Before I take off for the weekend, I am going to Brasso my pole so it's nice and clean upon my return.

I've started looking for songs, too. The perfect song length is about 4 minutes long. How easy is it to edit a song???

Next step will be choosing an outfit that will work for 2 songs!! 

The other day, I saw TWO people wearing the same GAP skirt that I have. I bought it in Vegas last year. I don't think I wore it once this year. Two people in one day. Who'da thunk it?

Everyone was having accidents yesterday. There was a pole accident in class. A delivery guy walked into the elevator doors because he didn't see them closing since his head was down. And there were other incidents, too.

It's been a month and a half and I still haven't gotten my last paystub or my record of employment from my last job. I sent an email to the Office Manager a couple of days ago and got no reply. If I don't hear anything by next week, I will send an email to the higher ups. Maybe she is on vacation. Maybe she is not there anymore

The problem with companies who do not use Exchange Server for their email is that people can't use the Out of Office functionality. Ugh. I miss it.

That's all I really want.

British Cadbury milk chocolate.

Peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies.

I can't wait to rest my eyes on the bus on my way home today. This bus rest sessions are very helpful!

Pizza would be nice right now, too.  

One thing I dislike about wearing skirts on buses is that I can't stay put in my seat! I'm always sliding around, especially if my skirt is lined. Today's bus ride was very slippery, and it didn't help that the bus driver slammed on the brakes MANY times. I didn't even get a chance to sleep!

I had the worst headache yesterday, and my head was still hurting when I woke up. I took an Advil migraine this morning, but I really hope this headache goes away. I wonder if I am just dehydrated. For a moment, I thought I had strep throat. Maybe I do. Who knows? The last time I got strep, my throat wasn't even sore, but I noticed a big white spot on my tongue so I went to my doctor. I can't see anything on the back of my tongue right now, but I feel like there is something on it. It's like there's a piece of popcorn husk that isn't going anywhere!!

I can't wait to mass upload all my old photos to Flickr. While I was looking for Bridezilla photos last night, I found one photo that was corrupt :( I don't know how long it's going to take me to archive all my photos but I have about 30 CDs worth. First I'll copy over the CD's contents to my computer, and then I'll use the Flickr uploader. Woo!

I also scored free sunglasses yesterday! They came with my contact lens delivery! Woo!

OH! And my extended benefits kick in next month instead of after my 3 months so we can have travel insurance for our corporate retreat. Nice! But I am still a little bitter that I have moved to a job that gave me a paycut and fewer benefits. This is going to be the first job where I'll have to pay for part of my drug prescriptions. My previous employers have always paid for my drugs 100%!!

When Mr. Nick and I were at the play last night, he totally cracked me up when he reminded me that we had already been to "the birthplace of William Shakespeare." He did in this totally fake English accent.

I guess I never did get around to blogging much about the trip.  

But we went on a tour which included visiting "the birthplace of William Shakespeare" and his wife, Anne Hathaway's cottage. I always think it's cool seeing these houses that are hundreds of years old.  

From today to Friday, Canadians don't have to pay tax at IKEA! Well, you are paying tax, but you get a discount of what the tax would be. I wonder if my local IKEA's workers are still on strike...I will have to give them a call.

Not that I have anything on my IKEA wish list right now...maybe it's best I avoid the place. If I went, I might go crazy in the cookware and kitchen section.

Last night, Mr. Nick and I saw Taming of the Shrew. It was quite well done! Sometimes I have a hard time following Shakespeare plays, but I had read this one before. They updated the setting to a Nevada/western one. The I forget the character who was Mexican, but he was really funny!

I think the caffeine is finally wearing off. I am finally exhausted. I still need my sleep even while I'm caffeinated, but my body doesn't really react that way. I can't wait to sleep! But tonight, I need to go through years of digital photos to find pics for Bridezilla's slideshow. And I have to do some shopping in preparation for the long weekend. But I really need to make a couple of phone calls, too!

It's looking like it's going to be a rainy weekend coming up. It seems to rain every time Mr. Nick and I camp anywhere. It also rains whenever we go away. I hear it's good luck if you bring rains with you on your travels! I'm soooo full of good luck! YEEEEAH!

zzz. 

Borrowed from emerging:

50 (give or take) Off The Wall Questions

1. What do you say most when you're trying NOT to curse?
Nothing. I hardly curse! And when I want, I will do it, dammit!


2. Do You Own An Ipod?
No, but I do own an iPod.

3. What Person  Do You Talk To The Most?
Myself.


4. What Time Is Your Alarm Clock Set To?
9 am, I think.

5. Do You Want To Fall In Love?
I already am *retch*

6. Do You Wear Flip-Flops When It's Cold?
Sure?

7. Would You Rather Take The Picture Or Be In The Picture?
I wish I could do both at the same time. I am not usually satisfied with photos taken when I am in the them.

8. What Was The Last Movie You Watched?
Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix

9.Do any of your friends have kids?
Yes but only one

10. Has Anyone Ever Called You Lazy?
No. Well, maybe my mom did when I slept in as a teenager.

11. Do You Ever Take Medication To Help You Fall Asleep?
No. I have an aversion to medication.

12. Are you a cuddler?
Yes. Sometimes I participate in extreme cuddling!

13. Do You Prefer Regular Or Chocolate milk?
Either as long as it's soy.

14.Has Anyone Told You A Secret This Week?
Yes. And my lips are sealed!

