zing! boom! flash!

Sir, come Cision.

2008-10-15T17:47:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends,
Tomorrow is mini-Friday! whooya. Wednesday is my busiest day because I have zero preps which means I am with my Grade 7 class for FOUR CONSECUTIVE CLASSES. Usually I want to die by the end but it was a fairly pleasant day.

Let me recap: In religion we are talking about Joshua and today were doing a "chapter 1-6 review." Let me just say that though one may THINK religion will be the most "wholesome" of subjects at a christian school, that is not true at all.
Chapter Two: Rahab is a Prostitute
" Does everyone know what a prostitute is?"
giggles. faces hidden. nods.
Boy 1 : it's like a whore.
Me: Well, that is a slang word that is not very kind.
Boy 2: ohhhhh! so like a hooker?
Me: ugh. Another slang word.
Girl :some dress up as women but they are really men.
Me: ok. awesome. Let's get back on track.

...

Chapter Five: circumcision at Gilgal.
"Does everyone know what circumcision is?"
giggles. faces hidden. boys grab their crotches.
Boy 1: Let's just say it's when something gets cut off.
Boy 2: And then you can't have babies
Me: Uhh. Well no, something IS cut off but you can still have babies.
Boy 2: No, my dad had one so he couldn't have kids anymore. My mom made him and then they got divorced so he's really mad.
all kids look up in interest.
Me: DIFFERENT PROCEDURE. ok, uh. take out your Joshua crossword puzzles.

...

Later on in Social Studies a boy points at a picture of a knife depicting some artifacts the British traded with the Mi'kmaq people: "so is this what they used to circumcise them?"
Me: (sigh) I don't think the First Nations were really into circumcision.
boys huddle around picture of knife and rein act how bad the pain would be if they too were circumcised and (incidentally), circumcised by the knife of a Mi'kmaq tribe member.
pardon the pun.

musings.

2008-10-08T17:41:00.002-06:00

I just ate a big bowl of Cinnamon Life and Multi-Grain Cheerios. Yep, it was my supper. Luke is working tonight which means I can pretend I am single and go all crrrazy!

i wish he was home.
also. I am still hungry

anyways, I am eager for the long weekend. I love not setting alarms and sipping coffee instead of gulping it while saying to myself "I don't care if this makes you feel nauseous, you will need it later.self." I was a good girl last weekend and planned all ahead for this week which means that I already have stuff planned for next week which MEANS...perhaps a break. I have a problem with planning ahead though; once I get slightly ahead then it becomes an obsession and I just want to get more-and-more ahead until it gets out of hand. I am really good at time management. almost too good.

I am trying really hard to love my class; however, Grade 7 is SUCH an annoying age group. They are too cool for school, and yet, they are just not cool at all. (It doesn't help that the boys are forced to wear khakis) I remember Grade 7 pretty well and I feel as if I should just enlighten my class with a few words of advice:

- Everyone in the class is only thinking about themselves, despite the fact that you think they are all looking and/or thinking about you.
- You can't hide under desks anymore. You weigh more than 70 pounds.
- Slouching is never attractive.
- "No you're a __________" is not a really, really funny comeback. It never has been.
- Bad marks are not reason to celebrate. Good marks are not a reason to make fun of someone.
- Your boobs may never grow bigger than that. Sorry.

time & time again

2008-10-02T18:46:00.002-06:00

It is amazing to me how much life can change in such a short amount of time. The last time I wrote a blog I was in the middle of a mini-crisis about my future. I had given up most hope about having a teaching job and I was embarking upon a year of what I thought would be discouraging and unchallenging. And then... in the matter of three days (from phonecall-application-interview) I had a job teaching grade 6 and grade 7 at a...Private. Christian. School.

GULP!

what?! Last year I distinctly remember saying how this would NOT be where I would be working; however, life is funny and so is God. I pretty much feel like God plucked me out of my pity-party-for-one and said "ok. try this!". It has basically been two weeks now and ain't it somethin'. Here are some things that make the whole thing funny:

1. It's a private Christian school.
2. It's in Spruce Grove and I have to drive there. Our car is standard. I had to learn. I am still learning, much to the chagrin of the person behind me.
3. It is Grade 6 and 7. I am an elementary person, like...Grade 2 is probably my favourite grade. I like reading corners, math manipulatives, show & tell and hugs. I don't get hugs, but I do get attitude.

ALTHOUGH!! I wrote in my previous post about reading "the willoughbys." On my first day of teaching I had some time to burn so I pulled it out. My Grade 7's groaned with exasperation that they would have to participate in something so juvenile as listening to a story. I started reading and at first they suppressed their chuckles, muffled their guffaws and hid their snickers; however, soon they could not hold it in anymore and I had outright laughter at the wit of this perilous parody. Now they BEG for it. Michelle:1. Class:0.

Goin' To Jackson

2008-09-07T19:12:00.003-06:00

Hi friends. I don't know if anyone will be reading this because it probably seemed like I was DEAD; however, I am not. I decided to rekindle the blogging fire I never had because I don't have homework anymore.

A lot has happened in my life since I last wrote on this here inter-communcation site. I graduated from University, I got married, I moved out of my family home, I moved in with a boy (who I also share a bed with), I became an Aunty, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law, and my bestest pal moved far away from me. Most of these things are great. Some aren't. I miss Jenny, and sometimes I miss sleeping alone in my twin bed. (sshhhhhh!)

July and August were a harrowing experience. For the first month of marriage, Luke and I thought that maybe a key factor in marriage was unpacking, repacking, sorting, and taking things from the trunk and moving them into our little home. The week after we got married was AWFUL! There was a flood, a melted crockpot, a wrong turn out of Jasper, two photo radar tickets and the daily realization that life will never be easy. frig! We are finally settled, Luke is in school and we like being together which is a good thing cause we're in it for the long haul! We spend our evenings drinking tea, reading books and watching "American Dreams" on dvd. About one hour ago you would have found us with a cup of Earl Gray and me reading aloud from "The Willoughbys." We'll never be all that hip, but we dress ok and we make good choices.

I don't have the teaching job that I have desired so badly. There are days when I am filled with pep and determination to fight my way into the ever-so-coveted Edmonton Public school board, and then there are days when I am discouraged and blink tears into my pillow. It isn't fair to go to school for the only job you've ever really wanted to do only to not be given a shot. I am working at an after-school program but it doesn't pay well and it isn't teaching. I tried to tell myself that I could be content this year doing something else, but the reality is that I am a teacher and therefore...I want to teach. The fat lady has not sung yet though and I will try to store up that pep and determination so I don't waste too many tears on a year that could be really rewarding and fun. I don't have homework or lesson plans so...bring on the books! crafts! apple crisp! clubs!

One Year Ago Today...

2008-04-17T08:21:00.002-06:00

I have this weird obsession with always liking to know something that happened exactly a year ago, or month ago, or TWO years ago etc. from "today." I think it is interesting to see what was going on and give me perspective on whether my life was better or worse THEN, than it is NOW. I like to resend e-mails to Luke that he e-mailed me when we were in the awkward "not dating" stage. This I more so do cause they are so awkward:

Sunday, October 23, 2005 8:02:42 PM
Ya I was thinking that we should talk sometime... about stuff. Yaa.. I think you know what i mean. Anyway I think I should be going to sleep, I haven't had enough of that. So until next time...

Anyways, the reason I am talking about this is because after not finding a summer job as soon as I should have last year I went through like 10 days of applying for jobs and not getting them and it was raining all the time and I was reading some of the most depressing books ever and basically felt like garbage, and THIS year I already have a summer job all lined up so I am foregoing all that 'no job' depression. Until the fall, then it may resume. (**how appropriate that 'resume' is a homograph in this situation!)

