Dandelion

I love finding new music and new artists. Itunes store genius has been great for finding new artists! Also my roommate is amazing for introducing me to new stuff. A few weeks ago Jen made me listen to a couple of songs, and I fell in love with this one! I have included the lyrics below. Enjoy for yourself!

"Dandelion" by Antje Duvekot

When Harry met Sally it was settled
That Mary Jane would fall for Spiderman
The story was set in stone like Tarzan and Jane, Yoko and John
You were like my Hollywood movie
The butterflies and Central Park kiss
Of course you would pursue me, I was Julia Roberts
I mean, how could you resist

Well, I am the Fourth of July
I'm throwing you a fire in the sky
You could go blind in my light
But you were looking for an orchid
And I will always be a dandelion
Dandelion

So I put on the best of my Warhols
I could have been your Marilyn Monroe
But you had only eyes for the Mona Lisa
You shared my cab ride all the way home

But I am the Fourth of July
I'm throwing you a fire in the sky
You could go blind in my light
But you were looking for an orchid
And I will always be a dandelion

I am a middle class home, I am a worn out banjo
I'll never dance in Swan Lake, I'll never play the cello
I am the Northern Lights, I am invisible
I am a dandelion, I am forever wild

I am the Fourth of July
I'm throwing you a fire in the sky
You could go blind in my light
But you were looking for an orchid
And I will always be
You were looking for a tea light
And I will always be a forest fire
A dandelion

Random Dozen

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"
Yes, but just once. Last summer I forgot to return a book before heading to work at camp for the summer. It was kind of funny, since I used to BE the "library police!"
2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?
I purchase whatever I need, and leftovers get thrown into my closet.
3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?
Nope, thankfully.
4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
Ummm...honestly I'm embarrassed to say that I had to google "Barry Manilow songs" So from looking at the list, I enjoy quite a few, but can not decide to choose just one.
5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?
A few Halloweens ago I was a Jason victim. The special effect makeup was pretty stellar. People were coming up to me from one side asking me why I didn't dress up, and I would turn around and they would recoil in disgust. It was awesome!
6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Thesaurus
7. What's your favorite breakfast food?
Fruit. Especially in a smoothie or juice form. Or just fresh and cold!
8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?
Nope, but I am tempted to get the Snuggie.
9. Have you ever crawled through a window?
haha yes. My bedroom window goes out to our deck. In the summer it's easier to just jump back and forth rather then walk around to the living room.
10. Do you believe in love at first sight?
No. I believe in attraction at first sight, but love grows overtime.
11. How many pairs of jeans do you own?
I wear 3 pairs regularly, but I own 5 or 6 I think.
12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")

It would be a wardrobe of clothes complete with shoes and handbags. Lots of clothes, shoes and handbags! and sunglasses.

And there's another Random Dozen! As always if you want to join in the fun head over to 2nd Cup of Coffee!

Uncontrollable Laughter

Teenage girls are hilarious.

Have you ever just sat and listened to them talk? It's kinda amazing. I was on the train with my roommate today when 2 girls sat down behind us. Their conversation went something like this:

"Suzy* is going to be late, because she has to go for a run."

"Why is she running? Isn't she skinny?"

"She has HUGE love handles - [sees guys in front of us with a box of Cinnamon toast crunch] OMG I LOVE CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH! No like seriously I LOVE Cinnamon Toast Crunch! - So Anna is coming to the party"

"Ugh she's going to be hanging all over Josh"

"No I don't think Josh is going to be there."

"Josh not at a party, like ya right!" ...............

It was such a random conversation jumping back and forth from this party, to cereal, to absolutely everything.

The amazing eavesdropped conversations continued all evening. At dinner we sat beside the guy who apparently came up with the idea for the Inukshuk symbol for the 2010 Olympics. He was having a "meeting" which I think had something to do with advertising, event planning or Olympic pin trading. Either way, all 3 came up and out...as in the pins...including one that lit up...and they were both so excited....and loud.

Teen girls, pin traders and an "old" Asian man...and that story I just cannot tell.

Have yourselves a great night, morning, day, whatever it is where you are reading, and go have yourself a laugh.

Flashback Friday: Childhood lessons

If you have a child in your life, your calendar for April and May is probably quickly filling up with end-of-year activities - performances, recitals, etc. Did you take lessons as a child? Piano or another instrument? Gymnastics or dance? Other types of lessons? Were they weekly? How much were you required to practice between lessons? Did you participate in recitals? If so, do any of them stand out in your memory? Did they foster a love or a hate for that activity? Did you want to take lessons in a certain thing that you never got to? And if you have kids now, how did your experiences with taking lessons like these impact the activities you had/have them do?

