Happy Halloween!!

As promised, here's a picture of Rilo in her Halloween costume, as mailed to her by her friends Fern and Norton in Fargo. She actually doesn't care much for being a ladybug, as you can tell by her expression.

However, she discovered that her costume makes a great toy!


Happy Halloween folks! Eat lots of candy!

ps I just realized that it's not actually Halloween. I keep thinking that Friday is Halloween because I've been spending so much time planning Halloween for work tomorrow, and tomorrow is the day that I am wearing my costume, so it's essentially Halloween for me.

pps When I went out this evening, I drank a lovely pumpkin ale. Yum.

General Malaise

Argh. I just feel out of sorts today. I have a lot of work to do, but it's just not appealing at the moment. I think it's because the past two nights I haven't been able to sleep very well, so that is part of it. Well, lack of sleep, impatience, and self-doubt are the three causes of this yucky feeling I have right now.

On the bright side, I'm going out this evening, so that will help, I'm sure. Maybe I just need a good laugh.

And, I think going for a little walk to the mall right now to get a second coffee might help. Yup. I think that's what I'll do.

Update: I went and got a second coffee. Then, I made arrangements with a friend for a ride tonight, and decided that Saturday will be a day of pampering myself. I've booked appointments for my hair, eyebrows, a manicure, and a pedicure. So, I'm feeling better. :)

Feel the feathers of an arrow.

Things I should be doing:

a) Dishes
b) Laundry
c) General household upkeep.

What I am doing instead:

Sitting here blogging in my Halloween costume. I'm a dork like that. I finished getting all of the parts of my costume today, so I had to try it on. On top of the dress, which I ordered online since I thought would be an easy costume (wrong), I had to buy white socks, red shoes, nylons, a long brown wig, hair ribbons, a basket, and a stuffed dog. However, it's come together quite well even though my Toto is a black lab. I must say say I'm pretty Oz-riffic. The funny thing is that I haven't even seen the movie in years, and I can't remember much from it. This costume is a total whim, but I think the kids will like it 'cuz I look much different with long brown hair. And I usually don't wear blue gingham dresses with crinoline. However, the red shoes will be put into the regular rotation.

Halloween has taken over my life lately. I've been running around getting all of the pieces for this costume, as well as buying many pumpkin carving kits, pumpkins pies, and organizing pumpkin distribution at school. Oh, and buying candy to put in my basket along with Toto.

What's I'm listening to:

a) New Tegan and Sara album. It came out today. It's good. I really like it on first listen.
b) New Dashboard Confessional single. Oh, is my inner teenager happy right now. I have such an eternal crush on him.
c) Itunes free single: "The Second Time" by Carolyn Mark and NQ Arbuckle. It's fun and twangy.
d) Timber Timbre, who are on Arts and Crafts, are giving away their album for free. I've downloaded, but not listened yet. I intend to. It made some best of lists last year.

So that's what's happening in Christielli-land. This skirt and this wig are itching me, so it's time to change. I'm such a weirdo, blogging in my Halloween costume.

Oh! Rilo has a Halloween costume that was sent to her by some of her feline friends through AlieMalie. (Rilo's human got some neat-o skull and cross bone socks too!) I'll post a picture of Rilo in her costume on Halloween. That'll be your candy, folks.

Still hooked on cellophane.

This weekend has been enjoyably quiet and filled with friends.

On Thursday night, I got a call from one of my favourite people. We used to work together, but she got married and decided to move someplace rural. I miss her a lot; and not just because I have one less person to high-five in the halls. It's great fun working across the hall from a real friend, not just a co-worker. Anyhow, she called 'cuz I'd mailed her a book of Shakespearean insults. I'd book-marked various insults with people whom they reminded me of. It made her laugh. We had a great time catching up on the phone, which made me feel nostalgic for when we worked together (last year).

The weather on Friday was disgusting. Cold rain and wind. I made it worse for myself by forgetting my keys/metropass at work, and didn't realize this until I got to the subway, and had to trek back in the rain. However, this was fortuitous because I ran into one of my remaining friends at work. We've been trying to have lunch together all year (and it's the end of October now) and haven't been able to because we're both so busy. Remedial. And next week won't work either, 'cuz I'm busy during every single lunch. However, I hope we improve in November. But it was good to see her. And we're going out on Thursday with other people, so that'll be fun.

