Everyone wants to be a Roste

Apparently I'm "Normal"

2013-05-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sometime between this week and last I put my back out. And I feel so sorry for myself.

You don't even understand.

Because my back isn't just a bit sore.

It's not something I can take medication for and it goes away in a bit.

No, I actually put my back out.

And apparently this is normal.

The pain kind of built and built until one day when my alarm went off I found I couldn't sit up. (That'll learn me never to try becoming a morning person again.) After a couple failed (and painful) attempts I opted to barrel role out of bed. And I did it pretty effectively too, seeing as how I got out of bed and didn't fall.

From there it has been a downhill slide. The day was horrible and I couldn't sit down at work. The plus side of that is my desk is high enough to stand at so it wasn't weird.

The next day my arm went numb. Like, my entire arm.

Think of it folks. I'm a writer. Now I can't sit and I can't use one of my arms.

How am I supposed to do my job?

So there was that.

And also there was the confusion over why my body was rejecting me.

So I went to the walk-in clinic. I explained what was happening, the doctor felt a few places in my back and referred me to a massage therapist. He didn't seem phased about my arm, even though I repeated myself just in case he didn't catch it the first time around.

Then I called the therapist. After explaining my story I was informed since it was a long weekend I would have to wait five days before I could get in.

Again with the non-concern!

Eyes brimming with tears I booked the appointment and then called every other massage therapist I could get a number for. Over and over I got the "long weekend story" yadda yadda until finally three hours later I got a call back from someone who could take me if I left right away.

"How close are you to the clinic?"

Honestly? I didn't even know who was calling. The clinic? No clue. So I clarified.

"Uh…in Abbotsford?"

"No Coquitlam.

CRAP!

"Well, pretty far. Like 30 minutes or more"

"Leave now."

And you know what? I was so desperate I did. I drove 40 minutes to someone who would see me despite the "long weekend." Someone who thought my arm going numb was cause for at least some concern.

But still, it felt a bit crazy.

Anyway, now the long weekend is over and I did survive. But it has been one of those ones I'd rather not remember. My body hates me, my arm is still tingly, and I'm so far behind in my work I'm sweating just thinking about it.

Funny thing is, apparently most of my issue isn't my work posture but my stress level.

So I've had a lot to think about while stuck lying on heating pads on the floor.

Where I'm At

2013-04-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Well seeing as I'm struggling here I thought I'd just be straight and say it like it is.

I'm tapped out.

I'm working through some branding and direction questions and in the meantime I'll have a couple neato giveaways in the next month. I don't know how long it will take me to take the next steps but hopefully by summer.

For now here is where you can find me on the Interweb:

Over at Gail Vaz-Oxlade's Other Voices blog. I write every Friday about my financial journey
For my day job I co-ordinate the LifeTrac blog, and I even write once or twice a month
Once per month I submit an article to Insights magazine, a free monthly Canadian publication
Also monthly I write little DIY pieces for UsedEverywhere, a fun and quirky lifestyle blog with contributors from across Canada

So, that's what's happening and where I'm at.

Until my next blog I hope you'll visit me in these other places…and let me know what you're up to as well!

Apparently I Love the Letter "V"

2013-04-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened the other day. My letter "V" stopped working.

Just stopped. One day "V" worked and the next *poof* nothing.

After the "V" it was a steady decline…"C"…"X"…"Z" and finally "Enter" joined the party. It was a keyboard fizzle-out party.

A bit distressing.

And I didn't realize how heavily I relied on the letter "V" until the other day. Like all the time. Every other word.

So how am I typing now? I know you're wondering. Well, I have my laptop keyboard still. Which is great but it's elevated and hooked up to this and that so to actually type on the laptop keyboard my hands are at eye level. Slightly uncomfortable.

Anyway, I've never been in this situation before. I was so distressed I pulled the keyboard all apart and brought it to work for the guys to look at.

Desperate times, right?

So now I'm in the market for a new keyboard. And I'm going to be picky because I really like the one I have. Er…except for the bits that don't work. I don't like those bits.

Rough life, huh?

The Five Money Personalities [Book Review]

2013-03-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I got married I received a few marriagey-type books and for the most part I was thankful and had great intentions to read them…but two years later they're still sitting on the shelf.

