and the winner is.

quickest online response ever goes to : Laura

yes, check the times... I already know the answer...

'Iko, Iko'

download it, love it...

thank you laura!

okay, I need some help...

okay, this is the most random post in history, but it is driving me up the wall.

I heard this song in a restaurant the other day and I love it (a very corny song, but I want to listen to it because it makes me smile).

let me set the stage here for it:
-some describe it as 'campy'
-it is more singing, with some beats in the background
-i believe it is sung by females
-i believe some of the lines are spanish
-it is an older song (probably sixties-eighties...not really sure)

okay, so for the most part I think the lyrics go:

'let me say hey now, HEY NOW, hey now, HEY NOW...(something spanish)'

it might be like 'quando quando man hey' but I was in a restaurant and couldn't hear a damn thing.
thanks for your help

destination is set

I know, two posts in one day...but hey, it's christmas.

the destination is set for the new year, and let the adventure begin.

Rob does Toronto, jan 3-4th

I will try to visit all, and also slide in a fair dose of fun...

hell, this might be better than new years!

it's all coming together.

so yes, many changes, sorry for those of you who couldn't find this blog for a second, but the final stages of my 'security' have taken effect...

the blog security world has moved from yellow to orange (in reference to America's terrorism standards)... I consider myself very safe.

Hopefully my title more acurately reflects how this blog really works...randomly...

but I hope you all had a merry christmas, and in the new year I am actually going to try and do some fancy lay out/links/etc...

maybe this will soon look like an original website.

p.s. a goodbye to a fellow blogger, leaving her writings in internet limbo...she'll be back

For some this is christmas, for others...

I have made it through most of my list of things I wanted to accomplish over my three weeks of leisure at home. I have read one book, have visited most of my friends, and spent time with my family (long awaited, since I have been avoiding them for the last six months of my life...and not really sure why.)

But at the same time, Ingersoll serves as a constant haunting ground around the holidays. I am positive that not one of my readers has ever heard me discuss the downsides of a small town and the 'curse' that has seems to follow all of the highschool students in the area.

Throughout all of my highschool years, we lost a student every year. (I will try to use student as to not draw out any particular person). All very sad instances, and in a highschool where there are only 900 people and everyone in town knows everyone else...it is devastating when a death happens...

and this year I was not surprised to come home and hear of another death that haunts our group of friends, lucky for me this time... I did not know her, but to my best friend who did... I am sorry that this christmas was once again clouded over with sadness.

This christmas was my first chirstmas without my friend A.M. and, christmas was her favorite time of the year. It was odd coming home to Ingersoll and missing that one person who last year we visited in her hospital room... still missing her greatly...

I guess Christmas time really does give you time to be thankful, and happy to be lucky enough to be surrounded by loved ones... I needed this christmas to remind me of that.

so, following this 'down' post on this boxing day, enjoy the relaxation and comforting moments of the next two weeks... merry christmas

eyes closed...

today I made a wish. nothing special, just saw the clock strike 11:11 and decided that I might take advantage of that corny myth. I saw the time on a large clock on the side of the road, and quickly closed my eyes and wished.

now, wishing itself is already a corny practice, but I still take advantage of those little opportunities to act like a kid again...and wishing is definately one of those...

but the strangest part about the wish today was that I closed my eyes...while driving...as if I thought the chances of it coming true were lower with my eyes open. and I think I have always done this.

for some reason there is comfort in taking that moment to close your eyes and step away from the real world. everyone has done it (even myself) but until now I never really noticed the comfort that closing your eyes gives you.

the first kiss requires you to close your eyes, for you to notice that what is happening is really real and allows you to enjoy the moment.

when your stressed out, taking three seconds to breathe with your eyes closed lets you enjoy the silence of your mind and the comfort of thinking...

take a second, close your eyes, and enjoy...

organized christmas... I am such a nerd.

If it wasn't obvious already, I do have a lot of nerdy qualities. and one of these qualities is my secret love of organization. (my room is complete devestation, but I am talking more socially organized). I have my weeks organized from the Sunday morning onwards, and am constantly looking to fill in the gaps within the schedule.

So, instead of relaxing over the break I have decided to give myself strict goals to achieve before the end of the holidays (because the end of the holidays also marks my twenty birthday)...

Maybe they are not all goals, but they are 'attainable attributes of life'. This christmas I am going to : conquer two books (already selected : the lovely bones, and the half blood prince), three movies (narnia, the producers, and memoirs of a geisha...and brokeback), see all my friends from home, go to Toronto in the new year for a couple days, new cell phone (check!), and go see one play (Annie, on wednesday night :) ).

All of these are reasonable and therefore can all be attained. Can you tell my parents leave me alone mon-fri 9-5 leaving my only option (since I am without car) is to blog, clean, and go for long walks through the country...

suprisingly relaxing, I mean, isn't that what these three weeks are all about?

holidays...

I am at home on a Sunday night, so I figured I would blog about my large list of thoughts from today.

I watched Kenny vs. Spenny today and loved it,
is this a new favorite show in the making?
(Grey's anatomy was a repeat and I totally missed Desperate Housewives)

Addicted to facebook.com,
I am not linking up to it out of sheer laziness,
but it lets you check up on people from your highschool...
technology is baffling me.

postsecret.blogspot.com was really good today
some of the saddest ones I have seen in awhile
I feel out of all blogs this one is a must to read...
mixes art and emotion well.

My christmas tree
already set up
sans moi...saddening

The Producers,
uma and will ferell?
I am obviously going to go see it.

Toronto trip this holiday season
a must...
a visit to her and her
as well as one without blog

New person at work!
Finally, someone else...fun...

bought two books to read over the holidays
as well as the last harry potter
and the narnia books...
I should try to be a little bit more realistic with goals.

I am going to read one book over the next two weeks.
I am turning twenty in three weeks.

random as hell, and so stole the format from rosie.
copywritten? let's hope not...

what to call a post with no name.

I am not sure if someone signed me up for this being an ass, or if this is just a constant, genuine mass email spam that I get at least once a week. No offence to the religious, but I am not christian, nor am I overly interested in joining a network of christian singles for dating purposes...

actually, it seems ironic that a christian network would contact me of all people, I fit zero of the churches criteria for good behaviour (or moral values).

I remember a time when I was haunted by emails about Shakira coming back into the music scene...and low and behold she has appeared.

perhaps these emails are signs of impending christianity?

I need a beer....

where do these keep coming from?

I love how over the past week, a million video, scandolous pictures, and short clips have appeared online for humorous purposes...

well, I will help make that list grow, found some interesting links while being bored and surfing the net with my roomate...enjoy:

interesting - in response to those guys doing pelvic thrusts in no shirts?! I have no idea where this came from...

a game you must play

and I searched my name in wikipedia, and the closest result was 'god machine' (with a 10% relativity factor...)

I am all done school and look at what my life has become, I promise to post something more interesting once my brain recovers post-exams...

days of studying...

As all other university students are, I too am currently suffering the wrath of the examination schedule (recap: 5 in 4 days...and 2 out of the way).

Yesterday I took the opportunity to study with friends at the Spoke and I am so glad I didn't pass this up. As Katie and I sat in the spoke, chit chatted, discussed life, and occasionally took breaks from our lengthy study notes to gawk around or grab another beverage (non alcoholic) from anywhere and everywhere.

Regardless, not only was this study day enjoyable, but also very beneficial. I caught up with an old friend, and enjoyed the company of drop ins, all while working away at REAL work...

oh yes, props to Laura who also was there at the beginning for our study session.

changes and constant thought...

In the wake of many warnings of having too much personal info online, I have decided to revamp the mentionings of last names from this website...random (since it has been up for a year), but I figure it is for the best...

the change in title is partly because of this, and partly because I was bored with my MTV stolen 'the diary of...' as this was definately not a diary, so much as random entries. and for some reason I have been posting a lot, for who I am not exactly sure, but this blog does serve as a nice place to talk about ideas in your mind that sound ridiculous in a normal, sober, conversation.

lastly, I was doing my regular sift through blogs this afternoon and went past Rosie O'donnell's blog only to find out that she has turned off comments because people are constantly plaguing her site with hate comments... all I have to say is : fucking ignorance.

nothing more to add, but the new url will be turning into ongoingthoughtsofrob.blogspot.com

sorry to change, but security (apparently) should be an issue.

day of rest.

