So, I am planning another trip to Vegas. I said I would. I am going with some friends, who have been planning this trip for a while. It is a stagette and it is going to be AMAZING!! Our departure date is March 12th, 2007. I am very excited about this, but apparently the Canadian Government is not. As of January 26th, 2007 (I think that is the date) Canadians are now required to carry a Canadian passport when travelling outside of Canada.
If you know anything about getting a passport here, then you know that it is easier to adopt a child from Malawi than obtain a passport. You have to take a day off work (Government hours of operation are 8-4:30) and be prepared to stand in line ALLLLLLLL day. Once you actually make it to the counter, you could be turned away for any number of reasons, including having your mascara smudged because you accidentally fell asleep on the guy in front of you, even though he smelt of curry and B.O. So, with your fingers crossed, you approach the counter, smile and hope for the best. But don't smile too much - you don't want them to think that you are up to something.
You hand over your documentation and they pick it apart. You hand over your passport photo, which I might add cost you $15 and it is the worst picture ever. Who doesn't smile in a picture!?!?!? MUG SHOT PEOPLE, THAT'S WHO!!!!! We have all seen http://www.thesmokinggun.com/, haven't we?!?!
Sorry, I digressed. So, you hand over your information, everything is checked and double checked and then you get the okay. Hopefully.
To avoid all this frustration, the Canadian Government has now made passport applications available online. This is to alleviate the work load for the people behind the counter. Yes, the same thing that you and I do everyday. Sit at a computer and type. This is too much for them. So, we can do it online and submit it, print it off to have our guarantor sign it (don't even get me started on that one), and bring it to the passport office and get moved to the front of the line. The hardworking Government employee will then type (sigh) in the bar code and after verifying the information that YOU have typed in, the process moves a lot quicker. But not too much quicker as we are still dealing with the Government.
Side note: I do also work for the Government, but it is Municipal, not Federal, so it is completely different. Well, maybe not completely different, but different none-the-less.
I came to work at 7am this morning, just so I could apply online. Oh right, now is a good time to mention that when you go online, it says to use the website during off peek hours, which according to them is 9pm to 6am. One would think off peek hours would be after 4:30pm and before 8am, but again, I digress.
So, I was here at 7am, and have been trying ever since to log onto the passport website and complete my online application. I could have had 8 Malawian babies by now!!!
I will not be deterred. I will go to Las Vegas in March. I will have a Canadian passport. I will. I will. I will.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Strange Day
Vicki said it best... Today is a strange day...
I woke up this morning in a pretty good mood. While I was getting ready for work, I decided to watch BT instead of my usual "Saved By the Bell" (It's the early years, with Miss. Bliss - I'm not really a fan!). Anyway, Kevin and the new Liza (that I am also not a fan of) were saying that today is the day that most people really get the winter blahs. That they realize how much in debt they are from Christmas, and that it's just not a good day.
I thought to myself, "Hmm, isn't that weird. For the first time on a Monday, I wake up in a good mood and today is a blah day." Off I went to work, stopping for some Timmy's on the way. Once I got into the office, everything changed.
There were 3 people waiting at my desk for me. One of the temp workers that was hired by our contractors apparently suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. I learned a short while later that the gentleman did not survive the attack. This made me very, very sad.
Shortly there after, I was speaking with Vicki, who is having a bad day. It is a truly justified bad day. Not a "my credit card came in and I really shouldn't have bought 4 pairs of Jimmy Choos" bad day, but a knock-down, drag out bad day. She is such a strong person, and usually trudges through her bad days with a smile. But not today. I wasn't able to give her much comfort or be of any great help to her. This made me very, very sad. Again.
Just a little while ago, the fire alarms went off in our building. We all evacuated and, luckily there wasn't a fire. One of the sprinklers burst in the plant. There was water everywhere. The rest of the temp workers that didn't leave after this morning's incident were sent home as there wasn't anything for them to do until the sprinkler is fixed. This is not sad, but just helps make this one of the strangest days in a while.
All this before noon! What will the afternoon bring?
