Tuesday, January 31, 2006

In search of the perfect no-foam-latte

I think I'm going to rename my blog, "In search of the perfect no-foam-latte" Honestly. How hard is it to NOT put foam on a beverage??? Expecially when it's written right on the side of the cup. Today I got a chai and there was a good inch and a half of foam on top!? At what point do you start getting anal and not accepting a drink until all the foam has been scrapped off the top?

Of course the worst part about achieveing perfect foam-less-ness is that it's a fleeting victory. With the next drink it could all be back. I think I need a personal barista :P

~Heidi...enjoying her half full chai now that all the foam has been anhilated.

I DID IT!!!

I actually applied for a job! Finally. I've been working on my resume, fine tuning it, adjusting, adding etc for so long and I *FINALLY* sent it off to the placement agency I've been talking about. They have one specific opening that looks promising and they are always getting more. Their website states:
Qualified applicants will receive either a letter or a phone call asking you to schedule an appointment to come into our office for testing and a personal interview with one of our consultants.

So, now I wait for my interview! Cross your fingers for me!!!
~Heidi

Monday, January 30, 2006

1981

I got this via email awhile ago and found it very interesting. I just got it again this morning so I've decided to post it. The only thing they left out is the fact that I was born in 1981...not sure what the equivilant for 2005 was...

In the year 1981,

1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe.
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope John Paul II was shot.

In the year 2005,

1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe.
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. The Pope died.

Lesson learned? The next time Charles gets married, someone warn the Pope!

Singles Update

Last week I posted that I expected George Strait to release a new single soon. Last night I heard on the radio that the new song will be "The Seashores of Old Mexico" from his "Somewhere Down in Texas" CD. I *love* that song and am very happy to hear that it's the next release.

This morning I did a search to confirm it and found out that he's doing a video for it too!!! clicky George does very few videos so this is exciting. Can't wait to see it!

~Heidi

Dreams

Anyone who knows me knows I dream A LOT, and VERY vividly. Normally my dreams are associated to events that have happened during the day or things I was thinking about. Typically I remember my dreams, or at least the feelings I felt during them. Most of the times they are good dreams (especially when they are about Dierks or Kenny :))

Last night I was dreaming about making cards (surprise!) and I needed a certain stamp. I knew where it was, in the room just outside my bedroom. I ACTUALLY GOT UP to go and look for it. Of course it wasn't there <_< and I was awake enough to realize it so I'm standing there, in my night shirt and I go "hmmm...well...since I'm up, I may as well go to the bathroom!" Which I did.

Sleepwalking or semi-sleep walking is NOT normal for me so that was just weird. We'll see how tonight goes!

~Heidi

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Draw Nigh

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." James 4:8 KJV

Saturday, January 28, 2006

A little more about me

CASEd from Dawnn
1. Where were you when the ball dropped for 2006?
At Leah's wedding drinking champagne and line dancing to Keith Urban's "God's Been Good to Me"

2. How did you get the idea for your profile name?
I had a pen pal named Sharon when I was a teenager. Her favourite number was 13 but she added ".7" to make it a little more lucky. She used to sign her letters "Agent 13.7" a la James Bond. I just flipped it to 7.13. When I signed up with Hotmail, I wanted something that didn't have my name in it and since that was the only nickname I've ever had my email became agent713@hotmail.com...and remains that to this day!

3. What time were you born?
12:08 noon, after thirty hours of labour the realized I wasn't coming out and did a c-section. Apparently I had the cord wrapped around my neck and tucked under my arm.

4. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry?
Yeah, I cried during Princess Di's funeral.

5. What color panties are you wearing?
black

6. Do you want a baby?
yep

7. What did you do this morning?
Slept in to about nine, took a shower and made some cards while eating breakfast.

8. What does your dad do for a living?
sales

9. Where do you work?
an employment centre

10. What ended your last relationship?
What relationship?

11. What are the last 2 digits of your cellphone number?
76...which, coincidently are also the first two digits of my cell number.

12. What was the last concert you attended?
Brad Paisley with special guest Terri Clark on January 18th

13. Who was with you?
My concert buddy Jenna

14. What was the Last Movie you watched?
The Wedding Date. I rented it last night for some escapism. It was actually pretty good.

15. Who do you dislike at the moment?
My co-worker

16. What food do you crave right now?
Coke and chips. I wasn't drinking it for awhile but then I had some and now I can't get enough!!! Time to go back to water! I've also eaten more chips in the past week then in the past month. Bad Heidi.

17. Did you dream last night?
Yes. ALL night. I dreamt Dierks and I were hanging out and I was grilling him on all sorts of topics. He answered every question...too bad I can't remember the answers :P

18. What was the last TV show you watched?
McLeod's Daughters :D

19. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My grandma's wedding band and the Fifth Avenue ring I bought myself.

20. What is to the left of you?
A china cabinet

21. What was the last thing you ate?
See question #16

22. Who is your best friend of the opposite sex?
Wow. This really shouldn't be so hard to answer!!! I don't really have any close guy friends right now though :(

23. Write some song lyrics that are in your head:
"Come a little closer baby, I feel like laying you down..."

24. Who last IMd you?
Julia and Veronica (yes it's been that long since I was online)

26. Are you on any medication?
nope

27. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
Depends on the bed. Mostly dead centre, in my bed, to the right.

28. What shirt are you wearing?
A plain burgundy one from Reitmans

29. What color is your razor?
teal

30. What is your favorite frozen treat?
ice cream with chocolate and nuts

31. How many tattoos/piercings do you have?
none

32. What's your favorite store?
Wal-Mart <_<

33. Are you thirsty right now?
yes but I've moved on to water :D

34. Can you imagine yourself ever getting married?
Good grief I hope so!!!

35. Who's someone you haven't seen in a while and miss?
Meredith, Kim, Crystal, Tracy, most of my friends :P

36. What did you do last night?
Watched "The Wedding Date"

37. Do you care what people think about you?
Sort of.

38. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble?
Umm...I think I'll plead the fifth on this one.

39. What song(s) do you think your ex's listen to and think of you?
No ex's but I've got lots of songs that apply to me right now...

