I am pretty sure I am fighting off a cold!! I could barely keep my eyes open during dinner last night, and I woke up this morning with an itchy throat. I can barely keep my eyes open now!! UGH! I think this will be the 4th cold I'm fighting since I started this job??

I hope the recruiter calls me back today since I didn't hear back from hi yesterday!

I realised yesterday that I've always gotten the job I've been interviewed for. Well, I've gotten a job offer anyway. Not that I've had that many jobs, but I've had successful interviews! 

I guess my body can't fight like it used to. I seem to get sick even after short bouts of stress. I think for the last month I've been feeling stressed, the last couple of weeks especially. It's been just go-go-go and hardly time for myself. No wonder I am so cranky! I'm always doing something in preparation of having to be somewhere else at a certain time.

I wish I could rest tonight, but right after work, I have to rush off to run some errands, pick up a couple of friends, go out for dinner, and then to a play. And then tomorrow morning, I have to wake up early to get my hair done. I have a wedding ceremony and dinner reception to attend.

At least I've done my grocery shopping for next week. THANK GOODNESS it's going to be a short one!! 

An aunt, uncle, and cousin got in yesterday for the wedding this weekend, so we went out for dinner. They also met Mr. Nick, my "friend." Seems like everyone in the previous generation in my family calls significant others "friends". *L*

I had mentioned to Mr. Nick that my uncle was kind of pervy. I don't know if anyone else in my family really notices that. Anyway, Uncle Perv was very excited (and I don't mean *that* way, ew!) when he saw my stripper pole.

My cousin is also on Facebook. I recently signed up on it, but I think I am too old for it. I only signed up because of other people who wanted me on there. I find Facebook rather confusing and the opportunity to reveal so much personal information on there is ... strange. I'd rather have my whole life laid out in a blog :-p

I called the company I had my interview with to see what was going on with the position, and the recruiter is meeting with the hiring manager this afternoon. He's going to call me back later on. I hope good luck is with me today!

And an explosion just went off. They're doing some impressive filming around here today for Stargate. I've never watched the show, but their studios are really near my work! I worked at the studios once for a production I was an extra in yeeears ago. I did a couple of years of extra work during the summer when I was going to university. I didn't get enough work to make a lot of money but it was still fun :)

Edit: Ugh, Facebook won't let me change my user name to my real name because they figured it was either fake or offensive! Thanks! Now I am stuck using a lame name. 

Mine are starting to look faded and old. I don't really like shopping for clothes, especially in North America. Everything just looks the same. One trend pops up and everyone is on the bandwagon. I have no desire to spend money on something that will be out of style in a year.

But when I away, I go crazy. I pretty much bring home half a new wardrobe. The fact that I buy clothes on my travels is probably why I don't like getting rid of them. They're souvenirs! 

I'm so bored of my clothes right now, and I have no desire for new stuff. I wonder if I will pick any up when Mr. Nick and I go down south. I've made a list of stores I want to check out. But I'm probably going to try holding back until we get to London. That trip may end up happening in July but I'm hoping for mid-late June.

And the reign of lovely luck continues.

When I got to my car after work, I found a scratch on the bumper and a parking ticket. Turns out I had put money in the wrong side of the parking meter...paying for the space behind me.

I'm brilliant.

But there is some good news. My work's group benefits finally kick in next month! I guess I will have to buy my own travel insurance for when me and Mr. Nick go away, but now I can make my dentist appointment and be set for my next set of prescription druuuuuugs.

I still haven't heard back from the place I had my interview with :( 

Life is giving me lemons, but only lately. I don't know what is going on, but I feel like I've been a little off or getting some bad luck. :-/

I don't even know why I've been so grumpy lately. Mr. Nick has either been like diarrhea (irritating the shit out of me) or hurting my feelings (I guess I've been feeling sensitive lately, but I *hate* when Mr. Nick tells me to not be so sensitive!! GRR!). And all of a sudden I'm jealous of one of his close (female, of course) friends. There is nothing going on, but I guess I am envious of their relationship. I even had a dream about this. UGH!

