's first impression of me. Her daughter pulled up to drop her off at the front when she saw me for the first time. She turns to her mom and says "Look how skinny she is, that's just disgusting." Umm, thanks for the story? The lady thought it was really funny.

I rarely get compliments on my physical appearance. I'm not saying I should but it would at least be a good counter-balance to garbage that comes out of people's mouthes abut my weight. Comments like "I hate how skinny you are" and "You're so skinny, it disgusts me". I've had other comments like "I must weigh 100 pounds" or "I'd break like a twig" or "Eat more, you need to fatten up." What do you think that does to a person's self-esteem? Those are the sort of things that absolutely ring in my ears. Sometimes I want to scream "I'm OK with the way I look, why can't you be OK with the way I look!"

I've even had people "joke" about me being anorexic. Like me having an eating disorder is the ONLY I could be thin. High metabolism, genetics, food allergies and eating relatively well have NOTHING to do with it. There was one friend that said something along those lines that was so hurtful that I walked away from him and never spoke to him again. Talking to people that way is just cool.


This past spring a girl friend was tell us how great it was that this guy was bashing skinny girls. First off, bashing someone else's appearance is not considered a compliment. Secondly, wouldn't anyone rather have a compliment than feeling better by making others feel worse?

When did it become socially acceptable to bash people for the way that they look? I once a friend told me that if she didn't know me she'd hate me because of the way that I look. That is a ballsy statement. My first reaction was wondering how she would feel if I said the same thing to her. I'd probably get slapped and deservingly so.

Lessons of the Day: Instead of tearing people down, try building them up.
Bonus Lesson: People will try to tear you down no matter how you look.

Happy Birthday Sister!

You are a whiter shade of pale but you will always be yellow baby to me. Happy 27th birthday Maryanne.

Impressive

I impressed a young coworker today with my parallel parking skills. It was a tight spot and it took me a bit to get in. He watching me the whole time and I thought he was going to give me a hard time. Bonus points for it being a left side parallel park.

My boss thanked me today for what a good job I've been doing. I don't really think I am doing anything special -- I work hard and ask lots of questions to make sure I am doing it right. The job isn't hard but a lot of my coworkers put the zzzzzzzzzzzz in lazy.

That was then this is now. I started training for the job I was actually hired for today (two weeks after I started). There is so much to learn but it is pretty easy. The funny thing is they've decided to train the inbound reps (what I was hired for) to do outbound calls (what I've been doing for the past two weeks). Since I've been doing such a good job, they told me I'm going to help train. Me? I'm the newest employee and I'm helping train.

I need a Putin shirt

The U.S.S.R. Is Back (on Clothing Racks), Natasha Singer, Published: November 27, 2007
Young and trendy Muscovites are in the throes of nostalgia for the staples of Soviet childhoods.

At a Loss for Words

A school I was supposed to sub for in Calgary is now without a math teacher. They've contacted me, asking if I'd be interested in the job (not offering it but asking me to apply for it). What? You've got to be kidding me. The first thing that popped into my head was "Why didn't this happen a month ago before I moved?" I politely replied that I just started a new job and am content with my decision to return to university.

The job is not the problem. I mentioned it to a friend who is very upset that I left. The question was asked "What's stopping you from coming back?" I know exactly what is stopping me from coming back. How do you tell a good friend that misses you that you have no desire to move back?

SNL Members Hit the YouTubes.

Studio Boss Roger A. Trevanti at the NY Picket Lines


The Mighty Pencil -- HOW TO SUPPORT THE WRITERS

The Gimme List 2007: Part 1 - DVD Edition

I've been thinking about what I want for Christmas. So far I've only thought of DVDs.

• Project Runway: The Complete Second Season (2005) - I've been recently rewatching the second season late at night. I can't tell you how many times I've seen the episodes but it never gets old. The designer "Walk Off"? (of course, Nick and Santino were the best). I could not stop squealing.* The designers dressed as figure skaters? I nearly peed myself. Zulema requesting a walk off then taking Nick's model? Outrageously fabulous backstabbing. I totally want to be BFF with Daniel V. I have an even greater desire to watch TV and be sarcastic with Santino.
• Veronica Mars: The Complete Seasons 1-3 (2004) - I know I have all the episodes on tape or downloaded. This has to be my favourite show of all time, I need the official.
• Help **- I've want this on DVD FOREVER. It has been on my Christmas list for at least three years. I'm serious people!
• Return of the King (Extended) - the only from the LOTR I don't have. It has been on my Christmas list since it was released. I'm stubborn and refuse to buy it for myself.

