Monday, February 28, 2005

Weekend Review:

Off the top of my head, I'd have to say - I am NEVER doing O/T again*

*Caveats for Compulsory O/T and SHannon Runs Out of Money Scenario

Off the top of my head I also had some hair removed.

And that about wraps up the weekend. No, not really, but I must say it was pretty tame in comparison to all weekends of 2005 that have preceded it.

Friday night = Watching 99p movies and forcing myself to go to bed at decent time. 99p movies were mix of really bad and mediocre. I do NOT recommend the film, The Ladykillers (At least teh remake..don't know about teh original, probably good).

Saturday Morning = Waking up at bloody 7.00 am, catchign the bus to work. Working from 8 - 12, tehn catching bus back into town. Sigh. So very not worth it. Maybe if I was a workaholic or money mad, but I am neither and I didn't come to Scotland to overwork myself at a job that does nothing to inspire me or challenge me.

Saturday Afternoon - Waste majority of afternoon at teh Shopping centre. Pop into hair salon to ask if I can get a cut and the girl says it'll be 30 -45 minds.I ask if I should stay or can I walk around teh mall and come back. She says I can walk around and NO she doesn't need my name (in my mind I figured this was because I was soo memorable!). So I come back on teh half hour to be informed that I am at the bottom of the queue again. I nearly freaked. Now, if I'd been calm and relaxed I wouldn't have bothered, but I was not - I was tired and had massive headache. Anyways, I let the manager know I was nae impressed, but in the end I waited it out and she ended up cutting my hair and it is the first time I've been really pleased with results immmediaetly after hacking. So yeah, I was tired. Hopped on bus to catch up with Keri & Jen, who were watchign teh rugby game at Frankenstein's. The game was over by teh time I made it there and I missed getting a free pint b/c in rare turn f events Scotland actually won the game!

Saturday night - Ooooh, first chance to wear my new skirt! Jen, Keri & I had a few bevies in the flat then caught up with the guys (ie our Calgarian friends) at a hole-in-the-wall bar called Star Bar. Seriously, it was in an alleyway - mind you an alleyway in posh NewTown, but still. IT was as tiny inside as it looked from the outside, but somehow the band managed to set up all their gear. (no dancing room tho!). And lo & behold, who should the band be but the former members of the now defunct Mockingbirds!! As you will probably not recall, we stalked the Mockingbirds back in June/July when they played at Finnegan's Wake. I think they remembered us, especially when Jen & I jumped up to do obligatory jumping scene to Brown-Eyed Girl.

Sunday - Slept. WEnt for a lovely jog - beautiful spring-like weather. Went to see 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou'. Went alone. I am sad case. Following Aquatic film I went home and prepared dinner of Haddock with mushroom & cheese sauce. Coincidence? I think not. I then watche dyet another movie, Mystic River. Both films v. good, both films slighlty disturbing but in v. different ways.

As a sidenote - Owen Wilson rules and The LIfe Aquatic was the film he was doing when I saw him in Rome.!!!

Other news/notes:

Keri & Jen are both leaving next weekend for trips to Eastern Europe & Canada respectively. I will be home alone!

To celebrate alone time (not that I dno't heart my friends, but every once in awhile you just want to be alone right??) I am taking next Monday off. I had tried to get March 18 off (knowing I will probably be worse for wear given preceding night celebrations), but was unable.

I am going to Spain/South France in April/May. I've figured out a way I can take 7 days off but only 4 of them in holidays - it will mean lots of flextime to be built up, but I don't mind!!! I wil then have an 11-day stretch w/o work. I will still have 17 holidays left too!! Really I am following Jen's lead, she is going on mega trip and I am tagging along for the parts I missed out seeing last year and/or really loved and want to return to!

So excited -Sweden & Spain!!

Well, I suppose that's all she wrote for now. And be 'she' I mean 'me'. I am tired, I need candy.
Weekend Review:

Off the top of my head, I'd have to say - I am NEVER doing O/T again*

*Caveats for Compulsory O/T and SHannon Runs Out of Money Scenario

Off the top of my head I also had some hair removed.

And that about wraps up the weekend. No, not really, but I must say it was pretty tame in comparison to all weekends of 2005 that have preceded it.

Friday night = Watching 99p movies and forcing myself to go to bed at decent time. 99p movies were mix of really bad and mediocre. I do NOT recommend the film, The Ladykillers (At least teh remake..don't know about teh original, probably good).

Saturday Morning = Waking up at bloody 7.00 am, catchign the bus to work. Working from 8 - 12, tehn catching bus back into town. Sigh. So very not worth it. Maybe if I was a workaholic or money mad, but I am neither and I didn't come to Scotland to overwork myself at a job that does nothing to inspire me or challenge me.

