Dull, dull, dull

I am so close to being ready for Tuesday when the students come. After many hassles with the school's photocopier and printer, all I have left to do is look over my class notes.

My life has been rather dull the last couple days. I've been slacking off on procrastinate. The only thing I do when I am not working is watch reruns of Project Runway and Popular. All though I am super-pumped there is a Project Runway marathon tomorrow. Ugh, I have no life.

On the bargain front, I got a Sony flash drive for $10 yesterday.

What is Wrong with this Picture?

Why does Matt Damon look scared of Leonardo DiCraprio? He better be just preparing to kick him in the back of the head or I have lost all respect for him.

Drowning in Paperwork

Slowly but surely my to-do list for Monday is getting longer and longer. This is my chance to start over in a new school and make a good impression. Not that I made a bad impression in the past but I have made mistakes that I don't want to repeat. This time the situation is different too. I'm not longer a public school teacher in a small rural community.

This will be the first time in my memory that I will not be going away for the Labour Day Weekend. Too much work to do. I have no idea how I am going to get everything done and I plan to work all weekend.

In stupid computer news, I downloaded a trial version of a grade program and I think it changed my clock. I visited a web site and the browser told me that the security certificate was for a future date. I checked my clock it was set to August 8, 2004. What the aitch? Certainly encourages me to buy the full version.

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Dude Looks Like a Lady

Interesting Fact:
The 1987 Aerosmith song "Dude Looks Like a Lady" is about singer Vince Neil.


The things you learn from the TV listing channel.

Nineteen years later, dude no longer looks like a lady.

Calling all Janices

I am one of two Janices that teach at this school. Not confusing at all. The director just called over the intercom for Janice to come down to the office, not specifying which one. I yelled down the hall "Which Janice?" because I was raised in a barn. They didn't know so I had to go to the director's office. He was playing a joke. However it was determined that I am the Janice with the quickest reaction time.

It is really weird to be working with another Janice. I went to a high school with over 1200 students and I was the only Janice. It might seem weird but I'm annoyed by her only for the reason that her name is the same. How dare her name be Janice! Here are some alternative names I am working to differentiate myself:
- Tall Drink of Water (the other Janice is like 3 feet tall)
- Hot Janice (obviously)
- Patrick likes Lyn better than Janice but at least Janice has never creeped Patrick out (or PLLBTJBALJHNCPO for short)
Other Suggestions?

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Porridge Brain

My brain is complete mush and I haven't been able to focus on one thing all day. It is partially because I have been fighting a headache for the past 5 days and partially because I worked 11 hours yesterday. My body isn't used to teacher hours anymore. It will take awhile to adjust to things.

The ADD approach to lesson planning:
I was looking for science cartoons but then I remembered that John Boy Walton was in a WWI movie that I saw in high school but couldn't remember the name. So after I looked up the name of the movie, it got me thinking about the ABBA song Voulez-Vous (the reason only makes sense if you watch the movie). I tried to look for ideas for bonus marks. While I was searching for enrichment activities, I remembered that I need to resources for helping students prepare for diploma exams. A million things started but nothing finished. Finding out John boy was in the 1979 version All Quiet on the Western Front was the only task I finished.

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Inner Neil Simon

Maybe if you did see the show it isn't funny, I however find it hilarious.

"Poor Jeffrey's inner Neil Simon. He's probably jaundiced from the curdled ambition and misguided need for attention flowing through Jeffrey's veins. Jeffrey's inner Neil Simon needs some sunlight. And a weekend with an iron lung."
TWOP's recap of Project Runway

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Did You Miss Me?

Today is my second day official of work at the school. The students do not come until after the long weekend. All last week I worked on lesson planning on Monday through Wednesday, Thursday I ran errands and then Friday and Saturday I was at the school setting up my classroom and organizing the science lab. Some highlights:
* I was incredibly annoyed with the condition of the lab. I found out the reason why yesterday -- the regular teacher was on maternity leave last year and the lab went to pot. I so far I have spent over ten hours cleaning and organizing the lab. I am hoping I will be done this week.
* There are quite of few teachers here around my age and we hit it off right away. Yesterday while I was cleaning two other teachers visited with me and got nothing done themselves. Our classrooms have to be ready for tonight because we have an orientation night so the other two were scrambling to get ready today.
* There are over 100 thumbtacks in my walls.
* My schedule got completely changed around yesterday. On Friday a teacher informed the administrators that she will not be able to teach this coming year because her breast cancer has come back. She had just found out. Some teachers who were not working full time were given some more classes and our schedules changed. Fortunately, my new classes are in second semester.
* I overslept this morning and made it to work in 22 minutes. The commute usually takes over a half hour (do not ask how fast I was driving). I was only 3 minutes late.

I'm a little annoyed right now. A goodbye party for a friend was last night and I found out about it this morning. The invitation was sent out by email and I still don't have Internet at home. I was able to figure out how to connect my own.

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A True Friend

A saw a quote recently that said a true friend will be there for you even when they rather be somewhere else.  As soon as I read it, I immediately thought of a time I had done that for a friend.  As I was listening to her cry, I felt guilty that I wanted to be somewhere else.  I wanted to be somewhere else but I stayed because she needed me. I was there for her many times before and many times after. Unfortunately, years later when I really needed her she was not there for me.  I got a lot of lame excuses -- I felt so used. Even though it was a long time ago, I guess I still have not gotten over the hurt of that.  Suddenly, she was in the position where she need me again.  I was hesitant due to a history of her taking and never giving.  It felt a little heartless not to help her out but yet I didn't want to be taken for a fool.

