The Mummers Song - A Newfoundland Christmas

I promise to make a real post tomorrow!

We're trimming the Christmas tree right now, and I was fully prepared to have a nice-sized blog today. Maybe later this afternoon? Until then, here's a blog quiz to keep you interested in my life. <3

Your Famous Movie Kiss is from Romeo + Juliet

"Has my heart loved 'till now? Forswear it, sight! For I never saw a true beauty 'till this night."

What Famous Movie Kiss Are You?

I feel like Death

How can a cold/bug/flu come on so quickly? I was feeling GREAT yesterday, and last night when I went to bed I was fine as well. Around 2:00am, I woke up to the sound of me sawing a few logs off. I thought to myself, I don't usually snore unless I'm A) drunk B) exhausted or C) sick. I wasn't THAT tired, I hadn't drank anything, and then I tentatively swallowed and my body went:

"OUCH! YOU BITCH! WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!"

My throat was on FIRE and I couldn't swallow. Then I lifted my legs to get out of bed to get a glass of water, thinking it would help, and my body went:

"Um... why can't I move my legs? When did they turn into lead?"

Not good. I took some time off this morning, thinking the extra sleep would help. Nope, I feel like sludge. Like this big, mucusy blob of sludge.

I hope I'm feeling slightly better tomorrow... it's the office's Christmas dinner/party and I was so looking forward to attending. I'll still go, but how I'm feeling will decide how long I plan on staying. I only have 20 more days left of work - I've made it to the less than three weeks mark... and technically I'm only working 14 of those days. W00t. Two weeks left. Although now I'm really enjoying it, it kind of sucks. Figures that it would happen in my last few weeks of work. Blech.

22 days left until I am back in Halifax for Christmas... yippie!! I think I'm going to make truffles tonight. If I'm not dead by then.

The Passionate Shepherd to his Love

Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593)

Come live with me, and be my love;
And we will all the pleasures prove
That hills and valleys, dales and fields,
Woods or steepy mountain yields.

And we will sit upon the rocks,
Seeing the shepherds feed their flocks
By shallow rivers, to whose falls
Melodious birds sing madrigals.

And I will make thee beds of roses,
And a thousand fragrant posies;
A cap of flowers, and a kirtle
Embroider'd all with leaves of myrtle;

A gown made of the finest wool
Which from our pretty lambs we pull;
Fair-lined slippers for the cold,
With buckles of the purest gold;

A belt of straw and ivy-buds,
With coral clasps and amber studs:
An if these pleasures may thee move,
Come live with me, and be my love.

The shepherd-swains shall dance and sing
For they delight each May morning:
If these delights thy mind may move,
Then live with me, and be my love.

I'm ALIVE!

My anticipated week from hell has ended. It actually wasn't that bad, and I realized how much I missed working under pressure. The website is being presented to Senior Management today in anticipation of a soft launch. It makes me slightly sad that only ACOA staff will be able to view it, but that's 750 people, so it's a big step for me!!

I've read the entire Twilight series this week too... well... I actually read all four books in 2 days. I could NOT put them down! Stephanie Meyer is a GENIUS. Her writing isn't grandeous, it's not convoluted, it's just enough to make a lay person enjoy reading it. My friend told me that it read like fan fiction, and in a way it does. But you see, that's the appeal! I've thought about this, really. Her first person POV of an 18 year old girl who is so in love really does give the atmosphere of the novel that extra electricity that you need. Adding to that, she's included her draft of Midnight Sun, Twilight told in Edward's perspective. If you read Twilight, I highly recommend going to her website and reading the draft - it puts a whole new perspective on the story. I almost (note the key word, almost) wish I was still doing my English degree... I would LOVE to have a discussion about the series. In fact, I'm almost tempted to write a freaking paper on it. Yes, the dork really shines through on that one, I know.

My Weight watchers is going... okay. Not really strict on it, due to my current limitations, but I do have all my meals planned out for January, and I'm working on February! Woo hoo. Living so close to Campus really makes a difference, so I can go home for lunch. I think (*reminder to check my schedule!*)

I've seen Twilight in the theatres... and the book and movie are two completely different entities. I enjoy the movie for what it is, a movie. But nothing compares to the books - it will be interesting if they option the other 2 movies (eclipse and breaking dawn) to see how they'll make it work.

I've only got 24 more days left in Prince Edward Island, which is typical since I'm starting to get used to it. It was the same last summer. Apparetly my transition period is three months.

Figures.

My Promise to You!

I PROMISE I WILL POST ON MY BLOG

IN DEPTH

WHEN THIS CRAZY MOTHER-F***KING WEEK ENDS AT WORK.

That is all.

Love,
Heather

Day One: Success!!

I stayed on track last night! I didn't go over my points at all and I had room for a small bowl of icecream. How exciting!

Now if only today will go as well.... hmmm.

Motivation, motivation, motivation!

Bored & Eating Again already

Found a problem I can work on today. I eat when I'm bored. 

