We be all up in them guts like every day

The Best of the Worst: The Year 2009

The start of 2009 brought me back to Halifax to start my second semester of my third year. I returned to my house and to my psychotic roommate, Rachel. February marked the ultimate climax of the whole fiasco, with Rachel calling the cops and saying I assaulted her. She moved out shortly after that (like, that week).

March brought with it, as it does every year, St. Patrick's Day. It happened to be the 2 year anniversary of my relationship with Justin - not surprisingly, we spent it apart haha. I spent the day at the campus pub, Grawood, with some girl friends.

April was the end of my third year. I moved home at the very end and started work, at the SCCY again, the first week of May. Returned to Halifax (technically Dartmouth) within the week to do work orientation. Met the newbies and caught up with Holly. Holly and I also managed to find our way into Mark Little (of Picnic Face)'s huge celebratory party for winning like $25,000 or something in a comedy competition.

June was (and is) my birthday month. In all honesty, I don't quite recall what I did to celebrate. I imagine I went to Hunter's or Baba's. Same party, different year. Mandy made me a cake and we briefly celebrated at work.

July marks the month that I actually started this blog. This quote is actually the first one published: "We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it." -Abraham Lincoln. Since then, I've published a lot of quotes, a few funny articles, and a lot of personal problems. Hopefully you enjoyed some of it.

August was Canada Games for my sister. I went and watched one of her games. It brought back a lot of memories of the 2005 Canada Games, which I attended in Saskatchewan. August also played host to the Daft Punk tribute band. They were absolutely phenomenal and I would jump at the chance to go see them again.

September, as we all know, is back to school month. I returned to Halifax and began my fourth (and last) year of my Kinesiology degree at Dalhousie. I enjoyed 4 of my 5 classes, which is pretty good. I also played the part of athletic trainer for a lacrosse team. Made some really good friends from the experience and enjoyed every minute of it.

October was a busy month filled with midterms, fun, and lacrosse. I dressed up as Minnie Mouse for Halloween and it went over really well. Justin's birthday was the 24th of October and it kind of marked the beginning of the end of our relationship, sadly.

The first weekend of November was the lacrosse championships at Acadia. It was one of the best times I've had recently. We ended up beating St. FX in the final to bring home the Telus Cup for a second year. Lots of celebration ensued. After that weekend Justin and I broke up. I attended the Kine Ball shortly after with a friend from the lacrosse team, Connor. I sang kareoke for the first time in November 2009. The song? I Believe In A Thing Called Love. Another first occurred in November: I was quoted in a newspaper article about the air quality at Dal's Life Science Centre. I managed to attend TWO Coors Light Mystery Mansions in November as well.

That brings me to this month, December. December started off stressful with exams to worry about and final papers. I made it through all that and returned to this beautiful Island on the 20th. Finished Chrismtas shopping on the 23rd (Festivus). Celebrated Christmas with my family in Summerside. Morgan returned on the 28th, which is the best Chrismtas present I could ever ask for.

And that brings me to tonight: the last night of 2009.

A simple wish: a happy and prosperous new year for all of you.

It's time to peace the fuck out

Morgan arrived home safely, albeit slightly late, the other night. I can't describe how great it is to have her home. I attended a Palmer party last night. They never disappoint. I had good food, good company, good beer, Rock Band (Beatles at that), and Apples to Apples (a phenomenal game). Doesn't get much better than that. We headed down to Baba's after Apples to Apples died down. John Connolly was playing and I am ashamed to say it was my first time ever hearing him. Saw lots of old friends/acquaintances.

Today was pretty quiet and mildly family oriented. We had an Edwards family lunch at Churchill Arms this afternoon. A trip to PEI is not complete without their deliscious british curry. Afterwards, Mom and I went to the mall and took in some boxing "week" sales. I got a new dress that I need to find an occassion to wear.

Tonight I went to Katherine and Lloyd's apartment with Zak and we played wii for a few hours. I can't seem to escape it. It was a lot of fun though. I managed to continue my streak of beating Zak at basically any game we played.

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve day and my big plan is to scrimmage with Glen's little proteges. It was really fun on Tuesday, surprisingly. And a good work out. I should probably think about staying in shape - not as a New Year's resolution, but as a personal goal.

