Wowzers...

Sorry, sorry, sorry. I've been a major blog slacker.

Things have been super busy. I'm in the process of moving and I realize how much I hate having stuff spread over two places. I so can't wait to have my own house someday so I don't have to keep bobbing from place to place which never really are my own.

I'm cranky today (I probably shouldn't really be blogging then), but I think it's because I am so completely over tired. There was a conference at work for the past 4 days, which I was on the steering committee for and I put in an extra 18+ hours to see that everything went smoothly.

I'm due for a vacation - which I'm taking a day on Monday to rest after the official moving date. Already I'm looking forward to it and I'm thinking about making a spa appointment for at least some kind of forced relaxation that day.

I know...lame update....but at least it's a blog. Tired Crystal is going to make popcorn and veg out for a bit. I'll blog again to let you know how the move went.

Mermuys-Ball Wedding

Well....no question about it, Tasha made one beautiful bride! I was so excited to see her and I have to say, I have never seen her look so amazing!

I ran into Fahie Friday evening at Cows which was fab - got to do some shopping and catching up with her before the busy events of Saturday. We then met up Saturday morning (I was the first one who got to meet her new hot bf, Ed) and headed to Tasha's wedding. We gossiped a lot on the drive to the wedding (Ed was so great to put up with us with zero complaints) and were taking bets on whether or not we'd cry.

The reception and dance were a blast - one of the best times I've had in a long time. Hanging out with a few Vanier girls was exactly what I needed this summer! Jon, the new Mr. Mermuys, is fantastic. Seeing as how the receiving line post wedding was the first chance I got to meet him, he had pretty big expectations to live up to. Qortnee, April - no worries - this guy is the perfect match for Tash. And as I realized during my completely inappropriate reception speech (no intentions of the inappropriate aspect - but that was totally caused by the revelation ...April, you would've been proud), Tasha and Jon are in fact a total match...does it get any better than a former 'Spermuys' marrying a Ball?!?!?! PERFECT! I know!

Well, all I can say is I hope that the new Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Ball looked so happy together and I hope that happiness continues for years. Q, April - missed you ladies. I think we all said it at one point in time. But hopefully your Calgary experience will shape up to be exactly what you two need and deserve! Best wishes on job interviews!! I think about ya daily! Much love xoxo

(I'll try to add a photo later....blogger is being a huge pain tonight!)

Wowzers

Well, I just caught up on all Qortnee's new blogs and I thought...holy geez, its been forever since I've blogged. Well...what to update on....since I've blogged last, the bath salts are doing really well - which is super cool. It makes me excited to see things I make actually sell to someone other than my mom. HEHE

I also spent some fun time with the girls and went to see Nickelback on Canada Day. What a great show!! I'm soooo glad I decided a few days before the event that I had nothing better to do and that I should go. Lineup: State of Shock, Staind, Hedley, Finger Eleven, Daughtry, Default, and Nickelback. It was a fantastic day! I so wish I was headed to see Aerosmith this weekend in PEI (especially since Marcus has dropped not so subtle hints that I should go and camp with her). But, now I couldn't even if I wanted to. There's a Mi'kmaq Heritage Dinner happening Saturday night which I have been asked to attend (and just recently found out also to speak at) because our Chief is unavailable. I just hope they won't think I'm weird when I refuse to eat the wild game they prepared for the "traditional Mi'kmaq" component of it. Yes, I'm cool like that.

Ummm...what else is new on the home front? Q...just to let you know, I know how you're feeling about weighing pros and cons lately. It seems like there's change in the air....I feel it coming. I've been saying for awhile, I want out of apartment lifestyle, but I can't really afford to much more right now. My dream? To buy a house, live in it for a couple years while fixing it up, sell it and continue to climb the real estate ladder. If only life was that simple. If it was...I'd throw in the dream of owning a brand new black Toyota Tacoma and 4-wheeler too.