A couple weeks ago, I had a conversation about giving someone another chance versus guarding yourself from being taken advantage of.  I think it is very difficult to know when to do what.  As a teacher, I had many students that their word meant nothing to me since they had been given so many chances but never delivered.  As the saying goes "I can't hear what you are saying because your actions are speaking too loud".  So when is the point that you can start trusting someone again?  I think you should forgive but when do you give them another chance?

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First Speed Bump

There was a misunderstanding about my teacher certificate with the school. The principal had some paperwork to fill out for me but was never told that she had to. The director didn't entirely understand the process and thought it was something that I filled out. When I inquired as to the progress, the director had a mini-freak out that it was not done yet. He gave me the principal's home number and she reassured me that it won't take long. She was not worried about it at all.

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aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

For about the 6th time, MS Word has closed due to errors. Every time I make a change I save just so I don't lose it. I'm trying to plan a Chemistry unit and it is going no where fast. This is completely ridiculous. I just needed to shout.

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Another Brick in the Wall

I feel like it is the last day of school before summer vacation. Ironically it is my last day of work before going back to school. Much like the last day of school, I have accomplished very little and can't wait to get out of here. Unfortunately I can't ditch my last day of work.

I'll met you out at the moon tower.

My posting might be sporadic for the next couple of weeks: I can't get Internet until my landlord comes back from France. Even thought that sounds like a fib, it is the truth.

It is for your own good...

I saw this drug dealer on TV last night who said it wasn't her fault that people came to her to buy drugs. People make their own choices. Yes, people make their own choices but that doesn't mean temptation should be readily available. I came to the realization that I am a procrastination pusher. Some people deal drugs, I deal in the delicious avoidance of work. They didn't call me Captain Procrastination for nothing in high school. My sister maybe the queen but she is just a figure head.

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Murisophobia

I may never be able to enter my apartment again. I think I'll start sleeping in my car.

Last night, I was reading a book and waiting for another excellent episode Project Catwalk when out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw something move. I went to check it out, hoping I was wrong since it looked bigger than a spider. I peeked behind my armchair and there was a mouse! I shrieked and the pesky rodent ran under the door to the laundry room. (I'm glad it didn't run around my apartment.) I shrieked. I never felt less like a strong independent woman when my first thoughts were cursing the fact I had no man to kill it.

After consultation with my brother-in-law, I put tape along the threshold to the laundry room and doused it with paprika. I then shoved rags and old towels under the door so it would not be able to enter. My apartment smelled extra spicy this morning.

I had a blanket in the wash but there was no way I was going to retrieve it. I think I am going to wait until my landlord comes home from vacation in 2 weeks. He can get it for me.

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Open Chest Wound

Unfortunately I am too much of a klutz to have finger nails that shine like justice. I stabbed myself in the chest with my nail putting on my tank top. The cut is about 2 cm long and bled like crazy.

My nails are so pretty, I can't bare to cut them. I made my dad laugh out load at Staples when I regaled the fact people think that I have fake nails because "how could something so beautiful be real?" My dad rarely laughs out loud. Yes, I know I am ridiculous.

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Turbulence + Janny = A Pukey Good Time

Ok, I didn't puke on my plane ride back but I nearly did..

First off, security at the airport changed a lot in the few short days between my flights. At least I knew there were going to be through searches so I made sure to take as little as possible for carry-on baggage. I did meet a cute guy on his way to Montreal while we were waiting for our computers to be checked.

The flight started out ok. As we approached Calgary, we hit some wicked turbulence and I prayed to God that I would not puke in front of strangers. I had my barf bag ready just in case but by God's grace, I did not. I have a hard enough time dealing with airplane travel when flying is good. I have to keep my eyes closed and breathe deeply during the planes ascent and descent. It makes no sense at all; I used to be the kind of person who could go on the scariest fair rides and barely be effected*. Now I nearly get sick on swings.

As mentioned before, I have thrown up on an airplane before, thus the fear. This was a slightly different circumstance since the main cause was flying to a job interview the day after having a wisdom tooth removed. A combination of the anesthetic still not entirely out of my system and taking pain killers on an empty stomach was too much for me. The second worse thing: my interview was in a couple hours and I threw up in my hair. The flight attendants would not let me get off the plane by myself so they sent for a wheelchair. So everyone paraded passed the girl who puked on the plane wishing me well. The worse thing: the wheelchair was pushed by possibly the most attractive man I have ever met in my life. Of course I had to meet an attractive man with puke in hair, any other way would just be un-Janny like.


*The exception would be the time the carny kept Kristin and I on the Octopus ride waaaaaaaaaaay too long.

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Greetings from Victoria

Currently I am visiting my sister and brother in-law in Victoria.  When I board the plane in Calgary, one of the other passengers looked vaguely like my friend's boyfriend (I have not seen him in over 6 years).  Sure enough, right behind him was my friend from high school.  They just got married  that weekend and were on their honeymoon.  We didn't have much time to talk then but we did catch up when waiting for our luggage. 
She was not at the recent high school reunion either but heard reports that the two of us are the only ones who "did not get fat".  I take comfort that I am still young and hot and they are not.
It is very strange how the only place I run into people from my past is on airplanes.  One time I saw a guy who was a flautist in my elementary band.  It made throwing up on the airplane even more embarrassing.

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Interesting Facts I Learned

1. Nose hair can be waxed (as seen on one of those reality make-over shows).
2. There was a Bollywood movie filmed in Calgary.
3. An octothorp is the symbol #. I thought it was called the pound sign.

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Great Moments in Klutziness

I stubbed my big toe and split the nail two days ago. Yesterday I stubbed the same toe again and made it way worse. It is not as bad as the great toe injury of July 2005 but pretty close.