Once I had my keys/metropass I made my way to my work spouse's place (she's on mat leave still). We caught up, made our own sushi, and then stuff ourselves with food. Good times. She'll be back next semester and I'll have a friend in the desk beside me which will be nice again. And yes, *I made* my own sushi. That's exciting.

Yesterday was a pretty lazy day. I met up with a friend for coffee in the afternoon and then rented some episodes of "True Blood" and watched while knitting. I need to get my knitting groove back on. The pair of mittens I'm knitting is a Christmas present that I wanted to give someone last year. Remedial yet again. Anyway, something to watch on TV def facilitates the knitting. Also, Rilo loves to watch me knit which is pretty hilarious. She'll sit beside me and stare at the needles.

Today I'm meeting up with another friend from work on mat leave for coffee then I need to grocery shop because I'm almost at the point where all I have to eat is dry pasta, soup, old crackers, and freezer-burnt frozen yogurt. Yum.

Happy lazy Sunday to you!

And it's only a matter of whom, and it's only a matter of when.

Today I had to diametrically opposed thoughts within twenty minutes of each other. These thoughts were:

a) Tomorrow is only Thursday? Yeesh.

b) It's already Thursday tomorrow? Holy!

It goes to show you that time both inches and flies by at the same time. (I'm quoting my pal AlieMalie here).

This evening I did some chores around the apartment, and then Mathew dropped by and we hung out for a bit. He teased me a couple of times about how quickly I'm approaching the big 3-0 (must be nice to still be 27), and I told Rilo to attack him, but she didn't. She and I are going to have to work on that. I've given up on the hope that she'll ever learn to clean, so the least she can do for her free room and board is to defend my honour.

Speaking of time flying: can you believe I've had Rilo for a year? Our one-year anniversary was on Monday! It feels like just yesterday that I brought a scrawny cat home from the humane society. She's now doubled in weight and is even a little chubby.

Here's a question for you: how accurate are your instincts? How much do you trust your gut feelings? Right now, there is something that I have a gut feeling about, and I spent sometime trusting my instinct, but in the past couple days I've questioning myself. I don't think I have any reason to doubt my instinct, other than the fact I get nervous about stuff, and that I'm more comfortable with doubt than certainty. I think it's because if you are sure about something, and you're wrong, it's disappointing. However, if you are doubtful about something, and turn out to be wrong, it's a pleasant surprise. Soooo, maybe that's why I'm more comfortable with doubting myself, if that makes any sense.

However, I think it's just best to stay positive, but staying positive is easier said than done.

Anyway, and with that cryptic rambling, I'm out. Pleasant Thursdays everyone!

ps I paid back Tim Horton's for Monday's coffee.

Breaking news: people are nice!

This morning, a Monday, of course, I forgot my wallet at home. Why? Because I had taken it out of my purse to put my latest concert ticket stubs in my ticket stub diary. (Nerd!)

Of course, I realize that my wallet is at home while I make my daily stop at the Tim Horton's by work. Right as they are pouring my coffee into my reusable mug from Starbucks no less. Anyway, as I mumble "I'm sorry, I forgot my wallet" to the lady at the counter, the woman behind comes to my rescue and offers to pay for my coffee. However, the lady at the counter, who knows me since I come in every freaking weekday morning for my caffeine fix, says not to worry about it, I can pay tomorrow. I thank both women, and leave happily with my coffee. As I'm walking out the door, a third lady says "Don't worry, we wouldn't have let you go without your coffee - it's Monday!"

Anyway, it made me happy that two random strangers would have paid for my coffee. Strangely enough, there was no one in the store from my work (adult or teenager), because I think most mornings I'd be able to hit someone up that I know for the cash. But, it makes me way happier to know that random strangers will help. I love random acts of kindness. I need to do some. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for people in distress. Anyway, rest of Canada, people in Toronto are nice, at least when it comes to forgotten wallets and Monday morning coffees. Take that!

In other news, I've been listening a lot to Regina Spektor's new album "Far" a lot lately. I'm addicted to "Dance Anthem of the 80s". I dunno why I never listened to her before; actually, it's 'cuz I was always waiting for Becca T to make me CDs of her stuff, but she never got around to it, ha-ha. Anyway, she's a little bit Tori-esque, but makes more sense than Tori.

