Happy New Year!

I think one of my New Year's resolutions this year will be to be more attentive to arriving at places on time. Within the last three months, I've developed the unfortunate habit of arriving 5 to 10 minutes late for work in the morning, which I'm sure partially contributes to me being behind in my paperwork. This leads to Lynda feeling stressed and cranky, which is not pleasant.

Then there are the minor calamities that arise from being perpetually "en retard". Example: I was running late for the Sing Along Messiah on Friday. I had to go to the bank to get money from the machine to cover the donation for admission. I parked my car on Grafton Street by the Mack and ran to the bank. I didn't even have enough time to get to the Bank of Montreal, I had to settle for the Scotiabank and swallow the $1.50 convenience fee. Then I ran to where I thought the church was, only it turned out that what I thought was Kirk of St. James was actually Trinity United. So then I ran back to my car and had to zip recklessly through the downtown core to get to the proper church. And because I was late, I ended up sitting in the wrong spot, and I spent the afternoon singing by myself behind the tenors and sopranos.

So hopefully, if I can get my act together, I will minimize such incidents in future. Or at least minimize them for the month of January, which is usually how long I stick to my resolutions. Perhaps I should add "consistently follow through on my good intentions" to my list.

The weather outside is frightful.

Damn it's cold. I was not prepared for this. I did not bring a heavy winter jacket with me to PEI. As a result, whenever I go outside, I end up hunching my shoulders up to my ears and shivering uncontrollably. The plus side is I'm wearing my new coat, so I do look very snazzy while I shake.

It's sad that vacation is almost over. I only have four days left before going back to work, and one of those is a travel day, so it doesn't really count. I've been trying to squeeze in lots of quality hanging out time in between my "watch tv/eat/sleep/repeat" cycle. Last night was a great party at mel's, and tonight I managed Chinese food with Rosey, a good-bye party (not for me), and a visit to the house in Rustico with all the Christmas lights. It's a sight to behold. I took a picture with my phone, and if I ever figure out how to get pictures from the phone to the computer, I will post it.

I'm also considering signing up for Facebook. All the cool kids are doing it, and I'm definitely feeling the pressure. I already have enough trouble actually returning emails, so I don't know if this is the best idea. And what if I have no friends? What if no one writes on my wall?

Her?

Happy belated Christmas to everyone! I hope you all had safe and happy holidays so far.

I am currently staying at my mom's house. Now that Christmas has come and gone, I expect to spend the next several days spending time with my peeps and family, eating, and watching copious amounts of tv on DVD. For example, my sister and I are halfway through season 5 of ER (the one where Dr. Benton's son gets hearing aids!!), and I spent the afternoon watching season 1 of Gargoyles with my brother. Between Christmas and Boxing Day, we all watched season 2 of Arrested Development, and now spend most of our time together alternating between providing narration for our conversations and hanging our heads in sadness while humming "Christmas Time is Here".

I was dismayed to see the front page of the Guardian today, because it had a picture of the "musical Christmas lights house" on the front. I'm sure they put a map to their place on the inside. We tried to see it the other night, but the lineup was really long. Now that everyone knows about it, I'm sure we'll never get through to see it.

I also did a little Boxing Day shopping today, and got a couple of pairs of pyjama pants and a few t-shirts. That's just the warm up. There are more deals to be had out there. I can feel it.

By the way, I am hoping to actually leave the house and interact with people tomorrow.

Please have snow, and mistletoe, and presents on the tree...

My Advent tree is looking mighty sparse. Actually, I've been a little negligent in eating the chocolates daily, so tonight I tried to catch up. I'm still a little behind (boxes 21 and 22 are still on the tree), but I feel confident that I should be able to catch up tomorrow.

So I've moved on from the present-buying phase of Christmas, thank goodness. Actually, that's a lie, because I've got one more present to buy, but I can't get it until I get to PEI, so I suppose I should say that I'm done buying presents in Fredericton.

Happily, I'm also done with the present-wrapping phase of Christmas. It only took three and a half hours. I was determined to enjoy this phase, despite the time crunch. I turned the tv on and went at the presents like a woman possessed. I'm quite fussy about my wrapping, because I like things to be pretty. And shiny. I'm really happy with my wrapping paper this year - it's pretty and it's thick enough that the contents underneath the paper don't show through.

My star is dangling precariously atop the tree. Ever since my tree fell down on me, I've been reluctant to touch it, so I think I'll leave it be for now. I think it adds character. Besides, I've still got a huge list of things to do before I can leave for PEI tomorrow, so straightening a star that only I see is not a priority. Sleep, now there's a priority.

I would also like to introduce my new cell phone. I had my old phone since 2003, when I lived in Saint John for three months. It brings back fond (and not so fond) memories of my last weeks as a student (stay in school forever, kids). Anyway, my old phone was super clunky, and I was embarrassed to use it in public. And I lost the charger (seriously). So today I took advantage of the pre-Christmas phone mania and bought a new phone. It's pretty. And I got a green case to go with it. And I might possibly name it Mr. Shorofsky, after one of the teachers in Fame.

