Hi everyone,
I just thought I'd let you know that I'm retiring my blogger account. It's been great so far and I've been glad to meet so many of you.
Thanks to blogger itself for slowly introducing me to the blogging world, but I feel it's time to upgrade. I'm still a bit nervous, but my husband seems to think I'm ready.
So fear not! I will still write and I will still rant. But at this new site, I will also be doing much more than that.
Please feel free to visit me and subscribe to the list. This is not something I understand, but my husband says this is entirely possible.
So check it out and JUST KICK IT!
www.justkickinit.ca
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Through Her Eyes
So as per my last post, my day has been awful. Sadly, it's just one of many awful days. I'm slowly running out of reasons to 'save the world' or even just live in it.
My husband says "The point is, if no one at least tries then the bad guys win" to which I respond "Haven’t you seen the Fifth Element? “What’s the use in saving life when you see what you do with it”"
There is nothing anyone can say to this. Except for young Connie Talbot.
I've seen this video and others like it, several times over. Honestly, I cry every time.
I desperately want to see the world through her eyes.
My husband says "The point is, if no one at least tries then the bad guys win" to which I respond "Haven’t you seen the Fifth Element? “What’s the use in saving life when you see what you do with it”"
There is nothing anyone can say to this. Except for young Connie Talbot.
I've seen this video and others like it, several times over. Honestly, I cry every time.
I desperately want to see the world through her eyes.
What Really Grinds My Gears - 11
You know what really grinds my gears - today, everyone.
I walk to the bus stop every morning. I get there at the same time every day and I'm generally the first person there. I wait at the lights like a good pedestrian and despite the fact that there may not be any traffic, I still wait for the pleasant little walking man to give me the thumbs up on crossing the street.
This morning I'm halfway across the street when I start to hear cars from three out of four directions blaring their horns. Naturally I turn to that fourth direction to see a speeding car coming right for me. I guess this person is colour blind, because normally red means STOP. I take two quick steps back and let the speeding car pass. That's right, I was two steps from being hit by a car. Now let's suppose for a minute that the rest of the cars didn't see this guy coming. That would have led to a 3 car collision at least and I would have been hit by at least one of the spinning vehicles. So yes, I'm thankful for horns today and for all of those other cars and their drivers to be paying attention. To you, the colour-blind man, take a walk.
So now I'm waiting peacefully at the bus stop. The same old lady (and by old, I mean probably just in her 40s, but she pretends to be senile) who waits at the bus every day with me but generally gets to the stop 2 minutes before the bus comes, decides to stand in front of me.
So I'm waiting for the bus, but you get to come and stand in front of me? What happened to the concept of a line? Or how about the concept of 'first come, first serve'? The bus arrives and she gets on first. That really grinds my gears. I feel like I should push her in front of the bus so she doesn't have this opportunity.
There is one friggen seat available on the bus and now this old lady gets it. So she gets on the bus, takes what should rightfully be my seat and I get to stand for all 30 minutes of the ride. Whatever. When the bus arrives at the final destination I feel like holding back the masses and allowing the old lady to get off the bus first. Because really, she needs to be first. Again, this lady isn't old in age, she's old in misery. Just one big miserable pain in my thigh.
Now I always complain about the subway folk, so really you can just read my past rants to get the full gist. But please, can someone enlighten me? What exactly is the point of the escalator dash? You know when people have to be the first off the damn train, they push everyone out of their way and run as fast as they can to the escalator. They stop, wait a few seconds as they debate which of the moving stairs they'd like to stand on, they make their first step and then just let the escalator do the work. What's the point? Why are you in such a rush to get to the escalator, only to stand there? If you're in such a damn panic, you should be running up those steps two at a time, but you don't. I don't understand you. You know who you are. You take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself where the fire is.
So after an hour and a half of commuting with these bogus people I am now safely at work. I'd like to take a minute here to explain why exactly I go through this process every day. This is not a career. This is no where near my dream job. So why do I torment myself on a daily basis? Simple. My husband is an immigrant. Actually, he can't even be classified as an immigrant, he's still just a 'visitor'. He has lived here since 2006, and we've been married for over two years.
For anyone that says to get a "green card" or "residency" just get married, they're lying. We submitted the official paperwork a long time ago and the government just makes excuses as to why their job isn't done.
First, it was because the Doctor's exam had expired. Well, if it didn't take you a year to look at it in the first place, it would still be valid.
Second, the criminal background check is missing. Well, we submitted that according to the web site's request, but sure I'll put in for another one. It only costs an extra $20 and 3 months of my time. The UK police say 40 days, but I guess with the time difference this is 3 months because THAT'S HOW LONG IT TOOK THEM TO SEND US THE PAPERWORK.
So as per your request Mr. Government, here is everything you asked for and then some. So what are your excuses now? Well, there is a backlog. That's not really my fault, I gave you everything you needed a year and a half ago, if you had looked at it then, nothing would have been "expired" or "missing" and there would be no backlog. They tell us to call back 'next month' for an update on the progress.
When we call back the next month, we hear the same nonsense. After a few months of these phone calls we now are getting a different excuse. "The process has changed due to the election and political changes, please call back in two months."
WHAT DOES THE ELECTION HAVE TO DO WITH ME? Honestly, this is like saying well the price of gas has increased since your last purchase so you owe me $#.## based on the difference of what it is now and what you paid BEFORE. Ridiculous. Why are we paying so much money to the government when they aren't doing anything?
I was invited to go to the TTC meeting. This is where they discuss changes that are to be made to make the world better. Right. This is where you tell me you're increasing the fare by yet another quarter and decreasing the service. Less trains, less buses, and meaner staff. Excellent.
Oh right, the reason why I come to work. Due to the fact that my husband is just a 'visitor' he is not legally allowed to work in Canada. I have agreed to 'sponsor' him for three years, but apparently this three years starts the day his residency is approved. So for the last 2+ years that he's lived here he has been my responsibility. Well he's my husband, this is not an issue. The issue is that in order to sponsor him I have to prove that I have job stability. This means that I have to work in this hell-hole for the next three years and 2 months (plus the actual time it takes the government to approve the residency). That's only if he's approved. Suppose he's rejected. That means we have waited all this time, and put all of this money into a process that failed. We'd be homeless and kicked out of the country. Lovely, isn't it?
Now let's move on to the reason I started this stupid rant. I'm going to list all the reasons why my job sucks. No, correction, I am listing the reasons why it's sucks TODAY, why it sucks in general would just take too long.
I am in a department that consists of 4 people and a manager. The manager is just a figurehead. One of the four people is considered to be a team lead. A team lead is someone who delegates all work, yells at everyone, and sits around on his ass all day. We will just call this person "TL" for the rest of the post. Another one of the four people is a man. A man is similar to the TL except there is less delegating involved and more excuses. These excuses usually come in the form of "I'm too busy doing my own work to help anyone else with theirs." We have yet to see the results of said work. He also claims it takes him 8 hours to do a job that I do in 1 hour. This is not an exaggeration.
The other two on the team are myself and one other woman. We pick up the slack and take the brunt of the arguments. We do the work because if there are ever cutbacks, we know we'd be the first to go. We try not to give them any reasons. Strangely enough, if TL and man ever leave (and they have been known to take weeks off at a time) the jobs still get done. But if us women take off, well chaos ensues. You think, that this would show our value, but alas, it does not. Us women have to coordinate our schedules because we're not allowed to be on vacation at the same time. Crazy? Indeed.
We are to train each other on our daily tasks so that if the roof collapses or something drastic, at least the job will still get done. So while we're training each other we still have to keep up with our daily tasks. This is quite stressful as you can imagine, because there is not enough hours in the day to do all these things, but man is still too busy to help.
So the person who trained me in the first place is no longer in the department. She is still with the company. Today, I made the mistake of asking her for an email list. Well, TL yells at woman and writes an email to everyone saying that we are not supposed to go outside the 'team' for help. So no one here has the answers, do it incorrectly, all hell breaks loose and we get in trouble. Ask for help to avoid this, and we get in trouble.
I got yelled at for not filing work that wasn't done by me. I got yelled at for not cleaning out someone ELSE's desk. Apparently, it's my job to search every filing cabinet in the building, including those that belong to others, for piles of paper. Then I'm supposed to sort this paper by date. PS, I am NOT a secretary. I'm NOT an administrative assistant. And I am most certainly NOT your bitch.
Life is grand. I'm too tired to continue writing so let's end on this. I'm not sexist, or ageist. Ignorance and laziness come in all shapes and sizes... and that's what really grinds my gears.
I walk to the bus stop every morning. I get there at the same time every day and I'm generally the first person there. I wait at the lights like a good pedestrian and despite the fact that there may not be any traffic, I still wait for the pleasant little walking man to give me the thumbs up on crossing the street.
This morning I'm halfway across the street when I start to hear cars from three out of four directions blaring their horns. Naturally I turn to that fourth direction to see a speeding car coming right for me. I guess this person is colour blind, because normally red means STOP. I take two quick steps back and let the speeding car pass. That's right, I was two steps from being hit by a car. Now let's suppose for a minute that the rest of the cars didn't see this guy coming. That would have led to a 3 car collision at least and I would have been hit by at least one of the spinning vehicles. So yes, I'm thankful for horns today and for all of those other cars and their drivers to be paying attention. To you, the colour-blind man, take a walk.
So now I'm waiting peacefully at the bus stop. The same old lady (and by old, I mean probably just in her 40s, but she pretends to be senile) who waits at the bus every day with me but generally gets to the stop 2 minutes before the bus comes, decides to stand in front of me.
So I'm waiting for the bus, but you get to come and stand in front of me? What happened to the concept of a line? Or how about the concept of 'first come, first serve'? The bus arrives and she gets on first. That really grinds my gears. I feel like I should push her in front of the bus so she doesn't have this opportunity.
There is one friggen seat available on the bus and now this old lady gets it. So she gets on the bus, takes what should rightfully be my seat and I get to stand for all 30 minutes of the ride. Whatever. When the bus arrives at the final destination I feel like holding back the masses and allowing the old lady to get off the bus first. Because really, she needs to be first. Again, this lady isn't old in age, she's old in misery. Just one big miserable pain in my thigh.
Now I always complain about the subway folk, so really you can just read my past rants to get the full gist. But please, can someone enlighten me? What exactly is the point of the escalator dash? You know when people have to be the first off the damn train, they push everyone out of their way and run as fast as they can to the escalator. They stop, wait a few seconds as they debate which of the moving stairs they'd like to stand on, they make their first step and then just let the escalator do the work. What's the point? Why are you in such a rush to get to the escalator, only to stand there? If you're in such a damn panic, you should be running up those steps two at a time, but you don't. I don't understand you. You know who you are. You take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself where the fire is.
So after an hour and a half of commuting with these bogus people I am now safely at work. I'd like to take a minute here to explain why exactly I go through this process every day. This is not a career. This is no where near my dream job. So why do I torment myself on a daily basis? Simple. My husband is an immigrant. Actually, he can't even be classified as an immigrant, he's still just a 'visitor'. He has lived here since 2006, and we've been married for over two years.
For anyone that says to get a "green card" or "residency" just get married, they're lying. We submitted the official paperwork a long time ago and the government just makes excuses as to why their job isn't done.
First, it was because the Doctor's exam had expired. Well, if it didn't take you a year to look at it in the first place, it would still be valid.
Second, the criminal background check is missing. Well, we submitted that according to the web site's request, but sure I'll put in for another one. It only costs an extra $20 and 3 months of my time. The UK police say 40 days, but I guess with the time difference this is 3 months because THAT'S HOW LONG IT TOOK THEM TO SEND US THE PAPERWORK.
So as per your request Mr. Government, here is everything you asked for and then some. So what are your excuses now? Well, there is a backlog. That's not really my fault, I gave you everything you needed a year and a half ago, if you had looked at it then, nothing would have been "expired" or "missing" and there would be no backlog. They tell us to call back 'next month' for an update on the progress.
