Last summer, I bought a new, six foot tall bookshelf. I am really proud of my bookshelf, as it is not secondhand, or old, or cheap, and is super nice. I thought it would take me ages to fill it. I was wrong.
There are six shelves. The bottom shelf is half full of DVDs (CSI Vegas, Miami, New York, should have Gilmore Girls, but it disappeared) and the other half is full of hardcover books. The shelf above is filled with DVDs (Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Bones, Office, Pushing Dasies, Veronica Mars, Modern Family, Glee, Chuck, and assorted movies). The shelf above that one is full of hardcover or full sized paperback novels, and the two above that one are filled with pocket sized paperbacks. The top shelf has a few picture albums in it, but if it gets too full, the cat will flick everything off of it.
When I first got my bookshelf, I collected all my books from the nooks and crannies of my house, got very creative, and managed to fit everything in. Since then, I have had to get increasingly more creative. In the last couple months since I last reorganized the bookshelf, I have probably bought an extra thirty or so books that are not going to fit on the bookshelf.
I am quite unapologetic about liking romance novels- I am guaranteed my happy ending, and most of the authors I like are guaranteed to get me to laugh. Some recommendations from my bookshelf:
Lisa Kleypas: I own her entire backlist. She writes funny stories and her female characters have minds of their own. Most of her novels are set in Regency England, though her contemperary series is super good and each book explores a different issue (Sugar Daddy, Blue Eyed Devil, and Smooth Talking Stranger). Her Wallflower Series is excellent (all four titles have seasons in the titles), followed by the Hathoway series, which I think is better than the Wallflower series, but to have the timeline in order, read the Wallflower series first. The Hathoway series titles all have times of day in the title. Dreaming of You is also excellent.
Julia Quinn: I also own her entire backlist. She also writes funny stories set in the Regency timeperiod with strong female characters- the Bridgerton series is excellent. When I read her books, I am often laughing out loud.
JK Rowling- Who doesn't love Harry Potter? (And here you thought it would all be romances.) I love the detailed world and funny side characters and journey that Harry takes through the books.
Robyn Carr- The Virgin River series, while perhaps needing some editing to cut out some excess detail, is enjoyable, and always an autobuy for me. This is a series about a small northern California town and the romances often have the townspeople being side characters.
Kristin Hannah- While she is a midlist author and it is hard to find any of her books that aren't recently out, I enjoy her contemperary stories, usually set in a small town with characters that are deeply attached to their (often dysfunctional) families.
Diana Gabaldon- LOVE LOVE LOVE her stories. It requires a certain amount of committment to read- it usually takes me a few days to get through one when most take me a few hours, but the main characters are so likeable, and the historical details so detailed, and the supporting characters just as likeable, and a story that doesn't shirk from the unhappy side of life. Not recommended for people who don't like long stories or people who don't like reading about bad things happening to good people. Recommended to everyone else.
Nora Roberts- I don't have her whole backlist. However, her stories are always enjoyable, and but I especially love her Bride series (easily recognized by the bridal themed covers) about a group of friends who own a wedding planning company together.
Candace Camp- Another funny Regency era author with strong female characters (sense a theme yet?) Definately an auto-buy for me.
Sabrina Jeffries- Very well written characters and well developed plots, and also an autobuy for me. Her School for Hieresses series is very good, I am in the middle of collecting that one now.
I also have a bunch of Linda Lael Miller and Susan Mallory books. I have also just been introduced to Anne Gracie and Celeste Bradley who I am enjoying very much. Laura collects Karen Kingsbury novels and I want to get Dee Henderson's O'Malley series.
See why we lack the space? Most of these authors we buy every book for and have their entire backlist. Next time I arrange the bookshelf I will have to get super creative.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010
I haven't been very consistant in my blogging this year, but I think 2010 is a year that deserves some sort of written retrospective. It was a pretty good year, even if there was a lot of changes. Highlights include:
- Graduating university and finally being done my Bachelor of Social Work!!
- Being more financially independant
- All my travelling- I was on thirteen planes this year, three of them today. I really took advantage of being able to travel and went to all the camps this year and was in Carolina for the first time and saw the Atlantic Ocean for the first time.
- Even though I had a lot of job uncertainty this year- my awesome social work position ended- I was never unemployed and have a really good jobwhich allows me the flexibility to do the things I wanted to do this year.
- A year which while it included challenges (such as flu (my vomit free streak ended), or when my dad was sick) finally did not include a tragedy for me personally.
- I love my family, friends, and pets. :)
Looking forward to 2011? I want a social work job. I want to get a reliable car. It would be nice to develop a relationship, though if that isn't in God's plan, I am happy without. I'd like to get a Wii. I'd like to do more travelling. I'd like to reduce my debt.
And now there is a survey for year end that I will add at the end.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before? I went to Carolina and saw the Atlantic Ocean. I finished my degree.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did keep my resolution- to finish university. I have goals, but nothing I would call a resolution.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, everyone seems to have a baby.
5. What countries did you visit? The United States. In fact, I was there today.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Hmmm.... I have had some form of everything I want for next year- social work job- had one. Car- have a not-so-reliable one. Relationship- well sure, but I am fine without.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? July- Going to Carolina Camp
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Graduating university.
9. What was your biggest failure? Nothing huge.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I had the flu a couple times and threw up in a flower garden once.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Scores of airline tickets
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Babies and their cuteness- there are so many cute babies!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? No one.
14. Where did most of your money go? tuition and airline tickets.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Seeing the Atlantic Ocean
16. What song will always remind you of 2010? Possibly Beautiful Disaster or Love the Way You Lie. I like sad songs
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer? a)happier. b)fatter. c) poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?risk taking
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? bubble town maybe
20. How will you be spending Christmas?we spent it at the condo with my mom and dad
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?no, though I fell into several crushes
22. How many one-night stands? none, that's wrong and disrespectful to me
23. What was your favorite TV program? How I Met Your Mother and Chuck
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? no
25. What was the best book you read?I have read hundreds of books, so no idea
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Glee
27. What did you want and get? a degree and travel
28. What did you want and not get? a dishwasher
29. What was your favorite film of this year? Tangled
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 24 and I went to Saskatchewan for church camp so did not have a celebration. Watch out for 25 though!
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? more
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Show off your assets, and dress professionally.
33. What kept you sane? my extensive DVD collection
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? none, I cannot do celebrety crushes since the James Blunt debacle
35. What political issue stirred you the most? municipal election
36. Who did you miss? my dad and grandpas
37. Who was the best new person you met? do not know
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010. Sieze the moment!
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. You sing a sad song just to turn it around
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friends and Careers
Gosh, I have been terrible at blogging.... However, I saw I had a comment and that encouraged me to write the next post so here we go...
