Jess' world

jesscyn @ 2009-06-11T01:44:00

2009-06-11T01:44:02Z

Just checking out the sharethis plug in... I really liked this article.

Unclutterer and smart consumerism

Posted using ShareThis

43T meme like thingy

2009-02-25T12:45:38Z

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Tree Hugging Self-Knowing Money Manager

Find the error, Xposted from 43Things

2008-12-21T10:00:28Z

I stopped blogging at LJ because I prefer the goal orientatedness of my 43things profile. Apparently there is an error in this post with the HTML but I've checked it over three times and I can't find it, bonus points to you if you can, so I'm posting it over here on LJ because it won't let me post at 43Things.

It's also an update to let you know how I'm doing lately, what I've been focusing on. If you'd like to follow me over on 43T, there's an RSS feed that you can read, as I'm still blogging, just in a more goal orientated way.

EDIT: Thanks be to Ariel for finding the error :D

[43Things post]

I go to extremes about the amount of fun that I let myself have. I went through a phase where I was going clubbing 3-5x times a week, to periods where I whine that I never have any fun, blaming money and my wacky work schedule mostly. This weekend I kicked my work schedule excuse out of the water, while working from 0-9 for the entire weekend, I managed to go out both on Friday night and Saturday night.

Friday night was the office Xmas party. We always do it at this small, incredible French restaurants, where we eat excellent food, drink ourselves stupid and get incredible gifts from the boss. We make a list of three things and this year I got my first choice: The Archos 605 MP3 video picture viewer and two bottles of red wine . Since I don't drink red anymore, I can check off buying red for the party.

Now since I got about two / three hours of sleep and you add drinking into that mix, I have this mode that I go into where I'm:

-incredibly honest
-very insightful
-overtly friendly / helpful
-got laser like focus / need to keep busy
-slightly manic

Now it doesn't always happen when I get tired, sometimes I go straight to groutchy / bitchy. But I wish that I could just capture that mode in a bottle and use it in my personality all the time. In a way I think that I have . But I was inspired to finally get off my ass and admit that maybe I should start looking for a new job or maybe I just got tired of having my hours cut which was supposed to get better by now, but isn't. Either way, I finally got of my ass.

I don't know if people like articles where I link all over my previous entries (do you?), but to me it lets me know that my goals, values, actions and blog posts are in alignment, that I'm actually taking action towards reaching them.

Tonight, I went out to an Xmas party with a friend of mine. And this is where I get off topic, but I met with one of her friends and I have a hard time explaining what meeting him was like but I'll try

Like meeting a kindred soul / spirit
Interacting with a carbon copy of myself that goes beyond my own experience
Talking with someone intelligent, open, interesting and forthright

I didn't notice it at first, but situations kept lining up and when I finally did, I was just in _awe_ Things like this:

We were talking about apts and how you can become a slave to your stuff (which incidently is the goal I've written the most entries about, save for my snowflakes goal ) and he mentioned a Carlin routine about stuff that I can loosely quote from. I know it because an ex of mine was a BIG Carlin fan and it was mentioned on Unclutterer here I mentioned that I found out about Carlin's death from 43Things (funny but true) and he was like "oh I've heard of that." Then I gushed about 43T, like I always do, which lead to us talking about "Getting Things Done" he said, "GTD," I said, which I am not a fan of, couldn't get the book finished, but I've heard of and is BIG in the circles I hang out in Now you all know about the wonders about 43T, so it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I've learned that the Internet is a HUGE place and everyone has a different hang out area. Some people are big into the Ebay, some are big into the WoWing. It just shocked me to find someone into personal development, as I often feel alone in this domain when it comes to the real world.

Then there was the discussion where we were talking about what I call the "car wreck" blog, which is hard to summarize why I think her money management system is so horrible, but goes something like this: "Oh I got back 150$ from overdrafted accounts and I didn't have any money to spend on Xmas gifts so I bought a bunch of Xmas gifts, oh and gifts for me because I NEEDED them, oh and lunch because I deserved it but I don't understand why I'm always so broke oh and let me tell you about how I'm going to live for the next two weeks with 15.17$ in grocery money (which I can't find the link for sadly), but it's okay because my Daddy will bail me out and I'm going to be SO responsible with the money, but wait I need to go dolphin boating and take cabs everywhere I call it the "car wreck" blog because it's so awful, yet I love reading it, her financial life is a car wreck but I just can't look away. I spoke with him about writing her a letter of advice, but worrying that it wouldn't help. He said, it's her persona, you can't take it away from her, she wouldn't have anything left (or something brilliant to that effect)

I did do a little silly thing, that he told me right away made him uncomfortable, which I'm trying not to feel bad about. It's really something so simple, I did something, he told me, I stopped, end of story, now to convince myself that it's really not a big deal. I worry too much.

I must admit, that I'm not sure where I'd like something / anything with this fellow to go but I do know that I must stay in contact with him. When we spoke of connecting on FB and MSN and him coming to my party, it was like we'd known each other for years and years. It was so naturally the logical step to take next, but it's strangely eery looking back on, because there was NO doubt in my mind that this is someone to stay in touch with. I don't know if he gets that reaction often, but there are certain traits that I pick up on in people and I very often have incredible judgement, that I'm learning to listen to more often, even when it goes against more traditional beliefs. I don't know if I should be worried about the moving too quickly too fast, because I have gotten burned about trusting people too quickly and then being wrong, but I figure that I should listen to myself or is that this? Or do I need to dig out the abandonned Happiness Project mantra that says: In Jess we Trust

[/post]

And now you know why I don't blog on LJ anymore, I've moved over to 43Things, come and follow me there...

jesscyn @ 2008-12-21T04:49:00

2008-12-21T09:49:42Z

[Error: Irreparable invalid markup ('<a [...] </a>') in entry. Owner must fix manually. Raw contents below.]

Okay I accidently closed the browser containing the original article, which was linkerific and perfect. I'm now learning my lesson to write this in Notepad.

This article is going to go all over place, but first let me explain why this article is under my balance goal.

I go to extremes about the amount of fun that I let myself have. I went through a phase where I was going clubbing 3-5x times a week, to periods where I whine that I never have any fun, blaming money and my wacky work schedule mostly. This weekend I kicked my work schedule excuse out of the water, while working from 0-9 for the entire weekend, I managed to go out both on Friday night and Saturday night.