When we call back the next month, we hear the same nonsense. After a few months of these phone calls we now are getting a different excuse. "The process has changed due to the election and political changes, please call back in two months."
WHAT DOES THE ELECTION HAVE TO DO WITH ME? Honestly, this is like saying well the price of gas has increased since your last purchase so you owe me $#.## based on the difference of what it is now and what you paid BEFORE. Ridiculous. Why are we paying so much money to the government when they aren't doing anything?
I was invited to go to the TTC meeting. This is where they discuss changes that are to be made to make the world better. Right. This is where you tell me you're increasing the fare by yet another quarter and decreasing the service. Less trains, less buses, and meaner staff. Excellent.
Oh right, the reason why I come to work. Due to the fact that my husband is just a 'visitor' he is not legally allowed to work in Canada. I have agreed to 'sponsor' him for three years, but apparently this three years starts the day his residency is approved. So for the last 2+ years that he's lived here he has been my responsibility. Well he's my husband, this is not an issue. The issue is that in order to sponsor him I have to prove that I have job stability. This means that I have to work in this hell-hole for the next three years and 2 months (plus the actual time it takes the government to approve the residency). That's only if he's approved. Suppose he's rejected. That means we have waited all this time, and put all of this money into a process that failed. We'd be homeless and kicked out of the country. Lovely, isn't it?
Now let's move on to the reason I started this stupid rant. I'm going to list all the reasons why my job sucks. No, correction, I am listing the reasons why it's sucks TODAY, why it sucks in general would just take too long.
I am in a department that consists of 4 people and a manager. The manager is just a figurehead. One of the four people is considered to be a team lead. A team lead is someone who delegates all work, yells at everyone, and sits around on his ass all day. We will just call this person "TL" for the rest of the post. Another one of the four people is a man. A man is similar to the TL except there is less delegating involved and more excuses. These excuses usually come in the form of "I'm too busy doing my own work to help anyone else with theirs." We have yet to see the results of said work. He also claims it takes him 8 hours to do a job that I do in 1 hour. This is not an exaggeration.
The other two on the team are myself and one other woman. We pick up the slack and take the brunt of the arguments. We do the work because if there are ever cutbacks, we know we'd be the first to go. We try not to give them any reasons. Strangely enough, if TL and man ever leave (and they have been known to take weeks off at a time) the jobs still get done. But if us women take off, well chaos ensues. You think, that this would show our value, but alas, it does not. Us women have to coordinate our schedules because we're not allowed to be on vacation at the same time. Crazy? Indeed.
We are to train each other on our daily tasks so that if the roof collapses or something drastic, at least the job will still get done. So while we're training each other we still have to keep up with our daily tasks. This is quite stressful as you can imagine, because there is not enough hours in the day to do all these things, but man is still too busy to help.
So the person who trained me in the first place is no longer in the department. She is still with the company. Today, I made the mistake of asking her for an email list. Well, TL yells at woman and writes an email to everyone saying that we are not supposed to go outside the 'team' for help. So no one here has the answers, do it incorrectly, all hell breaks loose and we get in trouble. Ask for help to avoid this, and we get in trouble.
I got yelled at for not filing work that wasn't done by me. I got yelled at for not cleaning out someone ELSE's desk. Apparently, it's my job to search every filing cabinet in the building, including those that belong to others, for piles of paper. Then I'm supposed to sort this paper by date. PS, I am NOT a secretary. I'm NOT an administrative assistant. And I am most certainly NOT your bitch.
Life is grand. I'm too tired to continue writing so let's end on this. I'm not sexist, or ageist. Ignorance and laziness come in all shapes and sizes... and that's what really grinds my gears.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What Really Grinds My Gears - 10
You know what really grinds my gears - fashion statements in the winter.
Right now it's -14C outside, but with the wind travelling at a speed of 24km/h it feels like -24C. And this is not the coldest day of the year, it's not even close. You really should be prepared with scarf, tuke, mittens/gloves, winter boots and whatever else keeps your body warm.
This is no time for high heels and mini-skirts ladies. Honestly, how sexy do you feel with those bright red legs? How safe are those high heels walking around on ice? Just who are you trying to impress?
Kids, this goes out to you too. You are wearing a winter coat, but it's of no value unless you do it up. And where are your hats? You know it's cold outside, you know that you're freezing right now. Why are you torturing yourself? Are you only considered cool if you're shivering? Is it hip to walk around with red nose and ears?
I remember when it was cool to be warm and comfortable but I guess that was a long time ago.
So why don't you just dare to be different and start a new trend? Running shoes aren't really made for this snowy, icy weather. The scarf you're wearing, isn't really useful if your chest is still exposed, so do up your jacket. You'll be the first cool kid without frostbite.
And what's with people on the elevator. Not only are you lazy, getting on the elevator on the second floor to go down to the lobby, but you're pretty stupid too. There you are frantically looking for the "G" button, but where exactly do you think the elevator is going to go. You got on an elevator full of people, you know it's going down, and you also know that there is nothing beneath the "G" level. So, do you think that if you don't press the button the elevator will just stop where it is? No. Of course not. The button has already been pressed by one of the other ten people on the elevator. You don't need to press it too. In fact, just get off and take the damn stairs.
To the lady on the subway train, you're too fat to sit there. Don't squeeze your fat ass in that small chair between two people. There is no where for them to go and you really don't fit. Maybe you should stand for those two stops, it might do your body some good.
And that's what really grinds my gears.
Right now it's -14C outside, but with the wind travelling at a speed of 24km/h it feels like -24C. And this is not the coldest day of the year, it's not even close. You really should be prepared with scarf, tuke, mittens/gloves, winter boots and whatever else keeps your body warm.
This is no time for high heels and mini-skirts ladies. Honestly, how sexy do you feel with those bright red legs? How safe are those high heels walking around on ice? Just who are you trying to impress?
Kids, this goes out to you too. You are wearing a winter coat, but it's of no value unless you do it up. And where are your hats? You know it's cold outside, you know that you're freezing right now. Why are you torturing yourself? Are you only considered cool if you're shivering? Is it hip to walk around with red nose and ears?
I remember when it was cool to be warm and comfortable but I guess that was a long time ago.
So why don't you just dare to be different and start a new trend? Running shoes aren't really made for this snowy, icy weather. The scarf you're wearing, isn't really useful if your chest is still exposed, so do up your jacket. You'll be the first cool kid without frostbite.
And what's with people on the elevator. Not only are you lazy, getting on the elevator on the second floor to go down to the lobby, but you're pretty stupid too. There you are frantically looking for the "G" button, but where exactly do you think the elevator is going to go. You got on an elevator full of people, you know it's going down, and you also know that there is nothing beneath the "G" level. So, do you think that if you don't press the button the elevator will just stop where it is? No. Of course not. The button has already been pressed by one of the other ten people on the elevator. You don't need to press it too. In fact, just get off and take the damn stairs.
To the lady on the subway train, you're too fat to sit there. Don't squeeze your fat ass in that small chair between two people. There is no where for them to go and you really don't fit. Maybe you should stand for those two stops, it might do your body some good.
And that's what really grinds my gears.
Talk About Great Service
So I thought I'd take a break from my usual rants about people on the subway, and other common ignorant people to make an announcement.
So recently, I had the unfortunate experience of losing puzzle pieces. I worked for hours, probably close to 15 hours to be exact on a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. And in all this time, I probably only completed about 150 pieces worth of work. It took me a solid 9 hours to complete just the frame, and that was after a few trial and errors.
My cats thought the puzzle would make a nice sleeping spot. But three cats makes for a lot of back and forth and of course some pieces were knocked to the floor.... only to be consumed by the dogs. I cried. I worked so hard on something that was just ruined in the space of minutes. To top it off, the puzzle is a limited edition and sold out everywhere. I'm left with two choices: complete the puzzle despite the missing pieces or throw it all out and count my losses.
Well as per previous posts, I'm persistent. I called several different stores trying to find this puzzle to no avail. A week later, I walk into a store and come across the last copy. Cha-ching! I now have a replacement but still no place to work on it.
Here is where my great service experience comes in. I come across this website: JIGSAW JUNGLE
This place specializes in all things puzzle including a few safe storage options. I decide to spend a bit of money and get a good quality jigsaw briefcase.
If you spend over $79 (I believe) you get free shipping. This is a bonus because I'm in Canada and JIGSAW JUNGLE is in the United States. With the free shipping option you are guaranteed delivery in 5-10 business days. The exception of course is if you are located outside the States because they can't guarantee the length of 'border time'. Well fair is fair. They also say that they aren't responsible for duty fees. So now I'm expecting my package to be delivered in 5-10 business days, but if it takes longer, that's OK too. And if it comes with an extra fee, well I've been warned.
I ordered my package on Friday afternoon and it was shipped to me on Monday morning! This is cross-border! That, my friends, is awesome service! The bonus, I didn't have to pay a thing at the door. Also good news. I will definitely be doing business with these people again.
So recently, I had the unfortunate experience of losing puzzle pieces. I worked for hours, probably close to 15 hours to be exact on a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. And in all this time, I probably only completed about 150 pieces worth of work. It took me a solid 9 hours to complete just the frame, and that was after a few trial and errors.
My cats thought the puzzle would make a nice sleeping spot. But three cats makes for a lot of back and forth and of course some pieces were knocked to the floor.... only to be consumed by the dogs. I cried. I worked so hard on something that was just ruined in the space of minutes. To top it off, the puzzle is a limited edition and sold out everywhere. I'm left with two choices: complete the puzzle despite the missing pieces or throw it all out and count my losses.
Well as per previous posts, I'm persistent. I called several different stores trying to find this puzzle to no avail. A week later, I walk into a store and come across the last copy. Cha-ching! I now have a replacement but still no place to work on it.
Here is where my great service experience comes in. I come across this website: JIGSAW JUNGLE
This place specializes in all things puzzle including a few safe storage options. I decide to spend a bit of money and get a good quality jigsaw briefcase.
If you spend over $79 (I believe) you get free shipping. This is a bonus because I'm in Canada and JIGSAW JUNGLE is in the United States. With the free shipping option you are guaranteed delivery in 5-10 business days. The exception of course is if you are located outside the States because they can't guarantee the length of 'border time'. Well fair is fair. They also say that they aren't responsible for duty fees. So now I'm expecting my package to be delivered in 5-10 business days, but if it takes longer, that's OK too. And if it comes with an extra fee, well I've been warned.
I ordered my package on Friday afternoon and it was shipped to me on Monday morning! This is cross-border! That, my friends, is awesome service! The bonus, I didn't have to pay a thing at the door. Also good news. I will definitely be doing business with these people again.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Easy Math Yet Hard To Comprehend
I'd like to take the time here to mention a very charitable cause and a very charitable man. It's the 12 for 12K cause.
Each month a specific charity is chosen. For January, it's War Child. By the end of the year, that will mean there are 12 charities that are helped through this cause and countless people.
The goal is to raise $144,000 in 2009. This breaks down to $12,000 per month (per charity).
It may sound like a lot of money, so let's break it down even further. If 1200 people get involved in this cause, they only have to donate $10/month. If 2400 people get involved, it's only $5/month out of their pockets. The more people that get involved the less money per month is needed. Or, if everyone commits to donating $10/month then the goal will not only be met, but it will be surpassed.
1200 people may sound like a big number, so let's break this down. If I tell 10 people and each of those people, tell 10 more, etc, you could reach out to over 1000 people in just three steps:
First, I tell 10 people.
Second, if those 10 tell 10 others, that's 100 people.
Third, if those 100 tell 10 others, that's 1000 people.
So if I, plus 10, plus 100, plus 1000 are donating $10 month then we just raised $11,110 per month! That's not quite the goal, but if we all do this then we've reached 93% of the goal and it only cost us $10 and 10 minutes.