I woke up this morning in a pretty good mood. While I was getting ready for work, I decided to watch BT instead of my usual "Saved By the Bell" (It's the early years, with Miss. Bliss - I'm not really a fan!). Anyway, Kevin and the new Liza (that I am also not a fan of) were saying that today is the day that most people really get the winter blahs. That they realize how much in debt they are from Christmas, and that it's just not a good day.
I thought to myself, "Hmm, isn't that weird. For the first time on a Monday, I wake up in a good mood and today is a blah day." Off I went to work, stopping for some Timmy's on the way. Once I got into the office, everything changed.
There were 3 people waiting at my desk for me. One of the temp workers that was hired by our contractors apparently suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. I learned a short while later that the gentleman did not survive the attack. This made me very, very sad.
Shortly there after, I was speaking with Vicki, who is having a bad day. It is a truly justified bad day. Not a "my credit card came in and I really shouldn't have bought 4 pairs of Jimmy Choos" bad day, but a knock-down, drag out bad day. She is such a strong person, and usually trudges through her bad days with a smile. But not today. I wasn't able to give her much comfort or be of any great help to her. This made me very, very sad. Again.
Just a little while ago, the fire alarms went off in our building. We all evacuated and, luckily there wasn't a fire. One of the sprinklers burst in the plant. There was water everywhere. The rest of the temp workers that didn't leave after this morning's incident were sent home as there wasn't anything for them to do until the sprinkler is fixed. This is not sad, but just helps make this one of the strangest days in a while.
All this before noon! What will the afternoon bring?
Friday, January 12, 2007
Paula's Review of 2006
1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
I went to Las Vegas. I lived on my own.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any new year’s resolutions last year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Too many, in fact.
5. What countries did you visit?
The United States of America.
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A passport.
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 13th – My niece’s first birthday! August 18th – My closing date on my condo. November 30th – Left for Las Vegas.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having the ability and funds to move out on my own.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting something that I had no control over control my life.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Except for a flu that knocked me on my butt for 24 hours.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Condo.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My friends and immediate family who continue to rock.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Jennifer… what a disappointment.
14. Where did most of your money go?
My Condo. Car payments.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Las Vegas!!
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
“Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks, “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, “Irreplaceable” by Beyonce & “This Year’s Love” by David Gray
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier. Fatter. Poorer. Those last two answers don’t really fit with the first one, but it’s true!!!!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Travelling, like always!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Crying. Trying to change things that I have no control over.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve with my parents, and Christmas day with my parents, my sister, her husband and best of all, my rock star niece!!!!
21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
No. I started to, but stopped before I did.
22. How many one-night stands?
None.
23. What was your favourite TV program?
Grey’s Anatomy. Lost.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is a very strong word, and implies that you care enough to have feelings for that person. So no. There are some that I truly cared for last year that I now don’t care for at all.
25. What was the best book you read?
“Why Moms are Weird” by Pamela Ribon.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hmmm. This is weird, but probably Beyonce. Up until a few months ago, I couldn’t stand her. Now, I enjoy her.
27. What did you want and get?
To go to Las Vegas. Spend lots of time with my niece.
28. What did you want and not get?
To win the lottery.
29. What was your favourite film of this year?
I didn’t see too many movies this year… I really enjoyed “The Queen”.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30 on my birthday and celebrated it in LAS VEGAS!!!!!!!! I had a drink at midnight in the Paris hotel to start. Was awaken with champagne sent from my parents and spent the day shopping the Forums at Caesar’s Palace. I could not have had a better day.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To have been able to tell a distinct few family members exactly what I think of them.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Jeans, jeans, jeans.
33. What kept you sane?
My parents, my sister and my friends. They are awesome and they will never know how much I value them.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
McSteamy!!!!! LOVE HIM!
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Not really someone that gets stirred by political issues, but seriously, enough of this war already… That and the hanging of Saddam. Never thought that would happen in my lifetime…
36. Who did you miss?
Hmmmm. I miss my aunt who passed away. Oddly enough, I really missed my grandparents this year. They passed away quite some time ago, but I really missed their presence this year.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Wow. Um, Cassie. She is super fun, ridiculously funny and such a great friend.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
The worst thing that you are afraid of happening will happen, but you will survive.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I’m not Ready to Make Nice.