Speaking of Tori, I just signed up for last.fm on the advice of my new indie-rock friend from Friday. (He also suggested I look into Regina.) You can download a tool called the itunes scrobbler (yes, scrobbler is now my new favourite word), which compiles all of your listening statistics into graphs. I love this, of course, since I'm both a music nerd and a math nerd. Anyway, it turns out my most listened to artists are:

1) Tori Amos
2) The Weakerthans
3) Stars
4) Sloan
5) Jack's Mannequin
6) Dashboard Confessional
7) Matthew Good
8) Hawksley Workman
9) Neko Case
10) Rilo Kiley

Now, Joel Plaskett is only #15, but if you add up my Joel Plaskett solo listens with Joel Plaskett Emergency listens, he comes in at number 5. But then I guess I'd have to go adding in Matthew Good Band with Matthew Good, Ben Folds with Ben Folds Five, Jenny Lewis with Rilo Kiley, etc.

All right, enough about that. I'm going to make some hot chocolate, read some more of "Her Fearful Symmetry" and I have a phone call to make. Later, y'all!

We're all waiting for the right moment to move.

What a beautiful, sunny, chilly fall weekend. I love it. Can I bottle it up and keep it forever please?

Anyway, I had a busy Friday, but the rest of the weekend was pretty chill. On Friday, I was supposed to meet up with Eric and a friend of his to see Two Hours Traffic at Lee's Palace, but Eric had to unfortunately skip out on the show because it was too late and he had too much work stuff on his plate. Luckily, he was able to meet up with me for dinner in the evening.

We decided to go to the Mexican restaurant where I had my birthday this year, but as we were waiting in line, we started to discuss our mutual love of The Pickle Barrel, so we decided to go there instead.

I love going for dinner with Eric because he always orders three plates of food and a giant milkshake (and he's really skinny!), so I don't have to feel guilty at all for splurging on a burger and fries. Anyway, we had a really fun dinner while reminiscing about our favourite Eric/Christy adventures and stories. There is nothing better in the world than old low-maintenance friendships.

Since Eric couldn't go to the show, I had to find his friend, who I'd met once in passing: coincidentally at a Two Hours Traffic show about a year ago. Luckily, I was able to spot him, and we had fun since we're both into pretty much the same bands. I'm always up for a new indie-rock friend.

The show itself was great. Two Hours Traffic are a super fun power-pop band from PEI (and their records are produced by Sir Joel Plaskett). They are a really fun live band where every song is sing-a-longable, and hands-clappable, and danceable and just a great time. Anyway, if you're looking for a fun new band, check them out.

On Saturday I slept in, since I didn't get back home 'til 2:30 am. These late night shows are hard on a girl of advancing age such as myself. I decided to take myself to anthropologie to pick up a wee besmirch (present) for my friend Sandee, and unsurprisingly, since that store is very dangerous for me, I ended up buying a new shirt. My Thursday plans of last week are rescheduled for this Thursday, and having new clothes always makes social plans better. This is how I justify the vastness of my wardrobe. Does anyone have any hangers they can give me? I'm running out.



Today I went to Starbucks and continued reading Audrey Niffenegger's "Her Fearful Symmetry". I'm a fan, but not an uber-fan, of "The Time Traveler's Wife" but this book really appealed to me, and it's unsurprising that it does. It has ghosts, possible evil twins, cemeteries, people tragically affected with OCD, family secrets, and all the stuff that appeals to a person with a well-developed inner goth such as myself. And, it takes place in London, which makes me all sorts of nostalgic and I want to go back since I never did explore a London cemetery. (Next visit perhaps Claire?)

Anyway, now I'm catching up on emails, and procrastinating tidying this hurricane zone. Hmmm, I think if I tidy the living room, then I can get back to my book. Good motivation!

I know you feel it too.

Yay! for the new Tegan and Sara song "Hell".

Boo! to ticketmaster charges. I swear I've handed over so much money to them in my life.

Yay! for the fact that you can buy gift certificates for other places at Shopper's Drugmart. It'll make someone very happy tomorrow.

Yay! for the new Matt Good album. It's great listening for subway rides and errand-running. My fave song is "A Silent Army in the Trees".