40. What song(s) do you listen to and think of ex's?
No ex's but "You Look So Good In Love" applies to a guy I had a crush on.

48. What is one thing you wish you were better at?
Writing. I hate it. I'd love to learn to be able to sit down and write a letter or another document (I'm talking work related here. Not personal.)

49. What do you think about the person that posted this?
Well, I CASEd it from Dawnn. I think she's incredibly cool and funny and from what I hear she throws great parties ;)

50. What is across the room from you?
I'm facing a wall...

Current Music: Brad Paisley's "When I get Where I'm Going"
Current Mood: peaceful

Friday, January 27, 2006

5:45pm

It's quarter to five and they are all downstairs in the tv room. Mr. & Mrs. Smith is playing in the background and they are playing Truth or Dare. How typical :P I'd say there's probably a dozen of them down there, stacked on top of each other like lincoln logs. Ah to be 15.
~Heidi...who is leaving...soon...

Teenies

Via email, I asked my mom if the "teens had invaded yet". This is her response:
No teenies yet. The first batch should be here about 3:30, the rest will trickle in around 4:00. I told Daddy to be forewarned, there might be some real odd looking ones come in.

ROFL!
~Heidi

Time Zones

Only the internet can make you so aware of time zones. I talk daily with friends in Australia and all across the USA and Canada. I always feel like I am SO behind though. By the time I start work, they are looking for lunch. By the time I catch up and get to go for lunch, they are starting to wind the day up...well my US friends are. After my lunch the Australians are just starting their days out BUT...it's TOMORROW for them! I'm totally behind. I think I'll go talk to Nadya. She's in Hawaii and probably the only person on the planet in a time zone behind me :P
~Heidi

Happy Birthday Aaron

(See? I told you that posting a nonsense entry would open the floodgates :wacko:)

Today is my littlest brother's fifteenth birthday. FIFTEEN. Can you believe it? I remember being fifteen (ha, that makes me sound old). I hated it. Fifteen was by far the worst year of my life. I hope it's better for him. It is such a formative year. I know he's going through some tough stuff right now and I pray that he makes smart choices.

Love ya dude :)

~Heidi

Bloggers Block

This is for Veronica. Who kindly pointed out that my blog needs updating. I know it does. I've been throwing around different topics for the past few days but nothing is inspiring me right now. I hate it when I get like this. I know that once I post I'll probably post multiple times in the next hour, it's just getting that first one out after a little while. So, here goes nothing :D
~Heidi

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Hijacked!

I've been hijacked. I knew it was coming and frankly I'm happy with the situation. My boss (from head office) sent me an email on Monday saying "Keep your schedule clear on Wednesday because I will have a pile of word processing for you to do". Sounds good to me! He and I work well together and I've become a pro at deciphering his hieroglyphics. This morning we had a brief staff meeting and now I'm running back and forth between his office and my desk typing up notes as he puts them to paper. THIS is what I enjoy doing. It might just be a good Wednesday after all.
~Heidi

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

New Singles

The only problem with listening to the radio as much as I do is I get tired of hearing the current singles of my favourite artists. So far everytime I hear CALC I listen too it through but I admit to not listening to George's "She Let Herself Go" or Brad and Dolly singing "When I Get Where I'm Going".

Over the past little while, a bunch of new singles have hit the radio.
Kenny - "Living in Fast Forward" <- GREAT driving music
Dierks - "Settle for a Slowdown" <- not what I would have chosen for a single but a great song none the less
Blaine Larsen - "I Don't Know What She Said" <- It's high time for new music from Blaine and this is a great song.
Garth & Trisha - apparently their new duet is out. I haven't heard it yet but I'll listen for it.

Also George just logged his fifty second number one hit (on all charts) with SLHG so I expect a new single from him soon. Brad & Dolly are almost at the top as well. I'm hoping his next song will be "The World". We'll have to wait and see!

~Heidi

Census Jobs

I've been posting fairly regular updates on SS but since my blog is called "Coffe, Country Music and a CAREER SEARCH" I figured it might make sense to post it here too :P

-+-+-+-+-

January 20 1:28 pm
So, y'all know how I'm on a job hunt right now right? Well I'm sitting here at my current job (which I have until March 3rd) and across the hall they've just opened up a recruiting station for Census Jobs for the 2006 Canadian census. I'm intrigued. I visited the website...and I think I may have applied. It's a bit weird. If there were more staff here I'd cross the hall and find out what they have to say. I can't leave right now though.

So, has anyone ever been involved in a census? It looks like good money and I love stats and paper work and stuff.

~Heidi

-+-+-+-+-

January 23 3:25 pm

Well, I did it. They were back today and there were staff in the office so I told them "I'm going across the hall!" Walked in, told them I'd already applied online and he said "great, we had a no-show so you can take this spot right here". Filled out the same application as online (how's that for government efficiency ) a criminal check release and took a very difficult test. We were allotted 65 minutes for the test. It was multiple choice, thirty questions long. There were questions on math, map reading, word problems, reasoning, etc etc etc. It was HARD because I am SO used to having a calculator right there. I'm pretty confident with my answers though. And even as difficult as it was, it was FUN! I feel like I haven't actually used my brain for something that matters in so long and it was fun to work through the questions. It took me about 50 minutes. I was the first one done even after checking some of my answers. When I finished I turned my test in and he said I could go. Now to wait! I'll keep you updated.
~Heidi

-+-+-+-+-

January 24 12:03 pm

Well, I just got a call from them. "We received your online application and would like to set up a time for you to come in for testing" Me: "Yup, been there done that". Them: "Oh that was YOU! Good. Now just sit tight while we review your results and then we'll call you for an interview". Sweet!

Apparently the area I'd be working is around my house. Sounds good to me!

I'll let you know how my interview goes

~Heidi

I *CAN* read

OMFSM! Contrary to popular belief, I CAN read and I DO read. In fact I read the paper when it came in this morning. You do NOT have to sit there and read it to me verbatim and then wonder why I'm not reacting. I. do. not. care. Honestly. Go into your office and do some work. (yes this is directed at a certain co-worker :P)

Oh, and election updates? I'm avoiding them at all costs. PLEASE do not give me the gory uninteresting details.