Is it my job? Do I need a vacation? Some time alone?? More socialising?? I have no idea what I need right now. I just want to be back to the me from months ago.

We slept in this morning because I set the alarm for 6 PM instead of AM. This is my life lately with these little annoyances. I didn't get my workout in either :(

And I was trying to review another sex toy, but it was the suckiest thing ever. I need to try it out some more.

On the weekend, Mr. Nick and I went to a housewarming for my friends' (The Pony) new home. When I got in the door, I saw one ex and one guy who gave me the brush off (actually he and I met the night The Pony met), and some "alcoholic asshole" (The Pony's description) started hitting on me. I wasn't sure if I needed to mention to Mr. Nick that one of my exes was at this party, so I told him after we got home. Sometimes I just can't keep things to myself.

The good thing about this weekend was my dance class. We learned a cute little chair routine, and I am really close to getting this one move. I stand with my back against the pole while holding it with my hands above my head. Then  I pull my legs up and over my head. Apparently, I'm really close! 

Oh yeah...a "lady" flipped me the bird yesterday while she was crossing the street!

Only she didn't hold it up...she walked past my car with her arms down and extended her middle finger as she walked past. I wanted to roll down my window and yell at her, but my day was already going downhill fast enough.

She already gave my car a dirty look when the light changed. I guess she didn't like I was partly covering the crosswalk (It was either run a red light or stay stopped where I was, so I chose to stop.). If you really want someone to know how you feel, you should really let it all out.

There are days when you face small obstacles. They're more annoyances than anything, but yesterday was mine. It should have been a write-off!

I started the morning with getting a grease stain on my top (perfect for an interview!). I feel like I hit every red light during all my travels. I lost my balance twice and almost fell on my face onto the pavement when I was walking down some stairs after work (before my interview). The ticket dispenser was out of order in the parkade (while I was parked to walk to my interview).

And then I faced one of my toughest interviews EVER! And I thought that group interview I had with the other company was grueling. BWWAHAHAHA

This time I was tag teamed by what seemed to be experienced writers. One asked me the usual questions...describe a conflict, what do you like least and best about tech writing, how do you handle criticism, what are your strengths and weaknesses as a tech writer. But the other -- holy crap! She asked me about my experience with localization and internationalization, what I thought were 3 trends in technical communication, stuff about the Microsoft Solutions Framework, how I would use Plain English while thinking about international audiences. I felt like any practical experience I had wasn't going to be enough for the job. Anything I know about this kind of stuff has come from my own research and deductions.

I'd still really like the job, and I would learn a lot by working with the team, but the point of the interview was to see if I'd be a good fit. I won't take it personally if they don't offer me the job, but I'll still be bummed. They were all very thorough. They even pulled at my test and asked me to explain some of my answers.

Oh, and the crazy (in a good way, of course) writer knew my ex. Sometimes I can't stop myself from saying things, so when she mentioned she worked for Microsoft and was on a certain team (that moved down there), I was like "oh! I knew people who worked at _____!" And she, of course, asked me who I knew. I gave her 2 names. I haven't even talked to that ex (my last real boyfriend) in like 5 years.

I'm so embarrassed to even admit this, but I said the stupidest thing EVER at the end of the interview. I felt way too comfortable, I guess, but I jokingly asked if they liked me. BWAHAHA Lame.

I thought the two of them knew some information about me, and that's how I spoke to them. I should have probably spoke as if they knew nothing about me. The only time I felt offended was when they asked me why I downgraded myself when I switched companies. My last title was "Senior Technical Writer" and now I'm a "Technical Writer". Bah, titles.

Edit: I also dropped a bottle of oil in my kitchen too when the cap came off. It got a little messy.  

I'm not sure I feel very comfortable posting this or even if I should?? It's not directly about me, but it relates to me.

I'm worried about Mr. Nick, and I am not really sure what I can do to help make the best of his situation. He has Crohn's disease, and it's been acting up the last little while. I have no idea what it was like the first time he really battled it, but I think it was quite a dark time for him.