Saturday Afternoon - Waste majority of afternoon at teh Shopping centre. Pop into hair salon to ask if I can get a cut and the girl says it'll be 30 -45 minds.I ask if I should stay or can I walk around teh mall and come back. She says I can walk around and NO she doesn't need my name (in my mind I figured this was because I was soo memorable!). So I come back on teh half hour to be informed that I am at the bottom of the queue again. I nearly freaked. Now, if I'd been calm and relaxed I wouldn't have bothered, but I was not - I was tired and had massive headache. Anyways, I let the manager know I was nae impressed, but in the end I waited it out and she ended up cutting my hair and it is the first time I've been really pleased with results immmediaetly after hacking. So yeah, I was tired. Hopped on bus to catch up with Keri & Jen, who were watchign teh rugby game at Frankenstein's. The game was over by teh time I made it there and I missed getting a free pint b/c in rare turn f events Scotland actually won the game!

Saturday night - Ooooh, first chance to wear my new skirt! Jen, Keri & I had a few bevies in the flat then caught up with the guys (ie our Calgarian friends) at a hole-in-the-wall bar called Star Bar. Seriously, it was in an alleyway - mind you an alleyway in posh NewTown, but still. IT was as tiny inside as it looked from the outside, but somehow the band managed to set up all their gear. (no dancing room tho!). And lo & behold, who should the band be but the former members of the now defunct Mockingbirds!! As you will probably not recall, we stalked the Mockingbirds back in June/July when they played at Finnegan's Wake. I think they remembered us, especially when Jen & I jumped up to do obligatory jumping scene to Brown-Eyed Girl.

Sunday - Slept. WEnt for a lovely jog - beautiful spring-like weather. Went to see 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou'. Went alone. I am sad case. Following Aquatic film I went home and prepared dinner of Haddock with mushroom & cheese sauce. Coincidence? I think not. I then watche dyet another movie, Mystic River. Both films v. good, both films slighlty disturbing but in v. different ways.

As a sidenote - Owen Wilson rules and The LIfe Aquatic was the film he was doing when I saw him in Rome.!!!

Other news/notes:

Keri & Jen are both leaving next weekend for trips to Eastern Europe & Canada respectively. I will be home alone!

To celebrate alone time (not that I dno't heart my friends, but every once in awhile you just want to be alone right??) I am taking next Monday off. I had tried to get March 18 off (knowing I will probably be worse for wear given preceding night celebrations), but was unable.

I am going to Spain/South France in April/May. I've figured out a way I can take 7 days off but only 4 of them in holidays - it will mean lots of flextime to be built up, but I don't mind!!! I wil then have an 11-day stretch w/o work. I will still have 17 holidays left too!! Really I am following Jen's lead, she is going on mega trip and I am tagging along for the parts I missed out seeing last year and/or really loved and want to return to!

So excited -Sweden & Spain!!

Well, I suppose that's all she wrote for now. And be 'she' I mean 'me'. I am tired, I need candy.

Friday, February 25, 2005

OK - So I don't know what possessed me yesterday to write such a preachy, long-winded post. I am sorry, will attempt to recover from humiliation of this event by producing witty/up-lifting/enjoyable post. Tomorrow. Or Maybe Sunday. For today you will have to suffer through another uninspired post about, well, nothing. I cna't help it - my mind does not function well at lunch time (or most of the time). I suspect it has something to do with wexpectation at work that we operate like machines.

Anyways - so its Friday, but not the end of the work week for me. I will endeavour to get my lazy self out of bed tomorrow at 7.00 so I can come to work for 4 hours. Acutally I don't mind - its double pay and i am going to take a three day weekend next week so I can handle it. I think.

I am reading a book now called 'Around The World in 80 Dates' - one woman's true life afccount of her mission to find Mr Right by going on 80 dates whilst travelling the globe. So far so good - a combo travelogue/humourous true-life account.

GUESS WHAT??We are soo lucky we got our 2-year visas for teh UK when we did because recent changes now allow Canadians to work for ONLY 1 year in the UJK, although they are still allowed to reside in the UK for up to two years. Imagine that - I would have to go home in May if that were the case....whoa..don't even want to think about that prospect. I've narrowed down my next destination to anywhere but Canada. TOp choices are Sweden, Oz or NZ. Oh - of course, if I do happen to find Mr Right in the next..er..14 months, well who knows?? Not that I am counting on that - 24 year-trend is unlikley to be broken any time soon given my luck.

K - I have to go because i ate lunch at the restaurant again. I only ate food from home though! Mental note ot write rant about food and the such.

Please, in meantime, watch SUPERSIZE ME. It is great - unless you are McDonald's addict, then maybe not so great.

Thursday, February 24, 2005

I think I am having a quarter-life crisis. When I first mentioned this fear to a close relative the response was laughter. OK, OK, maybe I have a tendency to be melodramatic but really I am completely and utterly lost.

Up until now life has been pretty simple, but suddenly without confines of university to direct my goals, I fear I may lose sight of what it I want to achieve in this lifetime or even this decade. Or maybe teh problem is that I don't know what I want to achieve, I just have a sickening feelings that I should already be on the road to achieving whatever it is I want and, well, let's face it, the job & place I am in at the moment are not realising that desire at all. OK, so I am living in a different continent & country adn that's a pretty big thing I guess, but teh novelty of that has worn off. I need a new direction. Gads!! Does anyone else my age feel this way???