I think they call that hypochondria and anxiety disorder

Take me with you, I don't wanna be alone

I'm looking forward to returning to Halifax for a number of reasons:
1. I miss my roommates, a lot.
2. I miss my bed.
3. I miss Halifax.
4. It's my last semester at Dalhousie - major fun times to be had.
5. My grad ring arrives in late January!
6. Road trips with the Adventure club - Alicia, Alex, Caroline, and I.
I'm not looking forward to returning to Halifax because:
1. I'll miss my family.
2. No wii.
3. No homecooked meals from my mother.
4. No car to drive around.

You must hate money

Seasons Greetings!

So Christmas has come and gone for another year. This Christmas was considerably different from any other I've experienced. My parents (Santa) are paying for my grad ring, so there was very little under the tree for me. No complaints, it was just different. Although I did get the raincoat I asked for from my uncle (mom's side) (it's MEC!) and a lovely jersey sheet set from my aunt and uncle (on dad's side). My mom's brother also sent the family a Wii and Wii fit. We spent today playing it. Lots of hilarity occured.

Tomorrow I'm playing indoor soccer in the Angel's Charity Soccer Tournament, or whatever it is called. I'm pretty excited. I haven't played indoor since high school. It'll be a long day though, 11-7.

Other than that, not much is going on for me. Morgan gets home soon and it's really all that's been keeping me sane and happy since getting home.

I think that's all for now.

Like a bowl full of jelly

Sometimes I knock my family, but in all honesty, they are the best people in the entire world. I spent the day with the Edwards nuclear family, and I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. We play off of each other until none of us can breathe from laughing so hard. Lucas came over after work and got to experience what few have: the Edwards family the way we are when others aren't around. I think he was entertained.

I feel very lucky this Christmas. I have lots to be disappointed/sad/upset about, but I can't justify dwelling on it when I have so much going well in my life. A great and loving family being the very top of that list.

Merry Christmas, dear readers, to you and yours.

Come on now sugar

Michael Cera made a guest appearance on Veronica Mars?

It really is Christmas.

It's a Festivus for the rest of us

Being home isn't exactly what I thought it would be. To be fair, nothing this year has really been what I thought it would be. A brief recap of 2009 is enough to make me sick to my stomach, so I'll refrain. Suffice it to say I am not sad to see it go.

I applied, officially, to McMaster's MScPT program today. Send it all the paperwork and paid the whopping $255.00 application fee. It's a terrifying step forward in my life, but I took it. I guess the scary part is yet to come really - acceptance or rejection. I think I am equally anxious about both.

I joined the Edwards women for a spin class this evening at MacQueens. It was the most exercise I've done in ages. I've always loved the exercise bike, partially thanks to my childhood (then it was a means of transport, not exercise per se) and partially thanks to physiotherapy. I may even find the motivation to continue spinning. Oh 2010, I didn't think I would make any resolutions... You got me.

If the title didn't already alert you, today (I finished the post after midnight, sue me) is the pseudo, Seinfeld holiday of Festivus. Is it sad I actually contemplated making a list of grievances? I even thought about publishing said list for reading enjoyment, but even I don't have that much contempt for people. And I really don't wish to commit social suicide so close to the holidays. Or ever I guess.

Although, considering I chose to spend my night at home watching Veronica Mars episodes for several hours, I don't think I have much of a social life to kill.

I got my go go go go go go go go gadget flow

I arrived on this beautiful Island this morning. I love coming home more than anything. The only thing that could have made crossing the bridge better would have been seeing red dirt. You don't appreciate it properly til all you see is grey.

Spent the day shopping with mum and running errands. Sometimes all I want to do is sit down and rest or waste time online, but I make a point of almost never turning my mom down when she invites me somewhere. I know I would regret it in years to come.

Helped to partially decorate the Christmas tree tonight. This mainly consisted of me putting on my french horn and soccer ball ornaments.

Went to music trivia tonight at Hunter's. We did probably the worst we've ever done, but I had a great time. Our name was originally "What's the difference between Santa Claus and Tiger Woods? Santa stops at three ho's." After that lost its novelty, I changed it to "Karl Wolf is about as welcome on PEI as Kimmy Gibler at the Tanner house." That was well received.

Your black heart

My Cognitive exam went really well. It definitely helped that I loved the class and thought it was really cool. I finished the 2 hour exam in 45 minutes and got the hell out of there.

