June 23, 2000

Anyways, so last weekend my sister and I went home. It was nice to be there and to hang out. I realized that whenever I would come home I'd jet off to meet my friends and leave my parents alone. So I'm glad I stayed. I got the usual lecture about my tongue. It's been 2yrs, leave me alone! Ack.

They kicked us out Sunday afternoon. B and I went to the IKEA "It only happens twice a year" Sale and she bought me stuffs! I got this weird vase. It's two vase-shaped pieces of wood sandwiching three test-tubes. It's green with blue polka dots. Picture it if you can, 75-cents! Regular price $4.95. I bought a cheapo dark blue and green rug, 3 blue mixing bowls, and something else. It was coo.

Lar and I decided to go see "Titan AE" and eat somewhere. I didn't really want to at first since it seemed kind of late to be doing something like that, especially on a Sunday. It was around 9pm. But we went. The movie was okay. They did a super job of making the surroundings look real, but the people just didn't look like they fit. That was my problem with the visuals. The next problem was how the bad guy turns good (I hope I'm not ruining anything here) in the end, cheezy. There were some good twists, but they were undone by the aforementioned thing. Otherwise I guess it was alright.

We went to eat at Stella's since it was just next door. This time was the worst experience, ever! The waiter-girl just sucked. She kept giving me Lar's food (soup and raviolli) and she was slow as hell! Lar's cup had something in it so he asked for another glass. We hardly got any "bread service." I asked for Tabasco and she forgot it the next time she came back. I politely pointed it out and she said something to me that sent a chill down my spine. I wanted to leave at that moment. Don't you fucking disrespect me here, bitch.

Okay sorry for that outburst, she really upset me. And by the time I got my damn hot sauce my food was cold. Additionally, the home fries were cut too large and my bread was rock-hard. She took forever to get the check to us. In fact, WE went to get the check FROM her. Lar signed it with a frowny-face. She sucked ASS. This will probably be the last time we come back here. OMG! Just terrible.

So then Lar wanted to get to bed ASAP cuz we spent entirely too much time out tonight. There was no time for us to go find his job cuz he's forgotten where to go. I got him directions from Map Quest and we went to bed.

The next morning was my birthday. I spent it hanging out, by myself and with my friends. I went to see Wilson at his room and yes, it is a small room. I got back around 6 to wait for Larry. He was late because he was looking for me a present. *awww* He tried to get us tix to see EMP today but they were sold out. D'oh! But it was the thought. He said that at least he could take me out for dinner so I was happy for the attention.

He was pretty tired since it's been a while since he worked a full 8-hour day so I let him sleep for a while. Annie and Wilson called me and wanted me to come over after we had dinner cuz they were planning something. I was looking forward to it.

I got there later that night, a bit earlier than expected. They were gone and Tanya talked to me until the arrived. They got me cake and ice cream! There was an interesting story about how Wilson had to do the lettering on my cake because the girl didn't know how to do it herself. *LOL* So we sat and talked, he tried to fix Annie's modem again but no dice. Went home around midnight since both had school in the morning. Hee hee!

I was all ambitious on Tuesday. I woke up and got dressed, finally went to the Temp Service! I did not go on Friday because my printer is SHIT and my resume looked terrible! I asked B to make me some copies, which I'm using now. Anyways, I just filled out my application. I sincerely doubt I can get a good job from there....and then went to the student accounts office to return my $75 UPass. EEK. Then I met A&A for lunch at Orange King.

Afterwards, Annie and I went to turn in our patronage refunds and look at stuff. I deposited the birthday money my parents gave me and went home. We agreed to meet up later that day to go to the IMA and work out.

I began to email some jobs I found in The Daily. I got positive responses back quickly! That gave me a boost in the job hunt. Lar forwarded me a message from the School of Social Work about an office job and I wrote them as well. They seemed glad to hear from me. I also had some research job that could have been mine but I wouldn't have any time for it if I took the office job, which is full-time.

Nelson joined us which was great. It was not-so-great when he didn't know that he needed a quarter sticker to get in. Otherwise he'd have to pay right? So he ended up leaving after a long stand-off with everyone and we just did our own thing. That was the longest half hour, ever. But at least I'm doing something! Go me!

Wednesday was a busy day as well since I went along with Annie and Wilson to look for Dawn's birthday gift. That took us to SeaTa-ghetto-mall, IKEA, and Walmart. I bought some more cool stuff at IKEA though. A crown mirror for two bucks, a feather duster, and a ghost bean bag chair cover--->my project for the night!

I called B to see what was up and she took me out for a late birthday dinner at this nice Thai place. Verra goo. Then we went to Larry's market where I bought some wine coolers and got carded. Woo hoo! The girl wished me a Happy Birthday. *heh*

I settled down to "Survivor" and my sewing kit. I needed a bean bag for the beans! I was using the ones from my old bean bag cuz it's sooo dead now. Anyways, I had to use an old bedsheet to make the bag. It took SIX HOURS of SEWING. OMG. I didn't think it would take that long. I wished I had a machine. OY! But in the end, it was worth it. I have Mister Scarey Boo Man and he's cute and fat. I like heem. :D

Thursday I actually went in to interview with the Social Work office. OMG! I hadn't done this in so long! I was interviewed by two women, one I've been emailing the whole time. It was okay. I chattered about random other things, not just work and it was good. Really good. The only thing that I knew wouldn't be good was my references!

