Yay we had 7 people show up for volleyball this past weekend which made me very happy. We did lose but had a good go of it so no complaints from this gal.



I had my first fall outside today, it seems as though everything is covered in a big thick layer of ice around here. It wasn't spectacular at all however I am thankful that there were no witnesses what with my big ego and all. My ankle is a bit tender but fingers crossed it will feel better in no time as I have to get my ass to the gym four times this week. I figure if I went with a sore back and a terrible cold then I can manage with a sore ankle. I'll just have to get creative :)



I must say I am rather disappointed in my progress or lack thereof thus far with this gym bullshit. I have been going to the gym four times a week for the past month and a half focusing strictly on cardio and jogging like a mad woman. I've only lost 2 pounds, two freaking pounds.......what the fuck is that??? Mid February I will be finished with this bloody goal and plan to try something new that will involve 90 grueling days of weights and cardio. It's a video that a few of my male friends have tried and swear by. I must say I'm a little nervous though as one of my friends (who is buff as hell) says that he has a hard time with this workout. At this point I will try almost anything........



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I've been feeling a bit of the winter blues this week. I'm not sure if it was the cold I had or the lack of sunlight or the million different things on my mind but I have not been a very happy kitty. I won't bore you with the trival goings on of my mind but I do need to snap out of this funk pronto, I'm just not sure where to begin......perhaps a tanning booth!!

My volleyball team (that I've played with for 3 years now) seems to slowly be folding. We started out strong with 9 players and have somehow dwindled down. I haven't seen one guy in months.....I'm assuming he's not coming back.

There are three people who tend to show up whenever and cannot be counted on.....they may or may not be there on any given evening. That leaves 5 of us that are actually dedicated to playing our set schedule (and one of whom can only make it out to certain games due to work). We have some strong players and a few weak ones....when you only have 4 people playing a game at least you have a chance with 4 strong players.....throw in a weak one and it's game over. This season has been appalling in the score department and now I'm finding our morale to be non existent. To be honest I don't even feel like playing anymore.....what's the point? We've had two forfeits due to lack of players and if we have one more we are out of the league for the season. (For the record I'm one of the stronger players :)

I am debating about asking a friend to come out this weekend just in case we need an extra body. The one girl told me she would let me know if we need anyone....I might just bring him anyway. Telling me at 6pm that we need an extra person for 7pm doesn't quite cut it. Another girl had a couple of friends that wanted to play when we first started the season but she told them we had too many at the time. I told her to ask them to come out now as it can't hurt us in any way. Who knows, maybe they will be good!!

My somber mood certainly has not been helped by my failing immune system....yes folks I have a cold. I feel like absolute shit today. I have a fever, glassy eyes, stuffy nose.....my head feels like a bowling ball blah blah. I have however been fortunate enough to sleep most of the day away. I feel like one of those commercials, you know the "sneezing, achy, watery eyes, congestion" ones for medication. I'll certainly live....but I can't wait for today to end as I will feel ten times better tomorrow due to my current over medicated/lethargic state. Sleep and meds make the world go round don't cha know!!

My appalling behaviour last weekend:

I like to have a drink every now and again but oh my I clearly had a few too many last Friday. The evening started out with dinner at a pub and a few pints to wash the food down. J and I then met up with a friend at another bar to listen to a bluegrass band play......a few more pints down the hatch. (Please note I should not consume more than 2 or 3 pints as I am well aware of my alcohol tolerance and anything more than that is a terrible idea). We felt like dancing and walked down the street to our third and final location, a bar playing music from the 70's. It all went downhill from there my friends as I had a few more bottles of beer.

(Random bathroom shot in the middle of the evening....still looking okay)

I danced with a cute nerd and then announced to my friend that I thought he was stupid ( no idea why), I tried to order another bevy at 2:30am (the bartender stared at my friend as she apologized profusely). I apparently wanted grub in the wee hours of the AM, ordered some breaky and then could not eat it, gave a $20 to the waitress and told her to keep the change. Two random guys sat down with us and I just sat there like a lump not engaging in any conversation as I was starting to feel sick. On the way home in the cab I apparently started to gag and heave J went to open my window when she saw my cheeks puff out......and then.....I swallowed it! EWE!! I don't recall that moment but J seemed very impressed that I did not make a mess.

I also drunk texted two people at 3 AM, two people that I really really should not have (how mortifying). I am banning myself from carrying my cellphone when I'm out drinking.....or wait a better idea....I'm never drinking again!!