But you know what I refuse to do? I refuse to go home and find myself a nice, secure job just for the sake of it. Now, mind you I know some people have great, secure jobs and are quite happy with that, but for me, I am pretty sure that jumping into secure job at this point would do only one thing - chain me down. I've seen it happen again and again - someone wants to leave their job/move/go back to university/go travelling but they think they can't do that without losing out on security of great job. They are only willing to make change if there is absolute guarantee that new prospect wil bring greater happiness/succes/security. Ha - no guarantees in life I am afraid. So won't even think about putting myself in pposition where I could start thinking like that...dangerous stuff it is - could spend one's life wanting to do things, but never getting around to doing them.

So, you see my conundrum - I can't go on in limbo because I feel insignificant and unsuccessful, but I will not jump into career until I know it is the right for me
.

Good grief- what a rant - I gues si have been thinking a lot about this lately. A LOT! So, with that in mind, I have decided to see what I might gain from heading to Sweden in 2006 for a Masters Progam in the Natural Step. Of course, I'd have to be accepted, but its free (no tuition anyways) and it si just up my alley. Check out this link if you are curious.

In Other Les Preachy, But Still as Ranty News:

It is snowign in Venice & Madrid. Um..hello?? how can people still deny that global climate changes are happening all around us??? OK, admittedly strange weather phenomena have happened throughout histroy, but I think its safe to say the extrememity and frequency of crazy weather in recent years warrants serious attention.

IN totally related news - Edinburgh citizens recently voted NO to the proposed introduction of a congestion charge of £2 for entering the city during the work week. Now, being a student of business, I can completley relate with concerns that business owners have and, having been a motorist, I can completely understand how frustrating this would be for them BUT I think this needs to happen.

Basically a congestion charge is like a User Fee that punishes people who are polluting the environment and rewards those that use more ecologically friendly alternatives. Motorists could car-pool to reduce costs and revenue would be invested into improving Public Transport, further encouraging peopel to get out of their cars and onto buses/trains.

I don't know - I'll admit I didn't like it when I had to pay 15 cents per grocery bag in Ireland as a User Fee, but then I looked around and saw how it was affecting people's shopping habits - there were plenty more cloth bags and more stuffing of items into fewer bags.

I know it seems unfair on a lot of levels and I'd be the first the be suspicous of whether revenues would really be used efficiently & effectively, but if, at the end of the day, it encourages pepole to change their habits and promotes a better environment then I say 'Yes' (except I couldn't because I am not a resident persay)

OK -well so much for long and boring post...at least I am trying to keep my mind off other things..that is what this is - an attempt to defeat my heart from taking over my head all the time!!!

Monday, February 21, 2005

Weekend Review:

Where did I leave you? Oh that's right - on a gorgeous, sunny Friday that I had off- as in NO WORK and ALL PLAY!! So, Friday continued to be thoroughly enjoyable day of doing nothing int eh sunshine save for the bloody HAILSTORM we had mid-afternoon. I had just left the flat to head uptown when hard balls of white stuff started pelleting meand, more precisely, doing a number on my already-way-disturbing hair'style'.So I ran back to the flat in my heels (see following sidenote) to get brollie and then carried on with spending money on my day off. How fun is that!

Sidenote: I've taken to wearing heeled boots in attempt to look slightly less like gym-rat/tourist and more like posh local girl. Unfortunately or fortunatley, depending on your perspective, no matter what I do with my wardrobe I wil never look like Edinburgh girl becaseu my hair will never ever be so flat it only has one side - nor will it EVER be a mullet - on purpose anyways - please tel me if it efver does look like a mullet. Please.

Right, so the evening was spent hanging out with friends and heading to the cinema. I wanted to see 'In Good Company' with Topher Grace (from that 70's Show) I won't say anything about the movie b/c it didn't strike me as being amazing/brilliant or horribly bad, so don't want ot bias any potential viewers. I will note, however, that Dennis Quaid, played a leading role as Mr Foreman opposite Topher Grace, whose best known for his role as Eric Foreman in That 70's Show. Oh dear, am I becoming a movie nerd or just a detail oriented person?? Either is a scary prospect (just kidding to all movie nerds - I heart you Jen and all detail-oriented people - I heart you Rae)

Saturday I decided not to do O/T in the morning. I slept instead. Was it worth the £50 I could have made working. Probably not. I apparently suck at making logical choices. Oops.

In the afternoon I went shopping with Keri, as she wanted to buy some apparel at La Senza. OK, so it turns out I have officially become a trend-setter in regards to make-up and certain items of fashion amongst our small group of friends. Now, don't get me wrong, am not blowing my own horn- is just that I find it hilarious because I have never considered myself a girly girl, but apparently I fit the bill best amongst our circle of friends. Now, all of a sudden Anne is wearing lipstick and I put Lisianne in makeup for the first time ever on Saturday night. And, when we went to the Irish bar, I ended up doing some girl's makeup in teh bathroom because she complimented me on mine. Hahahaha. OK - sorry but I find it funny.

Anyways, OK so as if the make-up isn't enough, I think I should proabbly be working on commission for Ann Summers or La Senza because this weekend three of my friends went out on the hunt for garter belts, following on my suggestion that they are more comfortable than tights/hose and, perhaps, on seeing admiration that such apparel can recieve from opposite sex.

