My Rant

I'm a pretty laid back person in general, but there's one thing that gets me really angry and that is people's blatant disregard for the environment. Everyone has heard about global warming, recycling and the dangers of pesticides, but no one really does much to help the earth out. When I watch the news and I hear about the things like the very real possibility of polar bears becoming extinct it actually brings me close to tears. The government is no help at all either. Bush wants to lift the moratorium that Clinton placed on oil drilling up North, and Harper wants to back away from Kyoto and do his own thing. I know that Kyoto isn't perfect and if it works, will bring only emmisions back to where they were back in the 90's when they were already a problem, but it's something. If he doesn't think it's going to be effective, why doesn't he just add these other policies that he thinks are so great on top of Kyoto?
Bush says that if the moratorium was lifted then the price of oil would significantly decrease. This doesn't sound like someone who wants to explore renewable resources and reduce dependence on oil like he has claimed (He may have said foreign oil, but if he gets his way and drills for oil in our North it's still foreign).

If gas prices stay where they are maybe it will make people think twice about driving as often as they do and espcecially about driving the gas-guzzling SUV's and Hummers I see everywhere here in Vancouver.

Sometimes I just feel at a loss. I know I'm not perfect when it comes to caring for the environment, but a lot of my decisions are made with the earth in mind. Why can't other people just see the importance of this? Why do the majority of people continue to mock environmentalists and call us "hippies" and "granola crunchers"?

A Walk in the Park

It's so gorgeous outside right now! Even though I might not be out there much today due to housework, I'm loving having all the wondows open and the sun shining in. Scott and I went for a walk in Stanley Park on the weekend and it was really nice. We hadn't gone for a walk there when it hasn't been raining in a long time so it was a nice change. The forest looks really nice with the sun shining through the trees on the moss. I'm hoping it stays nice right into next weekend so we can get out and enjoy it some more.

So I'm not quite the girl next door, according to Cosmo...

Out of boredom, I took an online quiz from a magazine to find out "how sexy my style" is and it turns out I'm "subtly sexy". I don't know if I agree neccesarily, but there didn't seem to be a lot of options for me. The very first question was: What's your bathing suit preferance? A) a one piece with a wrap, B) bikini bottoms, or C) a tankini. I had to laugh when in the little paragraph at the end of the quiz summin up who I am they said, "...but since money doesn't grow on trees, you have perfected the art of paring a pricey jacket back to a sexy halter top from the good old Gap". A halter top from the Gap would be too much money! Besides, don't get me started on the Gap's image...
Oh yeah, and my style twin is Jennifer Aniston...I doubt it.

A nice day

I think I heard rain at some point during the night or early this morning, but by the time I woke up the sun was shining and the birds were singing. Not a bad thing to wake up to on a day off. When I went out this morning I decided it was time to wear my flip-flops and try to break them in again for the summer months. I recall last year when I bought them and went through a pack of blister Band-Aids really quickly. It was so nice out and my feet weren't cold at all during my short walk towards the beach that when I went to the doctor's office this afternoon I wore my flip-flops again, but it had clouded over and my feet did get cold. It's ok, though. Although I was cold, I'm happy to say that I didn't get any blisters.

It kind of stunk that I had to wait for the bus for a super-long time, though, and eventually had to walk to a different bus stop because it seemed like the small bus I wanted to take wasn't coming. There was a sign at the stop about how as of April 24th bus service will be changed because of the construction of the Canada Line skytrain in preparation for the Olympics, but it didn't say anything about the bus I wanted today...but it never came. Instead I got on the crowded Davie bus and had to stand with my groceries. I made it my groceries and I are all in one piece.

Can anyone tell me why Zeek, our way-too-furry cat thinks it's such a good idea to cough up hairballs everywhere except the easy-to-clean linoleum floors? More specifically, in my slippers...

Well, time for me to stop eating Easter chocolate and cook a healthy supper to cancel out the chocolate.

Does anybody have any suggestions for good books about connecting with God. Maybe something specific to women. I've been feeling like a bad Christian lately and I feel like I need something that will refocus by spirit. I haven't been to church in weeks because I haven't felt motivated. The few churches I've ventured to here haven't really filled me up like I would have liked. There is one church in South Van that's not too bad, but I'm not crazy with how long they sing before they start the service. I end up going late so that I get there for the message instead of all the singing, but I feel rude doing that. It's also not that close so since I'm not motivated, it takes more for me to get there. I feel like I'm becoming materialistic and shallow because my priorities haven't been where they should be.

Could you send some prayers so that Scott and I could find a church that we both like and feel comfortable in? It would be really nice to connect with some people here.

Spring!

Spring has arrived! We're seeing fewer rainy days now and the sun is finally trying to make itself more noticeable and warmer. We've had a few days of pleasantness now. On Sunday went to see the movie "Inside Man". It's a bank robbery movie, but really well done with lots to figure out. I never like the idea of going to action/drama movies, but I usually end up enjoying myself.