After no sleep all weekend, and three tests in twenty four hours, I received an invite from my grandparents to head to there house for the day and help them around the house (and also partake in a nice home cooked meal and an afternoon of news programs and Law and Order (random, but true)).

I am getting to that age where my grandparents are starting to tell me the 'quality' stories from my parents past, as well as stories from there past and there personal thoughts. Sounds boring, but I actually enjoyed sitting and helping my grandma clean while she chatted away about various events she had been to in the 1950's, styles she thought were 'disgusting' (even the first time around), and funny memories from the past.

As I sat and listened, I couldn't help but think of all the "and one day" stories I already have and how many I am going to have by the time I get to her age. I am thinking about starting a REAL journal, like one I write in regularly (blog, I will not forget about you) but for stories that I will one day be able to open and share with my friends/relatives/...kids...

Another thing that I couldn't help but notice was how MUCH I am like my parents in every way. (actually, a bit like my grandparents to). My grandma would pick up a broom, start sweeping, find a magazine, and kick back and read (what I am notorious for doing (not finishing tasks)).

The day just made me smile, and kind of got me excited to head home and take a breather for the next four weeks and REALLY relax and think on my christmas break.

embarassment scale, it's been invented...

I know, this is random. But I have come up with a scale for you to guage your own embarassment of how crazy your night(s) of debauchery are... I know, this sounds tough to guage, but considering my saturday (I gave myself a 3/10...someone told me it was more like a 6) regardless, here is how I shall break it down:

1- slightly drunk - freudian slips, telling of secrets, subtle embarassment
2- mildly drunk - talking loud, giggles, or drunken chatter box
3- a little drunk - talking like a mad dog (giggling still common)
4- getting crazy - this is still a fun stage...drinking socially still, party mingler, social smoking, etc..
5- crazy drunk - this is when the dancing begins
6- outrageous drunk - dance moves with a combination of any 3 or more symptoms from 1-4
7- really crazy drunk - borderline incoherent...you are still 'there', but how 'there' are you
8- disgustingly drunk - "you weren't making any sense" and/or passing out, removal from bar
9- grossly drunk - falling over, inablity to hold yourself up
10- puking...enough said...

After drinking doubles, doing shots, and having an incident with the ATM downstairs, I feel my night rated at maximum a 4... but it was a great night none the less...sorry for those I tried to fight, and sorry to Dakota Fanning, apparently I dislike you and felt the need to tell bar attendees that my feelings of hate towards you are present.

oh crazy nights, how you are ending now that I am in exams...

I will return to you on the 17th :) mark my word.

the bus stop...

Today, as I waited for my 16 Adelaide bus to carry me away to the downtown core, I took a second to examine the 7 other people around me at the bus stop and realized...sometimes people are so stereotypical.

Over the last two years I have waited at many a crowded bus stops (the 2B @ Nat sci, the 13 in front of Delhi) regardless, there are always those certain characters waiting with you that almost make waiting a little more enjoyable...

The impatient: This is the person who checks the schedule every three minutes while pacing, checking the time, and making occasional trips into traffic to look down the street for the next bus...

The cell phoner: This is the person I enjoy the most, what with their awful conversations that are very suitable for an 'overhear at' website...this person normally acts like they are the ruler of the bus stop showing no dip in confidence when conversations turn to talk of significant others, or their whorey friends. ( I especially enjoy when their conversations come along with them onto the bus... they talk louder to overpower the engine, but really fulfill your goal of listening in)

The chatty kathie: you know who they are... 'wow, it sure is cold out', ' this driver is always late', or when they even cross the bridge to start up a 'you go to school?' or 'where are you coming from' where your answer truly does depend on your mood.

The token old person: this is the cute old lady who has her oversized purse, large sunglasses (non-stylish ones), and is smiling all the time and seats herself quietly in the front of the bus... you always notice and love them...

and the optional ones:
-token odd ball (fidgity, oddly dressed, talking about nothing)
-loud laugher
-the make out couple
-the moron (pulls the rope for the wrong stop, doesn't know how to read a schedule, asks the driver a thousand questions)

You know who you are and you know what category you fit into...as who just stands unattentively and waits for the bus?

school/stressfull/fun?

The last twenty fours of my life have consisted of:
1) work (on a sunday...blah)
2) commencing more work on a nearly completed essay
3) email tag with t/a's and my prof until finally it resulted in a phone call
4) re-working essay (circa midnight)
5) 4am...bedtime...2000/3250 words (that I actually am happy with)
6)5:30am-wake up and venture to Fanshawe to finish my project
7)7:30am- project completed and heading for home
8)Phone call to mom 'bet you never thought I would be up this early on a monday?!'
9) back in front of the computer doing essay, until a brief break to blog...

hate it or love it...this is the best part of school...the stories you can tell from months of procrastination...

procrastinate away my friends (which I hope you are doing while reading this... as I know I am reading yours shortly after this post)

life is complete...

I don't even know how to begin... I saw RENT last night and it was the best two hours of my life... (well, maybe I am still on my musical high, regardless) I loved the movie, it adapted to the big screen beautifully.

The entire cast did an amazing job, especially Idina Menzel, who plays such a different character in every show she does... and as the lezbian Maureen she was phenomenal.

I am going to see it again Sunday night (on a wonderous group date), but just to give everyone fair warning, pack tissues...the last 45 minutes of the movie was the saddest thing I ever seen...

La Vie Boheme!

Walk the line...

Last night I headed to the movies with my parents for a 'family night' (fact check: yes, I am 19 years old...they just thought that us getting together now needs a 'title') Regardless, I took advantage of the free dinner/movie combination and we went to see 'Walk the Line', the biography of Johnny Cash (and June Carter Cash)... In brackets because she is obviously not the main character, but a very strong supporting character..

The movie was AMAZING, I totally fell into the trap of loving the country music of both June and Johnny, but I was amazed at the similarities between Ray (Ray Charles biography) and this film. Look at it like this: both were artists, from a family of two boys (less fortunate families), lost a sibling, went out on their own (military...can't remember what Ray did), started recording music, became addicted to drugs, and fell in love (with many trials along the way)...

that aside, the movie does tell a story that really does give you an idea of what the 50's was like (the audience's response to June) and it made Reese Witherspoon finally show some amazing talent...

Joaquin Pheonix (most likely spelt wrong) is creepy, but he did play a great 'man in black'...

Given that three huge movies are coming out over two weeks, this blog is going to be movie filled... (this, harry potter, rent)...

love it...

These are the days of my life...

First of all, I would like to start by saying we have BASIC cable at our house... yes, as students we came to the responsible decision that we didn't need all the 'flashy' channels and we could get by with just 27 channels.

At first this seemed reasonable, we have the channels for my favorites (desperate housewives, gray's anatomy, etc.) but that was all we needed... but we never really thought of what we could watch mon-fri, 9-5.

Just to put this in perspective, all we get is court shows. Originally I couldn't watch them, but after a couple episodes of Judge Marilyn Milian, I couldn't resist myself... Now I have a daily dose of court shows including some old favorites like Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown, and even some of the newer ones (but I forget their names...thank god).

Is there a lesson in all this? yes...
just pay the extra $ you cheap bastard and spring for much music... I mean, fandemonium is better than this crap...

funny highlights of the weekend, I hope you enjoy...

- I am amazing at making street meet customized per person. Ms. alex and I split a sausage (post bar) and I toppinged it differently on both sides as in our drunken states we both were really picky ' no olives' ' i don't like onion', etc...

- coming home on thursday, drunk dialing like a madman, and then waking up my roomate to say
' Melissa, I just wish you would tell me when it's going to be SUNNY, and when it's going to be RAINY!'
'Rob, go to bed, your not making any sense'
'ugh, you always say this, your not making any sense'

-getting drunk randomly on a friday afternoon where, once again ms. alex was involved, when some random came up to our table and asked 'do you have a small dog?'...and later accosted by one of my faithful customers ( after i was very red faced )

-Rob: 'I find myself always asking the question...' (interrupted)
Margaux: 'who shot Kennedy?'
Rob: 'no...where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? I mean, I wake up everyday and I am like 'GAH! where the hell could she be?!''

-'Hey, we are the neighbours and we are having a bondfire, you two should come...'
SILENCE/AWKWARD MOMENTS IN CONVERSATION
'you guys should leave'- jenn

- 'I am so glad that idiot left,' said after a very drunk man left, ' now it can return to the peaceful male bathroom environment' (heard from a man in a stall as I was in Barney's bathroom)

Unproductive, fun weekend...
back to school mode.

gotta love it.