Did I mention that I'm coming home tomorrow?

Making a list and checking it twice.

Since my last post, the following things have happened:

1. My tree fell down. Twice. The first time was in the middle of the night on Saturday, and I thought my apartment was being invaded. The second time was Sunday morning, and it literally fell on top of me as I sat at the computer. The needles are still on the floor because I haven't had time to vacuum.

2. We had our last show at the Playhouse. *sniff* I had a blast, and it's amazing how much we all bonded with one another.

3. I attended a lengthy cast party that lasted from 6:00 till 12:30 in the morning. Boy was I tired on Monday.

4. I went shopping for five hours on Monday evening (saw 5 people from the show at the mall) and still did not finish my Christmas shopping.

5. I spent 3 hours Monday night making Christmas treats for the office. Another late night. I didn't even save any for myself.

6. I arrived at work this morning with triple bags under my eyes.

7. I burst a blood vessel in my right eye this afternoon, and now it looks like my eye is bleeding. After it happened, I nearly burst into tears in front of everyone at the office.

8. I delayed shopping immediately after work in favour of napping.

9. I shopped for two hours tonight. Still not done, but the stores closed on me.

10. I am spending copious amounts of time thinking about buying a new cell phone. Perhaps the Motorola Razr??? In true Lynda fashion, I am convinced that I must have this before Christmas.

I'll be home on Friday. Friday. Friday. Friday.

PSA

I'm sure it's a little too late to post this, but everyone should watch SNL tonight. According to this article, Justin Timberlake is hosting, and Jimmy Fallon has a cameo! Omletteville!! Barry Gibb show!!

In other news, we only have one more performance left. This is unfortunate, because I'm really hitting my groove. I'm going to go into withdrawal after tomorrow! Being on stage is so much fun! I would also like to predict that I will be sick by Monday. I feel it coming now.

Put a little love in your heart

Phew.

Only two shows left. I can't believe I'm almost done! Our first show was last night. It went pretty well, but the audience was pretty dead. We were trying so hard to get people into it, but they were not coming along for the ride. Tonight's show went a lot better. The crowd was more enthusiastic, and even though we had a few technical glitches, it was a really good show.

After the show, a bunch of us went over to a cast members house and had a sing-a-long, and it was amazing. There's nothing like having a group of people spontaneously bursting into song. Love it.

P.S. My iPod Shuffle came in the mail today. It's so little!!

12 of 12 - Year in Review

This month's 12 of 12 bonus is to post a year in review on the 13th. I started participating in June, so here is my 7 month recap.


June. Ah, the days when I used to have time to walk/run by the river.

July. Another walking pic. I remember it was so hot and sticky that day!

August. Apartment hunting with Michelle and her family.

September. The beginning of Handel's Messiah rehearsals! My arm is still stiff from holding this score during our performances!

October. Shopping with Michelle (a common activity).

November. Ahh... Pepsi in a glass bottle!!! I'm so homesick for PEI!!! (I'll be home on the 22nd)

December. Gratuitous Christmas tree pic. Again.

12 of 12 - December 2006

It's the last 12 of 12! It's probably been my busiest 12 of 12 day yet. Enjoy!


12:23 a.m. I got to bed a little late last night. I have a perfectly good excuse - I spent the evening at rehearsal and then at a choir concert in Stanley, so I was a little wired.


8:23 a.m. This week I took a little time off in the morning, because I knew I was going to be so busy. So I got to sleep in until 8:00!!


8:25 a.m. I actually got to see my newly-painted wall in the daylight. What a novel concept - being at one's apartment during daylight hours.


10:30 a.m. A coworker brought in Christmas treats, which I promptly devoured.


12:01 p.m. My office tree, avec fuzzy snowflakes.

12:10 p.m. More fuzzy snowflakes! I put them up in all the doorways of our department.

4:58 p.m. A "quick" trip to run errands after work lasted 45 minutes due to traffic and and an insane amount of quirky people at the post office.

5:05 p.m. I only had 15 minutes to grab supper, so I tried a frozen dinner which ended up being dreadful. So I chose Plan B: granola bar.

5:30 p.m. to 10:52 p.m. Rehearsal for Christmas at the Playhouse. Very long, but also very fun. I almost know where to stand, and I've decided that singing and walking at the same time is actually tricky. Only two more days till the show starts!!

11:00 p.m. Another gratuitous Christmas tree shot.

11:10 p.m. Admiring my scarf. I worked on it a bit at rehearsal. I can't decided whether it's long enough yet.

11:23 p.m. Time to enjoy my chocolate from my Advent tree. This is also a special date because it's my dad's birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad!

So I wasn't busy enough this weekend with a choir concert and six hours of rehearsal. I needed something else to do. My brain wanted to go Christmas shopping, but my heart wanted to paint.

This weekend I chose to follow my heart, so I spent what little free time I had breathing in fumes and meticulously spreading layers of paint on my wall. I think it looks fabulous, if I do say so myself. It's not perfect by any means - there are blemishes all over the wall, but from a distance, it looks awesome. I did the second coat this evening, so we'll have to see what it looks like in the daylight, but right now, it makes my apartment feel really really cosy.