I worked last night, but working nights isn't so bad anymore. They've changed the hours from being open until 9pm every night except Sunday, to being open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays only and 7pm every other night. I never liked being out that late. I'm usually a little more nervous when I'm out at night by myself, and waiting for the bus downtown at 9:30 wasn't always great. Besides, now if I have to close I still have a good chance of hanging out with Scott before he goes to bed.

I'm off for a few days now, though, and I plan to keep working on the baby blankets for Scott's cousin. She just had twins a couple weeks ago; a boy and a girl, and I need to finish the second blanket. I'm so glad I'm able to make straight blankets now. I have a chest full of crooked ones that my kids will be stuck with!

My mouth seems to be on the mend finally, although I still can't open it very wide. Eating is still a little bit dificult, but I'm almost there. I was supposed to work on Saturday, but on Friday I wasn't feeling great so I called and gave them a heads-up. I was still in some pain and I couldn't effectively brush my teeth so I was feeling pretty self-conscious.
On Saturday Scott's friend flew here from Edmonton for the second of our hockey games. I went to the airport with Scott to pick him up and was really excited about eating Harvey's onion rings. The airport is the only place I know in Vancouver to eat Harvey's so it's become a tradition for me. The best treat in the world is Harvey's onion rings dipped in honey. It sounds crazy, but you should try it. I didn't intend to get a burger, but I was really hungry so I ordered a veggie burger since they're so good there. It was too hard to eat though. I tried cutting it into small pieces, but it just wasn't working for me. I had to give it to Scott to eat.
The hockey game was a lot of fun. I was much happier with the end result since the Oilers won this time. It was a pretty important game and it's no fun losing to the Canucks in their territory..the fans aren't nice.

So Stressful!

I've never been a Vancouver Canucks fan. Since I became a hardcore hockey fan they've beaten the Oilers by playing with discipline and frustrating the Oilers so they play terribly. What's worse then losing to the Canucks? Being there live when it happens when it shouldn't have happened.
The first period was pitiful for the Oil. They were completely dominated and looked clumsy. They deserved to go out of the first period down. They came back into the second period with fire, though. They were playing the way they should, the way they played in the first 5 meetings between the two clubs this season (and won!). They were frustrating the Canucks and drawing penalties, it was great!
They had a 3-2 lead halfway through the third. They just had to hold on...they had to play defensively and maybe get an insurance goal. But no, Naslund had to score. I can't stand that guy...
So we went to overtime. The Oilers were on fire! They absolutely should have had it, but Alex Auld made some big saves and we had to go to a shoot out. Right away my heart was in my throat. I don't have a lot of confidence in Roloson as a netminder yet. Ryan Smyth took his shot and the ref declared no goal, but Smyth wasn't going to sit down. He wanted it to be reviewed because he was sure it was in. After ten minutes of nail-biting intensity, Canucks fans booing and throwing garbage on the ice (classless...), it was ruled a goal. All for nothing, though, since Roloson let in all three shots and the Canucks won. To make matters worse, we were stuck sitting behind one of those Canucks fans that makes you wish you had a beer to "accidentally" spill on him.
I feel so crappy this morning when I think about it. I just read the post-game articles and it all comes back to me. I'm nervous about the game we're going to on Saturday night. I don't want it to happen again. I want the Oilers to win by a ridiculous amount. Do I want to see Markkanen in goal that night instead of Roloson? I don't know...but Rollie needs to do something about letting in those week shots.

Here we go again...

So I had my last two wisdom teeth out yesterday and it was a little easier to get them out this time around. But, once again I've had to resort to communicating with a series of grunts and hand gestures. I'm incredibly swollen too...I look like a lop-sided chipmunk.

Scott and I are going to hockey games tomorrow night and Saturday night so today I had to go out to buy our tickets for tomorrow's game from a guy at work. I felt like a dork since I look so dumb, but no one laughed at me (in front of me).

I can't until I can eat again!

My friend from high school just sent me a link to her dad's blog. He writes poetry and it's really quite nice and different from what I've seen in a while.

http://kinmanadrift.blogspot.com/

A Lovely Weekend

I'm just finishing off a really nice weekend and I look forward to the next one. The weather was beautiful...sunny, and warmer than it's been. Scott and I had an all day date yesterday. We went to the aquarium, rented a movie (Junebug), watched a hockey game on TV and ordered pizza. It was really great. I had to go to work this afternoon, but the walk there was nice since it was so sunny. We're supposed to still have sun tomorrow and then it'll be rainy for the rest of the week.