15. When Was The Last Time You Had Starbucks?
Two days ago. And I am still paying for it! *bouncebouncebounce*

16. Do you know anyone who lost their dad within the last year?
Yes, actually. She is still dealing with her loss.

17. Do You Have A Trampoline In Your Back Yard?
No. I don't even have a "back yard."

18. Do You Think People Talk About You Behind Your Back?
Yes. Because I'm *just* that interesting. (don't people have better things to do?)

19. Did you watch cartoons as a kid?
Yes. I watched cartoons before school, after school, and on the weekends. TV was my friend.

20. What Movie Do You Know Every Line To?
There isn't one.

21. What CD is in your car stereo right now?
My car doesn't have a CD player. Geez!

22. What's your fav. song on that cd?
Ugh.

25. Does anyone like you?
I hope so.

26. Do You Do Your Own Dishes?
Yes, no one else is going to do them for me!

27. Ever Cry In Public?
Yes, and it's embarrassing! I don't want people to know I can emote.

28. Have you told a secret to someone this week?
No.

29. Who was your first love?
Hmm. Let's go with Ryan.

30. Do you think you could ever be in love?
Yes.

31. Would You Ever Marry Anyone Covered In Tattoos?
Probably.

32. What Did You Do Before This?
What is this "This"?

33. When Was The Last Time You Slept On The Floor?
Hmm. Maybe at a sleepover party! YEEEEAH!

34. How Many Hours Of Sleep Do You Need To Function?
7 is good.

35. Do You Eat Breakfast Daily?
Yes. Breakfast food is always tasty and so easy to prepare!

36. Are Your Days Full And Fast Paced?
Yes. How do I slow down?

37. What are you doing right now?
I am answering all these questions with second thoughts now.

38. Do you use sarcasm?
I'm trying to cut down.

39. Have You Ever Been In A Fight?
Yes.

40. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
I am about mine.

41. Have You Ever Been To Six Flags?
No. I don't want to go either.

42. Have you ever been beaten up?
No.

43. Do You Get Along Better With The Same Sex Or The Opposite?
Either are lovely.

44. Do you like mustard?
Not a lot.

45. Do You Sleep On Your Side, Stomach, Or Back?
On my back but not on my hair.

46. Do You Watch The news?
In the morning, if I can.

47. How Did You Get One Of Your Scars?
A scab fell off.

48. Last person to make you mad?
My mom.

49. Do you think you are someone's first love?
Yes.

50. What is the last thing you want to do before the day is over?
That information is too personal to divulge at this point in time.

51. Do you sing to your kitties while they eat?
I don't have kitties. And my stuffed kitties are left to starve.

52. Do you sleep in a rocking chair?
No, rocking chairs are scary.

53. Ever dyed your hair purple?
No. I've dyed my own hair with red Kool-Aid and real brown dye. I did have my hair dresser dye the tips of my hair bright orange and red once.

54. Ever jumped off a roof...clapped your hands and said, "Yay for me!?"
No. I'm afraid of heights! But YAY FOR ME anyway!

55. When's the last time you got drunk?
When I was still in university? Who knows. I don't drink anymore!

I hope this caffeine wears off soon. I know I tend to sleep badly for two nights after some coffee beverage, but I am still feeling rather awake. Hopefully, it was my workout from this morning that has kept me energized!

It's a full moon today, and my cousin said the weirdest things happen 3 days prior...I wonder...Is this why I've been so giddy the last few days?

The fall is sure creeping up fast. I'm going camping next weekend, and I've never gone camping where there's been no official site, i.e., one with nothing...no outhouse, etc. How do people deal with dropping the kids at the pool when there is no pool???

It's been a Facebook frenzy the past few days. An old coworker just added a friend that I knew about 10 years ago. We met when we were in a pageant. I wish I knew what happened to the heels and the dance shoes I got from the event. The best thing I learned from being in a pageant was how to walk in high heels properly. But these days, I feel kind of teetering. I am finding most of my shoes to be too loose in the heels!! 

I should do some work. Later on today, I'm going to go stock up on some wax! It's on sale, and I love a good sale! (And I'd better keep sticking to sales...it looks like my Visa bill is rather high this month. In fact, I will be paying twice as much as I thought I'd have to! Ugh.) 

I felt a migraine coming on yesterday so I took all the precautionary measures. I haven't been feeling all that well lately. I think it's related to my diet. I am used to eating small meals frequently now, but most people don't eat that way. And when family is in town, it's always a feast. So...I believe I've stuffed myself silly and now I'm paying the price!

Or maybe I am lacking something. Who knows.

Anyway, with the migraine thing, I went and got a iced mocha. I also took some Advil Migraine and a Tylenol. The migraine didn't really come. BUT!

I'm not a caffeine person. I don't like what it does to me. The buzz makes me feel like I am on something and I can barely focus. I didn't sleep well at all last night. It will likely be the same thing tonight.

I had some weird dreams. I was visiting my parents' new house. We were going to move there, and the house was still being built. All the houses in the neigbhourhood were new and extremely huge. The houses had anywhere from 3 to 11 garages. I couldn't figure out which one was ours but I was hoping it wasn't one with the really steep driveways. "How will my Mustang make it up the slope when it snows in the winter?" And then I saw packs of birds fighting in the sky. First the eagles and seagulls were all together fighting. Then the eagles fought amongst themselves, and then the seagulls fought amongst themselves.