~Heidi

PS I realize I just vented about this on SS but he's not stopping and it's a daily occurence so it deserves it's own blog entry :D

Monday, January 23, 2006

Cheap Chinese

I think a restaurant that serves cheap Chinese food must be required in every community. At home the best place for it is the "Dragon Fort" in the town I work it's "Sunny Restaurant". At both restaurants I get lunch special #5. Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls, Beef Chop Suey and Chow Mein. Unless I'm really hungry, that usually gives me two meals. I had it for lunch, and I've got enough left over for dinner. Not bad for five bucks :)

My fortune today was: "You shall soon gain the attention of those who count."

Sounds good to me!

~Heidi

Civic Duty

I did my civic duty this morning by voting. It's kind of a moot point in my riding because the dude I voted for will win by a landslide. It was a good way to cover up being late for work though "uh...I had to vote" :D And, like they say, if you don't vote, you can't complain.

I felt like a bit of a ping pong ball though. Go in and check which station applies. Go to station. I'm not registered. Go register. Go back and get "professionally" folded ballot. Go behind little cardboard booth. "Hey! We have a Marxist representative? Cool! Oh, and the Marajuana guy. Knew about him" :P Vote for previously determined dude after debating on the merrits of voting for someone because they have a cool name :D Go back to station. Perforated tab removed by "professional". Shove ballot into box making sure it's good and mangled on the way in. Leave.

Ah democracy :)

~Heidi

Mutts

I love the comic strip "Mutts" I'm not a huge "pet" person in general but these guys are just so cute! The Sunday strip from a few weeks ago was adorable...and I got it via email this morning so I'm posting it for you :)
This is how we should live life. In the NOW.
~Heidi
PS Click to enlarge

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Ebay

I "won" my first Ebay auction yesterday. A few days ago I did a search to see if Brad's Christmas song "364 Days to Go" was available. It was and the starting bid was $1.99 USD. I impulsively put down $2.25. Apparently Christmas CD's aren't very popular in January so I was the high bidder. $2.25 plus $1.99 for shipping, in Canadian funds is just over $5. I processed my payment via paypal this morning. The seller has 100% feed back so now I just wait. There's a song from Kenny on there too! Here's a link to the auction: clicky
~Heidi...wild girl :P

Concert Review

Fantastic.

That's the one word description I'm assigning to this concert. Absolutely fantastic. Everything I hoped it would be.

Traffic going in was pretty decent and it was dry all evening for a change. Had a yummy spaghetti dinner at Jenna's, found free parking on the far side of Playland and walked over to the Pacific Collesium. The tickets said "no cameras" which is typical for that venue so I put it in my inside jacket pocket. Of course this time they patted us down :rolleyes: so the chick asked what it was. I pulled it out and said "a camera" and she didn't even blink. I guess since it's not a big fancy one she didn't care. I got my three dollar bottle of water (which they had to pour into a cup for "security reasons") and we were in our seats just as Terri Clark took the stage.


She was so much fun :) She is very proud to be Canadian and to be preforming in her home country. She has a huge repetoire of songs so she sang some shorter versions of her older songs, her biggest hits and a few cuts off her brand new cd. She was great at interacting with the fans with lots of funny comments.


She opened with 'Life Goes On' and in no particular order played:
- I Just Wanna Be Mad
- Better Things to Do
- She Didn't Have Time
- When Boy Meets Girl
- Emotional Girl
- You're Easy on the Eyes
- Damn Right (which will be her new single)
- Honky Tonk Song
- Now That I Found You (before which she warned the guys in the audience that it was a love song and they were free to go pee or get a beer or something ;P)
- If I Were You
- No Fear
- Girls Lie Too
- I Wanna Do It All

It really was more than an opening act. Like Jenna said, it was almost a split concert. Very cool since Jenna is a huge Terri Clark fan and I'm a huge Brad fan :D

For an encore, Terri came back onto the stage in a Canucks jersey and Fin, the Canucks mascot was with her, wearing a cowboy hat.

Brad Paisley came on around 8:30. I loved Terri but I got tingles when he hit the opening chords on "The World" So so cool!!! I've been wanting to see him in concert for FOREVER so this was awesome :D He definitely didn't disappoint, although it was over WAY before I would have liked!

I took lots of pictures but I didn't start balancing my camera on the seat until later so the last half is when I got my best shots. I also danced lots, clapped until my hands hurt and sang along to every song :)

Brad's song list (also in no particular order)
- The World
- Wrapped Around
- Little Moments
- When I Get Where I'm going (which, even without Dolly Parton doing back up vocals, ROCKED. I didn't miss her at all, even though I love what she adds to the song)
- Alcohol
- Celebrity
- I'll Take You Back (with an introduction by Little Jimmy Dickens via "satellite")
- Easy Money
- Time Warp (the song that's been nominated for a grammy. He used this one to introduce the band. Even though they're all from California he introduced them as being from BC cities which was kind of fun. This one, along with others, was accompanied by animation done by Brad specifically for the concerts. It was almost as fun as watching him!)
- Mud on the Tires
- Me Neither
For the acoutstic set Brad sat down and made comments about how happy he was to be in Canada and how some of the band members thought it was a marajuana leaf on the flag (and judging by the smell in the air they weren't too far off :rolleyes:) Then he strummed the first few bars of "O Canada". Within seconds EVERYONE was singing along and we ended up singing the whole song. It was neat. His acoustic set included:
- He Didn't Have to Be (which was his first Canadian single)
- The Toilet Seat song (dedicated to all the ladies in the audience)
- Whiskey Lullaby (with Alison Krauss on the screen behind him)

We had a good view from our seats even though they were up pretty high. It was nice to not have anyone directly behind us and be able to stand and dance as much as we wanted. During the encore I ran down to the landing and took closer shots while Brad sang "I'm Gonna Miss Her (the fishing song)" Notice his shadow on the amp? The hat? :D
Jenna, thank you for being my "concert buddy" and for the awesome gift of covering for these tickets. "Attend a Brad Paisley concert" was on my list of things to do before I die and now I can check it off :D I couldn't ask for a better friend.