As a child I was in swimming, figure skating, piano and flute lessons. I was also on the school volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. Yes, I was a busy kid. For music lessons, I was required to practise daily. I hated it. Not the playing part, but the practising in front of my parents. The piano was in the living room. I was a pretty shy kid, and definitely didn't like "performing" in front of people. Swimming was once a week, I think. It was in the neighbouring town 45 minutes away. Skating was twice a week until I got to competitive levels and then it was 4 days a week. I had volleyball, basketball and track and field twice a week I think during the different seasons. Track and field may have been more than that.

I was in a few recitals for music. I hated it. Figure skating I did competitions and Ice shows twice a season, as well as test days. I didn't mind the ice shows and tests, but I got pretty nervous for the competitions. The two competitions that stand out the most in my mind were 2 of my last 3. The 1st, I got onto the ice for warm up, fell on my first jump, ran to the bathroom and puked my guts out! I had the worst stomach flu! Not fun! The 2nd was the Northern BC Winter Games. I didn't place, BUT it was the first time I landed a couple of my double jumps in competition! It was pretty exciting!

I always wanted to take dance lessons, but the nearest dance studio was an hour away and I was already in too many things. I eventually chose figure skating over all of the others. I wish I had stayed in piano though.

The only "child in my life' is the kid I work with. She is in gymnastics and soccer. I think I would have liked gymnastics, but I hated soccer. I'm kinda dreading soccer season to start up to be honest.

And there's another Flashback Friday for you. Check out Mocha with Linda if you want to join in the fun!

Oh and it's my birthday today so you should show me some comment love today :)

Fail

Apparently I failed at April's NaBloPoMo but that's okay, because only November is for prizes. I need the possibility of physical positive reinforcements, or so it would seem.

What has been happening? Well...I work 72 hr shifts. That pretty much sums up my life. This is my last full weekend of work for a month! woot! It's kinda exciting. I love having actual weekends off. It's also nice working weekdays because the kids are in school and I don't actually have to work as much. Yep, I know; I'm lazy.

Oh in other news I bought myself a birthday present today! I am so excited for it to come in the mail!! It's called a lightscoop. It's pretty much awesome. I hope it works as well as it claims. I have been taking a sabbatical from photography lately, because I just haven't been creatively charged. All of my creative prowess has gone into music. I'm hoping this will peak my interest again. Plus, I have a really hot model who is willing to work with me. :) Pictures and new will follow once I get it :) Look at all the smiles...you know I'm excited when...

Random Dozen

1. Define a great relationship.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)

I think I had a cheese burger and fries from a Triple O's and an ice tea. That was back in January.

3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)

Wolf. I used to housesit for a family that had two domesticated wolves. They were amazing and so much fun! And BEAUTIFUL!!!

I also love Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes.

4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?

If I had to move to another PROVINCE I would move to Ontario.

If I had to move to a STATE I would have no idea! Umm...Oregon or California?

5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

My parents were amazing in how they raised me. I don't think I would change anything. I hope that I can be just as strong yet loving as my parents when it comes to rules.

6. Who's the funniest person you know?

Oh my goodness...I have no idea.

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?

Absolutely not! I actually probably did, but it just didn't feel like it.

8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?

Where am I? haha that's what I get for falling asleep during while watching tv at a friend's place.

9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY

Grilled. On occasion I enjoy/crave a good fried chicken, but generally I like my meat and veggies grilled.

10. Are you afraid of the dark?

Nope, but I am a little scared of what goes bump in the night. Mainly this fear comes up when I am walking somewhere dark, or when it's windy outside and tree branches hit the window. I have an overactive imagination at times.

11.When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a figure skater, a librarian, a teacher, a doctor, an actor, a model, a pharmacist, an interior decorator, a writer, a photographer, but mostly a mom.

12. If you had one word to describe yourself , what would you choose?

growing

Let Me Introduce You To...Jen Miller

Who is Jen Miller?

According to her website she

... is one of the most honest song writers i've ever met. She speaks earnestly about reconciliation, peace, and sacrifice. She has passion in her lyrics that most artists work their whole life to achieve. Jen doesn't only capture her audience with her lyrics, but with her incredibly addictive melodies. I played a show with Jen and found myself, involuntarily, humming the melody for two weeks straight. Jen is a very sincere person, and her music mirrors her life

-Derek Kehler

To me Jen is my best friend, my roommate, and my "wife."

