(500) Days of PJ

I mentioned in my previous post that PJ has reached a milestone.

I started blogging in grade 11 or 12, hopping around a few different places before settling down on Blogger, October '07. I've been writing fairly regularly since then, mostly just on random events and thoughts about my life...it has always been fun, and I've enjoyed having an audience of family and friends to share pictures, anecdotes, and stupid quizzes with. Reading the comments you guys leave for me is something I always look forward to- you are all so funny! My nerdy blogging soul is thrilled to have 13 "followers" and numerous lurkers to call my own...

I have a confession to make, though.
From the start, PJ has been a primarily selfish endeavor. I write for my own enjoyment. Even when I didn't think anyone read me, I wrote anyway...just for kicks. I write about stuff that I find interesting or funny. I mean, really...no one wants to see pictures of my warts up close. That is something I did because I thought it was hilarious and gross (I'm in the process of exterminating them for good, by the way...Dr Scholl's Dual Action Freezing kit might be the magic trick).

The moral of the story is this: I always knew that the day I didn't enjoy blogging would be the day I stopped blogging. I didn't really expect that day would come. At least not this soon.

A while ago I had a thought:

"Maybe I should delete my blog."

I considered it for a while, and decided not to. I figured when I got over the busy period in my life I would get back in the groove.

But...I started thinking along those lines more frequently. It was weird. I have never felt so apathetic about my blog before. I kept asking myself if this was just a "stage" that I was going through. I mean, everyone goes through the Blogging Blahs now and then.
But this isn't that.
My blog has become a chore to me. I feel guilty about not writing in it, but I have zero desire to blog about anything. I don't get any enjoyment out of it, and for the first time since I started, I'm okay with the idea of Life Without PJ.

So I guess this is it.

I have reached the 500th post on PJ...and it will be the last one.

Well, I won't say that. Who knows...in theory, I could have a change of heart and be back next week. But I don't think I will. In fact I seriously doubt it. I think this blog has run its course. Maybe one day I will start a new one, when I have something to say to the world...but for now, I'm going to pursue other hobbies and interests. Most likely I'll still be around, commenting on your blogs and keeping up with things, but this is the end of the road for PJ.

Its time for me to end this blog's slow and painful death. Its been dragging out too long already.
Its kind of sad, but kind of freeing.

I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing.
Its been fun.

Your bloggy friend,

PJ

Late

I hate being late.
It gives me a sick feeling in my stomach, and I get all panicky...its vaguely the same feeling I get when I drink coffee, which would be why I don't drink it anymore!
Yesterday I started my orientation at Overlander. I'd never been there before, but it looked very straight-forward on google map. I even gave myself 10 more minutes than I thought I'd need to get there.
Well guess what, I'm absolutely horrendous with getting lost. As in I can get lost between point A and point B on a straight road. I found Overlander no problem. And then I promptly walked right past the main entrance by accident, and began wandering the grounds thinking, "Where the heck am I?" and "Why is this so hard to find?".
I ended up walking straight into one of the living room areas at the back of the facility, turning on my heel and walking right back out, and then ending up at a completely different building. I thought the sign said Overlander Administration, but apparently that was for something else. I went to some kind of Ministry of such-and-such building, and was completely surprised when my friend Steve opened the door for me. Apparently he works there or is training or something...I was very confused. He said he saw my car (probably saw me wandering around like a dweeb, too) and pointed me in the right direction. Which was basically right beside where I parked.
To get to the point, I was late for my first day of orientation, and the worried anxious feeling has not gone away yet. I keep getting little panicky lurches, and frantically searching for the nearest clock to make sure I'm not late again today!

And now I bid you a fond farewell until later this week. I am beginning a work marathon starting at 11. I go straight from work to my cleaning job, then home to sleep for not-enough-hours, then getting up at 5am to work at Overlander again. Then cleaning again at 6pm. Then working at 6am. Fun times!

Hopefully it will go by fast.

A Quick Hello

Hello blog readers!

I haven't forgotten you! Here is a quick update:

*My computer is back up and running, though its not quite what it was. There is still much to be done.

*To be honest I enjoyed having a break from computers in general. It was kind of freeing somehow. I'm having mixed feelings about getting it back. Weird.

