I know I haven't posted in approximately forever, and lots has happened!
Nattie and I went to Montreal and Toronto. Toronto was pretty cool but I fell head over heels in love with Montreal. Everything about it, in fact.
Then I was in Banff for this really awesome training thing for work, which was really fun and very interesting! It was mostly about marketing, which I'm really interested in.
Then we had to go to Winnipeg because my uncle died, which was really sad. I know this isn't really a nice thing to say, but it was really nice to see everyone. I'd rather not have been in Winnipeg and seeing everyone for that reason, but since it had to happen, it was nice.
Finally, the Christmas party was last weekend! It was a really great time!
This is a really weak post, but I'm on my way back into the blogosphere, ha ha, perhaps so I think that's why.
:)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Come full circle
Those who know me well know that there are a few phrases/words that I plain old don't understand ("paradox"). There are also a great many which I kind of get but I really could never use in a conversation ("flaky") and some I just plain old don't like ("that has nothing to do with the price of tea in China"). I SHOULD understand these words/phrases, I think. I honestly (and I may be being cocky here) nothing about these things that is so far above my head that I can't figure it out, I think there are just some things that don't click with people. In any case, the phrase "come full circle" meant little to me until very recently.
I went to "Ask the Rabbi" with my dad last Tuesday and I was sitting there, very much enjoying myself, and thinking about myself ten years ago. I have to say, as an aside, that it makes me feel like infinity years old to be able to vividly remember ten years ago, but I won't really go there. Anyways, ten years ago (or at least very close, 9 at least), I would have been sitting around with my youth group having "Bible Answer Man" with Pastor Russ. I can't fully describe what it was like to sit there with a bunch of old Jewish guys and be thinking about my former religious life, but I really enjoyed myself. And I definitely got a real kick out of it.
Dad and I went to Yom Kippur services yesterday. I am not a good faster, but that part of it wasn't too bad. It was a really interesting day. Man did we pray. Well, I didn't really, because I honestly have no idea what's going on. I told my dad that and he said "sure you do" but I don't think he comprehends that, unlike him, I was not forced to go to an Orthodox Synagogue until my early twenties or late teens or whenever it was that he stopped going. I think he had a really good time though. He said he "got a lot of good feelings out of it", and I think that's what I was hoping for. The biggest drawback was that we didn't get to sit together (because it's Orthodox) and so I was all by myself with a bunch of ladies that I have never met, etc. I still had a good time though. It's funny how 99% or so of the ladies just go to chat. Very funny.
And dad got to carry the Torah during the service. I really had very little idea what was going on, of course, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it's quite an honour to be chosen to do that. It was really cool to (kind of.... there's a serious barricade up between the ladies' and men's sides) see him up there. I think he was really happy. Afterwards he said that being chosen to carry the Torah is a "great honour". And he seemed pretty happy about it. So that's pretty darned cool.
<3
I went to "Ask the Rabbi" with my dad last Tuesday and I was sitting there, very much enjoying myself, and thinking about myself ten years ago. I have to say, as an aside, that it makes me feel like infinity years old to be able to vividly remember ten years ago, but I won't really go there. Anyways, ten years ago (or at least very close, 9 at least), I would have been sitting around with my youth group having "Bible Answer Man" with Pastor Russ. I can't fully describe what it was like to sit there with a bunch of old Jewish guys and be thinking about my former religious life, but I really enjoyed myself. And I definitely got a real kick out of it.
Dad and I went to Yom Kippur services yesterday. I am not a good faster, but that part of it wasn't too bad. It was a really interesting day. Man did we pray. Well, I didn't really, because I honestly have no idea what's going on. I told my dad that and he said "sure you do" but I don't think he comprehends that, unlike him, I was not forced to go to an Orthodox Synagogue until my early twenties or late teens or whenever it was that he stopped going. I think he had a really good time though. He said he "got a lot of good feelings out of it", and I think that's what I was hoping for. The biggest drawback was that we didn't get to sit together (because it's Orthodox) and so I was all by myself with a bunch of ladies that I have never met, etc. I still had a good time though. It's funny how 99% or so of the ladies just go to chat. Very funny.
And dad got to carry the Torah during the service. I really had very little idea what was going on, of course, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it's quite an honour to be chosen to do that. It was really cool to (kind of.... there's a serious barricade up between the ladies' and men's sides) see him up there. I think he was really happy. Afterwards he said that being chosen to carry the Torah is a "great honour". And he seemed pretty happy about it. So that's pretty darned cool.
