Weddings and Divorse...and ponderism.

Once again, the looming and dreaded Wedding Season has crashed into my daily life. The fever has infiltrated magazines, movies, tv shows, even regular conversation. It still makes me wonder why I feel so vehement towards the 4 month span...
I think one of the saving graces this year (which, depending on my mood could also be considered a curse) is the involvement in several weddings. There was Ben and Brenda's wedding in May, which I wasn't exactly involved in, but did help out in some minor ways. Next, on July 7th is Rob and Bev's wedding, which Bev recently asked me to be in as one of her bridesmaids. Next is a bit of a dry spell in which I can only imagine my irritation will reach critical levels again.
The prevalence of marriage and weddings in all forms of entertainment makes me wonder if I'm just noticing it more at this time of year, or if the media moguls are conspiring to forcefeed us the pieces that seem generously spread with wedding content.
On the opposite side, however, the recent books I've read are riddled with stories of divorse and infidelity. Why is it our generation seems so obsessed with all things matrimonial, while the generation before is focused on cheating and the collapse of commitment?

Affliction...

It's one of those days. Well, one of those days for radio people anyway. I can't seem to get the connection between my brain and my tongue to work. It's probably one of the most infuriating afflictions in the business. How is a news anchor supposed to function without being able to speak? It's days like these however when I'm grateful for the prospect of pre-recording. At least there's the option of starting over or editting out mistakes and that sort of thing. On the flip side though, is the ability to pre-record just making me lazy? I somehow doubt it from the number of flubs I remember having while live in PG. It's one of those days where I don't dare walk and talk at the same time for fear of faceplanting on the concrete (which is very hot today thanks to a high of 30!)

Books!!

It seems I've resorted to following in Mare's footprints (aka flat out copying her on her last blog topic). Yesterday I went to Coles, as alas, there is no Chapters in Swift Current. Luckily, the affiliation means a more than adequate variety of books to browse. I hadn't intended to buy any books right now, but when I went into the store, the first thing I noticed was a wall of hardcover books with deliriously cheap sale prices on them! One particular trait I have inheritted from my mum is the ability to easily justify the purchase of books...especially those on sale! I bolstered my summer reading list by picking up The Divide by Nicholas Evans (author of the Horse Whisperer), and Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy. The Divide is hardcover, and Whitethorn Woods was hardcover sized paperback...I guess Tradesize, but it seems bigger than that to me. But anyway, they were 7.99 and 5.99 respectively!
Currently I'm in the midst of jPod by Douglas Coupland. Working the Sunday morning shift is excellent for catching up on my reading! I intend to continue this afternoon too and hopefully will get close to the end of jPod...which doesn't seem impossible since it's a fairly quick read anyway.

Super Cool!

I really enjoy my job most days, but some days are even better than others! Today was one of those days. The city's Fire Department has been holding drills in the old Hospital building before they tear it down, so they extended an invitation to the media to come see one of their scenarios, and interview some of the firefighters. Upon my arrival, I noticed other media members were climbing into the bucket of the ladder on the new fire truck! Sure enough, it delivered them to the roof, and I hopped on next! SUPER COOL! Aasa from the Prairie Post was kind enough to take some pictures of me, Jenna and George in the bucket on our way down.

Mini Golf!

While at Cypress, Brad and I took part in a little minigolf. I believe the last time I played minigolf was when my grandparents lived in Parksville. I think...that was probably roughtly 15 years ago. It was a fantastic time...even though I was beaten horribly. That's right, 48-62 for Brad. My only consolation is it was on a par 39 course. It was definately a fun way to spend an hour before supper on Saturday.

Cypress Hills Camping Trip

For Brad's Birthday we packed up the car on Friday and headed out the Cypress Hills for the weekend. It was a wonderful peaceful weekend. True to what I had heard, it really is a strange area of forest in the middle of the prairie.

