Monday, March 28, 2005

OK, so it would appear I have a lot of time on my hands today..I am in bloody Sweden and I am blogging..there is something wrong about that, but it can't really be helped and, to be honest, I don't really care - I've had a fab holiday and some downtime is definitely in order. OK, so I guess I'll give y'all the play by play but you can scoot down to the bottom of this entry for a short synopsis of Easter in Sweden!

Thursday

Met up with Natasha in front of (you guessed it) the ubiquitous McDonald's and we wandered, without map or destination, around Stockholm for the next SEVEN hours. It was a gorgeous day and Tash's advice to dress like I was in Canada was rather unnecessary. I was Sweating in Sweden. Stockholm is built on an archipelago (I've always wanted to use that word!) and so we island hopped. Citites with harbours rule. So do cities full of beautiful Swedish people, aside from the fact that one such as myself begins to get a complex... Anywho, Stockholm was great - my favorite area was Gamla Stan (the Old Town), with its cobblestone streets and quaint shops...the numerous candy stores were an added bonus :)

We headed back to Vasteras, which is about an hour outside of Stockholm and where Natasha is doing her 'studies' (quotations there because I soon learned that there is not much studying or learning involved in her programme). We spent the evening playing drinking games with some of the other international students, 1 Austrian girl and 2 Costa Rican guys -and let me say, that's another country I wouldn't mind visiting for the scenery ;) Natasha didn't represent Canada well in the drinking part - she may, in fact, be a cheaper drunk than half-pint Keri, but I made up where she was lacking, much to my regret the next day! A good night was had by all, but I did forfeit my early to bed plan... ah how I love travelling.

Friday

Anne arrived in Vasteras from Stockholm and Natasha hopped on the same train, headed for Helsinbourg. She planned to stay there for the weekend and left us with her keys (hehehe)! Anne and I spent Friday in Vasteras. We walked A LOT. It is 3 km from the city centre to Tash's residence. On Thursday I estimate I walked at least 20 km. On Friday I think I probably walked another 15 km. The plan was to get a ferry to one of the islands on the lake that Vasteras sits on. One wee problem - no ferries running - apparently ice is a bit of an impediment to water travel here. Boo!!! So we decided to head for the one island that is linked to the mainland by bridge and it was cool - just a nature walk, but really very nice and relaxing. Save, of course, for the constant pain in my legs.

Yeah, this has been an on-going problem since I arrived. See, I was sick for the two weeks prior to this trip so was on a short sabbatical from my usual gym routine. Then all of a sudden I'm walking massive amounts. My legs hate me, and I am not particularly fond of them. Gah!

Right, so after Bjourno Island we headed back to the residence and after a quick meal at the local pizzeria (i know, i know, but it was the only thing open!!) we just chilled out. I *may* have fallen asleep at 8.00. Whoops

Saturday

After little debate and much time getting ready in the morning (curse my hair and skin outbreak), we headed off to Örbero, which is an hour west of Vasteras on the train. No particular reason we chose this destination, other than it had a castle (Anne was intrigued by this. Personally, having lived in Scotland for ten months, I think I have seen enough castles to last me a lifetime). It was a really lovely, quaint town..much more picturesque than Vasteras and we stumbled upon an park where there were a bunch of little houses set up with craft displays, baking, etc. It was good and there was a free toilet there - always a bonus!!

Hmm...we returned to Vasteras around 5 and decided to check out the Old Town. After a little wander we decided it was time to make the long hike back to the residence. Suddenly I looked up and noticed a #19 bus across the street. After a quick check to make sure Anne was OK with paying the fare, we hopped on. The day before I had talked to a bus driver who advised that the #19 was the only bus that would go by the residence. Of course, in my hurry not to miss the bus (they don't wait around for anyone here), I kind of forgot to check that it would be going in the right direction. Of course, it wasn't. We were headed in the opposite direction and people were piling off of the bus until, suddenly, it was just me and Anne. The bus driver turned round and asked where we were going and when I told him, he mumbled something then said 'I will show you'. He started driving and, after a few seconds I realised we were getting chaffeured to our destination cause he wasn't stopping anywhere and had hauled his rig onto the high way. I contained my hysterics. Natasha would never believe this - she had carreid on about how the Swedish were not friendly and bus drivers would run you over if you made them even a minute late. And here we were getting driven back to our residence, totally off the bus route.

