Angry Gnome Tu Dot Oh

Whoa, dude.

2011-03-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Crap.
Did you ever kind of forget about something for a little while? Yeah, me too and for the past little while I totally forgot that I even had a blog, which is crazy because I love to write.
Anyhoo, life's been, uh, life and my new job keeps me pretty busy and I would share more with you but I signed a confidentiality agreement and can't discuss patients but believe you me when I tell you some of the things I see are fascinating... and sad... and even sometimes miraculous.
I have been thinking of going to visit Matt in South Africa but it's really expensive to just fly there, also what the hell do I do there once I get there? Just stay at his place waiting for him to return from work to show me the sights? Whatever.

Maybe Italy, at least there I could visit the museums and see all the architecture I actually studied in school.

... Now if I could only find an Italian friend. Hmmm.

Hey, remember when I said...

2010-10-24T01:02:00.000-07:00

... That I got a new job and would be posting more? Well, I think literally five minutes after I posted that I got a call offering me a new new job so I left the one I was at and started a new new one in August. It's great and I like it lots but it's pretty busy (I now work at the MHN ICU) and I never really have time for anything except for a quick gmail check. I do check my Facebook at home and on my cell occasionally and I am a little addicted to that because it's a quick way to stay in touch with everyone. Look me up if your on there and then we can catch up more often. I don't know how much I will be able to update this blog but I will try.

Hello you, it's been awhile.

2010-07-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

I'm fine, by the way, thanks for asking.
I finally have a job where I can update this blog. There's so much I have to tell you... But it's going to have to wait until I get back to work.

The Southern Vampire Mysteries

2009-06-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Before last year I had no idea that these books existed but now thanks to True Blood I am fully immersed in that world. I wasn't too sure I wanted to get involved in another vampire book after the whole Anne Rice debacle of my youth but these books are so much more than just vampires. It's a whole other supernatural world and they're funny, which if I recall correctly, the Anne Rice novels were not. I am not really sure, it's been awhile since I've read those books. Also, if you're a big Twilight fan these books may not be for you as they're for grown ups only because as there is plenty of humor in the book but there's also sex and violence so it's not G-rated fare.
A note of warning regarding the books and the show to those who are interested, although many of the characters are the same the show tends to view the books as more of a starting off point rather than doctrine so things are changed.

I Love You Adidas

2009-06-22T23:48:00.000-07:00

I know, right? Sportswear? Whatever.
However, I came across the site through an article that I was reading and damn, I thought I would share it with you, whoever the hell you are out there.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to share with you the Adidas Super 14 Jersey Swap!

Go there and enjoy, there's even a slow mo button.

STFU!

2009-06-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

OMIGOSH! The new season on True Blood starts on Sunday and I am so frickin' psyched because it's, like, the best. show. ever. Sometimes I hate HBO because they do weird short seasons and then there is nothing forever but in this case it is not so. Phew! Remember when Deadwood was on and then nothing happened and then BOOOM, a new season? Or when Carnivale was on and then they decided to do two half seasons that culminated into the final battle between Ben and Brother Justin and then the bitches cancelled it? My heart still hurts as I liked that show, it was interesting and sometimes creepy.

Anyhoo, TRUE BLOOD on HBO Sunday evening. Watch it. Be it. Live it.

Whatever, bitches.

2009-06-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

You know what's wonderful about blogging? Telling people you hate them without naming names because THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE. Blogging lets you funnel the rage into semi-coherent sentences.
I know you can hear me, so STOP IGNORING ME.

Blah blah blah

2009-06-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Just checking in to tell everyone that I am still alive.

So, I'm still alive and it's June 1st AND the weather is getting better in Montreal. Finally. I haven't been up to much 'cept for working and watching streaming rugby on the computer. Life is full. Also, I got my cheques from the government... again finally. Those bastards owed me money. 'Bout time someone gave me money for being me. I am going to save some because I needs to have some sort of savings but I also bought myself a brand new Zune mp3 player and I likes it. It's different from the iPod but that's ok, I am getting used to the interface and it's nice to have all my 900 songs on standby for when I need them 'cause sometimes you just gotta groove, you know what I mean?
I have scouring the web in search for new exciting moosic and then downloading them but I seem to have hit a roadblock and can't, for the life of me, think of any new songs. Anyone have any ideas?
Since I have no telly I have also been downloadin' movies and shows (shush, don't narc on me) and I have pretty much seen all the new movies out there. I recommend Star Trek and Up, those were good.
Work is, uh, work. Nothing new there and I spend most of me evenings rereading books, right now it's The Fellowship of the Rings, I tried The Silmarillion but gave up caring because it's so dense. Seriously, it's like the Bible, Aragorn who was son of Arathorn who was son of someone, who was the son of someone else... Damn. The Fellowship is good though, although in rereading it I lament the loss of some of it in the Peter Jackson movie. Ya know, Tom Bombadil and stuff... He was awesome.
I have also been surfing the dubya and discovered that Ruma (my middle name) is Indian for "Vedic Hymn". Lyndy is nowhere to be found and I think I am going to add it into name databases and think up a meaning for it all on my own.

Yawn

2009-03-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

I am at work right now and before you go thinking that I am slacking on the job let me just inform you that I have done all my work for the evening and it is 6:30pm. It is going to be a loooong night and I think I have been counting down the minutes until 10pm since I arrived here at 2pm. As a "very important" member of the laboratory staff I am given the job of hanging around here all evening waiting until blood samples come in from the floors and from various hospitals whereupon I very importantly log them into our computer system. And then I sit down and surf the Internet.
Now, in our current tough economic times I am not complaining about my job, for the most part I do like it quite alot. I pretty much get to do what I want and I work alone for the most part of the evening and that suits my loner personality but sometimes (just sometimes!) I do feel as though I need a job that challenges me, 'cause this one does not. At all. Oh well, money is money and I can still (sorta) afford to live on my own and have some stuff that I want when I want it.

My foray into the murky waters of celebrity gossip

2009-02-27T22:02:00.000-08:00

You know, generally I don't really talk about the entertainment biz and celebrities but I just had to get something off my chest regarding this whole Rihanna/Chris Brown thing:

She's back with him? For reals? Generally speaking I never really think it's a good idea to get back with a man who has smacked me around. I mean, what the hell? Sure, he's sorry now but what happens the next time you get in a fight?

Tattoos I Covet

2009-02-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

Now, I know I already have two tattoos but I am thinking about getting another one and I have been into Koi fish or fish themed tattoos (but not damned dolphins) lately. Here are a couple I have seen and liked online:

I am totally enamoured with this one because it's got incredible colours, however I am kind of not down with the whole tattooing my whole arm thing - I like discreet tattoos for myself.

Guy Candy - How I've Missed Thee!

2009-02-27T21:28:00.001-08:00

In an ill-advised attempt to be more mature I dropped Guy Candy but lately I have been feeling as though my life was missing something and when I really thought about it I thought about how Guy Candy could enrich people's lives. You know, by oggling hot men.

Drum roll, please.

Ta-Dah! Guy Candy Makes It's Triumphant Return To AG 2.0!!!

This week's batch:

(The Six Nations Rugby tournament is going on right now so I am into rugby players.)

1.Rob Kearney of Ireland's National team and the provincial team Leinster. (Photo courtesy of Inpho Photography)

2. Daniel Carter. Ok, admittedly not in the Six Nations tournament as he generally plays for the New Zealand All Blacks but he's a guy and he's also, um, candy.

My Love for Fug

2009-02-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Dear You,

I know it's been awhile since we last spoke and for that I am sorry. I will admit that lately I have been feeling anti-social but I am feeling better and feel like posting some things.