I went to Las Vegas. I lived on my own.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any new year’s resolutions last year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Too many, in fact.
5. What countries did you visit?
The United States of America.
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A passport.
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 13th – My niece’s first birthday! August 18th – My closing date on my condo. November 30th – Left for Las Vegas.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having the ability and funds to move out on my own.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting something that I had no control over control my life.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Except for a flu that knocked me on my butt for 24 hours.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Condo.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My friends and immediate family who continue to rock.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Jennifer… what a disappointment.
14. Where did most of your money go?
My Condo. Car payments.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Las Vegas!!
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
“Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks, “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, “Irreplaceable” by Beyonce & “This Year’s Love” by David Gray
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier. Fatter. Poorer. Those last two answers don’t really fit with the first one, but it’s true!!!!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Travelling, like always!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Crying. Trying to change things that I have no control over.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve with my parents, and Christmas day with my parents, my sister, her husband and best of all, my rock star niece!!!!
21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
No. I started to, but stopped before I did.
22. How many one-night stands?
None.
23. What was your favourite TV program?
Grey’s Anatomy. Lost.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is a very strong word, and implies that you care enough to have feelings for that person. So no. There are some that I truly cared for last year that I now don’t care for at all.
25. What was the best book you read?
“Why Moms are Weird” by Pamela Ribon.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hmmm. This is weird, but probably Beyonce. Up until a few months ago, I couldn’t stand her. Now, I enjoy her.
27. What did you want and get?
To go to Las Vegas. Spend lots of time with my niece.
28. What did you want and not get?
To win the lottery.
29. What was your favourite film of this year?
I didn’t see too many movies this year… I really enjoyed “The Queen”.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30 on my birthday and celebrated it in LAS VEGAS!!!!!!!! I had a drink at midnight in the Paris hotel to start. Was awaken with champagne sent from my parents and spent the day shopping the Forums at Caesar’s Palace. I could not have had a better day.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To have been able to tell a distinct few family members exactly what I think of them.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Jeans, jeans, jeans.
33. What kept you sane?
My parents, my sister and my friends. They are awesome and they will never know how much I value them.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
McSteamy!!!!! LOVE HIM!
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Not really someone that gets stirred by political issues, but seriously, enough of this war already… That and the hanging of Saddam. Never thought that would happen in my lifetime…
36. Who did you miss?
Hmmmm. I miss my aunt who passed away. Oddly enough, I really missed my grandparents this year. They passed away quite some time ago, but I really missed their presence this year.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Wow. Um, Cassie. She is super fun, ridiculously funny and such a great friend.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
The worst thing that you are afraid of happening will happen, but you will survive.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I’m not Ready to Make Nice.
Monday, January 8, 2007
The Start of a GREAT Year!
So 2007 is in full swing, and I can honestly say that I have left 2006 behind for good. This year has so many possibilities that I can't help but be excited about it!!
We already started looking into prices for Vegas, and have a couple of options. The first is going with some friends for a bachlorette party in mid-March. Another is going in late April/early May before I jump head first into bridesmaid duty (more about that in a minute). The final option is late summer, after the summer rush ends. I wish I could do all three. In fact, I keep thinking more and more about a one way trip there! I don't know if it is because I just loved being there so much, or if it was because I promised my parents that I would leave all my family woes on Canadian soil and have the time of my life. ANYWAY - back to where I am - in a cube - a la Dilbert!!
So, as I mentioned before, I am going to be a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding. She and her fiance have been engaged since 1987... well more like 2004, but it seems so much longer than that. I remember when she told me - 07-07-07 - that seemed like years and years ago. And now here we are - the first of the 07's!
They have kind of a tropical/elegant island theme. The girls are all wearing the same dress, but in different colours. I am blue-jay blue. The dresses are really beautiful. And they should be, because we have been looking for them since 1987 as well. Okay, May 2006. ...So I exaggerate sometimes... The dresses will look really good on all the girls, except me, I think. They are strapless and well, I kinda need straps, if ya know what I mean. Karla said that I can add straps, but I think that I need a holster or something.