During the ten years that Friends ran, all six main characters faced many professional dilemmas, and in some cases they also faced the question of choosing work or personal life.
Rachel's character underwent the most transformation throughout the series. In the pilot, Rachel ran away from her own wedding to an orthadontist, and from her plan of becoming a housewife. She had not yet left the home and her father's funds, and was planning on having her husband then supply her with funds, never being independant. However, when she left home, she began working as a waitress and learning how to be independant. She and Ross began their relationship when she was at that job, and though there was some discussion over her lack of a professional job- "just a wiatress"- they seemed to be fairly happy with this arrangement. Joey and Chandler encouraged Rachel to pursue her dream of a career in fashion, and Rachel gets a job as an assistant at Bloomingdales, which takes a great deal of her time and energy. Ross is disturbed by this, and is jealous that Rachel spends a lot of time with her male coworker Mark, which eventually leads to their breakup. I find it interesting that Ross and Rachel's relationship problems only begin after she finds a job that she cares about. After some time, Rachel's department is dissolved and she once again has an entry level position. She then interviews for a position at Ralph Lauren, which she gets. Rachel's experiences at Ralph Lauren provide an interesting illistration of gender and sexuality in the workplace- she worries she only got a second interview because of an accidental kiss in the first interiview, she is excluded from decisions made during smoking breaks, there is a flurry of workplace gossip on whether or not Rachel is sleeping with the boss, Rachel crushes on and then dates her young male assistant, Rachel ends her maternity leave early because she worries that the man who has taken over her duties will be preferred above her, and finally she is fired when she is overheard interviewing for another job. I really have to wonder if these storylines would have been considered funny or relevent to women's experiences if the gender had been reversed. Finally, Rachel is offered a job in Paris, which she accepts, but then decides to stay in New York when Ross asked her to- eventually choosing personal life over career.
Pheobe's career and personal life first intersected when she was fired after she was caught making out with a client during a massage, and it was thought she was doing it for money. There are many gender stereotypes involved in this situation, and none of them are particularly complimentary to Pheobe. Pheobe eventually meets and marries Mike, and career was not particularly involved in their relationship, though Pheobe did worry that she may not make a good impression on Mike's upper class family.
Monica was a sous chef in a classy restraunt when the show began. She was eventually fired when she accepted gifts from a vendor, which she did not realize was againt the company's ethical policy. After a period of unemployment, including a job interview with an inappropriate man with a food fetish, she began working at a 50s diner which was a very derogitory workplace where the staff wore wigs, roller blades, and stuffed their chests to at least quadruple their real size. Se was quite offended when a billionare came to the restraunt and left a $10000 cheque. She resisted his attempts to date her until he offered her a job as head chef at his new restraunt. She was willing to take the job provided his feelings were professional- at that time they began dating and she did not take the job, thus choosing personal life over career. Eventually Monica and Pheobe are running a catering business together, when Monica criticizes a restraunt and is offered job as head chef. Monica and Chandler's relationship and marrage did not interfere with Monica's career until fairly late in the series, when Chandler gets a job across the country. Monica quits her job, choosing personal life over career, but is offered a job as head chef at a very elite restraunt in New York, which she accepts, choosing career over personal life. Fortunately, Chandler is very understanding and this does not interfere with their relationship.
Joey is an actor, and as such is constantly looking for work and working at poor jobs. In the duration of the show, Joey's best job was as Dr Drake Romorai on Days of Our Lives, for which he had to sleep with the casting director to get. Joey also never has a long term relationship- he did once fall for a fellow actor in a play, but she left to California to act there (choosing career over personal life) and he also fell for Rachel, but they were friends more than romance partners. Joey shows a third alternative to choosing career or personal life- choosing to have a variety of experiences without committing to one thing. The only constants in Joey's life are his family and friends- not a partner or career.
Chandler has one of the most successful careers on the show- he is a manager in a large corporation. Chandler loathes his job, but appears to make one of the better salaries of the group. His job does not interfere with his personal life until late in the show, the ninth season, when he is told to move to Tulsa for work. Chandler does choose to move, choosing career over personal life, and commutes back and forth to New York for weekends with his wife. He quickly tires of this and quits, choosing personal life over career. He then has a period of unemployment while he pursues a career in advertising, taking an unpaid internship to get a foot in the door, which looks at the idea of age in the workplace. Chandler is offered a position with the company he interned with, so he eventually gets to have it all- career and personal life.
Ross is the most highly educated one in the group, with a PhD in paleantology (dinosaurs). Ross is deeply involved in Rachel's story of career and personal life, as her emerging fashion career eventually led to their break up. He worked at a museum until the stress of his personal life (the dissolving of his second marrage and loss of his home) interfered with his interpersonal skills in the workplace. He was put on leave until a second incident culminated in his dismissal (or further leave, at any rate, he wasn't working). Hegomonic masculinity, or ideal masculinity, involves the idea that men should be able to comparlimentalize their emotions and not express their feelings- Ross's deviation from that gender led to his dismissal. Ross began teaching at the local university and actually dated a student for a time. At the end of the series, Ross received tenure at the university, and asked Rachel to stay in New York so they could be together, which they did. The show did not involve the idea of career versus parenting in Ross's story, which could have been very interesting, as he is a parent through almost the entire series.
During the ten years that Friends ran, all six main characters faced many professional dilemmas, and in some cases they also faced the question of choosing work or personal life.
Rachel's character underwent the most transformation throughout the series. In the pilot, Rachel ran away from her own wedding to an orthadontist, and from her plan of becoming a housewife. She had not yet left the home and her father's funds, and was planning on having her husband then supply her with funds, never being independant. However, when she left home, she began working as a waitress and learning how to be independant. She and Ross began their relationship when she was at that job, and though there was some discussion over her lack of a professional job- "just a wiatress"- they seemed to be fairly happy with this arrangement. Joey and Chandler encouraged Rachel to pursue her dream of a career in fashion, and Rachel gets a job as an assistant at Bloomingdales, which takes a great deal of her time and energy. Ross is disturbed by this, and is jealous that Rachel spends a lot of time with her male coworker Mark, which eventually leads to their breakup. I find it interesting that Ross and Rachel's relationship problems only begin after she finds a job that she cares about. After some time, Rachel's department is dissolved and she once again has an entry level position. She then interviews for a position at Ralph Lauren, which she gets. Rachel's experiences at Ralph Lauren provide an interesting illistration of gender and sexuality in the workplace- she worries she only got a second interview because of an accidental kiss in the first interiview, she is excluded from decisions made during smoking breaks, there is a flurry of workplace gossip on whether or not Rachel is sleeping with the boss, Rachel crushes on and then dates her young male assistant, Rachel ends her maternity leave early because she worries that the man who has taken over her duties will be preferred above her, and finally she is fired when she is overheard interviewing for another job. I really have to wonder if these storylines would have been considered funny or relevent to women's experiences if the gender had been reversed. Finally, Rachel is offered a job in Paris, which she accepts, but then decides to stay in New York when Ross asked her to- eventually choosing personal life over career.
