Have I really not written here in an entire month? I thought it had only been a couple weeks, so that kind of tells you what my month has been like thus far -one big ball of blurriness. I swear, the days just seemed to fly by even when they dragged... though to be truthful, I can't remember them dragging at all... 

At the beginning of the month a friend of mine from high school got back in touch and mentioned she knew of a job opportunity she thought I would be good for. I told her that unless it was a go into the office each day type of job, I wasn't interested. She told me it was an officey job and so I met up with her for coffee, and one of her "coworkers" came, too. Yeah, it turns out it was a work-from-home doing direct sales "job" that you have to pay $500 to get started in. Needless to say, not overly impressed. I mean, it is great for stay-at-home parents who need to work but want to stay home with the kids, but not what I am looking for right now. I did go to one of their information meetings to meet other people doing that job (it doesn't seem to be a money-grab scam), but most of the people there were either older or not cute. 

For mother's day my parents and I went over to my brothers where we had a barbeque with my Nana and my sis-in-law's mum, AK. By the way, in case you don't know or don't remember, my nana and SIL's mum are the same age -my dad and SIL's eldest brother were in the same class at school when they were younger. It was an all right day. I took my crochet over so i would have something to do (learned that lesson at christmas), though it turned out to be a conversation started since nana and AK both do crochet. Though more often than not the pair of them end up talking to only each other. Mum managed to take part in the conversation more than last time, but whenever I tried to talk I was ignored. I think those two ladies still think "children" should be seen and not heard. Whenever the elder two were having a private coze, mum would chat with SIL or they both would chat with the guys though my dad and brother spent most of the time playing with the dog or working the barbeque. I have to say, my bro has more talent on the grill than my dad does, I haven't had a non-blackened cheeseburger in a while. I also amused myself by taking pictures of the cat known by the rather odd name of Rusty. 

That is also the day that i found out my brother DOES have both versions of The Hulk which I have been trying to find a copy to watch. He wouldn't let me borrow it, but i did end up going over to his place later that week. sil was going to the east coast for a wedding but my brother couldn't because he had to work and they also would have needed a pet-sitter, so i hung out with him... sort of. he started watching the movie with me, but then sil called and he spent at least an hour on the phone with her. when the movie was over I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich and then started watching Avatar. I have to say, BIG difference when watching the movie in hi-def and surround sound! 

All this month myself and two of the other bridesmaids (the thirteen-year-old didn't help) have been planning for Laur's Bridal Shower, Bachelorette, and the wedding. I was put in charge of the games which meant I had to buy prizes and props and the like with no income whatsoever as I still haven't found a job. I am now over $30 poorer and counting since I'm also going to have to pay for gas to get to Toronto because the person I was going with bailed. Needless to say, not overly impressed at all. Dad isn't pleased about having to drive me up because the only other person coming from this far away is the groom's mum who is not only scary-psycho but smokes like a factory chimney. Needless to say, I want to freaking well live to see the wedding let alone my next birthday. One of the games I made up is the Bouquet Toss where the guest will have to toss a posie into a top hat, both of which I had to make because I ran out of funding after buying all the prizes. By the way, the "funding" was my expected earnings for editing which I am hoping at least matches -if not exceeds- the amount I have had to spend on this shower. My hopes are not high in that regard. Anyways, I crocheted a rather impressive bunch of flowers in the wedding colours of green, white, and black.

Last weekend I went to a Baby Shower for my friend Brandi -whom also has a Xanga but ignores it far more often than I do. I had to drive all the way to... um... well, wherever it was. I always get the two locations mixed up because one is where Brandi used to live and the other is where she lives now. I can't be expected to keep them straight as I have not been to either place! The shower was held at one of B's relative's home and I think the majority of the guests were cousins or sisters or in-laws. It was rather amusing and the food was delicious and the games were fun (I even have commandeered one of the games to weddingify for Laur's shower). When B found out she was preggers she asked me to make her a baby blanket in hunting camo colours; I had it all made and ready for the shower when she found out she was having a girl. The blanket will not match the bedroom, but the couple have a thing for camo so it's all good. 

