please enter thoughts after the beep: beeeeeep.

Smells like Highway

2009-06-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

My car has no AC; I basically drive like I'm back in 97'. Windows down, sunroof activated, sunglasses on, music blazing, you could call me hardcore.

I was about to take my exit towards home along the 99 from work yesterday - the work I quit yesterday suckas - I noticed a non-highway aroma filling the air as I was about to take my exit towards the Ferries. It wasn't diesel, or toxins from semi's, or manure, or even the little green tree air fresheners people buy for their cars at 7-11, it smelt of soup. Good soup. I was trying to put my nose on exactly what kind of soup, but just as I got onto my exit, the smell disappeared. Nature has its way of taunting me.

Today the same thing happened on my way home from work, in the exact same place, only this time it smelt of spices...almost like a taco, or chili...

If only I had more time with the smells, I'm sure I would be able to label exactly which food it was. Needless to say, I only had it engage me for about 10 seconds, and then it left.

Hunger is a cruel thing.

A reenactment.

Thanks to Andy Warhol for this soup can. Glad to know his art is good for something.

Craigslist Missed Connections Post: A Good Man

2009-05-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

I frequent Craigslist Missed Connections, and I usually find some humorous things from some lonely people. Today I found something human from a person who is obviously searching for something. This has to be one of the best posts I have seen on that site; people really are searching for love.

older asian gentleman and wife, i think u had parkinsons (kits beach)
Reply to:pers-rvyp4-1194403878@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}
Date: 2009-05-28, 10:00PM PDT

Around 9pm tonight at kits beach...you were a handsome older asian gentleman maybe in your 50's, well dressed in a sweater and dress pants, and you sat with your wife on the bench in front of Watermark restaurant watching the sunset. You seemed like you had parkinson's disease and are in an advanced stage. Your wife was always watching over you making sure you were ok, even with all the movements you involuntarily had. After a while the both of you got up and walked down the sidewalk past the beach, and the both of you were trying to hold hands as difficult as that looked. It seemed like she had to hold your hand behind your back just to hang onto you.

A bit later I saw you go by again with what appeared to be your family, as I saw your boy call you dad and kind of play with you. You were still struggling to hold your wifes hand.

I have to tell you, I almost cried. Watching that was true love, I can't imagine how difficult it is for the both of you. You have to know that I would give my life for you in a heartbeat if I could make that go away and let you enjoy many many more years with your wife and family. I'm a guy in my mid 30's, and I can only hope to experience love like the two of you have.

Take care

Going Against the Girly Norm

2009-05-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not really a girly girl, though I tend to think I have improved much in the way of femininity over the years.

This year I took up the sport boxing, Ali style. I originally wanted to take kick boxing, but for what was offered boxing ended up being the cheaper choice (and who doesn't like cheap?). I'm glad it ended up this way, it's hecka fun. And MAN, helloooo muscles I never knew I had before.

It's definitely a sport geared towards men, I knew that even before taking the class. Showing up to the first day also made it clear that guys are clearly more interested in boxing. Maybe that's why I like it so much, I get to challenge myself with something which I am clearly out numbered in.

I used to think tattoo's were stupid. Actually for the most part I still think they are. Why would someone permanently put a skull on there arm? Seriously, in 20 years it's going to look like a blob.

"What does that tattoo mean to you?"

"I don't know, I just thought it was cool..."

Sigh.

Good reasoning for something that isn't going to come off. I think if you're going to get a tattoo, at least have it mean something to you. My friend got a tattoo of the Pink Breast Cancer ribbon for support of her mom. I think that's pretty cool.

This weekend while I was listening to music (coming back from YC in Edmonton, needless to say it was a long bus ride), I suddenly had an epiphany, and realized that I wanted a tattoo. I've always kind of wanted one and have thought about getting a Jesus fish on my foot, but have been told how over done it is, so I changed my mind. This time I have a more secure idea of what I want. If I get it, then I will say what it is. If I don't, then you'll never know. HA.

When I used to work at the construction site (refer to this posting for more information and how I was traumatized), I often would get a ride to work on my boss's motorcycle. Ever since then, I'm in love with them. S.O. M.U.CH. F.U.N. Seriously, if you haven't been on one, you need to befriend someone who has one and make them take you on it. Hopefully one day that person you find will be me; I'm thinking about getting my motorcycle licence this summer. Reasons why? It's awesome, it's cheaper than a convertible with the same effects except better, you can go cruising with your friends (once you convince them to get their own licence), and who doesn't like a motorcycle babe? Seriously.

My hands smell like worms

2009-05-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

I've just come back from doing some gardening. My mom used to do it all the time, and since she's not around to do it this year, the kids (Garrit, Chelsea, Matt and I) decided to continue on with it in remembrance of her. Man, how she did it every year I'll never know.

I remember I used to help her plant vegetables when I was younger. Sometimes I would occasionally water, and then of course harvest. When I did it this year I didn't know what I was doing. I'm pretty sure I bought 3 bags of fertilizer when in fact I only needed one bag (I thought the other 2 were special kinds of soil). It's a garden gong show, but at least it's a pretty one. I can't say all the plants are going to survive (God rest their souls in advance), but I'm pretty sure the ones I bought post seed will turn out. The ones I planted myself from seed...well...I can't promise that I won't have to go to the grocery store to buy some carrots. Good news though, the potato plant has sprouted! Scalloped Potats anyone?

From this experience I've also realized my strange emotional attachment to insects/buggies. Seriously, it's bizarre.

I was trying to make a new area in the grass to plant some corn (can't promise anything) so I started digging up the grass, and I found that I kept cutting worms in half. What a sight, what a war. I felt pretty awful. So I threw some dirt over the dead bodies and decided to not continue. Is that even appropriate I call them "dead bodies"? Probs not, but it's my blog.

I remember in elementary school I used to have a "Save the Worms" club, and every time it rained, us kids would run out onto the playground during recess and pick up all the stray and homeless worms and put them underneath a classroom portable. Then we would feed them compost that we had collected over the week. Needless to say, the club doesn't exist anymore.

Here's some other bugs I've taking a liking to over the years:

Spiders: I've had conversations with them where I tell them there is much better living space in a different room, and their current home is very inconvenient for the rest of us.

Flies: In my younger years (last week, but seriously), I used to call the flies in my house "Fred". I would help guide Fred(s) through the rooms until he was able to reach the great out doors. There have been many Freds.

I think I'm a little bit too compassionate...is that even possible?

Fleetwood Mac-cers at the TACOMA DOOOOOME

2009-05-17T23:39:00.000-07:00

Matt and I bought tickets for my dad for his birthday to go to Fleetwood Mac. Unfortunately the Vancouver show was sold out, so we settled with going to the Tacoma showing ("DA TACOMA DOOOOOOOOME"). It was a pretty good show considering it's a bunch of 60 year old's partying up the stage...I can only pray that I have that much energy at their age. I guess when you strike it rich as a preformer, your fans never really go away. We had such good seats that I was lucky enough to get my picture with Jon Mcvie and Stevie Nicks!

Some people got me confused with Mario's brother, I don't know why.

The Great Blog Off

2009-05-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Anyone heard of it? Well, Apparently I am now a part of it for a month. I'm too lazy to type out my own description, so here is a nice paraphrase (cough Alan cough):

The Great Blog Off (3.0) is a competition blogging group. Essentially, a variety of bloggers compete to blog better than the others in the group. The best blogger is determined by you, the members of The Great Blog Off group.

Voting will take place June 10-14, with the winner being announced on the 15th. One vote per person, for one blogger, during that week only. You may base your vote on whatever you think makes the best blogger.

We encourage as much participation as possible. Comment on The Great Blog Off wall, on the blog's, email, message, whatever.

So there you have it. I'm blogging my life away. It should be interesting, I don't think I have ever committed to blogging more than once a month, let alone once a week, and now I have to do it at least three times a week...SICK.