To all of you reading this, I hope you enjoyed it. I can't help but thing "this will certainly make scrapbooking easier!!!" :)

~Heidi...who is DEFINITLEY a concert junkie now :D

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Hoodia

I caught about fifteen minutes of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" last night. This chick named Jennifer was on and playing like I only hope I could if I was on. Going with her gut and quickly blurting out "A, (choice), final answer" and then moving on. Granted she had what I felt were easy questions but she didn't think about it so it was good. For the $25,000 question (after I had decided that I really liked her and we could be good friends) it was something along the lines of "Which South African plant is used as an ingredient in weight loss products" and it listed four including kava and hoodia. I immediately exclaimed that I hadn't heard of any of them and that she should walk with her $16,000. She took the time to call her future mother-in-law and used the 50/50 but in the end, she walked with the $16,000 just like I had predicted. I was very proud of her LOL

I just went to talk to my co-worker. She's making tea and offered me some. Apparently it's a "slimming tea" and has HOODIA in it! No, I'm not having any (still don't do tea) but what are the chances? I love game shows :)

~Heidi

Big News!

I'm moving out! Well, part time. Okay, I'm just house sitting again, but this time it's for six months! My friend Janis who was my "partner" in Creative Memories is moving to Cypress with her family for six months. While she's gone I (and her neighbours and parents) will be looking after her place. The current plan is to split my time between there and home. Her house is about half way between home and Vancouver but I work about 35 kms in the opposite direction...currently. Who knows what will happen when I find my new job. The plan right now is to be at Janis at least a couple nights a week. I seem to be spending more and more time in Vancouver so it will be nice to not have to drive ALL the way home, especially considering the stupid nasty weather we've been having lately. But I'll still maintain my room at home and stay there a few nights a week when it doesn't make sense to drive all the way to Janis'.

I met with her last night and got the low-down on the house and stuff. Tonight will be my first night there, after the Brad Paisley concert :D I'll let you know how it goes.

~Heidi...moving out of home...one step at a time...

American Idol

I have never been an American Idol fan. Sure I've caught a few episodes here and there and I recognize names like "Kelly Clarkson" and "Ruben Stoddard" but it's not "my kind of music" so I seldom pay much attention. Last night House was a re-run so I watched the first show of the new season of AI. I confess, I laughed. out. loud. I am amazed at the length some people will go to get on tv. Of course, I went to bed with a splitting headache but I'm not sad I watched it.
~Heidi

The Road & The Radio

I just finished scrapbooking this as a page in my woefully neglected "Book of Me". With a few edits, here is the journalling from that page:

After commuting for over a year I’ve learned to really appreciate the radio. CD’s are great. They definitely have their place and are perfect for “at your fingers music” but there is something magical in scanning the radio dial and hearing your favourite artist or a favourite song. You never know what is coming next and there is a level of anticipation that CD’s can never match.

Depending on where I am in my commute I can usually tune into five different country radio stations as well as a variety of other formats. 93.7 JRfm is available basically the whole way up the valley. From work I can normally tune into 102.9 Q Country from Seattle as well. I know the exact point on the highway where Country 107.1 is clear enough to listen to. (Coincidently it’s when I see the JRfm billboard.) At home and points west, depending on the weather, I can usually catch 94.1 KMPS and the brand new 100.7 the Wolf, both out of Seattle as well.

Each station has their own radio personalities and while Mom may complain that they “talk too much” I often enjoy listening to them. It’s nice to hear a voice just speaking instead of singing sometimes. I split my mornings between Clay and Karen on JRfm, Doug Kirkwood on Country 107.1 and Big D and Bubba on Q Country. Big D and Bubba are a nationally syndicated show and they have awesome guests and crazy antics.

In the afternoons Chris Coburn on JR will often make me laugh out loud. He’s got a great view on the world. Terry Chan on Country 107.1 and Kevin the Busman on Q Country provide their share of comic relief as well.

It’s all about the music though. On the radio you get brand new singles, old favourites, country classics and everything in between. The only thing I DON’T like on the radio is the ads. Anyone who has spent any amount of time stuck in a vehicle can probably relate. They get repetitive really fast and very boring. Because of the ads I am a “flipper”. If an ad comes on, or a song that I don’t really like, I’ll flip to another station. All the stations listed here are pre-sets on my dial and I can scan through them in a couple of seconds. My favourite times are when I can get my favourite artist back to back. I’ve heard up to four George Strait songs in a row just from flipping. Definitely worth it :D I’ve also been known to flip between the radio and a CD. If a CD can hold my attention and NOT make me want to check to see what’s on the radio then it is a definite keeper.

The lyrics from the title track of Kenny Chesney’s newest CD really hit home with me. Long live country radio!

"The Road And The Radio"

Ain't nothing out here but me, the road and the radio
Looking for an exit and a song that I might know
Counting down the memories and adding up the miles
Searching for a feeling I ain't felt in a while

Clarity and inspiration
Happiness is a destination that's hard to find
It may take some time
But in my mind there's something more
And I'll open up a brand new door
And find the strength to close the ones I left behind
And I'll get there leanin' on some friends I know:
The road and the radio

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

ESTJ

Have you ever done the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)? I did it in highschool but of course I can't find the results. I just had a co-worker administer it for me and we reviewed the results yesterday. She gave me some materials on my personality type and I want to share a few snippets because they are so bang on that I think it's funny.

ESTJ - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging (Extraverted Thinking with Introverted Sensing)

"As an ESTJ, your primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things rationally and logically. Your secondary mode is internal, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion.

ESTJ's live in a world of facts and concrete needs...They honour traditions and laws and have a clar set of standards and beliefs. They expect the same as others and have no patience or understanding of individuals who do not value these systems."

"ESTJ's generally have the following traits: (abridged)
- Natural leaders - they like to be in charge
- Value secuirty and tradition
- Loyal
- Have a clear set of standards and beliefs which they live by
- No patience with incompetence or inefficiency
- Enjoy creating order and structure"

"ESTJs are very enthusiastic people who are driven to fulfill their obligations and duties, especially those towards their families. Their priorities generally put God first, family second, and friends third. They put forth a tremendous amount of effort to meet their obligations and duties, according to their priorities. They are dedicated and committed to their relationships, which they consider to be lifelong and unalterable. They like to be in charge, and may be very controlling of their mates and children. They have high esteem for traditions, instiutions, and expet that their mates and children will support these as well. They have little patience and need for dealing with people who see things very differently from the ESTJ."