Right, so after shopping with Keri-Beri, I headed to the gym for a workout and then forced myself to sit in the hot-tub and steam room. Saturday night we had a few gals over (including really cool American) and drank wine. We then proceeded to go out on the town. I have never encountered so many Irish lads as I did on Saturday (save for those 6 months in Ireland). Of course we were at Irish bars all night..maybe that explains it! Anyways, I ended up getting a cab home at around three in the morning. An hour later I heard Keri climbing the stairs (with LIsianne in toe) and opened the door to find her standing there hugging a giant slighlty-worse-for-wear pylon. She then proceeded to make her way from the hallway to the living room, but kind of collapsed at the doorway. According to Jen, Keri later decided to check out the sprawling conditions of the kitchen doorway. Suffice to say a fun night was had by all.

Anyways, Sunday was recovery day, seeing as how I'd only slept 3 -4 hours the night before. I am getting too old for that I think.

Went for a jog with Anne and that was the extent of my productivity yesterday.

OOoh - but I did discover the most amazing video store only a 5 minute walk away from our place. IT is really different. Instead of seeing walls of DVDs they have screens, where you can scroll through the selections and read the captions on the back of the movie. When you've selected your movie you go to another machine (Robot 1 or Robot 2), swipe you card and the movie automatically comes out. You can top up your card at a machine. Basically teh set-up allows for you to get a movie without any human interaction, thus allowing it to be available 24 hours a day. And the best partis that if you return the film within 6 hours of renting it only costs 99 pence!! What a smart business idea!! I am hooked. Will be renting a lot more movies now!!

K - gotta run, lunch is over. Hope to hear from you people (you know who you are - basically everyone) soon! BeckyRogers - you are on my Most Want To Hear From list for obvious reasons - like you moving to the UK!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, February 18, 2005

By the way - apparently there is a prob with commenting on my blog? so I heard through the grapevine anyways. Sorry! Will attempt to rectify with my exceptional IT skills..oh wait, that's right I don't have any.
I have taken today off as Flex-Day and it is too gorgeous outside to let myself be on the Internet much longer. Yes, yes I did say gorgeous - I can see GREEN grass in the middle of February. Ah, to be not in Canada in the midst of winterstorms and bloody wind chill temps of -40.

Not a whole lot to report on the days gone by. Wednesday and Thursday eves were spent tkaing advantage of cheap booze and enjoying the local bar scene. Last night we ended up at Bandeoke (klike Karaoke except you have a real band backing you up and you kind of have to actually be good at singing..unless you have other assets which the audience can appreciate). I didn't get up and sing. Mags & Aibhe did though - they sang Complicated by Avril..oh dear. They rocked, but Complicated???? So, not the karaoke song I would have chosen!!

This weekend I have option to work O/T nad get paid doubletime. Nice. The only prob is that it starts at 7.00 tomorrow morning - I could come in at 8, but um..hello?!!?! That is bloody early. Think decision will depend on what i do tonight and how much money i spend :)

K - Haven't had that many emails as of late. Am particularly 'keen' to hear from Miss Becky Rogers. Ahem. If you've lost my email look to the top of this screen. If I don't hear from you, maybe I will see you????

Onwards & upwards to the sunshine

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

OK, my spelling has become atrocious - more specifically my typing has become atrocious. I apologise. How horrid!! I will endeavour to employ Spell Check in the future and actually look at the screen in front of me while typing.

In other notes- I have Friday off - one of those coveted Flex-days! Not sure what I am going to do, know it will involve sleeping in though! Anyways, to the point - if anyone has any interest in emailing me, do it before Friday and I PROMISE I will reply. Promise, promise, promise...unless Friday's plans involve sky diving or something of the like, where access to Internet availability is nil.

Last night was 3rd best ever Valentine's day. Won't go into too many details, let's jsut say it involved candlelight, chocolate and good company.

Monday, February 14, 2005

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! OK, honestly I'm not a huge fan of this day in which people are pressured to demonstrate love by purchasing flowers, chocolate ,cards, etc. Personally, I am of the mind that we should celebrate the love in our lives on a daily basis. I'm also a big dan of spontaniety, surprises & sincerity, none of which are particularly present on the preordained day.

Anyways, so yeah, enough of my babbling, maybe the truth is that I am slightly concerned to be, yet again, alone on the 14th of February. Why can't Valentine's day fall in teh summer, at leat then I might have had someone to celebrate with in past few years? But wait, what I am I saying - I do have people to celebrate with - a fabulous group of femme fatale friends who are free as me. Keri, Ken & I are having a candle light dinner tonight, prepared by Keri. Should be interesting. I am glad that my friends haven't started ot get married yet. In factm very few of them are even in a relationship and those that are, well they are back in Canada anyways. Guess the whole relationship thing is a bit more diffcult for wanderlusts who don't know how long they will be around or where their next destination might be.

So, what else is there to say?

Make love, not war.

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is how to love and be loved in return.