Part of it is because I have a bucket of books to read and another part is because I don't actually know how to read a couple's book. Do I need two copies and my husband and I read it at the same time? Does one of us have to read it aloud to the other? Does one read it and then lend it to the other? Just me?

So imagine my surprise when the next book I chose to review was a couple's book about money.

Right‽

The Five Money Personalities is written by "The Money Couple" Scott and Bethany Palmer, who work as financial counsellors and have written several books and studies on money and relationships. For this project I took a few approaches. Since I'm doing the review only I needed to read the book, but some parts were just so darn interesting I couldn't help but reading them out loud. And then since I got an ebook it was interactive and found myself doing quizzes and, well, interacting. I went from simply reading the book to participating in it.

I raced through Part 1, which is all about your Money Personality. Riveting stuff. It was light, fun, and easy.

Part 2 is where the tone of the book shifted. I think it was necessary but a real downer. Topics centred on why couples fight about money, and how financial infidelity tears relationships apart. I've never thought about this concept before, and I think I buy it. This section also explained the different ways you can commit financial infidelity. There are some obvious ones like having secret bank accounts and lying about your spending, but there were also some unexpected roots of financial infidelity like overspending and lack of planning.

It gave me a lot to think about.

After those chapters I was less eager to finish the book. It was all about fighting, how to fight fair, and how to talk about money in a way you won't fight. Part 2 and Part 3 are nitty, gritty, practical sections. And heavy, serious, and difficult to skim.

I appreciated the information in these last parts, but it kind of felt like if you're at that point in your marriage you should probably be in counselling under professional care rather than reading six or seven pages on topic. But it's a good start down that path.

You don't know what you don't know, right?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

Looking for Something New

2013-03-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

This might sound weird but sometimes for entertainment my husband and I will spend the entire evening watching movie previews.

And we have fun doing it.

Usually it's pretty fun but the other night I got all ranty and stuff.

Because every single preview was exactly the same.

Well, there were different actors and scenarios and all that but the story! The story was the same. Over and over and over.

After that night everything I looked at was exactly like something I've seen/heard/read before. Or was a remake of something I've seen/heard/read before. Or was based on something I've seen/heard/read before.

The more I noticed it the angrier I became.

And then I noticed it on the blogs. Every post promised to teach me this or that but their five-step plans were strangely similar to plans I've read on other blogs. And…well, I don't know. Isn't there anything new any more?

A fresh storyline. A new concept. Hey, I'd even settle for a joke I haven't heard before.

Tell me something I don't know. Catch my off guard. Dazzle me.

No more nods to this guy or borrowing from that one. I'm bored of you, I'm bored of that.

And yes, I do hear myself. I need to give myself the same challenge since I'm complaining so much about everybody else.

I'm working on it.

Guys, I'm Exhausted

2013-03-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this "becoming a morning person" idea is so great.

And, I know, there are loads of you telling me you told me so. I know.

But here's the thing. I can't seem to get what I need to done anymore. I'm overloaded with stuff to the point I'm losing track of things, forgetting I've agreed to be places, and sometimes I can't remember who I've just spoken to on the phone.

These are crazy times!

Part of that is because I just spent the last week in Nashville for my annual trip to Music City. For work.

That was pretty busy. I took um…one picture.

Right?

Anyway, I have been trying your suggestions but since so many have been unsuccessful or disasters there hasn't been a lot to say.

Like, every day would be "Well I tried so-and-so's suggestion and I slept through the music alarm and kicked my husband out of bed and overflowed the coffee pot when it was on auto so that was fun." And stuff.

So in case you were wondering, that's what I've been up to this week and last. Engaging stuff, huh?

When My Etiquette Came Back to Bite Me

2013-02-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Living in a condo means there are certain things you must put up with, which people in regular homes wouldn't.

Most of these things revolve around etiquette.

One of my pet peeves is parking garage etiquette, but I'll save that rant for another day.

Today I'm up in arms about elevator etiquette.

Much of the time I avoid the elevator for these reasons:

The elevator is slow
There are only four floors in my building
No one seems to know how to practice elevator etiquette

Here's what happens: I'm in the elevator and it reaches my floor. I begin to exit said elevator when someone decides to get in.

