So Dan and I went on our picnic on Sunday, and we brought along Bonnie and Nick. It was nice, cuz Nick had his car working again, so we didn't have to fight with the buses.
It was so nice to get out of the house and interact with other people. I feel like some kind of hermit in the middle of a city. I never talk to anyone, and I never see anyone, unless I go to Nanaimo. How ridiculous is that? A lot of the time, it's because I totally broke. So broke that I can't afford some new shorts or summer-wear to go out and play in the sun in. I need a job! But then I wouldn't be able to go out and enjoy this fine weather...Dammit, I need free money!
Anyway, we had our picnic at Beacon Hill Park. And on our picnic, we brought some deli sandwiches, and some juice, and even brought a trifle for dessert. Though it didn't look as good as the one I've linked. Ours was one we bought at Thrifty's and it actually wasn't as good as I had been hoping. Dan and I made a better one on our own before.
After our early dinner, we played some bocci ball, courtesy of Nick. It was good fun, until we rolled one of the balls over a used condom hidden in the grass. Would it have been that much trouble to drop it in a garbage can? Honestly!
Then I had to run and find a bathroom. It's always impossible to find an outhouse or bathroom when you really need one when you're in parks and the like. I don't understand why...Things pretty much finished up after that. Bonnie and Nick had an appointment to look at a new place to rent with Ashley, and so we just packed up and headed home.
I had so much fun doing that..Dan and I should get out more anyway...It's times like this that I wish we had some kind of vehicle to drive to some of other beautiful places on the island. But there's plenty around here too....we just have to find it.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Saturday, June 26, 2004
I need to follow my own advice!
A few months ago, I wrote a big post on why everyone needs to spend less time sitting in front of TV's and spend more time outside. I've found that I've slipped into this "sitting on my ass in front of a TV slump" myself, and I want to change that.
Dan and I are going out to get groceries today, and while we're out, I think we're going to get some stuff for a picnic together. Get some juice boxes, and some lunch meat for sandwiches, and maybe something for a little dessert. We'll see what we can find. It's been so beautiful out, I really should enjoy some of it.
My summers always seem to be spent indoors. Either I have to work indoors, or I spend my days off indoors. I want to get a bit of a tan this year. And not one of those fake ones from a tanning bed! I want some proof that I had some fun in the sun....literally!
Then there's the fact that I have to eat better. I received an e-mail from an old teacher at Wellington (well, not old...he's probably younger than I am in a few ways. eg: eating habits, exercise, etc.), talking about the evils of fast food. And really, was that such a big secret to begin with? You must know that what you're ingesting is nothing but grease, fat, carbs, sugar, and general grossness! I mean there's the random idiot who thinks that it's 100% pure beef, and anything that's pure must be good for him. But most people with any kind of common sense must realize that the stuff they're mass producing isn't good for you!
Oh, and speaking of idiots, here's another good one. A man sued his cable company for making his wife fat, and his children lazy!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Dan and I are going out to get groceries today, and while we're out, I think we're going to get some stuff for a picnic together. Get some juice boxes, and some lunch meat for sandwiches, and maybe something for a little dessert. We'll see what we can find. It's been so beautiful out, I really should enjoy some of it.
My summers always seem to be spent indoors. Either I have to work indoors, or I spend my days off indoors. I want to get a bit of a tan this year. And not one of those fake ones from a tanning bed! I want some proof that I had some fun in the sun....literally!
Then there's the fact that I have to eat better. I received an e-mail from an old teacher at Wellington (well, not old...he's probably younger than I am in a few ways. eg: eating habits, exercise, etc.), talking about the evils of fast food. And really, was that such a big secret to begin with? You must know that what you're ingesting is nothing but grease, fat, carbs, sugar, and general grossness! I mean there's the random idiot who thinks that it's 100% pure beef, and anything that's pure must be good for him. But most people with any kind of common sense must realize that the stuff they're mass producing isn't good for you!
Oh, and speaking of idiots, here's another good one. A man sued his cable company for making his wife fat, and his children lazy!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Advertisement: WILL DO LITTLE FOR VAST AMOUNTS OF MONEY
I find myself with far too much free time these days. I don't want to go back to the mall, but I don't know what else I can do with the skills I have at the moment either. Dan likes to joke about how, when he wins the lottery, I won't have to worry about any of it. Unfortunately, I can't wait that long.
I find myself getting depressed, and lazier than usual. There's piles of laundry, and a kitchen full of dirty dishes. Every time I think I should do something about them, I get side-tracked, and the work piles up a little more.
Dan says I should apply for the UVic School of Music again, but I really don't know if I can take another rejection. I was thinking about trying at UBC, but if I was going to move, I would want to do it with Dan. If you think I'm depressed and bored now, just watch what happens if I ever live alone!
Yesterday, Dan and I decided to go for a walk to find the place where we would be voting. I needed to register as well, and since neither of us were doing anything, I thought it would at least be a nice walk. Unfortunately, neither of us thought to check the exact whereabouts of this elementary school that was our destination, so we ended up walking down Gordon Head for hours before we finally called Dan's mom for directions. It turns out that we had walked right past it close to the beginning of our walk. Dan's mom was nice enough to come pick us up and drive us there, but the damage was already done. My back was already crispy like bacon, and bright red.
On the way home, Dan's mom dropped us off at the grocery store so that we could find something for dinner that wouldn't require our oven (it was way too hot to be cooking in our little suite). We settled on some deli sandwiches, and macaroni salad. It was pretty damn good, too.
The rest of the night was pretty uneventful. Except that I finished my second game ever. Final Fantasy IX has now been completed. Now on to Final Fantasy X.