Let me do a quick introducing to my fellow competing bloggers since I'm a superb sport. Alan Schram created a site intended to help you (ya you) save money. I've already used his financial advise and have gained an extra $13! That's like 3 happy meals and an extra hot fudge request for your hot fudge sundae! Adam Loewen is a fantabulous photographer who incorporates his work in his blogging and likes to talk about the artist community; oh Adam, you are so creative. Jeff Hawker is a local musician who knows a thing or two about pursuing your dream and making yourself motivated to do so; let's just say, he's got an itunes hook up. Adam Roper is a killer poet who I believe does know it (eww, I can't believe I even went there) and has great reflections to read on life.

Okay, so I'll be honest, I don't really know the other three bloggers personally, but I have read some of their blogs, so I will say this: Tony Bookless is a very funny man, and is mastering the vlog. Jordan Shaw is another great photographer and shares some of his experiences on his blog. Chrissy Ramstead (yay another girl!) is new to the blog off too, and from a glance at her blog, I think we'll be seeing a health theme. The group is on facebook, so come join and vote your heart out. Actually that was just a figure of speech. You're only allowed to vote once.

And me? What do I blog about? Anything really. I'm pretty boring (or interesting?) that way. I doubt you'll see any themes, but you never know, I could surprise, and tantalizeeeee...

tan·ta·lize (tnt-lz)
tr.v. tan·ta·lized, tan·ta·liz·ing, tan·ta·liz·es
To excite (another) by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach

So to recap, my blogs are out of reach. Have a good day!

Wolver-hot

2009-05-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing X-Men: the new one also known as the 4th tonight. I've heard it is suppose to be crap; I'm seeing it anyways. I love Xmen, loved it before the movies. Let's be serious, the movies weren't good enough to make anyone love them...well maybe the first one, but even still.

I remember when Saturday morning cartoons had the show X-men Evolution. Granted the show didn't have a large budget (if you watch it, the quality of animation is a giver), but I was addicted. The show was taken off the air before I could finish the series, but luckily for me I found a website about a year ago with all 3 seasons (yay!) to watch at my leisure. Yay teenagehood!

Ya, I know all you die hard Xmen fans are like, "Are you freakin' kidding me? X-men evolution? COME ON!". No, I'm not kidding. I like it; I should be asshamed, but I'm not.

If the movie does suck, I think I'll survive. I'm going for all the sweet mutants and to finally see Gambit in the movie (finally!). Okay, let's face it, the only reason I'm going to see sweet, sweet Hugh Jackman play Wolverine. I find the character Wolverine to be hot, but when you put good ol' Hugh in the role? FIERCE.

Cali-fornia

2009-04-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

Last week Matt, Richard and I planned a trip to California next week.

Details? Okay.

Leaving on Thursday at 2am. Drive straight through Washington, Oregon and all the way to Chico California. Remember to make pee stops along the way. Make a couple more. And food stops. Some gas for the car might be good too. Get to Chico by 6pm the same day. Have a tiring dinner at our good friend Kira's house. Celebrate because we are in summer. Have five day fun with Kira and random Americans and sun. Visit San Fran sometime during our stay. Say goodbye to Kira the following Wednesday. Head to Anahiem. Visit the happiest place on earth. I mean Disneyland. Stay a day or two. Take random routes back and visit road side attractions. Get back to BC by the 26th. Have a super happy, warm, fun time. Hurrah.

The end.

Jealous? Because I am. Of myself? Who isn't.

Can you feel the pressure?

2009-03-18T04:07:00.000-07:00

I sure can. Let's list my pressures, shall I?

-I have a 5foot x 4foot painting due on Thursday

- Start and finish a 24 x 30 mixed media drawing today

- Start and finish a 24 x 30 mixed media drawing next Wednesday

- Revamp my art piece for the Emergence show before I drop it off on Sunday

- Find a job so I can pay my bills and be able to afford gas

- Have two weeks to complete two 24 x 30 nature vs. culture paintings

This is art up the wazoo. Normally I wouldn't care, I like art motivation, but deadlines drain me. I'll get it all done except maybe the job one, I'll just be sacrificing my life and sleep. I'll put up pictures in my other blog my-illustrated-life.blogspot.com of all the stuff when I get them done.

Potential Proposal with Kleenex

2009-03-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I thought perhaps Matt was going to propose to me. We hadn't been on a date in several...months? so for him to plan one and not tell me what we were doing seemed like a surefire thing. I did think, "well he could of been sneakier about it and not even tell me we were going out", which also made me think, "oh you silly nilly, he's not asking you on Saturday, get that out of your head!" which of course is impossible to do once it's in your head.

It actually was a well planned day. In all of the time Matt and I have been together, we have never spent a day walking downtown together, so Matt decided it was time. We went to the Van Art Gallery (which he so slyly told me on Friday we would go on Sunday when I told him "I WANNA GO"), and then we went to a super yuppie/trendy place called Joey's,

(waitress: so have you been to joey's before?

us: *look at each other, look back at the waitress* nope

waitress: *disgusted look* ooooohhhh...)

and then we basically wandered around the streets, the chapters, and the mall. That night we were suppose to babysit Matt's niece Isabelle, but I started thinking, "maybe it's a ploy..." but reassured myself it wasn't...sort of. It would of been perfect to ask me that day, besides the fact that both of us were sick. I'm actually glad he didn't ask then because the proposal would probably sound like this:

Matt: *gets down on one knee but needs to balance himself on near by bench because he feels faint* just a second

Amanda: *stuffed nose* nohka

Matt: Amanda will you *cough* marry *cough* me?

Amanda: ES, ES ni mill mairy new! *kleenex*

Matt: I think I'm going to hurl...

Amanda: *HACK*

So my hunch ended up being wrong (not the first time), but the day went well besides being sick. We ended the day at Matt's brother's house to babysit for the evening, which always proves to be entertaining; Isabelle is quite the attention getter.

Here are some shots Matt and I took from our day!

one of the interactive art pieces in the "how soon is now" exhibit

the exhibit was amazing. one of my art teacher's work was in it.

the problem of having short arms

isabelle think's fingers belong on the lens

just like uncle matt

haha the best is when she shakes her head

Valentine's Day: girls get presents, but what about guys?

2009-02-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

Flower's, boxed chocolate, stuffed teddy bears, cut out cards, jewellery, all of the many things that women recieve on Valentine's day. So what do the girls get the guys? I don't know.

I've heard some guys think getting flower's on valentine's day as a reversal thing is cute and sweet, but I'm pretty sure most guys think that flower's are for girls; so then what? What can us ladies get you guys?

I've been thinking about this for some time, and I can't really come up with a lot of suggestions. I think I have two...maybe three.

1) Make him a mix CD with his favorite genre of music in love songs

2) Bake him dessert

3) Make him a card

Yes, not very in depth, but these do take time to do, and I believe something is even more valued when the significant other spent a lot of time doing it. I'm going to post a list of love songs that people can use for mixes later, but for now, what are your suggestions? What can girls give their guys on Love day?

Valentine's Day: Be my Kittentine?

2009-02-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

...I don't even know. Haha

Valentine's Day: Setting the Bar to Impossible

2009-02-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

Romance is key for a great Vday, as this video has shown us.

Happy Valentines Day

I know what some of you ladies are thinking. Wow. That guy went to a lot of trouble to show his girl how much he cares for her, how sweet! And I know what most of you guys are thinking. Wow. That guy totally screwed himself over.

The key to a great Vday is to do something practical that is possible to top or match for future Vdays to come. If you do something as elaborate as this, you will have her melting in your arms; you'll also be expected to match/top this next Vday. BE WARNED. If you start high, you have set the bar, and you'll never be able to go below it. If you're up to the challenge, that's great! Personally I suggest to start simple and then work your way up to avoid disapointment.

The lady of the man who made this video is going to be surprised next year when she just get's a box of candy and a "well I did to it last year" remark.

Could have saved yourself a lot of trouble dude and just stuck with roses and candy for your first Vday experience together.