I also had some really bushy eyebrows...like Frida Kahlo. I was mortified wondering how I let my eyebrows get like that.

I called my aunt back yesterday because she did actually leave me a message. I hate her messages, too. "Call me back when you have time." Well, lady...I don't really have any to spare!

I was dreading the call because like I posted earlier, I don't like having conversations with her. And this one was no different. She called to talk about my dad. It's his 60th birthday next month, and she wanted to have a family dinner. Fair enough.

But then she was talking about a conversation that she had with my dad. He still sounds ultra depressed (nothing new), but she is trying to get him to return (?) to Christianity. He talks about being "still alive", etc. etc., and she tells him with no faith, he'll end up in hell or something like that. I think she think her encouragement will eventually wear him down and he'll go to church or something.

And then...the part which pisses me off to NO END...FFS, she thinks there is nothing more to life than being married. It doesn't matter with whom or anything ...but being a woman is about marrying a rich guy to have him take care of her. But if he's not rich...being married is still important.

It takes a lot for me to not yell at her when she talks to me about this stuff because it's really none of her business, and what's it to her whether I'm married or not? At least she knows better than to tell me I should marry a rich, Chinese guy.

Anyway, she asked me how things were with Mr. Nick. And then she asked me when we were going to get married. (Never mind we've not even been together for a year.) I met her with silence -- angry silence. I tried to keep it light and just said we hadn't talked about it. "Why not? It's time you got married, you know." FuckDamnShitMotherFucker! ! (the only time I curse is if I'm alone in the car...or if I am frustrated...but I still try to curse only to myself).

So I met her with more silence and since I didn't say anything, she kept prompting me..."well? well?" What the fuck did she want me to say? If I was a bit more charming, I could have just told her she'd be the first to know if it ever happened. But instead, I said "NEVER! I am never getting married! So let's just not talk about this again!!" Who the fuck does she think she is? Marriage is not one of those things on the forefront of mind my mind.

Anyway, she was shocked. Every time we talk about this and I seem anti-marriage (I'm not really...I just want to get her off my back), she just doesn't understand why I wouldn't want to be married. Last time I used reason with her old school ways..."why do I need to be married when I have a steady job, my own car, and my own home?" That shut her up for a bit, but then she said I should have a companion. Fuck.

So this time, she laughed as if she sort of believed me but couldn't understand why I wouldn't want to be married. And again, she reiterated I shouldn't be afraid of marriage because of how my parents' marriage turned out.

Ugh. And she told me my dad told her that I hadn't been calling him. #@%! I call him a few times a week now. And he told her that I seem annoyed when he asks questions about my mom and her family. My dad is a loser when it comes to breakups. During our last conversation, he wanted to know if my relatives were still in town, and if my grandmother was here, and where my mom was staying, and if their phone number was the same. Hello, stalker. My mom wants me to relay absolutely NO information about her or her family to him. So it's understandable that I respect my mom's wishes. But I guess my dad could tell I didn't want to say much, so he's taking it personally.  The next time he asks me anything about my mom, I'm just going to be straight up and tell him that she doesn't want me to tell him anything. I hate that my dad is sick. And yes, I still want to turn my back on him, but I can't.

His mom suffered from Alzheimers for a very long time, and she lived in a home. Towards the last few years of her life, he hardly ever saw her because it was too painful for him. So he let my aunt do all the caretaking. "Well, it's her turn now. [When Grandma was still well and lived close by,]  I did all the work." So would it be a horrible thing if I treated him like he did his mom?

I put my shelf together last night. It took about 3 hours and I could not figure out my fricken' drill! But it's done! Just about. I need to mount it to the wall. I don't know if it's possible. I can't have the shelf flush against the wall because of the moulding.

And then after that, I spent about 2 hours baking 6 batches of cookies. I went to bed at 3:30 am?! 

I finally watched the finale of So You Think You Can Dance. That show has way too much filler. But I enjoyed this season. Unfortunately, I found out who won before I even watched the show. And I always try so hard to avoid finding out such things! Last year, my cousin gave it away who won. GRR!

I had also found out who won Canada's Next Top Model before I watched the finale as well. Damn those newspapers.

Last night, my aunt phoned me around 11:08 pm. I don't know WTF she was thinking. She called both my landline and my cell phone, but didn't leave a message.

1. I hate getting phone calls after 10 pm (unless it's Mr. Nick...) 

2. I will not answer the phone after 10 pm (unless it's Mr. Nick...) 

3. I dislike having conversations, especially of the phone variety, with this particular aunt.

I've been going back and forth whether I want a Flickr pro account, but with the strong Canadian dollar, I'm going to take the plunge!

I was even going to get a 2 year account because it's cheaper! However, I would only be saving $1. Maybe I won't want the account next year? I just want to upload all the photos I've ever taken with my digicams so I have them backed up.

Right now, I can even get a gift for upgrading my free account. So there you have it. I just wish more people I knew used Flickr. That way I can have photos that only they can see!

I also want a new digicam. Mine doesn't always save my photos properly. And the night shots suck. I've noticed that with both my little Canons. I do not plan on getting another Canon. Actually, I'd go for a Canon DSLR, but that's not what I am on the market for right now. But then again, the newest little Canon seemed really cool...