"ESTJs usually feel very strongly that they are right and that if everyone else would listen carefully to what the ESTJ has to say, they would understand the way things really are, and the world would be a better place."

"ESTJs enjoy spending time with others socializing, and they are likely to strongly desire that their partners also take part in these social activites. They are expecially interested in any event which is associated with the family, workd or any organization which the ESTJ is part of..."

"Although ESTJ's typically put their family above friends, they do enjoy and value their friendships. They enjoy having fun and spending time with others, especially those who share their interests and pursuits. They are likely to choose to spend free time with friends pursuing some activity or hobby - probably athletic or sports-oriented. They're likely to socialize quiet a bit with their own family members, and with people who belong to the same orgainization or institution as the ESTJ."

Very, very interesting.

~Heidi

Friday, January 13, 2006

fill in the blanks

I CASEd* this from Tosin. Just what I needed for a Friday afternoon :D

*CASE: Copy And Steal Everything

1. My uncle once: farted in his truck and the carbon monoxide detector on the seat went off. (true story!)
2. Never in my life: have I been drunk
3. When I was five: the world was a wonderful, beautiful, interesting place...all in my backyard :)
4. High School is/was: a lot easier then real life
5. My parents are: incredibly cool, even if they do annoy me some times.
6. I once met: The principle dancers from Riverdance.
7. There's this girl I know who: is a pathological liar. <-- hey! I know her too!!!
8. Once, at a bar: I ate a hamburger while watching a Shania Twain tribute act.
9. Last night: I skipped dance and watched tv for five hours straight :D
10. Next time I go to church: I WILL teach Sunday School. I promise.
11. When I turn my head left, I see: my office
12. When I turn my head right, I see: a wet sidewalk and cars driving by
13. How many days until my birthday?: 199 (I think)
14. If I was a character written by Shakespeare I'd be: alone and giving up on love...eloquently
15. By this time next year: I will be one year older :D
16. A better name for me would be: Dunno, mine's pretty good...
17. I have a hard time understanding: why people devote thier lives to certain causes
18. If I ever go back to school I: really hope I'd actually DO the work.
19. You know I like you if: my body language says I does. I have incredibly strong body language and if I don't like you, you'll pick up on it really fast.
20. If I won an award, the first person I'd thank would be: Depends on the award and who helped me get it.
21. Take my advice: If it won't matter a year from now it's not a big deal now.
22. My ideal breakfast is: a) scrambled eggs, bacon and hashbrowns. YUMMY! b) anything someone else cooks :D
23. If you visit my hometown: look me up. I'm still there
24. Why won't someone: shut stupid people up
25. If you spend the night at my house: make sure you close the door so the rabbit doesn't get in.
26. I'd stop my wedding: to make sure the photographer got "that shot"
27. The world could do without: intollerance.
28. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: have to do a long run
29. Paper clips are more useful than: my co-worker :D
30. If I do anything well, it is: making it look like I am working while I am actually making inane blog entries.
31. And by the way: I'm eating a frozen juice box...in January...and enjoying it :D

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Have you ever read this book? It was recommended on SS a couple months ago so I got it from the library. I loved it. I don't normally read "classics" for pleasure but this one really stuck with me. Here is the review from Amazon: clicky

After I read it I decided I wanted a copy for myself. I VERY rarely actually purchase books so that means a lot. I also decided that since it is an older book (originally published in 1943) it would be kind of cool to see if I could get an older edition. I checked at a few used book stores but none of them had any in stock. I put my name down and they promised they'd call if they got a copy.

Monday, they called. As an aside it was great timing. The book store in the town where I work takes used books in exchange for cash or credit. (Credit is 50% of what they'll sell it for, cash is 25%). Sunday evening my mom had given me a box of books to drop off! Thursday's are when the "Book Man" is "in" so yesterday I took the box of books and picked up my copy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. We got just over $7 for the books we turned in and my book was $6. Here's the cool part. The edition I got is a third printing, from 1945! It is in GREAT shape. Just a plain black cover with red text on the spine. Plus it's got that awesome "used book smell". I am so excited. It's *exactly* what I was hoping for :)

I don't have any plans to re-read the book right now but it is enough to just have it on my shelf :)

~Heidi

Friday the 13th

So far, today has been really good. It's still pouring, but that's nothing new. I was a bit worried yesterday when I coasted in to town on an empty gas tank and saw that the price had lept to 0.939. This morning it was back down to 0.844. Good thing I waited!

When I got to work my new flat screen was here. I've hooked it up and everything looks great! Now I just have to rearrange my desk and get used to not having a massive monitor sitting here.

9:52 am and all is well :)

~Heidi

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Updates

Okay, I've been updating my blog today. Added a bunch of links to my SS Friend's blogs (peer pressure, it's a wonderful thing ;)) and took a bunch of my favourites and put them under links. *This* is why I started a blog in the first place, it just took me awhile to get around to it.

Oh, I updated my profile a bit too. I struggle with "favourite movies". To me that's any movie that I'll watch more then once, and there aren't very many of those. I've listed the ones that immediately come to mind though.

~Heidi

Starbucks Sister

Meet Tosin, my Starbucks Sister :)

Last November I went to Pennsylvania for a scrapbooking retreat. Tosin flew in from Ohio. We were touring around Lancaster County and area and what was the only thing either of us cared about? Yep. Starbucks. Sad huh? I fly clear across the continent (via Atlanta, Georgia) to an incredibly cool part of the country with tons of history and cultural significance and I'm looking for a Starbucks...and a Wal-Mart for that matter :P

What can we say? It's good coffee...or chai or whatever we were drinking. It was well worth pursuing :)

Tosin and I decided we were soul mates since we bonded over our pursuit for Starbucks. Of course I love her for other reasons but this is a pretty good one ;)

Thanks to Melissa for capturing this important moment in our lives :D

~Heidi

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Found him!

Right where I left him. In my album tote. I took him in to Deb's on Saturday with Kenny and Keith and some how he eluded my grasp when I got back in the car.

