This has been one of my favorite poems since High School. In English 30, we used to prepare for our Diploma Exam by reviewing tests from past years. I remember finding this poem and copying it out by hand. I also remember that Mr Hardy had book shelves in the back of the classroom that had some poetry books. He used to let me borrow them, and it was at that time that I truly developed a love for poetry.



An Arundel Tomb

Side by side, their faces blurred,
The earl and countess lie in stone,
Their proper habits vaguely shown
As jointed armour, stiffened pleat,
And that faint hint of the absurd -
The little dogs under their feet.

Such plainness of the pre-baroque
Hardly involves the eye, until
It meets his left-hand gauntlet, still
Clasped empty in the other; and
One sees, with a sharp tender shock,
His hand withdrawn, holding her hand.

They would not think to lie so long.
Such faithfulness in effigy
Was just a detail friends would see:
A sculptor's sweet commissioned grace
Thrown off in helping to prolong
The Latin names around the base.

They would not guess how early in
Their supine stationary voyage
The air would change to soundless damage,
Turn the old tenantry away;
How soon succeeding eyes begin
To look, not read. Rigidly, they

Persisted, linked, through lengths and breadths
Of time. Snow fell, undated. Light
Each summer thronged the glass. A bright
Litter of birdcalls strewed the same
Bone-riddled ground. And up the paths
The endless altered people came,

Washing at their identity.
Now, helpless in the hollow of
An unarmorial age, a trough
Of smoke in slow suspended skeins
Above their scrap of history,
Only an attitude remains:

Time has transfigured them into
Untruth. The stone fidelity
They hardly meant has come to be
Their final blazon, and to prove
Our almost-instinct almost true:
What will survive of us is love.

Phillip Larkin

Things I am absolutely crazy about lately:

- Flip-flops

- Journey -the band

- Crepes

- Choir reunions

- Big Turk

- Opinion articles from "The Onion"

- How I met your Mother

- Nachos

- Strawberry and Banana fruit and veggie juice

- short hair

In other news, Christian Bale has been deleted from the spot of Celebrity Trump, and probably from any other list I may have had him on. He is just too crazy and just too darn hideous these days. Of course, when I went to find a recent "ugly" photo of him, all that came up were really pretty ones. Sadly, this is about as ugly as I could find:

Although, please feast your eyes on this delightful this picture of him...

Right?

I will tell you right now that this is the end of a 17 year affair, which started with my very first viewing of Newsies, which I saw in the theatre when I was 15.

So, I am taking suggestions for a new ultimate celebrity trump. If anyone has any good ideas, please let me know.

Are they good or are they bad?

I woke up this morning in 2008. May 2008, to be precise. No, I am not a time traveller, Superman, or even a character in a yet-to-be written romantic comedy about a girl who ages backwards 1 year every Monday. ( ooh, I think there is a screenplay idea...)

I emerged from sleep at 6:30 like someone clawing their way out of quicksand: head pounding, eyes gritty, throat like the Gobi and stomach definitely nauseated. When I stumbled into the bathroom, I discovered the reason for my hang-over like state was the lingering smell of marijuana smoke pumping through the vent.

I thought we had left the pot smoke behind at our last house, in 2008, but apparently someone thought that Sunday night / Monday morning would be an excellent time to roll up a fatty of non-fellowship and bad fun.

So. Thank-you to our neighbors for assisting me in being late for work, leaving the house without eating breakfast, forgetting my phone, and for the 10 minutes I spent on the couch watching Dawson's Creek.

I should be fully awake by noon. 2:00 at the latest.

If you have ever wondered what a semi-coma looked like...

So last night I had a bit of a set-back. I was watching t.v. when I suddenly had a craving for Fish and Chips that was not to be ignored. Most people that know me have been instructed to never let me eat them. To give Denise her due, she put up a really good fight when I suggested it. However, I decided to lift the ban for one night.

Denise and I went to Moxies where I consumed both extremely large pieces of battered fish. Almost immediately regret set in to my stomach with a vengeance. I think it was worse than usual because I have been avoiding really fried food lately. Yeah. Cut to me, two hours later, lying on the couch in what can only be described as a "Fried Fish Semi-Coma". For all of you curious readers out there, here are the symptoms/manifestations of the condition:

1. Lethargy. A lethargy so profound that it found me watching "Casino Royale" with a ridiculous amount of commercial breaks. I really didn't fee like watching this movie, especially with it being dragged out to 3 hours, but I was too lethargic to go over to the Movie shelf. I was also too tired to make an actual phone call, so I engaged in a texting session with our dear Greg.

2. Forgetfulness. At 8:20, I looked at the clock and realized that I had forgotten to go to my AquaFit class. This is unfortunate because exercise could only have helped me at that point.

3. Giddiness. There wasn't hallucinations, but there was a pretty rousing games of non/celebrity make-out challenge that resulted in a challenge for Denise so horrific, it almost forced her to choose death.

4. Nausea. My stomach was practically bubbling with all of that grease, and lying on the couch was the only possibility.

Today, I have repented of my ways, eaten delicious and healthy leftovers for lunch, and am looking forward to bbq'd hamburgers tonight courtesy of Denise's mom.