Ha. I say it as though it was new information. I know I eat when I'm bored, but I've got to figure out what to replace food with when I'm bored, or replace the food I used to eat (chips and dip and chocolates) at my desk with a healthier option. 

So I just at 1/2 a cup of baby carrots and now I'm enjoying half a bag of SmartPop popcorn. That should do me over until supper. Which will probably take up the majority of my points, but I won't eat very much of it and I'll make sure I have some zero point snacks this evening. Cause I'm allll out of my weekly allowence points. Boo on hot chocolate with 2% milk and fettucini alfredo. 

Twenty Months & I'm FAT!

I'm getting married in 20 months. That leaves me with 20 months to drop to my desired weight for my wedding, which is roughly 150 pounds. And yes, I will shout it out to the entire world how grossly obese I am - that's about 100 pounds to lose. 

Ohhh boy. Let out that can of worms, didn't I?

Man, I am faaatt. 150 is my "dream goal". I would be exstatic with being 175-180 for my wedding. But that's still over 50 to drop, and it starts TODAY.

No more binging. I know I won't go two years without McDonalds or icecream, chocolate, etc. But this time, I'm going to do it the smart way. 

Everything in moderation. Treat myself once a month to something that I enjoy such as a dinner out or something greasy, but not go overboard. Sure I can eat Kraft Dinner - just not the entire box - so instead have 1 cup with some veggies on the side. I can enjoy a slice of pizza, just not sit down and gobble down half of a party-sized pep & cheese from greco! 

I gotta get back into my loving relationship with vegetables again. I'm afraid I'm going to get scurvy. 

So, to my friends and my family - this is what I ask of you. Respect my decision to become a healthy person and try not to put bad food choices at me. Or if I decline on eating something that I know isn't good for me, don't call me "lame" or similar. 

Encourage my progress and understand that I want to live to be above the age of 50. I want kids, and I want to look f*cking hot on my wedding day. In fact, if you want to encourage me, become a buddy in my healthy lifestyle challenge! I know while not all my friends are "big", many are not "healthy" and it's always good to take care of yourself!

Along with my daily posts, there will be a paragraph at the bottom dedicated to my progress. I will try and not make it all about my lifestyle revolution, but it will now become a regular occurance on my blog.

Day 1: Oooh boy. I'm doing it again.

I lost 27 pounds last summer. I need to lose that PLUS a tonne more before July 17th, 2010. I did it once, I can do it again. The hardest part is remembering how I did it before I met Mike and how to get myself back into that pysche of becoming a healthier me. 

Today I had 1 cup of cereal and a coffee (with mostly milk instead of cream). For lunch, I just finished a really tasty veggie salad from Subway (I wonder how long they're remain tasty before I get burnt out on those. Oh I remember THAT.) 

Because I want to remain full, but not stuffed, I'm waiting 20 minutes before assessing if I had enough for my lunch. *(Which I did)*  

 

I have baby carrots for an afternoon snack at around 2:00 and I also picked up some SmartPop Popcorn to switch it up. Although eating popcorn (even 90% fat free) is not the best choice as it contains more sodium than your body can handle in a day which dehydrates you. 

I've done some exercises at my desk that work well (check out the article here.)  and I've found that they're actually pretty good! I'll add in some pushups and crunches tonight (I hope I can maintain the motivation to do it tonight instead of watching CSI: NY all night) and I should be good to go! 

I'm motivated for now, but I know it will fade. I've got to find ways to keep the motivational train going, and I'm looking for a buddy to join me on my Weight Watchers and exercising. If you're interested, email me.     

Happy Hump Day!

It's wednesday! Thanks GOD.

I've begun the countdown to go back to Halifax (like you guys didn't know already with the big, BLINKING countdown attached to my blog. Anyway, there is only 36 days left. In 5 days, I will only be down to ONE MONTH.

I cannot wait. Well, technically, I can, but I'm a jittering mass of excitement thinking about being back in my own apartment for more than 2 days at a time. This time Mr. and Mrs. Peters are coming with me, and they'll be staying in my apartment. I think I'm going to give them my keys and then I'm going to crash at Curtis' for the weekend to spend it with Mom, Curtis, Jennifer and Rebecca.

I found out on the news that a young woman was killed on a crosswalk on Barrington Street and Sackville two days ago. This woman was only 27 years old and was a co-worker of mine when I worked at Shoppers Drug Mart. She will be terribly missed - her life had only just begun. I remember seeing her the last time I was in Halifax. She was cooing over Rebecca and she, Mom and I just stood there for 10 minutes making silly baby noises about her. Jackyln was a bright spot in everyone's life and I know that there are many people out there, myself included, that are grieving over her loss. R.I.P.

