Six Times The Charm

Driving CDs, not iPods.

2010-06-07T22:36:00.000-04:00

I love driving. This is probably a good thing, since I have to drive all the time. I drive 30 minutes to work, 30 minutes back, I drive to go pick up my kid brother, I drive to friends' places.

Arguably the best thing about driving is the music.

I don't really know what it is about blaring music inside my small little Volkswagen that makes me feel so good. Nobody can see me, or hear me, I am sure. Not when my music is loud enough. I am that crazy girl who dances at intersections, and long stretches of road. I am the one who is listening to 99 Red Balloons on repeat on a nice day.

Now, I have not given in and gotten one of those new-fangled devices where I can listen to my iPod on my car stereo. (Although, I did have one once, I got it for my birthday, but was unfortunately stolen from my car along with a beloved pair of sunglasses while I was at the beach with my Nana.) I still kick it old-school with CDs. I have some CDs I have purchased, others that are complete albums, and many, many mixes of my own making. These are by far my favourite. I love how in 21 songs I can perfectly capture a mood, or a day, or a trip. I have several CDs that when I hear 2 songs played from it, I am transformed back to grade 12. I can play a CD and be reminded of exactly how I was years ago.

Even though these CDs are taking over my car. (They are EVERYWHERE, on the floor, under the seats, in the glove compartment, in the little pockets behind and beside the seats. EVERYWHERE.) I don't think I am ever going to get one of those fancy-schmancy iPod player things. They take all the fun out of driving. I like having to try 4 different CDs before finding the one I was looking for. You have so much more fun that way.

Anyway, as I was saying. I love driving. And the best thing about driving is the CDs.

All the way from 9th century China...

2010-04-22T14:07:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, having drunk too much, I was intoxicated as to pass all bounds;

but none of the rude and coarse language I used was uttered in a conscious state.

The next morning, after hearing others speak on the subject, I realised what had happened,

whereupon I was overwhelmed with confusion and ready to sink into the earth with shame.

"As far back as the 9th Century China, the 'Dunhuang Bureau of Etiquette' insisted that local officials use a letter template when sending apologies to offended dinner hosts. The guilty party would copy the template text, enter the dinner host's name, sign the letter and then deliver with head bowed. The letter was discovered, alongside thousands of other documents, in a sealed cave library in western China."

I found this on this crazy awesome website called "Letters of Note" It has on display a ton of private letters, now made available to the public from the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Kurt Vonnegut Jr, and Nikola Tesla to name a few. They range from wills to irate faxes and provide endless entertainment for someone stuck at work for 10 hours (namely me). Check it out. See the internet proves again to be endlessly entertaining.

And now we know that even way back in dynastic China they got so drunk they forgot who they were.

Back to looking up pictures of polar bears and the arctic... yes that's my job. -N

Recently Discovered

2010-03-31T15:55:00.000-04:00

It is the start of real spring and summer is almost here. I can feel it.
And with new seasons come new things. I have recently discovered certain things (not actually discovered, like a scientist, but have rather become mildly obsessed with). Bands, blogs, tv shows etc.
It's a little bit like Oprah's favourite things lists, but without all the ridiculous yelling and slight religious fervour. And sorry, but nobody will be receiving a Prius...

ANYWAY. Here is a list of things I have very recently become addicted to...

La Roux - A super fabulous 80's-esque band that is causing me to tap my feet as I type and listen to the song.

Cooking Blogs - I have become obsessed. I travel from blog to blog finding recipes and make mental notes to bake/cook something different every night. Seriously addicting, it is taking all I have right now
not to start creeping one. I have already baked muffins and have my dinners planned out for the next week and a half. I have already decided I am going to make this, Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and cheese one night...

Blazers - I am in love. With this beautiful weather, blazers are perfect. They go with everything and they instantly make you look professional and fabulous. I just got a new striped one, I have basically perpetually borrowed Natalie's navy one and am keeping my eye out for another cute one.

Dexter - A fabulous show that has taken me far too long to realize it's awesome-ness. It's really funny, and dark and just an all-round solid show. Seriously. Watch it.

Mint Tea - I never really gave it a shot before. I am a tea girl, through and through, but Mint Tea never really appealed to me. I finally recently gave it a shot, and holy tits it was good. Refreshing, tangy, not too sweet. Perfect for spring/almost summer.

Jamie Lidell - He sounds like John Legend, looks like your run-of-the-mill hipster. What else can I say, he is a modern day Rick Astley (but without the ridiculously annoying YouTube pranks).

I hope you enjoy everything as much as I do right now.

-ariel.

The world is good again...

2010-03-24T21:15:00.000-04:00

Thank you Jon Stewart, I've nearly now forgotten about Ann Coulter's existence.

Domestic Duff

2010-03-15T20:30:00.004-04:00

With the help of all my roommates (especially mother hen Brittany) I am slowly learning how to cook. I feel like I have improved quite a bit, considering that my favourite meal at the beginning of the year was chicken, fried on my main man, Mr. George Foreman. Now, however, I am making things like salmon, pizza dough with actual yeast (versus the not-so-nice recipe that is listed on our whiteboard) and last night's dinner - a delicious orange and soya sauce glazed pork tenderloin.

Probably another reason I am spending more time cooking: it is the best procrastination method ever! In my lame attempt to avoid work yesterday, I made bran muffins, an apple crisp, and my lovely pork tenderloin dinner, complete with mashed potatoes and ACTUAL vegetables (I can't believe it either).

But enough with that...now I'm just bragging! Here are some pictures of my most gourmet meal to date:

Yeah, I have photo shoots with my food...no big deal.

Dinner for me and my new main man (sorry George)!

PS: may start food blog in the summer called "Domestic Duff," discussing my learning to cook attempts. Blog will surely be chalked full of stove fire adventures, rotten vegetables, and grated fingers.

-Hilary

Pearson: My Main Man

2010-03-14T17:14:00.003-04:00

You guys, it has been nearly a month since this blog has been touched. The poor soul. It's almost crying out for attention. Fear not. Essay season has returned and so have I.

When it comes to writing essays, I tend to get overwhelmed by the ton of information that you have to sort through. I just end up getting lost in the bowels of Wikipedia for ages. In this case, I'm writing an essay on Pearson and NATO. I've always had a soft spot for Pearson, being all diplomatic and winning the Nobel Peace Prize and stuff. Basically, this essay gives me an excuse to nerd out (as per usual). Pearson = awesome diplomat and secretary of state, not so awesome Prime Minister but I'll deal. I've been reading his Nobel Prize acceptance speech and getting so jacked. Here's one of my favourite quotes from him, enjoy!

Of all our dreams today there is none more important - or so hard to realize - than that of peace in the world. May we never lose our faith in it or our resolve to do everything that can be done to convert it one day into reality.

Also: you can totally go see Pearson's Peace Prize. It's in the Department of Foreign Affairs building entrance way. It's all gold and shiny and impressive. AND apparently him and his wife were swingers in the 1960's. Had a bunch of affairs and were totally cool about it. Who would've guessed?

We can't forget how Trudeau felt about Pearson though:

I'm always so torn because Pearson was such a swell guy, but Trudeau was so bad ass, didn't give Quebec the time of day and well... he was TRUDEAU.

- N

I am a horrible sports fan

2010-02-26T09:27:00.006-05:00

The Olympics are almost over and this time, I have been following them with what can only be described as religious voracity. I know every medal we have won, and in which sport it was won. I know the story behind all of the Canadian athletes that are competing and winning medals for our humble little country. All of this makes me love Canada like a fat kid loves Rocky Road Ice cream on a hot day of eating nothing but celery. It makes me however, a horrible sports fan.

