I am a DragonBoating Champion!

Yesterday, I was in the Dragon Boat Races here in town. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is a festival that was started by breast cancer survivors. Now, it is open to anyone, and all the proceeds go to breast cancer research. It is a huge fesitval all over the world, but the Peterborough one is the largest closed (meaning all local people) races. There were 104 teams in it this year! This was my second year competing and we certainly improved over last year!

This year, we had 2 races. Our first one didn't go so well because there was only a few seconds between the time you get to the start line and when the start gun goes, so we weren't really ready. So, by the time we got going, the other teams were already a boat length ahead. But, we maganed to catch up to one team and take third place in that race with a time of 2:12. Then, in our second race, we did much better, had a better start, so we managed to get a time of 2:01 and take first place in our group, so we got first place ribbons! I was so proud of us, we really worked together well. We were all paddling in sync and it was amazing. That was my second year in the races, and we really imrproved over last year. I can't wait to see how we'll do next year!

Fishing in the desert...

I have been thinking a lot lately about the whole thing going on between me and NM. I think that in the long run, we would be better as friends. We are a lot alike in some ways, which is cool. But, there are a lot of times when he makes me want to pull my hair out. So, I thought, if he makes me so frustrated already, and we're not even a couple, there really is no chance of us making it. We just lacked an emotional connection, I think. I don't know if he is just super-shy or something, but he just seems so aloof about everything that it was driving me nuts. And I think I'm a fairly easy-going person. But, when you've been seeing someone for 2 months, you would expect a little "I miss you" or an "You look really good today" or something. But I get nothing, absolutely nothing. That and the fact that there have been a few red flags that have popped up recently. Like the fact that he doesn't dance, and will never try. That really sucks because one of my favorite things is dancing, and I just can't bare the thought of being with someone who is not even willing to try. He is also against drinking, so I think that would cause a problem down the road too. Because, as I'm sure you all know, I like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage (or 13) every now and then, and I think that if we were a couple, he may grow to resent that. And, I think we also have different views on what is important in a relationship. I believe that a good relationship is based on honesty, trust, and good communication is key. He is under the impression that you should never talk about things because that just complicates things. That makes no sense to me. So, I have given it some thought over the last few days, and prayed about it, and came to the conclusion that we should be friends. I still have every intention of spending time with him in the future, I do have a really good time when I'm with him, I just think we're missing that "spark".

Funny thing happened to me the other day. It was Monday night when I came to the "just be friends" conclusion. Then I was thinking, geez, I've been single for awhile now, and there seem to be no other potential boyfriends on the horizon, am I blowing my only shot at a relationship? Are there ever going to be other men? (I know it's rediculous, but this is just what was going through my head). So, I prayed about it and just asked God to reveal his will for this situation and to show me what I should do. Then I went to sleep. Then, on Tuesday morning, as soon as I got to work, like within minutes, one of my co-workers comes up to me to tell me that her roommate (whom I have met on two occasions at parties at their house) was asking her questions about me the night before. So, apparently, he is interested in me (otherwise why would be be asking?). Now, he is probably not someone I would consider dating (too much of a player, I think), but, how timely it was that not even 12 hours after I had been thinking that perhaps no men are interested in me, this guys shows interest. And, I haven't seen him since February! He just happened to pick the day I needed to hear it most to show his interest! I think that was definately a "God thing". Also, there is this guy who used to be interested in me (some of you may remember him as "Jeremy, but not the good looking one" [I have 2 friends named Jeremy]). Anyways, he used to be interested in me. I haven't seen him in over a year, and then on Tuesday he stopped by. Again, someone I would not consider dating, but just the ego-boost I needed at precisely the right time. Also, on the same day (what a Tuesday it was), mymom ran into one of my highschool crushes at a business breakfast and he told her that he saw me at my brother's concert on the weekend (I did not see him). I have no idea why he didn't come over to say hello, I haven't seen him in years, but it just reminded me of all the guys I have had in the past that have been interested in me. So, all this happened the day after I prayed about the situation with NM. God is so awesome!