*Daylight Savings...is a terrible, terrible, idea. I think it should be discontinued. Today.

*My car is having issues. I talked briefly with my friend who looked at it for me today. Sounds like it could be quite bad. Or it could be ok...but, pessimist that I am...my gut is telling me I'll be hearing from Bad News Betty soon. And she'll be grinning from ear to ear. I don't like Bad News Betty. She is not my friend.

*I went to the first wedding of the year, today! Please notice my updated tally.

*8pm Monday morning I begin my job at the hospital...nervous and excited! Mostly I am dreading the daily parking space battle. Anyone know where I can get free parking downtown, that is close to the hospital?? That is assuming I have a car to park.

*I am really, utterly, exhausted right now. I am going to bed now. At 8:35 pm. It is sad, and it is true. But considering that its actually sort of 9:35 pm, that makes it a teensy bit better. Also the fact that I will be getting up much earlier this week, and my brain will tell me its even earlier than the clock reports...I think I better stock up on sleep while I can.

*Goodnight.

"Settling" Down

While cleaning the other night I noticed an article in a magazine that intrigued me. It was an interview with a 40-year-old woman, a single mother via anonymous sperm donor, who had written an essay (& eventually a book) called "Marry Him!".

Lori Gottlieb makes a case for ditching the tall, dark, and handsome ideal women hold out for, and settling for "Mr Good Enough".

When I got home I looked up the article to read it for myself. You can find it here.

If you have the time, please do read it, as she makes a lot of different points, and its not quite as cut & dry as I've summarized :)
This is a couple years old, so maybe you've read it already.

Now while she admits that she writes as a woman whose biological clock is ticking, what she is saying is, "Don't fall for the lies I fell for! Marry someone who will be a good husband and father while you are young, because the longer you wait, the fewer your options are going to be. There is no such thing as a 'soulmate'...don't wait for someone who will sweep you off your feet: Mr Right doesn't exist!"

Feminists and Romantics alike do not take kindly to her message. After all, it flies in the face of everything we have been taught since we are little girls. We are princesses who are waiting for our prince...right? Chick flicks are made from the idea that we are fated to meet The One. And if we haven't met him yet or don't meet him at all...well, we won't settle for anything less because we deserve better! Besides, we have our fulfilling careers, and like Lori, we don't have to be in any kind of relationship to be a mother and have a family.

Lori advises against ruling out a potential because he doesn't measure up to your Dark Eyed Ideal. Like the bitter old Mrs. Harmon Andrews of Avonlea, she's merely stating that, "Its the over particular girls that get left". Checklists may leave you alone and lonely. This is nothing new.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that there is no "Perfect Guy" out there, because who of us is perfect? If I am not a Perfect Girl, why should I expect a Perfect Guy? We will each have our quirks and annoying habits or mannerisms. And most definitely we will both have serious flaws...
So don't hold out for a "10/10" when we ourselves don't even rate that high. "'Settle' for an 8/10", she says. "Because you'll find you are not really settling at all."

Ok, that makes sense to me. But she goes on to talk about romance.

"When we’re holding out for deep romantic love, we have the fantasy that this level of passionate intensity will make us happier. But marrying Mr. Good Enough might be an equally viable option, especially if you’re looking for a stable, reliable life companion."

"...realize that marriage ultimately isn’t about cosmic connection—it’s about how having a teammate, even if he’s not the love of your life, is better than not having one at all."

Now, I can understand her line of thinking. I'm even inclined to agree with most of it. But if I'm going to be very honest here, I've always harbored the idea there is only one person out there for me. The One, Mr. Right, a soulmate, if you will.
Do you think it is possible that you choose your own soulmate?* Is choosing a husband (or wife) really just a matter of deciding who would be a good 'team-mate'? Its not a matter of pre-destination, its a matter of choosing someone compatible, and sticking to your choice?

"I would say even if he’s not the love of your life, make sure he’s someone you respect intellectually, makes you laugh, appreciates you … I bet there are plenty of these men in the older, overweight, and bald category (which they all eventually become anyway)."

