Z SoccerChic9: September 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Today I hadn't eaten anything all day....so I decided to hit up the hotel resturant for supper. I believe I had the best ever Chicken Marsala.....ever. I believe I do not need to eat for about a month now....so yummy, doesn't hurt that it was cooked in wine.

So yeah, accents, amazing food, king sized beds, and so forth.....maybe Nashville should be home......unless there is some place else that has those things :)

Anyhow, I'm off to a meeting - and I apparently have a boring life because I am talking about food....but if you had tasted it....you'd be too!!
 
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Today as I was waiting for my luggage to come off the plane, I couldn't help but notice two American soldiers standing in front of me. The first soldier was most likely 40, and looked to be healthy and in shape - the second soldier looked like he was just 18, and it was obvious that he had been injured. It looked like he had lost both of his feet, his hand was missing a few fingers and looked to be burned. I watched as his mother came breezing across the terminal with a wheelchair and another soldier, and kept exclaiming excitedly that she was so happy to be with her boys again.

What struck me the most though, was how people reacted to these soldiers. Random people across the airport were coming up to them and shaking their hands while thanking them, a random man walked across the terminal and pressed some money into the mother's hand. I felt a strong sense of community.

The war against terrorism has been controversial from the start. There are as many different viewpoints as their are people. Bush has been criticized and supported for the decision he made. But what struck me today as I watched these soldiers and the people around them was this:

These men, I am sure, had an opinion on the war. They could be supporting the war on terrorism, or perhaps they thought it was a ridiculous thing to be fighting. Yet, all opinions were laid to the side, and they did what they had sworn they would do: Pick up their guns and fight when they were told to protect their country. They are risking their lives to protect the thing that they love.

On behalf of countries everywhere, thank you to our troops, and your brave efforts to protect your countries.
 
I walked off the plane to be greeted by a sea of accents, which makes me think I should move to Australia or some place overflowing with accents. Though, I must admit it is weird when they look at me wierdly (new word in my language) because I have an accent here. I sometimes wonder what I sound like to them.

So, this packing thing is not getting any easier. Last night I pretty much had to sit on my suitcase to get it closed, gah. You would think I'd be a pro at this by now, apparently not. Nothing like being at the airport before 5:00 in the morning. I definately got to the hotel and crashed for two hours sideways on my king size bed (I love king sized beds)!!

Tonight I am going to the seventh president's house (Andrew Jackson). It is part of th econference I am attending. Should be interesting.
 
Monday, September 25, 2006
and it is only Monday....there is no way that can be a good thing :) I am at work, still, and I am not really sure why. I mean, I have a lot of work to do considering I am only back for two days in the office, but I am hitting a supper time lapse. I think the thought of going to the gym after slacking off for a week and a half, and going home after that to pack is not exactly doing anything for my enthusism levels.

I missed a big law thing that I was invited to since I was gone, which I am kind of disapointed over - oh well, hopefully there will be more opportunities in the near future.

Also, I had sex-in-a-pan the other day at Jello's house. Before you get all worried and start preaching sermons to me about how wrong that is, and also how uncomfortable, please let me assure you that it is a dessert. Though, I must say that we had the pastor and his wife over, and the phone conversation inviting them was quite amusing to say the least. I also think I must be very sheltered, because that was the first time I had ever even heard of the dessert, let alone taste it. Let me just say....it lives up to it's name, and I can now become a nun!
 
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Thankfully my flight back from Alberta to London went much smoother then my flight down to Alberta. I must say that I already miss Alberta of course, though it is nice to sleep in my own bed again, even if it is for only three nights before I leave again to my next conference. You know that fight with my suitcase of last time.....I have a bad feeling about it happening again.

The awesome thing, is that thanksgiving is coming up very shortly.....which means cottage time, I can't wait. I absolutely love thanksgiving, it's my favourite holiday!!

Could you imagine having 16 children? There is this family that has 16, they also have a t.v. show......crazy.
 
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Alberta pics are up on my flickr account (see pictures link on my sidebar). Awesome times, side spliting laughter, and good home Alberta all around!!
 
Tonight we went to Nicole's mom's house, and she made us homemade perogies. I never used to like perogies, but the one's her mom makes are soooooo good. I absolutely love them, and I am pretty sure I rolled out of the door afterwards.