I am in the midst of final writing and this year I am taking the "less is more" approach to studying. I figure that the time I don't use for studying is just as important as the time I do use, so I do very important things like: go on facebook, organize my favourites on the computer, read the blogs of like 30 strangers who post great links to places that I would like to buy things from ** (one of my new 'favourites' folders), read my book, watch Arrested Development, go for walks,watch 'Ellen'...

Speaking of Ellen! Me and Luke forgot to send her a wedding invite. I gotta find an address!

"oh emm ay arr"

2008-04-02T18:48:00.002-07:00

I am HOME from my 6th last shift at Second Cup. Five more to go. It isn't like a horrible job thate I hate every second of. I complain alot in the hour before I go though: "ughhh! i don't wannnnnna go to work!" HOWEVER; my boss has the CUTEST little boy who was spelling him name for me. Can you guess what it is????!!!!!

Tomorrow I have a group presentation in my catholic class. lucky for MY group we got one of two boys in our class. And he has a beard. Who can see what's coming next????!!! Yep. He's playing Jesus. I would like to say it is my last presentation of the year, but it isn't. Group work is my nemesis. You are riding on the hope that your group members are as intelligent as you.

s-c-a-r-y. For instance, I am currently working on an inquiry based unit plan for my literacy class and it is a partner assignment. Our unit is for a grade one class and today my partner showed me a lesson plan she had done in which the kids were studying words such as " chlorofluorocarbons" and "the greenhouse effect." I said "i think that is way too hard for grade one." She said "no. kids are curious about this kind of thing."

Hmmm. i doubt it.

bitch bitch bitch!!!! whine whine whine!!!!

ANYWAYS! I am so excited for the new Office to be on. I also feel like spring could quite possible be making its way here. ALSO, today at work I looked up and saw a familar face: it was from year two at Grant MacEwan. He was in my drama class. He played my husband. There is our picture. I was pregnant in the play. Some people in that group took the play more seriously than me, can you guess which ones???!!!

2008-04-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Sept 16th was a long time ago. How does one summarize what has happened in their life in the last 7ish months? EASY.

1. Oct.15th - Dec.14th I was student teaching at Prince Charles Elementary which is a school for aboriginal children. It was somethin’ else. I have never been so consistently tired in my whole life. I taught in a grade 2/3 class which I thought meant “oh cute!” but after about 16 minutes in the classroom I thought “oh shoot!” No matter what they may tell you in university…there ARE bad kids in this world, and most of them are in Room 7. They have hard lives though, which is one reason why I could look past the profanity, the obscene drawings and the violence.

2. Jan.7th 2008, my last semester of this degree began. I was expecting to slack and have some relaxation after the above experience. WRONGO. I started to work again at Second Cup. I also had to start the process of applying to school boards. I also continued to volunteer at Prince Charles. I also had a wedding to start thinking about more. I also had relationships to build, people to see, homework to do, and make-up to apply. I had worries to worry and curries to curry. Anyways, needless to say I have never felt so bombarded by business and tired. Always so tired.

3. Here we are at April 1st and I am feeling the heat of final assignments, summer job lookin’ and the imminence of final exams. I have 6 more shifts at SC and then I am OUT of there. I have done all my school board shit. Most major wedding decisions have been made. I am majoring in fragmented sentences. Basically I am still pretty stressed. There are so many unknowns in my life. There are also some really great things in my life.
1. In 100 days I am marrying my bestest friend ever.
2. I am graduating. As scary as that is, it is also really great.
3. I remembered the password and sign-in information to this blog.

Welcome back, me.

c'mon. just one more?

2007-09-16T14:56:00.000-06:00

On Thursday I bought an ipod video. I am head over heels for the little guy. i had a second generation ipod mini but it has died basically. today I went for a walk with my new friend and i walked for like 10 more minutes than i usually do so that i could walk to Toxic by britney. Then i replayed it. you would've too. it just feels like you are in a movie when you are walking to music. people seem friendlier, trees prettier, grasshoppers equally as gross...

I have not done any homework this whole weekend. There has also been very little "sit at home and do nothing" time so I feel better about the loads of reading I still have to accomplish tonight. On friday i went to Luke's house for a "family engagement party." That was fun. At one point I looked around the table at my soon-to-be "family in-law" and thought "wow. this is it." Gooood thing I like em'. Saturday I had to go get my ring, go to the library, do some baking, attend a kickball/mix tape party, family supper and sleepover with Anstey. ALL of the above were quite enjoyable. Anstey has the cutest little place right behind the high level diner. I am jealous of it. I hope me and Luke can find a home like that.

Last night I dreamed that I was apart of this ridiculously long walk. I think it was a Nakamun thing but I also think the reason that i had it in my mind was cause of the show 'fat march' which is like the biggest loser. At the end of the dream we all jumped into the Glacier lake and it wasn't freezing. it was perfect. i wish I was swimming there right now.

Autumns Here

2007-09-10T10:44:00.000-06:00

"it makes you sad, about the crummy, summer you had..."

My summer wasn't ultra crummy. Just kind of. And now it is over. Camp was good for the most part. There were some cute kids and some bad kids and some cute bad kids. There were some arrogant counsellors and some naive leadership staff but on the WHOLE, it was good. I am certainly glad I was not out there the whole summer though. So then that Friday I went to Barrhead and had a sleepover with jenny. On Saturday we came into the city and then me and Luke hung out. I took him to the library, then we went to 'OPM' for supper which was tasty and then we went to a park where he said 'will you marry me?' and I said 'yes i will." so I am engaged which is strange and exciting. The week following I had the flu so physically I could not express the happiness I was feeling. But I am happy. Real happy.

School has been alright. Everything is very condensed this semester because I will be doing student teaching. I am done finals on Oct.5th which is less than a month away. YEEK. There are some really lame people in the education faculty. There are also some great people so it all evens out.

This past weekend my family went to my cousin's wedding in Calgary. It was a very traditional "wedding" wedding. Lots of tulle and roses. Not my style. It is a little daunting to have to plan a wedding, but I think I will start with the playlist and work from there.

Well I slept through my first class so I gotta get movin' so I can make it to my second class.

werrrd.

"this is another one i wrote about a relationship i was in..."

2007-08-23T09:22:00.000-06:00

Two more fulltime days. Then it's straight to the land of crafts, tuck and mittens@campfire. I am so excited. ANY to make my Xcitement 'Xtreme Xcitement' I e-mailed my favourite Nakakid of all times, Reece Cochrane and said "Reece, you should come out to camp next week and Jr.Counsel." So...he is going to. Last year his camp name was "Buzz" because he had a buzzcut; however, I pretend it's because he loves Home Alone.

My boss's wife had the baby. It's a boy and they named him Adam. This was a pleasant surprise because when Ajay phoned to tell us he was born he said "Which name do you like better? Tammher or Ehad?" I said "both are great." I will never get tired of Ajay stories.
9:00 am Tuesday morning
(phone rings, michelle looks at call display and sees that it is Ajay)
Michelle: hi Ajay, how are you?
Ajay: Good. She hasn't had it yet. She couldn't take anymore pain so she got that needle.
Michelle: an epidural?
Ajay: what?
Michelle: never mind.

After Friday I don't think i work until Sept 4. yes! Colin comes home in two sleeps. The awkward librarian boy is back at the Jasper Place branch and I dreamed last night that luke was really, really muscular.

And then the sun comes out, and everything is hot

2007-08-20T19:19:00.000-06:00

Today was a good day.

why? let's talk.

1. I arrived at work only to hear Alysha say "oh by the way, I can take that Saturday shift for you." I wanted to hug her. If there has ever been a shift I didn't want to work it was that one. I know this sounds terrible, but her sick cat saved the day.

