a hairbreadth of happiness (or, work)

I complain about work all the time, but sometimes there are just little things that make me smile and brighten my day, so I thought, for once, I'd share those instead! (And wow, long and ungrammatical sentence alert. Obviously today's writing club didn't do me any favours.)

• the little girl who said to her grandma, looking at me, "Oh, that girl is so pretty!"
• when an actual good song plays on the radio (mostly it sucks)
• the joy I feel when I go shopping and realise I'm not the one trapped behind the counter (muahaha)
• the cute boy who watched me (in a non-Edward-Cullen way) and smiled at me the entire time 
• the little girl (couldn't have been older than three) who complimented me on my makeup and noted that my nails matched (which I hadn't even noticed- future stylist to the stars?) 
• an excited explanation of hockey (someone had walked in wearing a jersey and my current customer explained who the player was)
• joking with my coworkers
• when I put away the hangers correctly and don't spill them on the floor (shh. It's the little things.)
• the older ladies who tell me about their cats 
• the feeling I get when I look at my bank account (MONEY)

And best of all... the thought that I have less than two months left. (Insert happy dance here.) 

On another, slightly related note, in my last post I mentioned that teenage years didn't seem to be too thrilling so far.
I didn't intend for this to sound as though I was unhappy- far from it. I'm lucky in so many ways; my family situation (when the worst memory of your parents you have is of being forced to drink a glass of milk, you're pretty sheltered), my friends, my cats... (who, apparently, didn't steal my USB- it was in my pyjama pocket. Why do pj pockets exist, anyway? It seems like you're guaranteed simply to lose things in them...)

I'm just bored; sick of slow nights at work, sick of classes that I'm taking only to get a credit, sick of being in those classes with the same people I've known for years. Simply put, I'm craving change. (Unfortunately, new clothes don't quite seem to cut it, especially since I have a uniform- nor does different dessert, mainly because I'm too lazy to bake anything.)

Finally, on a completely unrelated note: TV shows are starting again! Unfortunately, this aligns perfectly with 'exam time is starting again'... at least I've already been accepted to university, so no need to worry!

(...I'm joking.)
(Mostly.)

realities of my life

1) There is still no snow. (This deserves a sad post all on its own... but with the number of times I've ranted about it, I think I'll abstain for your sanity.) Seriously, this is Canada. In December. Did the sky not get the memo?

2) I am still socially awkward. Example of a conversation I had today with one of my coworkers:
Me: wait, so... that girl... what's her name... she was here like three seconds ago?
Him: -confused silence-
Me: you know, she's blonde? And works here?
Him: -still looking weirded out- Victoria?
Me: yeah! Her! and... yeah... I can't remember the rest now... sorry, that was kinda pointless...
Him: -shakes head and walks away-

...what can I say, it takes time for me to grow on people. (Somewhat like moss.)

3) I can now drive! As in... by myself... WATCH OUT WORLD! (Actually, I'm not a bad driver. Just not skilled at parking. Or three-point turns. However, I do drive a huge van- think Mystery Machine, but less cool- so on the plus side, if I ever drive a car, I'll be amazingly skilled... or I'll just over-judge and run into more things... Hmm.)

4) Whine whine moan moan, I work too much.

5) I know there were other things I wanted to blog about, but I can't remember what they were. (This happens often. Is this a problem for anyone else?)

6) After seeing me with my enlarged cheeks and lost-a-fight bruises, my supervisor decided to refer to me as 'chipmunk", "rotten fruit", "unripe tomato" and "banana". All my self-esteem has now disappeared -sob- (Haha, kidding, it was actually pretty funny... and at least I've recovered now!)

7) I've been accepted at a university! (What were they thinking, right?) So basically... I'm assured of NOT being stuck here for another year! (Yes, that was the first thing that came to mind when I opened the email... a little sad.)

So that was my life, in a list! (Everything is better in list form. It's a fact.) How was your week?

hotel room blues

The problem with school trips: the conversation always somehow turns to boys, and experience thereof... and since I have nothing to share in that department, I turn into the girl sitting in the corner reading the newspaper. (Not that I dislike the newspaper... but really, there are cooler things to do.)

Still. We have arrived at our destination! Escape from the dreaded van! (Really, 12-seater vans are NOT meant for 12 people. I'm currently as flat as a sardine-flavoured pancake.) I am slightly deafened by the noise of girls singing along to "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"... Ahhhhh, team bonding. (At least I have hotel Wi-Fi, because it means that I can share all my excitement with you! The joys of modern technology; making it possible for the world to be bored together!)