<3
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Lucky
I have never really considered myself a super "lucky" person by regular standards. What I mean by that is just that I don't win the few times I gamble and stuff like that. Nattie and Matt and I went to West Ed last weekend for our annual waterpark trip and I had a GREAT time. We were so tired on Friday night though, maybe from all the cardio at the waterpark that day, but probably just because we're getting REALLY old. We were barely able to coax ourselves out of our respective beds after watching a really crappy movie (Observe and Report) for a fun post-mall closing walk. We eventually got to that little fountain thing with the cute little whale that you can stand in and take pictures in (I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about)..... I had some coins in my pocket because I had them ready to throw down the mall (one of my favourite hobbies, when it's busy people jump all over the place because they hear money. It's hilarious). Annnnyways, I handed out some pennies for us to throw in the fountain to make a wish. Nattie and Mattie tossed their pennies in with their wishes. It took me a REALLY long time to figure out something to wish for. This is not to say that my life is perfect, that I'm always happy or anything else kind of silly like that, but I just felt REALLY lucky and blessed and grateful that I couldn't think of anything to wish for.
That's all. :)
That's all. :)
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
2 days, 2 posts..... WHAT?
I think I posted yesterday. Hmmm. Not really sure.
Anyways, I was thinking again (Nattie must be thinking "oh gosh, why").
When we saw Julie & Julia, I REALLY enjoyed it. I have to say it's one of my favourites. I knew it was a Nora Ephron movie and I knew that Nora Ephron was Jewish but I guess I never REALLY thought about it before we saw the movie. Anyways, I LOVED the movie so much. And then some. But I definitely had that Woody Allen/Kevin Smith feeling when I watched it. There's something about certain directors that makes me feel that way. Something else interesting that I learned on imdb is that Nora Ephron is in 2 Woody Allen movies, as an extra-sounding type of character. I just think there's something to that.
I wish I could articulate better the way I feel when I watch Woody Allen movies or Julie & Julia, but I can't because I don't understand it myself. They're not "Jewish" movies. Most of Woody Allen's main characters (in the movies where he is the main character) are Jewish, but I think that has something to do with the fact that it seems like most of those movies are kind of autobiographical. Or at least I think the characters are reflections of him. In any case, I found out that Nora Ephron also directed When Harry Met Sally, which many of you know is one of my very favourite movies. And Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail..... all of which I REALLY loved.
Not that I think it's fair to just say that just because she's Jewish I'm more likely to enjoy her movies. That's definitely not what I'm saying or thinking. I just feel like there's something there. I don't know what, and I don't know how it can transcend subject that way (if "it" does, in fact, exist). It's probably just a fluke. I mean, the fact that 2 of my 3 very favourite directors are Jewish doesn't constitute some demographic miracle or relationship. A LOT of directors (and other people in Hollywood) happen to be Jewish.
In Stars of David (one of my very favourite books), Abigail Pogrebin points out that Nora Ephron has been called a "Jewish humorist in the tradition of Woody Allen". So there's that, are they both Jewish humorists? Nora Ephron doesn't think so. She doesn't see herself as a Jewish writer anymore than she identifies as a woman writer. She says "Don't I make movies?". Which I totally agree with. I wouldn't want to be a "woman director" or a "Jewish director" or whatever, I'd just want to be a director. I happen to think that'd be a cool job anyway, but that's another tangent for another post.
I just think there's something to this though. She actually says something that I can appreciate about a certain Jewish type of humour: "one of the things that seemed very clear to me was that this thing that you call Jewish humor, whatever it is, partly comes from being ina minority. In my stereotype of Jews, one thing I love is how funny they are -- how funny at their own expense they are". I think that the "connection", should there be one, has something to do with Jews having a certain type of humour (or writing style or something. Could be anything), making something non-Jewish with that type of humour and then my interpreting it in a certain way. That definitely doesn't explain my love of Julie & Julia, When Harry Met Sally, or much else at all though. So that's great. I have a question and a totally irrelevant theory.
It was just something I was thinking about. In other happy news, I got a few books I ordered today. My new copy of Stars of David by Abigail Pogrebin, I Am Jewish edited by Judea and Ruth Pearl , and Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil by Hannah Arendt. YAY!
I should stop ordering books and start READING books though. My list is quite long!
<3
Anyways, I was thinking again (Nattie must be thinking "oh gosh, why").
When we saw Julie & Julia, I REALLY enjoyed it. I have to say it's one of my favourites. I knew it was a Nora Ephron movie and I knew that Nora Ephron was Jewish but I guess I never REALLY thought about it before we saw the movie. Anyways, I LOVED the movie so much. And then some. But I definitely had that Woody Allen/Kevin Smith feeling when I watched it. There's something about certain directors that makes me feel that way. Something else interesting that I learned on imdb is that Nora Ephron is in 2 Woody Allen movies, as an extra-sounding type of character. I just think there's something to that.