I paid for it the next day as I stayed in bed until 6:30pm and felt awful the entire time. I did have to get up though as I had TT's Tiki Hula dinner and party to attend that evening, although I must say by 8 PM I was as good as new!! Big shout out to J for taking care of me :)

I did however have a few minor incidents at the party due to my clumsiness/not paying attention. Just after arriving IE I had not had a drink yet, I threw my back out while trying to put some beverages into the fridge. I also somehow managed to get quite a large part of the corkscrew for wine stuck in my finger while I was opening a drink with the beer opener end. I cringed, twisted it out and asked for a band aid. There were no band aids to be had however the wonderful host made one for me with cotton balls and masking tape.

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I was super pissed about my back as this was the last week of my first month (did that make any sense) of going to the gym 4 x a week. I am a trooper and waited till the last four days of the week to go. I walked super super slow and did not even break a sweat....but I was there....I actually thought it might help to loosen my back up a bit as it was quite stiff and sore.

Anyway, I plan to lay low for the next couple of weeks, I'm babysitting for a friend next weekend, perhaps I will go and see a movie as well or at least have a non alcohol involved weekend :)

Am I the only person on earth that finds Manswers to be a bit of an odd show?? I came across this gem at one of my friends houses as it just happened to be on the TV. It showed up recently on my own television when Tivo decided I needed to check it out and taped an episode for me to watch. Hmmmm this particular show asked the questions : which sport is the most dangerous? and what does a woman's breast size tell you? It also showed any interested viewers how to make a hot tub in the back of a pick up truck...oh my!!

Surprisingly the most dangerous sport (if you call it that) is fishing......apparently from the amount of drownings, capsized boats and what not it's far more dangerous than football, boxing and parachuting.... who knew?

As for breast size, apparently women with pear shaped tatas are far more sexual than say women with orange or melon shaped breasts.....hmmm.....somebody get me a mirror!!

Anyway enough of that nonsense.......

I have an itty bitty MP3 player that I use while working out. Since I have been going to the gym four times a week lately, my 50 song play list is no longer cutting it. I could read load 50 new songs however it seems like a lot of work when in reality I'm going to want to change the list again in a few weeks time. I'm debating about sucking it up and purchasing an Ipod.....I'm just not sure which size I would need......I mean do I really need 10,000 or even 2,000 songs....I doubt it.....but will 200 be enough?

I would also like you my lovely readers to give me suggestions for songs to add to the player. Anything fast and upbeat to keep me going on the treadmill or even some harder songs to keep me or get me lifting those weights again. Ha! (I took a year hiatus from weights and want to get back at it). I prefer angry boy music to lift weights to a la Ministry/Linkin Park.

What songs get you moving??

Wiwille recently wrote a post on religion (an interesting read) and it reminded me of how much I dislike strangers touching me (unless they are hot men).

I did not grow up in a religious household however I did have the pleasure of attending church with PP's family when I was much younger. Every now and again we would have a sleepover on a Saturday evening which meant church in the morning. They did give me the option to stay home however I always attended. Apparently I was much less rude back then :)

Anyway, I always dreaded the part where you have to shake hands with the people around you as I do not enjoy touching strange hands. I don't know where they've been....perhaps whacking off a few minutes prior......using the toilet and not washing.....up a nostril.....or.....maybe the person has scabies or some other thing that I would prefer not to contract.

My hesitation with hand shaking is just as apparent today as it was back then. Every once in a while I'll have a client who *gasp* likes the court ordered work they are doing and will thrust their hand towards mine as I cringe and take it.

After a game of volleyball it is good sportsman (woman)ship Ha! to shake hands with the opposing team. I always do however I make a beeline for the bathroom afterwards to wash the filth and grime off of my hands.

And don't get me started on those with a limp handshake.....I mean really....why bother at all?? A friends girlfriend had the worst handshake on the face of the earth. She barely touched the palm of my hand with the tip of her fingers before it fell limp and sort of hung there. It was AWFUL! If you're going to make me touch it.....make it nice and hard...firm if you will!!! That sounded mildly dirty!

Goal List Update

Accomplished:

#18 Pay off my car

Yay!!!! I had 11 months of payments left and was able to squash those and pay the bloody thing off. I have however spent almost a grand this year fixing various things that have broken on it....might be time for a new one. Ugh!




Working On:


#5 Achieve BMI of 24.9 or less

I have been able to drop my BMI down 5.2 by eating better and working out. I must say though I need to kick it up a notch and really really try to eat better. I'm certainly not eating out as much but I am also not following my points as I had planned to do and seem to be stuck at a certain weight. I'm just thankful I'm not gaining!!




