Christmas Eve

Yesterday I finished 937.5 of my 520 hours of co-op. I began to pack up my things at 4:45, I made sure that my passwords and codes were all written down on a paper on my desk, and I exited the building one last time as a co-op student.
As it is Christmas Eve I have spent the day wrapping presents and listening to Christmas music, as it should be. A majority of the Christmas music we listen to in our house is Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The following is a quote from their album The Lost Christmas Eve.

In a stable
In a manger
In the cold winter's air
In the arms of his mother
A child's lying there

In a city
In a village
Though the years have gone by
The child still remains
With the dream still close by

And each year on this night that child reawakens
And each year on this night that hope rebegins
That the dream he has offered might one day be taken

For the sake of our brother
For the child who's forgotten
For the dream that is still lying there

Merry Christmas! this is t-bear signing off

Words

Hello, my name is Tessa.

I am a writer.

I like writing. Correction, I love writing. More specifically, I love words.

I love how they all fit together into a beautiful word casserole. So many letters creating a symphony of vowels and consonants woven amongst each other to become that which is based on syllables and sounds.

Words are like chocolate to me. I eat chocolate with my stomach, I eat words with my soul.

Without the beautiful creation of words I would not be able to sit down for a couple of hours some afternoons and read a book like I do.

For a book is just a combination of many words which make sentences and then paragraphs and chapters and novels. The beauty that is a novel is nothing without words. 

As I am a writer, I sometimes come upon a time which is called a block. It is something that creates a rather large wall between me and the thoughts that encourage writing. I cannot think of being a writer without having these brief blocks. I say brief because I would not be able to claim myself as a writer if a block were to become permanent, halting future writing all together.

If you are a writer, do yourself a favour and never stop that which you do for yourself. The inspiration that creates the writing derives from the love of writing.

 

4 days left, 6 days until, this is t-bear signing off

Proud New Parents

Tonight I went to my mentors house to make Gingerbread Nativity Scenes with her and her son. If you haven't yet had the chance to make your very own Gingerbread Nativity Scene then you should get on it. They are much more fun to make then those boring gingerbread houses. 

Bellow I have displayed the end result of my beautiful Gingerbread Nativity Scene.

 

And here are the very proud new parents.

On a completely different note, I would like all of you to know that I only have 10 more days left of office work until Christmas vacation. I am very sad to leave the office but I am also very excited to go back to school. 

I won't be homeless anymore, which is a bonus!

I am also happy to report that I am all enrolled in my classes and tuition is paid for. I even picked my elective with the strong influence of my mother. Here I come January 6!

16 days till Christmas! this is t-bear signing off

Books and Clothes

The good news is: I received three more books in the mail today. Thank you Black Friday sales!

The bad news is: I can no longer fit any more books on my shelf. It is just too full. I guess I'm going to have to purchase a new book shelf before I invest too heavily in the items that shall be placed upon such a shelf.

The other bad news is: I can no longer fit any more clothes on my hangers because for some reason I have run out of hangers.

The good news: I will be headed off to school in less than a month, and will then be moving a majority of those clothes out of my closet and into the one I will be using for the next four months.

Welcome back to the family Emma, this is t-bear signing off

Eternal Falseness of the Spotless Mind.

It is the first Sunday of advent and also the first day of December! For most of you I hope this means that the Christmas music can start, if it hasn't started already. I've been listening to Christmas music since the 19th of November.

After church we had a wonderful potluck to raise money for a computer program in a children's school in Ukraine. I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the conversation.

There are Christmas decorations beginning to appear in the sanctuary but there won't be a tree until later because we always have a real tree. Oh do I love Christmas.

Then another spectacular happening occurred when we returned home from church. There was a chocolate advent calendar sitting on my chaise. It's even a good Lindt chocolate advent calendar. Thanks Moma!

Hello world, it is I, Alex.

As it is the first of the month I had to turn the page on my Batman calendar that hangs on the fridge. I was sad because this is the last time I will get to change this calendar. I really enjoyed having that Batman calendar on my fridge. I guess this means it's time to start looking for another awesome calendar for 2014.

And now I leave you with a challenge:

Don't eat all your advent calendar chocolate on the first day!

 

this is t-bear signing off

 



Taco Tuesday

Today is a very special day. Taco Tuesday commenced at supper time,and there will be two excerpts from my writing book today.

I would also like to point out that although there were clouds out all day that threatened snow, we did not actually receive any more snow than the piddly little amount that feel whilst we all slept. This is rude. London is merely 2 hours away and they got a blizzard while we can't even sprinkle enough to cover the grass. Pitiful.

 

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About.

 

Start a story with the line "When I confronted him, he denied that he'd ever said it."

 

"When I confronted him, he denied that he'd ever said it."

"I thought as much. He never was one to tell the truth, even when his mother became involved."

"She's involved now too? Oh he must hate that."

"Don't I know it! He hardly even looked at me when I mentioned how much her contribution has helped our case."

"She sure has made an excellent addition to our cause. I'm not sure we could have made it this far without her."

"Well I'm sure it doesn't help that her own son denies ever saying that he knows how to make crepes like the French. If I had such skill I wouldn't hide it in a cupboard."

"I know what you mean."

 

 

A newly invented product that will change your life.

 

The Lindor chocolate truffle machine.

 

"Empty it and we'll refill it for free!"

 

 

Stay excellent, this is t-bear signing off

It's back.

Today was a rather spectacular day because I finished my book at lunch. I read Divergent and now I'm about to start reading Insurgent. Hold on, things are getting intense!

Another awesome happening of the day, I got my keyboard tray installed at work today. Only one month left and I almost have a fully functioning work space!

 

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About.

 

Write a scene that begins: "It was the first time I killed a man."

 

"It was the first time I killed a man."

"And when was the second?"

"No, I mean that was the only time."

"So you've only killed once or only one person?"

"Yes. Wait, what? I only killed one time."

"But did you kill one man that one time?"

"Yes, I did."

"Did you kill only one man that one time or did you kill two men that one time?"

"I only killed one man at that time."

"So you've never killed more than one man?"

"No."

"You've killed more than one man?"

"No, I already said that."

"But you know you killed one man."

"Yes."

"What was his name?"

"He doesn't have one, the dead never do."

 

this is t-bear signing off

It's Monday...

Monday, November 11, the first snow fall of the season.

this is t-bear signing off

Happy Birthday Papa!

Today is quite a special day. Not only is it November 7th, it is also Papa's 50th birthday!!

The lucky guy received a letter today from his most awesome daughter. If you have ever received a letter from that awesome daughter, you should feel very special.

Anyways, today at the office we had a little ordeal with the mail. There were so many envelopes that Robin and I had to efficiently display our excellent teamwork skills whilst delivering the mail to the post office. Because there was so much mail it had to be put into a box that could only be carried by the strong arms that are connected to Robin and myself. Don't worry, the mail was delivered to the post office by 2 o'clock.

The next awesome thing that happened at work was around 3 on the clock when Becky came around to my desk and dropped off a keyboard drawer. I am especially excited to install such a device as it will make more room on my desk for actual work stuff.

The final awesome thing that happened at work today is that Robin was a kind soul and shared her Screameggs with me. I will not ever be able to forget the kindness that was shown to me through that action. Robin, I am eternally grateful.

 

Happy Birthday Papa! this is t-bear signing off

It's Novembrance Day Weekend

After such a busy weekend I have loads of interestingly awesome things to share.