On Monday Lee and I went to see the local theatre's production of Anne of Green Gables. It would have been freaking-well awesome to have been in that play which is a bit of a dream of mine for years. I wouldn't want to be Anne or anything, maybe Diana or Josie or Prissy, but I wasn't here for the auditions or rehearsals. Sadly, the two nearest theatres have now both performed the musical and thus they will not be performed again for many years.  Nevertheless, the performance was absolutely fantastic and Lee said the person they chose to play Gilbert wasn't hard to look at for three hours either *L0L* The theatre is having auditions soon for the next play, which won't be performed until the fall, and I think I shall audition for it. It isn't a musical, but a play by one of my favourite writers: Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. Unfortunately there is only a half-dozen roles and all of them are "leads" as it is an ensemble cast. As I mentioned before, I am perfectly happy with the more minor roles as I like the experience but not the stress. I doubt I'll be chosen, but maybe I can do some backstage work? 

SUMR

1. Go for a half-hour walk once a week and ten push-ups a day
The cross-trainer died, so I started using the lateral bike -which I don't feel is nearly effective. I kept it up for three weeks and then got fed up because it seemed I was gaining weight instead of losing any. 

2. Brush and floss teeth before going to bed every night
I did pretty good for the most part, though quite often bedtime was 5am... 

3. Do something social twice a month with or without friends
In the first week of the month I met up with an old high-school friend for coffee. When for a walk with Laur, Brandi's baby shower, and saw a play with Lee. 

4. Go on a date if someone asks (provided they aren't creepy) 
I did get hit on, but not asked out so I think I'm safe cuz he just wasn't at all appealing. 

5. Work on assignments for at an hour every day -two if still unemployed
I have done better on this. Slow in the beginning but by the end of the month I was working on my two MS every other day for a couple hours. 

6. Write for an hour a week on any WiP
I  didn't touch a thing at the beginning of the month, but the past couple weeks I have been going over my one wip and doing some organizing and planning. Admittedly I didn't do any writing, just some minor editing and changes due to said organizational process. 

7. Save and plan for UK dream vacation
Still no job *cries* 

 SUMR

1. Go for a half-hour walk once a week and ten push-ups a day
I walked to the library the first weekend back, worked out for over an hour the second week, then three hours a week after that. I didn't do pushups, but the cross-trainer worked on my arms pretty good. 

2. Brush and floss teeth before going to bed every night
For the first while after moving back I couldn't even find any of my tooth brushes and I tended to zonk out on my couch while reading anyways. I need to improve on this one. 

3. Do something social twice a month with or without friends
I have decided that easter dinner with the fam counts, and i went out to lunch with a friend. I hung out with a cousin one afternoon, too, but she came over here to visit with her mum so that is a bit questionable. 

4. Go on a date if someone asks (provided they aren't creepy) 
Yeah, no one asked. But then, I didn't meet anyone new either. 

5. Work on assignments for at an hour every day -two if still unemployed
The first week I didn't have much time, but the second week I managed three to four days... namely because my due date was changed to be two-weeks earlier. Then I put off the next two ms until the last minute *le sigh*

6. Write for an hour a week on any WiP
I still haven't done squat. Well, I wrote down a story idea, but then I lost the pages I jotted it on *gah*

7. Save and plan for UK dream vacation
No job, no savings *le sigh*

 

SUMR

So I totally thefted this from @Persiankitty who posted it the other day... 

1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
Closed, because it seriously creeps me out... and things might fall out of it since it is the location of most items after I've "cleaned" my room. 

2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
Considering I've never been in a hotel since I was a little kid, nope. 

3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
I don't tuck in my blankets, it is too confining. 

4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Nope, but I wouldn't mind having a custom-made one for my wall... 