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Singer in Disguise

Oh dear goodness, Elvis Stojko set to release debut album

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Most movie reviews include information about the rating. This was from the NY Times review of Talladega Nights:
“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). Like any respectable country ballad, it has cussin’, fightin’, cheatin’ and drinkin’."

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Sad Return

I am in my hometown for the long weekend. On my way into the city, I noticed a fire just outside the city. At first it looked like a farmer burning stumble. As I entered the city dozens of police, fire trucks and ambulances were arriving on the scene. At 5:30 (and still going no where) I checked the radio and heard the news that a plane crashed. You couldn't tell from the road.
Light plane in fatal crash near Regina airport

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Ironies in Works Cited

From an email I sent yesterday:
"I'm reading this book for work called The New Evidence. He constantly uses tertiary sources and I might track him down and kick him in the nuts."

If submitted in a university class, this book would fail.

Irony of all ironies, I am reading a section of the book today called "Did the Writer Use Primary Sources?" It is about how to tell if a text is valid.

I propose that either this guy goes to the original sources or rename it The Sucky Evidence.

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Music to Change Your Oil to

I took my car in for an oil change this morning. When I dropped it off, I made a point to shut off my music. When I started my car to take it home again, I realized someone had been listening to my CD. I'm very proud of my CD, it is my first attempted at a "Get Psyched" mix. Instead of the High Fidelity formula, this CD is all rise. I'd like to think the mechanic recognized the awesomeness of my mix CD and blared it for the whole garage to hear.

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No One Ever Accused Dictionary People of Being Cool

Merriam-Webster's The Story of Phat

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MS Word must be a man...

Because only a man could frustrate me this much. The program has closed due to errors 3 times in a half hour. The first time I had not saved in awhile so it was especially frustrating.

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Perils of Sunscreen

On Sunday afternoon, I met some friends at a beach south of the city. It took me over a half hour to drive there. It was a beautiful hot, hot day.
The beach had volleyball courts but no nets. Some of my friends decided that they would fashion a net out of towels. I declined to help and instead watch this comedy of errors. Of course they didn't even consider they would not be able to see through the net. Just as they were about to finish, a wicked wind storm started and blew all their hard work away.
The wind caused the temperature dropped 14 C in about a half hour. Do you know what is not a pleasant feeling? Sand hitting you at 60+ km/h. Good thing I wore sunscreen so all the sand stuck to me. I don't think I have been so filthy since the week I pretended to bath when I was 4.
We abandoned the beach for BBQ at a friend's house. I was only at the beach for less than an hour. I spent more time in the car than at the beach.

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You have to be kidding me...

Stones add second Regina show

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Pretty Big News

On Friday, I got a teaching job. I will be teaching math, physics and chemistry at a private school. I'm a little freaked out since I have never taught chemistry before (I haven't even taken any chemistry since high school). I'll manage. I'm actually going out to visit my sister and brother in-law in Victoria next week. Chris is going to help me with unit planning and what-not.

I think there is something missing

From Wikipedia:
This image clearly shows the timeline of the Big Bang.

Sad and Lonely Janny

I found out today that a friend who was planning to move to the city is not now. I am so sad. I was so happy that finally I was going to have someone to hang out with. I'm trying my hardest not to start crying at work.

Rolling Stones in Regina

Usually as I get ready in the morning, I have a national news network on. Very rarely does a news story make up stop what I am doing and talk notice. One of the top national news stories this morning: "Rolling Stones to Play Regina". What? I must have misheard the anchor. I waited for the news story and I had heard correctly.

I checked the Canadian concert dates:
Halifax - not a huge city but known for their rockin' music scene. So not entirely unbelievable.
Regina - even smaller city than Halifax but not known for their rocking in the free world.
Vancouver - makes sense, big city and a usual stop for big name acts.

There is no stops in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton or Calgary.

I am not a Rolling Stones fan but I'm just in disbelief over this whole situation. Regina had never had this big of an act come to the city before. Good for you Regina! Show them a good time (like I know you can).

Strange Life in a Boom Town

Calgary to mark population milestone with one millionth citizen

On two separate occasions this weekend, people I have been with have started talking about how weird it is to live in Calgary. I volunteered at a homeless shelter on Saturday night and met people who had jobs but were still homeless. This is just the working poor, this is the working homeless. That is just stupid.
The other conversation was about the lack of workers in the service industry. We have certain grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants that close early because of a lack of workers. A city of a million people and I can not find a drug store open after 10 pm. My hometown has a population of over 200,000 and most are open until 12pm or open 24 hours a day. Very annoying.
Calgary is supposed to be "the promised land". What is so great about a place that can't attract workers because the cost of living is too high?

Vegetable Circus Tricks

By juggling carrots?

Image source: bbc.co.uk

When Storms are Bullied

I bet Tropical Storm Beryl was teased when he was young. The combination of pudginess, thick glasses and severe asthma made Beryl an easy target. Kids can be so cruel.

Lebanon Evacuation

From CBC News Online Photo Gallery
Those children are so precious.

Tuneless No More

I have been converting audio cassettes from the library at work into mp3 files for the last little while. Today I figured out how to listen to music and convert at the same time.

An apartheid society existed in early Anglo-Saxon Britain, research suggests.

Britain 'had apartheid society' on BBC.co.uk about why today's population is mainly of a Germanic origin.

Reunion

I heard rumours for awhile that there was a 10-year high school reunion being planned. I artfully dodged someone on the planning committee just a month ago when I was back in Regina. I figure not "knowing" about it is a good excuse not to go. About two weeks ago, she left a message with my mom asking for my mailing address. I found out today that the reunion is this Saturday. So even if I wanted to go, I couldn't -- I'm already avoiding a family reunion this weekend.
For the record, I am a little curious about what people have been up to all these years. Unfortunately none of my close friends from high school are going so I'd rather not.

