All Hail The Bloggess!

So, I follow the blog Cake Wrecks here on Blogger, and the author of said blog put up a post about this site that is doing blog awards: http://www.socialluxelounge.com/blogluxe/

Anyways, she wants to win the 'funniest blog' award, which is cool, cause it is a pretty funny blog. BUT, before I voted, I thought, maybe I should check and see if The Bloggess is nominated -- and she is. So, sorry Cake Wrecks, but while you may be sweet and entertaining, I gave my vote to The Bloggess and will be voting for her every day until the end of the day on July 6th, which is when voting closes.

I'd like to put out a call to anyone who reads my blog who ALSO reads The Bloggess and recognizes that while Cakewrecks has cake, and puns, and such, Jenny The Bloggess is the funniest woman alive, and deserves to win every award that's available to her. So, go and vote for her... now!

And, if you don't read The Bloggess, you'd better start! Seriously, people. Funniest woman ever!

http://thebloggess.com/

Date With Big D

Dani has a date with a guy named Jordan tonight and is SO nervous about it that she wants Lianna and I to go to the same Second Cup where she is meeting him. The idea is that we would not actually acknowledge her, but that my girl and I would simply sit and have coffee while Dani and her date are having coffee. So, on the first day I get to see my girlfriend in over a month, she wants us to hang out at a Second Cup and watch her get macked on by some random?

This whole plan is amusing to me on several levels, not the least of which is the opportunity I now have to post a horrible pic of Dani here to aid me in the process of making fun of her...

Despite what the above image might lead one to believe, Dani is a beautiful girl - which she sort of gets, but not in situations such as this, where she is arranging a date with a guy who she has met via internet resources. I'm confident that she'll be fine... but I'm still going to see if Li is willing to play along with Dani's request. After all, how can I resist the chance of seeing Double Deuce in action?

In Search of Home

My favourite part of my job – which I’m pretty sure I’m okay to blog about – used to be entering divorce documents. I don’t know why… I mean, they’re pretty depressing, really. But I liked getting to see pictures of the people involved, and I liked competing to be the data entry operator who entered documents for the shortest marriage ever… oh, and I liked to see the age differences between the couples… that was occasionally VERY interesting.

But, all of the family law-related documents are on the provincial side now, so I don’t get to see anything along those lines, any more. My second favourite kinds of documents used to be the affidavits of value… they are the documents that are done by home appraisers who go in to a house that is being repossessed by the mortgagor and determine the worth of it. I like those because, again, they have pictures. But, I’m finding that I don’t enjoy entering these as much as I used to. In fact, I’m finding that they make me sadder and sadder, because firstly, there are A LOT of them. Which means there are A LOT of people who are in the process of losing their home right now. It’s not really a surprise that this is happening, as when Edmonton had its big boom and housing costs skyrocketed, everyone was saying how in a couple of years all the people who purchased homes at those unbelievable prices weren’t going to be able to keep up with the payments… and, I guess its true.

When I was in high school, my parents filed for bankruptcy and we lost our house. At the time, I guess I wasn’t as upset as I would be now because I was more happy that my parents were finally getting divorced. I guess that’s what happens when you witness the kind of relationship that my mother and father had with eachother… divorce, losing the house, losing our dogs… it was all okay *lol* But, when I think about it now, when I think about having a home, making a home, and then having circumstances change and having to face the prospect of losing that home… its terrifying!

I’m pretty big on the idea of ‘home’… ever since we moved to Edmonton when I was 12, I really haven’t felt like I’ve had one. After we lost the house we moved so many times it was really hard to develop any sort of connection with any of the places we lived. Even now, knowing that come May of next year I’m going to have to move again, I can’t really feel like I’m putting down roots. Which is what really makes me feel bad for these people who are losing their houses… they thought they would be able to make a home for themselves, and it didn’t turn out that way, after all. That’s gotta be pretty heartbreaking for them to deal with.