Tomorrow I'm going to go return the rain boots I bought impulsively because I don't really like them. I just bought them because I wanted rubber boots, but I don't want to spend $30 on boots I'm not crazy about. I really think I'll just go to Canadian Tire for the ones they have on sale for $7.99. They'll do the trick. I plan to buy a raincoat tomorrow too because they are 50% off. It's a little late in the season to be buying one, but I'll likely use it this week.

I have to listen to the morning show on the radio every day this week to try and win tickets to a hockey game next week. I feel like a dork, but they'd be free!

I had a really nice weekend. On Saturday Scott and I went out with a co-worker of mine and her boyfriend and we had some all you can eat Thai food. It was great. We ended up sitting in the restaurant for a long time chatting. It's so nice to connect with people that way. Later that night we went to a bowling alley with Scott's friend, but ended up not actually playing because there were no lanes open. We had some food instead. We didn't plan to eat out so much that day, but it was still fun.

I had to work yesteday, but it was a good day. It wasn't very busy so I got to chat with my co-worker instead for most of the time. One of the girls I work with just got back from visiting her family in India and she brought me back some bangle bracelets. They were really pretty and I was touched that she thought of me. Unfortunately they didn't fit me, but I'll alway appreciate the gesture anyway.

Post Deadline Hockey Talk

The trade deadline was yesterday and Edmonton acquired some star players. As I suspected, though, Marty Reasoner left. I think I was the only one who expected it, as even Reasoner said he didn't. The poor guy had to fight off tears when the media talked to him. I've been a fan of his for years and I'll be cheering for him in Boston and hoping they can climb their way into a play-off spot. He's a hard-working player who never seems to have a lazy game where he comes across like he doesn't want to be there or doesn't care. He wasn't a big goal scorer (unless Scott and I were at the games - he scored 4 of his 9 goals with us at the games this season), but he had a few more assists and he's been described as a play-maker. He wasn't a fighter, he only has 20 penalty minutes this season so far.
Edmonton has lost a great player, but they've got what it takes to go deep in the play-offs (Although, you wouldn't have guessed after last night's awful game). I have to say, though, I think they could have done it with Reasoner's help (he wins a lot of face-off's, after all).
I don't know a lot about our new goalie Dwayne Roloson, or the new forward, Sergei Samsanov; I only know what I've read on their stats page. They look good on paper. I'll be looking forward to seeing how they connect with the other guys. I know they'll like being in Edmonton, everyone claims that they do. I've heard many players say that Edmonton is the best city to play in. It'll be fun to go the game(s) here in Vancouver in a couple weeks and see the new team up close.

So much to do!

I have the day off today and I have a whole list of things to do. Luckily, if I don't get them all done today I still have a few days to finish. I slept longer than I should have, though. I didn't mean to. When my alarm went off I hit the snooze button a couple times and then I turned it off thinking I'd only sleep for another half hour, but I slept another hour and a half instead. I was pretty tired, I guess.
Now I'm later getting started on my list. Work called me this morning to cover someone's shift, but I have too much to do and I have an appointment at the bank later. So I'll venture out into the gross rain and take care of business there.
These are some of the things I need to do:
Laundry
Clean bathroom
Clean out fridge
Do dishes
Vacuum
Take out garbage/recycling

I also want to clean out a closet and the cupboards in the bathroom, but at least that stuff is hidden away if someone pops in. What am I doing online?! I have to get to work!

Hockey Talk

Ah, hockey trade deadlines. Some of my readers may not find this time of year too interesting, but I'm curious to see what happens. Being here in Bertuzzi-ville I've been hearing a lot of talk about trading him away. I have a feeling people will whine if they keep him, and whine if they trade him. I think they should trade him away for someone who will sabotage the games the Canucks play with the Oilers.

As for the Oilers, I'm really excited to see what they do about the goalie situation. I like the idea of Cujo coming back, particularly since I was a mis-guided football fan when he was in Edmonton. Belfour can stay in Toronto or retire, in my opinion. Isn't Ryan Smyth his natural enemy anyway? I don't really know what I tink about Roloson.

I'm wondering what Lowe is doiing with Rem Murray back. I think he might have obtained him so that he can trade away another forward to get a goalie. I hope reasoner sticks around. I'm still considering getting his jersey.

Being An Emotional Woman

Oh, the wonders of being a woman. I've been weepy today and I make myself laugh because of it (kind of a weird mix of emotions). I cried watching A Baby Story because the Dad was so nervous and shaky when his wife was in labour. Then, of course, I cried when the baby was born, but that makes a little more sense. I also cried when I was watching the news because they showed the parents of a young man who was killed in a hit and run. I didn't laugh at myself for that one because it's really sad, but I don't generally cry when I watch the news. I usually just feel sad when I hear stories like that.

The thing that made me cry, and then make fun of myself was the Mastercard commercial with the guy driving the Zamboni. When I see him driving the zamboni at an NHL rink, and the crowd is cheering for him, and he's waving at them with that proud look on his face, I well up. I love that guy. I've seen the commercial twice today and it happened both times.