So then I have to step out of the way, then step around the new person and catch the door before it closes.

Not cool right?

At first I apologized when this happened, assuming they just didn't see me exiting or something but not anymore.

Now? Death stare.

And I think Yeah buddy, now you're getting the death stare. Because you don't know how to behave on an elevator.

I wasn't sure I wanted to admit this in case I was wrong so I did a bit of a Google investigation.

It didn't take much searching. Yup, I was right. It's rude.

But the fun doesn't end there, oh no. Actually this is quite a contentious topic! People feel strongly about how you should behave in an elevator. There are entire websites about it.

I'd link them but, well, I can't be bothered.

But here's one of the best “rules,” which showed up on a few pages. The issue of talking to people on the elevator.

It's a no-no.

Well, it's OK if you already know the person, but if you don't know the person apparently it's bad form to speak in the elevator.

I'm actually guilty of breaking this one. I thought it was called being friendly.

So…perhaps I'm that guy everyone dreads seeing on the elevator cause she talks. And they want to get back at me by blocking my elevator exit.

I probably deserve it.

I Think I Can! (But I Need Your Help)

2013-02-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well guys, we're at an impasse. So it's time to try everything on the Internet.

First things first: give myself pep talks.

What I've decided to do is take ALL the positive motivational phrases and… wait for it…

RECORD THEM AND USE THEM AS MY ALARM CLOCK!

Hah.

Honestly, I can't see this going well. Those positive statements get on my nerves. But if I'm doing it for the blog…well, I seem to have incredible tolerance for crap like this.

Anyway, I'd like some input, if you're willing. If you have any of those positive phrases/statements on the tip of your tongue please enlighten me!

Ooooh can't wait to get going on this one.

I will become a morning person I will become a morning person I will I will I will I will I will become a morning person!

Here are a couple to get the ball rolling…

Today I will take one step toward my dreams
Motivation catapults me toward my goals

Blech

Becoming a Morning Person: Week One

2013-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love how helpful everyone is being in my quest to become a morning person. It's so encouraging!

And after nearly a week of practicing being a morning person I'm happy to report some of your ideas were awesome!

And some I'm not ready for yet.

Like going to bed earlier.

All I'm worrying about right now is being asleep before midnight…that is a good first step.

So here is how it went (perhaps I should be keeping better notes, these are quite random):

Monday: I didn't write anything down, but I managed to get up on my second alarm (I set three most days) and got off to a good start.
Tuesday: After my manifesto went live I was extra motivated and got up on my FIRST alarm! The day went pretty well.
Wednesday: Mmm…third alarm. The day wasn't quite so spectacular, but not bad.
Thursday: Attempted to rouse at second alarm but it didn't go well. Third alarm finally convinced me. I did set my coffee to brew before I got up. I couldn't smell it in my room but it was nice to have a cup of coffee waiting for me. That made everything better. I took my time getting ready and then realized I should probably go to work. Whoops.
Friday: It was such an up and down week I thought it best to take the day off.

So there we go! Progress? Well, let's go with baby steps.

Oh, and for those of you who emailed links and suggestions I am checking them out, sorry I haven't responded yet. Please, keep them coming—I can tell my motivation won't last as long as I need it to .

I've Decided to Become a Morning Person

2013-02-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is literally the most annoying decision I've ever made.

I hate waking up. Especially to an alarm clock.

Because morning's are the worst. I'm sleepy, grumpy, and all the other negative dwarves (dwarf's? My spell checker says I'm wrong). Definitely not happy.

But there's this…thought gnawing at me. It says “Remember that time you used to jog three mornings a week before work?” and I nod grudgingly.

And then I hear another thought. “Remember how you survived and you actually didn't hate getting up so early with a passion, only with annoyance, after a few months?”

No. I don't remember that part. But the thought thinks I didn't hate it so much by the end there.

Well. Something's got to change. Maybe I don't have to go jogging in the wee hours but I've got to at least get on a different schedule.

I'm pretty tired most of the time, and I'm dragging myself through the day.

Sure, the super-cold of '13 has a bit to do with it, but I think it's more to do with getting into a rut. Giving in to bad habits and becoming lazier and lazier.

So now I have to combat the 'ziness with some Rise Up And Shine action.