The bus driver pulled up near our residence and opened the doors. We thanked him and hopped off. I was already bursting with laughter but then, as Anne and I were walking away i heard a loud crunch and clang. Looking back I realised the driver had decided to do a 3 point turn on teh road nad had backed into a lamp post. He pulled ahead then backed into it again. Honestly, I couldn't help but laugh..until Anne told me he had damaged the back of his bus (without my glasses on I was convinced the lampost had suffered all the damage). Anyways, so that was that - Swedish hospitality at its best. Perhaps that's why they don't like to help out all the time...

Sunday

Anne & I woke up at 8.30 and decided we would aim to get to the 10.54 train to Stockholm because the next one after that was at 12.54. We wanted as much time as possible in the capital before Anne had to head back to Skvasta airport. Unfortunately, as I was eating my cereal at 9.45 one of the other resident's reminded me to put my clock ahead an hour. I informed him I had already adjusted my watch to local time when I was on the plane here. He shook his head and tried to tell me again that the time had changed, but I was insistent that I had already adjusted my watch. Then he pointed at the time on the t.v. screen and I thought 'oh shit'. Bloody daylight savings time..screwed me up when I was in France and now it was screwing me up in Sweden. Suffice to say our time in Stockholm was shortened considerably. On the plus side, at least we discovered before Anne's flight was gone...

Stockholm with Anne was a bit different than Stockholm with Natasha - namely because Natasha tends to talk your ear off and Anne tends to be rather introspective. I think I am a happy medium. I like to think I am anyways. Í saw many of the same sights I had when I was there on Thursday, with one big exception. Anne and I ended up going to the Viking Museum, where there was a real Vkiing warship on display. It was in perfect condition, considering it was 400 years old. Basically it had sunk as it was leaving the harbour on its maiden voyage, so it had never been to sea. It was preserved by the silt that it was lying in and was raised in 1961. It was amazing and the rest of the museum's exhibits were v interesting. After a very quick sushi dinner I said goodbye to Anne and bided my time until I could get back to Vasteras. And that's it. Sweden so far..


The Short Version of That:

I did a lot of walking, ate a lot of candy, saw some old buildings and enjoyed Stockholm whilst listening to Natahsa complain about everything from the schools here to the people here to the food. Met up with Anne, toured Vasteras and went on a nature walk. Visited a town with a castle and a very nice park. Was chaffeured home by a Swedish bus driver who may be in trouble as a result of running into a lamp post after he dropped us off. Forgot to 'leap into spring' and missed traint o Stockholm. Toured Stockholm again and saw an amazing Viking ship.


The Other News

OK, so my second purpose for coming to Sweden was to determine whether it would be feasible-worthwhile for me to study her. The program I want to do is only offered in Sweden, in a town on the South coast. Well, Natasha quickly dispelled any romantic ideas I might ahve ahad about education in Sweden or living in Sweden. While the schooling may be free, it seems that the quality of education is compromised... None of the students I ahve met seem particularly enthralled with their classes and most of them find school to be a bit of a joke. The standards are basically not on par with other countries and the term 'Masters degree' may very well be more like an Honours degree (which, thank you, I already have). The most disappointing discovery, however, is that student jobs are basically non-existent. Students, as a rule, do not work while studying and jobs are so scarce that those who do work generally do something like deliver newspapers. Hmm--there is no way I can live in an expensive country like this without working for nine months.

So I'm going to move to Belfast instead. Hehe. OK, well that's just a thought- but one I am giving a great deal of thought to. Don't get me wrong, i love Edinburgh, but with everyone on the brink of leaving, me thinks I best start considering what I want from my two year visa in the UK. And another chance in Ireland might just be up my alley. If I can only convince Shields to join me.

Ah, but summer will be spent in Edinburgh, no doubt about that. So, if you're planning to visit , best make it in the summer, when you'll be guaranteed a spot in our livingroom.....

That was a damn long blog entry. Good thing I am in no hurry to go anywhere today. In fact, I have too much time on my hands at the moment. Maybe I will go do something....