I wish I could articulate better the way I feel when I watch Woody Allen movies or Julie & Julia, but I can't because I don't understand it myself. They're not "Jewish" movies. Most of Woody Allen's main characters (in the movies where he is the main character) are Jewish, but I think that has something to do with the fact that it seems like most of those movies are kind of autobiographical. Or at least I think the characters are reflections of him. In any case, I found out that Nora Ephron also directed When Harry Met Sally, which many of you know is one of my very favourite movies. And Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail..... all of which I REALLY loved.
Not that I think it's fair to just say that just because she's Jewish I'm more likely to enjoy her movies. That's definitely not what I'm saying or thinking. I just feel like there's something there. I don't know what, and I don't know how it can transcend subject that way (if "it" does, in fact, exist). It's probably just a fluke. I mean, the fact that 2 of my 3 very favourite directors are Jewish doesn't constitute some demographic miracle or relationship. A LOT of directors (and other people in Hollywood) happen to be Jewish.
In Stars of David (one of my very favourite books), Abigail Pogrebin points out that Nora Ephron has been called a "Jewish humorist in the tradition of Woody Allen". So there's that, are they both Jewish humorists? Nora Ephron doesn't think so. She doesn't see herself as a Jewish writer anymore than she identifies as a woman writer. She says "Don't I make movies?". Which I totally agree with. I wouldn't want to be a "woman director" or a "Jewish director" or whatever, I'd just want to be a director. I happen to think that'd be a cool job anyway, but that's another tangent for another post.
I just think there's something to this though. She actually says something that I can appreciate about a certain Jewish type of humour: "one of the things that seemed very clear to me was that this thing that you call Jewish humor, whatever it is, partly comes from being ina minority. In my stereotype of Jews, one thing I love is how funny they are -- how funny at their own expense they are". I think that the "connection", should there be one, has something to do with Jews having a certain type of humour (or writing style or something. Could be anything), making something non-Jewish with that type of humour and then my interpreting it in a certain way. That definitely doesn't explain my love of Julie & Julia, When Harry Met Sally, or much else at all though. So that's great. I have a question and a totally irrelevant theory.
It was just something I was thinking about. In other happy news, I got a few books I ordered today. My new copy of Stars of David by Abigail Pogrebin, I Am Jewish edited by Judea and Ruth Pearl , and Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil by Hannah Arendt. YAY!
I should stop ordering books and start READING books though. My list is quite long!
<3
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
You really can't.....
plan for life, can you. Not that anything unexpected has happened to me recently, it's just what I've been thinking about. I think I'm really frustrated because I misread a certain situation and then really fouled it up. That's all I'll say, but my one reader knows what happened. The details aren't important anyways.
Nothing too, too exciting going on otherwise. Enjoying some Jeopardy. I LOVE Jeopardy. Speaking of old people-like things that I am in love with, I caught up with a little Antiques Roadshow last night. Boy was that ever good. This one guy had this amazing collection of Hallmark cards (he worked for Hallmark) by Charles Schulz (sp?) as well as some assorted sketches, including Peanuts ones. It was pretty cool. I gotta say it gave me goosebumps a little. The appraiser said it was probably worth up to $150,000. Which is NUTS, especially because he didn't seem to expect it to be worth too, too much. It's just such a good show though. Has anyone else noticed that Jeopardy has changed their set dramatically? I think I know the answer to that question, ha ha.
I'm starving and don't feel like cooking anything. Brutal. I'd say there's a SERIOUS chance I'll be having KD pretty soon here. I made this spaghetti last night and it was quite good but it was so garlicky I tasted it ALL NIGHT so I don't really feel like having it again, even though I have 2 containers of leftovers. The garlic has probably just intensified by this time anyways. So I think I'll skip it.
The other piece of news is that I did a little bike shopping today. And I had NO luck. It was brutal. I was really interested in this one but none of the people at the store knew how to fold it and I didn't want to buy it without seeing how to fold it. I even tried to take the instruction manual out of the little bag hanging from the bike to figure it out but I just couldn't get it. I was really disappointed in the customer service I received there. I try my VERY best not to complain about stuff like that, but it was brutal. If someone asked me how to fold something when I worked at TRU and I didn't know the answer, I would ASK SOMEONE. So that really sucked. I'll have to bring a friend next time, I guess.
I had really good plans to read by the pool tonight but I'm so tired I'll probably just end up lazing around on my computer and watching TV. I have 2 good shows to watch soon, so I'm watching some The Doctors until the good stuff starts.
Annnyways, SUPER excited for mine and Mattie and Nattie's trip to Edmonton in a few weeks and then TORONTO AND MONTREAL pretty soon too! HOORAY!