Interesting, eh? So, about the title of my blog entry. It's something that my mom said. I guess I was complaining about the lack of eligible bachelors I am meeting and she said "well, you can't go fishing in the desert and complain you're not catching anything." It's true! Things were so much easier in the waterloo days, meeting guys all the time, surrounded by singles. Now, it seems like I'm not meeting anyone. But, I'm not really going to places where the single guys hang out. So, the age-old question...where does one go to meet eligible men? If I only knew the answer to that one... Who knows, I guess I just keep hoping that I will meet my dream man by some chance encounter (hey, it works sometimes! That's how my parents met and that's how I met my ex-fiance). So, I guess I just keep hoping that it will happen again. But, I guess I should give myself a kick in the pants and get out there where the men are.... If I only knew where "there" was. But, I'm gonna have to start looking.

Wow, that sparked quite the interest!

I wasn't expecting to get so many comments! That's great! I see a lot of people are also searching for answers, which is awesome! You all brought up some really good points.

Re-reading through my previous entry and comments, I want to clarify something. I was not intending at all to try to scare you into considering Christianity; I was merely trying to get you thinking about the issues, that's all. I don't wanna do the whole "You better become a believer or else!" thing because I don't belive that is the way to salvation at all. That's merely a scare tactic, like the exaggerator put it, and I think it's really sad that a lot of people do that because I'm sure it turns a lot of people off. And that's not the way to become a believer anyways; because you were scared into it, that just doesn't cut it.

And I realize that creation science may not be able to be proven 100%. Nothing in this world is 100%, that's where faith comes in. But there certainly is a lot of undeniable evidence to support creation as well as many other events in the Bible.

Okay, enough on that. Everyone has their own opinion and I respect that. What a fascinating topic though, I think I could spend my whole life studying it! Interesting stuff!

Back to regular blog topics...I am still seeing the boy, I think I will now refer to him by his initials (NM), cuz it's shorter. Things are going well; I think I have lost count on how many times we have seen each other now, gotta be getting close to 10. We are just taking things slow and really getting to know each other. I'm a little confused at times because there are days when I think we would be better off to stay as friends and then there are days when I miss him a lot and think that maybe we could work well in a relationship. So, I guess for the time being, I will continue to enjoy hanging out with him and see what happens.

In other news....I went to see the lawyer last week to get things rolling for my new house! It's getting really exciting now! Everyday, it gets closer! Yay!

Here is my take on the issue...

As promised, I will give some of my thoughts on the whole evolution vs creation issue.

When looking at things from a purly scientific perspective, you have to think about the nature of science. Science isn't biased, it is purely the collection of data (evidence) and the formulation of a conclusion. So, scientists should not start with a conclusion and look for certain evidence and dismiss all evidence that doesn't support thier particular conclusion, that's backwards, and not the way science works. So, creation and evolution scientists are no different. They are looking for the truth and should consider all evidence before formulating a conclusion.

So, then you have to look at all the evidence gathered. There is very little evidence ever found that supports the evolution theory. That theory has more holes than swiss cheese. I mean, okay, say we came from apes, we still have apes on earth today, as well as humans, so where are all the in-between species that are in the process of evolving? We see none of those walking among us today! The missing link is still just that: missing. And there are many other holes in this theory as well. So, because evolution theory has very little evidence supporting it, the only choice the evolutionists have is to try to disprove creation. And, there are a lot of people that have set out to disprove creation, and have become Christians because of all the evidence they found that supports creation.

And there is evidence upon evidence that supports creation. If you look at the way the human body works, for example, it rediculous to think that it came from anything other than intelligent design. Of course we were created, there's no way we could have just been formed like this with no help! All our systems and body parts work together in order for us to live and it's really quite amazing. There's no way we could have been like this on our own, we had to have been created.

There is also a lot of evidence that supports Biblical events. There is evidence that supports the flood that happened in the Bible (think Grand Canyon), evidence that supports the fact that the earth is young (in the order of thousands of years, not billions, modern dating methods are completely inaccurate and based on assumptions that lead to a large margin of error), and evidence for many other Biblical events. I have many scientific journals with informative articles, as well as many books, on these subjects. It's quite fascinating.