Valentine's Day: Intro for Men part III

2009-02-06T14:39:00.001-08:00

The final part to this merry tale. I hope you don't take these too seriously.

Men Anonymous: Step Three

Valentine's Day: Intro for men part II

2009-02-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

If you think you qualify as a certified male from the first video, then here is a follow up lesson.

Men Anonymous: Step Two

My Past Life: Grade 12

2009-02-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

I love organizing emails into seperate folders and then leaving them to shimmer. The fun of it is when I forget about them and then reremember them a couple years later. I love reading old emails and old conversations from old friends; it's insightful about their character then and now. I find it also helps me figure out who I used to be when I didn't think I knew who I was.

I was browsing through a folder for my friend Darryl - we had become penpals in highschool from a christian penpal site - and it surprised me how frank I wrote about myself. From reading it, I feel like I was much more articulate then than I am now and I wasn't even aware of it. It's kind of inspiring. I'm not saying it's some intelluctual thing because it's not, but everything I said then is still applicable now. It's funny how insightful your past self can be to your present.

"yeah, i have told my friend about Christ and everything, she goes to my youth and she's a catholic. I don't know though, she's stubborn haha we've had good talks about God but there's certian things she believes that i can't change her opinion on, she will just have to learn herself. I don't even understand some of her views, it's strange; but i love her anyways. unfortunatly, she has made me immune to certian conversations, i am asshamed to say. it's hard you know, living in a secular enviroment, being a christian, expecially when there isn't a whole lot to encourage you,. sure theres church, and youth and christian friends, but it gets dangerous when it starts to become a routine; like it is for me. It's like i'm in a horrible repititive cycle and i don't care. it's hard to get out of, holy moly is it ever. I'm still in it, and that's why i'm stoaked for the summer where i go to camp. i'm hoping it will help me grow closer to God. it's not like i have lost my way, but more like my flame. I mean everyone does, and maybe it's because grade 12 is so darn busy that i have "no time" for God, which is aload of crap in a bucket, but thats what it feels like. I feel like i'm standing still and my life is just passing for me, llike i don't even have a say. And also like we were talking about before, the want for a relationship. i don't deny that i want one, but when i let it get in the way of my relationship with God, then i'm going over the line i shouldn't. doesthis make sense? who knows." 19 Feb 2005

Valentine's Day: Intro for Men

2009-02-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

I've decided I'm going to post a blog every day up until Valentine's Day about relationships, love, or being single. Don't worry, 80% of the time (all the time) it's going to be video's that will help us understand the opposite sex and/or love. It will also help us understand humor.

When I used to explore the vastness that is myspace.com, I came across a guy who I believe (for the most part) does hilarious videos. Thank goodness for us that most of them are about relationships.

Here is the first video of a nice introductin course on how the guy is different from the woman, and if he wants a lady how he needs to proceed in order to woo/impress/keep her.

Men Anonymous: Step One

Pre-Valentine's Day

2009-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

And this is why I have told Matt never to propose to me in public or on Valentine's Day.

Valentines Day Proposal Fail at NBA Game

Going to be honest, that really sucks. Also going to be honest, that girl has courage.

Lend me an idea.

2009-02-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

I'm planning on submitting a proposal for an exhibition at an art gallery, and the deadline for submitting is March 6. Seems far away in retreospect, but that's not just the deadline for the title of the proposal, it's also the deadline for the works that I am proposing to be finished. I am aiming for 10 or so paintings... that's a lot in a month. The art peeps usually like a theme, and I need one fast that can work with my ideas, and preferably with some works that I have already started. It's a rush because what I create depends on the theme I choose, and I don't want to choose a theme where I need to stretch all my creative endeavors into making excuses why a certain piece fits with the theme "The house resembles the building struggle of man and nature which reflects the struggle between the tide and the ocean...cough...".

So here are some groupings of paintings/mixed media ideas I came up with (They aren't detailed so when reading they seem kind of lame...just go with it):

saving yourself

saving money

saving people (obviously these three would be part of a collection)

flying low heron over cars

atop the dump with a kite

ferris wheel with yellow balloon

saving virginity

white rhino (made with paper bags)

thread men putting in light bulb (thread and paint)

mailbox

squirrel crossing telephone wire

bicycling (crayons and paint)

I have a couple finished paintings and it would be great to try and fit one it; that would mean one less painting to do!:

button tree

crow with blossoms

reflection in water

These are some theme idea to work with some of the ideas/finished works:

saving

dreams

flight

toys

environment

childish dreams

mere child's play

I'm leaning towards mere child's play, cause I figure I can probably fit more in there. I can fit some works in there that would consist of media that children would use ie. crayons, buttons, paper bags, along with deeper/lighter meaning ones.

Suggestions or thoughts?

Songs for my Appetite

2009-01-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

So these pretty much make up my favorite songs. There are about two that don't follow the "have known for two years" rule, but I think they will qualify soon enough. I'm sure I have forgotten some, so I'll probably be posting an updated blog or a new one some other time. For all the songs I found a live verison, recorded version, or music video so that you may listen to it and maybe have it become your favorite too. Oh, and it's all alphabetical too for those of you that like order.

City and Colour - Like Knives

Coldplay - We Never Change

Counting Crows - Mr. Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHMTolJWKBs (embedding disabled)

Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter

Daniel Bedingfield - Girlfriend (hahaha this video is so cheese, but i guess the song is too)

Death Cab for Cutie - Soul Meets Body

Delirious? - August 30th

Delirious? - It's Ok

Delirious? - King or Cripple

Emery - By All Accounts (Today was a disaster)

HelloGoodbye - All of your love (Jimmy pop remix) I think the main singer is trying to be geek chic

Jason Morant - Inside of Me

Jimmy Eat World - Polaris

Jonezetta - Backstabber (You can watch some random girls dance to an awesome song)

Mat Kearney - All I need

Mute Math - Chaos

Neverending White Lights - The Grace

New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle (remix)

Playradioplay! - Elephants as big as whales (bonus track)

The Police - Roxanne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3kG-7I_Y6k (the embedding was disabled)

Sting - I'm so happy I can't stop crying

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VsenuJqZP4 (the embedding was disabled...but you should really watch this video...it's really classy)

Tegan and Sara - You wouldn't like me

U2 - October

U2 - Miracle Drug

Albums of My Liking

2009-01-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

After reading a blog my friend Dan wrote about his favorite music albums, I thought I wanted to write my own list of cds I could listen to in any situation and still not get tired of hearing them. Sadly to say, I could only think of three albums:

a) that don't sometimes annoy me

b) that don't make me wonder why I like it in the first place

c) I have owned for a period of 2 years or more (Dan's rule)

d) where I enjoy every song on the cd

e) that remind me of something significant in my past

Sometimes by City and Colour is an album I always seem to play when I paint. I think I cried the first time I heard it.

The second album is Promises for the Imperfect by Number One Gun. To me this album is all about my time at CBC, and even more significantly my time at CBC with Matt. It goes as far back as the first week we met.

The third album is Parachutes by Coldplay. I know they make a lot of rockin' music, but I believe by far this is their best.

Because there is so little that fits my criteria for awesomest ablum eva, I've decided to write about my favorite songs; songs that I always skip to on my ipod, songs that I always have on repeat. I'll be using the same defining criteria that I used to choose my favorite albums except "d)" for obvious reasons. That shall be my next blog, for it will be significantly more than three, I asure you.

EDIT: I lied. I actually have four albums, I forgot an imporant one:

Plans by Death Cab for Cutie is also stellar. That is all.

"No Peter I wasn't hidding, I only told you that so you would leave me alone" - Jesus

2009-01-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

So my friends and I discovered these videos a couple years ago, and it's still getting quoted to this day. I originally thought this was making fun of Christianity, but then I discovered it was created by a church team. Here's a quote from the site vintage21.com: "In the Spring of 2003, Vintage21 had a four week series on Jesus Christ, taking a deep look at what He said and did. It was difficult at times to get past our preconceived notions that had been developed by staunch, starched Sunday School classes of old. This is a satirical look at what some people think Jesus is like. Thank goodness He's not."