#35 Read all of the unread books on my shelf (6/35)

I read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd which I really did enjoy. There was one paragraph that got me thinking on pg 255


"Knowing can be a curse on a persons life. I'd traded in a pack of lies for a pack of truth and I didn't know which one was heavier, which one took the most strength to carry around? It was a ridiculous question though because once you know the truth you can't ever go back and pick up your suitcase of lies. Heavier or not the truth is yours now."


An interesting thought really.....is it better to know the truth or is it better to believe the lie?


I also read Insecure At Last by Eve Ensler and while I found it an okay read it really didn't grab me as much as I thought it would. She made a number of valid points and some of the stories were heartbreaking to read however I just didn't love the book.


#42 Go to the gym 4 x a week for 2 months (8/32)

I decided to get my ass into the gym over the holidays and thus far have been able to show up for 8 sessions in two weeks ( I went today as well and shock me shock me shock me there were a million more people there than usual....January anyone?). I do hope that my body agrees with this and continues to work hard as we all know I have knee/back issues that can spring up at any time. Cross your fingers because I will be super pissed if I'm in my last week of this goal and I am not able to finish due to injury....I hate having to start things over.


I've toyed with the idea of a group guitar lesson via the school board. (You know those interest courses they hold in the winter/summer). The only thing I'm not too keen on is the time as it does not fit too well into my schedule. I can make it happen......but it will be a pain in the ass ..... so we shall see.

A pretty slim list I must admit..... slowly but surely!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?

I had my 1st guitar lesson and also got my armpits lasered!

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?

Yes my newest resolution will be to get out there and date a hell of a lot more than I currently do. I'm shy and don't put myself out there at all so 2009 will be the year of love!

Last year I vowed to be a doer and not a talker....I've done a lot of new things this year so I was successful!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes

5. What countries did you visit?

Shockingly I was only in the United States this year. Usually it's some far off place but alas no great plane rides in 2008.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

A intelligent, sexy, humorous man to spend some time with.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Hmm nothing is springing to mind at the moment.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I'd have to say standing up to my boss. I'm generally rather quiet at work however this year I've been extremely vocal about the things I dislike and changes I would like to see.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I would like to be a kinder person however I am nowhere near where I should be and didn't take the time this year to be mindful of myself and how I treat others.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I was rear ended in the summer and suffered a lot of discomfort as well as back/neck pain.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My fabulous Miracle bra of course!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

M's, she went through a lot and I seriously thought she was going to die but she pulled through!!

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

I'm sure Bush said or did something appalling but that's a given.

14. Where did most of your money go?

My car, seriously I'm beginning to hate it. New brakes $530, berring $270 and I will be taking the sucker in this week for an oil change, re-alignment and for some mysterious rattling sound that may just cost an arm and a leg.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I was excited about the 2nd NIN concert I went to as I had the best seats I have ever had. I can't say as I was really really really excited though, I'm sure there is something less lame however nothing is jumping to mind at the moment.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

I copied and pasted this meme from Claire's blog and I'm not sure why this says 2007?? I can't remember that far back!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?

Sadder, thinner, richer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

I wish that I had gone to the gym a hell of a lot more. I took a hiatus after the accident and just recently went back. I put myself about 4 months behind, bullocks!

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

I wish that I had not let myself get so stressed about work. It's not worth my health and sanity.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I went to the gym, had dinner and opened presents.

21. Did you meet/date anyone special in 2008?

There are still a few days left no?? As for special...we'll have to see....

23. How many one-night stands?

Zero

24. What was your favourite TV program?

Oh lord I have a million but I did enjoy LOST this year.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No one that I can think of.

26. What was the best book you read?

The Secret Life of Bees which I really enjoyed. I wanted to read it before I saw the movie. Oh crap I thought it said the last book you read.....as for best book I'd have to say Eat Pray Love.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I refuse to answer this question (there are too many music snobs who read this blog Ha!)

28. What did you want and get?

I have been wanting to get my armpits lasered for the past year and have finally started the process. It actually is not as painful as I had imagined it would be. Now I just need some patience as there are two months in between sessions. I hear the gasps already, no worries I can shave anytime my little heart desires.

29. What did you want and not get?

I really wanted to purchase some Mr. Smoothie for my protein shakes. I do have a contact number for a distributor but the whole process is going to be a pain in the ass. I believe I will have to purchase a large quantity and the place is an hour away.

30. What was your favourite film of this year?

Hmmm I did enjoy The Dark Knight as well as The Changeling however I can't really say that either are my favourite. I bought PS I Love You but have yet to watch it.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned the big 3-0 and celebrated with a bunch of wonderful friends. We drank, laughed and drank some more!

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

A trip far far away, perhaps to Bali or India.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Hmmm again with the 2007.......If you Mr. Meme are referring to 2008 I'd have to say I've worn much less black than normal. I bought a few red shirts, red jackets a pair of red shoes.

