OMG Brides!!

On Sunday I went to Saskatoon for a Welcome Wagon Bridal Show. It was a gorgeous day for a drive and I had nothing else to do, so the trip was a good excuse to get out for a day.
The show was at the Travel Lodge and I was hit with the sudden realization that I would likely be surrounded by wedding-crazed-bridezillas when trying to find a parking spot.
Inside I met Vassy and registered. A little girl in a pretty flower girl dress came up to me with a mini-carnation and asked me to wear it so everyone will know I'm a bride. SOOOOO cute!
Vassy and I then made our way through the lobby and into the banquet room where we began to fight our way through the throngs of brides and guests to see the booths. The fashion show was really nice to watch and got me super excited for dress shopping with Mum next weekend. There wasn't a lot that I liked, but it gave me some ideas anyway.
The show took most of the afternoon and I'm sorry to report I did not win the 42" Plasma tv with entertainment stand and digital camera door prize. Sigh. But my goodie bag had a ton of coupons and some fun trinkets!! Score!

Apparently I'm Emo...

1 - Go to "wikipedia." Hit “random”or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
2 - Go to "Random quotations"or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.
3 - Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4 - Use photoshop or similar to put it all together. (if you don't have it, here's an online photo editor: pixlr.com/)
5.- Post and tag five people. - Mare, Meghan, PilgrimChick, Heather, Chance

(and because I don't like the idea of stealing someone's work without crediting them, the picture was from here)

Anniversary

Chance and Jon had me on the Eagle morning show today to mark a special day.

Have a listen!

The Red Planet

I had heard that Google has released a map of part of Mars. The map (at Google Mars) is presented in three versions: colour coded relief, infrared, and what's actually visible. I spent about 10 minutes looking at these maps and am confused by my reaction. They frighten me. As I poured over them, I felt myself becoming deeply disturbed, but I can't figure out why. The pictures should be fascinating, they should be awe-inspiring, but for me, they scare me. Aspiring Freuds, please feel free to put in your two-bits here.

Different Perspectives

I was talking to Mum the other day and she said she was surprised to read my last blog entry. She said when she was reading all of the things that I have coming up she thought to herself "how nice to have so many fun things to look forward to!" And then my final comment of "are you as exhausted reading this as I am?" seemed strange to her. The people who have commented have had similar things to say.
It just got me thinking about how hectic my life has become in the past month and a half and how I'm really not coping all that well. I guess all things considered I'm not doing too poorly, but I'm certainly not operating at peak performance, that's for sure.
Yesterday I chatted with Mare who said that her doctor was telling her that working the shift that she does (that we both do) is not good for one's health. It's funny how sometimes you need someone to state something painfully obvious just so that you can actually accept it and admit it to yourself. Months ago I was getting crippling headaches every weekend. I went to the doctor who looked at me as though he felt he were missing something because the answer was so blatantly obvious. He did his due diligence and ordered blood work, but told me it sounded to him like stress. Made perfect sense, but I needed him to tell me that my headaches were caused by stress. Until then I was holding onto the delusion that I was coping just fine and it was more than likely some sort of terribly bacterial infection, parasite, or strange tropical virus (I think I watch too much House). I just needed to be told it was stress. Then I could make a conscious effort to reduce the stress and cope. Apparently I also needed Mare to tell me that my lifestyle is not good for my health. You're probably thinking "Gee Jess, you get up at 4am and work 12 hours and go to bed at 9 and you didn't think it would have an adverse effect on your health? Well DUH!!"
So, this is a very round-about way of explaining my lack of blogging. No time, no energy, not mental capacity. That being said, I'm getting really excited for the year...Mum's visit, dress shopping, NKOTB, Mare's wedding, my wedding....it's all shiny on the horizon!

Well, what's new?

Unfortunately, not a lot. My days are spent working, and my nights end quickly at 8:30 when I go to bed. I predict the first three months of 2009 will be spent in a waiting game. It doesn't really bother me, but when I actually think about how three months is a quarter of the year, it seems a little ridiculous. Though really, there's not a lot I can do about it.

It's the start of February and already most of the year is accounted for. In March Mum will be coming to Regina to go wedding dress shopping with me (yay!!!), then April is New Kids on the Block. In May I'm heading to Penticton for Mare's wedding. June appears to be a free month for now, but then July is Brad's Grandma's wedding (too cute!). Brad and I are getting married in August. September long weekend is his cousin's wedding, then October is his brother's wedding...then suddenly we're into November which is when things start gearing up for Christmas. December is a write-off and then it's 2010. Are you as exhausted reading this as I am?