Other than that, I've RSVP'd to Spermie's wedding (Natasha Mermuys for those of you who are thinking something completely different just by the name Spermie). I've booked my hotel room - finding a room in Charlottetown in the summer for a decent price is totally retarded. GRRR!!! And booked my vacation time around that weekend. I want to go over to Cavendish while I'm on the island - it's my summer retreat and it wouldn't be summer without a visit to the boardwalk.

A couple of weeks ago I met up to an old friend for coffee which is probably my favorite thing about still living in my hometown. Seeing friends when they return either for a visit or to move back. Danny was my closest friend in early high school and it's funny how years apart sometimes doesn't change a thing. I truly forgot how well this guy knew me. One look into my eyes and he could read me like no one else I've ever met. It's funny and I know we all do it - and by working with the public on a daily basis I know we do - but the most common response to "How are you today" is always "Fine, thanks". Well, I had one of those moments with Danny and he looked into my eyes and said ok, I don't know if I'm more offended that you're hiding something, or that you just lied to my face. I was shocked....but half truths don't work with someone who knows you so well.

It kind of creeped me out, especially considering I haven't seen Danny in probably about nine years. But, I'm a strong believer in fate, and I know that a friend like that was exactly what I was needing at that moment. I needed a friend who had zero biases to neutrally weigh-in on some ideas/thoughts/issues that I've been tossing back and forth either alone or with only those who are nearest and dearest to me. I know all my closest friends are always looking out for my best interest, but when they are that close to me on a regular basis and are privy to my everyday concerns/issues/discussions, their opinions are going to be swayed (and rightfully so). But I needed a sounding board that wouldn't hesitate on the truth - afterall, what does Danny have to lose by pointing out the good and bad? It was a great coffee date, that I didn't want to ever end. I started looking forward to our next meeting the moment I hugged him goodnight.

Speaking of hugging goodnight. That's exactly what I need right now. I'm overtired, cold (wearing a tank top and shorts while blogging on my balcony tonight probably wasn't the best decision), and for lack of better terms sooky. And I know myself well enough to know it all boils down to the overtired aspect. I have had zero energy lately. I sleep well during the evenings, I think, but the moment I take a breather from work (ie: on my lunch break or right at the end of the day) I'm out like a light. My dad hooked me up with some energy product he's trying right now. I'm giving it a whirl tomorrow. Normally energy crap makes me jiddery because of the caffine in it, which my body isn't used to. This is apparently all natural. Can't hurt to try. Watch out work - Crystal may be on a ride of her own tomorrow. For now, the ride is docking itself in my bed.

Ciao!

Does anyone actually read this?

I haven't blogged in awhile - but it doesn't seem to be much of a big deal. Well Qortnee hasn't yelled at me yet for a new post and as far as I know, she's one of the only ones who read this.

Well...what's new? Not a whole lot realistically. I've finally put some time into doing artistic ventures for the gift shop at my work. The manager has put an order in with me for silk scarves -which I really need to get on. But, I distracted her with putting a line of homemade bath salts scented with either Sweetgrass or Sage. (Thanks to Stephen - my creative technical genius who once again felt bad for me when I msg'd him in utter frustration when I couldn't make labels for my product and he made amazing ones.) Someone actually came in the store yesterday apparently and commented how they wanted to carry my line in their store as well. Sweet deal!

Umm...other than that - I've started my summer routine of not doing much and swimming. HEHE Life is rough. Speaking of not doing much - my tummy is growling....maybe I should cook myself something to eat. A real meal tonight is on the menu...surf and turf with roasted potatoes. Oh! I can barely wait!

Home and still tired...LOL

Well I made it home safe and sound and am back into a normal work week. Actually it's a bit less than normal because I had today off (and super thankful for). I had my wisdom teeth pulled today and as much as it would have been wonderful to get out and enjoy the day off, my dentist suggested I take advil as the freezing wore out (he suggested two extra strength - I only took one) and knowing how I react to medication, I actually spent the entire afternoon sound asleep on my couch.

Hopefully the weather will be just as good this weekend - maybe I'll take a lil road trip and get out in the outdoors and enjoy some of the sunshine. Sigh....the weekend. I'm so just looking forward to it. A couple days to totally chill - no official plans except maybe a lunch date with my friend Kate in Hali.