2. A regular customer came in (this is referring to how often she buys coffee, i have no idea what the status of her bowels are) after a long trip to Asia, so I asked her about it. She was talking about China and how muggy it was and said "It was like 98% virginity...HUMIDITY.." I kept my cool, cause I am 21 and so mature. But when she left? I lost it.

3. Immediatly following a man asked for a "diet coffee."

4. My boss's brother came in before AJ arrived and I asked him "no baby yet?" (cause Ajay's wife is due any day now) and Abe replied with "No, we are going to Cancun next week to try and start a family." Some people work well under stress. Some people work faster under pressure. Some people know exactly what to say under "awkward." Me? Not so much. I replied with "_________." yep. Nothing. Silence.

what does 1+2+3+4=???

A good day.

Are you kids watching Blossom?

2007-08-19T08:54:00.000-06:00

I only have six more days of being a "full-time" second cup girl. i am so excited. i have to be careful about this excitement because it does come off as rude, offensive or, insensitive when I am saying to the "full-time FULL-TIME" people "I am SOOO glad I only have ___ more days here!" "I can't imgaine working here all year!" "I would die if I had to work here one more week than I am" etc etc. So, I work Monday-Saturday and then... I get to go out to Camp Nakamun and work there for a week. I am so excited cause I love camp. I am gonna by all bright eyed and bushy tailed among the exhausted summer staff and that is just fine with me. I will be replacing a girl on the programming team, which was my job the last two summers. I already have some great games planned.

-"That's No Raven" ---> this will be a species game in which we will see how well people actually know their animals. ie. is that a humpback whale or a grey whale? lynx or a cougar? asian elephant or African...

-"If you New Brunswick like I know Brunswick" ---> Canadian trivia game. It will highlight the great accomplishments of Canada... Insulin, Fiber Optics, Bombardier, and Diana Krall.

these kids are gonna hate that I am in education. Annnyways. I am off to church with daddy. And then back to the ole' grindstone***(watching the OC)

"california here I come, right back where I started from..."

Don't look at the light Harry

2007-08-14T13:03:00.000-06:00

Only 10 more full time days at second cup. woohoo. I will be staying on part-time for as long as my life can handle it. This next year will be pretty busy for me so work might not be a priority. I have been working nights lately which SUCKS pretty bad for the most part. That is not true. It depends who I am working with. On Thursday I worked with someone who drives me INSANE. "know what i mean?" "like, know what I mean?" "do you know what I mean?" It is one of those moments where I considered begging this human to please, please, please...shut. up. BUT Friday night was super fun. I worked with 15 year old Waleed who made me laugh so hard when through a weird misunderstanding I thought he said something about sunday school and I asked him about it and he said "Michelle. I'm lebonese. Do I look like a christian to you?" I laughed and laughed and laughed. My parents got to take the trip to Jasper I won cause I couldn't take the time off. Oh well, my 30th anniversary present sure beats what my brothers won't even bother to give them. take THAT bitches. I got "the OC" season one from the library and have been watching it. The storyline is fake, Mischa's acting is terrible and no one looks like they are actually in high school...BUT, Adam Brody is adorable. And that is why I will be watching another episode in 5-4-3-2-.....

why are you here? why are YOU here?

2007-08-07T08:57:00.001-06:00

Today my alarm went off at 6, like usual. I was out of the house by 6:30 and at work by 6:37am. Alysha was there, like usual. We said nothing cause it is too early to talk. Then Leanna walked in. We both stopped, looked at each other and said "why are YOU here?" cause we both knew, there should not be three people working. So we checked the schedule. I had to go home. I am working tonight. booshits. I made plans for tonight already, so now I am waiting for a late enough hour to phone some people and say "please??"

I am SO excited for school. I just want to watch the beginning of "you've got mail" cause it has fantastic fall scenes and it's about a bookstore, and I love books. I am ready to be done full-time employment in the service industry. However, there have been some monumental moments this past week.

-My boss's internet stops working. So, he buys a new keyboard.
-A woman asks for a Hazelnut latte and then leans over the counter and asks "umm, does it taste a lot like hazelnut, cause I don't like hazelnut."
-Peter tells me "you should do your hair curly, you look a hell of a lot better."

I finally finished the 5th Harry book. It was 765 pages. It was also my least favourite so far. I am ready to be done these books primarily so I know what happens, and secondarily (?) so I can read some other books for a change. yeesh...this morning I tried riding a broomstick to work!

MTV! MTV! MTV!

2007-08-02T15:55:00.000-06:00

On August 13 "the hills" is back on! whoohoo! I have a healthy addiction to a few MTV shows, but not all. There are some people out there that think I watch MTV all the time, I don't. But I do watch:
-Laguna Beach
-The Hills
-Engaged and Underaged (the entire first season is on mtv.ca. The last one I watched the boy's mom wanted to see where they were having their wedding night. ewwwwwwww!)
**also, I am really curious about The Hills because I heard via the MTV VJ's that Heidi got her breasts implanted and I also heard that her and Spencer got engaged. grrr. Spencer is SUCH a jerk!

FYI, all three of those shows are on at different times of the YEAR. ***
Now that Gilmore Girls is over I will have an opening on Tuesdays at 8:00. Other than my MTV shows, I watch "the office" and I cannot even express how excited I am for the season premiere. Dear Jesus, please let it show Jim and Pam's date. pllllllease! OH, and I watch "That's So Raven." (That's SO a joke.)

I can't believe this whole blog is about TV. Ok, so on facebook....

Aunty Romaine and all things humane

2007-08-01T16:48:00.001-06:00

Well I can't believe it is August 1. I asked Jesus to make the summer fly by and I am hoping this month passes like gas through an IBSer. I am so excited for the fall and for books and for school. I also will be doing my 9 week practicum which means 9 weeks with children. I can't wait.

This past weekend was Luke's sister's wedding. On thursday we woke up at 3:43 in order to make it all the way to Vancouver Island by 10ish. It was a l-o-n-g trip that contained many cd's, one entire book on tape and listening to cd's over again. We spent Friday at the beach, had rehearsal, and then went mini golfing. My team all picked different names. Mine was Kevin. (i love Home Alone.) The wedding was Saturday and I met the ENTIRE extended family. I love hugs from strangers. Luke's Great Aunty Romaine (you know, like the lettuce...) made me "supervisor" of the center pieces. holla. Bla bla bla, we got home on Monday and we were very tired, but still friends. Three cheers for that.

My work schedule is really weird right now. I am not all that impressed with my boss but I am impressed with days off! I love these!

"fuller, easy on the Pepsi!"

2007-07-16T17:44:00.000-06:00

diet root beer tastes like shit.

And in other news...I bought like 30 books on Friday at a garage sale. They are mostly good and some are great. ie: James and the Giant Peach, Harry Potter #2, The Cat and the Hat..etc, etc. I was so happy. Almost too happy.

On Saturday, as promised, Luke taught me to drive standard. I wouldn't say I "know" how now, but I did pretty good. I only stalled three times and it was always at the same stop sign. I will probably get another lesson next week. He wanted me to drive on the Whitemud. I said no. Story of our relationship. Just kidding.

Today is the anniversary of working at Second Cup for two months. I asked my boss if he had a present for me. He said "huh?" Today is also the 11 month mark for me and Lukey. "congratulations schmoopy!" We're probably going to spend the day poking each other on facebook. he is SUCH a flirt.

A customer forgot her cellphone at work today. I looked in her contacts to see if I could call her home and I learned alot about her.
1. she had 411 in her contacts list.
2. she had a plastic surgery office's number
3. Three veterinarian's numbers.
4.Dan, Dan the Second, Danny?
5. Fabutan
~~this should give you a good mental image. now subtract 15 pounds. That's her!

Ah, but people are great and God loves her too.