The ABC's of Heather

A
Available: No
Age: 24
Annoyance: Backstabbers
Animal: Dog

B
Beer: Alexander Keiths
Birthday: January 25, 1984
Best Friends: In no particular order, Lindsey, Melanie, Melissa, Laura, Sarah, Amanda. I love all of my friends and consider them "best". There are no favourites with me :)
Body Part on opposite sex: Arms, eyes, lips
Best feeling in the world: Being loved
Blind or Deaf: Deaf
Best weather: Sun is shining, but not scorching
Been in Love: Yes
Been on stage?: Yes
Believe in Magic: Nope
Believe in Santa: I believe in the idea of him, but I know he's not real

C
Candy: Zingy Zaps
Color: Yellow
Chocolate/Vanilla: Vanilla
Chinese/Mexican: Mexican
Cake or pie: Pie
Continent to visit: Austrailia or Africa
Cheese: White Cheddar

D-
Day or Night: Day
Dance in the rain: I have, it's fun. But most people thought I was nuts.

E-
Eyes: Green
Everyone's got: to be freeeee
Ever failed a class?: No

F-
Full name: Heather Jean Chafe
First thoughts waking up: Snooozeee button is too far away
Food: I love it, and it loves me. Clearly.

G-
Greatest Fear: Dying before leaving some sort of legacy
Goals: To have children
Gum: I enjoy it.
Get along with your parents?: Most of the time!
Good luck charm: My fairy keyring. Goes everywhere with me.

H-
Hair Color: Medium brown
Height: Five foot seven
Happy: yes
Holiday: Halloween and Christmas.
How do you want to die: Let's not think about that shall we? Hopefully very, very old surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren

I
Ice Cream: Vanilla with crumbled oreos on top
Instrument: Trombone

J-
Jewelry: All gold and very blingy. Love my diamond ring the most.
Job: Junior Communications Officer, ACOA

K-
Kids: YES PLEASE! About 4 of them.
Kickboxing or karate: Kickboxing
Keep a journal?: A journal, a diary, a blog, a recipe book, I write everything down.

L
Love: Mike
Letter: I love getting them because they're so rare now.
Laughed so hard you cried: Mike made me laugh really hard in the car this weekend.

M-
Milk flavor: I was under the impression that milk tasted like MILK. So I'm going to say Skim.
Movies: Don't get to go to enough of them anymore.
Motion sickness?: Apparently only in a transport truck
McD’s or BK: McD's
Number of Siblings: 2
Number of Piercings: 3. Two in my ears, one in my nose.
Number: I dont know.
One wish: More wishes.

P-
Perfect Pizza: No crust, pep & cheese, thin crust
Pepsi/Coke: Pepsi!!

Q-
Quail: I've had it. Tastes like chicken.

R-
Reason to cry: When someone lets you down.
Reality T.V.: No thank you.
Radio Station: - C100
Roll your tongue in a circle?: Yep
Ring size: 8.5, moving towards a nine. Fatty McFatsters.

S-
Song: Right now I love Deborah Cox's "Beautiful You Are". All time favourite though would be a toss up between Spanish Train by Chris deBurgh or Layla by Derek & The Dominos
Shoe size: 10, 10.5
Salad Dressing: Ranch
Sushi: Mmm yum
Skipped school: Yes, yes I have
Slept outside: Yes I have
Smoked?: Yes I have
Skinny dipped?: ... not completely.
Shower daily?: Mostly. If not then 2ndaily.
Sing well?: Oh no. Most definately not.
In the shower?: When no one is home.
Strawberries/Blueberries: Strawberries!

T -
Time for bed: Used to be 12ish... now it's closer to 8 or 9. BURNT OUT B'YS!
Thunderstorms: HATES THEM! HATES, HATES, HATES 'EM!

U-
Unpredictable: Sarah MacLellan

V-
Vacation spot: London, England
Weakness: Puppies
Which one of your friends acts the most like you: None. No one would want to act like me lol.
Who makes you laugh the most: Melanie, Lindsey, Laura, Melissa and Crystal ... all the girls in my wedding party!
Worst feeling: Being let down or not knowing
Wanted to be a model?: Helll no.
Where do we go when we die?: I don't know
Worst Weather?: RAINING/SNOWING

X-
X-Rays: I'm radioactive I've had that many
Ex's: I'm friends with... most of them.

Y-
Year it is now: 2008
Yellow: is the best colour in the world!

Z-
Zoo animal: Lion

LAST PERSON WHO…

1. Slept in a bed beside you? Mike
2. You went to the mall with? Mike
3. You went to dinner with? Mom
4. You talked to on the phone? Mike
5. Made you laugh? Mike
6. Hugged you? Mom or Mike... can't remember
7. Said they loved you? Mike
8. Held your hand? Mike
9. Spoke with? a co-worker
10. You cried over? Mike more than likely.

Wow, Mike filled up the bulk of that last part. LOL!

Have I Been Living Under A Rock?

I totally did not know this!

Have-not is no more: N.L. off equalization
Move off equalization comes a year earlier than expected

Newfoundland and Labrador reached a milestone Monday by becoming a have province for the first time in its history as a Canadian province.

Premier Danny Williams released the news during a media conference, saying that figures released Monday by the federal finance department showed for the first time ever the province would not be receiving equalization payments from Ottawa.