* This week on Season four they were designing for SJP. I had to pause until I could calm myself down enough so I could actually comprehend what was happening. Fred Flintstone was crying.
** FYI: Help is in limited release in Cineplex theatres next week. In Regina it is only showing once on Monday.

The Cat Hair Makes Me Want to Barf

Alternate title: Janny's First Full Day of Work
Yeah, I thought that would get your attention.

Today I started work at a call centre. I was hired for inbound tech support calls but I can't start training until next week. They ask if I'd come in this week and help with outbound customer care calls. I started my training last night with the expectation I'd be making my first calls today.

What a gong show. There were so many technical problems. One of the supervisors (a long time friend who got me the job) was supposed to listen to my calls and give me feed back but her phone setup wasn't working. She suggested we use another supervisor's phone. Sitting down in her chair, I immediately had an allergic reaction to the cat hair on her coat. Wow, I have never had that bad of an allergic reaction to animal hair (let alone that little of hair). Immediately my throat swelled up and my eyes started to hurt and water. Whenever my eyes hurt, it eventually gives me a migraine which makes me nauseated. Fortunately the other supervisor needed her desk and phone so we just had to wait around until the other phone setup was fixed. I was so glad to get away from that coat.

There were many technical problems through the whole network so I didn't get a lot done on my first full day. From what I was told, the calls I were able to make went well. I didn't think I did that well but then again all I could think about was not throwing up from the cat hair. Not pukey Janny will be a call centre superstar.

I showered and took an anti-histamine. My eyes and throat are better but anti-histamine doesn't help the nausea.

I Think a Couple of Us Need This Shirt...

Spilling a Secret...

Bronwyn likes football.

We Live in a Weird World...

'Virtual theft' leads to arrest, Wednesday, 14 November 2007, 14:37 GMT

Habbo Hotel users create a character and can buy furniture
A Dutch teenager has been arrested for allegedly stealing virtual furniture from "rooms" in Habbo Hotel, a 3D social networking website.

Wow, That's a Really Great Idea

With the current WGA strike, the casts of SNL and 30 Rock are running full benefit shows to help out their production staff. With the NY theatre crews on strike, I guess it is pretty easy to find space for it. I wish I could go.

SNL, with host Michael Cera and musical guest Yo La Tango, will run through an entire episode Saturday at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Manhattan, with the cast of 30 Rock to do the same on Monday. Proceeds from both already sold-out shows will go to each program's production staff.

"We are doing this to raise spirits, raise awareness and raise money for our hardworking production crews who will be having a hard holiday season if this strike continues," SNL player Amy Poehler said in a statement.

Source: Studio Applies Majeure Force to Office, 30 Rock, Natalie Finn, Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:20:07 PM PST

New Favourite Word

pooptuplets

PROJECT RUNWAY!

Although it is yet to be viewed by yours truly, Project Runway Season 4 premiered today! I watched a rerun of the season 2 premiere this evening and I was practicing my Heidi Klum impression.

My pre-season winner prediction is Daniel Franco. HHAHAHAHA, I'm hilarious. Unfortunately anyone who would get the joke does not read my blog. Sigh.

Lynnie and Janny's Day of Fun

I posted new pictures on Flickr. They are mostly of the day Lyn and I spent at the Science Centre.

So not fair

For the last week I've had, at times, extreme pain in my kidneys. I went to the doctor about it and she figured I'm not drinking enough water. Yeah, right. I know I drink enough water but whatever. I'll drink more water and hope I get better.

For the last couple days I was feeling better until last night. This morning I woke up in pain, it hurt to breathe deep. By this evening, my kidneys were feeling better but then my stomach was upset. When my stomach settled down, I got a migraine. I feel like I can't win.

Same Guy (or Generic Hot Guys)

They look the same to me but I'm not sure.

SpyDaddy

Victor Garber is precious. Look at him carrying the doll stroller! Squeal!

Horatio Sanz! Horatio Sanz! Horatio Sanz!

Horatio Sanz had a brief appearance on SNL and it made me happy inside.

Tonight SNL was actually pretty funny. Brian Williams was an awesome host. I loved his "new" Nightly News theme song 'cause that's how he rolls.*

*I realize you really had to see it to get the joke, I'll try to add a video link at a later date.