Jesus Take the Wheel

2007-07-13T18:03:00.001-06:00

I heard that song three times today. Friday the Thirteenth. Enough said.

These hot days sure do bring out the best in people. "hot enough for ya?" is a line I will never tire of. Nor will I be offended when people say "you sons of bitches get ac? lucky buggers." Well, yes we do have air conditioning, but no I don't have sex with animals.mmk?"

I went to the mall after work and bought a red polka dot dress for luke's sister's wedding. I got home and the zipper is BROKEN. ughhh!!!

I am very very very tired and if my dear friend Anstey and me don't hang out, I will probably read some Harry P and then go to bed early. Tomorrow Luke is teaching me to drive standard. We will likely be broken up after that so don't be suprised when you get that notification on Facebook.

07/07/07

2007-07-08T11:19:00.000-06:00

It's actually July 8th, but I was planning on writing yesterday when the title would have been legit. Apparentally yesterday was supposed to be really lucky, and I don't know about you, but I started my day off with a poppyseed roll and that alone makes for a lucky day.

This last week has actually been pretty eventful. I will break it down into days:

Monday- Second Cup was dead. Two customers in the first two hours.
Tuesday-I can't remember
Wednesday- (this is where it picks up) Bex, Sarah and Karmyn came over and we went to Macs and then to the park where I got trapped in the spinning thing and felt sick, BUT it was fun.
Thursday- I return to Macs where a complete stranger asks me out and I decline. here's the dialogue:
(michelle stands looking into the coolers filled with carbonated beverages, young man in business suit appears beside her and opens with brilliant first line.)
Guy: Looking for something cold to drink?
Michelle:yes. (clearly dumbass)
Guy: It's pretty hot out there hey?
Michelle: yes it is.
Guy: Have any plans for tonight?
Michelle: (panic arises...is he? what the?think of a good lie...) nope. (DAMN!)
Guy: want some?
Michelle: (panic arises...what now? think of a good lie...) not really. why?
Guy: well, opportunity strikes you know?
Michelle: I guess.
Guy: enjoy the hot weather.
Michelle: see ya.
Friday- I walk in on a man going the bathroom at second cup. Instead of saying "oh sorry!" my reaction is a "guffaw." ????
Saturday- I furiously cleaned out my room and bathroom after going to a garage sale and realizing once again that I hate clutter. Then me and Luke went to "Ratatoille" (sp?) which was cute. Kids sure leave the theatre m-e-s-s-y. We also looked in one of my favourite stores: "le gnome' where I saw some red bowls that I love.
Sunday-I think I might do some watercolour and read some Potter.

Confederation Celebration!

2007-07-01T20:37:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Canada!

I spent some of the Canada day where the party was happening with Caylie Gynra herself. We walked to the Leg. grounds and it reminded me of a watering hole, what with all the people/children in the pools of water, women washing clothes, camels...you get the picture. A very sad moment happened when a little boy (or was it a tiger? face paint is good these days) lost his helium balloon to the clouds. Poor guy, lucky sky. Caylie and I drank "screamers" which are slurpie with ice cream ("slushakes" to all you Barrhead folk) and it reminded me of "Howlers" from Harry Potter. Speaking of the wizard who destroyed he-who-shall-not-be-named...i am one third-ish done the fourth one and I will be done all 6 by the time the last one comes out. I will. I will. Just watch me.

**also Caylie, I distributed the goods. I will send you pictures. **

I have made myself a delicious smoothie for my lunch tomorrow. It has milk, eggs and fabric softener...(what movie?!)

no, blueberries, banana, yogurt and soy milk. tehhhsty.

Caylie and I were discussing how excited we are for school. I really can't wait to sit inside a classroom again. That may change after my first week of having "curriculum music" for 9 hours and hearing all about "teetees" and "tatas" and trying NOT to think of those as pseudonyms for breasts. I tell ya, five years out of piano lessons and my mind has turned to complete rubbish. But really, who doesn't giggle a bit at the word "pianist"?

Well, my feet are cold and I want to brush my teeth and Stand on guard for thee.

$6.66

2007-06-26T16:55:00.000-06:00

-that was a kid's change yesterday. I made a big deal about it. But c'mon...

Today was great. Well good. A day that had more good things than bad things so it went beyond neutral and into "good." My boss gave me a travel mug that is originally 17.95 but had a couple chips in the inside layer so I got it fo' free. Not my favourite colour but free!!! I was pretty excited about it, I love getting presents-ish and I would be doing something and think..."what was that really neat thing that happened? Oh YA! The travel mug!" And THIS way, I can save trees wherever I go. yipp.

yesterday I watched "Mad Hot Ballroom" which was TRES bien. I really want to learn to ballroom dance someday. seriously. tonight I will ask Luke if he wants to too and I will be rejected pronto. But I have rhythm and I have music and I've got my guy (even if he won't dance with me) so basically...who could ask for anything more? My favourite was when the kids were talking about puberty and saying " then we'll have to wash twice a day...and wear deoderant...and get hair in funny places..." The day before that I watched "Spellbound" which was ALSO so good. The best line?
"Besides spelling, I like rollercoasters....and I'm a vegetarian...and I like to drink coffee...."

GEEZ I love kids.

The day before THAT...I watched the first Harry Potter movie. I like to see REALLY popular movies once everyone else in the world has seen them. I can't wait to get my hands on that fourth book. arrghhh.

Until then, I am reading "DeNiro's Game" which is dark, depressing and I do not relate at all to the main character. poop.

Caylie...i would have many things to say to you about Nancy Drew. let's talk. yesterday I was at wee-book inn and was looking so hard for the "Mystery at the Ski Slopes" *(or something) cause that one was my favourite. no dice.

she needs a bit more sugar and back pats

2007-06-22T16:01:00.000-06:00

FRIDAY!
Tonight I am going on a bike picnic if the weather isn't horrible and here is what is on the menu:
-spinach pizza
-two bite cookies
-pop
-veggies

Before that I must shower due to the "whip cream" incident of 3:05pm (don't go pervy on me) and my feet smell. I usually don't have smelly feet but the shoes I wear at work..whoaaa nelly.

The last week I have not been working with my usual coworker and I have been so lucky to be working with someone with the same name as me: Rihanna. annnyways, so me and Michelle have nothing in common besides our names, degree hopes and where we work. Here is where some differences stand out:
-she likes Nickelback
-She says "thank-you" to the customers as they hand her the money and "thank-you" when she hands them their change. This is awkward.
-She likes to talk alot about Italian food. I get bored after too much tortellini talk.
-She talks baby talk and mixes it in with Napoleon Dynamite quotes>worst ever? The word liger said like a baby. Kill. Me. Please.
She does however, work harder than David so I can't complain too much. I am just glad I won't have to hear anymore about the veggies she puts into spaghetti sauce and what MSG does to her throat (SOOO interesting the first time though, believe me.)

livin' for the weekend!

thanks a latte

2007-06-19T17:10:00.000-06:00

I just had a shower and started making my conditioner go in my hand like whip cream. Before the shower I went for a long bike ride to Hawrelak park. I love parks. My kids will be the kind that always smell like bugspray and sunscreen cause we will always be in parks. They will also be reading books all the time. The only TV they will watch will be DVD's of my childhood favourites.
-The Raccoons
-Danger Bay
-Babar
etc.
And they will NEVER wear 'Crocs'.

Enough about my spawn. I would like to talk about the library.
I love the library. Not only have I memorized my library barcodes since I was in junior high, but I have also at one point desired to be a librarian and recently found myself giggling excitedly about the new library that is opening in Callingwood. yi yi yi! BUT! Right now, from the library, I have the movies: Spellbound, Mad Hot Ballroom and Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (among many magazines and books.)

