"Luff...twue luff...may it fowwow you, fowevah..."

I decided that today would be the perfect day to clean my room, as it is not the best day outside, my brother had company, and I didn't have to work. Unfortunately, I am easily distracted. I did clean my room, somewhat. There's still more to do, but I did get 2 boxes of stuff out of there (mostly work from this past year) and one whole garbage bag. Where did all of that come from, anyway?!

I watched Princess Bride today, for about the millionth time. Best movie ever. Although I'm told that I am horrible with jokes and quotes from movies, I can confidently say that I know the majority of Princess Bride off by heart.

I will hold back my urge to blog about yesterday's election, except for several quick points. I am glad that I voted, even though it's a real bummer to see no one else seemed to vote like me...? *wonders if everyone has lost their minds*. Oh well. There's always next election...

"If I'm Flarky, then you're Gurple..."

I must apologize for an error in one of my last entries. I said that the Absolutely Absurd Party of Canada was a party that is running in this current election. Although it IS a viable party, it has been deregistered by Elections Canada. Also, the Popular Party of Whores was not found on the Elections Canada website. It seems that they suffered a similar fate. Thank you, Chris, for checking up on this.

What I have been listening to this month:
- Hot Hot Heat's "Make Up the Breakdown" - Great driving cd. Great dancing cd. Great cd.
- Weezer's "Pinkerton" - Dark. Depressing. Great.
- Franz Ferdinand's "Franz Ferdinand" - Happy cd, very good live.

Ok. So 2/3 of the cds aren't "new." I don't care. I listen to what's good. I recommend all of these cds. And more... duh duh duuuuh. I just wish we could listen to *good* music at work - I'm sooo sick of Josh Groban, Jesse Cook, Norah Jones and Dido. Originally, I liked these cds. Well, "liked" is a strong word. They were catchy and I could stand them. But now... even THINKING about these artists makes me cringe. We played Sloan once, No Doubt once... but we got in trouble. Apparently, customers are easily offended. Who knew?

*dying of laughter*

I'm not a fan of Jay Leno, but I like reading the Headlines that he does on his show. On today's trip to see what's new, I came across the section called "Ask the Fruitcake Lady." Now, I apologize if everyone watches the show or knows of her, but this is too damn funny not to tell you all about. You MUST watch these clips.

Go.

NOW.

Only a few days away...

Election time is again upon us. Unlike a lot of young voters, I'm looking forward to the responsibility of voting. I can't understand why someone wouldn't vote. A friend of mine had a letter published in the Star a few weeks ago, explaining that he thinks that young voters feel that voting is useless, as a) nothing gets done, anyway, and b) what's the point in one measly vote? While I agree that a lot of promises that are made are never fulfilled, this is no excuse not to vote. Secondly, one vote may mean a lot. My dad said that in his riding, it is expected that the Liberal and Conservative parties will be very close. Every vote, in a case like this, will count. Unfortunately, these reasons will deter a lot of would-be voters, and soon-to-be bitchers.

On a related note, Gillian sent me an email with info about the different parties that are running in this election (email me if you want me to send you a copy - it's a worthwhile read) (and thanks, Gillian, for putting the time into it!). There were several that seemed out of place, including The Absolutely Absurd Party of Canada. It's sad that a joke like this can be taken seriously as an actual party.

Their platform (summarized from their website ):

- Make all authority figures especially cops and rent-a-cops wear polyester leisure suits,
- The official language of parliament will be known as Gibberish,
- All security cameras will be turned inside out so that we can finally see who really is watching us,
- The death penalty will be applied only to dead people,
- Replace the Queen with Don Cherry on all currency,
- February will become known as sex month and all individuals of legal consenting age will be given the time needed away from work to fully enjoy the benefits of a vigorous romp with their chosen other,
- We plan to rewrite the NAFTA agreement to state that Mexico and The USA must supply all Canadians with that all-important first meal of the day: Breakfast.

Ok, so it's funny. But still. Voting is a serious matter. I take it all back now. How are we expected to take voting seriously when there are parties like this, as well as the Parti Populaire des Putes (Popular Party of Whores)?? Do away with the joke parties, and get down to business: make our country a better place.

There are freakin' 5944 members on the "official" HoL forum!! *mind explodes due to massive nerdiness*

My feet... HURT

I apologize in advance for the Chapters talk...

