Year's Best

As 2009 comes to an end, I find myself thinking about all the good stuff I got to enjoy throughout the year. I've compiled a list (in no particular order) of my Top 10 of Everything 2009:

1. Trip to Disney World
2. Lady Gaga's Bad Romance
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. "Charlie bit me"
5. Misfits (TV Show... Not the band!)
6. Dexter
7. The xx
8. Glee
9. Up!
10. Florence and the Machine - Dog Days

Cheers

'Well you see, Norm, it's like this . . . A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.'

Bill Nye the Science Guy

Wow, I almost forgot I even had a blog... I guess I've been really busy since the last time I updated. I don't think much has changed since then though- I'm still in school (taking Chemical Engineering), still working on weekends (at T.Bell Transport), living in sketchy Wahnapitae and still driving my cute little truck. Speaking of which, I put Adam on my insurance and now I pay much, much less a month which is pretty sweet ass.

Halloween is coming up fast and we're going to a party at our friends' house. I have a few more things to pick up for my costume then I'll be all set.

My birthday is also coming up, two days after Halloween. I can't wait to turn old!

Midterm marks are up. I'm doing fairly well so far. My marks aren't as high as I would have liked, but oh well. I'll just have to try harder from now until the end of the semester to bring them up. I have a B in one class and that is just not acceptable. I like to think the reason my mark is so low in that class is because there is no text book so when it comes time for a test, we have nothing to study except what we have stored in our memories.

So here are the marks I'll be bringing home to meet my mother:

General Chemistry 84%

Chem. Lab 95%

Technical Mathematics (with Calculus) 91%

Physics 90%
Computer/Multimedia Apps. 100% (Adam will be so proud)
Mineral Processing 78%

Should I Fix You Some Sandwiches?

Tomorrow morning I officially start my post secondary career for the second time after an unsuccessful first try at it three years ago. I had to write a math test Friday afternoon to determine if I'll be taking the short or long bus to school every day and I also had the opportunity to see what the rest of the kids in my class look like. There are three girls from Espanola (one of which I know and one I only recognize from high school), a hermaphrodite (not sure what it is yet), and twenty-two Thurman Mermans. It should be an interesting year.

Happiness Hit Her Like a Train on a Track

Lately I've been in pure love. With what, you might ask? I'll tell you...

1. Vivanno Smoothies from Starbucks - Not just an ordinary smoothie, let me tell you... They are delicious! There are currently only three flavours to choose from (strawberry banana, banana chocolate, and orange mango banana). They are made with real fresh fruit, whey protein and fiber powder, and fresh milk. Yum. I recommend everybody run (literally) out and try one for yourself!

2. The Body Shop's Japanese Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette - A really light, pretty scent. I want to soak my entire body in it!

3. Softsoap's Pink Grapefruit Splash Body Wash - Awaken your senses and leave skin feeling fresh and revived. Enriched with natural grapefruit oil. The smell is scrumptous! I highly recommend it.

4. Brie Cheese - I could eat it with every meal, every day. It's best melted in a sandwich with sliced cucumber and alfalfa sprouts. Delish!

5. Dog Days by Florence and the Machine - My favourite song right now. I've been listening to it on repeat for the last few weeks and haven't gotten sick of it yet. I love her voice. If I was a singer I'd want to sound just like her! The song itself also kicks some sweet hiney! Definitely check it out if you haven't already.

Food for Thought

It's true, the early bird gets the worm. But then again, so does the late bird and the bird in-between because by design, there are always more than enough worms. In fact, the only bird that doesn't get a worm, is the bird that doesn't go out to get one.

We Tricked Photography...

I found some pictures from when I was a little rat and thought it would be fun to put some on here... Enjoy! hahah
I did my own make-up... Beautiful.
Young Lions (Kristi and me)
Playing with Frosty
"This Smurf ride effin sucks!"
Me and my Fairy God-Mother, Tam-Tam
Sailor Moon
Looks like I made a friend... No idea who she is!
Little photographer
Peek-a-Boo
Mommy and me
I wear my sunglasses at night
About to kiss my prince
Pretty in pink
Cousins and me
Mom and me going trick-or-treating
Gramma and me at the beach
Making faces at Kristi's baptism

Rainy Summer of 2009

A curious fellow died one day and found himself waiting in the long line of judgment. As he stood there he noticed that some souls were allowed to march right through the pearly gates into Heaven. Others though, were led over to Satan who threw them into the burning pit. But every so often, instead of hurling a poor soul into the fire, Satan would toss a soul off to one side into a small pile.

After watching Satan do this several times, the fellow's curiosity got the best of him. So he strolled over and asked Satan what he was doing. "Excuse me, Mr. Prince of Darkness," he said. "I'm waiting in line for judgment, but I couldn't help wondering, why are you tossing those people aside instead of flinging them into the Fires of Hell with the others?"