Veronica Mars Season 3 Scoop

They have started press junkets promoting the new season.

Impatiently Waiting for LoVe

I found out from TV Diva Kristin that Veronica Mars' season premiere is not until Oct. 3. That is another 77 days from today. I might possibly go insane.

Get into Hoff's Car if you dare.

Law and Order: Overkill

‘Law & Order’ Meets the Law of Supply and Demand By JACQUES STEINBERG
In the TV spinoff system, the brand most in need of a shake-up is represented by Dick Wolf. This is his story.

The Camper Returns

This past weekend, my family met for our annual camping trip. All of my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins from my mom's side of the family were there, 25 in all. The only person missing was my brother. We did however have a non-related Shannon there.
Thoughts on the weekend:
My aunts and uncles might start hating me for teaching my cousins Cowboy, Ninja, Bear. Don't hate the player, hate the game.

Swimming amongst dead fresh water shrimp is not my idea of a good time.

Laying on the beach all day can be exhausting.

The town of Balzac never stops being funny.

JT has seen better days...

"What's that sonny? There's gold in dem there hills?"

Can We Say "Fugly"?

There are certain people in my life that I don't care too much how I look when I am around them. Maybe it is better to say I am not concerned. I should really know better; it always seems you run into the people you want to look good for when you look like a train wreck. The only saving grace is being oblivious to how crappy you look and realizing it later.

Pillow time Again

I am so sleepy I can barely keep my eyes open. It certainly does not help that I was working on database entry. Maybe eating some more and caffeine would help? Being sick at work sucks. I don't want to go home because I booked off Friday from work weeks ago for a family camping trip.

Ugh

Sorry for the lack of posting. I feel like I have been apologising a lot for that lately. I was gone last week and this week I've been sick. Less sick from something I caught and more allergies acting up.
I have a diet where I am supposed to eat certain foods in a four day rotation, making sure I have all the foods I'm allergic to at least once a week. Unfortunately I was at a family church camp last week where I have little control over the food that is available. This and the combination of stress has cause me to be sick by anything I eat. Good times when you have to choose between going hungry or being sick. To conclude, I am so the geek at the party.

I'll try to post more today.

News Articles I Found Interesting

I was away from the computer last week. This morning I was catching up on the news articles I missed.

From BBC News:
Stroke gives woman foreign accent

From The New York Times:
At Colleges, Women Are Leaving Men in the Dust
Old Media, Not New, Is World Cup Winner

Day 45 without Internet...

I might simply go insane. I still don't have Internet at my apartment. The modem was ordered over 3 weeks ago and it was supposed to be here 2 weeks ago. So answer your question, yes the only blogging I've done in the last month and a half has been at work.

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Strange Dream

Last night I had a dream that I was staying in a hotel suite with Ky and Amanda. Suddenly about 50 people I know came over just about the time we were going to check out and no one would leave. People upstairs were filling out forms for Canada Post. The room was completely silent becuase people had to concentrate so hard. I went downstairs and there was a bunch of guys watching a movie called 28 27 29 (not a real movie just a made up one in my dream). A lot of the movies weren't labeled so I got a marker and started guessing what movie it was. The guys got mad it me for that. I told you it was a strange dream. All though it is not as strange as dream I had about playing beach volleyball with my sister, parents and elderly grandmother.

I swear it is a different Janice

I was reading Ultratart this morning when this sentence caught my eye:
"But, you know, way to go, Janice: bringing hot naked dudes in underwear to the American public. It is about time. Bless you. You are doing God's work."

My honest response was "I didn't do that". Does it make me self-centred to not consider that there maybe other Janices in this world?

World Cup Sadness

I wanted Italy to win (mostly for the sake of my fantasy football team) but I feel so bad for Austraila's goalkeeper. He looks so sad because he knows with only seconds left in the game there is no way they can win.

From Greeks to Majorettes

Two events of note from this weekend:
1) Late Saturday night, I saw two teenage boys walking down the street in togas.
2) Yesterday some people from my church went to sing at a nursing home. After I finished reading a verse instead of shutting off the microphone, I pushed a button that produced a drum roll.

If you haven't already seen it, you need to check out
Wes Anderson's American Express Ad.
Simply brilliant but you may only find it funny if you have seen his movies.

Another Random Celebrity Trio

I like to imagine the kind of conversations Shirley MacLaine, Mischa Barton and Kevin Spacey. It scares me that Kevin Spacey seems to be the most normal of the bunch.

I'm not sure it can beat last year's Johaniven grouping.

corey^2

It was only a matter of time before it happened...Two Coreys Together Again.

Stanley Cup Fun

I was at a wedding this evening so I missed tonight's hockey game. I got home I was checking out NHL.com for the recap when a link caught my eye...Stanley Cup having lunch with Kurt Russell

That is Not Natural

Nothing says World Cup like a romance between a lion and a soccer ball.

Two hearts as one? Sweet berry princess! What is wrong with the Germans (host of the World Cup)?

Quick Questionaire

1. What is the best line ever from a song?
"But nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight -- Got to kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight" - Bruce Cockburn "Lovers in a Dangerous Time"

A shoutout for my favourite of the moment:
"I really love your hairdo yeah/ I'm glad you like mine too/ See where lookin' pretty cool will get ya" - The Dandy Warhols "Bohemian like You"

2. From a movie?
"Never underestimate the predicatiblity of stupidity"
Sntach (2000)

3. What color underwear are you wearing right now?
white and pink

4. What book is currently on your night stand?
Euclid's Window by Leonard Mlodinow

5. Are you living up to your potential?
No, I am not.

6. Complete the following sentence: I can't wait to:
Go to sleep tonight. I have people coming over tonight so it was a mad dash to finish unpacking and clean last night. I went to bed late then had to get up early today.