Tonight us Nicole, Jello and I went to the park on Jello's street and went on the four person see saw....which gets very cold on your butt at night. I've missed girl conversations, in which we talk about everything under the sun, and then some. Good times.....so....about that warm bath. Then we were all hungry, so we headed out to Wendy's to get some food. I am so going to gain 25 pounds while I am down here for the week.

Oooo, a random complaint. Nicole brought coke cans from her house to Jello's house, and every time we go to open one, the tab comes off...and we have to stab it open with a pen or knife. It's really annoying....but especially for me....because no one, comes between my coke and me....and this tab is treading on very thin ice. My grumpy face is in place.

I now freezing because we were sitting outside for a few hours......I think I may look like a marshmellow girl with all these blankets and layers of clothes.
 
Sunday, September 17, 2006
The words Medicine Hat flashed by the car window, and I giggled like a little school girl. I couldn't help but notice that feeling of "I am finally home." I didn't realize how much I had missed Alberta until we started driving across the endless praries. I could help but smile as I walked through the door of Jello's family's home, and her mom and sister raced down the stairs to give me a welcoming hug.

It is bittersweet being here, because I love it so much and I don't want to leave again - yet I know I have too. But Steve was right, I should enjoy the time I have here, and not think about how I have to leave in a week.

Today we have to drag Jello to the doctor to get some shots, and she'll need both Nicole and I to be there and hold her down while she screams. Tonight we get homemade perogies at Nicole's mom's house...I can't wait.
 
Saturday, September 16, 2006
I'm also hoping that the disco ball doesn't fall on my head. Today has been a little more tense so far, problems of various nature arising, and requiring immediate attention. But, considering how well everything has gone to this point, I really cannot complain.

I have a sad story to tell you guys, a sad story that has left me, hair gelless, lighterless, mascaraless, and mousseless (I also think I just added about four new words to the language I am inventing). When I arrived at the airport, I was under the impression that only international flights were banning liquids on luggage. I, unfortunately, was mistaken. As I walked through security, they tore apart my bag, and took my hair gel, mascara, lighter, and mousse. I mean, really the guy standing behind the counter was only following orders, but I was quite sure my hair was going to explode any moment without products. I, however; smiled sweetly and said "Have fun with my mascara, I think it will look fabulous on you." He kind of chuckled, in a nervous sort of way. And that my friends was my brush with security while flying down here....I hope none of you were too moved by the tears that I am sure are streaming down your face at this unfortunate event. It is due to your great sorrow, that I have written the following letter:

Dear Sir or Madam:

I realize that the sudden shock of the loss of hair gel, lighter, mousse, and mascara has left you reeling in pain and sorrow. I wish that I could soften your pain and grief with better news, however, the stark events still stand out on this bleak day in history.

I assure you that I have survived without those things for two whole days now, without going into shock or withdrawl over thie event. Please, do not worry about my immediate health, as I seem to be pulling together enough courage to get through each day

If you are going to be sending flowers or condolence cards - please direct them to my hotel room, where I have made a memorial on top of the fridge.

Yours truly,

Mary - the gelless, mousseless, lighterless, and mascaraless girl
 
Friday, September 15, 2006
I would not be a good parent.

Last night I stood in the large ballroom and observed the busyness around me. People were happily eating and talking, the catering staff was replenishing food, the speakers and board members had smiles on their faces, the youth assistants were answering questions. And as I stood there, I marvelled at how everything was running so smoothly and perfectly, it almost made me sad, because this baby that I had poured the last few months into, was taking it's first breaths, and it was doing just fine without me. There is a downfall when things are perfectly organized (though people who have never done an event like this before would not understand what I am talking about), it is that things can run without you. That is an odd feeling, as your baby takes it's first steps into the real world, and you realize they've forgotten about who you are.

So yes, I survived day one of the conference - and I did not need to drink the bottle of wine in order to do so:) Everything went extremely smoothly, and everyone keeps remarking at how relaxed and organized I am. I must say, I am not really sure what I could be stressed about.....and that worries me. I must be missing something:)
 
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Yesterday was interesting, to say the least. Delayed flights, extra layover in Winnipeg, holding the plane just so that I could board, and a late arrival. I love flying, I really do - but yesterday was long and exhausting. I did not eat anything all day, besides the tuna salad with five crackers thing....I thought I was going to chew the lady's arm beside me. The first flight I had a very silent lady beside me....she read a Nora book. Second flight I had a very fat lady sit beside me (I was pretty much squished into the window - I think I may still have window marks on my face:) and she read a Nora book. The last flight I had an empty front seat....till the rather creepy steward sat beside me.