On Friday night after work I drove myself over to my friends house and shortly after my arrival we departed for the city. We had big plans in the way of the cinema and we did not disappoint ourselves. After a quick supper at Subway we felt full enough to embark on the long journey back across the parking lot to the theater. We were quite smart about our lives and we purchased tickets before getting supper to ensure ourselves seats. The movie was Ender's Game. And lovely it was. I quite enjoyed the movie, far more than most book-to-movie creations that I've come across in the past. (Nicool, I'd like your thoughts if you don't mind.)

On Saturday morning I got the always enjoyable opportunity to volunteer at the Ten Thousand Villages on the south east corner of the four corners in town. You can't miss it, it's the only one here. Anyways, I productively observed all of their new items in the warmth while the rain persistently fell on the streets beyond our windows. I wasn't going to buy anything but then I realized that the Mennonite Girls Can Cook Celebrations cookbook is a must have item, so I happily purchased it and flagged all the recipes that I plan to make in the future.

In the afternoon I got back in the car and drove about 20 minutes west to visit my mentor who has an adorable and very energetic toddler. There were many races around the island and many more airballs while playing basketball in the basement. After said child was put to bed we watched What to Expect When You're Expecting and then I took my return to my humble abode. 

On Sunday I woke up at the correct time because I have a spectacular alarm clock that changes the time for me. We went to church and then went to one of the other Mennonite churches in town for the Chili Cook-Off. I love chili, especially by the crock-pot. 

To work off all the chili, my friends and I went to The Point to take pictures and go for a good walk. It was quite beautiful with all the trees changing colours and all the leaves falling.

In the evening on Sunday I got to attend Youth which was a lovely games night. Our pastor opened the night with a devotional and then the group of us that stayed in The Youth Room played Apples to Apples till it was time to leave. 

I was quite surprised that after such a long weekend I felt rather refreshed this morning. I anticipate another excellent week!

It's 7:44, or is it 8:44? this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

"You are too old, children," said Aslan, "and you must begin to come closer to your own world now."

"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"

"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.

"Are - are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.

"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."

- C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

this is t-bear signing off

The Almost Allegiant Smartie McFlurry

As was promised to us by a valued McDonald's employee, the Smartie McFlurry has returned. When did it leave you may ask? A long time ago. It's return is far overdue.

There are many points that tell us that McD's made a poor choice when they discontinued sales of the said Smartie McFlurry:

1. Smartie's are in fact a Canadian invention, therefore, they should be a constant item on the menu.

2. One may make a point that they don't matter since so many people didn't realize they had been gone in the first place, but this is so extremely incorrect. The reason people are so confused as to why the Smartie McFlurry's were gone is because they can't believe that a corporation as established as McD's would ever think of removing such a commonly requested dessert item from their restaurants.

3. On more than one occasion I have had to comfort my Mother as she wistfully retired to her Lay-Z-Boy early without being able to complete her work from such distress.

As you can tell from the points laid out above, the Smartie McFlurry is a cherished piece of dessert that should never be denied from a human being in need of a little deliciously nutritious snack.

In other news, today I finally received the package of books that I ordered way back in July (I think). I ordered two books from Chapters. One would have come earlier but the other was pre-ordered and for some reason I can not figure out how to get them to deliver books as they become available instead of when the last one does.

The two books that I received are Allegiant by Veronica Roth and Pretties by Scott Westerfeld. They are both sci-fi and will be added to my very full bookshelf at my earliest convenience. I am happy to note that I am still waiting on the fifth of A Song of Ice and Fire which will be shipped sometime near it's release date of November 11, 2013. I know you are probably confused because that book came out months ago but I don't think you realized that that was the hardcover version and this will be the trade paperback version. There's a difference. 

Go to McD's, this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

"Wouldn't it be dreadful if some day in our world, at home, men started going wild inside, like the animals here, and still looked like men, so that you'd never know which were which?"

- C. S. Lewis, Prince Caspian

this is t-bear signing off

Today at work...

Today at work I closed my first real estate deal.

You can't go back from that.

this is t-bear signing off

Thanksgiving Monday

Yesterday was a beautiful Thanksgiving Monday. I wish the beautiful part had been having turkey, but instead the beautiful part was getting the day off work to relax. By relax you know I mean help my mother clean the house and read. We didn't get turkey this weekend because some people obviously don't understand what's involved in turkey day.

After being forced out of bed at 9:30 I was put to work. (I think there are child cruelty laws against such work but I went along with it just to humour my mother.) When you're the only child who isn't working on the holiday you get roped into these kinds of things. With our excellent teamwork skills we finished cleaning by noon. I enjoyed a nice bowl of corn chowder for lunch and then came the exciting part of the day.

I sat down in my chaise after nicely placing my dirty chowder bowl in the sink and began to examine the pages of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and what an excellent novel indeed. Even if you haven't heard of any of the other books in the series you have definitely heard of that one, unless you live under a rock.

I didn't have to focus too hard or read too long and I realized that I was done that book. To my enjoyment I began the next book in the series, The Horse and His Boy. I had so much time to read that before I knew it I had read half the book. Somewhere in there I ate supper but I can't remember if it was after or before the second chapter.

Go to the gym, this is t-bear signing off

A Rebellious Friday

Today is not only Friday before along weekend that involves thankful things, it is also a rebellious day.

We exited from the entrance only in the parking lot at the Zehrs after picking up our chocolate;

I opened my chocolate bar from the bottom instead of the top; and

I exceeded the speed limit by at least but no more than 10 km.

Have a super fruity day, this is t-bear signing off

No need for a second warning.

According to an outside source I am behind on my blogging. I extremely apologize for any inconveniences caused by my lack of posting. I find myself in a bit of a writers block and I'm sure you would prefer to read about something interesting rather than something I feel forced to write about just to fill the space. One can only talk about their cats for so long.

Not that this is an excuse, but I have been rather busy lately making some changes to my room. We are planning on putting in hardwood (or something of the sort) in the living room and in Syd and my bedrooms, which are on the main floor, at some point in the future. For temporary flooring until then we decided to take the carpet out and paint/stain the plywood. As my room is much smaller than the living room we started there to see how much work it will be and how it will look in the end. After the carpet was out we moved all the furniture out and put putty in the screw holes and seams between the plywood. Then, with the help of Papa, we measured out lines to make diagonal stripes through the room.

That night I sponged on the darker stain.

The next night I stained on the lighter colour. The day after that we had two coats of some glossy stuff to make the floor smooth and shiny.

 

As you can see, the putty showed through the stain but I have enough furniture in the room that it doesn't bother me.

In connection with the changing of the floor I removed the dresser from my room and that gave me space to put my chaise in there! Now I don't have to be bothered by whoever is watching television while I'm trying to read.

 

After many good years with Voldy, our 1996 grey Volvo, we have traded up to a 1993 navy Volvo of the same model. I say traded up because it has air conditioning and the sun roof opens. That is indeed a step up from where we were. This new car is also not powered by fighting squirrels, you'd know what I mean if you could sit in your room and hear someone driving away for a couple of minutes.

I have finished A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Magicians Nephew. I am making great work on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by great work I mean I've placed the bookmark in the first chapter. I'll keep you posted as I proceed with such legendary chronicles.

I'll be back, this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

Chapter 11

An old expression, used even before the schism, says that people should not see the creation of laws or sausage. This makes sense, as the creation of sausages involves taking various parts of different animals and shaping them until they are presentable for breakfast, and the creation of laws involves taking various parts of different ideas and shaping them until they are presentable at breakfast, and most people prefer to spend their breakfast eating food and reading the newspaper without being exposed to creation of any sort whatsoever.

TGIF, this is t-bear signing off

The Penultimate Peril and The Interesting Tale

Before I enlighten the likes of you with the less than horrible first paragraph of The Penultimate Peril, I would like to share an interesting experience with you. (Not as in bad horrible, as in miserable horrible.)