<3
Nothing too, too exciting going on otherwise. Enjoying some Jeopardy. I LOVE Jeopardy. Speaking of old people-like things that I am in love with, I caught up with a little Antiques Roadshow last night. Boy was that ever good. This one guy had this amazing collection of Hallmark cards (he worked for Hallmark) by Charles Schulz (sp?) as well as some assorted sketches, including Peanuts ones. It was pretty cool. I gotta say it gave me goosebumps a little. The appraiser said it was probably worth up to $150,000. Which is NUTS, especially because he didn't seem to expect it to be worth too, too much. It's just such a good show though. Has anyone else noticed that Jeopardy has changed their set dramatically? I think I know the answer to that question, ha ha.
I'm starving and don't feel like cooking anything. Brutal. I'd say there's a SERIOUS chance I'll be having KD pretty soon here. I made this spaghetti last night and it was quite good but it was so garlicky I tasted it ALL NIGHT so I don't really feel like having it again, even though I have 2 containers of leftovers. The garlic has probably just intensified by this time anyways. So I think I'll skip it.
The other piece of news is that I did a little bike shopping today. And I had NO luck. It was brutal. I was really interested in this one but none of the people at the store knew how to fold it and I didn't want to buy it without seeing how to fold it. I even tried to take the instruction manual out of the little bag hanging from the bike to figure it out but I just couldn't get it. I was really disappointed in the customer service I received there. I try my VERY best not to complain about stuff like that, but it was brutal. If someone asked me how to fold something when I worked at TRU and I didn't know the answer, I would ASK SOMEONE. So that really sucked. I'll have to bring a friend next time, I guess.
I had really good plans to read by the pool tonight but I'm so tired I'll probably just end up lazing around on my computer and watching TV. I have 2 good shows to watch soon, so I'm watching some The Doctors until the good stuff starts.
Annnyways, SUPER excited for mine and Mattie and Nattie's trip to Edmonton in a few weeks and then TORONTO AND MONTREAL pretty soon too! HOORAY!
<3
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What a week.
I know it's been FOREVER since I updated this but honestly none of the details are all that fascinating and Nattie, you already know them all so I don't really need to put them all in here. I just wanted to post something small because I have had possibly the most crazy week I've ever had in my life and I just wanted to get it out. Ha ha, in an outrageously public (but hardly ever read) forum.
Tomo and Elliott got married last Saturday and it was so wonderful! Congrats to them, they are so cute together and will no doubt live a very long happy life together! I so hope they get everything they ever dreamed of and more! I'm pretty sure they're still away on their honeymoon (I think they're going away to Disneyland later this year as well, how exciting, to have 2 honeymoons!) but Elliott has posted some pretty adorable and sweet updates since they've been gone.
I was also a little hungover on Sunday, oops. Molly and I saw the Ugly Truth, which was awesome and I had a great time with her even though I felt like total garbage.
I really don't want to be nonchalant about this but I feel like it's been a really long time coming and that's that Jordan and I broke up on Monday, I'm pretty sure for good this time. I suppose you can really never say never but sometimes you just can't make it work, no matter how much you love someone. And now I realize that and that's OK. We'll both live, just fine. And hopefully we can keep being friends and hopefully someday I'll be friends with his wife or girlfriends or whatever and we can just be really great friends who had a really great relationship a long time ago.
I've been thinking the last week or so though, about stuff and things, lol. And how damn lucky I have been in my short 22 (almost 23) years to have so many amazing people walk in (and sometimes out) of my life. I could never even attempt to make a list, but you all know who you are and I just wanted to say thanks. I don't think anyone reads this other than Nattie (and she'll die of shock when she sees that I've updated so she might not even read this far), but if you read this, please know that even though you probably don't realize it (even though you might), you've had more of an impact on my life and who I am than you could ever know. So a million times thank you. I'm just the absolute luckiest girl in the whole world: I've met more amazing people in these short 22 years (do I sound like a broken record yet) than probably some people do in their whole lives. I forget about that a LOT, I think, and I don't treat a lot of my friends like I should to show them how much I love and appreciate them, but I truly, truly do. Whether it's sharing laughter or tears, fun or sadness, in sickness in health, for richer for poorer (wait, how did I get here?).... just kidding. But seriously, thanks to everyone. I love you all so much more than I could ever say in person (because I'm a baby and am cold/dead inside) and especially online.
Sometimes you just can't plan for things, huh. I think I've had one of those weeks. And the constant in all of it is that all of my friends who have handled me until now and still stick around (tough, tough people, nice work) have stuck by me every step of the way, no matter what it was that I was learning at that particular moment. I also can't sleep but that's a totally separate story. :)
Also, could someone float me a little musical talent? I'm trying to play my guitar again today and when I sing it sounds like I've been smoking (I haven't been). And it's driving me crazy.