7. Your major in college?
Secondary Math Education

8. Plans for this weekend?
Going back to Regina for a wedding. On Friday I will travel there and spend time with my brother in the evening. On Saturday morning, I will help with the bouquets/visit my sister. Saturday evening is the wedding. Sunday is the first Father's Day in about 6 years that I will be able to have dinner with my family.

Birthday Road Trip #1

I can't believe I have not had time to write about this until now, this happened nearly 3 weeks ago. Anyway, late news is better than no news.

I worked 13 hours on Saturday and was ready for a much needed break. Sunday was my friend's birthday and the plan was to go out to his dad's cabin for the day.

We all met at my friends house so we could car pool out to the cabin since it was about an hour away. When we were deciding who was going with who, I was told that I was going in the vehicle that had to pick up someone on our way out of town. A couple problems with that situation:
1) The driver was not told that he had to pick anyone up and I mentioned after we left.
2) No one knew how where this guy lived that we had to pick up.
3) When we phone the birthday boy for directions, they were wrong
4) When we called the guy we were picking up for directions once we realized we were lost, he gave us the wrong house number.
All of this resulted in us leaving the city over an hour later than we were supposed.

After for traveling for about an hour, we realized that we had missed a turn off. The only person who knew the way was reading and not paying attention.

We had a lot of fun traveling. Lots of "car dancing", Oiler flag waving and funny conversations. The driver even invented a new dance which I believe he calls "Feeding the Baby".

Am I the Only One Who Finds this Funny?

Yesterday I went to a meeting downtown and walked past an office belonging to "Chuck Morris". I pointed it out to my boss and he didn't get why it was funny. this man is an honest to goodness Walker, Texas Ranger fan and he didn't find it amusing that the guy was named Chuck Morris.

To celebrate the occasion, we need Walker, Texas Ranger Clips from Conan.

P.S. There was also a cubicle for a person named Pinky Heirs.

Quote of the Day

"That's good pancreas music."
DR. WILLIAM B. INABNET, a surgeon who plays the Red Hot Chili Peppers during operations.

All the kids are doing it

I decided when ever I get upset I'm going to yell "Sweet berry princess!" It works, trust me. You should try it.

Fashionably Pregnant

I knew there was a reason I was not married yet. God knows me so well. He knew I needed the assurance of fashionable maternity clothes before I could even consider it.
Showing? It's Time to Show Off

Is this thing on?

Sorry, I have not been able to log on forf two days.

Alright, alright, I'll update my blog

I know I have not updated in awhile but it is difficult when I do not have Internet access at home. The only time I have Internet access during the day is at work. (Shhhhh, don't tell my boss I'm blogging at work).

In other news, I rule at html. I could not figure out why all the text on my blog was suddenly centered. I thought it was the new program I use to post blogs. It turns out it was bad html in the Snatch quiz I posted. I didn’t even think to check it until last night.

So what has happened in my life since I last posted?

Things have really quieted down since the health conference is over. From the stand point of the attendees, board members and speakers, things went smoothly. From my stand point, not so smoothly. I had to deal with
- a stage that was two feet higher than it was supposed to be
- catering crew that never brought things out on time
- site coordinator that was not on-site
- set up crew who lost their schedule so missed a stage change
Really the worse thing that happened in the day is that some people had to wait a couple minutes for their lunch. Also we had to take an extra break due to the stage set up not being complete. I’m just glad it is done.

I mostly have been unpacking boxes and boxes and boxes at home. When I am not unpacking boxes I am either sleeping or at work. I am rather proud of myself that I sort through all of my school stuff last week (which is a monumental task). Last night I finished organizing my kitchen. Tonight I’ll be able to finish organizing my bedroom.

Lots more to catch up on later. Next up: Birthday road trips!

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Oilers heading to the Finals

On April 19, I predicted that the Edmonton Oilers would be the Canadian hockey team that would do the best in the Stanley Cup playoffs. So for all of you nay-sayers (***cough, cough, Derek***), I was right.

Unheralded Oilers Reach Cup Finals

A quick explanation to my reasoning (for sport and non-sport fans alike):
1) The Oilers do not depend on one or a couple high profile players. Their success comes from playing well as a team.
2) If Detroit (in top place in the league) couldn't stop them, no one could.
3) They had to work crazy hard to just make it to the playoffs. This work ethic carried into the playoffs.

I am a proud Montreal Canadiens fan so my analysis was not clouded by loyalty of any kind. I do admit I have been cheering for the Oilers so my prediction would be right. The coolest thing about this whole thing is that I found out that people I know have been talking about my prediction. These were people that I mentioned to in passing over a month ago. I really didn't think they were listening to me.

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Awesome Sandwich

I had roast chicken sandwich with cranberries and melted havarti. I rule.

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Road Trip complete with 13 year olds

This past weekend I drove 3 13 year olds to a church camp in Saskatchewan and back again. The trip there was pretty good with the exception of the girl who would loudly proclaim "I'm bored" the second a conversation ended. the trip home was a different story...
I thought we were doing pretty good for time. We left the camp about 2 hours earlier than I had told the parents we would. There was a huge line of traffic right before the bridge to get to the highway. As we waited about 9 cops cars past us. We figured it was a really bad accident up ahead.
After about a half hour, a police officer directed us to drive on the shoulder to pass. As we approached the bridge we saw that protesters had blocked the road. Later I heard that other people had to wait more than an hour to get past.
My biggest mistake of the trip was letting the boys have two ice cappuccinos. Apparently 13 year olds who are barely 5 feet should not have that much caffeine. Being a teacher, I should have known better.