All you need to do is write an email and send it out to everyone in your address book. You know there are more than 10 people in your hotmail/gmail/yahoo/outlook account, I'm hoping you reach 10 people and they do the same.
This cause has been running now since January 1st. In 15 days, they have only reached 6% of their goal.
This is what I cannot comprehend. $10 is not a lot of money, and 10 minutes is not a lot of time. I understand the economy is low, but if you can make your coffee instead of buying it for one week - that's $10 you can put towards a charity.
If you make your lunch for two days instead of buying it, that's $10 you can put toward a charity.
If you can rent a movie instead of seeing it in the theatre, that's $10 that you can put towards a charity.
And my personal favourite (yet hardest for me), if you can go to the library for one book, instead of purchasing it, then that's $10 that you can put towards a charity.
It's not a hard thing to do, and it's not too much to ask. Think about all the people you will be helping. You're helping to build schools in Africa, you're helping to find cures to diseases, you're helping to clean up pollution, you're helping to find clean water, you're helping animals find homes. You're helping.
It took one man to have a vision. He put all of his time and resources into this project and it's completely selfless. If one man can donate 100% of his time to this project, surely you can find 10 minutes? If you are absolutely without money, surely you can find someone who can help.
Ask your parents, ask your siblings, ask everyone. Spread the word. The more people who get involved, the more people we can help. It's simple.
Spread the word, open your hearts, find the money, check the link. http://12for12k.org/
Each month a specific charity is chosen. For January, it's War Child. By the end of the year, that will mean there are 12 charities that are helped through this cause and countless people.
The goal is to raise $144,000 in 2009. This breaks down to $12,000 per month (per charity).
It may sound like a lot of money, so let's break it down even further. If 1200 people get involved in this cause, they only have to donate $10/month. If 2400 people get involved, it's only $5/month out of their pockets. The more people that get involved the less money per month is needed. Or, if everyone commits to donating $10/month then the goal will not only be met, but it will be surpassed.
1200 people may sound like a big number, so let's break this down. If I tell 10 people and each of those people, tell 10 more, etc, you could reach out to over 1000 people in just three steps:
First, I tell 10 people.
Second, if those 10 tell 10 others, that's 100 people.
Third, if those 100 tell 10 others, that's 1000 people.
So if I, plus 10, plus 100, plus 1000 are donating $10 month then we just raised $11,110 per month! That's not quite the goal, but if we all do this then we've reached 93% of the goal and it only cost us $10 and 10 minutes.
All you need to do is write an email and send it out to everyone in your address book. You know there are more than 10 people in your hotmail/gmail/yahoo/outlook account, I'm hoping you reach 10 people and they do the same.
This cause has been running now since January 1st. In 15 days, they have only reached 6% of their goal.
This is what I cannot comprehend. $10 is not a lot of money, and 10 minutes is not a lot of time. I understand the economy is low, but if you can make your coffee instead of buying it for one week - that's $10 you can put towards a charity.
If you make your lunch for two days instead of buying it, that's $10 you can put toward a charity.
If you can rent a movie instead of seeing it in the theatre, that's $10 that you can put towards a charity.
And my personal favourite (yet hardest for me), if you can go to the library for one book, instead of purchasing it, then that's $10 that you can put towards a charity.
It's not a hard thing to do, and it's not too much to ask. Think about all the people you will be helping. You're helping to build schools in Africa, you're helping to find cures to diseases, you're helping to clean up pollution, you're helping to find clean water, you're helping animals find homes. You're helping.
It took one man to have a vision. He put all of his time and resources into this project and it's completely selfless. If one man can donate 100% of his time to this project, surely you can find 10 minutes? If you are absolutely without money, surely you can find someone who can help.
Ask your parents, ask your siblings, ask everyone. Spread the word. The more people who get involved, the more people we can help. It's simple.
Spread the word, open your hearts, find the money, check the link. http://12for12k.org/
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What Really Grinds My Gears - 9
You know what really grinds my gears - hairstylists. Or mayhaps I should specify, hairstylists that don't listen.
I had a package at a new salon. Some promotion where you just book your appointment and your cut and style is already paid for. So I booked my appointment and went in for a brand new look.
Here is a picture of me BEFORE I went to the salon.
Nice, long, curly hair.
Now don't get me wrong, I love my curls, but it's time for a change.
So when the lady says "what would you like done today?" I hand her this picture.
It's short and straight and completely different. I've had my hair short before, I know how it will look, and as drastic as it might be for me, I like drastic and I'm not threatened or scared by change.
The lady says "oh no, your face is too round to pull that look off." I advise her that I know what it will look like and this is what I want. She says "you have broad shoulders and short hair just accentuates that." Again, I tell her that I don't care and to cut my hair off.
She says "why do you want it short? You have curly hair. I'll teach you how to do your hair so that you'll love it."
I say "I know how to do my hair curly, I also know how to straighten it. Please cut it off."
She says "I specialize in curly hair, I know what I'm doing. You just haven't been to someone who knows what they are doing. Trust me, when I'm done with it, you'll love it."
This is when I realize that I'm not going to get my way so I just stop talking. Really, I've had curly hair my entire life. Are you trying to say that in over 25 years, I've NEVER been to someone who knows how to cut hair? That I've never bothered to ask someone what the best products to use are? Get over yourself lady.
At one point she has me curling my own hair... Because that's why I went to the salon of course, to do my own damn hair.
I tell her I want my hair to be short, straight and flat. I tell her I wanted it parted to the left. This is what I get.
Note the similarities. That's right, there aren't any. She didn't cut my hair, she didn't straighten it, she added volume and for F*&K sakes she parted it the wrong way.
I really could have done this myself. I could have just chopped it and it would have looked the same. I went to the salon because I wanted a new look and this is hardly new.
This lady told me I had to dye my hair as soon as possible because my roots are showing (big deal). She asks me what colour I was thinking about going with it. Just for kicks I say "blue." She says "we don't carry that colour but how about a really nice blonde?" BAHHHH Why do you even ask? You clearly don't care what I want done, you just cut/dye/style whatever the hell you're in the mood for.
She says to me, "worst case scenario, if you really don't like it, come back in a few days and I'll cut it again."
Why would I go back? Why did I waste my time at all?
She layered my hair and even if I go back she won't be able to do my hair the way I asked. She's ruined it. She's ruined my chances of even getting it fixed so now I just have to wait until it grows out and try again.
The biggest slap in the face was at the end as I was walking out instead of asking me if I liked it, she says "there, that suits your personality much better."
Excuse me?! HOW THE F*&K DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MY PERSONALITY? It's not like you've listened to a damn word I said. Honey, you haven't seen an inch of my personality.
The next day I go to a new salon and ask the guy there if he can fix it. I tell him straight up, if he can't then I'll just wait until my hair grows back and try again but don't waste my time and money telling me you can do something you can't.
He fixes it - all is good. Now I spent $65 dollars on something that was supposed to be 'included in a package' and over 2 hours on a hair cut that went out the window.
I feel like going back to the first lady and saying, next time just listen. Don't tell me I will look terrible. If it's a bad cut or if it doesn't suit me, that's my problem. Hair grows back, I can deal with it. I've shaved my head over bad haircuts in the past and I'm not afraid to do it now.
Don't tell me you know, because you don't. Go F*&K yourself.
I had a package at a new salon. Some promotion where you just book your appointment and your cut and style is already paid for. So I booked my appointment and went in for a brand new look.
Here is a picture of me BEFORE I went to the salon.
Nice, long, curly hair.
Now don't get me wrong, I love my curls, but it's time for a change.
So when the lady says "what would you like done today?" I hand her this picture.
It's short and straight and completely different. I've had my hair short before, I know how it will look, and as drastic as it might be for me, I like drastic and I'm not threatened or scared by change.
The lady says "oh no, your face is too round to pull that look off." I advise her that I know what it will look like and this is what I want. She says "you have broad shoulders and short hair just accentuates that." Again, I tell her that I don't care and to cut my hair off.
She says "why do you want it short? You have curly hair. I'll teach you how to do your hair so that you'll love it."
I say "I know how to do my hair curly, I also know how to straighten it. Please cut it off."
She says "I specialize in curly hair, I know what I'm doing. You just haven't been to someone who knows what they are doing. Trust me, when I'm done with it, you'll love it."
This is when I realize that I'm not going to get my way so I just stop talking. Really, I've had curly hair my entire life. Are you trying to say that in over 25 years, I've NEVER been to someone who knows how to cut hair? That I've never bothered to ask someone what the best products to use are? Get over yourself lady.
At one point she has me curling my own hair... Because that's why I went to the salon of course, to do my own damn hair.
I tell her I want my hair to be short, straight and flat. I tell her I wanted it parted to the left. This is what I get.
Note the similarities. That's right, there aren't any. She didn't cut my hair, she didn't straighten it, she added volume and for F*&K sakes she parted it the wrong way.
I really could have done this myself. I could have just chopped it and it would have looked the same. I went to the salon because I wanted a new look and this is hardly new.
This lady told me I had to dye my hair as soon as possible because my roots are showing (big deal). She asks me what colour I was thinking about going with it. Just for kicks I say "blue." She says "we don't carry that colour but how about a really nice blonde?" BAHHHH Why do you even ask? You clearly don't care what I want done, you just cut/dye/style whatever the hell you're in the mood for.
She says to me, "worst case scenario, if you really don't like it, come back in a few days and I'll cut it again."
Why would I go back? Why did I waste my time at all?
She layered my hair and even if I go back she won't be able to do my hair the way I asked. She's ruined it. She's ruined my chances of even getting it fixed so now I just have to wait until it grows out and try again.
The biggest slap in the face was at the end as I was walking out instead of asking me if I liked it, she says "there, that suits your personality much better."
Excuse me?! HOW THE F*&K DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MY PERSONALITY? It's not like you've listened to a damn word I said. Honey, you haven't seen an inch of my personality.
The next day I go to a new salon and ask the guy there if he can fix it. I tell him straight up, if he can't then I'll just wait until my hair grows back and try again but don't waste my time and money telling me you can do something you can't.
He fixes it - all is good. Now I spent $65 dollars on something that was supposed to be 'included in a package' and over 2 hours on a hair cut that went out the window.
I feel like going back to the first lady and saying, next time just listen. Don't tell me I will look terrible. If it's a bad cut or if it doesn't suit me, that's my problem. Hair grows back, I can deal with it. I've shaved my head over bad haircuts in the past and I'm not afraid to do it now.
Don't tell me you know, because you don't. Go F*&K yourself.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A Whole New Ball Game
I posted a while back, all the reasons why I didn't like fan-based trailers and recreations. Perhaps I should make an amendment. I think I was tired of seeing all these Twilight recreations where people got together and made horrible spoofs. It's basically a mockery of all things holy.
Since then I've seen many decent trailers made by fans, including interpretations of movies that have not been made.
Here is by far, the most incredible fan made trailer I have yet to see. It's not Twilight, but instead a tribute to my childhood. For those of you in my generation - please tell me you remember!
I'd love to see this become a movie and I think the person who made this nailed the roles. I'd make only one small suggestion, and that is that they change Cheetara's costume. That's the only one I think they got wrong. But who am I to complain, when as said before - this is the best thing since sliced bread.
Since then I've seen many decent trailers made by fans, including interpretations of movies that have not been made.
Here is by far, the most incredible fan made trailer I have yet to see. It's not Twilight, but instead a tribute to my childhood. For those of you in my generation - please tell me you remember!
I'd love to see this become a movie and I think the person who made this nailed the roles. I'd make only one small suggestion, and that is that they change Cheetara's costume. That's the only one I think they got wrong. But who am I to complain, when as said before - this is the best thing since sliced bread.
It's a new year, it's a new post
This makes me laugh. Yesterday my husband announces he's writing a blog and wants to know what the big hoopla is about the Twilight Saga. More specifically, the commotion over the filming of New Moon.