There are more, and it was hard for me to decide which one was my favorite, but I think I chose well.

Pride and Prejudice.

2008-12-27T21:56:00.001-08:00

I love this story. I love the two most recent movies. I'm not sure which one I like more, though the 1995 one with Colin Firth might perhaps be my favorite; it adds more detail to the story and it has Colin Firth in it.

Either way, the two actor's that play Mr. Darcy play him very well...so well in fact, I've decided that I'm going to marry Mr. Darcy.

Toliet Hands.

2008-12-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

Last week I had the pleasure to experience a coworker shoving her hand into a dirty (I was going to flush it before she cleaned it; she apparently didn't find that necessary) toliet. She proceeded to do this while she was talking about how she avoids the urinal because of how gross it is, all while not wearing any rubber gloves. Ya, her hands was nakes. She also didn't wash her hands after.

That's when I started to feel sick.

Electric feel.

2008-12-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

The past couple weeks at work, my pointer finger on my left hand has been reacting strangely to objects. I think I'm conducting electricity. Only about half of the the objects are metal, and sometimes it happens when I haven't touched anything.

Maybe I'm turning into a superhero.

That would be cool, I don't think there is an electric super hero, though what would I do? Spit electricity from my left pointer finger when I make a guy motion? Would I fly? Or maybe I would just skate around on electric currents. Ya, that would suit my powers much better. Also, I think my theme song would be "Electric Feel" by MGMT redone by Justice...though if they were making a movie, maybe the original song in the beginning of the movie (just to make it more classy), and then when I'm about to electrocute some butts, that's when the hardcore version starts! DOOOO DOO DO BA DOOD DOOD doo doo DOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Oh yes, I can see it now...slow motion and everything.

Most of the popular superheros have simple but yet effect names that relate to what they do: Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Catwoman. I think I'm pretty set on a name as well. It's simple yet to the point. Electric Girl. Hot eh?

Recap of November

2008-12-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

Because I didn't blog a whole lot in November (*cough*), I'm just going to recap what happened/what I learned/have come to realize in the month of mystery and no shaving.

1. I learned when looking to buy a house, ask if the water supply is well water. If so, decline. You don't want to be smelling sewage when doing your laundry.

2. I've learned I'm still mourning.

3. I've decided that I'm going back to school for a couple of classes in January. I can't stay away, I miss education so.

4. Chelsea and I decided to start our own cleaning company so we can reap all of the profits and not work as much. Lazy? I call it clever.

5. I've learned that Benylin and other cough medicines have little effectiveness (money wasters!) and that inhalers prove to be more effective for coughs.

6. Christmas is going to be different this year. It is also going to be potentially expensive.

7. I still want to buy a pretty dress...okay maybe a smokin' dress. One that doesn't smoke, but makes other people want to start when they see it.

8. I have a lot of things I still want to do before this year is over.

9. Some people have proved to be not what I had previously expected.

10. If you suck at time managing, I think you should stay away from set designing. Set's are suppose to be done before the show opens.

11. Screamo concerts can rock hard, and even the non-hardcore can find a way to enjoy them. If it takes a pair of earplugs to be able to have fun, then so be it.

12. Family Guy has lost it's flare.

13. I orderd the first three seasons of Degrassi. Ya...maybe not proud of it, but I know plenty of people who will watch it with me. I'm not saying names. (By the way Shane, I just got the first two seasons in the mail today, so this weekend we should watch it! Tell Janelle.)

14. Even famous people live in messy homes.

15. I miss people who are far away from me.

16. My hair is green. I need a hair cut.

17. There is a woodpecker who finds my house quite tasty.

Fortune Cookies

2008-11-23T23:23:00.000-08:00

I had Chinese food late last week, and it was good. It usually is. I think it's the msg...actually, I was reading the take out menu, and apparently you can specifically ask not to have extra msg: aka they already slathered it on before it's cooked, and then before they pack it to go, they put some more on UNLESS you ask otherwise. Gotta love the MSG.

I very rarely get lucky with the fortune cookies. Everybody's crackin' open their cookie and reading the fortune's aloud, "You will be very successful this coming week", "Riches and beauty smile upon you", while I'm opening mine and it says "You will fail this week". Sigh. At least I got the only honest cookie.

Also, Pearls Before Swine is ensued hilarity. I love these chubby stick animals.

James Bond can turn any woman into a hypocrite.

2008-10-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

I just watching 007 Casino Royale for the first time tonight, and what can I say...besides I'm a hypocrite of my own advice. I'm so in love with the fact of spontaneous adventure love. AGH! Sigh...sometimes I wish I was single just so that I could experience it...then again, I'm sure I wouldn't even if I was, because like I said before, "Movie love isn't real". Sad, I know.

It also didn't end well for James and Vesper. Poor James, I feel sorry for him really. Will he ever truly love again? I hope so.

Relationships Aren't Movies: What Not to Expect from Real Life Part II

2008-10-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Last time I checked, I was on #7 of my advice list to the hopelessly hopeless movie romantic. Let's continue forth, shall we? I had a request to share my feelings regarding the subject of flowers, so let's start the ball rolling with just that.

7. If you expect a man to go all over creation just to buy you a bouquet of flowers, you may not like the result. Tarzan goes out of his way to find a lovely bouquet of flowers for Jane - swinging in trees, picking flowers with his toes - and before he is able to give them to her, they are trampled and only the stems remain. But yet love prevails, and he gives her the remaining stems with somehow (how now?) one flower still intact; it's such a lovely moment...in cartoon life.

Now image your guy showing up at your house with a bunch of stems (likely if he only has stems there isn't going to be even one flower still remaining), and presenting them to you with a smirk on his face; definitely isn't as good. In the movies, you get to see the before and after. In real life, you only get to hear about the before and then see the after. It's not much good if he explains why he is standing there holding a bunch of weeds; it only makes a difference if you saw what he went through to get them (which would ruin the purpose entirely seeing as though flowers can only be bought as a surprise...pfft boys...).

8. Don't expect him to use lines that refer back to your past together, ie. "ASSSSSSS YOUUUU WISSSSSSH!!!!" Not going to happen.

9. If you're waiting for him to write you a song as clever and as sweet as Adam Sandler's for Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer, you might have to wait awhile. While some have musically gifted boy's with voices like angels, most of us do not. All we can hope for is to catch them singing quietly along to Passenger Seat while they are sitting in the passenger's seat.

10. Jealously. Some men have it, some men don't have enough of it. For those ladies who are thinking "Would it hurt you to be jealous once and awhile?", I believe you're really thinking "Give me my deserved attention FOO!", but do you really want to be like Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop? Some of my friends have dated overly jealous people, and have said they wouldn't do it again. Yes, it's nice to have the feeling that someone is jealous over you, but don't beg for it...you'll just look foolish, and who knows...he may punch out one of your best buddies because of it.

11. It's been ten years since you've seen your old love...don't expect him to have gone all Bruce Wayne on you.

12. Believe you'll find the one through a series of freak accidents that lead up to a romantic ending. Freak. Accidents. Seriously, there are other ways.

13. Don't expect him to be standing on the sidewalk outside of your favorite coffee hut while you're inside ordering a latte-whatever, when he was suppose to have left for London a couple of hours ago...AND he's holding a single rose. I applaud any guy who actually sacrifices a trip to Europe to stay at home because he love's his lady so. At the same time, I think I would slap him. (I can't recall a specific example for this one at the moment, but we all know they are out there.)

Be expecting more dating themed blogs. It's the only thing I know; I'm basically a guru.

Relationships Aren't Movies: What Not to Expect from Real Life Part I

2008-10-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, I guess I could go through a movie or twenty and find myself stuck in similar situations as a fictional character, but I'm not going to. Why? Because movies aren't real life, and romantic relationships aren't movies.

