To Do List:

Do laundry so I have clothes next week: Check

Pack for weekend: Check

Clean Kitchen so the husband has a clean house to come home to next week: Check

Buy Dress (es) for Sister's Wedding: Check-er-oonie!

That's right, I FINALLY got out there and found the PERFECT dress. There were a few choices that were alright, and one black v-neck long slinky black dress that I thought was the one. I had procured Becky to assist in the avoidance of the, "Ohmigawd, I cannot believe that she's wearing that pink skirt with a green tank top!", syndrome, that I have become accustomed to.

I thought that we were about finished, and was preparing to choose between some teal blue flowered thing (It wasn't really that bad) and the black number, when she pulled this navy blue dress with small white polka-dots off the rack. I was REALLY skeptical at first. I would have NEVER in a million years chosen it for myself.

She insisted that I give it a shot. The minute I slid it on, I knew it was THE ONE! It fit like a dream. It has this gather at the bust that draws attention away from my 'footballer shoulders'. Bonus! We grabbed a white shrug and some white accessories to go with the dress. Becky described it well by saying that it was an early sixties / Jackie O. looking dress.

Best part! They were on sale!!! I bought both the navy perfection, the shrug, the black dress (because you always need a black dress, and I don't have a 'grown-up black dress'), two bracelets and earrings and still spent less than $130.00. That's it!

Great afternoon! Great company! Thanks Girl for all your help. This could not have been done without you!

Happy Thursday

Thirteen Things this week that make me smile: 1. I Love summer! 2. Slurpees are half price at the 7-11 near my house! 3. Only one sleep until Travis starts his holidays and we head out of town for a week. 4. My baby sister is getting married in ONLY 8 DAYS!!! 5. My "new" haircolour looks Fantastic! (It's just new hilights, but they are spiffy! 6. My other sister and her boyfriend are moved into their new apartment in Sutherland. That means more visits :-) 7. Baby Kaylee and I had another visit this week. (That would make anyone happy though!) 8. I ran all of my errands this week, and still had tons of free time to read my new book, Anybody out there By Marian Keyes. (I'm almost finished!) 9. I got a belated birthday gift, a LaSenza gift card! Mamma needs some new undies! :-) 10. I had a GREAT interview and I got a job offer! 11. I cleaned out a bunch of our "Trash" and turned it into some other people's treasures through Saskatoon Freecyclers. If you aren't a member of your Community's Freecycle group, JOIN IT!!! 12. While cleaning said "trash", I found a book that I thought I had lost. It's the Guests of War Trilogy by Kit Pearson. Great story about a British girl who is sent to live in Canada during WWII. 13. I donated blood this morning. That always makes me feel good inside! Have a great Long weekend! No matter what day you celebrate, July 1st or the 4th, celebrate safely, and we'll see each other next week!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

It's Freaking Hot Outside!

And I Love It!

It's perfect summer weather. The sun is out, there is a small breeze and the air is thick with humidity! Oh Yeah! I'd take this weather over a cold, blizzardy day in January in a heartbeat!

All's well in my World right now...

My interview went very well, I think. I was kind of cheating though, because they know me and they know my style, so I think that the "interview" was basically a formality. I hope that I did myself good...

Think happy thoughts for me :-)

I'm going back outside now. It's too nice to be inside right now.

Insomnia sucks!

Folks, It's well past 2 AM and I'm wide awake. I am excited because I have an interview for a sure-thing job tomorrow in a place where I am eager to go. I cannot wait to tell the details, but I'll have to wait.

I am in Clothes Shopping Denial. If my sisters or my Mom are reading this - Stop Now!!!

I have yet to buy an outfit to wear to my sister's wedding on July 8. No big deal, I've got a week and some... WRONG!

I have today, Thursday and part of Friday. I am going to my family's reunion on Friday night and staying there until Sunday, Driving to Assiniboia with my family on Monday (Clothes shopping ability in Assiniboia=ZERO - Unless I drive to either Moose Jaw or Regina... Idea, Maybe... night not have time though.) And I spend the rest of the week preparing for the wedding. Cooking, baking, decorating, the usual stuff.

I need to get my butt in gear on that one. I just hate buying clothes for myself. I can make a great outfit for someone else, or pick clothes for boys with NO PROBLEM!!! I just cannot seem to dress myself AT ALL! I pick the worst colours or unflattering cuts or styles. And I cannot accessorize for myself either. My sister Jennifer has told me time and time again to just go into a store and tell the sales people: "This is what I want. Bring it to me in multiple colours and lengths!" This doesn't work for me. I'll end up taking 7 times my budget home, it looks like crap on me, and it all ends up in a closet never worn.