Here's to never lifting the ban again.

Get in shape, girl

You might as well kill me right now and I will tell you why:

I have decided to give up some of my favorite things, and to introduce some newer and slightly painful ones in their place. I hit a weight so high last week that I decided that it was absolutely time to change my physical lifestyle. I knew that I needed to set some realistic goals, and so I have given myself a year to lose a certain amount of weight, and I think it will be doable. Unfortunately, there are a few sacrifices that are involved. I have decided to cut way, way back on the breads and pasta. I will instead be eating the whole grains as much as possible. Is this a fair trade? Heck, no. I am also cutting out the sugar, except for fruit, and this is already making me sad. I went to a retirement party for a colleague yesterday, and the desserts looked amazing... Luckily there was cheese and crackers. This is not to say that I won't occasionally partake, but it will not be on a daily or even weekly basis. The biggest decision I have made is to stop eating fast food. This one is really hard, because sometimes I am just too tired to cook, and it is so easy to run out for a hamburger. I also really, really, love hamburgers. I will just have to go home to my parents more often to partake in the barbecued hamburgers there. (Did you get that, Mom?) Just when you thought that the regime couldn't be any more depressing, I am adding in Aquafit 4 times a week, and walking more. Actually, I really enjoy the deep water jogging, although during the extended cardio session last night, I was ready to punch our unbelievably cute instructor in the throat.

So, it has been a week, and a hard one at that, but I have already seen some results, and it feels good to be actually doing something positive. I think the hardest part will be having the patience to do it over a year and be happy with the results coming gradually. I live in a society where I want everything right now, and with the littlest amount of effort possible.

Wish me luck, and if you see me venturing anywhere near a Wendy's, please stop me.

"The Circle Game" isn't as fun these days.

I got a bit of a wake-up call today. I went to profile section of my blog and there it was. Age: 32. I had remembered that I had a birthday, but I somehow forgot that I am actually a year older. I am not usually bothered by my advancing years, but it was definitely a "pause for thought" moment when it was there, staring me in the face for the first time.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

The Thrill is Gone

Here is a sad story from yesterday: Andrea gave me a Visa gift card so that I could buy a purse with it. You might not now that I made a vow not to buy a purse this year. So far, I have kept this resolution, despite being sorely tempted time and again. Andrea assured me that because it wasn't my money, it would be o.k. to get one. But, I could not find one that I really liked within the price range. There were some that were o.k., but nothing really called out to me and begged me to take it home. That is probably the first time I have not found at least one bag that I liked. Either my relationship with purses is fading, or I have terrible luck. Let's pray for once that it is the latter.

So, last night I was laying on my bed, looking at my newly set-up book shelves, and I thought I would give a few recommendations from my personal library.

1. Rebecca by Daphne Dumaurier. This is a classic, and deservedly so. It is a romance/mystery that engages you from the first page. It is told in first person, and the narrator is compelling in her obsessiveness and insecurity. Read it - I do at least once a year

2.The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. This is one of her lesser known books, but the characters are absolutely delightful. Although it is highly sentimental, it has a lot of humour and bits of sarcasm to balance it out.

3. Anything by Anne Perry. She is a Victorian mystery novelist, and her description and portrayal of Victorian London is fascinating. Her exploration of societal customs, fashion, and social issues make each book extremely interesting. Her first series is being re-published, so start with The Cater Street Hangman

That is a few, and I will be bringing more to you in the coming weeks.

I have stolen this questionnaire from both Denise and Laura, so I am sorry for the unoriginality. I really used to hate doing these, but now I can't get enough.

Before I paste it in, a thank-you to everyone who made my birthday so great. A special shout out goes to a few people:
1. Mom and Dad for the birthday money - it is awful to day, but shopping might be my favorite thing in the whole world.
2. Denise for the surprise party. I had no idea, and it was so wonderful to feel so loved. Thanks also to everyone who attended and for trying my favorite drink. Hope it wasn't too perfumey for you. Thanks especially to Leita for the fun present.
3. Thanks to Jess and Sam for helping to sing Happy Birthday. Always a favorite phone-call.
4. Thanks to Cam and Greg and Gabe for the texts.
5. Andrea and Chris for the gift card. I am going this afternoon to buy the purse that wasn't.
6. Everyone who wished me Happy Birthday on the Facebook. I actually looked like I had more than 3 friends for once. Yay!
7. Ashley and Braden for their beautiful musical renditions of inane modern pop music.
8. The Korneluks for the movie, the Frozen Yogurt, and the return to a new and improved Denny's. It's like a real restaurant.

So, if you are not all bored yet, here is the newest questionnaire.

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My face - I have a real routine in there, and the one time I didn’t do it in my usual order, I got really confused and washed some things twice and forgot others entirely.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Black. Unfortunately, it is also my Lethbridge College hoodie, but it just fits really well.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
No.

4. Do you plan outfits?
Always. I sometimes stay awake for an hour planning different outfits. A common question at our house is “What are you going to wear tomorrow”?