I'm not fretting about running out of time and ending up with someone old enough to be my grandfather because I'm out of options.I'm just curious.
Obviously this makes sense on one hand. To marry someone you need to be able to work well together, and respect them. That will be the glue that holds you together. But should a person rule out romance as a factor altogether? My gut (which is very reliable) says "Duuuuhhh! No." but that could also be all the Jane Austen fiction I've been reading, which tells me Mr. Knightley will come at the right moment, and we'll live so happy ever after that there is no need to write a sequel.

"Once you’re married, it’s not about whom you want to go on vacation with; it’s about whom you want to run a household with. Marriage isn’t a passion-fest; it’s more like a partnership formed to run a very small, mundane, and often boring nonprofit business. And I mean this in a good way."

Ms. Gettlieb had never been married at the time she wrote this article, and as far as I know she is still unmarried. So while she may write a whole lot about marriage, I'm wondering how accurate it can be. I think she makes a lot of solid points...there is no perfect man out there, and the criteria for a husband does not necessarily include a chiseled jaw and piercing gaze. He might even have a double chin, and pick his nose.

But does it make sense to date someone who you are not romantically attracted to (I think I remember the Boundless Show doing a spot on this)? Should you wait and hope this develops in time? How long should you wait? Are the other more practical qualities more important? Is stability really the main requirement in a marriage? Doesn't that sound a bit mercenary?

Alright I know there are a lot of you married women reading this blog, and you are my most faithful commenters, so I'm counting on you to weigh in! But I also want the thoughts of my single unmarried friends...don't be afraid!






*Ok, wildly nerdy analogy here...I just can't resist. If you've read Harry Potter, all I'm gonna say is...Neville Longbottom could've been the Chosen One...HA!

My "Secret" Obsession

I have been invited to a Murder Mystery dinner party for this Friday. Its 1920's themed, and I can no longer suppress my wild excitement!
I have always taken a huge (nerdy) interest in the styles and cultures of bygone days, not to mention "dressing up" was one of my favorite pastimes as a kid.
Social Studies was one of my best-loved subjects in school, and as a teen I was frequently planning themed costume parties or short dramas. Any excuse to wear a costume would do!


As a result of this invitation, I've been plotting my costume, makeup, hairstyle, and googling anything/everything 1920's.It was really a remarkable time in history-- there was so much going on, and (North) American culture was changing at a breakneck pace.
The woman's role in society was undergoing a huge change-- they had just won "the vote" and felt a new confidence and independence due to managing the country while their men were at war just a short time previous. The new generation discarded their heavy, constrictive clothing and shocked their elders with shapeless, "revealing" dresses, bobbed hair, and plenty of dramatic makeup (applied in public-- oh my!).

They were shocking, free-spirited, and the world was their oyster. What an exciting time it must have been!

I know the murder mystery will be a fantastically fun night! I only wish I could learn to dance the Charleston as well as these girls have :)

The Month of Luuuuuuurrrvvvv....

Sorry I haven't been blogging lately...this week...at all. Geez, has it really been that long?
I seem to go through these phases...I almost hit a record high in January, and now its well into February, and this is my first post of the month!

Sigh.

I just don't know what to write about.

Actually, since its February, month of Valentines, aka LOVE, and there are little red hearts, chocolates, and roses, everywhere...I figure why not celebrate?

Sure I'm single as the day I was born, but there are plenty of friends out there who are completely twitterpated, and I'm happy for them! In fact, I'm going to get on the ball this year, and start my 2010 engagement/wedding tally NOW! I like to see the numbers go up :)

On top of all this, I've been visiting with my friend from out of town, and even though she is single, she is one of those girls who likes to plan her wedding "ahead of time". She has picked out her exact style of wedding dress, hair, shoes, etc...
Sure, why not know what you like?
I've never really been the type to think about my wedding. I mean, I can generally tell you what I like in a wedding, and what I don't, but I've never gone into specifics about what I would want. But our conversation piqued my interest, and I went on one of my terrible, fanatical, research binges.
Sort of like the 1920's one I just went though, that led me to the Diamond Dame blog, this excessive wedding craze led me to Once Wed.
Suffering from insomnia anyway, I spent the night perusing different styles of weddings. A lot of the featured weddings on the blog are vintage-inspired, which is right up my alley.