Sincerely,
Me

Ok, where to begin? Well, since I don't have cable I don't know what is going on with television but I do have good intentions - I really want to get into Lost but it seems so complicated and I feel that if I should get interested it's like a commitment because I have to watch from the beginning to get the entire gist of the story.

Also, I am a little excited for Dancing With the Stars because Lil Kim will be dancing this season. Sah-weet. And I don't even like DWTS but I am willing to overlook that.

I haven't done much lately except for going to Fort Lauderdale to visit my parents, which was nice but now I am back to the daily grind and that SUCKS ASS - mostly I have been reading blogs and so on and so forth. The usual ones that I have linked to on the right habd side of the page but I have recently discovered a deep love for Go Fug Yourself, it is awesome and makes my laugh out loud while at work bored beyond all belief.

AG's Annual Review

2008-12-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's that time of year when I look back at 2008 and see what I have acheived and what's left to do for the upcoming year.

1. Write my novel.
Ok, so, um, I haven't done this yet so I will just carry it through to 2009 because I know that eventually I'll write something and it will totally rock but I have come up against writer's block for the past 417 days... And counting. I'm really only carrying it over so James can stop asking me how my novel is doing.

2. Train for a 5km run.
Hmm, haven't seemed to get around to training. I've been meaning to train... I think. Sometimes I just stare vacantly at the expensive treadmill in my spare room. And sometimes I walk away from it and get something from the kitchen. It's a matter of priorities, really.

3. Find new apartment that is closer to friends and has better views.
You know what the whole problem is? I am anti-social by nature and it's very hard to get out of that. I like my peace and quiet and it seems to me that IF I did indeed move it would place a lot of stress on me to be social. Plus, it would be a total bitch to have to continually come up with excuses to not go out. There's only so many times my grandmother can die before friends get suspicious. I love my friends but God knows I don't need to be with them 24/7.

4. Become domestic goddess.
I think that should be amended to "Learn to cook basic stuff". I kinda have already, I so totally own toast's ass. Oh, and don't get me started on my ownage of pork chops. I think I kind of deseve a star on this one because I achieved it... kinda. Go me! I have also mastered the art of making my bed and dusting certain things.

5. Get married.
Ok, another ammended one that should have other things to factor, such as, find someone to date, break up with, get back together with, and then marry. A girl's got to set up goals, right? It's all about the goals.

One of the best blogs, like, EVER.

2008-12-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

Read it, link to it - by God, love it.

Fuck You Penguin

I laugh.

Christmas Sentiments

2008-12-24T11:35:00.000-08:00

To all those that have touched my life. Happy holidays to friends past, present and future:

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

2008-11-17T18:26:00.001-08:00

What Kind of Drunk Are You?
Brought to you by Rum and Monkey

Rum and Monkey

2008-11-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

How Dumb Are You?
A Rum and Monkey stupidity.

Well I've got 1 ticket to paradise...

2008-11-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

hmm hmm hmm hmm. (You guys know the song, right?)

Awww...yeah! I just bought my ticket to Ft. Lauderdale in February when I visit my parents. Woohoo, I will be outta the cold for a little while this year... Thank God.

Anyhoo, I need a cat sitter if Sheena is otherwise occupied. Anyone know of any reliable peeps in the NDG area?

I am literally living in Hell.

2008-10-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ya know, all last winter I was freezing my butt off because my apartment was so friggin' cold. This year? Not so much. I don't know but maybe someone complained to the landlords and asked that the thermostat be raised or somethin' cause honestly, my apartment is h o t. Like so hot that I found the cat sleeping on her back on the floor with all her limbs sprawled out. It was not a pretty sight.

Now, coupled with the fact that my apartment is very dark (mwhahahaha!) and now the heat has been turned up to uninhabitable limits I am now the official Mistress of Hell. You're welcome to drop by soon. (You know who you are - don't act all surprised that you belong in Hell with me.)

You know what? Once I am here it's not so bad.

2008-09-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

I have tons of time here at work during the evening shift at the lab but most of the time I rather spend my time reading or surfing the web but since I am here I guess I'll post a couple of things.

I don't have cable but I like tv series DVDs - no commercials! bonus features! Anyhoo, as stated I don't have cable so sometimes I am a little behind the times when it comes to television. Heck, I still miss Carnivale but I digress, anyhoo some of the new-ish shows that I like are on network tv. (holy moly!)

There's Chuck and Pushing Daisies. Both are good. Watch them.

I can't be bothered to tell you about them so check out the links I have provided and see for yourself.

This blog is a chain around my neck.

2008-09-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

You know, I know I should update more regularly but I have to admit lately I have been somewhat "meh" about the whole blog thing. I think about it but I am kind of busy with work and other stuff and I do feel bad but then I think to myself, "If my friends want to catch up all they have to do is look on Facebook or, you know, call."

Eighteen years is a good long run

2008-08-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

My cat died today.
She had been sick for a few days and it was time. I feel bad that I had to make the decision but she was in pain. I did not go to the vet with her but my parents did and said at the very end she was still kind of feisty. I think that is what I will remember about her, I know she adored me but she was never overly affectionate with me, at least I don't think she was. She didn't really like other people, which was sometimes nice because it made me feel special.

I knew she was going to die eventually, she was eighteen years old but it still stings to think that when I get home from work tonight she won't be there to meow loudly at me. (She was always loud because she was deaf and didn't know how loud she actually sounded.)
I am glad it happened when my parents were in town because now she is buried next to Willow at my parents house in the country with a picture of me. Call me crazy but I don't think it would have been a fitting way to end our eighteen year friendship with my telling the vet to dispose of her like some trash. She deserved to be buried with the family pets. Sigh.

So, goodbye White Rose "Whitey" Costello - Thank you for being my friend and confidante and I hope we meet again.

Hamlet 2

2008-07-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, seriously - any movie with a musical number called "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" is going to rocket up my list of "must-sees". The movie is set to be released on August 29th and the trailer looks pretty funny, also, I've always liked Steve Coogan.
Here's the site if you want to check out the trailer.

Ooh, another teaser that was recently released was the new Harry Potter movie. Here be the link.

Exciting!

My Anti-Bucket List

2008-07-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

There are many places I would like to see and things I would like to experience before I kick the bucket, however, since I began working at the lab I have come to realize that there are many things that I have seen and experienced here that I don't think I want to remember at the end of my days.

My Anti-Bucket List... So far.

- Having a stranger's blood spattered all over me and my new lab coat... good times.
- Seeing a stranger's rectal stones. (Please belong to someone I don't know... Please belong to someone I don't know...)
- Discovering an aborted fetus while going through my recieved specimens. (It was brought to my lab by mistake - it was meant for the pathology lab - I don't think I will ever open an unlabelled brown bag without extreme caution for the rest of my traumatized life.)
-Discovering that blood stool samples are much more stool than blood.
-Understanding that the word "swab" is not as innocent as I once thought it to be as it is now almost always connected to the words "rectal", "vaginal", and "puss".
- Realizing that getting on an elevator with two transport guys and a gurney covered in black means I just got on with three people... and one of them is dead and most likely on the gurney.

I Really Hope The Fate of the World Doesn't End Up in their Hands

2008-07-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

I like internet forums and am registered for quite a few but I rarely actually post any comments on sites unless I feel I need to. I guess for want of a better word some may call me a "lurker" but honestly, sometimes I just like reading other people's opinions. Most of the time I am impressed by thought out responses and so on but there's ONE site that I tend to visit just to laugh because I am in awe of some people's ignorance and lack of etiquette on the internet. I mean, when did it become ok to insult other people for just having a different opinion? Also, why can't people spell or use correct grammar anymore? I realize the way in which we connect with each other has changed but I do not think common courtesy should be neglected just because people are no longer speaking face to face with each other.