Crohn's disease affects the intestines. It's not terminal, but it's something he has to deal with for the rest of his life. When it acts up, it can be extremely painful.

:( I don't want him to be in pain, and I want to help keep his spirits up. 

A day going by without having to listen to Beyonce is a good day.

I can't stand her voice or her music. The gym or the radio is always playing her stuff...recent...old...It's always something! GAAAAH!

And I need to unwind. I've been majorly cranky with all this running around and still not finishing up my errands. I'm tired, and I just really need a several minutes to sit -- literally.

And why do people frequently send me useless photos?

I need to stay focussed for my job interview today!! ENERGY! 

I'm going back tomorrow! YEEEEEEAH!

But now I am nervous. I'll be meeting with 2 team leads, and the lead I met the other day won't be part of this interview. The recruiter said it was to see if I'd be a good fit, but he also mentioned talking about technology?? WHAT?? GAAAAAH! I just want to seem competent.

Maybe if they're both dudes, I can charm them....

Pray for me! 

Mr. Nick and I are planning taking a short road trip during a long weekend, and he suggested I invite some of my friends (I wasn't totally crazy about the idea, but I did it anyway. Yes, I still just want it to be me and him.) So the couple I asked said they'd come with us.

I was going to drive me and Mr. Nick since he drove the last time we went away. My 'stang fits 4, but it's not comfortable for people in the back, especially if they're tall.

Anyway, I think Mr. Nick suggested taking two cars. I had a feeling the guy of the couple wouldn't be too crazy about the idea. I know he is a nervous driver. And the girl of the couple doesn't drive at all. Mr. Nick also said he could drive, but I'd rather he not. It really tuckers him out, and out of fairness, I don't want him driving all the time! Also, we plan on doing *a lot* of shopping. Trunk space in either of our cars is limited.

So I asked the girl about taking two cars, and she had a discussion with the guy. Now it looks like they're not coming on the trip...They'll go somewhere else where the guy is more familiar with the area.

I wonder how badly Mr. Nick wants this couple on the trip. He had talked about borrowing a bigger car. I am indifferent whether my friends come. We'd (or I'd) have a good time either way! Traveling with a group of people can be rather stressful sometimes.

Edit: My OhMiBod review got posted! WOO! 

*L* After I got home from the interview, I sent a thank you e-mail to the recruiter and asked him to pass along my message. Why I didn't ask for the hiring manager's card escapes me. UGH!

He wrote back saying, "By all accounts it went well and I will let you know next steps as soon as possible."

I wish it was more like "It went so well that we wanted to hire you on the spot, and we're going to cancel all the other interviews!! Send along your references!"

*sigh*

*fingers crossed* 

Well, I had my interview, and I thought it went well. Who knows if it was just the interviewer/hiring manager putting me at ease. But I was able to answer all her questions, and back up my answers with colourful tidbits of examples.

Anyhow, IhopeIgetthejob...IhopeIgetthejob.

I also posted pictures of my latest culinary concoctions! I think it all tasted better than it looks. BWAHAHAA

My boss is in the office today. I don't think I've spoken to him since last week. He wasn't in for half of it, but he never mentioned anything ahead of time.

I hope I get the job I'm getting interviewed for today. I need to do more prep at some point.

I think the worst part of my current job is my boss. He's even worse than a previous manager I had who asked me, "so...what do technical writers do?" BWAHAHA (and this was after he became my manager...BWAHAHHAA)

I think he's the worst manager I've ever had because he's completely unsupportive and he doesn't keep the lines of communication open. I thought managers were supposed to be leaders.

Dinner turned out great last night. It was less stressful since Mr. Nick helped :) And yesterday's breakfast was good, too! Ina's sour cream banana pancakes were even better than the Martha Stewart buttermilk pancakes I made last week!! I guess I will post some photos later.

Edit: Bloggers regularly mention "DH"...What is DH??!?! Someone, please tell me!!