Hanna's Hard Rockers

Don't judge me, but I'm listening to Nickelback right now, and I'm TOTALLY enjoying it. Why am I listening to Alberta's favourite rock'n'rollas? Because my brother is folding laundry, and the condition of me getting to check if my grapes are ready to harvest was that we listen to his music while I do so. Nickelback is pretty much as good as it gets when it comes to my brother's music collection. Ha ha! Just kidding ;) He does have an extensive playlist of Mariah Carey songs.

But, seriously, I like Nickelback. Obviously they aren't 'known' for making zeitgeist-y, relevant music that will teach future generations about life as we know it now. And that's fine - not all music has to have a deeper meaning. And yes, I say this because I heart Britney like nuthin' else. Nickelback is just... fun. Except the song about the abusive father. I don't like that one - it's not fun at all.

The first - and only - time I saw Nickelback in concert was the summer when they were on the cusp of EXPLODING with "How You Remind Me." They put on a totally great show, and had everyone going crazy. And let me reiterate - this was before they were huge. So, it wasn't just the result of having thousands of fad followers... they really do have that special something that makes people love them.

And, when I say "that special something" y'all know I'm not talking about Chad Kroeger's hair. I mean, when is he going to figure THAT out?

Music :o)

Favourite songs of the moment:

1. I've Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
2. When Love Takes Over - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowlands
3. Alright - Shiloh
4. Zero Gravity - David Archuleta
5. Her Daddy (Don't Like Me) - Grand Analog

Age of Aqueerius!

Last Saturday was the Edmonton Pride Parade (yes, TD, we realize you sponsored the event, but you don't OWN it) and it was SO fun. I wasn't feeling ultra-festive, but fortunately my best friend knows when I'm trying to wiggle out of a social engagement and refused me my out (heh heh). Anyways, I'm incredibly thankful that I was there and part of something so amazing and fun and so full of life, love, and colour!

It was especially meangingful that I was there because, while I would have gone anyways to show my support for the members of the GLBTQ community that I love, I'm also a member of that community and felt especially proud to be there. Which is what the day is for :o) I just wish my Lianna had been there, because it is the one time of the year when we could have held hands on Jasper Avenue without feeling like it might not be a good idea.

Am I the only one who doesn't feel that this float offers an extra bit of incentive for joining Team Edmonton sports club? Tee hee ;o)

Josh's good friend, and my friend too (though I haven't seen him in forever!) Sean was somewhere on the Queer Bus... a good friend of HIS owns The Empress Ale House, which hosts Beers for Queers. Apparently it's super fun, and since it's practically right down the street from me, I'd better make it there at least once this summer...

I loved this float! So bright and rainbow-licious!

Loved this one, too... for the same reason as the pic above :o) Colour and balloons and smiles and boys in speedos! Yum! The guy in the blue one put on a little show for spectators at the beer garden at Winston Churchill Square!

Yum! Suckers are the perfect Pride Parade treat :o)

Well, except for the obvious eye candy ;o) My two favourite boys sporting their Pride Day beads!

Return of the Mack

Poor Bagheera... after having a blissful week of being the only cat on the premises, his rival for our human affections, Asia, was returned to the household in the same kitty-carry-bag we sent her away in. She's spent the last few days stalking Baggie like he's a beetle, alternating between hissing and moaning at him as if to re-establish her position as the dominant feline. As if Bagheera would put up a fight... he possesses the most gentle nature of any creature I've ever come into contact with.

So, instead of his usual carefree excursions through the apartment as he goes in search of some tummy rubs, ear scratches, snicky-snacks, or plastic crap to chew on, Bagheera has returned to spending most of his time laying in the shady spot under the futon, safely away from Asia and her claws. But only for awhile... when Steve and Abra move out/in together, they're taking custody of the big guy - and he'll love it!

Summer Snow

Someone could spend a lot of time making wishes on all this dandelion fluff :o)

Cheese!