I just want something to take with me all the time. The brands I'm leaning towards are Sony and Pentax. Time to do some research! Anyone have any recommendations out there??

Okay, so I bought a shelf last weekend, and I took it out of the box last night. Not that I was going to put it together, but I just wanted to look at all the parts.

I also took out my cordless drill. I picked this Skil 12 Volt drill as my 5 year anniversary gift at a previous job, and I hadn't gotten a chance to use it...until now!

I guess it's ready to go. It came with a double-sided bit (one end is flat and the other is Philips). However, my problem is that I'm not sure whether this double-sided bit means I can use both ends?? I can stick the Philips side into the thingee and use the flat end, but what about the reverse?

I feel kind of lame for not knowing how to bit in bits into my drill. I just thought I could stick the bits in, but if they're double-ended bits, doesn't it mean I can use both ends? I can only use one end at the moment. Can someone give me a lesson on using cordless drills?!?

And last night, I got a text message from a number that wasn't in my phone book. I don't know if the message was meant for me, but probably. It started off with "how's going?" I replied back with, "who is this?" And the person said "call me and find out :p" I just told the person I was going to bed. I have no idea who it was. My guess was wrong, and  that particular phone number wasn't written down anywhere.

The only person who ever said "how's going" was the P Man, but the last time we communicated, he didn't have my number anymore, and I believe he is married now (not that that would stop him).

Anyway, I hate when people waste my time. I don't have time for such games!

Also, I hardly log into MSN anymore. I might do it when I am bored at work. I logged in a couple of days ago and this guy messaged me. I met him almost a year ago. We never dated or anything, but we hadn't spoken for quite a long time (at least 8 months, I'd say). I'd already deleted him from my phone. Life has not changed for him at all. He was still single and still just as girly when it came to dating.

I don't know why it bugs me so much when I think guys get all girly in the realm of dating. "Do you think she likes me?" "You're a girl. You should know." "We've gone out two times!" "Should I call her? I can't tell if she likes me. I asked her out and she said maybe. We only MSN. She said she only dates one person at a time, but now she's decided to try out dating. She never calls me. " I do the best I can by asking questions in order to come to a conclusion. But seriously. these kind of guy issues are about 238987492th on my list of things that are important to me.

I have very long hair. I think it takes about 3 years of growth (and regular trims) to get to my length. There have been an abundance of split ends lately, and I haven't been able to figure out what's causing them.

It's not my workouts. I don't use backpacks that often. My hair dresser said my hair was weak (although well-conditioned).

A lightbulb went off in my head today. Maybe it's just the way my hair was born.

I know it has taken my hair 3 years to get to this length because it took *that* long for the colour to grow out. I typically get my hair coloured once, and not again until it all grows out.

Three years ago, a lot of my hair was falling out. I'm guessing my hair health was rather poor then, leading to any new hair that was growing to be in poor health, too.

So, I am hoping it is just a bad stint of hair growth right now. And if I keep up with the trims (and maybe cutting off more than an inch every time), my hair will be back on track in no time! 

I have hair goals. It used to be "grow longer." Now, it's just "maintain."

I had a dream that I got my hair cut. It was chin length. And my hair was straight and flat! If I had hair that short, it definitely wouldn't be flat. It'd be very wavy, and I'm sure I'd get asked if I got a perm. 

I hope my throat's not sore because I'm getting sick, and I hope my throat is sore from extreme snoring last night.

I was exhausted. I went to bed at 10 and got almost 8 hours of sleep. Then I conked out on the bus coming into work, and when I woke up, I thought I was going home. 

I had lunch with a childhood friend whom I hadn't seen since we were teenagers. We went to the same university, but I never saw her there! Well, I did see her at a department store once, but I was getting my makeup done, so I couldn't really talk...

But we found each other on Facebook, and we work really close to one another.

She is doing really well, and spending $$ like I would love to! She goes shopping a lot and has a lot of nice, expensive things. She never eats at home! (Well, she never cooks.)

Our parents used to play mahjong together when we were kids, and we'd hang out. Chinese parents in my generation (I don't know how it is now) never hired babysitters. Kids always went wherever they went. On occasion, grandparents would help out. So I met her when we were 9 or 10. There was one summer where we got together a lot even if our parents weren't playing mahjong. We watched a lot of Small Wonder. Those were good times!

It was good to see her! We did some catching up. She hasn't really changed much (personality-wise, that is). I'm sure we'll get together again.

I used to have a friend, I guess you could call him that? But for some reason, things just fell to the wayside after he started dating some girl. We just stopped talking. Common occurrence, and it was fine with me. We weren't super close friends or anything like that, but we had hung out and MSNed a lot. Fast forward maybe a year and a half? Two years? I found out he married the girl, so I sent him a congratulatory e-mail, and just started off with the usual (and somewhat rhetorical) question of "how are you?"

To my surprise, he replied, but all he said was, "I am fine, thanks!" And that was it. Was there even a point to replying to my email?

*eyes roll* 

Last night, Mr. Nick and I went to the PNE with his friend and her new guy. The PNE's an annual fair we have here with lots of fair food, animal stuff (yay, pig races!), performances, and the "show mart." My favourite part is the Show Mart. I usually buy something. One year, it was the Sweepa. Last night I was almost tempted to buy a mop. I did pick up some of my natural laundry soda though. It's a lot cheaper than buying it in the department store.

