Now!

That day I went for that horrid job interview, I tripped and caught my balance twice going down some steps. However, my right ankle has been bothering me ever since. Actually, the pain has gotten worse! I don't know what it is I'm doing that is exacerbating the situation.

Well, I *do* know that wearing high heels does not help. But what about using the elliptical trainer?? I took a 15 km walk with Mr. Nick on the weekend, and now there is a dull pain with my ankle. (This is not good when I'm going on a trip in 2 months!) I wonder if massage therapy would help. Or am I just doomed to non-activity?

And I have been exhausted lately, like I can barely move or even get out of bed. I don't know if it's from my sudden re-introduction into my workouts or if it's a diet thing. Or maybe I am just not getting enough sleep. I am a little worried.

I know everyone poos, but it seems like everyone does it at the office all the time.

Whenever I go into our (one) bathroom, the fan is either on (thanks for the consideration :-) or it just smells (like poo).

I am starving right now! Last night I fasted for my tests this morning. It's hard falling asleep when I'm
hungry.

And I don't get the sudden popularity of global warming and talking about/reducing it. Is it really because of Al Gore's documentary? Or does the Kyoto Accord deadline affect anything (oh wait...the US already decided to bow out of that, right?). I just remember learning about global warming in school  20 years ago, so obviously it was "big" enough to go into a textbook. Why now?

My favourite lingerie store carries swimwear now! However, I'm not sure those bathing suits were really meant to be swum in. I'd better save and save some more for London. In order to keep my spending down to the least possible, I should only go to the following:

Agent Provocateur
Ann Summers
Topshop
Jigsaw
Mango

I've only requested one day of shopping, but I can sure do a lot of damage in one day! 

I was looking for my doctor's mailing address, and couldn't find it so I tried looking for the doctor that shares her office. I didn't find the mailing address, but I did find some information on the other doctor.

He was sued because he didn't diagnose a couple's (no longer together) unborn child had Down's Syndrome. The article alluded he purposely didn't give them an amniocentesis  because he figured the couple would abort the baby if she had Down's.

This doctor was also my dad's physician. I'm not sure if he still is. I met him at the hospital when my dad attempted suicide. I remember speaking to this doctor and getting the impression that he was really sorry for what happened but didn't really know what he could have done as my dad's doctor.

And the psychiatrist my dad went to also got suspended or worse because he had a sexual relationship with one of his patients. Lovely.

I can't get enough of my PB & J on toasted carbs. Organic smooth peanut butter and chunky strawberry preserves (Yay! St. Dalfour!) on thick toasted multi-grain bread of half a bagel is really satisfying. (I just got the opportunity to eat what I was going to have for breakfast.)

Facebook is interesting. I get a chance to be a voyeur.

I also got a second opinion on the HPV vaccination. The doctor felt I probably already had trace amounts of HPV (after having asked me a couple of questions) and getting the vaccination would be a waste of money. He suggested I get annual paps instead. 

For the last couple of weeks, I've been writing an article for our software about e-waste. It started off as an article about recycling PCs, but the article just kind of moved off in a different path. A lot of the research I've found troubles me. There is a really big American company (who shall remain nameless) that is attempting to be greener, so it has e-waste recycling days. It's unclear if all the stores across the country participate or just a select few. This company also claims to recycle plastic bags, but it just actually throws them away.

Anyway, it wouldn't surprise me if this company just had its e-waste disposed off in an unfriendly manner. There are proper ways to dispose of e-waste, but companies often ship this stuff to other  countries who are lax on environmental policy. Workers break the e-waste down and extract the use-able stuff. The only thing is that e-waste contains harmful materials when you break them down like that! Whoever deals with this stuff ends up exposed to these harmful materials. These materials include lead and mercury. So...if you should ever recycle your old electronics, make sure to check how it's really recycled.

Our new office manager is great. She just sent out a form for everyone's emergency contact information. However, this form she created also asks for my Social Insurance, Driver's license, and passport numbers. I think I will leave those blank because I don't believe my company needs this information. It already has my SIN for tax purposes, and that's the only time they need it!

With the way I eat, I need to eat pretty much every 3 hours...I eat small meals that burn off quickly. And I get "residual hunger" if I don't eat as soon as I need to.

So at work...our fridge, toaster over, kettle, and microwave are in our meeting room. And this room has been in use for hours at a time over the last couple of days. I missed a lunch yesterday because the room was occupied.

I missed breakfast this morning because the room was occupied. And now I am missing another lunch. I have yet to feel full today. I've been hungry ever since my workout this morning, and it's past 2 pm now.