I'm a Broken Heart

Word of the Day

lusus noun (in full lusus naturae) a freak of nature. [Latin]

Bits and Trips

Contrary to popular opinion, Farm Town isn't the ONLY thing that's kept me from updating my blog of late. Truth be told, there's been quite a few things happening in my little world - quite a few things involving quite a LOT of emotional turmoil. I tend to shy away from any sort of creative expression in times like these... firstly, because my general mood always taints everything I touch. And, secondly, I need space and a serious amount of elapsed time before I can get enough perspective on things to be able to share about them.

So, yeah. To avoid incomprehensible ramblings, I've simply avoided writing anything at all. But, today I'm feeling a tad gregarious, at least in a bloggy-type-way, so decided to put forth an update, of sorts.

This is the face of an allergy sufferer. See the redness under my poor little achy nose? PITY ME!! It's been about two months of constant sniffles and sneezes now, and I'm about ready to hang up my hat and just plain call it a day.

Someone started a fire in the dumpster behind my building. At least, I assume someone started it. Intentionally. Because I think everyone around me is secretly an arsonist. Waiting to slice open my achilles tendons and set me on fire when I least expect it.

Josh and I went to Elephant & Castle last Friday. I got the Bangers 'n' Mash because it sounded fun. When it came out, the first thought I had was, I need to get a picture of this for Kelley because this meal would make her ill on SO MANY LEVELS. So, here ya go, Kelley :o)

And, at some point when I wasn't quite paying attention, Edmonton bloomed... and along with it, my heart.

My OTHER Job

For those of you who don't share an office with me and have yet to be subjected to my new favourite hobby, allow me to introduce you to...

Farm Town! Above, you will see "me", or at least, my Farm Town alter ego, cleverly named "Natalie" to disguise my true identity. Next to "me" is my new goat, given as a gift from one of my Farm Town "neighbours" some time yesterday. His name is Billy. Obviously.

Below, my farm :o) Please keep in mind, people, that it is a work in progress. Even now, I have roses and carnations blooming, and a field of sunflowers to tend!

The newest addition to my farm is the barn... it sure does add something to the scene, doesn't it?

And, here "I" am again, this time flanked by my spotty dog. On the other side of me is my water well. Sure comes in handy!

So, yep, I'm sure into Farm Town. Gives me something fun and completely inconsequential to occupy my time with, and for that, I'm thankful.

Blame the Economy!

Dani and I went shopping at "THE MALL" last night (which everyone who is anyone knows is referring to West Edmonton Mall) which was fun. For the most part. I'm incredibly poor right now, and not at the height of the self-confidence game, so a pretty forceful and clamoring part of me kept insisting that I shop and spend money (that I do not have) because buying things makes me feel happy. But, I couldn't buy anything to make me feel happy, because I have no money! It was a very difficult outing. Fun, because hanging out with that kooky Doube Deuce is always a good time. But, you know, difficult. For those other reasons.

Anyways. here are the Top 5 Things I Wanted to Buy Yesterday But Couldn't Because I Have No Money:

1. Tote bag from Old Navy
















2. Frame from Anthropologie









3. Halter top from Ricki's








4. Ring from American Eagle









5. T-Shirt from Old Navy

That Time of the Year

As most of the people in my life have been made very aware of in the past couple of months, I am an allergy sufferer. And, while having seasonal allergies is nothing akin to being burdened with a serious illness or disease, it is not a walk in the park, either. In fact, there are few things that are as capable of eroding the self esteem of a woman as allergies. After all, it if incredibly difficult to feel attractive when you are not only experiencing allergy symptoms -- the itchy, watery eyes; the scratchy throat; and ah yes, the runny nose and sneezing -- but reinventing them, which is what it feels like I have been doing. When my left nostril has turned into a faucet and my eyes feel like they've swollen to twice their natural size, I have to wonder how it is that anyone can even bear to look at me, let alone reside alongside me in the same office, apartment, or even concert hall.

So, then I woke up this morning and found a weird blotchy bit on the side of my right cheek bone. Either a spider bit my cheek and laid eggs under my skin. Or, I'm pretty sure the transformation into mutant is complete.

Sigh.