The Olympics are an odd thing, though. I am by no means a sports fanatic, I enjoy watching the occasional NHL game, and stumble through a conversation with a fan about Luongo and such. When the Olympics are on, however, I love hockey, I feel a connection with the sport that defines the country I love so much, yet I am not an avid fan. I am barely even a fairweather fan of the sport. I am an Olympic fan, a fan of Canada. It makes it easy, I don't have to know all about the Maple Leafs or Habs, I just have to know that I love Canada, and I want our boys to kick the snot out of the Americans.

I think Olympic fans are different from regular fans, and I am sure that if I was a regular, hardcore fan, I would turn up my nose at these horrible Olympic fans. Olympic fans don't really know much about the sport, when the games are over, we don't go over all the plays in the game, we switch over to another event and cheer on Canada some more. We don't know all the stats on the best players, and we don't really care who was the number one draft pick. All we know is that Canada is the best and we are going to cheer our little brains out until we win. I am fairly certain that Holden Caufield would have something to say about the phoney-ness that is the Olympic fan. We are worse than fairweather fans, we only care once every four, maybe two years.

Olympic fans are not all bad. Being one, I can see the benefits. While, we may not be constant, never-wavering, die-hard fans, we REALLY care about sports for two whole weeks, and by George are we going to show it. We buy all the Olympic garb, talk about the Olympics, update every person we meet on the current medal standings, and potential medal wins for the rest of the day, we watch and cheer for ALL Canadian athletes, and we paint our faces and cheer until our throats fall off.

Maybe I am not a genuine sports fan, and after the Olympics, I will most likely continue to watch re-runs of Family Guy in lieu of watching the game, but I am most definitely a Canada fan. I love Canada, and anything that shows the world how awesome we are, I will continue to support.

All that I have to say is

GO CANADA GO!

-ariel.

I, Heart Cake

2010-02-11T16:39:00.004-05:00

Yesterday to avoid studying for my media law midterm (and because I am super sweet!), I made these rather adorable heart-shaped cakes for my boyfriend and roommates. Brittany convinced me to make them from scratch (as opposed to my usual cake-in-a-box) and I even whipped up a batch of buttercream icing to go on them!!! Thank you Sears and your beautiful spring form heart pans!

Here was the result...

Needless to say, I had cake this morning for breakfast.

-h

So I Smoked Some Salvia for School....

2010-02-11T14:23:00.003-05:00

For my latest reporting assignment we had to do something that gave us “new insight” into a possible feature topic. Being the adventurous person I am, I decided to do drugs. Salvia Divinorum is an herb, much like marijuana, that when smoked or ingested produces a hallucinogenic high (similar to one experienced on LSD or magic mushrooms – I have not done those, it’s just what I’m told!). It is completely legal in Canada.

Here’s my trip… Enjoy!

It’s Sunday night, shortly after 9pm. While most of my friends are catching up on homework, I’m sitting at my boyfriend Dane’s kitchen table, with his roommate Rayne, carefully measuring the right amount of dark green salvia leaves into a lime green bong.

My mission however is purely academic. I’m smoking salvia divinorum, a drug that is legal in Canada, in the name of good journalism – hoping to find out firsthand the drug’s psychological effects.

Despite hours of background research I have no idea what to expect. The clerk at Crosstown Traffic, a marijuana paraphernalia shop, where I bought the salvia, told me trying to explain a salvia trip to someone who has never tried it, is like explaining the colour red to someone that’s been blind his whole life.

So I’m a little nervous.

It’s 9:07pm; I light the saliva, place my lips around the top of the bong and slowly suck in the murky air.

After a minute, my skin begins to feel tingly and refreshed, like I’ve just jumped into a cold pool on a scorching summer day. I become very aware of my surroundings. The lights, the smell of burning salvia, the music, they all seem more intense.

I move to sit on Dane’s lap, feeling nervous, and put my head on his shoulder. I close my eyes. It feels like the two of us are flying. I look up, and see that we’re attached to a giant red balloon, speeding high above lakes and treetops. I can feel the wind on my cheeks and can smell the scent of pine, coming from the forest below. It feels so real, but as soon as I open my eyes the sensation stops.

I close my eyes again. Now I’m sitting on a swing high above the ground, under a red and gold tent, surrounded by a cheering crowd. I’m an acrobat. Beneath me I can see elephants and clowns, every face staring up at me. I lean backwards and forwards, while the audience applauds. At first I feel confident, and then I worry that I do not know enough tricks to keep them impressed.

I’m jerked back to reality when Dane grabs my arm. He says I almost swayed off his lap and onto the floor.

After that my high begins to end. My body still tingles, but my mind is sound. It’s only been about 5 minutes, but I feel exhausted.

So, with my journalistic curiosity fulfilled and my salvia mission accomplished, I head to bed, wondering how I’m ever going to write what I just felt into a story that makes sense.

-alex

TCM

2010-02-06T13:54:00.005-05:00

There is nothing better than sitting all bundled up on the couch on a cold day watching TCM.

For those of you who don't know what TCM is, it stands for Turner Classic Movies, the best channel there is (aside from the Food Network...) it shows old movies all the time complete with an often brief, and sometimes long background usually by Robert Osborne.

Now, Robbie used to be an actor and now he is the host and resident film historian at TCM, and he is awesome at it.

Anyway, because we are poor students, we can't afford the fancy cable, where you get all the specialty channels, instead we have to settle for the basics, and Rogers-On-Demand, which has become my single favourite tool ever. You see, Rogers-On-Demand has recently let us watch movies on TCM, for FREE.

These movies are:

Breakfast at Tiffany's, the classic movie of love, New York, prostitution and drug rings. In this movie Audrey inspired every girl who has ever seen this movie to want to name her cat Cat, and parade around Tiffany's in the wee hours of the morning with sunglasses, pearls and a danish.

The Graduate, the movie that made Dustin Hoffmann and Mrs.Robinson famous. Of course, like many other classics, this movie isn't what you think it would be. Not only is Dusty ambivalent towards Mrs. Robinson, but he also could really care less about anything, except Elaine. Now, I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it, it's a stellar movie and it makes me want to own a little red convertible and drive it up and down the Pacific coast until it dies.

There is also the movie In Cold Blood, based on the book by Mr.Capote. Now, I have yet to watch the movie version, but the book was amazing. It was creepy and chilling and I very highly recommend it to anyone who has not read it.

-ariel.

AWOL

2010-02-05T13:54:00.005-05:00

Well, since I've had relatively little work to do in January, and finally had the scrapings of a social life, I have been rather missing from the blog. Apologies. Now that work has begun again (or should have last week - Sorry Mom), I'm sure my posts will become more frequent again.

Currently on the roster is tons of Stats, my Philosophy essay on the Propaganda of H1N1 (ya ya I know... bad ass), and a History of Political Thought essay. My PoliSci essay is contrasting Machiavelli and Hobbes' take on religion as linked to politics. I decided to Google Hobbes + Religion because after reading the chapter 'Of Religion' in Leviathan, one is needless to say left with more confusion than before. And instead of being miraculously informed on what exactly the hell Hobbes was trying to say, I fell more in love with the internet.