I wish I kept better track of my weight progress. When I don't like the numbers, I tend to not record them. BWAHAHHAA

Anyway, I guess I am getting closer to the weight I was about 10 months ago. That seems too long.

This weekend, I'm going to make some champagne risotto, parmesan roasted asparagus, and garlic prawns. I'm not sure about dessert yet. Maybe no dessert.

For my next batch of cupcakes, I am going to make peanut butter frosting.

I eat the organic stuff, and I don't think it would be the best choice for this frosting...

So...what brands do you guys like?? I don't like Kraft smooth peanut butter anymore.

I think I used to like Silhouette Danone yogurt. It's fat-free with no added sugar. Instead, it's sweetened with Splenda. I never really noticed the aftertaste before, and I really dislike it! I've been having this dislike for non-natural stuff lately.

I have a job interview on Monday!! I am looking forward to it. I think I would have been surprised if they didn't ask me in for an interview. My test rocked. I wanted to work at this company so badly about 7 years ago because back then, they were rated the best company to work for in BC.

These days, all I have is "new car" on the brain...like what I would actually get. But then I snap back to reality and realise I'd have no way to pay for a new car right now. BWAHHAHA

I weighed myself today and was surprised at the numbers (not that the actual number means anything). I don't feel like I've lost muscle lately but whenever I decrease my workouts, I seem to lose a bit of weight. Or maybe my metabolism has finally increased!

So the weight loss is slowly happening. I would like faster results. I saw my boot camp guy yesterday to pick up my Udo's 3-6-9 oil, and he was trying to sell me his services again. I am always tempted, but I'm afraid I won't get my money's worth. His meal plans cost $300!!  

I don't like cold beverages.  On rare occasion I will have one, but most of the time I'm drinking room temperature water. Sometimes it's even hot water.

I'm glad we have a kettle here at work. But I feel like I'm always filling it up and boiling water because everyone just depletes it, or people just boil the least amount of water possible. I hate waiting for the pot of water to boil!!

I got around to uploading some of my food photos to my Flickr account. I'd like to create more sets, but then I'd have to upgrade to a pro account. If I am feeling rich next month, I will do it. I was really good about not spending money last month, and I am hoping to do it again this month.  Nothing like halving your VISA bill!!! It feels GREAT!

Aside from the usual bills, it's been presents for people -- not much for myself.

Today's a new day in Canada. We can take our cell phone numbers with us if we switch (local) providers! I've had the same number since 1998 and the same plan. I've never succumbed to a contract because I love my plan that much. But if I was to stumble across a plan that was better than my current and maybe with another provider, I'd switch. It will be interesting to see what happens with the competition amongst service providers. 

My toe kind of hurts. I guess I lost most of the nail.

I like to trim my nails after a shower, but since I am almost always showering at the gym now, I don't get to trim there. And I hardly look at my toes (feet are one of the grossest parts of the human body to me!). Right now, my pedicure is half grown out and half chipped. Anyway, I trimmed my nails last night and noticed that one of the nails was pretty messed up, so I cut it off.

I don't even know how my nail could have gotten in such bad shape. But I need that nail. I guess there aren't press-on toenails out there...

And it's March 13. My (paternal) grandfather passed away on this day in 1985. I remember that day because it was a Friday, and he was the first relative I knew well enough that passed away. I don't really remember that much about him anymore since we didn't spend a lot of time together.

He was always reading newspapers with his magnifying glass and writing letters. He and my grandmother lived with us for a while when they first immigrated here. I remember him helping me get ready in the mornings, on occasion, and I remember him warming up my hands in his when we were in our car.

I tried the Splenda brown sugar blend on the weekend. With my cookies, I didn't realise you only need half of what the recipe calls. I halved what I needed for my muffins. But I am going back to regular sugar. The stuff is amazingly sweet, but I didn't like the aftertaste. Boo.

I made these really good chewy chocolate cookies, but they were ruined by the Splenda! I will eventually have to make a better batch. But it could be a while. The waistline probably wouldn't be too happy!