Pheobe's career and personal life first intersected when she was fired after she was caught making out with a client during a massage, and it was thought she was doing it for money. There are many gender stereotypes involved in this situation, and none of them are particularly complimentary to Pheobe. Pheobe eventually meets and marries Mike, and career was not particularly involved in their relationship, though Pheobe did worry that she may not make a good impression on Mike's upper class family.
Monica was a sous chef in a classy restraunt when the show began. She was eventually fired when she accepted gifts from a vendor, which she did not realize was againt the company's ethical policy. After a period of unemployment, including a job interview with an inappropriate man with a food fetish, she began working at a 50s diner which was a very derogitory workplace where the staff wore wigs, roller blades, and stuffed their chests to at least quadruple their real size. Se was quite offended when a billionare came to the restraunt and left a $10000 cheque. She resisted his attempts to date her until he offered her a job as head chef at his new restraunt. She was willing to take the job provided his feelings were professional- at that time they began dating and she did not take the job, thus choosing personal life over career. Eventually Monica and Pheobe are running a catering business together, when Monica criticizes a restraunt and is offered job as head chef. Monica and Chandler's relationship and marrage did not interfere with Monica's career until fairly late in the series, when Chandler gets a job across the country. Monica quits her job, choosing personal life over career, but is offered a job as head chef at a very elite restraunt in New York, which she accepts, choosing career over personal life. Fortunately, Chandler is very understanding and this does not interfere with their relationship.
Joey is an actor, and as such is constantly looking for work and working at poor jobs. In the duration of the show, Joey's best job was as Dr Drake Romorai on Days of Our Lives, for which he had to sleep with the casting director to get. Joey also never has a long term relationship- he did once fall for a fellow actor in a play, but she left to California to act there (choosing career over personal life) and he also fell for Rachel, but they were friends more than romance partners. Joey shows a third alternative to choosing career or personal life- choosing to have a variety of experiences without committing to one thing. The only constants in Joey's life are his family and friends- not a partner or career.
Chandler has one of the most successful careers on the show- he is a manager in a large corporation. Chandler loathes his job, but appears to make one of the better salaries of the group. His job does not interfere with his personal life until late in the show, the ninth season, when he is told to move to Tulsa for work. Chandler does choose to move, choosing career over personal life, and commutes back and forth to New York for weekends with his wife. He quickly tires of this and quits, choosing personal life over career. He then has a period of unemployment while he pursues a career in advertising, taking an unpaid internship to get a foot in the door, which looks at the idea of age in the workplace. Chandler is offered a position with the company he interned with, so he eventually gets to have it all- career and personal life.
Ross is the most highly educated one in the group, with a PhD in paleantology (dinosaurs). Ross is deeply involved in Rachel's story of career and personal life, as her emerging fashion career eventually led to their break up. He worked at a museum until the stress of his personal life (the dissolving of his second marrage and loss of his home) interfered with his interpersonal skills in the workplace. He was put on leave until a second incident culminated in his dismissal (or further leave, at any rate, he wasn't working). Hegomonic masculinity, or ideal masculinity, involves the idea that men should be able to comparlimentalize their emotions and not express their feelings- Ross's deviation from that gender led to his dismissal. Ross began teaching at the local university and actually dated a student for a time. At the end of the series, Ross received tenure at the university, and asked Rachel to stay in New York so they could be together, which they did. The show did not involve the idea of career versus parenting in Ross's story, which could have been very interesting, as he is a parent through almost the entire series.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Work vs Relationships in the Media: How I Met Your Mother
I was zoning out in class as we were discussing media analysis this morning, and thought of a great variety of television shows that touched on the question of how one chooses between work and relationships. What is more important? In particular, several shows focus is on women and work. I was planning on putting it all in one post, but I realized it was getting terribly long, so I am going to focus in on one show at a time. Note that I am (so far) not adding in any analysis- I am merely collecting the stories. Also note that my TV watching experience, while extensive, is biased toward comedies, and tends to exclude workplace dramas.
How I Met Your Mother has two female and three male leads. Barney and Ted, both single men, have never had a situation on the show where their careers and their personal lives interfered with each other. Marshall, the married man, did have this kind of situation. He had gone to school for many years to become a lawyer, with the goal of using his career to help save the environment. This field of law wasn't very lucritive, but it was his passion. He is offered two jobs- one is his dream job for little or no money, and the other is as a highly paid corporate lawyer working for a company that damages the environment. His wife has accumilated an excessive amount of credit card debt, so he chooses the highly paid job.
Both female leads on How I Met Your Mother have faced simular circumstances. At the end of season one, Lily, a kindergarden teacher and aspiring artist, is offered an an opportunity to go to art school on the other side of the country over the same period of time as her wedding to someone she had been with for ten years. She ultimately decided to call off the wedding and go, and she and her fiance broke up. In the subsequent season, Lily returns after a terrible summer realizing she has made a mistake, and eventually she and her fiance get back together and are married.
Robin, the other female lead, has faced this question several times. She is a reporter; however, her career has not been terribly successful- while she usually has work, the programs she is on are not as high quality or well rated as she would like. Robin has had three serious relationships throughout the show. Robin and Ted broke up when her aspirations for travel and career did not match Ted's dream of suburban life- this is one of the examples of Robin's usual pattern over chosing career over relationships.. More recently, Robin and Don broke up when Robin was offered a great job in another city. In the choice between career and love, she chose love and turned the job down. The same job was then offered to her boyfriend, who chose career.
Hopefully once I have posted on the examples I have come up with, I will be able summarize some trends.
Next up: Friends
How I Met Your Mother has two female and three male leads. Barney and Ted, both single men, have never had a situation on the show where their careers and their personal lives interfered with each other. Marshall, the married man, did have this kind of situation. He had gone to school for many years to become a lawyer, with the goal of using his career to help save the environment. This field of law wasn't very lucritive, but it was his passion. He is offered two jobs- one is his dream job for little or no money, and the other is as a highly paid corporate lawyer working for a company that damages the environment. His wife has accumilated an excessive amount of credit card debt, so he chooses the highly paid job.
Both female leads on How I Met Your Mother have faced simular circumstances. At the end of season one, Lily, a kindergarden teacher and aspiring artist, is offered an an opportunity to go to art school on the other side of the country over the same period of time as her wedding to someone she had been with for ten years. She ultimately decided to call off the wedding and go, and she and her fiance broke up. In the subsequent season, Lily returns after a terrible summer realizing she has made a mistake, and eventually she and her fiance get back together and are married.
