my weekend

Wow, this marketing plan is actually a lot of fun. I love working under pressure!
On Friday we went to a roller rink for Sheehira’s Bday. It was fun, I think it’s becoming a tradition for her Birthdays. I worked Saturday and today. Between that, I’ve been working on my plan.
I can’t believe that there’s only a week and a half left of classes. Then, I’m off to Vegas again, this time with my parents. I can’t wait to see the crew there, and relax for a bit.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend, the weather was amazing, Spring is here!

The Plan...the new plan.

Hello all. I know, I know, no update since Monday. What the fuck right?
Well.......I had a marketing plan due today and it fell through....totally.
Long story short: two group members gypped us on their parts, and we were left with a pile a shit to hand it. We decided start a whole new plan, just me and the other girl. We handed in the bad one for the other two group members, its all their mark now.
The prof is giving me and my other group member one week to hand in a new plan and do a presentation. So, let’s do the math:

1st plan: 5 members+ 2 ½ months = ended up with a piece of shit.

New plan: 2 members + 7 days = hopefully something great

Ya, we’ve got a lot to do in 7 days now. We have to though, this is the course where I failed the mid term.

Wish us luck!

My day

Hey Jackie, can’t wait to see you back at BP. Just wait until you hear my new song “Oh Nancy.....OH Nancy.....You’re so fancy....you look like Barbie!”
Ya, 9inch just loves it!=P.
Anyways, today I had my B2B marketing exam, and I think it went well. I’m glad one class is over and done with now. 4 more to go.
Today also marks the 3 year anniversary that the US went and started bombing (liberating) Iraq. Wow, I bet all the Iraqis are celebrating this anniversary! (ya right!).
Oh, and today I froze waiting for the bus, got to school late for a group meeting, and then didn’t care because nothing new was done for our project anyways. Meh.
Oh, and I got a postcard from Michelle from Quebec. Thank you Michelle, now if only you'd hang out with us again.
This week will be nice and sunny, enjoy!!!

shopping

Judy, you’ll be able to find lots of used DS's once the new model comes out. That should be sometime in May. It all depends on how fast they can make them. They’re selling them in Japan right now, but it’s selling like crazy, and no one can keep it in stock. Look at these people waiting for one just last week. The DS is great, Mario Kart DS rocks. The best Mario Kart ever! Once you get one we can play some multiplayer, and I’ll kick your butt!;)
Hey, and delete some of your messages. It’s always full when I call!=)

Work was busy this past weekend, lots of people. Last night it died off pretty quick though. Kyle and I shared a big family Birthday party. It went well, except for one little mistake: I punched in 5 spinach salads instead of 5 spinach dips! Man, when they brought out the salads, I was so confused. Finally I realised what I had done, and got them to quickly make the dips. Man!

Yesterday I went shopping and bought some cool clothes. I seem to only go shopping roughly four times a year, so it was fun. I’ll do some more once school slows down. I also went looking for digital cameras and a laptop. I want them both to be light, small, and strong. It’s a tough balance, but that’s what I need. I’m willing to trade some horse power for easier portability. Any suggestions guys?

Games: Tetris, Metriod

An all new portable Metroid game with graphics comparable to the Gamecube games? Oh, and with multiplayer, voice chat and free online play with people from around the world? Nintendo, I’m sorry for ever buying a Playstation, I will never do that again.


Oh wait, there’s more good news? An all new Tetris game for the DS with 6 different ways of playing? All I could wish for now would be classic Nintendo themed backgrounds for those games. What, I am granted that wish too? I haven’t played Tetris for years, but I can’t wait to now!
I love my DS, I can’t wait to play these games! (hurry up school and end already!)
Judy, you gotta get a DS=)






*I swear that this is not a paid advertorial for Nintendo, or Nintendo games. I just really miss playing video games right now=)

Avian Flu

"The WHO says in the best-case scenario, two to seven million people will die in the next pandemic and tens of millions will need medical attention. But if the virus is particularly virulent, the number of deaths could be dramatically higher. The organization warns that the global spread of a pandemic can't be stopped – but preparing properly will reduce its impact. "
This is something that we should all be keeping an eye on. No one knows what might become of it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Right now, everyone is waiting to see if the virus mutates, and gains the ability to spread from human to human. If this happens, it’s very likely that our “well overdue” pandemic will hit and millions will die. These things spread fast nowadays, so a few weeks notice will be what we have until it hits Toronto (remember how fast S.A.R.S. spread?).
Nothing to panic about right now, but cautionary planning is always good. Check out the site above to learn more about it.
(This post is dedicated to Daren who has a cold. Or is it the Bird Flu, dunn dunn dunn.......;)

I got in!