' Cait, you can't make fun of blogs cause you don't have one...' (Kt)

laugher ensues...

then a couple of Terry Tate movies, JN2 tradition...
'that ain't yo' cake Phillip, that's Simone's cake' and 'you run out of joe, you make some mo'
(followed by the Terry Tate 'Whoo!' (cannot be described on paper).

gotta love a visit to the old residence.

'You don't know Rob Stewart? he was a legend' ...good times.

they could have a million of these sites...

my new favorite site... I can dream that I live there...

The countdown is on...

Okay, so I have mentioned it before but I am mentioning it again...

If you are not excited about Rent coming to theatres, than you might want to quit reading...

I have planned the next month very strategically, in sum : work hard up until NOVEMBER 23 where I will begin to binge at the theatres on repeat showings of RENT...

I know, I am a loser and obsessed with musical theatre...get over it...but I am hoping this movie becomes a new 'Rocky Horror' where you go to the theatre and sing along, and dress like the characters... I only dream of this to actually happen.

I am so going to moo at the movie, this will happen during MAUREEN's song when she asks the audience to 'moo with her'...which I am most excited for...

Songs from the show that are in my top four:
1) seasons of love
2) no day but today
3) light my candle
4) goodbye love

This is your preparation, use it to your advantage.
18 days...

I just want to travel again...back to Brazil? 

A life altering conversation...

I know, I had one conversation with a professor and I am claiming that it changed my life. In reality, it just solidified my decision that I might be doing the wrong thing.

An update: After constant unenjoyment of my joint program I figured I should take steps into deciding what I really want out of my education (instead of just 'I will just do this and get it done')...Over the last two weeks I have been spending time really narrowing on exactly what types of work I want to do, and where I want to be headed upon completion of my undergrad...stressful decision? I think yes.

The joint program I was in, although successful for most, didn't really 'capture' my interest as something I could ever do as a full time career, nor did I think it would lead me towards anything that I might enjoy doing...hence my decision to opt-out of this program at Christmas.

Yes, I will be switching to my honours MPI (Mit first, then onwards) and I will be trying to gear my electives at international based courses...as in: I want to work abroad...

I am going to apply for a university exchange hopefully to a third world country (I know, why not Italy, France, or Austrailia?) I am looking more for the experience and the study of a third world country, begin to analyze and see the big differences in the world. I am hoping that this new found 'path' in education will, in the end, get me to where I truly want to be.

So yes, a 2 hour conversation with an amazing professor led me to believe that I should be doing what I want right now, and I should do my best to get to where I want to be upon graduation right now...

so I'm doing it...

Knock, Knock...

I have become the unofficial 'uninvited' houseguest, and I love it!

How would one describe my postion? perhaps as this;

unofficial 'uninvited' houseguest: a student, who decides on their own, to stop by friends houses on a weekly (sometimes more than this) basis and enjoy the company of the tenants as well as serve as a constant distraction for the time you are there...

This year, considering my fairly lengthy walk from campus, I often make pit stops at friends houses who live conveniently en route to my house. I am not saying that these visits are pointless, quite often they begin by me stopping by to pick something up that has been left behind or just to stop in a say a quick 'hello'...

I will be the first to admit that it never turns out this way, and I do have a wonderful example of this:
-going to pick up my bag, this turns into a halloween costume check/comment period, then a terrible movie (never watch this film), and eventually an adventure into a parking lot resulting in funny phrases like "we were just performing a skit, hope your cool with that SERT..."

I am just glad I claimed the position before others had the chance, now I feel as though if I were to show up at one of my 'houses' and see another random trying to claim my title we might have to have some kind of challenge to see who conquers as 'unofficial uninvited house guest'...

all I have to say is 'bring it...' as I ain't going no where...

practical work + rob = impossible

Today I hopped out of my bed at 3:30 a.m. to head to the studio's at Fanshawe... and yes, that is 'am' after the time.

I got to Fanshawe and started to put my heart and soul into getting this, one of the many, assignment down as it will be a killer come test time. I began to feel a little sick after about fifteen minutes of work and eventually got sick and decided it would be best to return home to bed rather than drag myself through this hellious assignment.

I went home, slept for another 6 hours and returned to the same room to continue work on the assignment... could it be that I am allergic to college? or just I am technologically inept when it comes to sitting down and getting my brain and hands to line up? What happened to just bull shitting theories and drawing connections between stories, articles, and beliefs?

I will keep you all posted of how my hands on activites turn out, so far not so bad, but I can feel the impending pressure of the upcoming assignments... and practise doesn't make perfect, fuck the person who made up that phrase...

I am a sell out...

I know, how tacky is it to casually post about a new product on your blog? (especially one from such a horrid conglomerate like CocaCola) but my summer addiction to diet coke has led to a love for all new forms of diet beverages.... and who knows, perhaps this is a product placement in which CocaCola will be paying for the rest of my post-secondary education (is it bad that I can sell out that easily?)

Anyways, back to the original story of how Ms. Alex and I spent our orientation week addicted to Diet Coke(now, I believe addiction is the perfect word as there wasn't one moment where one of us didn't have a 'd.c.' on us, or weren't in a desperate hunt to find one) and I thought all along that d.c. was full of 'zero's'.... I stand corrected.

Yes, I fell victim to being suckered into Coke's new 'Diet coke Zero' and am ashamed to admit my enjoyment of the new product... and I know, how sad that this is
a) news on an mit students blog
b) I am actually using up a monday afternoon writing about this
c) probably going to go upstairs and have one....

I'm a sell out, but come on, aren't you craving one?
last product promo of the blog, I promise...

constant high....

well, it has been four days since we first met, so I figured I must blog about it... after that last negative post about school it as though my life has completely turned around.

On Saturday night I went out and partied on the town and I met someone...amazing because we are in the same program, have a ton of stuff in common, and I had a ridiculously amazing time with him on saturday night...

an exchange in phone numbers has led to talking everyday, which I love...A date last night, which a perfect first date, and a phone call tonight that just made me smile...

i just had to blog about it...

stuck...

I did my first "on air" radio shift this morning... at 7am (hence why this post is occuring at 8am)... and I feel as though I am not "in love" with this program...

But is this just tired/grumpy Rob ranting about his joint program? this is what I cannot decide...

Let me outline the reasons why I am not enjoying this program:
1) It is not a monday to friday, 9-5 program... a radio shift can be anywhere from 7am-midnight, monday-sunday. This is probably the worst part as I have been told NOT to have a part time job (kind of necessary for us students who aren't riding on our parents wallets) and we have been told that we are to work around their schedules, not them working around ours (which means we don't even get to fill out an availability, you take what you get)
EXAMPLE: Shift #1, saturday 6am; shift #2, wednesday 11pm (I have a midterm the next day); shift #3, saturday 11pm...

2) I find I am not interested in the classes like I was last year. Don't get me wrong, I love my 201 course at Western, but radio preparation, production, etc. all lead me to dislike this program as the classes are so straight forward.

3) We don't even get to pick our schedules, it was handed to us. this means I have class all over the board, sometimes with 8 hour breaks (causing even more time that I cannot get a part time job for)

4) I miss all the theory, essays, and lectures from Western last year. most of you are wondering what I could possibly mean by this? but seriously, last year I loved analyzing films, studying novels, and researching essays. This year, my only chance to do that is in 201, the rest of the time is factual tests, and hands on tests (which I am not doing bad in, I am just not entertained with them)

It is a sad story when the representative of this faculty is trying to determine his love for the program, but this feeling that I might be in the wrong program just began today...

oh well, I guess I will have to spend some time thinking...

p.s. this was my hundreth post, and a pretty crappy subject area...damn school stresses

not the same...

It's not the same being sick when you are away at school. You know when you feel it coming on and those around you really feel no sympathy (or care) towards your oncoming illness. and I hate that. I am being hypocritical as normally when someone says there sick I am quick to think "baby...", but coming out of a cold I will try to never think that again.