THIS is what came up when I google searched "Hobbes Religion":

Back in Middle School (okay fine all of High School) when I was a babysitter, one of my neighbours had almost every single Calvin and Hobbes comic book. They didn't have cable so once the girls would be in bed, I'd read the comics. I forgot how AWESOME these strips are. They are applicable to every part of life... from hating on school (see above)

to nerding out about science...

to explaining the complexities of supply and demand ...

Yes, the political nerd in me LOVED this last one. Whatever.

Alright. Now back to the "real" Hobbes, Lord give me strength...

(I just want to wipe that smug grin off Hobbes' face...)

-N

An Equation

2010-01-31T16:55:00.007-05:00

(on a slightly smaller scale, with the flames inside the stove)

I realize it wasn't a forest fire, but I was reminded nonetheless of this fantastic childhood commercial:

-hilary

Baking

2010-01-30T17:59:00.003-05:00

I love baking.

If I could, I would bake cakes and loaves and cookies all day long. I wouldn't do any work, I would stay in the kitchen, listening to happy, upbeat music and bake delicious smelling things.

Take right now. I am sitting in the house surrounded by the delicious smell of chocolate chip cookies and only a couple of days ago I baked a wonderful banana-chocolate loaf and muffins.

Why does life have to get in the way of cookies?

-ariel.

Ooo La La

2010-01-21T09:48:00.004-05:00

My journalism assignment for this week: Find someone different from myself and introduce them in a 400 word profile.

Voila!

Scantily clad in lacy, purple polka-dot lingerie and shiny black stilettos, burlesque dancer Koston Kreme captivated audiences with her flirtatious style of dance Saturday at Ottawa’s Sexapalooza, but it wasn’t her outfit or her routine that had people in Lansdowne’s Exhibition Hall amazed.

In front of a few hundred people, Kreme writhed, wriggled and stripped down to a pair of shiny purple pasties, all while seductively spinning a shiny silver hula-hoop around her trim torso.

The 26-year-old is a member of the Ottawa area burlesque troupe Rockalily, and has been perfecting her unique style of dance for the past 2 years.

Kreme says she realized her knack for the hula-hoop while trying to get back in shape after a nasty break up. She says she remembers being skinny as a kid, so decided to do the things she used to do when she was young – and thus began her mastery of the hula-hoop.

“I learned how to take my clothes off while I was hula-hooping because it gets hot when you hula-hoop in your apartment in front of the TV for too long,” says Kreme.

After hearing about Rockalily from a friend, Kreme, who’s always had a passion for burlesque, says she originally wanted to work behind the scenes.

“I didn’t think I’d have the…guts to do that, but it looked and seemed like so much fun, and all the girls were really confident so I figured I’d try it out,” she says.

Now, she says the only problem she has with her burlesque dancing is her family’s reaction to the occasional publicity she receives.

“My family found out because we were in the Ottawa Citizen and my grandma read it,” she says with a laugh. Since then she’s decided to take her mother’s advice and only use her stage name Koston Kreme in public.

So what’s the best part of burlesque dancing? Kreme says for her it’s the confidence boost she gets after performing. “Everybody always gets off the stage and feels amazing about themselves.”

Kreme says that the ladies (and one man) of Rockalily plan on expanding this year. “We’re trying to make our shows bigger and maybe a little more often,” she says, adding that the troupe plans on adding a Montreal show to their line-up and possibly embarking on a mini tour.

“We try and have a…variety of people…we don’t want a bunch of skinny little girls,” says Kreme of Rockalily. “Everybody in our troupe is completely different and brings something completely different to the troupe.”

- alex

The Bachelor

2010-01-20T18:07:00.004-05:00

Being a house full of six girls, we are obliged to indulge in some girly, giggly, man-crushing time at least once a week.

With such a commitment, we were all extremely happy when a new season of The Bachelor premiered a few weeks ago! As I type, Amanda and I are sitting on the futon waiting to see what psycho things these girls are going to do to get this "perfect man" (who needs to be on a tv show to find his soulmate, hmmm...)

The sad part is that I think we all genuinely like the show. Half of it is us being pathetic girls and loving sappy shit like this (the bachelor just kissed a girl while hanging from a bungee cord after jumping off a bridge, how stupidly cute is that?)...the other half is us LOVING watching the overly-dramatic things these girls do to try and impress Jake (bachelor).

The Bachelorettes are all, obviously, super crazy (with the exception of the one we all like - the one sane girl in the house). We all really like that Jake cannot detect the crazy in some of them, and seems completely oblivious to the crazy-eyes he gets from some girls. Especially this one:

Ridiculous, right? How can he not see it?

And I would like to end this post with a quote:

"I just had the best date of my life today. The only day that will top this one will be the day I marry Jake."

I JUST BARFED EVERYWHERE (and sadly love it).

-hilary

Suit up!

2010-01-12T22:36:00.007-05:00

As some people may know, I am a huge fan of How I Met Your Mother. After recently watching the last episode, with a very lovely tribute to suits, it got me thinking: suits are awesome. Not only does every man look infinitely more handsome in a suit, they also look more put together, more charming and altogether more desirable. So, here is a tribute to my favorite men in suits...

Alec Baldwin.

Not only is he hilarious, but the man can wear a suit. No matter how old he is getting, his voice keeps getting deeper and the suits keep him looking good.

Robert Downey Jr.

He is Iron Man, Sherlocke Holmes, a badass and can rock a suit.

Jimmy Stewart.

He is by far my favorite old-time actor, and boy can he wear a suit like it's nobody's business. Notice the TWO women on his arms.

Neil Patrick Harris.

As Barney Stinson he was the inspiration for this post, he brought the suit back. Suit up!

Jon Hamm/Don Draper.

When I think of sexy suits he pretty much epitomizes it. I'm sorry Cancer society, but there is absolutely nothing better than a man wearing a suit, holding a scotch in one hand and a cigarette in the other...

ariel.

Horoscopes are grand aren't they?

2010-01-10T21:52:00.003-05:00

So on a Sunday night what is there to do? Catch up on my studies? Watch more How I Met Your Mother? NO! Sunday night is the best night to catch up on your horoscope! I googled mine for January and THIS is what my month is to entail:

Your ruler,the Sun conjunct Uranus this moon darkening. Expects the unexpected and see self via new eyes now. Just on for your temper affakkelen do at the flaw at optimism you off. Do not give the doubts of other belief on this moment. At the sun darkening,your ruler is square to Pluto. Enjoys your unlimited possibilities and are very gratefully for each occasion that geplaveid is your way to success. Life is PIGLET now. A holiday,trips afar take. Take your Light on the way!

NICE! I can't wait for my life to become PIGLET!

-N

Back Alley Photoshoots

2010-01-08T19:44:00.006-05:00

The Carleton University student newspaper, The Charlatan, is usually just that - a newspaper, however once in a while it decides to publish a snazzy little thing called a magazine.

Shocking, right?

Anyways, for this last issue I was the photo editor. My favourite part of this position was making my friends dress up in ridiculous costumes and pose for photoshoots in the back alley behind our house. Thank god they are so willing to help out, huh?

These are my faves; the theme of the magazine was "subcultures and the fringe movement" and with such, my rad roommates perfectly portrayed their roles as hippies, ravers, beatniks, greasers and punk rockers.

THANK YOU FRIENDS!