I find myself getting depressed, and lazier than usual. There's piles of laundry, and a kitchen full of dirty dishes. Every time I think I should do something about them, I get side-tracked, and the work piles up a little more.
Dan says I should apply for the UVic School of Music again, but I really don't know if I can take another rejection. I was thinking about trying at UBC, but if I was going to move, I would want to do it with Dan. If you think I'm depressed and bored now, just watch what happens if I ever live alone!
Yesterday, Dan and I decided to go for a walk to find the place where we would be voting. I needed to register as well, and since neither of us were doing anything, I thought it would at least be a nice walk. Unfortunately, neither of us thought to check the exact whereabouts of this elementary school that was our destination, so we ended up walking down Gordon Head for hours before we finally called Dan's mom for directions. It turns out that we had walked right past it close to the beginning of our walk. Dan's mom was nice enough to come pick us up and drive us there, but the damage was already done. My back was already crispy like bacon, and bright red.
On the way home, Dan's mom dropped us off at the grocery store so that we could find something for dinner that wouldn't require our oven (it was way too hot to be cooking in our little suite). We settled on some deli sandwiches, and macaroni salad. It was pretty damn good, too.
The rest of the night was pretty uneventful. Except that I finished my second game ever. Final Fantasy IX has now been completed. Now on to Final Fantasy X.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Sunday, June 20, 2004
There and Back Again: A Diane's Tale
I'll be upset if nobody knows what that title is in reference to. C'mon, people! It's a classic children's story!! (Hint: It's the other title for The Hobbit)
Anyway, the rest of my weekend was pretty good. On Saturday night, I hung out with Ward and watched Big Trouble in Little China. I haven't seen that movie in like 12 years! Possibly longer! It's pretty lame. I think it was mostly the dialogue that was lame...oh, and the neon trimmed skull room...that too.
Ward and I talked a lot, but that's what always happens when we see each other. We can talk about anything for hours. I love it! We'll talk about anything from movies, to music, to grass sometimes. It's great fun!
The next day, Ward had a wedding to go to, so I tried to call Friend Robyn. When I couldn't get a hold of her, I called Jim up, cuz I knew he wanted to see me. We met at the Tempo station (now the Shell station...that gas station has been changed so many times, it's hard to keep strait any more) by Rutherford mall, cuz Jim wanted a slushy. He bought me one as well, and then we went back to his condo. He showed me his Japanese Playstation 2 and a hockey game that was all in Japanese. I had to keep asking him what everything said. Usually he would forget that I don't know that language, so I had to keep reminding him. At about 2, Robyn called my cell phone, and she came to pick me up at 4. Jim had to go house sitting with Aya, so he didn't mind. But before I left, he gave me my birthday present. I got a VHS copy of Kill Bill. I was so excited! I LOVE this movie. In fact, Dan and I just finished watching it.
Robyn had to go pick up Jon downtown, and then we went to a little restaurant called Alice's. I rather liked the food there. All I had was a chicken caesar salad and garlic toast though. We also met a friend of Robyn's called Chris. He seems like a very nice fellow. I hope I get to meet him again. At some point, the discussion of parents and names came up, and when I mentioned that Mom and Dad's real first names were Mary and Joseph, Chris was totally floored. He just thought it was amazing. I always thought it was just amusing. I'd never seen anyone react that way when I'd tell them this little tid-bit before. Neither of my parents go by those names though. My mom has been called Pam since childhood as far as I know, and the same with my dad (No, he wasn't known as Pam...his name's Wayne).
After "lunch" (for lack of a better word), Robyn had to go to a staff barbeque. She dropped me off at home, and said she'd call me when they were done. I didn't actually get a phone call till about 2 in the morning, but I was already asleep by then anyway and didn't hear the phone.
I got a phone call this afternoon, as my parents were driving me back to Victoria. It was Robyn apologizing for not getting back to me till so late. I guess she's finally got a coffee date with "Dreamy Sam". She's so excited, and I couldn't hold a grudge against anybody of I tried. So I've promised her I'd let her know the next time I'm in town (but you can always head down this way too, Robyn. I'd be happy to have you).
Oh, and speaking of the ride back to Vic...There was some guy in a van just in front of our car, and he started drifting all over the road, and then veering back into his lane. He almost hit us. As my dad passed him, we could see that he was attempting to drive down the highway at 110 km/h while playing a trumpet. I'm totally serious too! This guy was holding a trumpet in one hand, while trying to drive with the other! You're not even supposed to talk on a cell phone while you're driving! What makes him think that playing a whole instrument is any better!?!
Honestly, if the only time you have to practice a trumpet is while driving, you have to learn how to manage your time better.
Anyway, the rest of my weekend was pretty good. On Saturday night, I hung out with Ward and watched Big Trouble in Little China. I haven't seen that movie in like 12 years! Possibly longer! It's pretty lame. I think it was mostly the dialogue that was lame...oh, and the neon trimmed skull room...that too.
Ward and I talked a lot, but that's what always happens when we see each other. We can talk about anything for hours. I love it! We'll talk about anything from movies, to music, to grass sometimes. It's great fun!
The next day, Ward had a wedding to go to, so I tried to call Friend Robyn. When I couldn't get a hold of her, I called Jim up, cuz I knew he wanted to see me. We met at the Tempo station (now the Shell station...that gas station has been changed so many times, it's hard to keep strait any more) by Rutherford mall, cuz Jim wanted a slushy. He bought me one as well, and then we went back to his condo. He showed me his Japanese Playstation 2 and a hockey game that was all in Japanese. I had to keep asking him what everything said. Usually he would forget that I don't know that language, so I had to keep reminding him. At about 2, Robyn called my cell phone, and she came to pick me up at 4. Jim had to go house sitting with Aya, so he didn't mind. But before I left, he gave me my birthday present. I got a VHS copy of Kill Bill. I was so excited! I LOVE this movie. In fact, Dan and I just finished watching it.