Phew! I was starting to get worried there!

~Heidi

Oh Dierks (said in sing-songy voice)

Where are you??? I can't find my Modern Day Drifter CD :( I do this. I lose things. Remember my hair brush? For those of you who weren't in on that little episode, we moved at the end of October and it took me over a week to locate my hair brush. For some reason I decided to pack it.

Anyways, right now I am missing my CD. It comes from carrying it around with me instead of just leaving it in the car or in the house. I probably should just make a copy so I don't have to worry about it. I haven't searched REALLY hard yet but it's starting to bug me.

"Oh Dierks..."

~Heidi...making do with his first CD...

God bless...

God bless the inventors of:
- the scroll button on my mouse
- highlighters
- Microsoft Windows
- answering machines
- online music videos and internet radio
- post it notes
- clear rulers
- chai concentrate

All of these things have made this afternoon more bearable :)

~Heidi

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

I. Do. Not. Care.

WARNING: Sue, don't read this. You probably won't like it ;)
WARNING 2: Possible Profanity

Signature lines on message boards are a great way of expressing yourself. A little while ago on SS, my signature line read "I DO NOT CARE", in very large letters. Everytime I see Sue she thanks me for getting rid of it :D

Today I am really feeling those sentiments though. My co-worker is feeling the need to recap EVERYTHING he does with me. Honestly. I DO NOT CARE!!! He was ticking me off so bad the other day that I had to go sit in another co-workers office just so I was out of ear shot. I ended up spending an hour and a half in there and we shared a mutal vent. I explained to her that I don't care and told her about my current signature line (although I just told her it was a quote...)

"Do I get bonus points if I act like I care?" ~Dr. Gregory House

We came up with some new ones:
"You've obviously mistaken me for someone who gives a sh*t" and
::pointing at face:: "what part of this makes you think I give a d@mn?"

It was quite funny. Well needed therapy. I need it again today. He is driving me NUTS!

~Heidi...who needs to go work on her resume so she can get out of here instead of writing random blog entries.

I CAN

I'm cleaning out some of the electronic files I have on my hard drive and finding interesting things. This is called "I CAN" I *think* it came from a conversation on SS where we were discussing things pretty normal things that some people can't do. I decided that it made me feel pretty good about myself so I listed out things that others said that *couldn't* do that I can. Here is my list:

I CAN

Whistle
Sing
Speak in public
Dance (square dance every Thursday!)
Read a map and usually tell what direction I am pointing unless I have been driving up or down and around a mountain road)
Admit when I’m wrong, although I vehemently deny it until it is proven to me with supporting documents. I am not incredibly confrontational though. I would prefer to just keep on thinking what I think and let the other person think what they want then try and hash it out.
I can talk to strangers
Swim
Puke
Pump gas
Squish bugs
Remember dates (lots of dates) but not phone numbers…well I can but I don’t, that’s what my cell phone with 300+ memory is for
Raise my eyebrow and wink…some people can’t!
Sew

Blog Surfing

When you randomly surf blogs you can find out how small of a world it really is. I just found the blogs for some dude who lives one town over from me and Deric Ruttan's cousin. Odd.

Wonder if anyone would recognize me if they stumbled accross my blog. Probably wouldn't be too hard...especially with the picture there :P

Blog surfing is fascinating though. You should try it...unless you actually HAVE a life :wacko:

~Heidi

Monday, January 09, 2006

Proof that Advertising Works

Diane posted a few weeks ago about how well McDonald's advertising works. (Read my comment too) Why is it ...

Today was another example. I need an oil change. They are five dollars cheaper in the town where I work, and less if you can get a coupon. I couldn't find a coupon ANYWHERE. Finally I remembered, on the back of the receipts at one of the local grocery stores is advertising and coupons for oil changes. So, at lunch I went and bought milk (which I also needed) and a few other things (which I didn't need). On the back of my receipt? Yep, the coupon in question!

Moral of the story? Advertising works. The grocery store got my business and the oil change place will too.

Yeah me :D

~Heidi

Friday, January 06, 2006

Creature of Habit

I am such a creature of habit! Lately I've taken to drinking a mug of hot chocolate in the evening to warm me up. Twice now I've boiled the water, opened the cupboard and prepared a cup of COFFEE! I don't even realize I'm doing it. Both times I just poured the coffee out but I have GOT to start paying more attention!
~Heidi

Why We Love Kenny

"The more you live, the more you know… and the more you experience, the more you reflect on everything around you. You become more aware, whether you want to or not - So, as an artist and a songwriter, you look for ways to see it and tell people about it, to see if they're going through the same things… The thing about Be As You Are is once you write an album about realizations, finding a new way to live, it changes how you do this."

This is an excellent article. It will really help you understand the real Kenny, where he's coming from and why he does what he does.

~Heidi

End of an Era

I met with my boss yesterday. He had asked me for a decision as to whether or not I was interested in staying on with the company by today. I went into head office at the end of the work day yesterday to meet with him face to face. I thanked him for the offer, told him I was flattered but that after much thought, prayer and discussion with friends and family I've decided not to accept it.

He said he wasn't really surprised, a little sad because he'd like to have kept me around, but not surprised. I didn't think he would be. He knows me pretty well.

We then went on to have a really good conversation about what kind of job I'm looking for, where I'm looking and some of the opportunities that may be available. He said to definitely put him down as a reference, but that if I got a job because of a reference he gave, then I owe them (the office) coffee and donuts :D Oh, and he said he'd give a good reference and try not to be bitter about the fact that I'm leaving them :D Very cool.

We talked about the placement agencies that I'm planning on contacting and he said to be sure to tell the one that he sent me. He used to work in the same building and has close ties with the owner so it should speak well for me.

I have *always* been a firm believer in the "it's not what you know, it's who you know" philosophy and I intend to work that. In fact on my "to do list" is sending out an email to everyone I know stating that I am in job search mode and asking them to keep their ears open. You just never know. I'm feeling really good about this whole thing. Over the past few years I've really learned to trust my gut instinct and it's giving me good vibes right now :)

Even though I am feeling good about it I can't help but feel a little bit like Rachel on Friends when she moved out of the apartment. "It's the end of an ERA!!!" I've been with this company for well over six years. I have learned more then you could dream and really have "grown up" with them. It will be sad to leave but exciting at the same time. It's definitely time to move on.