Tomo and Elliott got married last Saturday and it was so wonderful! Congrats to them, they are so cute together and will no doubt live a very long happy life together! I so hope they get everything they ever dreamed of and more! I'm pretty sure they're still away on their honeymoon (I think they're going away to Disneyland later this year as well, how exciting, to have 2 honeymoons!) but Elliott has posted some pretty adorable and sweet updates since they've been gone.
I was also a little hungover on Sunday, oops. Molly and I saw the Ugly Truth, which was awesome and I had a great time with her even though I felt like total garbage.
I really don't want to be nonchalant about this but I feel like it's been a really long time coming and that's that Jordan and I broke up on Monday, I'm pretty sure for good this time. I suppose you can really never say never but sometimes you just can't make it work, no matter how much you love someone. And now I realize that and that's OK. We'll both live, just fine. And hopefully we can keep being friends and hopefully someday I'll be friends with his wife or girlfriends or whatever and we can just be really great friends who had a really great relationship a long time ago.
I've been thinking the last week or so though, about stuff and things, lol. And how damn lucky I have been in my short 22 (almost 23) years to have so many amazing people walk in (and sometimes out) of my life. I could never even attempt to make a list, but you all know who you are and I just wanted to say thanks. I don't think anyone reads this other than Nattie (and she'll die of shock when she sees that I've updated so she might not even read this far), but if you read this, please know that even though you probably don't realize it (even though you might), you've had more of an impact on my life and who I am than you could ever know. So a million times thank you. I'm just the absolute luckiest girl in the whole world: I've met more amazing people in these short 22 years (do I sound like a broken record yet) than probably some people do in their whole lives. I forget about that a LOT, I think, and I don't treat a lot of my friends like I should to show them how much I love and appreciate them, but I truly, truly do. Whether it's sharing laughter or tears, fun or sadness, in sickness in health, for richer for poorer (wait, how did I get here?).... just kidding. But seriously, thanks to everyone. I love you all so much more than I could ever say in person (because I'm a baby and am cold/dead inside) and especially online.
Sometimes you just can't plan for things, huh. I think I've had one of those weeks. And the constant in all of it is that all of my friends who have handled me until now and still stick around (tough, tough people, nice work) have stuck by me every step of the way, no matter what it was that I was learning at that particular moment. I also can't sleep but that's a totally separate story. :)
Also, could someone float me a little musical talent? I'm trying to play my guitar again today and when I sing it sounds like I've been smoking (I haven't been). And it's driving me crazy.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Seriously?
For real? The last time I wrote in this it was FEBRUARY 22?!?!?!?!?!? Oh crap. Well there's just no way I can remember nor do I have time to write out everything that has happened between then and now. We moved in, seamlessly. My dad and his friend John gave us a real moving surprise and cancelled our need for the Uhaul by moving all our stuff in on Friday (except for Amanda's boxes, which she didn't have TOO many of). So that was amazing! And that was it! And I love it SOOOO soo much! Amanda is an amazing roommate (no big surprise, she's awesome!) and I love having Sugar around so much, he is one of my favourite 4 cats ever! I will post pictures soon, I was going to do it right now but I can't find my camera anywhere. I was going to wait until we cleaned up but that is NOT going to happen, so oh well. Ha ha. Sorry.
Otherwise, I guess I got a promotion (sort of) and definitely some more cash when Janey and I switched jobs in the middle of March. I really like being in the back instead of up front. And it's always fun to get to cover front for Janey when she goes out to do whatever it is she needs to do on her mall walks! And so that's sweet!
Other news.... Jord and I got back together..... I guess 3 weeks ago. So I'm real happy about that. It's good so far. Like really good. Weird a little because we have to figure out where we are or whatever. But it's going really really really well. And his sister, his mom and I bribed him to shave off his moustache on Friday so that's also REALLY good. I hate that thing. Tee hee.
I'm trying my hardest to finish my application to graduate as I type. And having little to no luck. It's quite very much driving me freaking crazy. OK, I think I got it. This is outrageous. Oh well. So, I get to graduate! And so does Nattie! And very appropriately, at the same ceremony. So that is super exciting. Hopefully we don't get lost on the train this time.
Anyways, I gotta get going. I have to tutor in 20 minutes and I've been updating myself to the online world since our internet is working again so my eyes are nearly bleeding. Next time, a story about one of my favourite books ever, tuesdays with Morrie.
<3
Lo.
Otherwise, I guess I got a promotion (sort of) and definitely some more cash when Janey and I switched jobs in the middle of March. I really like being in the back instead of up front. And it's always fun to get to cover front for Janey when she goes out to do whatever it is she needs to do on her mall walks! And so that's sweet!
