Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Word of the Day #7: tact (and a small vent)

tact ( P ) Pronunciation Key (tkt)
n.
Acute sensitivity to what is proper and appropriate in dealing with others, including the ability to speak or act without offending.

My co-worker has NO tact!!!

Only four more days of dealing with him and he has tomorrow and Thursday off. Hallelujah!!!

~Heidi

Monday, February 27, 2006

How old do I act?

You Are 23 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Real Interview #2 Report

Wow. How do I say what I want to say. Let's start with the standard question:

"So, how did it go?"

Excellent! I am so excited. I can already see myself taking on this position and excelling at it. The interview lasted almost two hours and ended with a tour of the office and a stack of literature for me to review before my more formal second interview on Wednesday. I found myself slipping into first person "I, we" in reference to the position, duties and the organization really quickly. My interviewer said "well, I can see that 'this' (she and I and how we got along) seems to be working" and that's when she invited me back. I was very at ease during the whole exchange. Listening, and providing feedback which I think impressed her.

As for the company, it's a very dynamic influential trade oraganization. Non-Profit (I know, I know, I said no NPO's :P) but it is NOT reliant on governement funding, which is truly what I wanted to get away from. This organization is supported by member dues and we ( <-- see?) work for our membership to benefit them. It's very exciting.

I have an extensive list of duties that I will be taking on and while I don't have direct experience with all of them, I am very confident that I can do them incredibly well.

This is a move up for me both responsibility wise and renumeration wise. Plus it's a young, fun team that I'll be part of...and I get a really nice office ;)

Now to ace the second interview!

~Heidi

Weekend Update

It's Sunday morning and I am ready WAY earlier then I need to be. That's okay, it gives me time to print out a copy of my resume right? Wrong. THERE'S NO PAPER!!! Arrrgh! I'll just steal some from church though :D It's all good.

So, how has my weekend been so far? Great! Friday was (as expected) a very busy day at work but I got a lot done and left with that wonderful feeling of accomplishment. That evening I went to a Creative Memories workshop hosted by one of my ex-sidelines. I have a bunch of piddly things to do in my last album. Finishing journalling here and there, adding a border, doing a calendar page. All stuff I've been avoiding for awhile. I hauled it all to the workshop...and spent the evening organizing my paper LOL What's my middle name again? All together now, p.r.o.c.r.a.s.t.i.n.a.t.i.o.n. :D

Actually, it was good. I've been thinking about doing this for awhile and it was easier with other people around. I use CM file mates for my paper. In the past I've had files for red, orange, yellow, green, green printed, blue, blue printed, purple, neutrals and black & white. In a second file mate I had all the specialty packs. Asian Myabi, Frosty Prints, Zoo, Formal, Natures Whisper, Earthy Elegance etc. etc. What I did Friday was merge all the specialty packs into my regular paper. Now I have red, red printed, orange, orange printed, yellow...you get the idea. I also moved a zillion zesties (from the times of your life kit and the other big one) and all my MKC/Hostess gift papers (Memories and Moments etc). It's great! My file mates are FULL and I actually ripped one of the pockets but they both sit in my carry all at all times so it's not a big deal.

Saturday, I went over to Deeb's. Stampin' and Sushi. That was the order of the day :) I was fighting brutal cramps and a really weird headache so just sitting there and playing with her new tag set while watching "A Knights Tale" was wonderful :) I completed four cards and pre-stamped a wack of stuff for future projects.

We had dinner at Takkara Bune. I had box B with all veggie (no prawns) tempura and chicken teryaki. Yummy!!! We also had my new favourite, edemame. (Deb's holding one at left). Salty Japanese beans :)


I left at seven to go to a bible study. It was SNOWING the whole way home! Not really sticking but yucky just the same. It's warmed up this morning and all traces of the white stuff are gone (as they should be). Hopefully it stays up on the mountians where it belongs :)

This afternoon I have my interview for the executive assistant position. I just hope I can concentrate at church and not think about it too much.

Have a great weekend!!!

~Heidi

Friday, February 24, 2006

Strange Signs

In January Veronica issued a challenge for us to post strange signs. Life is an Adventure: Strange Signs I found one today. This is a pizza shop downtown.

This is what the banner on the LHS of the building says.

Why is this strange? Because the reason the store is papered over is that a few weeks ago a car smashed through the front window! Thus rendering it a "temporary drive-through" They are making the best of a bad situation :D and gaining my recognition for their "strange sign"

~Heidi

Real Interview #2

Sunday, February 26th @ 2:00 p.m.

That's what time my interview is for the Executive Assistant position that I learned about on Wednesday. I spoke with the lady who is looking to do the hiring today. She is a very dynamic high powered individual (evidenced by the fact that she wants to meet on a Sunday) and she's looking for a right hand person who she can rely on. Skills and abilities are important but good personality fit is almost more important.

I am really excited. *This* is what I am good at. *This* is what I like doing. Like for the past two days, working side by side with senior management under a tight deadline. It exhausted me but I loved it. (So much that not having access to SS didn't even phase me!)

Anyhow, I'm rambling and I have a ton of work to do.

Wish me luck!!!

~Heidi

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Check In

It's lunch time so I thought I'd take a second to check in. I am working out of head office today doing word processing for the General Manager. He has a unique style of updating documents so it's not straight forward typing. There is a lot of going back and forth, cuting and pasting and deciphering his hyroglphics. It's challenging but I enjoy it.

I just got a wonderful surprise. My co-worker brought me a venti chai. This is the person that introduced me to chai in the first place. The one who taught me to drink it "soy-no-water-one-pump-cinnamon" and I usually add "no-foam-extra-hot" to that. Yummy :) It is perfect! (and going down well with my crackers and cheese lunch)

BTW, on the job front, one of the other staff members approached me this morning with a potential job opportunity. On of his friends is looking for an executive assistant and is currently attempting to fill the position internally. She's not having much luck and he is recommending me for the job!!! I forwarded him my resume. Remember, my motto is "It's not what you know, it's who you know" Networking is the key to landing a good job. I'll keep you updated as I learn more.

Regarding the second interview that I'm stil waiting on from the other company, I talked to the placement agency yesterday and they are "feeling positive" about the whole thing. Apparently the guy who interviewed me is crazy busy (which doesn't surprise me) and he knows that I'd prefer a start date of March 6th (the Monday after the contract ends) so we don't think he's in a huge hurry to make it official. The waiting stinks but I'm confident it will happen like its supposed to.

~Heidi

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Butter

I am a margarine girl. My family has used Becel, due to it's "heart friendly" properties, for years. I've never been able to relate to the "I can't believe it's not butter" ads because frankly, I don't get what is so special about butter.

There is one instance in which the above does not apply. I think I've mentioned the little cafe around the corner from my office before. Probably the only thing I'm going to miss about working in this town (aside from the ultra cool used bookstore). Right now I am sitting here enjoying a wonderful "salad nicoise" Mixed greens, tomato, olive, cucumber, green beans, tuna and what I believe may be my very first anchovies. Very, very salty and fishy but not a horrible taste.

Back to the butter. What I love about this restaurant is that aside from the linen table cloth and napkins, funky artwork and resonable prices, everytime you come they give you a basket of warm baguette pieces and a plate of butter pats, not matter what you order. I *know* the pats are butter because it's stamped right on them! :D I love the combination of cold butter and warm bread. I usually put it butter side down on my tounge so as to get the full effect. Delightful! For that moment I forget all about my life long loyalty to margarine and become a butter girl.

The jury however, is still out on the anchovies.