Robyn had to go pick up Jon downtown, and then we went to a little restaurant called Alice's. I rather liked the food there. All I had was a chicken caesar salad and garlic toast though. We also met a friend of Robyn's called Chris. He seems like a very nice fellow. I hope I get to meet him again. At some point, the discussion of parents and names came up, and when I mentioned that Mom and Dad's real first names were Mary and Joseph, Chris was totally floored. He just thought it was amazing. I always thought it was just amusing. I'd never seen anyone react that way when I'd tell them this little tid-bit before. Neither of my parents go by those names though. My mom has been called Pam since childhood as far as I know, and the same with my dad (No, he wasn't known as Pam...his name's Wayne).
After "lunch" (for lack of a better word), Robyn had to go to a staff barbeque. She dropped me off at home, and said she'd call me when they were done. I didn't actually get a phone call till about 2 in the morning, but I was already asleep by then anyway and didn't hear the phone.
I got a phone call this afternoon, as my parents were driving me back to Victoria. It was Robyn apologizing for not getting back to me till so late. I guess she's finally got a coffee date with "Dreamy Sam". She's so excited, and I couldn't hold a grudge against anybody of I tried. So I've promised her I'd let her know the next time I'm in town (but you can always head down this way too, Robyn. I'd be happy to have you).
Oh, and speaking of the ride back to Vic...There was some guy in a van just in front of our car, and he started drifting all over the road, and then veering back into his lane. He almost hit us. As my dad passed him, we could see that he was attempting to drive down the highway at 110 km/h while playing a trumpet. I'm totally serious too! This guy was holding a trumpet in one hand, while trying to drive with the other! You're not even supposed to talk on a cell phone while you're driving! What makes him think that playing a whole instrument is any better!?!
Honestly, if the only time you have to practice a trumpet is while driving, you have to learn how to manage your time better.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Natalia-ah-ah-ah-aahhh!
The above is an old joke form choir and musical theatre. My friend, Natalia was the piano player for everything we did, even though she went to Woodlands. She therefore spent a lot of time going back and forth between Wellington and Woodlands for choir practices and such (Wellington and Woodlands both had the same choir instructor). Fun times! I miss musical theatre.
Anyway, Natalia is the latest recruit to the blogging community. It spreads like the plague, I tell you!
Anyway, Natalia is the latest recruit to the blogging community. It spreads like the plague, I tell you!
Home Sweet Home
So, I'm in Nanaimo for the weekend, and I'm actually writing this while I'm in Nanaimo. I know, I know...It's never happened before....
Honestly, the only reason I'm here at all, is because it was Friend Robyn's birthday yesterday. We started off at Acme, which I must say is one of my absolute favourite places to eat in Nanaimo. I just love the atmosphere they have there. Kind of Jazz Club-esque. At least I think so...
Anyway, Robyn only really ever gets drunk one night a year, so by the time I got there, she already had two martinis going at once. The food was excellent, of course, and I got to meet a ton of Robyn's friends that I've only heard about until last night. For instance, I met Jonathan (whom Robyn calls J-Bro). He also has a blog, and has apparently been reading mine. I find it really interesting that people I've never met have read my blog. It's kind of flattering in some strange way.
There's also Jon, whom I met on my birthday. Again, he is one of the Too Cool Few who have a blog. I actually really enjoyed meeting these people. They seem like the kind of people I would make friends with. I find that I don't know many people in Victoria that have that ...thing...that I click with so well.
After dinner, we went to the Cambie, which I've only been to once before. That was years ago, and I think I was still living in Nanaimo at the time. That one time is the origin of Dead Jesus. That night, I, Robyn, Roxanne, and others I don't seem to remember, went into the Cambie for a few drinks. All the while, Dead Jesus just sat at the bar and stared at us. Every once in a while, he would circle our table. It was right creepy, and I think we left shortly thereafter.
Anyway, back to last night...We went to the Cambie, where some mediocre bands were playing some mediocre covers of other peoples' songs. I'll just say that I wasn't impressed with the bands or the choice in music. The second band only had the drummer as a singer, and he wasn't very good.
We then went to the Jungle, which was dead, and, as far as I know, no one really wanted to be there anyway. We quickly left, and went for a walk in Sway-a-lana (I never know if I'm spelling this right, so just assume that I am). At the time, it was just me, Robyn, Jon, Jonathan, Mindy, and Mike. We had to wait for Abby, Kirsten, Parker, Jacob (who all took their sweet time getting there).
Once they arrived, we all went to play on the swings, and various other jungle gym equipment. That's when we thought we heard someone yell the name "Robyn" from the other side of the park. Everyone kinda got confused, and someone said, "It's Carla." That's when Robyn and Abby (both of them particularly smashed) went off at a run, yelling and wailing all the way. As they ran towards the other people, who were running towards us, Abby yelled, "I'm so excited! Who are you?" At which point the other people yelled, "You're not Sarah!" Then everyone just sorta turned around and headed in the direction they came from. It was all really hilarious at the time. I still think so now.
So then we all went for a walk around the park, and eventually, we all go t tired and decided to head home. I enjoyed myself thoroughly though. Can't wait for another night of fun!
Honestly, the only reason I'm here at all, is because it was Friend Robyn's birthday yesterday. We started off at Acme, which I must say is one of my absolute favourite places to eat in Nanaimo. I just love the atmosphere they have there. Kind of Jazz Club-esque. At least I think so...
