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.