A young man came in today, wanting to buy a combination lock. Apparently, no one told him that we aren't affiliated with Grand and Toy.

A woman wanted to know where the "Women's Section" is, to which I asked "Do you mean Women's Health, or the Women's Studies?" She looked at me like I was crazy, and said, "No, I meant, like *thinks for a moment*, like, the Shopaholic books." I wanted to say, "Yeah, I think they should be separated from the Literature too. Look under K, for Kinsella...or Krap."

Today is THURSDAY!!! Which means it's almost Friday, which means I have no work for 2 days! It's been a very long week, and I just want it to end. I have no idea what I will be doing tomorrow, except seeing Chris. I suspect sleeping in will be one option, reading outside, I'm sure. I'm almost finished (well, about 3/4) House of Leaves.

Being curious, I entered House of Leaves into a Yahoo search. There were a LOT of hits. I can't believe the number of forums! People are CRAZY - trying to hunt down the FICTITIOUS house, wondering what it would be like as a movie (to which one fan posts: "The House already IS a film. You just have to have an imagination."...sigh), poems about the arbitrary number of cats in the book, etc. I'm surprised this book is so... popular. I thought it just looked cool when I picked it up off of the shelf. I am even more intrigued...

My nrain is bumb...

I am truly exhausted. Waking up at 5 to a massive sneezing and snot fest, then pilates for 45 minutes, and work all day. Lugging boxes, too. My brain is officially mush. And I work again tomorrow... HELP ME... hehe.

I'm told that I only talk about work on my BLOG. I really wish I had more enlightening things to say, and that I could come up with some brilliant philosophical theory. But... you're going to have to put up with me until then. :)

Why are people so stupid??

And yes, this blog is the direct result of work tonight.

"Did someone offer to help you tonight?", I ask politely (well, as politely as possible). "Yes, *woman turns around and looks around the store*, someone up by the books." DUUUUH. I don't know if she noticed, but it is a bookstore, hence there is more than just one section with books. Not that it matters... it's a survey.

Tonight, this man purchased two copies of "My Life" by Bill Clinton, which some co-workers have dubbed "My Lie." I went through the IRewards rant, and afterwards he said "No thanks, I don't read. I mean, I can't read." He kinda frowned, and that made me a bit sad. But why was he buying the books in the first place? Who knows. He then added, "I pretty much only watch tv all day. You know, the 400+ channels, the pornos." Thanks. Too much info...

There was a woman last night who wanted to return a book without a receipt. This is usually not allowed. What made it worse was that the book was a final sale, as it was a workbook (and they're notorious for being photocopied). To make a long story short, she didn't get a refund or exchange on it, and was told to go back to the store that told her she COULD return/refund/exchange it and complain. The next woman in line had a similar workbook, and we somewhat joked about the previous woman and her "misfortune." This second woman understood the no refund policy, and, to seal the deal, I stamped the receipt with the "Final Sale" stamp. Flash forward two hours: The second woman returns, and DEMANDS a refund, as she thinks that the woman in front of her was mistreated, and she did not want to go through the trouble of returning the non-returnable book, yet she was returning the book. It made NO sense. Flash forward half an hour: An extremely pissed off and frustrated cash crew do the refund by request of the manager, and the woman walks off with her money and (I'm sure) photocopies of the book. *growl*. I don't know if that made sense to YOU, but it really boils my blood.

Besides that... Nothing is new. I saw Mellie on a commercial for CTV News' Federal Election coverage. I thought I was crazy at first, but then I read in her blog that it was, indeed, her. My Mellie is a tv star!! I want an autograph when you get 'discovered'... hehe

one more thing...

While brushing my hair this morning, I discovered that I have a really bad burn on the top of my head, where my hair is parted. It must be from the family reunion. Sigh. I can hear Dad now: "You should have borrowed a hat!"

Yes.

I know that now, thanks... hehe.

"Is this *point to book label with "Canadian: $6.50"* the price?"

I don't know what's wrong with me today. Everything's getting on my nerves... especially dumb people. I was snapping at some kid because he kept following me with a foreign language tape + booklet and asking if he could open it. He couldn't let it go with only one "no"... no, he had to ask five bloody times. And THEN complain and whine.

I think this is all due to a massive lack of sleep last night.