As I'm sure you already know, when one uses the word 'interesting' they usually are only using it because they cannot seem to find a different, more descriptive word to use. 'Interesting' means that the object in question is not great yet it is also not grim. It is just interesting. 

In the case of the following story, interesting has the same meaning as was just defined to you.

I was the only person who happened to be working directly at the front of the office at the precise moment of the interesting event. I looked out of the floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall window which is attached to the immediate front of the building, when I happened to observe a man in his natural habitat. He was headed toward the office but kept stopping to look at his phone. 

Let me just pause for a second to relate to you the horrible disadvantages of walking across a parking lot while observing one's phone rather than their walking path. 

1. One may be struck by a motor vehicle arriving from the left;

2. One may be struck by a motor vehicle arriving from the right;

3. One may strike a motor vehicle that is no longer in motion and appears to be parked but is unnecessarily in that citizens walking path; and

4. One may be so intent on observing the screen of their mobile device that they don't realize for quite some time that they have been traveling in the complete opposite direction from whence they originally aspired to be.

The gentleman finally arrived at the door of the office but rather than enter such a fine establishment he proceeded to remove a measuring tape from his pocket and begin measuring the letters on the door. This probably wouldn't seem like a large deal for most of you but for a split second there I was convinced he would be coming back in the dead of night to take which letters he needed for whatever villainous venture he is clearly involved in.

Before I let these thoughts run away on themselves, I consulted my co-worker who kindly explained that he was just preparing to add another lawyer's name to the door. 

The following is Chapter One of The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket.

Certain people have said that the world is like a calm pond, and that anytime a person does even the smallest things, it is as if a stone has dropped into the pond, spreading circles of ripples further and further out, until the entire world has been changed by one tiny action. If this is true, then the book you are reading now is the perfect thing to drop into a pond. The ripples will spread across the surface of the pond and the world will change for the better, with one less dreadful story for people to read and one more secret hidden at the bottom of a pond, where most people never think of looking. The miserable tale of the Baudelaire orphans will be safe in the pond's murky depths, and you will be happier not to read the grim story I have written, but instead to gaze at the rippling scum that rises to the top of the world.

Wishing you are well, this is t-bear signing off

Lily Bean and Garfy Barfy

Lily Bean is a fruit and she knows it, but for some reason she still insists on displaying her rambunctious behaviour in the open areas of the living room. If you don't want us to see your fruitiness in the flesh then you should probably practice your spirited activities elsewhere. For the last time, there is nothing wrong with the litter box and the water dish can be drunk from without trying to dig the water out. It is a liquid it can't be dug as sufficiently as you appear to be attempt to dig it. Not every person who passes the fire place is about to give you treats. Finally, for the last time, this yogurt is not for you.

Garfy Barfy is fat and I hope she knows it. She enjoys sitting on the back of the chaise, on Lily, on any piece of paper that happens to be sitting around or in any box that doesn't contain something already. Garfy isn't afraid of the litter box; the chance to fling litter all over the ground will gladly be taken. She enjoys long walks from one room to the other with even longer breaks in between to catch her breath. She purrs like a motor and has (at least I think so) a heart problem. Don't worry, she'll let you know when the food bowl is empty. Finally, Garfy is, unnecessarily, an easily exhausted puddle. 

Sorry for the inconvenience but I am still attacking, with ferocity, The Carnivorous Carnival, this is t-bear signing off

A Daily News Report

Today is Whopper Wednesday. If you don't know what I mean by this phrase then you should take yourself over to the nearest Burger King next Wednesday and enjoy a delicious Whopper. The sensation will hit, and you'll understand.

Julie Chen has admitted to having plastic surgery. Because we couldn't already tell. Let me remind all of you of one key aspect of life, you are beautiful the way you are, there is no plastic that can make you "more" beautiful.

The sweltering heat set in yesterday which became quite evident when I returned home from work yesterday to find the windows closed and the AC on. You know it's hot out when the AC comes on.

Finally, I am happy to report that the chaise is kindly supporting me through A Series of Unfortunate Events. We are working our way through The Hostile Hospital and moving right along to The Carnivorous Carnival.

Mars bars are on the menu, this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

"The Baudelaire orphans, at the time this story begins, were certainly wishing that they weren't reading the newspaper that was in front of their eyes. A newspaper, as I'm sure you know, is a collection of supposedly true stories written down by writers who either saw them happen or talked to people who did. These writers are called journalists, and like telephone operators, butchers, ballerinas, and people who clean up after horses, journalists can sometimes make mistakes."

- Lemony Snicket

 

Book the Seventh, this is t-bear signing off

A chaise.

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the beautiful, new (to me), chaise lounge which now resides peacefully upon such stained a carpet? Well I sure can! 

It is the perfect place to peruse ones novel while enjoying an evening snack. 

Don't worry, I don't plan to keep it in the living room forever, I have other plans for it. :)

Now I know what most of you are thinking, however; I only paid $60 for this chaise from a very kind fella who apparently has a kijiji account. You may judge but you're all very jealous of my such good fortune. 

In other news, if you will take a brief viewing of the bottom left hand corner of the picture, you will notice that my cellular device rests upon Book the Sixth of A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Ersatz Elevator. It's a work in progress.

Meow (from Garfy), this is t-bear signing off

The last Friday of the month.

On a busy Friday afternoon at the end of the month it's not difficult to associate the blood works people with the prank callers.

Not only is it the last Friday of the month, it is also Friday before a long weekend. To the average citizen this translates to "let's buy/sell our house on that day."

On this particular Friday we have received three visits from people looking for the blood work clinic. Can they not see that it clearly states on the door that this is a law office? Perhaps I should be referring them to the optometrists to the north instead of the blood clinic to the south.

I have also received a few phantom calls. In other words, I answer the phone and no one is on the other end. This is rude. Don't do it to anyone, they might just have caller ID and know what your number is and be able to prank you back. I'm not saying this is something I would ever do but it has become a possibility since I started receiving phantom calls. Don't be a phantom.

In other news, A Series of Unfortunate Events is currently in progress. I'll keep you updated as it ameliorates.

 

Enjoy the long weekend! this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

"He sleeps. Although his fate was very strange, he lived.
He died when he had no longer his angel.
The things came to pass simply, of itself,
as the night comes when day is gone."
- Victor Hugo

1263 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

"People take care of their surfaces and varnish them; everyone is dressed as though just out of a band-box, washed, soaped, scraped, shaved, combed, waked, smoothed, rubbed, brushed, cleaned on the outside, irreproachable, polished as a pebble, discreet, neat, and at the same time, death of my life, in the depths of their consciences they have dung-heaps and cesspools that are enough to make a cow-herd who blows his nose in his fingers, recoil."

- Victor Hugo

1184 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

Pie Break

Have you ever stopped and observed the cow on the front of Skinny Cow products? I just have one question for these people. What farmer in their right mind would ever want a cow that skinny?

 

In other news, today the National Post has an article in which they claim that 123 year old man in Bolivia is the oldest man ever documented. They should probably all go read their Bibles.

 

1101 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

Wonder

The little town of Wonder didn't have many roads. Everyone knew Whoa Lane, and yet no one did. It was a road of mystery. Whoa Lane held the prize for the road with the most car accidents in one month. Many knew why, other's just pretended they didn't.