"This is a very proud day for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I can tell you. We received information today from the federal government at the finance ministers' meeting that as a result of changes in the figures that as of today — which is a notification — but effectively this year Newfoundland and Labrador is now a have province. That's a momentous day for the people of this province."

In its April budget, the Newfoundland and Labrador projected that it would come off equalization, a federal program that ensures comparable levels of public service are provided across the country, at some point in 2009. Williams said government learned the move happened a year earlier than expected.

In April, Tom Marshall, then the minister of finance, said Newfoundland and Labrador residents should prepare for a "revolution between the years" because of the shift that should come with being a have province.

Williams said Newfoundland and Labrador is operating on its own resources and its own monies because of oil revenues, corporate income taxes, commodity prices and retail sales.

"Today is a significant day. It's a huge event," Williams said. "For 60 years we've been part of the great Canadian federation and we have been recipients of equalization payments from the Canadian government. Over the years we have been ridiculed for that. At times times we've been presented as the poor cousins in Canada. Now we can hold our heads high and feel very good about it … I consider it to be a very significant day for all the people of the province and I want to share this moment with them."

Monday's news finally fulfilled former premier Brian Peckford's prophecy made during his victory speech in 1982.

"I am more convinced than I have any time in the past that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians speak [with] one voice when we all say one day the sun will shine and have-not will be no more," Peckford said on April 6, 1982.

Ontario will qualify for $347 million in equalization payments next year.

GO NEWFOUNDLAND! I'm so proud right now!

I am going into hiding!

I've realized it is practically impossible to go back to Halifax for less than 36 usable hours and be able to see all the people I want. By the time I had spent some time with my mother and Rebecca, Mike was home and we ended up going home and going to BED. I realized Sunday morning that I had no available time to call Amanda OR Dee to hang out, and that I was just plain old exhausted.

I'm still exhausted.

I'm going back NEXT WEEKEND. I'm nuts right? No, Mr & Mrs. Peters are planning on going and he's going to be there delivering Friday and Mrs. Peters figured she'd hitch a ride with me, which makes the drive less unbearable having some company. She is also helping with gas so I know that going up next weekend will be less of a squeeze on my wallet. But after that, I am not planning any more trips back to Halifax until December 25th when I go back for good. I can't do it any more - three weekends in a row is nuts. I love seeing my mother, I love seeing my brother and sister-in-law. And I love seeing Rebecca, but this will be four weeks of non-stop going, going, going without a break. My body is screaming at me on a daily basis, "WHY ARE YOU HURTING ME! I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME! STOP WITH THE TORTURE OF HIGHLY CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES AND TWENTY MINUTE NAPS ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY!"

Yeah, that's right people. You heard me. Driving yesterday was a battle. It was grey, dreary, raining and foggy. To the left, I had the lovely scenery of grey nothingness. To the right, the same. And in front, I got to look at the arse end of a car and then peer off into an eternity of grey nothingness. I felt like I wasn't making any progress and then my eyes started to get sooo heavy. So by the time I got to Oxford, I pulled over and took a twenty minute nap on the side of the road.

Classy.

Once I got to Aulac, I went to the Irving Big Stop and bought some energy drinks and bought a very large extra-caffeinated coffee. I was wired for sound by the time I hit the bridge. Then a leisurely 40 minute drive and I was at my home away from home, where I proceeded to sit down in front of the TV and veg while watching Mythbusters and not wanting to move. I went to bed at 9 pm. Which is not normal for me. I'm in bed at midnight usally. T-minus 4 days until I'm doing is all over again.

Nuts, b'ys. I'm absolutely cracked.

I stole this idea from Sarah

No worries, I will do a real post soon.

You Are Uptown

You are classy, cultured, and well educated. You are an expert on the finer things in live. Your city girl persona loves all of the opportunities a city offers. But only in the best neighborhoods. You enjoy high end restaurants, the nicest shops, and quiet afternoons at the museum. Of all types, you are the most likely to have a solid career. You like being surrounded by professionals.

Are You An Uptown Girl or Downtown Girl?

You Are a Hazelnut Latte

You often having the craving for something exotic. You get bored easily. You are a true adventurer. Nothing makes you happier than traveling. You're a very cosmopolitan and worldly person. You have sophisticated tastes. You have a keen attention to detail. Little things matter to you - you are a bit of a perfectionist.

What Flavor Latte Are You?

You See the World Through Blue Colored Glasses

You live your life with tranquility. You have faith that things will work themselves out with time. You judge all your interactions through the lens of hope. You try to get all the facts before forming your opinion. You face challenges with wisdom. You know that all bad things pass, and you have the confidence to see problems through. You see love as the utmost expression of trust. Your relationships tend to be peaceful and stable. At your worst, you can be cool, melancholy, and detached. You sometimes have to step back from emotionally charged situations. You are at your happiest when you are able to reflect and relax.

What Color Glasses Do You See the World Through?

