Pet Peeves

(My poor attempt at explaining the below treadmill pet peeve via picture...that's me saying WTF...clearly I am an artist extrodinaire ha!!)

I don't understand why people feel the need to workout on the treadmill directly beside me when there are rows and rows of empty ones. Twice today this happened to me and I just don't get it. There I am all alone with an entire row of vacant treadmills in front of me and a woman jumps on the one right beside me....she eventually leaves and another woman jumps on the same one. I'd rather not work beside another sweaty stinky person if I can help it so why do these mofos choose to do so??? Shouldn't there be a rule like men have with urinals....leave one in between!

I loathe shoppers that walk out in front of my car with their groceries, carts and bags expecting me to just stop for them. Ummm last time I checked there wasn't a "stop for pedestrians" sign (I've seen them in the States at Tops and other such places....great I'll stop cause there's a sign) so why the hell are you walking out in front of my car while I'm driving?? I always wait for cars when I leave the grocery store/mall I don't just saunter out in front and then give dirty looks when they almost run me over. Don't get me wrong I'm not a complete asshole and will let people go ahead.....when I wave them to.....I just don't like when people expect it and walk out right in front of me.

I get really out of sorts when I have set a TV show to tape on my Tivo and it does as I've directed only the previous show has gone overtime (usually due to some live TV, sports etc) and my planned show is therefore cut short. It happened the other night and I was super pissed. I mean what happens if I tape the finale of the Bachelorette only to have the last 10 minutes cut short because the previous show ended 10 mins late. The world would crumble people....the world would crumble! I'm kidding of course, peanuts in the grand scheme of the goings on in the world but it still irks me nonetheless.

What's on your list??

I've been on vacation for 2 weeks and sadly it will be coming to an end very shortly *sniff*

The weather was extremely cooperative for a handful of days, okay for a few and rainy as hell and/or cloudy for the rest. I apparently forgot about my goal to lose weight and ate out almost every day. Seriously the 1st chance I got I was at the Pizza Hut buffet (along with a churchy choir group from the States.....like 70 of them no joke all wearing the same khaki shorts and green golf shirts) gorging myself on cheesy yumminess and bread sticks when I could find a spot in line. That group was like a never ending train, it was nearly impossible to jump in but I did oh yes I did!

I ate my beloved poutine on more than one occasion, all you can eat Japanese, all you can eat Chinese (twice), veggie burgers, fries galore....I'm getting sick just thinking about all the shit I've ingested. Oh and ice cream, don't forget about the ice cream.....Cold Stone, Marble Slab, Dairy Queen ... I'm drooling just thinking about it!

I didn't just eat I also socialized a lot, pool parties, BBQ's, fires all of which were accompanied by booze booze and more booze. Apparently I didn't get enough of this and will be heading up north this weekend for some sun and relaxation....and of course a fire, BBQ and some beer. No pool however there is a lake across the street if I feel so inclined.

Random question because I'm not sure what I should do. I was leaving a pool party and was introduced to the hosts friend on my way out. I said a quick hello, chatted for all of 5 minutes with the two of them and then left. I didn't think anything of it and then got phone call from the host (who is a great friend of mine). Apparently his friend was smitten and would like to take me for a ride on his motorcycle. I barely remember what this guy looked like but don't recall being attracted to him, he was a bit older and like I said we spoke very briefly. Should I go out with him anyway? I won't go for a ride but I would consider a drink ( I do have 4 more dates to go on for my goal list) I just don't know if I should. I'll see my friend this week and will get the scoop on his friend and of course will be honest about my 1st impression and see what he thinks. I mean he might be a great guy or he might not be. I suppose I won't know unless I actually hang out with the guy though I'm kinda meh about the whole thing.

Goal List Update


Working On:

5. Achieve a BMI of 24.9 or less

I don't think the number has actually changed since the last update Doh!!! I am however slowly working on this one. I ended up with a nasty sinus/chest infection 2 or 3 weeks ago and have not been back to the gym since. Tomorrow a spin class I swear!!