Many people think that Christians just believe the Bible blindly without any proof that the things in there are true. Some people are like this yes, but many, likely those with scientific minds, need proof. There is lots of proof that the Bible is true. From a purely scientific perspecitve, it is quite easy to see that the Bible is true.

Having said that, there is another side to the story, and that is faith. I guess you could argue that nothing is for sure, that there is always a shred of doubt no matter how clear-cut a case looks. Maybe that is there to test us on our beliefs, I don't know. And I'm sure all scientists can be very convincing in the way they present their evidence. That is why you need to examine the evidence on your own and draw your own conclusions. Don't take my word for it, look into the evidence yourself and form your own opinion of how we came to be. Christians are not afraid of science, we encourage scientific research.

Now, since I am on this topic, I just have to get you thinking a little bit. So, without running the risk of offending anyone, just think about this: Are you 100% sure about what will happen to you (i.e. your soul) when you die? Just something to get you thinking. Because I think a lot of people aren't sure on the answer to that one. And, if you die still being unsure of this answer, it will be too late then. Better to think about it while you are still alive! Okay, that's all I will say about that, don't want to offend anyone, just think about it, okay?

Tagged by Kbum

List five songs that you are currently digging ... it doesn't matter what genre they are from, whether they have words or even if they're any good but they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions, the artist and the song in your blog along with your five songs. Then tag five other people to see what they're listening to.

When the Levee Dreaks - Led Zeppelin
Pieces - Sum 41
Simple Man - Shine Down
Feelin This - Blink 182
Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran

...The instructions didn't say they had to be from this decade! I don't have anyone else to tag, so that's the end of the line for me!

Now I'm an honourary newfie!

The trip was awesome! Newfoundland was even more beautiful than I imagined. The views were absolutely breath-taking, the nicest scenery I have ever seen in my life. I couldn't believe it. Everything is so rugged there, huge cliffs and rocks everywhere. Just my kind of place being a geo.

We arrived last Thursday and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. So, we decided to make use of the sun and went to Cape Spear (the eastern-most point of North America). That was really spectacular. All the waves crashing ashore, it was amazing. Then we went to Signal Hill (the spot where Marconi received the first trans-atlantic wireless signal in 1901). So, we hiked all the way down the cliff (there was a trail and even stairs in some parts). That was another beautiful hike). We did some walking around St. John's, what a neat city, I can't imagine driving in the winter though, all the hills are super-steep and sometimes they get hugs blizzards, one year they got 6 m!

The next day, we drove down to Cape St. Mary's, which has "Bird Rock". It's a large sea stack where thousands of gannets and other seabirds come to nest. There's this one rock, about 100 m above sea level and every sqauare inch has a bird on it, that was really neat. Of course it was raining, but it was still amazing. Then we drove up the coast to Terra Nova National Park.

The next day (when we were supposed to go hiking in Terra Nova), it was absolutely pouring, so we just went to the Marine Interpretation Centre which was pretty cool. They had a touch pool where you could pick up all these sea creatures. I even picked up a crab when the girl that works there was too scared to! She was a wuss, I think. Then we drove back to St. John's. On the way back, we took a slight detour to go to a place called Dildo (we just had to with a name like that). I even took my picture with the sign that says "Dildo". Who names a town that? When we got back to St. John's, I had my first lobster dinner too - it was sooooo yummy!

Sunday we just walked around downtown St. John's and bought some souveniers. Lots of cool little stores and the prices weren't bad either! I bought myself a few little things, I just had to.

Monday, Dad and I went to the "FLuvarium", which was essentially a place where you could look at river life from the side of a river. It was like the underwater viewing areas at the zoo, only for a river. Then, we went on a puffin and whale-watching tour, but it was a little too early in the year to see whales, but we saw lots of cool birds. The puffins are adorable. And so small! I didn't know they were that small, only about 8 inches. And their wings seem too small for their bodies or something because sometimes when they tried to get out of the water to fly, they would make it for a bit, then a wave would come along, and they would hit the wave instead of taking flight. It was funny. In the evening we took a boat tour out of the St. John's harbour to Cape Spear and back. It was beautiful, right as the sun was setting. When we got back to St. John's, we went to get officially "Screeched In". You have to drink a shot of screech, and kiss a puffin's butt, and there is a whole ceremony and then you are an honourary newfoundlander, with a certficate to prove it and everything! That was fun! And the screech wasn't bad, I even bought a bottle to bring home.