He'll deny it and say that he doesn't like this Twilight craze, and that he doesn't see what's so 'big' about it. I only asked him to read the first book of the series and he is now currently reading the fourth and final book. He also can't be separated from his "Team James" bookmark. He's hooked just like the rest of us, don't let him fool you.
He asks me to write him an email explaining in two sentences what the uproar is over the New Moon casting.
Here is what I wrote:
Don't fix things that aren't broken is the saying.
Basically, with the new director and the new budget there has been a lot of talk. They want to cast a young guy (the dude that played Prince Caspian in the second Narnia movie) as Aro. Aro is supposed to be head of the Volturi - king vampire if you will. He commands authority and you just don't get that from a young guy. He doesn't need to be gorgeous like the Cullens. In fact, it would be a better choice to cast someone like Gary Oldman, Christopher Lee, or someone fierce like that.
They want to cast Michael Copon as the new Jacob Black. This is causing uproar for many reasons. First, you have the Taylor Lautner following. These are the people who say "I don't want you to change the actor, I already know this guy as Jacob and he did such a great job." Then you have those who say "well Jacob is supposed to age significantly for New Moon and I just don't think a 16 year old can pull that off."
Basically in this situation Chris Weitz is damned either way, however nobody wants to see Copon as Jacob Black despite his strong resemblance to Lautner. He's arrogant, posting already on his Myspace that he is the new Jacob Black when this isn't a decision that has been made. He doesn't have a very reputable background, appearing as a jackass in One Tree Hill (in only a few episodes) and more famous for his role as the Blue Power Ranger in the new Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers TV show... sounds like a class act.
They are thinking about hiring Vanessa Hudgens or Brenda Song as Leah Clearwater. Leah has only a small role in New Moon but is very significant in the fourth movie/book. She plays the only female werewolf and has a grudge on all men. She is bitter and lonely and has absolutely no one to confide in given her situation. Vanessa Hudgens is from High School Musical - that's as far as her talent goes. Brenda Song is from the Disney channel - a show called The Suite Life with Zack and Cody. Apparently she doesn't show the best acting ability either.
Why are they dumbing down these roles? Yes, the books are targeting a younger generation but that doesn't mean you have to dumb down the movies. Have some respect for this generation, they did have to READ the series to become involved. They have intelligence that you seem to be mocking. You need to hire people that are talented and will take their roles seriously. Take Ashley Greene for example. Never heard of her before Twilight, and she now has a very important character (AKA Alice) in the movies. Despite her lack of history in the film business she did a stellar job.
Twilight was basically a 'no-name' actor cast with few exceptions. The actors lived up to their roles, all of them. You hire these young people and you're looking at getting an actor who will 'beauty pageant' the whole thing. They can smile, look pretty, laugh, and flirt but at the end of the day, you know they aren't taken seriously.
Why not cast the Jonas Brothers to play the rest of the werewolf pack. They're famous and cute and I'm sure it will go over well with the younger audience and maybe even pull in more people, who knows? What I do know, is that no matter how popular the Jonas Brothers are, or how big their fan base is, they have no right to this series.
I'm fully aware that many of these things are speculations and rumours, but they have to come from some where. Especially if they are repeated by many sources, no? Please them all be rumours.
He'll deny it and say that he doesn't like this Twilight craze, and that he doesn't see what's so 'big' about it. I only asked him to read the first book of the series and he is now currently reading the fourth and final book. He also can't be separated from his "Team James" bookmark. He's hooked just like the rest of us, don't let him fool you.
He asks me to write him an email explaining in two sentences what the uproar is over the New Moon casting.
Here is what I wrote:
Don't fix things that aren't broken is the saying.
Basically, with the new director and the new budget there has been a lot of talk. They want to cast a young guy (the dude that played Prince Caspian in the second Narnia movie) as Aro. Aro is supposed to be head of the Volturi - king vampire if you will. He commands authority and you just don't get that from a young guy. He doesn't need to be gorgeous like the Cullens. In fact, it would be a better choice to cast someone like Gary Oldman, Christopher Lee, or someone fierce like that.
They want to cast Michael Copon as the new Jacob Black. This is causing uproar for many reasons. First, you have the Taylor Lautner following. These are the people who say "I don't want you to change the actor, I already know this guy as Jacob and he did such a great job." Then you have those who say "well Jacob is supposed to age significantly for New Moon and I just don't think a 16 year old can pull that off."
Basically in this situation Chris Weitz is damned either way, however nobody wants to see Copon as Jacob Black despite his strong resemblance to Lautner. He's arrogant, posting already on his Myspace that he is the new Jacob Black when this isn't a decision that has been made. He doesn't have a very reputable background, appearing as a jackass in One Tree Hill (in only a few episodes) and more famous for his role as the Blue Power Ranger in the new Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers TV show... sounds like a class act.
They are thinking about hiring Vanessa Hudgens or Brenda Song as Leah Clearwater. Leah has only a small role in New Moon but is very significant in the fourth movie/book. She plays the only female werewolf and has a grudge on all men. She is bitter and lonely and has absolutely no one to confide in given her situation. Vanessa Hudgens is from High School Musical - that's as far as her talent goes. Brenda Song is from the Disney channel - a show called The Suite Life with Zack and Cody. Apparently she doesn't show the best acting ability either.
Why are they dumbing down these roles? Yes, the books are targeting a younger generation but that doesn't mean you have to dumb down the movies. Have some respect for this generation, they did have to READ the series to become involved. They have intelligence that you seem to be mocking. You need to hire people that are talented and will take their roles seriously. Take Ashley Greene for example. Never heard of her before Twilight, and she now has a very important character (AKA Alice) in the movies. Despite her lack of history in the film business she did a stellar job.
Twilight was basically a 'no-name' actor cast with few exceptions. The actors lived up to their roles, all of them. You hire these young people and you're looking at getting an actor who will 'beauty pageant' the whole thing. They can smile, look pretty, laugh, and flirt but at the end of the day, you know they aren't taken seriously.
Why not cast the Jonas Brothers to play the rest of the werewolf pack. They're famous and cute and I'm sure it will go over well with the younger audience and maybe even pull in more people, who knows? What I do know, is that no matter how popular the Jonas Brothers are, or how big their fan base is, they have no right to this series.
I'm fully aware that many of these things are speculations and rumours, but they have to come from some where. Especially if they are repeated by many sources, no? Please them all be rumours.
You're dumbing down our intelligence with these decisions. Read the books, do your homework and if you're too lazy to do this then get Stephenie Meyer involved. Get her to cast the actors she deems fit. Get her to tell you the main plot points and quotes that just can't be missed.
I can tell you right now, coming from a person who has seen Twilight 5 times in the theatre (and counting) - at this moment, I have no interest in seeing the New Moon. I'm losing respect for Chris Weitz. You have the budget to make this film spectacular, don't mess it up.
I guess that's more than two sentences, but I'm passionate!
For those interested in seeing what my husband actually did with this email, read his blog:
http://dannybrown.me/2009/01/06/listening-to-vampire-lovers/
Sunday, December 21, 2008
I smell another rant
OK so I read another article that got me all twisted up and I thought I'd share it with the world.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28269290/
There is a couple in New Jersey with three kids. Each kid has a horribly awful name.
Adolf Hitler Campbell - 3 years old
JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell - 2 years old
Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell - almost one
This is the story about poor Adolf Hitler Campbell who couldn't get a personalized birthday cake for his third birthday. The cake company had some nerve not spelling out "Adolf Hitler" on this three-year-old's cake. It's just a name, for Heaven's sake. Alright, that's about as sarcastic as I can get on this story.
The parents try each year to get their child a cake. You'd think they would give up on this particular bakery and just stick with Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart doesn't show any biases, apparently.
In previous years, the parents attempted to order a personalized cake with swastikas. Dad doesn't seem to think there is a problem with this. He claims he is not racist, he was just raised not to socialize with other races (this is where I insert one of those emoticons with the raised eyebrow.)
He says it's just a name and people should get over it. Just because the real Hitler had such a past, doesn't mean his son will have the same fate. He says we have a new president so it's time for a change. Let's not look into the past, people, it's all about the future.
OK WE are not the ones naming our children after people in the past. Why didn't they just give their child the name "racist"? It's just another word after all. Just because I call you Racist Campbell, doesn't mean that you will turn out to be a racist, right?
And Aryan Nation? How do you figure that's a suitable name? Hitler brought on a genocide, the Aryan Nation was a group of white supremacists, but again, these are just names.
I feel bad for the youngest one. I've google'd and wikipedia'd but I've got no information on this Honsz Hinler person, aside from the fact that he was a Nazi. He just doesn't seem as significant as Hitler the racist leader, or Aryan Nation, the group of racists. He's just a Nazi with no other fame. Clearly that kid won't amount to anything.
Another question to ask ourselves (with another one of those inserted raised eyebrow emoticons) is this:
If a bakery will not allow "Adolf Hitler" inscribed on a cake, why does the government allow this on a birth certificate?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28269290/
There is a couple in New Jersey with three kids. Each kid has a horribly awful name.
Adolf Hitler Campbell - 3 years old
JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell - 2 years old
Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell - almost one
This is the story about poor Adolf Hitler Campbell who couldn't get a personalized birthday cake for his third birthday. The cake company had some nerve not spelling out "Adolf Hitler" on this three-year-old's cake. It's just a name, for Heaven's sake. Alright, that's about as sarcastic as I can get on this story.
The parents try each year to get their child a cake. You'd think they would give up on this particular bakery and just stick with Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart doesn't show any biases, apparently.
In previous years, the parents attempted to order a personalized cake with swastikas. Dad doesn't seem to think there is a problem with this. He claims he is not racist, he was just raised not to socialize with other races (this is where I insert one of those emoticons with the raised eyebrow.)
He says it's just a name and people should get over it. Just because the real Hitler had such a past, doesn't mean his son will have the same fate. He says we have a new president so it's time for a change. Let's not look into the past, people, it's all about the future.
OK WE are not the ones naming our children after people in the past. Why didn't they just give their child the name "racist"? It's just another word after all. Just because I call you Racist Campbell, doesn't mean that you will turn out to be a racist, right?
And Aryan Nation? How do you figure that's a suitable name? Hitler brought on a genocide, the Aryan Nation was a group of white supremacists, but again, these are just names.
I feel bad for the youngest one. I've google'd and wikipedia'd but I've got no information on this Honsz Hinler person, aside from the fact that he was a Nazi. He just doesn't seem as significant as Hitler the racist leader, or Aryan Nation, the group of racists. He's just a Nazi with no other fame. Clearly that kid won't amount to anything.
Another question to ask ourselves (with another one of those inserted raised eyebrow emoticons) is this:
If a bakery will not allow "Adolf Hitler" inscribed on a cake, why does the government allow this on a birth certificate?
Monday, December 8, 2008
It Gets Worse
So in my life time I've had plenty of "it gets worse" stories. All very entertaining, and it's become one of my party specialties. If I start a story with "it gets worse" my best friend usually calls everyone over and says "oh, you have got to hear this one."
It's been a while, but here's how my day started today.
I woke up this morning a little later than normal and was in a rush to get ready. I straightened my hair yesterday so that wasn't an issue. However, looking into the mirror I noticed my hair was just not as great as the night before... Dang bedhead. Well I only have time for a quick brush, but of course that doesn't fix anything, it just leaves me with a good two inches of frizz. Whatever, I'm not superficial, I'm surprised I actually looked in the mirror this morning.