Friday night was the office Xmas party. We always do it at this small, incredible French restaurants, where we eat excellent food, drink ourselves stupid and get incredible gifts from the boss. We make a list of three things and this year I got my first choice: The <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-video-players-pvps/archos-605-wifi-160gb/4505-6499_7-32477557.html"> Archos 605 MP3 / video / picture viewer </a> and two <a href="http://www.43things.com/entries/view/3726159">bottles of red wine </a>. Since I don't drink red anymore, I can check off buying red for the party.

Now since I got about two / three hours of sleep and you add drinking into that mix, I have this mode that I go into where I'm:

-incredibly honest
-very insightful
-overtly friendly / helpful
-got laser like focus / need to keep busy
-slightly manic

Now it doesn't always happen when I get tired, sometimes I go straight to groutchy / bitchy. But I wish that I could just capture that mode in a bottle and use it in my personality all the time. In a way I think that <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/wbmsic/11353055" I have </a>. But I was inspired to finally get off my ass and admit that maybe I should <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/wbmsic/12048001"> start looking for a new job </a> or maybe I just got tired of <a href="http://www.43things.com/entries/view/3522677"> having my hours cut </a> which was supposed to get better by now, but isn't. Either way, I finally got of my ass.

I don't know if people like articles where I link all over my previous entries (do you?), but to me it lets me know that my goals, values, actions and blog posts are in alignment, that I'm actually taking action towards reaching them.

Tonight, I went out to an Xmas party with a friend of mine. And this is where I get off topic, but I met with one of her friends and I have a hard time explaining what meeting him was like but I'll try

Like meeting a kindred soul / spirit
Interacting with a carbon copy of myself that goes beyond my own experience
Talking with someone intelligent, open, interesting and forthright

I didn't notice it at first, but situations kept lining up and when I finally did, I was just in <b> awe </b> Things like this:

We were talking about <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/wbmsic/11365639"> apts </a> and how you can become a <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/wbmsic/10798251"> slave to your stuff </a> (which incidently is the goal I've written the most entries about, save for my <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/wbmsic/10940354"> snowflakes goal </a>) and he mentioned a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac"> Carlin routine about stuff </a> that I can loosely quote from. I know it because an ex of mine was a BIG Carlin fan and it was mentioned on Unclutterer <a href="http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/george-carlins-stuff-routine/"> here </a> I mentioned that I found out about Carlin's death from 43Things (funny but true) and he was like "oh I've heard of that." Then I gushed about 43T, like I always do, which lead to us talking about "Getting Things Done" he said, "GTD," I said, which I am not a fan of, couldn't get the book finished, but I've heard of and is <a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/05/06/review-getting-things-done/"> BIG in the circles I hang out in </a> Now you all know about the wonders about 43T, so it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I've learned that the Internet is a HUGE place and everyone has a different hang out area. Some people are big into the Ebay, some are big into the WoWing. It just shocked me to find someone into personal development, as I often feel alone in this domain when it comes to the real world.

Then there was the discussion where we were talking about what I call the "car wreck" blog, which is hard to summarize why I think her money management system is so horrible, but goes something like this: <a href="http://salliesniece.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-spent-money-on-myself.html"> "Oh I got back 150$ from overdrafted accounts and I didn't have any money to spend on Xmas gifts so I bought a bunch of Xmas gifts, oh and gifts for me because I NEEDED them, oh and lunch because I deserved it </a> <a href="http://salliesniece.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-does-it-mean-to-be-rich.html"> but I don't understand why I'm always so broke </a> oh and let me tell you about how I'm going to live for the next two weeks with 15.17$ in grocery money (which I can't find the link for sadly), <a href="http://salliesniece.blogspot.com/2008/10/weddign-budget-update.html"> but it's okay because my Daddy will bail me out </a> and I'm going to be SO responsible with the money, but wait <a href="http://salliesniece.blogspot.com/2008/10/let-them-eat-wedding-cake.html"> I need to go dolphin boating and take cabs everywhere </a> I call it the "car wreck" blog because it's so awful, yet I love reading it, her financial life is a car wreck but I just can't look away. I spoke with him about writing her a letter of advice, but worrying that it wouldn't help. He said, it's her persona, you can't take it away from her, she wouldn't have anything left (or something brilliant to that effect)

I did do a little silly thing, that he told me right away made him uncomfortable, which I'm trying not to feel bad about. It's really something so simple, I did something, he told me, I stopped, end of story, now to convince myself that it's really not a big deal. I worry too much.

I must admit, that I'm not sure where I'd like something / anything with this fellow to go but I do know that I must stay in contact with him. When we spoke of connecting on FB and MSN and him coming to my party, it was like we'd known each other for years and years. It was so naturally the logical step to take next, but it's strangely eery looking back on, because there was NO doubt in my mind that this is someone to stay in touch with. I don't know if he gets that reaction often, but there are certain traits that I pick up on in people and I very often have incredible judgement, that I'm learning to listen to more often, even when it goes against traditional beliefs. I don't know if I should be worried about the moving too quickly too fast, because I have gotten burned about trusting people too quickly and then being wrong, but I figure that <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/wbmsic/10952783"> I should listen to myself </a> or is that <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/wbmsic/11346248"> this? </a> Or do I need to dig out the abandonned Happiness Project mantra that says: <a href="http://www.43things.com/entries/view/3338350"> In Jess we Trust </a>

Metro Meme created by yours truely

2008-12-12T17:12:45Z

So I came up with this idea for a meme.

Here's how it works:

Using the handy metro map, pick out a section of the metro, Cote Vertu to Snowdon for example. Then "travel" through time and write out strong memories that you have of that particular metro station. They can be anything, like going to work in a snowstorm from that point, places you used to hang out, friends houses, etc.

This is what I came up with:

Berri - I remember I was running late for a Fido interview, so I picked up a muffin and a banana from the dep there. I had two interviews with them so that was my breakfast twice. As I was thinking about this the other day I saw this HUGE Fido ad in the metro.

Sherbrooke - Skip

Mont Royal - This is my failed date stop. I remember going out for sushi on two separate occasions with people where it just didn't work out. I've also got memories of walking up to the Tam Tams and stopping for cheap bottled water at the Dollarstore on the way.

Laurier - This is full of memories of Sitel for me. I used to stop every morning for a mocha like coffee and a breakfast sandwich at the little gas station on the way to work. There's also this kick ass sushi shop in that area.

Rosemont - Full of memories of a club I spent WAY too much time at that shall not be named. The specific memory that came back was when I went with Corey. There was also a little 24/7 fruit market right outside the station that I used to stop and buy cherries from.

Beaubien - Skip

Jean Talon - Let's pull out another work memory for this one, back when I was working on the farm and had to wake up super early to be able to catch the bus to get to the Waste. This one time a girl missed the bus and ran chasing it until she banged on the door in the middle of the road a fair distance away.

Xposted to FB

Hello poor little neglected journal

2008-10-23T00:56:56Z

It's not that I haven't been writing... I have It's just that poor little LJ has been neglected. And I've all but abandoned GK. Ah well.

So what's been happening in the world of Jess you ask.

I moved over back near RJ in NDG. Much stress before the move ensued. Been here almost two months now.
I'm throwing a debt FREE party sometime in mid November-ish-ish to celebrate my final student loan payment going through TOMORROW! It will be a wine and cheese party... yay! Message me for more details.
Still working at work. Will be two years in January. Boggles my mind to say that. TWO years. Been doing fun stuff like little bits of HTML programming, training, working on stuff to help my coworkers out. All in all still happy with what I do.

Been going through a bit of dilemma with what becomes important to me now that my debt is paid off. I suppose I'll start a Savings Snowball We shall see. Snowball my party at least.

Anyways, just wanted to send a shout out to let you all know that my LJ is not dead.

I don't know... but I find this hilarious

2008-06-30T00:40:30Z

I stopped using one of my credit cards a couple of months ago. So the balance is supposed to stay at zero, if not, there's something wrong.

I check my bank account and notice that my CC isn't at zero. WTF? So I look at it and I recognize the name of the processor as one that we use at work, for an amount that I recognize as being a phone charge.

So I call up CCbill and the conversation goes something like this:

Hi, I have a charge I don't recognize on my CC, can I give the last four digits of my card please?

CCBill: Actually we need the full card number.

Sure it's XXXX, etc...

CCBill: And your full name and address please?

Jessica, etc... This is my address, Montreal.

CCBill: That's what we have here. Do you recognize

No.

CCBill: Okay we're going to refund the transaction to your card.

How long will that take? What's the name of the site that was purchased on?

CCBill: Oh it's called FemJoy.com... Explains refund delays.

*cracks up laughing* Someone used my credit to purchase on an adult entertainment site. That's just priceless.
Asks about Verified by VISA

CCBill: *is clueless about VBV

So tomorrow I'll worry about how someone got a hold of my CC number and address. Probably online somehow.

But for now... excuse me whilst I go and LAUGH MY ASS OFF, at being on the other end of a call that I've taken too many times to count.

Seriously, Ironies of Ironies... I think I'm one of the few who would find this situation absolutely hilariously funny.

Hello from NYC

2008-05-17T22:51:12Z

So here I am in NYC. As I said in FB it was a real last minute decision because my friend Ariel was heading down. So here I am... I had a whole bunch of things planned out, but due to lack of funds and timing and me needing SLLLLEEEEEPPPPP I cancelled out some of them. Oh well, I'm still having a blast here.

On Friday we got in around I think like 6:30 in NJ, his cousin's husband was nice enough to give me a lift into NYC, where I schlepped the the hostel. Seriously schlepped, in the rain :( When I got there I found out that I could only check in a 3, so I dropped off my bags and went off to adventure in the pouring rain. I tried to master the subway, but I didn't quite grok the difference between downtown and uptown and where to grab the subway for either of them. And then there is the difference between a local train and an express train. I ended up at a nice lingerie store because of that last mistake, bought something I needed, they're a little small, but oh well. So I wandered to Strawberry Fields, hung out there for a very little while. Then I wondered what I could do that was indoors.

I headed over to the Museum of Sex and had a BLAST. Bought all kinds of fun stuff, smart magnets and I <3 PORN buttons :D I'll be giving them away to random people shortly. Then I went over to Junior's for lunch, because I heard good things about it on NYC LJ. They have INCREDIBLE melt in your mouth cheesecake... it was YUMMY!

Then I headed back to the hostel and passed out for a few hours. I tried to go to the munch but I woke up late and it took me a really long time to get there and by the time I did, everyone had left. I had a yummy supper of spaghetti and mussels and went to go pass out because I literally couldn't keep my eyes open at that point. Passed out.

Woke up to a much, much nicer sunny day. Got lost like I said before and bought stuff. Wandered over to Times Square, just so that I could say that I went to Times. Headed over to Strawberry Fields with some flowers for the mosaic. (oh I'm omitting the coffee that I spilled all over myself in the subway, oh well) Wandered around Central Park, went to Turtle Lake, grabbed a NYC hot dog and some roasted nuts. Then I headed over to this knit cafe I had heard about, thanks again to NYC LJ for that one. Learned how to cast on properly (Finally) and was BAD and bought two GORGEOUS balls of yarn. Actually I had to ball them myself on this machine. So I started another 5 year scarf :P Let's hope that this one takes less than 5 years actually, I'd like to make it for someone and who knows where he'll be in 5 years.

I was supposed to go to a workshop but I don't have enough money to go the workshop and the party afterwards so I'm choosing the party. I hope I'll have a good time. I know I'll be dressed to the nines, I gots me a new PVC dress that I absolutely love, I can't wait to wear it. I'll change there because wandering around Harlem (where the hostel is) in it, hmm I think not!

So here's to an awesome party. I'm also looking forward to some good news at the end of the long weekend. I'm not going to say ANYTHING about it, until it's actually happened. So I'm crossing my fingers :)

Also of notable note, the lovely supper I had before leaving. Mmm rosee sauce. Recipe upon request.

And so dear friends, I shall sign off and wish you all a good end of the long weekend.

I'm working DAYS all this coming up week, sweet!

jesscyn @ 2008-05-13T12:03:00

2008-05-13T16:20:14Z

And in today's self-reflection session: (sparked of course by a conversation with ~)

Are you counter-culture just to be counter-culture?

I think that I had a reflection session on this one on GK a while back, where I complained that I had nothing to talk about with someone new, we jabber on and on and on nowadays, problem solved I suppose.

I suppose that I started out being anti-whatever for the thrill and novelty of it all. I think it also came with my upbringing. I know that I'm slightly snobbish about some stuff, I never know what it's going to be until I stumble upon it. Tying into my Potential article on GK, I was always told that I was smart, intelligent, full of potential. I spent my childhood doing two things: studying for school and various and assorted cadet stuff. Free time was meant to be productive, I'm still suffering from that mentally, as I went on in detail in my other article.

My parents banned me from watching TV after I got into a fight, that's what too much watching of power rangers will do to you I suppose. When I was able to watch TV, I got totally absorbed into it whatever someone else was watching. I never really got into my own shows (with a few notable exceptions). It makes me feel productive to say that I don't watch TV. The reality is that I don't know what to watch. If it's on and someone is talking to me, even if it's just an infomercial (especially if it's an infomercial) I can't tear my eyes away from the boob tube. Besides I don't feel I'm missing much by not watching the four channels that I would get without cable here.

Movies I'm getting more into, however they are all movies that I have seen before. I've also been rereading the same books over and over again for a long while. I'll branch out and pick up a PF book every so often, but I don't read much new fiction anymore. I just don't know where to get started, kinda overwhelmed by choices at the BANQ I suppose.

What do I do for fun, to relax, to unwind? I'm addicted to my Google Reader and the 25 or so blogs I follow on a regular basis there, most being PF blogs, but there's some personal development stuff in there too. I love long walks in the sunshine. LoA podcasts, LoA workshops, LoA message boards. Writing, blogging. Cooking. I would like to be doing more talking/speaking in front of people. I keep meaning to get into toast masters. Lounging on the balcony with a nice drink. Chatting of course, but I feel that that's mostly due to an inability to be alone and quiet with my own thoughts, for better or worse I suppose. Listen to classical music, listen to general music type stuff.

I'm still searching for the elusive I... She's out there somewhere, but you know picking up little things here and there along the journey is where most of the fun is really :D

100 things to know about Jess

2008-05-02T02:02:07Z

I got inspired to write a little bit more about me. The 100 is because of my love of Lists of 100, which I'll link when I'm at home.

I prefer pickles to ice cream, sometimes I even like pickles AND ice cream (and no I'm not pregnant)
I'm kinda snobbish about not eating "poor people food"
I especially don't like "Pate Chinois" aka sheppard's pie
I'm not a big fan of pasta, although I will eat it occasionally
I recently learned that I actually prefer white wine to red (this was a big revelation to me)
I love to cook, however I have a hard time knowing in what order to make stuff. I'll often finish making the main dish before thinking of what to make as a side dish.
I actually like brussel sprouts
But not anchovies
I like pineapple on my pizza
Actually I either like lots of veggies and no meat, or disguisting amounts of every imaginable kinds of meat on my pizza
I love to swim, I used to swim professionally
Swimming is probably the closest I come to quieting my mind, I tend to hyper-focus on the presicion of the minute details of my form.
I used to play trombone both for school and for my squadron's marching band
I don't know how to read music while playing, I used to write the letter notes above the piece
I hate running
I love walking, especially in the summer, around the downtown core
I've had a lot of quirky jobs
Most of them came from the Hour
I was most proud to be a Staff Sgt, I gave my heart and soul to my job
Actually I gave my heart and soul to being a cadet most of the time
A great deal of the person I am today is because of the effort I made back then
I have a hard time knowing what do to with free time
I feel like I always have to be productive
I think this traces back to being in school and cadets, when my parents used to always make sure I was doing homework
The last time I spoke to my mother on the phone was in 2002 (when she refused to come to my graduation)
The last time I corresponded with her by email was in 2004.
I recently got an email response from my sister after not speaking to her for 6 years
The best thing that my parents ever did for me was to kick me out of their house at 13
I find it amusing to look at my habits and traditions and trace them back to where they originate from
I've lived in Ville St Laurent (x2), Snowdon, NDG (x4), Hochelaga (x2/3) and various other places including a brief stint in Pembroke, Ontario
I was most upset when I learned the the program that I went all the way over to Ontario for was offered at Dawson
I've spent more time at Dawson when I wasn't a student than when I was
I did something stupid to ruin my reputation at my favorite hang out (Dawson Sci-Fi)
It still haunts me whenever I walk in there
I don't actually consider myself to be a full-blown geek
I do however dabble enough in geekdom to pass for one
I'm deathly attracted to geeks
I would consider myself to be more of a nerd than a geek
I once got upset at getting a 97% on a test
I'm a bit of a "mark"ist when it comes to grades at school
I always flush public toilets with my foot
Even if I'm in socks
I take off my shoes/sandals when I'm at work
It's so that I can sit crosslegged
I used to always take off my glasses and watch when I sat down infront of a computer, I've since become blinder, so it's only my watch I take off
I go through about 2-3 liters of water during a shift at work
I barely drink water when I'm at home
I'm addicted to my auto-reloading Tim Horton's gift card
It's the only way I can follow a budget there
I generally sit down and budget down to the penny the minute I get my paystub
Dave Ramsey is my guru
I can't wait to be debt-FREE at 23
All of a sudden I have a 12,000$ credit limit
Most of my credit cards are cut up and featured on my wall with cute catchy sayings, because I refuse to be Mastered by a Card
I recently got sucked into getting a points card
I pay for everything with cash
I always empty my change purse at the end of the day
I have a jar for each denomination of coin
I average 20-30$ in an extra debt payment per month this way
I love rolling coins
I spend the most time online reading blogs through Google Reader
Most of those blogs are about Personal Finance
That's just one of the PFs in my life
I have two main blogs and a couple of less important ones
I've been "blogging" since WAY before it existed.
A great deal of my paper journal entries are addressed "Dear Person,"
I love looking back at how far I've come by reading old blog entries
I first discovered BDSM when I was 17
I still don't believe that I have all that much experience in the Lifestyle
I look great in PVC
I've only ever owned high heels from Payless
At one point most of my fetish wardrobe came from second hand stores
I'm addicted to online chat, which is good because it's also what I do for a living
I'm a HUGE believer in the Law of Attraction
I honestly believe that when you ask, it is given, that you just have to let it in
There was a point in my life when I was watching the movie The Secret every day
I keep a gratitude journal that I write in every "day/night" before going to sleep
I actually prefer shift work (24/7) to 9-5
I could write a whole list like this filled with reasons why I love my current job
I'm just as likely to listen to classical music as I am techno
I call my laptop the Lappy 486
My nickname when I was young was Max, after the character in Where the Wild Things Are
I sometimes worry that I am unable to keep a sustained interest in anything
My life is very black and white, I'm either completely absorbed in something or I don't care
Finding out that I have BPD was a blessing in disguise
I found LoA more beneficial in my life than CBT
I love my prescription drugs
Actually I love the fact that they help me to function
I'm paranoid about being abandonned
I will force someone to leave rather than be abandonned by them, because then (in a fucked up kinda way) it's been done by my own hand
I adore Mont Blanc pens, I've owned two in my life
I lose a lot of things (see above about my beloved pen)
I am the snooze Queen, to the point where I can snooze for hours and hours on end
My alarm is already across my room
I'm an ESFP
It's amazing what reading about my personality confirmed for me
I love sushi
Good hugs are so worth it, ditto goes for cuddlers
Two of my favorite quotes come from the book the Fountainhead
I'm always growing and changing, I strive to make it for the better.

5 things

2008-04-14T08:20:21Z

Has it really been almost 3 months since I last posted? Woah, poor little neglected blog.

A fire alarm went off at the house today. There is a difference between the alarm going off in apt and in the whole building. I ignored it at first but then started to smell smoke, so I decided to go down stairs. I grabbed a couple of things on my way down:

So here is the list of the 5 things I grabed:

The Lappy of course
The IRiver (MP3 player)
The IRiver charger
A grad picture of Fabi and I
A blessing for the home that I picked up in Israel

What's 5 things would you grab in your house was on fire? (people and pets excluded)

Other than that I don't know how to summarize what's been going on in my life accurately.

Work is.
School is not.
Life is.
Debt will soon be not and savings for my apt will be. That's something to get excited about!

Anyways back to work then.

IT'S A PARTY

2008-01-23T10:22:41Z

I'm throwing a partey as a celebration for my ONE YEAR anniversary at working the same job. It also just so happens to be my birthday three days later.

I posted about this on Facebook, but not all of you are on my Facebook friends list (if you're not yet, add me... Jessica Van Hove) so I'm posting it here too.

Details:

Sunday January 27th at 5 pm until whenever...
At the Jess' apt, detailed instructions on how to get here on request.

I'd really love to have a varied bunch of friends come, so please leave a comment if you can come. Even if it's just a maybe...

So poke, poke... cough... warmbear who missed my last birthday party.

Oh, just one rule:

There will be NO threesomes at this party. None. What. So. Ever. (Did I mention that they're getting married?)

So... hooray a party... Getting to see the Jess' apt... Free food... Celebrating the fact that Jess is stable and older... What other excuse for a party do you need? :P

jesscyn @ 2008-01-21T12:30:00

2008-01-21T17:35:45Z

I just wanted to post a quick entry to thank everyone who's really been there for me over the last week. Your support, your asking how I am, your cards, flowers, have been so appreciated as I learn to move on from this.

I went to the closing of shiva on Sunday. It was awkward being there with all of her family, you see, she was really my link to her family/in laws. I have some ties with some of the ones that I've seen at the Holidays over the years, but she was always the one that I sat next to and spoke to and everything. See this isn't just about losing one person, it's really about losing my family.

Anyways Sat I went over to some friends I hadn't seen in a while. They got a new puppy, so I spent most of my time there laughing and playing with the puppy. Then I went to an "office get together" where my boss and I had drinks and shot pool. Rather, he shot pool, I tried to hit the balls, not very sucessfully at that. It was really nice to get out of the mourning mode. I also laughed much, and got some insight into stuff at work. And today I'm back at work with everyone in the office. It's nice to be here while there are people. I like being around people.

Anyways, I'm back to work...

Funeral

2008-01-15T19:48:23Z

So, like I wrote, things were not going well for Fabienne. I got the call on Monday morning at work from her daughter, that it was over, that she was gone. I was dealing with shithead customers at the time, in my head REALLY not caring about their petty little problems.

I went to school to pay part of my school fees, not trusting myself not to be impulsive with the money that I was carrying. It was good. I chatted with some of the staff I know well there, it made me feel better. Then I zombied my way home and passed out. Pat actually came over to meet with me here at the apt, which was really nice of him to do so.

Went back to bed and eventually dragged my ass out and to the funeral. I didn't know what time it was at before checking so I got there a little bit late. I walked in to the point where they were talking about her work with the foster kids, how she really cared about us. I cried so so hard when I heard him say that one of her requests was to make sure that one of them (ME) had a place to go for the Holidays. Her sister confirmed it, three days before she died, she told her to tell Elsa (her daughter) to take care of Jessica.

As we were leaving for the burial, one of her in-law's family came up to me and gave me a hug and told me "she loved you so so so much"... It was really touching to be with her family, to see how they were impacted by her death, to see their pain and tears. It made my crying somewhat easier. To have them wipe away my tears.

The burial and prayer there, was... touching again to see everyone mourn for her.

Then shiva at her house, I kept expecting her to show up around the corner, difficult to remember that I was there specifically because she isn't here anymore. It still very much doesn't feel real. I imagine it won't for a while.

Work is being super cool, paid today even though I didn't go in. They say I can take upto 4 days unpaid if I want. Megan took the time to send me an email with her condolences, which I really appreciated.

It's nice to have people offer sympathies. It somehow makes it easier, slightly.

Anyways, I know it will hit me hard, when I'm looking to make a recipe and need advice on it. Or after my review when I want to tell her about it. It's then that the news will start to really sink it. It just doesn't feel real right now.

Anyways that's what happened. I wanted to write it out while it's still fresh in my mind. I'll be heading out to the West Island over the next couple of days to sit shiva

jesscyn @ 2008-01-12T16:46:00

2008-01-12T21:58:14Z

I am so completely and utterly beyond tired. I slept last, the day before yesterday night, I think. Today has been a day of such highs and lows.

I finally went to go and see Fabi in the Hospital. And she is completely and utterly out of it, to the point where she didn't recognize me when I walked in. However, there are two things that I will be eternally grateful for. ONE: I went to go and see her the day before she went into the hospital... by fluke, but by the Grace of G-d, the universe or something. TWO: Before I left today, I looked at her and I told her that I loved her, she couldn't get through saying I love you too... but she said I llll... And I looked at her and I said that I know. I am so so so blessed to have been able to do that. Really.

In other life changing news... I have decided

That I am going to stop begging for scraps of attention. Thats it... Enough. It's time to tell a few people to go and FUCK THEMSELVES... Cut them right out of my life... Give me my money and go away, I don't ever want to speak to you again. It's moments like this, where you realize that you want to have quality memories, not be a fucking beggar. And you know what, I just may blast my father for being the inconsiderate ASSHOLE that he is... Ditto goes for Josh... And Marilyn, who is too busy to make time for me, can exit stage right for all I care.

It's time to start acting like an adult. Clothes I've gotten better at, but just in general, more personal appearance stuff. It feels important... Now to actually apply it.

I want to do a seder this year. It won't be official or anything, but it's something that I would like to do.

And now a Jess rant... You all can skip this...