Love, Hilary

Interior Decoration

2010-01-07T15:47:00.005-05:00

In an attempt to reverse the horrible karma I experienced this past semester, I decided to re-organize my room. Yesterday evening, because we basically (and I say basically because there are no assignments yet) no work I called up my trusty twin Ariel to help me move around the mess that I called my bedroom. Let me just say that underneath a bed can get surprisingly dusty over the course of four months. 5 Swiffer pads later, my bed, desk, chair and everything else was moved. And turns out I didn't fail my poli sci exam; see, good vibes already! Also, putting my bed against the far wall has given me infinitely more floor space and therefore room for about 6 people to have a comfortable dance party, and 10 if we squish.

In Hilary's semi-last post she mentioned her favourite things, one of them being this interior decorating blog called Desire to Inspire which I myself showed her. It's written by a few people and showcases different interior photographers as well as up-and-coming trends in interior design. Needless to say, after following this blog for a couple months, I have amassed enough pictures to basically describe my ideal house. Not too shabby. Here are some of my favourites and if you still know me roughly (and hopefully) 10-15 years from now, this is what my house will look like:

So I guess I'm really into clutter and chandeliers, who would have thought?

-N

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T22:48:00.003-05:00

The title says it all. Hope you all had a wonderful day full of family, fun and friends!

Love, all of us.

GLEE FLASHMOB OMG

2009-12-23T19:06:00.003-05:00

OMG you guys! Shaking and crying. Why can't this happen in my life?!

Slinky.

2009-12-23T16:40:00.002-05:00

So I got a Slinky for my birthday from my brother. (my birthday is Dec.22, awesome, I know.)

Now, once I got over being slightly annoyed that I got my brother an actual gift for his birthday, and he gets me a $3 slinky, I began to really and fully appreciate it.

It is one of the true Slinkies. A perfect metal coil, with just enough spring to make quick work of any flight of stairs. It has the perfect slinky sound when you play with it.

It made me remember those old slinky commercials, with the really awesome songs that just stuck in your head... Everybody knows its Slinky!

Anyway, sorry for not posting in about a decade. I have been busy/traveling home/having zero interesting things to post/say.

Merry Christmas yo.

- ariel.

More funny cartoons

2009-12-21T15:45:00.002-05:00

Also, Hilary, nicely done with the magnets! I've bought some that I can contribute too!

-N

Family Fridge Magnets

2009-12-20T18:19:00.004-05:00

Our fridge in the house is really quite sad. It's boring and white with absolutely nothing entertaining on it. Now that I am home for the holidays with nothing better to do than to make crafts all day(heavenly!), I decided to make a few photo-magnets to brighten up our kitchen.

The inspiration? Our crazier-than-life-hyper-decorated fridge at home:

Our new family magnets:

More crafts to come, it's a guarantee. Hope you like these!

-hilary

Bitches I'm Back

2009-12-17T19:47:00.004-05:00

Ok.

I know it's literally been forever since I've written a blog post. This is because I have had absolutely interesting to blog about. I have spent the last three weeks in academic hell.

But... Ladies and Gentlemen I AM FREE.

(at least until January 4th 2010)

Now i must resume my packing... I've got a train to catch tomorrow morning!

Watch out for more blog posts this Christmas break ;)

-alex

The Happy List

2009-12-17T09:57:00.008-05:00

I was recently shown a post on another blog where the author listed 100 things she disliked. That post inspired me to make a similar list where, instead of being a Debbie Downer, I would write off the top-of-my-head about the things that make me a super happy camper. So here we are, good luck making it to the end (maybe I have already bored you and you didn't even make it to the end of this little blurb -eeeek) ...

1. Driving alone at night and belting out your favourite tunes circa 1999

2. The smell of walking past that little Christmas tree lot right after Brewer Park on the way home from a boring day of classes

3. Peanut butter and jam on a tortilla

4. Watching stop action videos on Youtube

5. This blog (she actually just listed things that make her happy too, how fun!!!)

6. The build-up to Christmas/everything about the Christmas season: the lights, the gift-buying-to-match-someone’s-personality, and the anticipation of having your brother wake you up at 4:30 a.m. on Christmas morning

7. The cycling segment of Wii Sports Resort, I look absolutely ridiculous when I try it

8. Sprawling out over my double bed after months in a single

9. Anything colourful, i.e. both my bedrooms

10. The instant connection felt between me, and the perfect pair of jeans (these jeans usually belong to Alex)

11. My weakness for LuluLemon bags, its almost fatal

12. Walking on the beach in Ireland and remembering the time when I would run along the same shore and collect seashells and pebbles

13. Making colourful and time consuming paper collages wherever there a blank wall waiting to be filled

14. The Ikea scene from the movie 500 Days of Summer

15. Coming home from university to a house where there are candy/chocolate dishes on every other table. I am munching on a mini Toblerone as I type.

16. Warm, fully-matching pajamas, i.e. my purple asian pjs – the roommates know what I mean

17. Realizing that whatever journalism assignment you are working on isn’t as hard as you thought it would be

18. Positivity – screw reality, things are more fun when you dream

19. Any non-espresso based drink (minus caramel macchiatos, they are good!) from Starbucks

20. Organized closets

21. Living with six girls and having there be no stupid, girlish drama

22. The mall at Christmas time

23. Grilled cheese with ketchup

24. Realizing that I do have the ability to make double layered birthday cakes that only mess up a little

25. The most amazing store in the entire world – The Papery

26. Ariel’s Indian man impression, especially when she talks about keeping plastic on her sofas

27. Dancing/belting/being insane while listening to Taylor Swift songs

28. Impromptu dance parties with my roommates in that little space between the dining room and the kitchen

29. Italian wedding soup with extra Parmesan cheese

30. Making incredibly personalized cards for people and being super excited to see their face as they read them

31. Making lists – so organized, so comprehensive

32. The show LOST and its addicting ability to make me watch four seasons in three short weeks

33. Dropping my cell phone and realizing that “HA, it’s not broken AGAIN.” Take that cell phone gods!

34. Chasing my brother around the house when I am trying to hug him

35. Watching the recording of my third birthday party, it may be semi-narcissistic but I am an effing hilarious child

36. Creativity and crafts - fun craft blogs!

37. Chris Bailey when he is not doing one of his weird toddler/old-man voices

38. Doing something psychotically weird and having my roommates give me that oh-so-familiar “what the hell” expression

39. Playing neopets and scamming 13-year-olds while doing so

40. The noiseyness of a type writer’s keys

41. Doing Benjamin Button impressions

42. Childhood innocence

43. Whistling at the dinner table with my dad to make my mom angry

44. Leaf fights

45. Snow fights

46. Watching Glee with all my roommates + often Dane and Rayne and squealing/screaming during the entire hour… then going to my room and downloading all the songs from that episode and putting them on repeat.

47. People who are happy and optimistic. Sure I worry and complain, but in the end is that REALLY going to get you anywhere?

48. Good looking houses

49. Wrapping my Christmas present and all of my dad’s because he incompetent

49.5 Ending lists with a weird half-number because it is exactly what people weren’t expecting

WHEW. I apologize for the length.

-hilary

Why the world is awesome:

2009-12-15T17:45:00.003-05:00

Taylor Swift

2009-12-11T14:58:00.006-05:00

Have you ever noticed how there is a Taylor Swift song to match your every mood?

Right now Amanda and I are sitting on the futon in the living room crying to the piano version of "Forever and Always" and "You're not Sorry" and belting out "You Belong with Me"...if someone was to look in our window right now they would most certainly think that we were insane.

One thing that guys might not know about girls, is that we ALWAYS over-analyze songs and decipher them so that they somehow match what we're going through. If we're listening to a sad song, most of the time you can just jump to the conclusion that we're doing some major boy-bashing.