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Well, I've made it here safe and sound. The duct tape on those Ryanair wings held fast! I've just spent the night in an extremely luxurious hostel which has been furnished entirely by IKEA. In fact, they have the same drinking glasses here as we have in our flat (due to ur landlord's affection for IKEA). Now I am just killing time on Free Internet (score!), before I go meet Natasha - fellow Islander and adventurer. Basically I know something crazy is going to happen today or over the weekend because I am in Natasha McKinnon's company. yah! I love crazy things!

So first impressions of Sweden (bear in mind tht I arrived at airport at 9.30 last night, bussed it 100 km to Stockholm, landed at my hostel and , afetr eating a delicous apple promptly fell to sleep)

  • There are WAY too many McDonald's here.
  • There are PLENTY of tall, lean, gorgeous people here.
  • By 'people', I refer to equal numbers of men & women..so, yeah, the competition is equally
  • This nation is so clean - the streets are clean, the buildings are clean, the people are clean. Mr Clean would feel right at home here
  • The men here look more er, 'natural'. It was recently brought t my attention by Jen that when she went home to Canad it was nice to see normal guys, rather than guys whose hair is multi-colored, in a mullet or spikd up in a rather disturbing style. Yeah, the men here have normal hair (i.e. does not look like it is having an erection) and damn it looks good on them!!
  • Everybody speaks Englash - some of the adverts are even in English
  • Everything about this place speaks of efficiency - I have a feeling Swedes are less likely to wile their time away at the local pub watching footie . I imagine, of course, that they spend their leisure time fishing for their next dinner, trekking across wild terrain and looking very rugged while doing so.

In conclusion - I am in a clean, efficient country full of beautiful people. What's a gal to do?

In other travel notes I have, once again, taken to eating copious amounts of junkfood, reassured by the yet unproven (but entirley plausible) theory that caloris consumed while travelling are immediately burned off. In fact, I am pretty sure that 300 gram Milka chocolate bar I bought will create a deficit in my calorie intake for today...I will, of course, have to eat copious amounts of Swedish delicacies to make up for net loss of calories...

My hair does not travel well - that is to say, my hair 'style' is not exactly hostel-friendly. Actually, come to think of it, my hair style is not friendly in a lot of cases - lest of all for any one daft enough to try and whisper in my ear. The only result being that they are poked in the eye by my rather hard hair. Anyways, I am coping so far, will see how the rest of the weekend goes. It should be noted however, that I was at a cafe last week, which I frequent about once a month and the women behind the counter started talking to each other. One had commented to the other that she loved my hair and the other had replied that it ALWAYS looked good :) Evidently she has never seen me in the morning - only Keri, Jen and a few others are privy to the knowledge that I look like an absolute freak when my hair is not glued up ith amazing amount of hair stuff!

Keri is vacating 4H Canon street soo :( Actually, whilst I am enjoying my holiday in Sweden, our new flatmate will be taking up residence in my wee room! Kelly Coffin (yep, another Islander) is arriving in Edinburgh on Good Friday (is there any other kind of Friday?) and will be our new amusement. My main responsibility will be to ensure that Kelly finds herself in as many pubs and bars as possible over the next month or so and that she become knowledgable about the different (ie better) social scene over here...

I am reading a book called 'Round Ireland with a Fridge' by Tony Hawks - a hilarious travelogue that really, really makes me regretful I didn't explore more of Ireland when I lived there. Aye, but there are always holidays..and there's always Northern Ireland. I am getting too comfortable after all.

Well, best be on my way to meet Tash now. Not sure when I will next have Internet access or time to blog, so if I don't get another chance to do so I'll wish you all a Happy Easter!!!

Monday, March 21, 2005

I feel like my head is detached from the rest of my body..flotaing somwhere up there...way high up. Ah..you gotta love cold medicine...the square/poor/sick person's ticket to elation.

K..so I've been sick for the last few days, but somehow made it work today, only to find, apparetnly, I don't look too good. Comments ranged from 'you look so pale' to 'you look rather flushed'. And NO, I did not apply blusher between time these comments were made. Anyways, Emily assured me I didn't loo THAT bad. Hmmmm. Mental note not to look in mirror tonight.

So, I am off to Sweden in two days! Crazy hectic - got some of it sorted , like my hostel and bus to Glasgow, but most of it is still 'unplanned'. I am refraining from going into manic overdrive planning mode like I 'may' be known to do on occassion. All I want from this trip is some R& R..and maybe to meet a Swede of the male persuasion.