~Heidi

Note: This was hand written last night in the restaurant (the joys of dining alone) and typed up today. I would have taken a picture of the butter and bread but by the time I thought about it, it had been reduced to a couple of crumbs and some telltale smears on the plate.

Word of the Day #6: prodigious

pro·di·gious ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pr-djs)
adj.
Impressively great in size, force, or extent; enormous: a prodigious storm.
Extraordinary; marvelous: a prodigious talent.

Monday, February 20, 2006

Song Intro's

Here I am quoting Diane again: Living in Fast Forward: 50 Questions ... Her answer to #46 reminded me of something I was thinking about in the car the other day.
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? A kickin intro to a song, baby's laugh

There are a lot of songs out there, where my favourite part, and often the ONLY part that I listen to, is the intro. For instance "Mississippi Girl" by Faith Hill. I *love* the intro, but I usually change the station after that. There's a new song by Aaron Prichett (a local artist) called "Big Wheel" *Love* the intro, the song doesn't do much for me though.

On the other hand, there are song intros that get me excited for the whole song. Most of Dierks' songs fall into this category, especially "Come a Little Closer" and "Lot of Leavin' Left to Do".

One of the MOST annoying things about the new Seattle radio station 100.7 The Wolf, is that they INSIST on talking right up to the second that the lyrics start. They usually start again either after they lyrics finish, or during the ending. WAIT UNTIL THE SONG ENDS!!!

There, I needed to get that off my chest. Thanks for reading, and be sure to think of me next time a dj is talking over top of a song ;)

~Heidi

Word of the Day #5: disapprobation

Hee hee. I really like this one :)

dis·ap·pro·ba·tion ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ds-pr-bshn)
n.
Moral disapproval; condemnation.

BTW I'm almost finished "Pride & Prejudice" I was listening to it last night and at 11:30 I had to force myself to go to bed :P I hate it when you have a good book you just can't put down!!!

~Heidi

Death By Chocolate

Last night I took my friend Jenna out for dessert at Death by Chocolate. Her birthday is on Thursday but considering the crazy busy week I have scheduled for myself, I took the liberty of celebrating early. We were joined by her husband and sister. Jenna and her sister both had "Ebony and Ivory" and I had "The Dessert Formally Know as Prince" Talk about yummy!!!

On the bottom of one of the pages of the menu was the following quote: "Chocolate, like life, should be approached with passion and reckless abandon." Sounds good to me!

Happy (early) birthday Jenna.

~Heidi

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Saturday Morning

There are a few standard ways in which I pass my Saturday mornings.

1. Laying around in my pj's reading the paper, drinking coffee and catching up with my family
2. (If I'm house sitting) Laying in bed until 10 o'clock when American Country Countdown starts and then getting up, getting dressed, making breakfast and scrapbooking for the next four hours.
3. My favourite, if it's a sunny day, running errands.

Due to the fact that I was at a special "Trifle Night" for square dance last night and didn't get home until almost eleven, I spent the night at home instead of going out to house sit. This morning I got up, had a quick breakfast and headed out. My stops?

- the bank to *finally* close my CM business account
- Staples to buy card sized envelopes
- Michaels to purchase an exacto knife
- the used book store, just to see what they had available
- the library to pick up the book I had requested
- the gas station for "petrol" ;) and a phone card

It gives me a feeling of accomplishment to tick all those things off my "to do list". Now it's 12:30 and I've got the rest of the day to do whatever I want!

I love Saturdays :)

~Heidi

Friday, February 17, 2006

Job Update

I just spoke with the placement agency again. It looks like the guy who interviewed me is thinking of hiring me for Part B of the job. That means no basic reception tasks, very little of the day to day stuff that I do right now. In short, the part that scares me!!! Without going into specifics, the company in question is an international market research firm. My official title would be "Mystery Shopper Account Manager" which says a lot. I'm trying to examine WHY I'm so unsure about a position with the listed responsiblities though. Obviously he thinks I can do it (which I'm taking as a huge compliment) and the recruiter assured me that I have all the transferable skills necessary to do the job. I just don't have the lingo or the background. It would be a big learning curve but there's no reason why I can't do what is required.

When I started my job search, and during the years that I've been talking about it, I keep saying that I want "out of customer service". There is an element of customer service with this position but it's on a much more professional basis then I've been used to and VERY little of it is in person.

There is some program content responsibilities which I've been shying away from but I think that comes from the complacancy that I've been lulled into with my current postion. I USED to be good at taking initiative and I need to give myself more credit towards my abilities. I'm also thinking that this *could* be a job that I could get excited about.

I guess I just have to be happy that it's temp to perm. Gives me an out if I've been telling myself lies :P

~Heidi

Marble Mocha Macchiato

What good would a blog about coffee be without a review of the new Starbucks "Marble Mocha Macchiato"? What is it? Well, Diane described it really well: Living in Fast Forward: Marble Mocha Macchiato Review

What do I think? I like it. It's not as sweet as most mocha's and most of all it was WARM!!!

I'd get it again. I enjoyed it more then the Cinnamon Dolce that I sampled a few weeks ago (and Deb has subsequently become addicted to :))

~Heidi

Word of the Day #4: felicity

fe·lic·i·ty ( P ) Pronunciation Key (f-ls-t)
n. pl. fe·lic·i·ties

Great happiness; bliss.
An instance of great happiness.
A cause or source of happiness.

An appropriate and pleasing manner or style: felicity of expression.
An instance of appropriate and pleasing manner or style.
Archaic. Good fortune.

50 Questions!

Peer pressure. I tell you. Though this one has some cool questions...

CASEd from Melissa.

1. FIRST NAME? Heidi
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? The chick in the book
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? LOL when I was listening to an on-air proposal on Valentines Day. It was so sweet!!!
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Usually, it changes with my mood.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Usually turkey but I like a toasted ham and cheese from subway
6. KIDS? not yet ;)
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Depends one what kind of other person I was
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, my blog. I have a print one too but I rarely write in it.
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? LOL ya think?
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILLS? Yep
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Possibly
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Some kind of almond something. I can't remember what it's called
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? rarely
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? yeah, for a girl ;)
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Macadamia Macaroon from Baskin Robins
16. SHOE SIZE? 10
17. RED OR PINK? Pink (today)
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My procrastination tendancies
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Alive or dead? Lots of people :(
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Only if they're bored
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? Black cord skirt and red mary janes (I think they qualify as that)
22. LAST THING YOU ATE? A toffee candy. Before that, unsweetened pineapple applesauce
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? LaunchCast Radio current song? Kenny Chesney's "You Save Me"
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple Mountain Majesty or Macaroni and Cheese, cause they have cool names!
25. What is your FAVORITE SMELL? Last time I answered this I said citrus, that's true but as of my shower this morning I want to add raspberry :)
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? AP from head office informing that I have 6.25 hours of vacation to take in the next few weeks :D
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Depends on the person. Usually their style of dress
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yep :) Even if she is the queen of peer pressure ;) (or should that be Empress of Peer Pressure? LOL)
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Water. Seriously. I'm boring.
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Hockey, though I can't tell you the last time I caught a game
31. HAIR COLOR? Brown with natural auburn highlights
32. EYE COLOR? Hazel
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? nope, no glasses either
34. FAVORITE FOOD? French fries <-- I love that Melissa!!!
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy Ending, hands down
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Wallace & Grommit and the Curse of the Were Rabbit
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? black long sleeve with a burgundy vest over top
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer since right now I'm FREEZING!!!
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? "magic bars" made with eagle brand milk
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? dunno, some people have already done it
42. Least LIKELY TO RESPOND? people who have lives BWAHAHAHA!
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? "Pride & Prejudice" "Memoirs of a Geisha" and I have "Angels and Demons" waiting for me. Oh, and "Love Smart" by Dr. Phil as soon as I get it back from the library.
44. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSEPAD? It is black and says "Fellowes" Whatever that means.
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? A tiny smidgen of the Olympics and a bit of some documentry on the "AvroCar"
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Twin fiddles and a steel guitar ;)
47. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles, if I have to pick
48. THE FURTHEST YOU BEEN FROM HOME? Atlanta, GA on my way to MD/PA
49. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can bs pretty good :D
50. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? July 31, 1981 Edmonton, AB <-- there, now you can steal my ID :P