Other news.... Jord and I got back together..... I guess 3 weeks ago. So I'm real happy about that. It's good so far. Like really good. Weird a little because we have to figure out where we are or whatever. But it's going really really really well. And his sister, his mom and I bribed him to shave off his moustache on Friday so that's also REALLY good. I hate that thing. Tee hee.
I'm trying my hardest to finish my application to graduate as I type. And having little to no luck. It's quite very much driving me freaking crazy. OK, I think I got it. This is outrageous. Oh well. So, I get to graduate! And so does Nattie! And very appropriately, at the same ceremony. So that is super exciting. Hopefully we don't get lost on the train this time.
Anyways, I gotta get going. I have to tutor in 20 minutes and I've been updating myself to the online world since our internet is working again so my eyes are nearly bleeding. Next time, a story about one of my favourite books ever, tuesdays with Morrie.
<3
Lo.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Stuff stuff stuff
Soooo.........
We got the house for sure! We've paid the down payment and everything, we'll get the keys on March 20 (see ticker at top). It's very very VERY exciting!!!! So we get to move in that Friday and Saturday, which is so so exciting!!!!
Um, otherwise not much is new! Unfortunately, the new food court opening is the Monday following moving weekend which is NOT exciting! We're hoping to find a roommate or two, but we can afford it on our own and we'd like to be able to show a potential roommate the place when we meet them, that would be much easier!
The other exciting thing is that I really don't have to buy anything else big! My mom and I were looking online today at beds and stuff at Sears. I searched for furniture/mattresses and then went to the bedroom section and something caught my eye. It said " 'Lauren' 5-pc bedroom set". And I was like, ha ha, wouldn't that be really funny.... and then I looked at it and LOVED it! So we went down to the Sears Home store and we were going to look around. I saw a bed (only) for the same price as the whole 5 piece bedroom set (bed frame, headboard, mirror, dresser and nightstand) and we also bought a queen sized mattress for it! It was a GREAT deal and I have a super cool bedroom set that I'm so excited for! It's going to be delivered (for free) the day after our possession date when we'll be doing most of our moving!
There aren't a lot of things left to do now, just set up the cable person (it would be nice if they could come Friday night, but we're not picky). And I think that's pretty well it.
Otherwise, I just can't think of what else is going on! I got an interview for a job that I applied for at Ivanhoe Cambridge, but I don't think I'll get it. That's OK though. Hopefully I'll be able to find something good soon!
<3
We got the house for sure! We've paid the down payment and everything, we'll get the keys on March 20 (see ticker at top). It's very very VERY exciting!!!! So we get to move in that Friday and Saturday, which is so so exciting!!!!
Um, otherwise not much is new! Unfortunately, the new food court opening is the Monday following moving weekend which is NOT exciting! We're hoping to find a roommate or two, but we can afford it on our own and we'd like to be able to show a potential roommate the place when we meet them, that would be much easier!
The other exciting thing is that I really don't have to buy anything else big! My mom and I were looking online today at beds and stuff at Sears. I searched for furniture/mattresses and then went to the bedroom section and something caught my eye. It said " 'Lauren' 5-pc bedroom set". And I was like, ha ha, wouldn't that be really funny.... and then I looked at it and LOVED it! So we went down to the Sears Home store and we were going to look around. I saw a bed (only) for the same price as the whole 5 piece bedroom set (bed frame, headboard, mirror, dresser and nightstand) and we also bought a queen sized mattress for it! It was a GREAT deal and I have a super cool bedroom set that I'm so excited for! It's going to be delivered (for free) the day after our possession date when we'll be doing most of our moving!
There aren't a lot of things left to do now, just set up the cable person (it would be nice if they could come Friday night, but we're not picky). And I think that's pretty well it.
Otherwise, I just can't think of what else is going on! I got an interview for a job that I applied for at Ivanhoe Cambridge, but I don't think I'll get it. That's OK though. Hopefully I'll be able to find something good soon!
<3
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Outrageosity
I stumbled on this little gem when I couldn't sleep this morning (notice that it's 8:36 on a SATURDAY and I've already been up about 45 minutes). Gross. Anyways, you know those moments when you're like "Is that.....?". I definitely did one of those double takes this morning when I saw this.
Oh wow, that was great.
Oh wow, that was great.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Stuff
Hola!
Yes, it's been far too long!!!