Tyke

Activities Tyke Enjoys:

1. Catching water droplets in the bathtub
2. Chasing Mishka
3. Playing with his "shaky, shaky mouse" and "losing" it repeatedly under the garbage can
4. Watching Scott
5. Opening cupboards
6. Saying, "brown?"
7. Playing race car
8. Jumping on Scott at 4am
9. Playing airplane
10. Being kicked
11. Taking his food out of the dish and chasing it around the kitchen
12. Taking his food out of the food dish and putting it in the water dish
13. Covering food and poop with air, Zeke, the table...etc. so that predators don't find it
14. Hanging out with Scott in the bathroom
15. Escaping into the hallway
16. Sleeping in his baskets

I Survived

Yesterday I had half my wisdom teeth out and I'm still alive. I was supposed to get all four out, but the dentist used up the maximum amount of local anestesia that can be used in one sitting. The bottom left tooth wanted to come out less than I wanted it to come out, and it caused some problems for the dentist and some discomfort for me during the surgery. I was given laughing gas to ease my anxiety, but I certainly wasn't laughing. In fact, I felt no effect and I was still quite tense. After he put in my freezing I felt my heart rate go way up and I was shaking. At the end of the appointment I finally let go of my arm and my hands were sore from gripping.
I wasn't in much pain for most of the ordeal. Every once in a while he would reach a point in his "digging" where the freezing hadn't quite done it's job and I would tell him it hurt. It was mostly gross. Throughout the cracking, grinding and dripping down my throat, (and the horrible bitter taste when he would drill my tooth to break it) I was trying not to picture what was going on. I tried desperately to watch the bronze medal hockey game going on on the TV behind the hygenist's head and I took some deep breath's of nitrous oxcide in hopes that I wouldn't pay as much attention to the terrible sensations.
Scott came to pick me up, but I was fine. I could walk and I took the bus home instead of a cab. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate taking drugs of any sort so it wouldn't be a surprise that I decided to try things out without pain killers. When I got home I sat with some gauze in mouth waiting for the bleeding to stop. I thought it was time to gargle some salt water to stay on top of infections. I did this, spit out some bloody water and sat down. Searing pain suddenly shot through my jaw as the salt made it's way down through the wound. Sunddenly the whole left side of my face was throbbing. I asked Scott to pause the movie we were watching (Cinderella Man - good movie) and go get my prescription filled at the pharmacy across the street. When he brought it back I read the enclosed papers and thought about how much I didn't want to take anything. My hands were shaking and I felt nauseated with the pain so I gave in and took a Tylenol 3. Within half an hour I started to feel a little better and I could tolerate the pain the the Tylenol 3 couldn't quite mask. When I went to bed at 8:00 I took a couple regular strength Ibuprofen and I slept considerably well. I awoke easily, but I wasn't in too much pain. Upon waking up this morning I still had some pain and I feel more swollen, but I've decided not to take any drugs. I was going to take my anti-biotics, but since I'm allergic to Penicillen they gave me something else. It says it should be taken only with serious infections because in rare cases people develop intestinal problems that can be fatal. I decided to wait it out and maybe just gargle with salt water more often.
So I survived. I've always thought I had a high threshold of pain, but I do let people know that I'm feeling bad...I don't consider it whining :). On a scale of 1- 10 I'd consider the short-lived pain an 8...I'd put strep throat at a 9 or 10. I've felt worse.
I get to go through it again in a month for the other side, though. I think I'll do better then knowing that it doesn't last too long.

25!

I turned 25 today, but it turned out pretty good and I didn't feel like an adult all of a sudden (When does that actually happen?). Scott woke me up this morning to give me a nice card and a membership for me and him to the Vancouver Aquarium. I love going there so I'm really happy about it. He took me out for dinner and then I got free gelato at the little place down the street that gives it out on birthdays.

It was really nice to hear from all my family friends today too. It's so nice when people want to celebrate the day that you came into the world. I got to talk to people I don't regularly talk to like my brother's wife, Monique in New Brunswick and Scott's brother, Paul. It was a nice day.

Weekends are too short!

Scott and I just got back today from a great weekend on the Sunshine Coast. It was so relaxing and I wish we could have stayed longer. The weather was gorgeous. It was sunny and the temperature ranged from about 2 degrees to 7 degrees depending on whether you were in the shade or not. We had a cute little log cabin nestled in some trees with a fireplace. It took us a while to get the fire going, but eventually it took off. There was a hot tub in the back yard that we enjoyed a couple of times too. We had to walk up a little path and it was sheltered in some trees with a patio built around it. The cabin was at the foot of a big mountain and was just a few steps from the ocean. I look forward to going back again.