I began to give wedding dresses some thought.

There are so many white satin/silk, strapless, embroidered, princess poof dresses out there. I know that a lot of people like that more traditional style, and until now I'd always assumed that's what I would get. But the more I looked, the less I liked.

I have come to the conclusion that my dress will neither be made of silk or satin, it will not be a stark white (I think plain white is less common these days anyway), and I want...sleeves. There...I said it...I know sleeves on wedding dresses can be weird, but there some some nice ones. And I shall have them!

Hee hee...I feel silly making decisions about a day that is so far away in the very distant future, but it's kind of fun too. I figure the more I decide now, (if I write it down) the less I will have to decide later. Which is always a good thing.

If you're interested in seeing a dress I absolutely adore, search "Seth and Dionna" on the Once Wed blog link. His scarf thing is pretty awesome too.

Thoughts?

If you are married, what was your wedding like? What would you do differently now, if anything? Did you plan your wedding at all, before you were engaged?

If you are unmarried, have you ever thought about your future wedding day? How do you picture it?

I have many more thoughts, but as I said before, I feel silly writing about them. This is about as deep as I will delve for now.

Carrying a Torch

As you are most likely aware, the Olympic Torch came through Kamloops the other day.
I didn't realize that it started in Valleyview, and had come to the conclusion that I would be working at its time of arrival, and therefore would miss this most exciting event.

Little did I know I had a date with destiny.

My mother was the one that informed me I would have a chance to view one of the runners before work, and she dragged myself and my brother off the couch to witness it.

We drove out through all the traffic, parked, got a hot drink, and arrived at the sidewalk in front of Valleyview Seconday just as the festivities began.

A few decorated cars were slowly going by, blaring music, with runners handing out flags and tambourines. (Tambourines?? Whaaat??)

Mom was rather exited, and got right into the spirit of things, clapping and doing a jig and such. Me? I wouldn't be caught dead doing what these people were doing.
Then it happened.

The coca-cola truck approached.
Whatevs, right? I mean, come on I don't even drink coke, and if given the choice, I'll drink Pepsi instead (please don't throw things at me).
But this was different.
I had my rooibus latte in one hand, and because I am an addicted blogger, I had my camera in the other. I focused in on the shiny red truck thundering by.

One of the runners turned.
I thought, "He wants to be in my picture. Isn't that nic-"

He started running towards me.
He smiled.
He thrust a coke bottle at me.
I juggled my belongings, to accommodate the new arrival.
I smiled.
Our eyes met.
This was IT.
And then he was gone.

Leaving only a token of his love for me to cherish forever.
I don't know your name, or where you are from, but I will never forget you, Mr Coke-bottle guy.
Love like this doesn't happen every day...


Oh ya, and we saw the torch bearer too.

Twenty-Two

It feels no different than 21, it just sounds a little more mature to me, perhaps because everyone associates 21 as the age that frees you from all "restrictions" and people tend to go a little nuts with that!

Carrot Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Yes, it was my birthday yesterday. Our family doesn't really tend to make much of a fuss about birthdays so it was a very low-key day. I went shopping for a camera in the morning with my dad, because my parents and eldest brother decided to make me the happiest by pitching in some $ to replace my old one that perished in the ocean this past summer.
I bought a Sony Cybershot H20, which is an upgraded model of my previous camera. So far I'm thrilled with it! I loved my old camera, and my only real complaint about it was bad indoor and low-light pictures. This newer model is improved in that area, so that is very exciting!!
Its also slightly more compact, and a little sleeker...I like.
My car-smart youngest brother gave Peppy an oil change (THANKS TIMO!) and I was delighted to receive a mini food processor from Mike and Katie! I'm so stoked about that because it spells H-U-M-M-U-S and P-E-S-T-O and a myriad of other culinary delights I've been dying to make!
We went to Chapters Viewpoint for a nice dinner, lacking only the wit of brother Paul, who was in Vancouver enjoying a 6-2 win for the Canucks vs. Penguins.

Family Shot

I tried Escargot for the first time!