14. Take Vitamins every day for 90 days 38/90

I think this is attempt #3 however I have faith that this goal will be completed as I have a system set up so that I can't possibly forget to take these bloody things. If I do I think I'll throw in the towel and pay the $10......90 consecutive days is clearly too long for me to remember to take anything.


35. Read all of the unread books on my shelf 10/35

I recently read the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and have nothing but good things to say about this book. It was such an emotional journey and at times I sympathized with the main character and then an instant later felt such hatred for him. There were twists and turns throughout the novel that had me laughing one moment and crying the next. The Kite Runner was a painful yet beautiful story that runs the emotional gamut. It’s not often that a book touches me as this one did but I do recommend it to everyone.



After reading that wonderful book I decided to give I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron a try. I loathed the first 150 pages and tolerated the last 60 something. Clearly a horrendous idea on my part as this book pales in comparison and left me dreading each and every page. If it wasn't for this goal I would have put the book down after the first few chapters. I thought it might be a cute fluffy read after The Kite Runner but instead I found it just dreadful.


41. Visit 15 of my placements at work 14/15

Yay only one left to go!!!


Completed:

47. Try wearing contacts

Lucky for me I had an appointment with the optometrist recently and I was able to snag a pair of contacts. I felt terrible for the poor woman who had to teach me the proper way to insert the buggers. I felt like it took me days however she she was rather impressed as she usually books hour long appointments and I took less than 15 mins to master the technique. Regardless I still felt super awkward about the whole thing.



I should have many more goals in the completed area next time around. I have a big list to complete just in July alone so we'll see how it goes. Have any of you tried anything new lately??

(Pic from adventurelearningcotours.com)

So there are a lot of goals that I must complete this summer as they are activities that would best be completed in a warm climate. One of them is to go "real camping" and what I mean by that is to camp at a National Park or somewhere off the beaten path. I don't consider driving 20 minutes to the local campsite and paying $20 a night to tent out in the city "real camping".

I have a friend who I thought was an avid outdoors man (which apparently he is) though he does not have the equipment to pull off my goal. He does however have a cabin out in the middle of nowhere that you need a compass and an ATV to find. I wanted to make that count but I know it really doesn't....so the next best thing....I had him email me websites with guided camping tours.

Apparently these places provide everything you need for your experience, educated leaders and equipment. I must say though that I'm a little wary over the whole thing I mean I hate bugs and mosquitoes and really despise canoeing (though I enjoy kayaking) and doubt I will get a good nights sleep as every noise I hear will be a gigantic bear drooling over my tent.... in my head anyway. Regardless I think it will be a good experience for me to try being one with the wilderness and nature.

Any tips??? Other than to hide my food in a tree a la Yogi Bear...please who am I kidding...even the bears won't want my tofu dogs!!

>

I was watching a reality show the other day (too embarrassed to announce which one) however the people were on a road trip and went to a place that I had no idea even existed: Bedrock City in Valle AZ!!! Seriously people it's a theme park/campground based on the freaking Flintstones, my favourite cartoon of all time!!!

Apparently it's nearish or on the way to the Grand Canyon.....how many times have I been to Vegas and have never even heard of this place. I'm a little disappointed as I totally would have rented a car and drove out to this park in a heartbeat had I known it was there.

I've been searching the net trying to find a website however all I seem to come across are blank pages or reviews from others the most recent being 2008. I wonder if it's still standing????

I would love love love to go to this place and wander around bedrock, slide down the dinosaur and watch old show clips. Have any of you ever been??

I will of course be whooping it up 2009 style at a pool party this weekend finished off by an out of town BBQ the following day. I would however really love to party Bedrock style with the Wayouts one of these days!

Have a great weekend!!

So it happened....AGAIN!! I have the worst sense of direction on the face of the earth. Whenever I veer from my regular schedule and have to venture anywhere else I seem to get lost. Yes folks I had written directions and yet again ended up driving down the same road three times. "I swear the cutoff was back there." Good thing my companion at the time also has the worst sense of direction ever so she didn't seem to mind the detour. It took us an hour and half to get somewhere that should have taken 40 mins tops.