I find that I am always trying to find things in common with customers. I don't really want to hang out with them or anything, but I like pretending we could all be friends. Obviously I can forgive all grievances from customers who stay in to read a book. I don't care what they are reading, it could be "how to procreate asexually" and (though concerned) I would still be able to respect them for reading. I ALSO have the stupid habit of wanting to tell customers who have the same bank card as me "hey! TD? Me too!" but then I remember they probably could care less. You like your drinks a little cooler? Ditto. You wish that the store would burn the ABBA cd's it has? I hear ya. You thinks it's awesome when the change is $7.11? And then you think it's soooo funny when I say "hey! $7.11! Just like the store!" .... anyone? anyone?

oh wait the babies haven't been born

2007-06-17T16:16:00.000-06:00

waHOW I just got caught in the rain. I was out for a walk when I saw the menacing clouds in the sky and felt a chill to the air. Then the callosal drops started hitting me at mach-three and I had to run. My hair is enormous.

I wish tomorrow were another day off for me. I don't hate second cup, but I just love days off so much more. Today after church i had a mega dance-a-thon by myself in the basement. Rihanna, The Fratellis, Gorillaz, JT, Britney... beats were dropping like a stripper's panties and the moves were electric.

Yesterday was a family OVERdose. I spent the whole day with my cousin Kendra who has energy like you wouldn't even understand. We are three months apart and she has always amazed me with her ability to talk. I mean I talk alot but there is no comparison. None. There was also the "girls' lunch" in there and a family supper. My highlight of that meal was my grandma's chagrin with the fact that Uncle Ben is black but the rice is white. who knew?

I am thoroughly enjoying Harry Potter. This is my number two read for all of them so far, but I remember very little. Before I was reading them in the context of Bible school and likely had people praying over them so the words were changed and ...

**it was here in the day that the phone rang and it was my best-friend Jenny wondering if I wanted to go with her parents and her to see "Dinosaurs Alive" at the Space and Science Center. I was SO excited. Just last week I was telling my brother how much I wanted to see it. So I went and it was great! I learned that the Velociraptor had feathers and that most dinosaurs would have brooded on their eggs like modern-day birds. This has only fueled my desire for a dinosaur party: watching Jurassic Park, eating dinosaur cake and making dino-riffic jokes the whole time.
q: what type of dinosaur would hitler have been?
a: tyrant-asaurus rex

-->time for some warm tea and a book.

now THAT'S a good story

2007-06-15T16:35:00.000-06:00

Thank God it's Friday is a cliche expression that is almost always warranted. It was also a stellar television segment featuring Boy Meets World, Step by Step, Brotherly Love..etc. But we all knew that already. ollld news.

This weekend is going to be called "family time" because my Aunt and Cousin are in town from Guyana and Winnipeg respectively. Tonight is family supper, tomorrow is "girls' lunch" (the conversation topics will include: pink, Toni Morrison and tampons ) and then more family supper after that. Sunday is father's day and my dad is getting coffee. I know it sounds lame, but it was also heartfelt.

Thanks Caylie for coming to visit today, I look forward to longer conversations that don't reference "sugar-free vanilla" and don't include me wearing an apron.

I have favourite things in my days that are simple and yet bring me great joy. Here's one:
#1. Everyday I walk to the BonTon bakery from Second Cup to pick up the baking we sell. It's a minute long walk and it is still early and the bakery smells so good and it feels like Beauty and the Beast.."there goes the baker with his tray like always..." as I walk back to SC with my boxes filled with pecan buns. mmmm.

ALSO...I have now smuggled four cds into the second cup collection.
-Regina Spektor~begin to hope
-Rachael Yamagata~happenstance
-Andrew Bird~the mysterious production of eggs
-Feist~Reminder

haHA. Eat THAT Joss Stone!

Let's hear that in G Major

2007-06-11T16:54:00.001-06:00

I seem to blog on Mondays. Once a week isn't that great in the blog world, but my life isn't that thrilling. I like it and all, but it isn't thrilling.

Work is going really well. I actually like it despite the ungodly hour I wake up at. My coworker likes me alot and customers know my name! YES!!! Today "Murry"* heard me singing as I was sweeping and asked if I had done any theatre productions. I have made up a few songs relating to Second Cup. The "signature blend" of SC is "Paradiso" and whenever, (which is alot) I have to make a pot, measure some beans, grind some beans, pour a cup..etc I get this song in my head...(to the tune of Clementine) "Paradiiso, Paradiiso, Paradiiiiiso is a blend. You can get it in a dark and a meeeedium my friend." David hates it. Today I thought of a new song pertaining to the ice machine. We are instructed all the time to take the ice from the back so the sensors will pick up on the deficit in ice and then make more..so, to the tune of the "when you eat your smarties do you eat the red ones last"... "when you grab your ice cubes do you take them from the back? Do you have to reach much further? Can the guests all see your crack?" When I shared that one with David he was said "just when I thought you couldn't get any weirder." He thinks my eating and drinking time regiments are weird.
8:00am- coffee
10:00am- banana and london fog
12:00 pm- cereal
2:00pm- Italian Soda

Yesterday I bought three books at chapters. They are all kid's books because a) I love children's books and b) I am going to be a teacher. The Phantom Tollbooth, Holes and The Little Prince. I love all three and am so proud to own them. Becky is on the phone.Amen.

you just be you, I'll be me ok.

2007-06-04T16:43:00.000-06:00

Monday Monday.

Today was a GOOD day. A day that made smiling easy and blisters just a minor problem. Why? Let's start at the beginning:

1. I have new black yoga-ish pants that are super comfortable which I wore to work. mmm.

2.I saw a man outside with a parrot in his finger. a live parrot. "a live parrot..raaaa..."

3.I found out that if my second cup closes in August for renos, I will be paid cause I am full time.

4. A girl from one of my classes at Grant MacEwan came in an remembered me, AND my name! We sat by each other in health and were school-friends. Her name is Monika and she liked my "I love christmas" homemade t-shirt.

5.I got the second bridget jones' diary for eight dollars at winners. so judge me, i like Bridget.

6. I found out that my store has Coldplay and the Amelie soundtrack in its music. We listened to both cd's twice cause David has no musical memory and I could go batshit crazy if I hear Michael Buble ever again.

7.On Saturday Luke gave me a HUGE bouquet of daisies and made me a robot card. ROBOTS! I love robots! (this did not take place today, but the happiness carried over)

8.I have a great secret to keep.

~~the day is still here, go dance!

diagnose me

2007-05-31T18:19:00.000-06:00

he said she said he said she said.

Today was nutso at el second cuppo. I didn't sit down all day. count it---alllll day. I will say again, today was nutso. My coworker was running on only two hours of sleep so you can imagine what kind of a teddy bear he was today, GRIZZLY. By the end I was so tired and then a lady said she wanted her coffee "take away" and I was so confused cause that just makes me think of subtraction... nope, she wanted a "to go" cup, but you probably had figured that out already.

I have been blessed with super sensitive skin which means that I almost always have some sort of foreign rash on my body. This can include (but is not limited to) excema, infections, shingles, etc. Now I have this fantastic one that is all over my elbows and has supplied ONE spot on my left hand, right knee, left hip and right calf. I went to diagnoseme.com (duh!) and it could be psoriasis (sore-eye-ass-is) or I am sensitive to gluten. (rock on Angie!) I get tired of these damn rashes, I really do. I hate being known for my skin disorders. "oh michelle, you and your rashes." I have had people say "I got this weird rash on my face and I thought of you." oh. sweet. It's almost like when people say something stupid and then tell me later : "I totally pulled a michelle today, I said the dumbest thing..."

"May. Your days be merry and bright."