I just want to eat. Otherwise, I will get the shakes, get lethargic and not be able to focus mentally. Ugh. 

Mr. Nick gave me some keys last night. That was a shocker because I was expecting them to come far down the road. He had said he needed to get them cut, but he actually found some. We had talked about exchanging keys, but it was no rush. I can't even get him a fob to beep himself into my building.

I only recently started subscribing to the NY Times mailing list, and I quite enjoy the articles. There was one entitled "For Indian Victims of Sexual Assault, a Tangled Legal Path." In Canada, "Indians" are people from India (or have Indian roots) and we refer to what the NY Times calls these particular "Indians" as "First Nations" people. It kind of surprised me to see "Indian" being used in the NY Times.

I'm mad at my father again.

He's been in Hong Kong for about 3 weeks, and he hasn't called to leave a contact number, like he said he would. That's not so surprising...every time he says he will do something, it's a guarantee he will NOT do it.

I've been picking up his mail for him, and I noticed that his I-don't-know-what-to-call -her gets more mail than he does. Why didn't I get the memo about her moving in? I guess it doesn't matter since I've never been introduced and I just see her at random times.

She needs a title. I'd prefer something derogatory and that will give me some sort of idea of what her relationship with my dad.

He's back next week. I want to shove all her mail back into his mailbox and leave his mail in his place. He had directed me to leave his mail in his place, sorted. I don't know why I even sorted it. Collecting his mail is one thing, but sorting is just too much. Throw out the junk mail, he said. Like a robot, without any thought, I did it.

I wish our relationship could just dissolve as if it never existed because we sure don't have a relationship now. I would be fine if we never had contact again, and I will probably feel relief the day he's gone for good.

And I feel guilty that I think he's the biggest disappointment of my life. Maybe I wouldn't feel so guilty if he didn't think he did a fine job of being a dad. His measure of paternal success was being able to finance my post-secondary education. Even as a kid, I fantasized about how life would be when I was older. I envisioned mailing my dad a monthly cheque and not ever having to see him again.

Well, my bill came for the leaky condos that I'm not living in. Payment is due June 1. Time to apply for a loan that I don't think I will be able to get. (Anyone out there with HPO loans?) Otherwise, re-mortgaging time?? Ugh.

So my chance to sell my home before payment was due is pretty much gone. And now I don't have to think about moving for financial reasons. I would have rather made less profit on my home than accumulate more debt. 

I seemed to see a lot of women just letting them all hang out over the last few days.

At the mall, a woman was breastfeeding on a bench with her top lifted up. I don't care if women breastfeed in public, but I guess most women have a blanket or something. It just kind of caught me by surprise.

And in the gym change room today, too. Usually the women I've encountered at my gym are really modest when it comes to being unclothed.

I don't feel so bad about one of the pairs of shoes I bought in Portland. I saw a very similar pair here, and I saved myself around $35. I suggested going to Oregon for the next family trip. We have only 5 days, so we need to go somewhere fairly close and with enough to do to satisfy everyone.

I've always been very anti-fake 'n' baking, but with Spain coming up...my body and skin is going to be shocked by the sun and heat. I am tempted to get a small base tan. I don't plan on using sunblock while I'm there. I can't escape tanning because I tan really easily, but I'll use sunscreen. Is the base tan really necessary? Maybe I can just try to get in some natural sun before I go, but it won't be that warm! And will Spain be humid?? I can't handle high humidity!

I don't get my doctor sometimes. I wonder if I caught her in a good mood on the weekend. It was my annual visit to get a prescription and to get a few things checked out. This time, she encouraged me to get the HPV vaccine, which I was kind of weird. It made me wonder if she just wanted to make some cash. (It costs $150 a pop, and I have to get 3 shots -- once every 2 months.)

She was trying to give me a sex ed talk and why I should get the vaccine. Apparently, it's recommended for people ages 26 and under, but she thought I should get it. I guess it's always nice to be protected from STIs, but Mr. Nick and I engage in very low-risk behaviours. What I couldn't understand is why she would make this recommendation for me when I'm in a monogamous relationship ("you're not just sleeping with one person. You're sleeping with everyone else!"), and a couple of years ago when I asked to be tested for STDs with my next blood test, she told me she didn't think I needed to get tested. I think I will pass on this vaccination.

This Friday, we're going out for dinner for Mr. Nick's sister's birthday. I've met her like 3 or 4 times, and don't know her that well. But I feel I should get her a little something, like around $20. I have no idea what to get her. Even though I got her talking throughout the whole car ride to dinner on the weekend, I got no ideas about what to get her!! None!! (Well, I got the impression that she really likes toques, scarves, and gloves, but summer is approaching and I can't get her that stuff! BWAHAHAA) She's into pottery, traveling, and photography. She's not into smelly girly things, so no multi-pack of lip gloses. *L* I thought about looking for a little pedicure kit, but I need other gift ideas!! Help!!