34. What kept you sane?

Taking me time and relaxing when I needed to. Curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, laying out in the sun enjoying a novel, going for walks and day dreaming.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Jonathon Rhys Myers yummy!!!

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

The goings on in the Middle East.

38. Who was the best new person you met?

Well I met Wiwille, Rawbean, WIGSF and Big Ben this year. I also met some fabulous friends of a friend when I was out in Vancouver and really enjoyed their company. So it's a tie between like ten people.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

Well I turned 30 this year and all of a sudden it gave me pause. I realized I'm older and must start taking better care of my body through exercise and nutrition. I started to think about retirement and saving money, I realized that job satisfaction is a huge thing and I need to surround myself with white light and learn to slow down and really live in the present moment.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Oh he's but a fallen leaf, he's but a fallen leaf......

Mmmmmm possibly the best piece of cake I have ever had:

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All 870 calories and 49 grams of fat!

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I'm not a huge fan of Christmas however I am a huge fan of the paid vacation that comes along with it!! Good thing I have lots of time off to get my ass into the gym as I can imagine this is just the tip of the ice burg as far as desserts and over indulgence are concerned.

We had a snowstorm on Friday which dumped close to 20 cm over my fair city. As most of you are aware I hate snow at the best of times and I also hate people that say "It's Canada, expect it" blah blah bullshit cause the fact is it sucks and it's near impossible to drive around in.

I had 3 appointments that day and it took triple the amount of time it should have to get to each one. The highway was barely plowed and the visibility was absolute shit with open fields and whiteouts galore. I came out of my first appointment to find the snow had drifted as high as my doors thus ensuring my pants and feet got soaked while trying to clean it off. I was not a happy kitty. I had to drive down the above highway for over an hour and as you can see visibility was an issue.

Yes I have snow tires and yes I was extremely happy and thankful that I did not get stuck like the 20 other poor unfortunately souls I saw.......but guess what....snowstorms still suck ass!!

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I went to a party on Saturday and in the middle of the evening my button fell off of my shirt. Thankfully it is not an important button as it serves no purpose other than for show. The same thing happened last weekend and I was able to sew the sucker back on (please note it was the other button that fell this time, shout out to me and my mad sewing skills however I clearly need to purchase higher quailty clothing). I was however in no condition to use a needle and thread on this particular evening so one of the lads made a makeshift button for me.

Apparently I'm trying to resemble the hunchback of Notre Dame while showing off my new button. Awwww a Moosehead beer cap, how classy!!

I've only seen Flight of the Conchords twice however both episodes had me laughing out loud. Has anyone else come across this gem?

In this particular show Bret is feeling a bit self concious after a photo shoot with his bandmate Jemaine as their manager accuses him of being a small man. Jemaine takes it upon himself to try and cheer Bret up with the following song "Bret You Got It Going on" Enjoy!!

I went to a friends on Saturday evening for a few drinks and then out to a bar. A couple of other guys showed up for a few Pepsi's as well and agreed to drop us off at the bar on their way out of the city.

(Sidenote, we watched a show similar to Jackass but much much more vile. One guy got liposuction and his friend drank the fat/blood for the hell of it. BLEH)




We all go out to the driveway and the guys start piling into the truck. Normally the front seats 3 people (4 if you squeeze) however G had a case of beer and a few other items in there which really made room for only 2 people 3 if you squeezed in. All three guys jump in the front and tell me to "get in the back". Huh?? What the fuck?? May I remind you that it's WINTER!! So there I am, laying down in the back of the truck for the 3 minute ride. They thought it was hilarious.....I was not impressed! Remind me again why I've been friends with these guys for over 12 years??



Back off ladies they are all mine!!

My dad ran into one of my male friends at the beer store and the following conversation took place:


Dad: Hey T, is there any beer left for the rest of us? You're buying up the store!


T: Sure am, your daughter is coming over tonight!


The look on the cashiers face was priceless however they had a good laugh!



Ha!!! Have a great weekend!!

Things I love:

I have been craving Milk Tea since I went to Japan in 2003. Seriously I was addicted to the stuff and put every spare yen I had into the vending machines. I even started drinking my regular tea cold when I got home which wasn't quite the same as they add lots of sugary stuff to theirs. Five years later and I have found it! Boo ya!!




I discovered using a puff about a millions years after everyone else. Yes I just bought my first one this year and have found a myriad of wonderful body washes that go along with such a thing. My new fav is this yummy honey almond yogurt wash; it's to die for.