Thursday, February 16, 2006

AFI 100 Review

Hang on, I've seen "A Philidelphia Story" VERY fun movie. Okay. I'm down to 79 :P Here are my top ten:

1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)
2. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952)
3. MALTESE FALCON, THE (1941)
4. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
5. STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, A (1951)
6. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
7. SHANE (1953)
8. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
9. GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
10. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)

BTW the best website on the internet is:
Internet Movie Database

Know what the best part about wanting to see THESE movies is? Most of them (including all in my top ten) are available from the library. I can see them for free!!!

~Heidi

America’s Greatest Movies

Number 32 on my “List of Things to do Before I Die” (which I haven't actually published yet) is to see all the movies on the American Film Institutes list of 100 Greatest Movies. I decided that I’d better review that list to determine how many more I need to see. The list is dated 1998 and there are some that I probably WON’T see but there are some I definitely WANT to see.

1. CITIZEN KANE (1941) – my dad wants to see this one too, simply because it’s number one. Will watch it with him.
2. CASABLANCA (1942) – I watched this in 1996 during a VERY hot summer while my parents were in Palm Desert. I was babysitting my youngest brother and his friend and getting very bored of the Olympics. At the time this was one of the most boring movies I had ever seen. I certainly don’t understand why it ranks for cinematic greatness. I should probably watch it again.
3. GODFATHER, THE (1972) – Since this movie is referenced all. the. time. I’d like to see it so I “get” it.
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) – A classic. I love it. I’ve seen it more then once too.
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) – Saw this one a LONG time ago. Had a big crush on Peter O’Toole for the longest time. Gotta love those blue eyes. Too bad he’s 49 years older then I am :P
6. WIZARD OF OZ, THE (1954) – Love this movie “follow the yellow brick road!”
7. GRADUATE, THE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1967)
9. SCHINDLER’S LIST (1993) ??? I might have watched this one in the theatre. Maybe not. I *have* seen it though.
10. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952)
11. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) – Not one I watch annually like some people but I have seen it and did enjoy it.
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI (1957) – yep, good movie
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
15. STAR WARS (1977) - #15? Go Yoda!!!
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)
17. AFRICAN QUEEN, THE (1951)
18. PSYCHO (1960) – Can anyone tell me why I should see this one? I’m not a big thriller fan…
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST (1975)
21. GRAPES OF WRATH, THE (1940) – WOW! I didn’t realize it was that old!
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. MALTESE FALCON, THE (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982) – Gosh, ET’s almost as old as I am! I love this movie :)
26. DR. STRANGEGLOVE (1964)
27. BONNIE & CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
30. TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977)
32. GODFATHER PART II, THE (1974) – Oh good, I can make it a Godfather marathon :P
33. HIGH NOON (1952)
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962) – I don’t think I appreciated this movie fully when I was forced to watch it in Grade 10.
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, THE (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933)
44. BIRTH OF A NATION, THE (1915)
45. STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, A (1951)
46. CLOCKWORK ORANGE, A (1971)
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975)
49. SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
50. BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID
51. PHILIDELPHIA STORY, THE (1940)
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
53. AMADEUS (1984)
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. SOUND OF MUSIC, THE (1965) – One of my favourite movies of all time
56. M*A*S*H* (1970)
57. THIRD MAN, THE (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940) – This is an ultra cool movie
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955) – I’ve wanted to see this one for a LONG time
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) – That was a good year for movies ;) I *love* this one. Still haven’t seen IJ&T Temple of Doom…Mom always said it was too scary for us…
61. VERTIGO (1958)
62. TOOTSIE (1982)
63. STATGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991) – Another one that I’m really not sure I want to see. Kind of because it is a classic, but I’m truly not interested…
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, THE (1962)
68. AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. FRENCH CONNECTION, THE (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994) – “Life is like a box of chocolates” – like some of these films!!!
72. BEN-HUR (1959) – I love Charlton Heston :)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939) – probably would try and read/hear the book first like with P&P
74. GOLD RUSH, THE (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990) – yep, seen it
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)
78. ROCKY (1976) – did you know that there’s a sixth one coming out???
79. DEER HUNTER, THE (1978)
80. WILD BUNCH, THE (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996)
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935) – I *loved* this movie. SO much better then Master and Commander.
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970)
90. JAZZ SINGER, THE (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964) – Love, love, love this movie. I’d watch it again.
92. PLACE IN THE SUN, A (1951)
93. APARTMENT, THE (1960)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994) – Another one that I’m not too keen on seeing…
96. SEARCHERS, THE (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)

So, out of one hundred movies, I've seen 20 of them. 80 to go!!!
~Heidi

Census Job Update

I just called the Census people to find out what is up with my application. Get this, I scored 20/22 on my enumerators test and 28/30 on the supervisory portion. SMOKIN'!!! Even the lady I talked to congratulated me :D As far as the acutal jobs? There are only TWO people doing interviews in my area and there are hundreds of applicants. I just have to wait. If I don't get the supervisory job (which I wouldn't accept if I got a real, full time job) she says I'm a shoo-in for the enumerator (which can be done on evenings and weekends). Sweet!
~Heidi

Finally, some news!

They want me to come in for a second interview, probably sometime next week. So that means that they liked me, but maybe not more then someone else. I think I'm going to go crazy!!! I hate this kind of waiting. I think I'll follow up with the other agency to see if they have any interviews for me...
~Heidi

Waiting...

So, they (the dude that did the interview on Tuesday and the placement agency) said they "should" have a decision by Wednesday afternoon. It is now just after lunch on Thursday. When is it appropriate to call and check? I'm going nuts here!!!
~Heidi

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Word of the Day #3: intrepidity

intrepidity

n : resolute courageousness

Say it. It rolls off the tounge. in-tre-pid-ity :)

I have extreme intrepidity in my job search.

~Heidi

Word of the Day #2: pedantic

pe·dan·tic ( P ) Pronunciation Key (p-dntk)
adj.
1. Characterized by a narrow, often ostentatious concern for book learning and formal rules: a pedantic attention to details. 2. marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects

I'm really enjoying P&P and learning all sorts of new words!!!
~Heidi

Oh Brother!

If you have the choice, DO NOT buy a Brother Multi-Function Unit. I have *never* used a more frustrating machine. It just stops working, for no apparent reason and then I get a back log of faxes. Most annoying.

On the other hand, my Konica Photocopier/Printer is the best invention in the world. Too bad it doesn't receive faxes!

~Heidi

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Have You Ever...