Robin, the other female lead, has faced this question several times. She is a reporter; however, her career has not been terribly successful- while she usually has work, the programs she is on are not as high quality or well rated as she would like. Robin has had three serious relationships throughout the show. Robin and Ted broke up when her aspirations for travel and career did not match Ted's dream of suburban life- this is one of the examples of Robin's usual pattern over chosing career over relationships.. More recently, Robin and Don broke up when Robin was offered a great job in another city. In the choice between career and love, she chose love and turned the job down. The same job was then offered to her boyfriend, who chose career.
Hopefully once I have posted on the examples I have come up with, I will be able summarize some trends.
Next up: Friends
Monday, July 12, 2010
Camp 2010
I got home from camp last night. I am so exhausted from shortchanging myself on sleep and overdoing it on activity for so long, but it was a great time. Highlights included:
1. The services, available online.
2. Talking in the girls dorm.
3. Talking to the guys we talked about in the girls dorm.
4. Speedboats.
5. Naps.
6. Pink toenail polish.
7. Cats.
8. Road trip home with Ky. Best road trip ever. I recommend her for road trips. Or for silliness.
9. Robots.
10. Young Married Couples and Not Quite Young People Anymore evening- best night ever!
11. Getting walked back to the doms two nights in a row. I haven't been walked back in years, so it was great.
1. The services, available online.
2. Talking in the girls dorm.
3. Talking to the guys we talked about in the girls dorm.
4. Speedboats.
5. Naps.
6. Pink toenail polish.
7. Cats.
8. Road trip home with Ky. Best road trip ever. I recommend her for road trips. Or for silliness.
9. Robots.
10. Young Married Couples and Not Quite Young People Anymore evening- best night ever!
11. Getting walked back to the doms two nights in a row. I haven't been walked back in years, so it was great.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Survivor Application
I am not applying to Survivor. They wouldn't consider me because I am not American, I wouldn't consider it because the thought of living in my swimsuit for a month makes me want to throw up, and I don't even qualify because you have to be able to swim, which I can't because of my control issues with the water. However, they do have an interesting batch of questions on their application form, so I thought I'd give you my potential answers. I's skipping all the identifying information, and the physical descriptors section.
1. Current occupation in two words.
Currently, admin asistant, but really social worker. So I would write social worker.
2.What do you do at work, or what is your major in school.
I am earning my social work degree. I help people reach their goals.
3. In what other occupations have you been employed? Last three.
Admin assistant, nanny, cleaning lady.
4.What is your level of education and how many instituations did you attend?
I have a college diploma and have one term left until a degree. I have attended three or four instituations (depends how you define attend. I have cards from four.).
5. Are you in a fraternity or society?
Gosh no, that would be so embarressing.
6. Do you hold a leadership position? Describe.
Officially, no. However, I often take a leadership role in my youth group and recently planned a weekend youth retreat.
7. Name three of your favorite hobbies.
Reading (primarily romance novels), travelling (usually road trips), and social networking.
8. Not including where you currently live, what other cities and countries did you live in? Why did you live there?
I lived on a farm outside my current city when I was growing up. I lived in Winnipeg for two months after graduating college for a church mission.
9. List three adjectives that best describe yourself.
Oh boy... ummm..... kind, optimistic, loyal.
10. How do your friends describe you?
I'd like to believe they would concur with the above descriptors, and add in funny and smart.
11. What are your pet peeves?
When someone is left out, people jumping on the apartment floor, drivers that make poor passing decisions.
12. If you could hold any public office, what would it be and why?
I think I would enjoy being an MLA or provincial cabinet minister. Most of my interests in the political arena lie in areas covered by the provinces- health care, disability, elderly, social assistance, education.
13. What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?
There are lots of things I am proud of. I will be pretty proud of earning my degree. I am proud of being a good friend, being able to hold it together in a crisis, some influence I have had as a social worker.
14. Do you have pets? Name and type. I have two cats, Felix (2 years old) and Kenzie (20 years old). Felix is very funny and has lots of crazy antics. Kenzie is a bed hog.
15. Vegetarian or meat eater?
Meat eater.
16. Favorite TV show?
This is hard to pick! I really only like shows that have some element of comedy... Chuck, Bones, Friends, Gilmore Girls, How I Met Your Mother.
17.Favorite movie?
Most likely A Walk To Remember.
18. Favorite music to listen to?
Also hard. I like country and soft rock- Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum, Kenny Chesney, Five for Fighting, Daniel Powter, Switchfoot.
19. What magazines do you read?
ReadersDigest and People, though I will look through a fashion magazine once in a while.
20. How much Survivor have you seen?
There have been a few seasons that I have watched obsessely (usually all star seasons) but I try to avoid it so I don't get sucked in. Plus, I pick Bones over Survivor.
21.Which Survivor contestant do you most relate to?
Not sure. My favorite is Boston Rob, though I am not much like him. Maybe Jerri, in the latest season.
22. Who would you choose for your loved ones visit?
My mom or sister. Of course, neither of them has a passport, so I'd likely have to pick someone else. Ummmm...... I'd get a friend.
23. Describe your perfect day:
I would slowly wake up, with the sun making my room nice and bright and cheerful. I'd cuddle my cats before breakfast. I would spend the morning and lunch with my family- maybe do some shopping. In the afternoon, I would get dressed to kill, and go out with my friends for supper, and then maybe go play games at someone's house. I would have a man to flirt with and we'd go for a walk in the evening, and then just before bed I would catch up on Facebook.
24. Applied to any other shows, been a performer, or been in a TV show or ad?
Nope.
25. Know a reality show contestant?
No.
26. Do you belong to any affiliations or organizations?
My professional organization, my union through work.
27.Body art?
No.
28. Favorite sport?
To watch? Hockey. Go Oilers! To play? Does bowling count?
29. Who is your hero and why?
My parents are my heroes, because no matter what kind of struggle comes their way, they buckle down and get done what needs to be done. And they have had struggles. Throughout their struggles, they are always able to find the positive side, the light moment, and I really hope I am like them in this regard.
30. 3 non survivor items you would take and why.
-Bible- I would need strength in God to get through the experience.
- Allergy medication. Self explanitory.
- Glasses/sunglasses. I want to see.
- If any of the above items is a survivor item and doesn't count on the list, then I would take a deck of cards to pass time with.
31. What would be the craziest, wildest thing you would do for a million dollars?
Swim. Run. Climb. Any kind of jumping out of a plane thing (with a safe landing of course).