I'm a romantic at heart, and though I try desperately to hide it, I am aware it is evident to some. Here is my advice to those in the dating world who sometimes forget if they are watching a movie or living one:

1. Don't assume he is going to open the car door for you all the time just because "that guy" on "the grossly over girly movie" does.

2. Don't expect him to be spontaneous. He isn't Captian Jack Sparrow after all...and perhaps that was a bad example.

3. If he hates the rain and you're hoping for a kiss in it, try a squirt bottle. It's the only way to get closer to your Notebook dream.

4. Don't expect a Spidey kiss unless he loves to wear tight spandex and hang on the monkey bars. If he happens to do those things, the kiss has a better chance of being embaressing than "aww" worthy.

5. I'm not sure if chivalry is dead, but I suggest not expecting your man to put his jacket over a puddle you're about to step on. If you don't expect and he ends up following through, then good for you.

6. When he takes you home for the first time and said goodnight - maybe gave him a smooch - as soon as you close the door don't expect him to start dancing and singing/yelling all the way home as the sprinklers turn on. I've expected "Singing in the Rain" before and was sadly disappointed when I found out he hadn't even seen the movie.

I'm planning on a couple more parts to compile together with this one, because you never can have enough movie metaphors.

Todays' Doings

2008-10-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

1. Been looking at my bank accounts and have started getting worried over the financial state of them.

2. At the second house I was cleaning today, I rammed my back into the faucet of the bathtub when I got up, banged my head bending over to clean the stove top, and hit my fingers on pointy cabinet handles.

Crummy house.

3. A guy almost started peeing in the washroom I was cleaning today while I was still in there. ...ya...

4. Road home listening to The Police and pretended that I was in a karaoke bar singing into my granola bar.

5. I found out that I have secret money waiting for me in November. Coincedence? Hmm?

6. I think I may have more fun with my other blog: my-illustrated-life.blogspot.com. Shameless self-promoting, I know.

7. Looking forward to the weekend.

8. Looking forward to Whistler.

9. Not looking forward to spending 24hours with other youth leaders.

10. Just kidding about #8. Or AM I?

Use my Imagination

2008-10-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

I remember when I had ideas flowing through my head consistently about what I should do next in my art. I would be driving to work and then see a heron in the fog standing on the side of the highway with cars driving by it, and I would say to myself, "That's what I should paint", but lately it has been harder and harder to come up with things to manipulate or recreate without them being suggested or over thought of.

I miss when the ideas would invite themselves into my thoughts. It's hard work searching out creations when I haven't even thought of them as creations before.

I need to start getting into the habit of writing down things when they come to mind, because before long I am going to forget them. Now that I think about it, I remember thinking I had so many sweet ideas I still needed to take advantage of, and that I wasn't worried about forgetting them because they were just that good. Well, I have forgotten most of them; apparently they weren't that good.

I should buy a note book and take notes of my mind. Sounds like a gallery show. "Notes of my Mind". Meh, maybe one day.

Amanda's Wake.

2008-10-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

Minimal information. Snabba conscious of what the crap is around? I can't believe the heater noise is so loud, it's louder than this mute button. Yoso button of this magnacarta is exponentially bigger than my - what what say?

Drowning dogs voices out there, what is going on? They stopped barking about a minut- there it is again. Vicarious demon dogs of my backyard snapping at my mailman...the mail man...simi-man.

I was walking outside when.

Was just looking at this ting that was someelis out domb drum shaffer. You'lis crumb from the front tree branch. At least I know it's sunny outside.

While I am sitting here I might as well make good watch and time myself for my thought's and present the tuylous of the magoritous sand wish aloof to like; shutup.

Why was I watching this anyways? I don't remember this episode at all. Wait, is this the one? Oh, I hear a car. It was two car -- Is this the one where the dad gets angry for Rob skipping school? This is boring and mindle.

The last thing I remember from a minute ago is the hand gestures they were making on the black keys. Why are they black? My inside eyes are going fuzzle. When I close my eyes, it's like I see white things dancing like. Let's use a different w. Cancuddle of the watery trail called basilcava.

There goes that blasted heater again. Sounds like a low drum of a wheelbarrow. Tumble tumble tumble while things are bumbling around. It. What now. It's your friend; tell it to be quiet too you brutus apple. I'm hungry. Inside the paper bag from the store is where I found some old food for breakfeast. It is done. Gut hide rotery abounds the rea-reap jugga-jug jee. At least I get to practice my words.

I've Lost my Melodic Fingers

2008-10-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I was asked to play guitar for worship at Church, which I ended up saying yes to. On the Saturday, I picked up my guitar to get some practice in for the coming day; it had only been a couple of months since I last played, no big deal. Looking through one of my guitar music books, I stumbled upon music I had learned while still in high school. Good music. Music I used to be able to play well. Music that I tried to play again. Music I sorely massacred.

It was horribly. Before my very eyes I realized I had been dumbed down to chords only, and I forgot almost everything I knew about picking/patterns. I looked on youtube to find a video of someone playing a song I used to be able to play. I found one. I cried a little inside.

I used to be able to play that! AGHHHHH!

Anyways, by realizing my lost talent ("the murderious guitar picker of emeryville"), I have felt a little more motivated to play. Hopefully this will stay with me so in ten years I won't have to resort to the G, C and D chords all the time.

Sick.

Eagles in the Sky

2008-10-04T01:12:00.000-07:00

The way those wings soared by the van passenger window
into the sky, just to come back down and sleep in my eyes.
You pointed and said,

“Look, look!”

And what explanation could I give but to give in?
Your starry eyes laid in the skies watching to see your childhood
come alive; mine started with your joyful voice.
The eagles were floaters which gave us time
to point out the wonders of nature as we sped by.
Every drive for twenty-one years we rode this way;
searching eyes for skies, eagles flying for you.

Have they all gone now that you’re not here?

The Weaker; The Stronger

2008-10-03T22:58:00.000-07:00

The one thing a leader, a passerby, or a friend have/should have in common is always having the best interest of others in mind. Sometimes when we're placed in these roles, we wonder if it's possible God has the wrong person for the job; that in fact we could be hindering others instead of helping them. Everyone has their moments of doubt, and doubt is actually a healthy thing. It reminds us that we must lean on God to be able to muster strength and be able to pass it on to others who need it.

I may appear strong but in fact I am weak. For the last year or so, I've been placed in positions where I know what my duties are (as a youth leader, a student, a daughter, a stranger, a friend...) but in a daze of internal weakness have wondered if I am really improving the situation I am in, or just making it worse. Knowing there are so many obstacles which are hidden to the blind eye but apparent to me increases the pressure of doing good and crawling out of my comfort zone. I mean crawling, on hands and feet. I love doing good, but what if what I call good isn't really good at all?

Oh Lord, remind us we are here for a reason, that You have created
loving opportunities for us to take advantage of. Let us not be scared about
showing You who we are. Give us encouragement in our daily situations; that we
aren't damaging others, but instead encouraging love. Let us not
worry, and remind us that weakness gives us the chance to
fully lean on You for strength.

Non-Uni Type Brows

2008-09-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

Recently I have thought about getting my eyebrow repierced. I've acually thought about it for quite awhile, but because I was working in retail which has the strict policy of "we don't want our employees to be stereotyped sketchy's", I decided to pursue it when I was no longer working there, which is now. Hurray. After Thursday, my eyebrow will never be the same again...which technically isn't true.

As some may recall, I had my eyebrow pierced as part of a roommate bonding time in 2006, where each of us went to get a piercing in a different place. Kendra got an industrial, Kira had her nose pierced, I had my eyebrow ringed, and Alicia...well, she decided she didn't want anything. While the lady was poking me with a needle, she said that I might find the ring to migrate down my face (sick) because it may be too heavy and my eyebrow is more skin-y than other peoples, so she suggested that I should get a barbell instead for a better chance of it not being rejected. I didn't listen to her. I ended up getting the ring put in, and only after 5 months and a sweet scar mark from it migrating (it's bird ring...or a GOOSE ring), I ended up having to go to emgerency to get it chopped off. What a stupid reason to get a hospital braclet.

