Places I visited:

Canada Olympic Park
The 1988 Winter Olympics were held in Calgary and so they've maintained and expanded the facilities to become a major training centre and tourist attraction. We went to the top of the ski jumping tower thing, visited the Ice House (where pros train for starts on Luge, Skeleton, and Bobsledding), and went through the Museum where I saw the exhibit where they kept the costumes from Salé and Pelletier's gold medal skate at the 2002 Games. I bought a spoon.

Chinook Centre
The largest shopping centre in Calgary. I bought an Oakley shirt (red raglan shirt with things that resemble vents along the arms but I don't think they actually are vents), postcards, chocolates from Purdy's. Tried on a sexy little sheath at Fairweather just for kicks (it was hot pink, totally not my colour, but it was such a cute dress) because I already have my prom dress but then I ended up getting stuck in it. I was so frustrated that I was almost crying when Cathy and I were trying to peel it off me without ripping it. We eventually did, but not before I'd vowed to never try on a dress EVER again (I don't think that'll actually happen, though). We went bowling at the Bowlerdome, too.

University of Calgary
I had two clinics (one for band and one for choir) and lunch there. It's really nice. I'd unknowingly left my horn in my hotel (thinking it was on the bus) and so I almost cried when we got there. Fortunately I was able to have it retrieved and so I could do the band clinic, which was quite spiffy. The choir clinic was hilarious b/c the professor running it was just really easygoing and funny.

Calgary Zoo
What can I say, it's a fricking zoo. That was sorta boring. I saw an elephant with five legs though. The fifth leg was NOT a leg. The guys thought it was the funniest thing since sliced bread.

Buzzards Cowboy Restaurant
This sounded really promising until I'd finished what I'd thought was my appetizier, but it was really my dinner. I went hungry the rest of the night.

Epcor Centre
I saw the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra here. The first half of the set was strings, the second half was strings and a choir.
Program:

Banff/Lake Louise
This is, without a doubt, one of (if not THE) most beautiful place in the world I have ever been. Words cannot adequately describe it, so I'll post pictures later. I sorta wish I'd been able to go skiing at Sunshine, but I don't regret not going, either. I bought a ruby red Nalgene bottle at Monod Sports (the oldest climbing equipment store in Canada!) and some souvenir-y things. The weather was SO gorgeous the entire day, and we had dinner at the Keg (woot!).

Fairview Jr. High School
We played a little show here (Choir, M-Ville, Band) en route to Edmonton.

Red Deer
There's a place called Old Mill and they sell the coolest doughnuts in the world. They have flavours like Orange Creamsicle and Rolo. MMMMMM!!!!

Wetaskiwan
Our "big show" of the trip was not very big, which was disappointing because it was also very unlike what the travel agents had told us it would be. We played in a church basement and there were maybe 10 people (besides the rest of our entourage) in the audience. There was a bigass windstorm/hurricane type thing that night too, and the power went out TWICE when the band was playing, but we just played right through them. It was very strange because although I was unable to see my music in the almost pitch-black basement, my fingers somehow knew what to do and they did it. I however, did not know my fingerings. That was mighty cool. Mr. Taylor was very happy with us because he'd actually stopped conducting but we couldn't see so we played right through it.

A Church
I don't remember what it was called but it was a United church, if I'm not mistaken. The choir performed at the Edmonton Kiwanis festival here, and we got a rating of "Honours." Since no one here knows what it means, we're assuming it means the equivalent of a gold, because that makes us feel good. =)

West Edmonton Mall
It has been my lifelong dream to shop at the world's biggest shopping mall, and when I finally realized that dream, I had $30 in my wallet and I was (and still am, mind you) 6 grand in the hole. Nonetheless, I had much fun. I bought two rings (prom jewelry, but I'm SO tempted to wear them now!) and Cathy and the guys and I went to Hooters for dinner which was lots of fun, too. We were gonna go on the submarines but we were all kinda strapped for cash so we watched the dolphin show instead. I wanted to go to the waterpark but I'd forgotten to pack my swimsuit. Andrew bought the coolest shirt in the world that said "I'm like a superhero with no motivation or powers." Unfortunately, they didn't have a superheroine one, so I'll make one later for myself.

That's my trip in a nutshell. Power to you if you read it all. I will post pictures when I develop and scan them.

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20 April 2004

Cathy is going to pick me up in about an hour and a half. By 9am, I will be on my way to Calgary! I am quite stoked.

I wonder if I should eat a decent breakfast or take a chance with airline food. I actually don't mind it at all; I am merely concerned about the portions (which are usually quite small) as I am starving right now.

I will be gone until late Sunday night. By then, we would've hit Calgary, Banff, and Edmonton.

I packed homework and lots of it. Knowing me, I'll probably end up doing at least half, if not ALL NINE YARDS of it. Nerrrrday. 8)

(Alex: I stuck The Magician's Nephew in my purse.)

When I can hear birds chirping, I kneow its after 4am. It was like this yesterday, too. I hope I don't crash and burn later today because I'm going on about three hours sleep right now. AND there's jetlag (Alberta is two hours ahead) so by the time I crash tonight its going to feel like 1:30a or so.

I think I'm going to eat breakfast NOW, and then shower, brush my teeth, and do one more once-over check of my room to make sure I didn't forget anything. That's gotta be the worse feeling in the world: when you're about to go on the on-ramp to the freeway and you realize you forgot something direly important, like your cell phone or your underwear.

