This weekend? It's application time. Yikes. I'm managing to hold off my urge to procrastibake an apple crisp right now by blogging (hey - I'm at the computer at least), but I know that I'm getting close to my 'git down git'r done' point. Speaking of - I saw a big-ass sticker on the rear window of the truck the other day that read "Git'r Done." Yee-haw.

At this point though, I'm afraid that anything I do will be in vain - I was informed of another BRILLIANT York administrative policy stating that no student shall have their transcript updated to say they've finished their degree untill after the graduation ceremony. This is the most ridiculous piece of garbage I've ever heard - it basically means that my transcripts that I'll be sending off with my applications (which are going to cost me $500+) are going to list my master's degree as as-yet incomplete. Which basically means that I'm no more competetive than I was last year, which means, yay me, I'm screwed. But, I'll be trying my best and hoping for the best anyways.

Pass the tissue...

Argh - It seems that I'm getting sick. I debated for a while whether to come into work this morning, but decided at 8 that I felt significantly better than at 7, I made a mad rush to get in by 9. I probably would have stayed home had this been a less busy day, since I really don't want to pass anything to people here or on the subway, but at the moment I'm not feeling anything worse than a runny nose. It's funny though - being sick is really encouraging me to take good care of myself - I'm eating really well, tons of fruit, juices, soups - and wondering why I can't just do that all the time.

My childhood best friend got married over that weekend, which was strange and wonderful at the same time. My mind kept flitting to memories of us going to see movies, drooling over rock stars and having sleepovers. We haven't kept in touch as much as I'd have liked over the past few years, but hopefully that can be changed in the coming years. The wedding was nice, and most importantly, they both seemed really happy. Also, everyone got some good entertainment out of me attempting to watlz (can't really count to three sometimes...) and polka.

Also: apple picking! Yay! I had the best apple of my life on Saturday morning, fresh from the tree. The orchard we go to has an attached winery, wonderful for relaxing after picking bags after bag of apples - I tried about 5 different types of fruit wines, and picked up a few for Girls Christmas!

Savoury Dreams

In my dream last night, I cooked a Turducken. For some reason, I missed consuming the actual bird, but did get to try some of the skin, which apparently was mighty delicious.

I DREAMT ABOUT A TURDUCKEN.

WITH BACON.

SFU (not STFU, that would just be rude)

I suppose it's fitting that with the onset of Fall (Ok, I know it's not techically for another couple of days, but c'mon), Mark and I have started a new TV addiction. Following the lead of Megan, we've started going through the seasons of Six Feet Under. For those who are unfamiliar with the premise, it's a drama (also, comedic) that revolves around a family that runs a funeral home. These characters are all incredibly flawed, but interesting. Magnetic. Each episode begins with a death, and the focus of that episode is shaped in some way by the death. I think part of how wonderful the show is is that it forces the viewer to confront death, accept it as a natural part of life that not only brings sorrow, but also can be the starting point for some very positive shange, or at least some honest introspection. My point: excellent show, not guilty about watching due to instructiveness of content.

I'm being truthful when I call it an addiction: we think about it when its not on, we're driven to consuming far too much of it, and when we run out, we almost instantly need a new fix. Over the last week, we watched all of season one (it was fantastic, of course), which was a wonderful intro to a series that hooked us last year with only a few episodes late in the series. Anyway, on Monday night we finished the season by watching four episodes. FOUR. Yesterday, I felt withdrawal coming on - no episodes waiting for me to come home and watch them. That, coupled with a lack of yumminess in the fridge and no desire to go grocery shopping, led me down to Bloor, where I placed my takeout sushi order (mmmmmmmm AND cheap!), and headed on over to Queen video (yes, Queen video is on Bloor, but named after Queen st...?!) and grabbed season two. Saw a look of confusion enter sales clerk's eyes. "Umm, so did you know that Mark, the other person on the account, already took this same thing out a couple of hours ago?" I left feeling absolutely elated, Mark beat me to the punch on my sweet surprise, and I have the comfort in knowing that my addiction is fully and completely shared.

So... what's next?