These chocolate bars are the most delightful treats ever. They are filled with yummy caramel, almonds and of course lots of chocolate. The unfortunate (or fortunate for my hips) thing is that they are only available through fundraisers so it's not like you can just run out to the store and grab one. If you ever come across these I suggest you try one out, they are worth the 410 calories and 26 grams of fat and certainly live up to their "delicious" name!!



I watch some terrible TV shows as most of you know and TMZ is no exception. I do however absolutely love Dax Holts laugh. It never fails to put a smile on my face and I watch every evening just to hear it. He tends to tell a story and laugh at the same time which I find hilarious. For those of you that watch the show you'll know what I mean.

Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 16 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.

1. I always thought that spending a week in bed would be fantastic and relaxing. It was for the first few days however I'm getting antsy and would do anything to be able to jump up and clean. Can you believe that people....I WANT to clean!!

2. There are very few people in this world that I actually dislike.

3. I can eat a whole bag of Skor Bites in two sittings and therefore am not able to buy them anymore. I have absolutely no self control when it comes to such things.

4. A current goal of mine is to surround myself with white light. I want positive energy around me which includes positive people and love. I don't have time for complainers, gossipers and drama. It's far too draining on the soul.

5. I'm very self conscience and have even been known to leave a place (IE the mall) if I get a glimpse of myself in the mirror and do not like what I see. I feel like people are staring at me and wondering why I'm so ugly.

6. I very rarely date for the above reason and even when I do have a tendency to sabotage things as I'm afraid of getting close to anyone. I have a few friends currently suggesting male friends for me to meet and I'd rather crawl under a rock than do so.

7. I check my email countless times a day and have no idea what I would do without the internet. I should probably try it sometime.

8. I have great admiration for those people who leave their regular lives behind and travel the world for long periods of time and immerse themselves in other cultures. I hope to one day be able to do the same.

9. There is nothing better to me then one of those big loud belly laughs where you snort and cry and everyone stares at you. Not a funny ha ha laugh but a real big right from the gut laugh. I had one the other day and it was priceless.

10. I don't want children however I am afraid to grow old alone.......who will take care of me, drive me to appointments, visit with me and take care of my needs when I am no longer able to do so?

11. I very rarely get into arguments with my friends and don't understand how others do so repeatedly.

12. The only reason I sent out Christmas cards this year is because I received a few free boxes of cards, I actually loathe the season.

13. You will be hard pressed to find me without A) a bottle of water (stainless steel for the tree huggers) and B) some type of lip balm.

14. I miss Seinfeld, that show was comic genius!

15. I love to sing along to the radio/Cd's in the car with or without passengers. I also love when I see people in other cars rocking out.

16. I still promise to play "There's your boyfriend" or TYB even though I am trying to be a kinder person!


Claire tagged me on another forum to complete this and I had no other material for bloggyland so voila!! I don't think I actually have 16 different readers so for those of you that want to complete this please feel free.

I've been feeling slightly better since that last post, most likely because I'm not at work yet :)

Shopping was a lot of fun if you like getting up at 2:30am ( I use the term "getting up" loosely as we went to bed at 9pm and this gal didn't get a wink of sleep). We didn't wait outside in any crazy line ups nor attempt to kill any of the poor people trying to make a living. We also did not complain for 45 minutes straight like the woman behind us in the Kohl's line up. I wish I was kidding when I say she would not shut up about the wait to pay. "How long is this line", "why did we get out of the other line" "what is taking so long" on and on and on. Really??? You really had no idea that you would be waiting an hour to pay for a few cheap items??? I wanted to tell her to shut the fuck up but refrained.

I bought some cute tops and a lovely purse, a few other items as well but did not go overboard as A) our dollar sucks at the moment and B) someone left the above sign all over a department store that made me feel bad.

LD picked out a few items that should never have been made such as:

Barfy green Apple Bottom high tops with sequins

Gold Lamme and gold sequined blouses

She also ordered mozzarella sticks at the one restaurant as an appetizer and they brought her 5 gigantic egg roll type sticks filled with cheese. We're used to the tiny little snacks the size of a finger. God Bless America!!

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Day 5 of my vacation and I completely threw my back out. I was being a wonderful Auntie and playing with my lovely niece when BAM I felt a twinge and hit the floor. I stayed on that damn floor for over an hour as I could not stand up straight (erect for 2DP cause he seems to like that word). I have a reoccurring back issue from years ago and when this happens I'm toast for days. It is sort of a double edged sword as I have a million things that I would like to accomplish while I am off of work but I also really need to clean out my Tivo and read a book before next week sooooo........I guess I'll be doing those two things until I feel better as even sitting in a chair is torturous right now.