5:Do you like to use post-it notes?
I love sticky-notes! I have a bunch of different colours and designs  

6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
I rarely look for coupons except for at Michael's since they are so freaking expensive. 

7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
Neither, as I wouldn't survive either attack 

8:Do you have freckles?
Yep, all over my nose and, in the summer, on my cheeks. 

9:Do you always smile for pictures?
Not always, but usually as I am much more photogenic when I smile. 

10:What is your biggest pet peeve?
Improper grammar and mean people. 

11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Only when I'm really, really bored! ...Or blindfolded *L0L*

12:Have you ever peed in the woods?
No, but I have used an outhouse and I don't really see much of a difference -Though the woods is probably less smelly!

13:What about pooped in the woods?
See previous answer.

14:Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing?
Yep, I sure have! I quite often have a song "playing" in my head.

15:Do you chew your pens and pencils?
I used to gnaw on pen lids, but I rarely do anymore. 

16:How many people have you slept with this week?
Me, myself, and I. 

17:What size is your bed?
A double. I used to have a single, but I rolled off so much I ended up on the floor a lot 

18:What is your song of the week?
I'm on a Great Big Sea kick, the "Play" album 

19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Oh *yum*, some guys look delish in pink! 

20:Do you still watch cartoons?
I haven't had cable for about fifteen years or so, but I do watch Disney movies

21:Whats your least favorite movie?
Pretty much anything where people's innards go flying -aka war, zombies, etc. 

22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
That's why banks were invented, no digging required... though Oak Island seems like an ideal location (google it!) 

23:What do you drink with dinner?
Usually water, unless I'm at a restaurant. Then it is ice tea, frutopia, sprite, or a milkshake. 

24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
I use honey. 

25:What is your favorite food?
Chocolate! Though Italian is nummy, too. 

26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
I adore classic movies like White Christmas, Little Women, Roman Holiday, etc.

27:Last person you kissed/kissed you?
Erm, it's been a while...

28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
No, but I was in Brownies. 

29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
That would be a no, as I sooo don't have the body for it.

30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
I'm working on writing one to @Karoline1982 right now! 

31:Can you change the oil on a car?
I don't even have a car, so no. 

32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Nope, I hardly ever get the chance to drive at all. 

33:Ever ran out of gas?
When I was a kid my dad didn't quite make it to the gas station like he thought we would, so yes. 

34:Favorite kind of sandwich?
Grilled cheese! I'm not overly fond of sandwiches, but ham and swiss cheese is alright. 

35:Best thing to eat for breakfast?
French toast, egg mcmuffins, or Froot Loops. 

36:What is your usual bedtime?
Whenever I get tired. I'm trying to get to sleep closer to midnight and have finally reached 2-4am (previously it was 6-9am). 

37:Are you lazy?
I can be, I'd much rather read than do almost anything else.

38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
I've been a princess, a flower, a care bear, a hockey player, a gypsy, sleeping beauty, a bride, etc. 
 
39:What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Here piggy, piggy, piggy!

40:How many languages can you speak?
English obviously, some french, a couple words in spanish, plus I can spell and do a few words in ASL

41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
I only get the alumni magazines from my uni and college, so I'm not sure that quite counts as being "subscribed". 

42:Which are better Lego or Lincoln Logs?
Lego! What the heck are lincoln logs anyways...

43:Are you stubborn?
Ooh yeah, I can be

44:Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Erm, I only know that this has something to do with television talk shows of some sort.

45:Ever watch soap operas?
I did whenever I went to a friends house in high school because that was the only thing her mum would have on.

46:Are you afraid of heights?
Heck yes! I freak out if I can see directly below me. Oddly enough, I am fine when I look out from the observation deck of the CN Tower. 

47:Do you sing in the car?
Whenever I am alone, or when friends are also singing.

48:Do you sing in the shower?
Only if no one else is home.

49:Do you dance in the car?
Yep, my cousin and I have car-dancing down pat! 