And the dinner I made Saturday night took about 2 and a half HOURS! One thing I have learned is that Ina Garten really likes her salt and her butter...I'm not sure if I like her stuff other than her desserts. But I'll keep trying :) I tried out her hashed browns on the weekend, too, and they were just really greasy. I probably could have used half the butter.

But the Martha Stewart buttermilk pancakes?? AWESOME!!

Cooking is stressful.

I think for about two days out of the month I can get a little emotional.  My two days happened this weekend, too...BWAHAHAA

All week, the living together with Mr. Nick thing was on my mind. I thought about whether I could do it, what life would be like. As I am all for things moving forward with him, I just don't feel ready to be cohabiting. I like how things are now, and I'm not ready for the routine. Nor do I want to move in for convenience's sake.

So I told him I wasn't ready to live together, and he said, "okay." And that was it...no more discussion. I wanted to make sure he really was okay with it. Later on, I asked him if he was okay about what I said. And then he talked as if he had never suggested such a thing ("Who said anything about living together?"!! I was so upset and mad...upset that he denied the suggestion and mad that I was fretting over it all week.

But then I had to go to dance class. I left all teary and in a quiet rage. I'm not sure I expressed to him what had me so upset.

I really wasn't in the mood to go to dance class, but I went anyway. I had a horrible time, but I felt loads better post-class. Before class, I sent him a text message saying I'd never been so upset with him before and that I wasn't sure I wanted to see him that night. We talked things over a couple of hours later. He said he wanted us to live together, but he knew that I wasn't ready, and there was no rush. So we resolved our thing. And he brought me flowers. And I cooked us the feast.

There are some phrases I use quite regularly. Sometimes they're only typed out, and other times, they're spoken. Here are some:

• I'm going to make like a baby and head out.
• The moment has passed...passed like gas.
• YEEEEEAH!
• booooo!
• Lame.
• That's lame.
  
• It's 9 o'crotch! (or whatever time it is)
• We're going to Jizzler. (meaning Whistler Mountain)

I ordered another gift for my cousin's wedding from their registry at Williams-Sonoma (I wish we had one in Vancouver...The only one in Canada is in Calgary, Alberta!!). This time I didn't have to enter all my billing information before I was told that non-US billing addresses would require placing the order over the phone.

Some guy named Ken with quite the southern accent took my order. *giggles* It was a good shopping experience :) Quick and easy!

And now I don't feel guilty about not having spent enough on their gifts.

But I am still choked about the gobs of money I am expected to spend to participate in my friend's wedding. Every etiquette resource says something different. Some say the bridesmaid pays for her own stuff, some say the bride's family will pay for the dress, and some say the bride's family covers the costs of the bridesmaids' stuff. But Poola says she is pretty sure we are on our own for paying. (And Air *still* wants to go to Vegas for her stagette. I think the guys will be going to Vegas for their stag, too.)

I hope I wasn't this bad when I was single. If I was...I'm sorry for anyone who read through my drivel and my dissections.

So my cousin who was dating this older guy finally called it quits. But she met another guy. In the time span of a week, they went on their first date, he was telling all his friend and family about her, and was ready to introduce her to the family to a discussion and leading to their breakup.

When they first met, she wasn't attracted to him. "He seems nice." She went out with him because he seemed nice. I was like why bother if you're not attracted..."can you see yourself sleeping with him?" She said "EW! NO!"

Anyway, he was really into her and paid her LOTS of attention. She really loved that part...being put on a pedestal (how Leo...) but she still wasn't physically attracted to him. "I turn my head so I don't have to kiss him...Will the attraction come later?" (I don't think attraction comes if there was none in the first place.) They had this talk about this guy's ex-girlfriend who's become a (platonic) "close" friend. My cousin felt threatened by this relationship, so she brought it up. He said he didn't know how to take it, so he called it quits.

And now, my cousin is doing everything she can to keep him around. I am really tired of all her tactics and musings.

"I just need to talk to him in person. He will change his mind."

"I went over to his place last night and it took me an hour and a half to convince him to not call it quits."