2007-05-29T15:47:00.000-06:00

Goodbye May basically. Where did that month go? It actually has felt like awhile since the horrible job searching time and the end of school, etc. So therefore it has been a month filled with days and minutes.

Today the girl that I am replacing quit in a fit of anger. She was supposed to be there until Friday but today she all the sudden disappeared and then was gone for good. awkward? you bet. The days go by pretty fast at Second Cup; however, waking up at 6:00am hurts. It hurts real bad. Despite my compulsive "must set everything out the night before" ness...i still have to wake up at 6:00 to keep them wondering "is she born with it? or is it maybelline?." Actually, I eat a lot of breakfast.

Yesterday an old man hobbled up to the counter and asked if we had any tums. Upon my "sorry, no" he left leaving a trail of fart-air. poor man. he really did need tums.

Am I the only one that sometimes gets air bubbles in their mouth? They don't hurt, they just...are. Well anyways, their not that amazing so if you don't get em' don't beat yourself up over it. I am gonna go for walk now. After that? I might have a drink of soy milk. And after that? I'll read my book. jealous?

5 6 9 and 10

2007-05-22T10:03:00.000-06:00

I had yesterday and today off. I like days off. I decided last week that my ideal working day would be from 1:00pm -2:00pm. That way I could wake up and do fun things in the morning, watch Ellen, get ready for work, go to work, be done really fast and then have the whole afternoon to do fun stuff. I shared this with people at work and we didn't see eye to eye. They said they would get bored. Bored? Of fun stuff?

Second Cup is getting better. It was never horrible but it was overwhelming. I feel way more comfortable there and even whistle and dance to the music. There are already customers that remember me and one even asked me to sit on his knee. Sorry Peter, no one's gonna buy the ice cream truck if I'm handing out the popsicles for free. I found out that my coworker smokes a bowl a day. I was pretty excited to hear that because me and Luke are gonna have "special brownies" when we are 23 and now I have someone to help me with ingredients. I also have a year and a half before I am 23, but it's good to think ahead.

Speaking of Luke and how hot he is... i mean, yesterday me and luke went for a bike ride on our new bikes. We went to Hawrelak park and on the big hills coming back we didn't even have to get off our bikes. I'll put a picture that my mom made us take. Now we have like three pictures of us together. That will be one short powerpoint presentation! That was a joke.

coffee out the yinger

2007-05-18T15:53:00.001-06:00

I started my job on Wednesday. I am working at Second Cup. I think by the end I will be completely turned off by coffee, or severely addicted. The people I work with are interesting to say the least. The first words out of one of them was "21? I totally thought you were like 18!" OUCH. The other one, who held on to a unicorn beanie baby for the entire first morning just tells me I am cute like every hour. It's a lot to learn and I am not used to being the "new one who doesn't know anything." At the same time, it's nice to learn things. I know more about a lot of things than I did last week. hip hip hip.

More importantly, tonight is the Feist concert and I can't wait. I even showered.

"oh..wow."

2007-05-14T15:02:00.000-06:00

ZIKES. What a weekend. I'll tell you the most exciting thing first. On friday, Luke came over and our biggest dilemma is always "what do you want to do?" BUT Luke had an idea, to go to "what's in the van, man?" which is a radio game through Sonic 102.9. I thought it sounded fun so we went. We got our tickets (after they asked if we were over 18. bastards.) and then we just sat around as the "trades-esque" crown piled in. Well, when they were about to call the number :
Michelle: Well Luke, think you're gonna win?
Luke: No. Do you think you're gonna win?
Michelle: No.

And then the guy started reading the drawn number, and it was mine. And luke said "that's you." So I went down and had to choose between the envelope which may or may not contain some heavy cash or the van which may contain a good or bad prize. I chose the van. PHEWF. I won two mountain bikes and a trip to jasper. You can watch it go down here:
http://www.radiosonic.fm/

I am like a celebrity. I was feeling so lucky I told Luke "let's go to the casino." In the end we opted for Extreme Pita and mother's day shopping. ah well. It's super fun winning stuff. You should try it. One time I won a book in the Barrhead Elementary book contest. I also won a really ugly stuffed rabbit from the Prairie Chef in Barrhead. So far, I like the bikes best.

Then yesterday I biked (not on my new bike, I don't have that yet.) to Hawrelak park. It only took 20 minutes and that was dodging people and dogs. OH and I saw a couple get engaged.. in the "off leash" part of the park... ? Then we had family come over for Mother's Day. It was awkward and annoying. But the Japanese Salad was great. Thanks Mom!!

am I right ladies?

2007-05-08T17:14:00.000-06:00

My dream life would consist of a world-wide mandatory "ellen" watching. Everyday at whatever time it is on in every country, everyone would sit down with a cup of coffee and watch. and when it was dancing time..everyone would dance.

I have a summer job. phewf.

The internet makes it so easy to watch peoples' lives. Through someone elses blog I found the blog of this human and it was funny and interesting so I read it regularly, (even saved it in my favourites if it has to be known.) Anyways... then on Sunday, I ran into someone else and they were with this human...and I was introduced to the human who I had been following every single day! What to SAY? What to DO?

Tonight is the second-last Gilmore Girls EVER. Yes Lorelie annoys me and Rory's bangs are a little too perfect, but it will be sad to say good-bye forever. Me and Rory are both high school graduates of 2003 and... well, that is wear the commonalities stop. I have no Korean friends, my mother was 32 and married when she had me and I do not have a different cotton dress for every Friday of the year; however, Rory... if you're out on the road, feeling lonely and so cold...all you have to do is call my name.....

West Edmonton Mallywood

2007-05-05T13:21:00.000-06:00

My family has had a really bad week. On top of the badness of our week, it rained every single day. Sometimes I like rain, for instance when it is only raining a little bit and there is no wind so you can have an umbrella and stay completely dry. Or when it is pouring and you are laying in bed. Rain is not fun however when it is dreary for days on end and the only things that seem to get "out and about" are the long worms that are ultimatly killing themselves. I did however get to wear my rubber boots twice. yes!

A-n-y-w-a-y-s... last night the four of us were sitting in our basement and were sad together. Then my mom said "ok, that's it, Allen-put on some jeans, we're going to the noodle house!" So just like Ramona and the Quimby's, we went out for supper on a sad rainy Friday. And then..as we were leaving, a crowd had gathered in one area of the mall cause they were shooting for the movie. And I saw Chris Kattan. And then I had a slumber party. And today the sun is out.

Shalom in the Mall

2007-05-04T09:06:00.000-06:00

Last night my mommy and I went to the mall. I had nothing to look for, but went for the lights and smells....barf.

a-n-y-w-a-y-s...as we walked in I thought to myself, "Maybe I will see Chris Kattan here tonight." (*he is in the movie they're filming at West Ed.) So I walked to Chapters because I actually like that store and as I was entering I noticed a line-up going outside the door. I was puzzled until I realized who was there. Chris Kattan? Schmris Schmattan. Even better...

Rabbi Schmuley.

That's right. I was like two feet away from the star of "Shalom in the Home" ( a program on TLC) He was doing a book signing, but I had none of his books for him to sign. (I left "Kosher Sex" at home. )**that is actually a book title of his.

Here he is with Michael Jackson and a cake! Thanks for coming to Edmonton Rabbi. You are welcome in my home to find Shalom any day of the week.

What Ya Reading, Wednesday?

2007-05-02T16:08:00.000-06:00

Time for my first Summer Reading Book Review.

I finished The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar. I thorougly enjoyed this book from start to finish; however it was also devastating from start to finish. Not a pick-me-up in the least. BUT I give it ****/*****. Yep... put it on hold, you'll be glad you did.

May. Hooray.