Yay! for vanilla-flavoured soy milk in hot chocolate. Yes, my fridge usually contains soy milk for solely this purpose.

Boo! to negativity. I find that I get more and more sensitive to negativity by the day. I understand the need to vent and complain, and I'm guilty of complaining way too much. I want to stop.

Yay! for concerts. I'm going to see Two Hours Traffic on Friday night with one of my favourite people in the world: my pal Eric.

Yay! for forgetting my marking at school. Aww shucks, that means I can't work on it tonight.

Yay! for new books. I'm a sucker, and I bought Audrey Niffenegger's new book "Her Fearful Symmetry". It's advertised as a "gothic romance" and fall is the time of year for gothic romances imho. I'm going to start reading it tonight since I forgot my marking at school.

Yay! for the fact one of my fave coworkers got good news. I'm very happy for the dude and the fact he's now permanent.

Yay! for bubble baths. I am so having one tonight as I start my new book.

Yay! for plans tomorrow that mean I'll have to tape my fave TV shows instead of watching them. Being busy means the power to fast forward commericals.

Boo! to my nails. I need a manicure and pedicure. Maybe I'll have time to treat myself this weekend.

Yay! for the fact that there are many more yays than boos going through my head these days.

Baby ain't it good to be back home.

Long weekend recap:

Friday - After the longest day of school in my life (it's not fun working when you are exhausted and it's pouring rain), I did a bit of shopping. I had a 30% coupon from the Gap, and well, I hate not using coupons, so I got this coat. I don't *really* need it, so I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it. Thoughts?

Then, I picked up sushi for myself, and went home and crashed while watching the big Office wedding on tape. Mathew called me to do something, but I was too beat, so I was in bed by 10 pm 'cuz that's how I roll apparently.

Saturday - I took the train to St. Ratford in the morning, hung with the 'rents in the afternoon, then my dad and I drove to Kitchener to see "Capitalism". The last movie my dad saw in theatres was the final Lord of the Rings, and before that was the Little Mermaid. So yeah, it's kind of a big deal when my dad says he wants to see something, and then actually goes. He's a bit of a happy hermit.

Anyway, we went and looked at books before the movie, then I treated him to a pumpkin spice latte, then we saw the movie. The movie was pretty good if you enjoy Michael Moore stuff. I usually do, 'cuz I'm on the same side of the political spectrum as he. My dad's complaint was that it wasn't polemic enough. (Note: my father considers himself the last true living socialist.) It was fun hanging out with my dad, and I wouldn't be surprised if he leaves the house for more movies, now that he's figured out that I'll do all the driving and planning if he asks.

Sunday - I slept in, then I did some downtown St. Ratford shopping, which I do enjoy. I went to my fave store called The Green Room, to stock up on funky tights. Of course, I ended up buying more silly stuff like...

a) a bird umbrella (here it is at home with Rilo nuzzling it). Hope I am not befalled by bad luck by opening it indoors for you all to see.



b) a sock monkey hat. Here I am rolling my eyes at the silliness of my purchase. It would go well with the new coat, eh? Hee-hee. I would have gotten the kitty hat instead, but ears on that one were too ridiculous. LOL I have standards.

Then Sunday night I had family dinner with the 'rents, and then had time to meet up with a couple members of the group of 9 for gossip and inappropriate discussions at Tim Horton's in Mitchell. (I think we might have shocked some of the older patrons if they were eavesdropping.)

Monday - I took the early morning train back to Toronto this morning then had a lazy day chilling with Rilo, running some errands and watching TV and movies. (I saw "Away We Go". It was okay.) I also got some important things done like ordering tickets for Tegan and Sara at Massey Hall in January (only crap seats were left, but I decided that's better than going to the godforsaken Kool Haus), and planning my Halloween costume. I broke down and decided to buy a costume 'cuz I've been a witch for 18 years straight (or so it seems). I got a Dorothy dress because it's appropriate for a school environment, and I figure all I need is red shoes, a basket, and a stuffed dog and I'm good.

All in all it was a great long weekend, and it's too bad that it's come to an end. I like vacay.

If you really wanna see me, check the papers and the tv.

Ben Folds with an orchestra was more awesome than I thought. His songs are just made for symphonic accompaniment. There was so much good stuff to listen to, that my ears didn't know where to turn.