Annnnnd this is now on repeat...

Once upon a time, I believe it was a Tuesday

When I caught your eye

We caught onto something, I hold on to the night

You looked me in the eye and told me you loved me

Were you just kidding? 'Cause it seems to me

This thing is breaking down, we almost never speak

I don't feel welcome anymore

Baby, what happened? Please tell me

'Cause one second it was perfect

Now you're halfway out the door

And I stare at the phone; he still hasn't called

And then you feel so low, you can't feel nothin' at all

And you flashback to when he said, forever and always

Oh, oh

And it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

'Cause I was there when you said forever and always

Was I out of line? Did I say something way too honest

Made you run and hide like a scared little boy?

I looked into your eyes, thought I knew you for a minute

Now I'm not so sure

So here's to everything, coming down to nothing

Here's to silence that cuts me to the core

Where is this going? Thought I knew for a minute

But I don't anymore

And I stare at the phone; he still hasn't called

And then you feel so low, you can't feel nothin' at all

And you flashback to when he said forever and always

Oh, oh

And it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

'Cause I was there when you said forever and always

You didn't mean it, baby, I don't think so

Oh, oh

Oh, back up, baby, back up, did you forget everything?

Back up, baby, back up, did you forget everything?

'Cause it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

'Cause I was there when you said forever and always

And I stare at the phone he still hasn't called

And then you feel so low, you can't feel nothin' at all

And you flashback to when we said forever and always!

And it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

'Cause I was there when you said forever and always

You didn't mean it, baby, you said forever and always,

Yeah

Amanda's favourite lyrics right now:

"If you could see that I'm the one who understands you, been here all along, so why can't you see you belong with me..."

WE LOVE YOU TAYLOR!

-h

A Perfect Description

2009-12-08T23:39:00.001-05:00

Just make that through at 19 and it's me!

-N

I'm a typical university stereotype

2009-12-08T16:31:00.003-05:00

-N

The most wonderful time of the year

2009-12-08T16:22:00.003-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year because its...

Christmas? No, you'd think it would be because of that right?

Nope, it's EXAM TIME, the wonderful period of death that all us university students need to make it through before we get to experience the fattening Christmas baking and spoiled warmth that going home for Christmas brings.

At this time, I'm sitting in the basement of the library. I just finished laughing my guts out because as I started typing this blog, I looked over and saw Nat was about to do the exact same thing. IT'S NOT EVEN THAT FUNNY... but we laughed for a solid three minutes. We're just experiencing a severe case of "library fever."

Library fever - a mental health condition that comes from spending seven consecutive hours in the subterranean vault of the library; symptoms include giggly outbreaks, hysterical silent screams and the desire to bluetooth your roommates funny pictures of cats

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it just won't come fast enough.

On a positive note, will post Christmas tree pictures soon!

- hilary

FML

2009-12-08T15:03:00.003-05:00

So pretty much im sitting at home #1 procrastinating from studying my stupid french that i totally dont even wanna look at until like 1 hr before my exam which would be a huge mistake #2 how much i want an oat fundge bar with hilary expect they dont sell them in stupid b-town #3 how im gonna miss watching glee with all my roomies tommorw as if i miss the finale and #4 how im gonna be snowed in tommorow with my brothers ahhhhh because were getting a snow storm tonight as if... i know brit is all excited n wishes she could be here lol

But today has been a sucky day and i need to vent: first the cleaning lady freakin wakes me up at 715 in the morning omgg as if i didnt even get enough sleep becasue i was tossing all night long for who knows why, secondly boys suck which im sure u guys will hear about in like 2 days n thirdly i dont wanna study.
However on the plus side we are putting up our Christmas tree tonight :) and i will bake my little heart out n bring back some delicious treats and im makin lasagna tonight n i finished getting hilarys secret santa gift ya!!!!!! and over the past few days i have slept my ass off n watched mind numbing tv n got my mom hooked on glee mission accomplished :)

Anywhoodle, a little tid bit of info im sure u will all enjoy is that i have wrapped all my presents as well :D i know so productive oo and today i got an hour massage dont u wish u were me right now :) anyways miss u all n see u rommies soontimes :)
You know you love me, Amanda

All the President's Men and mind control

2009-12-05T22:10:00.008-05:00

So, just finished watching All the President's Men, the movie about how Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein basically single-handedly brought down Nixon.

Essentially, the movie blows my mind every time I see it.

Now not only are Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman super fine,

but it also reminds me of how much I love Canada.

Because of course after watching this movie, I obviously had to Wiki Watergate and I end up looking at all of the covert CIA Family Jewels, which details all the bat-shit crazy stuff the CIA carried out on citizens in the states some examples:

-Assassination plots to kill Fidel Castro (this one was approved by Bobby Kennedy)

-Super crazy experiments conducted on citizens with LSD to control their behaviour - fun little fact: the unibomber was a participant of some of these ridiculous and super-crazy experiments

-Surveillance of dissident groups from 1967-1971 (including over 30 universities in the States)

-Opening all mail going to and from the Soviet Union and China.

So the reason I love Canada so much is because no one really cares that much about us, so our government feels no desire to control us. We are very much like the forgotten middle child. We go off, do our own thing, and no one pays any attention.

So thank you Richard Nixon, for epitomizing evil and getting caught by two crazy little journalists at the Washington Post, who then wrote a book that got a movie deal who's Wikipedia page has links to all of the crazy shit the CIA has done to Americans, which makes me SO happy I live in Canada where no one cares enough to try to alter our behaviour with LSD or plot to kill communists in far off lands, or even to bug the headquarters of someone as boring as George McGovern. As ridiculous as Stephen Harper and his little sweaters are, I do love that there was never a giant mind-control operation here, and that no one would really ever try to do that, because, let's face it: No one cares enough about the forgotten middle child. Let's just go and get our tongue pierced or something.

-Ariel.

A few of my favourite things ... - Part 3

2009-12-01T19:22:00.007-05:00

I'm fairly certain that these favourite things posts will steadily drift away from the whole studying aspect towards things that are basically just my favourite things. What do people blog about otherwise? So this series will now involve solely things that rock my world. Not rock my world to study to. I know you're all heartbroken because what will keep you going during the month of December, but put a little trust in your favourite lady. She'll pull you through this. (I just realized I used 'blog' as a verb... erg).

ONWARDS: enough of the lame-o Christmas themed posts (though I'm sure my next one will be about Christmas...) and on to something that actually matters. Number 3 on Natalie's list of favourite things:

3. FEMMES FATALES

I suppose I could relate this back to studying, as these women remind me of why I'm paying to put myself through this hell, but I won't. Here are my favourite inspirational ladies (some very old, some very dead but none the less fabulous) along with a couple honourable mentions.

In no particular order:

TINA FEY

Of course she would be here. I basically am Liz Lemon from 30 Rock. Tangent: Did I ever tell you about the time I almost choked while watching an episode because I laughed too hard? And that that episode was about Liz not wanting to be single because if she choked and died in her apartment no one would find her for months? That really happened. Back to Tina, I love this woman. She is funny, smart and awesome and married the first guy she really dated. And bitch does an awesome Sarah Palin impression, but you already know that.