"Ah, those," Satan said with a groan. "They're all from Ontario.... They're still too wet to burn."

Rain, Rain, Go Away

A lot has changed in the past month... I'm still laid off from CP and they say it'll stay like that for 2+ years, so I'm not gonna wait around to get called back thank you very much. The money is good, but I'm over it. So I applied to school and unemployment is going to pay for it. Doesn't seem fair, does it? The government pays for jobless bums to go back to school but everyone else has to dish out the money themselves... Actually I do have a job as of last week. Booya! I work a few times a week at T.Bell Transport. So anyway, school starts in September and I'm going to live in Espanola and commute to Sudbury every day to get my learn on. Last time I went to school I took Business Administration and I absolutely hated it. Hopefully this time I'll like what I'm taking (Chemical Engineering Technology).

A few shows that I'm really into right now are Entourage, True Blood, and Being Human.

A few bands that I'm into right now are La Roux, Florence and the Machine, and Phoenix.

I am currently reading Helter Skelter : The True Story of The Manson Murders

Michelle's wedding is in 10 days or something like that and I still haven't gotten her a gift. I'm a terrible bridesmaid. But I have to go to Sudbury this week anyway so maybe I'll slap a little something for her and Rick on my Visa card.

I feel very, very sad that we didn't get a summer this year. This gloomy weather makes me depressed and ultra lazy. Here's to hoping we get some nice, hot, sunny days before September.

New Meaning to the Phrase "Being of Two Minds"

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.
Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders , their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves- Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

Grade: B-

Patriotic Retirement Plan

Dear Mr. Harper,

Instead of giving billions of dollars to the car industry that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following suggestions to fix Canada's economy.

There are about 10 million people over the age of 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

 

1) They must retire. Ten million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They must buy a new car. Ten million cars ordered - Automotive Industry fixed.
3) They must either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing and Mortgage Crisis fixed.
4) They must send their kids to school / college / university - Crime rate fixed.
5) Buy $50 of alcohol/gas a week - there's your money back in duty / tax etc.
It can't get any easier than that!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members of parliament pay back their falsely claimed expenses and second home allowances.

L'Ours

Since moving up north one year ago, Adam and I have seen countless wild (living) animals along the side of the road during our trips to Espanola, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, etc. Some of the animals we've seen include:
Moose (mother father and baby)
Deer
Bears (x 1,000,000)
Wolves (in a pack - three adults and two babies)
Bobcat
Raccoons
Skunk
Otter
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Turtle
Chipmunks

Keeping on the topic of wildlife, I'd like to share a little video with you that my mom shared with me that I very much enjoyed.

The Bear - Film by Jean-Jacques Annaud

A Love Beyond Life... A Danger Beyond Doubt

Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler

When her boyfriend, Tristan, died, Ivy thought she'd lost everything, even her faith in angels. But now she's discovered that he's her guardian angel- his presence so strong that she can feel the touch of his hand, the beat of his heart. Ivy needs Tristan now more than ever because he knows she's in terrible danger. Only Ivy's guardian angel can save her, now that his killer is after her.
But if Tristan rescues Ivy, his mission on earth will be finished, and he must leave her behind forever. Will saving Ivy mean losing her just when he's finally reached her again?

Grade: A

Naughty Naughty

Derailment and diesel spill

Watch out Ottawa...

The Worthless "Black" Bird

One day God invited all the little birds to gather at his place to be painted. Amongst them was a hummingbird, a blue jay and a crow. They were told to line up and patiently wait for their turn to be splashed with colour. The hummingbird was first in line, followed by the blue jay, then lastly the crow. The hummingbird noticed that the blue jay behind him was pregnant and offered to let her go first out of pure kindness. God was very pleased with the hummingbird's gesture. When the crow saw this he grew angry and impatient and tried to cut in front of the line. God was very displeased with the crow's gesture. When it came time for the birds to be painted, God chose several shades of blue for the blue jay. The hummingbird received many beautiful colours as repayment for being so kind to the mothering blue jay. The crow, God decided, was selfish, evil, and not worthy of anything in life and as punishment, was coloured black.

Does this story seem racist to anyone else? This is a story that the Church teaches to little kids.