Yesterday, I met the new neighbours living below me. I was thrilled the last couple moved out because I was always scared to be noisy (I live in a wood frame building, and we have hardwood floors...really hard to not let noise carry!) since the husband told me to keep it down the night of my housewarming. So now it's an old couple living below me, which means I'll feel too guilty making noise!!

We talked about how much we paid for our suites. They're exactly the same. I keep wanting to sell my suite because it's almost time to pay for the leaky condos. I'd rather be out of there before having to get financing. Mr. Nick said I could move into his place, and I laugh -- uncontrollably.

I feel bad about that. I'll have to apologise. The idea of moving into his place never occurred to me, and the last time we talked about living together (wasn't it just last month?!), we decided to wait until we'd been together a year to discuss it again. The financial aspect is all very tempting, but I don't want to move in with him for that reason. (And his place has no washer/dryer or gas stove :-p)

And I am still not convinced that there is a good reason to live with a guy before marriage for the sake of the relationship. 

Earth Day and transportation

It's Earth Day on Sunday, but Earth Day isn't totally lame (BTW, Starbucks is giving away free coffee if you bring in a re-usable mug that day). On the news this morning, they were interviewing a woman who worked for magazine that encouraged sustainable living. They were showcasing some hybrid vehicle test drive event, and I felt she said some dumb things.

She was saying that we could never live without cars, especially for business people and families. "Could you imagine taking 2 kids out on a bike and going grocery shopping?" "Could you imagine business men riding bicycles while wearing their suits and holding onto their briefcases?" Honey, people already do this. In China, you have families of 4 riding on motorbikes. It maybe not be the safest thing, but it's still done. Businessmen in Japan do exactly that -- travel on bicycles in their suits.

My point is...I think people and communities can strive for better transportation practices if we're willing (I have to admit I am not quite that giving yet) and if communities change (hi, engineers!). Public transportation here sucks unless you only live in Vancouver and never leave it. To me, that woman was just looking for excuses. To say that everyone needs a car is ridiculous and that we will always be that way is just as ridiculous.

And hybrid vehicles may cost less on gas, but they cost the environment more in production and the overall use.

Interview recap 

While I was at the gym this morning, I was recounting my last job interview and how pissed off it actually made me. One interviewer was insulting, and the other made the interview about her, rather than finding out more about me.

Interviewer #1 asked me why I demoted myself when I changed companies because my title no longer has "senior" in it. Becoming the only tech writer instead of part of a team of writers gives me more control over everything. And I get paid more now, too. So how is that a demotion? She also asked me why I studied both Sociology and Computer Science. I graduated from university almost 10 years ago...is my education still relevant to the position??

Interviewer #2 asked me all sorts of tech writer questions. "What did you think of the documentation when you looked it up to prepare for the interview like I did [when I applied]?" "How would you do research on your users?" "Ah yes, that's the answer I was looking for." "I'm asking you about the Microsoft Solutions Framework because I used to work at Microsoft. I was on the such-and-such a team [which was about 5 years ago]."

The one thing I observed is that how ingrained they were with their own company's business practices and how they assumed everyone else would have the same experiences. As much as I would love to be working for a large company again, what I like least about large companies is that they are so cult-like. Sometimes I feel like employees are brain-washed into thinking their company is the absolute best and everything they do is golden and how they do everything is golden as well. I think comradery is great but when you lose sight of the really big picture, it's time to get a grip.

So I'm not sorry I didn't move forward with this particular company because I would have had to work with those two interviewers.

Periods 

So there's a pill almost available out there that eliminates women from menstruating. I guess it's great for women who have horrible periods. I was reading this article at the NY Times Web site. I think you need to be signed up in order to read this article.

I can't say I rejoice in getting my period, but it's something I can live with. I'm not even sure I am doing myself any favours by being on the birth control pill. It's great for convenience's sake, but I'm still altering my natural hormones.

If you were on a pill that eliminated periods, would that make you bloated and PMS-y ALL THE TIME?? It'd seem like you were always on the verge of getting it. My friends who've gone from one pack of pills to the next in order to skip a period have not made the experience sound very pleasant.

This part in the article really bugged me:

Dr. Constantine cited company-financed research indicating that women often feel less effective at work and school during their periods. They limit sexual activity and exercise, wear dark clothes and stay home more, resulting in absenteeism, she said.