Anyway, Robyn only really ever gets drunk one night a year, so by the time I got there, she already had two martinis going at once. The food was excellent, of course, and I got to meet a ton of Robyn's friends that I've only heard about until last night. For instance, I met Jonathan (whom Robyn calls J-Bro). He also has a blog, and has apparently been reading mine. I find it really interesting that people I've never met have read my blog. It's kind of flattering in some strange way.
There's also Jon, whom I met on my birthday. Again, he is one of the Too Cool Few who have a blog. I actually really enjoyed meeting these people. They seem like the kind of people I would make friends with. I find that I don't know many people in Victoria that have that ...thing...that I click with so well.
After dinner, we went to the Cambie, which I've only been to once before. That was years ago, and I think I was still living in Nanaimo at the time. That one time is the origin of Dead Jesus. That night, I, Robyn, Roxanne, and others I don't seem to remember, went into the Cambie for a few drinks. All the while, Dead Jesus just sat at the bar and stared at us. Every once in a while, he would circle our table. It was right creepy, and I think we left shortly thereafter.
Anyway, back to last night...We went to the Cambie, where some mediocre bands were playing some mediocre covers of other peoples' songs. I'll just say that I wasn't impressed with the bands or the choice in music. The second band only had the drummer as a singer, and he wasn't very good.
We then went to the Jungle, which was dead, and, as far as I know, no one really wanted to be there anyway. We quickly left, and went for a walk in Sway-a-lana (I never know if I'm spelling this right, so just assume that I am). At the time, it was just me, Robyn, Jon, Jonathan, Mindy, and Mike. We had to wait for Abby, Kirsten, Parker, Jacob (who all took their sweet time getting there).
Once they arrived, we all went to play on the swings, and various other jungle gym equipment. That's when we thought we heard someone yell the name "Robyn" from the other side of the park. Everyone kinda got confused, and someone said, "It's Carla." That's when Robyn and Abby (both of them particularly smashed) went off at a run, yelling and wailing all the way. As they ran towards the other people, who were running towards us, Abby yelled, "I'm so excited! Who are you?" At which point the other people yelled, "You're not Sarah!" Then everyone just sorta turned around and headed in the direction they came from. It was all really hilarious at the time. I still think so now.
So then we all went for a walk around the park, and eventually, we all go t tired and decided to head home. I enjoyed myself thoroughly though. Can't wait for another night of fun!
Monday, June 14, 2004
Way-hey and away we go, Donkey Riding, Donkey Riding
I've been listening to a lot of Great Big Sea of late, and this is the song that's stuck in my head at the moment. I thought it would be as good a title as any.
This morning I woke up to the sound of my cat breaking out of his room and coming down the stairs. If you haven't been to my place, the room we're keeping him in is a little hard to describe. You see, the room is only about 5 feet tall, but it's not because to ceiling is too low...It's actually because the floor is too high. The floor kind of juts upwards but the ceiling doesn't follow suit. I think it was originally intended to be a kind of storage area that the landlords thought they could pass off as a bedroom.
The door to this room is nothing more than a closet door that the cat can easily push open from the inside. Leading from the door is a set of 3 wooden stairs. Since Sam got sick, I've been terrified that he would get the door open and fall down the stairs, causing worse damage than what's already been done. Therefore, Dan and I came up with the solution of putting a door stop under the door so that the cat couldn't just push the door open, hopefully keeping him safe from any nasty falls.
This morning, I woke up to the sound of something clicking on the stairs. I didn't realize it was Sam's claws until he was toddling into my room. I have no idea how the door stop came lose. Dan thinks he heard it fall out from under the door sometime in the night, but didn't think much of it. I wonder if Sam did it, and then decided to surprise us in the morning? We may never know.
Also, I accomplished something today which I have never done before. I finish a video game all by my self! That's right! I made it all the way through Beyond Good and Evil, and completed it!
This may not seem like a big deal (or it may, depending on how pathetic you might label me for never having finished a video game before). But when I was young (as in 8) my parents bought a Nintendo for us. It came with two games: Duck Hunt and Super Mario Bros. My parents told us that they would not buy us any more games for the Nintendo until we beat the games we had. Duck Hunt was never a game meant to be beaten...the ducks just went faster and faster till you couldn't shoot them any more. Mario Bros, on the other hand...
I made it to level 8-1 (there were 4 sub-levels per level, if anyone remembers) and I could never get past it. The level was too long, and I never had enough lives. Obviously, you couldn't save at any point in the game, and it was all timed. So of course, if you died completely, you had no choice but to start over from scratch. And so, my parents never bought us any more games. However, our cousins gave us some of their old ones later on, so we did eventually get to play other games as well. But I never beat any of them either. Most of them never even really held my interest. I think the only two I really enjoyed playing were Double Dragon II and Super Mario Bros 2. Even then, I couldn't beat them. Same problem...I always died before I could finish.
But I finally did it! I actually really enjoyed the game too. Though I thought they could have made it a little longer, and maybe gone into the plot a little more. There were a couple of things that were left unfinished...obviously to leave it open to possible sequels... and I wouldn't even mind a sequel...I just hope it doesn't fall into that "sequel trap" that most things like this do.
Now it's time to finish up Final Fantasy IX and X. I'm sure I'll be kept busy for a while...
In terms of video games, anyway...
This morning I woke up to the sound of my cat breaking out of his room and coming down the stairs. If you haven't been to my place, the room we're keeping him in is a little hard to describe. You see, the room is only about 5 feet tall, but it's not because to ceiling is too low...It's actually because the floor is too high. The floor kind of juts upwards but the ceiling doesn't follow suit. I think it was originally intended to be a kind of storage area that the landlords thought they could pass off as a bedroom.