Love is all you need (save for food, water & shelter)


OK, so on to weekend review:

After utterly uneventful Friday evening, I was raring to start out on weekend adventure to Glasgow. Anne, Jen & I were planning to head to the city and then maybe check out Bothwell Castle or some other site near the city during the day, then head out on the town in the evening.
And that is all the planning we did. And it became evident that my usual role as planner should not have been abandoned in vain attempt to be more spontaneous, because, initially, we had a few probs deciding what to do and where to go. In the end we caught a train out to New Lanark - a tiny village preserved in a time capsule of the 1800's, it represents the first town that embraced the Industrial Revolution. Above the little village lies a gorgeous waterfall, which we hiked up to see. That was definitely the highlight of hte day trip - absolutely gorgeous. BAck int eh village we had the optionof paying £5 to see some workign looms OR check out the village store and maybe buy some old-fashioned sweets. Is it sad that I chose the candy option?

Back in Glasgow by 6.30, we determined that we wanted to go to a nice restaurant for a decent meal. We checked out a number of places only to find that our singleness and lack of reservations was a major hurdle. Sigh - yet another reminder of why one might prefer to be in company of male on V-day -if only to procur a decent meal.

Anyways, we ended up going to mediocre restaurant where we waitedone and a hald hours for our food. The bill cam and JEn was overcharged by a margin of %100 on her jacket potato, she complained and the server said he couldn't do anything!!! So, in act of passion and anger, we suggested Jen pay the amount on the menu (she was way ahead of us in this idea anyways) and husteld ourselves outta there!

Spent rest of night 'dancing' to tunes at, you'll never guess..wait for it, wait for it - the Walk About in Glasgow. Oh yeah, we're so cool. In hindsight, may not be best idea to head to a city for night out without having any idea where bar areas are. OH, and did I mention the biggest gaffaw of the day??? As we were leaving Edinburhg int ehmorning I saw loads of lads in kils, and load so otheres in green/Ireland clothes. WE MISSED THE SCOTLAND VS IRELAND RUGBY MATCH, WHICH WAS BEING PLAYED IN EDINBURGH!!!! More precisley, we missd being at Edinburgh bars after the game to enjoy the 'sights'. Anne & Jen both agreed that, given my track record, it was best I was far away from any Irish blokes.

Sunday we went to The Barras (the Glasgow market), where I poceeded to get ripped off again Last time it was perfume, this time it was CDs - I bought Damien Rice CD but all it does in my player is whir around at super high speed. I also bought 3 disc comilation of Best of the Legends. Too bad each CD has the same bloody tracks on it - so I have three copies of Disc 1. I wonder if someone else has three copies of Disc 3???

ON the bright side, I got an awesome deal on a jacket at LOGO. I have ability to look chic now.

I arrived home midday - very tired and somewhat smelly, only to find flat overrun by girls on ANti-Valentine campaign. Keri et al had baked cookies and were icing them with lovely little sentiments like 'Men Suck' and 'He's Just oOt That Into U'. Not suo sure this is way forward in celebrating love, but the cookies were yummy. We all sat around and watched a movie, which was most certainly NOT anti-love. In fact, it was about True Love, and is one of the only movies which has made me tearful. I, therefore, highly recommend the movie 'THE NOTEBOOK' to anyone who belives in love.

The End (for today)
Love, Shannon

Friday, February 11, 2005

Just a quickie today as I've already been to lunch at the restaurant, but refrained from temptaions being sold there and kept to my WW bread.

Just a few wee, random notes:

Schemida - I have not forgotten about you at all, it is just that i have nothing new to report that is not in my blog and I'd actually rather just give you a call than regurgitate blog postings in an email. On that note, can you please send me your phone number (again) to my UPEI email account (scourtney@upei.ca) and my hotmail account. (Cheers, and I hope all is well in Cal-Gary)

Congratulations to Gary & Rachel! !! Newlyweds of the months!!

Another good movie to watch - Ocean's 11 (please, for any film buffs out there who think my list of Good Movies List sucks, bear in mind that I am making recommendations for specific people)

We (Jen, Anne & I) are going on a wee trip this weeknd. It may or may not include Glasgow & castles. Have you noticed how I've replaced saying Jen, Keri & I, with Jen, Anne & I?? Yeah, I wish it was 'Jen, Keri, Anne & I'. Blah :(

K - back to work for me - more to mention on this particular note, but shan't say anything lest eyes be reading this..... (hehehe..that doesn't make much sense -ah well, apparently I am nonsensical)

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

OK - so Shrove Tuesday sounds more like it. Anyways, somehow I becaem the religious expert yesterday when people on team were asking what Lent was for (my v. basic thought/answer - to understand suffering that Jesus went through). And why for the period of time up to Easter ?? 'It is 40 days & 40 nights. Isn't that how long He went without food or water? Have any of you seen the movie with Josh Hartnett..its the same idea - big sacrifice in the name of something'. I don't know where/how I picked up these scant details, guess its al a bit pop culture these days.