Welcome to Cypress!
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Our Campsite
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The little ice-cream parlor had 24 flavor...including CHEESECAKE!!! Clearly I enjoyed a heap of it!
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Not the lake, but a decent sized pond
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The lookout from...uh...Lookout Point
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The view of Bald Butte (pronounced like 'cute' with a 'b)
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The path up to Bald Butte
~You really can see for 100km!
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Flowers...
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More flowers
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It's Me!

My Meez! Hahaha, thanks to Mare for giving me the idea with her blog! yay!

Renovations...

For anyone who isn't aware, Brad and I are looking at buying a house. The particular home we're looking at belonged to Brenda's mother. It needs a lot of renovations, but it's the sort of place that will be really great once it is.

One renovation Brad and I don't agree on is the downstairs bedroom which has not been updated since 1960. Brad thinks the wallpaper should go, but I feel otherwise. I don't know...I'm sort of drawn to it...Thoughts?

Mission "Fantastic Weekend" = Success!

I have successfully had one of the most relaxing weekends in a looooong time. Brad and I got up after a little sleep-in yesterday morning and had (what Mare and Jer refer to as) a 5 star breakfast, following which we went a did a little shopping and then headed out to Lac Pelletier. The sun was out, there were very few clouds in the sky, and I went straight to the beach where I stretched out on a towel and began to read. I purposely "forgot" to put sunscreen on my legs so as the get SOME color on them. I'm tired of being the girl on the beach who's that scary shade of white. Turns out it takes 2 hours in direct sunlight followed by another 2.5 in moderate sunlight for my legs to even BEGIN to burn. My upper body however, will burn in 2.5 hours of direct mid-day sun even with a 30spf. Good to know.
We stayed out until 11 oclock (after supper and fireworks...the most important part!) when we both felt so drained it was necessary to come back in.
It was a horrendously hot night though and I had a terrible sleep. We got up this morning though and went out to the lake again.
This time Brad, Nick, Kim and I went fishing. It was alright. I can't remember the last time I did any casting fishing. In fact, I think I've only done it once before. And this was the first time I've used live bait (except that one time ice fishing). I caught a few perch but we weren't keeping any. It was also the first time I've ever touched a fish. That's a new feeling...I don't really like doing it because I feel like I'm hurting the little bastards. Which makes me wonder why I fish at all, since I can't imagine it doesn't hurt them when they get a hook caught in their mouths and I start yanking on it. Oh the inner turmoil.
Afterwards it was back to the beach for a little more sun, but it was hotter than hell today and Brad and I both got sleepy and dehydrated feeling...despite the four bottles of water consumed in as many hours.

Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture?

Ok, you know you're being a little too hard on the elderly when they find themselves turning to crime to pay government debt. According to a story I read on BN today, a 68 year old man from Winnipeg was convicted of trafficking crack cocaine to pay down government debt. Seriously. The judge has sentenced him to 2 years house arrest because the man has diabetes and has had several heart attacks. Maybe the issue of punishment should be examined a little closer, taking into account exactly WHY he started selling drugs to pay a debt. Something tells me that, while the justice system seems to be in fine working order, perhaps our social programs are failing misserably? So I have this to say to Mr Stephen Harper: WTF?!

Coolest Song EVER. Period

For a moment of entertainment, I suggest you wander over to This Page. Follow the links to find out what the #1 song was on your birthday! I totally lucked out and pulled Eye of the Tiger! HA! Love it! For a brief moment, I felt like my life hads purpose! But then I found out Darwin got the Star Wars Theme. We discussed it however and decided it would be much cooler if it has been the Emperors Themesong.
Definately go visit the site! I've already milked it for ten minutes of entertainment...though that might be pushing the limit on it a bit.
Did I mention it's the Friday of a very slow week?

The Countdown is ON!!!