My main site of contention is IMdB, or the Internet Movie Database where you can find anything you need in regards to movies and actors. I don't know what it is about this site in particular but it seems to attract the boneheads of the universe. Seriously, I am always at a loss for words when I look over some of the forums there, people can post anything they want and usually do and there is always someone who trolls around to make trouble on the boards. You know what? If you don't like the thread or something, move on and live your life - don't obsess over something and try to convert everyone to your views.
Honestly, I cannot believe what gets written - I mean, are there no moderators on this site? I really have issues about the world we live in because I believe that this site kind of reflects the society in which we live in.

On the other hand, one of the the best sites out there, in my own humble opinion is Television Without Pity, where you can go and be happy and talk about your favourite shows in a peaceful environment. I have never encountered anyone on that site who was insulting to another's opinion. I don't really know why there is such a difference but I think perhaps it is due to an older crowd. Also, I think they moderate what gets written pretty sternly so users have to be respectful or they get banned, which I am very thankful for. I know there are people who are out there who are totally "live free or die hard" and look upon this as censorship but I am not one of those people in the sense that I also believe there should be some order. I am not talking about policing the internet but when there's a public forum and everyone has different opinions then you should read what the other person has to say and go on with your life instead of dwelling on it and spending precious hours trying to convert those people to your way of thinking. People seem to invest a lot of time doing this and there comes a point where you just think to yourself - let it go... go for a walk around your house or something.

Currie Cup: Week Something

2008-07-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah I think it may be the third or fourth week into the competition adn there is good news for the Sharks fans as some of the Springbok players were released during the Tri-Nations break to play. Pretty sweet, yes?

Go Ruan!

Little Hi, Little Low...

2008-07-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

...Little Hey, little ho.

Stuart Little's father is House M.D.?
Imagine my surprise when I happened upon this when I watched the movie. I mean, Frederick Little is nothing like the surly doctor and yet I find myself liking him nonetheless. Is that weird?

Also, fyi, it's a good little movie - I am sure kids will like it PLUS Stuart has all sorts of nifty little outfits that kind of make you go "awwww".

I think it's been well established but...

2008-07-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

... hospital food sucks ass.

I guess I have always noticed this but now that I am working full time here that the hospital I am really not a fan of the "hospifare". Sometimes when I look at some of it makes me want to run away screaming and hide somewhere in the Women's Pavillion. (Which is actually pretty far away from the 3rd floor caf if you know your RVH topography.)

Nightmares

2008-07-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well ok, they aren't technically "nightmares" per se but lately I have been having peculair dreams. It's hard to explain, I suppose it's a little like the movie "Groundhog Day" in that I wake up but not really because I wake up in the dream but think it's reality... and it seems to be on a loop so I do the exact same thing and it occurs to me that I am not, in fact, awake but still sleeping. The dream/nightmare continues and I can't wake myself up no matter what I try. I pry my eyes open but they suddenly feel like 100 lbs each and then I start yelling at myself to wake up. Hmmm, I wonder if I yell in my sleep because when I finally do wake up Kiwi is rightinmyface looking intently at me as though I killed her momma.

Anyhoo, I have been having them a lot and it freaks me out a little because sometimes I don't know if I am awake or still sleeping.

A Lil' Sumthin' Sumthin' From McSweeney's.

2008-07-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

I laughed out loud at work when I read this. Brings me back to high school daze, uh, I mean days.

A SUBURBAN
MOTHER TELLS HER
14-YEAR-OLD BABYSITTER
HOW TO MAKE HER
PARTIES MORE
RAGING.
BY WENDI AARONS
- - - -

Guest List

Everyone knows that a successful party starts with a great guest list. It should be diverse. Eclectic. A mix of people from all walks of life. I know you're fond of those pasty losers from the Robotics Club, Ashlee, but trust me: shotgunning cases of Mountain Dew and reprogramming the neighborhood's garage doors does not a wild teenage rager make. Instead, reach out a little and ask the mean girls. The freaks. The skanks. The playas, the hatas, the skaters, and possibly even a divorced math teacher or two. Don't worry if you don't know them, because no teenager will ever turn down a party invitation. Even when it comes from someone in the gifted-and-talented program.

Party Planning

As anyone who's ever watched the WB knows, the best time to throw a killer "par-tay" is when your parents are out of town. Or at least farther away than across the street playing Jenga at the Wilson's. I mean, honestly, Ashlee. If you want to be a rebel, think like a rebel. Did Amy Winehouse ever ask her mother's permission before snorting lines off the nightstand? So wait until your parents go on their anniversary trip. Or to the church retreat. Or, better yet, wait until your grandma breaks her other hip, the poor thing. Then simply lock up the pets, throw open your front door, and get ready to get your house party on, y'all.

Invitations

Per proper etiquette, invites should be sent no later than four weeks before an event. However, since most of your guests can't even remember to close their mouths while chewing, it's probably best to wait until the last possible moment to spread the word. Besides, as any insurance adjuster could tell you, teenagers thrive on spontaneity. The day of the shindig, simply text your guests with the message "Party at Ashlee's!" or "PAA!" or "STWPAPBYJ!" or any other of those ridiculous little codes you all seem to prefer over proper English grammar. Or just save yourself the trouble and tell Janice Hopkin's daughter you're having a party. Lord knows that girl's got a mouth on her.

Being a Good Hostess

The beauty of an unsupervised teenage party is that it basically runs itself. After your guests arrive, simply show them which bushes you'd like them to puke in and where your mother keeps the funnels. That's pretty much it. Just be aware that, though a gracious host always knows when a party should end, in your case that determination will probably be made by either your neighbors or local law enforcement. So, if your guests are forced to leave before they can thank you, don't worry about it. After all, nothing says "A good time was had by all" more than a pack of red-eyed burnouts running down the street screaming "Narc!"

Entertainment

Teenage girls love parties with great music because it gives them an excuse to dance on tables and take off their tops. (Which is also something teenage boys enjoy.) So put together a playlist of songs that contain loads of "mad bass." Hip-hop, rap, metal, trance, or anything else that sounds like a toddler stuck in a coffee can should work. Then, once the party's under way, crank up your tunes loud enough to wake every sleeping baby on the block. And, if you find that your sound system isn't up to task, just ask that weird pizza-delivery guy for help. My husband says that jerk's got more speakers in his piece-of-shit Sentra than Best Buy.

After Party

Though there's nothing more fun than a house full of unchecked hormones, the day after the party can, unfortunately, be kind of a drag. Nobody likes spending half a day spraying their entire house with Lysol and steam-cleaning the love seat. However, during the two weeks you'll be grounded without mercy, take comfort in all the new "hits" on your Facebook.com and know that it was all worth it just to become slightly more popular this year.

- - - -

So that's it, Ashlee. I think you're well on your way to throwing the crazy teenage party of your dreams. And, though a responsible mother of two certainly shouldn't tell you that your party would be even better with lots of underage drinking, be sure to let me know if you're free to babysit this New Year's Eve. I might just happen to know where there's an unattended beer refrigerator.

- - - -

Ah Bofinger, why do you tempt me?

2008-07-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Every night when I come home I have to pass Bofinger, the delicious smokehouse rib place on Sherbrooke. Why did they come here? I feel drawn to the place and let me tell you, the ribs are delish. Mmm-Mmm-Mmm. I have always felt that I was supposed to be born in a place that loved to BBQ, you know, Memphis, Texas, anywhere south of the Mason Dixon line because nothing soothes me like the smell of BBQ. It feels "down-home" and the food is always yum-meee.

You have to check the place out if you like comfort food at great prices. Here's another link.

The Origins of Kiwi's Name.