Lauren Bacall

This woman. I might have to say that she might just be my number 1 out of all of these. Because classic movies are second to none and because she's in many of my favourites AND because she and Humphrey Bogart had the most amazing love ever, so here's to you Bacall. In this clip she is NINETEEN. Bitch is MY AGE. How does she manage to be so fucking bad ass, beautiful, mature and win all the men? This is beyond me, but I'll try to learn from the master. Watch and be amazed:

Carla Bruni

Obviously she's on this. I love her music, love her style, love her. She galavanted around Europe/the world as a socialite and model, breaking hearts of rock starts (Mick Jagger, Elvis Costello for example) for years before settling down with the right-wing French President Sarkozy. I read in Vogue that the reason she married Sarkozy is because "he was the only one to ask me." What a lady. What. A. Lady.

Anna Friel

Pushing Daisies was the most adorable show to hit television, but obviously because it was so great it was under appreciated and was eventually cancelled WAAAAY too early. Anna Friel was the star, and ever since watching that show I've only grown to love this woman more. She has the most amazing style (not to mention hair), great acting chops, and is married to Professor Lupin.

Ayn Rand

Ya, ya I know she gave Reagan and Thatcher the biggest hard-ons ever, but bitch can write a book. (Even if they are much too long and sometimes whiney). She was a Russian immigrant who lived through the Russian Revolution, moved to America, and eventually became one of its most influential philosophers and writers. She spearheaded the Objectivism stream of philosophy. I love her because not only is The Fountainhead one of my favourite books, but because she was so influential. (And had a bunch of affairs her husband was cool with). Also, she was totally batshit crazy.

Honourable Mentions

-Michelle Obama -Liza Minelli -Margaret Atwood

Ugh I forgot how awesome Pushing Daisies was, and how sad it made me that it got cut short. I think I'm going to have to do a TV show post and one dedicated to my favourite leading men. (We can't be sexist now can we?)

Until I get around to another one - N

The best month. EVER.

2009-12-01T16:59:00.006-05:00

December is most definitely the best month. You have happy snowmen being made, long breaks from school, mandarin oranges, my birthday, Jesus's birthday, Santa-times, and Jimmy Buffet's birthday. There is no denying that it reigns supreme over all other months.

December facts:

December 5 is Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, from what I can gather, it is rather like Christmas here, (but not) and instead of stockings, he fills up your shoes (which you have to leave outside) with treats and small presents.

December has it's own flower Holly, and Pointsetta. That's right December is so awesome it has two flowers.

Festivus is on December 23. Festivus: the holiday for the rest of us! It involves the annual airing of grievances, then the festivus feast followed by the feats of strength, this is where you have to wrestle with the head of the household and the holiday is only over once this has occured... There is also a festivus pole.

Frank Sinatra's birthday on December 12. Frank married 4 super gorgeous women, with Ava Gardner definitely being the love of his life. He had three kids, one of which sung that really annoying boots song. And when he died, the lights on the Vegas strip were dimmed in his honour.

-Ariel.

SAAANNTTAAAA!!!

2009-11-29T21:51:00.003-05:00

So were all sitting here watching ELF which is probably one of the best Christmas movie made but I have decided to compose a list of the top 5 movies:
#1 Santa Clause
#2 Love Actually
#3 Elf
#4 Christmas Story
#5 Frosty the Snowman

Im super excited for the holidays now and I finally bought my eggnog cos its the most amazing drink next to peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks :) I cant wait to go home and put up the Christmas tree and go ice skating even though i end up on my ass the most of the time omgg and go tobogging wehn it decides to snow even though i totally do not like the cold at all... it better snow on Christmas though....

So Elf has finished i know its depressing but i cant wait to buy presents for people and open gifts and see peoples faces and make cinnemon buns..
But first I travelled through the seven layers of the cnady cane forest past the swirly twirly gum drops... omgg i love Christmas and I cannot wait until exams are all done!
Until next time, you know you love me xoxo Amanda

Baking Extravaganza

2009-11-28T19:38:00.007-05:00

With December just around the corner I figured that starting Christmas baking was completely acceptable.

After I pestered my mom to email me her special sugar cookie recipe, I felt I was condemned to share their deliciousness with the entire house (and special guests Linda and Karli)...

So the sugar cookie adventure began, with a night full of Costco-sized bags of flour and lots of fun Bulk Barn sprinkles. I'm also proud of the fact that in our frantic search for a rolling pin, Ariel and I managed to improvise and use our coffee tumblers as handy rolling devices.

In the end, the cookies came out looking great, if not a little burned from our psychotic stove. Since I am the biggest photography whore, I obviously took a million pictures of the cookie decorating/eating process and decided I would post them here for your viewing pleasure!

Tools of the trade..

-hilary

POST SECRET

2009-11-27T19:00:00.006-05:00

Today was one of those rainy days where all you want to do is lie in bed, watch trashy TV and internet creep - I've done all 3.

- Slept in til 1. (It was WELL deserved, I think my roomates can account for that)

CHECK

- Have spent/am currently watching an entire season of the Hills

CHECK

- Internet surfin like it's my job.

CHECK

So, I decided to share one of my guilty pleasures... POST SECRET!

There's something captivating about reading people's secrets and I think that's why PostSecret has gained the cult following it has...

Every Sunday I visit PostSecret's website and indulge in the private thoughts of strangers.

They range from hilarious to heartbreaking and there are usually one or two each week that I can identify with...

Here's a taste... Enjoy!

- Alex

Death by Steak (the best way to die!)

2009-11-27T18:39:00.004-05:00

So I might have eaten a bad steak tonight. It was kind of greyish in colour and has made my stomach make this gurglegrumbleikdfowiejrs sounds. I can't really blame the steak for going bad, I mean, I did pay $3.00 for it and it was 30% off on top of that... Was I asking for it? What can I say, I'm a cheap and semi-broke student. In the end, I just George Foreman-ed the hell out of it and smothered it in BBQ sauce. Pretty good, huh?

This is what my steak looked like, except that brownish part in the middle was EVERYWHERE!!!

On a similar note, Nat also feels sick. Too much DELICIOUS pad thai can do that to a girl.

Also, a steak related quote to end this dinner ordeal story:

"The only time to eat diet food is while the steak is cooking."

AMEN Julia Child, a-freaking-men.

- hilary

The Hills

2009-11-27T17:36:00.005-05:00

So pretty much me n hilary and alex have been watching the hills religiously(me n hilary but alex a litlle too) for the past week were getting hilary all caught up all she keeps saying is next episode..or one more so shes pretty much hooked. so i pretty mcuh hate LO shes a toolface and needs new friends n so does spencer he needs to go out becasue all he does is sit his ass on a really expensive couch. O n the habs one the other night n carey price is the sexiest goalie of life not that anyone craes about hockey in this house as much as i do.

And Nat's post on studying music inspired me to post some music that makes me focus on my work: SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS

I know what you guys are thinking... but seriously whenever i have a mental block or wanna throw my text books at the floor i losten to this and i have a magical like i dont know the word but o o revelation like i just know what im gonna write about...

Anywhoodle ima gonna dip cos i wanna make food...
you know you love me xoxo Amanda

Dogs in Costume ... and bacon.

2009-11-27T13:30:00.003-05:00

If there is one thing I truly hate, it is when people dress up their pets.

These poor dogs...

I mean, I like a picture of an impossibly cute puppy or kitty far more than the average person, (in fact, I sometimes just search cute kittens playing on youtube) but I still cannot see the benefits of dressing your pet up in a ridiculous costume if they can't object.

Also, today I was making a very delicious breakfast, and the bacon attacked me! Seriously, I was taking the deliciousness out of the pan, when it spat out at me burning me with grease!! Now I have a very disgusting blister from this run-in with the bacon. If you see any bacon EAT IT, and show it no mercy, just as it showed me none.