Try to take over the world? So far I've got North America:



Aside from world domination, I have a vague idea of what this next year is going to bring. I've already mentioned that I've signed up for French classes. These will hopefully get me to a state where I feel comfortable enough using French that I will be able to nevigate myself around frenchland without upsetting the locals. And hopefully, I will have some lovely friends with me. I checked out the Go Abroad fair downtown yesterday, and unfortunately it was pretty much a complete dissapointment. Basically, I learned that I can definitely go anywhere I want, but I should really go learn hotel management at a foreign school that will charge me a BMW for admissions, or, I also have the option of teaching English. Not exactly the life-changing experiences I want. Looks like I'll have to do some more research!

Also: we've had these chairs for almost a year now. They're scary, unless you're a fierce cat:



(due to Risk lasting till 4am before being abandoned, this post is scattered and short on content. It's a good day.)

JERBSCMA

Two years, and two letters appended to my name. I defended my thesis on Tuesday, and apparently it went pretty well (I'm a very poor judge of my public speaking, so I have to rely on other people's reports). I was taken out for lunch, for dinner, flowered, and peachy penguined. And oddly enough, when it was over I didn't even feel good. For the first day or so, I actually felt like crying, and not even in a relieved way! Saner heads have told me that it's a release-from-stress reaction, and I believe them, but I really can't wait for the belief and the relief to hit. I imagine that probably won't come until the graduation ceremony, but I guess as long as it comes at some point I'll be happy!

Ok, before anyone sits here thinking that I'm some crazy, depressed little girl, let me point out that I'm actually pretty happy. Just not the expected state of ecstatic. I'm fine - I actually have time to DO stuff now, and I've been starting to get excited about that. I'm also still working on some applications, hopefully to be finished in the next couple of weeks.

I may get to see Sharon tonight on her way back to Ingersoll via Toronto, and possibly even a lil' bit o Paula this weekend! If not, I will make sure all of my ladies get plenty of Jen time very soon. For now, they will have to settle for internet love. Thanks for your patience!

Something I do feel bad about: Not giving a huge public shout out out out out to Mark, who was super to me this week, and who also birthdayed this week. Thank you for letting me practise my defense on you rather than go out partying on your birthday. I'll make it up to you by playing RISK like a champ this weekend. I loooove you!

Ch-ch-changes

For the first time in my life, I'm not starting a new school year. For now, I'm done school, although I'm not quite able to relish in the doneness yet. This has led to a really strange feeling - I realize that a new year is starting up for pretty much everyone around me, but I don't FEEL it yet. For now, I just have this really odd, strange feeling of being stuck in a lengthy transition. I'm a little bit jealous of people starting their new years, and a little bit sad that I have no high-level courses to challenge me.

BUT

This time next week, everything will have changed. I'm getting quite anxious about my defense, but I'm plugging away at making a sweet presentation, and gearing myself up for the grilling. Oi. So that's why I'm not blogging much - interesting things have been happening but I'm not at liberty to fritter my time away right now.

(PS - I'm frittering a little bit - I did my tried and true procrastibake tonight ;)

Thinking

-That Paula should only get a tattoo if its of ballet slippers. Or possibly the pontiac symbol.

-That this weekend will be both sad and fun - lots of exotic wedding celebrations, but Seema will be leaving too soon.

-Even though I wouldn't be seeing her now anyways, I miss Sharon.

-Am slightly jealous of the exciting time Megan is starting into. Am happy that she may get some new experiences and away from things that make her upset.

-That I really need to try Duff's wings soon - Mark and I came sooo close last night, but after walking all the way there, found out that plans had changed and people were elsewhere.

-Instead of staying for wings, we walked home, had some hero burger, and watched the incredibly cute Dear Frankie.

Parentheses

I'm super excited about the new Blow album that's going to come out in the near future. I've heard two songs from it so far, and have completely fallen in love with "parentheses." Such a cute and catchy song, and I can't wait to hear a better quality version (myspace isn't really known for it's great sound...). Anyways, I've never seen the Blow, and don't yet have any of their releases, but I'm pretty sure that they're my favourite cute band. Best.

Camping recap: fun! Aside from packing in everything but the kitchen sink, it was awesome. We had a beautiful site on Stratton lake, a short hike away from natural water slides! NATURAL WATER SLIDES. I'm hoping to get some pics soon to put up, but to sate your questioning minds, naturatual water slides are big smooth boulders in rapids that you can slide down without too much discomfort or skin scrapeage. These were also very close to small cliffs above deep pools of water perfect for jumping and practising your best corkscrew/jacknife/cannonball. There will hopefully be some videos coming soon to a youtube near you.