Citizens of the little town of Wonder were often taken over by a sense of awe as they travelled down Whoa Lane. On the lawn just before Mary's Market there was a sign that emitted an aura of bright delight. The sign attracted the eyes of motor vehicle operators, pedestrians, local business employees and of course that random fellow who walked past every day on his way to Cathy's Café.
The string of car accidents had all occurred in the stretch of road between Clifford's Claws and Mike's Motors which was just past the sign; depending which way the car was travelling.
Although townsfolk had complained to the town council about the problems this sign was causing, the council couldn't seem to find a legitimate reason to take it down. Every time they thought they'd come up with something the owner would return with a well-developed rebuttal. Jack knew his sign was a distraction, that's why he'd put it up.

Jack had studied the signs in the area in order to acquire the most startling and yet mesmerizing characteristics. He knew every fabulous font, when the font had been super sized without need, and he paid special attention to the creative colours. The citizens of Wonder couldn't take their eyes off Jack's sign, and that's just what Jack wanted when he started to construct his sign.
Jack didn't get a lot of business at his business. Since the sign was installed he had received a lot of curious customers who only entered the store to see what all the flashy colours on the outside withheld from the eyes of those nosy kibitzers. Jack didn't care about how many people came into his store, he was just very proud of the sign that sat outside of it.
What would all the citizens of the little town of Wonder say if they entered Jack's store and discovered that he only sold one item? They would probably question why he chose Intense Pickle Doritos.

989 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

Baking with Batman

In order to correctly construct such a baked good, we'll need a few ingredients. Before we even begin to discuss those, make sure you take the butter out of the fridge. Softened butter is much easier to work with when it is in fact softened.

This is your average baking show. I already have all the ingredients carefully measured out, sitting in bowls, waiting to be mixed together to create something beyond delicious. The butter is also already softened.

Place that butter in a mixer bowl and add oats, flour and brown sugar. (The exact measurements aren't important so just add enough until you think it tastes right.) Then you will mix it all together and do the hokey pokey. I'd probably turn myself around after that, just for added affect.

Put half the oat mixture into a 9x13 pan and bake it for 10 minutes. I have previously prepared a pan and it has just finished baking, how convenient.

Spread sweetened condensed milk over the oat mixture and then add a healthy amount of chipits. This is where the other half of the oat mixture comes in handy. It's like the top part of the bagel, that piece of bread that just completes the sandwich. Be prepared to bake the pan for another 25 minutes.

As I write this I am taking my finished pan out of the oven. I hope you enjoy your Chocolate n' Oat Bars as much as I will.

 

652 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

Intense Pickle

I have finally acquired the Intense Pickle Doritos which I have been searching for for the last three weeks.
You have no idea what I had to go through to get these two little bags of Intense Pickle Doritos. Mother failed multiple times so I had to take matters into my own hands.
After work today I stopped at the Zehrs in Kville and they disappointed me as did the Superstore. Then I tried to find a convenient convenient store to stop at. This isn't always easy at 5:00 on a Friday afternoon. However, the Shell just off Erie Street is apparently the only place that knows how to order in chips. I just wish they had bigger bags in stock, instead i had to buy two little bags which aren't that big.

539 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

SMTW

The past few days haven't been very special so I will just write one sentence per day. I'm sure you'll understand the day after you read the sentence.

Sunday
- I remembered that it was the Sabbath and I kept it Holy, just a little R & R and chocolate.

Monday
- "It was just an all around exciting day," said Moma as she yawned over the boredom of the day.

Tuesday
- Subway for lunch, the van windows were cracked open when it poured, the phones in the law office stopped working and a non-chilly chili for supper.

Wednesday
- It was wing night at Jose's and, sadly, we didn't make it out of there until after Big Brother had already started.

467 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

Friday the 19th of July

With much cheer and pleasant conversation, the evening of July the 19th was a simple Friday night. With eighteen people placed in a room fit for eight, the energy was high and the discussion was lively. Although it wasn't said out loud, we all knew they were just there for the ice cream cake that would be served at precisely 7:00.

The guests, fed and content, left that simple abode to embark on a journey which would kindly deposit them at their own humble dwelling with the span of a few minutes. You see, there are many benefits to living so near to ones relatives.

Though it was but 9:00, the sky was clouding over and the threat of a storm lay thick in the air. The guests had all departed, the dishes had been placed in the dishwasher, the living room was placed back to it's original settings and the residents of the simple abode were settling down to enjoy a good book before the restless night that awaited them.

Had they known what that dark sky would create, would they have sat there so peacefully? Would they have been so comfortable in their simple abode?

The reality of the situation hit when they viewed the fallen tree branches through the lightning of the persistent storm. That was the beginning of an unsettling and sleepless night which was becoming more and more apparent by the moment.

 

315 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

Your daily update...

Today at work I received my first paper cut. I embraced the moment.

115 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

My lips are in need of some chap stick

I know y'all were thinking that it was a hyperbole, the whole torrential downpour thing, but it wasn't. In the past two weeks we have received more rain than ever before in my life. Well, maybe that was a hyperbole. But seriously.
It's either the weather or my neck, one of the two is causing headaches that keep me from bending down. All the blood rushes to my head and then the pounding begins. Mother doesn't think I'm truly in pain. Just wait till the next time she has a headache.
I would just like to report on how much I LOVE my new job. It is just so fantastical! The people are awesome, the printers don't always work, the hydro cut out the other day, and they sent me to the bank twice and the post office once. I'm already a pro!
I also wear big girl clothes every single day. It makes me that much more excited to come home and put my sweatpants on.

99 of 1263, this is t-bear signing off

Ender's Game and Beyond

I just finished reading Ender's Game the other day and I didn't think it wasn't awesome. I quite enjoy to read science fiction novels and Ender's Game is now added to my list of the greatest. I will now be writing about the novel so if you haven't read it and plan to then I suggest you remove yourself from this site. Proceed with caution.
I quite enjoyed how Ender has an advanced mind and is considered a genius but still has his "I'm still a child" moments. It shows that even though this is the future, the humans are still humans. Children cry, children are vulnerable, not everyone gets taken away from someone they love and just forgets about that person. Ender did it right.
I was also a fan of the fact that it wasn't really a game. Didn't see that one coming! I liked the twist, it rocked the boat. I like reading books that can surprise me it makes the book much more awesome.
Throughout the entire novel Ender was being manipulated in order to be who he needed to be. He was able to figure out that he was being used by the teachers for some reason or other but he never guessed that every move he made was carefully thought out in order for him to act a certain way. Ender was who the teachers made him but he always kept a part of who he was hidden inside of himself. He knew if he lost it he would lose the whole game.
Thank you to Nicool for telling me to read Ender's Game, you know best.
Now I'm beginning the long journey that is Les Miserables. I started it yesterday and I'm at 46 of 1263. Going strong.

It's summer, go read something, this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

"Human beings are free except when humanity needs them. Maybe humanity needs you. To do something. Maybe humanity needs me - to find out what you're good for. We might both do despicable things, Ender, but if humankind survives, then we were good tools."

"Is that all? Just tools?"

"Individual human beings are all tools, that the others use to help us all survive." 

this is t-bear signing off

Torrential Downpour

Have you ever started the day thinking that you'll get all your errands done in town and then you won't have to worry about them anymore? Have you ever realized how difficult the running errands part is actually going to be? Well, I have.

This morning Cate and I were headed into town to retrieve some essential items. On the way into town we realized that we were going to be visited by a storm. Usually you think it'll just rain a bit, there will be some thunder and lightning, and then you can carry on your wayward. This was apparently not the case.

I have never been in the Superstore before when the power went out. It was a tad bit scary, but I had Cate with me so we could be scared together. It had just started raining when we left the Superstore to go the other side of town and all wasn't too bad.

We got to A & W for lunch and that's when the real rain started to attack us. We were just sitting inside eating lunch so the rain wasn't bother us but after we were done it was raining pretty hard. We got to the vehicle and then it really started to pour.