"OMG, the mailroom girl said she saw him yesterday at work. Maybe he didn't really go home sick in the morning! And maybe's blocked me off MSN! He wouldn't do that would he? I mean he purposely SMILED at me when he got out of the elevator! And it wasn't just a half smile! It was a big one!"

"I called him last night and his phone was off. If I don't hear from him by 7 pm tonight, I will go crazy!" 

Our dating styles are different. I have too much pride to go after a guy who doesn't want me. It frustrates me because she should just stop wasting her time on someone she is not really attracted to. And I can't keep harping on how I feel because I also want to be supportive.

And Vancouver's housing prices are the highest all across Canada. All I need is $540K to own a house! YEEEEAH! 

Wild Hogs 

Mr. Nick and I saw Wild Hogs last night. I was expecting something funny and entertaining. But it was real snoozer. Not funny. Just lots of scenes of 4 guys on a highway. No character development. What got to me most was why this movie is rated PG. I guess there are guidelines for these kind of ratings, but I don't think a line like "your wife makes me hard" is really PG. And Ray Liota's character just yelled a lot. The only thing I liked about the movie was Marisa Tomei and she hardly had any lines.

So, Wild Hogs would have been better off as a rental...or not seen at all! 

I originally wanted to name this blog post "Daddy's a bitch" but that wouldn't have been very nice. However, last night I did say that my dad was being a bitch.

Daddy 

Here comes a dad rant... 

A little background...my dad is old school and since in his parents' day they didn't do wills...he seems rather against having one of his own. Well, fine...but I have no idea what assets and liabilities he has. I just want him to have a will so I don't have to deal with the runaround when he kicks the can. Selfish, perhaps...but why make life harder? So since me encouraging him to get a will isn't working, I'm trying to get my name added to whatever I can so I can have legal access...you know, like bank accounts, etc. He seems to think his next of kin has sorts of legal rights. And as if a piece of paper with instructions I am supposed to find after his death is going to hold any water.

Anyway, a while back, we talked about adding me to his safety deposit box. And last week, he finally decided that he wanted me granted access. Since I'm at work during regular weekday banking hours, I suggested this coming Saturday (I was out of town last Saturday). He was like, "okay, call me the Friday before, and we will see about going to the bank." @#$! I don't know why he always does that...has me pick a time and day for something...but only to be tentative. I was like "what? No, I am saying we are going Saturday." "Okay, so call me Friday so we can decide about going." Why is it so hard to plan ahead and stick with it??

I decided to call him yesterday instead of waiting until Friday since I already knew what was going to work for me. I told him the bank was open until 4 on Saturday and suggested meeting at 3. I'd have preferred going in the morning, but going there would have been totally out of my way since I'll be at Mr. Nick's which is close to my dance class. No sense in traveling an extra 30 km. Here goes the conversation:

Dad: 3? Can't you go in the morning?
Me: No.
Dad: Well, fine. Call me Saturday so we can discuss going to the bank.
Me: What are you talking about? We're setting up a time now. 3 o'clock.
Dad: Yes, call me Saturday so we can discuss.
Me: Didn't we decide we're meeting at 3?
Dad: [Loosely translated] If you really cared, you'll go to the bank.
Me: Yeah, we're going to the bank at 3.

I had called him on my way home from work around 5:15. He had called my home shortly before 6 and left a voice mail. It wasn't his usual "call me." It was detailed. He said, "since you're so busy, you can forget about going to the bank on Saturday. Never mind."

Bitch? Yes.

Who said I was busy? (Well, even though I am, I figured going to the bank before it closed was a good compromise.)

One of the things I dislike about my dad is that he gets really awful when he doesn't get exactly what he wants. Often he uses volume and intimidation to get his way. It always worked on my mom, and it works on strangers because he rages. I always fear he will hurt someone (or himself) one day. He's never been violent, but he has the ability to be. Not because he wants to be, but he wants to prove that he will keep to his word. One time he was so angry with my mom, he threatened to burn our house down.