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Trumpet Blast from the Past

Yesterday, on my way home from work, I was behind 3 buses from Saskatchewan. I thought that was pretty cool. Then I realized that there were high school band and choir students on the buses from my old high school! Bizarre. Every year the band and choir take a trip and leave the Wednesday before the Victoria Day Weekend and return on Saturday night.
Note: For those who do not know me, I live 8 hours away from my hometown. This is why it is so surprising to see buses from my high school.

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Feelin Hot, Hot, Hot

I know I have not updated in awhile but I don't have Internet at home yet.
The last couple days it has been so busy at work, I've only been able to dedicate about a couple hours a night to unpack. I almost have the kitchen unpacked but for the rest of the rooms I still have a long way to go.
This afternoon I had a meeting downtown. The fellow employee I went to the meeting with decided to stay and visit a friend who works downtown. It is 28C right now. I walked to the train from the office building (less than 10 minutes), waited outside for the train to arrive (about 5 minutes), rode the non-air conditioned train (about 20 minutes) and walked back to the office (about 15 minutes). I get all the way back to the office and I realize that my fellow employee has my keys and no one in the office. I am locked outside in hot weather and I had run out of water while I was walking downtown. I won't tell you how but I broke into the building.

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Busy as a Bee Janny

I was relatively productive today but unfortunately little had to do with my job. Found out a bunch of information about everything that I have to change over because I moved to a new province. I found the first things I needed to do was get a phone number and a driver's licence.

It was quite a long process to get my licence. After filling in all of my information the lady had to test my eyes. After testing my eyes, the lady discovered I should have a restriction on my licence saying that I should always wear glasses to drive. So we had to fill the forms out all over again. As I sat and waited for her to process the paperwork it occurred to me "Maybe I should have brushed my hair before I came here." I will never complain my previous photo ID again. I was in such a rush to get my errands done before work it did not occur to me to look halfway decent because I was going to get my picture taken.

The first picture the guy took of me, my eyes were closed and I was in the middle of saying something. It was so bad the guy was doubled over with laughter. He noted that he needs to start a wall of bad licence photos. Wow, every woman's dream is to have a man laugh at how horrible she looks in a picture. The second picture was better but still fit to burn. Nothing I can do about it. I wish my purse never was stolen years ago. I was keeping my old university ID picture because I looked super hot in it. I always wished they could just take and use that picture.

Funny thing over heard while I was filling out my forms at 2:30 pm:
Employee 1 (as she was leaving): See ya
Employee 2: Wouldn't want to be ya
Employee 1: What?
Employee 2: Haven't you ever heard that saying before?
Employee 1: No [awkward silence and then with hesitation] Well I hope you have a good sleep.

(Funny side note: The first time I typed the title I accidentally had "Busty as a Bee Janny". that of course is an entirely different topic.)

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Amanda's Dad's boyfriend quits band

Sum 41 guitarist quits band to focus on new project: reports

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Things are Looking Up

This morning I woke up and my headache was gone. What a relief!

There were two notable ads in the paper for basement suites that appealed to me. The first one is walking distance from work and the C-Train (which I often take to get to meetings downtown). I spoke with the owner on the phone and he was so sweet. Just from our conversation he told me I sounded like the kind of person he wanted as a tenant. This was a positive sign. The place even has a dishwasher. I gave my number and he was going to contact the current tenant to figure out a time the suite could be viewed and call me back.

The second place is in a very nice neighbourhood. I could barely understand the man due to a thick French accent. He didn't tell me much about the place. The suite is a little farther away but I could still walk to work. He told me to come over at 7:30 PM to look at the place.

It was getting to be later in the afternoon and I still had not heard back from the first man. I was getting antsy. I did not want to miss this opportunity. I waited until after 5 PM and then called back. I left a message. He called me back a couple minutes later and the only time they had available was 7:30! I decided I was just not going to go to the other place.

I arrived at the apartment and the owners were so nice. The place was in excellent condition but so small. When I was there I thought I could fit all of my stuff in there. I traveled home a pit in my stomach started to grow. What was I going to do with all of my teaching stuff? I don't have a classroom yet. What do I do with it in the meantime?

I had not even see the other place and I had missed my other appointment. I wasn't at the first place for very long so I thought I could arrive late to the other place. I looked at the map and the street it was on was in about 4 parts. I could not figure out what part it was on so I went home.

I told my cousin about how small the suite is. She encouraged me to keep on looking. I told her I skipped out on my other appointment. She encourage me to call them back and see if I could still come. I called and sure enough they said it was ok. I was really hoping that it would not count against me.

The place is so cute and it is ready to move into now! The living room and kitchen have laminate flooring. All the walls have ledges to put pictures or knickknacks on. It was bigger than most of the places I had looked at recently. I asked if I could fill out an application. They didn't want me to fill out an application, they want to talk with me. We visited for about 20 minutes. I left with a very good feeling about the apartment and the owners.

Later that evening, the owners of the second place called to tell me that I could have the place if I was still interested. I went over this evening and filled out the papers, gave my damage deposit and got a key. My cousin and some friends came over with me to check out the place. They were planning how I was supposed to arrange my furniture.

Originally the movers were supposed to bring my stuff to Calgary this weekend. I had to call them back to tell them about my change of plans. I'll call them tomorrow to see if I can still get it sent this weekend.

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The Headache that would NEVER End

Last Thursday evening I started to get a bad headache. I was supposed to work but I was too ill. It continued into Friday and I only worked a couple hours. I was feeling better by Friday evening. I was fine on Saturday but then I had another headache on Sunday evening. I have had this headache ever since.

The medical term for what I have is migraine with aura. Apparently the numbness in my fingertips and pain on one side of my face is not unusual. I was just a little freaked out since I have different symptoms than in the past. What used to work in the past has not been working now. At best, my headache gets better but is never gone.