Are there a lot of women out there who feel that cannot function because they're menstruating (aside from the women with killer cramps)? I was always taught that you can do the same stuff as though you were period-free. Wouldn't someone only limit sexual activity because it was messy and you wouldn't feel very sexy?? What is wrong with wearing dark clothes?? I don't know. Are women babies and need to suck it up?

Okay, I admit I may be "less effective" before my period, but during?? That's when I'm back to normal!! 

I always experiment with my diet to see if I can change my periods in some way. I've learned to stay away from red meat during that time of the month. It seems like eating as cleanly as possible is the best thing for me...eating lean protein and lots of vegetables and staying away from heavily processed foods.

I started doing a bit of research on traveling in Spain. I've come to think that it's mostly North Americans that welcome shorts as regular attire in the summer.

Apparently, women tend to wear skirts and dresses in the summer (in fact, you get funny looks for wearing shorts whether you're male or female). Can anyone confirm this?? (Whatever happened to Andaloo?? He used to post here, and he lives in Spain...) I just bought some shorts for the upcoming trip!

Anyway, when I travel, I am a go-go-go kind of person. I'm okay with being up early and doing stuff well into the night. (No wonder I always feel like I need a vacation after a vacation...). I want to squeeze everything in. So imagine my reaction when I find out Mr. Nick is completely serious about wanting to do *nothing* but lay on a beach for 3 days in Spain.

My knee-jerk reaction was to put up the wall...not go to Spain at all...or see Spain all by myself while Mr. Nick did his beach thing. Being in Spain, I'd want to hang with Mr. Nick, but I'd want to get the most out of whatever city we're in (and not alone). Now I don't even want to plan anything :(

I don't understand how people can rip through toilet paper when they're wiping. I've had a number of people tell me this happens to them. What are their methods??

It's been difficult getting up in the mornings even when I am getting enough sleep. Maybe my body is just too tired. Some of the strength stuff at dance class last night was difficult for me even though I was fine with it before.

And I am going to lay off the platform shoes for a while. That day when I went for the job interview, I almost tripped down some stairs twice, but I caught my balance. However, my ankle was a little sore after that, and I've noticed that that ankle bothers me after dance class these days.

I am already starting to think about what to pack with me to England. It's really about the shoes. I hate overpacking. 

Despite my lame feelings and difficulty of letting go, there is still some good stuff going on!

London, here we come!! I can't get over how we lucked out with the flight price.

And I had a good Brazilian yesterday. I think it will be another 8 weeks until my next one! YEEEEAH!

That's my goal for today. I need to snap out of this!

I was still bummed about the whole family get together thing with Mr. Nick yesterday. But it actually went away when I saw him in person. The issue just didn't matter, but only for a moment. (He also had flowers for me -- very sweet gesture but they didn't seem to have the same effect on me as usual :-/) Then I got lame, cold, and distant.

I honestly don't want to be upset, and I'm not sure how I let myself get like this. But I also feel lame for holding a grudge. It's not healthy or useful! I apologised for declining his Thursday family dinner out of spite. I'm not expecting to be re-invited due to my lameness. It'd have been nice if he had said, "that's okay. You can still come, " but I didn't hear that. Hmm. Upsetting.

I should stop thinking about this. I'll just get re-upset.

My coworker just came back into the office...and his fly's unbuttoned. I should say something, but then it'd be obvious I was looking at his crotch. Nothing is hanging out.

My body's always taken a long time to recover from strenuous workouts, so I have a feeling I won't be totally ready for tomorrow's dance class. These were my weekend workouts.

Saturday (I tried to keep it more upper body intensive):

1a. Single leg press
  b. Pushups on Smith machine
  c. Pull-ups on Smith machine

Abs and 5 minutes cardio.

2a. Sumo squat
  b. Shoulder press on BOSU
  c. Reverse fly

Abs and 5 minutes cardio.

3a. Pressdowns
  b. Barbell curls
  c. Lat rotations

Abs and 35 minutes cardio. 

Sunday (more lower body intensive)

1a. Lunges on 2 BOSUs
  b. Chest press on BOSU and ball
  c. One-legged single arm row

Abs and 5 minutes cardio

2a. Squat rotations
  b. Lat raise
  c. Front raise

Abs and 5 minutes  cardio

3a. Deadlifts
  b. Hammer curls on BOSU
  c. Tricep dips

Abs (and time ran out for cardio :( ) 

I also stretch after every workout. I know I'd be a lot more stiff if I didn't!! I hold each stretch for 30 seconds. I think I spend about 20 minutes stretching.

I can barely move my body!! I did two hardcore workouts this weekend!! YEEEEEAH! No wonder it was so difficult to wake up. Even sitting hurts my butt cheeks.