2008-07-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

My dear and beloved Kiwi is not, contrary to some beliefs, named after New Zealanders.
No cherished readers, my little chat is officially named Kiwisimo Tam, after a character from Firefly and the fruit, which I love.

Not that any of you cared but you know, whatever.

The AG takes a hit in her Currie Cup and Tri-Nations Rankings on SuperBru

2008-07-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah, none of you know what I am talking about but I am going to write about it anyway to dull the pain of the Springboks losing to New Zealand and the Sharks losing to the Bulls. My mind still isn't made up how I feel about WP beating the Cheetahs as I like both teams. I don't really know how the rest of the teams did, I mean I feel kinda bad and also, I don't know what a Valke is anyway. It may be a Falcon in Afrikaans. Oh well, another week another chance for superiority in the rugby pools.

Woot-Woot! Vacation time.

2008-07-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Also known as "See later suckas, I am off!" (Insert maniacal laughing.) Ugh, it's been a long year and my first official vacation since last, um, I don't know when. At the moment I can't think of when I actually started here. September maybe? Huh. I should probably look into that.

Not going anywhere special, just hanging out in Montreal with a small break to Noyan at the end of the week. Woo-hoo, TV and mom's cooking! Although, you know what? The last time I was down my Daddio made all my meals - he is an excellent BBQer and maker of the the boiled hot dogs and there's no one better to defrost buns in the microwave.

Happy Belated Canada Day!

2008-07-05T14:12:00.001-07:00

I forgot. I wasn't working but I was kind of tired so I spent the day chillaxin' watching Season 3 of Buffy.

Rien a Faire

2008-07-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

Another Saturday afternoon, another day lost to the Man. I know that technically I ask for extra work days and everything but sometimes it's hard to come to work on a beautiful day. Even when you would have spent said beautiful day inside laying down with your eyes closed in your comfy-ass bed. It's the principle of the thing, you know? I mean, I was schlepping to work and I see all these people on the street eating ice cream and laughing and I wonder why the hell I decided to schedule myself for a Saturday. Honestly, I hate working and man, if I could find a sugar-daddy I would totally do so without any moral qualms. I could learn to be domestic and cook and stuff in exchange for no mo' worko.

AG 1 - Spiders 0

2008-06-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

You know what I always forget about when I decide to come to the country? The spiders and it's not that I totally hate spiders, I respect their rights to live and everything but what I don't really respect is their right to bite me or be anywhere near me when I am sleeping.
Last night I got into bed at my parents house and Kiwi was playing with something on the floor next to me and upon closer inspection it was a spider and I weighed my options, one - I could have got out of bed and shooed the spider into the hallway or, two - kill it with my flip flop that was within reach. Option taken? Number 2. I kind of feel bad about it because hey, it's just living its life and had no idea I would be in that particular bedroom with two angry cats but I was tired and in a killin' mood.
What's on the agenda tonight? Hmm, my parents are going to a partay and I have the house to myself. Also, I am going to BBQ something but my Dad has to give me instructions on how to use it so I don't blow up the house... or the barn... or the guest house. Good times are ahead!

I am now officially too scared to scroll down my blog

2008-06-06T15:23:00.001-07:00

I totally forgot about 'ol Pennywise down there and the other night I was scrolling down and scared myself as his picture popped up.

Pennywise aside, I have found a new site that may interest those of you that find things funny. Check out this site because he's a pretty funny dude. I found his videos on that Funny or Die site and most of them are laugh out loud funny and I highly recommend his music videos "High as F*ck" and the two raps. Very funny guy and from Montreal to boot!

Funny

2008-06-04T13:21:00.001-07:00

A visit to Noyan this weekend

2008-06-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

First time down this year and let me tell you, it's time. I am pretty sick of the apartment and NDG scene, man. I am going to chillax in the country with my mother's cooking and thousands of television channels. Nice.

Plus, who says no to free food?

Well, it's Springbok season again.

2008-06-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

After a lengthly layoff from international duty the Springboks have finally reassembled in Bleomfontein and will play Wales on Saturday. Most of the SA players have been playing in the Super 14 while a few of the others have been playing overseas and I, for one, am happy. While I did enjoy watching the Sharks this season in the Super 14, I feel closer to the Springboks because they were the first rugby team I ever followed with interest.

Not that you care but I thought I would share anyway.

2008-06-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, well having sufficiently freaked myself out with all the Pennywise talk I am now trying to think of things to keep my mind of murderous dancing clowns and sewers.

So, um, how 'bout them Yankees?

What's your favourite colour? Mine is red. Also, I like both colas and they pretty puch taste the same to me.

Pennywise: BEEP BEEP Richie! They ALL float down here. When your down here with us, you'll float too!

2008-06-03T15:26:00.001-07:00

I just realized I can WRITE POSTS from work. Woot-Woot! The many hours of doing-nothingness and absolute boringness can now be combatted with blogging... Sweet.

So yeah, the title of this post came about due to a conversation we had at work today regarding scary movies and characters that creeped us the hell out as children. Some of my co-workers were like "the thing from the movie "the Grudge" and I was totally like, "how old are you?" Seriously - didn't that movie come out a couple of years ago? Anyhoo, the conversation went on and I couldn't remember a character that scared the bejesus out of me until someone mentioned Pennywise.

Oh.
My.
God.

I have never actually seen the entire It movie in full, just snippets and I have been emotionally scared since. You remember the part when he lures the boy into the sewer with the balloon? That was my first and last scene and to this day it still freaks me out remember it.

So here is what I plan to do to combat my irrational fear of Pennywise the Dancing Clown - I am going to read "IT" (in the daylight hours) and overcome my dancing clown phobia.
And if you think I am being a wussy scaredy-cat here's a pic of Pennywise to joggle your memeory:

What The Deuce? It's Monday Already?

2008-06-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

God, I hate Mondays.
They're just so... ick. I mean, I know I have another day off on Wednesday but I think it's the principle of the thing. Mondays suck for everyone, not just me.
On the plus side, I just saw the trailer for the Incredible Hulk with Edward Norton and that looked interesting.

Sudden Toothache for the Gnome

2008-05-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to bed and everything was honkey-dorey but this morning I woke up and my tooth hurt. One of my molars in the back and I do not know why? Can a person just sprout a cavity overnight? Is that even possible? I was thinking maybe I was grinding my teeth last night while sleeping but who knows?
I dread going to the dentist, I haven't been in awhile and I am scared he's going to say that I need a root canal or my wisdom teeth (or, more possibly that there is a tiny civilization living back their and my pain is being caused by major construction work) and frankly I can't afford dentistry right now. I have insurance but it's one of those "pay now and will reimburse you when we get a moment" kind of plans. Whatever. I am just going to drink the pain away.

I Should Take Up Knitting... Seriously.

2008-05-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy Saturday in Montreal and I am currently sitting in my apartment thinking of interesting things to do. For the past hour I have been trying to burn a CD but for some insane reason I cannot. Life sucked for a little while and then I retreated to the kitchen and got myself a drink - a lovely Mott's Clamato Ceasar. So good, although I do not advocate drinking one's troubles away sometimes you just gotta sit back and let alcohol take the edge off. I wish I were cooler and like whiskey or gin but I do like me some Motts. I will admit that as I sit here drinking my uncool drink I have a feeling there is a fifty-something group of women out here waiting for me to join their card game.