In other news I booked my flight to Sweden - I leave the Wednesday before Easter and return the next Tuesday. I am flying into Stockholm and staying with Natasha (from PEI) in a small town nearby called Vasteras. Am going to spend next few weeks figuring out where I want to go in the country - definitely going to Karlskrona (sp?), where the university offers masters course in The Natural Step, as I believe that may just be the next step for me. It'll be interesting to see how the Swedes celebrate Easter - be they havne't got 1lb Allen Easter Bunnies (mental noet - ask/beg Jen to bring me back an Allen all for myself).

Went to see Ray last night - a biopic of Ray Charles. Excellent movie, although I must admit I always enjoy it more when you can really like the person and, well, you couldn't really like Ray a whole lot - he wasn't that nice to those that loved him. I have discovered however, that this is the reality of life - there are many people who take those who care about them for granted. So, in that respect, I do believe the movie did his life justice by portraying the good, the bad & the ugly.

One thing I got to thinking about during this rather long film was that no one really benefits from a long-running film. It costs more to produce, the cinema dosn't charge higher ticket prices and sometimes the cinema may be unable to play as many movies in that theatre in an evening. Audiences, in my experience, don't really enjoy a super long movie either-a movie is an investment in time and 3 hours is perhaps a bit too much for people who have to work, eat, etc.

So why do they do it??? I still don't know. All I can say is that Quentin Tarantino got it right when he sliced (pardon the pun) Kill Bill into two Volumes - twice the opporuntity for ticket sales and rentals, a captive audience, etc.

I used 'The Book' again. So very empowering. Details will not be forthcoming, but suffice to say I will be having hot chocolate with the girls tonight.

Possible Good Movies to Rent:

Dodgeball
Good Will Hunting
The Incredibles

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Today is pancake day...aka Trove Tuesday. I have yet to indulge myself and the chance of doing so before the day is out is quite slim. I will substitute candy for pancakes -tehy make a much more practical treat ot have at teh cinema don't they? A bag of pick & mix canDy or a plate of pancakes soaked in maple syrup?

Right, so it would seem I missed posting Weekend Review yesterday. This is becuase I was on an Induction course. Yep, only 7 months after I start working here I get introduced to who it is I am really working for and what I can get at the restaurant for less than 50 p (soup, a hot dessert, a roll, a can of pop, etc.). Yah. It was very exciting. It did not, howver, compare to my 3-day induction at AIB where we were taken out for lunch every day and played games in which the winner got a stuffed animal. I accumulated 3 stuffed animals - apparently I am good at thinking outside the box and solving brain teasers, but suck at details like 'What country has a currency called the Rand?'

Anyways, as for the weekend:

Saturday evening I headed out with Anne for a ceilidh. Teh ceilidh was in support of cricket team, on whom one of our friends )OK, I'd only met him once before really) played. Brad brought along two of his fellow country people - so it was 3 Aussies & two Canadians - we were all wearing skirts. The ceilidh was fantastic- it took place in an old gym. The band was a sight in itself - all older people, the keyboardist was definitely on a pension and looked rather adorable. Amongst the dances that were calle out was a Canadian Barn Dance (yes, yes that is just how we aer seen over here - all igloos and barns, I swear). Anyway, it was like no dance I had ever done in Canada, but was good fun anyways! Half way through the evening they took a break and fed everyone Stovies ( a plate of potatoes, corned beef & sausage in a white gravy..it was better to the taste than it was to the eye). Anne and I may have helped ourselves to seconds of the Vegetarian Curry. Well, we had been doing so much dancing, definitely compenstated for calories we were consuming!

Afterwards we went ot Drop Kick Murphy's - our new regular bar. I may have had a bit too much wine by this point, but in any case, the rest of the night was enjoyable. There is a slight chance I may have been seeking and getting quite a bit of attention. In an unrelated note, the guy I had went on a date with Wednesday was also there (in a kilt!). I have a feeling he will not be calling me again. Oops. Ah well - ke sera sera. I think I do things for a reason, even if I try to convince myself that is not the case.

Sunday afternoon, Jen & I went to the Festival Theatre to watch a show in celebration of the Chinese New Year (Year of the Rooster by the way). It was like a vairtey show, with kids and adults performing songs, dances and the such. The best, however, were the shows put on by the acrobatic team including - barrel acrobatics, hoop diving, clay pot balancing and hand to hand balancing. Absoltuely amazing - I can't even describe it.

Sunday night was just a relaxing night in. Watched the Virgin Suicides. Hmm..not exactly uplifting. Will try to think of some movie recs for those who have requeted it (aka Mom), bt if anyone else has movie recommendations please put them in the comments box. Maybe I'll compile a list or something, because I am just that ambitious (no, acutally because I like lists, they make the world easier to understand, but not people)

Tonight I am going to see Ray (finally), with my bag of Pick & Mix, oh and some friends.


Saturday, February 05, 2005

K - so I am spending my Saturday afternoon at an Internet cafe, but am using my laptop so is not so bad EXCEPT there are a group of people sitting far enough away - I think they are new to the country. There is one dude, however, who is definitely from here and he is LOUD. He is sooo loud. And he has been dominating conversation for the last hour and everything that comes out of his mouth is blah! You can tell he gets complete enjoyment out of being the most knowledgeable in the group - about Edinburgh anyways - he has a captive audience for his mediocre anecdotes and easily accessible knowledge (just visit any tourist info center). Sigh.