It's almost 6pm. Enough of sitting indoors since it's so nice. I'm going out to my patio to work on a drawing. Ciao. Hope you go to enjoy today's sunshine.

Whatta week....

Uggh....I'm absolutely exhausted and it seems like I'm only half way through this crazy spurt. So, last week I get a random call from the Dept. of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa asking me to come and work for them for a few days. I agreed thinking it was a great opportunity for my career and now I'm sitting in a hotel room in Ottawa preparing for a three-day meeting where I'm sitting on an "Expert Committee".

But, what a process to get where I am tonight. Monday I started reviewing grant applications. (That's what the government has dubbed me an expert in) I had 23 applications to review for funding of Aborignal museums and heritage centres across Canada. Seems simple - except each one is about 30 pages and I had to do this on top of my regular work load. So, I spend the first part of the week reading on average for 2 hours in the evening after work. Then Thursday hits me like a ton of bricks when I go into a three-day conference. Not a big deal - except I had 7 applications left to read and zero spare time. I became little miss anti-social and instead of chit chatting during breaks, I buried myself in paperwork.

So, I got through the three day conference (working until 9:30pm on Thursday and 11pm on Friday) - skipping meals so I could help organize and read applications. Wonderful. Attended Saturday's session where I got elected a Board of Director for the Federation of Nova Scotia Heritage. Which, I think is super cool and even I am impressed that at my age I was asked to serve as a B.o.D. Ran home after the session to pack and fall asleep while watching a movie - brilliant my only free night and I sleep through it. Got up bright and early Sunday moring to head to Saltscapes Expo (my favorite of all the tradeshows I do because after I spend time networking, I then move on to sampling the GREAT Nova Scotia wines, food and beer). HAHA (picture of me, Hope from Tidal Bore Rafting and Devin from Central Nova Tourist Assoc. attached)

Left the show and jumped on a plane. To no surprise, I was asleep before we left the runway in Halifax and woke up as we were hitting the runway in Ottawa. (Thankful for that power snooze). Now....I am procrastinating I believe I actually have one more application to read and an article to write for a local newspaper and my deadline is tomorrow. Uggghh. My career is keeping me busy and I love that....but I would really like to get a little bit of sleep and rest. Just a suggestion.

Cayo Coco, Cuba

Mom and I are slowly recovering from a wild and crazy vacation where we spent a week relaxing on the beach and sleeping probably way too much. HAHA! Ok, so we're slowly trying to come back to reality of getting up each day and having a purpose of more than just beach, food and sleep. Obviously vacation was rough.

Cayo Coco, I must say, is the most beautiful place I've ever been. The beach is absolutely incredible with sand like flour, turquoise water and a sun that shines 330 days a year. I've always said that I'd never go back to the same place when I travel - I want to see and do new things. Well, this place totally changed my mind on that. Will I ever go to Cayo Coco again? It may actually be hard to convince me to try any different Caribbean destination.

Now it's time to ease myself back into the mindset of working - luckily I chose my vacation the week before a 4 day weekend, so that helps. I need to find out how to land a job being the tester of various resorts and spas. That would be a job that I would enjoy. Sure, I'd miss my bed like I did all week in Cuba. But if someone wants to pay me to travel and test the services of various accommodations/attractions - I'd give up the bed for periods of time. Would a person who has a job like that take a vacation and stay home for a week? HAHA Interesting thought?!?!

Okay...here's a pic. My favorite from the trip. It's like a postcard. Wanna go to Cayo Coco?

Updated look

I decided that it was time to give myself an updated look. I still don't know how I feel about it totally....but I'm giving it some time and we'll see how long the colour stays around.

I have inserted a picture from St.Patty's Day last night. I went to The Pond - a local pub - where my favorite local band played. Broke on Payday (www.brokeonpayday.ca). I'll give them a little shout out. We have a blast everytime we listen to/party with these boys. If ya ever get a chance to check them out - do so.