I was asked to work Wednesday, which was my day off. Randall said that he wanted me to do some stockroom work due to my "good judgment." I think he was sucking up because no one else wants to spend 8 1/2 hours in the dustiest and hottest place on earth. Yes, shower me with pity.

The Bill Clinton book comes out tomorrow. I got a sneak peek: It sucks. And the pictures of his mom are really really ugly. And the book sucks. Did I mention the book received reviews that can only be described with an action: *shudder*? Who wants to know every aspect of Billy-boy's life? I sure don't, I just want him to disappear. I think that the whole Monica thing will be his legacy. I mean, what else did he do while in office? Really...?

"Now, breathe out while you exhale..."

That pilates is wearing me out, man. I had the weekend to relax, and I'm really feeling the workout today... hehe.

I've spent the last hour and a half trying to decide my courses for next year. I'm finished with the Fall Session: Classical Mythology (a first year intro course, I'm interested in the later Classical Studies courses, as well, so if this goes well then I know of a few "fun courses" for the future), Intro to Shakespeare (most of the plays I've already studied), Romanticism, Canadian Literature, and the Victorian Novel. I have one hour of class on Fri (the myth one), which sucks, but it's not early in the morning ( it's from 11-12). The Spring Session, though, is a bit more difficult. There is no selection at ALL for Spring courses, as it is assumed that one will take the Intro course in the Fall session (all of which are conflicting with courses I need or aren't at convenient times). So far, I have: the Early Novel (which I wouldn't mind changing...), Studies in Shakespeare (more of the historical plays), A Nation in Writing (Canadian lit, again), Gender and Genre (about the roles of women in literature) and Creative Writing. But I'm not guaranteed to be accepted into the writing course, so I'd like a back-up plan. If I like the myth course, I may take the second half about heroes. Who knows?

I work in just over an hour... maybe I should get ready, and changed out of my pajamas? I'm so lazy... hehe.

MUAH

Before I forget, I'd like to wish Chris a GREAT 21st birthday (which is tomorrow, but I don't think I'll be online before then). I love you, sweetie!

Sand is overrated. It's just tiny little rocks

Just got back from my family's reunion. It was soooo tiring. The weather wasn't cooperating, either, as one moment it was glorious due to the sunshine, the next horribly cold and winter-like. We played badminton, despite the gusts of wind that often pulled the birdie backwards and into the player's face. My "team" (consisting of a second cousin) won a gold medal for winning a game against all odds. I'm really tired. I slept for most of the car ride home, listening to Hawksley Workman, and woke up for the last few seconds of "Safe and Sound" - a song about a passenger in a car who sleeps during a car ride through several small towns. "You slept through the last small town... I'll wake you up when the next one comes around..." I felt like it was for me... hehe.

Now that I'm back, I'm starting to worry about work. I mean, I did tell them that I couldn't work today, and they did take me off the schedule, but I'm worried that by not finding a sub, I was therefore expected to work. I guess I'll find out at the start of my next shift on Monday...

Chris and I saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for the fourth time yesterday, and I'm surprised that I'm not sick of it (although I admit that I groaned when Chris asked me to see it for the second time this week). It's an awesome bizarre love story. A must see for anyone who is in a relationship, even those who will eventually erase every memory of its existence.

"Like, oh my GOD, I LOVE that bag!"

While shelving at work today, I came across an Elle 'Girl' magazine - a teenybopper version of the egocentric adult magazine of the same name. What bothered me about the magazine was not its cover of a scantily clad girl nor its shameless advertisements, but its slogan: "Dare to be different." I think that this is a positive message for girls, and I'm glad that a magazine is finally coming out and promoting one's unique personality. However, one look at the content of the magazine is enough to show that the slogan is nothing more than a hoax. "Check out our new favorite fashionista and rate her every look." (Italics mine)."How to get those old-Hollywood cascading curls." "Quiz: Are YOU a beach goddess?" These are only some of the columns, and definitely not the most damning. Yes... be like us, but remember, you ARE different. Puh-lease. I understand that the magazine isn't telling girls who to be, exactly, but it is displaying a limited number of "acceptable" routes in life, including relationships and especially one's style and looks. There are SO many magazines like this in the world, and I admit that I was once a victim in the Seventeen Magazine craze when I was younger, but girls should not be kidded into thinking that these kinds of magazines are harmless entertainment –it's just one more outlet for media's ever-increasing attempt to diminish the world's remaining shreds of self-confidence and security.