Place yes by all the things you've done, or remove yes' from the ones you haven't, and send it to all of your friends (including me - I'm your friend, RIGHT???). This is for your entire life:

1.Have you ever:
(no) smoked a cigarette
(no) Drank so much you threw up
(no) Crashed a friend's car
(no) Stolen a car
(no) Been in love
(no) Been dumped.
(yes) Been laid off/fired - as of March 3rd...
(yes) Quit your job - if you count CM as a job
(yes) Been in a fist fight - with my brothers
(no) Snuck out of your parent's house
(yes) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
(no) Been arrested?
(no) Gone on a blind date
(yes) Lied to a friend
(yes) Skipped school
(no) Seen someone die
(yes) Been to Canada...uhh...I hope so!!!
(no) Been to Mexico
(yes) Been on a plane
(yes) Been lost
(yes) Been on the opposite side of the country - yesish. I've been on the East Coast in the states and to Ontario. I guess that qualifies...
(no) Gone to Washington, DC
(yes) Swam in the ocean - you bet, and it's COLD
(yes) Felt like dying
(yes) Cried yourself to sleep
(yes) Played cops and robbers
(yes) Recently colored with crayons ... yes, at Sunday School with my five year olds. We were colouring monkeys :D
(yes) Sang karaoke
(yes) Paid for a meal with only coins...
(yes) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?...all the time?
(yes) Made prank phone calls...
(yes) laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose.
(yes) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(yes) Danced in the rain
(yes) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(no) Been kissed under the mistletoe? - no, haven't really had the chance
(yes) Been with someone when you really didn't want to be - does work every day count? LOL
(no) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about - not in the romantic way this is refering too
(yes) Blown bubbles
(no) Made a bonfire on the beach
(no) Crashed a party
(yes) Gone roller-skating
(yes) Ice-skating....
(yes) Roller Blading
3. Any nicknames? the agent
4. Mother's name? Lorry
5. What is your favorite drink (non-alcoholic)? Water
6. Tattoos? nope
7. Body piercing's? nope
8. How much do you love your job (1-10) I love that it's almost over :D
9. Birthplace: Edmonton, AB
10. Favorite vacation spot? Somewhere I haven't been before
11. Ever been to Africa? No
12. Ever steal any traffic signs? No
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
14. A, B, C, D, DD cup size? D38 - isn't your life richer knowing that?
15. 2 Door or 4 Door? 4 door
16. Salad dressing? raspberry vinagrette or creamy poppyseed or blue cheese or ...okay, I'll stop
17. Favorite pie? "Key Lime pie, my my my, my key lime pie!" Ahem, Pumpkin for me please.
18. Favorite number? 7.13
19. Favorite movie? Ever After
20. Favorite holiday? Easter - cause there's two stats :)
22. Favorite food? Mom's lasanga
23. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
24. Favorite brand of body soap? I don't use soap, I prefer a variety of body wash
25. Favorite TV show? ER, CSI, House, McLeod's Daughters
26. Toothpaste? Just finishing Crest Cinammon Blast. New tube is el-cheapo Colgate
27. Favorite smell? citrus
28. What do you do to relax? scrapbook
29. Message to your friends reading this? I do have a life, really :P
30. How do you see yourself in 10 years? "Something's Gotta Give!!!"
31. What do you do when you are bored? Blog!
32. Furthest place you will send this message? Considering how fast things get CASEd from blogs and Scrapshare, I'd say at least Australia ... maybe further :D - Good answer, V, don't let us down :P
33. Who will respond the fastest? Melissa LOL
34. Least likely to respond? All the lurkers!

Real Interview #1 Report

I've already debriefed a few times tonight so lets see if I can do it again here and actually make sense. The interview went well. I can't say I knew the interviewer before but we're pretty sure we've worked together while I was in one of my previous roles. It made for some common ground and gave him a "personal experience" reference (which was favourable). The company is really cool, he's really cool and I could definitely see myself fitting in there. It remains to be seen if he agrees. If it were offered and I was to accept it would be a "temp(orary) to perm(anent)" position which means that I would actually be hired by the employment agency for the first three months. This gives both the employer and myself the option of terminating at any time with very little reason. Safer for them if they don't like the new employee, and an out for me. It means a bit of a cut in wages to start but it will balance out fast. Plus, three months goes fast.

I'm still kind of up in the air about wether I *really* want the job or not (which is where the temp to perm thing comes in handy. For Part A of the job, I'd rock, it's what I've been doing for the past six years, I'm good at it and I enjoy it. For Part B, it would be a huge learning curve. I think I could do well at it, I think I could enjoy it but I just don't know. If they don't offer me the job, I wouldn't be heartbroken. If they do, I'd seriously consider it.

As for the interview itself, it was a really good experience. He asked "What would your current supervisor say you need to improve on" which kind of caught me off guard. I answered "taking initiative" which is true, BUT I qualified it by saying that that is mostly bred by the position I am currently in and it is the reason I'm looking to get out of the field I'm in. It's true, wether it sounds good or not.

We (the placement agency and I) are hoping to hear back by tomorrow afternoon.

Stay tuned!

~Heidi

Valentines Day

Another forward worth sharing.

THESE ARE ENTRIES TO A WASHINGTON POST COMPETITION ASKING FOR A RHYME WITH THE MOST ROMANTIC FIRST LINE BUT ... THE LEAST ROMANTIC SECOND LINE:

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I only slept with you, because I was pissed.

I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother.


Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you,

But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,
the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head.

Of loving beauty you float with grace
If only you could hide your face.

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot
This describes everything you are not.

I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that paper bag off of your face.

I love your smile, your face, and your eyes
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!


My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you screwed up my life.


I see your face when I am dreaming,
That's why I always wake up screaming.

My love, you take my breath away,
What have you stepped in to smell this way?

My feelings for you no words can tell
Except for maybe "Go To Hell".


What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.

Children's Letters to God

I don't know if these are real or not but they express some very sweet sentiments...well...some of them :)
~Heidi

Dear GOD,
In school they told us what You do. Who does it when You are on vacation?
-Jane

Dear GOD,
I read the Bible. What does begat mean? Nobody will tell me.
Love, Alison

Dear GOD,
Are you really invisible or is that just a trick?
-Lucy

Dear GOD,
Is it true my father won't get in Heaven if he uses his bowling words in the house?
-Anita

Dear GOD,
Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident?
-Norma

Dear GOD,
Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones, why don't You just keep the ones You have now?
-Jane

Dear GOD,
Who draws the lines around the countries?
-Nan

Dear GOD,
I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church. Is that okay?
-Neil

Dear GOD,
What does it mean You are a Jealous God? I thought You had everything.
-Jane

Dear GOD,
Did you really mean "do unto others as they do unto you"? Because if you did, then I'm going to fix my brother.
-Darla

Dear GOD,
Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy.
-Joyce

Dear GOD,
It rained for our whole vacation and is my father mad! He said some things about You that people are not supposed to say, but I hope You will not hurt him anyway.
Your friend -- (But I am not going to tell you who I am)

Dear GOD,
Why is Sunday school on Sunday?
I thought it was supposed to be our day of rest.
-Tom L.

Dear GOD,
Please send me a pony. I never asked for anything before, You can look it up.
-Bruce

Dear GOD,
If we come back as something - please don't let me be Jennifer Horton because I hate her.
-Denise

Dear GOD,
If You give me a genie lamp like Aladin, I will give you anything you want, except my money or my chess set.
-Raphael

Dear GOD,
My brother is a rat. You should give him a tail. Ha ha.
-Danny

Dear GOD,
Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother.
-Larry

Dear GOD,
I want to be just like my Daddy when I get big but not with so much hair all over.
-Sam

Dear GOD,
You don't have to worry about me. I always look both ways.
-Dean

Dear GOD,
I think the stapler is one of your greatest inventions.
-Ruth M.