I leave for the office, trying to figure out how to work my brand-spanking-new Ipod. My husband was up at all hours of the morning making sure that it was fully charged and fully loaded with good tunes. I made sure to read the instructions so there was no question of what to do. Well the menu and play buttons only work sometimes, the next and previous buttons work properly, nothing else works at all. I am able to get one song to play, can't adjust the volume so endure it at full blast. The song ends, and starts again. I look at the Ipod to see it's on permanent repeat, but because none of the buttons work, I'm unable to fix that. I check to see if maybe I have it on hold. I push the hold button and apparently that's now the "off" button. Grrr. I turn it back on only to get a message that says "bey-bey" before going off again. I can only assume that means Bye-bye but I wasn't aware that Ipods communicated in such a way. Ripped off. I was sold a cheap knock off on Ebay. Just great. If it worked properly, I probably wouldn't even know the difference. I'm tech-challenged after all.
Now I get to the bus terminal only to see that there are no longer bus stops. The terminal moved from the south end of the mall to the north end without any notification. By the time I get there I will have missed my bus. Lucky for me I spot a bus stop across the street. I hope that if I stand there long enough, my bus will come. It does.
I am on the bus reading my new book. This book was sent to me by the author herself, signed and everything. I drop it in a puddle. I don't drop books, but this one decided to fall right on out of my hands.
I get to the subway station. Wait for a good 15 minutes before an announcement states that there is some train down and we have to wait for it to get fixed before they can send out more trains. By the time the train comes, the station is packed and we all get to herd ourselves into the train and fight for a seat. I get one. By the time I get to the next station I figure out why this seat was left just for me. Apparently I sat in something. So now I'm cold and wet and have a mystery spot on my pants.
By the time I get to work I have almost forgotten about the pants before I get a big whiff of beer. Since I'm all alone and have yet to have a drink, where could that smell be coming from? I check my pants... Doesn't look like beer but I dread to think what it is. It's left a big white spot on my clean black pants. Grrr.
Wait a minute, why am I all alone in the office? I was a good 20 minutes late due to the train extravaganza. Everyone in my department has either called in sick or decided to work from home. Priceless.
Today, of all days, is my birthday. Some birthday.
So I call my husband almost in tears to explain about my day and he says to me "well at least they didn't decorate your desk with balloons." He knows I'm petrified of balloons so I suppose this should be a positive thing... But that's when I notice that they didn't decorate at all. I didn't even get a card signed by everyone. They forgot completely!
Well at least I have a cake to look forward to, right? My husband reminds me that's my job. So I have to make my own birthday cake? He says "no, you can buy one if you want." I actually find this funny. I've only been awake for two hours and all of these things have happened to me.
I really need a coffee. My girlfriend sends me an email, "happy birthday, I can't take you for coffee, I am working from home today." BAH
The director of Twilight, Catherine Hardwicke has officially signed off the project. She won't be making the next movies. I actually feel like this is my fault. What else can go wrong today?
Come to think about it, my bad luck started yesterday. I didn't recognize it though because I wasn't the direct target. First, we set up our Christmas tree only to find we have no lights, they're all burnt out or broken. We go to the store to buy more lights forgetting that our two puppies and one kitten have yet to see a Christmas and don't understand the concept. We got home to find the tree was still standing. That's good. But we're still in the driveway looking in the front window when I see a small grey furry thing towards the top of the tree. I said to my husband "is that Ender?" and before he can look our tree falls to the floor. That was entertaining. No one was hurt and the tree was bare so nothing was broken. Danny says "well at least the puppies didn't pee on it."
He then decides to take out the kitchen garbage. As he's tying up the bag, my littlest pup Cinnamon, decides to cock up his leg and pee all over it. I know he didn't have to go, but for whatever reason he wanted to mark his territory all over the garbage bag. I thought that was pretty funny too but only because it wasn't me. Danny was furious.
The day is getting better, my friend sent me an email with attachments. Hot pictures of not one but TWO of my top 5 celebrity hotties. My best friend took me out for lunch and my boss passed me that signed card. I wasn't forgotten.
It's been a while, but here's how my day started today.
I woke up this morning a little later than normal and was in a rush to get ready. I straightened my hair yesterday so that wasn't an issue. However, looking into the mirror I noticed my hair was just not as great as the night before... Dang bedhead. Well I only have time for a quick brush, but of course that doesn't fix anything, it just leaves me with a good two inches of frizz. Whatever, I'm not superficial, I'm surprised I actually looked in the mirror this morning.
I leave for the office, trying to figure out how to work my brand-spanking-new Ipod. My husband was up at all hours of the morning making sure that it was fully charged and fully loaded with good tunes. I made sure to read the instructions so there was no question of what to do. Well the menu and play buttons only work sometimes, the next and previous buttons work properly, nothing else works at all. I am able to get one song to play, can't adjust the volume so endure it at full blast. The song ends, and starts again. I look at the Ipod to see it's on permanent repeat, but because none of the buttons work, I'm unable to fix that. I check to see if maybe I have it on hold. I push the hold button and apparently that's now the "off" button. Grrr. I turn it back on only to get a message that says "bey-bey" before going off again. I can only assume that means Bye-bye but I wasn't aware that Ipods communicated in such a way. Ripped off. I was sold a cheap knock off on Ebay. Just great. If it worked properly, I probably wouldn't even know the difference. I'm tech-challenged after all.
Now I get to the bus terminal only to see that there are no longer bus stops. The terminal moved from the south end of the mall to the north end without any notification. By the time I get there I will have missed my bus. Lucky for me I spot a bus stop across the street. I hope that if I stand there long enough, my bus will come. It does.
I am on the bus reading my new book. This book was sent to me by the author herself, signed and everything. I drop it in a puddle. I don't drop books, but this one decided to fall right on out of my hands.
I get to the subway station. Wait for a good 15 minutes before an announcement states that there is some train down and we have to wait for it to get fixed before they can send out more trains. By the time the train comes, the station is packed and we all get to herd ourselves into the train and fight for a seat. I get one. By the time I get to the next station I figure out why this seat was left just for me. Apparently I sat in something. So now I'm cold and wet and have a mystery spot on my pants.
By the time I get to work I have almost forgotten about the pants before I get a big whiff of beer. Since I'm all alone and have yet to have a drink, where could that smell be coming from? I check my pants... Doesn't look like beer but I dread to think what it is. It's left a big white spot on my clean black pants. Grrr.
Wait a minute, why am I all alone in the office? I was a good 20 minutes late due to the train extravaganza. Everyone in my department has either called in sick or decided to work from home. Priceless.
Today, of all days, is my birthday. Some birthday.
So I call my husband almost in tears to explain about my day and he says to me "well at least they didn't decorate your desk with balloons." He knows I'm petrified of balloons so I suppose this should be a positive thing... But that's when I notice that they didn't decorate at all. I didn't even get a card signed by everyone. They forgot completely!
Well at least I have a cake to look forward to, right? My husband reminds me that's my job. So I have to make my own birthday cake? He says "no, you can buy one if you want." I actually find this funny. I've only been awake for two hours and all of these things have happened to me.
I really need a coffee. My girlfriend sends me an email, "happy birthday, I can't take you for coffee, I am working from home today." BAH
The director of Twilight, Catherine Hardwicke has officially signed off the project. She won't be making the next movies. I actually feel like this is my fault. What else can go wrong today?
Come to think about it, my bad luck started yesterday. I didn't recognize it though because I wasn't the direct target. First, we set up our Christmas tree only to find we have no lights, they're all burnt out or broken. We go to the store to buy more lights forgetting that our two puppies and one kitten have yet to see a Christmas and don't understand the concept. We got home to find the tree was still standing. That's good. But we're still in the driveway looking in the front window when I see a small grey furry thing towards the top of the tree. I said to my husband "is that Ender?" and before he can look our tree falls to the floor. That was entertaining. No one was hurt and the tree was bare so nothing was broken. Danny says "well at least the puppies didn't pee on it."
He then decides to take out the kitchen garbage. As he's tying up the bag, my littlest pup Cinnamon, decides to cock up his leg and pee all over it. I know he didn't have to go, but for whatever reason he wanted to mark his territory all over the garbage bag. I thought that was pretty funny too but only because it wasn't me. Danny was furious.
The day is getting better, my friend sent me an email with attachments. Hot pictures of not one but TWO of my top 5 celebrity hotties. My best friend took me out for lunch and my boss passed me that signed card. I wasn't forgotten.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Fantasy - Top 5
I have decided to spice up my life with a little fantasy.
We all have top 5 lists. Usually it starts with "top 5 celebrities, I'd leave my spouse for"
For me, this changes depending on my mood, but my number one guy has always been somewhere in the top 5 so I'm thinking he's there to stay.
Here is my "top 5 celebrities"
- Ewan McGregor
- Daniel Craig
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan
- Dave Grohl
- Dwayne Johnson
These are in no particular order really, and as I said, they do change from time to time... with the exception of my Ewan. I actually had a dream the other night where I left my husband for Daniel Craig. In the dream, I said to my husband "I'll always love you, but I'm leaving you for Daniel Craig." He was heartbroken and devastated. So I tried that line when I woke up. He said "well it's James Bond, I don't mind." That made me smile. So I am allowed to leave my husband for James Bond as long as he makes my top 5 list. If he were number 6, well I've been told "I won't be left for a number 6 guy, that's just an insult."
Another list, which I also found very difficult to make:
Top 5 FICTIONAL characters that I wish were real
- Edward Cullen (though methinks this is a tie with his brother Jasper)
- Victor Krum
- Richard B. Riddick
- McSteamy
- Will Tippen
Despite the fact that all these people were made into movie/TV characters, I'm not actually talking about the actors who portray them. The characters themselves are pretty sexy. Edward and Jasper Cullen from Twilight, Victor Krum from the Harry Potter series, Riddick from Pitch Black, McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy, and Will Tippen from Alias. I've added pictures below, but for Edward, Jasper, and Victor, I suggest reading the books. That way you can use your imagination and create the perfect guy.
I was thinking about adding Chuck Norris to either of these lists, but truth be told Chuck Norris is his own top 5.
The Bet
I believe that everyone of legal age, and maybe some that aren't, have partaken in what is called 'the bet' at least once in their lives.
This is where you see who can go the longest between you and your significant other without some form of sexual act. In high school, it could be as simple as 'let's see who can go the longest without kissing the other' then you bet your virginity on it. Maybe not something as substantial as that but whatever the reward is for the winner, it's also as exciting for the loser.
Then you play this fun game of trying to tease the other to cave first. This could last a long time, or a short time depending on the bet itself. Basically it comes down to a sexual act for a sexual act. If I lose, I have to do a strip tease, but if you lose then you have to give me a full body massage. Really, who cares who loses at this point? The reward is done in privacy for the person you love. It's not humiliating. And if I really don't want to do a little dance around the bed, then I'll just promise myself to not crack under pressure. I'll make you kiss me, or whatever the actual bet is. I'll win, you'll see.
Word to the wise, don't try this bet when you're married. It's a stalemate. You'd be surprised at how long I could go without kissing my husband. He doesn't seem to mind either. There is nothing seductive in this game at all.
For those married who want to spice up their relationship with a little bet, try this. The first one to leave the toilet lid/seat up has to clean it consecutively for six months. You'd be surprised how exciting THAT game can get. It doesn't involve sex at all, but everyone needs a clean toilet, and no one offers to do that job.
This is where you see who can go the longest between you and your significant other without some form of sexual act. In high school, it could be as simple as 'let's see who can go the longest without kissing the other' then you bet your virginity on it. Maybe not something as substantial as that but whatever the reward is for the winner, it's also as exciting for the loser.
Then you play this fun game of trying to tease the other to cave first. This could last a long time, or a short time depending on the bet itself. Basically it comes down to a sexual act for a sexual act. If I lose, I have to do a strip tease, but if you lose then you have to give me a full body massage. Really, who cares who loses at this point? The reward is done in privacy for the person you love. It's not humiliating. And if I really don't want to do a little dance around the bed, then I'll just promise myself to not crack under pressure. I'll make you kiss me, or whatever the actual bet is. I'll win, you'll see.