Next we went to Staples. It was all fine and dandy until we had purchased our purchases and were about to leave. It was borderline torrential downpour at this point so we decided to browse while we waited for the rain to slow down a bit. After 10 minutes of waiting we braved the rain only to realize that the van was sitting in a lake. I know you're all thinking lake as in, there was a little puddle. I mean lake, as in, it was a lake. My poor Birkenstocks did not fair well in the lake, but I had no other way of getting to the van so I just had to suck it up and persevere. The water was almost high enough that it would have entered the vehicle upon my opening of the doors. Good thing it wasn't that high.

At this point the rain has decided to show it's true colours and it wasn't not going to stop anytime soon. So we headed all the way back across town to Cate's mothers office where I dropped Cate off before returning to my big home. On the way across town we travelled through three more lakes. One was right in the middle of an intersection and the other two were just in the middle of the road. If I hadn't known where the roads were I probably would have gone for the little drive out into the unknown. The van is tank so we managed quite nicely.

 

Stay dry! this is t-bear signing off



I'm home for the summer

I have finally finished unpacking everything that will be unpacked. I have spent time staring at my books. I have enjoyed Momas fine cooking. I have been followed around by Garf who apparently can't be alone. I have been shopping for office casual attire and I have obtained a co-op where I will start working on Tuesday. After being home for only 4 days I'd say that's a great accomplishment.
Monday morning I was so tired while I was showering that I shampooed my hair with face wash. I don't know how many times I've mixed things up from being too tired. I guess I'll have to go to bed earlier from now on.
It's also a lot hotter since I returned to my big home. We had the air conditioning on for a while but it's not as hot today, so the lovely breeze has been travelling through my room. I quite like the breeze.
I know you all (Nicool) will be glad to know that the next book on my reading list is Ender's Game.
And here's a quote that Papa found for me:

"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self."  - Cyril Connolly

 Stay classy y'all, this is t-bear signing off

The Miserables is playing

Yesterday I told myself it was time to start packing. I wasn't very happy about this but it really needs to be done at some point.
I don't like packing because then things aren't in their rightful place. Instead I have a pile of boxes on my floor with all my stuff in them. Not cool bro. While I was walking through my room to my desk I had a lot of stuff around, but there was a clear path. Leave it to me to stub my toes twice on the way from the door to my desk.

In a nutshell, this is t-bear signing off

Recycling

How I know it's time to take the recycling out:
- I can't carry it all in one trip,
- I try and then end up dropping half of it multiple times during the journey.
Reduce, reuse, recycle people!

I would like a typewriter, this is t-bear signing off

Your Weekend Update

Friday was a glorious day. I got to see my BFF Cate and her mother who is kind of my second mother. Anyways, we went to NF for the afternoon and I got to go to the Hershey's store which is probably the greatest place on the planet! I may or may not have purchased a package of two Reese's peanut butter cups that are each one pound. Don't worry, I haven't eaten them all yet. I'm practising self-control. It's very difficult. That's why I hid them in my drawer, so I can't see them.
Then yesterday I didn't do anything with my life except finish the book I was reading. I had to stay up past my bedtime to accomplish that.
Today is another boring day. I didn't mean to but I slept in till almost 11 on the clock, so I don't anticipate being a happy camper on the morrow.
I also want all of you to know that Friday is moving day, so bring your empty large vehicles and smiling faces so we can have this done by the time I'm ready to go home.

I'm running out of food again, this is t-bear signing off

My knee hurts

Something that I learned today:

Star Trek isn't always about Captain Kirk.

Something that I didn't learn today:

How long it will take me to do the dishes that are currently sitting on the counter.

I hope you have all survived after the vampire weekend. Don't worry, we're on to better things. For class on Thursday you will need to familiarize yourself with speculative fiction, please watch the following for homework:
- Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
- Star Trek: First Contact
- Star Trek (2009)
- Star Wars (1977)
- Alien
- Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Be prepared to discuss the material.

My back hurts also, this is t-bear signing off

 

An Unexpectedly Excellent Monday Morning

Most people seem to believe that Monday's can't be awesome cause it's called Monday. Today I had a very wonderful Monday morning and it's not even noon yet.
Firstly, when I woke up and looked outside, I saw rain. Yay! That is code for "please wear your rain boots today". I most certainly did.
Secondly, today we worked with PClaw in CAPA class and usually I excel in such areas but I was having some difficulties this morning. I kept putting the right numbers in the wrong places and that caused my whole thing to be off. On a better note, I had loads of practise in learning how to fix my mistakes. Don't worry, next week will be much better when I have to write the exam.
Thirdly, I am finally (after two days) on the ascending side of this cold that threatened my life. Seriously, I almost died the other day when I took too much oil of oregano, (that may be a little hyperbole). I have had many bowls of soup, lots and lots of water and I only let myself have ice cream once. I also have a tank immune system so that helps.

Have a happy Monday! this is t-bear signing off

Saturday is a productive day

Weekends are such glorious days. It's only Saturday and I've already accomplished more than I expected myself to this weekend. And my muffins are cooling on the counter so that's a bonus.
This morning I was super excited to bake myself some muffins, so I took out some butter to soften.
When the butter had softened to a blendable substance I proceeded to collect my materials. Then I read the instructions. They forgot to mention when I studied them before that I would need milk. I'm not a milk drinker so I don't keep milk. Good thing there was some in the kitchen that I could use, cause otherwise I would be without cooling muffins.
I have also made great progress on my final project for popular culture. I am comparing seven aspects of Harry Potter and Greek Mythology using advertisements. I'm also writing a little description of why they are connected which will go on the back of the ad so that it doesn't disturb what's on the front of it. I'm having a lot of fun with this project.
All those zombies were quite entertaining weren't they? I enjoy zombie movies, much more than vampire movies but I will watch them anyways. Watch them with me!
- Dracula (1992)
- Nosferatu (1922)
- Near Dark
- The Addiction
- Twilight

mmmuffins, this is t-bear signing off

The zombies will save us all...

I'd like to start by saying that you are awesome. No, not you...you over there...yes, you! You sir, are awesome.
Yesterday, someone decided that it would be just wonderful to turn off the water for four hours. I have to say, I really don't agree with whoever it was that made the ultimate decision. I drank too much water right before the four hours began, that was my first mistake. Then I walked into the kitchen and realized that my pile of dirty dishes had grown, yet again. I was just about to wash them when I realized that that would require water. I was really sad that I couldn't wash my dishes.
This morning when I went to get my french vanilla the machine wasn't working so I had to get an iced capp instead. I was not a very happy camper. Then I also got an apple strudel and all was right in the world.
I hope you all didn't watch the last set of movies because horror is quite an unnecessary movie genre. Don't worry though, we're all saved by the zombies. I don't know about you, but I enjoy zombie movies. Here we go:
- Night of the Living Dead
- 28 Days Later
- Shaun of the Dead
- Frankenstein

Let's all cross our fingers that the next few months are going to show us what it means to be summer, because I'm really not feeling it.
Good luck with all future endeavours.

Don't forget to smile! this is t-bear signing off

Root Beer and other stories

My dearest apologies for my lack of a post on Thursday. I have decided to shake things up a little and now you won't know what day the post is posted. Good luck guessing!
The next set of movies to watch fall under the "horror" category and since I am not a fan of the genre I won't be participating. If you do enjoy those kinds of movies, feel free to watch and critique to your hearts content.
- The Exorcist
- Halloween
- Scream
- The Cabin in the Woods
Remember, there is no shame in calling your mother if you get scared. If she is anything like my mother, she won't watch with you but it's worth a try.
And now I leave you with this quote from my favourite by Jane Austen.