The Talking Cats from YouTube - Translated

2008-05-26T20:11:00.002-07:00

The Talking Cats from YouTube

2008-05-26T20:11:00.001-07:00

The Gnome Ponders

2008-05-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

Should you write what you feel or should you feel what you write?
Does that even make sense? I don’t know and I feel that lately I have come to a crossroads in my life regarding my future. I have never been an overachiever or wanted to be the centre of attention but I won’t lie that there are times when I feel like there is more to me that what I currently am. Am I a late-bloomer? Is my fifteen minutes of fame right around the corner? Do I even want fifteen minutes of fame? On the surface there may seem more to me to other people but deep down I know there isn’t. I am not special or exceptionally talented in any way. I am coming to terms with this and I am realizing that my time to shine passed long ago and now I have to concentrate at making my life “liveable”. I have to learn to make it on my own without the constant help of my parents who are way too indulgent to me. I have to grow and learn and go away to find my bliss. Does that mean leaving my world behind, as I always thought it did? No, I think I am learning that taking a break from life as I know it can all happen in my mind. I need to focus on where I am now and look at all that I am dissatisfied with and try to find solutions to my problems. I need to focus. I need to find my happiness, even if it may not be superstardom. I have often wavered between dreams of adventure and a life of tranquility. Is there a meeting point of the two? I want to be seen and heard but not noticed. I am afraid of people and what they think of me and yet there are times when I live the way I want without caring how people perceive me.
In essence, what is my point? I believe there’s a reason to everything in the world and I may not think it’s God will but I think that everyone has a destiny and there are no mistakes in why we do certain things and why we meet certain people at various points in our lives. I think we meet the right people at the right time and vice versa. There is a reason why we do the things we do, even if they are stupid and ill-advised. We learn from everything we do and everyone we meet. The hard part is making sense of all the information we have and turning it into something that helps us evolve.

I've seen fire... I've seen rain...

2008-05-08T18:43:00.001-07:00

... And I've seen a crappy computer virus crash my computer!
'Tis true and I had to reinstall e v e r y t h i n g. Talk about a stupid waste of time but I am finally back on the 'net and happily surfing around although I can't seem to remember all my bookmarked pages. Oh well, I guess they will come to me in time.

Habs Fever

2008-04-24T01:00:00.001-07:00

Montreal is currently in the grip on playoff fever and I have to say, I have become a fan again. I left the rink for the greener pastures of the rugby pitch and for a long time I was happy there and I guess I still am but it's hard to keep up to date with everything because generally we don't get a lot of nes on rugby over here. Most of the time I have to prowl the web and hang out online with South Africans, Australians or New Zealanders when I want to discuss the finer aspects of the game as well as the fine physical specimens many of the players are.
I would have to be a complete idiot not to notice the wave of enthusiasm surrounding the team by local fans and it's fun to dissect the game with friends and family, something I kind of miss out on with rugby.

Go Habs Go!

My new iPod Nano

2008-04-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't been updating all that often but a couple of weeks ago I sold my 4GB nano on craigslist because I needed to upgrade. For a little while I thought that maybe I would buy the 80GB Classic and then I thought the better of it... What the heck would I need 80 gigs for? I don't watch video on the player so it seemed to me that the 8GB nano was the way to go and if I don't like it or think I do indeed need to upgrade to the 80GB one I can always sell it on craigslist. It's the second time I have sold my nanos on it (the first 2GB and the secong 4GB) and I have never had any problem with the people so I am not afraid to go that route should I come to the decision to upgrade (yet again!).

My last two iPods have been silver but this time I have gone with a black one for a change. It's nice but it's not really black, it's more charcoal than anything. I call it Miles, after my dead goldfish that I kind of liked.

Awww, yeah.

2008-04-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you out there are "in the know" but for the most part I am not but I do have some bitchin' news about a certain boy band from my past that has re-united. Holy crap, the New Kids on The Block, or NKOTB have reformed and are going on tour as well as releasing a new album. WOOOOO!!! At first I didn't know how to feel about it, shocked? Dismayed? As it happens, neither.
People, I am excited... You know, in that teenage-girl excited kind of way and let me tell you, for the most part the kids have grown up alright, especially Joe. Mmmm... Joe. Jonathan hasn't aged all that badly either and he was my second favourite. I so excited! It's like a fanciful walk down memory lane when I was young and not so lame as I am now. NKOTB was the official first concert I ever went to at the old Forum and I have made a friend promise me she will go with me if they choose to come back.
I have heard a clip of their new single "Click Click Click" and I like it, I have a feeling people will like it as well, even new fans. Go on over and check out the guys and the song at their official website NKOTB.com .

What do you get when you mix one angry cat and a finger?

2008-04-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

... A bite! Yes, dear readers, 'tis true! I was grooming old cat and she got mad and bit me, I cleaned the bite but 'twas too late... I got a mofo of an infection. I even had to go to see a doctor and am now on antibiotics for ten days. Thanks a bunch old cat!
Needless to say, I felt the sudden urge to get rid of the cat but, alas, she has been with me for seventeen... freakin'... years. We have a history.

Movie Pick of the Week

2008-04-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, it should come as no surprise to anyone that knows me that I like movies and I have seen quite a lot of them... Probably more than once each so I have decided to share with my dear readers some of my favourites. I am a firm believer that movies should suit the kind of mood you are in so this week I am feeling girly so I am going to go with a really great chick flick that I just saw. It's weird because I remember hearing about this movie awhile ago and I waited for it to come to the theatres and then I didn't hear a peep... I don't even know if it got a theatrical release, which, I know generally doesn't bode well for the quality of a movie but I have to say, this movie was good. It's called The Jane Austen Book Club and it's about a book club that gets together and discusses Jane Austen's books. Hard to imagine from the title, I know... but it's a little gem of a film that deserves some attention. I've provided a link to the IMdB site so you can read up on it because I don't particularly feel like recapping the entire story.

P.S. It has the always yummy Hugh Dancy in it so that should be enough for you to sneak a peek.

I lament the loss of The Spark

2008-03-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

It got me through a lot of difficult times. You know, when I was supposed to be researching stuff online when I was at university and I would mosey on over to The Spark for good times. It was a fun site and the people were nice. Come on, I know some of you were over there with me doing their stupid quizzes like "The Purity Test" and so on. I knew they got bought out by Barnes and Noble for Sparknotes but I didn't realize they shut down the site for good. It made me cry a little and then I laughed when I thought of the Stinky Feet Project and then I cried a little more.

Au revoir The Spark, I shall miss you so.

Meltdown: Mach 4 Averted

2008-03-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was having trouble with my internet browsers and I felt a little down and refused to post anything for, like, a week or so but I am back and I am happy to say I got my kitty application for Firefox. Yes, kitties everywhere! Woo-Woo!

What...The... Hell?

2008-03-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sigh. You know, I thought Firefox was supposed to work well with Facebook? Whoever told me this was a LIAR because I have been unable to log on to the damn site ever since I downloaded Mozilla. It ticks me off so much I could punch a dog. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to fix the problem? Internet Explorer has let me down too many times (fool me once, shame on you - fool me twice, shame on me.) to make me want to re-download the stupid application again. What the hell are my options? Huh? Huh?

Apologies

2008-03-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

I do realize Tetes-a-Claques is missing the correct accents but my keyboard is English so I can't change it. Sorry.

Tetes-a-Claques Feels Our Pain.

2008-03-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Tired of chicken? Try Guy Candy: The Other White Meat.

2008-03-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

He's been on my radar for a few years but I have never included him in GC. I feel as though I have done a disservice to humankind.

Eric Bana. Mmmmmmm.

Yeah...

2008-03-12T21:20:00.001-07:00

... I don't like these colours so I am going to change them back to basic black.

Hello Salty Goodness!

2008-02-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

In my neverending search to provide my readers with quality Guy Candy I search the dubya dubya for prospects. Yet, sometimes my interests (SA rugby) and my blogging responsibilities colllide and I find a jewel in the rough.

Picture this, there I was reading about rugby and I clicked on a link and found this man and thought to myself "Yes, the blogging Gods love me for now I have found my newest guy candy."