Two weeks to thesis defense.

Lemieux and Lewoof

There is a new addition to the love apartment:
 

Mark made me proud last night, and won me this absolutely gigantic penguin (and bebe) from the basketball game at the Ex. I don't know what it was, but I was absolutely elated - I felt like queen of the cavepeople after my man brought home the prize. How unfeminist of me. However, they are fantastic. The little one's name is Lemieux, and the big one is Lewoof.

And now, it's time for a little back country camping (sans penguins). 

Tealicious

I'm consideriing trying to kick the caffeine habit. Now that I've finished all of my pressing committments, I no longer need anything to push my body to work longer than it wants to (granted, it wants to work less because of the caffeine) and thus don't need 3-4 cups/day. However, my cold turkey attempt yesterday failed miserably, which resulted in a zombie-like Jen from 10-12 & 2-6 (the two hour reprieve from zombieness was due to a NAP), and caving to the temptation of tea with dinner. I felt SO good after that tea that it actually made me reconsider my desire to cut caffeine from my life. I know it's part of the addiction process, but the contrast expeienced post-caffeine really makes you appreciate how good you feel. I guess if I didn't have caffeine withdrawal making me feel like sleepy poo in the first place, I wouldn't need my dose to make me feel better, but then, would I really appreciate the goodness when I can't compare it to the badness?

I guess for now, I'll try and limit myself to that one delicious tea per day.

Also, I finally bought me some new shoes, black pumps with a heel that's not too little or too big. It's time to go somewhere fancy enough to wear them! Possibly... a tea party?!

Woo! Summer!

Hooray for me, my summer has finally begun! Things I'm going to do:

Shop! I need a new dress for the upcoming weddings, which probably means that I get to buy shoes as well.

Learn french! I've even signed up for courses; optimistically, I placed myself in the intermediate class. I'm gonna bust my ass, ou, ma derriere (is that French, or do we just pretend it is?).

Alternately bake and do yoga. Hopefully more of the latter, as I would like the balance of the two to shift me to svelteness.

Also: play manhunt, frisbee, go to the ex, go camping, go on the boat, and most importantly, defend la thesis and apply to schools! Hopefully, that will be with decent mcat scores, although that may be askng too much of the multiple choice gods.

Joy of joys, I am done.

I give this day 6 stars.

My thesis is done!!! Done, and wrapped in stupidly expensive covers, and all but one has been delivered to my committee! Also, labmates have made today "baked goods day," so I've been indulging in delicious oatmeal cookies, egg tarts, and at may point might get into some cake. Because MY THESIS IS DONE! And not to jinx myself before I actually have to get up and defend it (Sept. 12), but I think it's pretty darn good. It's a tight little bundle of concisety (don't worry, I didn't use any made-up word IN the thesis). In other goodness news, my supervisor took the lab out for lunch, and remarked about how good mine and Seem's theses were, hooray!

As if the goodness was going to stop there: the news has been good too! Merck was reprimanded for the Vioxx fiasco, the NSA got told to stop eavesdropping on people's phone calls, and snakes on a plane opens tonight. Hooray!

I will return, and start fully celebrating, after saturday.

The days of no fun

On Saturday, Mark did this:



And I stayed in and wrote my thesis. So jealous - the first Fake Prom was amazing, but I haven't been able to go ever since. Blah. I hope next year, I'll at least have a fun reason, like being in France. Thesis will hopefully be done in 4 days.

Compulsions

My revisions are going pretty well right now - my supervisor said some pretty nice things about the state of my thesis and right now, I'm feeling a bit good about it. My problem, however, is that any time I need to connect to the internet to look up an article, I feel compelled to do something - anything - else on the internet. This has led to a whole bunch of new music from music blogs to listen to, an obsessive search for a video made to tease Peter from .moneen. that I had found years ago (I didn't find it today, boo), and various blog reads. I figured this time, I might as well be a little bit productive and blog something myself.