I was just hoping no one would ask but of course they would. Who doesn't? So I just was honest with them and said that where I used to work there was a high turnover rate, and no one would remember me because of it. But I'd see if I could contact the Chemistry Library to see if someone could say a few words for me. They liked that.

So I left there feeling good. I returned my sister's Kozmo movies: Mumford and Eye of the Beholder....both were on the bad end, "Eye" moreso. Damn it sucked! I grabbed a new Stranger and deposited the birthday money she gave me.

Then I fell asleep since I slept at 3am after finishing the bean bag and woke up relatively early at 9am.

Today began good, went hellishly, and ended good again.

Michelle called me this morning and we talked for a few minutes. She just wanted to tell me that she was coming down tomorrow to visit! I'm excited to see her. :DDDD

I hadn't heard back from the Library yet and I was getting anxious. I planned on going to see them before I went to my "Hamlet" matinee at 4.30pm. But you know...as I was talking to Wilson about the whole reference charade, the other woman who interviewed me yesterday called ME and asked me about it! EEEK!! So I said I contacted the man and I was going to see him later today. She told me to give her his name, so she'd call HERSELF. Is this procedure? Huh? So I thankfully remembered the spelling of his name and said something about....how I was still going to visit or something. I dunno!

ACK! So did I have to run down there now to warn them? I didn't know. I called Wilson again. Then I called my dad and my mom, trying to think of other references I could use. It was crazy. I used my calling card for each of those calls and I called probably ten times! I was getting desperate, I even called one of the numbers on my reference sheet (which wasn't given to them obviously) to see if I could remind so-n-so about me..but all voicemails! AHHHHHH!! I didn't know what to do.

So while I was waiting for my mom to get back from wherever it was she went, the phone rang again. I cautiously answered it, I didn't want it to be them wanting another reference from me. (I had checked my email and the one who had been writing me, wrote and asked if I had another reference if this one didn't work. Eeek!) And it was the woman I talked to earlier. I was preparing myself for her asking for another reference, so I wasn't really listening to her...when I realized she was 1) done talking and 2) she offered me the job!

I sputtered something and stopped myself by saying I was speechless and thanked her. I start Monday at 8! I work until 4.30 and have an hour lunch at noon. Full time pretty much. I think I'm like the back-up receptionist or something. I get $7.50/hr but there is a possibility for a raise after 30 days, I think I can do eet!

I called my dad back and told him the news so that he could pass it on to my mom. Lar got home and I told him. He also got back in time to join me for the movie. "Hamlet" was alright. The beginning was pretty boring, in fact, Lar was falling asleep! But the end got a bit better and I dunno, it's Shakespeare what more do you want to know?

We got food from La Vaca and walked home. We got sidetracked by all this furniture someone threw out! So we went over there to see what was there, and found this awesome grey-silver-white formica table! We grabbed it, Lar hefted it home and now we have a dining table. It looks really cool. I'm not just saying that because we took it and there has to be a good reason. It's just really cool.

So then I had to CLEAN because the apartment has been in disrepair over the past week. Michelle's coming was a good reason to do it. So I spent a few hours cleaning and now all that's left is the bedroom and it's all clean! It's kind of nice how the livingroom is furnished and lived-in. Me likes.

Been getting back into looking for a new apartment. There's one available in a building that I've been wanting! In the two years I've been here, this is the first time I've seen an opening. I doubt we can get it, cuz 1) it's a 3 bedroom and 2) it's prolly available NOW and we aren't free until the end of August. Damn.

I'm nervous again about starting work. The people there seem really great and nice. I know it's due to being in the social work department, but still. I have performance anxiety..I'm embellished a bit on my telephone skills, but it's just phone, right? I need to get some more pants though. Though they said dress was casual, there was no mention of jeans, so they probably aren't allowed-allowed. And also my AE cargo pants are too casual so they're out. I'm basically down to one pair of pants. Help me!

That's all for now, I'm excited about Meesh's visit. Talka latta.

Last old entry was June 16, 2000.

June 29, 2000: Week one?

Before we go into that work stuff: the weekend.

It was great! Lar's alarm was set to go off at 9, so that I could get up in time for Michelle. It went off, he turned it off, and I thought about sleeping some more. But then I heard some knocking. Was it her already?! I stumbled to the door and whispered, "Michelle...?" But it was my Mom. :P

She came by to take my sis and me out for dinner since they were up here for some reason. It was a gracious invite, however, I had plans with Meesh so I had to say no. It would have been nice to go though. Anyways, I decided to stay up and watch some cartoons. Meesh came early. We talked and waited as Lar took his shower. She brought me this cool picture of a giraffe morphing into the Eiffel Tower. I really like it!