No matter how grumpy I am at first.

(Watch out co-workers, this is not going to be pretty.)

Wanting to do this right I Googled around a bit for some good tips for magically transforming into a morning person.

All I found were pretty silly ideas like “do your hair the night before” and “give yourself a pep talk.”

Um…

My favourite suggestion was “set an alarm clock.”

Perhaps someone out there has a real suggestion? My husband says “just get up,” which I guess is the essence of what I'm trying to do…but I'd like the answer to be a little more sugar coated and, well, easier.

Mommy, Where Do Ideas Come From?

2013-02-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

So, as per usual, I've been noticing a not-so-subtle lack of ideas and words (mostly words) on this blog.

This is not new of course, I mean, that's why I did the whole 30 Day Challenge thing. That certainly gave me something to write about.

Sigh

Anyway, this lack of *whatever* spilled over onto the UsedEverywhere blog. Here's how the conversation kind of went:

“I know I blew off the January blog…I'm so stuck for ideas!”

“It happens. You should browse Pinterest for inspiration, see where it takes you.”

Genius!

So for my February blog (thank goodness I only blog once a month there, I suspect I'd be in big trouble if it were more) I browsed and browsed and browsed. Like, forever.

Pinterest probably was the right place to go for inspiration (hey, they don't call it Pinsperation for nothing) but I think you need an idea in your head first about what you want to write about. Like, at least a direction.

I tested my theory again last night just to see if I was just unusually blocked that day. Nothing. I browsed and browsed and browsed and was decidedly uninspired.

So…I don't know where ideas come from. Not my computer, that's for sure.

A Writer’s Bucket List [Book Review]

2013-02-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Although I’ve never seen the movie I know bucket lists inside and out. I love lists, I feel victorious whenever I can check something off—completed! So when I saw the title of Dana Sitar’s new book (and the subtitle—99 Things to do for inspiration, education, and experience before your writing kicks the bucket) I thought, “She’s speaking my language!”

And then I wondered how many “things” I could check off the list before I got to 99.

If you're stuck in your writing in any way, this book addresses it. Stuck for word? There are writing prompts. Lacking story ideas? Sitar suggests activities to find inspiration. Can’t figure out where to show your work? There’s an entire section on building a network. I think these tips are especially handy when you’re in a writing rut, following the same formula for everything you write. It inspires you to try something new, shake things up a bit.

Because the truth is, you will never stop becoming a better writer. I love Sitar’s challenge to discover, through trying everything, exactly what kind of writer you are.

At first I resisted the challenge—I even wrote the author saying something like “Hey, these tips aren’t deep enough; they force the reader to do all the work!” But after some reflection I have changed my position.

Page nine of A Writer’s Bucket List contains the premise and ultimate goal of this project. “The Bucket List challenges you and strengthens your creativity, encourages you to forge your own path, find your own education, and discover what type of writing life that’s Just Right for you.”

I realized if this book was a step-by-step guide to writing we’d all just become little Sitar’s. Because it doesn’t hold our hand (but instead pushes us off the cliff) we are equipped with the tools to become the best writers we can be, on our own terms.

Oh, and I have 20 to go before I can finish this bucket list.

And guess what? A Writer's Bucket List releases today! If you're looking for writing inspiration you'll love this book. And when you purchase A Writer's Bucket List you'll take home a bunch of bonus freebies like workbooks and exercises.

Happy writing!

Designing My Own Bling [iPhone Case from Vistaprint]

2013-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

For my wedding reception my lovely sister designed my invites. Aww. So sweet. She based the idea on the umbrellas I had at my wedding as well as the damask pattern I love. The colour scheme is actually from some wallpaper I desperately searched for and eventually found in England. And the monogram is something she really wanted to do and I thought it was great. So it's really me.

I haven't thought too much about the invites since, you know, the event but a couple weeks ago I realized I really wanted to use the umbrella somewhere. Like on an iPhone case.

So I got my sister to send me the design file and I mucked around for a while…but nothing would work. And I was using basically the most user-friendly fool proof site to plan out my future case—Vistaprint.

Basically I couldn't get the umbrella to be high enough quality. I mean, I knew it was possible yet didn't know how.

So I gave up and moved on to another idea.