I finally got in a weekend of R&R. I hardly did anything. I sat around and watched a lot of TV and got in my workouts. I declined socialising at all Saturday night. Mr. Nick was away skiing all weekend. I hadn't had a weekend like that in a really long time. I feel re-energised.

But I've been mad at Mr. Nick. I wish I wasn't, and I wish I could get over it instantly, but it hasn't happened.

There have been things that were bothering me but not enough for me to say something until recently. Mr. Nick's declined a couple of my mom's dinner invitations, which once in a while is okay. When it becomes a pattern, I don't want my mom to think it's anything personal. (And I haven't forgotten that he didn't eat her "famous" traditional Chinese New Year dinner dish either.)

So Friday night, we went out for Alaskan King Crab (fresh and steamed...delicious...definitely one of my favourite dishes). My mom had asked me to invite Mr. Nick. I knew she'd be a little disappointed for him not coming, but I knew he had plans to go skiing, so I told her he was away.

Turns out, he didn't leave for skiing Friday and decided to watch the Canucks game. When we talked that night, he commented that my dinner sounded good. And I said, "it was. And you were invited." And he said, "well, the Canucks game was on."

And I got really mad. Furious. Mad enough to yell, which is not like me at all. I hung up on him.

I was disappointed that I'd have to miss some of the game, too, but I guess I am just not a hardcore fan. I'd rather enjoy a meal with my mom instead of watching a hockey game on TV. And for anyone else to pick a hockey game on TV over time spent with friends or family doesn't sit well with me.

He called me back as soon as the game was over, and we talked. Another thing that has been bothering me and which I actually spoke to him about was that I rarely get invited to his family's dinners. He sees them as often as I see my mom. Last week, he was telling me about his dinner, and I was like "sounds really Easter-like," and he said, "yeah, it was our Easter dinner." So yeah, I was a little more than hurt I didn't get invited to that.

So I made a big deal about him declining my family's invitations (I didn't mention this and I won't to his face that I feel like I made a huge sacrifice in order to have him at my cousin's wedding), and I made a point about not being invited his family functions. He asked me what he could do at that point in time, and I said nothing.

Which is true. There isn't anything he can do presently, and I am still mad. Can someone slap some sense into me? I am too stubborn.

To me, he would have invited me to his family stuff if he had wanted to.

So on Saturday night, he asked me if I wanted to spend a weekend in the mountains at his family's "cabin." I thought that was a little weird. And he told me his cousin from out of town was visiting and if I'd like to go to his aunt and uncle's for dinner this coming Saturday. And on Sunday, he asked me if I wanted to go to his parents' on Thursday night for a family dinner.

I said yes to the first two and no to the third. I kept telling him trying to make things up to me would be a lose-lose situation. Any invitations that come now will not seem sincere. He did get a little defensive during one of convos and said he wasn't sure where I'd stand on family dinners.

I call bullshit because he's gotten invites from me...and lots of them. My family comes from out of town, and they invite me AND HIM for dinner, and I pass along the invitation. I've had to endure an evening with my father so they can meet. He's been invited to my mom's for Christmas and Chinese New Year. So wouldn't the proper thing be to reciprocate unless he didn't want to??

I am getting upset over this all over again. Ugh. 

I got an official letter today about my pay increase. It noted my last current annual salary. All this time, I thought I was making more! Oops.

Time to do some budgeting again! Our pay periods are changing and I'm going to contribute some retirement savings through my company. Less spendable cash! WOO! 

Thanks for everyone's words of advice regarding my last post!

I brought up my concerns with Mr. Nick. (It was weird seeing him last night, but in a good way. It was like we hadn't seen each other in ages, and we had really missed each other. I think our trip brought us closer together! We saw each other last 2 days prior *L*)

I think he was a little concerned I'd flee if he got really sick. "Would you leave me?" The first time he asked I told him the truth in that I didn't know. Not really what he wanted to hear...but the second time I told him no. I do want to be there for him, and he wants me there for him, too. And I have no plans to run when the going gets tough.

He's not going to die from his Crohn's, and he said that when he wants space, it's because he doesn't want to burden anyone. Anyway, he suggested I force him to slow down when he talks about being tired because he tends to push himself.

*dons the Mother Hen outfit* 

This isn't something easy for me to post about. And the fact that I am exhausted right now probably doesn't help with my mental state! *yawn*!

Anyway, I've mentioned before that Mr. Nick has Crohn's disease. Lately, it's been acting up. Not only do I think about what I can do for him, but I also think...what about my needs. What happens to me if he gets really sick? I feel really selfish for even questioning, but I can't help it.