You Are Somewhat Closer to Your Family

Your family isn't perfect, but you wouldn't trade them for another family. And when it matters, your family is there for you. You have great friends, and your friends do play an important role in your life. But with your family, your connection is deeper and stronger than it could ever be with friends.

Are You Closer to Your Friends or Your Family?

Your Blog Should Be Yellow

You're a cheerful, upbeat blogger who tends to make everyone laugh. You are a great storyteller, and the first to post the latest funny link. You're also friendly and welcoming to everyone who comments on your blog.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

What Your Ideal Wedding Dress Says About You

Your Personal Style: Modern and simple. You like clothes to accentuate who you are, not overwhelm you. Your Ideal Wedding: A small ceremony at an old church with a beautiful flower garden Your Philosophy on Marriage: You can have a deep commitment without marriage. It's only a piece of paper. Your Perfect Marriage: Simply loving each other a little more every day

The Wedding Dress Test

Wedding Songs!

I know my wedding is like... 20 months away... but still. I've picked out two of my wedding party songs!! The song that Mike and I will have for our first dance is "We are Man and Wife" by Michelle Featherstone. The second song I've chosen is for the dance with my Dad. I've picked "Blsessed" by Elton John. One, because I love Elton John and I knew he had to be in there somewhere, and two, because the lyrics are wonderful. And I didn't want a song sung from the bride's point of view, but more from the father's POV.
Enjoy the videos of the songs (please ignore the One Tree Hill theme, it was the only one that had the entire song on it!!)

My weekend in Halifax!

Was absolutely amazing! I got to see my friends (except Amanda, boo) and spend time with my mom, Jennifer and Rebecca. Curtis was only home on Tuesday because he had been out on business, but because I left something back in my apartment that I need while I'm here in PEI, I've got to go back this weekend. No, it wasn't intentional lol. [ ;) ]

Fourty two days until I'm back in Halifax for good and then fourty-six days until I'm back in Newfoundland! I can't wait to see Melanie, Lindsey, Laura and Melissa!! I'm also really excited to go on a road trip with my baby that's not in a transport truck!!

I went out Monday night for drinks and realized how freaking OLD I am. By 11:30 I was dying and had to go home. Mike had to put me to bed I was feeling that sick. I guess I can't do it like I used to, and that doesn't really bother me all that much! I'd much rather stay at home and chill out than go out drinking. There's really not that much fun in it for me anymore. I don't know if it's because I'm with Mike now, or if it's just the natural progression of me being a mature adult. Who knows. I know there are people who'll go out partying every weekend while they're in their thirties, but that's just not for me.

Anyway, I've got to go post on my other blog on what's inspiring me today!! Talk to you guys later on!

I'm coming home!!

In 3.5 hours, I will be on my way to Halifax to spend 4 glorious days with my mom, my sister-in-law and my absolutely, positively gorgeous neice, Rebecca. I can not wait. I will also have the opportunity to visit my friends and spend some quality time with my apartment. I miss my apartment. I miss... cleaning my apartment. LOL!

So my last post was rather depressing, and one of my friends has suggested that I do something about it. I'm not sure what to do, really. But I promised her I would think long and hard about eating my share of crow. Mmm, that sure looks good. We'll see.

This blog has certianly managed to put a stopper in the serious downward spiral of depression I was headed into. It kind of ebbs and flows now instead of rushing at me at 100 miles an hour like a gyser. Creative outlets are good for the soul I guess. I'm going to start writing again - and this time it won't be under the idea that I want to publish it - it will be for me. It may suck, who knows. But at least it will be mine.

For now, I'm going to leave you all with a favourite quote of mine, by John Ruskin:

"Do not think of your faults, still less of other's faults; look for what is good and strong, and try to imitate it. Your faults will drop off, like dead leaves, when their time comes."

What Inspires You?

For me, it's my family. They can, in a single day, infuriate me to the point of desiring a divorce from them, or make me feel as though I'm the most cherished person on the planet. Such is the way with families I guess.

I will be embarking to Halifax in 1.5 days to visit my mother. I'm extremely excited, I haven't seen her since July. I'm also excited to be spending more than one night in my apartment. It's starting to feel more like a hotel than my home.

I said that my family inspires me, but I consider my friends to be a part of my family as well. I'm counting down the days to get back to St. John's to be with my closest friends. No matter where we are in the world, or how long it's been since we've talked or seen each other, it feels like it's only been hours since we've last talked. Our lives our moving in different directions and we're all doing such different things, but the one thing always remains the same - we're always there for each other no matter what.

I'm such a sentimental sap! :)

May Our Friendship Last Forever

May our friendship last forever
by Nicholas Gordon

May our friendship last forever;
May I sail upon your sea.
May we go through life together;
May there always be a "we."
May I be your endless sky;
May you breathe my gentle air.
May you never wonder why
Each time you look for me, I'm there.

May we be for each a smile
Like the warm, life-giving sun;
Yet when we're in pain awhile,
May our suffering be one.

May we share our special days,
The happiness of one for two;
And if we must go separate ways,
Let my love remain with you.

