How Lucky We Are

watching images flashing across the TV screen

what was once homes

now tinder

hands waving helpless from submerged attics

trapped

messages written on roof tops

pleading

sitting in the comfort of my couch

helpless to help

looking out my window

beautiful view of the ocean

cityscape on the horizon

glittering

people eating in cafes

laughing

nightclubs in full swing

vibrating

how lucky we are

to live in a city

where our biggest concerns

are the size of a rain drop

Dog Days of Summer

The count down begins to the day I lose my freedom again.
3 days until the end of work... 8 days left until I am back at school ... including weekends. The weather better be nice to me!

Tonight was perfect.

Wandered down to Kits beach with the plan to shoot some hoops (need the practice) - but the courts were full and I couldn't figure out who was the guy from my upcoming team that I was supposed to be meeting up with. I watched for a bit... then moved onto a beach in the sun to watch the volleyballers. There's just nothing like watching a great volleyball game in setting sun.

Ok... its even better when to "talented" boys decide to share your bench and you all strike up a conversation. Nice. Funny thing is... these guys were too deep... we shared a few quick banters... but there were into heavy 'needing to talk about relationship' mode and so soon became absorbed in figuring out if some chic one of them is dating was a good thing or bad. WOW... all I can say is that they were totally talking like chicks!!!

I left them to their deep-chat and tucked my nose into my book. Sat. Enjoyed the scenery. Watched the sunset. Then went for a long walk home.

Perfect.

Old Pics

I was cleaning up my apartment yesterday and go side tracked by a box of old pictures.... so I thought I would share a few.

My first cat Tiger

I think this is my grandma (dad's mom)

Me kayaking

Me at age three with my buddies

Mom & me

Things from Left Field

Left Field seems to be this strange place where things sit and wait until the moment you least expect them (or never even have thought about it). Then like a panther waiting for its prey they pounce, taking you totally off guard.

I've had a few "from left field" moments over the last couple of weeks, and it just seems to be something in the air (or with me) that is bringing them my way. My mom last night even remarked that I'm in "one of those places" right now.

Dang, is it that obvious?!?!?

My latest 'Left Field' moment surfaced yesterday at work.
On thursday our HR Manager and myself spent the day interviewing candidates to replace me when I leave (next week). I had recruited these candidates from graduates of the program that I am currently taking part in and it was a little disheartening seeing the quality of candidate produced (yikes!) and there only 1 person out of 6 that really stood out.

Anyhooo... back to yesterday. So, I was sitting in Suzanne's office (she's the HR Manager) and she asked me why I wasn't applying for her position - she's relocating - instead of going back into the program. She asked why I would continue with a program when i was already in a position to do the job that I would be coming out of the program looking for. And that I could finish my program part time and possibly the company would even pay for it!!!!

OMG - it's less than week from my last day and this lands on my desk.

So, she suggested I think about it... and then talk to her boss more about it, to at least let him know I am interested in the position.

It's a fantastic position, because eventhough its frontline HR stuff it also affords the opportunity to work on some great projects. Its a wonderful supportive team, great location, growing company. YIKES!!!

I then went and chatted with Danny (one of my current bosses) - he suggested that if I am interested that I talk to Bill. But cautioned that (1) Bill doesn't work fast, so it might take a couple of months to happen, and (2) there's been recent controversy about the company appointing people into roles instead of posting the jobs, so they would need to post and I would have to apply (although I would be a strong candidate).

Well... needlesss to say... I thought my brain was buzzing earlier this week... but this just has fueled the fire. But... I still paid my tuition today... and I am still intending on following my originally planned path... 'cause I don't want to quit school only to not get the position.

mmmm... but making some mullah would be nice....

Mean People Suck

Ok - I just don't get some people.

How can you freakin' hit an animal, and then just drive on!??!?! Any animal! But a baby???
Some people just have no freakin' sense of connection... no heart.

Tonight, such a heartless person hit a baby racoon outside of my apartment. It was a loud enough screech and thud to instantly bring me to my feet and out onto my balcony! The car drove off... leaving a very injured baby racoon on the road with its mommy by its side calling to it and its siblings in a state by the side of the road. A girl passed by and got very upset and she and another guy stood and tried to decide what to do. She was asking him to kill it. Meanwhile I grabbed my phone and called the SPCA emergency line.

By the time I got back out on my balcony (and then down on the street by the instruction of the SPCA lady) I couldn't find the injured baby. I looked and looked... but could see it anywhere. The SPCA lady said the mom might have carried it off, because if it was still around the mom wouldn't have left it. Maybe the people that were out there got brave and took it to emergency. And she said she would come by later and take a look around. But i just don't feel like I did enough...