Kind of a funny shot of my first bite

I have to say though, it was a very odd birthday to me, that didn't quite feel like a birthday, because there is simply NO SNOW! It looks like late Spring out there!!! Sunny, mild, and bare...?!?!?! what the heck? Besides the birthday I spent in Ireland, every single one of my birthdays has been well endowed with snow! It felt really strange, and not quite right.

I want the snow back.

Unbelievable.

Disappointment

My package didn't come in the mail today.
I was disappointed. Now it won't arrive until Monday or Tuesday.
Its my own fault, I decided not to pay extra shipping costs and go for the 10-11 day shipping. I figure it a good time to practice some patience. Seems like everything these days is instant. I could've just downloaded it (its a CD) and had the music already in my iTunes, but nooooo...I want a tangible CD because I'm paranoid about files being accidentally deleted. So I wait. And wait.
I keep telling myself this waiting will only make me appreciate it more when it comes.
I hope that is the case.

Living Vicariously

My brother Mike got this DVD series for Christmas, and has been powering through them. I'm lagging a bit behind him, but watched 2 episodes yesterday, and I've got to say...I'm really enjoying it.
This reality show is about 2 British guys (Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman) who decide to ride their motorbikes across the world. They go East from England and head across Czech Republic, Russia, Mongolia, etc, etc, and then cross the Pacific to the Yukon, down through Canada, to the States, etc etc.

The first couple episodes detail how they get started and all the planning and stress that is involved! When they finally get on the road its quite exciting, and you get to see so much scenery and different people groups.

They also make a point of stopping at different points were Unicef is helping out. They talk and play with kids on the streets or in orphanages, and find out a bit more about what the organizations are doing there. It can be very heart-wrenching, but it is important to see what life is like there.

The two guys are very entertaining as well! Of course everyone has seen Ewan McGregor on screen at some point, wether as Obi Wan Kenobi or Frank Churchill, or whatever (Just had to throw an Austen reference in there) but seeing him as himself is very neat. I think I have a crush on him now. His friend Charley is hilarious, and looks a bit like a frog (its the EYES!), and together they are fun to watch.

I've only watched 4 episodes, but there have already been so many laugh-out-loud moments, a few suspenseful times, and a lot of bizarre happenings! It makes me feel like I'm traveling again...siiiiigh. That paired with the fact that I was looking at a friend's pictures of a trip to France, and hearing about another friend traveling to stay in Nepal for a couple months makes me feel very...stranded. Now I want to travel again. But I'll have to content myself with simply watching The Long Way Round for now.

Starting the Year Off Right

So I decided I'd better get started with my goals of becoming little Susie Homemaker...

I actually started this project last summer, while I was at Strathcona Park Lodge.
I was inspired by my unique and creative friend Taryn, who seemed to think people can do anything they put their minds to. We worked in the kitchen together, and so we had many opportunities to talk about everything, and anything. I discovered in her a really amazing person who exudes joy and contentment with herself and life in general...an intriguing characteristic, to someone such as myself who has difficulty with that. In other ways we were very similar, so I found myself wondering why I couldn't adpot her positive thinking and open mindedness.
Taryn was very encouraging to me, especially when it came to trying new things (since she was vegan and gluten-free, this really applied to the area of food as well!) She is a very creative person, who draws, paints, sews, weaves (on a loom she built), and did all manner of craftsy artsy things. Not only that, she drew me into her sphere of creativity too.
Inspired by her confidence and you-can-do-it attitude, Taryn somehow made me believe that I too, can make things and try out different creative venues.
So I made moccasins, Thai Fisherman pants (picture below), got dreads, ate vegan food, went for long walks/hikes/drives all by myself, and discussed ideas and views I'd previously taken for granted.

My "Hippie Pants"

It was exciting, exhilarating, and freeing.
After completing my pants on her sewing machine, I was feeling pretty good about my creative abilities, and so when I saw a sling bag that belonged to my friend Barb, I asked myself, "Why can't I make that?". I examined it, and determined it wouldn't be "that hard". After all, it was only 2 pieces.
I traced it, cut out my homemade pattern, bought fabric in the discount bin at the fabric store, and dove in.
In my enthusiasm, I may not have thought it all out properly...