Today I woke up at 5; I had to go to Ryerson and enroll in a Spring course. My Dad drove me there on his way to work, and I got there at about 6:45. It was raining so hard, and I didn’t really know where to go. I also had the worst umbrella ever, the metal arms have already snapped. All the buildings that I saw looked closed. At first I waited by the Chang building, but then found an enrollment building. When I went in, there was already a small line forming by the registration desks. I filled out my forms and waiting in line for them to open. They opened at 8:15. Thank God I came early because there was a huge line up by the time they opened. I was so scared that the class I need in order to graduate would be filled. But, it wasn’t and I enrolled no problems! I’m relieved right now. Tired and relieved. I took the subway and bus back to school, where I am now.
Today I have a B2B Marketing presentation and plan due. I worked on the promotional part which looks great. It was a good group after all, most people did there work great.
I also can’t wait to get home and go to sleepzzzZZZZ

Sushi on Bloor

First off, why am I at school on a Saturday! To many group meetings that's why.
So, I haven't posted in a while and thats because I've been really busy with school. So many things to do.
Last night, I had some really great and cheap Sushi. I went with Daren and his friends to a place called Sushi on Bloor. The wait to get a seat was crazy, but very worth it. Almost all of us got a Supreme Box, that came with everything that Prince Sushi's box has, just more. They also gave us all free Mango ice cream, yum.
Then we went to Second Cup, and I got a tasty hot cranberry drink.
After that Daren and I walked to meet Veena and Sreng outside of the club Fly. We've never been there, and were excited to check it out. A problem occured though: Sreng locked his keys in the car. So, we spend the next few hours to get a CAA guy to come and unlock the door. Daren's friend hooked us up with that.
After that we went to a bar, had a drink, and warmed up a bit. It was too late to go to Fly, so we'll have to go back on another day.
It was still a fun night, although we didn't get to go to the club.

Music: Goldfrapp

Here’s some more electronic up-tempo music for all of those who like it. Actually, I believe that Goldfrapp has at least one song that anyone will love. If you haven’t heard it yet, please listen to the song “Strict Machine,” it's great.
If you want a really sexy song, listen to “Train”.
The new album is Supernature. The new single is “Ride on a White Horse” Click here to watch the video for the song, it is truly a piece of art, you HAVE to see it (scroll down the page, the video links are at the bottem). I haven’t heard the new album, but will probably buy it sometime (I have a long list of cds I have to buy, but never get a chance to).
Oh, and then there is "Black Cherry," one of my favourite songs ever.
Enjoy.

The Oscars

Why the hell did Crash win best picture??? I didn’t think it was all the great. It was too over the top with racism, and become slightly unrealistic. Maybe it was to send a message that Hollywood cares about racism. Haven’t we moved onto new fights though?
At least Ang Lee won best director, that's still a huge honour for Brokeback.
I was also glad that the actor from Capote won best actor, he was really good in that. And best song? It’s hard being a pimp? What a joke that was, all the clichés of rap music rolled into one. Can’t rap evolve into something greater than shootouts, baggy cloths, and “bling”? Look at K-os, ..that’s new styles. Oh well, hopefully this “grills” faze doesn’t last long.
=P
Jon Steward was great though. Really funny, at least if you follow news in the slightest.

Reoccurring Dream

Okay, now back to writing about fun things.

Yesterday I went to work, it was really slow. Jen managed, which always makes things fun. J.T. gave me a copy of American Beauty, which I am excited to watch.
Today we’re going to the cemetery to see Nonno John’s plot. Nonna Connie wanted to go, so she will meet us there with Aunt Laura.

I have to write about my reoccurring dream. Mine isn’t so much the same dream, but the same theme to my dream. This is how it goes: I’m somewhere where there are many people around me. These people are all human, but I know that they are evil/ monsters/ brainwashed, whatever. I also know that they will “get me” if they find out that I am not one of them. So, I have to pretend that I am one. (Think along the lines of Invasion of the Body Snatchers with the pod people). Sometimes this is done by a facial expression, or a phrase that I repeat aloud. I usually have to get away from them, and usually find a person or two who are not one of them.
I think this is strange, yet cool. I do enjoy these dreams; I just find it strange that I keep having them. I just had another one yesterday.
Anyone else have reoccurring dreams? When I was young I always had dreams that my teeth would fall out or be loose.

Saying Goodbye

Here’s what’s been going on for the last few days. This is a very long post, but bear with it.
On Wednesday night was Nonno John’s wake. It was a lot nicer then previous wakes that I’ve been to. It wasn’t so morbid, and people we standing around talking. Nonno Connie was crying a lot that night though. Nonno John’s body looked almost nothing like him, and was so cold.

On Thursday were another two wakes for him, one in the morning, and one at night. They were also less morbid. Nonno Connie cried less these time, and spoke with visiting family and friends. So many of my parent’s friends came, along with my cousin’s and Aunt’s. My cousins Denise and Diana were cry more this day, and even I broke down once.