Let's try this again...

It's take two for "Jessica and Vassy see the New Kids on the Block!" In June Vassy and I were thrilled to score tickets to the show in Calgary on November 19th. The countdown began, but major upheavals and awful circumstances prevented us from going. I was disappointed, but not totally devastated as I thought I would be. I must have know deep down that another opportunity would present itself. And it has! The New Men- er, Kids - on the Block have announced an extended tour and will be performing in Saskatoon on April 11th! Not only is this much closer and more convenient for both me and Vash, but it's a Saturday, which means I don't have to use up any of my already-spoken-for holiday days! The presale began at 10 this morning and I'm thrilled to say that I grabbed our tickets before many other people simply by signing up for a radio station VIP club. Does it matter that I don't live in the city where they broadcast? Nope! Does it matter that I'm not actually able to get their signal and listen to them? Nope! Because they sent me a password for the presale, and now I have those FLOOR tickets secured! Oh how manipulative I am! So, is it too soon to start another countdown? 72 sleeps! Woohoo! Look out, Donnie, Joey, Jordan, Jonathan, and Danny! Vassy and Jess are coming your way!

Engagement Pics!

Brad and I are lucky enough to have a fantastic friend who also just happens to be an amazing photographer! Rob with Bev's assistance took us out around Swift to take our engagement shots. These are just a few of the finished product. But they're some of my favorites! We couldn't be happier with them!

Please, call me Jennifer

I understand there are a lot of similarities between the names "Jessica" and "Jennifer". After all, they both start with J, the second letter is an e which is followed by a repeated consonant, they are both three syllable names, and both were popular in the early 80's...but if my parents had wanted me to be called Jennifer, I doubt they would have named me Jessica. Maybe I'm wrong.

In the past week I have been called Jennifer at least five times. The first by a person I have spoken to and interviewed dozens of times. The following five by someone I had just met. So...my question...how does one go about correcting these errors? To the interviewee, I just ignored it and pretended had had in fact gotten my name right, and I just hope that someone will say something somewhere down the road about me that will make the correct name stand out in his mind. To the new acquaintance I said nothing, on the assumption that I will never come across that person again.

I'm also hoping that on some level, if the names are so interchangeable in some people's minds, maybe they will interchange back and I'll suddenly be Jessica again.

Too Damn Busy.

It's not that my life has been boring, but more that I haven't had anything to blog about. Or rather, nothing that I can blog about. There has been a lot happening, but most of those things that are happening are just things that are progressing, nothing final. Plus it's hard to have really itneresting blog topics when you go to bed at 8:30. I lead a thrilling, thrilling life.

That being said, on Friday night Ashley and I went to a Blenders event in Swift featuring a cuban musician named Alex Cuba. It was just him and his guitar, but he was amazing. Aside from the awsome music and good crowd, the tables each had a stack of never-been-opened playdough, a selection of feathers, colourful bendy-straws, and scissors! Clearly I busted open the tubs of playdough and began creating. I like the feather on his head. :)

Reflection

The end of another calendar year inevitably brings about reflection.

They say if you can look back at a year and laugh, cry, feel a range of emotions and know that you learned something, then it was not a wasted year.

I laughed:
so many times I can't keep track. I laughed until I was in tears and afraid I'd wet myself while being silly with Mare. I laughed almost to the point of hysterics when the freak windstorm blew up while I was walking with Vassy. "Where ARE we?!". And I laugh just about every day with Brad because we have the same ridiculous sense of humour.

I cried:
so many times I can't keep track. I cried happy tears when Brad proposed. I cried happy tears (with a few lonely tears mixed in) when Mare told me she was engaged. I cried sad and worried tears when my grandpa passed away. I cried frustrated tears when I was so overtired and stressed I couldn't see straight. I cried when I left Smithers both times last year because I never know when I'll see my family again. Yes, I definitely cried.

I was angry:
occasionally. I was definitely furious when I backed into the stupid car that was parked illegally directly in the way of my parking space. I'm still angry about that. I've been angry, but it doesn't last. I've learned from the situations and moved on.