The door to this room is nothing more than a closet door that the cat can easily push open from the inside. Leading from the door is a set of 3 wooden stairs. Since Sam got sick, I've been terrified that he would get the door open and fall down the stairs, causing worse damage than what's already been done. Therefore, Dan and I came up with the solution of putting a door stop under the door so that the cat couldn't just push the door open, hopefully keeping him safe from any nasty falls.
This morning, I woke up to the sound of something clicking on the stairs. I didn't realize it was Sam's claws until he was toddling into my room. I have no idea how the door stop came lose. Dan thinks he heard it fall out from under the door sometime in the night, but didn't think much of it. I wonder if Sam did it, and then decided to surprise us in the morning? We may never know.
Also, I accomplished something today which I have never done before. I finish a video game all by my self! That's right! I made it all the way through Beyond Good and Evil, and completed it!
This may not seem like a big deal (or it may, depending on how pathetic you might label me for never having finished a video game before). But when I was young (as in 8) my parents bought a Nintendo for us. It came with two games: Duck Hunt and Super Mario Bros. My parents told us that they would not buy us any more games for the Nintendo until we beat the games we had. Duck Hunt was never a game meant to be beaten...the ducks just went faster and faster till you couldn't shoot them any more. Mario Bros, on the other hand...
I made it to level 8-1 (there were 4 sub-levels per level, if anyone remembers) and I could never get past it. The level was too long, and I never had enough lives. Obviously, you couldn't save at any point in the game, and it was all timed. So of course, if you died completely, you had no choice but to start over from scratch. And so, my parents never bought us any more games. However, our cousins gave us some of their old ones later on, so we did eventually get to play other games as well. But I never beat any of them either. Most of them never even really held my interest. I think the only two I really enjoyed playing were Double Dragon II and Super Mario Bros 2. Even then, I couldn't beat them. Same problem...I always died before I could finish.
But I finally did it! I actually really enjoyed the game too. Though I thought they could have made it a little longer, and maybe gone into the plot a little more. There were a couple of things that were left unfinished...obviously to leave it open to possible sequels... and I wouldn't even mind a sequel...I just hope it doesn't fall into that "sequel trap" that most things like this do.
Now it's time to finish up Final Fantasy IX and X. I'm sure I'll be kept busy for a while...
In terms of video games, anyway...
Friday, June 11, 2004
Blargh!
Once again, I find I have nothing to say.
I have an interview today at Northern Reflections at the Bay Centre downtown. I don't know what to expect with this. It's another retail job, and we all know how I feel about retail. Hopefully this will only be a temporary position that I will shed once I get some edgumication that will save me from working at anymore of these boring, aggravating, Hell-like malls and the shops that keep them running.
For those of you who don't know, the Bay Centre is the biggest shopping mall in Victoria. It's got 4 floors of consumerism. One end of this mall is all the Bay. It used to be the Eaton's Centre, but Eaton's, of course, no longer exists. They changed the name of the mall when the Bay moved in. Now, as this is downtown Victoria, that means that the summer crowds will be riddled with American tourists. There will obviously be other tourists from other countries (possibly even from this country), but I've heard horror stories from Caroline, of the crazy American tourists who expect to get their change back in American money, even though they are not in America, and making a huge fuss about it. There are other stories, but that's the one that stick out in my memory.
But I guess we'll see what's up in a few more hours.
Also, I've been threatened by Friend Robyn to come to her birthday party under pain of death if I don't show. Her birthday's a week from yesterday, and I'll have to see what happens with this interview. If things are looking good, I'll see if I can at least slip up to the Harbour City for the night and head back on Friday. But we'll have to see.
And finally, Sam appears to be walking a little. His feet don't fully get under him though, so he seems to be walking on his toes. It looks somewhat uncomfortable, but at least he's gotten this far. He's starting to get restless at night and pretty much anytime we're out of the room he's in. He whines and cries at the door, wanting out. But I take this as a good sign that he's getting better and wants to be able to wander at will. Possibly, in another week, he could be taking some sure-footed steps around the house!
I have an interview today at Northern Reflections at the Bay Centre downtown. I don't know what to expect with this. It's another retail job, and we all know how I feel about retail. Hopefully this will only be a temporary position that I will shed once I get some edgumication that will save me from working at anymore of these boring, aggravating, Hell-like malls and the shops that keep them running.
For those of you who don't know, the Bay Centre is the biggest shopping mall in Victoria. It's got 4 floors of consumerism. One end of this mall is all the Bay. It used to be the Eaton's Centre, but Eaton's, of course, no longer exists. They changed the name of the mall when the Bay moved in. Now, as this is downtown Victoria, that means that the summer crowds will be riddled with American tourists. There will obviously be other tourists from other countries (possibly even from this country), but I've heard horror stories from Caroline, of the crazy American tourists who expect to get their change back in American money, even though they are not in America, and making a huge fuss about it. There are other stories, but that's the one that stick out in my memory.
But I guess we'll see what's up in a few more hours.
Also, I've been threatened by Friend Robyn to come to her birthday party under pain of death if I don't show. Her birthday's a week from yesterday, and I'll have to see what happens with this interview. If things are looking good, I'll see if I can at least slip up to the Harbour City for the night and head back on Friday. But we'll have to see.
And finally, Sam appears to be walking a little. His feet don't fully get under him though, so he seems to be walking on his toes. It looks somewhat uncomfortable, but at least he's gotten this far. He's starting to get restless at night and pretty much anytime we're out of the room he's in. He whines and cries at the door, wanting out. But I take this as a good sign that he's getting better and wants to be able to wander at will. Possibly, in another week, he could be taking some sure-footed steps around the house!