It is done! I booked my flight to Kelowna for the end of summer to see Mare! YAY! (and hooray for seatsales!) I'm going to say the countdown is officially on for fun on the beach, at pirate themed restaurants, muchos wine, and hours and hours of talking! Jer better get his driving gloves ready as he will be the official chauffeur for those fantastic days in Penticton! 92 more sleeps!

a ponderism while home sick

I have yet to figure out how, when feeling my utter worst, and looking like I've been stuffed in the washing machine and pulled out after the spin cycle, a simple hug and compliment from Brad can repair my mood and make me feel beautiful again. I guess what I mean is, why is the only opinion that really matters (other than one's own of course) is the one of the person who means the most to you? Why is it that all the people in the world can tell a person they look lovely in that new sweater, but it doesn't really mean anything until the one you're in love with says it to you? Maybe it has something to do with knowing that person has seen you in your most vulnerable? Or maybe it's because the sentiment goes both ways? Well, whatever the reason, I'm greatful. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go and snivle into some toilet-tissue and huddle in blankets while watching cheesy romantic comedies.

oh yeah...one more thing...

Ok, so maybe I forgot to mention that I caught the bouquet. I went up there not planning to really try for it, but that if it came my way I wouldn't ignore it. Well, it wasn't coming at me, and yet, somehow, through some sort of divine intervention, I noticed my hand shooting out and next thing I knew I had it. As my arm was going out I realized I would catch it. I went back to my table and saw Brad at the end of the hall so I waved it at him. The band was saying something to the effect of "She's waving atcha buddy!"...and so Brad ran. Yup. He caught my eye, saw me waving and booked 'er outta there! Luckily he was kidding...I think...hmmm...
(this is my "I'm sooo HAPPY!" pose)

The Wedding

Ben and Brenda were married yesterday afternoon in a beautiful little ceremony at a small church in Swift Current. Kim and I sat in the front trying our damnest not to cry. (unsucessfully obviously!) After the ceremony, we went for photos at a local studio and then had supper at the Palliser Pavillion. It was a wonderful supper and the decorations were completely beautiful.

Brad and I at supper. Cleans up real nice, huh?
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Nick and Kim
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Cutting the cake
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The couple's first dance, surrounded by a ring of the children in Brenda's daycare. (Once again, Kim and I got all misty eyed...we're such saps!)
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Maureen was invoted personally by Ben to the dance
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Nick dancing with his little cousin Lacey
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Landon made a friend of little Abbey who really took a shine to him and fell asleep on his lap late in the evening. Quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen! (especially since he didn't know her until that night)
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Brad and I enjoying a slow song performed by the band, Bakersville. They put on a great show!
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El Great Big Moose-oh

Something I've been meaning to blog since Tuesday is the giant moose in Moose Jaw. Now, I'm most definately a fan of the "world's biggest"s and I suppose being in Moose Jaw a giant moose just makes sense...but it still seems maybe just a little cheesy. Especially when driving into town and on a road sign advertising Tim Hortons the directions say "5 min away. Turn right at the Moose". I mean, those are pretty good directions since it's hard to miss a massive moose...but still. As I was driving though, I kept wondering if I had missed the turn for Tim Hortons. I had never seen the moose before and was wondering just how big this moose is. I always sort of assumed it was a lifesized moose, seeing as moose are rather large to begin with. Then I saw it and felt rather silly for thinking it would be merely "average sized". So, for fear of seeming overly touristy (which was already a risk due to my BC license plates), I just pulled around the parking lot of the moose and took a picture from my car. I would have balanced the camera ontop of my car and done a timer-pose, but alas, there is a chainlink fence (not proportionate to the moose, I might add) around the moose, preventing tourists and vadals from getting near him. (side note: I understand it used to be anatomically correct but the "correct bits" were removed due to constant vandalism...Let's just say I have mixed feelings about that)

(Also, I'm not sure what's wrong with the ankles on the moose...maybe they're getting painted)

And Old Friend

My old friend Maureen has come to visit me in grand ole Swift Current this week on her way home to Smithers for a summer of working. It's great to see her again. We didn't see much of each other for a couple of years; she had moved to Montreal and I was going to school in Burnaby, and somehow we rarely managed to return to Smithers at the same time. Funny how that happens as you get older. Then last summer while I was living in PG she would make trips to visit frequently on her days off from camp. We sort of re-forged the friendship...not to say that it had suffered at all, but it was good to sit down and talk again.