So after all that pain and suffering, why am I getting it again? Well this time I am going to take some wise advise and try a barbell.

Secondly, I think it looks cool.

Blogging again? She CAN BE TAUGHT

2008-09-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

In all honesty, I forgot blogging existed. Shanethejew reminded me of it when he recommited himself to writing once a week on his blog after an overdue absence.

blogging...what the...right.

I remember the days when I used to blog fairly frequently on myspace up until the point when I stopped using it because facebook took over the face of the planet. Today I glimsped at some of the stuff I wrote, and I remember how much time I put into writing them. I'm quite tempted to post them into this blog just so that my many hours of writing them won't be wasted...plus they make me laugh. But I think for now I'm going to start a whole new blog slate, and until I have absolutely nothing to say, I will refrain from posting old material.

But, if the time comes where I don't feel like writing something new, you bet your blingbling that you'll be seeing some of my old life posted at a present time.

edited: oh snap, I can back date blogs...which is what I'm going to do with
my myspace ones, but not all of them...only the ones that make me laugh or that
have some sort of importance.

Running Joggers. How obvious.

2006-08-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

I was walking the two dogs I dog sit today, and a jogger went by me. I smiled, assuming that he probably wouldn't see, because he is jogging, but to my surprise, he said a "hello" back.

How odd.

It's only odd because I've never had a jogger say anything to me before. For a jogger, is speaking some sort of higher-class jogger? Do you have more prestige if you can jog and talk at the same time? I guess some what. I mean, when I used to do runs in highschool, my friend would be talking to me while we ran expecting an answer. No can do buddy. I'm just not that skilled where I can excersise AND talk at the same time.

Some people call it out of shape. I call it breathing difficulties.

Adventures in Construction: BARF! eww, eww, eww, gross!

2006-08-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oh my GOODNESS.

I have managed for at least two months not to be bluntly hit on by construction guys, and I fancy the way that was; carefree, comfortable, not creeped out. That has now come to an end, as of today.

If you have read my previous 'Adventures in Construction' stories, you would know that the siders creep me out the most. I try my best to not interact with them...at all. Who would of thought that these would be the men who would hit on me. Actually, I choose not to think about it too much.

Today there was about 14 people on site, which wasn't very many at all; Jim joked that everyone knew he was leaving early so noone bothered to show up. By the end of the day, there was probably about two framers or so still there, four lazy siders not working (as usually), and me. Because Jim left early and it's a weekend, I had to close up everything; close the windows, the sliding doors, lock the back doors, close the garage doors...basically walk about a million stairs. So I'm trying to plan out how I'm going to work around the siders; I can't work around the siders. All their equiptment is in the garage I have to go by to finish garage door shutting and to get to my car (so unfortunate...), so basically I have to suck it up, and try my best to pretend they aren't there.

That's kind of hard when they're staring at you.

And I mean staring. This isn't the kind of staring you do if you don't want to be obvious.

The security guy came (thank goodness) and started helping me close windows and doors, which was very nice of him to do, because that meant I would be able to leave eariler and THAT meant I wouldn't have to be around the creepiers for awhile.

Side note: Jim and I were talking about all the guys on the site the other day,
and he was the one who brought up how sketchy these guys are. I think that kind
of puts things in better perspective for you readers.

So I was closing the unit right across from the garage where all the guys where standing (and talking, and drinking beer, and staring...basically not working), when I realized I only had one more unit to shut down, then I could leave. But guess which unit that was. The one they were standing in front of, which meant I would have to walk through them. Not cool.

So I sucked it up, and towards the garage and through the guys. The guys were watching me. I made eye contact with one of the guys and smiled at him, and then attempted to continue on my way without vocal interaction. Then one of the guys said, "Are you having fun closing all the doors?"

Honestly, that question is asked ALL THE TIME. DUH, no I'm not having fun, if you think it's fun, then why don't YOU do it? If you want to talk to me, come up with something better. Unfortunately, they came up with something worse.

So I said, "Oh yeah, I'm having a blast", rolled my eyes, got a laughing response, and then I headed straight for inside the building. "FREE!" is basically what I thought, but then I saw that I missed a window from the building I was just at across from the unit I was currently in. AGH! I just want to go home.

So I suck it up once again, and attempt to walk to the other unit, which meant I had to walk through the guys again. This time, one of the guys says something to the effect of, "Do you want a beer?" and then another guy said, "She probably wants a beer."

The first guy says, "Hey, do you like alchohol?" This guy is basically the ring leader of the four guys. He does most of the talking while the others listen, make side comments, watch my reactions, and STARE.

"Pardon?"

"Do you like to drink."

"Uh, not really." I'm opening the garage to try my best to hurry and close the window so I can leave.

"Nah, most women don't like to drink." A side comment from one of the guys, and some other mumbles which I didn't try to figure out.

Ring leader: "Do you smoke?"

"Do I smoke? Uh...ha...no." Walk into the building. go. GO.

Other guys: "Does she smoke?" Laughing.

Ring leader: Laughing. "I don't know."

I close the window. Now for my grand escape. What would be ideal would be me exiting to my car after I close the garage, and them not saying anything to me and vise versa. But I knew that wouldn't happen, so I thought it best if I said something sort first so it wouldn't be majorly awkward, then I could leave...fast.

So I closed the garage, and then said, "Have a good weekend guys."

Guys: "Oh yeah, you too." "Have a good weekend" "Blahblah."

I thought we were done. I thought I could leave. I was horribly mistaken.

Ring leader: "Hey by the way, what's your name?"

"Pardon?" Don't forget I was listening to music in hopes that they wouldn't ask me questions. It failed miserably.

Ring leader: "What's your name, I didn't catch it."

Guys: Staring.

"Amanda"

Ring leader: "Oh it's Amanda."

One of the guys: "Even I knew her name."

...how did he know my name?

Other guys: Mumbling.

Ring leader: "Well I'm Chris, this is so and so, this is blahblah and this is blahblah."

That's nice but I don't really care...ps. I'm slowly making my way away from them, hoping they would stop talking to me and let me go to my car, far, far away from them.

"Well nice to meet -"

Ring leader (aka Chris): "So is Jim like your father-in-law?"

Just getting right to the point I see...*shutter* Asking if I'm married eh? HAHAHA. AH ha. You wish I was older, sick 30 year old man.

"No. Garrit is my brother-in-law so technically I'm not relat-"

My mom said I should of said yes.

One of the other guys: "So Garrit is dating your sister?"

Let us pause for a moment to the stupidity of this comment. BROTHER-IN-LAW. MARRIED. TAKE FAMILY EDUCATION.

"No, Garrit is married to my sister."

Guys: "Oh" "Yeah" Oh"

I realllllly wanted to leave.

Ring leader: "So...are you single?"

"No."

But it wasn't like a normal 'no'. Most people would have the question asked, then there would be a split second pause, then there would come the 'no'. There was no split second pause. It was abrupt. I wanted them to know I was taken, and by golly I let them know.

Guys: "Awww" "You shouldn't have told us" "Why did you ask her?" Laughing. Some other comments were mumbled and being laughed at.

They pretty much bluntly told me they've been looking at me, and I'm pretty sure the ring leader wanted/s a piece. The ring leader is actually the same sider I heard having a conversation with the sweet electrication Harvey, at the point where I heard Harvey say to Chris, "Man, she's like 19 or 20" and as soon as I came outside, the conversation stopped. I tried to assume it wasn't about me, but I can't assume that anymore. He wants a piece, and that's gross.

I left while they were laughing, and they said, "Have a good weekend!" And I said, "You too!"

Then I walked away (run Amanda, RUN), gagging I think, and trying not to twitch. Then I called Alicia, and I had a convulsion.

I can just imagine work on Monday.

"Hellloooo Amanda..."