I have not worked much this past week. I try to work but it is useless. The lights are too bright, every noise is too loud, etc. It is generally agonizing to be anywhere but in my room with the lights off.

In unrelated disappointing news, I was at work this evening when a friend who lives over seas came online. He was only able to chat for a minute. He was on long enough to say hi and say he had to go.

I need something good to happen in my life.

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What Age Do You Act?

You Are 13 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

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Please Forgive the Mess... I Just Moved In

I'm still getting used to Blogger so there will be many changes in the coming weeks. I want to edit the template and organize the links.

Welcome to the Dark Side

I have given into to peer pressure.  I will be posting to a new blog http://jannymarie.blogspot.com in addition to http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/janny/blog

I got this new program that allows me to post to multiple blogs.

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Homeless

I looked at two apartments yesterday. One place was great and the other a disaster. Later in the day I got a call that the first place was taken. The management company told me that my application was not rejected, rather it came down to the other guy called about the place first.
I was so stressed out I got another headache. This is 4 out of 5 days having a headache. This one is one is making me feel nauseated.

Rental Dysfunction

Words really cannot describe how upset I am right now. This morning I got the key for my new place. This evening I was told that the rent agreement had to be changed. Now the amount we agreed on before would only be temporary until some needed improvements are made. After that time the rent would be way more than I could afford by myself. The movers are scheduled to come in a week. There is no way I can move to this place by myself, there is no guarantee that I will find a roommate. I feel so betrayed, these people are supposed to be my friends. I already had a stressful enough week ahead of me because of work now I have this to deal with.

Alternative Management Theories

Do you work in an office? Do you have a boss? Do you have a sense of humour? Check out Addressing Complaints from the people who brought you Demotivators.

Idle Hands are Sloan's Playground

The boys from Sloan were goofing around on a day off last summer and this video was the result:
The Search for Jay

The Ultimate Internet Mind Virus

One of my greatest pet peeves in life is what is referred to as mind viruses.
"These messages all have one thing in common: they contain compelling messages, or memes, that grab our attention and persuade us to pass them on. These memes play on our fear of loss, or embarrassment, or appeal to us with promises of sex or money or good luck. Some of messages make us feel good about ourselves because we believe that by passing on a plea for help or signing a petition, we're doing a good deed."

Here is what you can send to people if they send you one of these forwards:

The Ultimate Internet Mind Virus
I know this guy whose neighbor, a young man, was home recovering from having been served a rat in his bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. So anyway, one day he went to sleep and when he awoke he was in his bathtub and it was full of ice and he was sore all over. When he got out of the tub he realized that HIS KIDNEY HAD BEEN STOLEN and he saw a note on his mirror that said "Call 911!" but he was afraid to use his phone because it was connected to his computer, and there was a virus on his computer that would destroy his hard drive if he opened an email entitled "Join the crew!"

He knew it wasn't a hoax because he himself was a computer programmer who was working on software to save us from Armageddon when the year 2000 rolls around. His program will prevent a global disaster in which all the computers get together and distribute the $600 Nieman-Marcus cookie recipe under the leadership of Bill Gates (It's true--I read it all last week in a mass email from BILL GATES HIMSELF, who was also promising me a free Disneyworld Vacation and $5,000 if I would forward the email to everyone I know).

The poor man then tried to call 911 from a pay phone to report his missing kidney, but reaching into the coin-return slot he got jabbed with an HIV-infected needle around which was wrapped a note that said "Welcome to the world of AIDS."

Luckily he was only a few blocks from the hospital--the very one where that little boy who is dying of cancer is, the one whose last wish is for everyone in the world to send him an email and the American Cancer Society has agreed to pay him a nickel for every email he receives. I sent him two emails and one of them was a bunch of X's and O's in the shape of an angel (if you get it and forward it to twenty people you will have good luck but ten people only will give you OK luck and if you send it to less than ten people you will have bad luck FOR SEVEN YEARS!)

So anyway the poor guy tried to drive himself to the hospital, but on the way he noticed another car driving along without its lights on. To be helpful, he flashed his lights and was promptly shot as part of a gang initiation.

And it's a little-known fact that the Y1K problem caused the Dark Ages.

(author unknown)

Stories from the week

I am so proud of myself. This week I went out for sushi with friends and I did not feel like a fraud. I can use chopsticks well enough that I had no problems at all. Yeah me! I ate so much. It was all you can eat and for the price you better believe I was going to eat all I could.

I've had a headache since yesterday before supper. I was at a conference all day yesterday and it started right after it finished. I have been pretty useless. I only worked about half a day. The headache is not gone but at least it has improved to the point I can be functional.

Moving Blues

I made the arrangements to have my stuff moved out of storage. Reality is setting in about how expensive it is to live in Calgary. I feel on the verge of being physically ill just thinking about it. I am 28 years old and am in a situation where I can do nothing about saving or investing in the future. It really sucks. I feel immature beyond my years. How is it that I felt more like a grown up 4 years ago?

I don't feel like going to sleep. It is almost like I am rebelling against responsibility.

NHL Darkhorse

So far my darkhorse prediction about the Edmonton Oilers is coming true. Last night Edmonton advanced to the semi-finals and they were playing the top team in the league.

Music Shuffle Meme

This is very similar to a game Krissie and I would play on road trips. Some times it works and some times it doesn't.


Put your music player on shuffle. Press forward for each question. Use the song title as the answer to the question. Post on your blog. Comment back if you post it on your site.