The things that suck are:
- you have to pay the ridiculously high prices for medicines (and hi, the "no name brand" only knocks four dollars off of 12.99, and when you need cough syrup, pills, and tylenol it can turn into a $30 adventure)
- you have to prepare your own comfort food ( chicken soup doesn't taste the same when you make it yourself)
- you suffer through the cold with little sympathy from those around you (you empty your own garbage full of kleenex's, wash all your empty tea mugs, and struggle through putting away your mess after you enjoy your chicken noodle soup)
- and finally, there is some genuine comfort in having someone (normally a parent) take some pity on you and allow you just to put your feet up and relax (could you imagine having a prof pull a "Rob, you don't look so good...head home and put your feet up and I will stop by to help you with your assignment and to make you some soup")

Needless to say I am almost over my cold, but felt the need to express my coldness towards them (a pun on illness, the ultimate in wit)...

vitamin c it up, we are in cold season pt. 2... I can hardly wait for the flu season to begin...

Les Miserables...

On Saturday my mother and I went to Toronto for the afternoon to see Les Miserables at the Princess of Whales... this was by far the best production of Les Mis I have ever seen. Apparently, the lead ( Jean Val Jean) was the same person who we saw last time we went to see Les Mis, which we found somewhat embarassing that we have seen it so many times (myself three, my mom four) but it is her favorite musical...

I, again, am caught in my post-musical viewing blur where everyday I find myself listening to "one day more" or "on my own" my two favorite songs from teh show (especially one day more as it incorporates everyone in the cast). Hopefully this musical fix will hold me over until the Rent movie comes out in December (which I cannot wait for) and Wicked returns to Toronto next fall....

is it sad that musicals are my life? I'm voting no...

a visit to the i.dot

I am back from my quick weekend stint in Ingersoll, and I have to say, I still appreciate the fact that I don't live there anymore...

Ingersoll, as it just seems to becoming way more clear, is just too small town. small town means people talk, and people talking just gets on my nerves.

That aside, I did have fun seeing friends, family, and just enjoying some free time to sleep in my old room. I think I win the "small town family" award as this morning when I woke up my parents were watching the Blue Collared Comedy Tour and boiling turkey to make stew for dinner... makes me smile just thinking about it!

Oh ingersoll, how small town u are in every way...

purification died...

I broke from my body purification, and now I am suffering the backlash...

or the hangover, it really depends on your take on the situation...

Needless to say, it's over, and I think I tried to drag others down (poor Laura and my "8am train rides are so much more fun when you are hungover" as I can not even sit in a rocking chair this morning without the nausea filling my body (the nausious feeling)).

But, is it bad when I wake up the morning after I have to go check my msn to make sure that I haven't overly embarassed myself, I use overly because obviously there is going to be those cases where I msn someone and feel no remorse, but then there are the randoms who I sometimes decide "hey, it's been too long" (keeping in mind I am utterly wasted)...

I would try to say the detox begins again, but it is the first weekend at home in a long time and I cannot wait to see everyone, so no, no detox....

happy turkey everyone!

Post homecoming body purification...

Last weekend proved to be the best (in comparison to only one other) homecoming I have attended. The celebrations began thursday and travelled right on through until last call saturday night...oh wait, and a wee post homecoming session sunday (I might as well be honest about it).

After this weekend of amazing debauchery, and before I head home to party with friends from Ingersoll, I am finding it necessary to allow my body to cleanse itself of the first month of school partying...

attempts were made by others to crack my detox (not to name names so I will call them "al" ), and others tried but quickly fell off the band wagon, let's call this friend "sage". I managed to make it through my stressful week of classes, acknowledging that I still have two days left, and I am proud that I have made it this far...

perhaps a celebration?

Maybe, maybe not...

p.s. did my nicknames accidentally link to the guilty parties? oops :)

Blog touring.

Over the last couple of online blog tours I found some really amazing sites that I feel I cannot keep to myself anymore, can you believe that I attempted being selfish with good blogs I found?

but here they are:
http://dipcafe.blogspot.com - this website is like being taken away to europe for a brief portion of the day...the photography is gorgeous (I have to admit I just enjoy the photos, so no comment on the writings...lol)

actually, looking at my list of favorites, I apparently only found one...strange, I guess there will be more to come.

p.s. uwo2005=best hoco yet

thank goodness for responsible people

Thursday's: until university, were just days that often dragged on as they were the second last day before the weekend. University has changed this.

Thursday has become one of the most debaucherous nights of the week and I am not sure when/why this change occured. Perhaps the low drink price (almost half of the price on the weekend), or the fact that their are rarely lines (minus Jack's) on London's beloved Richmond St. Regardless, Thursday's happen and are meant to be taken advantage of...

and last night they were.

I started off with original plans of heading to res for a pre-drink (I was late, missed the people, and ended up going with my double booked plans). So there I was in a house party discussing strategies of this homecoming weekend with my dear friend (perhaps I will leave her anonymous in this blog, but an amazing friend indeed).

The conclusion was that last night was "her night" and I would have saturday night as "my night" and this meant if it was "your night" you misbehaved and the other person watched/aided you when needed... for some reason the division of nights sparked a reason to power drink and subsequentially taking over the other persons night, my apologies.

Luckily though, my friend was there to say "are you ready to leave?" and "of course we are going to Sammy's Souvlaki", which to a drunk man is the sweetest thing you can hear.

After discussing the possibility of heading back to the par, hoovering a poutine, fry and souvlaki (for two people) we called it a night, redivised the weekends "nights", and said farewell.

This morning I was laughing at myself for
a) stealing the night
b) getting ridiculous after planning to stay remotely sober
c) how my friend turned into the responsible one and kept a watchful eye out for myself

And as much as I normally criticize the sober "watcher" in the bar, I rarely give credit to their aid when it is most needed, so I say thank you to her and to any others who have come to the aid of the intoxicated Rob Stewart...

Photos Found!

For those of you who don't know what a keg
stand, allow me to demo through my photos...and reasons why you should never have a bottomless source of alcohol at a party at your own house...

These are my feet in the air...





and a guest appearance from the green funnel!



Yes, I am chugging beer upside down... I miss summer :)
can you tell it is test season?

Lean on me...

Have you seen the commercial out for the Sick Kids Hospitals?
I will be the first to admit that I don't do well with anything illness/hospital related, so I usually try to avert my attention away from these types of advertisements for fear of tears streaming down my face.

The other day I was caught off guard by these new commercials where kids, doctors, and parents are all doing different activities and singing "lean on me". I want to start by saying that this is the saddest/somewhat powerful commercial I have seen in a while, and yes I did cry when I saw it, the commercial also gives you that feeling of how lucky you are that most of us didn't spend our childhoods in and out of the hospital.

Pretty deep post after ranting about my evil friend the skunk, but I just saw the commercial again and while there were no real tears, the eyes were watery...

I am such a sap.

what is the deal?

I don't know what it is about North London, mainly UWO area, that has been plagued by skunks lately. I have had four run-ins with these disgusting animals, and am wondering when their population quadrupled in the Western area!
These are my run-ins:
1) O-week: this was my first one so I calmly crossed the road and continued walking (I saw a racoon three blocks later)
2) Stoned out of my tree the following week: I heard a rustle, stopped, looked to my right and five feet away was the ugly animal moseying along...trippy...
3) Walking in our "subdivision" after work: again, walking along like normal and hearing a rustle...realising what it was and dashing across the road
4) Finally, tonight, with Jenn: rooting through her neighbour's garbage and this one was at least the size of a back pack

My ultimate fear is being sprayed by a skunk which would result in my withdrawal from school... yes, I am that vain that I would pull myself from all social aspects in my life until the smell was gone. Vanity, it's a terrible thing.

trying something new...

Yes, I am a loser, I stayed home last night and passed up the opportunity to go out (a much deserved rest, but I feel so out of the loop after missing one night of Richmond Pub crawling...)

I decided to use the night to make my self feel more independent so I went and rented a movie for myself (the wedding date...rent it, it's really good). I balanced this movie with a bath (I know, how posh) and during my bath I popped in my roomates Josh Groban c.d.
Now, I am not a fan of Josh Groban, but decided that his soothing music would make good for a perfect friday night bath.

Needless to say, I fell asleep in the tub. I woke up in a tub of cold water some 15 minutes later (I can't vouch for temperature or time, but the c.d. hadn't ended and there are like 17 songs, and I was on 12...and I remember hearing song 4). Embarassing? I am going to vote no as this night served as the perfect "segway" into my weekend of relaxation. But I am now a Josh Groban fan, I also heard the new Destiny's Child song "stand up for love" and I am officially in love with this single...

I have come to the conclusion that staying home on a weekend night makes you sappy and emotional (in a good way) but still, relaxing in your home alone is the perfect way to just enjoy the silence...

this is going to be amazing..