Did I mention I have a GPS....it would be nice if it actually worked. We typed in the address and then it gave us many different options other than the address we had typed in. WTF???

It was also Sunday morning .... early like 8am early and we had to be somewhere at a certain time. We eventually arrived after stopping to ask directions and then almost got lost a 2nd time. All this trouble just to sit out in the rain at an all day volley ball tournament. I had a lot of fun so I can't complain......I just don't understand why I suck so bad at navigating....with a map....and a GPS! It seems to be a reoccurring theme for me. Am I doomed for life or is there some way to change this problem....perhaps I should try to pay attention when I drive?? Would that help??

Anyway there was a great turnout, 17 teams over 100 people 3 games going on at a time on the beach. We played 7 games, won a few, lost a few, had some drinks and a good laugh. All for charity.....I can't wait for the next tournament. At least I will know where I am going!!!

In other news it's Canada's Birthday this week!! I always celebrate with the same group of friends down at the same wonderful bars. They are all outside down by the beach which makes for a great setting. We play a little ball, drink like fish and enjoy the warm weather. I'm a little bit leary as this year is calling for *gasp* rain!! Cross your fingers folks as we're starting at 11am (1st call) and plan to drink until 2am (last call). I'm always surprised when others say they don't have plans....what do you mean??? This holiday is right up there with my own birthday I freaking love it!!! Unfortunately last year I only lasted until 10pm due to an ungodly headache. Let's see if I can make it all the way this year!!

Okay so what the hell is going on??? First Ed McMahon passes away.....then Farrah Fawcett....and now Michael Jackson all in the same week! WTF is going on??? It's interesting because I didn't receive any "Holy shit" texts or phone calls about the 1st two folks perhaps because they were more expected. MJ was a complete shock it seems as my phone has not stopped beeping since the news hit "Is it true?" "WTF". My friends and I all grew up listening to him and trying to dance like him. I mean who doesn't love Thriller? The video used to scare the crap out of me as a kid of course but I watched it anyway. I must admit as of late I haven't thought much of him (I mean music wise he hasn't done a whole lot) though I do recall thinking he was the shit as a young gal. It's sad really ...........

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I'm sure everyone is going to be talking about/writing about this so back to my original Friday post, something that made me laugh. I've had an EXTREMELY long week at work and unfortunately have been tres cranky due to a sinus and chest infection. The prescriptions the dr. gave me had horrible side effects and I stopped taking them but not before the insomnia/strange feeling in my legs had a chance to rear their ugly heads. To go along with the sickness I've been feeling a bit burnt out lately and clearly need a break from work as I've been rather rude to a lot of people and very short fused. This at least made me laugh:

I was sitting in the courthouse the other day (for work people, for work) and the gentleman behind me fell asleep. He started snoring very loudly, so loudly that everyone in front of us turned around to stare. This made me laugh, which you're not supposed to do and thus made me laugh even harder. I had to leave the room. I would have been able to handle the snoring....it was all the people around us staring that I couldn't take because they were making "what the fuck" faces and laughing themselves. The guys friend kept waking him up and then seconds later "snoooooooooore" it was hilarious. (Unless of course he has narcolepsy in which case I didn't laugh at all cause that would be kinda mean, otherwise it was extremely amusing).

Don't catch yourself falling asleep too early this weekend, get out there enjoy the weather and have a few cocktails. Cheers!

I was driving home the other day wondering why the hell people junk up their vehicles with crap. I will never understand the need for the “baby on board” sign. Really you’re fertile…who cares? Or maybe you adopted….still don’t care. Perhaps it’s a step child…..guess what….I don’t care. I can’t fathom the point of such signs. Let’s say the car is in an accident and I’m on the scene. I’ll try to help in any way that I can regardless of the occupants. Baby, no baby whatever I’ll try to assist whomever. Is there anyone out there that can explain the purpose of these signs?

Another thing that boggles my mind when it comes to cars is the Kleenex box in the rear window. Really? Are you really going to reach all the way back there if you have a stuffy nose? And why the back window? Wouldn’t it make more sense to have the stuff up front….it’s always guaranteed that someone will be in the front seat but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll have a passenger in the back seat. Lastly, the constant sun beating down on the Kleenex and the dust, OH the dust collecting all over the bloody things. You need a few snot rags…..put a small pack in the middle console hidden away from judging eyes.