Now to go submit some resumes...

~Heidi

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Coffee

Bet you wondered if I'd ever talk about it huh? I mean it's in the title but I've only ever given it a passing reference. Well, since I am dying of boredom I've decided it's time...plus I was inspired by Tosin's ode to the bean ;) Now, I'm not nearly as addicted or in awe as she is but I enjoy a good cup of coffee just like the next person :)

The picture on the left is me, at the Blodel Conservetory in Vancouver. I'm holding the mighty bean in it's most pure form :D

I actually have quiet a reputation of being a coffee freak. I'll let you in on a little secret. I'm not...a freak that is. I have one cup of instant << gasp >> every morning and that's usually it. So, where does the reputation come from? The fact that practically every time I visit Starbucks I post about it on SS. << rolleyes >> And it's not that I go a lot, I just like posting about it. That's one of the reasons I haven't addressed coffee yet in this blog. I haven't been to Starbucks in...checking receipts...in over two weeks! In fact I've only been four times in the last six weeks or so. One of those times was at the original Starbucks at Pikes Place in Seattle (as pictured right)

Now, I'll let you in on another secret (I'm really baring my soul here aren't I?) I rarely drink coffee at Starbucks. It's usually specialty drinks. The most plain drink I get is a decaf-non-fat-no-foam-latte or, regular with caffine when I need a pick me up. Normally, my drink of choice is a much-modified chai. It is so smooth and wonderful and instantly destresses me. Lately, as a money saving measure I've taken to buying the concentrate and mixing it and nuking it here at work. Not the same because you don't get the "coffee house experience" but it's helped break my addiction ;)

So there you go. The truth about Heidi and coffee :D

~Heidi...really craving a chai right now :(

Blogroll

My friend Melissa, the one who got me to start this blog in the first place, has been bugging me to link her blog. Well, I finally did it :) It's about half way down the right hand side. If you'd like your blog linked here just let me know.

Also, you'll notice I changed the quote under the title here:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss

Pretty cool huh? This is exactly how I feel about what I write here.

~Heidi

Christmas is OVER

Could someone please inform my radio that Christmas is OVER? I listen to LaunchCast Radio on yahoo. It's a great system. I've used it for a few years now. They can't seem to get it through their head that Christmas is over though!!! I have already skipped a half a dozen Christmas songs this morning. Good grief!

BTW, if you'd like to listen to my station here's the link: agent713 on LaunchCast I'm currently considered an "addict" because I've rated so many songs :)

~Heidi

I am GOOD!

On December 23rd I posted about the opportunity you have to subscribe to my blog. I am subscribed to a few an it is AWESOME!!! No more random patrolling of blogs that aren't updated regularly.

Today I figured out how to add the subscription option to the sidebar here on my blog. YEAH ME!

If anyone doesn't have the subscription option set up please do it. It's so nice :) It's really easy too. When you subscribe to my blog via feedblitz you can follow the steps to offer subscription to your blog as well.

Happy Blogging!

~Heidi

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Why I Like Country Music Part 2

After a week of almost continuous George Strait I’ve realized another reason I like country music...true, traditional country music. It’s the fiddles! One of my all time favourite George songs is “Heartland”. It starts with “When you hear twin fiddles and a steel guitar..."

My paternal grandfather used to play the fiddle. In fact he was a champion fiddle player and has many trophies and plaques to prove it. As he got older the hardest part for our family to come to terms with was the fact that he couldn’t play his fiddle like he used to. I have great memories of family reunions where Grandpa would pull out his fiddle and Uncle Tony his accordion and they’d have a jam session. Under the stars, in the basement, where ever they could find room.

The fiddle music in a lot of country music reminds me of Grandpa and those special times.

~Heidi

Heartland
When you hear twin fiddles and a steel guitar
You're listenin' to the sound of the American heart
And opry music on a Saturday night
Brings a smile to your face and a tear to your eye

Chorus:
Sing a song about the Heartland
The only place I feel at home
Sing about the way a good man
Works until the daylight's gone
Sing the rain on the roof on a summer night
Where they still know wrong from right
Sing a song about the Heartland
Sing a song about my life

Bad Technology Day

This has been a horrible day technology wise. First my fax machine isn’t working. Okay, so I ask for an important fax to be sent to the office across the hall…never happens.

Then one of the staff computers won’t log on because “The current time on this computer and the current time on the network are different.” Yeah? So? They want me to contact my system administrator. Well getting a call back from him is like getting a call from the head of national security. Practically impossible.

Next? My boss can’t print from his computer. Long, long story and an unsolvable situation.

Okay, so we can’t log on to the staff computer, let’s try a different work station. YEAH! We got in…but…the database management system won’t work on that system. $!#@!!@$!#@

Now? THE %$@##$@ INTERNET IS DOWN!!! The isp people say it is the phone company’s fault.

Do I have bad karma or screwy cosmic energy or something? This isn’t fair!!!

~Heidi…blogging via a saved word document…

PS The system administrator called and we figured out that the computer had decided that it was November 6, 2011. Hello??? So, after venturing into areas that no self-respecting-non-nerd should even know EXIST, I managed to reset it. Now it works. Phew!

PPS the internet is (obviously) back. I will triumph!!!