Word to the wise, don't try this bet when you're married. It's a stalemate. You'd be surprised at how long I could go without kissing my husband. He doesn't seem to mind either. There is nothing seductive in this game at all.
For those married who want to spice up their relationship with a little bet, try this. The first one to leave the toilet lid/seat up has to clean it consecutively for six months. You'd be surprised how exciting THAT game can get. It doesn't involve sex at all, but everyone needs a clean toilet, and no one offers to do that job.
Friday, November 28, 2008
What Really Grinds My Gears - 8
You know what really grinds my gears - people at the movies.
I had my own personal experience, for the first time ever in my life, I went to see a movie by myself. You know, it really wasn't such a bad experience - because unlike SOME people, I don't go to the movies to socialize in the first place, so going alone is not a whole lot different than going with people.
I decided to see what all the rage was about in this Twilight phenomenon but couldn't convince my husband to come with. This is actually where I'm lying and pretending to be cool. I knew what all the rage was about and I was dying to see the film. Anyways back to my rant.
There were only about 30 people in the crowd and I had two talkative kids (boys by the way) sitting behind me. One decided to explain the ENTIRE movie to the other, quite loudly too. And if he wasn't explaining things, he was predicting them like "watch this part it's funny" then he'd laugh really loud. Or he made things up like during the make-out scene he said "did you see what just happened? He injected a bit of his venom into her but he didn't want to kill her so he stopped." I felt like turning around and saying "THAT'S NOT EVEN TRUE!" I expected the mother to shut the kids up but she decided it was more fun to kick my chair.
And speaking of chairs, since there was no one sitting in front of the talkative kid he decided to put his feet up on the seats. Well guess what - it's a row of seats and we can all feel you kicking. I was so annoyed, I kept glaring back, or leaning really far towards the front of my seat, but they just didn't get the clue. There were a few times of silence when I wanted to turn around and explain it to them. Like when the vampire says "you're like my own personal brand of heroin" I wanted to turn around and say "Heroin, kids, that's a drug you inject with a needle but I'm sure you'll learn all about that in high school."
And I'm sure you're thinking, why didn't she just get up and move. I should have. But I was already seated so nicely with my popcorn, and I'd have to gather up all of my belongings just to move. That would probably only get me away from the kicking, but the talking you could hear everywhere.
Oh and you know in the beginning of all movies when they announce "out of respect for other movie watchers, please turn off all of your cell phones and pagers" ??? They mean turn it off, not turn it to vibrate.
We can hear things vibrate, if it's a silent point in the film. And we can see the flash of light if you decide to open your phone up and see who is calling. What is so damn important that you can't wait for the movie to end before responding to that text message anyway?
I had my own personal experience, for the first time ever in my life, I went to see a movie by myself. You know, it really wasn't such a bad experience - because unlike SOME people, I don't go to the movies to socialize in the first place, so going alone is not a whole lot different than going with people.
I decided to see what all the rage was about in this Twilight phenomenon but couldn't convince my husband to come with. This is actually where I'm lying and pretending to be cool. I knew what all the rage was about and I was dying to see the film. Anyways back to my rant.
There were only about 30 people in the crowd and I had two talkative kids (boys by the way) sitting behind me. One decided to explain the ENTIRE movie to the other, quite loudly too. And if he wasn't explaining things, he was predicting them like "watch this part it's funny" then he'd laugh really loud. Or he made things up like during the make-out scene he said "did you see what just happened? He injected a bit of his venom into her but he didn't want to kill her so he stopped." I felt like turning around and saying "THAT'S NOT EVEN TRUE!" I expected the mother to shut the kids up but she decided it was more fun to kick my chair.
And speaking of chairs, since there was no one sitting in front of the talkative kid he decided to put his feet up on the seats. Well guess what - it's a row of seats and we can all feel you kicking. I was so annoyed, I kept glaring back, or leaning really far towards the front of my seat, but they just didn't get the clue. There were a few times of silence when I wanted to turn around and explain it to them. Like when the vampire says "you're like my own personal brand of heroin" I wanted to turn around and say "Heroin, kids, that's a drug you inject with a needle but I'm sure you'll learn all about that in high school."
And I'm sure you're thinking, why didn't she just get up and move. I should have. But I was already seated so nicely with my popcorn, and I'd have to gather up all of my belongings just to move. That would probably only get me away from the kicking, but the talking you could hear everywhere.
Oh and you know in the beginning of all movies when they announce "out of respect for other movie watchers, please turn off all of your cell phones and pagers" ??? They mean turn it off, not turn it to vibrate.
We can hear things vibrate, if it's a silent point in the film. And we can see the flash of light if you decide to open your phone up and see who is calling. What is so damn important that you can't wait for the movie to end before responding to that text message anyway?
What Really Grinds My Gears - 7
You know what really grinds my gears - Wal-mart.
OK so aside from the prices, what exactly is there to like about this place?
You've got the insane mob, that loves to rush the place. (Read devastating article here.)
You've got people that seem to have all the patience in the world, so they don't mind taking up all the space in that one aisle you need to be in while they stroll for their walk. You can't get around them, you can't get through them, and "pardon me" just gets you funny stares.
People are everywhere! They wreak serious havoc, destroying everything in their path. You've got customers who like to return things too. You know the one that stands in front of you in line, wants a full refund for their broken fax machine, and isn't leaving until he gets it, along with a plethora of gift cards. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty certain that fax machine didn't have bacon and toast in it BEFORE you took it home, but hey - he deserves some gift cards for all his troubles.
So now they have these 24 hour Wal-marts - because everybody needs something at 3am and where else can you go? OK so I thought I'd try this out. I hate mobs, and people in general, so I'm going to Wal-mart when I think no one else will be there. Funnily enough, there is NEVER a time at Wal-mart when people aren't there. And of course there is only one person on cash at this crazy hour. Well lucky me, I've been waiting in line for almost ten minutes when they decide to open another cash register. Except the cashier doesn't say "can I help whose next" instead she just points to the person closest to her and asks if she can help them.
It doesn't matter that I am next in line. You go on. I'll just stand here and wait for this lady to pay her $126. 93 bill, with pocket change... She puts another penny on the counter and looks at the till for her balance again. Still not enough? OK here, what does this dime bring my total to?
What makes you think the total has changed from the last time you looked at it?
And to the staff at Wal-mart, you're just as bad. Why do you hire these greeters? I've never once been greeted by one of these so-called 'greeters' though I have been pulled over and had my bags ransacked. You know you're not a greeter, you are security. Just get a vest... and some hand grenades. Then you'll have every right to treat people like criminals.
I understand there is an electronics department, and in that department they have their own cashiers. So if you aren't purchasing electronics, well you should probably go to the front of the store and purchase your items there. But what if you do have electronics? You're not allowed to leave the electronics department without purchasing your electronics. Fair enough. But I have other items, can you ring them all in? Of course not. I have to wait a solid 30 minutes, get through the whole rebating the bacon-toast-fax machine fiasco, only for you to tell me that you're only ringing through my electronics and I have to purchase the rest at the front cashiers. You know, where I have to wait another 60 minutes? How does that even make sense. I have a total of 5 items, 2 of them are electronics. By the time it took you to explain your decision to not ring through all of my items, you could have rang through all of my items.
Don't give me a hard time, it is not MY fault you had to pay a guy for a broken fax machine, that you know he broke in the first place. Get some balls, and tell him no.
Not me. I'm an honest customer. Don't get all pissy with me.
You got the wrong person.
OK so aside from the prices, what exactly is there to like about this place?
You've got the insane mob, that loves to rush the place. (Read devastating article here.)
You've got people that seem to have all the patience in the world, so they don't mind taking up all the space in that one aisle you need to be in while they stroll for their walk. You can't get around them, you can't get through them, and "pardon me" just gets you funny stares.
People are everywhere! They wreak serious havoc, destroying everything in their path. You've got customers who like to return things too. You know the one that stands in front of you in line, wants a full refund for their broken fax machine, and isn't leaving until he gets it, along with a plethora of gift cards. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty certain that fax machine didn't have bacon and toast in it BEFORE you took it home, but hey - he deserves some gift cards for all his troubles.
So now they have these 24 hour Wal-marts - because everybody needs something at 3am and where else can you go? OK so I thought I'd try this out. I hate mobs, and people in general, so I'm going to Wal-mart when I think no one else will be there. Funnily enough, there is NEVER a time at Wal-mart when people aren't there. And of course there is only one person on cash at this crazy hour. Well lucky me, I've been waiting in line for almost ten minutes when they decide to open another cash register. Except the cashier doesn't say "can I help whose next" instead she just points to the person closest to her and asks if she can help them.
It doesn't matter that I am next in line. You go on. I'll just stand here and wait for this lady to pay her $126. 93 bill, with pocket change... She puts another penny on the counter and looks at the till for her balance again. Still not enough? OK here, what does this dime bring my total to?
What makes you think the total has changed from the last time you looked at it?
And to the staff at Wal-mart, you're just as bad. Why do you hire these greeters? I've never once been greeted by one of these so-called 'greeters' though I have been pulled over and had my bags ransacked. You know you're not a greeter, you are security. Just get a vest... and some hand grenades. Then you'll have every right to treat people like criminals.
I understand there is an electronics department, and in that department they have their own cashiers. So if you aren't purchasing electronics, well you should probably go to the front of the store and purchase your items there. But what if you do have electronics? You're not allowed to leave the electronics department without purchasing your electronics. Fair enough. But I have other items, can you ring them all in? Of course not. I have to wait a solid 30 minutes, get through the whole rebating the bacon-toast-fax machine fiasco, only for you to tell me that you're only ringing through my electronics and I have to purchase the rest at the front cashiers. You know, where I have to wait another 60 minutes? How does that even make sense. I have a total of 5 items, 2 of them are electronics. By the time it took you to explain your decision to not ring through all of my items, you could have rang through all of my items.
Don't give me a hard time, it is not MY fault you had to pay a guy for a broken fax machine, that you know he broke in the first place. Get some balls, and tell him no.
Not me. I'm an honest customer. Don't get all pissy with me.
You got the wrong person.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I smell a rant
Alright here's the latest.
£100,000 - total circus costs (wedding expenses)
Things that don't have a price tag:
- the matching implants for mom and daughter
Missy the bride, got married just 6 days after her 16th birthday and she has the gall to say "I've always wanted a big wedding and my dad has been saving for ages to pay for it." Really? Ages? You are 16 years old - how long could he have possibly been planning this wedding day? Well I guess since you dropped out of school at age 9, he just decided to put your college fund to good use.
Some random trash bag says "it's just what we do at weddings. It's all very extravagant." OK so what part about hot pants and bikini top screams 'extravagant' to you? What made you say 'hey, I'm going to church for a big wedding, maybe I should buy a new pair of hot pants'?
What I want to know is:
Missy Quinn, a 16 year old prostitute gets married. Actually it doesn't say anywhere in the article that she's a hooker, it's just hearsay, but google her, you'll agree.
This girl, aspires to be a model, lives in a trailer with her parents, drops out of school at age 9, meets her future husband at a carnival at age 13... and the list goes on.
Despite the fact that her parents are in a trailer, they somehow came up with the money to fund this ridiculous farce:
£100,000 - total circus costs (wedding expenses)
£18,000 - the wedding gift from parents - a matching trailer (this is in addition to £100,000)
£16,000 - crystal-studded bikini with 10ft tail (wedding dress)
£700 - skanky hot pants worn by some random guest.
£500 - the crystal bouquet (did she toss this?)
£350 - the babies outfits (how many babies?)
Things that don't have a price tag:
- the matching implants for mom and daughter
- the queen's tiara
- mom's specially designed dress, which is essentially a bra and a slip - that's right, underwear
- Rolls-Royce Phantom that drove the circus to the church
- the bucket of make-up and the artist that had to apply all of this to Missy's face
I just can't get over it. I've read this a few times now and I'm shocked. The dad says things like "I was so proud of her on her wedding day." Proud of what? You just paid £100,000 to make your daughter look like a drag queen. For any of you that don't understand this currency, it works out to over $200,000 US dollars - or Canadian dollars, whichever is higher in value.