The other day in class my friend was singing "seasons of love" and of course, my little broadway sensor flicked on and I decided to spark a conversation on my obsession that is broadway music.
Low and behold, I was meeting another die-hard Rent fan who discreetly asked,
"Have you seen the preview for the movie?"
"No, I didn't think they had one yet..."
"Oh, they have one..."

Let me tell you, I have watched this preview now three times and I couldn't get to my blog fast enough to let everyone know just how perfect this movie will be... if the movie lets me down you will see real tears...

The preview is on imdb.com (search: rent 2005). I can't wait.
"no day but today..."

etiquette lessons on beer

I started back at work this weekend and I feel the need to lay out the rules on how to efficiently visit a beer store. and they shall go like this:

1) Empties: every employees biggest hate, so let's lay out the ground rules:
-all bottles should be sorted by colour and shape (browns with browns, clears with clears, and stubbies with stubbies) an example would be that Moosehead should not be in the same case as Molson Canadian bottles (different colours)
-if the case is damaged, pick up some cases from the beer store for your empties. DO NOT make the attempt to carry them into the store as when the box breaks (and it will) the cashier will most likely treat you like crap
-pre-count bags of cans (we just need to know a number as they go into a huge bin)
-do not bring in bags of bottles, well, we don't encourage this as normally the customer has to go into the bag of skunky beer to dig them out
-chipped/broken bottles= blue box (we aren't giving you cash for them)
-and finally, do not stock pile your empties for the year and return them all in April. This is the worst season for returning empties (spring clean up, students, etc...) and we see enough moldy bottles, bug infest boxes, and rotten cases that we want to throw up.. so how about you return cases in bundles of 5 (an even $12)

2) Identification
-yes, we are probably going to ask, and rather than playing the "I wonder if I'll get carded ?game" just have it ready as it will save time on both yours and the cashiers part at the register
-don't screw around about i.d.'s. if you realized you forgot it, go home and get it... we have all night

3) Intoxicants/Minors
-if your drunk, we can't serve you...shitty deal, but it's the law. Yelling, screaming and swearing at us will not give us the urge to rush and get your beer for you. Also, this could lead to you getting banned from the store (just as a cautionary item)
-minors: do not send someone who you don't know to get you beer. it could end up being that they are refused service and/or denied from the store

4) ask
-we know tons of types of beer...whatever you are looking for we probably know it, so go ahead and ask and we can help you out (rather than standing/staring at the wall)

5) try to avoid the peak times
-sometimes inevitable, but if you want fast service, try to avoid the 5 o'clock rush...or the closing rush (the last hour of the day is our busiest)

and as a final note, a beer store uniform on the bus should not be a conversation starter...
"do you get discounts"
"no"

I answer this every day on the way to work...
The anger must be flowing from my lack of sleep...

I guess there is a first for everything...

Today I was pondering about all of the stuff I have done since being back at school that has happened for the first time ever... my list made me laugh at myself a little bit.

1) I have never flirted with a Mr. Sub attendant in an attempt to get a discount (sad, but true and I was sober...)
2) Ever danced with someone to make someone else jealous
3) had street meet more than twice in one week...
4) talked to a bouncer to skip a line, and having it work! (oh the Frog)
5) gone out partying at night and not coming home until 9 am the next day...
6) sang karaoke in my house to wake up my roomates, at 2 am, after the bar...
7) along with the one above, sang rappers delight (hadn't done it until now)

Quazi-embarrassing (spelling error on quazi?) but I felt this was the place to admit to some of them...

still more to come I hope.

another epic night...

The other day I got a call from my parents inviting me to the Robert Plant concert... the first thing that crossed my mind was "who the fuck is Robert Plant?". As my mom hummed lyrics to Zepplin songs over the phone I realized that I did know who he was, but it took some convincing before I finally agreed to go with my family to the concert (actually, a free dinner was offered...that is all it took...).

After dinner, and two pints of beer I entered into the JLC for the concert, and I still really had no idea what to expect. The Trews opened the show and I was pretty amazed that I recognized and enjoyed there music (I am sure rock fans everywhere want to spit in my face, but I do speak the truth). After there short stint on stage, loud cheering erupted welcoming the main act...

The band entered and then outcame Plant just rocking out to his fellow bandmates. The first sonf of the show I didn't recognize, but he did stick to a Zepplin playlist (Whole lotta love, etc...) however, he did not play Stairway to Heaven (to which the crowd was shocked leaving the arena in crushed hopes that it would have been the second encore).

I didn't mean to underestimate Plant, but let me tell you, this guy can move. He yelled out that he had been "chemical free for 27 years"...and that all he has is "a good sense of humour". and you could see this through his witty comments here and there.

I am not sure if it was the beers drank, the smell of mary jane in the crowd (sorry about that last post by the way) but man can this man still rock after 30 years being a part of one of the best bands in rock history...

Spoken like a true rock fan, lol...now I consider myself a die hard...p.s. I will post my personal pics later.

I attempted something unattemptable...

Mindless blabber from an intoxicated mind:

I attempted to write tonights blog about serious topics, and after four attempts I called it quits.

So, I decided just to keep it simple and write about what came to mind...so here goes.
1) I just had wendy's...it was spectacular
2) I hate having to go to different schools, it is tiring and makes you alienated from one and unaccepted at the others
3) point two brings me to the thought that I hate being at one of the "institutions"
4) that for fear of being slandered by an insitution I have ommitted their names
5) in relation to #4, "how responsible am I?"
6) I have S. Smeltzer for 201 and I am pretty sure this girl cracks me up.
7) i am so tired/a little out of it.. .I might need to call it a night
8) night called...
9)good night!

I love the surreal...

Epic week. O-week this year was two times better than I ever could have imagined. Sophs/frosh/people/places/activities were all amazing. And this is all that will be written about my first experience as a soph...for now...

Yesterday, I was greeted with a surprise visit from none other than Miss Anni Spadafo herself ( I type as though the visit was personalized for myself). I was nervous that our hug and quick chat in the quad would be all I would get to see of my darling Spadafo, but luckily in my state of debauchery we started to hang out at Barney's...
And this is where the surrealness began.
-both of us together after thinking that it would probably be a while until her first visit (or my first toronto visit to her)
-both of us drunk and talking about relationships (and lack there of)
-the table vent (drunken rants essentially)
-Sammy's Souvlaki post-bar... a tradition...
-and finally, the drop off at Med Syd that nearly made me feel like I still lived in residence

I just had to write about this to explain that sometimes people make you proud, and Anni has certainly done this for me. No matter where she goes, or what she does, she is herself 100%...

That visit was the perfect finish to a perfect Oweek.

J..n..2...tight...holla...props to that! (inside jokes never get old)

Mini putt gone wrong...or gone right? It's amazing the ideas that we came up with between five people 19+, 5 putters, 5 balls, and about a hundred things around us to make into funny jokes... 

This that and the other.

Before heading off to school for good (as in permanently living in London) I realised I had a ton of shit to do before I finalized my plans... This is what I have been doing since this morning.
1) Tracking down a desk for my house- apparently I am the pickiest person alive (corner desk, funky desk, matching colours...etc...) I go to town in every store and then right when I would pay I decide I should look somewhere else... and here I am . deskless...
2) Forgot that I had made plans with about 100 people before I left Ingersoll- friends, family, right down to old high school teachers... I have covered about 50% of my list.
3) packing- groceries, hygenics, and everything in between...residence did way to much planning for me...
4) catching up on small town gossip- a town with a population of 10 000 had a stabbing, robberies and recently had an officer shot at... I had to find out the culprit (someone from highschool...) and the town is eating this up...

My secret love for small towns is the gossip... love/hate relationship. but living it up for the next 48 hours...

stupid bouncers...

Last night was the first night in my house (as in my new residence) and we decided to kick it off with a bang! It all began with dinner with friends and then a wonderful pre-drink before heading out to Jack's for the night.

So there we were drinking and dancing and having a great time...we then wanted a change of scenery so we decided to go bar hopping! Jim Bob's was empty, so we headed back to Jack's...
DENIED.
Then we went to the Pheonix (because I was not up for walking)
we were greeted by the bouncers at the patio...
" can you walk to that pole and back for me"-bouncer
my friend did a wonderful attempt at a sobre "strut" in the direction of the pole and back.
DENIED.
So g.t.'s it was.
after some more drinks (2.50 beers on thursday) the night ended with a great time and a loss of memories!

loved it... best time ever, a nice welcome to the new neighbourhood.