Some getting used to

Yesterday, for the first time, I let iTunes organize my music and as a result it made duplicate copies of all of my music files. I tried to delete all duplicated files and ended up opening a couple hundred music files and folders. Yikes. The good thing is that the song it started playing was an awesome song that I totally forgot about.

The biggest adjustment to the new computer is the lack of a left and right touchpad click. I'm addicted to the left click but there is only one button. I have some learning to do.

Apples for Apples

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! My new computer came today. I am the proud new owner of a MacBook. This is my first Mac and there is so much to learn. For being such a techie, I feel like a complete novice.

Ninja Parade Slips Through Town Unnoticed Once Again

"Totally Lame" Meme (a little late)

TO DO:
List 5 things you do, did or like that some may consider “totally lame,” but that you are totally proud of.
1. When I play a game, I play by the rules -- no variations. I hate to play "house rules" for Monopoly (i.e. money for free parking, not allowed to buy until after you've gone around the board once, etc.) It only makes a long game even longer. It annoyed my grandma that I didn't want to play Scrabble with 9 tiles instead of 7. I realize there are many variations of card games which does not bother me as long as the rules and variations are decided on before the game starts.

2. I still love the Daily Show. I've had a huge crush on Jon Stewart ever since "the Jon Stewart Show" that came on after Lettermen for a brief time. Some people say it isn't as funny as it used to be but show like it change in waves. Right now a lot of the "correspondents" are relatively new and trying to find the pace of the show. Most people don't remember what it was like when Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Rob Corddry and Ed Helms were new. Exact same thing. At the time I was heartbroken that Mo Rocca, Nancy Walls and Beth Littleford were gone. Eventually over time the new people became favourites as well.

3. I adore Martha Stewart. Yesterday I was reminded of it when she said a recipe called for 2 rims of celery. Martha would never incorrectly call it a stalk. People don't realize how funny she is unless you've seen her eat bean burritos and drink malt liquor on Conan.

4. Math & Science. People don't realize that I love learning about any topic but math and science seems to be less socially acceptable.

5. As many others have mentioned, I have many stuffed animals in my room (well my room in Calgary, they are packed away right now). I have a friend who is a complete minimalist, she thinks anything that does not have a use and is used often needs to be gone. It is so beyond her comprehension to keep something for sentimental reasons. My stuff animals were on top of my bookshelves, they weren't in the way of anything. She said to me "You are a grown woman, you should not have stuffed animals!" I completely disagreed.

Back for Good

I don't know if you've heard or not, I've moved to Regina. I arrived on Monday.
Upon leaving Calgary, a friend congratulated me on escaping the "hole".

RIP Todd

The beloved hamster Todd (AKA Roadkill) passed away in his sleep early yesterday evening. I'll never forget the time you ate the bead off this moccasin. You will be missed.

"Hey I like you… what's not to like? But you need to access your uncrazy side."

It is strange but I think Darryl is perfect for Kelly. He knows exactly what she is like and calls her out for it.

Oot of the Closet

Best. Day. Ever. The Daily Show launch their new website today and posted tons of videos. I found the story they did about Regina and Bill Whatcott.

I'm squishing up my baby bumble bee...

won't my mommy be so proud of me.

I sorted through my teaching stuff and I got rid of 4 bins worth of binders. All teaching textbooks and binders have been condensed down to 3 bins. Once I have time after moving I plan to scan most of the contents of my binders which will eliminate another bin.

Bad, Bad Idea

Teachers Agree to Bonus Pay Tied to Scores
By ELISSA GOOTMAN
Published: October 18, 2007
"Bonuses for New York City teachers would be based largely on the overall test scores of students at schools that have high concentrations of poor children."

Good idea in theory but I think it will just promote corruption and teaching to the test. I see this happening too much even when money is not involved. How very fitting that just this evening I came across a quote from Sask Learning that said "Having standards does not mean standardization." Beautiful.

I can finally order my new computer

It was announced this morning that Mac OS X Leopard is available on October 26. I'll wait until I've moved before I order. I am so excited.

The Battle of the Beards

Who's beard is better, Jack Shephard (Lost) or Nathan Patrelli (Heroes)?

*** Warning: Don't read the article until you've watched last year's season finales of both shows.*****

Right Brain versus Left Brain

Bron saw her turning counter-clockwise, I saw her turning clockwise. Right brain thinker? Makes sense to me. I've taken a lot of career interest and personality tests in my time and it isn't tell me anything new.

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

Into the Mind of Janny

I have been having wacked out dreams in the last week.