The mother says "I was surprised they wanted to get married so young in this day and age. But we could see they were madly in love." OMG - they are 16 and 17, wait a few years, they'll be madly in love with the next big thing.
The mother says "I was surprised they wanted to get married so young in this day and age. But we could see they were madly in love." OMG - they are 16 and 17, wait a few years, they'll be madly in love with the next big thing.
Missy the bride, got married just 6 days after her 16th birthday and she has the gall to say "I've always wanted a big wedding and my dad has been saving for ages to pay for it." Really? Ages? You are 16 years old - how long could he have possibly been planning this wedding day? Well I guess since you dropped out of school at age 9, he just decided to put your college fund to good use.
Some random trash bag says "it's just what we do at weddings. It's all very extravagant." OK so what part about hot pants and bikini top screams 'extravagant' to you? What made you say 'hey, I'm going to church for a big wedding, maybe I should buy a new pair of hot pants'?
There were kids as young as 9 wearing bikini tops, high heels and make-up. The article doesn't mention anything about pants or skirts here either, so who knows what is on the bottom half of these children?
How did daddy afford all of these things? It says he surfaces driveways for a living, I had no idea how good a living that was, but there you have it. His little princess wanted a big £100,000 wedding at the age of barely 16, so this seems a practical request.
What I want to know is:
- Why did dad and groom not dress it up a little? Couldn't they afford to spend a little on themselves?
- Why are there so many guests under the age of 10? Oh right, the couple is not that much older.
- The bride gets married 6 days after her 16th birthday, at what age did she get those breast implants?
- Does anyone else think groom looks very similar to dad? That's the father of the bride, but who knows. You know what they say about those trailer folk, it's not inbreeding, it's PURE BREEDING. The new headline should say "Missy Quinn marries brother"
Here is the link for the rest of the article (pictures were found at this link also):
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
What Really Grinds My Gears - 6
You know what really grinds my gears - ignorance.
Here are the top 5 people I came across yesterday that needed a smack.
1. The guy on the bus who put his backpack on the seat beside him and proceeded to talk on his cell phone for the entire 30 minute bus ride. First off, there are people standing, and I'm positive your backpack didn't pay the $2.75 bus fare to ride. Get your bag off the chair and offer the nice lady a place to sit! I highly doubt your bag has a long day ahead of it, and I'm sure it won't be offended to be either put on the floor in front of you, or on your lap. Second, get off the phone. What could be so important at 6:30 in the morning that you have to annoy everyone else on the bus? Get a grip. Maybe if you weren't preoccupied with your cell phone you wouldn't be completely oblivious to the people standing, who could use your backpack's seat. This is equivalent to the person who sits on the aisle seat in a two-seater. I can't get by you to get to the window. Move your ass over. IGNORANCE.
2. The woman on the subway who has to be first off the train. The train conductor announces "next stop, Osgoode station" and this lady gets up, excuses herself (or just plain pushes) her way through the crowd and stands next to the door waiting for the train to stop. The train stops at Osgoode and the doors open. The lady doesn't budge. Of course there are people who actually need to get off at this stop but that doesn't seem to matter to this lady. She is completely unaware. People are trying to get both on and off the train and it seems as though this lady feels inconvenienced by this. The doors close and the train begins on it's way again. The conductor says "next stop St. Andrew station." I wonder if the lady will move this time. The train arrives at St. Andrew and the doors open and before they are completely open, the lady makes a run for it. It's imperative that she's the first on the escalator and out the door.
I've attempted to beat this lady a few times just for kicks, once I got through the door first and she pushed me out of the way to get to the escalator. As long as she's first, nothing else matters. What's the rush, you ask? IGNORANCE.
3. The people who walk in big, slow groups. Nobody can pass you. If you're going to walk slowly, then try to walk single file, or in pairs - people want to get by. I'm far from rushed, and I have a pretty normal pace. Most people complain that I'm slow - but hey, my legs are short, I do the best I can. If I'm complaining about YOUR pace, then pick it up. The only reason you're walking slow is because you're chatting away with all your friends, you fail to realize the line up of traffic behind you. We can't get by, and you're pissing us off. "Excuse me" doesn't work, because you're speaking loudly or fail to listen. A nice shove usually works and that's certainly not beneath me. If you had half a brain, you'd have heard the "excuse me" and moved in the first place. IGNORANCE.
4. The person who has no direct path and no specific pace. This is a branch from point #3. I'm walking behind someone and I believe I'm catching up and ready to pass. This person slows down, speeds up, and makes a sharp 90 degree turn just as I'm trying to pass. OK you go left then, I'll go right.... Oh wait, you want to go right... How about I just stop all together and let you make up your mind? And the dirty look you just gave me, that was a wonderful touch. Hey dumb ass, it's YOUR fault that people walk into you. Right foot, left foot. It's not hard. IGNORANCE.
5. The people who don't understand the concept of a queue. We're all waiting in a line, what do you think it's for? What makes you think the line isn't meant for you? Get in it and wait your turn. Due to the four other people and groups of people that I met before you today, I'm really not in the mood to deal with your stupidity. You get in the line, or you get a good shove. At this point, I'm liking the sound of abuse. You'll take it. You're IGNORANT.
Here are the top 5 people I came across yesterday that needed a smack.
1. The guy on the bus who put his backpack on the seat beside him and proceeded to talk on his cell phone for the entire 30 minute bus ride. First off, there are people standing, and I'm positive your backpack didn't pay the $2.75 bus fare to ride. Get your bag off the chair and offer the nice lady a place to sit! I highly doubt your bag has a long day ahead of it, and I'm sure it won't be offended to be either put on the floor in front of you, or on your lap. Second, get off the phone. What could be so important at 6:30 in the morning that you have to annoy everyone else on the bus? Get a grip. Maybe if you weren't preoccupied with your cell phone you wouldn't be completely oblivious to the people standing, who could use your backpack's seat. This is equivalent to the person who sits on the aisle seat in a two-seater. I can't get by you to get to the window. Move your ass over. IGNORANCE.
2. The woman on the subway who has to be first off the train. The train conductor announces "next stop, Osgoode station" and this lady gets up, excuses herself (or just plain pushes) her way through the crowd and stands next to the door waiting for the train to stop. The train stops at Osgoode and the doors open. The lady doesn't budge. Of course there are people who actually need to get off at this stop but that doesn't seem to matter to this lady. She is completely unaware. People are trying to get both on and off the train and it seems as though this lady feels inconvenienced by this. The doors close and the train begins on it's way again. The conductor says "next stop St. Andrew station." I wonder if the lady will move this time. The train arrives at St. Andrew and the doors open and before they are completely open, the lady makes a run for it. It's imperative that she's the first on the escalator and out the door.
I've attempted to beat this lady a few times just for kicks, once I got through the door first and she pushed me out of the way to get to the escalator. As long as she's first, nothing else matters. What's the rush, you ask? IGNORANCE.
3. The people who walk in big, slow groups. Nobody can pass you. If you're going to walk slowly, then try to walk single file, or in pairs - people want to get by. I'm far from rushed, and I have a pretty normal pace. Most people complain that I'm slow - but hey, my legs are short, I do the best I can. If I'm complaining about YOUR pace, then pick it up. The only reason you're walking slow is because you're chatting away with all your friends, you fail to realize the line up of traffic behind you. We can't get by, and you're pissing us off. "Excuse me" doesn't work, because you're speaking loudly or fail to listen. A nice shove usually works and that's certainly not beneath me. If you had half a brain, you'd have heard the "excuse me" and moved in the first place. IGNORANCE.
4. The person who has no direct path and no specific pace. This is a branch from point #3. I'm walking behind someone and I believe I'm catching up and ready to pass. This person slows down, speeds up, and makes a sharp 90 degree turn just as I'm trying to pass. OK you go left then, I'll go right.... Oh wait, you want to go right... How about I just stop all together and let you make up your mind? And the dirty look you just gave me, that was a wonderful touch. Hey dumb ass, it's YOUR fault that people walk into you. Right foot, left foot. It's not hard. IGNORANCE.
5. The people who don't understand the concept of a queue. We're all waiting in a line, what do you think it's for? What makes you think the line isn't meant for you? Get in it and wait your turn. Due to the four other people and groups of people that I met before you today, I'm really not in the mood to deal with your stupidity. You get in the line, or you get a good shove. At this point, I'm liking the sound of abuse. You'll take it. You're IGNORANT.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Moustache November = MOVEMBER
Please spread the word and support this cause. The statistics just break my heart!
Here is my story.
My husband is partaking in what is now called 'Movember'. For the month of November he will be growing a mustache. Unfortunately for me, due to his rugged Scottishness, I break out into hives when I kiss him, if he’s not clean-shaven.
Alas, it is for a good cause! His mustache is for prostate cancer awareness. Should you wish to donate money to his cause, please see the information below. If you would like to sponsor him, I believe there is another link but I can’t be too sure – email my husband, Danny at mikotoscot1610@yahoo.com.
For those of you who support the cause, and want to see Danny bear his mustache – please feel free to check the links below… For those who feel sorry for me and my unkissable ways – I’ll take donations too – money or smooches, I won’t complain!
Jacki Star
-------------------------------------------------------
Hi All,
During Movember (the month formerly known as November) Danny Brown is growing a Moustache to help the fight against prostate cancer and I'm helping him raise funds and awareness because I'm into guys tackling their own health issues. You can donate to his moustache by either:
1. Clicking this link ca.movember.com/mospace/1810431 and donating online using your credit card or PayPal account, or
2. Writing a cheque payable to the ‘Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada', referencing his Registration Number 1810431 and mailing it to:
Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada
Attn: Movember
145 Front Street East
Suite 306
Toronto, Ontario
M5A 1E3
Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. The money raised by Movember is donated directly to the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada who will use the funds to create awareness and fund research across the country into prevention, detection and treatment, with a goal to ending the threat of prostate cancer.
For those that have supported Movember in previous years you can be very proud of the impact it has had and can check out the details at: http://ca.movember.com/outcomes/content/Fundraising-Outcomes/
Did you know...
• Every year around 24,700 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 4,300 die of the disease, making it the number one cancer threat to Canadian men.
• 1 in 7 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
• All men over the age of 40 are potentially at risk and should talk to their doctor about the disease and early detection. Prostate cancer is 95% curable if detected and treated early. Movember culminates at the end of month Gala Partés. If you would like to be part of this great night you'll need to purchase a http://ca.movember.com/galatickets/index.php .Thanks for your support.
More information is available at www.movember.com/.
-------------------------------------------------------
A note from my husband personally:
Hi everyone,
Thank you to my good lady wife who promoted me very nicely while hiding her peed-offedness at my pending hairiness :)
Indeed, the Movember event is to raise awareness of the importance for men to be checked regularly. The main focus is on Prostate Cancer awareness/prevention. Having lost a grandfather to this disease, it's something close to my heart.You can find more details at my blog:* dannybrown.me/2008/11/01/remember-remember-the-month-of-movember/Or you can go directly to my Movember donation page:* ca.movember.com/mospace/1810431
Every little helps, and you can make donations in a variety of ways. Your name pops up as a donator and you receive a receipt so you know it's all legit. Anything you can donate will be gratefully accepted - it's for a great cause and something all guys (and their partners) should take seriously throughout the whole year.
Cheers,
Danny Brown
Here is my story.
My husband is partaking in what is now called 'Movember'. For the month of November he will be growing a mustache. Unfortunately for me, due to his rugged Scottishness, I break out into hives when I kiss him, if he’s not clean-shaven.