Dear GOD,
I think about You sometimes even when I'm not praying.
-Elliott

Dear GOD,
I bet it is very hard for You to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it.
-Nan

Dear GOD,
Of all the people who work for You I like Noah and David the best.
-Rob

Dear GOD,
My brother told me about being born but it doesn't sound right. They're just kidding, aren't they?
-Marsha

Dear GOD,
If You watch me in church Sunday, I'll show You my new shoes.
-Mickey D.

Dear GOD,
I would like to live 900 years like the guy in the Bible.
Love, Chris

Dear GOD,
We read Thomas Edison made light. But in school they said You did it. So I bet he stoled your idea.
-Sincerely, Donna

Dear GOD:
The bad people laughed at Noah - "You made an ark on dry land you fool." But he was smart, he stuck with You. That's what I would do.
-Eddie

Dear GOD,
I do not think anybody could be a better GOD. Well, I just want You to know but I am not just saying that because You are GOD already.
-Charles

Dear GOD,
I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday. That was cool!
-Eugene

supercilious

su·per·cil·i·ous ( P ) Pronunciation Key (spr-sl-s)
adj.
Feeling or showing haughty disdain.

There, that's your word of the day :) I requested "Pride & Prejudice" on cd a million years ago from the library. It came in yesterday. I've been listening to it in the car. The goal is to hear the story, watch the new movie, and then watch Bridget Jones' Diary (1 & 2). So far I'm really enjoying it :)

~Heidi

Monday, February 13, 2006

Real Interview #1 Update

Okay, I just talked with someone from the placement agency to confirm my interview for tomorrow afternoon. Remember how I said in the previous post "but it's probably because the position description is really detailed and some of the things they said didn't sound great." Well I told him (the guy from the placement agency) that on Friday my gut instinct HAD been "no" and he basically said what I quoted above. The position description IS really detailed but with the way that he reframed it, I think it's something I could do, could be good at, could enjoy and could learn a lot from. Hmmmm...
~Heidi

Things To Do Before I Die

Okay, I'm finally ready to publish my list. These are all very atainable goals. World peace is nice, but really, how much control do you have over that? Just a note I did have "Read Pride & Prejudice" on here because I've been meaning to do that for so long. Since I've accomplished it, I felt it only fair to update the list before posting.

1. Fly first class
2. Live on my own in my own place
3. Eat at Sonic
4. Live in another country...or at least another province
5. Host dinner party for at least 8

6. Visit an art gallery
7. Go to Texas
8. Ride in a hot air balloon
9. Fly in a small aircraft
10. Visit a planetarium

11. Take a winery tour
12. Do high tea somewhere
13.
14. See a drive in movie
15. Join a fan club

16. Play blackjack at a casino
17. Make homemade ice cream
18. Try ten new foods
19. Go sailing
20. Ride in a limo

21. Be debt free
22. Go horse back riding on the wide open plains
23. Sleep under the stars (without a tent)
24. Fly in a 747
25. Collect all 50 US state quarters

26. Attend my ten year high school reunion
27. Visit Australia
28. Visit Great Britain
29. Get a cat
30. Take a cruise

31. Work an election
32. Watch all moves on AFI top 100 list
33. Be in Ottawa for Canada Day
34. Draft a will
35. Spend one weekend totally unplugged. No TV, No Computer, No Phone

36. Visit the Maritimes
37. Tour the US Eastern seaboard
38. Pour water from the Atlantic ocean into the Pacific
39. Fast for 24 hours
40. Be in audience of a game show or talk show and/or try out for a game show or reality show

41. Learn to cook
42. Cook a turkey
43. Play with a hand bell choir
44. Complete 25 different crossword puzzles
45. Take a Self Defense Class

46. Fire a gun
47. Host a fondue
48. Take real swimming lessons (learn proper backstoke, kick turn)
49. Leave to drive a stick shift
50. Try yoga

51. Take a cake decorating class
52. Visit Nashville
53. Go parachuting
54. Take a refresher First Aid course
55. Sell something on Ebay

56. Try snowboarding
57. Try Golf
58. Watch the Yankees/Mariners play ball
59. Drink tequila in Tijuana
60. Go to Disney Land/World

61. Get a bikini wax
62. Buy a new condo (or house) (or town house)
63. Go white water rafting
64. Climb Mt. Cheam
65. Have a baby (or two, or three)

66. Read through the entire bible
67. Stay at a bed and breakfast
68. Go to Las Vegas
69. Go to Paris in the spring time
70. Learn enough about classical music to be able to identify popular pieces by ear

71. Shop at the Mall of America
72. Visit all five great lakes
73. Stay overnight in NYC
74. Go to Boston in the fall
75. Stay overnight at a Casino

76. Visit the San Diego Zoo
77. Visit Sea World
78. Take a full two weeks off at a time
79. Go on a blind date
80. See a live horse race and place a bet

81.
82. Take a trip by train (aka travel somewhere on Amtrak)
83. Do the Vancouver Sun Run
84. Go to midnight mass
85. Attend Sunrise Easter Service

86. Go skinny dipping
87. Visit all 10 Provincial Legislature Buildings. (3 down 7 to go)
88.
89. Go to the Olympics
90. Fly in a helicopter

91. Go to a NASCAR race
92. Get married
93. Participate in a team sport for a season
94. Sing a solo at church
95. Really try to loose weight/get in better shape

96. Learn another language
97. Buy cowboy boots
98. Get room service and have breakfast in bed at a nice hotel
99. Visit the Grand Canyon
100.
101. Attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

One Hundred

One Hundred posts to my blog. Man I talk a lot!!! That's almost two a day since I started this thing.

In honour of my one hundredth post I want to reminisce a bit. In elementary school we used to have One Hundred Day. It was on the one hundredth day that school was in session. Usually half way through December. Each child was asked to bring one hundred of an item. Sometimes they were edible things (chocolate chips, marshmallows, cheerios, smarties, etc) and it would all be mixed together into a big trail mix and served to the children. Sometimes it was "things" like pennies or buttons. I don't remember specifically what I brought but I know I always looked forward to One Hundred Day.

Happy One Hundred posts to me and thanks for reading :)

~Heidi

Country Music Lyrics Trivia Quiz

Diane (EmmyLou) sent me the link to this website. Country Music Lyrics Trivia Quiz It is so much fun!!! So far the only one I've aced was Brad Paisley. All the rest I've gotten at least one wrong (but not more!) Try it, and let me know how you do :)
~Heidi

Friday, February 10, 2006

Real Interview #1

WOW! These guys are fast! The first agency that I interviewed with just called with a potential opening. It's a market research company in my home town (as soon as I stop shaking I'll remember their name) and they're looking for an admin type person that would have A LOT of repsonsibilities. At first glace my gut says "no, this job isn't for you" but it's probably because the position description is really detailed and some of the things they said didn't sound great. I agreed to an interview. They are two way streets right? They interview me and I them to decide if I'd like to work for them. If nothing else, it's good experience. Oh, and the interview? TUESDAY!!! ACK!
~Heidi...breathing...

Second Interview Report

This morning I had me second interview with a placement agency. Another interesting experience. More testing, but different. I did the typing test and got 67 wpm with eight errors. They said accuracy was more important than speed so they had me do it again. 59 wpm with only one error. Much better :) I also took tests on Word, Excel and Access. I haven't used Access in a long time so my 59% was impressive. I ACED the Excel though. 100%...of course that won me the opportunity of taking the second level. I did pretty good on it too.