K...well that's it for now, bloody Internet cafe. Hope all is well..catch ya in Scandinavia (hopefully!)

Thursday, March 17, 2005

OK, so that's two days in a row I've been stood up for lunch. Yesterday it was becasue Emily had a sinus infaction and didn't come to work at all (funnily enough, however, she was at our flat later that night giving fortunes. Today Helene left work early..again due to sickness. See, this what happens when one decides to be social and interact..one faces rejection. And everyone knows I don't handle rejection so well! Really though, I should probably be home too as I've been sick for about a week now - nothing that would cause me to be bed-ridden, but general lack of energy combined with cough, congestion adn most recently a headache. Ah, but I'm a 'trooper' as they'd say here at work. To translate - I am fearful of calling in sick..even when I genuinely am (b/c that's the only time I would call in sick anyways!)

On a happier note - I am now 110% sure that that thing I was stressing about majorly for the past week and half is nul & void. No worries! Phew, I am so relieved. (insert v audible sigh of relief)

Oh right - how could I forget? HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May the luck of the Irish be with you, because I certainly never had any luck with the Irish :) Um, yeah no one is wearing green today - well, no more than usual. I guess that's because I am in Scotchland.

So, Miss Jennifer MacPhail returned from Canadia on Tuesday and I have since been reunited with Allan. Oh, how I missed him - constantly thought of him and now intend to savour every bit of him. Mmmmm...milk chocolate bunnies rule!

Last night Jen, Anne, Beth & I went to see the musical, Chicago. It was fantastic! Oh how I wish I could dance or sing or just look sexy on stage. Yeah, any or all of those talents would be great. As Anne noted ' the leather trousers on the male dancer, that in itself was worth the price of the ticket!'

I am getting excited about my trip to Sweden - I leave next Wednesday and am back on the following Tuesday evening!!!! Admittedly I am also a bit nervous, it's been over a year since I did my Europe trip and I'm not sure I'm goign to be able to rough it as well as I did then. Yeah, I'm getting old :)

Argh! There are downsides to sitting at one's desk during lunch!

OH ,BTW I am still working on surprise - t has been slightly delayed due to Shannon Stress and Sickness that have monopolised my mind over past week and a half. Rest assured it will be up before the next tax year ends.

Did I mention it is 15 degrees here? Lovely spring weather - lots of sunshine and little rain!

K, well best get back to work! Blah. Email me please and thank you.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

K- I was supposed to upload photos today. Whoops. Blame messenger and Jen! I will do my best to upload some more pics to My Pics by tomorrow.....

The Welsh Accent is something...very similar to Will Ferrel doing some odd character on SNL. The city is crawling with Welsh men, thanks to 6 Nations Rugby. This, of course, meant male to female ratios were completely out of whack at bars last night. Not that I was complaining.... except when some guy literally yanked his boxers out of his pants (like Owen Wilson in Zoolander) and some other bloke decided that putting them in a girl's face was a good idea. And that girl happened to be me. Yeah, can't say the impressed me much or at all. Actually it disgusted me immensely and when I jerked me head back in protest I whammed right into Emily's forehead. Classy lads, really know how to impress the women or cause them serious injury.

Jen & I have booked flights to Spain! We are flying into Valencia on April 28th, from there I think we will head north and into south France. I am debating possibility of heading back from Carcasonne, France via Dublin (cause that's the only flight route Ryanair takes!) and possibly touring Ireland (since I didn't get around to it in the bloody six months that I lived there!! Then again, afer warmth and exoticness of Spain and France will I really want to end holiday in the Emeral Isle? Ah well, will see...mental note - travelling does cost money Shannon - you have to remember this.

Yep, so as previously mentioned....crazy busy for the next few weeks...I have a feeling life in general is going to be madly complicated and possibly go off the rails over next few months, what with possible departure of roommates and friends who have been here for awhile along with arrival of new friends from home!

Right..well this was only supposed to be a note to say that surprise is stil in the works....promise it wil be up before I leave the country (for good!).

Friday, March 11, 2005

Friday is here at last! This has been the longest week ever, despite only 4 days of work! Time creeping by is due solely to my being completely stressed out about something I probably have no reason to be stressed out about. Ah, but that's my way....