2007-05-01T11:31:00.000-06:00

Well I cannot believe that it is May 1. I just cannot. One year ago I was here and thinking I made one of the biggest mistakes of my LIFE! It turned out ok though, in the end, I got a boyfriend and tan lines. I must say that I am ever so glad to NOT be out there today and for four lonnng months; however, I will miss the carrot cake if it must be said.

Eye just got back from an I appointment. Yeesh those optometrists make a killing. I also feel like somewhere in the initial stages of their schooling they have to pass "Are You Boring Enough 204" in which they watch comedies and are trained to not laugh, develop bland fashion sense and lose all unique traits that would make them different from the rest of the optometry world. My optometrist growing up was sooo bland and I was hoping for the best with this guy... no dice. No glaucoma or cataract jokes, no cornea-on-the-cob comments, simply "which lens is clearer..." Oh well. The best part was when I got the numbing drops put in my eyes, (not normal procedure, my eyes always have something else wrong with them,) anyways, like all numbing things it makes them feel HUGE and I left feeling like my eyes were popping out of their sockets. Then I was pretending that I had gotten an "Eye Augmentation" and people were thinking "she just got her eyes done, what a hussy!" I also get to have eye drops for two weeks. Then back I go... and this time I'm gonna pull out all the stops to get that guy to lighten up: clown costume, Chris Rock voice and "that's what she said" jokes.

Doctor: Alright you can just put your chin on the chin rest.

Michelle: That's what she said!

-- I'll keep working on that one.

**from a year ago. Me and Anna. Anna and I.

f-f-f-f-fractions.

2007-04-28T12:38:00.000-06:00

I love fractions. always have.

- 1/2 past 10 on a friday means a new episode of "Engaged and Underaged."
- i am 1/3 children in my family, and quality wise, 10/10= 1/1= #1. eat that boys.
- I like eating cookies in thirds. 1/3 at 8:00 in the morning, 2/3 when I come home from school.

.. and now, I am done 3/4 of my post-secondary experience. Eight months left and I am finished. "helllllo gynocology." barf. no thanks. The only thing spreading in MY job will be germs.

It is pretty nice to think about a summer of no homework and no camp. First one ever basically. I will have access to a television, and a selection of movies that is not Veggie Tales or McGee and Me. I am working on my summer reading list. So far-->

1.Finish the Harry Potter series- J.K.Rowling (follow up with God, the Devil and Harry Potter by John Killinger.)
2.The Kite Runner- Hosseini, Khaled.
3.Finding Fish Fisher- Antwone Quenton
4.The End of the Alphabet- Richardson, C. S. (Charles Scott)
5. Lullabies for Little Criminals- O'Neill, Heather
6.The Girls- Lawsens, Lori
7.The Space between Us. Umrigar, Thrity **started yesterday. GOOD.

Things are shaping up well. Besides the "no job" thing. ho ho ho.

This is going to be LONG because I can. Last night me and Luke went to Government House Park to play frisbee but it was too hilly and busy, so we sat on a picnic table and people watched. There were these two boys doing jumps with their bikes and their parents were taking pictures for quite awhile. Then the parents went for a walk and then we could hear this...
Boy: DUSTIN! Get off my bike! DUSTIN! Get off my bike!
Dustin rides by.
Boy: GET OFF MY BIKE! I just got it and you have ridden it more than me! GET OFF MY BIKE! (this was a yell/growl.)
Dustin continues to fool brother.
Boy: I JUST GOT IT AND YOU HAVE RIDDEN IT MORE THAN ME! GET OFF MY BIKE YOU STUPID IDIOT* *yes, that was the real language. i am sorry.
Finally after quite a display of biking and yelling, Boy gets his bike back. then we heard...
Boy: YOU BROKE MY LEFT GEAR CHANGER!

Me and luke then discussed how that would likely happen for the rest of his life with Dustin. Even with girls. Then Luke started switching the word "bike" with "girlfriend." It was inappropriate. I still laughed though. Until the gear changer part, that didn't work at all.

ponies in peril

2007-04-25T09:16:00.000-06:00

i cannot BELIEVE it is the end of April. gazooks. And I STILL don't have a summer job;

however, I do have an interview today for a job with basically no hours. well. it's a start.

Yesterday I wrote my EDEL 305 final, aka, "crazy teacher" and she was basically normal, until 11:00 hit (the end of the test) and she said "It's about that time... time to coral up the horses and put them away." Horses? Thanks Debbie. If there is one animal that makes me laugh/smile/sneeze it is the horse. I don't really like them at all, but I pass them everyday on the way to school (Edmonton Equestrian Club) and I always read the sign that says "VOLUNTEERS WANTED!" and I make a joke... everyday...to myself about volunteering with the horses. When I worked at camp, I always made jokes about the horses. And the Horsemanship Kids .. "canter on down to the campfire"... "love your neiiighhhh-bor", you get the idea. There is something about horse girls, wearing horse t-shirts and laying on their horse comforter and gazing up at that poster of a ... unicorn(?!) that gives me great joy.

Anyways, my brother sent with my parents a great present for me:

"The Armada Pony Box: six adventures by your favourite pony authors"

It is indeed a boxed set, but there are only 5, and only room for 5. Sometimes ponies are not very good at math because their benchmark numbers are not 5 (fingers) but 1 (hoof). And that is likely what happened. I don't know if I have a favourite pony author, but I have in the past liked the work of Flicka...

on to "Jackie's Show Jumping Surprise!"

Where does time go?

2007-04-16T17:17:00.000-06:00

Today I handed in my last assignment of the semester. The gratification was low seeing as I have hit the stage in the semester we all refer to as "I don't give a rat's ass." Deep down I do, but it's just finding that little stored up compartment of motivation that is tricky. I think I can. I think I can. On Friday, me and my friend went and ate supper at the Legislature and as we were eating our food from WENDY's there was this running group with a dictator leader who was making them run up and down hills like maniacs. We felt for them, and enjoyed our chicken burgers. There they are. This was post- hill running, squats and lunges. yeesh.

Like 30 minutes ago my momma and I got our blood pressure taken. For fun. I'm at 101/66 which is pretty low. Momma has low BP too, she says that's why I pass out in the shower and feel woozy upon standing.

The End

2007-04-11T22:01:00.000-06:00

Is in sight. Tomorrow is my last day of classes. wow. Tomorrow I will experience my favourite/least-favourite teacher for the last time. It is always a little sad saying goodbye to my table friends. That's the thing with table friends... you see them twice a week and have good chats that range from "have you started your unit plan yet?" to " Where did you get your shirt?" to "Hey, do you guys watch MTV?" (hmm. that last one is usually me.) I find that the worse your prof is, the closer you get to your tablemates. So...there's a little silver lining for yer soul. Anyways, tomorrow will be our last classes together, and then I might not see them ever again. Thank goodness I have facebook. barf.

Speaking of MTV, in the last couple months I have watched barely any television and therefore did not keep up with the quality television of channel 90. On Monday I got to watch a marathon of "The Hills" which always makes me CRAVE some Prada panties and Louis Vuitton toilet seat covers. And then... I was able to watch a new little gem entitled: Engaged and Underaged. Engaged couples under 21.
couple #1. return from honeymoon to trees on house. move in with his parents.
couple #2. can't afford a house, buy a motorhome, park it on the property of his parents.

I should get back to homework. I was inturrupted by my father ;
dad: me and mom were having some trouble getting onto the internet.
me: oh? are all your cords plugged in? did you restart the computer? (computer genius.)
dad: well is e-mail and surfing the web the same thing? cause we wanted to surf the web.

-in the end it was a simple .ca/.com mix up. surfing is NOT as easy as it looks. believe me.

when life hands you lemonade...

2007-04-03T14:39:00.000-06:00

drink it.

The last couple weeks have been pretty terrible stress-wise. I have some major assignments that could suck the fun out of funeral, function and fungus. However, today has been ever so pleasant despite the hours of homework I have ahead of me in the next 48 hours. Why?