Alas, it is for a good cause! His mustache is for prostate cancer awareness. Should you wish to donate money to his cause, please see the information below. If you would like to sponsor him, I believe there is another link but I can’t be too sure – email my husband, Danny at mikotoscot1610@yahoo.com.
For those of you who support the cause, and want to see Danny bear his mustache – please feel free to check the links below… For those who feel sorry for me and my unkissable ways – I’ll take donations too – money or smooches, I won’t complain!
Jacki Star
-------------------------------------------------------
Hi All,
During Movember (the month formerly known as November) Danny Brown is growing a Moustache to help the fight against prostate cancer and I'm helping him raise funds and awareness because I'm into guys tackling their own health issues. You can donate to his moustache by either:
1. Clicking this link ca.movember.com/mospace/1810431 and donating online using your credit card or PayPal account, or
2. Writing a cheque payable to the ‘Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada', referencing his Registration Number 1810431 and mailing it to:
Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada
Attn: Movember
145 Front Street East
Suite 306
Toronto, Ontario
M5A 1E3
Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. The money raised by Movember is donated directly to the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada who will use the funds to create awareness and fund research across the country into prevention, detection and treatment, with a goal to ending the threat of prostate cancer.
For those that have supported Movember in previous years you can be very proud of the impact it has had and can check out the details at: http://ca.movember.com/outcomes/content/Fundraising-Outcomes/
Did you know...
• Every year around 24,700 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 4,300 die of the disease, making it the number one cancer threat to Canadian men.
• 1 in 7 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
• All men over the age of 40 are potentially at risk and should talk to their doctor about the disease and early detection. Prostate cancer is 95% curable if detected and treated early. Movember culminates at the end of month Gala Partés. If you would like to be part of this great night you'll need to purchase a http://ca.movember.com/galatickets/index.php .Thanks for your support.
More information is available at www.movember.com/.
-------------------------------------------------------
A note from my husband personally:
Hi everyone,
Thank you to my good lady wife who promoted me very nicely while hiding her peed-offedness at my pending hairiness :)
Indeed, the Movember event is to raise awareness of the importance for men to be checked regularly. The main focus is on Prostate Cancer awareness/prevention. Having lost a grandfather to this disease, it's something close to my heart.You can find more details at my blog:* dannybrown.me/2008/11/01/remember-remember-the-month-of-movember/Or you can go directly to my Movember donation page:* ca.movember.com/mospace/1810431
Every little helps, and you can make donations in a variety of ways. Your name pops up as a donator and you receive a receipt so you know it's all legit. Anything you can donate will be gratefully accepted - it's for a great cause and something all guys (and their partners) should take seriously throughout the whole year.
Cheers,
Danny Brown
Ender's story
To all the die-hard Dashboard Confessional fans, please forgive me if any of my facts are skewed. I read this story a long time ago and it's all based on memory. Chris, same for you - it's more of a tribute!
There is a guy named Chris Ender Carrabba. When he was young he came across a book called Ender’s Game (by Orson Scott Card). He was drawn to it because of it’s unique title and aside from his own middle name he’d never seen “Ender” before. He read the book and was deeply enthralled. He introduced his friend to the Ender series and together they became creatures of habit, always reading, always role-playing, and discussing all things Ender.
One day the two friends got into a heated argument that could not be reconciled. Years had passed and the two had not spoken. Chris decided to contact his old friend and reminisce on the old Ender days. It was easy for the two to remember the good ol’ days and so their friendship remained in tact – the argument long forgotten.
Chris being the singer/songwriter he is, decided to write a song about this… How Ender saved a couple of friends. The song is entitled Ender Will Save Us All – by Dashboard Confessional.
The other day my friend called me and asked me if I wanted to go to the pet store with her. I said that I had no reason to go but I’d come along anyways.
She’s been volunteering there and she saw a kitten that she loves and just wanted to visit.
So I went with her into the room with all the cats. I sat on the bench and if any cats came to me I’d pet and play but if they didn’t then I’d leave them alone. I made no special effort.
This one kitten came out of his cage and crawled on my lap and curled into a ball. He wasn’t sleeping he was just cuddling. He sat there for over an hour then he got off and sat beside me on the bench. He sat there for about 30 seconds just watching all the other cats play, then he crawled back on my lap and cuddled with me again.
He used my arm as a pillow and he let me pet him non-stop.
My friend suggested that I take this little boy home, but I know better. My husband and I already own two cats and two dogs and although we love animals, I've already been threatened with divorce should I decide to bring another one home.
So I went home without any animals.
I told my husband the story and I asked if he’d come to the pet store with me the next day. I said that I didn’t expect anything and I’m sure he’d say no to more animals, but he had to come see this cute kitten.
So the next day we went. My husband could not resist this cute kitten and so we brought him home. We named him Ender, and he’s so wonderful. He’s so curious and he walks around checking everything out. He seems particularly playful on the stairs. He’s great with the dogs and the other cats as well. The dogs like to sniff him and lick him clean and he’ll just sit there and let them. When the dogs try to sleep Ender wants to sleep with them too so he cuddles them.
Ender is a tough little guy who likes to play with everyone. He chases the other cats, the dogs' tails and when no one is in the mood to play, he happily plays with his own shadow.
The Ender book is excellent, the Ender book series is fabulous, the Ender song is timeless - and the kitten, well he's well suited for his name!
There is a guy named Chris Ender Carrabba. When he was young he came across a book called Ender’s Game (by Orson Scott Card). He was drawn to it because of it’s unique title and aside from his own middle name he’d never seen “Ender” before. He read the book and was deeply enthralled. He introduced his friend to the Ender series and together they became creatures of habit, always reading, always role-playing, and discussing all things Ender.
One day the two friends got into a heated argument that could not be reconciled. Years had passed and the two had not spoken. Chris decided to contact his old friend and reminisce on the old Ender days. It was easy for the two to remember the good ol’ days and so their friendship remained in tact – the argument long forgotten.
Chris being the singer/songwriter he is, decided to write a song about this… How Ender saved a couple of friends. The song is entitled Ender Will Save Us All – by Dashboard Confessional.
The other day my friend called me and asked me if I wanted to go to the pet store with her. I said that I had no reason to go but I’d come along anyways.
She’s been volunteering there and she saw a kitten that she loves and just wanted to visit.
So I went with her into the room with all the cats. I sat on the bench and if any cats came to me I’d pet and play but if they didn’t then I’d leave them alone. I made no special effort.
This one kitten came out of his cage and crawled on my lap and curled into a ball. He wasn’t sleeping he was just cuddling. He sat there for over an hour then he got off and sat beside me on the bench. He sat there for about 30 seconds just watching all the other cats play, then he crawled back on my lap and cuddled with me again.
He used my arm as a pillow and he let me pet him non-stop.
My friend suggested that I take this little boy home, but I know better. My husband and I already own two cats and two dogs and although we love animals, I've already been threatened with divorce should I decide to bring another one home.
So I went home without any animals.
I told my husband the story and I asked if he’d come to the pet store with me the next day. I said that I didn’t expect anything and I’m sure he’d say no to more animals, but he had to come see this cute kitten.
So the next day we went. My husband could not resist this cute kitten and so we brought him home. We named him Ender, and he’s so wonderful. He’s so curious and he walks around checking everything out. He seems particularly playful on the stairs. He’s great with the dogs and the other cats as well. The dogs like to sniff him and lick him clean and he’ll just sit there and let them. When the dogs try to sleep Ender wants to sleep with them too so he cuddles them.
Ender is a tough little guy who likes to play with everyone. He chases the other cats, the dogs' tails and when no one is in the mood to play, he happily plays with his own shadow.
The Ender book is excellent, the Ender book series is fabulous, the Ender song is timeless - and the kitten, well he's well suited for his name!
What Really Grinds My Gears - 5
You know what really grinds my gears - trick-or-treaters.
This Halloween I had the pleasure of handing out candy to all the young kiddies. See now, I don't care how old you are, if you dress up in costume and you come knocking on my door then you get candy. This year I had a group of kids who were certainly of trick-or-treating age but couldn't be arsed to dress in costume. They come to my door and say "trick-or-treat" and I say "what are you supposed to be?"
They just smirk and shrug and pull the "I don't know." Well I was nice and said "next year you come in costume or you get nothing at all. It's not fair to the other kids."
Then there are the little girls that come dressed up in costume and say "trick-or-treat" as they open their bag. I put candy in, and they close that bag and open a second bag. They don't even say trick-or-treat they just expect you to put more candy in. I say "what's this?" and they look at me as if I should already know "this is for my brother" ... "where is your brother?" and they point to their mother at the end of the driveway holding a stroller.
Well - I'm not so nice anymore and all my patience is lost - "if your brother can't walk up here and get the candy himself, then he's certainly not old enough to eat the candy. If you're so concerned then be a good sister and share YOUR candy."
I was surprised how many kids pulled this gag.
I also had a man come to the door with his little baby who was just old enough to sit up, but probably not old enough to even crawl. The man said "trick or treat" and you know what... his baby was dressed in a little Winnie-the-Pooh costume. I don't care who eats the candy really, that man dressed his kid and took the time to walk him door to door, he gets candy! It's not like he stood at the bottom of the driveway and sent some kid up to the door.
Now this next one didn't happen to me, thankfully, but I was terribly appalled and thought it necessary to go in this edition of "grinds my gears."
The three ladies who brought their kids trick-or-treating. The kids were in costume, they were polite, they got the candy. Before the door was closed, the LADIES put their foot in the door and push their way in. They each have a bag of their own and they are begging for candy in a foreign language. They were rude and aggressive and wouldn't stop until all the candy was depleted.
Honestly, ladies, uncostumed kids, and kids with baby brothers - it's people like YOU who ruin the holiday for everyone else. Next year, I'll be more prepared for people like you and I'll keep bags of goodies that smell suspiciously like dog poop. Ya, I DARE you to come to my door!
This Halloween I had the pleasure of handing out candy to all the young kiddies. See now, I don't care how old you are, if you dress up in costume and you come knocking on my door then you get candy. This year I had a group of kids who were certainly of trick-or-treating age but couldn't be arsed to dress in costume. They come to my door and say "trick-or-treat" and I say "what are you supposed to be?"
They just smirk and shrug and pull the "I don't know." Well I was nice and said "next year you come in costume or you get nothing at all. It's not fair to the other kids."
Then there are the little girls that come dressed up in costume and say "trick-or-treat" as they open their bag. I put candy in, and they close that bag and open a second bag. They don't even say trick-or-treat they just expect you to put more candy in. I say "what's this?" and they look at me as if I should already know "this is for my brother" ... "where is your brother?" and they point to their mother at the end of the driveway holding a stroller.
Well - I'm not so nice anymore and all my patience is lost - "if your brother can't walk up here and get the candy himself, then he's certainly not old enough to eat the candy. If you're so concerned then be a good sister and share YOUR candy."
I was surprised how many kids pulled this gag.
I also had a man come to the door with his little baby who was just old enough to sit up, but probably not old enough to even crawl. The man said "trick or treat" and you know what... his baby was dressed in a little Winnie-the-Pooh costume. I don't care who eats the candy really, that man dressed his kid and took the time to walk him door to door, he gets candy! It's not like he stood at the bottom of the driveway and sent some kid up to the door.
Now this next one didn't happen to me, thankfully, but I was terribly appalled and thought it necessary to go in this edition of "grinds my gears."
The three ladies who brought their kids trick-or-treating. The kids were in costume, they were polite, they got the candy. Before the door was closed, the LADIES put their foot in the door and push their way in. They each have a bag of their own and they are begging for candy in a foreign language. They were rude and aggressive and wouldn't stop until all the candy was depleted.
Honestly, ladies, uncostumed kids, and kids with baby brothers - it's people like YOU who ruin the holiday for everyone else. Next year, I'll be more prepared for people like you and I'll keep bags of goodies that smell suspiciously like dog poop. Ya, I DARE you to come to my door!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)