Anyways, its the beginning of a new weekend! Yah!! NExt few weeks are going to be CRAZY! Here are some of the plans:
1. Chicago (the musical, not the AMerican city)
2. St Patrick's Day ( go green )
3. Rugby ceilidh (can't wait to see Grand doing the polka polka)
4. SWEDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :):):):) Good teims assured with Ms Natasha McKinnon as hostess with the mostess!
5. Easter - reason to eat chocolate
6. New roommate moves in!

K - I have ot clock back in at work - there is not enough cover..boo!! Will write more tomorrow (was going to write a little list of things that are different about living alone)

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

I think I am coming down with something. Oh, who am I kidding, I know I am!?! I should have taken today off work, but that would have looked a bit too convenient wouldn't it?? I will note, however, that I have been sick more often since I started this job than ever before in my life..Coincidence or correalation??? Hmmmm.

OK, so I skipped the gym today and decided to drop by Internet Cafe for quick perusal of infor about Sweden. Ha, not a chance. HAven't made it past Hotmail and Blgger yet. Know I won't.

I decided my blog is becoming a bit boring/hgeavy, due to my recent state of mind, thus am making an attempt to lighten it up here and now by doing one of those completely spontaneous list things that Jen is able to pull of with such skill..

Completely random thoughts and observations to follow:

1. Today is International Women's Day. I will eat chocolate in celebration of my gender.
2. According to weigh-in at my nutrition class I have lost 4.4 lbs since last Tuesday, according to scale at home I have lost 1 pound. I would like to believe first number, but have to believe second.
3. Mother's Day is called Mothering Day over here and is celebrated on March 6th.
4. I am learning how to be cheeky. It's fun!
5. I spent £10 on a Thai meal Sunday night. I could have flown half way to London or Dublin for the same amount.
6. How is it that airports sell glass bottles and dangerous pens INSIDE the security area, but insist upon taking away your only pair of tweezers?
7. Jamie Oliver's School Lunches rules!! It is the only thing good on non-pay T.V. here. Well, that and the Simpsons of course...
8. Silver is an extreemly popular car colour
9. I am Leo, apparently my best partner would be a Sagitarrius. A Leo-Leo match would be 'an uphill struggle'. Hmm...astrology kind of throws me for a loop...
10. I am an ENFJ - aparently my best presonality match is an INTP or ENTP. Aparently they make up something like 3% of the population.
11. Around The World in 80 Dates, by Jennifer Cox, is a great read.
12. There are 5 containers of margarine in our fridge
13. Is it wrong to be annoyed by someone's laugh?????
14. Why does it always seem the seat beside me on the bus is the last one taken? Am I intimdating, taking up too much room?? What's up.
15. Get Fuzzy is great cartoon - glad I got the calendar as it is nice start to the day.
16. Jen MacPhail is fun, fun, fun. I hope she gets her Mickey ears,she deserves it.
17. Why do I always like cooking when I am sick? Urge to bake tonight is overwhelming.
18. My time on Internet is low - must go.

Hope that was a little lighter (like me minus 2 kg!)
I think I am coming down with something. Oh, who am I kidding, I know I am!?! I should have taken today off work, but that would have looked a bit too convenient wouldn't it?? I will note, however, that I have been sick more often since I started this job than ever before in my life..Coincidence or correalation??? Hmmmm.

OK, so I skipped the gym today and decided to drop by Internet Cafe for quick perusal of infor about Sweden. Ha, not a chance. HAven't made it past Hotmail and Blgger yet. Know I won't.

I decided my blog is becoming a bit boring/hgeavy, due to my recent state of mind, thus am making an attempt to lighten it up here and now by doing one of those completely spontaneous list things that Jen is able to pull of with such skill..

Completely random thoughts and observations to follow:

1. Today is International Women's Day. I will eat chocolate in celebration of my gender.
2. According to weigh-in at my nutrition class I have lost 4.4 lbs since last Tuesday, according to scale at home I have lost 1 pound. I would like to believe first number, but have to believe second.
3. Mother's Day is called Mothering Day over here and is celebrated on March 6th.
4. I am learning how to be cheeky. It's fun!
5. I spent £10 on a Thai meal Sunday night. I could have flown half way to London or Dublin for the same amount.
6. How is it that airports sell glass bottles and dangerous pens INSIDE the security area, but insist upon taking away your only pair of tweezers?
7. Jamie Oliver's School Lunches rules!! It is the only thing good on non-pay T.V. here. Well, that and the Simpsons of course...
8. Silver is an extreemly popular car colour
9. I am Leo, apparently my best partner would be a Sagitarrius. A Leo-Leo match would be 'an uphill struggle'. Hmm...astrology kind of throws me for a loop...
10. I am an ENFJ - aparently my best presonality match is an INTP or ENTP. Aparently they make up something like 3% of the population.
11. Around The World in 80 Dates, by Jennifer Cox, is a great read.
12. There are 5 containers of margarine in our fridge
13. Is it wrong to be annoyed by someone's laugh?????
14. Why does it always seem the seat beside me on the bus is the last one taken? Am I intimdating, taking up too much room?? What's up.
15. Get Fuzzy is great cartoon - glad I got the calendar as it is nice start to the day.
16. Jen MacPhail is fun, fun, fun. I hope she gets her Mickey ears,she deserves it.
17. Why do I always like cooking when I am sick? Urge to bake tonight is overwhelming.
18. My time on Internet is low - must go.

Hope that was a little lighter (like me minus 2 kg!)

Monday, March 07, 2005

Keri and Jen have left, heading East and West respectively. Keri’s ‘doing’ Eastern Europe with planned stops in Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Krakow. Jen has headed home for, in her words, ‘the most important job interview of her entire life’. That’s right folks, the opportunity to work as a waitress at the Canadian pavilion in DISNEY WORLD doesn’t come around every day. In any case, best of luck to both of them on their adventures. Fingers crossed that Keri will remember my request for Milka chocolate bars and Jen will have room for my Got 2 B Glued styling products.

So, um, yeah, I am left to my own devices as of today. Funnily enough , though, I’ve discovered over the last couple of months that presence of sane minds (i.e. Jen) has never really discouraged me from using my devices. Ahem. Oops.

OK, well my weekend is only half over as I am taking Monday off in flex-time (the one and only benefit of my Dolly Parton 9-5 job). It’s already been eventful enough to blog about and planned eventfulness still to come…

Friday evening us gals (and Anne’s sidekick, Brad), headed out to a ceilidh. I didn’t know any more details about the ceilidh, save for that it was 3 pounds in and in aid of the tsunami relief fund. Dancing for a good cause, what could be better? So I donned my new skirt, some lace stockings and a simple black top. Hey, if there was any chance there would be men in kilts at the ceilidh, I certainly wasn’t going to be in trousers! Anyways, about ten minutes before we left Keri revealed that is was a FAMILY ceilidh that had been advertised at Beth’s church. Oh dear. I was NOT dressed for a family affair (in fact it turned out to be like some old family wedding where you feel a horrible urge to do the chicken dance). Anyways, with no time, or desire for that matter, to change, we headed out – Beth, Jen, Keri, Anne, Emily (our token American friend), Brad (token Aussie friend) and Shannon (just a token).

The place kind of reminded me of the Legion back home. At each table there were trays full of pretzels, crackers, etc. The crowd was rather mixed, ranging from probably 3 years old to 83. Mostly families and couples, with a few girls who, evidently, had been as uninformed as myself as to the appropriate attire for the eve. Anyways, the ceilidh was good fun, as per usual. My fav, however, was when we did a Russian circle dance which I can’t even begin to describe. There was also the Canadian barn dance..Anyways, after the raffle draw we decided to head out, but not before Jen snagged a container of candy that had been innocently sitting by the doorway all night (we’d been informed earlier that it was for the kiddies..how fair is that????) Kids get so many perks.

Right, so some of us gals headed to the Walk About to catch the last couple of hours worth of dancing. There was, as it turned out, a kick ass band playing. They happened to be from Ireland, although their name, ‘Blue Moose’, seemed Canuck-inspired. It was only later I learned the name was inspired by, er, a ‘special’ film. Anyways, the band eventually called it a night and the DJ played the usual Walk About tunes for the final hour. We were getting ready to leave at closing time when some dude from the band came over and invited us to go to the ‘nightclub’ upstairs. I put nightclub in quotations there because it really doesn’t deserve that distinction. Anyways, Emily & I decided that perhaps it was just a bit too early to be going home, so we stayed. Damn me and my weakness for Irishmen…Anyway, the band was great and, since I’ve not added any links to my blog in awhile, and am in the business of promoting good things and dissing bad things, I’ve put up a link to their website. OR-iginal music is where it’s at…

Saturday I didn’t do much other than laundry, groceries and napping, as I needed to conserve energy for the evening. Jen & I ended up heading to the Iglu bar with Anne to catch up with the lacrosse team and our 3 fav Calgarians. It was a really cool bar with some nice, mellow live music. Eventually we headed out for some dancing at a Mexican-inspired club that is pretty close to our place. Home and in bed by two, I needed to catch up on my sleep. Jen, however, is nuts. She had a flight early this AM, so just stayed up through the night. Of course, there was the whole packing thing, which she had yet to do….