I've been amused:
daily. By everyone, and just about everything. I'm amused by my close friends. I'm deeply amused by Leighton (who is the greatest 3 year old I've ever met) and Alex (who is always busy and doing something, but I guess that's what 1 year olds are all about), and Ollie (who really should get a category of his own).

I learned:
a great deal. I learned how to ride a motorcycle (in theory) and a scooter (in practice). I learned how to hula hoop, and do it well. I learned that the best way to deal with someone who is making your life miserable is to change the way you react to them. I learned that I will never fit in completely and that I'm much happier if I don't. I learned that my beliefs are not in sync with most of the people I surround myself with, but that doesn't have to matter, and some things are better left unsaid and untouched anyway. I learned that there are things to compromise on, and there are things to dig your fingernails into and hold on to tightly. And I learned that even the worst experiences and worst choices of your life happened for a reason, even if that reason is so that you won't be judgemental of a friend who is in the same place and doesn't know what to do.

So, here's to the end of another year and the things that await in 2009.

Merry Christmas to All!

After all of the build up and all of the hype, Christmas has come and gone. It's difficult being so far from my family during the holidays, but Brad and I have started out own traditions, many of them spin-offs from my family traditions. On Christmas Eve, after supper, Brad, Ollie and I got into the Escape and went for a drive around the city looking at Christmas lights and delivering some Christmas cards. We picked up Darlene and came back to our house to watch the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol while enjoying a mug of hot chocolate with Irish Cream...yummers!
On Chrismtas Morning, Brad and I got up and made coffee then opened our stockings and prezzies followed by a fantastic breakfast. It was a perfect morning!
We got dressed and headed out to say hello to Ben and Brenda (and the whole family it would seem!), and then went to Darlene's for the day where we stayed for Christmas supper (I heart turkey and mashed potatoes!)
It's hard to be so far away from my family, like I said, but I still had a very nice Christmas.
~

Our tree and Prezzies!
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Stockings! (the little one is Ollie's)
~

Ollie didn't quite know what to do with the prezzies, so we had to help him open them)
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Me and Brad in our new comfy pants!
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The greatest hat EVER. Clearly.

~

Darlene had a bird feeder right outside her kitchen window and the birds and squirrels were very very very interesting to Ollie.
~

Frank and Christi sent us a ton of stuff from Smokescreen. Ollie got a new shirt, Brad got a Oneway toque and a hoodie, and I got a super warm hoodie, original screenprinted t-shirt, and purse.

~

I Always Wanted A Sister!

On Sunday my big brother Frank called to tell me the night before he asked his amazing girlfriend Christi to marry him! I couldn't be happier for these two! Christi is such a sweetheart and so much fun to be around, and Frank is so kind and caring. They're a fantastic match. I can't think of any two people who deserve this happiness more!

Congrats you two!

I feel all growed up!

Yesterday, I did something I haven't done in probably about 8 years. I went to the library and got a library card! I then promptly went and found the book I was looking for and checked it out. (Beautiful Boy by David Sheff...very good so far)

This morning, talking to the guys about my new aquisition (the library card, not the book) I remembered how big a part of my childhood the library was. At least, I remember it being a big part. I remember the old library in Surrey and how much I liked the children's room. The new library was neat, but it felt almost too big and organized. It just reminded me how reading has been such a big part of my life.

My goal was to read 52 books this year. Ok, so I'm not even close, but I've made a good honest effort at it! I'm onto my 26th book. So, for 2009, same goal.

Discovery:

-33 with -50 windchill is cold.
That is all.

Finally! It feels like Christmas!

After weeks spent wondering when it would start to feel like Christmas, it's finally setting in, and I'm so excited!

Yesterday Brad and I set up our Christmas tree. It still feels a little early, but I guess it was less than two weeks until Christmas, so why not? I unpacked the rest of our decorations and put them around the house to make it more festive as well

Then it was time to set up for our Christmas Party! Every year Vince and Shay have a party, but this year they have a three week old baby who started to feel under the weather earlier in the week, so they decided it was best to just cancel. Well, since everyone already had planned for the party, Brad and I moved in and invited everyone to our place instead. We made a ton of food and everyone that came brought something too. Surprisingly though, there is literally nothing left over today. NOTHING. I guess that's a good thing though! We had a mini gift exchange and listened to music while watching the fireplace channel (I LOVE that channel!) and then played some Wii. And what party would be complete without Ever Hopeful Ollie trying to mooch some food?