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Happy. I had a fantastic birthday weekend, and this week is shaping up to be a great one.

6. What’s the closest thing to you that's red?
The guy next to me is wearing a red shirt.

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
I dreamed I was back in University and there was a test in the class that I hadn’t attended all semester. Classic.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
No, but is only 11:38, so there is still hope.

9. What are you craving right now?
A Chef’s Salad…Weird, right?

10. Do you floss?
I go through phases. This month I definitely am.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Coleslaw, or my mom’s dee-vine Kitchen sink Salad which is henceforth to be known as Coleslaw Plus.

12. Are you emotional?
There are bathrooms all over this province that will attest to the fact that I am indeed an emotional person, sometimes overly so.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Yes, and in response to Denise’s question why…for funsies.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
I lick it. It lasts longer.

15. Do you like your hair?
When I have invested at least 30 minutes into it, then yes, I do.

16. Do you like yourself?
I’m not the worst.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
I have no beef with him. Sure. We could always bond over our love of The Google.

18. What are you listening to right now?
Other students in the computer lab who are talking about their spring classes. The cd that is playing in my car right now is “White Ladder” by David Gray.

19. Are your parents strict?
Not strict…consistent.

20. Would you go skydiving?
Only if someone pushed me out of a plane.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Any way I can get it.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
I have met Blue Rodeo, Sarah Slean, and our wonderful Peter Katz.

23. Do you rent movies often?
I used to a lot, but hardly ever these days. I go to the movies a lot.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
My necklace.

25. How many countries have you visited?
U.S.A., England, Wales, and Ireland. I also flew over Greenland, so I have a special place in my heart for that barren wasteland.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Yes…but it is a story probably better never told.

27. Ever been on a train?
One at Fort Edmonton, and the thrilling ride at the Valley Zoo in Edmonton.

28. Brown or white eggs?Anyone who knows me knows that I am all about the aesthetically pleasing, so I love the brown ones only because they are prettier.

29.Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes I do, and I hate it!! Only 10 more months until my contract is up and I can get a pretty new one.3

0. Do you use Chap Stick?
Call me Camilla Kershaw, I have started to carry at least 2 in each purse.

31. Do you own a gun?
Let’s see…I grew up in a town where almost every family had an “accidental” shooting of one sibling by another. I do not.

32. Can you use chopsticks?
For about 10 minutes, and then my hands go weirdly spastic and kind of forgetful.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
My Young Women’s girls, my dear Denise Garner, and if I can wrangle it, George Clooney.

34. Are you too forgiving?
I didn’t use to, but I can be these days.

35. Ever been in love?
Yes.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
Being awesome. Doing stuff. Probably drinking some juice as well.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Maybe I have, and maybe…I have. I have eaten them, made them, worshipped them…whatever.

38. Last time you cried?
I watched “The Secret Life of Bees” on Saturday, and cried through the whole thing.

39. What was the last question you asked?
“Are you going to lunch?”

40. Favorite time of the year?
Fall. I love the weather, I love the feeling of renewal, and I love the clothes.

41. Do you have any tattoos?
No, but I always wanted one.

42. Are you sarcastic?
Only when people are really stupid.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
That movie is about flowers, right?

44. Ever walked into a wall?
I don’t think so, but I am pretty clumsy, nonetheless.

45. Favorite color?
Blue – all shades.

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes. I slapped a guy in grade seven but I can’t remember why. Now, if the question were “Have you been slapped in the face, there would be the time I deserved it (ask my Mom), and the times I didn’t (ask my sister, Andrea)

47. Is your hair curly?
When I force it to be, generally it is just fuzzy.

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Adele – 19. Wonderful!!

49. Do looks matter?
Not really. For me it really is about personality….and maybe a little bit of hygiene. There is no law against showering.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
If I was dating someone and they cheated, no way. If we were married, I think so.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
Only because my plan gouges me on a daily basis.

52. Do you like your life right now?
Sure. It’s pretty good.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
I fall asleep with the t.v. on. Is that the same?

54. Can you handle the truth?
If my hair is done.

55. Do you have good vision?
I wear glasses for driving, the movies, and when my eyes are tired.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Maybe for about 1 day, but after that, who cares? I really can’t waste the energy.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
As little as humanly possible. I am ridiculously awkward on the phone.

58. The last person you held hands with?
My nephew, Steven. I had to keep him from falling in to the swimming pool.

59. What are you wearing?
A blue flowered skirt, white top, and gold flip-flops. Could I be any cuter?

60.What is your favorite animal?
I love giraffes. They are so tall and graceful.

61. Where was your Facebook picture taken at?
At my parent’s house

62. Can you hula-hoop?
No. I am monumentally uncoordinated.

63. Do you have a job?
Yes. Do I work? Sometimes.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
Groceries at Safeway last night.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes, when I was locked out of the house.

66. Is your hair up?
No.

67.Is your phone right beside you?
In my bag.

68.Do you have a gf/bf?
“All the single ladies, single ladies…”

69.Do you wish you were somewhere else?
I wish I was at home, reading “Tara Road” and drinking juice.