And I ate fair food. I felt so sick last night. And I still feel sick. Doing 35 minutes of cardio was tough!!

One thing I haven't admitted too often is my mild jealousy with this friend. I know nothing has or ever will happen, and the two of them are really close. But I guess it's their closeness that gives me those pangs. "Why are they touching?!!?!?" "Does he always tell her he loves her????" Those kind of things, you know. 

My hair needs washing.

I just asked the Office Manager to order some pink Sharpie markers for me. And I will get a pink calendar!

I just want to leave work.

Mondays are days where concentrating on work is difficult!

I also worked out with my trainer today. I felt almost gypped, but she is still good.

And I finally picked up an addition to my 2nd bathroom. I bought a shelf! So there...something I bought for Mr. Nick to use in my home. Now I just need a toothbrush holder. And I will have to assemble the shelf myself!

I used my KitchenAid mixer again on the weekend, and I think I need to adjust where the beater attaches to the mixer. How far down is the beater supposed to go down? Is the bottom of it supposed to just touch the bowl? And I know my thingee isn't centered. I was hoping to avoid having make these minute adjustments. Can I bring my mixer somewhere to get this done for me? I don't want to screw anything up!

And the mixer cozy I bought a couple of months is too short for my mixer. My mixer is wearing a flood cozy!!

I don't think my current company participates in the United Way campaigns, but I do want to donate money this year. I've decided to split my budgeted donation amount between the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (with Mr. Nick in mind) and another organization that does research on vision, etc. I just haven't found a Canadian one yet.

My vision is so poor, and I am sure there are groups out there doing something about eye health...so I'd like to make a contribution there somewhere. 

I love what I am wearing under my clothes today!

And my boobs have shrunken. That is not such a good time.

I've spent a lot of money over the last week, and there is more spending to come! 

I bought tickets for Chris Cornell.

I wasn't really sure if I wanted to spend the money. Maybe I will eventually sell the tickets. I got some pretty good seats, I think?? Left Orchestra, Row H. I sure hope so. The pricier tickets are all gone. I hadn't even asked if anyone would want to go.

The only reactions I've gotten are "Who's Chris Cornell?"

I want bubble tea. 

Sometimes I wonder why I bother with the family, especially my mom.

My relatives got back from their short trip...the one I was going to go on but then didn't because of my new job. It was decided before they left that we'd all go out to eat after my dance class. I knew they were due back yesterday late afternoon, but I didn't hear from them and assumed our original plans were still happening.

After class, I checked my voice mail, which was left at 7:46 pm. It was my mom, "hi Rosie. We're going for dinner at 8 at Fisherman's Terrace. Let me know if you're going to come later. Maybe we'll still be there."

GRR! Thanks for letting me know about the change of plans earlier. Good thing I wasn't starving after class or anything. I called to say I was going to drop by. I guess they weren't even expecting me because there was no table setting. But they had set aside some food for me, which was all cold by the time I ate it. And then when I went to have some of the food that was still on the table that wasn't set aside for me, people were commenting that I was *gasp* having *more* food.

I am truly pissed off, especially at my mother.  I feel like I never matter to her. When I was younger, she always sided with my dad. When they had problems, the only time she paid any attention to me was to ask for information about my father and complain about their relationship. When family visits, I can forget about hearing from her. She will do a lot of nice things for everyone else, but I feel like an after thought. Her friends think she loves me to death. But once again, like my dad, I think she shows me she cares by giving me things in the form of refund cards or coupons.

And during dinner, my aunt told me they decided that the plan for Christmas was to go to Australia. She asked me if I was coming. Since I didn't really have time to mull it over, I said no (no tends to be my first answer when I don't have time to think). The deal is that I have extremely little vacation time. She knows this, but I don't understand why she can't grasp that fact. I know I can use my 2008 vacation time, but my cousin is getting married, and I am not going to book any of those days until I know when he's having his wedding -- 2008 or 2009.

So my aunt started giving me a hard time about it. For @%#%s sake...I can bet that if I was a guy that I wouldn't be getting the second degree...because a woman's job is just not as important as a man's. If a male cousin of mine (or the female doctor) says they're busy, they just accept it. But oh no...because it's me...because I don't make a shitload of money or have some super high status, I just matter less.

One thing I really dislike about Chinese culture sometimes is that appearance and status are king.

This visit from the relatives has just made me want to hang out with them less, as much as I still love being around my cousins and my grandmother. It's the baby boomers that are killing me! 

Chocolate cravings have been INTENSE the last couple of days! I wonder if it means I need more action. Or maybe I am just hungry.

"You're welcome to come." Mr. Nick said those words to me, and I immediately felt...anger. It dawned on me that those words mean to me, "you weren't really invited and weren't part of the plan, but since you want  to go, then you can come."

I flip flop between thinking my anger was valid and that I was making a mountain out of a molehill.

I've told Mr. Nick a few times that I'd like to go camping. He thought of a weekend to organise a trip, and he picked a weekend he assumed I'd be busy. When he first thought of the idea, he guiltily told me that he was probably going to organise a camping trip the weekend of Bridezilla's 3rd stagette.

Since he didn't really bring it up again until recently, I wasn't sure if it was still happening. But turns out, he's been working on it. And from how he described it, I wasn't part of the plan.