32. What past Survivor would you play most like? Why? I actually have no idea- I don't know how I'd respond or what situation I would find myself in. I would definately not give away my immunity or lie about who I am (that Katrina story, really??)
33. What would you not do for a million dollars?
Wear a bikini in front of a camera.
34. What is your favorite topic at a dinner party? What's off limits?
I'd be willing to talk about anything at a dinner party- it all depends on the attitudes of the people in the conversation.When the attitudes get bad, then its off limits.
35. What skills do you bring to Survivor that would make you a useful tribe member?
I am pretty good at keeping the peace. Before arriving, I would research and practise wilderness survivor skills- I'd relay on my brains and heart, not my brawn.
36. If you were stranded, who would you most want to be stranded with?
A man who has some wilderness knowledge, is fairly strong, and is easygoing. Not someone high maintanance or fussy or anxious. Why a man? I figure he'd be physically stronger than me, which would be more useful than another me.
37. Primary and secondary motivations for being on the show?
Not applying to the show, but if I was, it would be first the money, and secondly, doing something so wild and crazy to prove I can.
38. LAst outdoor experience you had?
Well, I was just on a walk outside. Camping? It's been a few years.
39. What sports do you do regularly?
Once a year I play Prisoners Base. Once a year I play three legged kickball. Once a year I play British Bulldog pick up.
40. What's your swimming ability?
Not at all.
41. Any serious physical or mental illnesses in last two years?
No.
42. Allergies and treatment:
I haven't been tested but I am pretty sure dust, mildew, pollen, freshly cut grass, fur. I take an allergy pill every other day.
43. Arrested? No.
44. Why do you believe you will be the final Survivor?
I don't. But were I sending this in, I would say something along the lines of being nice and gaining confidences.
And Done!
1. Current occupation in two words.
Currently, admin asistant, but really social worker. So I would write social worker.
2.What do you do at work, or what is your major in school.
I am earning my social work degree. I help people reach their goals.
3. In what other occupations have you been employed? Last three.
Admin assistant, nanny, cleaning lady.
4.What is your level of education and how many instituations did you attend?
I have a college diploma and have one term left until a degree. I have attended three or four instituations (depends how you define attend. I have cards from four.).
5. Are you in a fraternity or society?
Gosh no, that would be so embarressing.
6. Do you hold a leadership position? Describe.
Officially, no. However, I often take a leadership role in my youth group and recently planned a weekend youth retreat.
7. Name three of your favorite hobbies.
Reading (primarily romance novels), travelling (usually road trips), and social networking.
8. Not including where you currently live, what other cities and countries did you live in? Why did you live there?
I lived on a farm outside my current city when I was growing up. I lived in Winnipeg for two months after graduating college for a church mission.
9. List three adjectives that best describe yourself.
Oh boy... ummm..... kind, optimistic, loyal.
10. How do your friends describe you?
I'd like to believe they would concur with the above descriptors, and add in funny and smart.
11. What are your pet peeves?
When someone is left out, people jumping on the apartment floor, drivers that make poor passing decisions.
12. If you could hold any public office, what would it be and why?
I think I would enjoy being an MLA or provincial cabinet minister. Most of my interests in the political arena lie in areas covered by the provinces- health care, disability, elderly, social assistance, education.
13. What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?
There are lots of things I am proud of. I will be pretty proud of earning my degree. I am proud of being a good friend, being able to hold it together in a crisis, some influence I have had as a social worker.
14. Do you have pets? Name and type. I have two cats, Felix (2 years old) and Kenzie (20 years old). Felix is very funny and has lots of crazy antics. Kenzie is a bed hog.
15. Vegetarian or meat eater?
Meat eater.
16. Favorite TV show?
This is hard to pick! I really only like shows that have some element of comedy... Chuck, Bones, Friends, Gilmore Girls, How I Met Your Mother.
17.Favorite movie?
Most likely A Walk To Remember.
18. Favorite music to listen to?
Also hard. I like country and soft rock- Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum, Kenny Chesney, Five for Fighting, Daniel Powter, Switchfoot.
19. What magazines do you read?
ReadersDigest and People, though I will look through a fashion magazine once in a while.
20. How much Survivor have you seen?
There have been a few seasons that I have watched obsessely (usually all star seasons) but I try to avoid it so I don't get sucked in. Plus, I pick Bones over Survivor.
21.Which Survivor contestant do you most relate to?
Not sure. My favorite is Boston Rob, though I am not much like him. Maybe Jerri, in the latest season.
22. Who would you choose for your loved ones visit?
My mom or sister. Of course, neither of them has a passport, so I'd likely have to pick someone else. Ummmm...... I'd get a friend.
23. Describe your perfect day:
I would slowly wake up, with the sun making my room nice and bright and cheerful. I'd cuddle my cats before breakfast. I would spend the morning and lunch with my family- maybe do some shopping. In the afternoon, I would get dressed to kill, and go out with my friends for supper, and then maybe go play games at someone's house. I would have a man to flirt with and we'd go for a walk in the evening, and then just before bed I would catch up on Facebook.
24. Applied to any other shows, been a performer, or been in a TV show or ad?
Nope.
25. Know a reality show contestant?
No.
26. Do you belong to any affiliations or organizations?
My professional organization, my union through work.
27.Body art?
No.
28. Favorite sport?
To watch? Hockey. Go Oilers! To play? Does bowling count?
29. Who is your hero and why?
My parents are my heroes, because no matter what kind of struggle comes their way, they buckle down and get done what needs to be done. And they have had struggles. Throughout their struggles, they are always able to find the positive side, the light moment, and I really hope I am like them in this regard.
30. 3 non survivor items you would take and why.
-Bible- I would need strength in God to get through the experience.
- Allergy medication. Self explanitory.
- Glasses/sunglasses. I want to see.
- If any of the above items is a survivor item and doesn't count on the list, then I would take a deck of cards to pass time with.
31. What would be the craziest, wildest thing you would do for a million dollars?
Swim. Run. Climb. Any kind of jumping out of a plane thing (with a safe landing of course).
32. What past Survivor would you play most like? Why? I actually have no idea- I don't know how I'd respond or what situation I would find myself in. I would definately not give away my immunity or lie about who I am (that Katrina story, really??)
33. What would you not do for a million dollars?
Wear a bikini in front of a camera.
34. What is your favorite topic at a dinner party? What's off limits?
I'd be willing to talk about anything at a dinner party- it all depends on the attitudes of the people in the conversation.When the attitudes get bad, then its off limits.
35. What skills do you bring to Survivor that would make you a useful tribe member?
I am pretty good at keeping the peace. Before arriving, I would research and practise wilderness survivor skills- I'd relay on my brains and heart, not my brawn.