I won’t even get into the whole bumper sticker phenomenon. I don’t even want to mount my GPS on my dash for fear it will leave a sticky round mark. I certainly cannot wrap my head around the fact that people slap ridiculous stickers all over the outside of their vehicles. It’s never just one either…..there’s always a million of them.

Who does this??? If it’s you tell me why, I must know why!!!!

I got a phone call the other day while I was at work. Please keep in mind all of my clients are at least of legal age to drive in the country.

C: "If I work from 8am to 12pm, how many hours is that?"

Me: "Four"

C: sounding a bit perplexed "Four?"

Me: stunned "Yes four"

Silence.......

Me: "Do you have any other questions"

C: "no"

Then I read this wonderful article in the newspaper. It made me laugh so hard as I can only imagine the cops watching the events unfold and the looks on their faces: (A RIDE check is where police examine drivers for signs of drinking and driving)

"Police conducting a R.I.D.E. program at 2 a.m. watch a man in a bar parking lot drive over a curb to the next parking lot to avoid the line. The driver lost the car bumper in the process and got out to retrieve it. After putting it in the backseat he was approached by officers. A 22-year-old man faces an impaired driving charge. "

These people are the future of our country folks!!! Have a great weekend!!

Goal List Update

Goal list update:

Working On:


#35 Read all of the unread books on my shelf 8/35

I finally finished reading Eat Pray Love and did indeed love the book very much. Elizabeth Gilbert made me want to drop everything and go and experience life to the fullest. I felt like I was there every step of the way with her through her spiritual journey and now want to follow her lead. I really do need to cleanse my body of all of its negative thoughts and little balls of anger that seem to be stuck inside of me......it's a heavy burden to carry day in and day out. I want to feel light and enjoy life, perhaps I'll start with a little meditation!!



#5 Achieve a BMI of 24.9 or less

I dropped my BMI (according to the computer) by another .7 points which doesn't seem like a lot however I was really surprised and delighted by the number on the scale......like really excited. I'm finally dropping weight again and it feels damn good!!! I actually have high hopes in this area which is surprising. My obstacle of course will be summer.....outdoor patios, parties, time off. Everybody seems to want to hit the patios for pints in the warm weather not to mention dinner outside and of course house parties. I just need to watch A) how much of this I do and B) the late night drunk munchies. This summer will be a test!!! I'm doing poorly already as I have been invited to 4 different parties in the next few weeks which I have RVSP'd YES to!!!


Completed:


#1 Ride a Mechanical Bull


I had imagined that I would be riding one of those big mechanical bulls like they have in the bars. There is actually a place near me where you can pay $10 and ride one at an indoor amusement type of place. I however chose to ride one in a mall while shopping in Vegas. Not quite what I had in mind but LD put it on the highest level and off I went. Just to be fair I will ride a big one as well but technically this goal has been completed.



#2 Get an RRSP


I recently set up my RRSP's which was much less painful than I had imagined. You see I figured I would get overwhelmed and confused by the information set forth and therefore always put it off (even though it's super important to have). I mean who knows if I'll live another 30 years but just in case I do there should be some sort of retirement fund waiting for me (and now there is).


#15 Stop going to obligated events (IE weddings I don't care about)

I have turned down a myriad of invitations to such things in the past year and a half and it feels great. I was invited to a wedding shower of a person I had not (have not) seen in oh 7 years no thanks! Wedding for the same person.....nope not going. Wedding for another person I haven't seen in about 10 years ... nope! Baby shower for an acquaintance....sorry I'm busy. I refuse to attend such things for people I barely see and am not friends with.

#58 Wear sunscreen everyday for one month 31/31

I started this goal in May which was a good month to start as the weather was getting warmer and I was away in a hot locale for a portion of it. This of course meant that for at least a week I was guaranteed to be wearing the stuff. I just had to make sure to wear it for the other 3 weeks which shockingly I did!