For some reason this shape was a bit easier for me to work with and before long I had a working prototype going on. Man it was slick. For those of you who don't know about Vistaprint here's the tip that will change your life. It was passed down to me and now I'm continuing the tradition: get on their mailing list and wait for the free shipping deal. That's when you make your move.

Everything on the site is pretty reasonable (For example I got my custom made iPhone 4 case for $15) but the shipping can kill you.

Anyway, if you follow the link you'll notice the cases start at $20 and not $15 like I said I got it for and here's where I have to admit I did not follow the rules and I did pay for shipping. I instead went for the 50% off the entire site sale. So…I don't know. Maybe my tip won't change your life.

I had to wait about a week for my case and when it arrived I was pretty stoked. It did look good.

If I do say so myself.

And I love that I now have a lasting reminder of those rad invites…and I'm actually relieved I didn't go with the umbrella. This just fills the space so well.

My only caution is the edges on my case design did bleed a bit so I don't have as perfect a design as I hoped, but still. It's pretty awesome.

Trying to Redeem Myself

2013-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

So every January I head over to Edmonton for an annual trade show and in general it's a non-event.

Well, I mean it's an event but nothing of note ever really happens. Except things for work like, oh we should bring less books next time and stuff.

So what I will note is every time I go to Edmonton I think about the time I went and it was totally boring. Like, so boring.

And I feel bad for feeling that way, and I want to make it right. And every time I go to Edmonton I hope to somehow make it right.

But…I never come up with much.

That's wrong isn't it, there has to be something fun to do in Edmonton.

Perhaps it would help if I didn't continue to show up in January where my face gets so wind burnt from -43 windchill I can't focus on anything else except how much my cheeks hurt.

Oh, and do something besides trade shows.

Self-Publishing Versus Traditional Publishing, Which is Best? [Book Review]

2013-01-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

It has been interesting to watch the rise of self-publishing, especially over the last couple years.

I remember reading post after post about how self-publishing was going to destroy the book industry…and I bought into it.

But it is becoming more and more difficult to avoid self-publishing. It’s becoming mainstream, profitable, and even—dare I say—socially acceptable.

This abrupt switch has me curious, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to review Rachelle Gardner’s new e-book How Do I Decide? Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing. What I found most interesting is Gardner, a reputable literary agent, self-published this book. In my mind, this qualifies her to write on this subject in a fair and balanced way.

Although the title aptly summarizes the six chapters, I wanted to add it’s not just for those wondering which method of publishing to pursue. How Do I Decide? works to change the question from “Which one should I choose?” to “How can I utilize these tools best to support my goals?”

I loved Gardner’s straightforward approach to this complex question. She spends time analysing the pros and cons for both traditional publishing and self-publishing. As well she works to dispel common self-publishing myths and makes it crystal clear that self-publishing should not be an excuse to publish poor writing.

As someone who has been disappointed with self-published books in the past, I’m especially thankful for this last point.

This short read is packed with material and is perfect for people who aren’t quite sure where to start with publishing, people who want to understand all the different publishing options, and people looking for credible resources to get started.

Did I mention chapter six is all about resources? In my opinion this is where the real value of this book comes in. It lists further information on self-publishing, how to get an agent, where to look for editors, reputable book cover designers, and more.

My only criticism of the book is a section with a little quiz—cute, but since it’s an e-book I’m not quite certain how to fill it out.

Overall I found this an easy and a worthwhile read. I came away from this book with a different viewpoint towards publishing and look forward to where it leads me.

Wanted: A Magical Cure [Topricin Review]

2013-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

I received a lovely Christmas gift this year—samples of Topricin healing cream!

Now I know you're probably wondering why this would be such a lovely thing, and not a regular thing, which is why I'm writing today.

Ever since I tried my hand at being a ski bum my skin has become…temperamental. Not only does it react to fragrance, but every time the weather becomes wintery I break out in some sort of weird rash on my forehead.

Seriously, it's so annoying.

So the ski bum thing was three or four years ago. Which means I've been dealing with this for a while.

Which means I've spent a lot of time trying out different creams and such to combat my rebellious forehead etc.

My samples came with a lot of paperwork. And while I did want to learn all I could, I also wanted to dive right in and see how magical this cream really was.