My favourite song of the night was "One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces". But there were so many other good tracks too. He opened with "Zak and Sara" and did "Landed" and "Gracie" and "Jesusland" and "Not the Same" and "Lullabye". I could go on but I won't. He also played a couple new tracks from his upcoming album where Nick Hornby wrote the lyrics, and Ben the music.

Anyway, bliss. Yay. A life's goal complete.

The driving was okay. Thanks for the finger crossing! I made it to Buffalo in plenty of time to get myself good and lost. Luckily, when I phoned my pal Jason, he was able to figure out where I was from the description "ummm, I'm in a sketchy parking lot, I think blah and blah is the intersection."

Anyway, thanks for Ben for being awesome enough to get his songs arranged for orchestras, then finding in a place within driving distance. I'd still love him to join the TSO though. And thanks to Jason for talking me into going, helping be found, and taking me out for greasy pizza. Yay!

Unfortch, I gotta work tomorrow, so bed for me.

ps Happy Canadian Thanksgiving everyone! Even if you're not Cdn, you celebrate it up. I am taking off for St. Ratford on Saturday, and I've got lots of family stuff planned like a turkey dinner and I'm going to see "Capitalism: A Love Story" with my dad. Woot for left-wing family bonding!

I got my philosophy. (Keeps my feet on the ground.)

A random post in which Christielli is all excited about her upcoming roadtrip to see Ben Folds with an orchestra, and then starts to reflect upon how truly awesome life is.

a) Tomorrow is my Ben Folds roadtrip! I'm so excited. I've got my directions all printed, my passport packed, and I threw in some CDs for driving music. So, I just have to get through tomorrow's day at work, and hopefully nothing will keep me past the bell. Your job, dear readers, is to keep your fingers crossed that I encounter no car rental problems, no traffic delays, no border-crossing problems, and just overall safe driving. Thanks in advance!

b) I'm feeling better. Taking advantage of my crappy state and sleeping a lot helps. Sometimes I rather like being sick in the fact it gives me an excuse to be lazy and spend a lot of time reading in bed.

c) Lately I've been thinking about all of the things I've knocked of life's goals list. They include going to Paris, going to Versailles, going to London (twice even), going to SXSW, learning to knit mittens, visiting NYC and seeing a Broadway show (done that twice again), getting a cat, living in Toronto, and tomorrow I'll knock off seeing Ben Folds with an orchestra off the list. So I'm quite pleased with my progress, and all before my 30th birthday. Before I turn thirty, I'm going to have to update the list. I've never really had a list on paper (I never write things down), but these were all in my head, and they've happened and have all been amazing. (Assuming nothing keeps me from seeing Ben tomorrow, that is.)

d) There's also a bunch of things I've done that have never specifically been on my list, but fate and opportunity have taken me to these places. I'd never thought I'd dip my feet in Loch Ness, road-trip through the Scottish highlands, go to Australia, see the crumbling city of Havana, bike across the Golden Gate bridge, take a train through the Rockies, fly around the globe to Australia, or road-trip through the Maritime provinces, but I did all these things. Awesome. I'm glad life threw those adventures my way, and I was smart enough to do these things instead of, oh, saving money and staying at home.

d) I've also been thinking that two of the most important things in life is to take risks and to be generous. If I hadn't taken risks, I wouldn't have had money to do the above things. Most of my travel funds come from the money I saved when I was teaching up in Northern Ontario years ago. That was a freaking huge risk and scary, and I did it, and it made me a stronger person. Plus, if I hadn't have done that, I don't think I'd have my job now, and it boggles my mind to think where I'd be if I hadn't spent 5+ years in the wonderful and crazy school community I think of as home.

Also, being generous is one of the things that brings me the most joy life. Of course I like sending/giving mini-besmirches (Christielli-talk for gifts) to the awesome people in my life. (Note: I still have four packages to mail out. I'm so remedial.) But obviously it's not just material generosity that is important. I get so much joy and fulfillment from being as generous as possible with my time, support, and compliments to my friends, family, colleagues, and students. Of course, one can always be more generous, and I think I can work on that for sure.

e) I've been reading Oprah's latest book pick: "Say You're One of Them" by Uwem Akpan. All I can say is this book is amazing and really makes you appreciate life. It's a series of short stories written from the point of view of children in Africa. Last night I stayed up late finishing the story "Fattening for Gabon". The ending was so haunting and sad that it was hard to sleep, and it's hard to know what to do when you experience a story so powerful.