I told my mom about my conversation with my dad. I always call her to vent. She was like, "he's retired. He can't even adjust his own schedule?" She suggested I call him back. And I will, so we can confirm we're not going to the bank. I am sure it will piss off my dad that I am not begging him to change his mind and that I didn't bend to his attempted guilt trip.

A break-in

Mr. Nick's car got broken into while he was parked in my building last night :( I feel horrible even though it wasn't directly my fault. Now...had we had an extra gate....[insert boos to the other homeowners who voted against increasing security measures] 

That's me and this blog :) I asked Mr. Nick if he read my blog lately (are you reading this, honey?), and he said yes. I was a little worried that he read my weekend post. Sometimes I think there are things here he should hear from me rather than stumble upon by reading. Anyhow, he didn't find anything exciting.

I feel all lovey-dovey right now. I don't know why, but I'm happy about it. I don't think I've ever been so into a guy.

I almost forgot that it's legal for women to go around topless here. Even though we're able to show our girls anytime, I can't say there have been a lot of women taking advantage of this new law. I wonder if I could walk around in public topless. Maybe the stares would be a little unnerving. However, it's a great way to *not* get tanlines. And I definitely don't want tanlines on my shoulders or chest or back this summer. My bridesmaid dress will not be able to conceal such attrocities (the lines...not my body parts)!

I have an old colleague who is also looking for a new tech writing job. We have been applying at some of the same companies. OH NO! COMPETITION!! The company that I canceled on told me I was at the top of their short-list. Darn.  

Maybe I do have some after all. I tend to be quite loyal to certain products.

All my makeup is practically Stila. I'll use MAC lipliners and Benefit's Brow Zing, but everything else -- foundations, coverup, blush, eyeshadow, powder, and BRUSHES -- it's all Stila.

And I love Origins stuff for my face! 

One of my favourite lingerie store had an online offer of a free pair of under things with a purchase of $225 or more, and I missed it!!! Booooo. I love free stuff. Not that I would have bought anything at this point in time, though.

I picked up two of Ina Garten's cookbooks today, but I feel so guilty about it that I may return them very soon. 

I think Mr. Nick looked up my blog tonight. I will have to ask him about it tomorrow since he didn't mention anything tonight. I definitely don't blog like he reads this. 

I got a call from an HR person of a company I applied at. I don't even remember when I applied, but who cares! They've sent me a test! And it will be MUCH easier than the logic test I bombed last week. I was dying to work for this company when I finished school. At the time, they were rated the top company to work for in BC.

I hope they like my test answers!

And I canceled on an interview that would have happened tomorrow. It probably wasn't the best thing to do short-term. But even if I was ever offered the job, the chances of me accepting would have been pretty slim.  

Mr. Nick and I went off to the mountains to visit my best friend and her family. Too bad the visit was so short. It was really nice to hang out *sniff*

It's weird to say, "and her family" BWAHAHAA Her son is 4 and a half months old. He's the kind of baby who doesn't seem to like sleeping for long periods of time. She is still waiting for him to sleep through the night. She keeps saying he's lucky he is cute. And he *is* adorable.

She didn't tell me ahead of time but we were going to a birthday party for a girl turning one. I had never been surrounded by so many babies all at once. In fact, I've never been really comfortable around babies. Like what am I supposed to do with them?? *L* Anyway, babies seem to like me.

Maybe they have this super sensory power about people not sure about babies, and they get all cute so you'll become a baby person. The morning of the party, my best friend's boy just kept staring at me...and staring...and staring...*L* And at the party, there was this other cutie who kept staring too. And he'd break out into this huge grin. He was so chubby, and he had so much hair!! He was about 8 months old and had already gotten 2 haircuts. Are babies attracted to long dark hair? BWAHAHHA (My hair seems to be everyone's reason why people find me attractive.)

I was even asked if I had kids, like I must already have them if babies feel comfortable around me. BWAHAHHAA 

Anyway, being around so many kids and giving them my full attention for 2 hours really tuckered me out! And then that night, I was dreaming about 1-year old birthday parties! I tried to sound really traumatised for Mr. Nick since he really wants kids.