I'm in a writing mood, so stuff is flowing out easily. Unlike yesterday, my use of grammar is not completely incomprehensible. I'm generally in a good mood, and enjoying the constant stream of goodness coming out of iTunes. And hopefully, I should be able to get my intro completely reworked by the end of tonight. WOOWOO!

Tomorrow, I'm heading to Whitby in between thesising to attend a bridal shower for my childhood best friend. I'm really excited for this, since we unfortunately drifted apart due to some stresful life events, and probably mostly because I moved away to London. Tomorrow, we'll get to catch up, and hopefully rekindle a more stable friendship, cause I miss her craziness.

OK - break is over, it's back to the couch far far away from the internet for me now.

Irish Scotch

Apparently, an addled brain from too much thesising plus sleep deprivation = very stupid things being said.

Irish Scotch. Without a hint of a joke. Sometimes, I'm a smart one.

Paula: I <3 you. Please remember that you're never alone, and that you can call me ay time, day or night (but I secretly know you have about infinity times the strength you need to get through this) and this birthday will be the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!! I volunteer to be DD since me + beer = unpleasantness.

Little Miss Rainstorm

I took a break from thesising tonight to go watch a free screening of Little Miss Sunshine with Mark and Sara. It was such a good movie - Mark summed it up with "It's one of the only movies where you cry tears of sadness and laughter." I'd add awkwardness in there too, but it was a good awkwardness, the kind that works. Basically, it's about a little girl getting to live her dream of being in a big beauty pageant, a cocaine-snorting grandfather, a brother who's taken a vow of silence, a delusional dad, suicidal uncle, and relatively sane mom. And a VW bus. And - everything works. I felt a little bit like I did with Me, You and Everyone We Know - you leave the theatre feeling like you've seen something special.

And then on the way home, it started raining.


Unexpectedly.



It's been a good night... now back to the thesis!

A Brief Update

After a great weekend, I've finally kicked in to full thesis/study mode, which means that you'll probably hear very little from me in the weeks to come. However, rest assured that I am alive, just in a slightly altered state of consciousness and if I hide from human interaction, it's because I'm shifting into a state of being that is not compatable with thinking/speaking like a normal person. I am become the scientist.

Says Megan:

To Study for MCATS:
1. Drill hole in top of head
2. Insert MCAT book in hole
3. Dr. Island!!!!


Except I'm not really even studying - just writing, like a fiend. And looking forward to October.

a not-so-coherent post

Sorry about the lack of updates - the last few days have been quite busy, and there has been a lot of home/family stuff. On Saturday, Mark and I made our way over to Brampton to see Sharon play some softball, and I get to add the skill of shoulder-rehabilitator to my resume. Shar's brother's family was also there, resulting in me holding 6 week old baby Olivia. It was determined that baby-holding automatically results in hip-swaying... it's like human arms have baby receptors, that, when activated, turn on the sway mechanism. Afterwards, I went out for Maggie's birthday which contained good times with Mel and Fadi and drunk Maggie.

Sunday was the anniversary of my grandfather's death. The whole family got together for dinner, and my nana had a mass said for him. It should have been sad, but my family has a special talent for bringing lightness and humour. Anyways, I think he would have liked that we celebrated him with a fancy dinner at one of his favourite places :)

The plan for now is to stay in Whitby for the week and look after the dog, which has meant really shitty commutes for yesterday and today. I think I'll work from home for the next couple of days, and hopefully that means I'll actually work. And sleep, I need sleep. What I don't need is another 2.5 hour commute - yuck!

Brave New Frontiers

Last night, I ate one of these:



Except in biological form. And it was actually six of them. I still can't get over the thought-barrier that lets me thing that I'm eating a slimy graden-crawler, but if I separate the thought from the experience then it's all good.

It was a pretty great day/night - I got a lot of work done on my thesis (data analysis = almost done!), and spent the night with my parents and maggie doing fun stuff in the city. Mom and dad took Mark and I out for dinner - we did the summerlicious special at L'Escargot (hence me eating snails) and we had a really lovely time. The restaurant was quite nice, with an inviting atmosphere and excellent food quality. Afterwards, we dropped off some buckets and a mom at Maggies, and then walked to College and Spadina to see Basia play her best show yet. Good times; and hopefully people will stop tempting me with good things to do for a while.