Ashley and Brian came over around 10 and brought Leighton with them. Ollie was delighted to have a new best friend and they chased each other around the house for a couple of ours. Turns out the only thing that can tire out a 3 year old boy and a 10 month old puppy is each other! They finally got pooped out around 1 am when Leighton spotted the movie Cars on my dvd shelf and begged us to put it on.

This was quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life. Bar none.

Holiday Cheer, anyone?

I had to share this...
O Holy Night
Rob and Bev played it for me the other day and I haven't stopped laughing since. This guy is INTENSE.

Merry Christmas!

The one thing I really really hate...

I'm going to complain for a moment.
I love Christmas. I really do. I love the lights, the snow, the smiles, buying fun prezzies for everyone... But there is one thing I really really hate about Christmas. I hate how so many holiday treats include nuts. And not because I can't have any and get left out.
Once a year the staffroom and much of the office becomes a danger-zone for me. I think nut trays are the worst. People will go and take a handful of them and then wander around the office and touch things without washing their hands leaving behind dust and oil. I basically have to wash my hands every time I leave the newsroom.
Sure enough, last Friday the staffroom was adorned with a nut tray. Sure enough I went and made coffee this morning, and sure enough my eyes started to itch and sure enough I was having an allergic reaction. I washed my hands carefully and took half of a benedryl to stop the reaction and allow myself to see. The downside is that one side effect of benedryl is that it knocks me on my ass (hence taking just half a pill). I'm sitting here struggling to keep my eyes open and feeling a little bit drunk.
There is a constant conflict in my head between being irritated and frustrated with people who still bring nut/peanut goodies to work even with allergies becoming more and more prominent, and the reasonable side of me that tries to be understanding and asks why I feel like everyone in the world should cater to those like me. Right now, I feel too wiped out and fuzzy feeling in the head to be able to come to a conclusion.
And THAT'S the one thing I really really hate about Christmas.

*(I should add that I did send out an email on Friday requesting that people wash their hands after partaking in the holiday goodies since there are a number of new people who might be unaware, but I guess it went out too late to be preventative...most often people are good about warning me to stay out of the staff room)

Busy Weekends are a Sign of Christmas

It was a busy weekend, to say the least. Friday night was the Golden West Christmas banquet in Moose Jaw. As always, the company buses everyone out to Temple Gardens Spa in MJ for supper and mingling. The meal is always wonderful and it's a nice evening in general. Last year I partook in too much of the wine provided on the tables, but I learned my lesson this year and had only a glass. It's always nice to see Rox from Rosetown and we sat together once again this year.
On the way home from MJ we got a little silly and many of us decided to head out for continued partying once we got back to Swift. It was a bit of a late night and I definitely overindulged (though I thought I was being moderate), so part of Saturday was used up as I paid for my actions the night before. The rest of Saturday was spend baking cupcakes for Shay's Baby Shower on Sunday.

Saturday night was supposed to be Brad's Christmas party, but we ended up going out for supper with his aunts and uncles and cousins and grandma. Nice to see everyone and have a good sit down meal together.

After supper we went home where I proceeded to totally botch my first batch of icing. BRUTAL. Not only was it totally rock-hard, not mixing, and messy, but it also used up the last of the icing sugar. I gave up on the icing and moved on to my other project for the shower: chocolate bird's nests. I had no recipe, so I was just winging it ... the chocolate and shortening just wouldn't cover the noodles right, so they also ended up fairly awful looking. After my second attempt to make something went awry, Brad kicked me out of the kitchen. Probably for my own good. :S

The shower on Sunday went well, even though Kim was totally thrown into it all last minute. I offered my help and we decorated the hall and set up everything to look nice for the guests. I'd say it was a success, little Lily was well behaved and slept the whole time. She looked very festive in her little Christmas outfit. Very sweet.

A pain in the neck...

Literally. Mid-morning on Wednesday I was sitting at my desk (with my amazing posture of feet up on the drawer, typing away in a slouch) when my right shoulder/neck area suddenly felt pinched and spasm-y. That was the start of it and it has yet to end. I've tried everything, heat, pain killers, sleep...nothing works. Dono suggested it was a virus and Jon also suggested the same thing. I don't know what it is, all I know is it SUCKS. I've had enough of this junk. It's super hard to get comfortable at night to sleep, which I'm pretty sure is one of the only things that will actually do me a lot of good. Lame. Super lame. Suggestions anyone?