Thank you.

I'm done for now...

"Do you feel skinnier?" "No, I feel hurtier"

Al and I have been doing pilates in the morning. While I feel energized during the day, my limbs feel as heavy as bricks during and right after the 45 minute workout. However, it is worth it, as we will soon be able to wear bikinis without fear of persecution. *wink*

So so so so so so so much!

I am moved to tears over Chris's latest blog. Indeed, today is our three and a half year anniversary, and while it is unnecessary at this point in our relationship to count the months, I still think that this should be acknowledged. Despite our disagreements over the years, our idiosyncrasies, and the fact that we have spent the majority of our 'difficult' teenager years together, our love constantly grows and deepens with every day (if not moment) that passes. Only you could know how much you mean to me, as I know that you feel the same. I feel truly lucky to have such a caring, loving and sensitive boyfriend. Sometimes I wonder when I will wake up from this dream...

That said, thank you, Love, for a terrific three and a half years. My heart is and has always been yours. I love you more than ever. Happy Anniversary.

"It's like a rock concert for your nose"

This afternoon, while walking back from the RT, I saw a man sitting on the hill with a groundhog in his lap. He was petting it and feeding it as if the animal were a dog or cat. Cute, but strange.

The Franz Ferdinand concert last night was great. Lots of dancing! I can't decide whether watching the band or the audience is more fun... There were a lot of REALLY pathetic dancers last night. Like, the worst dancing couple EVER was in front of us. She was kind of jumping/skipping from side to side, and sorta tossing her head like a horse. Her guy was playing some mad air guitar. Great stuff.

Tonight is my first shift since last week. I like not working...

Quick note here: if this crush-slash-swooning stuff is hard for you to stomach; if you've never had a similar experience, then you should come to grips with the fact that you've got a TV dinner for a heart and might want to consider climbing inside a microwave and turning it on high for at least an hour, which if you do consider only goes to show what kind of idiot you truly are because microwaves are way too small for anyone, let alone you, to climb into.
Quick second note: if that last paragraph didn't apply to you, you may skip it and proceed to this next part
- excerpt from House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

I don't know what it is about that paragraph... I just liked it. The one down side to this book is that the editor's footnotes are all one sentence. It gets hard to read sometimes.

Today, Mom tried some of my sushi pizza. I think she liked it. I think that it's good to explore other foods, and things that seem "different" to you. It takes a lot of courage sometimes... hehe. Maybe next time I can work her up to trying a California Roll...?

It was a nice day today. I sat in the backyard for a long time, reading my various books. The next door neighbour, at one point, turned up his radio and started to sing VERY loudly. It was hard not to laugh. But good for him, testing out his mad vocal abilities before hitting the karaoke bar tonight.

We heard that noise again tonight. The almost growl-like noise we have heard coming from the hallway upstairs. It happened about 20 minutes ago. It sounded like it was just over my head. Apparently, it wasn't Jess, as she was in Mom and Jon's room sleeping at the time. Maybe my house is turning into the house on Ash Lane... It'll be a matter of days before we spot the first unaccounted for door, then hallway...

"Do you work here?" "Um... *looks at name tag* No. Do you?"

Today I worked all day - 11 to 8. I felt like I've wasted the day. I woke up feeling SO sick, too. Ugh. Stupid nose, I wish I could cut it off! I am convinced that I'm allergic to something at Chris' house. But what? Could it be the moldy spaghetti sauce? *wink*

At work, we have a new "duty" in the alcove near the front of the store. We have to approach everyone that comes into the store, and ask them if they've read the specially chosen book of the day (today it was The Rule of Four, which is basically a spin-off of The Di Vinci Code). I always find it hilarious that, upon entering the store and seeing an employee holding random merchandise and coming closer, people get quite possibly the most terrified expression on their faces!

A young man approached me today as I was shelving in the kids section, and said, "I found a book on the computer, and I can't find it in the store. Where can I find it?" I wanted to pretend that I didn't hear him.

