School really throws me into a self-induced state of panic. I procrastinate. I don’t study. I thought after a two year hiatus from classes that I’d perhaps turn the tides this time around and do the school thing properly. You know, read the textbook, study, prepare, etc. But some things never change, and I reverted back to my old ways like I had never left.

After my midterm, I was quite worried. I knew I didn’t do as well as I could’ve - and it showed in my bleak 78% mark.

Did I pull up my socks for the assignments? Not really. I blasted through them the night before they were due and hoped for the best.

Did I study for the final? Not so much. An hour of review before the test in the cafeteria would have to suffice.

Final Exam written: felt damn good.
Assignment one back: 95%
Assignment two back: 94%
Participation: 86% (a grade I gave myself in the self-appraisal)

This puts me at 87% going into the final that’s worth 30% of my grade. Which I felt really good about. I felt better coming out of the final than I did the midterm - but let’s say I got 80% on the final… That would give me a final grade of 85%. I’m hoping I hit 86%, just because that’s an A - but like I said, I felt significantly better about the final than the midterm… so I’m hopeful.

So why do I procrastinate and not study? As Dr. Phil would ask, what’s my payoff? The numbers don’t lie. I do it because I can. As long as I can continue to survive the panic ulcers I develop while I wait for the marks to come back.

I’ve found a new favourite song of the moment. One of those songs I play on repeat for about an hour until it’s totally ingrained in my head.

The song is Don’t Mind Us by local group Sweatshop Union from their Local 604 album. It’s got a great beat, but the lyrics are what sets it apart. It really embodies everything that I hate about going out here. It also demonstrates the fact that the best music is stuff you’ll never ever hear on the radio. I’ve copied the lyrics out below - these guys have the Vancouver club scene nailed. Also, I couldn’t find the lyrics on the intarweb anywhere - so if I’ve made an obvious mistake in transcribing them from the song, let me know.

UPDATE: Grab the song Here.

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Why is it socially “okay” for guys to be into Jack Johnson, but they’re pussies for admitting to liking John Mayer?

Is it only okay for a guy to be a sappy singer/songwriter if he’s also a surfer?

I’ve just realized that I left my email client open at home.

There it is, happily chugging away downloading all my messages every 5 minutes and promptly deleting them from the server.

So I can’t check my personal webmail accounts ALL DAY (despite the fact that all I really get on it is blog comments, mailing list stuff, and spam).

The fact that this is of any importance to me whatsoever makes me think I need to wean myself off of technology a bit.

I seem to have misplaced my motivation. I have a list of eleventy thousand things I should get done, but can’t quite seem to make the step from list-making to task-accomplishment.

Add to that the fact that I also can’t be bothered to eat right or exercise (grocery shopping is one of those things on the list), and I’m really just turning into a fully-fledged mess (though at least I’m still showering).

I don’t feel overwhelmed as I typically do when I’m in this place - I’m not that far behind yet - just incredibly lazy.

What’s your favourite strategy for getting your mojo back? How do you get to the point of making the leap back into a productive routine?

I keep seeing little flashes of light bursting through my department here at work. I’ve got my headphones in, so I’m pretty oblivious to any aural stimulation.

But the light - I was very excited, thinking we were going to get one of those rare Vancouver Springtime Thunderstorms.

Unfortunately, it’s just some people taking pictures. Now I’m doubly disappointed, because not only is there no thunderstorm, I also have to be stealth and try to avoid being captured in all my “it’s Friday and I have nothing to wear so I’ll just throw this on and slap on a bit of makeup and hope nobody actually looks directly at me today” glory.

I’m going to see Margaret Cho tonight, which fills me with much excitement and giddiness. Live comedy is one of my very favouritest things to go see, and I don’t do it nearly often enough.

Other than that, nothing much has been going on that’s any sort of interesting. I’m absolutely swamped with school for the next week or so, and don’t like my computer much when I don’t absolutely have to be in front of it. Hopefully once the busy has settled down I’ll be in more of a writing mood.