Also: the hotel has a waffle maker. How cool is that? (I might be sleeping on a freezing cold air mattress, but where there is hot chocolate and waffles, there cannot be too much sorrow.)

 However, I just finished my newspaper...major sadface. Anyone have any exciting hotel room suggestions?

falling is only a beginning

Before you ask: this title is irrelevent. (I just wanted to write something vaguely poetic that talked about fall... I don't know if I succeeded but at least I tried.) Actually... well, I guess it applies a little bit... because lately I've been in the mood to DANCE! (You know you're a klutz when dancing= falling...)

Yay for Oppa Gangham Style! (You can tell I'm Canadian from the heavenly cup of Tim Hortons in my hand. Yay x2 for coffee!) Who doesn't like crazy dancing in the middle of the street, right? (Honestly, plus the glasses, I probably looked like an alien... but a gorgeous one, of course.) Of course, it's a little less glamourous when one trips over innocent passersby... but let's not speak of that.

...I'm so bored right now, guys. My life consists basically of school: long discussions about whether or not Henry VIII had a son (the answer is yes, no matter what Physics Boy says), trying not to burn off my nose in Chemistry (because somehow I don't think I'd be as cute with a little stub), writing poetry (watch me drown in a pool of angst) and drooling sleepily (SEXY!). I apologise for the lack of posts, but the truth is that I don't have much to post about.

On the plus side, this means that I'm overdue for some excitement... come on, universe, fulfill my wish....and at least I have lovely friends who can comfort me with their beauty.

Plus, let's face it: no matter how down you feel, it's almost guaranteed that a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate will make you feel a teensy bit better. (The perfect remedy for a Monday.) 

the highlights of my days

As usual, I worked both days this weekend. Also as usual, the store was pretty much empty... So, to while away the hours, I decided to make a list of my oh-so-exciting experiences! (Just in case your job is as boring as mine, and you need some ideas. Feel free to contribute in the comments!)

• Rearrange flyers until perfectly straight.
• Sing along with the radio.
• Stretch. 
• Stare blankly through the empty store.
• Chat with coworkers (if friendly).
• Yawn.
• Dance spastically (if appropriate music).
• Drink lots of water.
• Immediately regret drinking water, since need to pee. 
• SQUATS! 
• Stop after five because my legs hurt. 
• Write blog posts.
• Get yelled at (depending on supervisor).
• Resolve to be more surrepticious. 
• OMG A CUSTOMER! Check through their item. (Or three, if I'm really lucky.)
• Answer their questions, which generally take these forms: 

1) Is this store closing? (Yes, it said so in the newspaper.)
2) When is it closing? (Same as above.)
3) Can I still use my rewards points? (Yes, as it says ON THE CARD ITSELF.)

• Sometimes, if my luck is THROUGH THE ROOF, they'll add in a story about their experiences here! Depending on my level of boredom, sometimes I am even interested.
• REPEAT. 

Literally, this is my day. Sometimes, but again only if I'm really lucky, I get to go put away discarded items. (And that's truly a highlight.) 

Actually, though, the highlight yesterday was of quite a different kind. Someone bought... this.

This is... a shirt?

And these... are pants?

And here is the entire "outfit" in all its glory!

...I nearly died laughing. Literally, how can someone actually buy this and think, ok, this is cute? DOES NOT COMPUTE.

being a cashier has taught me...

Happy Wednesday, dearest readers! Is anyone else as tired as I am? I can't wait to go home and sleep.... (I'm currently trapped at school, as is too often the case.) My days lately have been divided between classes and cashiering (is that a word? Spellcheck isn't marking it as wrong, so maybe so! However, once I wrote 'speculate' and spellcheck told me that what I really wanted to say was 'semen'... so I wouldn't put too much faith in it.) Since I've been working so much lately, I've learnt a few things about being a cashier, and I thought I'd share some of my wisdom with all of you!

-Trust me, we don't want to chat. (Or maybe I'm just antisocial. That's possible too.) The number of times I have to chat about the weather... To be brutally honest, I have no interest in your life.

-It's my job to ask you if you have a rewards card, and trust me, I'm just as sick of it as you are. (So don't look at me as though I ate your child.)