This particular visit was supposed to start at 8:20 on Tuesday night when her flight was scheduled to arrive in Regina. I drove out to pick her up and upon my arrival at the airport I discovered the flight was delayed until 9:51 (!). So I bought some tea and pulled out my new book and settled down for the wait. She then got in just a little earlier than was expected, but still fairly late, so rather than make the 2.5 hour drive back to Swift, we grabbed a hotel room and went for beers. We both had a terrible sleep in the hotel, and left early Wednesday morning. After I showered (something I didn't do at the hotel since I didn't have any of my toiletries with me), we grabbed some lunch and drove down to Saskatchewan Landing where I was told there's a nice beach.

The beach was nice soft sand and really gorgeous! That is, until the wind picked up and we couldn't talk without getting a mouthful of sand. So we picked up our towels and left again.At home we made many desserts and made supper. Then went to my friend Ashley's place for the finale of America's Next Top Model (my guilty pleasure in the realm of reality tv...I'm so weak!).

I had to work Thursday and today, so she's on her own, which kind of sucks. We went out for frozen yogurt after supper last night, and then went shopping. And this morning we went for a lovely breakfast at Smitty's (hee hee...I said Smitty's was lovely!) The food was good, and company even better!

(This picture is almost the same as a picture we took three years ago at Midsummer in Smithers...when I compared the two this morning I was totally amazed at how young we looked back in 2004...)

I wanna be a Foreman...er...Forewoman!

Jon, Darwin and I went for a tour of the under-construction Civic Centre this morning. I realized that I most definately am not capable of being in construction as I can't for the life of me picture the finished product while something is still being built. However, that being said, I most definately CAN be in construction if all I have to do is wear a hard-hat and yell at people!

A Disturbing Trend.

I've noticed a terrible trend during my mornings covering court lately. There seems to be a ridiculous number of people who think it's alright to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. In any given week there are around 7 residents of the Southwest area who have are fined and have their license revoked for a year for driving impaired.
Personally, I find this utterly disgusting. How a person can feel they have the right to drive and endanger other people's lives is beyond me. Recently a 25 year old was sentenced to 2.5 years in jail for driving drunk and slamming into another vehicle stopped at a red light. The vehicle was pushed under a semi and a mother of two was killed. The drivers blood alcohol level readings were 190 and 210. Honestly. That's not just a little drunk, that's what we would call drunk as f*ck.
Today another guy pled guilty to impaired driving and dangerous driving. He blew 200 and 210! Seriously. No one was hurt, but he was running stoplights and driving all over the road. I can only imagine what would have happened if someone had been on the road at that time. I can't help but wonder hat would happen if I were on the roads then?
I hereby warn everyone I know: If I see someone getting into their car when I know they've been drinking, I will call the police. I don't mean A beer, and obviously I will try to convince the person not to drive first, but if someone I know has had many drinks I will call the police. I will give them the license plate number and say the person has been drinking. If you're not drunk enough to blow a 08 that's fine, but I won't take the chance and have someone killed because I didn't call.

My Knee is Kbroken

Clearly my knee is broken. Ok, so maybe not broken, but severely injured...ok, so "severely" is maybe a little dramatic too. Let's just say it hurts like hell. I was crawling back into bed last night (during the "tossing-turning" episode) after a quick trip to the bathroom and managed to slam it into the edge of the bedside table. It wasn't a direct-on-top hit though, it was more on the upper edge of the knee cap. Now today it hurts to walk and bend and sit and stand and anything else knees are useful for. Boo.

(for the record, I don't know what the picture is all about...it just came up when I googled "knee" and kind of freaked me out, so I thought I'd include it)

Mostly just stuff...

I've been busy. Seriously. It's strange to go from having virtually no social life to still having no life but being busy with that lack.

Yesterday was an especially good day. As a Friday at work, the focus was simply on getting through the day and getting home. But luckily the day didn't drag too terribly.

I got a new windshield for my car (*cough*$330!*cough*cough*), but the sting on my pocketbook was lessenned by a substantially larger tax return than expected.