Will I get far in life?
Blue Spanish Sky – Chris Isaak

How do my friends see me?
Think for Yourself – George Harrison

Where will I get married?
Solid - The Dandy Warhols

What is my best friend’s theme song?
I Am Sound – The Dandy Warhols

What is the story of my life?
Breathe and Stop – Q-Tip (Funny if you don’t know the song; troubling if you do)

What was high school like?
All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down – The Mavericks

How can I get ahead in life?
Revolution 1 – The Beatles

What is the best thing about me?
Hypnotize the Moon – Clay Walker

How is today going to be?
The Native Eye – Xavier Rudd

What is in store for this weekend?
Murder on Music Row – Alan Jackson & George Strait

What song describes my parents?
Star – David Bowie

My grandparents?
Radar Love – Golden Earring

How is my life going?
Leech - Incubus

What song will they play at my funeral?
Another Girl – The Beatles

How does the world see me?
Side of the Road - Beck

Will I have a happy life?
When I Fall in love – Nat King Cole

What do my friends really think of me?
More than You Deserve – Brian Sklar and the Tex Pistols

Do people secretly lust after me?
Left of Centre - Sloan

How can I make myself happy?
No Milk Today – Herman’s Hermit (Apparently, it knows I have milk allergies)

What should I do with my life?
Focus on Sight – Thievery Corporation

Will I ever have children?
Lullaby – Ben Folds Five

What is some good advice?
Skin Deep – The Stranglers

What is my signature dancing song?
King of New York – Newies (I knew it! Hope you're jealous Mary)

What do I think my current theme song is?
The Wedding Present – Interstate 5

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Big Indian – The Dandy Warhols

What type of men/women do I like?
How Deep is the Ocean? – Billy Holiday

Almost Not a Nomad

It is official, I have found a place to live. I have known about it for awhile but it was not finalized until today. I will be living in a basement suite. I know the couple who just bought a house and they asked if I would like to board with them. They take possession on Wednesday. I found out today I can move in at anytime. Tomorrow I will call the moving company to set up a time for them to move my stuff out of storage.

In other Janny news:
I think I'm coming down with a cold. I'm tired, achy and my throat hurts. I'm trying to take it easy this evening.
The Habs are breaking my heart. I think I am only capable of loving teams that get you hopes up then rips out your heart and stomps on it.
I have been reviewing old episodes of Veronica Mars for two purposes. First, I am writing down where the commercials are so I can put chapter breaks when I record them to DVD. Second, I am looking for clues that I might have missed before the season finale.

Bargain Birthday

Every birthday and Christmas I buy myself a present. In the last little while it has been a pretty cheap present but I always get myself something. This year I decided I want to get myself a Montreal Canadiens shirt. I've had a bunny hug forever. I had some t-shirts a long time ago but they have long since worn out.
I checked online which shirt I wanted to get but they charge a ton for shipping and the shirt was already $35. Today I checked a local sports store (according to their website they don't even have it). Not only did they have it in my size but it was on sale for $10! It completely made my day.

One year older...

... and all I have to show for it is a car that smells like newly printed brochures that sat in the sun all day. You wouldn't think it but that smell really lingers.

"Michael, a magician never reveals - I sunk it! At least I think I sunk it. I mean, I blew it up and I don't see it anywhere. "

Copperfield Works Magic on Bad Guys
So apparently, David Copperfield faked out some robbers with an illusion making them think he had no money. He then made Statue of Liberty disappear. It was all in a days work.

Young People's Hints For Life

1. It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, But what is more painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let that person know how you feel.

2. A sad thing in life is when you meet someone who means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and you just have to let go.

3. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

4. It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

5. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone but-it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

6. Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.

7. Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you wan to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

8. Always put yourself in the other's shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the person too.

9. A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; an untimely word may level stress; a loving word may heal and bless.

10. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

11. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, ends with a tear. When you were born, you were crying, and, everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Conan O' Brien: Walker Texas Ranger Clips

Conan O' Brien: Walker Texas Ranger Clips

Fun with Sitemeter

One person found my blog by searching "neil patrick harris shirtless" and another with "random facts of vietnam". Good luck finding those shirtless pictures, as Craiggers once rightly described him as having a Bowflex body.

I never want to work on that stupid brochure again

It took me 7 hours to redo the brochure. The files were now too big to email. I had to burn them to CD and drive them to the print shop during rush hour traffic.

After I dropped the CD off I was in a significantly better mood. I was rocking out in my car to Bohemian Like You by the Dandy Warhols (yes, I was listening to the awesome mix CD "If I can't dance, I don't want your revolution".) I drove back to work and watched my Habs win again.

I'm really starting to hate this brochure

I feel like I have had the wind knocked out of me and I am ready to cry. When I got to work there was a message from the printer that the brochure had further changes that needed to be made. The main problem is that not that I don't know how to make the changes but the program I have been using can't make the changes. I do have a program on my own personal computer that can make the necessary changes but that requires me to start a new brochure from scratch. I'd love the luxury of time to break down and cry.

Welcome to Janntopia

I decided that my bedroom is officially part of Saskatchewan. It is nice to be home.

Small Town Wedding

I went to my cousin's wedding in small town this weekend. For me, this wedding will be known as the time my plate slipped, flipped over and dumped the entire contents into the serving tray of mashed potatoes.

After the wedding, a bunch of people went over to a relatives house and played games (including several rounds of Mafia). We had a pretty good time.

Last night I had the craziest dream. Since we had playing games for the whole evening, I dreamed some one taught us this game where every starts with play money and we need it to complete certain tasks for the game. One of the tasks was time travel. There were two ways we could time travel: sit around the kitchen table or wear fanny packs. I told people about it at breakfast this morning. The guys had not arrived yet and the moment they walked in my cousin yelled, "Janice had a dream about fanny packs last night." She didn't even give them a chance to say hello.