36. If you were stranded, who would you most want to be stranded with?
A man who has some wilderness knowledge, is fairly strong, and is easygoing. Not someone high maintanance or fussy or anxious. Why a man? I figure he'd be physically stronger than me, which would be more useful than another me.
37. Primary and secondary motivations for being on the show?
Not applying to the show, but if I was, it would be first the money, and secondly, doing something so wild and crazy to prove I can.
38. LAst outdoor experience you had?
Well, I was just on a walk outside. Camping? It's been a few years.
39. What sports do you do regularly?
Once a year I play Prisoners Base. Once a year I play three legged kickball. Once a year I play British Bulldog pick up.
40. What's your swimming ability?
Not at all.
41. Any serious physical or mental illnesses in last two years?
No.
42. Allergies and treatment:
I haven't been tested but I am pretty sure dust, mildew, pollen, freshly cut grass, fur. I take an allergy pill every other day.
43. Arrested? No.
44. Why do you believe you will be the final Survivor?
I don't. But were I sending this in, I would say something along the lines of being nice and gaining confidences.
And Done!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Rather personal meme
I put this up on Facebook, but thought I'd post it here too.
Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten DIFFERENT People.
1) You are smarter than you are letting on. Don't patronize yourself anymore, and maybe people won't patronize you.
2) You are the best and you do more than most people ever could. You are my hero.
3) As hard as it's been for me, it's been so much harder to be the one it happened to. Your patience and determination are remarkable.
4) Thank you for simply always being there.
5) Things aren't always about you. Friendship is give and take. Maybe I gave a little too much, but a good friend wouldn't have let me. And also, who do you think you are kidding? Don't you notice the same thing keeps happening? It isn't them, it's you.
6) Get over it and look around you and see what else is out there.
7) I wish I could take the risks you do and let down my guard. You found everything you wanted early because you opened yourself up to it.
8) Listen to the wisdom of others around you. Don't be in a hurry.
9) I wish we were closer.
10) Make a decision to be an optimist. Look for the happy moments in life. They are there, if you choose to see them.
Nine things about myself.
1) I just bought my first piece of "grown-up" furniture that I plan to never replace or get rid of. It is a bookshelf.
2) I have two cats that live seperately.
3) I like being characterized as cheerful and friendly.
4) I love getting pedicures.
5) I collect TV on DVD.
6) I prefer to drive a standard.
7) I find sudukos difficult to do and am teaching myself how to do them this summer.
8) I rely on my dayplanner for everything. I don't know how other people get by without one.
9)Grapefruit is probably my favorite fruit.
Eight ways to win my heart
1) Be a friend to people that usually get left out.
2) Flirt with me.
3) Love God.
4) Choose to spend time with me.
5) Be encouraging and find the enjoyable moments in life.
6) Make me laugh.
7) Help me to relax and be silly.
8) Know how to do housework.
Seven things that cross my mind a lot.
1) Family
2) Travelling
3) God
4) Housework
5) Friends
6) Work
7) Goals
Six things I do before I fall asleep.
1) brush my teeth.
2) Feed the cat
3) Have a drink of water
4) pjs
5) Convince the cat to let me have half the bed
6) lights out
Five people who mean a lot.
1) you
2) know
3) who
4) you
5) are
Four things you're wearing right now.
1) Dress pants
2) dress shirt
3) socks
4) glasses
Three singers/bands that you listen to often.
1) Kenny Chesney
2) Kelly Clarson
3) Five for Fighting
Two things you want to do before you die.
1) Figure out what success means to me
2) Take more risks
One confession.
1) I donèt take enough risks.
Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten DIFFERENT People.
1) You are smarter than you are letting on. Don't patronize yourself anymore, and maybe people won't patronize you.
2) You are the best and you do more than most people ever could. You are my hero.
3) As hard as it's been for me, it's been so much harder to be the one it happened to. Your patience and determination are remarkable.
4) Thank you for simply always being there.
5) Things aren't always about you. Friendship is give and take. Maybe I gave a little too much, but a good friend wouldn't have let me. And also, who do you think you are kidding? Don't you notice the same thing keeps happening? It isn't them, it's you.
6) Get over it and look around you and see what else is out there.
7) I wish I could take the risks you do and let down my guard. You found everything you wanted early because you opened yourself up to it.
8) Listen to the wisdom of others around you. Don't be in a hurry.
9) I wish we were closer.
10) Make a decision to be an optimist. Look for the happy moments in life. They are there, if you choose to see them.
Nine things about myself.
1) I just bought my first piece of "grown-up" furniture that I plan to never replace or get rid of. It is a bookshelf.
2) I have two cats that live seperately.
3) I like being characterized as cheerful and friendly.
4) I love getting pedicures.
5) I collect TV on DVD.
6) I prefer to drive a standard.
7) I find sudukos difficult to do and am teaching myself how to do them this summer.
8) I rely on my dayplanner for everything. I don't know how other people get by without one.
9)Grapefruit is probably my favorite fruit.
Eight ways to win my heart
1) Be a friend to people that usually get left out.
2) Flirt with me.
3) Love God.
4) Choose to spend time with me.
5) Be encouraging and find the enjoyable moments in life.
6) Make me laugh.
7) Help me to relax and be silly.
8) Know how to do housework.
Seven things that cross my mind a lot.
1) Family
2) Travelling
3) God
4) Housework
5) Friends
6) Work
7) Goals
Six things I do before I fall asleep.
1) brush my teeth.
2) Feed the cat
3) Have a drink of water
4) pjs
5) Convince the cat to let me have half the bed
6) lights out
Five people who mean a lot.
1) you
2) know
3) who
4) you
5) are
Four things you're wearing right now.
1) Dress pants
2) dress shirt
3) socks
4) glasses
Three singers/bands that you listen to often.
1) Kenny Chesney
2) Kelly Clarson
3) Five for Fighting
Two things you want to do before you die.
1) Figure out what success means to me
2) Take more risks
One confession.
1) I donèt take enough risks.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Endings
Change opens up new possibilities, but it also finishes up portions of your life that are ending for you. Endings kind of suck.
Sometimes endings happen without your knowledge, like at the temp job I had where they decided they didn't need me to come in the next day anymore. The last time I left that place, I left some crossword books in my desk drawer and a beautiful rose paperweight that I received as a gift on my desk. The ending was so sudden that I never got a chance to get my rose. I don't miss the job, but I miss the rose.
Sometimes endings are a relief, like the time I quit a horrible job right after a staff meeting. That ending, there was nothing I wanted that was left behind. The only thing left behind was chaos, intimidation, and power struggles. That ending was really an opening into choices and the realization that I would rather have a meaningless job than an oppressive job.