Then, today was the funeral. We arrived at the funeral home at 7:50, while the guests arrived between 8am and 9am. I was one of the pallbearers, something I’ve never done before before. At 9am, the guest slowly left the room, and waited for us outside. My cousins and I went up to the body first to say our last good byes. Then his sons and daughters went up. When my Dad was saying his last goodbyes I started crying. Then my Aunt Laura went up, and I couldn’t stop. Hearing her say “oh Dad, you were so funny, you made me laugh so much” was so emotional. It was also the first time that I saw her really break down. Then Nonna Connie went up, which was heart wrenching. My cousins Denise, Diana and I were Kleenex faced, nose running like crazy. I haven’t cried uncontrollably since a year ago. His body was lowered into the coffin, and slowly the lid was closed.

A few minutes later, we made our way out of the room. On the way out, I went to give Nonna Connie a hug. She said “See, Nonno John is gone” and we both started crying and hugging. Someone kindly moved us apart, and I went to the washroom to compose myself. I did, and then took my place with the other five pallbearers (who, with everyone else, were waiting for me at the front of the funeral home).

Ava Maria began to be sung by a women who works at the funeral home. (I don’t know why they always use this song). Roses were put down on the floor, and the casket was wheeled out to us. I started crying again, and didn’t stop until we had brought the coffin outside and loaded it into the hearse. The six of us got in our limo, and took the drive towards the church. It felt like hours. I fought hard not to cry hard here. It felt surreal; I had never been in the front of the funeral possession. Funeral always went like this: Nonno John is riding in the front seat of our car, with Nonna Connie and my mom beside me in the back. Now, Nonno John’s body was in the front of the possession.

We got out at the church, and carried the coffin up the stairs and put it back down on the stand to wheel it in. My family was all around, and I just couldn’t believe this was all happening. I cried all the way in (I swear, this will be the last time I’m asked to be a pallbearer=). We all then took our seats, and I tried hard to cry quietly, although at this point, my body had full control. Even my cousin Daniel tried to console me, probably scared at seeing me cry so much for the first time.

The mass felt like forever, I don’t even remember what was said, I didn’t really listen. I kept thinking about how strange it was to be in this situation, (and I kept wishing I had just one more Kleenex). Then I heard the priest say: “And now one of the grandchildren has prepared something to say.”
Oh god, I nearly forgot. My cousin Denise and I had written a “Top Ten Memories of Nonno John list” to read at the mass. She had said she wouldn’t be able to do it, and I told her I didn’t want to do it alone. Another cousin had something prepared, but wasn’t sure if she would be able to read it.

I sat there and waited a few seconds to see if anyone would get up. I then frantically looked over to Denise, who was shaking her head. Then, somehow, God only knows how, I stood up and made my way to the alter. Honestly, it was one of those situations where your legs just take over, and you just keep on walking without even thinking. Here’s what I read:

10. When he wanted us to get him something, sometimes he would act out what he wanted instead of verbally asking. For example, lifting his leg meant that he wanted his slippers, moving his shoulders meant that he wanted a sweater.

9. When Nonna Connie would bring food to the table, he always had to be the first to try it, even before it was served.

8. Once, after finishing our shopping at Price Chopper, my Dad, Nonna Connie and I came out to the car. Nonno John had been waiting in it, but now the car was gone. He didn’t have his license anymore at this time, but low and behold, he had moved it to a closer spot in the lot.

7. He would always open the champagne bottles at special occasions. While doing so, we’d all run for cover as he would jokingly aim at people. Once though, the cork hit the ceiling and came right down, hitting him on the head.

6.He would draw portraits pictures (you’d have to see them to get this).

5. My dad and I would take both of them shopping at Knob Hill Farms. It was always fun trying to make sure Nonno John didn’t “borrow” something without paying for it.

4.He would drive up to my house when I was young and take me to the cottage. Nonna Connie would be in the front seat, and I would sit in the back beside his “Charlie Bird” yellow canary.

3. Any chance he could, he would start singing one of his songs (one was of his family, and one was a song he sang to Nonna Connie asking her to marry him.)

2. When we were young, he would always tell a story about how he had been a boxer. He was losing the match, and between rounds he slipped a rock into his glove. He punched the guy out a won the match (It’s very likely that this was just a “story”, but we always loved challenging him on it anyways.)

1.On all of his children’s, and grandchildren’s birthdays, he would phone us and whistle Happy Birthday. Right to the end of his life he did this.

As you can imagine, it didn’t come out so nicely as I wrote here. I broke down at #8, and had a wait until I continued. I was a crying mess for the rest of the way through, and I probably made little sense. I was so happy that I did this though, I wanted him, and everyone there to know what he meant to me. I then went back to my seat, legs shaking and eyes crying.

After the mass, we brought the casket back to the hearse. In the limo, I was able to finally stop crying, and we took the long ride to the cemetery. We brought the coffin to the mausoleum, and they put him inside his spot in the wall. Everything was okay after this, and we all made peace. We left the church, and made our way to Aunt Laura’s for some food and refreshments. There, things were like a usual family gathering, except for the missing face of Nonno John.

Your family miss you dearly Nonno John.
I love you.