OK - random notes about things I forgot to mention earlier in the week/month:

I saw Sean Connery walking down Princes Street. I swear. I don't care if anyone believes me, I know what I saw.

God- that guy never shuts up and as a result, I cannot recall the other things I was going to say...

I spent the last hour looking for flights to Vasteras, Sweden. I was looking for cheap flights. Unfortunately, I couldn't find much in the super cheap range - I have to fly to London on EasyJet then take a RyanAir flight from there. I've narrowed it down to two choices - leave here on a Wednesday night, sleep in the airport and take off super early on Thursday morning, return on Tuesday OR fly out of here Thursday morning and arrive in Sweden rather late Thursday evening, leave same time Tuesday. The price differential is only about 10 pounds. I think I will take the Wednesday night option so I can have more time in Sweden. Now I only hope Natasha is there to take me in or I could come back very poor

Oh, oh I just remembered other crazy thing I was going to relate.

So, I was on the bus going home Wednesday and noticed this dude with a big backpack get on. Obviously a traveler. Me, being curious, decided to peek at his pack as I was making my way to front of bus to get off. Canadian flag patch was there. In strange moment of shyness I chose not to say anything, but did turn towards him so he could see the Canadian flag embroidered on my Roots backpack. Bait was taken. He asked where I was from. I said 'Prince Edward Island', because some people don't know where 'Peee I' is. And he says 'No Way'. Me, being slightly slow, took this as him being v impressed with fact he has met an Islander, us being such a rare breed. So, I am a bit taken aback when I ask where he is from and he says 'Charlottetown'. I should have known, the minute he spoke I thought he seemed familiar, but its just the accent that was familiar - an Island boy. He had only arrived on Saturday with his fiance and they are here for three months. We did the 'do you know' and of course came up with a common name - Miss Kelly Coffin. Crazy. Serendipity...Or is it Synchronocity.


And to my sister - that was my point in failed attempt at a book review - the author seemed to be attempting to create plot but was thinly veiled attempt to make social commentary, so he shouldn't have tried to create a plot in the first place, because then the insights could have taken the spotlight without any competition, even in the form of poor plot. All I am saying is that novel format was a poor choice.

Oh - and to those who have read Holy Blood, Holy Grail - apparently it was a big hoax - the Priory of Sion bit anyway. Three Frenchmen created the Dossiers, the details, etc. in ridiculous attempt to convince public that one of them was heir to some kingdom. There was no Priory of Sion until 1950s when these dudes created it themselves, one of them being from a town called Sion. And that is all I remember - God, I suck at remembering details.


In other news - was meant to go to ceilidh last night but didn't in the end. Instead I did a pub/bar crawl with Anne and Ailbhe and we ended up at the Walk About where fab band was playing. Lead singer came up to Ailbhe afterwards and proclaimed she was beautiful. Meanwhile I got attention from old men. Honestly, can't take that girl anywhere without, as Anne put it, being overshadowed (even though this would never happen as Ailbhe is so very petite I dobut she even has shadow!). OK - but big breakthrough here - Found out how old the old guy is . First, let me tel you - the old guy is this dude who is always there on Sat nights and usually bounds up on stage when Sweet child of Mine comes on. He dons this pair of Elvis sunglasses and plays a mean air guitar. I've always thought he was kind of cute, despite the gray hair,which I still insist was dyed! Anyways - everyone else thinks I am crazy and insisted he must be in his late thirties. Well, apparently he is 30. Not that it matters because Anne asked him right out and then said ' my friends have been trying to figure that out for 4 months!' LOL! I think she's trumped me in the lack of subtlety arena, but I do thank her for finally putting that question to rest!


Friday, February 04, 2005

OK, so what is new? Nada nada nada. But its Friday!! Yah!!

I am in love - with this book I have mentioned before 'He's Just Not That Into You'. Even though I only read it a month ago it has already saved me loads of time/thinking/worrying and surprisingly enough, increased my self-confidence and assurance that I like who I am and, well, screw it if someone else doesn't. That is their problem.

The best use I have had for advice from the book came one Saturday evening when I ran into a certain someone who I *may* have dated back in the summer. He was, as per ususal, enjoying a few bevies and trying to convince me not to leave with my flatmates from the bar we were at. Well, I left anyways and then he rang my mobile and was begging me to come back and I said ' Look, if you think I'm that much of a catch you can call me when you're sober'. And hung up. THat was empowering. And, of course, he didn't call. And, completely surprising, I really didn't care - one bit. I choose for the future to be treated well and respected all of the time - not just sometimes. And if someone can't get it together, well then, no matter what his reason, he clearly is not into me (it is the same thing if he is not that into himself because the result is the same...trust me, I know) .

Anyways, I am using this strategy for the future, cause my lack of strategy caused graet deal of pain in past...so in horrible segway..

I had pivotal 2nd date on Wednesday. For me, it is second date that usually determines whether there is anything worth pursuing. In this case, the answer is yes. Watch for more in the future.