A few of my favorite things:




I went to Sephora as I had seen this bronzing body shimmer in a magazine however completely forgot the article when I went shopping. The saleswoman suggested an alternative Celebutante by Tarte. It's a moisturizing dry-oil shimmer spray that smells like coconuts. Seriously I want to lick my arm every time I put it on. It's perfect for summer as it smells like the beach as well it's shimmery and sexy. I love it!!



Seriously people it's getting hot out and of course to my thighs dismay the fry trucks are up and running. There's nothing I love more than fries smothered in gravy and cheese from a fry wagon. Yum yum!! I of course will limit my intake of poutine accordingly this summer however I am delighted to have had a taste already.

My new favorite summer drink is Bud Light with Lime!!! Apparently it's been around for a good year (who knew) however I first tried it while I was on vacation last month. The funny thing is in the past week I've been to visit two friends both of whom cracked open a bottle for me to try with a big smile. They were super excited about their new find; Hmm dude that's sooooo last week I've already tried it. (But I do love it!!)

Clearly I should have just labelled this post my favorite things to eat and drink in the summer because number four is a super yummy lemon square made by a local woman. Seriously....she makes the best deserts ever!! For me it's a toss up between this lemon square and the ginormous smores bar that she makes. Soooo good!!

I've also recently started wearing flip flops for the 1st time and I *gasp* really like them. I used to have issues with the bit that sticks between the toes and would last all of 5 seconds in a store with them on. I caved, bought a cheap pair with a soft toe thingy (what the fuck is it called...the thong....is that what makes them a thong?) and voila I am enjoying them. Perfect for summer!!!

There was some miscommunication between myself and my gym partner recently which landed me in my 1st ever spinning class sans buddy.

The teacher asked if anyone was new and I of course was the only one with my hand in the air. She came over, adjusted my seat and bars asked my name and off we went. Well a few minutes into the class she bellowed over her mic "Miss A how are you doing?" I could feel everyone staring at me as I gave her a smile. This went on for the remainder of the 45 min class, every so often she would shout out a name and the person would reply with a thumbs up. It appeared to be a group of people that regularly take this particular class and they have built a rapport with the instructor and she with them.

I enjoyed myself (as much as one can) while working up a sweat and I did get one hell of a workout. I thought my legs were going to collapse on more than one occasion while I had my ass off the seat and was pretending to climb some gigantic hill at a ridiculously fast pace. Unfortunately I'm not one of those people that tries to test the waters so to speak; I like to dive right in. If I'm going to do something......then I'm really going to do it. Perhaps a bit silly as my ass and legs hurt for a few days after the class. I probably should have toned it down a notch until my body had worked up to such a pace.

On our last set the instructor again yelled out my name "Miss A's in the lead, she's taking us to the finish line go go go" and again the rest of the class stared however the stares were friendly and came with knowing smiles. The girl in front of me turned around and smiled, a man who I could see only in a mirror smiled and nodded as did others. Phew it was over!!

My legs felt like jello as I slowly slid my body off of the bike. My arms were aching, my ass and thighs were throbbing. Clearly I haven't been working anywhere near my potential lately at the gym which I am well aware of. I've been content to run on the treadmill 4 times a week. I did however start the stair climber recently to mix it up a bit and give my legs a good burn. I've found something else now to keep me interested and apparently it burns a hell of a lot of calories in a short period of time which is a huge bonus! As I was leaving the instructor asked "Will we see you again next week?" to which I replied "Yes." There were more smiles from the group as they knew I was hooked!

Ughhh last week I was standing in line at a drugstore that shall remain nameless with ONE item in my hand. I stood in line behind 4 people however noticed only one woman in the other line and moved over behind her.....big mistake!!!

First of all she had a cart with about 10 items in it which really wasn't a huge deal but then she pulled out a bloody lottery ticket. The cashier had to go halfway across the store to check it and let the woman know that she had won so much money. The woman then starts to ponder hmmmm I should buy more numbers....which numbers should I buy......should I get a quick pick....... (this went on forever). The cashier had to go halfway across the store to deal with the lottery ticket again! At this point I see the fourth man from the other line leaving the store and this woman hasn't even cashed out her purchases yet.