-I'm a teenager. My brain is fed on emo music and Vampire Diaries, so don't expect me to know that Visa and Mastercard are credit cards. Just tell me!

-Snarking at me is absolutely useless and will in fact make me want to work slower and help you less.

-You have one item. In plastic packaging. It's sunny outside. Do you really need a bag?

-Don't give me that weird look. If you'd been standing here for three hours, you'd be doing squats and stretches too. (Actually, this one might just be me... I have yet to see any of my co-workers doing this.)

What are some things your job has taught you? For your sake, I'm just hoping it's more exciting than mine!

Also: YAY I designed a new banner! (And it only took me about three hours to put it up. Yes I am technologically challenged, thanks.) What do you think of it?

first day of school

I interrupt August's Photo Challenge (yes, because I was so assiduous in following it, too) to say that... today was my first day back at school. (And I want to complain. Muahaha.)

Really, there isn't too much to say about this. It was basically the same as every other year. Same people, same hallway, same classes... except that this year will be my last. Am I disappointed? Sad? No, really I just can't wait to get out of here. Plus, there are without a doubt some advantages to being a senior.

-Getting to 'rule the school'...all forty people in it.
- Spares!...except that I have eight full classes.
-Getting to see my friends again... but everyone I actually wanted to see, I invited over during the summer.
-More freedom... okay, so I don't know where this actually comes in, this is just something I've heard.

...so okay, maybe I'm not too excited about this. Did you enjoy your first days back when you went to school? (Or if you still do, of course!)

driving? no, just sitting

Today was my first day of driver's ed. Or, as I like to call it... ok, actually I don't have a cool name for it but if I did it wouldn't be flattering. Today, we talked about the reason some streets have two lines, and others have one, for ALMOST AN HOUR. The rest of the time was spent either a) filling in paperwork b) discussing the meaning of green, yellow and red traffic lights or c)  I don't know, because my eyes had already glazed over and I was approaching critical zombie status.

I can't believe I'm actually paying for this.

Actually... ok, c) is slightly a lie. I also failed to pay attention because I made friends with my seatmate, and he was super chatty- for once I was the rebel who had to be told to stop talking. (I hate those people. And yet I love being one of them. I suspect that everyone feels the same, which is why it will never stop.)

The whole seatmate-buddy, by the way? Totally an accident. I sat down (well, tried to) in five different seats and was told each time that they were waiting for someone before retreating (and tripping over a couple of chair legs) humiliated far, far to the back. (None of my friends wanted to come with me. Thanks, guys. Love you too.) Thankfully, I finally managed to sit beside someone else who was by himself (sixth try's the charm?) and, despite my innate social awkwardness, strike up a conversation. I'm sorry, Mr. Driving Instructor... but when you talk about 'stale green lights' for twenty minutes, there's bound to be people who don't pay attention. (One girl in front of me fell asleep.)

Did anyone else have this sort of experience, or was it actually useful for you? 

exam survival guide

Exams are a time of much stress. Everywhere I look, there are people muttering the laws of physics, the history of self-portraits or the body parts of horses to themselves with a crazed look in their eyes. Binders are clutched to chests as though they're the only thing saving them from drowning. (Although really it's the opposite... people are drowning in too many notes!) Papers fly like snowflakes as the search begins for that all-important revision list.

Am I describing myself? Not at all. I am perfectly zen. (This may have more to do with my feeling that summer has already begun and that none of this matters than how prepared I am, but hey, whatever works!) How do I manage this, you ask? Well, without further ado, here's my exam survival guide!

·         DON'T drink a lot of water beforehand. Yes, it's important to stay hydrated... but when you have to pee four minutes into a three-hour exam, there's a problem.

·         DO eat a big breakfast. This is really for other peoples' sakes. There are few things more annoying than listening to someone's stomach growling. (Unless it's someone sniffing.)

·         DO use fancy-coloured pens. Might as well make your boring essay look pretty, right? Maybe you'll get extra communication points!

·         DON'T drink too much caffeine beforehand. In addition to the bathroom situation, there's the whole 'bouncing like Tigger' situation to contend with- not so great if you're trying to write an essay.

·         DO eat lots of pie. It has a similar name to a mathematical concept- it MUST help you study! (This can fit in with the breakfast tip, too!)

·         DO remember to breathe. Passing out/hyperventilating during the exam is definitely no fun. Also, the people around you will not be happy if you fall on top of them.