When I pinned it all together, somehow it didn't fit. Instead of a large sack-like shape, I had a bag with two weird pouches on either side. Confused and frustrated, I pinned, and re-pinned, sewed, picked out stitches, and re-sewed...and picked-out stitches again.

By now, hours had gone by. I was tired, and fed up with this first solo sewing adventure.
I guessed that by tracing the bag for my pattern, I had created a curved edge where there should have been a straight edge, and I didn't have the patience or will to figure out how to correct it. I also didn't have enough fabric to cut out a new one, so I felt that I had wasted a lot of time, money, and energy. Project: FAILED.

I didn't touch the thing again...until today.

Today I resolved to get started on my crafting resolution. The bag had to be conquered. It represented my mental block concerning my confidence in my own creative abilities. "I can't" had to become, "I can...if I try hard enough".
Resisting my natural tendency to avoid anything I'm "not good at", I dragged out the pieces, ironed them, and worked out what needed fixing. I decided the bag needed panels on either side to fill in the 'blanks' that I had made by curving the fabric, so that the bottom would fit in naturally, instead of becoming tight in the middle and creating those loose pouches.

Long story short, I made a pattern for the panel, and it worked!
Encouraged by this victory, I hauled the sewing machine upstairs and set to work with renewed energy. With my dear mother's help in getting the machine's cooperation, I was soon whittling away at the project.
By 8:30 tonight, I was proudly displaying my completed sling bag (it even has pockets on the inside), and even though its far from perfect, I'm really pleased with it. While sewing might never be my strength, I have proven to myself that that doesn't have to stop me.
Its a good feeling.
I don't know why this pic is upside down and I can't get it to change! Anyway, you'll be able to see a little bit of the seams if you click on it.

The Obligatory New Years Post

I have not even thought about New Years Resolutions this year.
After the success of my 2007 Resolutions, I've felt intimidated by making more. But maybe its time.

I just can't think of anything to resolve...resolute...resolutionize...whatever.

I want to garden this year. Especially after I received the fabulous "Square Foot Gardener" book for Christmas! So excited.

I also want to try to knit/crochet and sew...but I just don't know how to start.

As far as exercising, I've already been motivated by outside forces (thanks Rebekah!) to join a yoga class, which I am totally stoked about. I've really missed it since I left Strathcona, and I can't wait to start again! Unfortunately, I'm so unmotivated to sign myself up for it that it never happened. Until now!

Of course, school is a big thing to be planning for this year. But the more I think about it, the more discouraged I become. It seems like so much money, and after all the trouble I've already had with student loans this year (they are unbelievably disorganized...I can't even think about it without getting enraged), I refuse to take out another. Job hunting has been...unsuccessful, thus far. I just don't see how its going to happen. At least not this year. So I'd rather not resolve about it.

I want to make a resolution about food...but I just can't do it. I just can't. I love food, and I will eat it, and I will eat it when I want it. There is no point in trying to make a resolution I know I will break.

And that is all I can think of. But I'm really not a huge believer in New Years Resolutions. I think if you really want to get something done/change something, it can happen any time of the year, and that is when its most likely to succeed.