So after expressing my feelings about not being included on this trip, he told me that I was welcome to come. It just felt like, "gee thanks...Thanks for letting me tag along."

And that thing got me on a tirade of how he doesn't usually suggest plans ahead of time, but I am always considering what his schedule might be when I plan my time. I know a lot of guys are not planners are into so-called spontaneity, but I am tired of always being the one of suggesting things to do. I hear about events, etc. that are coming to town, and then I end up asking if he wants to participate and then I end up paying.

Just once in a while, I would really like to not have to take charge of anything. I have so much going on that I have to plan ahead of time. The more time I have, the better.  

Some background info: At work, I've been attending training for franchise owners as an observer. Today we covered time management.

We have 168 hours in a week: 56 hours is spent sleeping and 56 hours is spent working. I broke down how I spend the last 56 hours.

There are 8 hours in a day. I spend 2 commuting, 1 eating, 1 cooking and cleaning, 1 grooming, 1 working out. That leaves me 2 hours a day to do things like socialising, me time, and appointments. A while back, I had appointments every day for 2 - 3 weeks. (Okay, weekends, I get an extra 2 hours?)

So how can I avoid planning and still live efficiently and somewhat stress-free? There is little free time! And my time is precious to me. I told Mr. Nick if I never took him into consideration when I planned my week, I'd never see him. And then another reason dawned on me as to why it is easy for me to be single. I just have to worry about myself!!

Oh, and while I was walking to the spa the other day, I passed by a building, and a memory was instantly triggered. I probably hadn't been there since the particular event. Anyway, one night, the J Man and I were...doing stuff near a restaurant. I was probably hidden from view. Anyway, a guy working at the nearby restaurant yelled, "hey, you can't do that here." I don't know if the J Man looked like he was jerking off or doing drugs. But then the guy saw me, too, and said, "oh..uh...well, you have to leave." BWAHAHA 

Tipping has confused me lately...I never know what percentage I should be tacking on to my services.

I read an article that said 20% is the standard now. Am I just cheap, or is that a little steep? And it gets my goat because the writer also said that is how much you should tip even if you did not like your experience. The writer said to tip and let the staff know that you got poor service. In the case of eating a restaurant, it may not have been your server's fault.

I thought tips were indicative of what you thought of the service and your experience. 

I am not really liking that North Americans expect tips. Another reason to run off to Europe!

I found out that my old university's bookstore won't be taking credit card anymore! I think that totally sucks for students. The 2% the store is saving is going back to their operating expenses.

I got my hair cut yesterday. I got 2 inches taken off, but it doesn't seem like it. It was great to see my old hair dresser again. I wonder if she could tell that I got my hair cut from someone else. Anyway, I felt a little guilty, and I didn't mention I saw someone else (who sucked anyway). She gave me a tour of the spa, and wow, is it ever nice. It's one of the top spas in the city, i.e., one of the most expensive. I got an updated pamphlet, and I still have some left to spare on my gift card.

Question is...do I want to use it on 3 more haircuts, or do I want to add more cash so I can spoil myself for a couple of nice services??! 

These are the tastiest blend of chocolates I have had in a while!!

I wish we had Mars Planets in Canada!!!

It's like having a combo of Maltesers and chocolate covered caramels all in one bag!! DEEE-LICIOUS!! Geez, I love candy and chocolate shopping in England.

Here's a much better description I found of them:

What happens when you take the constituent parts of a Mars Bar and Mars Delight, squish them up into little balls and coat them in chocolate? Well, you get Mars Planets, that’s what. Planets are little balls of soft malt nougat, caramel and wafer covered in milk chocolate. Nothing more, nothing less. (from some chocolate blog).

I don't think we have Mars Delight bars here, but I tried them the last time I was in England. Delicious, as well! 

I am still recovering from this past weekend of eating. I hate feeling full all the time when my body actually needs food!!

There is a barbeque next week where the senior managers here will be flipping burgers. Uuuugh, beef. Uuuuugh, grease.

I've been feeling extremely warm lately. My body temperature tends to rise when I work out a lot. I don't know if that's the reason or if it's from all the eating this weekend! 

What I really want is a s'more!! Since it was raining the night we were tenting it, we didn't do the s'mores thing at the fire :( 

Bridezilla's 3rd stagette is this weekend. I would really like to skip out on it. I think I may. Not only have I been to one, but the dress I have to wear for the wedding is the most unflattering dress I've ever had to wear. EVER! The dress ends about 3 inches above my ankles, and I can grab two fistfuls of fabric from my waist. The dress is shapeless. It'd be the perfect maternity dress, but right now, my stomach is flat. I have no gut! I have no belly!

The bridesmaid dress isn't flattering on any of the bridesmaids, really. However, it looks fantastic on the bride. It is totally her style! And the reason why I am not getting the dress altered is because it's going back to the bride right after the wedding! We seem to have the sit at the bust, but that is where is ends. BWAHAHAHA

Enough about the dress...

I am going to be in training today at work. I have 8 pieces of documentation to produce by the end of June. I wish they had given me that deadline before I started my plan. Now I get to produce sub-par documentation in a rush, and I will have to think twice about taking any vacation in the first half of 2008!! GRR! 

Or not.