Because so far, nothing has worked. I'm ready for magic!

After a few weeks of use here's what I like about Topricin:

It's odorless
It's not greasy
The ingredients are natural, not chemical
It says it works in 20 minutes and it does

I should mention this cream is more of a sore joints and muscles healing remedy, but the Junior version says it's good on eczema so I thought I had a chance at victory. But I haven't had a chance to test it yet.

What I have had a chance to test it on is:

Burns (worked, I should have got a blister due to stupidity and instead it healed up)
Super-sore leg muscles and joints
Sore ankles
Sore feet
Sore wrists
Sore lower back

I didn't realize how sore my body is after a long day. Thinking about it, I generally default to painkillers. Since I've been using the cream, I've used zero painkillers.

And you know what, I've been fine.

Since the price point on creams like this is nearing $20 a tube it's nice to try a few samples before committing to the big buy. I'm waiting till my winter forehead makes it's return (I'm going to the land of eternal winter [Alberta] soon so expect it any day now…) before I commit to Topricin but so far, so good.

My Birthday Gift to Me

2013-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

For the past couple weeks I've been thinking about how I wanted to spend my birthday.

I thought and thought and thought about it.

And then I decided I would rather be knitting so I sat on the couch and haven't done anything since.

OK, that was a slight exaggeration, but I certainly didn't think of anything I wanted to do for my birthday.

Birthdays for me have become just like all the other holidays you're supposed to do something big for. It's too much pressure.

But now I know what to do. Because it's been on my lap the whole time: I want to knit for my birthday. That's all. I want a nice evening of knitting.

Does that make me officially old?

I Propose I Rewrite this Book [Book Review]

2013-01-14T19:51:00.001-08:00

Once again I was sucked in by the cover and the PR. I had no idea what The River by Michael Neale was about but was compelled to read it by the tagline:

“The River is changing lives…Will you let it change yours?”

Ooooh.

In The River we meet young Gabriel Clarke who takes the tragedy of his past with him wherever he goes. Actually, all the wrong in his life defines him and he refuses to accept the love and help of others. Until…(duh duh duh) he meets Tabitha who helps Gabriel break out of his shell and discover who he is meant to become.

It was OK.

The River is actually the central character in the book. It calls to Gabriel and everyone who interacts with The River (always The River…why not just the river? That got old fast) is obsessed with it. I read so many variations of “we were made for the river” I wanted to bang my head against the wall. I KNOW YOU WERE MADE FOR THE RIVER, TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW!

But I shouldn’t be so tough on the story—it’s a first effort by songwriter Michael Neale and doing quite well on the CBA (Christian Bookseller Association) charts, which I’ve heard is kind of a big deal for inspirational writers.

And I think there is a promising story in here. It’s just you have to work so hard to find it.

After some reflection I’ve determined the main problem is the story is unbalanced. It spends the first half leading up to WHY Gabriel is so burdened and the second half reminding us that he’s burdened. By the time we actually get to the point of the story, we run out of pages.

It could have been SO much better. And about 50 pages shorter. No, scratch that. Take 50 pages off the first part (bo-ring) and add 50 pages to the end. Tell me how things end up. How does Gabriel get on. And does he completely abandon his family like it sounds like he does? For a girl? And a river? I’d like some closure on that one because the kid seems like a nice guy but I’m not cool with ditching out on responsibilities to go white water rafting. Analogy or no.

Oh. And about the analogy? I GET IT ALREADY. It not only walked on all fours, it punched me in the face. Nope, didn’t miss it.

And yet, I’m giving this story three out of five. Because it made me cry. So Neale did something right.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review (obviously). Although they are threatening to freeze my account if I don't write more book reviews.

The Correction Email that Wowed Me

2013-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

I received the most interesting email the other day. It told me I could have a five dollar coupon if only I signed up for an email list.

I thought it was weird since the email list I was supposed to sign up for was the one I was receiving the email from…but I thought, hey, let's try this anyway. I mean, five bucks is five bucks.

It didn't work.

Sigh.

Then a few days later I received a second email. A correction email. It made much more sense…they said the last email had been sent by mistake and to make it up to me they wanted to offer me five bucks!

I've had whoopsie emails like this before but never have I received a correction email. With money.