He's said that he likes space and to be alone when he feels really crappy. I can provide space. I've always been really good at providing space...so good that I ultimately cut myself off, feel resentful, and go away completely.

I don't really want that to happen with me and Mr. Nick.

My cousin suggested I talk to him about this, but I wouldn't even know how to approach the topic. Moreover, he's not horribly ill -- right now. So I am not sure what to do. What do I do to keep the relationship healthy and me somewhat satisfied if he reaches a dark place in his life? 

I tried to be a good fan for the Vancouver Canucks last night, but I went to bed right after the third OT. (At least we won!)  I wanted to get 6 hours of sleep. But I'm still exhausted. I even dozed a little as I waited for my car to get serviced.

It needs a power steering fluid flush now. If I can avoid getting that done at the dealership, I sure will!!! Google hasn't been very helpful in that department though. Where am I supposed to take it???

*yawn*

I found a tiny chip in the largest bowl of my new glass mixing bowl set :( I wonder if I can get it replaced even though I bought it in Portland. :(

And someone farted really near me while I was grocery shopping last night. It was so nasty!! He smelled a lot closer than he was. Gross. 

We used valet parking when we stayed at the Embassy Suites in Portland. They only had hourly parking if you went non-valet...totally not worth it if you needed in-out privileges. Every time they returned with the my car keys, they'd give them to Mr. Nick. I guess guys almost always do the driving. But they'd still hand the keys to him when he told them it was my car. *eyes roll*

I totally loved the pillows. I even took the pillow cases off to see what brand they were. I've been scouring the 'net for Martex Brentwood pillows. You can buy them online, but I haven't found a site that will ship them outside of Canada. I have a feeling my email to Martex will go unanswered. So if, by chance, anyone knows where in Canada I can buy these pillows (or if they're sold under a different name), please let me know!!

I also noticed an abundance of seniors (or rather, people who appear to be of retirement age) working in retail. The observation sure made me glad to be living in Canada. There was one little old lady working in Hallmark, and she could barely rip my postage stamps for me!

And I got a tiny raise today! There was a little extra in the budget! Woo! It almost makes up for the money I will no longer get in lieu of my benefits plan since our benefits plan is now officially in place! YEEEEEAH! I am so excited to see what kind of benefits we will be entitled too!! (And how much it will affect our paycheques.)

But not like a tiger.

Totally off-topic here, but every time I really enjoy watching a movie the first time, I never seem to like it any time after that! Even what I thought was my favourite movie is no longer my favourite movie. Maybe it's because I don't identify with the main character anymore...

With my lack of weight training the last few weeks and my poor working habits, my neck's been kind of tight. And then the road trip didn't help. And neither did last night's dance class!! It hurts to turn my head to the right or to tilt it back now!! Ugh, I must be diligent about stretching for the next while.

I've cooled down on the job hunting front. Things have been bearable lately, and our extended benefits have kicked in. I started thinking about why I'd want to work for a larger company again (and not just because my astrologer said it'd be better for me). I find that they're often very cult-like, and I really dislike that. I do like being able to hide and the fun team-building things that larger companies do, though.

I'm having people over tonight, but Mr. Nick won't be there :( His friend, like me, decided to invite people over semi last minute, so he's going to his buddy's. I would have liked to have gone with him, but too late now! He was saying how he hadn't really seen his friends in a while. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my bridesmaid dress fits my bridezilla friend. She said she'd buy it off me if it fit her.

And Justin Timberlake is coming to town. I want to go, but I don't really want to pay the money for the concert. Tickets go on sale this weekend. Ugh. I told my friends I'd go, and I am tempted to change my mind. I have a couple of days to decide.

I think the cost of the ticket will be the same as to get my car's Check Engine light diagnosed. I could be paying for more car repairs very soon. And a trip to Spain and London. And my bill from all the Portland shopping....

Blogging is so lovely for making me see the light sometimes. *eyes roll* 

The Cup-a-Cake cupcake holders are these little individual plastic containers for holding cupcakes. I saw them online and thought they were a great invention. I guess they still are.

I saw them at Willams-Sonoma, so I picked up 3. And I've used them for my muffins, and these containers are ripping my muffins apart! The container has teeth to hold the cupcake in place. Seriously, the contents are not going anywhere in that container.

These teeth rip through the liner and then cut into my muffin flesh!! Mangled muffins!!!!

I guess if you were having frosted cupcakes, don't count on the frosting to stay pretty! And I think I'd have mangled cupcakes if my container was holding a cupcake instead of a muffin.