50:Ever used a gun?
Yes, I'm pretty good with a .22 handgun -Burglars and Boys Beware!

51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
For uni grad. 

52:Do you think musicals are cheesy?
No, I love musicals! I don't see nearly enough in the theatre so I tend to make do with movie versions.

53:Is Christmas stressful?
sings: it's the most wonderful time of the year...

54:Ever eat a pierogi?
I used to eat them all the time in uni, but I haven't had them all that often since. 

55:Favorite type of fruit pie?
It used to be pumpkin until I ate one my aunt made completely from scratch *shudder* Now it is apple or lemon merangue. 

56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Ballerina, dress designer, private investigator, actress/singer, journalist, author, princess...

57:Do you believe in ghosts?
Anything is possible, so I am undecided.

58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Yup, I sure do.

59:Take a vitamin daily?
Whenever I remember to, which isn't all that often.

60:Wear slippers?
Nah, they always fall off my feet on the stairs so I usually wear those awesome fuzzy socks instead.

61:Wear a bath robe?
I have one, but it doesn't get much use.

62:What do you wear to bed?
Boxers and a tank-top, but if I am really cold I'll wear flannel pjs.

63:First concert?
I haven't been to an actual concert, as I never could afford to go. 

64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
We only have a wal-mart, though Target is supposedly taking over Zellers soon. I'm rather partial to Giant Tiger, though.

65:Nike or Adidas?
Whichever fits the best, as I don't usually pay attention to brand names. 

66:Cheetos Or Fritos?
I guess cheetos, not that I eat them all that much. 

67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
One will kill me and the other is for the birds. 

68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
I'm guessing they are french *L0L*

69:Ever take dance lessons?
I have taken ballet and hiphop, plus I'm dying to take pointe and ballroom. 

70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
I could see maybe a professor, or in media, or publishing... 

71:Can you curl your tongue?
I can make it touch my nose, but that is about it.

72:Ever won a spelling bee?
We didn't have spelling bees, but I was in the enhanced grammar program.

73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
I'm laughed myself to tears, but no tears-of-happiness crying.

74:Own any record albums?
Let's say I've "commandeered" a few of my parents' albums...

75:Own a record player?
My parents do.

76:Regularly burn incense?
I am allergic to smelly stuff and all things burning.

77:Ever been in love?
No, not "true love", just familial and friend-love

78:Who would you like to see in concert?
I would totally see Elvis or Bing Crosby if they were still alive, but among the living probably Drew Seeley.

79:What was the last concert you saw?
Erm, I haven't seen any.

80:Hot tea or cold tea?
I like mint tea, lemon tea (for colds), and iced tea.  

81:Tea or coffee?
Anything remotely coffee-like is gross!

82:Sugar cookies or snickerdoodles?
I've not had either, but I'll go with snickerdoodles because I like the name

83:Can you swim well?
Well, I won't drown if you throw me in a pool but that's all I can say for it.

84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yes, I can. 

85:Are you patient?
Not particularly.

86:DJ or band at a wedding?
I'm for DJ's as it means more variety, but I wouldn't say no to a band.

87:Ever won a contest?
Yes, I got a huge rabbit when I was a kid in this raffle a corner store was doing. 

88:Ever have plastic surgery?
If it meant fixing my broken nose so I can breath easier, I might.

89:Which are better black or green olives?
Ew, neither.

90:Can you knit or crochet?
I can do both, but I prefer to crochet.

91:Best room for a fireplace?
The living room seems like the best bet unless you use it for cooking in which the kitchen is smartest.

92:Do you want to get married?
Yes, I do believe I would.

93:If married, how long have you been married?
Not applicable. 

94:Who was your high school crush?
I had a few but I can only recall Joel, Pete, Cory, Adam, and Zach. 

95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
I'm sure I used to when I was little. 

96:Do you have kids?
No, I don't.

97:Do you want kids?
After I am married, I would.