I think I kinda freaked my cousin out last week when I was there. I was asking her a bunch of questions - what shoes? what jewelry? shawls? when to wrap the bombonieres? etc... I need to slow down and remember that I am not planning this wedding. I can't take over and make decisions. The best I can do is offer my suggestions, but mainly just offer my services whenever she needs me and especially on 07-07-07!!!!
Couple of other things - my dad came over on the weekend to hang all my pictures and wall accessories. My mom came too, and so did Lori and Bianca. The condo was full and Bianca was a big help to my dad. He would put the hammer down, and she would pick it up. The same can be said for the tape measure, the pencil, the drill bits and picture hanging thingys. She figured out how to turn on the power drill. I know you are asking yourself, 'Why would we let her play with a power drill?" and the answer is, we didn't. My dad put it down and she was sitting beside him (as soon as you sit on the floor, she sits beside you, in front of you, on top of you, etc.). So, she scooped it up and we though, "okay, it's not on" and then she turned it on. We laughed and grabbed for the drill all at the same time, and all she said was "Nonno, Nonno" because it belonged to him!
Lori and I are going to start to work out. We are going to use the gym in my building. Since technically, I am paying for it, I might as well use it! Nothing crazy, but we are going to try and get ourselves loosely resembling our yester-years... I wrote it down, so now I have to stick to it. I can't act like it never happened cause now it is on paper. And I told the girls at work as well. It's out there, so now I have to do it. But more importantly, I WANT to do it.
It's the last little (maybe not so little) bit of 2006 that I need to get rid of!
We already started looking into prices for Vegas, and have a couple of options. The first is going with some friends for a bachlorette party in mid-March. Another is going in late April/early May before I jump head first into bridesmaid duty (more about that in a minute). The final option is late summer, after the summer rush ends. I wish I could do all three. In fact, I keep thinking more and more about a one way trip there! I don't know if it is because I just loved being there so much, or if it was because I promised my parents that I would leave all my family woes on Canadian soil and have the time of my life. ANYWAY - back to where I am - in a cube - a la Dilbert!!
So, as I mentioned before, I am going to be a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding. She and her fiance have been engaged since 1987... well more like 2004, but it seems so much longer than that. I remember when she told me - 07-07-07 - that seemed like years and years ago. And now here we are - the first of the 07's!
They have kind of a tropical/elegant island theme. The girls are all wearing the same dress, but in different colours. I am blue-jay blue. The dresses are really beautiful. And they should be, because we have been looking for them since 1987 as well. Okay, May 2006. ...So I exaggerate sometimes... The dresses will look really good on all the girls, except me, I think. They are strapless and well, I kinda need straps, if ya know what I mean. Karla said that I can add straps, but I think that I need a holster or something.
I think I kinda freaked my cousin out last week when I was there. I was asking her a bunch of questions - what shoes? what jewelry? shawls? when to wrap the bombonieres? etc... I need to slow down and remember that I am not planning this wedding. I can't take over and make decisions. The best I can do is offer my suggestions, but mainly just offer my services whenever she needs me and especially on 07-07-07!!!!
Couple of other things - my dad came over on the weekend to hang all my pictures and wall accessories. My mom came too, and so did Lori and Bianca. The condo was full and Bianca was a big help to my dad. He would put the hammer down, and she would pick it up. The same can be said for the tape measure, the pencil, the drill bits and picture hanging thingys. She figured out how to turn on the power drill. I know you are asking yourself, 'Why would we let her play with a power drill?" and the answer is, we didn't. My dad put it down and she was sitting beside him (as soon as you sit on the floor, she sits beside you, in front of you, on top of you, etc.). So, she scooped it up and we though, "okay, it's not on" and then she turned it on. We laughed and grabbed for the drill all at the same time, and all she said was "Nonno, Nonno" because it belonged to him!
Lori and I are going to start to work out. We are going to use the gym in my building. Since technically, I am paying for it, I might as well use it! Nothing crazy, but we are going to try and get ourselves loosely resembling our yester-years... I wrote it down, so now I have to stick to it. I can't act like it never happened cause now it is on paper. And I told the girls at work as well. It's out there, so now I have to do it. But more importantly, I WANT to do it.
It's the last little (maybe not so little) bit of 2006 that I need to get rid of!
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