For now, enjoy the random music that’s in my mp3 player (and this week, not in my pants).

1. Jamieson - Complete
2. Billy Klippert - Waited
3. Maroon 5 - Must Get Out
4. Van Morrison - Real Real Gone
5. Supreme Beings of Leisure - You’re Always the Sun
6. Billy Klippert - Lost in a Song
7. Van Morrison - Bright Side of the Road
8. Van Morrison - Street Theory
9. Maroon 5 - Shiver
10. Blink 182 - Rock Show

Seems my mp3 player definitely has a bias toward multi-track artists. Perhaps I should diversify my collection a bit more on the next upload instead of dumping full albums on it.

There are some days I really, REALLY dislike being an hourly employee. Today is one of those days.

We have deadlines every two weeks, and today was one of those deadline days. I worked somewhat harder than I usually do for the first part of my day, got my work done, helped some other people with their work, met the deadline. At that point, it would be really great to pat myself on the back, toss out a hearty “good job everyone” and go home.

But no. I have an hour left to fill in my requisite 7.5 hour day. So here I blog. And I’ll clean my desk, and water my plant, and maybe file some stuff - and hopefully the hour won’t take too long to pass.

Then again, there have been days where the deadline came, and overtime was forbidden, and it was missed, and people got angry. At least on those days, the end result is not my problem - so there is some benefit to being just a cog.

But those days are few and far between. And really, I’d take the problem days if it meant I weren’t bored to tears for the other 95% of the time.

When I came home from work today, my roommate informed me there were a couple message on the machine for me. Nothing unusual. He hung around as I listened to them, which isn’t odd in and of itself, though I soon realized why.

Message 1: Someone wanting to come by and view the room for rent (still available - June 1, any takers?)

Message 2: very quiet, mumbling… She starts off saying she’s a “Local Volunteer,” which isn’t an odd message for me to get, because I volunteer quite a bit. Then she starts talking about “Troubled Times” and “The Bible.” I finally clued in when she invited me to come down to their “Kingdom Hall” to learn more…

AH HAH! (Roommate is now busting a gut laughing behind me…..)

The Jehova’s Witnesses have resorted to telemarketing. Oh. My. Lord. So much for the “No Solicitation” sign at the door.

And, reason five million and twelve why I love my mp3 player - I was able to record it for you! Sorry, it’s a bit quiet - it started to get scratchy when I turned up the machine louder. Jesus love those who right-click, save-as please thanks!

Message from Heaven

Tiny annoyance number four-thousand and twelve: Campuses (or other such locations) with exclusive Pepsi contracts. Because it means the only bottled water they’ll carry is Aquafina. Which is demineralized water. Which is bad. Or at least I think so, and there are some people who’ll agree.

There are two camps on this: one says that minerals clog up our bodily functions and we should drink demineralized water to avoid them. The other (which I’m more inclined to believe - this is also the side the WHO stands on) says the minerals in water are a part of healthy human function, and drinking demineralized water actually leeches existing minerals out of our bodies without replacing them, leaving us with deficiencies.

Unfortunately, it seems that Aquafina is really dominating the bottled water market these days (it being the only water I can get at work and at school on the days I forget my own bottle to replenish from the interoffice filters and drag around with me), and I don’t like it. Where can a girl get a good ol’ bottle of Evian or other regular spring water these days?

It’s official. The roomie is leaving at the end of May. He’s been superawesomewickedcool in every way, and I’m sad to see him (and his large TV) go. I’m also worried that I won’t find a new roommate who doesn’t suck. But that won’t stop me from trying!

If you know of anyone who wants to live near Brentwood Mall for about $500/month, point them to ad ID#42056 on myidealhome.ca

A little while back, as I was lamenting about another attempt at love (or at least like) gone terribly wrong, Darren Barefoot asked what is my physical type anyway?