We went along the Ave very briefly. She needed to stock up on Sanrio stationery and we were just followers. Lar hadn't eaten yet so we stopped off at China First for lunch, even though I had just eaten minutes before we left! Then we caught the bus downtown. We took her to Uwijimaya where she spent too much on mo stationery... but it was 10% off, eh.

I bought some Mr.Brown coffee and some cassava chips. They are so good!!! We went back to Westlake Center and walked around. Went to Old Navy and I got some $10 jeans, not what I needed for work but they were cheap! Then we went down to Pike Marketplace and walked inside until it got too crowded, so we went outside.

We went by this window display of stuffed animals: fat cats. I had to go in there...they were so fat!!! They were $30 though..for the biggest, fattest, stuffed cat you've ever seen!! I resisted... We ended up at the Harbor Steps and watched two little kids playing in the water.

Then we walked along the pier and I finally go to go to Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe! It wasn't as cool as I thought it'd be. I thought the museum part would be in the back, off to the side somewhere. But it was mixed in with the stuff you buy. And it was also WAY crowded in there too!

By now it was time to go. Meesh had to get back and we did spend the whole day out. God, it was hot! We had to go back up all those stairs as well. I felt like my head was gonna burst! Lar got sidetracked by the Sharper Image so we waited a while there..and I got sidetracked at Hallmark later. We rode the bus home, Meesh hung out for 30mins and then left.

Had we planned better, she should have just stayed over! Ah well. Lar and I went out at night to grocery shop and rent some movies.

On Sunday I had to buy my clothes! But first we had to see "Chicken Run." Need I say more? It was very good and hilarious. I will probably end up seeing it again. Very clever. My new goal is to collect the Burger King kid's meal toys to build the plane. We went to Ross, I bought two pants, two shirts, and one skirt. Then we went to TJMaxx, I bought a skirt I need to return. And finally home. I was tired because I hadn't been sleeping my usual amount for weekends due to stuff happening.

And so, I bring you to last Monday. My first day was okay. The only complaint I had was how DAMN HOT IT WAS. But the office is relatively small, and everyone is so nice as well. I'm basically your average office gopher. I make the copies (some single-sided, some double-sided, some on extra-long paper) no one else wants to. I move files all over the place (take them out, put them back, move them around). I enter in data when there are some. I answer phones when there is no one around. It's okay. But so damn hot!

Tuesday was less stressful, my first-day anxieties were over. But it was still DAMN HOT. Wednesday was more of the same thing...

But today! It's so cool in the 70s!! I'm happy and the day went by so fast. I finished this annoying copy job I had left over from yesterday. I actually did some work at my desk (usually I'm standing somewhere... by the file cabinet, next to the copy machine). When I took over the front desk @ 2.30, it was silent! The only times the phone rang were quite conveniently when the usual girl was at the desk looking for something while I was in the back cleaning up the files.

It's good. I hope this weather keeps up. Earlier this week was absolute hell for me. I, in fact, convinced myself that I did work in Hell. I still maintain that I do hate my life and want to go back to school. ;) But it's almost Friday, Fat Cat Day!

So I put it into my head that I now needed this fat cat. Before, it was just a want, but after a few days it is now a need. It began as something to look forward to, but it's also a late-bday gift to myself... and a treat for completing my first week. Many reasons, okay? So tomorrow Lar and I will meet my sister downtown (who wants to see the famous display too) and I will come home with a Fat Cat. I'm soooo excited!

As for some things I forgot to mention in the previous update....

Last Thursday Annie, Dawn, and I went to Red Robin to eat. Sure, I am trying that whole "eat only when you're hungry, eat slow enough to feel yourself fill up, and stop eating once you feel it" thing, but if I'm paying $10, I'm eating! *L* Anyways, I actually ASKED for the birthday treatment for me and Dawn. Before I wanted to be all quiet about it and just eat my ice cream sundae. But not today! It was amusing. Annie maintained that she was embarrassed for the both of us. But I was looking/laughing at her and Dawn the whole time. It was funny. Our sundaes were on the melty side though.

And thanks to the people who sent me birthday wishes and greetings! You know who you are...In particular, my lil' sniveling El bebe sent me Big Mail! :DDDDD Thankya everyone!

Speaking of birthdays, my sister's and Wilson's are coming up...I already have my sister covered, but what about Wilson?

And, I'm trying to get more use out of my ID since I'm OLD ENOUGH..but everything's so damned expensive! And I hate beer! :P

I suppose there will also be a trip home coming soon too....

Also, yesterday I showed Annie to this job in the library above me. As far as I understand...the job is hers, it's only a matter of what hours she's working. But it'll be so nice to have someone else working nearby. The people I work with are SO NICE but they're my work people, you know?

Right now (5.33pm) I'm waiting for my telephone interview! It's for that conversation partner thing. Hello..she told me to call her between 5 and 5.30..what time is it? I'll give up when it's like 6 or something. I don't want to be on-call for this...haw!