And that’s that. The gals are gone, and I still have almost two days of freedom before it’s back to the office. Plans include going to see a film called The Last Waltz, which is from 1978 – it is The Band’s farewell concert and is directed by Martin Scorcese so suspect it will be good. Anne and I will then endeavour to have a delicious meal at a Thai restaurant. Tomorrow I am hosting a dinner party for some friends – planned menu includes Chicken Pot Pie and Apple Crisp.

OK am still working on my surprise for everyone who reads this. Will aim to have it up by the end of the week…

Hmm..you’d think that would be the end of this post, but no! I wrote this post at home with all intentions of posting when I got to Internet café and logged on to wireless Internet – snag in plans, however, as wireless Internet not available..my transaction was declined. Slightly concerned this may mean I am in the trouble with the credit card people again, but I can’t see how…sigh.

It is a gorgeous day out – like a lovely May day back home…so much for the wind and rain that is apparently never-ending during the winter months. We’ve had a few centimetres of snow, although by the way everyone here reacts, you’d think we had a couple of feet of snow!

OK, this post is getting too long and rather yawny, will go work on my surprise now. Stay 2uned.

Oh - BTW, thanks for the advice re: jobs and Sweden. I will let you know how I fair on both accounts!

This week alone is extremely important to me. I am pretty sure that by the end of it, I will have a lot of things sorted out in my head and heart. This may, of course, result in my doing something rather unexpected...

Thursday, March 03, 2005

My name is Shannon Courtney, this is my blog. There, that should keep Google happy.

So um yeah, I'm starting to get a bit social at work, whihc, by default means I am not at my desk at lunch writing blog posts. Not to worry though, I am banging away on the laptop in the evenings - my fingers nearly numb at the tips from lack of heat/circulation. I have a special treat in store- kind of like the McDonald's Treat of the Week, but better (not with fries though, sorry).

OK - so here's my most current dilmena (constant heartache aside):

There is a posting for a job in my company that I think I would be much more suited to - it is as an Investment Writer, which means preparing publications/newsletters/etc. for the Asset Management area of ScotEq. OK OK, admittedly I have focussed entirely on the writing part of the job description - my knowledge of the investment world being rather limited (apologies to Sean Hennessey but in my defense I have no money to invest). o, yeah I'd love to apply even though I am quite sure I'm not qualified enough, but I have ot get my manager's signature. I don't think I can for two reasons: 1. they've just got me trained up to work on the team, so they would have to go recruit someone else 2. I haven't been able to demonstrate any of my communication skills in present job, in fact, if anything I have demonstrated my weaknesses in a big way (I'm sorry but repetitive, detailed work just is not for me).

The other possible opportunity is to apply for a receptionist position with a small advertissng agency. Afriend of mine is currently working there and describes it as super fun - so nice to be around creative people and teh office itself is a fabulous loft. It also happens to be within walking distance of my flat and the pay happens to be better.and, most importantly, I think it would do wonders for my sanity.

Any thoughts/opinions - apps for both jobs have to go out by next Tuesday so I need response asap from you all. IN return I will give you more to read so you can have a good night's rest.

Cheerios

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

So..yeah. I am stuffed - yogurt with hazelnuts!?!? what an odd combo, but filling and supposedly healthy. Speakingof healthy - I had another reading of my Body Comp this week and apparently I am not (healthy that is!). Have been sliding since June 2004. Time to get back on track

Anyways,this is just a short post to declare that I have come to a conclusion:

My blog is getting rather boring. I attribute this to fact that I am,. 90% of the time, light-headed and completely unable to access creativity. I blame this 100% on my job. I will endeavour to do better - I have a few different plans to improve my state of mind.

Later alligators