I ended up telling the story to a couple of students in one of my classes. I teach an alternative type course for struggling students and I love this course because it gives me a chance to chill with the kids and really get to know them. Anyway, today I was chatting with two students about how I love to read, and I told them the story that I just read. It's not a happy story, but as one of my students wisely pointed out, it's good to read stories like this because they give you perspective. I thought that so wise coming from a teenager, and it just was one of those little daily moments with my students that really touch me.

Anyway, read that book. Or at least the second story. Trust me. You'll be awestruck.

f) Speaking of books, I should go curl up in bed with that book, and sleep early since I've got a big day tomorrow. Woot!

But you're so contagious.

I have a very busy week planned.

Of course I get sick. Of course.

It's just a common cold. Not something nastier, thankfully. But, if I'm going to kick this thing in time for my Ben Folds roadtrip to Buffalo on a school night this Thursday, I'm going to have to commit to sleeping this mutha off.

Which I've gotten a good start on. I passed out on my couch for about a hour after dinner.

On my way home from work, I caught my reflection in the subway door. Usually when I do so, I think "oh look at that fashionable girl" but today I thought "Who's that beat looking person? Oh wait, it's me."

But yah, sleep will be the remedy. Even my horoscope today said to sleep more. So it's sleep, orange juice, hot chocolate, and tylenol cold for me.

Oh, also it was World Teacher's Day today. So I guess this cold is my gift. That and a sprinkle donut given to me by administration.

Pretty People Posing Questions

I had a pretty uneventful weekend, but I did have time while cooking tonight's dinner/lunch for part of the week to do this giant meme. Ahhh, memes. Godsend to blogger's block.

1. The phone rings; who do you want it to be?
Visa telling me that I won what I bought this month.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart?
I use a basket most of the time. But yes, I always return my cart. I’m a chronic rule follower.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener?
Both. It depends on the other people.

4. Do you take compliments well?
Give me some and we’ll see.

5. Do you play Sudoku?
Yes.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?
I’d be a goner.

7. Do you like to ride horses?
I’ve never rode a horse.

8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?
Just day camp. And art camp, but that doesn’t count.

9. What was your favorite game as a kid?
Monopoly.

10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you go for it?
No. I’m a chronic rule follower.

11. Have you lied to get out of a date?
I haven’t. I hate lying, no matter what.

12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?
Yup.

13. Do you like to pursue or be pursued?
Be pursued. It's fun :)

14. Use three words to describe yourself?
Intelligent, considerate, talkative.

15. Do any songs make you cry?
No.

16. Are you continuing your education?
I’m done with the learning. Well, the “formal” learning. I’m always learning new things.

17. Do you know how to shoot a gun?
Of course not.

18. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed?
Rilo Kitty

19. How often do you read books?
My goal was to read a book a week this year. I managed to read two in the past month. So really, one every two weeks.

20. Do you think more about the past, present or future?
I think a lot about the past and the future. I need to live more in the present.

21. What is your favorite children's book?
From my childhood: The Twits by Roald Dahl. However, I really love Harry Potter, which I discovered in my early 20s.

22. What color are your eyes?
Brown

23. How tall are you?
5’6’’

24. Where is your dream house located?
In the neighbourhood where I live now, actually.

25. Do you have a secret fetish?
It would not be a secret if I shared.

26. Have you tried sushi?
LOL I’m not even answering this. If you don’t know the answer, you must be new to this blog.

27. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth?
Yup. But not since high school.

28. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden?
Last time I remember was when my pal Christa and I went on a shopping trip to Port Huron, Michigan after Christmas a couple years ago. We had a good meal there with breadsticks (!) and the waiter was really cute too.

29. When was the last time you were at Church?
About two weeks ago.

30. Where was the furthest place you traveled today?

The grocery store. It’s a lazy, rainy Sunday.

31. What was your favorite job?
Teaching, of course.

32. Do you like mustard?
Love. It was all I’d put on hot dogs as a kid.

33. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
That’s a tough decision! But, given the choice, ummm sleep. Sleep’s where I’m a Viking, as Ralph Wiggum says.