His name is Neil Powell and he's another SA rugby player and at the moment he's the captain of the Sevens side and when I first came across his visage I was momentarily speechless... Then I oggled him for a long time. (And yes, he's probably a very good rugby player but I have never seen him play and that brings me to my next point, I have to get my butt to a rugby game.) I also think he merits two pictures.

Chilly Montreal

2008-02-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

You know, in the past I have come to terms that I live here and that from time to time it snows and it's cold but this year I am pretty fed up... and it's only the end of Febuary. Why does Mother Nature hate Montrealers so much to give us yet another snow storm?
You know what also ticks me off? The STM. Why, oh why does it seem that on the chilliest and blusteriest days there is a shortage of buses? Why must I freeze my little toes off while waiting for a bus? Why?

Guy Candy is all inked up!

2008-02-22T20:20:00.000-08:00

You know, generally I like the preppy type, clean cut and non-threatening. However, never underestimate the allure of a man with a ton of tatoos. Fascinating and, um, hot. Rrrrrrrr.

I couldn't upload any of the larger of the pictures so here's a small one. The Guy Candy is Carey Hart and he's the one closest to the camera.

Afrikaans - Not an easy language to learn.

2008-02-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Ek onlangs het begin leer afrikaans met die help van 'n aanlyn tutor. Ek is nie baie goed tog so Ek gebruik 'n aanlyn vertaler om te skryf hierdie. Ek sal bywerk u met hoe dit gaan in 'n paar maande. ...

Blog photo caption

2008-02-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling I was thinking "Where my pants at?"

Guy Candy makes a comeback

2008-02-20T15:43:00.001-08:00

Some of you may not be familiar with the old Angry Gnome so I am just letting you know that I enjoy gazing at pretty men from time to time. Shallow? Yes. Entertaining? You're damn right it is. This week I have decided to share Ruan Pienaar, a South Africa rugby player. I like his eyes. And his eyebrows. Oh, and his nose too. He also has nice arms. Ok, he's just puurfect.

Damn you computer! Vile temptress!

2008-02-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

Alright, so I have been trying to get off this darn computer for the last two hours but everytime I try... it sucks me back in. Stoopid error messages, google telling me my internet browser's cache is full - It never ends. I am pretty fed up with Internet Explorer so I just downloaded Firefox and everything thusfar seems to in working order although the cat theme application that I downloaded doesn't seem to be working. Will I let it slide and move on? I think not.

Ok, Miister Kitty - You asked for it.

2008-02-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

Amuse you I shall.

Hmm, maybe I should change that...

2008-02-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

... to inconsistently useless since 2005. I know, I know, I haven't been posting much and I am sorry but honestly, who reads this? I generally just write for my own amusement but lately I haven't had much to say. I guess I am going through my anti-blogging phase right now and life and work are taking their toll on my blogging masterpiece.

Kiwi - Serial Sticker Killer

2008-01-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

My friend Scott gave me some stickers for my birthday and I stuck them on my computer monitor for fun. I noticed Kiwi looking at them oddly earlier today and just brushed it off as mild cat curiosity and went off to work.

Guess what?

I got home and foud that they had all been taken off and were on the floor! Damn you Kiwi!

Really funny Tom Cruise Scientology Spoof from Jerry O'Connell

2008-01-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

Horcruxes not Hallows

2008-01-09T22:44:00.000-08:00

Much like HP I am faced with the dilema of either investing in a couch or a Coach. I mean, I need a couch, the two seater I have has seen better days, heck it's seen better decades and the money I am thinking about spending buying a Coach would definately be put into the couch but then I think about the fact that no one ever really comes to my apartment anyway. I mean, the couch would be for my eyes only but the Coach would really be for the good of society because everyone could gaze at its fabulousness, right?

The Coach Bag Itch

2008-01-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

Today I saw some woman with a Coach bag and I swear to God that I was mesmerised for a good five minutes looking at it. I feel bad because I covetted it and I really shouldn't but it was just so beautiful.

I Climb Ev'ry Mountain Ev'ry time

2008-01-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

Do you have a movie that you can watch over and over? I do and it's Rogers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music and every time I watch it I go to my happy place. Never mind that I've seen the movie every year of my life on this earth since I was about four and forget that I know every word and song by heart, I love it and I do not care who knows. 2007 wasn't the best year and whenever I got down I remembered this movie and I was ok again. Thank God for Julie Andrews.

Saturday Night

2008-01-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

Going out on Saturday night for sushi with Sheens, Scot and friends for my birfday. Yay me. We gonna be at How Wakamono (?) on Mount Royal and Brebeuf. Stop by and have a tuna roll.

The Days of Darkness are a comin'!

2008-01-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, the WGA's strike is still on people and I don't think a lot of you have thought about the consequences it's going to have on people like me, you know, people without social lives that count on television to entertain and comfort them. I mean, most of the shows aren't coming back in 2008 (as of Jan. 10th) and I think that people have been unaware of the impending doom because of the holiday season with all the partying and so forth and so on but once Febuary sets in and people realize none of their favourite shows are in there is going to be chaos people. C h a o s.

Yeah, I've heard that Prison Break is coming back with some new shows but "whoop-dee-doo", shouldn't that show have been over when they broke out of the prison in the first season. Apparently from the commercials on Global they are in another prison and the smart hot brother is stuck in there. What a twist. :o

HOLY CRAP... It's a new year!

2008-01-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

So sorry I haven't been updating, work is busy (blah, blah, blah) and since I work the evening shifts I often do not feel like writing updates when I get home at 11pm, you know what I mean?
So, what's new with you? Nothing much happening here except for the odd weather (a January thaw?) Stuff is melting and you know what? Montreal is dirty. Honestly, I don't think people here know the concept of throwing their garbage in the trash cans. I do understand that with the amount of snow Montreal received in the last couple of months made it hard for people to find the trash cans but damn, there's garbage all over the streets. I don't think people understand that when they throw something on the ground that it is magically going to disappear at the hands of "garbage gnomes". I always feel as though I should shame one of them when I see them drop their trash on the street because then they would think twice about it the next time, you know? I don't know, it maybe be a crazy dream of an angry gnome but if I got the message through to at least ONE person in this city then it would be all worth it. This city is yours people, be proud of it and treat it with the respect it deserves.

Twelve Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser

2007-12-24T21:25:00.000-08:00

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2007-12-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

... And all through the house, not a creature was crawling, not even a mouse.

All I have to say about that is that with two cats there had better not be a mouse scurrying around here!

Anyhoo, joyeux Christmas to everyone and I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday season. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug, chink, chink.

Cat Wake Up Call

2007-12-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

To Coach or not to Coach

2007-11-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

I have recently been toying with the idea of buying a Coach handbag and I know the price would dismay some people but I really like the look of them. The way I see it, some people spend their money on electronic gadgets or clothes... I just like purses, they're my favourite things. I like to sing the song when I am looking at my wall of purses but I haven't bought a brand spankin' new purse in a long time... Wait, I just a new TH one a few weeks ago but I don't really count that because I got it on sale at Winners. Anyhoo, my point is that the purchase of a Coach handbag is something of an investment, it's nice and will last a long time and when and if I buy one I will love it and cherish it. I suppose I just have to bite the bullet and mosey on over to Holt Renfrew and buy one.
Here are my choices:

Bleecker Signature Large Duffle - 398$

Chelsea Optic Large Hobo 328$

Chelsea Signature Large Hobo 298$

Layer Cake... And when I say cake I mean "hair"

2007-11-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am tired of my hair and I think it's time for a trim, or you know, giving it some sort of shape. It's actually pretty long right now and a beeyotch to deal with and I always get to this point where I don't really want to deal with the constant hair drama/trauma I am forced to deal with each and every morning. It's gotten to the point where I can't leave the house without straightening/curling it without being looked upon as the freak with the fuzzy hair, you know what I mean? Perhaps part of the problem is that I don't really like having to put a lot of products in my hair, I like it to feel natural but without the products my hair looks like a bird's nest... that got struck by lightning... and then fell into tornado.
I think a layered cut would help me a lot because it would thin out my naturally thick hair and be easier upkeep as I really just like to wake and shake.