While Mr. Nick and I were in the States, I did a couple of things that I didn't think I'd ever do again. I don't feel as bad about as I thought I would.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Portland. (I've stayed at the ones in Bellevue, Washington before, and thought they were great!). Anyway, a full breakfast buffet is included, and they have fruit. Among the fruit are Chiquita bananas. I have refused to eat any Chiquita fruit for the last 10 years or so because I do not like their business practices. I didn't have a choice in my brand of banana. I was surprised that Trader Joe's only carried Chiquita bananas.

On our way home, I gassed up at Shell. I haven't gone to a Shell gas station in over 10 years because I don't like their business practices. We needed gas, and the only other gas station took only cash and debit.

These two brand incidents reminded me of my days in university when I was a lot more passionate about anti-globalization. I'm thankful for the younger generation who still care and speak out about these things. I'm glad to have choice. I remember how appalled I was when I was trying to have a discussion with my parents (i.e., dad) about choice and globalization. (It's not a good idea to try to talk about anything heavy with someone who doesn't quite get English, I think...) 

Mr. Nick and I got back from our wonderful trip last night. It took us 7 hours to drive from Portland, Oregon, back home...not bad! But driving sure is tiring (and boring). I feel like I got Carpal Tunnel in my right arm. And my right knee is sore. I guess it's best to wear real shoes while driving. My butt is still sore today. I did all the driving this trip. He's done all the driving on our last couple.

We traveled about 1030 km round-trip. We left Thursday night and drove down to Seattle and stayed over. My night vision is not that great; I hope it's just because my eyes have been so dry lately. We did some shopping Friday morning, and then drove down to Portland. AND IT WAS HOT...like summer. I even got tanlines :'(

Friday night was spent shopping. Then we crashed and got up nice and early for a full day of more shopping. I went way over budget. What am I saying? I hadn't really budgeted. I only hoped for the best. I went crazy buying skin care stuff, food, and kitchen stuff. (I'm going to be in big trouble when Williams-Sonoma finally opens up here). I also got some clothing and several pairs of shoes.

I was bummed that I didn't bring back any Stila blush that I was going to stock up on. I don't even think they carry that colour anymore! *sadness*

Downtown Portland reminded me of Vancouver's downtown eastside...old, dirty and full of transients. The people were generally quite nice. Lots of younger looking hippies meshing with the old folk. I loved how polite people were. Mr. Nick really loves Portland. I like my cities much bigger and busier. I can't wait 'til we go to London!!! Maybe I was being paranoid but I felt like I was being stared at a lot. Or maybe we were.

After 48 hours of travel outside of Canada, Canadians can claim up to $400 worth of goods now, duty-free! YEEEEAH! That was quite dandy.

And the PMS wasn't so bad after all! PHEW! 

On our last night, we went to this great restaurant. I don't know if it was the owner or the manager who was so good to us, but we were greeted at the door with wine. And he wanted us to have the best table in the place, so while we waited, he gave us food. The food was fantastic! And Mr. Nick got more free booze with his dessert. With wine, my throat swells really quickly even after a couple of sips, so I just stayed away.

And one weird thing was I think I was having allergies for a day or two?? My nose was so runny and I was sneezing, too. It would have been nice if we had more time to see the coast. I hear it's quite beautiful. It was my first time visiting Portland. 

I'm not sure my body is used to eating these kind of carbs anymore. I feel gross from this afternoon's potluck. Of course it was mostly simple carbs and meat. A couple of nights ago, I had a lot of noodles for dinner and I have felt gross since.

I had written all this stuff about upcoming travels but I refreshed the page by accident!! Ugh!!

And I also have breath from the variety of dips I ate! GROSS!

But in 24 hours, I will have done some shopping :) And I bet my breath will be fresher by then, too. 

I'm such an old lady...wrist pain...back pain...

I think it's a sign I need to get up from my desk at work more often. I want my old wrist rest back.

Last night, I dreamt the manager of the last company I applied at felt they made a mistake. She gave me another one-on-one interview, and she hired me. We talked about music and being in a concert band.

We're having a potluck at work today. Usually I find potluck food really unappetizing. I brought a veggie platter which I don't care for either. Unfortunately, I was assigned an appetizer.

My ghetto office ran out of an assortment of things yesterday, too: paper (I think I helped contribute to its use A LOT over the last month), soap (but it turns out we had a big refill jug in the shower), and water. They went out to buy several jugs of water, but then our dispenser leaked. So now we are either back to bottled or tap water!

I can't wait until we move offices so we can have a real kitchen.

I am thinking of holding off on the job hunt for a while. Or maybe not. Things at work don't seem horribly bad this week.