98:Whats your favorite color?
Lilac

99:Do you miss anyone right now?
Yes, all my friends!

100: How tall are you?
I'm not tall at all, I am about 4'10"/11"

 

SUMR

So I didn't have internet access for a few days. It seems our stupid provider switched to a new system that causes their old power packs to explode, but they didn't bother to replace the power-thingies when implementing the new system. The techie who came said he spent three hours at the previous house trying to figure out what was wrong, so when he got to our house he "fixed" it within a half hour. Though we're still having intermittent problems with connection. 

I have been doing really good with my exercising three hours a week for three weeks. The only problem being that mum's cross-trainer isn't having a good time: the digital display died and no matter how many batteries I tried it still wouldn't come back, also it needs new washers or something because it is shedding plastic flakes all over the floor. Needless to say, I've been banned until dad gets around to fixing it... except he hasn't bothered fixing it for nearly two years as the cross-trainer was already doing those things before I even moved to Toronto! I went on mum's lateral bike or whatever it's called, but it just doesn't give as much as a work out  

I went to a job fair over a week ago and it sucked massively. Nearly everything was for factories and call centres and warehouses, none of which is in my area of expertise. I did put in resumes at the employment agencies and even some financial places in the hope their might be clerical work available. I made an appointment with one of the financial places to learn more about it, but you have to pay to take the course and get a license so that was out of the question. There has been no other calls, sadly.

The only plus of going to the job fair was that I ran into one of my good friends from high school whom I've only kept in sporadic touch with, but hadn't seen in years. We went out to lunch and caught up on how things were going... and for her not great. I learned that she had been in a car accident that broke her hand and had been a stay at home mom. As soon as her house sells, though, she's taking her kid and leaving her boyfriend who has totaled three cars in a year and is somewhat abusive. 

I have discovered that I really need to practice my driving skills, since I haven't been behind the wheel of a car in nearly two years now. I went out a couple times and, while I didn't kill anyone, I did manage to dent the bumper while trying to back into a parking space. I only have my G2 and have yet to get my full license so that is one of my goals for the autumn... or at least by next summer!  

It keeps coming up that I should have a business card, so I asked my cousin if she wanted to design me something. She is still in high school but is trying to build her portfolio for college applications for media programs. She's mostly into photography, but she has to get a handle on photoshop programs and the like so I thought it would be a win-win situation. She's already come up with a cute catch-phrase, but I haven't heard about where she is with the graphics. I made some temporary cards with some old board paper my mum had from when she had to make business cards for a computer class she was taking when I was in high school myself. 

I slipped a couple of those cards in my dad's wallet. He is constantly saying so-and-so wants to get in touch or mentioned might be in need of an editor, but he writes their information on scrap pieces of paper he occasionally loses! One of these people is this guy who works for a newspaper that my dad sees all the time at work. Before I moved to Toronto I sent the guy my resume after he told my dad I should but I never heard a work back (chances are the email address was written incorrectly), and dad had been talking me up and the guy said I should again send a resume when I returned to town. The very next day of my sneaking those cards into my dad's things, he sees this guy again and starts asking about the news paper and all that. The guy said that they were thinking of adding a few more sections (like sports and arts, etc) to which my dad asked if he'd need more editors. The answer was yes, so my dad gave him my card and was told buddy would get in touch shortly. Well, it's been a week so either their not hiring yet or he was just saying it to get my dad off his back.  Fingers crossed though! 

SUMR

 

Okay, my mum royally ticked me off the other night  During dinner she asked if I applied to the open job positions she told me about, and I told her I didn't see her email with the links so what addy did she send them to? She totally flipped saying I never asked her to send an email and she left her computer on for hours for me to do it. I have always asked her to send me the link and she never told me she was leaving her computer on for me to send them to myself, so how the heck was I to know? 