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Another cool CASED blog idea :)

A is for age:] - 24
[B is for booze of choice:] - cheap wine :D but only one glass, right Melissa?
[C is for career:] - administrative assistant
[D is for your dad's name:] - Ted...well, it WAS Edward but he goes by Ted
[E is for essential items to bring to a party:] - board games...pathetic. I know.
[F is for favorite song at the moment:] - "Come A Little Closer"
[G is for favorite game:] - Scrabble
[H is for hometown:] - Sorry, not posting this here
[I is for instruments you play:] - piano, right hand only and vocal cords :D
[J is for jam or jelly you like:] - raspberry with seeds
[K is for kids?] - none yet!
[L is for living arrangements:] - with parents
[M is for mom's name:] - Lorry
[N is for name of your crush ] - Kenny :D
[O is for overnight hospital stays] - never, aside from being born
[P is for phobias:] - truly nothing debilitating
[R is for relationship that lasted the longest] - never been in an "official" relationship
[S is for sexual preference:] - Hot guys :D
[T is for time you wake up:] - Alarm goes off at 7ish, I get out of bed hopefully before 7:30
[U is for underwear:] - today? black cotton bikini cut
[V is for vegetable you love:] - broccoli, brussel sprouts and asparagus. Yummy!
[W is for weekend plans:] - THIS weekend? Nothing at the moment...
[X is for x-rays you've had:] - One on my hand and one on my ankle. Both from stupid falls, nothing was broken. Oh, and teeth, everytime I go to the dentist.
[Y is for yummy food you make:] - Me cook? BWAHAHAHAAAA!!!
[Z is for zodiac sign:] - Leo

A Marriage Made in Heaven

Dierks and Starbucks. What more can a girl ask for? What am I talking about you ask? The cover duet that Dierks Bentley and George Jones did this summer of Alan Jackson and George Strait's "Murder on Music Row". I had heard that they had recorded it but yesterday I found out that it will be released through Starbucks! There are two independent sites that confirm this:

Lonesome Standard Time
July 30, 2005 -- Larry's song, Murder on Music Row, is being recorded by George Jones and Dierks Bentley for a CD that will be available through Starbucks Coffee!

80's Music Central
The Country Music Association's 2001 Song Of The Year, "Murder On Music Row" by Alan Jackson & George Strait, has been covered by George Jones and Dierks Bentley to be included in a new CMA Song Of The Year covers album expected to be sold at Starbucks.

Note that it was recorded right around my birthday? That means it was done special for me ;) Now to find a release date...

~Heidi

Random info about me ...

I saw this on another blog and had to case it too...
2 Names you go by:
Heidi
Agent (but it's only used by SS people)
2 parts of your heritage:
English
German
2 Things that scare you:
Deer on the road
heavy rain
2 of your everyday essentials:
Internet
Water
2 Things that you are wearing right now:
Brown faux suede skirt
Striped cardigan
2 of your favorite bands or musical artists:
Ummm...see every second post in this blog :D
At this second though? George and Kenny
2 Things you want in a relationship (other than true love):
Humour
Trust
2 Truths about me:
I am a procrastinator
I always wear skirts
2 Physical Things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
Hair
Smile
2 of your Favorite Hobbies:
Scrapbooking
Reading
2 Material Things you want really badly:
The George Strait Boxed Set...wait...I GOT THAT :D
Garth Brooks Boxed Set
Subscription to Country Weekly
2 Material Things you NEED really badly:
New tires
New windshield
2 places you want to go on vacation:
Australia
California
2 Stores you Shop at:
Walmart
A&B Sound
2 Stores you like to Shop at when traveling to the big city:
Lane Bryant
Esscents Aromatherapy

Monday, January 02, 2006

Keith


Okay, I admit it. I like Keith Urban. Betcha never thought you'd hear me say that huh? Well, those of you that know me well anyways ;) I even bought his latest cd! Why? Because I like his latest single "Tonight I Wanna Cry" and because it was only $10 at Future Shop :D I saw it there but I waited for three weeks before going back. It was still only $10 so I let myself get it. I'm really enjoying it though! Plus, after line dancing to "God's Been Good To Me" at the wedding, I have great memories associated with it.

Another way for me to justify getting it was that on at least three occasions I've told people that I have LOTS of country cd's and they ask for Keith. So I bought it for them ;) One of these people is Deb's daughter and, she didn't disappoint me. I went over there on Tuesday and she asked if I had any Keith so I played it for her :D

Don't worry though, I may like his music but I still don't "get" the physical attraction bit and if he and Nicole Kidman DO ever get married, I won't be as heartbroken as I was over Dierks ;) That said, the photos in the liner notes are quite appealing ;)

So there that's my big confession. I DO like Keith Urban. Surprised?

~Heidi

I Love My Bed

I really do. I love it. It took me forever to decide on one...like it does for most big purchases I make. I mean it took me four months to decide on a car and then when I needed a new one after the accident I bought an identical one so I wouldn't have to make any choices! Back to my bed. It is the perfect firmness and everything. I bought it at a discount store downtown, after shopping at Sleep Country and the Brick and places and I got it for $600 even. That included the mattress, box spring, bed frame, a mattress pad, new pillow, taxes and delivery. A pretty good deal.

I enjoy travelling but I love coming back home to my bed, especially when there are clean sheets on it :) Right now for winter, I have my top sheet, an old comforter that I've used for YEARS (it used to belong to my mom), two fleece blankets, my comforter, and a vellux blanket. It is heavy but so comforting since my room is so cold. It's like a little cocoon. Wonderful :)

Yep. I love my bed :)

~Heidi...who was NOT impressed that she had to leave it so early this morning.

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Third time the charm?

Or is it time to give up on the superstition?

Yesterday my very close friend Leah got married. I was guest book attendant and assisted with decorating as well as keeping track of other minor details. Leah, had the flu so the ceremony was almost an hour late getting started but once it did, it was beautiful.

The reception was great too, aside from the fact that the scheduled dj didn't arrive and the guy they had there played a really bad weird mix of music. The speeches were wonderful, the food was yummy and while the cake was small and a little odd, it tasted good :)

So, what's the "third times the charm part?" I caught the bouquet. For the third time <_< First time was at my Uncle and Aunt's wedding on New Years Eve 2002. Second time was in March at the wedding I stood up in. This makes three. I think I'm ready to stop believing in it though :P

A wedding is a great way to usher in the new year though. We had champagne at midnight, some unidentified shots before hand and the fastest line dance I've ever done to the tune of Keith Urban's "God's Been Good To Me".

I got home around two but didn't go to sleep till three. Then the phone rang at SIX A.M. Apparently my cousin's father-in-law passed away suddenly and they forgot how to tell time. Sorry. That's not very nice. It was a pretty big shock to them and they wanted my mom to know.

I ended up sleeping until 11:30ish and I've spent most of the day scrapbooking and watching figure skating and "Fiddler on the Roof". Pretty good way to start out the new year if I do say so myself.

Happy New Year everyone!!!
~Heidi