Tuesday, we went to the "Geo Centre" and of course, I was in heaven. Lots of rocks to look at, sweetness! I even bought myself a cool Amethyst Crystal sample and a cool looking geode. And they weren't even expensive, so I just HAD to get them! There was also an amazing Titanic Exhibit, I learned so much cool stuff there that I never knew about the Titanic. It was basically just one error after another. For example, they spent thousands upon thousands on all the fine china and staterooms for the first class passengers, but they did not get a spyglass for the men in the crows nest! If they had those they probably would have seen the iceberg sooner! And, there was a ship (the Californian) within view of the Titanic when it hit the iceberg, but the Titanic set off the celebration rockets instead of the distress rockets. Crazy! And there were a whole bunch more errors like that which could have saved them, but I am getting tired of typing... It was facinating and I feel much more knowledgeable about the subject now. After the Geo Centre, we hiked the whole loop at Signal Hill, which took about 2 hours.

Wednesday, we did some more shopping and then headed home.

It was a great trip. It was cold though! I was so glad that I brought my winter coat, I wore it lots!

I was reading some of the blogs I missed out on while I was away and I noticed there was a lot of talk on the evolution vs creation (and creation science) subject. This is a topic that I am facinated with as well, so I will post my take on this whole situation soon.

Almost time

Leaving for Newfoundland on Thursday morning. Only 1 day of work left before the trip! And, my boss won't be in the office tomorrow, so he won't be able to leave me a hige pile of work to do before I leave; I will have a hard enough time getting all my work done.

I am seeing Star Wars tomorrow with the guy. I wasn't going to bring up seeing each other again since I was getting the feeling like it was always my idea to get together, but he brought it up, so that's cool. Guess that means I'll have to tape the season finale of Lost and watch it when I get home. Then I have to get up at 5am to leave for the airport, so I'm guessing I will be tired, but oh well, hopefully the date will be worth being tired the next day for ;)

I had a good weekend, even though the weather wasn't the greatest. I still had a very relaxing time at the cottage. My brother brought his new girlfriend for the day on Monday, so we all got a chance to meet her. She seems quite nice, so that's cool. It's good to see my brother happy because his last relationship was the whole on agian off again roller coaster ride for years.

That's about all I have for now. Loved the finale of 24 last night, I just hate having to wait until January for the new season! But, I must say, it was nice for them to just show the entire season without any repeats, so I guess that's the trade-off.

I'll have to post all about my trip when I get back!

Let the weekend begin!

Yay! It's the first long weekend of the summer. And what a way to kick it off! I just spent the afternoon sitting on a patio suckin back a few cold ones. It was really nice. My group at work went out for a celebratory luncheon for the afternoon to celebrate our efforts over the last few months. It was so nice to sit in the sun and drink a few beers. Afterwards, I showed one of my co-workers and one of my other friends my new house. I think they were impressed. I mean, the house needs a lot of work, but it's all cosmetic stuff. The house is very structurally sound, so the rest is just details. I am getting super-excited. I have an appointment with the lawyer in June to get the legal stuff set up for the house.

Tomorrow morning, I am heading out to the cottage for a few days. I really hope the weather is okay, it looks like it may be okay. I will relax regardless of the weather, but summy weather does make it better ;)

1 year anniversary!

Of my job, that is. I have been working at my current place of employment for exactly 1 year today. Hard to believe it's been that long! It doesn't seem that long ago that I was in school.

The guy got back yesterday from his Dominican trip. I invited him over last night to show me his pictures from his trip. That brought back memories of lj, the exaggerator, and me in the DR. That was so much fun! With Tony Thrust, Jeffrey almost free, the disco, pyjama fanas, the gorgeous beach, and the awesome food! I could go on an on about how much I loved that trip. We should do that again sometime, girls. It was awesome!