---------

I really do miss old friends.

New Layout!

Because there is only FIFTY days left until Christmas (yes, you heard me! Only fifty!) I've changed my layout on the blog to reflect a Holiday spirit. There were some really good choices, and some really, really bad choices, but I think this one suits me best.

Let me know what you think!

On a side note, Go Obama!

I know I'm not American, but I would like to extend a big congratulations to Barack Obama, President-elect of the United States of America.

The reason I care is that it's a huge win for racial harmony within the United States. Obama's family looks like a United Nations convention! Being the first "black President" is a major milestone and with this, I have many hopes for the future.

Way to go Obama!

Happy Guy Fawkes Night!

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I can think of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!


So you ask, what the *&^% does that mean? Well, 1) if you're from Newfoundland, you should automatically know. 2) If you've travelled to Britain during the fall at any time in your life, you should already know.


For my woefully unknowing fans out there, let me give you a brief history lesson. I will try to make it as short as possible.

In 1605, a plot to blow up Parliament was discovered in England. The conspirators were a group of Catholic who were against Protestant King James I of England. The attack was meant to wipe out the entire protestant royal family during the State Opening on November 5, 1605. A tip-off lead authorities to the underground of Parliament on November 4th where they found Guy Fawkes and many, many barrels of gunpowder and other items to be used in the explosion. Interrogations led to the arrest of seven other men. Tried and found guilty, all men were hung, drawn and quartered.

This is now called "Guy Fawkes Night" in celebration of the event. Why do we celebrate it? I'm not entirely sure - what I do know is that it was once a very special day for all subjects of the United Kingdom and it's Dominions. Newfoundland did not join Canada until 1949, and the custom of lighting a bonfire on November 5th remains strong within the province today. I'm sure today it's just an excuse to light a big fire, drink some beer and maybe try your hand a little arson.

Since I can't go to Middle Cove beach tonight with my friends and have a bonfire, I am celebrating Guy Fawkes night on my blog, and I hope that everyone enjoys tonight!!

All By Myself

No, I'm not planing on breaking out into Celine Dion or any other person who has done that song. I've been avoiding thinking about this all weekend, but it's time to face the facts. Winter is coming - Mike's parked his motorcycle for the season here in PEI and is borrowing his father's old beat up truck to head back to Nova Scotia. But the thing is, the truck is that unreliable, he won't risk coming back and forth from NS to PEI with it. So that means I've got 50 days, give or take a couple, by myself here on PEI without my finace. I've been having a rough enough time without him when he's only gone for 6-10 days. I can't imagine how I'm going to handle FIFTY.

Maybe if I pretend that he'll be coming home any day... no, that won't work. I'll drive myself crazy doing that.

I was talking to my friend Melanie the other day, and asked her if she would consider coming to Halifax for an extended visit of a couple of weeks where I haven't seen her in about 3 years. She said no, flat out. I was a little taken back, and asked why. She said she knew she couldn't go that long without her boyfriend, Joey. I laughed at her, but now I understand. Fifty days is an awful long time. And some people will say "yada yada yada, it'll make you stronger" and then I say, "Please go srew yourself". Even after a year and a half, I hate being away from him. I hope that feeling never leaves, but I dislike having to be put through these situations where I'm forced to feel this way.

I love this job - it's the main reason I'm here. But I just wish that things could be easier. It seems that when things are going well in my professional life, my personal life goes down the tube. And vise versa!

I've got plenty to keep me occupied - but it won't be the same. Oh well. Enough about that. I'll blog more today about other stuff. Gonna have to, to lighten the mood!! :)

Love to all,
Heather -xo-

Just because I want to

10 YEARS AGO I...
1. Was flunking out of jr. high school
2. Acting out against my parents
3. Getting ready for high school
4. Living at home with my family
5. Worrying about if the time would ever come that I'd get my licence
6. Wondering what job I'd have in a year's time when I hit 16
7. Planning a trip to Woodstock, Ontario to spend the summer with my brother and his girlfriend
8. Loving my puppies, Zach and Fifi
9. Dating boys
10. Loving the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, 98*, etc.


5 THINGS ON TODAY'S TO DO LIST...
1. Finish up the archive section of PEI ACOA's website
2. Find the time to wrap my fiance's birthday present
3. Tell said Fiance Happy Birthday again, and again, and again
4. Find out who will be in Stephen Harper's new Cabinet
5. Call my mother back home.


5 THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE...
1. Pay off my loans, my fiance's loans, my sisters loans, and my parents loans
2. Buy houses in the three provinces I live in: NL, NS, and PEI
3. Pay for the dream wedding I want
4. Take my friends and family on a trip around the world.
5. Donate money to my favourite charities.