Purple Rain

Candid Camera

1. A Picture of You In Your Room:
2. A Picture Of You Very Drunk:

3. The Youngest Picture You Can Find of Yourself In Digital Form:

4. A Picture of You In One of Your Favorite Outfits:

5. A Picture of You Making a Goofy Face @ The Camera:

6. A Picture of You And a Team or Club Your In:

7. A Picture of You Truly Being Yourself:

8. The Most Recent Picture of You:

9. A Picture of You Being Absolutely Ridiculous:

10. A Picture of a Time In Your Life That's Over But You Wish It Wasn't:

11. A Picture of a Time In Your Life That's Over And You Couldn't Be More Thankful That It Is:

12. A Picture With Your Oldest Friend:

13. A Picture With Your Newest Friend:

14. A Picture of You That You Had No Idea Was Being Taken:

15. A Picture of You When You Were a Different Person Than You Are Now:

16. A Picture of You Taking a Shot / Chugging Beer / Downing Some Sort of Mixed Drink:

17. A Picture of You With Someone You Love:

18. A Picture of How You'd Like The World To See You:

19. A Picture That Describes How You'd Like To Spend Every Day:

20. A Picture of a Time When Everything Was Changing:

21. A Picture That Makes Your Heart Hurt:

R.I.P Marley ♥

22. A Picture That Makes Your Heart Smile:

23. A Picture of People You Miss:

Pyramid Bag - More Room to Infuse

Current ten favourite songs:
1. Metric - Waves
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Dull Life
3. Royksopp & Lykke Li - Miss It So Much
4. Phoenix - 1901
5. Phoenix - Lisztomania
6. Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes
7. Dan Auerbach - Whispered Words
8. Great Lake Swimmers - Pulling on a Line
9. Lily Allen - Not Fair
10. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Young Adult Friction

Currently drinking:
Island mango & peach white tea

Currently reading:
The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Something new I've tried lately:
Peanut butter and green onion sandwich

Last Movie watched:
Wall-E

A Room Hung With Pictures is a Room Hung With Thought

Photos taken by Emma, 5 years old

CP 8865 East, Clear Signal Leaving Chapleau

I was driving down the street this evening just as the sun was setting behind an East-bound train that was pulling into town and strangely enough, that rusty old grain train was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen and it made me wish I was working it. One of the best things about my job is getting to see so many beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Disney World 2009

Adam and I standing in front of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom



Adam posing with some kind of creature outside of the Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin ride in Disney's Magic Kingdom




Adam stopping for a picture at Disney's Animal Kingdom





Looking at the flamingos on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom




Adam and I standing outside Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba at Downtown Disney



Giant dog nose and myself sniffing each other at the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure at Disney's Hollywood Studios



Standing in front of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios - Best ride of the day!

Ten Reasons Why My Boyfriend Is The Best

1. He gives me a foot massage every single night
2. He smells delicious
3. He reads me Dr. Seuss stories before bed
4. He lets me hold the remote
5. He's a good cook
6. He's funny, smart and kind
7. He's honest, silly and gentle
8. His hands always warm me up when I'm cold
9. He has a hot cup of tea ready for me when I walk in the door
10. We have matching chins!

Earth Day

In my attempt to help our planet I did the following:

- Did not use paper towels- Used dish towels instead
- Bought eco-friendly windshield washer fluid
- Turned all the lights off and enjoyed natural sunlight
- Walked instead of drove
- Re-used plastic grocery bags
- Used bio-degradable toilet paper
- Used rechargeable batteries
- Hung clothes to dry

That's about all I can think of... Wish I could have done more.

I Love You Kris ♥

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate- a life and a role that she has never challenged... until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves. A provocative novel that raises some important ethical issues, My Sister's Keeper is the story of one family's struggle for survival at all human costs and a stunning moral parable for all time.

Grade: A+

That Which Is Bitter To Endure May Be Sweet To Remember

One of the best things in life is putting on clothes that you haven't worn in over a year and finding something in the pocket that you forgot existed.

Today I found a toonie and a grocery list from when I was living in Sudbury :)

Do Not Seek Death. Death Will Find You.

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

Charlie Asher is a pretty normal guy with a normal life, married to a bright and pretty woman who actually loves him for his normalcy. They're even about to have their first child. Yes, Charlie's doing okay - until people start dropping dead around him, and everywhere he goes a dark presence whispers to him from under the streets. Charlie Asher, it seems, has been recruited for a new position: as Death.
It's a dirty job. But, hey! Somebody's gotta do it.

Grade: A

C13H16N2O2

I'd like to share with you a little piece of information on my favourite word in the English language, and the most beautiful word ever written... Melatonin.

Melatonin, a natural hormone manufactured by the pineal gland in the brain, communicates information about light to different parts of the body. It helps regulate biological rhythms and plays an important role in the reproductive cycles of many animals. In humans it is best known for helping to regulate the body's circadian sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is affected by light exposure to the eyes; melatonin levels rise during the night and fall during the day, becoming almost undetectable. Though it does not actually induce sleep, melatonin can have sleep-promoting effects. Experiments have shown that at high doses melatonin lowers body temperature, decreases motor activity, and increases fatigue. Melatonin production starts falling after puberty, and it can virtually disappear in the elderly, a phenomenon which could help to explain why sleep disturbances are more prevalent among older adults. Marketed as a dietary supplement and touted as a cure-all for insomnia, jet lag, and even cancer and aging, the overall effects of melatonin on human health are still largely unknown.

It's a beautiful thing.

Source: Dictionary.com