Weekend Confusion

One of the things I hate about long weekends is the confusion as to what day it is.  Obviously this is a small price to pay for an extra day of relaxation but since I have no other plans aside from relaxing, I have to nit pick on something to have anything to write about =) So, aside from constantly having to remind myself that today is in fact Saturday instead of Sunday, it's been a pretty successful weekend so far.  Hopefully you're all as relaxed as I am and enjoying the extra time in the sunshine!

I Am Canadian

Way back in March of 2007, I was getting ready to come home after spending a year working at Walt Disney World's EPCOT Center in Orlando, FL.  As part of my last day shenanigans, which included wedgie wars, getting noogied, and chugging cans of Starbucks Double Shots, I also had a bit of fun with my pre-show spiels.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Canadian pavilion at EPCOT, we show a movie about Canada in a round, 360 theatre so you can be "surrounded by the beauty of our great nation as we take you coast to coast in 18 minutes."  As a hostess at the theatre, it was my job to welcome guests, tee up the movie and make sure no one sat on the ridiculously uncomfortable 'lean rails' that were in place for people who might feel dizzy.  I'd have to do 2 introductions to the film, one before everyone went into the theatre, and one right before the movie started for any late comers.

As a tribute to my friend Justin, who departed nine months prior, I used the following spiel (obviously inspired by the above clip) for my second opening throughout the day.  It was originally his idea but because he never got a chance to read his, I came up with my own.

Hi.  My name is Angela and it's my last day of work.  Before I start the film for you, I just have a few words to say...

I'm not an Eskimo, or a Lumberjack, even though I dress like one for Disney.

I don't live in an igloo, eat blubber, or own a dog sled,

And I don't know Jimmy, Sally, or Suzy from Canada, 

But I'm sure they're all really, really nice.

I have a Prime Minister, not a President,

And Provinces and Territories, not States.

I speak English, and sometimes French, not Canadian,

And it's pronounced 'about,' not 'a boot.'

I can proudly sew my country's flag on my backpack.

I believe in peacekeeping, diversity, and cooperation,

And that the beaver, yes the beaver, is a truly proud and noble animal!

A toque is a hat, maple makes the world go round,

And it's pronounced 'zed,' not 'zee,' 'zed!'

Canada is the second largest landmass,

The first nation of hockey,

And my favourite part of North America!

My name is Angela,

And I Am Canadian!

Oh and by the way, if you need to exit, the doors are on the left. Thanks!

*Here's a video of the updated movie, shot this past spring by a guest.  It takes you through the entrance and captures all of the movie for any of you willing to sit through 15 minutes of awesomeness =)

Happy Birthday!

Party time...Excellent!

Welcome to 144 and the only way you could look better today is if the sun would start shining =) True to my lazy nature I'll be celebrating from home today with a pitcher of Strawberry Daiquiri instead of taking to the streets of Vancouver.  However, if you're inclined to party like a rockstar today, here are some lists to get you on your way:

 - Miss 604's List of Celebration Sites by City
- Vancity Buzz's Long Weekend Event List

Stay safe celebrating this weekend Canada!

Six Months!

It's the Thursday before a long weekend so of course I've celebrated with a bottle of wine =) Adding to the celebratory feel is the fact that my sister is back from England after a two year stay.  It's strange having everyone back under the same roof, which hasn't happened since I was in high school.  Back then we at least had three bathrooms for the six of us; now we're down to two which will make the mornings that much more interesting.  But seriously, it's hard to believe we're minutes away from July, especially when I think about those winter work days that never seemed to end, but here we are, about to get the summer started properly. 

Quite a bit has changed we rang in 2011 with bottles of champagne.  Champagne is still a staple but I feel like a new version of myself; someone who's strength, will, and confidence younger versions of myself would have envied.  It's hard for some people to imagine me as a shy wallflower or struggling student because they only know the current me.  With all this reflection, I think it's time to make another to-do list featuring adventures for the next six months.  I figure I owe you all bit more excitement than my work related activities.  If anyone has suggestions, feel free to throw them my way in the comments section!

Speechless

"Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us all without words?" ~ Marcel Marceau

As a writer, it is your job to find the right words.  I think I've proven that it's not the easiest job in the world which is why I have such admiration for those that not only do it well, but consistently.  Nevertheless, there are moments that will leave you grasping at straws, struggling to express yourself, and wishing someone had created a word to describe everything you are feeling at that one moment in time.  If I had to pick one myself, it would probably be 'flabbergasted,' as these moments, good and bad, are usually ones that catch me by surprise.

I'm not sure if you've all been able to tell, but this past month has been full of flabbergasting moments for me on both ends of the scale.  I've never been so lost for words in my life so it's been quite the experience.  The downside is that the quality of writing here has honestly taken a bit of a hit which of course, triggers the guilt.

So while I struggle with finding substantial things to say, I'll take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone that has come by to read something I've written.  Whether you're a faithful reader or accidentally stumbled over once, the fact you came by at all is amazing.  When I started this blog in January, I figured I'd have a handful of followers, most of which I strong-armed into reading.  I never imagined I'd have strangers connecting with posts and readers scattered throughout the world.  In the roller coaster that is my life, this has definitely brought about quite a few highs and I can't wait for them to keep coming as we get ready to kick off the back half of the year!

The Dumb

Every once in a while I feel like this

Today is one of those days.  It's not even 11 pm yet and I'm done...cannot function, cannot think, eyeing my pillow with longing.  I blame the fall-esque weather which will hopefully take a break tomorrow.

Trade Off

This bipolar weather we're having in Vancouver is seriously messing with my usual summer flow by throwing the flu around.  While I don't usually take a sick day to sleep away whatever is ailing me, I did give in this past Friday and it's made a world of difference.  The downside is that missing a day during the week before a long weekend means playing catch up for the next four days.  The result?  An overworked and exhausted Angela which I'm sure won't help the lingering sniffles I can't seem to shake.  Yay!

*Insert pity party here*

Which would you pick?

In all seriousness, there are certain trades I just wouldn't make; back to back long weekends by accident is one of them.  This photo is another.  I'm sure a lot of you would reach for that sugar dusted donut before the apple unless like me, you suffer from strange cravings every so often.  I'm currently craving some strawberry filled timbits, hence the photo.  Clearly, I'm also suffering from the delusion that this is actually interesting commentary.  A sad side effect to being perpetually tired that can serve as a warning to the rest of you as I'm sure being crazed like me isn't high on your priority list.  So...this seems as good a place as any to end off for the night before I aimlessly ramble on about another un-related topic.  Off to bed for me!

"If you can't be a good example, you'll just have to be a horrible warning." ~ Jennifer Crusie, 'Faking It'

Bust

I had another post to write for today but seeing as how the weekend didn't go as anticipated, I had to scratch it.  Let's just say instead of fun and sun, I spent the weekend at home hiding out and thinking.  Unfortunately for you all, the thinking has caused a bit of a block in terms of writing so I will shamefully steal material from better authors...

"There will always be something to ruin our lives.  It all depends on what or which finds us first.  We are always ripe and ready to be taken." ~ Charles Bukowski

"Love really doesn't care where you are.  In fact, love is an inconsiderate bitch.  Wherever you are, it'll come along and fuck things up." ~ Neta Corey

"The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you.  You just got to find the ones worth suffering for." ~ Bob Marley

"I have spread my dreams under your feet.  Tread softly because you tread on my dreams." ~ William Butler Yeats

Until tomorrow...