But all that to say I arrived safely in Alberta, and was welcomed by the rain and cold weather. Jello, you told me you were wearing shorts still.....um, not so much last night:)

I walked into my room to find a really large room with a huge window that covers one entire end and overlooks the city. There was trays of chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries, cheese and crackers, fruit, baked goods of all kinds - and my favourite....a bottle of wine with glasses in ice. I must say, there are benefits to being a conference coordinator - for a few days everyone bows to my wishes.

I must say, I feel somewhat like royalty with my morning newspaper and food, and a comfy bed and couch, and bathrobes delivered fresh each day. Doesn't get much better then this......maybe I should plan a few more conferences:)

So yes, Jello and Nicole - lots of food for you guys when you come....cause there is no way I am going to eat it all!

Anyhow, my day starts shortly....and that is when the nervous attacks happen. Coordinating 150 people, plus speakers, and about 20 staff working under me, not to mention hotel staff and so forth. If I survive this, I think I can take on almost anything....hello fear factor:)
 
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
So in exactly two and a half hours my plane will be leaving the runway. Unfortunately, my suitcase won the battle last night...though not completely as I haven't closed it yet....which means I'm still victorious:) I love flying and travelling....absolutely love it, so I am excited to be leaving for the conference. Also a whole lot of relief, because the moment I am in the air I am helpless to do anything further on the conference - which basically means it is going to be a sink or swim time. If you see smoke signals from me in Alberta about a month from now, you'll know that I got fired cause the conference flopped.....and I have no way of returning to Ontario.

I am working on the plane....though also squeezing an LSAT book in my carry-on just incase I have a small break from work and can study. Saying that makes me feel dilligent or something....hahahaa, such an illusion.

Does any body want the last of the milk....it needs to be finished before I leave?
 
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
I have a confession. I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate packing.

So right now, I really should be packing, cause I leave tomorrow for Calgary. But, I am sitting here on the couch, having a stare down with my suitcase. Grrrrr, I have a bad feeling about the suitcase winning.

So yes, the day is fast approaching......I can't believe it's already the middle of September. I am slightly nervous about this conference, that I am incharge of. I mean, I jumped onto this project very much half way through - and now I am suppose to be the one who's all professional and in control. Kind of crazy.

So yes people.....this is my night.....staring down the suitcase......would some one please fedex themselves to me and pack for me.....please!
 
Monday, September 11, 2006
So, a good portion of my day has been spent fighting with this ftp site and the uploading.....I think I may have finally made a break through, though I won't know for the next few minutes.

An awesome thing about our new office building is that the front is all this blue glass. Basically, you can't see in (unless you press your face to the glass) but we can see out. This produced the most humerous events. Constantly people walk by the front of our office and check their hair, straighten their clothes, watch themselves excessively. It really is quite amusing. I want to move my office to the boardroom so that I can personally watch it all day long while I work. Although, if I do open the door to my office, I can see some of the events unfold.

I bought my first pair of girly shoes this weekend. I know, let the heart attacks begin. They have thin heels....they have a girly design....they cause me to have to take smaller steps when walking. I thought my mom was going to cry tears of joy when she saw the two most amazing facts ever:

1) Mary bought shoes
2) They are girly and have heels - and are not army shoes

I am sure I am going to break an ankle on them...but at least I will look stylish doing it:)

Well folks....the FTP site was a break through....thank goodness...I can go home now, and it's not even 11:00 at night....fantabulous!
 
I am absolutely freezing today....which makes a pretty funny picture...as I'm all wrapped up in sweaters and such truck here at my desk.

I sat outside last night with my diet coke (yes...I'm trying to make my addiction to coke slightly better and less caloried) and the LSAT study books and I took a crack at a sample test...just a few questions to see how horrible it was going to be. I think it's going to be a rather intense test....which is what people tell me, but I thought maybe they just didn't like tests (just kidding:).

I leave on Wednesday for Calgary. I can't believe it's already the middle of September, now that is absolutely crazy. I am looking forward to having the conference being over so that I can breath again - and also visiting everyon in The Hat. I know it's going to be really hard to leave.

I'm thinking of getting a second job. Not that I really have time, but moreso for money for law school. I want to go through debt free (if that's even a possiblity).
 
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Tonight I watched part of a documentary on t.v. about 9/11. It touched me in a way that the entire event has not really touched me before. I still remember where I was the day the entire event unfolded. I was babysitting at the church that morning for ladies Bible study - it was a beautiful September day, I remember walking across the lawns on my way home reveling in the fact that it was September. I walked into the back door of my house, and my mom was having a mild "freakout". The radio was on and I started to hear jumbled accounts of what was happening in the States.

I remember feeling shocked, unsure of what was going on, getting bits and pieces of the events as they were unfolding. I wrote a paper for English a few weeks later, about what it would of been like had I lived there during that time. But tonight, as I watched this documentary, tears filled my eyes. I cannot imagine what it would of been like to live right in the midst of this horrific event.

My heart goes out to the people who were touched by this event.
 
Friday, September 08, 2006
Recently I heard those words come out of a married woman's mouth. The thing that struck me as sad was not so much the words, as dismal as they sound, but the fact that she thought that was normal. I immediately thought that the other married woman in the room would be quick to jump in and say that marriage is not about settling. Instead I listened to one after another married woman talk about how sparks were not really important, they didn't have them, marriage was about hard work, and so forth.

Now, before you all jump up and tell me that marriage is about committement and hard work, and it's not easy.....I totally agree with all those things. I am quite sure there are times that you wake up in the morning and wish that you were not in this place at this time. I am sure there will be fights, were both parties are too stubborn to make up and apologize for a very insignificant disagreement. I think marriage takes hard work, and committement, but I do not believe that marriage is settling.

Perhaps I am a dellusional idealist, but I am a firm believer that marriage does not have to be settling. I want to be absolutely crazy about my guy....acknowledge his faults and still absolutely love him. I want to be able to trust him so completely, that I'm not scared he's going to leave me for the cute chick at the office. I want to wake up after 30 years of marriage, look over at my sleeping husband, bed head, stinky breath and all, and say "Darn, I am so lucky that I get to spend today with this man." I want to ask myself a million times how I got so lucky, or ask God at night what I can do to thank him.

I don't ever want the words "I could live without him" to come out of my mouth. You can tell me that I am living in a fairy world, or that I watched to many disney movies growing up - but I honestly don't think relationships mean settling. If you're asking yourself a million times over if this is really the guy you are going to have to spend the rest of your life with.....leave. It's honestly not worth it. You are an amazing person, don't ever settle just because you're scared to leave, or you don't think you can get anything better, or you've given up on being crazy in love.

Find a guy that you can't live without, who is just as crazy about you as you are of him - and marry him. It's not always going to be easy....but it's going to be an incredible journey that you'll never regret.
 
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Hearing certain songs always bring back a flood of memories. My life seems to have a soundtrack....and different tracks trigger events in my life.

For instance, tonight I heard the song "Entertaining Angels" and I was transported back about 7 summers ago, when us girls did a music video. Which made me think of just a few songs that produce a flood of memories.

Sarah MacLachlan brings me back to one of my break-ups
Coldplay reminds me of Alberta
Runaway Bride and Walk to Remember soundtracks surface the girl roadtrip memories
Closing Time by Semisonic - transports me to this road on the way to Balmoral....in that black car
Goodbye Earl by the Dixie Chicks - Jan-Tina's wedding, the crazy day before when absolutely everything was falling apart
Everglow by Mae - that time we drove through the night to do some photocopying job....crazy awkward inbetween moments
Neutral Milk Hotel and The Shins....good music any day of the week - though reminds me of about a year ago
500 Miles by the Proclaimers - The cottage up north...crazy times....to say the least....ahhh good memories
Mad World - new memories just starting
Death Cab for Cutie - Basically Danielle...what more can I say
Jericho by Hillary Duff - Thanksgiving up north....and way to long of a drive
Jesus Walks by Kanye West - Driving with Brandon to go camping in Alberta
Sweater by Wheezer - Sarah and Kev
Cats in the Kettle - Weird Al Yankovic - Gus
Soundtrack from Remember the Titans - a funeral of someone who I loved

Funny how that is.....just a few seconds of a song, and suddenly I am in an entirely different place.

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Monday, September 04, 2006
Okay, so Saturday night was a complete blast....good food, coke, great company, hot boys in the movie, and lots of laughs. It doesn't get much better then that. I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time....I think Nick and Julie thought that Gus and I had lost it...what can I say, I am really a five-year-old.