* BBQ at Dolly Parton's interrupted by a sea monster in the lake. Fleeing for our lives in a 1986 Astro Caravan (obviously what Dolly Parton would drive).

* Upon meeting Madonna at the grocery store, insisting to show her my Grade 9 PE dance routine. I couldn't remember it but kept on dancing.

*My uncle and his friends playing laser tag with corn dogs. I could not convince them it wouldn't work. They claimed since the corn dogs had extra long sticks, it would. They proved me wrong.

Why it is Hard Not to Laugh in Church

* It took me awhile to realize that he meant "evolving" instead of "evoluting"
* "Don't get mixed up with computers"
* "She was quite the musician with the guys with the batons" (As he twirls imaginary batons)
* The dude in front of me was wearing swim trunks.
* "At home I read the old version of the Bible". I wondered if it was the Dead Sea Scrolls.
* "I was excommunicated. Joy, joy, joy".

Andy Punches

I'm not sure why I find this funny. It is so random. Let me know what you think.

One of the Mysterious of Life

How do I have 17 unpaired socks? How did I lose 17 socks? Where did I lose 17 socks? What does one do with 17 unpaired socks?

Boss of No One

As much as my sister bugs me that I like being the boss, I really don't. I have so much to to do before I go away for the weekend and then so much to do before moving I don't know where to even begin. I need someone to tell me what to do.

Procrastinator's Clock

Do you find that setting your clock ahead still doesn't get you out the door faster? Then A Chindogu Clock for Procrastinators maybe for you. The clock is guaranteed to be up to 15 minutes fast but speeds up and slows down unpredictably so you never truly know how much time you have.

Let The Boys From 'Flight of the Conchords' Eat Cake

Posted by Nick Haramis at October 1, 2007, 3:01 PM

A very funny interview with Bret and Jemaine. I want to say my favourite part but Ky would punch me for giving it away.

Stay Gold

S.E. Hinton and the groundbreaking 'Outsiders' , The Associated Press, Posted: October 3, 2007

S.E. Hinton reflects on the 40th anniversary of The Outsiders. She was just a teenager when she wrote it. Interestingly, the novel changed the way English was taught in high schools. Librarians and teachers were the reason the book became a best seller.

Silver Lining

I am so excited that my new glasses came in early. They weren't supposed to come in until Friday morning but yesterday afternoon I got a call they were in.

I am so excited not to wear my contacts anymore -- my eyes were getting too ouchie. I do have some soreness in my eyes but I looked it up and it is probably because I haven't wore glasses in over a week (and my contacts so little). The website suggested putting them on as soon as I wake up in the morning and they will get better.

What Were You Watching Last Night?

I fell in love with a new show last night called Pushing Daisies. I heard a lot about it and it more than lived up to the hype. I love this show for the same reason I love movies like Babe and Amelie : surreal, beautiful, so entirely pleasant and sweet you can't help but squeal.

'Daisies' dazzles eyes, warms heart, CHUCK BARNEY: AS SEEN ON TV,Contra Costa Times

Article Launched: 10/03/2007 03:06:57 AM PDT



****If you don't want to be spoiled about my favourite part of the show, avert your eyes.















At the end of the show, Ned and the girl named Chuck both hold their own hands pretending to be holding each others. Sigh, so sweet.

How embarassing....

I was having problems with an e-bill account when the customer rep needed my password to help. When I create a password I'm expecting that no one will ever know what it is. I could feel myself turning red. Oy with the poodles already.

This is the worst day to look and feel unattractive.* I have a friend who is has a custom formal wear business and as a favour I am in a fashion show tonight. For the last six months or so I've had problems with really bad acne all over my neck and of course it is beyond horrible today. In addition to that I have no idea how to do my newly short hair. Argh. Also, my eyes are completely blood shot from my contacts that I have been wearing all the time.** I'm praying for a valid reason not to go.
It is a very strange occurrence for me to be treated sole on how I look at these fashion shows. People talk to you like you don't even have a thought in your head, no different than a mannequin.

* I realize I am a complete Debbie Downer lately but without Horatio Sanz wiping his eyes with waffles.
* *Yes, I realize that flushing your glasses down the toilet is funny to those of who are not unemployed and need new glasses. Even when it happened I was half laughing an crying. Now that since my eyes hurt so much from my contacts, it is no laughing and more crying.

Optimus Janice

janice --

[noun]: A human transformer (Robot in disguise)

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