5 PLACES I HAVE LIVED...
1. Portugal Cove, Newfoundland
2. Old Harlow, England
3. Halifax, Nova Scotia
4. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
5. Tracadie, Prince Edward Island


5 JOBS I HAVE HAD...
1. Cashier, Zellers
2. Border Officer, CBSA (Boo)
3. Communications Assistant, Veterans Affairs
4. Junior Communications Assistant, Fisheries and Oceans
5. Junior Communications Officer, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

On a side note, Harper has announced his cabinet and ACOA's been demoted from a full Ministry to a Minister of State. Check out the new cabinet here

Harper set to announce new Cabinet

Stephen Harper is set to announce his new cabinet today. Which is good. For me. I work for the GoC, and have on and off since 2006 through my co-ops with MSVU and the FSWEP program (Boo CBSA). So announcing a new cabinet means we can get going on some long awaited announcements to roll out. Anyway, read the story here.

Pictures of his Accident - Drivers Beware!

Here are the pictures from his accident. It happened on Highway 401 near Maitland, Ontario. A truck had gotten into a fender-bender (big truck) about 15-20 minutes beforehand, and instead of pulling over to the shoulder which is what he legally was supposed to do, he put his 4 way flashers on and stayed in the middle lane of highway 401.

For anyone who has driven or seen Highway 401, it is not a 2 lane highway. It is a superhighway, with anywhere between 4-20 lanes depending on how close to the GTA you are. Stopping in the middle of the lane was idiotic, and the driver should have been aressted. But I digress.

Mike was travelling through blistery conditions - not a blizzard, but snow was starting to fall and he wanted to get out of the storm before it got worse. As he was driving along the highway, it started to come down thicker and faster, and he realized he would have to pull over at the nearest truck stop and wait for it to pass. He didn't make it that far. Coming up onto the highway he suddenly saw the stopped transport truck and had no time to put on his brakes. He made the split second decision to turn the truck to the left and he knew he was going to hit.

The pictures below are somewhat difficult to look at. The red stuff is salsa sauce, the cargo he was carring, not blood as reported by earlier media. I tried to find archives of any stories, but I guess a 10 car pile up on the 401 isn't that important.

**VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!**

This is Mike's truck, the roof came completely off and the only part not destroyed was the drivers side

Other vehicles involved in the pile up

February 2006

A close up of Mike's truck after the accident

I'm very surprised someone wasn't seriously hurt

Today feels like Thursday

That's what a co-worker said to me today. She explained that Tuesday felt like Monday, and today (Wednesday) felt like Thursday. It shouldn't make any sense to me, but I completely understand. I wish today was Thursday, because it would be one less day until I see my fiance.

He got sleepy last night 30 minutes before he got to Detroit and went to bed early. Thank god for that - apparently the worst of the storm, that he was headed into (from my earlier post) was worst during the time he should have been driving, but because he knew better than to drive sleepy, he missed the bulk of it and now there is only a light layer of slush on the highways. Dangerous, yes, but far from the whiteout and hazardous conditions he was planning on driving through.

I'm asking him if he minds if I post the pictures of his wreck on this blog. I feel that it should be shown how dangerous winter driving can be, and how important it is that people take their time when driving during snowy wintery conditions.

Friday is Halloween! I'm so excited that I'm planning on doing a Halloween picture post sometime today. I take my pictures from deviantart.com - more than likely I'm breaking some copyright laws, but I try and credit where credit is due, and not post anything that explicitly says I'm not allowed. :)

I just got a message from Mike that says he made it through the trickiest part of the remnants of the storm, and it should be clear sailing all the way home. Yay!

I hate winter!!

I used to love winter for a plethora of reasons.

1. You can always add layers when you're cold. There's only so much you can take off when you're hot during the summer.
2. I love the smell of a fireplace - it's romantic.
3. Christmas - 'nuff said.
4. My birthday is January 25th, and that was the primary reason why I liked winter.
5. Hot chocolate with marshmallows
6. Skating on frozen ponds, lakes and sometimes arenas ( I love the days when the arena is warmer than outside, it's such an oxymoron!)
7. Really big fat snowflakes falling outside your window

That's why I used to love winter. Now I hate winter. For one reason, and one reason only.


My fiance is long-haul truck driver who drives in Spring, Summer, Fall and WINTER! Picture this: driving an 18-wheeler truck with 45,000 pounds of cargo in the back through a snow storm. Do you know how long it takes one of those trucks to come to a complete stop... in the summer? Imagine what it would be like in 3-5 inches of snow!


Since going out with Mike, my daily habit involves checking the weather forecast. This was not done before I met him - I check it every single day. And during the winter, I develop a case of OCD and check it up to 2 dozen times. Once an hour. Every hour.


You see, Mike got into an accident in February 2006. No one was hurt, but media reported that everyone in the accident had died because it looked so bad. He was carrying over 40,000 pounds of salsa in his trailer and when it crashed, all the bottles exploded, and it looked like like blood all over the snow. The only part of his truck that wasn't damaged was the driver's side. If he had a passenger, they wouldn't have made it. Someone took pictures of the accident and I look at them every now and then and wonder how it's possible he lived through that. Even listening to metal crunching makes him cringe and he gets a little shaky when he hears about truckers who get into accidents. But yet, he got back out there. He got into the seat of another truck and continued doing what he was doing within two weeks of his accident. I admire him for that, but I also have small heart attacks when I think about him out there in the snow.