Started my Christmas break last night by watching Home Alone. Carlye and I also watched Jersey Shore. It's the worst show ever, but so addictive. You can watch for free at MTV.com if anyone wants to see what I'm talking about.

Packing and cleaning today. Home tomorrow!

Fire burnin' on the dance floor

The one class that I was nervous for this semester, Cognitive Psychology, is the only class I fell in love with. It's also the only exam I have left, which I write at 7 PM tonight. The final is on language comprehension (reference, implication, inference), reasoning, syllogisms, algorithms, heuristics, and problem solving. I have never enjoyed reading a textbook so much in my life. And yet, I am so anxious to get this exam over with and start Christmas break.

I spent the day at the library today. I don't know if any of you are familiar with Dalhousie's Studley campus library, the Killam. It's five stories of thick concrete with a leaky roof. Rumor even has it that the designer of the building (also known for the Life Science Centre - another concrete monstrosity) didn't have the foresight to plan for the weight of books in the library (imagine, a library with books), so the Killam is slowly sinking. He's also rumored to have committed suicide. Either way, I spent all day on the fifth floor of this ray of sunshine:
Did I mention that I can get a 50% on the Cognitive exam and still get an A- in the course?

Get down, love is like a hurricane

Alicia's boyfriend (Jeff)'s roommate, Ben, sent me this message through Jeff:
"I was going to send an angel today to watch over you, but the angel came back and told me that angels don't watch over other angels."

I HAVE NEVER MET THIS KID.

Still, pretty charming eh? Haha.

Ode to 2009

Soundtrack to the movie of my life, the 2009 version:

Opening credits: Calling All Crows by State Radio
Waking up scene: Pulling On a Line by Great Lake Swimmers
The low self esteem looking in the mirror after a shower scene: Cloud Nine by Ben Howard
The try on entire closet in a matter of seconds scene: Make It Take It by Amanda Blank
Average day scene: New Slang by the Shins
Best friend scene: Brian Wilson by Barenaked Ladies
Getting drunk with best friend scene: Brains for Breakfast by Green Go
Going unnoticed scene: Banquet by Bloc Party
Happy dance scene: I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor by Arctic Monkeys
Wild reckless party scene: Bounce by MSTRKRFT
Morning after scene: Till the Morning by Bahamas
Love at first sight scene: A Song About California by Hey Ocean
First date scene: All the Pretty Girls by Fun.
Best sex of your life scene: Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part 1) by Kid Cudi
Catch lover cheating scene: Eskimo Kisses by Hey Ocean
Break up scene: Broken Strings by James Morrisson ft. Nelly Furtado
Casual sex scene: Hot In Herre (cover) by Jenny Owen Young
Long night alone scene: Rollin' Home Alone by Jason Lytle
Fight at home with parents scene: MK Ultra by Muse
Mental breakdown scene: She's Hearing Voices by Bloc Party
Suicide attempt scene: Capable by KO
Driving in the rain scene: Keepsake by State Radio
Deep thought scene: Caring Is Creepy by the Shins
Flashback scene: Fixin' to Thrill by Dragonette
Regret scene: My Stupid Mouth by John Mayer
Change in lifestyle scene: This Is Not An Exit by Saves the Day
Get back together scene: Be Still My Heart by the Postal Service
"Life's okay" scene: Ballad of Hugo Chavez by Arkells
Death scene: Exogenesis: Symphony Pt. 3: Redemption by Muse
Closing credits: Gimme Sympathy by Metric

I love you Nancy Botwin

Stand against the test of time

I could watch the visualizer on iTunes for hours and hours.

We were meant to live for so much more, have we lost ourselves?

I found this moments ago, thanks to Livejournal (and a penchant for not doing what I am supposed to be doing - studying), and had to share it.