My hair dresser is switching salons, and she is going to be at the most expensive spa in town. She is now unaffordable! I've been going to her for like the last 10+ years. I had thought about switching hair dressers in the past because I am not sure she's that good, but I wasn't sure how to leave her. She knows my hair so well, though!! *sigh*

In preparation for our upcoming trip, I've been doing a lot of shopping planning. There is only a limited amount of time, so I am going through shopping directories picking out the stores I will want to visit.

Next, I'm going to write it all down in a list.

My maps and directions have all been printed off and ordered chronologically (and geographically).

Our office is out of paper, and I've definitely been contributing to its use lately!! (I think I used about half a ream of paper for recipes...) 

I was going to print more maps! I have no street maps!

And time...I've been trying to figure out Canadian prices of the usual skin care and makeup products I use, so I'll know if I'm getting a deal when I go shopping in the USA.

Origins actually dropped their Canadian prices because of the exchange rate. Stila, however, has not! GRR. So if something is going to be cheaper for me to buy down south, I am going to do it. Stila will be a definitel Hello, Sephora! Now I just need to find out about Origins. 

And Benefit. I need some new Eyebrow Zing, but if anyone can recommend a good eyebrow product, please let me know!

A few years ago, my lips were really irritated, and I figured out that it was from eating carrots. Ever since then, I've avoided eating carrots, especially raw ones.

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a bit of a rash on my right forearm. There were little bumps all around. They didn't itch or anything, but my skin felt a little more sensitive. The bumps have almost all dissipated. I'm glad it's going away. I'm wondering if it was from carrots. I had some shredded ones in a salad the night before.

I did a Google on carrot allergies, and I found out with the mouth business, it could have been a birch pollen allergy. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything about rashes on other body parts! I've never gotten any rashes before, and I couldn't think how I could have gotten it and only in that one spot.

I'm always wary of carrots now.

Edit: My cousin thinks my rash was from stress! And then I Googled "stress rash" and got this:

Stress is one of the known triggers of hives, an outbreak of raised, red spots (or welts) on the skin that often itch. Hives are usually indicative of an allergic reaction, but they can also occur as a result of sun or cold exposure, infections, excessive perspiration, and emotional stress. It is not known exactly why stress may precipitate an outbreak of hives, but it is likely related to the known effects of stress on the immune system. The medical term for hives is urticaria.

Nothing antihistamines won't help! 

So Vancouver's been tied for third place as ... You know, I'm not even sure. They just keep saying that we're third on some survey of 250 cities...for what exactly is unclear. I'm sure someone out there can enlighten me. Third best place to live?? Based on what?? I just know that we lost points because of crime.

Last night, Mr. Nick and I went to the Vancouver International Auto Show. Those things are such a rip, but since I am on the lookout for a new car, it wasn't so bad. I wanted to check out a few, and I got to sit in them and analyse the storage space. This car has got to last me! I think when I go for test drives, I'll try out:

Honda Fit Spot
Volvo S40
Volkswagen Rabbit

I loved the Fit's storage space! LOVED IT! But that car doesn't really have any horses...109, I think.

I loved the S40s bells and whistles, but I think it's out of my price range. I'm not sure I like the visibility when I sit in it.

The Rabbit is cute and peppy.

And now, time to save up...Next month I'm due to pay car insurance and a plane ticket. We're also taking a short trip this weekend...I'll be starting my saving from scratch pretty soon!

Oh, and the bridesmaid dresses have been purchased. I haven't paid the bride yet. And I don't like the dress either. It's black silk (nice) that's embroidered (meh). And it's empire-waisted, which is my LEAST favourite cut of all time. I always look pregnant in those dresses. I also like my dresses with structure. I might as well wear a nightie.

The bridesmaids might be staging an intervention.

I think I feel emotionally tired.

I want that zest back. How do I get it?

This weekend was my cousin's wedding. It was okay. I was extremely choked that I did not sit with any of my family at the reception, and I was seated at a table where I couldn't even see the head table. Apparently, the restaurant screwed up the seating, but my dad says I wasn't sitting with family because Mr. Nick was my date and he wasn't officially family and he was my guest so we had to sit elsewhere. And I could not sit at the family table.

*sigh* 

I had a good shopping experience at Popeye's Supplements. There is finally one in my city! I knew what I wanted, but the guy in the store was really friendly. I got a  free t-shirt, too. Unfortunately, I turned down the shaker cup. But I picked up 6 pounds of my protein powder for $80! It was on sale!! I'd been paying $40 for 2 lbs. And I may just start buying my Udo's Oil there even if I am paying a few bucks more. I am tired of going back to the Boot Camp guy to only have him try to sell me one of his services every time!