Red Eye

After admitting to my love for Rachel McAdams, I decided I should go see her new movie... and I was shocked at how good this movie was. I have come to the conclusion that Rachel McAdams only does good movies (with Wedding Crashers, The Notebook (yes, I liked it), and Mean Girls (made me laugh so hard) under her belt) it is clear that this girl is an amazing actress.
Somehow she manages to play a different character in every movie... I love it... Red Eye is suspenseful and very well done considering 3/4 of the movie takes place on a plane. See it, enjoy it... and admit to your obsession with rachel mcadams...lol

Some of Brian's wonderfully captured photography...oh soph weekend, such a wonderful thing... 

So, last night, there I am watching one of my favorite shows (six feet under) and realizing that it was the last show...ever! So by 10:15 I was so excited to see how they were going to end it...and they did a phenomenal job. I believe I spent the last 15 minutes of the show in tears, but what can you expect? a show about death might not be sad? if you haven't watched an episode, check it out... best series finale ever. 

hundreds of things running through the mind.

once again, I am doing everything last minute.
The move to London will be complete by friday, however the fact that I have done nothing to prepare is not helping. This week is devoted to getting cheques to landlords, emails to there various receivers, and of course finishing of work and spending time with friends and family.

never fails, it never fails. but I love the last minute rush, it is like sprinting the end of a race. Something that needs to be done for victory!

so I'm gettin' 'er dunn...my last dunnville joke on the blog

-rob

dunn it in dunnville.

as bodies are scrubbed clean, photo's are developed, and blogs of mit-ers are filled with descriptions of great times at this summers camping event, I felt the need to share in my enjoyment of a camping weekend at the Knights Beach Resort.

the best way to describe my enjoyment, a point form list of course :)
things I loved about camping:
- everything (and it's relation to being "done in dunnville")
- jokes about dunnville never getting old "this is how we get 'er dunn"
- the mit crew (was it the intoxicants, nudity, or just the fresh lake erie air that made me have an amazing weekend)
- memorable quotes: "some people choose this" -ingrid, discussing the trailers in the trailer park
-"who invented english?" "dumbest question ever" "man, that conversation lasted a while"
-bacon/porn villain

and so much more... but basically, camping = best time ever

Mit. getting 'er dunn in dunnville since '05

Goodbye D.C....

So while skimming through my regular entertainment updates the other day, I come to find that...

they have called it quits. As a destiny's child fan (no, I am not embarassed) I know they will be back (including the c.d. of number 1's that they are releasing with more new songs).

last post of the day, I swear

p.s.

I got a tatoo. I will post a picture once it is all done healing.
That was the ultimate achieved goal!

Crap, where the hell did summer go?

It hit that point today where it kicks you in the ass that your summer is almost over. The point where you are like "I go back in three weeks, no wait ...two... no, three" and you are starting to lost track of dates, events and plans. (ie. "we should go out on saturday!" and you agree only to realize that you are already like tripple booked... I hate this part of summer)

As my summer draws to a close, I find humorous happenings like my parents being like "are you going to celebrate the "end of summer" every weekend until it ends?" (in which the obvious response is yes. and by celebrate they clearly mean come home or call home drunk and embarass the shit out of myself ). OR the phrase "are you the first kid to call your parents to tell them you were in a cougar bar and you loved it?". I amaze myself with what I do when I am intoxicated.

But alas, I have evaluated my summer goals and realized I met most of them...here goes:
1) Ipod (done...)
2) Nike Shocks (greatly appreciated, however I have ruined the white colour by dragging them through the mud on drunken nights)
3) Camping with friends, partying with friends from highschool, and planning a spurt of the moment trip (TO thurs/fri)

But of course, the things I didn't get to do:
1) see all the people from my floor who I was positive I would see (I believe I have seen 2. Margaux and Renders (anni when I went to jack astor's but that was the only time...but I am counting it...so 3)
2) work somewhere fun and interesting ( I wasted my days at a job I hated and cannot wait to end (one week :) )

Okay, I am done with brackets and ellipsis...I will end on that

robbie

And joining the cast of Fiddler on the Roof in New York... yes, ROSIE O'DONNELL!! aka...the final push for myself to go to new york. "tradition!" 

sometimes, it just kicks you in the crotch...

So, it has been smooth sailing the last little while...problem free. life sans drama.

However tonight , of course (Random night mid-summer) I get a call that someone has told my cousin facts about myself...

This kills me, apparently...he thought she knew...thanks.

Oh well, when the smoke clears, I will once again realize why spilling your guts to randoms when your drunk is not an optimal solution for anything...

This is the factor that constantly comes back to "kick me in the crotch"

p.s. (random) I'm addicted to CSI & Law and Order... this is what summer gives to me :)

p.s.

watched beaches today.
cried like a baby...
sadly, I always give into those movies.
brings up really bad memories (not bad...sad...)

Someone told me it was a comedy...
a similar event occured last week with Stepmom.
Both NOT comedies.
Both sad, sad movies.

Rob=mr. gullible
but I kind of enjoyed the movies...I'm not gonna lie

this is how I am going to spend the last month of summer!

Yes, I went to the country dance saturday...incredible... I love going out, getting crazy, and seeing everyone else do the same (hence my love of friends/family/and yes... I'll admit it, this small f*cking town of Ingersoll).

A story that needs to be shared:
I am leaving the dance (drunken blur fast forwarding three hours) walking towards home with friends...why were they coming along? no idea. anywho, lady pulls up in her car:
-Do you know where a local bar/strip club is?
Drunk Rob: "yes, but it is hard to explain."
-Well, I am trying to catch my husband. He is cheating and I know he is here
**rob gets into the car**
"Looks like we are going on a goose chase"
(drunken blur of conversations...brief recollections of hoping fences to look for some guy's truck and looking behind bars and business for this guy)
"Can I change the radio station?"
-Well, I was kind of hoping we could focus on the task at hand...
"sorry... forgot what we were doing"
-I'd better take you home...

Nicest lady ever, I have her number in case she ever needs help (I gave her mine, I felt it was mutual...)
NEXT DAY:
Parents: "Rob, how did you get home?"
Rob...tells story...
Mom:" What if she was some crazy rapist?"
Dad:"Was she good looking?"
Brother:"how the hell do you always do such crazy shit..."

The mystery continues

I was bored at work today...so...

I made a list of 15 things I hate in the world... (some things I hate as objects, others just because they annoy me...)
okay...
1) Soggy Bread- whether it be too much mayo/ranch, whatever, I hate it when my bread is soggy... especially refrigerated subway...
2) Taking the last swig of your beer and it is piss warm..ugh...but you know you have to finish it cause you look like a wuss spitting it back (but you know you want to)
3) The first spill on a new article of clothing...fuck, this one kills me (just fyi, my clothes last an hour sans-spills)
4) Big Brother- the show...shitty and boring... the only reality show I despise
5) Non-smilers...you know the people you walk past, smile at only to get no response...come on now, just a smirk will do...
6) Kalan Porter (nothing personal, I just can't stand Canadian Idol)
7) Ben Mulroney (see #6)
8) That Dr. Scholl's commercial "no, he's gellin'..."...this one kills me!!! everytime I see it I grit my teeth
9) When you start your car and your like favorite song is ending on the radio...
10) Everyone's meals are fine but what you want is sold out of, not made anymore, or not covered under the special and you have to redecide on the spot for fear of holding everything up...hate that...
11) Grabbing the milk jug and noting that it is empty AFTER cereal is poured and awaiting it's lactaid full friend
12) When a c.d. skips mid-song (especially when you are singing along...)
13) doing something stupid (and unneeded) and hurting yourself... ie...at work we have this tape machine where we pull the handle and release it and the tape for making big boxes cuts itself...anyways, I wanted to use it but was not making a box and snap...my finger got caught when I let go and almost ripped my nail off... I am a twat...
14) Only taking one photo and having it not turn out (ONE OF THE WORST THINGS EVER) especially: on a vacation, formal event, etc...once in a while things...
15) When you decide it would be just as easy to pull something (grocery cart, whatever) and it smokes you in the ankle causing extreme pain...kills me...

Well, this is my list, I hope you guys are never this bored...
rob

Rarely do you have an epiphany...

Everyone has them, you are doing something which might seem normal and something huge becomes crystal clear in your mind...well, I had one this weekend, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Let me start out by saying that I am not at all religious, so maybe epiphany is the wrong word to use but alas, it is the word I will steal from the religions of the world.