Speaking of trips, I am leaving for St. John's on the 26th, getting excited about that!

Woohoo!

I was approved for my mortgage! Yay! And without a co-signer!

And I got an awesome interest rate. I did my research and found the ING direct rates (which were the cheapest I found), which were at 4.8%. I was all prepared and when I went to meet with the mortgage specialist at my bank, I was going to ask them if they would beat that rate. But, she said "I don't like to play games, so I just give my clients the very best rate I can, which is 4.79%". I didn't even need to negotiate! And it's even better that ING direct! Yay! I am so happy that I was approved. So, the next step is to go to the lawyer and have an offer to purchase drawn up and then he does all his lawyery stuff like a title search, land transfer, etc., etc., etc. So, I think I will meet with the lawyer sometime in the next few weeks to get it all straightened out. I'm getting more excited since it's getting all finalized and stuff. Not just talk anymore. I can't wait!

Good weekend all around.

Except my bum feels differently. I went for a 28 km bike ride today and I borrowed my brother's bike, which doesn't have shocks below the seat like my mom's does. My bum is killing me now. I may have to get my own bike because my mom and I want to go for a bike ride together every weekend, and there's no way I can handle any more on my bro's bike! It even has a special ladies seat on it, but every little bump you can feel. I switched bikes with mom for a bit so I could feel the difference, and I don't think I should have doen that because her's was so much better. Didn't know what I was missing until then.

Last night, I had date #2 with the new guy. I took lj up on her bowling suggestion and it was a blast! I hadn't bowled in years, what a good time. I was glad that we did something a little more interactive for our second date because we had a lot of time to talk. I took him to my new house after the bowling as well to show him around. The funny thing was, since the house is going to be empty for the summer, my mom had the electricity turned off, which I didn't realize until we got there! And of course it was dark outside. But, strangely enough, one light worked, so I was still able to show him around...in the dark for the most part. It was funny.

I had a really good time on our second date. It was even better than the first in my opinion, and the first one went really well. I really enjoy spending time with him, he's really funny and makes me laugh, which is cool. And he's also quite cute, which is never a bad thing either. Hard to say whether this will go anywhere or not, way too early to tell. He left today for a vacation in the Dominican, and I miss him. What's wrong with me?!? I miss a guy that I have only been on two dates with?!? Hmmm, I wonder if he misses me at all. This is one of those times I wish I could read minds... I really wish I knew what he thought of me. It's this whole gray area when you're first dating someone and you really wish you knew what they were thinking. Meh, oh well, I guess I'll find out when he gets back. Either he will want to hang out again, or not. I just hate all this not knowing business. But, I guess I should tell myself, if it doesn't work out with him, plenty more fish in the sea. I've been telling myself that for 10 years now though, but I guess it's true. There will always be other guys, I shouldn't stress over it.

I am now a proud Zeke-owner!

Zeke is my 2001 Toyota Rav4 and as of today, he's all mine. His lease was up today so I went in and wrote the largest cheque of my life. Mind you, I used my line of credit to cover the cheque, so I'm not free and clear yet. But, I am Zeke's owner. Now, if I could only get him paid off before I move into my house...

So the date went pretty well, i think.

So last night I met up with "the guy". It went pretty well in my opinon. I wish I knew what he thought! It was the first time we met and it felt like we'd known each other for awhile. It felt very comfortable and he was super easy to talk to. And there were no awkward silences, so that was good.

He's heading to the Dominican Republic for a week of fun in the sun, so I likely won't see him again until he gets back.

I went to my house today! I didn't have enough time to take pics, but it will be empty for the summer so I will have lots of time to go back. And, if any of you come to visit in the summer, I will have to take you down there and show you around. The house is getting a little run-down, but, with some new paint and re-finishing of the hardwood floors and some yard work, I think it will be lovely. I'm excited! I can't wait until all the papers are in order and such. Then it will be a done deal!

Well, today's the big day!