An old man came up to me when I was pulling returns in the computer section, and rudely asked where the Access Database books are... like I know. So I checked on the computer, and showed him where they could be found. He seemed happy. Then, out of nowhere, he storms up to me and says, "So, there's no price on there. I assume, then, that they're discounted. But where are the discounted prices?" How does one respond to that? Seriously. I had NO freakin' clue as to what he was referring to, nor did I want to get in his way, as the more he was talking, the more he was getting into it. I just kinda nodded, told him the "real" price, and let him stew over that for a while.

Something else must have happened today? I don't honestly remember. It wasn't the best day. I am SO tired. SO tired... It's like I was up all night or something. Sigh. I hate being sick. Chris and I went to the Trans Am concert last night. It was... interesting. Great music, though. The warm up band was different, for lack of a better word. I did a search for them (Bobby Conn and the Glass Gypsies) on Yahoo, and got a huge number of hits. One of the guitarists looked like Jeff... only wearing pink spandex pants. Trans Am was great as well, very good dance music! The background flowers and helicopters were a little distracting, though, I kept drifting away, trying to make sense of it all.

"I'm simple but I'm complicated."
-Liam Lynch

Going to read House of Leaves now, and completely freak myself out again (I'll try to explain the book at a later date.) I just read the review on Chapter's website, and it has a list of "book club questions." Interesting... I shall try to go through them later, when I'm more awake. And feeling more...intellectumal. *grin*

I just received a very angry letter from the co-op coordinator, telling me that she still hasn't received my formal letter to withdraw from co-op. I guess the registrar sent her a copy of the email that I wrote, regarding a worry I had about having to change my POST after the official deadline. It was a mere question, and I was going to send the letter. In fact, I had printed it yesterday, intending to send it today (oops).

This just reminds me of why I want to get out of this program...

No, YOU'RE the BLOG...

Many half-hearted apologies for those who have been waiting anxiously for this BLOG...*cough* CHRIS... *cough*

What's happened lately? A woman at work handed me a piece of paper, asking where I could find that particular book. She had written "Coles Notes" on the paper... nothing more. So I sighed, "Coles Notes for which book?" "Oh," she replied, "a black and red one." Sigh. It took at least three more questions to get the fact that she was reading Romeo and Juliet in school, which I then realized was why she needed the Coles Notes.

A girl asked if she was able to borrow books from the store. "No", I said, flatly. "This is a store. Go to a library if you want to borrow books." So she bought the books she, apparently, wanted to borrow. And asked for an application. She then asked a question about every section on the application (and trust me, it is EXTREMELY straight-forward). Then she started going through her volunteer work experience; she must have thought a) I really care, or b) I'm in charge of hiring. If it was b, she need not worry about getting a call regarding an interview....

Three times on the weekend did someone give me a book to check the price, or check to see if we have another in stock, and walked away. So I walked away, too, taking their book with me. I love working with people....

The overly-friendly customer asked me to play tennis with him... again. I made direct reference to "my tennis-playing boyfriend" this time, but it did not seem to deter him. He wants to play doubles...

I've finished the second book of the summer. I'm starting a non-fiction book called "Searching for Michael Jackson's Nose", about our culture's obsession with celebrities. It's interesting and funny. Then again, I'm only on the 20th page... There is time to get sick of it, like everything else...

I've been having some really messed up dreams lately. The other night, I dreamed that my mom was given a genetically modified gorilla for her birthday, and we put it in my hamsters' old cage. It kept crapping out of the cage and onto the floor, though. Oddly enough, mom had a dream that same night that our dog had found a baby gorilla outside of our home. Does this mean something? Please, let me know if you have any theories.

Are you... open...?

*shudder* people are SOOO stupid. No, Chapters is NOT open at 6pm on a Wednesday night, despite the fact that the music is still playing, the lights are on, and (last but not least) the door is wide open. Just a few pointers for those who shop at Chapters:

Usually, product is paid for at an actual cash desk, or at least a "station"

Usually, individuals on the floor do not have exact change for a book, nor do they know the exact amount that your book will come to after taxes and IRewards discounts

Most often, the cash desk is at the front of the store, under the sign "CASHIERS"

Cashiers usually don't like it if you drop your books off, intending to buy them, and walk off while the cashier is left wondering what the HELL you're doing

Actually, if you see me, just walk in the other direction. Seriously. Because I'll just end up making fun of you on my BLOG... hehe

Besides that, I had an ok day. The closing cashiers were cool, it made it a bit more bearable. So many thanks to them *tips hat*.