Other than that...things are the same here. I was suppose to study today - I'm writing an exam this week to be a certified Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor. Pass mark is 81....kinda nervous. But, not nervous enough to study! It's all because I put off my regular tutoring night until today - so I got distracted in someone else's school work, that I put off my own. Now I'm totally not in the mood...grrr. I guess I'll just have to devote myself to some serious study time in the next couple of days.

Alright....that's it for now. I'm bored of blogging. I should go to bed. But, here's the picture from last night. Special thanks to Stephen for helping me make my great shirt. Whatta good friend.

Day off

So, today was the most unique day off ever. I have vacation booked for the end of the month and said to mom last night, "I either want to go far away on vacation, or no where." When I woke up this morning, I thought...I really need to go away. Sure....I can't afford it. But, Mastercard and Visa area already such big fans of me, might as well throw them another bone.

So, I gave mom a little call and asked if she would be interested in running away with me. What was she doing at the time? That's right...looking up vacation packages! So, we made a plan to meet at a local travel agent where we walked in the door and booked a trip to Cuba!

That's right...CD is taking a much needed week and running away to the surf and sand of Cayo Coco at the end of the month. Yeehaw. If only every day off lead to a week on a tropical beach, I'd be the happiest person alive. At least for today, I'm pretty darn excited!

Can I manage this?

Okay....as promised last week, let's see if I can manage to muster up a real blog.

So, I spent a fair portion of this week incredibly sick. Not fun, let me tell you. Normally I'm a trooper and can work through/deal with a itty bitty cold. But, no....not this time. I don't know what this virus is that's going around, but it kicked my butt. Last Saturday I had a bit of a cough coming on. Not a big deal - made it hard to sleep at night but nothing that a little cough medicine wouldn't cure. Or so I thought. When I did arise from the minimal hours of sleep I had on Sunday, I had no voice. Lovely.

I got up Monday am, headed to the office only to walk in the door and realize that my body was saying "What are you thinking? Get me back in bed!" So, I did exactly that. Spend that day sleeping and sooking to Mom with a complete inability to move off my couch. Why is it that no matter how old we get, Moms will always know just that specific dose of TLC that is needed to make us feel better?

Tuesday - no change. I dragged my butt back to work on Wednesday and let me tell you, those 3 days working felt like the longest ever! Today - a week later - I still wake up with a cough, a bit of chest congestion, and a voice that still decides to play a disappearing game after at the end of the day.

But, down time did give me ample time to do a few things, like watch movies. "Blood Diamond" was one of the films that I caught this week. I have to say...highly recommended. Leo with a fake accent, not so wild about. But Djimon Hounsou once again blew me away. I fell in love with this guy's on-screen roles in the film, "In America". Not much has changed since my original viewing of him. Sorry Leo, your supporting actor stole the show. Not only was that portion good - but I truly appreciate when filmmakers bring to light a topic which most people would much prefer to brush under the rug. I pity the poor fool who ever decides that he wants to marry me. Why? Because now, I'll only insist on Canadian diamonds.

I also got to watch "An Inconvenient Truth". Gore, not so much a compelling actor, haha. But a wonderfully put together documentry. Gore does a good job at making the point heard and making reality hit home. Facts and figures don't lie people. It's being dubbed as, "a necessary film" and I don't disagree. It reminded me of an American Indian Proverb which I happen to love and honestly try to take into consideration: "We don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." Society is often too mesmerized with the glitz and glam of Hollywood that as a geek, I love when someone's research is endorsed and they can take the bigger picture and make it something that even the average Joe can walk away from thinking, 'how can I help'. Global warming.....I hope to someday have kids and I want a world for them to live in. I know I'm seriously thinking, how can I help. Check out the film, read the facts, I bet you will be asking yourself the same question.

And to add another film of higher learning, I also checked out "School for Scoundrels". HAHA. Okay, not so much higher learning....but Jon Heder (better known as 'the guy who played Napoleon Dynamite') does go to school in the film - there is learning involved. This movie isn't by any means the most educational film I've ever seen, but good for a stupid laugh. Ok, the repeated shots of Jon in tighty whiteys, did make me happy.