Soundtrack to the movie of my life (2004)

Opening credits: Lover I Don't Have To Love - Bright Eyes
Waking up scene: Mary Jane - The Vines
The low self esteem looking in the mirror after a shower scene: Creep - Radiohead
The try on entire closet in a matter of seconds scene: Boom Boom Boom - Jock Jams
Average day scene: Caring Is Creepy - The Shins
Best friend scene: Hollywood - Madonna
Getting drunk with best friend scene: Hoochie Mama - 2 Live Crew
Going unnoticed scene: El Scorcho - Weezer
Happy dance scene: Move Your Feet - Junior Senior
Wild reckless party scene: Lucky Star - Basement Jaxx
Morning after scene: Freakish - Saves the Day
Love at first sight scene: The Closest Thing - The Juliana Theory
First date scene: Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional
Best sex of your life scene: Champagne From A Paper Cup - Death Cab For Cutie
Catch lover cheating scene: Still In Love Song - The Stills
Break up scene: Gone - Ben Folds
Casual sex scene: We Looked Like Giants - Death Cab For Cutie
Long night alone scene: Paperthin Hymn - Anberlin
Fight at home with parents scene: All Apologies - Nirvana
Mental breakdown scene: The Nobodies - Marilyn Manson
Suicide attempt scene: Hold On - Jet
Driving in the rain scene: Cinema Air - The Gloria Record
Deep thought scene: Konstantine - Something Corporate
Flashback scene: Meant To Live - Switchfoot
Regret scene: Fallen - Sarah Mclachlan
Change in lifestyle scene: Me and Mia - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Get back together scene: Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
"Life's okay" scene: The Future Freaks Me Out - Motion City Soundtrack
Death scene: Hear You Me - Jimmy Eat World
Closing credits: Wonderwall - Oasis

It is from the end of grade ten, I think. And it goes to show that I used to listen to some good and some really bad music - I am trying to suppress laughter at 2 Live Crew, I doubt the other students at the library will appreciate the humor. I should currently be listening to The Nobodies by Marilyn Manson, but again, doubtful that the other people around me would find that amusing.

Perhaps in later procrastination, I will make a new soundtrack. I can guarantee many different song choices, haha.

Cha, I keep my mom's china in my backpack

I am currently at the Killam library on Studley (main) campus at Dalhousie University. I am in the learning commons, a big open room, filled with other miserable, exam-writing students. My desk says, "GOD WAS HERE!" You'd think God would have picked a nicer desk.

I can't wait to be finished.

Hey hey, my my

- I still have two exams left
+ They are both multiple choice exams
- I am the loneliest girl in the world
+ Boys suck so I don't want one
- I actually do though, and a specific one, and he doesn't want me
+ I have lots of chocolate in the house
- I am so tired of studying for these exams
- I want to be home
- I only get two weeks of Christmas vacation this year
- I have no idea what to buy my sister for Christmas
- I am so freakin miserable

We're the three best friends that anybody could ever ask for

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

Nelson Mandela

I went to see Invictus tonight. It's really good and I highly recommend. I'm such a sucker for a sports movie.

Who'd you rather be? The Beatles or the Rolling Stones...

Not a count down, showing my battle wounds. Ouch.

Baby you're all that I want

Yesterday a dear friend likened me to Nancy Botwin (Weeds). When I said I didn't have any children or deal drugs, he said it was mostly my mannerisms. Now I am curious. I wasn't really into Weeds, but now I have to check it out.

Oh, and yesterday afternoon I managed to get so drunk that I had to cancel my "date". Oops. I also fell and destroyed my hands. Good fun!

I bet you think this song is about you

Six more days of this shit.

It's probably pretty vain that I take so many pictures of myself on my webcam, but I'd prefer to attribute it to boredom.

Boys blowing up our phones

Christmas shopping quickly degenerated into one-for-me-one-for-you shopping today after my exam. I bought myself a new hoodie (a necessity at this time of year, really) and a piece of artwork (lobster shanty, traps, water, and boat - the most maritimes print ever). The print has been added to what I will describe as the only artisitc corner of my room. It has a large seahorse "statue", an even larger wire Eiffel Tower, and now this maritime-y print. Never let me decorate a house/room/office/anything.

Artistic corner:


In unrelated news, I miss having a boyfriend because now I never know if solo boy hangouts are dates. I don't think they are dates, but I can't tell what these boys think. And I'm pretty sure when the boy offers to pay, it IS a date. How am I so freakin' awkward?

Forwards, Backwards, and Edwards

I honestly don't know how I survive living on my own. Today I ate two peanut butter sandwiches, drank a glass of soy-vanilla-chai milk, had 700 mL of Pepsi, 4 Oreo cookies, and a Milkfuls candy. The funny thing is, I was studying for nutrition. Do as I say, not as I do?