OK, so first things first. One lovely lady from my Women's Studies Class was so inspired by our class that she's going to Tanzania to volunteer. I am super super impressed by this, and I feel even more inspired to do my tiny bit as well. My thing that I picked up in class that I am doing is buying only fair trade clothing. Perhaps fair trade is a little intense. Anything new must be fair trade (and Lululemon counts, but should be avoided if simple). I will do my best to start with used clothing though. I have a second-hand-store outing planned with my mom for when she comes home. My mom has actually been very green for a very long time, and I just never saw it. Anyways, buying organic/fair trade/used clothing is greener and more socially responsible in my opinion. I will not throw out any of the clothes I have now but I will wear them until I dislike them (in which case I'll donate them) or I'll wear them until they're done for (in which case I'll fix them, make them into something else useful or donate them). For shoes, first priority goes to used and then fair trade, but I will buy new non-sweatshop free shoes if necessary. It's really difficult to find shoes like that. Food is too difficult, but I would like to change that also. It's in the future though. Clothing is tough enough. But I am buying organic food where I can. Same for hygiene stuff. I bought some deodorant today at Community Natural Foods and more shampoo and conditioner. I have some body shop stuff, which is fair trade, but I don't like how it makes my hair. Also, it's really expensive and you don't get much. So I'm excited to try this Canadian stuff I bought today!
Two other things:
First, Amanda and I have been seriously offering on this amazing condo really close to the mall. I really want to buy it. BAD. We looked at the bylaws today. I kind of think we should take both our clans to see it and have a giant discussion with our families. I dunno though.
Also, I went on a few dates with a new boy. His name is Jun and he's really sweet and interesting!
<3
Yes, it's been far too long!!!
OK, so first things first. One lovely lady from my Women's Studies Class was so inspired by our class that she's going to Tanzania to volunteer. I am super super impressed by this, and I feel even more inspired to do my tiny bit as well. My thing that I picked up in class that I am doing is buying only fair trade clothing. Perhaps fair trade is a little intense. Anything new must be fair trade (and Lululemon counts, but should be avoided if simple). I will do my best to start with used clothing though. I have a second-hand-store outing planned with my mom for when she comes home. My mom has actually been very green for a very long time, and I just never saw it. Anyways, buying organic/fair trade/used clothing is greener and more socially responsible in my opinion. I will not throw out any of the clothes I have now but I will wear them until I dislike them (in which case I'll donate them) or I'll wear them until they're done for (in which case I'll fix them, make them into something else useful or donate them). For shoes, first priority goes to used and then fair trade, but I will buy new non-sweatshop free shoes if necessary. It's really difficult to find shoes like that. Food is too difficult, but I would like to change that also. It's in the future though. Clothing is tough enough. But I am buying organic food where I can. Same for hygiene stuff. I bought some deodorant today at Community Natural Foods and more shampoo and conditioner. I have some body shop stuff, which is fair trade, but I don't like how it makes my hair. Also, it's really expensive and you don't get much. So I'm excited to try this Canadian stuff I bought today!
Two other things:
First, Amanda and I have been seriously offering on this amazing condo really close to the mall. I really want to buy it. BAD. We looked at the bylaws today. I kind of think we should take both our clans to see it and have a giant discussion with our families. I dunno though.
Also, I went on a few dates with a new boy. His name is Jun and he's really sweet and interesting!
<3
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Second Sex, intro, translator's notes and the beginning of chapter 1!
OK, so first of all: Go Nattie! Great choice, love this book ALREADY! It will probably take me years to actually finish because it is QUITE dense! I love love love love it though!
So here's a few mini-book reports I have on this book! Attention: the chapter one part is pretty explicit!
Intro/Translator's Notes
1) The intro is pretty interesting. I find it completely fascinating that the intro doesn't so much mention how so little has changed between 1949 (when the book was published) and 1989 (when this intro was written). I also found it interesting that the book was translated to English because the wife of a publisher thought it was a sex manual and should therefore be available to the American public. Wow. And then asked her HUSBAND to publish it. It's cool how the very thing that Beauvoir is discussing is so present in how her book became more widely available to English speaking women. Ironic, I think. It's like rain on your wedding day. ha ha.
2) The translator's notes are the funniest part by far. He (yes, he... I find that a little strange, but I guess it WAS 1952) keeps talking about all these strides that women have made. To think about that in 1952 terms based on what we know today, one would probably say "what strides?". Women couldn't even vote in Beauvoir's home of France until the late forties. In Italy, I'm pretty sure it was later that mid-fifties. Even in Canada, aboriginal women COULDN'T VOTE until like 1960. That blows my mind.
THE BOOK!
OK, so chapter one is about biological facts. So here are the two thoughts I came up with on my way home today:
1) perhaps that (what? I'm not sure, ghost subject alert) is why the sex act is so much more carefully considered by human females than males (in terms of general stereotype, certainly not speaking from my own experience or observation). First, according to Beauvoir, the sex act is a violation of the woman, decided upon by the man only. I personally believe this has limited physical truth in the society in which we live today, but that is DEFINITELY not to say that rape doesn't happen now (or then, especially rape within marriage and other relationships). Socially though, women (at least some) do tend to be compelled by some sort of ideology to be happily submissive sexual partners and pieces of relationships, I think. Second, the act of reproduction is more closely tied to her since she is attached to the potential offspring long after the sex act itself is over, whereas the male is independent of the sex act as soon as it has ended. Finally, the physical sex act in humans (in the case of intercourse) occurs internally in women but externally to men. I think this makes a big difference, but that's tough to dispute, I think.