Okay - different from my regular blog format. But, nonetheless, a blog as promised. Hope you're having a good day :)

I know, I know...it's shameful Qortnee!

All I can say is, at least it hasn't been a full month. Sure, I'm just days off...but I'm still not at that terrible point of more than a month between blogs.

I really have nothing elaborate to blog about. That's the problem. All of my time gets absorbed into work (the other supervisor was on vacation for 3 weeks - so dealing with things by myself made things a little hectic sometimes). I have also started tutoring someone in first year English; which means I've been spending some of my time reading things for someone else's assignments.

When I'm not doing either of those two jobs, I've been sleeping/cleaning/battling with my landlord - you know...all the fun things that life entails. Being grown up is great sometimes. So, tonight I punked out on going to see Shameless and instead spent the night in watching movies all by my lonesome. Right now Spanglish is playing. I needed a "already seen these movies, no brainer film" type of night. So far, so good. Even squeezed in some time to paint my nails. I am such a girl sometimes.

Ok, Q....I'm bored, my back hurts and I'm tired. I know you want to kick me in the junk right now. But, I've blogged. I'll think of something real to blog about and post again soon!

Edmonton and potentially too much time to think.

So, I'm back safe and sound from Edmonton. I had a great time despite having spent approximately 13 hours on a plane over the duration of 2 days - especially where half of that time was spent with only my mind and my ipod to distract me from the mundane happenings of airline travel. That's right ladies and gents, CD suffered through a flight, practically across country, without the convience of a TV. It felt so retro (minus the whole Ipod aspect). But (sigh)...I survived.

I did get a chance to venture around the West Edmonton Mall for a few hours during the week though. I actually got brave and said to myself, "Live a little Crystal. Brave Edmonton transit. Worst case scenerio...well let's not go there. Just do it." So, I did. Sure I encountered some crazies, but what's life without adventure?

Speaking of adventures. I've decided it's time to start a Crystal adventure. It's a new year and things have taken a huge change for me recently. I need to start figuring some stuff out in my life. For instance, what I want, where I want to be, what I need to make me happy. And of course, coming hand-in-hand with that is, what I need to let go of. Shakespeare wrote in As You Like It, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts..." (Act 2, Scene 7)

I've been playing many parts, as we all do in life. But, how many parts were actually for the betterment of my own personal character? I don't really know. So, I've decided to take a step back and start to examine the things I do and the choices I make and ask myself, am I doing this for me? Like the constant argument for healthy eating is, our body is not a trash can so why do we continue to put garbage in it? Well, I've learned this weekend that that should apply to our heads and our hearts too.

I know, I know...I'm getting all philosophical and you're thinking....what is Crystal on and get this poor kid off this ride. Don't worry, I'll get off....as soon as I figure out which direction this ride needs to be going. Afterall, as the nationally worshiped telvision guru once said, "As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you - the first time around." - Oprah Winfrey

Thanks Oprah, thanks. Let the journey begin.

Happy 2007

Well the holidays have of course come and gone make us wondering, what was all that fuss for? I had a nice relaxing vacation - forced to spend a lot of it on the couch because I got sick. But the forced down time did give me plenty of opportunity to watch Season 2 of Lost...which turned into me watching the aired episodes of Season 3, starting Season 1 of Medium, and being lent Seasons 1 through 3 of Sopranos. Yes, I am a slave to television and I'm not afraid to admit it.

I head to Edmonton next week to sit on a committee to evaluate a certification process. I honestly dreaded the thought of going - because I hate sitting on a plane for hours, I get so bored. But, the more I learn about this experience the more excited I am to go. We will be staying in a beautiful inn...which I absolutely can't wait to see firsthand. (www.unionbankinn.com) I also will be spending an evening touring one of Edmonton's Heritage Parks, which should be fun. And I touched base with Jake tonight and I may get to spend an evening with him. It will be nice to see old friends all the way across the country.

Well....nothing fab, but that's all I got to say right now. QORTNEE BLOG ALREADY, WOULD YOU!