Jen and I first met in the summer of 2007. I was looking for a place to live and found her ad on Craigslist. After meeting up, she actually chose someone else for the room. Days later her other roommate decided to leave, and I got a phone call saying that if I wanted it I could move in. So less than a month later I was driving down to Vancouver in Brent's truck (more on him and his awesome wife in a future post). Jen and I clicked as soon as I let her in. Throughout the next few months we talked about moving out of the house and finding our own place. When spring came we decided to part ways. We unknowingly moved into the SAME BUILDING on the other side of the city, actually in another city, a floor apart. Coincidence? or God just telling us we were meant to be together? After living separately for a year, we moved back in together. It's been a year and we are finally making our place "home." (Again, more on that later) We have been through a lot together in the past three years. She has been my list Purolator ening ear, my shoulder to cry on and all of those other cheesy lines :)

So why should you know Jen, other than the fact that she is one of the most incredible people you will ever meet? She is an amazing musical artist. My family fell in love with her music before they met her, and then were lucky enough to be the first people to have her new so far unreleased album. Just check out her website or youtube page and you can see for yourself. After you do that come back here and let me know what your favourite song is. Always Be is one of my favs, partly because Jen sang it to my last boyfriend changing the words a bit. Very humorous!

To clarify the "wife" bit: she is my "heterosexual life partner" as some friends would put it. We just click, and through living

together for the better part of the last 3 years we have fallen into some "husband/wife" roles. I love her :)

The best laid plans of ...[me]

I had this wonderful post planned in my head for tonight. I thought of it while on a walk with client Awesome. But seeing as it's 11pm and client Awesome has to be woken up for school at 630am and staff Me doesn't like mornings, reader You will have to wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow after I clean work House, shower normal Me and possibly nap sleepy Me, then maybe I will sit down and write my post.

Happy Easter

I'm not quite sure why I decided to do April NaBloPoMo. I can barely get through November. But here I am, almost asleep, writing some drivel that no one cares about. So since I have had a particular not so fun Easter, let me leave you with this:

Happy Easter.

He has Risen.

and totally unrelated to Easter other than the bunnies, watch this:

BIG Trouble!

Not me, but a kid I know. She broke her bedroom window and then continued to destroy everything she could.

This all happened when I wasn't around thankfully. I just have to help with the clean up and anger control for the next couple of days.

Right now = big headache!

Also, bedtime.

Fashion Flashback Friday

The flashback this week surrounds our fashion memories. You may elaborate on your childhood Easter fashionsand/or share about styles in general. What fashions were popular when you were growing up? (Any time from birth to high school graduation) What did you beg to wear? What style did you happily embrace that you now look back and think, "Ugh! Whatever possessed me to wear that? ( Of course, pictures would be great - the more hideous embarrassing, the better!) Have any of these come back into style? What have you worn that you vowed you never would? (You can also include hairstyles in your walk down Memorial Fashions Lane!)

This will be short.

I grew up in the 90s. My favourite outfit was a matching tights and tshirt combo that was white with very colourful dalmatian spots on it and the 101 Dalmatians on the front of the tshirt. I don't have a picture for you, but I think you can probably imagine for yourself the amazingness of it!

I am sad to say that the wearing of tights as pants is back. I am not a fan.

I also grew up wearing stirrup pants. Which I am thankful to say have not returned. I hope it stays that way! Stirrups was a BIG mistake!

BIG NEWS!

It's April Fool's Day!

Today my Facebook feed was filled with "big news" from many friends!

"WE'RE PREGNANT!!!!!! Pam just showed me the test!!!!!"

"Well, Brent jumped the gun so phonecalls shall follow shortly!"

This from a couple who have vowed never to have children, thanks to a little "snip snip" they hope to keel that vow.

"Happiest day of my life!"

followed by relationship status change to "engaged

This from my ex who I had been hanging out with last night!

"Poor Martina, shoulda never let Jasmyn drive her...."

This from a mom who LOVES her car!

"had a shotgun wedding tonight. Nothing like a bun in the oven to get a guy to commit!"

This from me. I had a few people confused, but most know me and knew it was a joke.

"has fallen for every april fools joke so far today, even the facebook relationships status changes."

And this from a poor friend who I guess didn't realize what day it was.

How about you? Did you do anything horrible/funny today?