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Meme (Fri)day, the Third

I’m a day late and almost a meme short… I completely forgot to post yesterday.  I really loved this meme, in honour of the school year starting again.  Made me think back quite fondly on my school days.  I'm always a little bit jealous of the kids going back to school in September. 

Back to (High) School

1. Who was your best friend?  I moved around so much that it was hard to have a single best friend … In Grade 10, Rebecca and Caprice, Grade 11 and 12 Trish, Mariah, Jayna, Cara, Julie, and Shonna. 
2. What kind of car did you drive?  I did not drive a car – actually didn’t get my license until I was 19!  Not much need for a car in a small town, I guess.  Lots of walking though! 
3. It's Friday night. Where were you?  Probably at a stake dance… or hanging out at someone’s house… Maybe at a movie or cruising Mayor Magrath Drive. :oP
4. Were you considered a flirt?  Not in the least.  At all.  I was so shy around guys (especially ones I liked). 
5. Were you in the band, orchestra, or choir?  Band geek, all the way, from grade 6-12.  I actually took a break from band in Grade 11 and missed it.  I play(ed) the flute.  I always wanted to play drums, though. 
6. Were you a nerd? Define nerd.  If, by nerd, you mean someone completely socially stunted, brilliant, and worshiper of all things Star Trek, then no. 
7. Who was your favorite teacher? I have three...  My phys ed teacher in Grade 10, my English teacher in Grade 12, but my most favorite was my Grade 11 and 12 Biology teacher, Mr. Chan.  He was so fun and engaging, and I learned to really love biology in his class.  He made us work hard, and actually prepared me for university much better than any other teacher, and I think he’s the reason I work in the medical field today. 
8. What was your school mascot? We didn’t really have one… we were the Comets…
9. Did you go to the Prom?  Yes.  With a really great guy, and I had a lot of fun. We weren’t romantically involved… I think he had a girlfriend at the time whom he later married… and I asked him (which was pretty scary for me)… so it was pretty much hanging out and having fun.  And actually, one of my friends got dumped  by her BF on prom night, so she hung out with us for the rest of the night.  Could have been a downer, but I had lots of fun. 
10. Did you have a job your senior year?  No, my mom and dad were kind of insistent that we focus on school and home instead of working… I babysit quite a lot, though…
11. What year did you graduate? 1991.  I can’t believe it’s been 16 years!
12. Would you/have you go to your class reunion reunion? Absolutely.  I went to my 10 year reunion and had a great time.  Pretty much all of my high school friends were there, and I hadn’t seen them in quite a while.  And I’ll probably go to my 20^th, too.

Well...I'm off to scrapbook.

Peace,

J

Meme Friday, Vol. 2

Ok, so it's week two of Meme Friday.  Hooray!  and this week, I've decided to lift another meme, this one found on a random blog, following a random link.  I love the internet.  Have I mentioned this before?  I love exploring and finding new and interesting and often completely random tidbits... I think my Friday meme will be along those lines next week.  Anyway, moving along, the featured meme for this week is a fun little exercise, and so easy because the iPod does all the work.  You can also do this with your music library on any platform (i.e. windows media player, iTunes, etc.).

If your life had a soundtrack, what would it be? 

Here's what you do:

1. Open your music library
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool.

Here's mine!!!

Opening Credits: Beautiful Day - U2

Waking up: Un bel di vedremo (translates to “one good day”, I believe) from Madame Butterfly.

First Day At School: Come and Let Me Look in Your Eyes – John Denver

In Love: Running Out of Ink – BNL

Fight Song: Next Time – BNL, again

Breaking Up: Think of Me (from Phantom of the Opera)

Life's OK: Love Me or Leave Me Alone – Trisha Yearwood

Mental Breakdown: I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys

Driving: I’m Your Angel – Celine Dion

Flashback: Island Girl – Elton John
Getting Back Together: That’s When I’ll Stop Loving You – ‘N Sync (HA!)
Birth of Child: You Can’t Hurry Love – Dixie Chicks (double HA!!)
Wedding: Love Me Tomorrow - Chicago
Final Battle: Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of – U2, again.
Death Scene: Where Do Broken Hearts Go – Whitney Houston
Funeral Song: Still – 98 Degrees

End Credits: Warning Sign – Coldplay

Funny how I have SO MANY new songs/artists in my music library, and the best the old iPod can come up with is 98°, 'N Sync, Chicago, and old school Whitney Houston.

Now you try it! If you do - leave a link in the comments so I can see your soundtracks!

Odds are, you'll sound a lot cooler than me...   :)

Peace,

J

Hey, Friday!

To quote the great musical, Gypsy, "You Gotta Have a Gimmick".  So from now on, Fridays on my blog will be Meme Fridays.  This is not necessarily to generate more traffic to my almost-defunct blog (and it won't be cool as Nie's Friday Face), but hopefully it will motivate me to keep blogging altogether.  So today, for the first Meme Friday, I'm taking Amy's Right Now meme challenge.  This was kind of fun, and looky, a shiny new post!

• three things in your fridge that define life right now: 1.  Apple yogurt (yum!) – reflecting my desire to eat a healthier diet.  2.  Avocado (because it got a bit too soft on the counter) – because I’m trying to expand my palate.  3.  Diet Pepsi.  Very telling – shows my lack of self control (I’ve TRIED to quit!)
• three recent acquisitions: 1.  The latest edition of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine.  I think I want to try getting published again (this magazine is so inspiring!).  2.  The new Rilo Kiley CD.  It’s AWESOME (thanks iTunes!).  3.  Haven’t purchased yet – but I’m going to get a new computer soon.  Does that count? 
• three classics you reach for every day: 1.   Either coconut lime verbena or brown sugar and fig body lotion from Bathand Body Works.  Worth a trip to the States to get some!  2.  Crocs.  I agree they’re unfashionable, but I love them.  So comfy!  3.  Dove products – their cool moisture products (body wash and deodorant) smell heavenly and are perfect for my sensitive skin! 
• your kids right now, in three words or less: Kids?  Me?  Where?
• your spouse/significant other right now, in three words or less: Don’t. Have. One. 
• what's on your to-do list: Sort out and decide what to throw away/keep  from my extensive collection of video tapes.  I noticed I have tapes of American Idol Season 1 and Survivor (various seasons).  Time to reuse or let go.  Or get a PVR.  Also need to finish a scrapbook I’m doing with Ali’s Everyday Beauty kit.  And FINALLY go see the latest Harry Potter movie, tonight!
• something you do often that relates directly to the season right now: Hmmm.  Stay in my nice cool basement?  Now that the weather is more tolerable, I’d like to get out more.  The cool early mornings are perfect for walks…
• what you're listening to right now: Just found out about Pete Murphy – need to find out where to get his albums (come ON iTunes!).  I’m listening to the new Rilo Kiley album, and other summer finds – Mandy Moore, Hayley Sales, etc.  I listened to a lot of Beach Boys and fun, happy stuff this summer… now I listen to an iTunes playlist called “chill out”.  A bunch of mellow, relaxing songs that seem to be reflective of my mood right now.  Oh, and I’ve recently rediscovered how much I love Tears for Fears. 
• what you're worried about right now: My health.  My parents’ health and general well being.  My sister.  What am I NOT worried about? 
• the news stories you're paying attention to: Well, since I rarely watch the news, unless you consider The Daily Show news…
• what you're reading right now: I’m reading Pride and Prejudice.  LOVE THIS BOOK.  I’m picking my way through Bob Greene’s Best Life Diet (I’m so NOT good with self-help books!).  And I’m anxiously awaiting the release of Terry Brooks’ next Shannara novel, The Elves of Cintra.  Only a few more days! 
• what you're looking forward to right now: Christmas!  Of all things…   Oh, and that Harry Potter movie tonight!
• a thought or idea you keep returning to right now: That I need to be more motivated and focus my attention on spiritual things as well. 
• one small thing that makes you happy right now: Tomorrow is Saturday, and I’m sleeping in.

Have a great weekend!

Peace,

J

Hi

Wow, a blog post two days in a row.  Astounding!

It's still snowing.  Blah.

I scrapbooked this weekend (for the first time in MONTHS).  Cute little trip mini album. 

That makes me happy.

Many birthdays are coming up this week in my family.  Four in my immediate family in the first three days of March, actually.  So an early Happy Birthday to Matty, Chris, Mikka, and Meagan!  Love you! :0)

Sophia posted this meme/challenge on her blog... and being the movie lover that I am, I couldn't resist:

1. Name your all-time top five favorite movies. Ok, so because I have waaaay more than five favourites, I’m going to list my five most watched.  Pride and Prejudice (A&E version), Ever After, The Sound of Music, Working Girl, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
2. What’s your favorite movie line? Not just a line, Gandalf's beautiful description of death to Pippin, in Return of the King:  "The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass... And then you see it. .... White shores... and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise."
3. Who’s your favorite movie character? Mr. Darcy.  SIGH.
4. What movie do you love that most people hate? Probably Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.  Or Yentl.  Which I LOVE. 
5. What movie do you hate that most people love? What About Bob
6. What was the last movie you saw? Wow – it’s been so long since I’ve been to a theatre… maybe Superman Returns?  Last summer!
7. What’s your least favorite movie ever? See #5.  I can’t stand it. 
8. What’s one movie have you seen that you would never ever watch again? 8 mm.  Don’t ask. 
9. What was the last DVD you saw? Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Season 5.  I know it's not a movie, but it was on DVD... 
10. What was the first DVD you remember buying? I don’t remember – it was probably a Disney DVD?  I have no idea, really.
11. What movie do you relate to more than any other? The Mirror Has Two Faces.  Another favourite. 
12. What actor/actress would you like to look like? Angelina Jolie.  Or Anne Hathaway. 
13. What classic movie have you never seen? Lawrence of Arabia (thought that maybe I should after seeing Peter O’Toole at the Oscars).
14. What song would you choose be the theme song to the movie of your life story? That is next to impossible for me to decide, but I’ll say Sunshine on my Shoulders by John Denver.  Probably because I’m craving some sun right now.  And it is a beautiful song.
15. What’s your favorite movie genre? Romantic Drama/Comedy.
16. Who’s your favorite actor/actress? Julia Roberts or Drew Barrymore.  Love them both.  And actor is Colin Firth (of course) or Viggo Mortensen. 
17. What actor/actress do you refuse to see their movies? Tom Greene/Courtney Love. 
18. What genre would you choose not to watch? Horror. 
19. What’s your favorite theater concession combo? Movie Mill popcorn (no other theatre popcorn even comes remotely close), peanut M&M’s, red Twizzlers, and a LARGE Diet Pepsi. 
20. Front row, Back row, Side Seats, Aisle or center? Smack dab in the middle of the theatre.  I will go a bit further back, (even to the back) if I have to.  But I won’t sit in the front.  Been there, done that.  I honestly think that theatres need to remove the first four or five rows.  They do not make for quality viewing. 

And on that note, I think I'll go watch a movie...

Peace!

J

A Year In Review

Happy New Year!  I hope all your holidays were wonderful and relaxing.  I had a lot of fun with my family, just hanging out, getting to play games, eat good food, and take some afternoon naps!  It's good to have some time away from work to recharge, and I feel ready for the new year and all that it brings!

As challenged by Sophia, my year in review:

• What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?  I tried sashimi (raw fish).  It was excellent!
• Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I probably didn’t… did I make resolutions?
• Did anyone close to you give birth? My sister in law had a baby, and my sister Nancy had her first baby – a boy. 
• Did anyone close to you die? Yes, my Aunt Joanne in June and Aunt Ronda in August.  Both sudden, unexpected, and heartbreaking.
• What countries did you visit?  The good ol’ USA.  Unfortunately, that is all.
• What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?  Motivation!
• What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Probably Father’s Day, because that’s when my Aunt Jo died. 
• What was your biggest achievement of the year? I’m sad to say I don’t really have any big achievements this year, other than weathering a lot of change.  Relatively well.  Oh, and I learned (am still learning) how to use a DSLR camera. 
• What was your biggest failure? Falling off the wagon diet-wise.  I made a big life change a couple of years ago and lost some weight.  Well, it’s all back, and then some.  Guess what my biggest New Year’s Resolution is this year!?!
• Did you suffer illness or injury?  Yes – I stepped in a gopher hole at our family reunion and sprained my knee really badly.  Like having to use crutches and a wheelchair badly.  UGH.
• What was the best thing you bought? My baby, my DRebel.  I love it.
• Whose behavior merited celebration? Christopher’s, and Nancy’s.  Love watching both of these siblings become more “domesticated”, settling down, having kids.  It’s really something to see. 
• Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? A couple of siblings and their significant others.  Unfortunately, this has been ongoing behaviour for much more than one year.
• Where did most of your money go? Ashamedly, scrapbooking stuff.  Why am I ashamed?  Because I probably did a dozen pages this year.  And a mini book or two.  That’s all!
• What did you get really, really, really excited about? Going to Prince George to visit Matty and Kristin and family and our Leavitt Family Reunion this summer.  Haven’t had one for a long time, and I couldn’t wait!  That and the birth of a couple of new nephews!
• What song will always remind you of 2006? Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.  I hear it everywhere!
• Compared to this time last year, are you: Negatively, more in debt, and in worse health physically.  Positively, I feel like I’m a bit more savvy, motivated, and that there’s always the opportunity to change and move on!
• What do you wish you'd done more of? Exercise.  Scrapbook.  Spend time with friends.  Go the extra mile at work.  Been a bit more productive. 
• What do you wish you'd done less of? Eat! Gossip.  Spend time on the internet or watching TV. 
• How did you spend Christmas? At home with everyone (but Matt and family) on Christmas Eve… With Mom and Dad, Trish and Andy and Seanan (Christmas morning).  Various other siblings popping in during the week to play games, visit, etc.  It was actually a really good Christmas, with lots of family interaction.  That’s the most important thing about it!
• Did you fall in love in 2006? No.  Nuff said.
• What was your favorite TV program? You would think I’d say Grey’s Anatomy (and you’d be right), but a new one for 2006, Ugly Betty, is a new favourite too.
• Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Not in the vocabulary.  A lesson from my mom.  There is someone I have a hard time tolerating, but I certainly don’t hate him/her. 
• What was the best book you read this year?  Life of Pi.  I was enchanted by it.  I also loved all of the Diana Gabaldon books I read this year. 
• What was your greatest musical discovery? Hmmm.  Thanks to Cathy Zielske’s blog, TV soundtracks, and significantly more time (and money!) spent on iTunes, there are a few.  City and Colour, Snow Patrol, The Fray, Imogen Heap… I could go on. 
• What did you want and get? I wanted a new camera, and I got one!
• What was your favorite film of this year? Superman Returns.  I had a few that I liked, but this one made me feel like a kid again.  Loved it.
• What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I probably spent the evening at home… with family.  I turned 33. 
• What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?   Spending more time on spiritual aspects of my life and less on temporal things. 
• How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? The same as always… simple and comfortable.
• What kept you sane? Need to change that to WHO.  Trish.  She is my sounding board and friend and sister and confidante.  I totally would lose it without her. 
• Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Viggo Mortensen and Colin Firth.  I can’t choose one over the other.  It wouldn’t be fair!
• What political issue stirred you the most? There’s a lot.  The war in Iraq being the most predominant (isn’t it on everyone’s mind?).  Being Canadian, the situation in Afghanistanworries me.  Big time.  The poor and starving and Aids-ridden Africa.  Poverty in underdeveloped countries.  And in my neck of the woods?  Education and, in particular, health care in Alberta. 
• Who did you miss? Kimberly.  But I miss her always.  I missed my Grandpa Leavitt.  Aunt Joanne and Aunt Ronda, especially.  Matty and family. 
• Who was the best new person (people) you met? Wow, I live in a very insular world.  I haven’t met a lot of new people.  There were new co-workers, a couple of new nephews (VERY happy to meet them!) and it was a treat to meet Rebecca Cooper (who taught a class at my LSS).   
• Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006. I learned, again, that my happiness is dependent upon my spiritual and physical health.  I need to spend my time more wisely, too. 
• Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:  Don’t worry, be happy. (couldn’t think of anything else!)