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18 April 2004

I totalled my car on my way to rehearsal on Thursday evening.

For those of you who are just finding out now, I am alive and not physically injured, but I am far from well. Don't worry about calling or whatever, I know you are superbusy as I am, too.

This is the lowest point of my 18 years. Every time I think I've hit rock bottom, I look again, only to realize that I'm still tumbling down the rabbit hole.

Nothing good is happening.

14 April 2004

On Friday I fell asleep watching TV (at some ridiculously early hour, too) and I neglected to take my contacts out. Only after reading the tiny text on the backs of shampoo bottles in the shower on Saturday midmorning/afternoon did I realize that I still had my contacts in. My vainess and my NEED to wear sunglasses (which are nonprescription because my prescription ones are not strong enough anymore) when I drive made me put those bloody pieces of plastic back into my eyes for another 12-15 hours, which promptly led to an eye infection in my right eye.

Top that off with the mother of all migranes. Heck, the migrane probably had something to do with the contacts. It just did not cease or go away (I can still feel remnants of it, but it is not NEARLY as bad) for the ENTIRE duration of the weekend. I need migrane meds. 2-3 extra strength Tylenols simply do not suffice. I have meds for everything, but not migranes. Bloody hell.

Speaking of meds, that's something I must not forget when packing for Banff!! *scribbles note to self on a sticky note and sticks it to computer monitor*

I am so pissed. I just found out that I have a shitload of stuff this week, a shitload of stuff next week (which I'm going to miss most of) and a MOTHER of a shitload of stuff due immediately when I get back from Banff (notably 2 essays among other things). KILL ME NOW; BURN MY SOUL.

DUBYA TEE EFF, MATE?! I thought things get EASIER after midterm and two early acceptances. I have this huge desire to just slack off but oh, money calls, money calls. *le sigh*

I GIVE UP. I AM GOING TO BED. PULLING ALL NIGHTERS JUST DOES NOT PAY OFF FOR ME ANYMORE. THIS HOMEWORK MACHINE IS BROKEN. (Shel Silverstein! Does ANYONE else remember?)

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10 April 2004

Top 100 from 1994-2003
Chris sent me that a few days ago. IT IS THE GREATEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD. The 90s was a wicked decade. In case you didn't already know (and I did know prior to going to the above link), Iris is the most played song on the radio of all time. I could still distinctly remember that it was the summer going into grade 7. Vicki's mom would take us (Vicki, Matt, and I) to Wonderland at least once or twice a week and in the car, that song would be playing on three different radio stations at any one given time.

Friendster.com
My "Azn-ness" has forced me to join the cult. LMK if you're in it too. You most certainly do NOT have to be AZN to be on Friendster, it's just that the majority of the people I know who are on it happen to be the AA crowd. There are OOOOODLES of non-Azn people on it though.

Friendster.ca
Cute kitty cat pictures (or in Ernest's words, "lots of pussies!" That was so wrong.). They are SO CUTE. I WANT A CAT!!!!!!!

I've had an awesome weekend so far. Yesterday, Vicki gave me the wickedest birthday present ever: A photo album with OOOOOOLLLD photos from elemtary school (OOOOOLD as in grade 1!!), an Archie Comic, a Lifeguard shirt, a Scratch -and-Win Bingo thing, a Finding Nemo keychain, and a whole POUND of white chocolate. It was so cool because everything was reminiscent of some point of our friendship (I've known her for most of my life; at one point I practically LIVED at her house!) and it SOOO moved by it. <3333

THEN Ally came over and we hung out for the rest of the afternoon and it was so fun cuz I haven't seen her in a few weeks (her being in Brantford, me being in hiding pretty much because of homework!) and yeah. JOSEPH GORDON LEVITT IN A LABCOAT. RAWR.

Today I've had a lazy day and some dizzy spells. I bought some stuff at Shoppers. I am going to the library soon.

Ally and I are planning on having a Keanu fest (similar to the Joshy fest at Amanda's years ago that probably no-one remembers anymore) soon. Flicks on the bill so far: The Matrix (not the Reloaded, not Revolutions, just the Matrix), Something's Gotta Give, both Bill and Teds, Johnny Mnemonic, and Speed. I doubt we'll end up watching all of them, though. Joiners and movie suggestions welcome!!

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8 April 2004

I caught the last wave of early acceptances (midterms went into the office this morning so they'll be going into OUAC in a week or two or so).

Not too shabby for the most horrendous week ever.

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7 April 2004

I have never felt so lifeless, hollow, and wired. That's what not sleeping for 3 of the past 4 nights and a pot (i.e. 12 cups) of coffee in one night does to you.

It's too late for your apology. You can't bring back all you've taken from me. Stripped of my pride, and left for dead.

I know my place, and this place is far away from you.

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1 April 2004

Money motivates me to work quite hard.

This past week has been insane. I think I say that way too much, but really, this has been THE insanest week of all of them weeks. Unfortunately, this insanity will continue halfway into next week.

A difference of 3 percent in my average can get me an extra grand. THAT'S MMotivation with two capital Ms: one for money, and one for more money.

Two entries that I typed (but didn't publish) when I was in Niagara have been backdated for your reading enjoyment, since I haven't written in a while and I probably won't be able to write a lot between now and midterm marks cut off day (next Thursday at 8a).

I got my compy back today. I hope it doesn't die again. *crosses fingers*

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