"May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning?"

Before Elizabeth had time for any thing but a blush of surprize, Mrs Bennet instantly answered,

 "Oh dear! - Yes - certainly. - I am sure Lizzy will be very happy."

I've always found this part of the story rather comical, especially in the movie.

I'm off to read! this is t-bear signing off

 

Rubber Boots Rock

Today is a glorious day.

I woke up this morning to the discussions of my favourite radio people. As they moved from one topic to the other I laid in bed and evaluated life. The most common thought was; should I get out of bed yet? Until 7:56 the answer was always no.

The radio people moved from the Hollywood Hitlist to weather and then nicely announced that it was raining and probably wouldn't lift for the rest of the day. That was my cue. I got out of bed and immediately started to plan my wardrobe around the rubber boots that are currently surrounding my feet.

Tis one glorious day.

I realized that the rubber boots helped me to shine brighter during my little show and tell in popular culture class this morning. Everyone is very jealous of them.

Today's watching list is under the genre of western and samurai, you'll like this one Papa.

- Unforgiven

- Yojumbo

- 7 Samurai
- The Magnificent Seven

- Justified (any)

- Cowboys and Aliens

Don't forget to adorn your cowboy boots while watching the movies. The more in character you are the better.

 

It's puddle jumpin time! this is t-bear signing off

The Fried Chicken Spy

It's Thursday and nothing has happened since Tuesday. All I can be proud of is how deliciously I ate yesterday.

I learned how to fry eggs. After the first one I realized just how excellent of a fryer I am, so I made two more. They were delicious. That was lunch.

Then I sat around for a while, tried to watch some of those action movies, and waited for supper.

The cooking continued. I made chicken with potatoes and I had a salad. Twas all drenched in my mothers spectacular Monday night chicken dressing. Yum. I got so many comments from the people coming in and out of the kitchen while I was cooking it. All I could do was smile politely and say "Thank You", there was no way I was sharing any of it.

As I said, I tried to watch all those action movies. Many of them I couldn't find anywhere so that complicated things.

I'm rather excited about the next part which is spies. And the movie list is:

- Dr. No (Bond)

- Skyfall

- The Americans (any)

- True Lies

- Mr. and Mrs. Smith

- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

 

Have a spectacular weekend! (I know I shall), this is t-bear signing off

A Long Boring Weekend

If you aren't an inhabitant of the great country of Canada, than you wouldn't have been a participant of the beautiful Victoria Day holiday yesterday. Twas a glorious temperature outside and it's good to know that southern Ontario still has it's humidity. I just love when everything in the room feels sticky.

Anyways, I must be the only person who wasn't busy over the long weekend because I seem to have completed more homework than the rest of my classmates. By homework I'm sure you know I mean watching movies. Over the course of the weekend I watched all 6 episodes of Sherlock (which are each an hour and a half long), an episode of Law & Order SVU, The Adventure of the Speckled Band, The Help, Iron Man 3, and The Great and Powerful Oz. I also read a book. If you can believe it, I was still bored in between all that.

The most exciting part of my weekend was when Sam and I went to the drive-in on Friday night. I had never been before and it was a very spectacular experience.

Firstly, I had to take the bus from school to NF and that was an adventure because they don`t have a regular bus that makes that trip. Instead, it was a party bus. Those guys are very fancy inside, very comfortable, a much approved mode of transportation.

Secondly, I was not aware that by only paying 10$ I would get to see two movies! The movies we picked were Iron Man 3 and Oz. I quite enjoyed both of these movies; however, I started to get rather sleepy by the end of the second one because it was nearing 1:30 in the am. That is greatly passed by bedtime and I was a sleepyhead by the time I returned to my humble abode.

Thirdly, those people at the drive-in obviously have their priorities in order, because those snacks were not very expensive. I applaud their excellence.

We are now moving along into the action part of popular culture and the next movie reading list is:

- Psycho

- Jaws

- Die Hard

- Dirty Harry

- First Blood

- Last Action Hero

But don`t forget to go outside a bit, if you can breath through the humidity.

 

It`s a steamy one! this is t-bear signing off

A Book

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!
- Emily Dickinson

this is t-bear signing off

The life of a summer college student.

Remember last week when I had to watch The Breakfast Club for pop culture class, and then I hinted about the other super awesome movie we had to watch for this week? Now the moment you've been waiting for is upon us. I shall reveal that movie which has filled you with so much suspense these past few days.

The mystery movie was;

 

The Dark Knight.

 

 

 

Sorry, I was just letting it sink in. I know, just pure awesome.

 

If you know anything about me then you know how much I adore Batman. This movie choice was so awesome I almost fainted.

Then today, after we discussed Batman, among many other superheroes, we were given another list of movies to watch.

The theme this time is romance. The list is:

- Pride and Prejudice (any one of the many)

- Casablanca

- Juno

- True Romance

- The Princess Bride

I encourage you all to be active participants in this movie watching class. We will march through the awesomeness together!

Also, we have to watch them all by Thursday.

 

Good luck! this is t-bear signing off

Mr. Wayne Requests Rain

First of all, I just want all of you in the weather department to get it together. Yesterday you called for rain. I really wanted rain. Did I get rain? Nope, I did not.

The problem is, I've been waiting to try out my new rubber boots, but there hasn't been any rain. How am I supposed to test them out if there aren't any puddles to jump in?

According to the weather thing in the corner of my computer screen, there should be rain for the next three days. If I don't see any rain then I'm going to have to take this up with the big guy upstairs.

Secondly, after Tuesday's thrilling popular culture class I had to watch The Breakfast Club. All went well and we thoroughly discussed it today in class. Then he assigned another movie for us to watch for next week and I bet you can't guess which movie he chose. I'll give you a hint; we're starting the comic book heroes portion of the class.

Well, I guess you'll have to wait until next week to find out.

Also, I just finished watching Sixteen Candles and I found it much more appealing than The Breakfast Club. Michelle wasn't too pleased with that but she liked Wuthering Heights and Lord of the Flies so that pretty much says it all.

 

Hoping for rain! this is t-bear signing off

Homework

Today I received my first piece of homework for third semester.
I have to watch The Breakfast Club by Thursdays class. I encourage you all to join me while I try my best to complete this very difficult homework assignment.
I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy this popular culture elective.

Let's go watch it, this is t-bear signing off

Smile, it's Monday!

After two glorious weeks off from school, I have returned to complete my third semester of first year.

Yesterday I traveled the five step process to get from home to my residence building, which surprisingly took only five hours. Usually I have to leave seven hours to make that journey.

I felt much more comfortable with the traveling this time because I finally know what to do in between each train and the bus. I am quite a fan of the train, it is such a lovely mode of transportation.

When I finally arrived at my current destination it was 4:00pm and I was already tired. Instead of sitting down and letting myself rest, I moved all of my belonging from my fourth floor room to the room I am inhabiting at the present.

The actual suite part of the room is no different from the one in 403, but I have the opposite room that I had then. Basically all my furniture is backwards. I like to think of it as an adventure to try and remember which way everything goes. For example, this morning when I woke up, I almost tried to roll out of bed to the right, which wouldn't have got me anywhere since there's a wall there.

I also started classes today. I have decided that I will probably be very bored this semester since I only have three classes and they all end before 1:30, except Thursday where I have to stay an entire hour more! It's rough, I know. Good thing I have prepared for this lack of classes by returning to school with an ample amount of books to keep me company. However, I fear they may not be enough. Nicole, I may have to borrow Les Mis from you after all.