And... that's about it. Does anyone else have any suggestions on how to survive exams?

total and utter boredom

...is driving with your friends' mum for an hour to go pick them up, just because you have nothing else to do. (And then they made me listen to One Direction. Why.)

On another note, this is EXACTLY my feelings about Skrillex!

 

Let's just hope that I don't eventually get there with One Direction..

guilty pleasures

I'M BACK! Did you miss me? (Of course you did. Really, I don't even need to ask.) It's nice that today is Tuesday- I get to write a nice little Favourites post without forcing my sleep-deprived brain to think too much. In case you're wondering- there are NO WORDS to describe how wonderful my trip was! (More on that next post, when I can string sentences together in a logical manner.) So, this week, here's something that helped make it great.

Yes. It is a random game book. You don't get much better than that, folks. It's filled with lists and little activities to do while bored... perfect for use while waiting, whether in line for food or for the beginning of an activity. (Ok, so the waiting part was less wonderful.)

Here's an example of one of the lists. (Isn't my writing gorgeous?) Maybe it's childish, but it was probably the only thing stopping my group from falling asleep. (Again, sleep deprivation + no caffeine. It's a wonder we survived at all!) Do you think it looks fun?

Just because I feel like it (ok, I missed blogging and I'm in that special stage of tired where I don't feel like doing anything but sitting) here's my second 'favourite' for the day! (This one might be a little more contentious...)

In general, I think I have non-objectionable taste in music. (That's to say, I don't tend to like groups that have a love-it-or-hate-it reaction, ex: Justin Bieber, hardcore screamo, etc.) I listen to a variety of styles and like most of them. (Sometimes I just pretend to, but that's a whole other story.) However, I must confess that... I really like this song, and I am completely ashamed of myself for saying so.

It's NOISE. It doesn't even sound melodic. The first time I heard it, I HATED it. However, during the weekend, it played several times. My reactions went like this:
 1- I guess I can stand it without wanting to stab myself in the ears with a fork.
2- It has kind of a nice beat...
3- I want to dance along! (Note that I dance to nearly everything, whether I like it or not.)
4- This song is surprisingly brilliant.

Now... I can't stop listening to it. What do you think of it? Do you have 'guilty pleasure' songs too?

monday musings

I'm in a lazy mode this morning... writing actual paragraphs seems like too much work. Therefore, I will just write random sentences that may or may not make sense. (You've been warned!)

1. I forgot to put on mascara this morning. HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE??? I don't know, but my eyelashes look all weird and spidery.

2. Rice pudding is one of the best foods on Earth. So are ginger-date squares. I should really post recipes and share their brilliance with all of you but taking pictures at every step seems hazardous.

3.  I think I might be part cat. Whenever I see a sunbeam, I have this intense urge to go lie down in it and stretch out as long as I can. (Succumbing to this urge is a little embarrassing, especially because it often happens at school in the mornings. I often think I'm alone... but then the other guy that shows up at a freakishly early hour will appear. Why does he have such bad timing?)

4. Jellyfish don't have brains, yet we share 60% of their DNA. (Hmm... this might explain the behaviour of some people I know.)

5. Aren't these the coolest eyes ever? You can browse her deviantArt gallery here if you want to see more gorgeous looks (and some that are actually wearable!)

6. I'm currently playing with my template... so hang in there while I iron out the kinks!

Anddd that wraps it up, folks. (Easy to write, easy to read- good for a brainless Monday.) Does anyone else have any random facts to share?

blahhh

Absolutely nothing exciting happened today.

Seriously. Isn't it sad how those days sometimes come along? (Okay, I did go to the library... and that did make my heart beat faster... but that was it.) HOWEVER- I suppose that I could look at it like this... I didn't trip and fall flat on my face, say anything that received looks "like whatt?" run into anything (or get run over)...

Oh, wait! I did almost run over a guy on a bike during driving practice. (In my defence, he was completely in the wrong lane.) But I DIDN'T, right? That's what counts.(Although the old man that he subsequently crashed into may disagree... but I digress.) And I DIDN'T hit that cat that ran into the middle of the road... a stop sign might have gotten lightly dinged, but it did help me stop. (Isn't that what they're for?) 


So I guess the moral of this story is- if you see me coming, watch out. (Unfortunately I drive a basic blue van, so I might be a little hard to spot. Just keep an eye out for the pink glasses.)

Did anyone else have an exciting day? (For your sake, I hope you didn't hit anyone either!)