I can't wait to tackle the bedroom...

I feel pretty.

I went to the hospital Christmas party tonight. It was a chance to wear my pretty Michelle-sanctioned black dress ensemble. At first I had a little trouble walking in the heels, but eventually I got the hang of it. It was strange, because there were around 250 people at the party, and I only recognized about 10 of them. The food was pretty good, especially the Rolo chocolate cake. And, once I was fortified by a few Pepsi's, I was persuaded to take a turn on the dance floor. Shocking, I know.

I've decided that there must be a dress-worthy gathering when I am home for Christmas, so that other people may enjoy the sight of me in a dress and heels (and accessories). The picture does not do it justice.

Wish it were Friday...

It's pretty sad when you leave for work in the wee hours of daylight and don't return home until the sun has set. Tonight was my last free evening until Dec 17th. I spent it shopping, tree decorating, moving furniture in preparation for painting, and returning broken items.

You may remember the premature demise of my dear vacuum cleaner. It's been most inconvenient not to be able to remove the tree needles from my carpet. Not to mention the fact that living amidst dust-filled carpet is doing nothing for my allergies.

I thought I was in for a fight, because when I first called the Future Shop, they told me that since I didn't purchase the product service plan, I would have to take the vacuum to a local vacuum store (who knew Fredericton had a vacuum store?) to have it serviced under the warranty. But when I called the vacuum store, they very politely told me that they don't service other stores' vacuums, so I should go back to Future Shop.

So tonight I lugged the vacuum into the Future Shop. I was prepared to be cranky and insistent, but, after some minor wheedling, they agreed to service the vacuum. And it turned out that my vacuum qualified for automatic replacement, so I got a brand new vacuum! This has almost restored my faith in Future Shop's ability to not suck.

Oh Christmas tree

Today I learned that my Very Big Christmas tree likes to wobble. And tip.

It's my own fault. When I chopped up last year's tree into little pieces for discreet disposal, I accidentally threw out the very necessary green plastic thingy and screw that goes in the bottom of the tree trunk. Apparently this setup is required for optimal tree stability. And I don't have it. Consequently, if you try and hang an ornament on one of the upper branches and just happen to grab onto the tree for balance, the tree will fall. And then you spend the next 20 minutes underneath the tree trying to reposition the screws while simultaneously hold the tree upright with one hand.

I also learned that it's a good idea to eat supper at supper time, and not at 8:00, when you're ravenously hungry. This can lead to crazy things, like eating a whole pizza in one sitting.

Stormy weather

Ever have one of those days when you feel like the world is conspiring against you?

Another Jonah Day is upon me. I am decidedly out of spirits. There's a big, black rain cloud following me, and I feel like crawling into bed and staying there. For a week, at least. Maybe till after Christmas.

Maybe just till tomorrow.

Welcome Winter!

Snow!!!!!!

Beautiful, gently-falling snow!!!!

I have nothing else to say.

Deck the halls!

Holy Christmas tree, Batman!

The past two years, my trees have been on the small side. I wanted a big tree this year. A real tree.

This one is so big, it had to be strapped to the back of my car for transport. I had to enlist a helpful neighbour to get the tree into the elevator.

It's so big, I had to trim the top because it was bent up against the ceiling.

I think I'm gonna need more lights.


Meanwhile, I managed to put a fresh coat of fake snow on my Advent tree. I also filled all the boxes with chocolates. Then I ate the leftovers. Mmm... Lindt chocolate balls.

P.S. Trying to sweep tree needles up off carpet is an exercise in futility.

Caramel apple

Gulp. This week: choose colour. Next week: paint wall.

Let us break their bonds asunder.

Singing and working at the same time is hard.

Work was unbelievably busy this week, and it didn't help that I missed Monday due to my unfortunate illness. So many ears, and so little time.

I also did two performances of Handel's Messiah, in Fredericton on Tuesday evening and in Moncton on Thursday evening. I was mostly pleased with how I sang. There was some definite fudging through the more challenging parts, but I managed to start and stop at mostly the right times. And for all of my griping about my place near the orchestra, it turned out to be a great place to sing - I really felt tremendous energy from the conductor and orchestra (especially the oboe!). We were really well-received on Tuesday evening, and I think our performance had a real spark to it. I'm eternally grateful to the lovely alto who saved a spot for me, even though I missed the dress rehearsal on Sunday.

The Moncton performance also went well. The church was lovely. We all fit into the choir loft, so I had to get used to singing so far away from the action. It was hard to hear how well we were singing, but I think we were okay. After we finished "Hallelujah", I heard an audience member utter a soft yet distinct "wow".

You know, it's just really really fun to sing this piece, and I'm so happy I got the chance to do it again. I remember sitting through a couple of performances of it back in my FOH days, and I never really appreciated it. If I didn't have rehearsal on Sunday, I would be sitting in the audience for the Confed Centre choir's performance. And I just discovered the Messiah sing along in Charlottetown on December 28th!! Who's coming with me?