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Out of My Reach
I received my letter from UVic yesterday, stating that they regretted to inform me that I was not accepted into their School of Music. It also said something to the affect of "there were a lot of applicants this year, and so we were only able to take a few people. Please don't let this discourage you from applying to other music schools if you haven't done so already." This is good advice, if I had received this letter months ago, when I could still have applied for other music programs (just forget that it's impossible to receive a letter of rejection before I even auditioned). Also, I find it hard not to be discouraged when I've applied to UVic 3 times, and have been rejected 3 times.
Another part of it, is that going to the Conservatory downtown still only gets me part way to a Bachelor of Music. I still have to go to a university to finish. I know that I haven't tried UBC or even some of the schools much further east...But the reason I wanted to go to UVic was because it's the closest university to my family. I can't finish the program at Malaspina, so I moved to Victoria. Apparently I moved here for nothing! Just to pay more rent and become unemployed over and over again...And I still end up home sick! I'm not even that far away. Could you imagine if I moved to Toronto, or even just Vancouver, where it will cost me tons more money to come back to Nanaimo for a simple weekend visit? I'd go nuts!
I have taken up my mom's advice on the insurance course being offered through Camosun though. I called Camosun yesterday and got myself on some kind of "list of interest," so I'm supposed to be receiving a brochure on the course some time this month. Hopefully by December, I'll have something that will actually get me a decent job.
Another part of it, is that going to the Conservatory downtown still only gets me part way to a Bachelor of Music. I still have to go to a university to finish. I know that I haven't tried UBC or even some of the schools much further east...But the reason I wanted to go to UVic was because it's the closest university to my family. I can't finish the program at Malaspina, so I moved to Victoria. Apparently I moved here for nothing! Just to pay more rent and become unemployed over and over again...And I still end up home sick! I'm not even that far away. Could you imagine if I moved to Toronto, or even just Vancouver, where it will cost me tons more money to come back to Nanaimo for a simple weekend visit? I'd go nuts!
I have taken up my mom's advice on the insurance course being offered through Camosun though. I called Camosun yesterday and got myself on some kind of "list of interest," so I'm supposed to be receiving a brochure on the course some time this month. Hopefully by December, I'll have something that will actually get me a decent job.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Rockin' Weekend
So, once again, I have refrained from writing in my blog until I returned from Nanaimo. The reason for that is, I was just having way too much fun...And also, I was up till ridiculous hours, and would crash the second I reached my bed. So here's what I spent the weekend doing:
After my final concert of the year on Thursday night, my mom drove me and Dan to Wendy's to grab some grub, and then took us back to the house so I could eat and grab my stuff. Then we headed back up to Nanaimo. Dan was unable to come along, as he had to work the next day, and also, someone had to stay with Sam. I worry about him being alone for too long, especially when he's unable to use his legs properly.
The trip back was uneventful, and so was most of that night. I was a little too late to be able to do anything with anybody, but I was alright with that. I stayed in and hung out with my family.
The next day, I tried to get a hold of Robyn and Jim and Linda. I got a hold of Linda first, and I went over to her house for a short time, mostly just to say Hi and talk for a bit before she headed off on her camping trip. Then I had dinner with my parents and my sister, Robyn, and had some awesome cake for dessert. Mmm-Mmm, Hedgehog Cream Cake. Nummy! I called Jim after dinner, and we ended up going for a bit of a walk and then went back to his place, where he showed me some Japanese sketch comedy that I was unable to understand, but was still funny. Think Monty Python styled humour in Japanese. You know? Where it doesn't have to make sense for it to be funny. After that, Jim walked me home, and I decided to give Friend Robyn a call (as opposed to Sister Robyn). She was quite excited to hear from me, and shortly there after picked me up and took me to Manza Vinos, the popular hang out for her and her friends. We chatted for many an hour, and at 3 or so in the morning, I was dropped off at home again.
The next day, Friend Robyn had asked me to give her a call, and so I did. Unfortunately, she slept through most of the phone calls I made, and it took her until about 3:30 or so in the afternoon to call me back. When she did call me back, I had run out with my mom to do some errands. I eventually got a hold of her though, and she came to pick me up. She had to get her friend, John from the ferry, and then we went and watched the hockey game at their friends' house. I was having a lot of fun till the end of the first overtime and had been simply sitting there, watching men skate back and forth for half an hour. At which point I said something to the affect of, "I wish some one would just skoal a gore so we could go do something." At which point everyone laughed at me and my speaking skills.
Another point of interest of this little hockey party is that there was a girl there, that, about half way through the hockey game recognized me and asked what my last name was. When I told her, she yells, "You're Kelsey's cousin, aren't you?!" My mouth just dropped to the ground. She knew my sister, Bonnie better than myself, but I've been told many times that there is a strong family resemblance between myself and my sisters. Anyway, it turns out that she was one of Kelsey's best friends from Prince George. The only reason I remember her is because she happened to go for an involuntary swim in the river while I was there one summer. Her dad is also quite good friends with my dad. What a strange, small world...
After the game, Robyn and I spent the rest of the night hanging out with a bunch of her friends, and generally just chatted some more. We also headed down to MGM for some dinner, which I probably shouldn't have ordered, as I wasn't really hungry, and wasn't able to finish. After a while, we decided to head down to Sway-a-lana (I honestly don't know how to spell that word) and just kinda walked around downtown. We stopped in at Timmie's for a few minutes to say Hi to Carla and Vedran (friends of Robyn's), and at about 4 in the morning, Robyn dropped me off at home. The sun was rising when I walked in the door. I always think that's so strange; seeing the sun set and then still being awake by the time it rises again....