Date day, that is. Tonight, I am going to meet up with the guy I have been talking about recently. I'm a little nervous, but I think it will be fun. Not entirely sure what we're doing yet, we're gonna talk on the phone to figure it out this afternoon. He has told me he is a little shy until he feels confortable, so we will most likely do something totally non-threatening like go see a movie and maybe go for coffee afterwards. If that goes well, then maybe date #2 can be something a little more interactive.

So, of course I had to go shopping yesterday for some stuff to wear. I got a bonus this week, and I think I pretty much spent as much as my bonus, so that worked out well. I got new shoes, a new coat (it was only $25 at Reitmans), and I also got a new purse. I am heading up to the mall again today to see if I can find some dark jeans. I really want a pair of dark jeans.

So that's all I have for now. I am heading to the gym for BodyFlow (so I will be all relaxed for the big date) and then I'm going to bottle wine (so I will have something to drink right before the date). Just kidding. I am going to bottle wine, but I'm not going to get hammered before my date, not a good idea.

I will be sure to post tomorrow to let y'all know how it went.

Oh ya! Tomorrow afternoon I am going to my house to look around and take pics and stuff! I am also really excited about that! My friend Leigh is going to come with me because he just bought his first house last year so I am going to pick his brain about first home buying stuff. And he says he really likes home renovations, so I'm sure he'll give me some feedback on ideas for my new house.

Should be a good weekend!

Well I'm glad that's overwith...

I am FINALLY done with the Professional Practice Exam. I studied a total of 56 hours for a 3 hour exam...doesn't seem worth it, does it? But, I'm glad I studied so much, because it went pretty well. I would be incredibly shocked if I didn't pass it, I think I knew most things. And where I didn't know, in keeping with my university career, I made stuff up! It was a fairly easy exam. No big tricks or anything like that. I'm SO relieved to have it overwith, now I can have my life back! Hello life, glad you're back, things weren't the same without you!

Thank you for all your great suggestions for first date activities! You girls came up with some great ideas! Thanks a bunch! I haven't talked to him in a few days since I was studying like mad, so there's nothing new on that front right now, but I will keep you updated on developments.

Hey Ladies!

I need your advice! There is a new guy in my life. We started corresponding because our mothers are friends and I guess they thought we have a lot in common. A little embarrassing, but hey, whatever works. Anyways, over the last week, I have been getting to know him on MSN, and I think we are at the point now where we would like to meet up. This is where I need your advice. What are some good things to do on a first date? I think we are both a little shy until we feel comfortable, so ideally I would like to do something more involved than just going for coffee or something. I think actually doing something would be better because then at least we will have that to talk about. Any ideas? I'm sure he may have an idea as well, but I would like to be able to contribute a suggestion or two.

Well, tomorrow is the big day. Exam day. I took the day off work today to study, so I guess I should get to it!

Boourns, gay boys went bye-bye...

and such ended my Amazing Race pool winning streak. I had Lynn and Alex and they were eliminated. Through no fault of their own either! The stupid cab driver took them to the wrong spot after saying that he knew where to go! No fair! But, I guess I shouldn't make excuses, they lost, and I'm mad. I was hoping I could extend my Amazing Race pool winning streak to 3, but no dice.

I was so proud of Joice for shaving her head...that must have been hard. I can say I would do that for a 1 in 4 chance and a million bucks, but I think when you are actually faced with the decision, it's a whole different ball game. And she looked to beautiful with a shaved head! I think it she is one of those women who can really pull it off (or shave it off, less painful) ;)

Not too much new here. I am gearing up for the big day: D-day as I like to call it. Ah yes, the big exam day. I will be so glad when Saturday at 5:00pm rolls around! I will have so much less stress in my life! I say that, but in reality I am buying my car in 2 weeks (end of lease), I am buying a house this summer, and I am a new project manager at work. So it doesn't sound like my life will be less stressful! But, at least I should have more free time. I really miss my friends, it has been too long since we've gotten together! Must get together soon!

I hate being cooped up inside when the weather is so nice!

I have been studying all day and I think I will soon go crazy. I will be SOOOO relieved when this exam is overwith...only a week to go! Then my stress level will be significantly reduced and I can concentrate on more important things....like finalizing the house stuff and spending time with my friends whom I have neglected in the last few weeks because I have spent almost all my weekend time studying.