You hear that bacon ... IT'S ON!

-Ariel.

Roommate Bonding

2009-11-27T00:58:00.003-05:00

We had a girl's night tonight and made cupcakes and watched Four Christmases (doesn't Christmas look SUPER weird pluralized? It should not be done)... ANYWAYS, never have I been more hyped on sugar. Solid Friday night.

The cupcakes in all their pixelated wonder! Delish!

- hilary

A few of my favourite things ... to study to - Part 2

2009-11-26T20:31:00.005-05:00

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath hoping, praying, living for the next installment of "my favourite things to study to". I'm kind of a big deal now, with all this popularity and stuff. This is basically the new, online, student version of "Oprah's Favorite Things" (which by the way isn't airing this year! What on earth will all those housewives spend their credit on now!?)

Off track.

If you are one of my roommates - which 99% of the people reading this are - you'll know that what also makes Natalie feel is...

2. THE WEST WING

This show. This show. THIS SHOW. Where on earth do I begin? I've only recently jumped on the 10 year old bandwagon that is the West Wing. I am arguably the political nerd in our house. Hence the study-age of political science. I love absolutely everything about this show. EVERYTHING. I don't think I can stress that enough so I'm going to say it again. EVERYTHING.

From the constant walking everywhere,

to the layman explanations of the intricate workings of the American political system,

to the sexy, smart, motivated politically oriented men,

to the fact that the President is a Nobel Prize winner of Economics and his wife (who happens to be Stockard Fucking Channing) is equally as amazing, successful and intelligent

to C.J. Cregg.

CJ dominates at her job as Press Secretary:

Everything about this show screams me. Each episode deals with a completely realistic issue that could very well come up at any moment in an actual political administration. During the summer I got a little hesitant as to whether or not I actually had chosen the right career path. Then I watched this show.

How it relates to studying is that, of course, one has to take breaks from the constant bombardment of study etc, so I take these breaks by learning more! Of course I do. I'll grab some great snackies, curl up with my mug of tea and settle in for a glourious 40 minutes of political nerdom.

I'll end today with the clip that solidified my love of this show. This clip says absolutely everything I wish I could say to ignorant people.

President Bartlet kicks some major bible thumping ass:

3:09 is where shit gets real.

Woah I totally fangirled in this post. The West Wing is my Twilight apparently.

Later Days - N

Jokes On Wheels

2009-11-26T11:11:00.003-05:00

So, I spent my time last night laughing at a group of people with Cerebral Palsy.

No.

I am not a soulless bitch.

Rather, I covered an event called 'Jokes on Wheels,' a comedy night to raise awareness for people at Carleton with disabilities.

It was absolutely hilarious.

After a long night of essay writing and a full day of classes, I was not a happy camper when I waltzed into Oliver's to cover the event.

But, I left the bar with a huge smile and a new perspective on what life is like for people with disabilities.

Tim Rose, a 4th year student, whose been here for 6 years (on his "double victory lap," as he so candidly put it), struggles daily with cerebral palsy.

Yet, he makes light of his disability - most of his comedy comes from things that he's actually experienced, and trust me it's hilarious.

Some of my favourite Tim Rose jokes from last night:

On living with a disability:

“My body sucks. I cannot do anything on my own. Basically I can move two fingers… but as my ex-girlfriend says that’s all you really need in life."

On airport security:

“This lady comes over, she’s a really really hot airport security guard, and she says Mr. Rose I’m going to have to pat you down…and that was my first sexual experience.”

On his appearance:

“I kind of look like Stephen Hawking, except hotter… but he deals with scientific black holes and I deal with female black holes”

There were also several jokes about ridin dirty on the Para Transpo bus, what it would be like if CSI ran an episode of 4 guys with cerebral palsy robbing a bank, and rollin through the drive thru in your wheel chair.

Truly epic night.

Anyways, I have to go write a real article about this now for JOUR2201.

I wonder what CP Style's policy is on sexual jokes...?

- Alex.

Personality Tests...

2009-11-25T22:30:00.004-05:00

K, so I really like taking these personality tests, they are always strangely accurate.. that and I generally like knowing what computers think of me

Here is a particularly fun one, all with colours and such...

It said I am 45% extroverted and 55% introverted... That sounds about right.

Here is a really long, but super awesome one...

According to this one, I don't really like change, I am disorganized but can get shit done, I'm relatively friendly, I am however, very judgmental and am very calm.

Here is one to see if you have any personality disorders...

It says I am moderate Histronic (attention seeker) and moderate Narcissistic, both make sense as I am doing personality tests and posting my results on a blog.

Here is the standard Myers-Brigg

I am ESTP, I am not super sure what that means.

Here is the Keirsey Temperament personality test...

I am an Artisan, specifically a promoter, once again, not really sure what that means, but it sounds good.

And this is how I spent my Wednesday evening.

-Ariel

Not very gleeful

2009-11-25T14:44:00.010-05:00

EVERYONE IN OUR HOUSE LOVES GLEE, so can you imagine my HORRIBLE surprise when I found out that the best show ever (besides LOST) is having an extended HIATUS!!!

WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!?!?!

December 9 until April 13 is MUCH, MUCH, MUCH too long to wait. I may die.

In honour of this sad, sad occurrence, I am dedicating this post to outlining my top five favourite Glee moments thus far.

5. The Tina/Artie kiss. SO cute!! Artie, who cares if she doesn't have a stutter, get on that!!

---

4. The ENTIRE Single Ladies episode. Kurt you are AWESOME and a fab dancer. Keep working it out. Any show that allows for a house full of girls to swoon over dancing football players is a-okay with me!

---

3. Don't Stop Believing performance. The song that originally got us all hooked on Glee. So powerful, it actually almost made my cry.

---

2. The Sue Sylvester and Mr. Schuester showdown (Major alliteration!)...

How epic was the slow-mo, dubbed over fight? Always entertaining.

---

1. Any scene with Puck. Lets put it this way: he appeals to the timeless desire for a bad ass, rebellious man. And what a man he is. YOU CAN CLEAN MY POOL ANYTIME YOU WANT. As we say in the house: "puck me please!" Ouuu, especially like the "Sweet Caroline" thing, tickles my heartstrings!

LOVE

- hilary

Oh those Russians...

2009-11-25T14:13:00.007-05:00

I have an odd affinity for all things Russian. So when I went on Wikipedia I was pleasantly surprised to find that the featured article was Nikita Zotov, a Russian who tutored Peter the Great, after clicking on a few more Russian rulers, I came accross this little gem...

This is Catherine I, and she ruled Russia,

and this is the current Russian leader:

Makes me wish Stephen Harper was tougher. He would guaranteed lose a fight against either of these guys.

ps. you can go and see Rasputin's penis on display at a Russian museum of erotica in St.Petersburg...

-Ariel

These are a few of my favourite things ... to study to - PART 1

2009-11-25T11:16:00.009-05:00

Since it seems that EVERYONE is forced to manage an insane amount of work at the moment, I thought I'd let everyone in on what keeps me (relatively) sane in the midst of essays, exams etc.

1. Classical Music

No, seriously guys. When the monster that is Stressed Natalie raises it's ugly head, this is basically the only thing that will tame it.

A few goodies:

Chopin's Nocturnes in particular are beautiful. I can play a few of them on piano and it almost always helps in chilling me out.

