Power In The Click

Visiting my usual daily sites and I noticed that One Sentence has a new feature. Unapproved. The guy that runs the site has a certain vision for the type of stuff that should appear and doesn't want to give up even a little bit of control to someone else. Mind you, he set up this new feature to give some power to the people. This new 'Unapproved' page displays a single random unapproved sentence and then asks you whether the sentence should be published on the site. You can answer yes, no, or skip it. Once you vote, you’re presented with another random sentence. I could do this forever. I used to love the rating style sites; 'Hot or Not.' 'Rate My Kitten.' This one is even better, it feels almost literary, I am deciding on whether I think the words in the sentence flow and evoke emotion. I have become an editor of sorts, but in a process that is so simple, I just click!!

Life Is Expensive

I have lived alone long enough to have learned a certain amount about money. I recognize that despite the fact that they are expensive and not fun, things like rent, bills, and tuition need to take top financial priority. When not directly paying for them, I need to be saving for them. I also need food and to a certain extent clothes and transportation. After all of that is covered (and it seems like money needed for rent and tuition never ends.) I can spend my money on a few frivolous treats; nights out, pedicures, gifts for friends, fun things. What I keep forgetting about are the emergency expenses that pop up out of no where. On my birthday weekend I ran out of contact lenses. I wasn't overly concerned since I tend to only wear them for sports/working out and when I want to look super pretty. Over the past few weeks, I have also noticed that there was a small crack in my glasses frames and that they were more flimsy than usual. Again, I didn't get overly concerned since I just planned to be careful with them. Well they completely broke last night, and without them or any contacts, I can't see. I repaired them with nail glue and took the day off work to figure something out. I grabbed a last minute eye appointment and got glasses made in a few hours. I can't afford any of this. It all adds up and it all costs so much; the eye appointment, the contact fittings, the new contacts, the new glasses. Also I had to take time off work which I also can't afford, in terms of money or the stress of unfinished tasks building up. Basically what I have failed to learn is that sometimes life is really costly and it sucks.

Wide Eyed

I am so in love with this dress!! I have worn and washed it so much already that it got a little hole in it, which I promptly sewed. That is how much in love I am, I actually sewed something. (Picture and Make-up by Anne)

Champagne Birthday

I turned 24 (on the 24th, which makes it my Champagne Birthday). It was a really nice day. I woke up really early to go to a huge garage sale being held nearby with some friends. Then we watched Aladdin, which is one of my favorite movies. After a restful afternoon I started to get ready to go out. Anne did my make-up, which looked great. Jerrica and I got pretty tipsy and a few of us headed out on the town to look for some dancing. We were less than successful, probably because we went out too early, to the wrong places, in the summer when lots of students have left the city. It didn't matter because I had a great time anyway. After we got home we ordered pizza and hung out. I great way to spend my birthday, as I edge my way to a quarter century.

Pre-Birthday

Today is my last day as a 23 year old. My co-workers took me out for lunch and later on in the afternoon surprised me with cake and a card. It was a great day, mind you I'm crashing a little now from all the sugar. The card was picked out by Anne and was hilarious.
On the Front:
Girl One - "Where's your birthday party at?"
Girl Two - "Don't end a sentence with a preposition."
Inside:
Girl One - "Where's your birthday party at BITCH?"
I totally love it. Also everyone signed it and it is filled with inside jokes and sweet comments. I missed getting my birthday celebrated at work last year. It was nice to have something special at the office.

Lululemon Manifesto

This is the Lululemon Manifesto. (If you click it, you can read it better.) It is printed on their bags, you can buy the poster, and parts of it are up around the stores. A company that sells yoga clothing, it's ideals are based around a healthy lifestyle. I agree with pretty much everything it says. I love the main one which is 'Dance, Sing, Floss and Travel.' I think it completely describes me, especially since for the last two years I have been hardcore into the flossing. I'm a terrible singer mind you, but that doesn't stop me from doing it. I was 'shhhed' by the roommates last night for singing. Also, anyone who knows me is aware of my passion for dance and constant need to travel.

Caving For The Lemon

I have been wanting a Lululemon zip-up hoodie for a really long time, over two years or so. I have watched a couple of friends buy them, but could never justify paying that much for essentially a sweatshirt. The cost isn't totally unjustifiable. The company is Canadian, it started in Vancouver eight years ago. They use really nice materials for the clothing and their products are very well made. It is stylish enough to wear to work, I have seen others in the office wearing them. Much thicker then my other zip-ups, the Remax style is super warm. Also whenever you buy something the bag they give it to you in is a product of itself, I'm going to use mine as a beach bag. I still know that I caved big time to get a specific style from a specific name brand. I am now the not-so-proud owner of a Black Remax Lulu Hoodie.

The House Is Warm

We had a housewarming party for Die Höhle over the weekend and so many of my friends showed up. The place is too small for a big party with mingling, so you can pretty much stand or sit in the kitchen or gather around the coffee table. Not much was split on the carpet, and what was came from Jerrica anyway. A few people couldn't make it because they were away for the weekend. Though Taylor and Kristen, who aren't even living in Ottawa for the summer, were around and came over. Heather stopped by and Anne stayed until just before the buses stopped. Anna even dropped in for a bit, despite being in the middle of a fencing tournament. Dave and Steph were at the apartment for dinner first and stayed for the party. Dan and Justain stopped by later. Amanda, a co-worker from my Subway days and who still works there with Jerrica, came with her boyfriend. Em was around trying to choke down some wine and my cousin Carla was staying with me for a visit so she got to meet everyone. It was nice to see so many of my friends, and have them gathered in the new place. I hope we are visited by everyone often.