- I have pop to drink.
- I got to watch Ellen Degeneres dance.
- I got to watch my mom dance.
- I thought I lost my bus pass at school which was followed by inner dialogue containing obscenities which was followed by me finding it and thanking Jesus and apologizing for the previous unnecessary obscenities.
- My busdriver just moved from Vancouver and did not know the #4 route so an old lady was yelling directions at him. When she got off he got this girl to be his navigator; turns out the navigator needed a navigator so he missed our exit off the Whitemud and had to detour. It was all so funny. I sat in my seat and smiled.

Back to work. With my pop. Not my father, the beverage.

Marry, Berry, Dairy, Scary

2007-03-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

If you've got time, I'd like to rhyme...

Marry

-The tallest man in the world (7 ft 9) has found love. He searched high and low and found the 5 ft. 6 woman of his dreams. The height of his love surpasses the height of his body. sigh, I guess it's true what they say; love conquers tall. i mean all.

Berry

Today we had strawberries for supper. Yum. They were tasty and made me super excited for summer,sandals and sprinklers.

Dairy

Makes my stomach hurt and sometimes gives me diarrhea. Know what else does? School. I am pretty stressed right now, that's why I am on here, cause it gets my homework done. Unit plans up the yinger, assignments out the yanger. You do the math.

Scary

Today I was on a walk/run and a seedy* looking man started following me in his truck. It was frightening and I prayed and prayed and prayed and ran. This is not the first time this has happened to me, but it's not one of those things that becomes "old hat" if you know what I am saying. Good thing I had my New Balance running shoes on and good thing I have long legs and good thing there was a Macs for me to run to and good thing it was in broad daylight. So many things to be thankful for. GOOD THING.

*he really did look seedy, but it was his actions I was afraid of, not his long hair.

your head could stand it

2007-03-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today I was reading in the Yahoo! news about ways to keep your brain quick and agile. Gingko, Cardio excercise, supplements. We all know about those. But this one caught my eye.

#3. Turn upside down for a few minutes daily.

If not for any reason... "monkey stand" for your health.

Harold Gets New Shoes

2007-03-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Harold is the name of my art professor. He is pretty old and pretty fantastic. He is my favourite teacher out of all of them. These are some nice things he has said to me this semester:

-"I don't think those eyes look demonic."

-"I like your use of dots."

-Michelle: my dog looks like a deer. It looks like Bambi.

Harold: I knew it was a dog.

Michelle: That's because we were supposed to draw dogs.

Anyways, today I noticed that he got new shoes. They look pretty fancy. I was going to compliment him, but that may have been weird. He loves dogs and draws them every single day in his personal sketchbook. One time he showed us a slideshow of dogs in art and made a few pretty terrific jokes:

"Dogs have been used for psychological experiments. Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?"

Needless to say, I laughed out loud. LOL. Nice Shoes Harold.

My First Husband

2007-03-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Last night was my friend Katrina's 22nd birthday. 22 is a palindrome which means it is the same forwards as it is backwards. Some other examples include:

Kayak

Was it a cat i saw?

A man, a plan, a canal: Panama

Harass Sarah!

Madam, I'm Adam

Do Go to God. --> I am sure someone can use that one in their next spiritual analogy. "I didn't turn to the Lord until one day I realized that either way I looked at it, I had to go to him, which reminds me of a palindrome..." I am forseeing the next line of motivational bracelets. Move aside "FROG" and "PUSH" ...

Back to the birthday. We went to the Cheesecake Cafe and our waiter was my husband from a play in drama I was in last year. I was his poor pregnant waitress and he was my mechanic husband, and we were barely making ends meet. Luckily for me, he had helped out a rich woman on the side of the road for free, this changed her LIFE, she payed it forward and eventually it made it back to me when a rich business man left me a $100.00 tip. I think what really hit the audience was its realism, its grittiness, and the fact that it was based on a country song. OUCH.

**i realize it kind of looks like my hand is down his pants. this is not the truth. my arm is around his back. please do not get the wrong idea. i beg of you.

ROY G. BIV

2007-03-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

Today I took a walk outside with my rubber boots for the first time upon purchasing them. I had taken a walk earlier and had arrived home with soggy socks. So, when I thought that it was high time for me to get to Macs to buy a Dr.Pepper (medicinal reasons, don't ask) I decided to wear my rubber boots and walk through all the puddles on purpose. As I walked through the puddles I envisioned myself as Ramona Quimby dancing and cartwheeling in the rain on that one "Rainy Sunday" (name of the chapter) when she was stuck inside. Actually I didn't at all. That was a complete fabrication. Some of the puddles were SO deep and I could cruise through without any hesitation. I was invincible to the powers of water. Unfortunatly, not completely invincible to the powers of other peoples' bewildered stares; however, I told myself "that guy my age staring at my multi-coloured rubber boots is so jealous of me right now. sooo jealous."

also. I painted my boots for my "Daily Required Artistic Workout" (DRAW.) ILA. (I love acronymns.) EWTAAGWWIITA. (Especially when the actual acronymn goes with what it is talking about.) Elementary education is overflowing with acronymns..

DEAR --> Drop Everything And Read

KWL--> What do I KNOW, What do I WANT to know, What did I LEARN

RTWYCB -->Remember To Wear Your Christmas Brooches

Oh. Also, today I was walking to Grant MacDaddo to visit Luke and the noise of my library book hitting a library DVD sounded like one of those weird toys that I never understood. I never had fun with them nor did I ever see anyone else getting any enjoyment out of them. What were they called and what was the freaking point? I couldn't find a picture anywhere cause I did not know how to google it even. YIKES. So I drew it for my own peace of mind.

peddle peddle peddle

2007-03-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

While waiting at the bus stop to go to my night class, I was kind of in a foul mood about school and all its demands on my life these days. I was thinking about how I hate my night class and all the knowledge it simply leaves me wanting. I was thinking about how I have a midterm and a major assignment due in the same class tomorrow and how would I study and get the assignment all polished up if I was at my night class? bla bla bla. whine whine whine. Then I saw Mr.Christianson.

Mr.Christianson is basically a stranger to me, I have met him once but seen him many times. He is 86 years old I think and in the winter I often saw him in my neighborhood with his cross country skis on. He is little and Swiss and adorable. His wife died last week after being very sick for a long time. Today he was riding his bike. He passed me at the bus stop, smiled and said "hello!" and kept peddling into the wind. I watched him for as long as I could see him and then thought about how ironic it was that he was going up a hill, into the wind, on a little bike and he was just peddling and peddling and peddling....

and my life was put into perspective once again. phewf.

diaphragmic spasms

2007-03-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I got the hiccups five minutes before going to bed. I had already experienced an hour long bout with them earlier in the day and needless to say I was not all that impressed when I was hit with them again. It’s exhausting really, and when you would prefer to be sleeping and instead are just waiting for the next ‘hiccUP’ to hit you, it’s easy to become annoyed. I know I was.
Speaking of annoyed, the pattern continued into my morning. After staying up later than I wanted to, I had to wake up early to register for next years’ classes. I was tempted to skip my first class, like usual, because it is a waste of life (and I don’t say that lightly), but instead went because I always feel I will miss something. I should have slept in. I only get dumber in EDEL 305. I would like to share my favourite lines from the professor of this class:

“Who knows how this word would be pronounced in any of the Spanish languages!”
“When you’re high, you’re happy!”
“In my next life, I think I will work in a pickle factory where all I have to do is put 15 pickles into a jar and put the lid on tightly.”

In other news, I bought fantastic rubber boots last week that I like to wear while doing homework. They are purple, green, yellow and blue. Sometimes you just have to walk through the puddles.