Anyway, on Sunday, RayC-BC was supposed to be playing at Sway-a-lana at 1:00 and 3:00. Robyn figured we should head down for the 3:00 since she would be sleeping through the 1:00. I called up Ward and asked if he would like to come out and play with us, and he said he'd meet us down at the pavilion at 3. When Robyn finally came to get me, we were downtown a little early, but there was no sign of any kind of concert. Robyn and I went for a short walk, keeping our eyes and ears open for any kind of sign of a concert, and could find none. Then we had to wait for Ward and Ayla to show up, so we headed back to the pavilion. When they came, Ayla gave me a birthday present! It was so cool, I totally didn't expect to get a present from her. It was this really neat Green Tea Chai, which I fully intend to try tonight. Possibly with dessert or something.
So anyway, Ayla had a gig, and we had given up on the idea of seeing RayC-BC's last concert, EVER, and went to Fast Eddie's for some food. I'm sorry to say that Fast Eddie's used to kick so much ass for food and proportions. The key words being "used to." Now, the food sucks and the proportions are nothing special. All Ward had was a milkshake, and he said that even that was awful. How do you screw up a milkshake? It's just milk, ice cream and flavor!
After lunch/dinner, someone suggested that we go see a movie. We ended up agreeing on Troy, which Robyn said was good. But we had like an hour to waste, so Robyn decided to take us to the craft store so she could buy beads to make friendship bracelets. Abby ended up coming in and asking me if I could help her make a surfer-style necklace. You know, with hemp and cool beads and stuff. When the craft store closed not too long after that, we went to Tim Hortons (again) and wasted some time there. Then we went to the movie.
Troy was actually pretty good. It was kinda funny to see the guy who played the Hulk and Orlando Bloom (aka Legolas) in a movie that wasn't one of the ones that made either of them famous. Of course, the first time Mr. Hulk got mad, I made the obligatory joke that you shouldn't make him angry. And what's also funny is that even in a completely different movie, Orlando Bloom was still killing all the bad guys with arrows! I found it amusing, anyway...
It was eleven by the time the movie was over, and Ward had to go home because he had to work the next day. After Ward had left, Robyn commented that he had excellent taste in music. There was even talk of having Ward's band on Robyn and Abby's radio show. They exchanged emails and such before he had gone home for the night.
Robyn and I spent a little more time cruising around town, and then she had to call it a night, cuz she also had to work the next day. We said good bye and Robyn told me that I just had to come up again for her birthday. I told her I'd try, as my funds drop a little more each day and I had nothing to replenish them with at the moment.
I attempted to take the bus back to Victoria on Monday, and had no end of difficulties. The bus was an hour and a half late leaving the Nanaimo depot, due to construction, and so I was an hour and a half late getting home. Though it was a pain, there was nothing to be done, so I just let it slide.
Yup, I had an excellent weekend, and I can't wait to be able to do it again...Preferably with the aid of a good job and loads of money.
After my final concert of the year on Thursday night, my mom drove me and Dan to Wendy's to grab some grub, and then took us back to the house so I could eat and grab my stuff. Then we headed back up to Nanaimo. Dan was unable to come along, as he had to work the next day, and also, someone had to stay with Sam. I worry about him being alone for too long, especially when he's unable to use his legs properly.
The trip back was uneventful, and so was most of that night. I was a little too late to be able to do anything with anybody, but I was alright with that. I stayed in and hung out with my family.
The next day, I tried to get a hold of Robyn and Jim and Linda. I got a hold of Linda first, and I went over to her house for a short time, mostly just to say Hi and talk for a bit before she headed off on her camping trip. Then I had dinner with my parents and my sister, Robyn, and had some awesome cake for dessert. Mmm-Mmm, Hedgehog Cream Cake. Nummy! I called Jim after dinner, and we ended up going for a bit of a walk and then went back to his place, where he showed me some Japanese sketch comedy that I was unable to understand, but was still funny. Think Monty Python styled humour in Japanese. You know? Where it doesn't have to make sense for it to be funny. After that, Jim walked me home, and I decided to give Friend Robyn a call (as opposed to Sister Robyn). She was quite excited to hear from me, and shortly there after picked me up and took me to Manza Vinos, the popular hang out for her and her friends. We chatted for many an hour, and at 3 or so in the morning, I was dropped off at home again.
The next day, Friend Robyn had asked me to give her a call, and so I did. Unfortunately, she slept through most of the phone calls I made, and it took her until about 3:30 or so in the afternoon to call me back. When she did call me back, I had run out with my mom to do some errands. I eventually got a hold of her though, and she came to pick me up. She had to get her friend, John from the ferry, and then we went and watched the hockey game at their friends' house. I was having a lot of fun till the end of the first overtime and had been simply sitting there, watching men skate back and forth for half an hour. At which point I said something to the affect of, "I wish some one would just skoal a gore so we could go do something." At which point everyone laughed at me and my speaking skills.
Another point of interest of this little hockey party is that there was a girl there, that, about half way through the hockey game recognized me and asked what my last name was. When I told her, she yells, "You're Kelsey's cousin, aren't you?!" My mouth just dropped to the ground. She knew my sister, Bonnie better than myself, but I've been told many times that there is a strong family resemblance between myself and my sisters. Anyway, it turns out that she was one of Kelsey's best friends from Prince George. The only reason I remember her is because she happened to go for an involuntary swim in the river while I was there one summer. Her dad is also quite good friends with my dad. What a strange, small world...