Finally the cashier returns and begins to cash her out. "Are those on sale, I thought they were on sale?" You've got to be fucking kidding me!!! Now she doesn't know if the items she's purchasing are on sale. Thankfully she doesn't care and buys everything in her cart regardless. Then comes the money exchange.....cashier "that will be $74.56" woman starts digging through her change purse to get the exact change "here you go $74.79" cashier "no 56" woman "ohhhh" starts recounting the change.

I wanted to kill myself.

Sidenote: This happened AGAIN today with 2 assholes in front of me trying to figure out the amount of points on their cards. The cashier took a few minutes to explain the points process to this woman and then had to find the amount on two of her cards. The the next customer (who had a cart full of shit) went through the exact same process and actually stood there and said "oh so I have to buy $30 more in order to redeem all of the points hmmmmm can you hold my purchases?"The two people behind me were about to lose their shit as we had all been waiting a good 10 minutes to pay for a few items.

I only go to this particular drugstore as it's right beside my gym and therefore convenient but as you can see it's really not convenient at all. I'll have to find another place to go as I've already wasted a good hour standing in line at this drugstore in the last few weeks. I can't possibly imagine getting behind another such person as I've reached my breaking point for stupidity at this place, it wouldn't be a good scene.

*If I see someone in line with one or two items and I have a cart full then I ask if they would like to go ahead of me.

*The amount of points is written right on the receipt. I make my purchase, check it out and think oh goodie I can redeem 15,000 points next purchase and get $10 off.

*The balance of points can be checked online.....perhaps these mofos could have done that previous to their shopping excursion ( of course I'm being an elitist and assume that they have a computer).

Thanks for all of the input on the last post. I'm sure I'll talk to a few of you further about the options and pros and cons of each device before I make a decision. I'm in no rush to buy anything at the moment but it's something I've wanted to gather more info on.


The weather around here has been rather confusing as of late. I left for work this morning with a spring jacket on, heater in the car turned slightly towards the red zone and windows all the way up. I left my office at 3pm to attend a meeting out in the community and all of a sudden I'm sweating like a pig. Forget the bloody jacket I opened the windows (which did nothing) and turned the air conditioning on so I wouldn't arrive to my meeting with slick hair and pit stains. It would be lovely if for once summer would just arrive, I don't do well with 2 degrees in the morning and 25 in the afternoon. It's hard to dress for the day unless you wear layers which I'm really not that into.

Anyway enjoy the weekend! I have a friend working on my car at some point and plan to read my ass off to catch up on one of my goals. I will also be a slave to the gym this weekend.....I know you're all jealous, don't pretend that you're not!! I might even head out for a bike ride weather permitting. Cheers!!

I have been toying with the idea of purchasing a laptop sometime in the near future. Now keep in mind I am a creature of habit I don't like to step out of my comfort zone and have always used a PC. I know Macs seem to be all the rage as of late but really are they that much better???



I asked a computer nerd friend of mine a while back and he said either would be fine.....thanks for the sound advice! Did I mention that I am the most indecisive person on the face of the earth?? Well I am and trying to decide on anything for me can be a rather punishing task.



I don't know much about Macs at all....I've used them at friends houses and they seem alright. I know that there are certain features that don't necessarily work well or at all with other computers. My friend has a Mac and his web cam isn't compatible with MSN or something like that....peanuts in the grand scheme of things but annoying nonetheless. I would prefer that everything works now just as it always has new computer or not.



So first thing to get out of the way, should I purchase a Mac or a PC?



If I go the PC route there are a million different brands to choose from. Now I've always been a Dell girl and have never had an issue with any of my computers. It also gives me some comfort to see their logos well everywhere, my bank uses them, my college used them......they seem to be good and reliable. That being said I'm not opposed to trying something new....perhaps cheaper!! My friend bought an Acer on sale and loves it, another has an HP Pavilion and loves it.



Advice....I need advice! So any computer savvy folk out there your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million!