I also received the order I had placed from Victoria's Secret...a pirate-esqu bikini and zippered hoodie! I'd been waiting anxiously for the package to arrive for a couple of weeks now, and to actually receive it was a delightful surprise.

Yet another pleasant surprise in the mail yesterday was a postcard from Maureen! It was sent from Greece. It still makes me giggle when I get postcards from my friends travelling overseas because it seems the mail never arrives before the person returns to Canada. For instance, Maureen came home to Canada earlier this week. But it totally brightenned my day.

Speaking of delightful surprises in the mail (this seems to be my lucky week for mail!), I also received a package from Mare with a CD featuring albums from Lilly Allen and the Wreckers. Definately looking forward to ripping it to my iPod for the drive to Regina on Tuesday! OOh, she also included Passion tea, which is my FAVORITE herbal tea, and one I haven't been able to find anywhere for a long time! (after opening the package, I promptly boiled the kettle and enjoyed a cup).

On the not so wonderfully positive side, sometime around the start of the week my eye began to get all itchy and red looking and finally on thursday I decided to bite the bullet and go to the doctor and get it checked out. Apparently there is quite the shortage of doctors taking patients in Swift! It's ridiculous. I ended up getting an appointment with a woman who seemed to be Russian and was relatively difficult to understand. (when she said "eyedrops" it sounded much more like "eardrops") Beyond the speach barrier, she was kind of bitchy, and not dressed particularly professionally to boot, so I don't think I'll be going back to her. Oh, but it turns out apparently I have conjunctivitis...AGAIN. Seriously! Who gets pink eye TWICE!?

Last night was a surprise Bridal Shower for Brenda, (Brad's Dad's Fiance). It was a lot of fun actually. Brad's uber-conservative grandmother gave Brenda a black lacy thong! She said she did it because no one would expect it from her! When I told Brad he busted up...and then was still laughing a hour later. It was a really cute party, and so sweet to think how everyone has come out to help celebrate the wedding with everyone. It made me a little sad and very envious to see it. Wedding season is most definately in full effect at this point and while I try to be irritated by it and hate the concept, every now and again the true sappy romantic part of me cracks through the hard shell and makes me (dare I say it?) yearn for that myself. Oh well...only 5 more months of wedding season (prolonged this year due to an October wedding...pretty sure the only reason it's set for October is to draw out the agony of wedding season just a little bit more...ugh...I mean YAY!)

I was an idiot at the party though and had a cup of coffee without thinking about it and thus, when I went home I couldn't for the life of me sleep. I tossed and turned until 1:30. Seriously. Which wouldn't be a big deal, but I had to work this morning. At 4:30. Yup. Three hours sleep? Awsome. I'm pretty bagged, and have resigned myself to the fact I will be having a nap this afternoon.

A Million Dollars

The million dollar coin has been released from the canadian mint. That's right. A million dollars. I know the mint said in february they were planning to create it. So it's been made. The thing weighs 100 kilos, or roughly 220 pounds. That's where the irony comes into play: 220 pounds of gold bullion is valued at around 2 million dollars. Yup, the math is correct. The Canadian mint got jyped making a useless gigantic coin. Way to go Canada! How's the child poverty thing going? Who cares! We have a giant coin!
(By the way, if you look really close, it looks like there are a bunch of 9's. I suspect it's actually a $999,999 coin...maybe the last dollar went to taxes?)

This is me.

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Roomate of Justice!

Yesterday after a somewhat boring day at work, I rushed home to talk with Mare. She still holds the title of Favorite Roomate. Honestly, how could you NOT love living with someone who demands that it is, in fact, their turn to do the dishes? Not to mention the countless hours talking and watching friends...and the cheesecake and mousse cups! I'm so glad we've been able to stay in touch as well as we have, and that we can have a short hour long conversation for the simple fact that we stay in touch so well we don't have to cover a week's worth of events in a conversation! But I also love that we can have four hour conversations and only hang up because our phones are dying.