Musical Moments

2007-11-27T19:40:00.001-08:00

I always find it weird when I listen to a song and it reminds me of the movie it was in, I mean, you know, when it wasn't originally a "movie song" and once upon a time it may or may have not been a hit in its day but it has been relegated to a "movie song".
One such case is "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John and there may be some of you out there that have memories of it that aren't movie related but for me it will forever be connected to the movie "Almost Famous". You know, the scene when they're all on a bus and they start to sing. I honestly don't think I have any memory of the song before I saw that movie.
Hmm, I liked that movie.

My Day Off

2007-11-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

My work schedule is a little weird as I don not work a standard M-F week like most people. For instance, this week I had today off and then I work the weekend and Monday and then Toosday, BAM, another day off. I am not really complaining per se but it does put a crink in the old social life because my friends don't have the same schedules, and it would really suck if I was social and went out and did things with them.
Anyhoo, today I had high hopes of catching up on stuff but alas, I ended up chillaxing and watching the second season of Robot Chicken on my computer. Funny stuff. Heh, I love RC. I wanted to do more but you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men... or something. I did get to vaccum, so that was pretty sweet. I also dusted. Good times.
You know what is kind of weird? Eating sunflower seeds. Is it just me or do have of them miss your mouth and end up down your shirt or in your hair? Definately not a good food to eat while on a crucial first date.

S & J's Wedding

2007-11-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

Had a great time and S & J's wedding last night and got to see a friend that I haven't seen in, like, 6+ years. I have to say, there's always an awkward few minutes where you're thinking to yourself "Wow, I haven't seen this person for such a long time" and then you make small talk for awhile but I think the mark of a good friend is that suddenly things kind of click back and you're talking like you've been at it nonstop for the missing six years. It's like the weirdness goes away and you just realize that she's the same person and you're the same person but your lives simply evolved differently but there's still the connection that made you friends in the first place.

The wedding was great fun, by the way and the bride and groom looked faboo. They're a great couple and I think they're going to have many years of happiness ahead of them.

Another day, another dollar.

2007-11-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

It's weird being back to the daily grind after being unemployed for auch a long time, you know? Suddenly I have to get up at a predesignated hour and be at a place where people are expecting me. Don't think that I am complaining, I am greatful for the job but sometimes I do miss my carefree days of interviewing and whoring myself out to potential employers.

Guy Candy... How I've Missed Thee.

2007-11-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

First off, here's two for the price of one. I have to admit that Jonathan Rhys Meyers isn't really my cup of tea but Henry Cavill is. He grew up nice. Mmmmm.

Reaper Madness

2007-11-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

There haven't been a lot of new shows out there that I like and I have basically tried to stick with my faves, you know, Ugly Betty, Heroes, and uh, I guess that's pretty much it. Thank God Angel and Buffy are out on DVD because I don't really know what I would do without them. Anyhoo, one of the new shows that caught my eye was Reaper, which airs on the CW and is the heartwarming story of a guy who learns on his 21st birthday that before he was born his parents sold his soul to the devil and he must do the Devil's bidding until the day he dies. It's really not all that dark as it may seem and it's actually pretty funny as there is a Dirt Devil involved in the first episode. Also, he doesn't kill people for the Devil, he only has to track down souls that have escaped from hell and generally they aren't good people anyway. Hey, it's a job, right?

Breaking News... I think not.

2007-11-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

You know what always kind of shocks me? People who think they're nice but who totally are not. I have had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting these kinds of people and it really bugs me because it's always these kinds of people who are the first to call you out on the wrongs you have done but seem to be oblivious to their own actions. Before you go all "She's an upitty beyotch" let me be the first to say that I am not a perfect person and I know I have made mistakes but I am aware of them you know and I am trying to be a better person and surround myself with positive people. I have become aware of past mistakes I have made with picking companions with holier than thou attitudes and if Harold and Kumar taught me anything in this life it's that there's no need to get too worked up about things because the universe does indeed tend to work itself out in the end. Those people will get their comeuppance. Oh yes, comeuppance they will get.

Watch your backs bitches, the AG is back.

Rockin' out.

2007-11-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my brand spankin' new internet connection I have had the opportunity to discover all kinds of new music that I otherwise wouldn't have heard. Lately I have really been into 311, I just like them a lot (as anyone who has seen my Facebook page can attest to) and I think I should share their music with people. Check out the link I provided and trust me, if you like good music, you'll love them.

Creatures (For a while) is a bitchin' song.
Frolic Room is great too.
So is Amber.

Heck, they're all pretty awesome.

It Feels Good To Be Back

2007-11-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

As I sit here in my spare room writing this I have to tell you, it feels good to be blogging again. I don't know what it is but it never felt right at the internet cafe, perhaps because I was being timed and I don't do well with deadlines. Anyhoo, now that I have my fast-ass connection I can blog all I want to and there's nothing anyone can do to stop me.
Ever.
Mwahahahaha.

Addition to the previous post

2007-11-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

I'd like to point out that in addition to some good natured file sharing I also download legally from iTunes and Puretracks.
Don't narc on me, man.

Downloadin'

2007-11-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

I finally got an internet access all hooked up at the apartment after, like, seven months and let me tell you something, it doesn't mean that you download things faster if you're, uh, file sharing, beccause if the person you're downloading from has a slow connection then you download at their speed.
Most of the time the downloads are hot bitchin fast but it always seems the ones that I really want take forever, you know what I mean?

How Can This Be?

2007-11-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

Yoou know, I used to be a shoe goddess. Seriously.
Now I can't seem to find one pair of decent heels for the wedding on Saturday and it means that I now have to go out and find the perfect pair AND have them all worn in and ready to go. I don't really understand what happened to all my shoes but my theory is that in the course of moving around for the last couple of years my family has "liberated" some of my shoes. My guess is that shoes are heavy or something and rather than moving them around they chose to move them on out... into the trash. People suck, you know that?
Anyhoo, now I have to buy last minute shoes to go with my bitchin' dress for the nuptials.

Funniest.Thanksgiving.Ever

2007-10-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

I seem to always share with you my Thanksgiving stories so here’s one for the family album:

For some reason or another my cousin made “Special” brownies, I don’t know the whole story behind it but there was one and I think it was long and rambling. Anyhoo, I had two of these brownies, as did four of my cousins and it was very, um, interesting. I have to tell you, I have never had a trippy-er ride home. Honestly, they were really strong and for a few hours I could not feel my face at all, it was all tingly.

Now, before you act all shocked and dismayed, let me tell you this is the first time we ever had special brownies in the history of Thanksgiving so don’t go thinking we’re all stoners.

All in all, it was a groovy Thanksgiving.

Turkey Greetings, y'all.

2007-10-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! Guess where I am writing to you from? That's right, I am writing this very post from the comfort of my very own apartment in NDG! I gots a new computer (not brand spankin' new but new to me, thanks to Sheena) and it's very sweet. Also, I don't technically have an internet connection but I am guessing someone in my building does because I am piggy-backing on someone's wireless signal right now.

All in all, I have to say that today has been a good day so far, I woke up at eight and then called my mom but then took a two hour nap and feel quite refreshed. Then this whole internet thing happened, which is pretty cool and this afternoon I am going to Noyan for our big annual Thanksgiving dinner. My mother is expecting about thirty people this year and there's a new baby to poke and stuff so that should be entertaining. I love Thanksgiving, it's the best holiday of the year.