I had to go shopping to find a bra to wear under my bridesmaid dress. I'd go braless, but then then dress would look even MORE like a nightie (for a pregnant woman). There is way too much fabric for that dress. At least it's not too small...if it was, it'd mean I gained weight. (Or greatly increased in muscle mass).

I found the bra, but at one of the stores we went to, they had THE cutest silk thongs. There were 7 pairs in the set...one for each day of the week. And they were all labeled! *girlie giggles* Silk and lace...you can't go wrong with that!

And there were so many nice silk nighties!  

Hurrah for lingerie! 

Things with Mr. Nick are on the back up. I think my family really likes him, to the point that it's annoying to me. I started wondering if it's because I'm a girl that nobody really cares. My aunt and uncle's family friend's 2nd daughter is getting married, and they're likely not going to the wedding. They missed out on the first daughter's weddings, too. But my aunt was like, "we'll just go to their son's wedding." And my uncle is making a real effort to talk to Mr. Nick and to get to know him better. But he's never been like that with me. When they first met, my uncle asked me what Mr. Nick did for a living. And then he looked a little pensive and asked *me* what I did for a living. Nice.

I love my family, but they sure piss me off a lot. But yeah, I have good feelings about me and Mr. Nick right now. Actually, Saturday morning, he said that I was acting differently around him ever since he got back. I didn't really think about it, but I guess I was. If I spend time apart from someone, it takes me a while to warm up to them again, even if it is a boyfriend. It doesn't take me long to drift. It's definitely helped me ultra speed of getting over breakups.

We saw The Simpsons movie, too. I didn't find it very funny, and I felt it was missing the charm from the TV show. And Marge's sisters weren't in the movie. There was one part I found a little amusing, but only because Marge reminded me of me. In a time of crisis, while she was running out of the kitchen, she paused by the sink, and stopped to wash a dish. While I thinking that was something I'd do, Mr. Nick said to me, "it's RosieTulips!"

I ate so much this weekend that I woke up feeling full this morning. I still wasn't hungry after I worked out. I don't usually feel like this until about day 5 on a week long cruise! 

I really ought to do my Friday Find-me posts again...There are some really interesting things that people are searching for on the Internet (other than searching for me, of course.).

I avoid caffeinated beverages, especially coffee, because I'm really sensitive to them! Anyhow, I had a headache this morning, so I figured I'd go have an iced cappuccino. Not only did it not do a thing to help my headache situation, but now I have the shakes! I had the beverage three hours ago.

I can bet I won't be falling asleep on the bus going home after work! And I probably won't be sleeping well tonight or tomorrow night!

UGH!

Actually, I'd better not fall asleep on the bus going home. I need to be able to sleep tonight!! 

After a six week hiatus, I went back to my pole dancing classes last night. It seemed like I'd been away longer. It did take some thinking for some of the moves to come back to me. It was a good class, though!

My soft, fleshy inner thighs are killing me! I'm not sure if they're chafed or bruised...I haven't looked. I know the feeling will pass. But we did some pole climbing. You climb the pole, hold on with your thighs, and let your arms freeeee! So just imagine your crossing your legs around a pole and holding yourself up. It was a little freaky since it was my first time with no hands.

And then we started on the Sleeping Beauty. I guess eventually you do this at the top of the pole. I feel really good that I was able to do it unassisted by the end of the night! Woo! You climb the pole, hold on with your thighs (so you look like you're just sitting there), remove your hands from the pole (one hand at a time for now), and bend backwards until your hands touch the floor. To get out of the move, you slowly lower your body with both arms while your legs (or leg) are against the pole. Then you can do a backwards somersault into the splits! Voila!

I am excited to see Mr. Nick tonight. I still get butterflies sometimes. I told him how I felt and my concerns, and I feel better.

Edit: Baby Spice had a boy and named him Beau. That's not that the cool part. I made a list of baby names when I was younger, and Beau was on it. I think that was when I liked the cartoon Beverly Hills Teens. I think that was the name of the show?! 

My UK tax refund arrived! Woo! Anything to decrease my current Visa bill payment works for me!

I wonder if my Spanish one will arrive. Since I didn't want to put my credit card information in the mail, I opted for them to send me a cheque.

Actually, this refund almost covers the unexpected RRSP contribution I made. Since my current company doesn't have an RRSP plan for employees, I reactivated my plan through my bank. I make my contributions semi-monthly, and my first one was supposed to start next week (on payday, of course!) But there was already a payment taken out yesterday!

I wonder about my bank. For over a month, they were taking my mortgage payments out of my dad's bank account. And now this! And every time I've contacted my banker, she just happens to be on vacation, and I have to wait at least a week for a response! *sigh* I just hope this whole RRSP thing balances itself out by the month end! 

A few Vancouver protesters trying to make a statement about the Chinese and Tibet when they were in China were arrested but are now on their way home. What is it about Tibet that has people so passionate?

The protesters are not Chinese and they're not Tibetan. They're young Canadians. What do they know? Have they lived as Tibetans? And why is it their business what people are doing in other countries? I guess what I don't understand is why people feel the need to butt into other countries' business and make it into their own issues.

I guess everyone needs a passion, but there is so much going on in our own country.