There is a snowsquall warning for Southern Ontario and Quebec tonight, heading straight into and through Wednesday. Mike is currently driving through Illinois, crossing into Canada sometime early tomorrow morning to deliver in Quebec. To do this, he has to drive straight through the snowsquall.

I have faith in his driving capabilities, but I don't trust the other arseholes out there who drive recklessly in conditions like this. I've been in the truck with him during bad winter weather, and he can handle the situation, but I've seen on more than one occasion where a driver has intentionally made bad driving decisions because they don't want to be behind or around "a big truck".


PEOPLE! Think about it! If a deer crosses
your path, your little car is completely F*CKED! It will damage a big truck, it may even put it off the road, but it won't hurt anyone. If you were smart enough to get your licence, then you should know that if a truck is that big, you don't want to do stupid things around it. It's PHYSICS! Doing something stupid equals your car/truck/SUV becoming a STAPLE when you get into an accident with a big truck.


Yes, I'm ranting now, but it seriously bothers me when I see stupid people of all ages, races, and sex drive erratically around big trucks. There should be a common sense test to go along with the drivers test to make sure the dumb f*cktards out there should actually be allowed to drive.


Okay, rant completed.


I'm crossing my fingers that Mike will be okay driving through Ontario and Quebec tomorrow, and I'm hoping that my mother will be able to fly out of Toronto tomorrow and have no problems getting home.

Optimism

So, like I said in my last post, I woke up this morning feeling pretty good. And then I started talking about loneliness which is really not what I wanted to do, but then again, when you start typing things don't always go as planned. So, as my title explains, I'm optimistic. And here's why:

• I'll be seeing my finance, Mike, in 3 days which is exciting.
• I may be able to go home for a few days to see two of my closest friends during Christmas.
• I have the photographer booked for my wedding! (http://www.livethemomentphotography.com/)
• In 10 days, I will be spending 3.5 days with my mother, my brother, my sister-in-law and my absolutely gorgeous nice, Rebecca. (Isn't she the most beautiful little girl EVER?!)

So that's what I have to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. Also, it's Halloween soon and I am anticipating sitting down with my baby and watching back to back scary movies. Nightmare on Elm Street, anyone?

*Edit: Gauging from Sarah's response to my list, I will add one more.

• SPEND TIME WITH SARAH.

There you go.

The Definition of Lonely

So I woke up this morning not feeling like a complete and utter piece of crap. Which is a vast improvement from the previous 8 weeks when I wake up and I just don't want to get out of bed.

Living here is.. hard. I knew it would be, but the hardest part is that now I'm constantly surrounded by all of these people... and I've never felt more alone. How is that possible? Because I am a dork, I looked up the definition of lonely, and this is what I found:


lacking companions or companionship;


But see, that doesn't apply to me. I have companions and companionship, so why do I feel so lonely over here? I get to Halifax at least once every three weeks, and my finance, Mike (whom you shall be hearing more about over the coming weeks I'm sure). It's just one of those things that doesn't make sense.

Oh well... all that is important, is that I feel good today - better than yesterday and much better than the day before. I suppose when you're that low, there's no where else to go but up?

I would be happier if...

I had something to take care of. Like a dog. A puppy, even. I have wanted a dog for the past 12 months, and the desire is becoming more and more fierce every time I look out the window and I see happy pet-owners with their puppies enjoying the little things in life.

Granted, I wouldn't enjoy house-training or obedience, but it comes with the package right? What also comes in the package is this thing that will love you, no matter how screwed up you are. It will adore you, love you, and do anything for you. All you have to do is show that you love it back.

I would have no issues with that - if someone asked a friend, they'd tell them I'm a big softy underneath this hard exterior.

It's just that my life is so lonely right now. Either my fiance comes off the road, or I get a wriggling fuzzy ball of fur to greet me every time I open the door with licks and a wagging tail, or I'm going to lose my mind!

Welcome to my Blog!

I'm following the bandwagon. I've had a blog since 2006, but like many things in life, I stopped being diligent with it and let it accumulate many inches of dust. However, I've revamped the design, and the idea of it and am hopefully now going to be a little more persistent with it.

My blog will be about me, my thoughts, feelings, ideas, stories, poems, etc. Basically a way to show the world: here I am, I exist.

Sometimes it will be happy - other times it won't be. I won't apologize for anything I write but I will always have an open mind and will not be reduced to saying anything that will hurt someone's feelings. There will be no personal attacks here, just general ones ;)

Take a look at my friends blogs while you're at it:

Storm Before The Calm (If Sarah keeps changing her blog title, I'm going to kill her)

…through the looking glass…

I'm hoping to use this blog to keep my mind active during a time when all I have to do is think about things that frankly make me want to crawl into a cave and not leave it until the year 2050.

Cheers!