I went away this weekend and accomplished many of my summer goals (some would call this part of the story the lead in). I was heading to a family cottage for the weekend, with my best friend in tote (because I am the only child/nephew that has yet to found a significant other) we managed to hit up Barrie to visit a friend from school, then onto Pt. Carling where our rented cottage sat on a quiet little lake.

Family arrived and everyone partied together...it was nice to see everyone getting along at our ages (considering the gap's ranged from age 19-age 55). Having family and friends meet and enjoy eachother's company puts the mind at eaze. On the way home we were on our way to Sauble Beach to visit another friend (if you are imagining ontario as a map of the world, Pt. Carling and Sauble Beach are like Tokyo and Europe, but the journey was worthwhile)....

Anyways, I was driving down the road through Collingwood, taking in the scenery of Collingwoods classy feel and just enjoying everything when I had the clearing in my mind (or...THE EPIPHANY)... weird to describe, but it just helped clear up a lot of things:

For example, all weekend people were criticizing my music choices saying they were far to different...how can someone listen to Tina and Ike Turner at one point in time, while having the next song on the c.d. be Billy Idol...

Other thoughts from the weekend included people asking if there was anyone special in my life yet, am I happy with what I am doing in school, and am I glad to be working where I am this summer... At first the gut feelings from these thoughts was negative...was I doing the right thing in school or was I just kissing my money goodbye? ("thoughts arrived like butterflies")...

So, back to the road through collingwood... it just clicked that I do love what I am doing and who I am doing it with ( my friends, family, etc...). For now, school is exacly what I want but in time that might change (as deep down I still dream of broadway performance), and once I got to thinking, being single is one of the best things you can be...

It made me laugh actually when all these thoughts came through my head as all I could think about was how I should be in a relationship, but then at the same time it did strike me that the reason why my parents will never understand as it is impossible to tell them that "casual relationships" are way better than the real deal...

Monday was the birthday of A.M. (who passed away just four months ago...) and I think it was this that made me realize that a) go for my dreams and b) being single is amazing ... and that I miss her a lot...

I swear gloomy weather gets you thinking about deep thoughts, etc...but I am telling you, an epiphany always helps...

--Rob

This was my core group of friends at the party, and let me tell you, we made this night happen, I will try to fill in details of ppl and such later...this blog entry = kind of crappy...my apologies 

At the end of the night, I made love to the hershey candy man...the man is made of tin and some randoms made me get off of it...:( 

The following weekend: Jaime's 19th birthday...similar events unfold...booze+hotels+casino's+nudy bars= best night ever...  

Okay...allow me to fill you all in about the last two weeks of my life...this here was taken exactly 4 hours before Tori's (sitting) drunken birthday truly began... Let's just say, Jack's said no (too drunk), Jim Bob's said yes, and then we wandered back to the hotel missing my cellphone and with randoms... 

etc...

as posted as a comment on her blog:

"like a comet pulled from orbit, as it passes the sun,
like a stream that meets a boulder, half way through the woods...
who can say if I've been change for the better,
I do believe I have been changed for the better...

Because I knew you...
Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good..."

Your one of the strongest, most independent people I know, and I know you will be amazing in whatever you do. Think of this as an excuse for more shopping trips to toronto...

Love and miss u.

The tie in

"Rob, I can't finish my book because my car isn't cleaned out like you were supposed to"

nice pull in mom...you really connected your thoughts...

-rob

p.s. photo footage of past two weeks of craziness coming soon...until then, KISS (keep it simple smartie :) )

thems the breaks

Another post about work, I promise it will be the last.

To start: I have nothing against smoking/smokers,etc... but here is what I have a problem with.

At my job, apparently we have a set schedule for breaks (this alarm goes and you get a ten minute and a twenty minute over the course of our 8 hour shift). This is fine. However, the smokers at the plant feel they are allowed to take AS MANY smoke breaks as they want, whenever they want.

Again, I understand smoking is an addiction, and might be comparible to me taking a break for a drink of water or a coffee...oh wait the smokers do that too! This I do not understand.

For example, if I was a nympho (another addiction) would I run off to touch myself whenever I felt an urge coming on...no... so why should people be allowed to smoke as they please considering others are forced to follow the rules.

Again, love smokers, but alas, this annoys me when people leave you alone for 10 minutes every hour b/c of their need for a break.

P.S. check out the song "these words of my own" ... I love it!

so these jobs of mine...

I know, posting about jobs is so boring, but in my case I found it amusing...hence the sharing of these stories.
1) there is this guy at my factory named Matty (he is pretty crazy...but the nicest guy ever) anyways, everday he has a crazy story to tell. for example: "the other day, I was in a hurry on my way to the beach, threw on some sunscreen... put some more on later on...when I got home, I was burnt to a crisp... I looked at the bottle, it said 'Off'! can you believe it, I was wearing bug lotion!!" he says as he cringes while trying to show off his red, red shoulders...lol

2) my manager/supervisor is the scottish lady who is the funniest woman I ever met... "go blow it out your pipes" is a common saying of hers...the best is, she watches over myself, and three phillipino guys (named Billy, Benny, and Damon) and they are all constantly fighting...but when the Benny gets mad he can't think of what language to use so he yells all kinds of crazy things such as "you stupid **words I can't understand inserted here**" with the occasional 'and' and 'fuck' here and there...
normally when they are fighting they take two seconds to glance my way to see the giggles...then they both crack up at themselves... I love it...

In other news:

I watched a Bette Midler movie the other day..."big business" not her best, but for some reason made me smile...

I am reverse blogging, stories of the long weekend/tor's b-day will follow!

robbie:)

I found the funniest posting today...

so, here I am scanning through blogs (okay...Rosie O'donnel's again...guilty as charged) and I followed a random link to this girl who is "living in niagra". She posted the funniest thing I have ever seen just about what she hates about people... I have decided to copy and paste it into my blog for u to read.
from the website: lifeinniagara.blogspot.com

9 Things I hate about everyone:
1. People who point at their wrist while asking you for the time... I know where my watch is pal, where the hell is yours? Do I point at my crotch when I ask where the toilet is?
...5. When People say while watching a film "did you see that?". No loser, I paid $12 to come to the cinema and stare at the damn floor.
...9. When you are waiting for the bus and someone asks "Has the bus come yet?". If the bus came would I be standing here, dumbass?

I loved it...got me thinking about some things I hate about everyone:
a) the people who press the elevator button after it is clearly lit up...you almost feel like saying "few, maybe now it nows we're serious"
b) when someone answers the phone and you say "hi is 'soandso' there" and they answer "yes"... put it together people, I called to talk to them , not to hang out in awkward silence...

that is all I can think of but as they come, I will post :)

wow...

In the car on the drive home, I looked into the review mirror, and out the front window... it was like seeing the past and future just open, lying there...

Felt weird to step back into perspective, even though it was just a country road...

random...

i might be too stoned for this thought...

man, this takes me back :) 

she makes me smile everyday...lol... 

I never give this girl enough credit...she is my best friend, idol, and just an amazing person. I have known her for 9 years now and it seems like we met in the grade 4 class room just yesterday... On the eve of her age of majority (thurs!!) I felt the need to post and reflect on just how amazing I am to have a best friend like her...more pics to come... I am in a picture mood :)  

shortly after the other photo... a cop telling us to settle down and "no pictures"...sucker... 

Went out with Tina and Lindsay last night, and let's just say it was a wonderful time. Turkey Point Hotel 4ever... 

too long...

So, it has been too long for a post so I decided I should write one...drunk... yes, that is right. Tonight's post is coming rigt from the mind.

Let me start off by saying that working 65 hours a week sucks anus...cause it does... and I am currently trying to maintain a life around this shittyness! But alas, to bed I go.

A real post should soon follow :)
-rob

this is the movie that did it...Whoopi a lezbian, barrymore a druggy...movies could be no finer (yes, I fell into the cheese trap of a sappy movie :) ) 

making plans....

Today we made weekend plans with the people at work (beerstore), an ol' blaze and bowl...yes, a night of marijuana and bowling. Interesting some might say, a winning combo I would say back. I realize just how nice it is to make plans: inviting someone, having them agree, coming up with ideas-where to go, what to do- and just let them play out. love it...

Tori and I spent last weekend together. kept it low key, it was nice....different. on friday we opted for boys on the side...I cried my eyes out (cursive movie) a must see, but very touching.