Last night I watched a documentary called 'The Real Da Vinci Code' which basically explored the main historical facts purported in Dan Brown's bestseller and , essentially, dismissed almost all of them. THere is no Priory of Sion, there were no Cathar Nights, etc. The only real issue it did not completely dismiss related to Mary Magdalene.

Well, it wasn't exactly surprising that all the info was dismissed, but in the end I really don't think it matters a whole lot one way or the other - people will believe what they want to believe and this does not change history, but it may change our interpretation of history. If, indeed, people want to believe what is in Brown's book then maybe that is an indicator of what we don't want to believe, rather than what we really want to believe. Am i making sense? What I mean is, maybe we don't want to believe what has been dictated for 2,000 years, so maybe we are willing ot grasp onto any other theory that comes across as plausible.

I just finished reading the Celestine Prophecy. I don't know what to think of it. TO be honest, I didn't find it that intriguing, as a fictional piece. I felt the author was trying to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Quinn, who wrote Ishmael, by writing a novel to express his beliefs about spirituality. THe difference is that Ishmael had a voice, The Celestine Prophecy didn't. I finished that book with the feeling that I knew no more about the main character and his purpose than when I started the book and the attempt to create intrigue and a fast moving plot was not a great success. That being said, I thoroughly enojyed the concepts presented within the novel. Amazing stuff to ponder, I just think it could have been presented in a better format. So, in the end I do recommend reading it, just be aware that its main purpose is to communicate some extraordinary insights.

Wow - i am babbling - must go lunch is over!!




Wednesday, February 02, 2005

This is a little late, due to my being completely scatterbrained daughter. I didn't actually forget to call Mom, but, until today, I completely forgot to blog the annual event:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM (MUM) aka Terry! Wish I could have been there - you know I would have made a scrumptious supper and been obligated to bake a chocolate cake. A present is on its way (I could be sly and say that you will get pressie when you come over here, but you could be half a century before that happens!). Better late than never right?!?!

So - according to one co-worker I am 'fading away'. Given the time of year and my usual complexion, I could easily presume she was talking about my fair skin, but she wasn't. No, it seems I am wasting away to nothing - soon I'll be so thin I'll only have one side. Ha. That'll be the day (a fab Buddy Holly song BTW)

What is it with the restlessness of fellow flatmates??? OK, OK - I will admit that, on occassion, since returning here after Christmas I've been a bit restless myself, but I am pretty sure this is a seasonal condition and I have thus decided that I will not be making any big decisions regarding future until March at the earliest, April more likely. It's easy enough to get tired of routine - I think that is why we all left Canada in the first place, but having lived ina few cities now, I have come to conclusion that routine is inevitable unless you are a nomad. Of course, intial months in any place will be full of new adventures and excitement, but eventually you do settle into routine. The difference between routine here in Ediburgh and routine back on PEI is that routine here includes being UNROUTINE - doing new things and going new places on the weekends plus (and this is a big one) meeting new people!

Yeah - so on that note, I think I should go figure out flights for my trip to Sweden in March. I am looking forward to it .

I still haven't decided what to do tonight - I suggested a number of things, including skating (anne's idea), but that was nixed big time. I wonder, do Scottish people in general have a fear of ice and skates or is it this particular bloke's dislike/fear? Will be sure to find out tonight.

Blah - movie times here suck. Seriously - they are always on too early or too late, especially when one adds in advert tiem (20 mins) and considers that most movies today run at least 2 hours. in the case of Ray it is 2 hours and 22 mins plus 20 mins adverts. It doesn't start until 8.0 and is at least half hour trek from flat. Gads! I want my own cinema.

k - happy hump day.

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Not much to report today. I did manage to get to the movies (aka cinema to the Scots), but the only one playing at a decent time was Closer. I did want to see this movie..kind of, but was apprehensive about the subject matter - an emotional drama. Oooh..just what I need! It was sad and rather depressing. Great acting, but depressing. I don't think the screenwriter was inspired by great love....I think he (she?) was inspired by reality. Yeah. Woohoo for reality. It's so great to go to a film and leave with a sense that..even in the off chance that you find love, it will disappear or be screwed up by internal and external forces. Sigh. Luckily, I went home and watched Love Acutally - so realistic this film - especially Hugh Grant as Prime Miniser of Britain - single bloke who stands up to US President..uh huh.

I spent some of my lunch break trying to find something to do tomorrow night. Something to do that will impress person I am going out with. I mean, usually I am the one planning random/creative outings, as it is a necessity on PEI, but what can one do on a Wednesday night in February in a city she doesn't know all that well. Quiz Night? Karaoke? Bowling?!?!?! Good grief!

Ryanair has a seat sale on at the moment - I am tempted. But not that tempted. OK, I lie I am very tempted, luckily I have strong will.... *cough* *cough* Will wait until Jen & I decide when Paddywagon tour should be...

I have been doing a massive amount of training at work lately - being sick and on cold medicine hasn't really helped in the absorption of information. In any case, I am now 100% convinced that my talents lie in seeing the big picture and that I really am not a detail-oriented person. This is not to say I can't do details, but I'd rather be finding ways to encourage organisational change, increase efficiency and, in particular, better use of resources. Sigh. I miss university.