Does anyone want to go shopping? I need the voice of reason to go along and keep me out of paisley or fuschia or puce taffeta capri's :-)

My Favorite Episode

"HELL diddily ding dong crap!"

Anyone know which episode of The Simpsons this came from? Hint: It's an older one (Season eight) and it's said to almost every character in the show on someone's front lawn. I'll put the answer in the comments.

This line always makes me giggle. It makes me think of my Brothers Casey and Michael. They would always say that line and wait for my Mom to yell because they had said both 'Hell' and 'Crap'. Good Times :-)

What are your favorite lines or whole episodes?

If you can't go to church...

...You have the church come to you! At 3:30AM Saturday night, there was a church moving down the street. It was quite the spectacle. There were Saskatoon City Police escorting the procession.

Shaw cable and the City Power vehicles were milling around too. It was a neat thing to see. I'm not sure where it's final destination was, but I'm sure that it was a long drive :-)

Thursday 13!

Since I missed last week, here's a good excuse:

Thirteen Reasons why I didn't do a 13 List last week:

1. I was Tired from my birthday party.

2. Ok, I was actually Hung over... not tired.

3. I was too busy Quitting my job.

4. (Which I am happy not going to anymore, by the Way!!!)

5. I was too busy making tea in my new white teapot.

6. I was Reading.

7. I was trying to find an apartment for my sister who is now moving to Saskatoon. (She's got a great one now, thanks to moi!)

8. I was watching Sex and the City, and I got so caught up in the drama with Mr. Big, that I forgot to do anything! (Chris Noth is so hot, he should be illegal!)

9. I was writing my newest novel, Confessions of a Non-Heiress: How I Became the New Paris Hilton. (You can buy it on Amazon.com)

10. I was washing my hair.

11. I couldn't post anything because I lost my voice! (Bonus points if you can actually prove that I didn't :-)

12. I was too upset by the loss of Laguna Beach for the summer.

13. I was much too busy treating my Spring Fever. Careful, it's contagious.

I'm really sorry that I missed you all last week, and I hope that I gave you a laugh this week to make up for it!

Reality Television Night

Lauren (L.C. from Laguna Beach) is the Star of her own spin-off show that aired tonight. The Hills looks like it will be just as entertaining as Laguna was.

My sister Jennifer got me hooked on Laguna Beach, a show about a group of rich kids living in Laguna Beach, CA. The finale of season two was last week.

This new show follows LC as she gets an Internship at Teen Vogue and works her way through Fashion School.

Should be mindless MTV entertainment. :-)

PLUS!!!! Big Brother 7 All Stars starts tonight! Must go now, the show is about to start. Julie Chen is calling!

Look what came in the mail today...

Good news! But the bad news... The Visa bill came too. :-)

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there!

I called my Dad tonight and got to tell him the story of my new-found free time :-)

He's pretty excited for me. I won't really say much more until I cash my last paycheque, and then I can share the rest of the sordid details. Needless to say, things are going to take an interesting turn around here.

In other news, Travis threw me a Suprise bash on Saturday. We went to the Q-Room and played some pool and had a great time watching The Oilers Kick some serious butt.

Josh and Tiffany bought me a present. I got The O.C. Board Game! Now we can hang out and prove just how addicted we are to the show by spouting off random facts and details to win points !!! It will make for some fun evenings with them :-) Thanks guys!

Whoo Hoo!

The work thing is solved! Yee haw! I came out of a meeting at 3:00 this afternoon happier than I ever have been!

So I attempt to give my notice all day. I'm informed at 1:45 that I've got a "sit down" with the boss at 3. I went in expecting the worst; I came out feeling like I had just scammed them out of 2 weeks pay. I am done working for "the evil empire" as of tomorrow. I basically get 5 weeks severance pay. That is fantastic! I'm leaving on somewhat good terms. I mean I'm leaving on MY TERMS! and no one's feelings got hurt. I love my union!

On a happy note, 5 weeks of pay means that I can take some time and find something that I want to do, instead of something that I have to do.

I am ecstatic!

HELP PLEASE!!!

My Fellow Bloggers,

I beg of you all for help! I am writing my letter of Resignation to free myself from an evil corporation and all that I can think to say is:

Dear Sirs and Ladies, (If you are actually ever called that)

Guess what? I've had enough of your crap. You can find someone else to shit on, because as of June 30th, 2006 I will no longer work here. I expect to recieve my final paycheque on or before July 6th, 2006.

Up Yours with Love,

The_yecart

P.S. - I've been stealing paperclips and pens. The gluesticks are next!