"I DON'T KNOW YOUR NAME, GET AWAY FROM ME!"

Now that I know 30-40 year old men think I'm hot, I'm set for life! AGHHHH!

I want some soap.

Adventures with Construction and other stories: Part II

2006-07-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

Chapter Five: Egor

I forget what day it was, it must of been yesterday or the day before, but I was eating lunch in the trailor like usual, and then a guy comes in to talk to Jim my boss. Now there are always guys coming in to talk to Jim, because they need to check up on things and ask questions and so forth, and they aren't really private; hearing them isn't a problem.

So I was sitting there, eating my sandwich, and then the guy that came in started to talk.

Now I'm not meaning to be mean, and I'm only speaking the truth, but this guy sounded like Egor. You know, "yessssss master", except he didn't say that, because that would be creepy. Maybe he smokes, who knows. All I know is, I didn't think anyone really spoke like that, I thought it was a joke voice. Apparently not.

Chapter Six: Porter Potty Adventures

I've been able to put off for almost a month using the porter pottys. I heard terrible stories about them, which would be a girl not want to use them, even guys for that matter. I tried to time my pees so I wouldn't have to go till after work, or I would be able to hold it until I got home. Or sometimes if I really had to go, I would sneak into the buildings where the plumbing worked and use the toliets in there; thought I could only do that twice because they started to put carpet in. So I guess this week I timed my bathroom breaks wrong, and I had to go. And I mean go like a banshee. There is nothing worse then working in a building that has a toliet, but not being able to use it because it doesn't work yet. Oh man. Tear. Anyways, because I was so desperate to relieve myself, I just went to go to the pottys. I didn't even care. And this was what I found.

On the inside of the porter, there was stuff written on it, and it looked like it was by the same person. Here is what is said (keep in mind it is with the same spelling):

"Just like your wife's cookin"

"Close you're legs, it helps with the smell, just like your old lady"

"Asswhip"

"U-Catck ('k' was crossed out and then replaced with a 'h') your own trout. Limit 4"

Now I find this highly ironic. The guy managed to use the correct spelling of your and you're, but didn't quite know how to spell catch or wipe. Hmm. Let me tell you, I sat on that potty until I was through and pondered this perdicament.

Chapter Seven: The Monarchy of Creepers - From the least, to the creeps.

I have been able to narrow down what jobs entitle you to more creepiness, and I will make a list for you.

Not Creepy: Painters

Electricians

The Door and sill guys

Mildly creepy: Plumbers

(one guy isn't creepy, the other guy is; that is how it becomes mild)

Creepy: Siders

(they just creep me out.)

I didn't put the framers up there, because I haven't met any. Though there was one instance...eeee...sketchhhhh.

Chapter Eight: Hearing the Guys talk...ew.

There was a bunch of guy in the building I was working in, doing whatever they do, and I don't think they realized I was in there, so they started talking. Now I was curious of what they would be talking about, so I listened in. Bad idea. First of all, I already heard stories of what they talk about, so I don't know what I was thinking when I thought, "hey, I need proof". Basically, I heard one guy joke to another guy and he said, "You just want to put your seed in every girl". That was basically enough. Oh and worst part. The guy he was talking about was one of the plumbers, a guy who I thought was nice. More like dirty. So that is why the plumbers are mildly creepy, thanks to that guy...sicko.

Chapter Nine: Creepy Plumber is all talk

It made me feel at ease when I realized the creepy plumber is all talk.

I walked by the guy, and knowing it is only polite to smile as you pass by (I really, really, reallllllllly didn't want to), I smiled as I passed by. And as he saw me, he totally looked down, like I intimadated him or something. Ah hahaha.

Oh and other funny stories about this guy. Now I can't be certain that he was hitting on me, but considering the joke was, "plant your seed in every woman", I think it's a fair assessment that he was.

Now the same day as shying away from me saying hello and smiling, I came back from a park where I went to go eat my lunch. When I came back, I guess it was time for the plumbers to go home. As they where driving out (two different cars), I look up and that same guy smiled and waved at me. I had no idea what was going on, I thought he was waving past me. So I semi-smiled. Once I realized what was happening, I smiled and waved at the next plumber named Tyler. Hahaha ahhh, Sean (the creepy plumber) is so all talk. Thank goodness.

Second Story: I was walking and taking some boxes to the big bin where you're suppose to put all the crap, and I walk by the guy, and I hear him say, "That's a big box." ..."Yep..." ....

What was he thinking? "That's a big box." Really? It's big? Wow, thank you for enlightening me. I never really knew what I was carrying, but thanks to you, I now know what this is...it's a big box.

This guy needs to work on his pick-up lines.

Chapter Ten: The S-Farm

As I went home on the motorcycle, I realized there is a farm called, The S-Farm. Now it appears that the farm sells plants. Then what the frick is the "S" for???

The Snail farm? Doubtful.

The Snake farm? I think there would be cages.

The Safari farm? Where are all the animals?

The Sandwhich farm? I don't think those plants turn into organic veggies.

The Seed farm? Now you're just talking dirty.

The moral of this is, name your plant farm after something that makes sense, and not an "S", because who knows what that stands for.

Adventures with Construction and other stories.

2006-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

I like Kendra's format for her adventures, so I borrowed it. Thank you, Kendra.

Chapter One: Going to work on my Bosses' motorcycle

So two weeks ago, my mom went to Kelowna to see my Oma, so I wasn't going to be able to get a ride to work, aka not go work and aka not make money which I most desperately need. So I was hungry for a ride, and it just so happens that my boss lives in ladner; he asked if I needed a ride. I said sure obviously, and then he followed that up with, "I guess I'll ask my wife if she needs the car, unless you don't mind riding the bike." I had to let that sink in awhile. I haven't been on a motorbike before, and to tell you the truth, they kind of freak me out, but I was never given an opportunity to ride one before either, so if I passed this offer, I may never ride a bike in my life!

So I said yes. And it was killer. Killer fun. I want a bike now. If I ever got the opportunity to buy one - plus the thing about having enough money - I would. It is just that much fun. Plus, you feel realllllllly cool. I mean everyone is just looking at you when you stop. Especially if you are just chill and relaxed. You are the popular kid in school.

That is now currently how I transport myself home.

Chapter two: Russian Clan

There is this one group of siders, and they are all russian and basically only speak Russian, because they have no need for english if everyone they hang around is Russian. They like their Russians.

One time when I was cleaning a building and my music wasn't too loud, I heard a Russian guy talking to an English speaking sider, and man, was this Russian getting pissed off. He was swearing right, left and center in his Russian accent, and let me tell you, I think angry Russians are the most scariest of people. The accent definitely adds to it.

Then he said the "F" word. I kind of chuckled.

Chapter three: Never wear a shirt if you don't want someone to ask about it.

The Electricians at work are great, and not creepers which is a bonus. A big bonus, no joke. One of the Electricians there is named Harvey. Now Harvey is awesome, and is able to have a conversation with anyone and end on a good note; he is definitely a very sociable guy.

I was cleaning the upstairs of one of the buildings (like always), and then the electricians came in to hook up the middle for wires and do their electrician business. Oh, side note for the next chapter, one of the guys, Tony, always has a radio, and when you find Tony, you usually find Harvey.

So I walked upstairs to do my cleaning duties, and then I hear Harvey say, "WCB Guitar Player?".

Oh...crap. Out of the most embaressing things to ask, that has got to be one of the most embaressing. For those of you who do not understand, Kendra, Breanne and I had a band for a verrrry short length of time called "Whoopla Cowbell". It was more of a joke title really, but I thought it would be neat if I made t-shirts, which it was, but I never thought about the consequences of it. Trying to explain about a band named whoopla would be horrific, and even ruin my career.

So to not add any major description to my answer, I simple said, "Oh, it was a band I was in."

And then he said, "Oh, so you're a rockstar?" With a smile of course.

And I replied, "I guess."

He laughed, and that was the end of that.