Last week, I went to Michael's about getting a canvas painting I bought in Spain to get framed. They told me to get some fabric sewn around the painting so they could stretch it if I wanted all of the painting to be visible. So I took it to this tailor (charged me $18 for it, too! OUCH!). I picked it up yesterday, and it was all folded up in a plastic bag! I was so choked!! Through my travels, not *once* did I fold it. I always had it rolled or kept it flat. I was choked to see it all flat and folded up hanging there. I don't know what they were thinking to fold up a painting. 

Today's Dilbert is even better than Tuesday's! This week's comics have totally represented my last boss!!

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At my last job, in the old office, we sat in a big room all together. There were no cubes. Whenever my boss wanted to say anything to me, he'd do it through e-mail. He'd do it through MSN, too, until I blocked him. And he asked me to create spreadsheets with categories of tasks for the different groups in the office. He *loved* spreadsheets. I'm not sure why he thought having more data would be useful. He didn't even use it.

I'm not bitter about that last job at all! YEEEEAH!

While I was on the bus yesterday evening, I was looking at the woman's hair in front of me. It looked a little knotted, but upon closer inspection, I realised it was a weave.

Her hair was so short already...why get a short weave??

And why put it up? She had her hair in a bun, and that was covered with a "hairnet." Surrounding her hairnet was a scrunchie adorned with flowers. I should learn how to accessorise a little more.

But her hairnet...I think it was a nylon sock. There was a darker part holding the meat of the bun that looked like a sandal foot nylon, and there was ribbing on the hairnet that reminded me of nylon elastic.

Why?? Why would anyone wear a sock on their head?? 

I fear reading. I don't know why. I think I am afraid of committing to finishing a book in a timely manner. I seem to read only when I know I am going to have a huge pocket of time or if I am totally bored.

I used to be a voracious reader throughout elementary school and junior high. I'd go through a book or two a day. Maybe university killed it for me, with all the textbooks. I don't know! But I am actually making pretty speedy progress on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!

This morning while I was on the bus, a woman tapped me on the shoulder and told me there was a bug in my hair. I'm not sure what it was. It could have been a spider. She seemed more grossed out by it than I was. I just flicked it off after I found where it was.

What's the proper way to do it?

On Sunday, I went canoeing for the first time since I was 9. I wasn't sure how to paddle so I paddled like I would for dragon boating. My right bicep is a little sore today.

I talked to T last night. It'd been a while. Coordinating our schedules can be difficult! I always want to call her when I'm at home, and I don't want to call too late.

I told her my latest thoughts on being with Mr. Nick and how some of the challenges I foresaw were making me think long and hard whether I wanted to really commit. She said some things that I had been thinking but hadn't expressed to anyone!

She knows I freak out after being with a guy for a while...and of course I'm freaking out now. She said to me that maybe I am better suited to being single because that's when I seem happiest.

I told her that Mr. Nick asked me to be more supportive, and she told me that being supportive wasn't my best trait (I'm kind but not supportive). BWAHAHA I've always told myself that my parents were extremely unsupportive of me, and she told me the same thing. They've always been there financially, but that's about it. I've never learned how to be supportive because I have no siblings, and I've never gotten support from the folks. (See, not all only children are spoiled brats! But it has been me vs. the 'rents.)

She also suggested I talk to other couples who have been together a long time and stop making everything about me and to do some research on Crohn's -- as I could be freaking out about nothing, really.

But it just occurred to me...My mom devoted her married life to putting my father first for everything to the point where she tried to change herself into someone she didn't like being. I'm sure somewhere in my head, I vowed to never be like that. My dad treated her like crap, and if all I saw my mom was put her husband first and get nothing in return...how would that affect my relationships? hmm. 

Every Friday, we get one of our local papers delivered to our building. It also has some of our weekend flyers in it. If you don't get a copy right away, they're usually all gone by the end of the day.

I've noticed this paper arriving Friday mornings now, and I end up grabbing one on my way to work and take it with me on the bus. I only want the paper for the flyers!

My copy this morning didn't have any of the flyers!!

The flyers are what I live for! Not the local paper!!

 Goodness, I am so hungry right now, and I had a small chicken fajita for breakfast. Costco has the most delicious pre-made chicken fajitas EVER! I don't usually like premade food, but this stuff in the deli is super tasty.

Last night, Mr. Nick and I caught our annual fireworks competition. It was China's night. They put on an amazing show! The music was a little lame, but the pyrotechnics were awesome! Anyway, every year here, there's the HSBC Celebration of Light (I liked the old name better...Symphony of Fire). Three countries compete, and they have to put on a fireworks show where the fireworks are synchronized to music. The show is about half an hour long.

We have a long weekend coming up here :D Every day this week has felt like Friday. The weekend is going to be action-packed!! Mr. Nick and I are going to be off to his parents' cabin. He has family visiting, too. Ever go somewhere and you just get the heebejeebes? ... I hope I don't them again this time...for the third time.

I talked to my dad again yesterday. We'll see how long I keep up with the phone calls. When I was a kid, he made me call my grandmother every day after school.

And I finally made my Simpsons-me! I'd been noticing people on Facebook using Simpsons versions of themselves in their photos. Turns out you can make your own at the Simpsons movie Web site. So there you go! Do it. Make your own! 

I finished off my first deliverable earlier this week at work, and now I am on to some documentation planning! I have a list of about 9 items that I have to document. Now I need to design the documents and fill them with content!

I'm also starving. I forgot to bring my protein shake to Mr. Nick's, and I had a workout this morning!!