After the testing I met with the recruiter. Chatty little thing :) She was really nice though. Explained how the process works, why recruitment agecies are such a good idea and a wack of other stuff. She didn't like the way I set up my resume (whatever, it's not like there's a *right* way to do it) but I am still looking forward to working with her.

I'm really confident that this agency route is the way to go. Only 20 more days max until I'm out of here :)

~Heidi

Thursday, February 09, 2006

I Wanna Do It All

I've been throwing around the idea of doing a "Things to do Before I Die" kind of list for awhile now. Melissa/Empress4 posted a link to a list of 101 things to do in the next 1001 days written by another blogger. It's a great place to start. I took the liberty of reviewing her list and commenting on what I've already accomplished. Out of her 101 things, I've done over 30! I'll be using this as a basis for my list. My title is going to be from Terri Clark's song I Wanna Do It All

Here are my comments:
1. Go to bar, hang out, drink alcohol by myself and enjoy it – I’ve eaten dinner at a pub by myself, but not drank alone…yet ;)
2. Play laser tag – done, and I loved it
3. Get a Professional massage and/or full spa day – done, and I loved it LOL Thanks to Kimberley, Melissa and Jenna
4. Jump on a trampoline – many many times
5. Host dinner party for at least 8 – I don’t think there were eight there, and it wasn’t a *real* dinner party

6. Visit a museum and/or art gallery – museum yes, art gallery no, so far
7. Go to Rein Faire in Full Costume – now that would be cool! I’ve been to a Rein Faire, but not in costume
8. Sleep in a water bed – yes, very, very interesting
9. Make note of where I am when my car turns 100,000 miles – I watched it flip!!! I was on my way to work :)
10. Visit a planetarium – this has been on my list for a LONG time

11. Participate in a wine tasting and/or winery tour – been to a wine tasting party, still need to do the tour
12. Do a High Tea somewhere – preferably at The Empress?
13. Play chess – yep, and won
14. See a Drive in movie – I think there’s actually a theatre that’s just opened up. Maybe this summer?
15. {Need To Come Up With Something - What was originally here was a duplicate with 55}

16. Play blackjack at a casino – I’ve been with my brother while he’s played but I haven’t played myself yet.
17. Make homemade ice cream – I *think* we did this when I was a kid. I’d like to do it again.
18. Try 10 new food (like seafood/etc) – with Deb’s assistance I will accomplish this :)
19. See a musical – Les Miserables counts right?
20. Ride in a taxi – Done, but I can’t remember why

21. Have my fortune read
22. Go away away for my birthday - I’m always away for my birthday…wait, you mean Alberta doesn’t count???
23. Throw my sister a 40th birthday party – This one will need to change. I don’t have a sister :P
24. Vist my fathers grave site – Also will need to change. Thank goodness!
25. Send birthday cards to all siblings, their spouses/children and friends (ie
anyone on Christmas card list) – way easier said then done!

26. Attend my 20 high school reunion (Am I showing my age?) – My 10 year is coming in three years ::gulp::
27. Go Christmas caroling – Done, we went to the fire hall :D
28. Get wisdom teeth pulled – Done, in three separate sessions.
29. Get AIDS test – every time I give blood!
30. Ask for a raise – sure, as soon as I secure a job!

31. Work on an election campaign – Hmmm, I don’t know if I could care enough for this. I would work the actual election though…
32. Watch or rewatch all moves on AFI top 100 list – YES! I really want to do this
33. Create my family tree – mostly done, I need to scrapbook it though
34. Draft a will – ooh, that’s a good one!
35. Collect all 50 US State Quarters (last one might be hard to get in Sept 2008) – Have 26/50…pretty good for a foreigner!

36. {Need To Come Up With Something - What was originally here was a duplicate with 90}
37. Go a week without watching television – done, need to do it more often :P
38. Spend one weekend totally unplugged. No TV, No Computer, No Phone – no phone…that’s hard, I’ve done the other two…wait, just a weekend? Oh yeah, been there done that.
39. Fast for 24 hours – my brothers did the 30 hour famine. I should try it.
40. Be in audience of a game show or talk show and/or try out for a game show or reality show – that would be a blast!

41. Get ear training lessons to be able to hear pitch – nah, I’d just be annoyed at people who were off then. Ignorance is bliss :)
42. Learn to cook 10 new dishes- how about just learn to cook…
43. Play with a handbell choir – my mother would LOVE this
44. Do 25 different crossword puzzles – now that is a challenge for me…
45. Take a Self Defense Class – good idea

46. Fire a gun - can’t say I’ve done this
47. Take Ballroom Dancing Lessons – I’m starting round dance tonight but that’s different…
48. Take real swimming lessons (learn proper backstoke, kick turn) – yeah, my dog paddle doesn’t suffice all the time
49. Leave to drive a stick shift – DEFINITELY something I want to learn. Anyone wanna teach me?
50. Try yoga – yep and see if I can get in touch with the inner me :P

51. Take a cake decorating class – This is probably on EVERYONE’s list :)
52. Learn to use chopsticks – Actually I’m pretty darn good with them already
53. Learn to shuffle – shuffle? Shuffle what? Cards? That I can do, not great, but passable.
54. Take a refresher First Aid course – good idea
55. Learn how to play pinochle – I have NO idea what that is

56. Try to Ski – done, successfully I might add
57. Take a spinning class – uhhh, sure…
58. Try Golf – YES! Oh LISA…
59. Buy a new car – two, new to me, does that count?
60. Get hair colored professionally (or highlighted or perm) – meh, I’ve got enough natural highlights

61. Bikini wax – ouch, yes this would be good
62. Buy a new condo (or house) – or a town house…
63. Have Professional Shopper help me pick clothes (maybe 5 outfits?) – or just Krista again :)
64. Get 5 outfits custom tailored – that would be SWEET!
65. Use Peapod for grocery delivery (Once as a treat) – huh???

66. Buy myself flowers - done
67. Stay at a bed and breakfast – this would be great!
68. Go to Las Vegas – It’s on the list
69. Go to Austin Texas in the Spring(because Brian said it was wonderful and I said I would at some point. Since this conversation took place over 4 years ago - think it's about time I followed through) - no offense to Austinites but I’d prefer Paris in the Spring
70. {Need To Come Up With Something - What was originally here was a duplicate with 82}

71. Shop at the Mall of America – Oh Melissa…
72. Make list of 25 places must visit in CT and do them all – Change CT to BC and see my “Backyard and Daytrips” 7x7 album :)
73. Stay overnight in NYC – for at least a week…with Meredith
74. Go to Boston – Boston in the fall :)
75. Stay overnight at the Casino – in Vegas?

76. Visit the San Diego Zoo – definitely on the list
77. See a live horse race – yes, I want to bet on a horse too
78. Perform in dance recital or contest – hmmm…might have to look at this one
79. Watch a sunrise – done, but I need to do it again
80. Watch a Sunset – all the time. Pollution is nasty but it makes pretty colours :)

81. Attend a Bonfire – wonderful wonderful memories!
82. Take a trip by train (aka Travel somewhere on Amtrak) – potentially to California?
83. Take a trip by bus – Done, not to eager to repeat this :P
84. Go to Midnight Mass – that would be cool, Christmas Eve might be a fun time
85. Attend Sunrise Easter Service – Sure, why not

86. Give Blood – every 56 days! 27 pints and counting
87. Volunteer XX hours or events - I’m not sure what my total hours are but I do volunteer. Currently I’m serving on a Task Force Committee

88. Tithe to charities of my choice for a year – done, but I need to be more consistent :(
89. Collect and then bring to bank’s free Coinstar machine $1000 in change – cool, I’ve had over $60 before…
90. Participate (not as a volunteer) in a 5K – yep, four times :)

91. Go a week without using a computer – I’ve done it. Gone without SS that long too!
92. Get Married – LOL, yep, on the list!
93. Participate in a team sport for a season – hmmm…which sport should I pick?
94. Send myself a postcard home whenever I leave town. Make them into a nice scrapbook at the end of this – I send them to my littlest brother. I’ll get him a scrapbook one of these days
95. Really try to loose weight/get in better shape – yeah…

96. Tell a boy I love him – related to #92
97. Walk through a corm maize – done, it is FUN!
98. Buy GPS system for car. If portable, use to go geocaching – hmmm, now that would be cool!
99. Visit Grand Canyon – LOL, yeah, not just scrapbook Mere’s trip
100. Visit Niagara Falls – done, in 2000
101. Attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – As part of #73?