While walking to class this morning at 8:15 I had the pleasure of walking through a long row of blossoming trees. It's also green here, much more green than it was when I left two weeks ago. I quite enjoy this.

 

Happy Spring! this is t-bear signing off

 

 

An unexpected party

"Gandalf, dwarves and Mr Baggins! WE are met together in the house of our friend and fellow conspirator, this most excellent and audacious hobbit - may the hair on his toes never fall out! All praise to his wine and ale!" He paused for breath and for a polite remark from the hobbit, but the compliments were quite lost on pour Bilbo Baggins, who was wagging his mouth in protest at being called audacious and worst of all fellow conspirator, though no noise came out, he was so flummoxed.

 

Tolkien obviously knew what he was writing about, those dwarves would have been an unexpected party for anyone! Pour little Bilbo didn't realize how much Tolkien thought he really needed to get out of the house and go on an adventure. I personally think Bilbo made the right decision following the dwarves. How would Tolkien have been able to complete the ring trilogy if Bilbo hadn't?

One day, I hope I am fortunate enough to meet Mr Baggins, assuming he's still alive. He seems to be keeping his life more of a secret nowadays. He's probably so tired after that unexpected journey with those unexpected guests. Good thing he's a trooper!

 

this is t-bear signing off

Beauty in it's purest form

Wherever you are right now, stop for a minute. Move to the nearest window. What do you see?
Is the sun shining in on you?
Is there a tree in the distance? Or a body of water?
Do you feel the breeze moving in through the open window?
Maybe it's snowing, or raining and the weather isn't "nice" but beautiful in it's own way.
That's beauty in it's purest form.
After the bombings in Boston the past week, I noticed a lot of people writing things on twitter like "I hate the world". Now look out the window again. Is it the world we should be concerned about or the people who live in it?

this is t-bear signing off

Rainy Thursday

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

 - Charles Dickens

 

this is t-bear signing off

Peanut Butter M&Ms

It has been almost 8 months now. I still haven't found a way to successfully transfer sliced bread from the store to my little home without it getting squashed. Mother, you are a genius.
In other news, last night I got a visit from some of my fellow rez people. I was just sitting in my room reading when I heard the knocked at the door. Book in hand, I strutted to the door and opened it to find three people, two plates of cookies, and a jar of inspirational quotes. I got so distracted by the cookies that I closed my book without putting the bookmark back in! These people are so sneaky. Never underestimate people with free cookies.

the geese are back. this is t-bear signing off

Les Miserable, though I think I may have already written about this.

Here's the scoop.

I love Les Mis.

Not just "That movie's awesome!", but "I've already watched that movie three times this week, and I can easily sing along to all the songs." I may or may not do so rather loudly.

Sometimes I wonder what the people who live down my hall think about me. To bad they don't know how very awesome I am. If they did, they'd be jealous of my closest confidants.

Watch Les Mis or I'll come to your house and force you to. Then we can read the novel together, I have yet to do that. It's on my book list, don't worry.
Let's give a big thanks to Moma for being ever so kind and purchasing a copy of Les Mis for my own viewing pleasure. She knows me so well!

 

Vive la France! this is t-bear signing off

EMMA

There comes a time in ones life when they realize that they should feel more privileged then a cat with a string because of a person who has entered their life.

It is not easy, nor should it be, to immediately be friends with someone who you have just met. However, I have found that although Emma and I have not spent an immense amount of time together we are already besties for the resties.

I know you all probably can't comprehend the idea of a relationship so awesome because of its rarity. Have no fear, you may some day find an Emma for yourself, just keep the faith.

As if the mere presence of Emma weren't enough, she's reading the same books as I am right now, this quite nicely results in discussions of the storyline and characters. I also find it quite helpful that Emma likes to watch movies and television shows. You have to keep the conversation rolling somehow and The Walking Dead is a wonderful topic to fall upon.

Although she may feel the need to put on her face some days (though I really don't think she needs it), and is a hairy berry every now and then (aren't we all), she is still lovable in her very own unique way. Life without Emma would be a sad affair that is not wished upon anyone in near sight.

Thank you Emma, for your presence, it is much welcome.

 

Besties for the resties, this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

The Quote of the Day today is:

“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” - Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

this is t-bear signing off

 

SAD

Thursday is the fourth day of the school week. It's the day everyone just wants to get through so we can be living up the Friday life. Although I love Friday, my liking for Thursday has greatly grown in the last while.

Firstly, I only have three hours of class on Thursday. After 11:30 I'm a free beaver!

Secondly, today was Student Appreciation Day. They must really love us here cause there was free food everywhere. By everywhere, I mean at every room, down random hallways and even in the rez building! We usually only get 10 minutes for a break after 50 minutes of class, but today Ms. B gave us 20 so that we could be appreciated. I also filled out so many ballots I can't see that I won't win something spectacular.

Thirdly, some of you may be aware that it's Roll Up the Rim to Win season. I'm not usually a big winner over the course of this season which makes me believe that this year is the big one. In recent years I've maybe won twice, this year I've won 4 times already! That's two coffees and two donuts. I think the car is next. Michelle doubts my awesome skills, sometimes she can be so negative.

 

Happy Student Appreciation Day! this is t-bear signing off

BOOKS

Today was a magical day. I had a wonderful sleep last night and that helped me get through family law this morning to prepare for the Book Depot!

Sam and I went to the Book Depot where there was a sale for a box of books for $30.00! So we obviously had to go!

The odds of of finding a parking space were slim but we beat those odds.

When we first got there we were just walking down the aisles not really looking at all the books because they were all non-fiction and not that interesting. Then we came across the last two rows which were all fiction and glorious. That's where the damage was done. I started seeing all these books that I knew and wanted. It didn't take long to fill our box after that.

Of course there were people everywhere and the line was all the way around the corner but we did it, and it only took an hour and a half.

$25.00 later, I have 20 new books :D

Every time I walk passed the box I take some time to look at them. They are all just so pretty.

I love books.

 

Gone reading, this is t-bear signing off

27

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About.

 

Write a short story in which you are the villain.

 

27. 27 bodies. That meant 27 graves, which would inevitably lead to one sore body the next morning. That was the price to pay for the crimes committed.

If you are going to commandeer a Brink's truck in broad daylight with 27 odd people standing around watching, then murder becomes necessary.

Some of my friends would definitely not agree with my actions, but I know the alternative. I thought about using threatening words to strike fear into their eyes, but I figured one of them would tattle eventually.

I feel very confident in my action. I know that once something is done there's no point in dwelling on it.

I'm on my way across the ocean, ready to start over. I've spotted a couple larger banks over there. Europe is abundant in museums filled with fine expensive art. This will be a good run, I can feel it.

 

 

Write on, this is t-bear signing off

Family Law

This morning I had a family law class  where I learned lots of useful information that I will be applying to my life now and forevermore. I suggest you all do the same.
Here goes:

"If you're going to leave someone, get your crap in order."
 

and

"When it comes to children, it's a lifelong sentence, so make sure you want them!"

That there is advise to live by.


Thank you and goodnight, this is t-bear signing off

my mother and other tales

My mother is so amazing it's hard to believe it. Seriously, I feel blinded by the belief.
When I think of the words; awesome, fantastic, marvelous, impressive and magnificent, I can only picture my mother. She's just so amazing.
In other news, today I was kindly greeted with the winning of a coffee after I proceeded to roll up the rim. My faith in Tim Horton's has been restored. We'll see how long that lasts.

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About.

The time you were the most terrified - your knees were knocking, your heart was racing, you could barely stand to be in your own skin

This terrified feeling has had a regular occurrence in my life since moving into residence at college.
People apparently like to get drunk and cook food at all hours of the night. I have no problem with this, but when they burn the food and cause the fire alarm to go off while I'm fast asleep, I get very knee knocking terrified.