Sometimes endings happen fast, like the time my grandpa died in a car accident. No time for goodbyes, no time to stop it from happening, no time to dread it. All I had was pictures, letters, and the last phone call when I was glad I told him I loved him. From then on, I always ended conversations with I love you.
Sometimes endings are eagerly anticipated, like the time I moved out and started college. It didn't feel like an ending at all- it felt like a beginning. There were still ties to the past, I could go home to the farm whenever I wanted, so it did't feel like a loss. Instead, it felt like a gain.
Sometimes endings are dreaded, like the time my grandpa died of cancer. There was time to cherish each moment, time to hope, time to dread it from happening. Time to grieve. Just lots of time.
Sometimes endings mess you up for a while, like the time my dad fell. Every little change is grieved, every bit of improvement is celebrated, every day revolves around the hospital, and every day you try to convince everyone you have it all together, except on those days when it just becomes too much and you have to rely on someone else to comfort you while you try to put the pieces of your composure back together again. In that ending, I learned how to be dependant. At the same time, I became more independant than I have ever been before.
Sometimes endings linger, like letting go of the farm right now. It took a long time for us to realize we had to let the farm go, it didn't fit our family anymore. It took more time to prepare everyone for the change. Even when we moved off the farm, we weren't off it completely, and now the ending is dragging out. April 15 will be the final day on the farm, and then that much beloved chapter of my life will be closed. And I will miss it very much. At the same time, it will be such a relief, the burden will be gone, the responsibility will be gone, and a load will be off my mind. There is lots of ambivilance.
Sometimes endings are a time to put a good face on, like my job ending right now. Wednesday is my last day, and these last few days pretty much suck. I love my job; it will likely be a long time before I find a job as good as this one. But no one wants to feel bad- so I put on a good face, and talk about my exciting travel plans- Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Calgary, North Carolina, Spokane... and my exciting school plans (5 correspondance classes are not exciting, but once they are done, not doing homework will be exciting). I talk about taking time to find a good job, but the honest truth is I wish the powers-that-be had gone out of their way to allow me to keep my job. But I am not sure what the-powers-that-be are thinking, so instead I am putting on a good face and keeping my dignity.
Sometimes endings happen without your knowledge, like at the temp job I had where they decided they didn't need me to come in the next day anymore. The last time I left that place, I left some crossword books in my desk drawer and a beautiful rose paperweight that I received as a gift on my desk. The ending was so sudden that I never got a chance to get my rose. I don't miss the job, but I miss the rose.
Sometimes endings are a relief, like the time I quit a horrible job right after a staff meeting. That ending, there was nothing I wanted that was left behind. The only thing left behind was chaos, intimidation, and power struggles. That ending was really an opening into choices and the realization that I would rather have a meaningless job than an oppressive job.
Sometimes endings happen fast, like the time my grandpa died in a car accident. No time for goodbyes, no time to stop it from happening, no time to dread it. All I had was pictures, letters, and the last phone call when I was glad I told him I loved him. From then on, I always ended conversations with I love you.
Sometimes endings are eagerly anticipated, like the time I moved out and started college. It didn't feel like an ending at all- it felt like a beginning. There were still ties to the past, I could go home to the farm whenever I wanted, so it did't feel like a loss. Instead, it felt like a gain.
Sometimes endings are dreaded, like the time my grandpa died of cancer. There was time to cherish each moment, time to hope, time to dread it from happening. Time to grieve. Just lots of time.
Sometimes endings mess you up for a while, like the time my dad fell. Every little change is grieved, every bit of improvement is celebrated, every day revolves around the hospital, and every day you try to convince everyone you have it all together, except on those days when it just becomes too much and you have to rely on someone else to comfort you while you try to put the pieces of your composure back together again. In that ending, I learned how to be dependant. At the same time, I became more independant than I have ever been before.
Sometimes endings linger, like letting go of the farm right now. It took a long time for us to realize we had to let the farm go, it didn't fit our family anymore. It took more time to prepare everyone for the change. Even when we moved off the farm, we weren't off it completely, and now the ending is dragging out. April 15 will be the final day on the farm, and then that much beloved chapter of my life will be closed. And I will miss it very much. At the same time, it will be such a relief, the burden will be gone, the responsibility will be gone, and a load will be off my mind. There is lots of ambivilance.
Sometimes endings are a time to put a good face on, like my job ending right now. Wednesday is my last day, and these last few days pretty much suck. I love my job; it will likely be a long time before I find a job as good as this one. But no one wants to feel bad- so I put on a good face, and talk about my exciting travel plans- Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Calgary, North Carolina, Spokane... and my exciting school plans (5 correspondance classes are not exciting, but once they are done, not doing homework will be exciting). I talk about taking time to find a good job, but the honest truth is I wish the powers-that-be had gone out of their way to allow me to keep my job. But I am not sure what the-powers-that-be are thinking, so instead I am putting on a good face and keeping my dignity.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Why locksmiths are heroes
Laura and I keep the knob on our door locked. When Laura got home last night, I heard her messing around with the key, a pause, and then she knocked. I went to let her in, and the doorknob wouldn't turn, so I told her to stop holding the doorknob on her side. It turned out that when she had put the key in the lock, the knob had fallen off into her hands. She was locked out and I was locked in.
So I tried opening the door with a hanger and she tried fitting the lock back on. We tried having each of us turning the doorknob- nothing worked. Laura went to go get the apartment manager while I quickly tidied the house. Manager wasn't home, so I googled 'Edmonton locksmith' and called the first place that came up and they agreed to come up and do an after hours call. I was understandably panicky and clausterphobic about being locked in, so Laura and I sat on opposite sides of the door and talked until the locksmith arrived (I would never survive in jail- I never thought being locked in was something I'd get panicky over, but I so totally did).
The locksmith quickly opened the door and changed the doorknob. He was there 15 minutes, and when you do the math, he made in 3 minutes what I make in an hour.The manager is still gonna have to have a locksmith come to change the knob, cuz it is just a knob, not a lock (we still have our chain and deadbolt). I am also going to submit a bill to the landlord, which I really hope I get re-imbursed for.
It was an interesting night.
Added: To the chicken who showed up on my blog, called me names, said I was stupid, didn't leave a name, criticized the work of the professional I hired, and claimed I was disrespecting your profession: You are an arrogant jerk. You may have noticed I deleted your comment. That's because no one is allowed to insult my on MY BLOG. If you have concerns about the professionalism of another locksmith, feel free to state your concerns in a polite, informative manner, hopefully including links to a reputable site to give credence to your concerns. I refuse to be insulted and deal with your long rambling rant that did not have any references to back you up. Like I have said before, feel free to state your opinions, but do so in a respectful manner. Because of the manner you chose to state your concerns, I have utterly disregarded your advice. I feel confident that my safety in my home is exactly the same as it was before this incident. So, REAL LOCKSMITH, you might want to think about your professionalism instead of my supposed naiviety.