The Newest Disney Princess

The first time I saw the trailer for The Princess & The Frog, I dismissed it as Disney's latest money-making ploy, right up there with Cinderella II, III, and all those other vomit-inducing sequels.
I have to admit my first thought was something like, "Well, I guess now they have a black President, they need a black Disney Princess." (Am I allowed to say that?)
However, as time wore on there was a glimmer of hope. I began to hear that this movie was taking a step back to the "old ways"; hand-drawn animation, musical song & dance sequences, and the like.Being the open-minded individual I am, not to mention that my curiosity had to be satisfied, I had to give this movie a chance. Well the chance came yesterday, when I went to see it with my friend Cort, a fellow Disney fanatic.
I bought my $5 ticket squeezed between mothers and their 6 year old daughters. The 20-something cashier raised her perfectly plucked eyebrows at me, her fake eyelashes wide with surprise. I stole inside and found my friend, burrowing deep into my seat (ugh, doesn't the Paramount theater have the worst seats on the planet??).
I was trying to stay upbeat about this movie. I mean, on one hand I was still unimpressed with the preview, but I was keeping myself open to being pleasantly surprised.
My first mistake was in assuming that Disney had chosen the princess' race to be politically correct, never mind the historical inaccuracy of it. If I had watched the preview more closely I might have realize that things were not as they seemed.
The tale begins in New Orleans, during the Roarin' 20's...an era which Disney has never covered before. I thought it was a great setting, but that might just be because I love the flapper dresses, bizarre head-wear, and jazz!
I don't want to give away too much for those of you who have not seen it yet, but I will say that I did enjoy it. It was not up to Classic Disney (Beauty & the Beast, Lion King, etc) standards, but it is certainly a step in the right direction, in my humble opinion. The characters were entertaining, mostly lovable (I laughed myself silly at every line Lottie had...couldn't find a picture of her, but you'll know who I mean when you watch it), the songs were lively, if not exactly catchy (Bring Alan Menken back!). The whole thing had just enough cheese, nostalgia, and fun to make it a satisfactory Disney.
The only thing I found a little off-putting was how evil the villain was. I felt sorry for the little kids in the theater, cause I know as a child how scared of the old Disney baddies I was. The voo-doo "Shadow Man" and his "friends on the other side" were quite terrifying, and the death of one of the "good guys" was a little traumatic as well.
Other than that, it was a pretty enjoyable movie, and an acceptable addition to the Disney collection. I am, however, reserving judgment on the 3D, #50 full-length animated film, Rapunzel, due out 2010...it too will have to undergo my scrutiny before it earns a stamp of approval.

Christmas Carols

Its everywhere...

On the radio, in the stores, in our heads...

Christmas music.

Some people hate it, others love it.

It can range from cheesy to haunting. Rocking' Around the Christmas Tree, to Silent Night.

Anyone can sing it...Alvin and the Chipmunks, a church choir, Mariah Carey, or your caroling neighbors.

I find Christmas music in general to be annoying, if not just plain unbearable, most of the time. But I do have exceptions.

Most carols in minor keys are acceptable to me, Christmas with Frank & Bing is pure gold, and all instrumental Christmas music is almost always beautiful.

My favorite Christmas song might be Carol of the Bells, because it is so beautiful and haunting, and its not really the kind of song that is sung by people who can't sing, you know what I mean? I think songs being overdone, and oversung, is what really kills them for me, so that might be why this one is still a fave.

I am particularly fond of this version by pianist, George Winston.

Do you have a favorite Christmas carol?

A Slight Obsession

The teen years can be a troublesome time.

One may search for one's identity in one's appearance, one's friends, or...

Perhaps an obsession with a fictional character?

I was organizing my books the other day, making room for my newest addition, when I came across an old shrine of mine. This included dozens of random Robin Hood books, a McDonalds Robin Hood figurine, a scrap of paper (probably from a TV guide) advertising Robin Hood, a creepy cloth Robin Hood hanging, and...a small bag of Robin Hood flour, of all things. So of course I had to go downstairs and gather my 3 Robin Hood DVDs and take a picture of this fabulous collection. (Unfortunately its missing a prize gem: the first season of a Robin Hood tv series from the 80's, and also the Richard Greene tv series, that I left at my brother's place!)

Its true, I did go through a "phase", and may perhaps still be going through it. I just...I just love Robin Hood. Ok?! The Disney fox Robin Hood was my first crush. I also love that everyone has their own version of Robin Hood...I've read so many books on the legend, and most of them are quite different from each other. The movies/tv series are ridiculous. And awesome.

There are a few gaping holes in my collection though.
DVDs: Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and the Errol Flynn version (delightful!).
And books: The Outlaws of Sherwood (Robin McKinley) and the rest of the Hood series by Stephen Lawhead.

Interestingly, there is a movie coming out in 2010 called "Nottingham" directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Personally, that revolts me, but I will have to see it anyway, because obviously when it comes to RobinHood, I just can't help myself.

Giving In

It is nearly December 1st.

Only a 1/2 hour left, before I have to give in and admit that the Christmas Season has arrived.
I will not allow Christmas music, or decorations of any kind until December, because:

a. I am a bit of a control freak

b. There have got to be some limits set so that Christmas doesn't take over the entire calendar and become mundane and worn out before the 25th.

c. all of the above.

If you answered C. than you may be onto something.

When my mom gets home on Wednesday I have no doubt the wreaths and velvet poinsettas will bust out, the "gingerbread" and "candycane" candles will be lit, and a new Christmas CD will be drifting through the house.

And then the great Christmas Tree debate that we have every year will resume.

When do we get one? Will it be real or fake?

Things often get quite intense around here at Christmas, because despite the fact that our family has celebrated the holiday together almost every year, we each have our own preferences on exactly how to do it, and mine especially has a specific timeline on what is appropriate and when.

Are you the type of person that would love to have Christmas all year round, or do you wish it would stick strictly to the 25th of December? Or perhaps somewhere in between...

Saturday

Friday and Saturday are my "weekend", meaning I don't have a single responsibility on those days.
Well yesterday I ended up spending most of the day at Full Gospel church, helping put on the Kamloops' Pregnancy Care Center fundraising dinner, and before I knew it I was crawling into my bed, exhausted.

This morning I feel a little lost without anything that needs to be done. I can't even bake or cook, since our oven/stove is under repairs. I've cleaned my room. Went shopping for necessary items. Checked in on a sick brother. I don't know what else to do.

I really need to get another job.

Christmas Eve Shopper Reforms Her Ways

Its not that I don't enjoy buying presents.

I do. And I love giving presents. Especially for-no-reason presents. I think those are the best. Which might be why I have a problem with birthdays and Christmas...buying presents under pressure. Its like my imagination shuts down, and I can't remember what people like, or what they want.

Most of the time, I just put it off until the last minute, and then scramble to get something that might work.

This year I'm changing my style.

I've begun to "collect" gifts throughout the year, saving them for the right opportunity. So far, I like the outcome. It really takes the pressure off, and you know for sure that its something that person will like, because you saw it and KNEW, instead of went searching for something.

Admittedly, I didn't have a whole lot of gifts accumulated for Christmas, but I have been brainstorming ideas, so I am very, very far ahead of my usual schedule of Christmas Eve shopping!

There are only a couple people left on my list that I have no idea what to get. But I'm hoping by the end of the month, everything will be bought and wrapped, and I can relax and enjoy the rest of the season.

Shopaholic?

Sometimes I buy things against my better judgment, for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Its on sale. It might still be way more than I would pay for it regularly, but hey-- its on sale!

2. I think I like it. I think...hey, is that a sale tag? I like it.

3. I'm shopping at a store that we don't have in Kamloops, and I just can't bear to not buy something there when I actually have the opportunity.*

4. It fits. It might be hideously ugly, or perhaps overpriced, but hey-- it fits.

5. I just want to buy something. Anything, as long as it involves taking something new home.

Do I need serious help or what?!

*Something of this nature may or may not have occurred recently.

Insomnia

I don't know what it is, but I just haven't been able to sleep much lately.
Maybe it has something to do with the time change? Or full moon? Or...???

Usually, I don't have any problem sleeping. I could get 10 hours every night, circumstances allowing. My body likes sleep. Within a half hour of going to bed, I could be in la-la land.

This past week I've probably been averaging 5 hours sleep/night.

For example:

Last night I was tossing and turning for hours and hours. This morning I felt dead, but got up around 9:30. I was exhausted all day, but resisted napping, telling myself I would finally get a good night's sleep. I crashed on the couch downstairs around 9 PM watching Blue Planet, had the best sleep this week so far, and woke up an hour later. I've been wide awake ever since.

I can't figure it out. I've cut out caffeine from my diet for a while now, so it can't be that.

I've tried drinking sleepy time tea.
I've tried journaling to quiet my mind.
I've tried listening to peaceful music, turned down low.
I've tried reading...
Cleaning my room...
Fewer blankets...
More blankets...
propped up on pillows...
other end of the bed...
pillows on my head...

Nothing has helped. I feel like I'm in a fog all the time.

But I have a theory; and idea that my nap in front of the movie put in my head.

I need the sound of someone talking, as "white noise".

Anyone want to volunteer to read me to sleep?