I had to rush through eating because I had a work meeting, and she comes in my room to yell at me some more though I put a sign on my door saying I was working. She then proceeded to lecture me for putting so much effort into a job that I don't get paid for and not enough effort in finding a paying job. This made me angry since I discussed the job with my parents -I needed a sounding board- before agreeing to take the position feeling that the experience will help me further my career, and they both thought it an excellent solution.

As you know I had been applying to publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, literary agencies, and so forth for the six months following my graduation, but getting no where. I was being passed over for people who had been in the business longer, and was told the lack of experience was the only reason why I wasn't given the job. I knew I would still need to get a day-job to pay the bills, and I'm working on that, but what else can I do but leave resumes and then wait? I can't force companies to make an opening for me just to make my mother happy for pity's sake! It's like she doesn't even comprehend that the job market sucks the big one, and believes it is just laziness on my part that is leaving me unemployed. Believe me, I would so take practically any job if it meant getting out of the house on a daily bases to get away from her, and getting paid so that I could save up enough to freaking well move out again.

Being able to do the work I love with some pretty fantastic authors while trying to get a better-paying position seemed like a winning plan to me  So what if I am not making minimum wage for the hours I'm putting in now if it gives me the experience required to get a job in my chosen career later? For all I know I might decide that I don't want to work in a company, but at a cute little indie bookstore while doing editing on the side! Am I so very wrong about this? 

My mum works five days a week for one to four hours per day and still only gets minimum wage though she's been with the company for over ten years. She complains about how hard her job is and how tiring she finds it and how little she gets paid, all the while lamenting how she can't mentally handle a full-time job and that all she ever wanted to be was a house wife. Quite frankly I fail to see much difference between the two of us: we both work part-time jobs for a pittance. She gets more money and I probably have more hours (I'll have to start keeping track!), but at least I love my job and it could lead to a better position whereas she hates her job and is slowly losing hours and, therefore, pay. 

The first book I worked on was only released at the beginning of February and my second comes out next week, which means as soon as I can figure out the stupid government forms I just might start getting a cheque in the mail. I can't even begin to figure out who to even ask for help about it! I inquired with the financial advisor for the publishing company, but she suggested the ITIN which appears to me to be for people who are working in the States while not being citizens, rather than doing freelance work for an American company. I asked two accountants who told me not to worry about any forms until next year when I have to file my taxes, which is stupid because the company might have to hold money back for the American government though I'll also get hit with Canadian taxes unless I get exempted somehow. Anyone have any suggestions??? 

Needless to say, as you can probably tell, I am incredibly frustrated with my family. My aunt said she could try to get me into a call centre she works at, yet not only does she constantly complain about the poor treatment she receives there, but I will lose my sanity if I ever return to one. My grandmother suggested I take a job as a millwright, having no idea what one is or caring that the job was a half-hour drive and I have no car. My nana thought I should apply for restaurants and coffee shops, but with my allergies it's not a healthful option. Some of the places I went to outright stated that I was overqualified for the position I was applying for, and that they tend to hire students who are trying to pay for college. One place even told me to get a teaching job instead! The places that I'm not overqualified for don't even believe that I look old enough to be as educated as I am, being quite visibly shocked when they read my resume when compared to my appearance. Even if companies can't discriminate based on looks, they can always just say there was someone else they felt fit better with the company and no one can naysay that. 

I am just at a complete loss. 

SUMR

 

Today: 60 min = 460 calories. 

 

On Sunday my parents got into a huge row. They seem to argue at least once a week, but this was a real knock-down-drag-out fight consisting of over three hours of screaming, crying, yelling, and the occasional swearing. I think my mum was being overly dramatic, but as my dad tends to be uncommunicative and self-serving perhaps it was the last straw (again). I felt bad for dad because his birthday was the next day (aka Monday) and it just seemed like having an argument with your wife the day prior would suck majorly. I put in earplugs and hid in my room reading a book until they were quiet again, because my mum likes trying to drag me into choosing sides 