LISTEN:

Rachmaninoff was playing that last one and he, again, rules my world. I recently discovered this little gem:

The best part comes right before the seven minute mark where it gets all awesome and Russian.

Apparently he had really big hands too. And you know what they say about big hands.... great pianist.

He was quite the bad ass, just check it:

Chilling with his beautiful grand piano I would kill 100 single men for.

If you looked up 'gentleman' in the dictionary, this is what you would find.

FUN MANITOBA FACT: Rachmaninoff totally performed in Winnipeg twice. Check it. Additionally, if one was to type in my name into the search bar of that website, one would totally find my prize winning essay. Yeah.

Shit. Now I'm totally late for history class...

Oh and yes Hilary that title was just for you.

Over and out - N

It's 5:06 am... Where in the World Could I Be..?

2009-11-25T04:58:00.005-05:00

Asleep in my bed? No.

At some hot shit after party? No.

Enjoying a scrumptious super early breakfast? No.

In the basement of the Loeb Building?

Yes.

I am still at school.

I have been here for twelve hours.

Tuesdays are my day off.

Fuck you school.

Seriously...Fuck you.

I have class at 8:30am.

Just needed a little vent...

- (very overtired, stressed) Alex.

Project Craft

2009-11-24T15:43:00.001-05:00

Since I am further procrastinating from doing anything productive, I thought I would share with the blogosphere the fun, semi-practical (although my roommates would disagree) crafts that I am making. But before I fully indulge in you my crafty plans, I would like to show off my pride and joy, the colourful paper tree that dwells on the wall in my bedroom.

You like? It took me hours!

So CRAFTS. Well in the immediate future, I am most definitely planning on expanding my paper wall collage to include a sun and some kind of starry night scene on the ceiling. Read: I want lots of coloured paper for Christmas.

Ok, so other than that, I bought this medium sized styrofoam ball last week. I plan on spray painting it (with Brittany's silver spray paint left over from halloween so I don't need to actually go buy some myself and look like a hooligan) and then covering it with lots of fun buttons and beads, all stuck into place with pearl-topped pins.

I apologize profusely if you have no idea whatsoever what I am planning on making... don't worry, the roomies didn't understand either, and gave me that "Hilary, you're SO crazy" look.

Here's a picture of the supplies anyways, hopefully it will clarify things a little? I just want to hang it somewhere and have the light bounce off of it in a happy manner, is that too much to ask? Will update you once project is done, no worries.

Other than this, I am extremely excited for the purchasing of our very first Christmas tree and fully plan on making EVERY SINGLE decoration that graces its branches! So stoked!! More to come...

Hilary

Christmas

2009-11-24T11:41:00.001-05:00

I am 100% a Christmas person. I love the lights, the music, the happy TV-specials, the smell of the Christmas tree, the cookies.

Every year I lose my mind for Christmas, and this year is no different.

I has yet to snow though, and although I am used to having a Green Christmas, I really think that Ottawa weather should just grow a pair already and snow.

You hear that weather, I am giving you until December 1 to snow. After that I am writing a very sternly worded letter.

This is what Ottawa needs to look like by the end of next week, or I will really be very upset.

-Ariel.

The French always do it for me

2009-11-23T16:53:00.001-05:00

As if I was debating if this was my signature scent or not.

Great music to study to: a great female singer from Quebec called coeur de pirate.

Such adorable french music (Ariel, you'll like her).

-Nat

Boredom

2009-11-20T11:04:00.001-05:00

Right now Ariel, Alex and I (Hilary) are sitting in the most boring journalism class. Ever. Every Friday, we have these guest speakers that come in to talk to us, teaching us all these valuable facts we apparently need to know if we are to be successful journalists.

Ariel is on urbanoutfitters.com looking at some fabulous gilded mirrors (like she doesn't have two already).

Alex is playing a sheep game on stumbleupon.

Both have been on facebook for half the class. I would have gone on as well, except that would involve me reactivating my facebook account and losing a very valuable bet. Not happening!

Our guest speaker today is discussing something about the trends and tensions of education. She reminds the three of us as some kind of weird hybrid between Professor Umbridge and Rita Skeeter from Harry Potter. Seriously, she is their love child!

And the clock ticks down until 11:30...oh Friday freedom, you will be oh so sweet.

tick.

tock.

GET US OUT OF HERE.

About Us

2009-11-18T13:29:00.000-05:00

If you thought this was going to be a short post, think again. There is no one word you can use to describe the six of us. We are all completely different from each other, but we all have amplified personalities which keeps living together interesting.

Here's to hoping the following post will help you to better understand what makes each of us tick.

Alex

I'm a journalism student with BIG ambitions. I love adventure and am a self-professed thrill seeker. I'm friendly, fun and outgoing, but have been known to spend 12 hours or more studying my little heart out in the library. I want to be a globetrotter (not from Harlem) and jam my life full of amazing experiences. I think human rights are very important. My goal in life is to be able to sit down at 95 and write an incredibly badass autobiography. My boyfriend looks freakishly like Jesus. I truly believe that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and every mistake is a lesson in disguise. Oh... and karma? It's real.

Amanda

So im amanda obviously... i love to work out im pretty sure its a disease and i love ben n jerrys wit hilary having our weekly fat days as we call them. I am considered the normal one in the house full of crazy ppl AHHHH! my life invovles working and doing shit all cos i procrastinate like crazy n because im too busy catching up on hollywoood gossip n mad girly shows... i love hockey well mainly the montreal canadians so dont hate cos i already n what u guys are thinking...so uh yea that sums me up pretty much.. Ps go HABS go!

Ariel

I am from BC and as such believe myself to be above nearly all Ontario-born people. Antiques Roadshow is without a doubt my favorite show on television. I own no less than 2 gilded mirrors, and 7 pairs of boots, all housed in the smallest room in the house. I very rarely close my blinds. I am probably the chillest person in the world - definitely the chillest in this house - nothing truly bothers me (I think it may be a West Coast thing). I'm a fine driver. The best joke I've ever made: "You can Jew better."

Brittany

I am a novelty. Intense, Cross-Country Skiing, Mathletic Yukoner. Also the mother of five nineteen year old girls. I enjoy taking five hours to create culinary masterpieces ( and sneaking a run in while they're in the oven). I take full credit for Hilary Duff's current relationship, therefor should be henceforth referred to as the Love Guru. Don't expect me to be able to pull that Mike Myers accent though, I restrict my improv to First Nations accents and Egg language. I have love affairs with snow, obliques, nontario canada, ryan reynolds, fair trade, and adam lambert. yep, big polygamist. I can add you to that list if you're tall and muscular. mrow. also i do a dece booty shake.

Hilary

More than anything in the world, I wish I was in elementary school again, when imagination had no boundaries. I love being creative, and try and make something new every week. I love colour and vibrancy, and if you stepped into my bedroom you would immediately think the Rainbow Monster puked on my walls. I love photography and ice cream (chocolate chip cookie dough Ben and Jerrys!). I like doing stupid things like playing air guitar on my roommates' beds and frequently pretend I am Maria from the Sound of Music. And that's that.

Natalie

What I aspire to in life is to own Christian Louboutain heels, drive a BMW, own too many designer clothes and be extremely successful in every aspect of life. "Who needs a man, when you can have a luxury sedan?" is what I tell myself everyday. My everyday life however consists of being overdressed for basically every occasion, shlepping around a giant red backpack the size of my body, being extremely stressed out, and having a weird affinity for learning about wars. I have respect crushes on John Maynard Keynes, Ayn Rand, and quantum physics.