I am starting to learn the ropes of the project management stuff. I now know how to open a new project, set up inviocing templates, and I have reviewed the proposals so that I know what we said we would do. I think things will get complicated because there is so much I have to keep track of all at once! I have to keep track of all the aspects of all these projects...yikes! I think that I need to spend some time getting acquainted with the sites. We are doing spring surveying at some of the sites in a couple weeks, so I think I will go and be the "Rod man" so that I can at least see some of the sites since there are still a few of them that I haven't been to. That's the plan anyways.

I am considering doing a triathlon this summer. I have always wanted to do one. There is one in Peterborough on July 10. It is a 750m swim, 20 km bike, and then a 5 km run. I think that's do-able! I think the swim should be no problem, the bike should be okay, it's the run that will be hard. I can run 5 km, but I have only ever done that by itself, not after a long swim and bike! At least the good news is that if I am pooped by the time I get to the run, I can walk for a bit to catch my breath. Since this will be my first time, my goal is just to finish, I don't care about my place or time. Then, if I do another one later on, I can try to improve my time. I really need to get back into shape, and I think this just might be the kick in the butt I need. Plus, when my exam is done, I will have way more time for exercising.

Me? A Project Manager?!?

Yes, that's right, I am now the project manager for 14 waste disposal sites in Eastern Ontario. I had a big meeting yesterday with my supervisor and two other colleagues, and my boss thinks I'm ready to be a project manager, so woohoo! What a HUGE leap in my responsibility level at work! I will be in charge of managing 14 waste disposal sites, so I will look after the budgeting, invoicing, making sure all ministry deadlines are met, making sure all monitoring and compliance work is done, attending meetings with the client, etc. I can't believe it! I didn't think that after only a year of working there I would be a project manager! It will be quite challenging, especially in the beginning while I am learning the ropes. I hope I do a good job! If I succeed and show that I am good at this, I will get a pretty substantial raise too! It's weird though that here I am, just 24 years old, and I will be assigning tasks to people who are way older than me and have been with the company for way longer. Seems a little strange, but I'll take it!

Not much has happened on the house front lately. I write my Professional Practice Exam in two weeks, so after that is overwith, I will get the mortgage stuff set up. Man, I can't wait until it is finalized! I went to Ikea last weekend to look around, and I was quite impressed with a lot of the stuff! I found a really nice couch for $499 and a sweet dining room table that has 2 extra leaves to put in (so it can go from seating 4 to seating 8) for only $239! I was sooo impressed! I think I will be getting a lot of my furniture there. They have such good prices! I'm just not a big fan of their beds. I think I will get my bed at like the Brick or Leons because then I will have like a year or something to pay it off. Sounds good to me! I'm just trying as hard as I can to keep my mind off the house stuff until my exam is overwith, but it's so hard! Speaking of which, I should get studying... Just when you thought school was over for good, you find yourself spending most of your free time studying...Funny how that works...

Winter just had to hold on...

Man, I guess spring isn't here yet! I was driving home from lj's place last night and it was fine until I got to the 115, then it was like hitting a wall: snow everywhere! Cars were all over the road, in the ditches, there was one point when traffic was completely stopped because a stretch limo had spun out and was blocking both lanes. That stopped traffic completely for about a half hour. I did not move an inch in that time. What I found amusing was there was a large 18 wheeler truck and pulled up on the sholder next to me and pulled out his guitar and started playing to pass the time! I had to laugh at that. It took me almost 2 hours to get up the 115 (when normally it would about about 30 - 40 minutes). It was nuts. I was so glad to get home safe and sound. I guess spring isn't here after all. Boo to that.

I really need to get my act together with studying for the PPE. I have only spent 24 hours studying so far, they say you need at least 40, and the exam is in less than 3 weeks. I am finding it hard to get motivated. Hopefully I will get my butt into gear and push through some more studying over the next few weekends so that I can pass. I can't wait until April 23rd at 5:00pm (that's when the exam is over)!