I ended up reading all night, so I didn't wake up until 2pm on Monday and that totally messed up the entire day's schedule. My mum just got home from work when I jumped on the cross-trainer to do my hour's worth of exercise, and dad showed up just as I was finishing. I jumped in the shower and shortly thereafter we all went out to dinner at Swiss Chalet *yum* 

Things were a little better, no arguments thankfully, but my mum kept making digs at my dad about little nitpicky things. It was driving me nuts and seemed like a rather nasty thing to do.  I spent most of the time surreptitiously checking out the two cute servers in the next section over There was hardly any talking while we ate, though mum was questioning me about where I put out resumes and the like. Considering I already told her twice, I was a bit miffed she doesn't pay attention when I tell her things. I started contemplating applying at the restaurant just to meet some new people -okay, specifically the cute servers and potential cute patrons- but I can't carry four plates at once and working with food isn't all that smart with my stupid allergies. 

After dinner we went home and my dad opened his prezzies before we ate nummy McCains cake. Then my parents started discussing various movies, boring me to tears, so I went to my room to check my email until they finished and chose something for us to watch together. When I was finished, I noticed that my mum ended up on the computer doing genealogical research (as per usual) and my dad started watching one of his new movies. I'm not sure if it was western or war, but neither interested me so I didn't watch with him. I felt bad because, in my opinion, he had a really sucky birthday. 

Today I sent an email off to @Karoline1982 with the documents needed to review some books for my blog. She and I thought it would be fun for her to do some guest reviews for it, but she wasn't able to do some of them She did end up buying the first book I edited, "The Radiance", because she thought it sounded interesting *yAy* If any of y'all are interested in doing guest reviews please let me know! 

I started editing my fourth novel for Musa, which is the sequel to the second novel I edited. That reminded me that I had yet to announce that "The Druid" is being released on Friday *w00t!* I'm terribly excited because I adore SG Rogers, and think the fantasy novella is awesome-sauce. Feel free to check out the books and my bookblog here: jkbooklover 

Today: 65 min = 573 calories. No situps or crunches. 

SUMR

 

Okay, first I have to say: what the heck was with the weather yesterday?!?! I wake up to see blue skies and hear birdies chirping, then suddenly it starts pouring buckets. Within minutes it was hailing madly, and then shortly thereafter there were huge snowflakes coming down. Less than an hour later, the blue skies were back and the weather was warm. Was that just some final hurrah for winter before it left? 

I spent most of yesterday on the computer doing work, yet not doing work. Basically, I was not editing my fourth manuscript as I should have been, but was actually organizing interviews with a dozen authors. I sent them all the same twenty-some "writerly questions", and while waiting for their replies I was scheduling when to post them on my blog, collecting cover art images, etc. As I started getting replies I was either emailing them back to ask for more details (seriously, writers with only three-word answers???) or preparing the posts on my blog and getting them scheduled to go up automatically. I did reorganize their answers so that it sounds like I made comments back and tied what I said into the next questions, that way it seems more like an interview than just a boring Q&A.

I did my exercising for the day, and I wasn't expecting my mum to come home from work so soon. I had my mp3 on rather loudly so as to drown out the squeaking of the elliptical (thing is crazy-old), and mum came in and shoved mail in my face. Needless to say I screamed and she laughed. Though she wasn't too pleased when I jumped in the shower while she was having lunch, because she needed to brush her teeth after eating so she could go shopping for Da's birthday prezzie. Tomorrow if it is still nice out and I don't hurt so much -my abdomen muscles are sooo unhappy right now- I will likely walk to the library again. Today: 60 min = 480. calories. 40 situps, 20 side-situps, 20 side crunches.

SUMR 

As everyone knows, I have a wedding to attend in July. The bridesmaid dress is a touch snug and so I decided that for the next three months I'm going to work out like crazy to see if I can somehow lose a couple inches off my waist. I know you can't lose weight in just certain spots, but i could probably stand to be a bit smaller in the thighs, butt, and boobs area too

I have also dragged @Karoline1982 into my plan. She and I are going to encourage each other to get hawt and healthy this summer... okay, she wants to go healthy with eating salads and other rabbit food, while I'll just be trying not to eat so much in the way of cookies and ice cream *yum* We both have this small trouble with actually following through with our individual plans to exercise, so now we are going to hold each other accountable. 