I think what I fear most about having kids is the physical changes that will happen to me!! 

But I should probably stop saying "no babies" to Mr. Nick. And I also tell him we could just adopt, especially from China. Then we can have a kid that (ethnically) will look like me. MWUAHAHA 

The topic of living together came up, too. It wasn't too long ago that he was all "we haven't known each other long enough to even consider it", and I think that was 2 or 3 months ago. We've been dating each other almost 6 months (5 months, officially). I had told him I didn't want to live with a guy unless we were engaged or married.

In my "he can't be serious" thinking, I was like, "okay, let's live together!" But I'm not really sure. He'd want to buy a place together. He doesn't want to keep renting, especially with 2 incomes. But living together hadn't really crossed my mind. My place isn't big enough for the both of us.

The thought getting ready to live together is exciting. But I am not sure about actually doing it! 

It dawned on me the other day that when I go to Chinese restaurants with people who aren't 100% Chinese, or if I am by myself, I am often treated like a non-Chinese person.

I get the North Americanised menu, and I am not asked what kind of tea I want. Sometimes, the staff talk to me in English.

I know I don't look like an immigrant, but that doesn't mean I get to be treated like I don't know anything about eating in a Chinese restaurant.

I hope they feel a little embarrassed when I talk to them in Cantonese. But I doubt it. *L*

I attended our AGM for the strata last night. We had less then 1/3 of the homeowners be accounted for. Kind of lame since the people who were there and there by proxy were making decisions for everyone else.

There was resolution put to the table, and the council wanted to put forth the idea of installing another gate for our parkade for security purposes. Nobody would have to pay extra for it because it would have come from our budget, but for some strange reason, the majority voted no on the gate. Why? I have absolutely no idea. Maybe they thought it would be an inconvenience. Actually, I think that's really stupid. Why *wouldn't* you want increased security for no extra cost? Is having to open another gate that difficult?

I keep my spell checker on in Firefox. Some words that it does not recognise is:

• recognise
• poutine
• parkade
  

How anti-Canadian! 

I got into work nice and early. It doesn't look like the boss is going to be in! YEEEEAH! I am leaving at 3:30 on the dot so I can go home to prepare for the weekend. First thing to do: shower. Second thing to do: ICE CUPCAKES!! YEEEEAH!

I am thinking of backing out on my interview Tuesday. Even though the experience of doing the interview would be a good one, at this point in time, I wouldn't want to spend 2+ hours a day of commuting to and from work (should I get the job). Moreover, there are only 50 employees in that office. I want to work for a larger office.

Yesterday, I had 3 missed calls from a cell phone number I did not recognise. I hope it's not the P Man.  

The title is supposed to remind you of Madonna's Like a Virgin...BWAHAHAHA

I had my eyebrows threaded yesterday. I had been saving them up! I hate grooming my eyebrows. What a pain. Anyway, hearing my eyebrows get ripped out was like listening to Velcro. I'm glad she was fast. When she was done, it felt like my eyebrows were the size of my forehead. But they look great now!

And I must still be stressed. I usually find getting waxed very relaxing, but it was kind of painful yesterday.  

Yesterday I heard back from a company I had applied at. They sent me a link to a logic test. Apparently, the logic test is mandatory for everyone.

Actually before you even get to an interview there are two online tests. I wonder if I even passed the first one. I was given an hour and 45 minutes. And the questions were not easy.

They all involved numbers and flow charts. Each question had several steps. I almost made it halfway through. It would have been much easier if I could have printed off the test. I had to rewrite everything down because the questions involved making changes to numbers in boxes and the actual steps themselves.

I'm not sure what they were looking for from the test. The questions I did I think I actually got correct. I will be surprised if I hear back from them!

And yesterday at work, we were moved to new servers. It's been a pain to clean up the IT contractor's stuff because not all my stuff got moved, and I have to keep going back and forth to get my work back. GAH!

I can't wait for the weekend. I hope the roads are clear. Mr. Nick and I are off to the mountains to visit one of my best friends!