You're welcome, this is t-bear signing off

Thursday is the day today.

You know that saying that goes, "you've never experienced true fear until a poster falls down in the middle of the night"? I happen to be a victim of such fear.

Good thing I was able to continue my sweet slumber after that frightful experience or I would have been real tired for my last midterm this morning. I'm finally done school until after the break!

Now to pack. Oh the dreaded packing.

 

 

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About.

 

Your friend calls to say she saw you in the back of a police car yesterday. What happened?

 

I was taken over by a rush of rogue decision making and adrenaline. This combination did not in any way contribute to my recently clean record.

I saw the playground. I needed some happiness in my life and for a instant there I thought it would only come from playing on that playground.

Apparently, terrorizing little children is a crime.

 

 

Au revoir, this is t-bear signing off

Wendy's, Suitcases, and Anna Karenina

I'd like to congratulate Wendy's on their stellar job of giving me the correct burger. All I wanted was that number 1 combo, you had one job! Nope, instead I get the Baconators son. I don't like bacon on my burger and after that we were left with two patties and two buns. Not cool Wendy's.

I have come to the realization, although under my bed is a lovely storage space, it isn't that easy to get things out of that dark hole once they're put there. I need that big suitcase to go home on Friday and the first attempt was not long lived, I think I'll try again tomorrow when I've recovered and am better nourished.

Anna Karenina. A decent book, very boring, but decent. I don't really see where "the greatest love story of all the literature to ever show its face on planet earth" fell in, but I read it anyways. All 923 pages. I can't see myself ever reading it again. Maybe when I get old, I'll get Alzheimer's and I won't remember how unrereadable it was and then I'll read it again. I want all of you who plan on still being around when this happens, to kindly remind me of the pain and suffering I went through the first time I read it, and politely rip the novel from my hands and place it in a garbage can where I will not find it. Then go to my book shelf and get me something like Harry Potter, that's a series that can be read over and over again even if you don't remember when you read it before.

Then after struggling to complete that novel, I watched the movie.

 

Happy midterms! this is t-bear signing off

Fat Tuesday

It is Fat Tuesday. I'm not at home in Ltown. Lakeside is not "down Oak Street and take a left".
I really want a poonchkie and have been denied a privilege given to many. It's just rude. Completely rude.
If I wanted to be left out of important events, like eating thousand calorie donuts, I would have gone to space where they are also denied such privileges.
Why do we have mothers? So they can please their children. Yet for some reason, my mother has not yet arrived with a poonchki. She is a fun sucker. Just sucks all the fun out of every awesome moment. Shame on you mother. Shame.
Here I am, all alone on this blistering Tuesday night. No light in the night, and no poonchki beside me.

Eat one for me, this is t-bear signing off

Beauty

Society has taken beauty and made it into something that is unrealistic and unattainable. Magazines create an image that make us believe beauty is photoshopped, skinny, tan and flawless. This is not beauty. Beauty is inside of us, not on us. Have the courage to say, "I am beautiful just the way I am."

 

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About.

 

Write a scene that begins: "Joe was the last person on Earth I expected to do that."

 

Joe was the last person on Earth I expected to do that. I mean, everyone always expects this kind of thing from his brother, John, but never from Joe.

Joe, up until this moment, was a straight A student with a clean criminal record. He always followed the rules and tried, without success, to get John to do the same.

Some say Joe was overcome by an adrenaline rush and participated in these scandelous activities under the influence of too much energy.

Others say he was pressured by his superiors or it was part of rush or he was blackmailed into it.

Whatever the case, Joe committed a crime punishable by many years of prison, if he was caught. After years of being smart, he instantly found a way out of getting caught by the police.

Joe's life changed the day he participated in a street race, where he drove 87 km over the speed limit while under the influence of a certain drug.

Of course none of this can be proved, but a reliable source states they heard him mumble something along those lines when he got out of the vehicle after his race.

 

 

Hoping for snow! this is t-bear signing off

Crosswords

It takes a person of certain talent and incredible skill to be able to do a crossword puzzle. They really can't be done by just anybody.
They aren't always easy. I do the crossword from The National Post as often as possible. In 2012, their crossword was so easy. I could breeze through all the clues in a matter of 30 minutes and have all the answered laid out there for all to see. Then 2013 came around and someone down at the paper thought they should step things up and give me a challenge. I really liked being able to complete those crosswords. I haven't been able to finish one of them since the new year.
The formatting changed, and I know some of you don't think this would matter but it does. There are longer words that like to sneak in there and mess everything up. They always make those longer words something hard like the scientific name of some plant, or the name of a random city in a random country that you're just supposed to know. It really isn't very nice. If I can't complete the words around the big word, how am I going to be able to figure out what that big word is?
Next, if you aren't in on all the crossword knowledge, you must do them in pen. There is no pencil where crosswords are involved.
I hope you now feel enlightened on the awesomeness of doing a crossword puzzle. It just makes you feel all fuzzy and warm on the inside, kind of like an inspirational film. Just so feel-good.

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About:

The next blockbuster medicine that will be invented and what will happen as a result.

The Know-it-all pill is the next big thing in the medicine district.
There will only be 1000 of these pills sold and they will equally be distributed around the world.
As a result, 1000 people will have an unlimited amount of knowledge leading to 3 genocides, 17 nuclear attacks, 23 communist movements and an overall zombie take down.


I bid thee adieu, this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

Be the change you wish to see in the world.
 

Check out www.operationbeautiful.com. It's very inspirational and feel good.



You Are Beautiful, this is t-bear signing off

just a crack in a teapot

Last week, on a Tuesday much like today we were scheduled to have a fire drill at rez. Apparently it was too cold for that event on such a day so it got moved to today.
An unexpected turn of the clouds came upon us today and the fire drill which had been rescheduled has been rescheduled. They don't want us to fear the changing weather, but if there is ever an actual fire, it won't be necessary to remove yourself from the building if the weather isn't up to par.
I would also like to point out that if you are ever granted the golden opportunity to buy yoga pants, do it. They are probably the most comfortable pants I have ever had the pleasure of adorning.

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About:

A cockroach (Alfred)  at the Roosevelt

Was dared by his buddy, Patrick, to hide between the covers of a bed in the fanciest suite in the building. Then the guests came in, set down all their luggage and let their children jump on this very lovely bed.
Alfred never saw the sun light again.

Go play a board game on this rainy day, this is t-bear signing off

2:43.

The following is an excerpt from 642 Things to Write About.

 

A man jumps from the fortieth story of a building. As he's passing the twenty-eighth floor, he hears a phone ring and regrets that he jumped. Why?

 

Mr. Thomas has worked for The Collins Company for the past 23 years on the twenty-eighth floor as an advertising agent.

Today wasn't supposed to be any different, just an ordinary day at the office.

Mr. Thomas left his home at 7:30 in the morning just like every other morning. He took the GO train from his home in Burlington to the station around the corner from his office in Toronto.

When he got to work he found an email in his inbox which stated that he would be getting a call at precisely 2:43 pm that afternoon. If he answered the call he would be told whether he had been hired for the Prime Ministers Secret Service or not.

At exactly 12:29, during Mr. Thomas' lunch break, he received a call on his cell phone from a blocked number. The distorted voice on the other side told him that at 2:42pm he could either jump off the building in a parachute and get $72,847.84, or he could sit at his desk and wait for the call that would decide his future.

When he was falling at 2:43 pm he realized the mistake he'd made.

 

End scene.

 

This one's for you Moma, this is t-bear signing off