34. Do you look like your mom or dad?
I think I’m a mix of both.

35. How long does it take you in the shower?
5 minutes.

36. Can you do the splits?
Nope.

37. What movie do you want to see right now?
Whip It! (Directed by Drew Barrymore, who is like the only actress I like.)

38. If you could fast forward your life, would you?
I’d like to see how certain things turn out, but I’d liked to rewind back to now to live through everything. But, I promise I’ll act surprised when stuff happens.

39. What did you do for New Year's
LOL Last year it was too cold to do anything fun, so my pal Mathew and I had the lamest New Year’s ever. It was like we were an old married couple, without being old, and we’d never marry each other in a million years.

40. Do you think The Grudge was scary?
Didn’t see it.

41. Could you relate to a character in Mean Girls?
Don’t remember it.

42. Do you own a camera phone?
Yah, but I don’t use the camera part. Why does everything have to have a camera attached to it these days.

43. Do you have an "ex box" with pics and letters from past lovers?
That’s what campfires are for.

44. Was your mom a cheerleader?
Nope.

45. What's the last letter of your middle name?
A

46. Do you like your middle name?
Yes.

47. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
Usually 6, but I need 8.

48. Do you like care bears?
Of course. I had Funshine bear.

49. What do you buy at the movies?
Usually a ginormous diet coke.

50. Do you know how to play poker?
Yes, but my strategy is to pretend I don’t know how to play. Shhh.

51. Do you wear your seat belt?
Yup.

52. What do you wear to sleep?
At this time of year, I’ve broken out the fuzzy Ally McBeal pjs.

53. Anything big ever happen in your hometown?
The Queen once visited. They had to build her a special bathroom. Also, once a swan was beheaded by an owl. That was front page.

54. How many meals do you eat a day?
3

55. Is your tongue pierced?
Nope.

56. Ever meet anyone you met on myspace?
Nope… but I’ve met five bloggers that I count.

57. Do you read myspace bulletins?
I don’t have myspace.

58. Do you like funny or serious people better?
Funny. I think serious people don’t really like me ‘cuz I can’t really stay serious for too long.

59. Ever been to L.A.?
I have flown through LAX on my way to and from Australia.

60. Did you eat a cookie today?
No. Day’s not over yet. But alas, I have no cookies, so it's not going to happen.

61. Do you use cuss words in other languages?
Sadly not. This is something I’d like to improve.

62. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?
I usually pay. Especially ‘cuz I listen to all indie stuff.

63. Do you hate chocolate?
Who hates chocolate? People with no souls, that’s who.

64. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
My parents and I will get into huge arguments about the stupidest things. So stupid I can’t really remember what they are.

65. Are you a gullible person?
I don’t think I’m gullible per se, but I do believe that most people are genuine, so I can be taken in ‘cuz I’m trusting, I guess.

66. Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy?
Not at all, I have neither and I am very happy.

67. If you could have any job what would it be?
I really do like my job, but I’d love to write a great novel. Then have Oprah pick it for her bookclub. Then with the GG award. Oh, and have my book nominated for Canada Reads too. And then have a movie made of my book. Starring Johnny Depp.

68. Are you easy to get along with?
Very much so.

69. What is your favorite time of day?
After work, when I get to do me-stuff.

Early morning post!

So, last night I went to bed an hour earlier because I never get enough sleep. I want to improve this, but here I am awake an hour earlier. So, I feel that I've gained nothing. Boo.

Anyhow, a couple posts ago I wrote that Tegan and Sara are one band I've never seen live but I'd like to see them live. So yesterday, I get an email informing me that they are playing not one, but two shows in Toronto! Apparently someone out there is listening to me. Anyway, I'm going to opt for Massey Hall in January, I think.

Los Campensinos! I hope you are listening too.

This is one of those weeks where I need a weekend very badly. The end of the school day won't come fast enough.

Last night's Office was pretty funny.

It's now less than a week 'til my Ben Folds road-trip. I'm so excited.

Thanksgiving is soon. Yay! Pumpkin pie is the bestest.

I haven't done very well in my goals for this week. Boo. I've been doing all right about the housecleaning and the reading. Anyway, I still have the weekend to get some of the stuff done.

Anyway, have a great Friday and it's oatmeal time. Woot!