I'll post my own list (and layout) when I get it done.

~Heidi

First Interview Report

Good Morning!

I know you've all been on pins and needles waiting for an update and here it is. The interview (if you want to call it that) went well. It was, as I knew it would be, a bit different from a regular interview because it *they* are not hiring me, just representing me. It was a really good experience though.

From where I work to the office where the interview was is over an hour in driving time. I gave myself *lots* of time and then had time to kill once I had located the office. I went in about 10 minutes early and had to set the receptionist straight "Yes, I am supposed to be here, at 2pm" etc. It was fine though. Filled out some paperwork (I really need to memorize my SIN# :P) and then they had me do some tests. Word, Excel, Typing Speed, Alpha Numeric Speed and 10 Key Typing (I think that's what it's called). My Word and Excel are "above the national average" and my WPM is 65. Pretty darn good :) I did well on the other two as well but the numbers don't mean anything to me so I can't remember them :P

Then the recruiter, who's name was also Heidi, kind of grilled me on my work history, what I've done and what I want to do in the future, both professionally and personally. She was really nice and very easy to talk to. Even though I didn't have all the answers she might have liked I am comfortable with what I did tell her.

Now it's a matter of seeing if a position opens up. They have A LOT of people on the books so I'll have to keep in touch to see what kind of openings are. They seem to be a very professional organization with a good track record. I'm comfortable having them represent me and vice versa.

Friday I'm meeting with another agency. This one is smaller and more locally focused and I think it will be good to have my name on their books too.

~Heidi...continuing the career search...

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Sticky Notes

I am drowning in sticky notes!!! I have SO many things to do right now and the reminders are taking over my desk. I have exactly one hour in which to do it. When I leave for lunch I'm going straight out to my first interview. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. Wish me luck! I have GOT to get some stuff done right now.
~Heidi

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

And it begins!

I got an email from one of the temp agencies that I had applied to, thanking me for my application and asking me to call for an appointment to register. I called and set up my 2.5 hr testing/interview session for Friday morning. No sooner had I hung up then another agency called for the same thing. That one is set for Wednesday afternoon.

It's begun and I think I'm going to puke :P

~Heidi...breathing...

Four Dollar Drink

What is it about the green circle that makes me happy to pay four dollars for a little bit of syrup, caffeine and blended ice?

I don't know but my valencia-mocha-frappacino sure is yummy :)

~Heidi

The Search Continues...

This whole job search experience is an entirely new area for me and it is fascinating. It's funny how what you look for in a postition evolves as you grow up. I remember reading the classifieds as a teen and only looking at the food related jobs. I guess I felt that was all I could do. Now I'm looking at administrative support positions and picking and chosing. Last Friday there was a posting for an admin clerk of some type. I thought it looked interesting so I adjusted my cover letter and got an email ready, then I went back and re-read the job description. I realized that it was way too entry level for me and I scrapped the application. THAT is empowering. Chosing not to apply for a position.

There's another one today. I love this line under "other requirements":
This individual must be organized, detail oriented and accountable. This person must be energetic, have an excellent sense of humour and be willing to work under pressure.
There is way too much report writing and research required for this position so I won't be applying but I love the fact that they list HUMOUR as a requirement!!!

~Heidi...off to check out more postings...

Monday, February 06, 2006

Late Night

The late night talk shows are on um...too...late for me but the best lines are often quoted in my joke mailers. Here were two good ones from this last week:

"Are you all ready for the Super Bowl? I got one of those new big-screen video iPods to watch it on. It's two and a half inches wide." --Jay Leno
"Ultimately, Stephen Harper, the conservative, is the new prime minister, ending 13 years of liberal rule in Canada. They picked up not as many parliamentary seats as they thought they might, but they picked up quite a few, more than the liberals. But the real question on everybody's mind is, can we still stitch their flags on our backpacks to get through Europe?" --Jon Stewart

My Weekend

Remember the headache I was complaining about last week? Turns out it was due to sinus pressure. I'm fighting a cold right now. It hasn't taken full hold yet and if I have my way, it won't. It's weird. I swear I always get sick the same way. I get a nasty taste in the back of my mouth, my head starts to hurt and my nose starts to stuff up, oh and my eyes start watering. Everytime I just brush it off as allergies or annyoing co-workers (in the case of the headache ;)). After a few days I'm forced to admit that it is more then that.

So, how was my weekend? Pretty good considering how horrible I feel.

Friday I went straight into Vancouver to crop with Deb, Sue and others. Traffic was a pain but being Friday I had the Weekly Top Thirty on JRfm to keep me company. As soon as it was over I called in and requested the new LeAnn Rimes song. Diane has been telling me about it but I hadn't heard it on the radio yet. (The words are on her blog: Di's Blog: Something's Gotta Give) I had a nice little chat with the dj too. He asked where I was and I said "just crossing the Port Mann Bridge" then he asked why I wanted to hear the song. I told him it was because my friend had told me about it and said that this might be our theme song for 2006. He asked who my friend was and I said "Diane in Michigan" then he asked if I was in Michigan". DUH! Didn't I just say I was on the Port Mann??? Anyways, he played the song a few minutes later which is great turn around time for a request. It's an awesome song too! Thanks for picking up on it Di!

As previously mentioned, cropping at Deb's is always fun. We had pizza for dinner which I ate while watching CMT Top Twenty with Deb's daughter. She's a fellow country music lover although I think I freaked her out by talking to the tv ;) Deb got a bunch of new stamps and I was able to play with them. These are two of my creations.

I stayed at Janis' again (where I'm house sitting) I got there just past midnight and went straight to bed. I woke up Saturday morning to the sound of gale force winds whipping the tarp on the mound of dirt just down the road. Very annoying <_< While I was lying in bed trying to not really be awake, my friend Liz popped into my mind. Liz was one of my best friends during grade nine and ten. We've kept in touch sporadically over the years. Awhile back she moved up to the North West Territories with her boyfriend Matt. They had a daughter, Caroline in 2001. She calls a couple of times a year and we chat for awhile.

Anyways, I finally got myself out of bed, made some breakfast and sat down to scrapbook. That was my plan for the day, work in silence while listening to the radio :) Around eleven o'clock my cell phone rings (the landline has been disconnected so I'm only available via my very old cell phone, that combined with the spotty coverage at Janis' has made communication interesting.) It was Liz!!! She's getting married (to Matt) on February 25th. A very small wedding, taking place in their home. I'm really happy for her. I would love to go but driving 24 hours North in February just isn't practical and I don't have the $$ to fly :( It was exciting to hear her news though, and weird considering I had just been thinking of her that morning. It always happens that way doesn't it?