It took a lot of thought to actually figure this out, because I don’t typically think a whole lot about why I’m attracted to the guys I am, I just take it for granted that I don’t find them repulsive, and hope their personalities don’t send me running for the hills. But I figure I’ll give it a shot and give a head to toe rundown of what I like to see in a man.

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I had a really great time on Friday night, hangin’ out with a crowd I don’t get to see much these days. But since the ex (they’re “his” crowd) was busy writing an exam until late, I dragged my butt down to the Foggy Dew and proceeded to get shitfaced.

I hung out with some old friends….

And apparently made some new ones….

Then I went home, threw up, and proceeded to sleep all but 6 of the next 30 hours and woke up with some nasty dehydration zits.

Note to self: You cannot hold your liquor. Therefore, we, the cells of your body have determined that you have ZERO right to party. Please stop fighting, you will only lose.

Sue posted today about her current dilemma choosing makeup. My answer was getting far too long in her comments, and I thought there would likely be some others out there who may be interested in the answer.

When I’m looking for a new colour, I always go to department store makeup counters. The people who work there are usually skilled in finding both a colour and application that is flattering to your personal style and colouring. Because they’re brand representatives (instead of generic drugstore cosmetics counter staff) they’ll also have a good grasp on which of their products will best suit your skin type. I’ve got a strong Clinique bias, but any counter at Holt Renfrew or the Bay should be able to help you.

Things to consider when choosing a brand: Do you have sensitive skin/allergies? What’s your age bracket? (Lancome’s key target is the 40-50 year old woman, while Clinique is geared more toward the 25-35 age group - this affects products, pricing, and occasionaly seasonal colours.) How much can you afford? Some brands will definitely be pricier than others - never be afraid to ask how much something is, and it’s ok to say it’s a bit out of your budget.

A lot of hair & beauty salons will have a cosmetician on staff who will be happy to give you a makeup application and lesson for around $35. That is a huge ripoff, and is really only intended for teenagers going to the prom whose cosmetic repertoire consists of lip smackers and clear mascara.

NEVER pay for help selecting cosmetics. You’re already paying for the product. The only exception is if a counter says you pay $10 or $15 for the application, and receive the equivalent amount off of your purchase of cosmetics. You are obligated to purchase something for getting the application done - but that’s what you’re there for anyway, right? Another hint, find a brand you think you like, and try to go at bonus time - that way you’ll get a little extra bang for your buck. Keep in mind that if you’re just looking for a new eyeshadow, you can walk up to the counter and ask to see & try the colours. If you’re wanting a whole new face, you’ll likely have to make an appointment.

Make sure the product rep gives you a tear sheet when you’re done. This will be a picture of a face with colour smudges and product names, along with some basic instructions on where everything goes on your face.

ALWAYS return cosmetics that don’t work out - for either colour, or skin reaction. They cost too much not to (though you can usually avoid that if you get help with your colours). It’s like any other product - the manufacturer expects returns, and the salespeople are usually pretty accomodating.

Another thing I thought I’d toss into the mix is how often you should replenish your cosmetics. If you’re like me, they run out before they wear out - but others who don’t use makeup daily may have expired product laying around. This should also be of note when deciding which brand to go with: how much will you end up throwing away?

A general rule of thumb is that anything powdery or dry (powder, blush, eyeshadow) should be tossed no later than 1 year after purchase. Anything liquid (foundation, cream) should be kept no longer than 6 months. Lipsticks can last a little longer (8 months to a year) if the colour isn’t hideously out of style by then. Mascara should be kept no longer than 3 months at the absolute outside. You should also never ever share it. There’s far too much bacteria around your eyes, and it all gets sucked up by that little wand, shoved back in the bottle, and redistributed on your eyes (or the eyes of anyone else who uses it - ew!) every time it’s used. If you ever have any sort of eye infection (pink eye, etc.) you need to throw away your mascara immediately.

Hope that was helpful, and if you’re interested in hearing about tips for selecting & applying specific products, comment and I’ll construct new entries as requests come up.