Somehow, I don't think that will fly... And besides, even if I've left a job before, It's been under happier circumstances and I never had to write something while biting my tongue. I've NEVER burned a bridge with a possible reference and although, I doubt I will use these guys as one, I still can't give them a "F-You" letter (Even If It's Deserved)

PLEASE, I beg of all of you, help a sister out! If you have any good lines that I can use, send them my way! The_yecart@yahoo.com or in the comments! This letter will be written by 8:30 PM tonight! Come hell or high water, I'm outta here!

EDIT: So it's now way too late to be up, but I have written a lovely letter that calmly states my leaving in soft, gentle words... For Now!!! I will be writing a slightly more bold letter to my supervisor's supervisor stating exactly why I am leaving and giving examples in a calm and logical manner. Tomorrow is not the time for those points. Thanks for the GREAT suggestions, some are in the letter for tomorrow, and some are in the one for 2 weeks from now :-)

Thanks to Becky for proofing my letter tonight!

The Lake House

I am slowly recovering from the joy of Kaylee's birth this week. What excitement! Plus, she came with that "new baby smell", and who isn't a sucker for that? :-) I've got oodles of pictures, but I'm going to get permission before I post them. (Kim and Curtis have already filled a memory card, I'm sure!)

I'm sure that we all have seen the ads for the new Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves movie, The Lake House. If you haven't, it appears to be about a boy and a girl who live at the same lakehouse, but two years apart from each other. The mailbox has some kind of time portal that allows them to write letters to each other. Of course they fall in love, but because of the time difference, they cannot be together... Or can they???

I really want to go see this movie. I've been hinting to the Husband since I saw the first trailer. He doesn't appear to be jumping for it the same way I am though. I still have a few days to twist his arm though ;-)

I'm An AUNTIE!!!!

I thought I'd share my happiness with all of you!

At 6:07 PM Today, June 13th (my 26th Birthday) Kim gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby Grrrl :-) Kaylee Ann is 7lbs 7oz, and 19" long. I hear that she has lots of hair too!

Kaylee will be spoiled today and every June 13th from now onward because we are now official birthday buddies! Congratulations Kim and Curtis!

New Design...

...What do you think? Honestly. Feedback is always welcome here!

I just wanted a change for my b-day. Travis says that it's really girly. I'm not so sure. I think it's more fun.

A letter to Kim's baby:

Hey baby!!! You have to be born tomorrow, remember? Your Mommy and I had a talk and we (meaning me, Auntie Tracey) decided that you would be born on my birthday, so that I could spoil you rotten!

I hope that you are born tomorrow sometime, but truthfully, even if you don't come tomorrow, we are all just really glad that you are on your way. You will be so loved! We are all excited to meet you, and hold you, and spoil you silly! Your Mommy and Daddy both already love you so much, and their friends and family do too.

Please just come real soon. Don't wait until the 24th. That was just that silly Doctor's suggestion, not a "real" instruction, ok?

I eagerly await that phone call from your Daddy to get my bum to the hospital to meet you! Love Always, Your (Favorite, I hope) Auntie Tracey.

What a Fantastic Weekend!!!!

I'm in recovery from an AWESOME weekend!

For starters, Travis and I spent a great deal of time together this weekend. Quality time too :-) We went and played some pool at the Q-Room. The manager is a good friend of Travis' and he gave us a deal for the evening, but even on a regular night of pool or foosball or whatever, they are the best in the city. (Maybe I'm just biased because it's Trav's buddy) Plus, I got to go out for supper, so not cooking is always a bonus!

Then today, he took me to see the DaVinci Code. We went to a matinee so we spent the rest of the day making supper and just relaxing together. It was one of my top ten weekends ever! We didn't fight or yell or anything :-)

PLUS, as Becky has announced, I procured tickets, nay, INCREDIBLE tickets to the Dixie Chicks concert in Edmonton this November. That makes me super excited!!!

This has been a great weekend. I'm not sure what will be able to top it.

Happy Pride Week!

See, humanity has been wrong before...
Some of us need to admit that we might be wrong now too...

Saskatoon Pride Week June 10-17,2006

A Dirty Job

Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the back yard and shot it. -Truman Capote

I am not quite sure what Capote was thinking when he said this, or what exactly he meant, but I like it. I can sort-of relate. I mean, you invest a lot of energy and emotion in a book, and when you are done, you are almost spent. I can't read a book through unless I have an emotional attachment to the characters or the story.