URG!

My Head is Buzzing, My Body Swimming

Definitions of dream on the Web:

• a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep; "I had a dream about you last night"
• ambition: a cherished desire; "his ambition is to own his own business"
  imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake; "he lives in a dream that has nothing to do with reality"
• pipe dream: a fantastic but vain hope (from fantasies induced by the opium pipe); "I have this pipe dream about being emperor of the universe"
• a state of mind characterized by abstraction and release from reality; "he went about his work as if in a dream"
• have a daydream; indulge in a fantasy
• someone of something wonderful; "this dessert is a dream"
• experience while sleeping; "She claims to never dream"; "He dreamt a strange scene"

Buzzing
So the last couple of days have been a flury of activity - in terms on the amount of "buzz" going on in this ol' head of mine. I've been dreaming like crazy... and multitasking mentally. The other night I had a very vivid dream of purchasing a furniture store. And I think it tied in somehow with my desire to learn how to make furniture. It was a fantastic dream!!! But also extreamly curious because I've never really thought seriously about going into retail before. Now its given me more food for thought.

Swimming
Last night after volleyball I dove into the ocean and went for a small paddle around the beach. OMG!!! It was fabulous!!!! I miss swimming sooooooo much... I love that feeling of laying back in the water and just floating while the waves lap up against me. Yes... the ocean... I'm so glad I live by it. But then, its strummed up feelings of "missed summer" and a burning desire to go on that beach adventure for Christmas that I keep thinking about. ~ I wonder if I would be able to fund it?!?! Ah yes... more dreams to come I'm sure.

Wanted - Furry Little Bodies to Fill My Home

Ok - I'm in trouble.
I'm in love.
With a number of cute, cuddly warm orphaned kittens...
I'm smitten.
And I take after my grandmother in wanting to scoop them all up and rescue them.

At volleyball last week Kevin was talking about looking at kitties online. Tonight I did a search of my own and came across the following Vancouver rescue group http://www.orphankittenrescue.com. Eventhough my sensible side says I still need to wait to bring a munchkin (or two) into my household... my heart is aching to take a chance. I can't be sensible all the time, can I?!?!? Sometimes is just a matter of taking a leap of the heart and going with it. Right!?!?!? Oh dear... I'm in trouble.

Here are just a few of the lovely little darlings that have captured my heart.

Mom on a Motorcycle in the Okanagan

My Mom & Dad just got back from a road trip in the Okanagan.
Apparently 60 suits my mom just fine as she was off motorcycling through the hills with their friend Isreal!! Go Mom Go!!!

Wedding Low Down

As promised, here is the low down on Shane & Kim's wedding.
(see photos in previous post)

It was a fantastic night. I arrived in Victoria at around 12pm on saturday. The wedding ceremony was going to be at 2:30pm and so I was planning on checking into my hotel, getting ready at a leisurely pace and then heading over to the Ocean Pointe Resort where the big event was going to happen. Unfortunately my room wasn't ready yet - and the front desk girl said it would be another hour. So I went shopping. And what did I do?!?! I bought a new outfit to wear to the wedding. I had decided to just wear something that I had with me, but I saw this wonderful dress in the Bay and just had to have it. And I am so glad that I did because I love it!! So that took up my hour, and I headed back to the hotel, where I now was getting pressed for time. YIKES!!

After somewhat frantically getting ready I headed over to the Resort. The wedding ceremony was held out behind the hotel facing into the Inner Harbour of Victoria. What a beautiful setting!! And very public - which is very fitting if you know Shane & Kim =) It was very warm out, and I am sure that some of the men wearing heavy dark suits were sweltering, but once the bride walked down the aisel all was forgotten. Kim looked stunning - as you can see from the pictures - and Shane looked very hansome too.

After their "I DOs" they took off for a while to take photos and we were left to our own devices until dinner (at 6:30). A group of us headed inside to the bar, and thats where we stayed. Now... let me say... it is a real interesting mix of people (fun fun group) and I happened to be the only single girl there... to a ratio of maybe 10-12 single guys. Quite interesting indeed!!! One in particular seemed to take a liking to me (he was nice but not my type) and for the rest of the night was constantly by my side. Even to the point where people were thinking he was my boyfriend!!! URG!! More on that in a bit though. I always have an easier time hanging out with guys, so it was a really pleasant (laughs a lot) afternoon.