Oh, also;The end is nigh.

Live long and prosper

I did a pretty good job considering I didn't look at a picture before I "dressed" myself up. Kind of have a mix of Dracula and Spock, however.

Oh the truth hurts, but a lie is worse

I don't feel like studying.That's from last night, but I feel the same way right now. Just a different outfit.

I will follow you into the dark

"You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change."

Jim Rohn

Holding out for a hero

Considering I didn't get out of bed until 1 PM today, it has been a very productive day. I ordered my graduation ring (see: previous post). I bought a Dal Tigers t-shirt (increase in school spirit, also see last post). And I studied for 3 hours for my Drug & Drug Education exam that is at 7 PM. I am so tired of reading about marijuana, opioids, stimulants, etc etc. I can't wait to write this exam and have it out of the way. Then I have to worry about Nutrition, which I write at 8:30 AM on Friday. UGH.
Tiger Pride:

be still my heart

Dalhousie isn't really known for its school spirit. I can probably count the number of sporting events, not including Lacrosse, that I have attended as a student here on two hands. Even so, I cannot explain to you how excited I am to get a graduation ring. Maybe it's less Tiger pride and more pride in my achievement, but either way I can't wait to put that ring on my finger.

it's been such hell, I wish you well

Is it wrong to make-out with a boy solely because he looks like Logan Echolls?

It's been so long

Remember when this blog was just for quotes? Or when it evolved into a spot to put funny articles and photos? I do. But somehow all of my blogs turn into the same sad story. I think I was meant to write depressing drivel. Too bad there isn't really a market for it. People want witty and satirical, not pathetic post-teenage angst.

It's hard to remember the time, over a year ago now, when I was sadder than I am now. This is before my diagnosis with clinical depression and before I was prescribed antidepressants to help regulate my moods. If this is me happier, I feel really bad for the me that existed before. I guess feeling bad for the old me is counter productive to feeling better as a depressive.

There's a short dialogue from the movie Closer that pretty much sums up what I am thinking.
"Everyone wants to be happy."
"Depressives don't. They want to be unhappy to confirm they're depressed. If they were happy, they couldn't be depressed anymore. They'd have to go into the real world and live. Which can be depressing."
I really hope I don't live like that.

A long time ago we used to be friends, but I haven't thought of you lately at all

I've got an ex-boyfriend that can't seem to cope, a boy that I really like that doesn't want to attempt a relationship, and boys asking for meaningless sexual favors. Not really the life I'd hoped for. For the record, I haven't complied to the latter, not that that is any of your business dear readers. When did I sign up for this lifestyle though? Please tell me at what point I asked for anything resembling this. My pessimism right now can partially be attributed to the time, it is past 2 AM. If you've ever seen How I Met Your Mother (which you should check out if you have not), then you too know that nothing good ever happens after 2 AM. At the moment, however, I don't feel like anything good happens, ever.

Procrastination

Westward leading, still proceeding

It's funny because it is true. Click to enlarge the photo so you too can laugh at the joke.

This is what I sound like

If anyone ever wondered what I look like when I study or write a paper, this is a pretty accurate view:
Also, I am really pale. Wow.

Hey you get against the wall

"When you pull on that jersey, the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back."

Herb Brooks

The thugs in the club show us love

In light of several recent events, my roommate Carlye and I may have a bit of man-hate going on. Trust me when I say it is well-deserved by the opposite sex. With that in mind, we developed a brief questionnaire to use from now on.

Lauren and Carlye’s Interpersonal Assessment for Relationship Purposes
Name:
Phone Number:
Address:
1. Are you single?: Y/N
2. Are you an only child?: Y/N
3. How old are you?: _______
4. How tall are you?: ___ ft. ___ in.
5. Do you do any illicit drugs?: Y/N
6. Do you respect your mother?: Y/N
7. Are you a momma’s boy?: Y/N
8. How long do you leave a text message before replying to it?: ______________
9. Do you call girls, or only text them?: Call/Text/Both
10. How would your last girlfriend describe you in one word?: _________________
11. Do you have a criminal record?: Y/N
a. If yes, please specify: _____________________
12. How often/how much do you drink in an average week?: _____________________
13. Do you feel you are even dateable?: Y/N
a. Why?: _______________________________________________________

If you pass the assessment, we will contact you.