Random: I IMDB'd a search on Heather Graham to see what she was up to now (she came up in conversation) and I was shocked to see that she had 45 productions under her belt...too many, too few?! don't really know...

Onto my rosie o'donnel obsession, I watched her episode of Queer As Folk on Monday where she told off her ex husband, confessed her love for a woman, and kissed a woman... loved it.

This draws my night to a close, off to bed for me. this 6am waking is killing me softly...

--rob
p.s. alanis morisette unplugged @ starbucks (these are a few of my favorite things)

okay now...

So here is the scoop:
watching some of my favorite news sources I couldn't help but notice the uproar that is happening within the local community that I (in an attempt to keep this blog completely seperate from politics, am taking a moment to join the two).;
First off:
Abortion Doctor speaking at Western Graduation and supposed "peaceful protest" from Prolife'rs (including a prayer for the souls of those pro abortion). Wait, I fail to see the connection b/w the people standing and praying and the graduates of Western. Oh yes, this man did go to Western, and he did go on to help society (hate to break it to you but abortion is legal, so deal with it). If someone every came up and said a prayer for my soul because I was prochoice I would be disgusted that they would even offer. Before I go making an ass of myself, I am not sure if they are Western Students or Not, but I could see the graduates questioning who was speaking at the event, but randoms (possible western alumni) praying in the distance is really unnecessary...

Secondly:
Same Sex Marriage, apparently a hot topic amongst priests everywhere who are defending their religions. I can see if you would like to preach for or against it within your sermon (as that no one has control over) but again, the law is not forcing all priests to practise same sex marriages, and at the same time I would like to think that if any straight person was told that they could not marry because of government law that they would try to change or push for change so that they could live (married) with a partner of their choice.

Done with hot topics, but today at work I was just stewing listening to people talk about it and after seeing it on the news I was furiated. This is what a blog is for, these moments.

Sorry if some do not agree, these points were listed right off the top of my head (meaning there could be some mis communication in them) In sum : prochoice/prosamesexmarriage

--Rob

I finally joined the nike shock club...yes, I gave into the corporation (and loved it). a pay check in the making...eat it up...  

forgot...funny story...

This could only happen to me:

This morning in my daze of a shower (ie..hopped out of bed and into shower) I was turning to grab the shampoo and I accidentally hit the cord of the shower head with my hand, and it was about to tumble down so as I turned to grab it I accidentally hit it and gave it more power and it hit me in the nads...yes, raw contact of shower head to groin...

This story is embarassing and fit for a blog...could only happen to me, and hurt like fuck...

hope u enjoyed...
-robbie

lost in the music that is broadway...

Well, the addiction has begun again, heard some broadway music and it has taken over again... and I love it. I am currently working 7:30-3:00 and on the way to work it is a full tilt sing along, man, if only people knew about this car dance/singing because I would be muchos embarassed.

In other news, I have been searching for my livestrong bracelet online, and well, I purchased a few of them...yes, the bracelets are now so common it's not funny, but I am still going for them... (fyi: one livestrong, one black one and one white one to symbolize anti-racism) I will done these with the greatest of pride.

Aretha Franklin/Hugh Jackman Tribute: "there's a place for us", not my favorite song (as it comes at a dumb point in the play) but still a good one (Babs also does a killer version, takes awhile to get going, but enjoy it).
For the fellow broadway lovers you must download:
1) Find your grail- Spamalot (the girl who is singing won the tony)
2) Light in the piazza- statues and stories (again, lady singing first won the tony)

I taped rosie on the view the other day and have yet to watch it, and I caught her on Queer as Folk this week (yes, a gay soap opera that is really quite enjoyable, and now with rosie's involvement and I am obsessed).

--robbie ( I sign everyone like it doesn't say my name on my blog...ocd...)

I loved it...

Yes, the Tony's were on last night, and yes, I eat that stuff for breakfast...and it truly was amazing!

It pointed out that I need to go to new york asap for it's various things (BROADWAY!!)...
I believe broadway is the only place where a monty python play can succeed "find your grail", and The light in the Piazza...talking about them gives me butterflies, I could have watched the performance over and over again...

Including Christina Appelgate in Sweet Charity ("if they could see me now")...

Just throwing that in there as she was actually really good. And the other celebs on the stage: Hugh Jackman, John Lithgow, and Aretha Franklin (west side story tribute)...

hooked on broadway...

Wonderous

So there I was, doing my usual internet scan. Typical post reading the regular blogs to surf about. I heard someone talking about Rosie O'donnel's blog and I noticed that I had never been to this site, so I did it, on a whim. Went there AND commented... god, I am a wild man.

Well, for those of you who do not know of my appreciation for Rosie O'donnel ever since her show, someone who is a good person, independent, and original. I never go the chance to go to the show (something about a guy in grade 8 road tripping to New York just didn't suit my parents fancy) And now here I am, 19, and stumbling across a blog that discusses broadway shows on daily basis (tony awards...yes, had to be mentioned). I am only typing about this as for me it was so nice to read something real and first hand, something that hadn't been tainted or cut and pasted in a magazine... I love realness (aka...my addiction to reality t.v. embarassing)

This is all for now, but I can forsee me coming back in a bit to add more... full time works starts tuesday, I am living this up right now!

--robbie
**flash back to childhood with the use of "robbie"**

what needed to be done...

Well, after a couple stressful weeks, I decided to use tonight as just a casual tuesday relaxer... Had a few friends over, smoked a little ganja (yes, a 70's reference... I hate "weed") and just chilled out in our backyard with some music...

We ended the night with a trip for half price wings with some old friends and had a blast.

Relaxing should be a job, if so I could get paid millions. (also eating, t.v. reviewing, and being lazy...just throwing these out there for the general public)

--rob...pondering...

p.s. we have developed a term for being burnt out after smoking weed:

"wangover: the day after a fun night of recreational weed smoking. These nights could involve munchies or crazy adventures"

...

"hey Rob, can you come in early today?"
"What time?"
"Don't act like you are going to say no, we know you need the hours..."
"Doesn't change what time it would be, so what time?"
"1 o'clock, I guess we'll see u then"
"yuppers..."

**reasons why I hate this job**

Some might say that's embarassing...

First of all, there should be some feature on your msn so that it cannot be accessed when you are intoxicated (perhaps a breathalizer test on ur computer, I don't know, just an idea I have been throwing around ) alas, there is not and this is when embarassment overtakes you.

Yes, I committed the ultimate sin of drinking and decided to go online upon my return home, and go online I did. I decided that I would email every question I had ever pondered to people that I would never ask to their face... ie... "what happened to us?" or example b) "what was it that kept us from not getting to know eachother?"....probably sounds cheesy, but I took low key examples from the email(s) to use within this blog.

So, after an attempt to clear the air on the emails with the people who had received them, I felt bad/embarassed as I called them out on stuff I would never ever want to talk about, and these poor people probably felt the need to answer, when really...the questions were unanswerable.
(see msn response today "I don't know what you want me to say")

yup, fucked that up royally, but this is what a few beers, a couple whiskey sours, and a shot of tequila will do to you! I am going to try and patent my computer breathalizer test, maybe that will give me some much needed $ for school.

-out like the fat kid in dodgeball

What to do when it all hits you at once...

Yup, it all hit me
-shitty job/pay/some coworkers
-shitty work schedule that limits time with friends
-being at home sucks when u r home alone all day, and your friends are working...and u have no money to do anything anyways...

Given the situation above, I decided that I am going to avoid this for a whole summer, and do something interesting so I do not dread those who had great summers in the fall... So, I am going to say goodbye Ontario, and hello B.C...yes, I have made the decision and applied at a ton of places on the West Coast to work for the summer. I am going to be here until Mid-June and return Mid-August. I promised myself I would never let a job treat me like crap, and that is exactly what is happening now:

"Why do I have only 9 hours"-Rob
"Well, as the manager said, 'that will teach him to book of a weekend, doesn't he realize that's what he was hired for'"-fellow employee
"Do you think I just lied about being involved on my resume, and p.s. it said no where in my contract that I was strictly weekends..."-Rob
"You were supposed to have 10 hours, but then they realized they had used to many"-same colleague

I almost wish that I had never taken that job, it has been more of a burden then a joy...way more of a burden. The day I can tell them I am going to B.C. will be the best day of my summer!

Hopefully this angry blog will give me the vent I need to keep smiling and laughing...

I guess this stems from a shitty day...sorry all!

--Robbie

Wicked is coming back to Toronto! enough said,.,,