I'm almost done a book that Travis bought me for our anniversary. It is the new Christopher Moore book A Dirty Job. I expect that I'll finish it tonight. It's pretty funny. It's about a man who discovers that he has been made into a Grim Reaper, except it's a Chris Moore book, so things aren't what they seem... I can't say much otherwise it would ruin the story for any of you out there that like his books. Just go out and read this book. Becky, I will loan this to you ASAP :-)

Cool photo

My dad got to go up in a hot-air balloon over Regina last week. That must be an amazing experience! He emailed me a couple of pictures that he took. Here is one of my favorites.

How many Landmarks can you Identify in the picture?

It's Thursday again!

The Janelle (The only girl that I could ever
Live with and Live to tell the Tale) Edition of
Thirteen Things That I Like About You:

1. You smell really good. (mmmm Satsuma)
2. You have a great fashion sense.
3. You let me borrow $5.00.
4. You never called me names.
5. You hated that ex-friend of mine too.
6. You never spoil movies or tv shows for me.
7. You let me win that foot race that one time.
8. You told me that I had that parsley in my teeth, before I went over to talk to that cute boy.
9. You keep all of the secrets that I tell you
10. You went to my Grade six school dance with me and my friends, then we had a great sleepover afterwards.
11. You never stole my clothes or shoes.
12. You didn't mind if I hung out at work with you when I was bored or lonely.
13. You said that I was the best roommate that you ever had.

I miss you lots Janelle! I am going to come to Calgary and sleep on your couch and steal your food, and drink lots with you! I hope that things keep going well for you!

Boo Urns, Blogger SUCKS!

I'm kinda looking into changing services to WordPress or something similar. If you have any opinions, or you use another blog making program, share info please!

Tonight, I couldn't get logged into blogger for 5 hours!!! FIVE WHOLE BORING HOURS!!!

I over react, perhaps, but I'm truly getting frustrated with blogger. Any Suggestions?

Stifled Laughter, aisle 5!

I swear that I just saw a guy, who looked like Waldo, you know, from the Where's Waldo books.

He had the red and white shirt, the red toque and the hair. No Jay Leno chin though.

Only in Saskatchewan will someone wear a toque in the Summer.

It's the things like this that I will miss when I leave here. You never can tell what will happen. The mall is kinda like a Where's Waldo picture...

There are 75 little dramas going on at once. People are happy, sad, in a rush, have all the time in the world, are hungry, are high, and all STILL just similar enough that you have to look really hard to find the one that you are looking for.

Holey moley do I need more caffine. I'm getting all weird! Starbucks, STAT! :-)

Life Lessons on TLC

The other day, Christy over at Life in my Vortex, brought out the link to the TLC website. The channel has been airing these fun little clips with the theme "Life Lessons". Things that we can learn the easy way by watching TLC or the hard way, by doing them ourselves.

After some contemplation, I've decided to share the following moments with you all. After the subsequent public humiliation that came from these lessons, here are a couple that I can personally vouch for: #72 - Merlot and Email (this also applies to Merlot and a Phone), #83 - The Office Party and my favorite, #20 - How to get rid of a guy.

The Best French Film EVER!

I am staying awake right now (12:42 am and counting) to watch the very best French film ever: Jeux d'enfants.

It is about two people who meet as children and as they grow older their game of "dare" grows more and more intense. They are in over their heads, so to speak, and the ending is misunderstood by many people. The game that Julien and Sophie play is really just a diversion. One that allows them to hide from the truth that they belong together.

If you have cable, search for a movie called "Love me if you dare". That is the English title. Then watch this movie!!! If you liked Amile, you will really like Jeux d'enfants.

(Hint Hint - If anyone can find this on DVD, let me know where!!!)

Big Love Season Finale

When HBO does a series, they really do a series! I've watched Big Love and I am addicted. The characters have drawn me into their lives. I am really sad for the summer break now.

SPOILER ALERT AHEAD: (hilight to read)

So they took Barb and the family to the Mother of the Year awards ceremony, and outed the family to the public. Everyone knows that they are poligamists!!! This is going to have huge implications to the stores, the kids and everyone's lives! The store will probably end up struggling next season if it doesn't get shut down completely. What a great setup for next season! They now have to put out some MAJOR fires before they can move on with all of their lives...

And I kind of peeked in and watched the Sopranos season / series end tonight too. That was a nice finish. I'm excited to get this on DVD to complete our set.

Proof that we need more HIV / AIDS education...

Today I think that I met the absolute most ignorant man in Saskatoon.

Hopefully you are all aware of these quarters for Breast Cancer. At work, we have been given these every time we go to the bank for change in the mornings. We get eight or ten rolls a day, so all of our quarters have the pink ribbon logo in the centre.

This afternoon, I made change for a man - mid-forties to mid-fifties - who looked at the coins in my hand, and said "I don't want these" I asked if he wanted dimes instead, obviously confused since he asked for change for the pay phone, but WHATEVER!