The reception was great. There were about 70 people in attendance (perfect size!!) and one thing I loved is that the MC introduced each table and the people at it. It really made it personal for everyone. Great touch! Dinner & desert was lovely, and the speaches - although some long winded - were great too. Having such a fun group of people made for a really enjoyable night, and Shane and Kim spent a lot of time mingling and hanging out - no pomp here!! We partied the night away until about 1:30am and then headed to bed.

Now, I must say that there were some cuties there (and not just the little kids!) but as I mentioned before I seemed to have picked up this guy (i've decided not to mention names) that, as more drinks were getting consumed, was getting more possesive of me and more 'handsy'. I'm not too sure what signals he thinks I gave him to make him think I was 'into him' or that it was OK for him to try to hold my hand... or have his hand on my knee when sitting. *sigh* I mean, when a girl moves away from you everytime you come up close to her, isn't it a clear signal that there isn't much interest there!?!? So, at the end of the evening he comes up behind me, puts his hand on my waist (?) and says "this may sound forward, but I look forward to coming back to your room after" WHAT?!?!?!!? Well, I thought my response was quite decent .. saying "yes it is forward, and good on you for trying, but it isn't going to happen... but thank you, I am very flattered"... I mean, really good for him for giving it a shot, I totally respect that and he's a really nice guy (less a few drinks), but just not my type. Plus, at this point in my life I am really not into a one night stand with a friend of a friend.

Needless to say, due to dealing with that situation most of the night, I didn't get too much of an opportunity to chat with other cuties. *sigh* Guess I am going to have to start going to their parties more often!!

Overall it was a FAB time, and I forgot how nice it was to just get out, dance, chat and have fun.

Shane & Kim Get Hitched

Well, they finally did it!

Shane and Kim got hitched. CONGRATS again you two!!

Here are pictures from the "BIG DAY'... I'll post a low down on the evening a little later.

TGIF

Wow - where has the summer gone to?
Looking at the calendar and seeing only 3 weeks left until I am back in the classroom sends shivers down my spine. I mean, hello!! Its only just getting sunny and warm! *sigh*

For some reason I am in a bit of a reflective mood today. Possible because I got together with the gals for a "bridesmaid pow-wow session" last night (ok - more like a gab session) - but my mind has been spending a lot of time thinking about the list of this I wanted to accomplish this summer and where I'm at with it. The list was:

• Go on weekly hike to different destinations
• Swim at Kits pool at least three times a week
• Go camping at least once
• Finish my 4x4 leaf painting
• Do a couple new paintings
• Go out on some "photo taking" adventures
• Repaint bathroom
• Catch-up with Ian, Yosef, Kelly and other friends I have fallen out of touch with
• Go out on a few dates - possibly have a 'fling' (even better if it was more than a fling)

Of course, there's always more... but that's the list that I had actually wrote out for myself (umm.. have I admitted to being a list maker in any of my previous posts?). So where do I stand? Well, not very far - YIKES - I've worked on my leaf painting but am not happy with it yet. I have yet to decide on what to do with my bathroom, so the wall is still bare. I've gone on a few photo taking adventures - but they haven't ranged very far from my little abode. As for the other items - nadda. Needless to say, it's been a pretty quiet summer.

So, now onto my fall list! I think that if I put it up on here, I will feel more accountable to actually do the things I state (because otherwise you'll all ride my ass about them, right?!?)

• Go to gym (for weight and cardio training) 3 times a week for 1/2-1 hour at least
• At least once a week partake in some sort of social/physical activity outside of school
• Not get back into eating junk food once I'm back at school
• Retain some "me time" everyday, even while in school
• "Retreat" one weekend either to Whistler, or one of the islands
• "Go out" sometime - in a situation that has nothing to do with weddings =)
• Find humour is day to day situations (possibly taking pics of funny daily activities? I'm still formulating this idea)
• Still read for pleasure - not just text books
• Keep posting on my blog
• Keep in better contact with friends (this could blend into going out)

So there you have it. Any and all encouragement to stay on track is greatly appreciated. And, or course if you'd like to help me with any items on this list, just let me know!!

The Magic of Volleyball

It amazes me that I can be feeling very crummy, and have to drag myself out to volleyball.. but once I get out there I start feeling better!! Perhaps its a magic cure!!! =)

Tonight was a lot of fun - however we weren't at the top of our game (at least I wasn't!). I really enjoy just getting out on the beach surrounded by great people. I can't believe there are only a few weeks left!! Dam!! What to do next??? Should I join an indoor volleyball league? A different sport?

I'm be eyeing BCIT's recreation guide and the classes that they have in the fall. I am determined to keep/up the level of excercising that I've been doing. I've not sure what I will partake in, but it would be great to make sure its something social too ... oooo all these decisions!

Well, my toes are getting bitten by my impatient pussy cat (apparently she thinks its bed time).

Funny Little Bird

Well, today is my first day housesitting for my folks and so far so good.

I love coming up here and hanging out at the house - especially when I get it all to myself!! =D

On saturday i joined Kim Mills (soon to be Neville!) and her buddies for her stagette. It was a really fun day! We started off at Elixer (bar in the Opus Hotel), where we sat beside the chick from X-Men who plays the doctor. then we headed down to the Roundhouse Community Centre where we indulged in a little belly-dancing =) I was the only one who had done it before, but the rest of the girls where really good with their shimmies!!!! I'm hoping to be sent a picture or two to be able to post on here a little later. Then we headed up to the Absolute Spa at the Century where we were pampered like princesses! I am tickled with my lovely french manicure!!

Then I headed home to play host to my parent's and friends for the last night of fireworks. Post fireworks, apparently my parents got into a heated arguement with my building owner over the fact that he (the owner) was parked behind their car blocking them in. We feared that he would come after me with a rent raise or something - but so far so good!!

Today I took some photos out in the garden. This funny little bird followed me around the yard as I was out there (see picture below). Also shown is my darling pussycat rolling out on the front walk - she seems to be getting over being pissed at me for being locked out all day long. Little does she know!!! ha ha ha




I was called in to my doctor's today to get results from the biopsy they took during my scope a couple of weeks ago. It was a bit confusing - the biopsy was "assessed as indeterminate for dysplasia, favour reactive" HUH?!?!? The GP said to me ... "well it would be premature to call it cancer" ... geez... if it's premature to say it, why even mention the C word?!? Anyhow, he said that it shows changes in the cells, but needs to talk to the GI specialist first before we determine if we have to do anything else at this time. My feeling is that it will just mean that we'll need to be more aggresive in getting my flare under control and then I'll have to make sure I have more regular check-ups.

*sigh* it's always something, huh? But - I guess this just gives me more incentive to be proactive in how I take care of myself.

What's the Polite Way ?

I'm sure this is something that has affected most of us at some point in our lifetimes, and been a bit unsure about what the proper protocol is...

So exactly what is the protocol when your neighbors are having regular loud distruptive sex?

No, no... this isn't just your regular odd bumping and moaning, this is full out sounds like bed is coming through my wall, and her screaming (must be a good time in there, eh?). And THEN I have to listen to them talk about it... what worked, what didn't work... apparently a while ago they used a video that was quite helpful. ha ha ha

I mean, good on them for having such a great sex life!! But this is starting to play havoc on my beauty sleep!!!

So what would you do?
* pound on the wall?
* leave a polite note?
* ask them only to 'do it' during specific hours (vs the middle of the night)?
* knock on their door while they are in the act and ask if everythings alright?
* pretend like you can't hear them?
* leave a gag on her door handle and hope she gets the hint?
* try to out do them? (this would be much easier if there was someone to 'out do them' with!)

Who knows. All I can say is that I've started changing my bed time to avoid being right beside them (ok with a paper thin wall in between)... I wait in my living room - where I can still hear them! - and then go to bed when they are done. But I can't avoid being woken up in the middle of the night or early in the morning.

Ahhhh.... Mosquitos!!!!

Ok... these mosquitos are starting to really really really drive me batty!

Tonight I went on a mosquito killing spree and managed to kill a total of 15 in a matter of 10 minutes. It was soooo gross! I have no idea what to do about all these little buggers. I need to have my windows open because its hot - but if I have them open I get eaten alive!

Agggggh!!

SO NICE TO BE BACK!!!

It's sooooo nice to be feeling fairly normal again!

What more can I say?!?! It's fantastic!!!

It's definately been a while since I've felt mentally 'crisp' and tonight it really came through while on the volleyball court. I actually felt like I was a good contributing team member again =)

Tonight's volleyball was awesome. We really were vibing. The weather was great (not too hot) and we won every game - by quite a bit. So lovely!!! If every night was like tonight... I would want to be out there all the time! I wish I was playing at least one additional night out at Jericho. Maybe for next year I'll see if anyone wants to add a night (hmm... maybe I should give indoors a try?!?!)

I really really really want to make sure that I keep some sort of regular physical excercise as part of my schedule in the fall/winter. It would be if I could mix that excercise with a little 'outside of school' social time. Keeping the bellydancing up would be good because its a tonne of fun... but some sort of sport would be great. Guess I'll just have to wait and see what arises (and not let my nose get too stuck in my books).