Gobble, gooble, gooble!

She's at the twenty! She's at the ten... Touchdown!

2007-09-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

I've never claimed to be a highbrow movie fan and I'd like to think that I have enough sense to stay away from the truly awful movies but I will admit that I have a certain weakness for sports movies. Now, don't get me wrong, not all sports movies are crapacular but some do border on pandering to the lowest common denominators, you know, "rah-rah, let's go underdogs!"
And yet, here the truth lies before me like a blinking red light on a deserted highway on a starless night - I am a sports movie fan, albeit an apologetic one. Over the years I have tried to balance my weakness out by peppering in a healthy dose of well-made independent films as well as award winning foreign fare and as a whole I don't think I am totally hopeless but the truth remains , I enjoy feel-good movies that take place on the playing field.
So AG, you may be asking yourselves as you read this, what exactly is the point of this particular post? Truth be known, I just felt like writing about something and my brain started working overtime about topics and boom, sports movies just appeared in there. The point, my dear readers, or at this point - reader since I haven't posted a lot on the last few months and know many of you have moved on, is to give you a somewhat comprehensive guide to notable sports movies should you ever want to venture into the genre. To make the journey easier for the uninitiated I have taken the liberty to split up the following into specific sports.

AG's Scoring Key
rah-rah-rah: Very good
rah-rah: good
rah: meh, rent it if it's cheap or on TV
Strikeout/Interception/Foul!: So bad I vomited a little bit in my mouth while watching.

Baseball: Honestly, not as well known to me as, say, football (You know, the American kind) but it is America's favourite pastime.

The Sandlot
Technically a kid's movie but one of the best out there. It captures the purity of the game before egos and multi-million dollar contracts sully the spirit of the game. rah-rah-rah

The Rookie
An older dude (Dennis Quaid) finally gets his chance to play in the big leagues. Sometimes sappy but what do you expect from Disney? rah-rah

Mr. 3000
Ah Bernie Mac, you so crazy! A pretty entertaining story about a retired Brewers player who due to a calculation error has to make a comeback to the game in order to reach the coveted 3000 hits mark since he's based his post-career businesses on the fact that he had reached the milestone. Good story about a player who was selfish his first time around and who realizes the importance of enjoying the game and his teammates. rah rah

Field of Dreams
I saw it a long time ago but I think I liked it. Might have been cheesy. rah

Bull Durham
Hey, remember when people paid good money to watch Kevin Costner? No? Me either but this movie was good nonetheless. rah rah

A League of their Own
No crying in baseball, indeed. Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell and (shudder) Madonna star in this little ditty about a women's league during the war. Can't remember which war, though. rah

The "Major League" Franchise
Tom Berenger, Corbin Bersen, Charlie Sheen and the black guy who later played the president on the first season on 24. I can't remember his name but it may be Dennis Hays-something. He's also the All-Sate dude. Anyhoo, this movie was made when the Cleveland Indians sucked... And then they didn't 'cause they won the World Series... They may suck again but I can't be bothered to look up their stats in the newspaper. Strikeout!

Angels in the Outfield
Movie about a foster kid who sees angels on the field during California Angels games. Creepy. (And this was before M. Night Shamalayan introduced us to little creepy kids who also saw dead people.) Strikeout!

Rookie of the Year
I always get my crazy blond actors mixed up, is it Nick Nolte or Gary Busey? Oh, it's Busey. Sorry kids, no insane Nolte in this movie about a 12 year old kid who breaks his arms only to find out that when it healed it miraculously healed into a fastball-throwin' strikeoutinating machine and thus gets signed by the Chicago Cubs. So, all in all, very realistic. Strikeout!

Summer Catch
The horror... The horror. Sometimes words cannot describe the feelings that you feel. Oh Freddie Prinze Jr., it may be time to rethink the acting thing and choose a new profession. Strikeout!

Basketball: I don't really like basketball but here goes.

Coach Carter
Samuel L. Jackson plays the coach of an underachieving team. Lots of yelling ensues. Despite this the movie is pretty good with excellent game sequences. rah-rah-rah

Eddie
Whoopi Goldberg stars as a Uber Knicks fan who gets the head coach job as a publicity stunt. Well, screw you PR people because she actually gets the crappy team to start winning. rah

Like Mike
Lil' Bow Wow is an orphan who somehow manages to get and old pair of Michael Jordan sneakers and is suddenly talented like MJ. Foul!

American Football

Remember the Titans
Denzel! That little blond actress from Heroes! Cute boys in tight pants! 'Nough said. Seriously though folks, it's set in the south during the end of segregation so it deals with those kinds of issues. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad. A good analogy would be that it's a little bit rock 'n roll and a lil' bit country. rah-rah

The Replacements
Keanu Reeves plays a QB who doesn't talk a lot nor has to emote much which may be Reeves' perfect role. No, I kid, I kid! I kid because I love. Anyhoo, this is one of my faves because it's got kick-ass football action, lots 'o laughs and never takes itself too seriously. rah-rah-rah

We Are Marshall
True story about Marshall University in West Virginia who lost its entire team and coaching staff in a tragic plane crash in 1970. The story focuses on the rebuilding stage of the team under a new coach (Matthew McConaughey who honestly could give potato charisma if it were too close to him) as well as an assistant coach (Matthew Fox who gives good cry, honestly when he cries, I cry so I sometimes kind of hate Matthew Fox as I prefer to live my life like I am dead inside) who gave up his seat on the doomed flight to a friend thus saving his own life but dooming him to a bad case of PTS with a heavy dose of survivor's guilt. Ian McShane also stars as a grieving father and honestly, it's weird to see the dude that played Al Swerengen not spewing profanity like a sockcuker. (R.I.P. Deadwood) rah rah rah

Friday Night Lights
I've never seen the show because I don't have cable but the movie was decent. It's like to truth about high school football in small town America and dude, it ain't pretty. This movie gave me quite a few insights into Americana, most notably what Tim McGraw looks like without a cowboy hat. rah rah

The Longest Yard
I am not sure if I wholeheartedly could ever believe that Adam Sandler could be have been a professional QB but I guess that's what movies are all about - the suspension of belief. Anyhoo, I never saw the original one so I can't compare it to anything in football terms but there is a soccer/football movie based on the story that is, in my humble opinion, far better. rah

Varsity Blues
Oh Varsity Blues, I remember you! You had James Van der Beek from Dawson's Creek and that other blond actress from Heroes in a scene with strategically placed whipped cream. There's also football and some other stuff like there's more to life than football. rah rah

Soccer/Football

Mean Machine
I mentioned this movie earlier when I was discussing The Longest Yard because it's exactly the same movie, only off the gridiron and on the pitch. It's also the better of the two as the Bobs commentary of the game is worth it alone. rah-rah-rah

Bend It Like Beckham
Who wouldn't like the story of an English girl of Indian heritage who dreams of playing soccer? You wouldn't, you say? Well, I guess I have nothing more to say to you then...
Culture-clashes ensue as well as a strong statement about girl power. See my Posh tie-in? N i c e. rah rah

Goal!
A story about a young dude in LA who dreams of playing for a big club in Europe. Through moxy and talent he gets his wish and ends up playing for Newcastle United. Unlike the above film David Beckham is actually in this movie... for five seconds... with weird eyebrows. Oh, and Alan Shearer makes a couple of appearances too sans weird eyebrows. rah rah

Fever Pitch
I might have this movie's title mixed up with another British film. This one has that blond actor who played Tom Jones (Not the Sex Bomb singer) in the BBC/A&E mini-series. I think it's called something else but Alan Shearer's also in this one too. You go Alan Shearer! rah