After the game, Robyn and I spent the rest of the night hanging out with a bunch of her friends, and generally just chatted some more. We also headed down to MGM for some dinner, which I probably shouldn't have ordered, as I wasn't really hungry, and wasn't able to finish. After a while, we decided to head down to Sway-a-lana (I honestly don't know how to spell that word) and just kinda walked around downtown. We stopped in at Timmie's for a few minutes to say Hi to Carla and Vedran (friends of Robyn's), and at about 4 in the morning, Robyn dropped me off at home. The sun was rising when I walked in the door. I always think that's so strange; seeing the sun set and then still being awake by the time it rises again....
Anyway, on Sunday, RayC-BC was supposed to be playing at Sway-a-lana at 1:00 and 3:00. Robyn figured we should head down for the 3:00 since she would be sleeping through the 1:00. I called up Ward and asked if he would like to come out and play with us, and he said he'd meet us down at the pavilion at 3. When Robyn finally came to get me, we were downtown a little early, but there was no sign of any kind of concert. Robyn and I went for a short walk, keeping our eyes and ears open for any kind of sign of a concert, and could find none. Then we had to wait for Ward and Ayla to show up, so we headed back to the pavilion. When they came, Ayla gave me a birthday present! It was so cool, I totally didn't expect to get a present from her. It was this really neat Green Tea Chai, which I fully intend to try tonight. Possibly with dessert or something.
So anyway, Ayla had a gig, and we had given up on the idea of seeing RayC-BC's last concert, EVER, and went to Fast Eddie's for some food. I'm sorry to say that Fast Eddie's used to kick so much ass for food and proportions. The key words being "used to." Now, the food sucks and the proportions are nothing special. All Ward had was a milkshake, and he said that even that was awful. How do you screw up a milkshake? It's just milk, ice cream and flavor!
After lunch/dinner, someone suggested that we go see a movie. We ended up agreeing on Troy, which Robyn said was good. But we had like an hour to waste, so Robyn decided to take us to the craft store so she could buy beads to make friendship bracelets. Abby ended up coming in and asking me if I could help her make a surfer-style necklace. You know, with hemp and cool beads and stuff. When the craft store closed not too long after that, we went to Tim Hortons (again) and wasted some time there. Then we went to the movie.
Troy was actually pretty good. It was kinda funny to see the guy who played the Hulk and Orlando Bloom (aka Legolas) in a movie that wasn't one of the ones that made either of them famous. Of course, the first time Mr. Hulk got mad, I made the obligatory joke that you shouldn't make him angry. And what's also funny is that even in a completely different movie, Orlando Bloom was still killing all the bad guys with arrows! I found it amusing, anyway...
It was eleven by the time the movie was over, and Ward had to go home because he had to work the next day. After Ward had left, Robyn commented that he had excellent taste in music. There was even talk of having Ward's band on Robyn and Abby's radio show. They exchanged emails and such before he had gone home for the night.
Robyn and I spent a little more time cruising around town, and then she had to call it a night, cuz she also had to work the next day. We said good bye and Robyn told me that I just had to come up again for her birthday. I told her I'd try, as my funds drop a little more each day and I had nothing to replenish them with at the moment.
I attempted to take the bus back to Victoria on Monday, and had no end of difficulties. The bus was an hour and a half late leaving the Nanaimo depot, due to construction, and so I was an hour and a half late getting home. Though it was a pain, there was nothing to be done, so I just let it slide.
Yup, I had an excellent weekend, and I can't wait to be able to do it again...Preferably with the aid of a good job and loads of money.
Friday, June 04, 2004
IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!!
I don't know why I'm so excited for my birthday, but I am. I'm in Nananimo, and I mean to have some fun. Friend Robyn sounds like she wants to do something, and Ward says he'll do something with me too. I told Jim I'd give him a call around dinner, and I told Linda I'd give her a call at about 3.
Good times, good times! Even my parents are gonna have a little birthday dinner for me tonight. With cake and everything!
I find that too many people want to down-play their birthdays as they get older. No one wants to go out and just have fun. No, everyone's gotta be sophisticated and stuff...I wish someone would throw an Old School party...with goody bags, and party games and classic cake....maybe even have the party in the McDonald's caboose! Hahaha....does anyone else remember those? Did anyone else have like 10 friends that all had their parties in the caboose? Does McDonald's still even have the caboose? I think I heard that they were slowly replaced with the Play-place, which is, quite frankly, a lot more entertaining for kids, but nearly as nostalgic...for me, anyway...
Also, I fully expect anyone to read this entry to leave a comment, and wish me a Happy Birthday. I used to pretend like I didn't care if people knew it was my birthday or not....but I do...and a little message to say Happy Birthday has always meant a lot to me.
You don't even have to say that much...Just, "Happy Birthday!" and that's it.
And just as a pre-emptive strike, Thank You for wishing me a Happy Birthday! ;-)
Good times, good times! Even my parents are gonna have a little birthday dinner for me tonight. With cake and everything!
I find that too many people want to down-play their birthdays as they get older. No one wants to go out and just have fun. No, everyone's gotta be sophisticated and stuff...I wish someone would throw an Old School party...with goody bags, and party games and classic cake....maybe even have the party in the McDonald's caboose! Hahaha....does anyone else remember those? Did anyone else have like 10 friends that all had their parties in the caboose? Does McDonald's still even have the caboose? I think I heard that they were slowly replaced with the Play-place, which is, quite frankly, a lot more entertaining for kids, but nearly as nostalgic...for me, anyway...
Also, I fully expect anyone to read this entry to leave a comment, and wish me a Happy Birthday. I used to pretend like I didn't care if people knew it was my birthday or not....but I do...and a little message to say Happy Birthday has always meant a lot to me.
You don't even have to say that much...Just, "Happy Birthday!" and that's it.
And just as a pre-emptive strike, Thank You for wishing me a Happy Birthday! ;-)