So I tried opening the door with a hanger and she tried fitting the lock back on. We tried having each of us turning the doorknob- nothing worked. Laura went to go get the apartment manager while I quickly tidied the house. Manager wasn't home, so I googled 'Edmonton locksmith' and called the first place that came up and they agreed to come up and do an after hours call. I was understandably panicky and clausterphobic about being locked in, so Laura and I sat on opposite sides of the door and talked until the locksmith arrived (I would never survive in jail- I never thought being locked in was something I'd get panicky over, but I so totally did).
The locksmith quickly opened the door and changed the doorknob. He was there 15 minutes, and when you do the math, he made in 3 minutes what I make in an hour.The manager is still gonna have to have a locksmith come to change the knob, cuz it is just a knob, not a lock (we still have our chain and deadbolt). I am also going to submit a bill to the landlord, which I really hope I get re-imbursed for.
It was an interesting night.
Added: To the chicken who showed up on my blog, called me names, said I was stupid, didn't leave a name, criticized the work of the professional I hired, and claimed I was disrespecting your profession: You are an arrogant jerk. You may have noticed I deleted your comment. That's because no one is allowed to insult my on MY BLOG. If you have concerns about the professionalism of another locksmith, feel free to state your concerns in a polite, informative manner, hopefully including links to a reputable site to give credence to your concerns. I refuse to be insulted and deal with your long rambling rant that did not have any references to back you up. Like I have said before, feel free to state your opinions, but do so in a respectful manner. Because of the manner you chose to state your concerns, I have utterly disregarded your advice. I feel confident that my safety in my home is exactly the same as it was before this incident. So, REAL LOCKSMITH, you might want to think about your professionalism instead of my supposed naiviety.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Risk and Effort
A couple of months ago I was talking to a friend that had hidden themselves away from society for months at a time. I was telling this friend that it is important to get themselves out there, to socialize, to put in the effort to be around other people.
I then went on vacation to my double camp adventure, the friend moved and hopefully has been taking my advice, and I have been remarkably unsociable. It has been two months, and other than church, I have been out socially only five times (one lunch with a friend, one appetizers with people from work, young peoples that turned into watching tv, and one bachalorette party, one baby shower) and there are friends that I have not talked to in that entire time. This lack of socialization has not been good for my mental health (see previous post).
You know what happened? I didn't put in the effort. I got in adequate social time over lunch with my coworkers and adequate compainionship with my sister and cat in the evenings. Church on the weekends kept me up to date on the biggest news, but no socializing beyond the commen niceities (hi how are you, i'm fine how are you, doing good enjoying work, i'm enjoying work too, good service eh, ya definately good service). Effort isn't being put into young peoples, so I know I am not alone in this.
Sometimes, I get grumpy, cuz I know that other people are still maintaining their friendships and still socializing. But you know what? I haven't taken the risk. I haven't called anyone up and invited them out for lunch, I haven't tried to organize board game night at my house (mainly because that would involve cleaning my house- too much effort), I haven't even called anyone to catch up- heck, I haven't even been starting facebook conversations. I regularly am on facebook, appearing offline, because I get annoyed when my bejewelled blitz gets interuppted. Isn't that sad? and lame? See? No risk. When I don't risk anything, I am not rejected, no one says no, I don't have to suffer through an awkward conversation or risk planning something and being stood up. No risk.
You know what else? I have never had a boyfriend, never been kissed, and never had anyone who actually knew me try to persue me- and I am about to turn 24. I am starting to wonder if it isn't something simular- no effort, no risk. There are a couple times I can think of that if I had put in the effort or taken a risk it may have turned into something, but now it's too late. A couple times when I was too quick to reassure someone I was happy with the status quo, or 'casually' mentioned this other guy I was talking to, or maybe didn't recipricate someone else's risk. The few times I took a risk it didn't pay off and maybe that was cuz I only took a risk inside my own head and never took a risk anyone else but my best friends could notice.
And I still don't know if anything would be worth the risk. It's much easier to stay at home and comfortable with my sister and my cat and my weekly dates with How I Met Your Mother, Chuck, Big Bang Theory, Glee, Modern Family, Bones, Office, AFV, Friends, What Not To Wear, bejewelled blitz, and my ever growing collection of romance novels.
But I don't want to be forty and still doing this.
I then went on vacation to my double camp adventure, the friend moved and hopefully has been taking my advice, and I have been remarkably unsociable. It has been two months, and other than church, I have been out socially only five times (one lunch with a friend, one appetizers with people from work, young peoples that turned into watching tv, and one bachalorette party, one baby shower) and there are friends that I have not talked to in that entire time. This lack of socialization has not been good for my mental health (see previous post).
You know what happened? I didn't put in the effort. I got in adequate social time over lunch with my coworkers and adequate compainionship with my sister and cat in the evenings. Church on the weekends kept me up to date on the biggest news, but no socializing beyond the commen niceities (hi how are you, i'm fine how are you, doing good enjoying work, i'm enjoying work too, good service eh, ya definately good service). Effort isn't being put into young peoples, so I know I am not alone in this.
Sometimes, I get grumpy, cuz I know that other people are still maintaining their friendships and still socializing. But you know what? I haven't taken the risk. I haven't called anyone up and invited them out for lunch, I haven't tried to organize board game night at my house (mainly because that would involve cleaning my house- too much effort), I haven't even called anyone to catch up- heck, I haven't even been starting facebook conversations. I regularly am on facebook, appearing offline, because I get annoyed when my bejewelled blitz gets interuppted. Isn't that sad? and lame? See? No risk. When I don't risk anything, I am not rejected, no one says no, I don't have to suffer through an awkward conversation or risk planning something and being stood up. No risk.
You know what else? I have never had a boyfriend, never been kissed, and never had anyone who actually knew me try to persue me- and I am about to turn 24. I am starting to wonder if it isn't something simular- no effort, no risk. There are a couple times I can think of that if I had put in the effort or taken a risk it may have turned into something, but now it's too late. A couple times when I was too quick to reassure someone I was happy with the status quo, or 'casually' mentioned this other guy I was talking to, or maybe didn't recipricate someone else's risk. The few times I took a risk it didn't pay off and maybe that was cuz I only took a risk inside my own head and never took a risk anyone else but my best friends could notice.
And I still don't know if anything would be worth the risk. It's much easier to stay at home and comfortable with my sister and my cat and my weekly dates with How I Met Your Mother, Chuck, Big Bang Theory, Glee, Modern Family, Bones, Office, AFV, Friends, What Not To Wear, bejewelled blitz, and my ever growing collection of romance novels.
But I don't want to be forty and still doing this.
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