So the plan is this: For March we will have to exercise for at least three hours per week. I'll probably be doing most of this via mum's elliptical cross-trainer thingie, while Karo will be going for walks and dragging her nanny-babies along so they also get their daily fitness. Then in April we are going to add an hour so that we have to do four hours per week, and the same for June bringing it up to five hours per week. I'm not sure how well I'll manage to keep up with it once I get a job, but thus far most places I applied to said they weren't hiring this summer anyways 

If anyone else is also looking to work out this summer, feel free to join us! We officially start on Saturday, but I've already begun today because I had been putting off starting for a week and a half now *shakes head at self* Oh, and I somehow managed to do this to myself this morning without even realizing it. Can you exercise to the point that you manage to bruise yourself? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today: 68 min = 550 calories. 45 situps, 40 side-situps, 40 side crunches. 

SUMR

Every year my mum's family gets together for easter, thanksgiving, and christmas. At least two of those holidays everyone who can makes the trek to my aunt Pam's house which is a good three hours away for most of us. We used to have these dinners at my grandparent's home, but they got too old and their house too small. They had six daughters, most of whom married, some of whom had kids... needless to say, there is usually at least twenty of us. Add to that any family of the husbands are also invited, as well as significant others and friends of the children and grandchildren. (Though no great-grandchildren yet since the only married grandchild -aka my brother- is married and has proclaimed not to want kids.) 

This year ended up being significantly smaller than last time as it was only my aunt Pam, her husband, her daughter, and her husband's father; my aunt Patti and her two kids; my parents and me; plus my grandparents. My grandparents don't like to drive such distances so they were crammed in the car with me. I tried to sleep on the way since I don't travel well, particularly when in the back, and because I had to get up at 7am -do recall that sometimes I don't even fall asleep until that time!- but was unable to since Gramma is mostly deaf and yells all the time. I ended up shoving movie into my computer and watched that though mum sometimes snagged one of my earbuds to watch her favourite parts or to show gramma who was amazed by modern technology. 

Thankfully we made a rest stop at the halfway mark so we could all stretch or use the loo as the car was really cramped. Cars are simply not made for five adults, even when one is as small as I am. Once we arrived I hung out with the cousins, mostly playing soccer with the dog, but occasionally giving piggybacks to my youngest cousin who is not only taller than I am but ways just as much. We were called in to help set the table and bring the food out, it seems to be the job of the kids now that we were old enough not to drop dishes on the floor (the joys of being young and given plastic). The best thing about the meal was the pumpkin pie! 

Just as dessert was ending Aunt Patti said she and her kids were leaving -which seemed slightly rude. It was starting to rain a bit, but it would have been better to wait it out since my cousin (she just got her G1) was going to be driving for the first part of the trip. I was thinking of going with them prior to this so as to have more room in their vehicle, but I didn't want to leave yet. I probably should have since I was entirely bored for much of our visit as everyone seemed to be ignoring me. I ended up sitting on the floor texting my friends and taking photos to occupy myself (see below). 

The return trip was much the same as the way up. I wouldn't have minded driving, but my grands only trust my dad's driving and no one else's *le sigh* As I previously mentioned, I don't particularly like long drives, so not long after arriving home I crashed on my couch and woke up four hours later. 

Aunt Pam

 

Uncle Mike and cousin Tavia (older by six months)

Gramma napping... guess she was bored, too. 

Grampa, my dad (reading the paper *rolls eyes*), and napping gramma.

Petey the puppy

Mum playing tug-of-war with Petey

Close-up of Petey who was leaning against me while Mum was giving him scratchies. 

 

SUMR