2) For the human male, intercourse is almost a physical necessity, or at least it is boasted as one by many arguing against blue-ball syndrome (or whatever it might be called). As a man's "need" (or need, whatever), and perhaps therefore his inherent human right, sex is also necessary to the female even though procreation and propagation of the species then becomes her inherent RESPONSIBILITY. To the male, sex is a need that is relatively simply met (and on his own terms according to Beauvoir), but for the female the act which is assigned to her by another individual (the male in question) carries a great deal more weight (perhaps literally and figuratively).
She's definitely just talking about animals so far, so I shouldn't read so much into her analysis in human terms as I have, so this is definitely a long shot and is CERTAINLY based more on stereotype than a true analysis should be, but it was just my thoughts!!!
<3 L.
So here's a few mini-book reports I have on this book! Attention: the chapter one part is pretty explicit!
Intro/Translator's Notes
1) The intro is pretty interesting. I find it completely fascinating that the intro doesn't so much mention how so little has changed between 1949 (when the book was published) and 1989 (when this intro was written). I also found it interesting that the book was translated to English because the wife of a publisher thought it was a sex manual and should therefore be available to the American public. Wow. And then asked her HUSBAND to publish it. It's cool how the very thing that Beauvoir is discussing is so present in how her book became more widely available to English speaking women. Ironic, I think. It's like rain on your wedding day. ha ha.
2) The translator's notes are the funniest part by far. He (yes, he... I find that a little strange, but I guess it WAS 1952) keeps talking about all these strides that women have made. To think about that in 1952 terms based on what we know today, one would probably say "what strides?". Women couldn't even vote in Beauvoir's home of France until the late forties. In Italy, I'm pretty sure it was later that mid-fifties. Even in Canada, aboriginal women COULDN'T VOTE until like 1960. That blows my mind.
THE BOOK!
OK, so chapter one is about biological facts. So here are the two thoughts I came up with on my way home today:
1) perhaps that (what? I'm not sure, ghost subject alert) is why the sex act is so much more carefully considered by human females than males (in terms of general stereotype, certainly not speaking from my own experience or observation). First, according to Beauvoir, the sex act is a violation of the woman, decided upon by the man only. I personally believe this has limited physical truth in the society in which we live today, but that is DEFINITELY not to say that rape doesn't happen now (or then, especially rape within marriage and other relationships). Socially though, women (at least some) do tend to be compelled by some sort of ideology to be happily submissive sexual partners and pieces of relationships, I think. Second, the act of reproduction is more closely tied to her since she is attached to the potential offspring long after the sex act itself is over, whereas the male is independent of the sex act as soon as it has ended. Finally, the physical sex act in humans (in the case of intercourse) occurs internally in women but externally to men. I think this makes a big difference, but that's tough to dispute, I think.
2) For the human male, intercourse is almost a physical necessity, or at least it is boasted as one by many arguing against blue-ball syndrome (or whatever it might be called). As a man's "need" (or need, whatever), and perhaps therefore his inherent human right, sex is also necessary to the female even though procreation and propagation of the species then becomes her inherent RESPONSIBILITY. To the male, sex is a need that is relatively simply met (and on his own terms according to Beauvoir), but for the female the act which is assigned to her by another individual (the male in question) carries a great deal more weight (perhaps literally and figuratively).
She's definitely just talking about animals so far, so I shouldn't read so much into her analysis in human terms as I have, so this is definitely a long shot and is CERTAINLY based more on stereotype than a true analysis should be, but it was just my thoughts!!!
<3 L.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My Water Footprint.....
.... is 1800 cubic meters per year. Not bad, hey? BUT if I stop eating meat it will be 909 cubic meters per year! I'm not sure that I can go cold turkey (ha ha, get it?), but it would make a big difference to keep it low low low! That's what I've been working on lately, but I'll definitely keep doing it! I feel even better about it since I made an oh-so-delicious 100% vegan meal! It was so good too!
I don't have much else to say. Ha ha, I started my reception job but it's just like you'd expect. I'm a receptionist. It's pretty fun though, I like it. And I like working at the mall!
<3
I don't have much else to say. Ha ha, I started my reception job but it's just like you'd expect. I'm a receptionist. It's pretty fun though, I like it. And I like working at the mall!
<3
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