Peace!

J

A page and a meme

... as challenged by Sophia

one. I am funny

two. Trish knows me best

three. I feel sleepy because I am posting this at 10:00 p.m.

four. the most important thing in my life is my faith and family

five. I always carry isagel/purel hand wash

six. I think too much sometimes

seven. I’m at my happiest when I'm with my loved ones.  Or when watching Grey's Anatomy. 

eight. on a Monday morning, you can find me sitting in my office at work.  Resenting Monday. Longing to crawl back into bed.

nine. my favorite food ingredient is chocolate. Truly a food group.

ten. my eyes are hazel.

eleven. my favorite material possession is my camera.  Or computer.  Both.

twelve. to relax, I like to read, watch TV, or listen to music.

thirteen. the town I live in is small and safe. 

fourteen. my worst habit is procrastinating.

fifteen. my guilty pleasure is...none of your business! LOL

sixteen. when I look at someone, the first thing I see is their eyes.

seventeen. I think the sound of my dad singing is beautiful.

eighteen. I can live without war.

nineteen. I wish I had a million dollars.  hyuk.

twenty. my life is in progress.

Only 39 days until Christmas.  Unbelievable.  It's going to go by so fast, too.  I'm working on Christmas cards, trying to get a couple of gifts completed, and I also want to make a Christmas journal this year. 

I was cleaning off my desk and putting some layouts away... came across this one that i had submitted to the Simple Scrapbooks "simple schemes" call.  The first time I had actually submitted to a page call.  Apparently didn't get picked up, but I really like it. 

I don't know why it's showing up so dark...

Well, off to bed. 

Beautiful Basics class is tomorrow.  Yay!

Peace!

J

Tagged!

Viewed Sophia's blog today. She tagged all of her readers with this meme (and since I also love things like this, I'll happily oblige!):

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?  Somewhere where I would have a view of the mountains. 

2. What's your favorite article of clothing? A teal blue T-shirt - so comfy and I love the colour.

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? Eyes/Smile.  Have to go together.

4. What's the last CD that you bought? Simultaneously on iTunes, Harry on Broadway Act 1 (Harry Connick, Jr.) and Under the Cork Tree (Fall Out Boy).

5. Where's your favorite place to be? Home.

6. Where is your least favorite place to be? Large crowds/line ups. 

7. What's your favorite place to be massaged? My neck.

8. Strong in mind or strong in body? Strong mind, definitely. 

9. What time do you wake up in the morning? 6:00 - 6:15.  For work.  Wish it could be later!

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? The dishwasher, hands down.

11. What makes you really angry? Injustice.  Senseless violence/destruction.  Incivility/lack of consideration for others. 

12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be? Too many I'd like to play... drums... guitar... probably piano, mostly.  I can play a bit, but not enough to accompany someone. 

13. Favorite color? I don't have a favourite.  Sometimes pink, or teal, or sage... always changes with the seasons, I think. 

14. Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV? SUV.  Preferably an environmentally-friendly model. ;o)

15. Do you believe in an afterlife? Unequivocally, yes.

16. Favorite children's book? The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.

17. What is your favorite season? Spring.  Budding trees, flowers, warm winds, renewal.

18. What is your least favorite household chore?  Without a dishwasher, washing dishes.  Otherwise, cleaning toilets. 

19. If you could have one super power, what would it be? The ability to fly. 

20. If you have a tattoo, what is it? No tattoos.  I think they're icky. 

21. Can you juggle? No.  I can multi-task though!

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? Kimberly.  I'd love to tell her how much she meant to me and what a positive influence she was in my life. I'd also like a chance to say goodbye. 

23. What's your favorite day? Sunday.  A day of rest.  TV wise, it's Thursday.  Survivor, ER, and now Grey's... too good to be true!

24. What's in the trunk of your car? Jumper cables, toolbox, tarp, pillow, blanket, etc. 

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? Hamburger.  I like sushi, but hamburger is comfort food.

If you're reading, consider yourself tagged!

J.