Chapter Four: Singing Electrician

I heard Harvey sing to the radio when he thought I was listening to my MP3 player. He did a rendition of "Sweet child of mine" and "Bad day". He even did all the falcetto parts in "sweet child" almost perfectly. He must of practiced it back in the day.

How well did he sing "bad day"? I tuned out, because I hate that song.

I will continue with more adventures perhaps when I'm done eating dinner.

My life; woman on a man's 'turf'

2006-06-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

I say man's turf, because, it stereotpically is. I could of also made a pun and meant turf literally. Ha. But no, I didn't. I mean the real deal.

I work on a construction site.

It all started when I needed a job (aka since after college) and couldn't find a permenant one. My bro Garrit (aka bro-in-law) knew this, because he is a smart chap, and without me realizing it - though I might of semi been aware of it - he hooked me up with a job at his work. And of course you can assume that he works at a construction site; he actually works for his dad. But anyways, the point is, I work at a construction site, as I stated above.

I find this kind of funny actually. I realize now if someone asks where I work, I can say, "A construction site", and then I can watch their faces quickly turn surprised...how delicious. Amanda, working construction...who would of thought?

I probably have you now speculating what I actually do there, and that is a very good question. Absolutely nothing. Ha, just joking of course. I'm basically like a highclass/hardcore janitor. I don't even think Garrit used the term 'janitor' when describing what I would be doing, but I guess that is basically what I do. I go from house to house (very nice houses I might add) and starting from the top, I scrape, broom, then sweep, then vaccum, and if I have to, I exacto-knife. It sounds pretty simple, so I assumed it would be easy. Man, I really need to think things through.

Note: Now is the part where I essentially 'complain'. I haven't felt so exhausted in the longest time. My muscles hurt. My back hurts. My feet hurt like mothers. I have beautiful blisters on my hands. I stink. I itch from all the dust I have inhaled and practically bathed in. But you know what? I like it.

I basically get a workout while I work, but I get paid for working out. Soon, after working for awhile more, I'll basically be a hot babe, with muscles. Not huge hunky ones (eww...), but toned and strong ones. I'll be in shape, and hot. Well, that's the plan anyways.

Another great thing about working there, is the flexiblity. My bosses' boss (aka Garrit's dad) said if I want I can work 5 days a week, but I don't need to feel pressured to. I basically have the amazing option of asking for days off, and coming in when I want to. There is no schedule. I love it! Also, the pay is sweet for what I'm doing. Basically...I'll have my car soon. I'm pretty stoked.

Also, I can listen to music, ALL DAY. Yeah, I'm pretty stoked. AND, I don't have a boss hanging over my shoulder watching me work, because I work by myself. Man, pretty sweet deal I got.

The one awkward thing though is at lunch. Ill be sitting in the trailer/office eating, and the conversation that is happening around me, I wont understand or know what is being talked about. I dont know anyone there except Mr. DeVos and Garrit, so if I can cling to Garrit, I will, because Im horrible meeting new people.

But I did make a friend today. His name is Brad. He happened to being doing his job in the house that I was cleaning; I think he is a sider. Anyways, I was being nice, because it's the nice thing to do, and I smiled at him a couple times, because if I pretended like he wasn't there, that would be ten times more awkward than if I simply smiled. So he smiled back and said "goodmorning" just like a polite person should. Then later he started making small talk like, "having fun yet?" and "do you think you can clean the window sills too while you're at it?" (No, I'm not having fun you ninkompoop, and do the sills yourself! Ah ha, joking...of course). Maybe that is smaller than small talk, but I think it's considered. Oh, what made it even more awkward was the fact that I was wearing headphones (oh, other sweet thing about work, I can listen to music) and couldn't hear him if he said something. To be honest, I didn't really want to initiate conversation, because if you're a girl at a construction site, that might come off as, "holler back girl, I want to get wit chu!". Sorry guys, but I don't want to "get wit chu", I've already been gotten.

So later he tried to start up a conversation by asking, "so is this your summer job?" and then by me asking, "so is this your permanent job?". I thought my question was witty. It amused me if no one else. Then he asked if I just graduated (haha he just wanted to know if I was legal HA joking). And then that started the conversation. So we talked about school and how we both find it way to expensive so we have to work - hense the job. It was really a short conversation, but a conversation none-the-less. I ask him his name, and then we shook hands and he asked me mine. It was nice, I now know another person there. The only problem is, being a girl in this type of work setting, you never know if the guy is just being nice or if the guy wants a piece, aka hitting on you. Really, you just don't know.

So basically, doing this job you can become a babe, meet babes (if you're single, though I think a lot of the 'babes' are probably sketchy, though there are some nice guys that work there. I mean Garrit is and he works there, and he doesn't go to a strip club during lunch hour. Not even joking, he told me some of the guys will go to a strip club during their half an hour lunch break. Sickos.), get paid for becoming a babe, take some babe time off, and listen to some hot babe music. Woaw, I don't think I have used the word babe so many times in my life.

It's a hard job, but someones gotta do it....and I need the money.

Mermen do exist...and they eat veggies.

2006-05-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

One a hot summers day, not too long from today...

Okay correction, it was a spring's day, not summer, because this story takes place this year, and summer hasn't technically happened yet; but I will say one thing, it was darn warm outside, definitely hot enough to tan.

Or go to the beach, which, is what I did.

Not by myself of course, it was Alicia and I, the dou to end all summer time dous...yeah, I have no idea what that means, just do your best to disregard it.

Anyways, from what I can remember of that day, it was unusally warm for a spring day, and going to the beach was a definite possiblity, one which I was willing to take. So on that brisk Sunday afternoon, later afternoon I might add, we set off to centennial beach to get some sun, and of course, some girly fun. (Why didn't we leave when the UV rays were at their prime? We were cleaning Alicia's college stuff up. It took hours. Nah, it didn't take hours, but it would of if I didn't help her. Ha, ah. Also, we didn't want cancer.)

So we went to the beach around 4pm, and surprisingly it was still really warm out; which was grand, because it would of been a waste of cleaning up her stuff to drive out there and then right away having to come back home again.

There we were, eating away, having our girly fun on a blanket (forgot to mention, we stopped off at a 7-11 to pick up a few, items...aka Surlpees, Ben and Jerry's icecream and two sorts of junk food. Ben and Jerry is a girl's bestfriend.), and then out of the blue, Alicia makes a comment:

"Do you see that guy?"

So I turn and face the direction she nodding in, and see this man with jeans on, a purple shirt, backpack, and boots, or some sort of running shoe. It looked like he came out of no where. It looked like he came out of the ocean.

And that's because he did. Because, my friends, this man was a merman.

As we were discussing how it was possible for this, man, to come out of no where, he comes to sit down and lean up against a big piece of drift wood (more like log) almost right beside us. And guess what he pulls out from no where.

Broccoli.

He just starts chomping away at the two broccoli bushes he is holding. Who does that? I mean, who just pulls out a whole thing of broccoli for each hand, sits down against a piece of driftwood on the beach, and stares into the deep blue yonder?

I'll be honest, it was beautiful.

He was beautiful. Well he was. I guess mermen are just naturally beautiful. It was just like I imagined; he had blonde hair.

Anyways, so Alicia and me are still talking girly (boys, food, tans, God, friends, boys...), and then Alicia points out the whole broccoli thing to me, and I'm thinking, "This guy is cool." Then she tells me to take a picture, subtly with my camera. Let me tell you, we were no where near subtle, but we did manage to get the pictures.

I know what you are thinking. Stalkers. Yeah, you might think so, but seeing as though we will never see him again, I think we can pass as admirers. (We actually saw him walk into the wilderness. We think he is going to give up his life as a merman to live among the wild land animals.)

Anyways, after that, we had a fun eventful evening picking up trash from other people during the annual junk week, and managed to confiscate two broken microwaves, one sweet corner chair, a real working lamp, a night table, and a Garfield picture that says, "Diet is 'die' with a 't'"

But remember, it wasn't about junk week, it was about the Merman.