Life will hand you things... That you MAKE happen.
You don't just suddenly become happy, you intend it... You make it happen.
You don't just suddenly become responsible, you make it happen
You don't just all of a sudden have more free time, you make it happen
Being rich has NOTHING to do with the amount of money you earn at your job... Quit whinning about it... You work yourself to death, because you choose to do so... Ditto on the debt.

And now, before I pass out, as the world starts to spin. I'm going to bed.

I'm really going to lose her, it's only a matter of time now. How I'm going to go on without her, I really don't know, she is a dear, dear friend and I love her dearly. I'm so thrilled to know, that whatever happens, I will go on. I will land on my feet.

Meme

2007-12-30T05:03:32Z

Stolen from the blogsphere

I'm propably going to forget half of what I did this year, so this is really off the top of my head. I'll probably correct it as I remember more shit.

What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?

Kept a job, let's say it again... Kept a job... And again, just so it sinks in: Kept a job
A job that I just so happen to love and do well at
Found an apt that I love that is some what decently neat

Those would have to be the big two

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Nah... I'm more prone to self reflection in Sept, Jewish new year and start of school year.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Nope

Did anyone close to you die?

Nope

What countries did you visit?

Stayed in the country

What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

A stable kinky relationship

What date(s) from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I don't remember the dates, tho I could look them up:

The breakfast breakup with Mo and Caitlin
The day of the bus strike, when I got the email from chocojoshy ending a 6 year friendship

What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?

Work and the apt (a reoccuring theme, yes)
Paying off Algonquin!!!

What was your biggest failure?

Hmm, I don't really think I have one

Did you suffer any illness or injury?

Nothing major

What was the best thing you bought?

Oh let me count the things:

The lappy 486
The fountain
Leather jacket x2
600$ worth of clothes
Ye cuffs
MP3 player

Whose behavior merited celebration?

warmbear for finally finding someone to be happy with :)

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

See above... Would have to be Mr. I-make-her-wear-the-collar-but-really-she-has-me-by-the-balls

Where did most of your money go?

Hmm that's a good question... Well there is that debt I knocked out.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My "new" project at work
My lappy 486
Moving into the apt
"My" Mt. Blanc pen occasionally

What song will always remind you of 2007?

SIN by Push+Play+REC

Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? Thrilled to be alive, a far, far, far cry from this time last year
thinner or fatter? Ugh, don't ask
richer or poorer? Financially stable, what a glorious, glorious feeling

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Playing, more people to love

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Working, MAYBE.

How will you be spending Christmas?

At WORK!!!

Did you fall in love in 2007?

I thought so, I wouldn't count it anymore

How many one-night stands?

Did I do one nighters this year? I'd have to go back and look it up, don't think so though.

What was your favorite TV program?

No time for TV

What was the best book you read?

Ask and it is Given and company

What was your greatest musical discovery?

:D P's music

What did you want and get?

The apt!!

What did you want and not get?

Material wise... hmm, my lovely pen
Relationship wise... we've been over this

What was your favorite film of this year?

Not really a movie person

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Ugh we don't talk about the birthday threesome anymore.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Honestly, I don't think anything would have made this year better. I had a really awesome year, all things accounted for.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Blouse and sweater look

What kept you sane?

Blogging

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Totally N/A

What political issue stirred you the most?

Hmm, let's see, sex ed in Quebec and the whole Gardasil thing were last year, no?

Who did you miss?

See above

Who was the best new person you met?

:D... I'm going to say P, but that's only because I'm just slightly obsessed

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:

Stability is really a wonderful thing.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I'll have to think about this one.

What is best in life?

2007-12-25T19:38:52Z

After seeing this quote online:

Mongol General: Hao! Dai ye! We won again! This is good, but what is best in life?
Mongol: The open steppe, fleet horse, falcons at your wrist, and the wind in your hair.
Mongol General: Wrong! Conan! What is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.
Mongol General: That is good! That is good.

I asked myself...

What is best in life?

To have the security to know that all is taken care of.
The first bite of a delicious home cooked meal.
The way your heart swells right before an "I love you."
Being appreciated for hard work you do
The company of friends
Comforting music
Anticipation
Knowing that all is well
Knowing that when you Ask it is Given
Knowledge
Sharing knowledge
Being listened to/read and acknowledged
Having goals and a purpose in mind and following it
Stability
Abundance

I realize a lot of these have to do with work... Figures. Eleven months tomorrow. Sometimes it feels like I just started yesterday. I had a coworker tell me that he'd rather ask me questions than the bosses, totally warmed my heart to hear him say that. I also answered a question for him that I don't even think to ask more than one question for. You can't type? Are you using a Mac? Yes. Macs don't work, you're screwed... LOL, well we say it nicer than that.

I am quite proud of this one question that I have on my exams that is basically a multiple choice of some very basic, very common technical issues, with screen shots examples from each of them. I think I'm going to talk to my boss about putting it into the actual training manual.

Anyways happy Christmas people... Go spend it with the ones that you love.

So I've almost made up my mind

2007-12-25T05:01:58Z

But after being swayed by the ads in the metro, I'm leaning toward the go for it. The Gardasil ads that is.

Some of you will remember the announcement that they've come out with a vaccine for 4 of the more dangerous of the 100-200 (depending on which source you read) strains of HPV in July of 2006.

I'm about 75% made up my mind that I'm going to go and get it done. It IS 120-135$ a shot X three shots. Then again, I wrote the paper on HPV, (I'll dig it up for you all to read again). I have sex. If I can protect against something as ubiquious as HPV, then yes please.

In other news, this thursday will mark the END of my Algonquin debt. In the past 6 months I've knocked out 1500$. Go me!

Next up, cash flowing a couple of classes at Dawson, (probably) the Gardasil vaccine and building up the Emergency fund again. After that I've decided that a vaccation is in order. Just something small, 500-800$ or so. I'm debating between NYC and Florida, but it will probably be NYC. Or maybe I'll finally do my big Vegas trip. I think that's a ways off still, maybe as a treat when I get through the rest of my debt. I also don't want to be dipping into my 4%, that's for when I move into the next apt.

Anyways, things are going well. I had a blast at my Office Xmas Christmas Partey. I also got a new digi camera. It's a Nikon Coolpix L14 7.1 mpix. It's got video recording feature on it AND Jess has a tripod at home :P Free porn!! LOL

Speaking of work... 11 months on the 26th, not that I'm counting or anything. That will make it a full year on the 26th of Jan. I'm so throwing a party, oh for my birthday too. There will be NO threesomes, I swear.

Anyways, at work now, tomorrow morning and NYE. NYE I'm kinda bummed out about, there's now a show of a "new" friend I want to go to. Ah well I'll go after work.

Just a dash off article to let you know that I'm still alive. I almost forget to write here now.

Personal Finance

2007-12-13T19:03:47Z

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine, some of which made me stop and scratch my head. Those of you who know me, know that I do a lot of thinking/reading/learning about Personal Finance. The PF blogs I follow are on Google Reader. To give you an idea of the amount I read, in the last 30 days I've read 269 articles related to personal finance. That's not counting the hours of Dave Ramsey radio I add on to that, another I'd say 2-6 hours of PF talk show radio per week (not counting the commercials, which I skip). So when I say that I have an opinion about money, that's just some of the background behind it.

It started like this:

GET A FINANCIAL ADVISER.

Jess' response: Are you crazy? Do you think I don't know anything about money? Do you think I want to pay someone to do what I can do myself? Jess goes on and talks about MERs, loads and mutual funds versus DRiP ETFs (or index funds) etc, etc...

The conversation goes on, and I discover that (because they have said financial adviser) that THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEIR MONEY IS INVESTED IN.

Let me back up two steps before I say anything. Go back and read the title of this article. Personal... Finance... PERSONAL... Finance. Let me make sure this is clear... It's called Personal Finance, for the very simple reason that it is Personal. There is no right answer for anyone. You can't read the "right" book, follow the "right" answer and be okay for the rest of your life. Every author has an opinion, guidelines if you will for what they think is the right answer. This being said, there are some general suggestions that will probably apply to most people. How people interpret them will vary of course, but the concepts behind them are solid.

It's YOUR money

Here's why I got upset. The money that you earn, is... YOUR... Money. You worked hard for it. You're the one who froze your butt off doing overtime for it, went bug eyed in front of Photoshop for it, wore out your feet standing on them all day for it, etc, etc... You earned it, you deserve it. Find me someone who cares as much about YOUR money as YOU. Financial advisers make their money, from your money. They don't care as passionately about your money as you do. Take advise from them, yes, but know the why behind you are doing it. Not because some guy with a couple of letter behind his name said that gold is a good investment.

Now I'm not saying that you should obsess over every last penny in your RRSPs but that you should have an idea of not only how it's allocated, but why it's being done that way. All investments have pros and cons. In general you trade potential payoff for potential risk. Meaning the bigger the rate of return, the higher the risk. How high is your risk tolerance?

I'm 22 years old, I have over 40 years before I retire. By the book my investments in RRSPs should focus on growth, meaning riskier investments. I have my RRSPs in a savings account that doesn't beat inflation. I consciously made this decision. Why? Because to me it's a short term investment, I want to pull out the funds in the next few years to use on the Life Long Learning Plan for Post Secondary Education.

Your income is your biggest wealth building tool. Not the stock exchange, not the lottery, your income. Over the course of your lifetime, you will see over a million dollars in earned income. Which brings me to the next point...

Spend less than you earn

In a "buy now, pay later" world this not an easy concept. Car loans, student loans, furniture loans, payday loans and the ever popular credit credit guarantee that and are a by product of our day and age. People who make more money, generally find more money to spend. You won't have more money when you start making more money. You will have more money when you make it a priority to have more money. When you make a conscious, personal decision to start saying No. No, I don't need to have that coffee and bagel every morning. No, I don't need to have this brand new (insert your favorite gadget here). No, I am not going to borrow money for something that I don't have the cash to buy now. N-O. A simple word, yet so hard to say.

Have an umbrella for when it rains (and yes, it's going to rain)

Better known as an emergency fund, it is suggested to have 3-6 months of living expenses in an liquid, easily accessible place. Even if it's only earning 3%. Even if you have 18% credit card debt. Mathematically, it doesn't make sense, yes. But if you were good at math, you wouldn't be in debt (Thank you to Dave Ramsey for that brilliant quote.) The worse thing to use in an emergency is a credit. Let me say that a different way. A credit card is not an emergency fund. There is no price on security. I don't think I really have to list all the things that could possibly go wrong as that list would vary for everyone. To give you an idea: your car breaks down, you lose your glasses (kayaking in the Ottawa River, it could happen to anyone, okay?!), you lose your job, your apt/house burns down, etc, etc, etc...

This is probably more ranty than it needs to be, but don't try and stop me when I get excited about something. It's not meant to be an attack on anyone, it's just the way I see thing.

A great article to read if you want to see someone else's point of view on 5 basic principles of Personal Finance would be The Simple Dollar's Everything You Ever Really Needed to Know About Personal Finance on the Back of Five Business Cards

And with that, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and pass out now.

This and that

2007-12-08T19:06:18Z

I don't even know where to begin...

I've been upset at myself for "opening my big mouth" and insulting a friend of mine's Lifestyle choices. I've thought about it and thought about how the best way to apologize and I just don't know. See I've drawn an analogy to the way I write G-d, I'd have a spaz attack at anyone who picked on me for it, and yet... there I go anyways. So it's been upsetting me.

And writing styles, yeah, that's not fair either. G-d knows I have my own quirks and such about the way I write, both here, on GK, at work, etc. The whole POINT of a blog is to be able to express yourself freely. And who am I to be the grammar police? Seriously Jess.

I've already managed to lose my bus pass, not once but twice this month. Ouch. That's a trifle bit expensive.

I got myself in a bit of trouble for my apt being a mess. I did the bright thing of throwing a fit and kicking my garbage can. BAD IDEA... My foot's all bruised now. Bad idea, indeed.

And it's that day of the year again...

//o-o\\ Forever...

But let's not dwell, let's talk about happy things.

I've now acquired a leather winter jacket, which I am COMPLETELY IN LOVE WITH!! I was going to get a longer, more feminine one, but then I found this slightly (just slightly) military-ish one. It's so awesome. And I paid the same price as my current winter jacket, which I hate.

I've also finally gone to IKEA for their Hajdeby bookshelf sale. It's a cubicle like 4x4 bookshelf. Now am I going to spend more than the price of the bookshelf itself on the baskets that go with it. Hmpf. Still it's meant to be an organizing thing for me. A place to hide all my paperwork and the such. We'll see how that work out.

Anyways, food time.

Memey meme

2007-11-29T12:51:59Z

Stolen from gregorama

Here are 50 questions for the people who are a little more "mature"...

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
None, I love knowing that I have the money to pay them all. Every week cash comes off the top to pay them.

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic time?
This club on St. Laurent.

3. Do you regret losing your virginity to who you lost it to?
The reason, yes, the person, yes, the place, yes. At least I got it over with.

4. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?
Hmm, that's a long answer.

5. Name of your first grade teacher?
Marie

6. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Ha! Take a guess... The important question would be who.

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A lawyer... Too much John Grisham novels growing up

8. How many colleges did you attend?
Dawson, and Algonquin

9. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
It's new and I love the shirt and sweater combo

10. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
Don't care

11. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you, who and where?
Hmm, NYC, by myself.

12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
Morning? What is this morning you speak of?

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
Night? Bed? What is this night and bed you speak of?

14. Favorite style of underwear?
Thongs, duh!

16. What errand/chore do you despise
Dishes

17. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer?
Yes I'd be doing more in the field I want to be in.

18. Get up early or sleep in?
The only time I like seeing the morning is when I'm working through the night.

19. What is your favorite cartoon character?
Hmm, dunno?

20. Favorite thing to do at night with a girl/guy?
Ha! Laugh my ass off obviously

21. Have you found real love yet?
Real love? Twue love? I thought so at the time.

22. When did you first start feeling old?
When I started seeing younger people.

23. Favorite 80s movie?
Princess Bride

24. Your favorite lunch meat?
Not really a sandwich person

25. What do you get every time you go into Sam's Club?
Oh and look at how cheap this is and this and this

26. Beach or lake?
To visit the beach, to live the lake

27. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Hmm? For me at least

28. Do you own property?
I suppose my apt doesn't count.

29. Favorite guilty pleasure?
Eating chocolate pudding with my fingers...

30. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about?
Na...

31. What's your drink?
Ameretto anything

32. Cowboys or Indians?
Who cares?

33. Cops or Robbers?
Who cares?

34. Who from high school would you like to run into?
And that is why Facebook was created

35. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
Internet radio all the way, right now it's at 90s stuff...

36. Long and fast or short and slow?
:D

38. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?
Hmm, how to count them

39. Do you like the person who sits directly next to you at work?
Just changed and yes I like them both

40. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
JOHN LENNON!!

41. Indoors or Outdoors?
I took SIC for a reason

42. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
I don't bike much, I have distinct memories of the ground.

43. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
Nope

44. Last book you read for real?
Sara's book, tho it was a children's book.

45. Do you have a teddy bear?
Rabbit actually, can't sleep without it.

46. Have you ever peed in public?
See above about SI.

47. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
Mt Shasta

48. Do you go to church?
Only to unwind from work

49. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?

I happen to really like my job. It would depend on the definition of the relationship.

50. Open or closed marriage?
Open works for me

Why I love having my apt

2007-11-28T00:26:11Z

For a moment I stepped back and took a look at my apt through someone else's eyes. I've been working on really making it mine lately. And it's really the little touches that I love about it.

Images...

I finally put this all together. I pulled the stand out of the trash a while ago and just never had a use for it. I love the way it's made. So now it's my little shrine to money, wealth and prosperity.

So on it you'll find a lucky bamboo, a change jar that says "My life is filled with abundance [and stability] and all my needs are met" along with a check from me to me for 5 thousand dollars, a magic genie lamp, Abraham quote cards, a Buddha and appreciation rocks I got from work.

My Xmas Tree/Channukah Bush

It now has gifts I want to give away under it... :D

I always wanted to showcase my friend argaive's stuff. I actually put these up by myself, after I finally figured out how to use a screwdriver. Go me! They're straight enough for me to be happy with them.

If I had known how expensive it was to put up curtains, I would have just put up sheets :P But my aunts bought me the curtains so it was just a question of getting the rod, sashes, sash hardware. Still all counted (including the curtains) it was a 150$ endeavor. I think that they look absolutely gorgeous, the sashes match my blanket perfectly (which if you look closely you can see in the window). Thanks be to warmbear for putting up the curtains for me.

And I think that that's it for now :)

Buy a book for children

2007-11-14T21:42:05Z

Every year, there's a charity that collects new books for children in need. I've always thought about what books have impacted my childhood, you know, the best of the best, that I'd like to share with others. This year I'm actually in the position to be able to do it, so I will :)

Here are the books that I'm toying with the idea of giving:

-Where the Wild Things Are
-Sara (book 1) (Law of Attraction for kids, which I just recently read actually)
-The wonderful story of Henri Sugar and Six more (Roald Dahl)

I have a few that I really like by Robert Munsch, namely:

-Good Families Don't
-Love you Forever
-Paper Bag Princess

(I'll probably pick one of those three.)

For those of you who remember Robert Munsch's stuff, he's got a site where you can listen to the stories. Thought some of you (*cough* warmbear) might be interested.

Coffee geyer

2007-11-12T10:36:08Z

This one made me crack up...

I just sat down with my coffee from McD's and I was pressing down the Sugar and Cream buttons and was rewarded with this stream of coffee flying out of the cup. I thought it was hilarious.

Now I have to remember not to have the cup overfilled and remember that there is a little hole in the top of the cover.

jesscyn @ 2007-10-25T05:33:00

2007-10-25T09:43:48Z

Has it really been three weeks since my last post?

My dear LJ friends, I am sorry for neglecting you. GK has been suffering as well, not for lack of things to post about.

Went through a period of working 50 hours a week for three weeks and then I ran away to Toronto, on a delightful "vacation."

Turns out that a friend of mine was driving down to TO to help out someone with their display at the Everything about Sex expo. So I checked with my aunts and ended up in TO earlier, paying through the nose for the bus down. Got to take the ~~metro~~ Subway in TO which was fun, to be independant from my aunts in a foreign city. Suppers with them were delightful, great to eat excellent, yummy, healthy food, as I haven't been eating so heathly later, too many restaurants and take out. When I'm working crazy hours, what choice do I have. No inspiration about cooking lately anyways. So TO was awesome, spending money like it was going out of style. THAT is what being rich is all about. I want it, I buy it. It's a delightful feeling that when I get back to reality I ask "did I really spend a grand in three days?"

I bought 600$ worth of clothes, a complete fall wardrobe. I needed clothes and now I don't anymore, SWEET. I bought a beautiful set of leather cuffs, that I can't get over how pretty they are and so so so much fun to play with, hehehehehehe.

Work. I'm thrilled to be doing a new project that my boss assigned me because I stayed after work to role play with a new coworker of mine. She commented that it wasn't the first time I had done this and asked if I wanted to do a training sort of manual of actual live examples for new people. I'm thrilled to be doing it, it's fun to go digging through accounts looking for something in particular, drawing from real life examples that I deal with everyday. It makes me pay attention to what's become routine.

Anyways back to work :)