He explains to me that he doesn't want to "get AIDS" from the quarters. WHAT!?!?!

He further asked if this was something that the mall supports, "you know, being a fag". Again, WHAT!?!?!?!!?

I'm sure at this point I look stupified, because I realize that he is referring to the ribbon on the quarter, and he thinks that it is a Red Ribbon to identify with HIV/AIDS fundraising and support. I tersely replied "Sir, these quarters were produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. They have nothing to do with the mall, nor AIDS. They are to bring awareness and funds to fight Breast Cancer."

What I should have said in a pleasant sing-song-y voice with a BIG SMILE: "Yes, this is a red ribbon to bring awareness to the fight humanity is waging against HIV. Although, sir, even if I gave it to an infected person and had them put bodily fluids all over this quarter, you could not "get AIDS" unless I shove it up your ass. While I would like to do this, it would make it difficult for you to make your phone call, wouldn't it?"

What is your Stripper Name?

I just got this from my gal pal Tara (AKA Sugar Silverbomb). I thought that it would be fun to share this with y'all. It would ROCK if everyone who reads this put their name in the comments, so we could all have a giggle.

Just for fun, see what your stripper name will be, and share it with your friends. We all need a little stress-reliever! This only takes a minute. Follow the instructions to find your new name.

1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:
a = Fantasia
b = Chesty
c = Star
d = Diamond
e = Montana
f = Angel
g = Sugar
h = Mimi
i = Lola
j =Kitty
k = Roxie
l = Dallas
m = Princess
n = Heidi
o = Bambi
p = Bunny
q = Brandy
r = Sugar
s = Candy
t = Raquelle
u = Sapphire
v = Cinnamon
w = Blaze
x = Trixie
y = Isis
z = Jade

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:
a = Leather
b = Dream
c = Sunny
d = Deep
e = Heaven
f = Tight
g = Shimmer
h = Velvet
i = Lusty
j = Harley
k = Passion
l = Dazzle
m = Dixon
n = Spank
o = Glitter
p = Razor
q = Meadow
r = Glitz
s = Sparkle
t = Sweet
u = Silver
v = Tickle
w = Cherry
x = Hard
y = Night
z = Amber

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = hooters
b = horn
c = tower
d = fire
e = thighs
f = hips
g = side
h = jugs
i = shock
j = cocker
k = brook
l = tush
m = sizzle
n = ridge
o = kiss
p = bomb
q = cream
r = thong
s = heat
t = whip
u = cheeks
v = rock
w = hiney
x = button
y = lick
z = juice

Mine Is Fantasia Silvershock

Thursday 13

The Thirteen Best Song Lyrics Ever! 1. They - Jem (Finally Woken 2004) "Who made up all the rules? We follow them like fools, believe them to be true, don't care to think them through." 2. Best of you - Foo Fighters (In Your Honor 2005) "Were you born to resist, or be abused?" 3. Acid - Emm Gryner (Public 1998) "Hey, I'll always wish I was with you. Hurt me, you can't kill me, whatever you want to do. Hey, I'll always wish I had your hand. It would take away the acid if I thought you'd understand. But I don't think you understand." 4. So says I - The Shins (Chutes Too Narrow 2003) "In our darkest hours we have all asked for some angel to come sprinkle his dust all around" 5. Let Go - Frou Frou (Details 2002) "There's Beauty in the Breakdown" 6. Lullaby - The Dixie Chicks (Taking the Long Way 2006) "How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough, Is forever enough? How long so you wanna be loved? Is forever enough 'cause I'm never, never givin' you up." 7. Elsewhere - Sarah McLachlan (Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 1993) "I believe this is heaven, to no one else but me, and I'll defend it, as long as I can be left here to linger, in silence, if I choose to, would you try to understand?" 8. God - Tori Amos (Under the Pink 1994) "God sometimes you just don't come through. Do you need a woman to look after you?" 9. There's A Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey. You Just Haven't Thought Of It Yet - Panic! At the Disco (A Fever You Can't Sweat Out 2005) "Talk to the mirror, oh, choke back tears. And keep telling yourself that "I'm a diva!" 10. All you need is Love - The Beatles (Magical Mystery Tour 1967) "Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you, in time. It's easy!" 11. Better Days - Goo Goo Dolls (Let Love In 2006) "Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings, And desire and love and empty things. Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days" 12. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin IV 1971) "And as we wind on down the road Our shadows taller than our soul. There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show How everything still turns to gold." 13. When You Wish upon a Star - Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio Soundtrack 1940) "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you. If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme. When you wish upon a star as dreamers do."

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun!