Friday, August 22, 2008

Coke Zero

Dear Coke Zero,

I can taste the difference. And unfortunately, in a taste-off battle between you and regular Coke, you lose every time.

Sincerely,
A concerned consumer

Thursday, August 14, 2008

whats on my mind this week

1) A caper is a vegetable. The other day Devin and I were watching Top Chef and someone referred to a caper as a vegetable. And I turned to Devin and said "a caper is a vegetable?" and he said "yes, what did you think it was?" And I guess I had never really thought about it before. Because really - what else could a caper be?

2) The other day I was in the campus photocopy place and a young man (20 or so) asked for thirty colour copies of his resume. And I wanted to tell him that there was no earthly reason to have a resume that was in colour. And that, in fact, it made him look unprofessional. However, as it was clearly none of my business I said nothing.

3) I know that a lot of people are disappointed with how Canada is doing in the Olympics. And I know that I am sad that Canada has so far won no medals. And I read that countries like the US and Russia manage to convert international success into medals 60% of the time, and Canada is only able to do so 30% of the time. But at least as far as the pool is concerned, I am super proud of all the Canadian athletes. What more can you ask from your athletes than personal bests and national records.

4) However, the Olympics have preempted Coronation Street which does not make me happy :)

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

beauty is more than skin deep, but sometimes you just need to make your skin look beautiful

On Monday I had my first ever facial.

And one of the best parts was that it was free. It was my going-away gift from my boss at my old job and I finally got around to having it. And it was wonderful.

The spa where I had my facial was lovely - and I would definitely go back if I wasn't leaving Victoria forever in less than a month.

The esthetician was very sweet and very calm, and the spa was super "atmospheric". Dim lights, aromatherapy scents wafting through the rooms, very relaxing music playing. And one hour spent making my face looking beautiful! Okay - technically my face didn't look any different afterwards, but I imagine that it is more beautiful on the inside.

Now, if anyone wanted to give me a free facial in the future I certainly wouldn't turn it down. However, I think that if I was going to spend my own money on a spa service, I would spend it on a massage or body treatment, or mani/pedi rather than a facial.

Although - must admit to achieving a bit of a state of zen and feeling an overwhelming sense of calm, and a belief that life is too short to harbour hard feelings.

I think I was meant for a life of reflection and none of this work business. Oh well - I guess I'll find out soon enough.

Monday, August 11, 2008

from the desk (blog) of Simon Beck

this blog post is dedicated to Devin:

"Phelps might reckon he can out-gold Mark Spitz, but without Spitz's matinee-idol looks and trademark '70s porn star moustache, all he'll ever be is a strange humanoid who practises a lot."

p.s. C'mon Canada!! Lucky Day 4!!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

40 things about me right now.

1. My uncle once: made mead.

2. Never in my life: have I smoked a cigerette

3. When I was five: my best friend was named Thersea and my current friend Amanda was mean to me - we did not become friends for 11 more years.

4. High school was: interesting and fun and filled with trips to starbucks; although I must admit that I wore very very unflattering clothing.

5. I will never forget: cheating off Alex in a grade 2 spelling test and how badly I felt afterwards. She didn't know how to spell the word either. The word was Chunakh and I still cannot spell it.

6. Once I met: the girl who played Sally Potts on Road to Avonlea

7. There’s this boy I know: and he is wonderful.

8. Once, at a bar: a guy told me I looked like Lisa Loeb. And two months later, another guy, at the same bar, also told me I looked like Lisa Loeb. For what it's worth - I don't look like Lisa Loeb.

9. By noon, I’m usually: ready for a nap.

10. Last night: I watched Planet Earth with Devin

11. If only I had: $1000 a week for life.

12. Next time I go to church: will later this month with Devin's family.

13. What worries me most: is uncertainty.

14. When I turn my head left I see: My room.

15. When I turn my head right I see: A wall.

16. You know I’m lying when: I laugh and say "no, I'm lying"

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: I don't know... I was six.

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: someone kind and sweet who offered advice

19. By this time next year: I hope to be happily settled, enjoying the present and planning for the future.

20. A better name for me would be: Laura

21. I have a hard time understanding: French

22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: realistically - get an MPA or a PhD. - but I'd like to get an undergrad degree in psychology

23. You know I like you if: I tell you things about myself.

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: my parents

25. Take my advice, never: place limits on yourself

26. My ideal breakfast is: at the Shine Cafe.

27. A song I love but do not have is: the classical music which the song "midnight blue" is sung to.

28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: visit my parents house - they are very nice.

29. Why won’t people: look out for other people and think about how their actions affect others.

30. If you spend a night at my house: I will do my best to take care of you

31. I’d stop my wedding for: I don't know - but I know I would not stop it if I found out that my brother drove his car into the river on purpose just to ruin my big day!

32. The world could do without: violent radicals

33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: be surrounded by flying bats

34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: Devin!

35. Paper clips are more useful than: tacks

36. If I do anything well it’s: be supportive

37. I can’t help but: trust people

38. I usually cry: when I am jet-lagged or sad

39. My advice to my child/nephew/niece: love yourself. love yourself. love yourself.

40. And by the way: "hi mom!"

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

mail is fun!

I love getting mail. I love sending mail. I really just love mail.

So yesterday I received an envelope full of mail from my former roommate. For the record, it was not very interesting mail - 2 visa bills and some junk mail but still... it was fun to receive an envelope full of mail!

And then today... I am still recovering from the excitment! I received a postcard from my friend Jo from Nice! And I received a beautiful necklace I ordered from etsy! A European postcard and a necklace in the same day! Thank you Mr. Mailman!