After that exciting phone call I sat down and made really good headway on the album I'm doing for Meredith. In fact I'm almost done. It's been fun though. Just before dinner time I packed up and headed home. The wind and rain was nasty so driving was really interesting. I got home just in time for dinner and to change the towel catching the rain coming in the window in my bedroom. Turns out the seals aren't that great so there was a steady drip off the frame. Not cool.

After dinner we went to the Saturday night bible study. By the time we got home the storm had passed over and the dripping in my bedroom had stopped. Sunday was actually a pretty nice day!

Speaking of Sunday. I watch one football game a year. The SuperBowl. I enjoy all the hype and excitement. Unfortunately I was rooting for Seattle and this wasn't their year. It was nice to spend the afternoon on the couch though. I actually fell asleep during the second quarter which was good for my head. I woke up in time to see Mick Jagger and the half time show...not so good for my head :P I don't understand what people see in them. The stage was cool but that was about it. I missed having my brother Robert there. He is a big football fan and very patient with explaining why they stopped the play AGAIN :P He had to work though. Apparently pizza is a popular SuperBowl menu item and when you're the manager, you get the shift.

So yeah, SuperBowl all afternoon. I was going to go to bed early but "My Best Friend's Wedding" came on so Mom and I watched that. This morning I'm back at work. The sun is shining and I have basically nothing to do. Gotta love it :P

Happy Monday everyone!
~Heidi

Friday, February 03, 2006

Friday

I heard this song again this morning. I love it! Especially the "We've been rubber stampin' paper clippin' Sortin' fillin' faxin'" lines :D

Happy Friday everyone!!!

~Heidi

Aaron Tippin - Come Friday

My friends and me work overtime
All try to walk the bottom line
You've been breathin' down our necks
But soon as we cash our paychecks
We'll be chillin' on my deck, Boss Man

Chorus:
There's nothin' you can do, nothin' you can say
Nothin' you can throw our way come Friday
We've been rubber stampin' paper clippin'
Sortin' fillin' faxin'
It's time to let the good times roll
Nothin' you can say, nothin' you can do
Nothin' that can wreck our mood come Friday
We've been roofin' rakin' truckin' pavin

Packin' stackin' layin' block
Farmin' fencin' monkey wrenchin' pickin' up and droppin' off
We can't wait to punch the clock
Come Friday - yeah!

Gonna fill my igloo full of ice
Stock up on my way home tonight
Light tiki torches and the grill
Put speakers on the windowsill
Play our music loud and dance all night

Repeat Chorus

We'll be horseshoein' barbecuin' flippin'
Sippin' kickin' back
Lawn chairin' music blarin' laughin' havin' us a blast
Work all week until at last-

It's Friday
It's Friday - yeah!
Whoa!

Weak

The power of suggestion is strong and I am weak. Guess what I'm drinking right now. A frappacino. Why? Because a bunch of us did the "what coffee are you" quiz and ended up as fraps. After looking at that frosty goodness, I needed one. Sad huh?
~Heidi...the weak one.

4 more applications sent

Two to placement agencies, two to individual companies. My inbox is slowly filling up with "we've received your application and will contact you when something fitting your crieteria becomes available"
~Heidi...twiddling thumbs...

When a computer reads your blog...

This is what happens when a computer reads my blog. It picks up on the commonly repeated words. How cool is that??? CowtownStacy is the one who originally found it. I could actually get this printed on a t-shirt! Want to try yours? clicky
~Heidi

Remote Blogging

The internet was down yesterday afternoon so I blogged into a word document. Now I'm pasting my entries into one post.

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1:45 pm

Arrrgh!!! Why does this happen? The internet appears to be down again. *Just* as I finish updating my cover letter for a couple more jobs. I’m on a roll! I’m just being stymied by technology :P

On a similar note I’m finding that I’m paying a lot more attention when I answer the phone now. No more absent minded answering (which is how I usually do it). I never know if the next call could be a potential employer and I want to be sure I sound my best. I’ve employed the “smile, they can hear it in your voice” trick for years (and gotten many compliments on it) but now I am conscious of smiling when I answer. Now…if the phone would just ring…

~Heidi

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Headache
2:23 pm

I have a headache. I’m not sure if it’s because I can’t access the internet or because I’ve been staring at my computer too long again. Either way it hurts. I made myself a cup of chai and while it’s comforting, it’s not really making the head ache go away :(

BTW is that one word or two?

~Heidi

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Music
2:30 pm

I *have* to have music while I am working. I go crazy without it. In the mornings I log my computer on, launch Outlook and then my internet radio. For times like these when the internet is down, I have a reserve of George saved to Windows Media Player. His 50 #1’s, Live from the Astrodome and Somewhere Down in Texas are lifesavers :D Sometimes I call on him when I need some guaranteed smooth music too. Actually, he’s helping my head ache right now. WTG George :)
~Heidi

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Cut Off
3:28 pm

Okay. I am officially feeling cut off from the world. It’s weird how reliant we get on the internet…or I do at least. There are a number of things I could do right now but all of them require access to the world wide web. I’ve finished everything I can here at work and now I am ::gasp:: playing Solitare!!!

“I am slowly going crazy 123456 switch 654321 crazy going slowly am I”

~Heidi

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Happy Birthday - You've been googled

Today is groundhog's day, but it is also the birthday of an ex-co-worker of mine. I'll call him Fred. I worked with Fred for about a year and a half over four years ago. At the time he was mayor of a small town about an hour away from where we worked. Because it is such a small town the position was only quartr time, which is why he needed a day job as well. Fred is almost ten years older then me. He liked to think he was younge and "hip" and I always got great pleasure from reminding him that he wasn't all that young any more. My favourite fact was that he had been sitting on the school board while I was still in elementary school!

During the time we worked together there was a municiple election. Fred lost by a couple of hundred votes to another more experienced individual. It was hard on him because his heart really is in municiple politics. I've seen his name around here an there but I haven't really kept track of him. Today, in honour of his birthday, I googled him. Guess what? He ran in the municiple election in November and won! He's back to being mayor.

Congratulations Fred! And Happy Birthday :)

~Heidi

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Discrimination

It is my observation that fast food companies are discrimiating against single people or those that often eat alone by only offering "Two Can Dine for $X.XX" deals. It's not fair. I want cheap hamburgers and just because I don't eat with another person isn't a good enough reason to hold them from me!
Vent over :P
~Heidi

Application #2 sent!

Okay, I just sent off another application. I tried to do it yesterday but the website kept timing out. I've recieved the confirmation email already too. Man do I ever love the internet :) Keep your fingers crossed. This one looks really promising too!
~Heidi

ETA I'm going to make this a game. See how many applications I can get out there and how many interviews I can go to. It can't hurt right? After all it's better to be in a position where I'm turning down jobs instead of settling. :)

What Kind of Coffee Am I?

Sounds good to me!!! Now if we could just convince Starbucks to bring back the Coconut Mocha Frap!
~Heidi

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern

At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent

You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet

Your caffeine addiction level: low

Ouch!

This is why I need to learn to avoid peer pressure!!! Melissa (Empress4) found some face recognition software called My Heritage . You upload a picture of yourself and they tell you which celebrity you most look like. I uploaded this picture and the said my closest match was John Cleese!!! Look at it though. Scary huh? I also got Maria Sharapova, Keira Knightly and Grace Kelly.

So, I tried the picture at right instead. Better. This time I got Hilary Swank, Sofia Coppola, Mariah Carey and Grace Kelly again. I think I'll stick with Grace ;) Of course the real lesson here is to stop bowing to peer pressure so you never find these kinds of things out.

~Heidi Cleese ::blink::