Then today, I was hoping to go to Port Burwell.....and I was just to swamped at work. So, I headed off to work, only to get a text from Jon Balt saying they wanted me to hang with them, and if I couldn't come there, then they were coming to London. So yeah, my crazy friends drove over an hour out of their way to have supper with me. Nick, Julie, Sar, Kev, Jon Balt and I hit up Kelsey's....and spent more time laughing then anything else. It was a fabulous way to spend a holiday Monday evening.

So yes people...a crazy week ahead for me as we wind down to one week before conference time (aaahhahahah, freak out). We'll see if it all turns out in Calgary.....who knows:)

Hope everyone's long weekend was fabulous!
 
Sunday, September 03, 2006
It was not until recently, as in the past few years, that I really started asking the question "How high of a price should we pay in order to protect ourselves." Up until this point I would have been one of the people that just accepted things like The Patriot's Act, and never made a big deal about it. I must say, my view has changed quite a bit on this subject. I was reminded of this in a recent conversation on the price we pay for safety.

Now I realize that experiences such as 9/11 can never really affect me as they would an American citizen living right in the U.S., but I think one of the negative side-effects that has come out of this, has been people willing to sacrifice any freedom to be protected from the unknown. It is due to this fear that many people have just willingly accepted any restriction placed on them, or freedom that is taken away and not even questioned it. It is not so much the actual ability to tap wires and not need a warrant that worries me, it's more so people's attitude towards these things. This attitude of not caring, of not seeing this as an issue, of having some warped view that the government is your friend who actually cares about you and is always looking out for your best. I am sorry to burst your little bubble, but just because someone puts on a suit and is in government, that does not mean they care deeply about you.

Now, I am not trying to be over-reactionary or paranoid....though it may come across like that - but seriously people, how can you look at things like The Patriot's Act, and think "Wow, good thing to have." That completely baffles me. Many people seem to live in the illusion that if they want to change things they could - they just have chosen not to. Although this may be true at the beginning of something...the more you keep telling yourself and yet giving up liberties, the more you forfeit that ability. Till one day, you wake up and realize that you are completely unable to fight back.

There is so much I could say on this subject, but I will leave it at this - do not give up your liberties without thinking.

To quote a great movie: "People should never fear their government, the government should fear it's people."
 
Saturday, September 02, 2006
So....my Saturday, which was looking rather boring and workish...has suddenly changed. Nick and Julie are hanging out in London today, so we're going to meet up when I am done work and grab some food and paint the town red...and Gus just called me wanting to hang tonight....whoot whoot for unexpected visits from friends all in the same weekend. Hopefully no one looks in my closets - I may or may not have stuffed all the junk on my floors into them before Nick came last night.

I may or may not have just let out a girly squeal. Yay for Saturday's!!
 
Last night I came home from the gym, started making a pasta...and Nick called and said "Whatcha doing tonight." About an hour later Nick was at my doorstep, and we hung out for the night. I must say, I had been craving a good cigar all week, and Nick was brilliant in bringing some along with him. So, I showed him the apartment, and my city block....it was fun.....Nick and I have this comfortable "hanging out without performing" thing.

It is now Saturday morning, I am up before 9:00, and about to hit up the gym and then work all day. Whoot whoot....for working at a law firm, and being a crazy person!
 
Friday, September 01, 2006
So this Wednesday, I spent the entire day not in the office staring at a computer screen, but rather in Hamilton presenting in front of the Legislative Aseembly on Bill 52 (raising the compulsary school attendance age from 16 to 18). Now, most of you most likely read that and kind of roll your eyes and say "blah blah" but this actually is a really cool thing. Not only is it quite the honor that I was able to go to this, but I also had the ability to meet and present in front of representatives from each political party.

I must say, the reasons why I want to be a litigator came flooding back as I sat in the room with other suited people, listening to the presentations and debates as to why the bill was good or not. I got that thrill inside of me, the thrill of the chase, the hunt, and the kill.

My boss describes us people who go into litigation law as addicts - we are addicted to the adrenaline high that court rooms and such give us. The bad thing is that we are never satisfied....we always want more....it truly is an addiction:)

So yes people...while you were doing normal Wednesday things, I became unormal for the day, and completely enjoyed it. Another thing to add to my resume for Windsor Universities law program.
 
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