I'm a big fan of the way Safeway dealt with their mistake and even though they could have just said “Whoops, sorry guys,” they took the opportunity to wow me. And so I'm passing on the kudos.

But I'm keeping the five bucks.

Bookshelf Blues

2013-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, stop talking about what's wrong with my place and just do something!

Well I'm trying alright?

When I was in Ottawa last autumn I snapped a pic of the most amazing and inspiring bookshelf I've ever seen. And now that's all I want. I've looked for other types and styles of built-in type shelves and this one just…is awesome.

So I guess I'm ruined for bookshelves or something.

Anyway, for the past few months I've been trying to figure out how to translate the design into my home. Except I have a teeny problem.

My available wall isn't exactly prime real estate.

I found a creative handyman who I thought would leap at the opportunity but after a few back and forths and a promise to draw up some sketches he hasn't called in a while. Like a couple months.

That's a hint right?

Now I'm deciding whether to find a new creative contractor-type or shake off my dream bookshelf and settle for what will work in the space I have. Not as fun.

But still, I think I'll enjoy my books better from a shelf than stacked in laundry baskets.

Any suggestions?

Surprisingly, These Are My Top Five Apps

2012-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Of course I use a lot of apps, as most people with a smartphone do. Because you have to use apps to use your smartphone.

But when I began thinking about the apps I use the most, like every day, I realized I use some more than I thought I did.

Top Five Apps I Used in 2012

IMDB

I know, right? Exactly WHAT am I doing using this app every single day? Through some serious reflection I came to the understanding that I talk about arts and entertainment constantly. I like knowing trivia, following the careers of certain entertainers (ones I like and ones I'm amused by mostly), and answering the question “Where do I know this actor from?”

What I'm still trying to figure out is if this is a seriously bad habit, an uncontrolled addiction, or an interest I've been ignoring.

Instagram

It's funny because I don't actually use this app much, maybe once a week. However, I scroll through the posted photos two, three times a day. It's probably the layout, so phone-friendly. I actually prefer other photo services to Instagram but they don't have as good apps.

So…thanks everyone I follow for posting such interesting and addictive photos to keep me coming back!

Words With Friends

To those who have followed this blog for a while, it should be no surprise I'm crazy about Scrabble. However, it should also be no surprise I'm not a fan of the actual Scrabble game because of the “Scrabulous incident” a few years back. Turned my stomach.

WWF is a really great second—it's interactive and of course it helps that everyone I know plays it so there are always loads of games on the go.

Dropbox

I started using Dropbox a couple years ago for work…and it kind of snowballed from there. Everything is integrated with Dropbox. Everything. OK, not everything, but a lot. I know cloud-based systems are all over the place now, so why stick with the old guy on the block, but I haven't adapted to any other system as quickly as this one. I love that I can go from my work computer to my phone, to my home computer, to my tablet, and back again.

I especially love not having to remember external hard drives or thumb drives anymore. And emailing myself documents? Pft. That's so 2011.

Facebook

This app is the one I'm least enthusiastic about including in my Top Five. Because it hardly ever works anymore and I resent how much I rely on Facebook to keep up with my friends.

My goal for 2013 is to replace this app in my Top Five with something more important, like Podcasts, or my Calendar (those are both in my Top Ten).

Other apps in the up-and-coming category? Here's the shortlist:

Songza (recent discovery, haven't given it enough time yet)
Cineplex (love it, quite handy)
Run Keeper (if it's going to make the Top Five, I'm going to have to get running more!)
Netflix (what can I say, I'm a loyal convert)
Hootsuite (ask me more, love this service)
Scramble (My resolution for 2013 is to finally BEAT my sister-in-law at this game ONCE!)

And now is my official plea for your app recommendations. I'm always looking and welcome your suggestions! Happy New Year!

NOW I'm Ready to Throw My Tri-Annual Regifting Party

2012-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is a bit weird to admit in public (or at all) but I always notice the air fresheners at work.

I don't know why. Generally I just take note and continue on with my day but lately I've been…more…interested.

Because a couple weeks ago a new freshener arrived. It was this new Febreze fragrance cranberry and frost. INTERESTING! What does frost smell like?

I found myself sneaking off to the bathroom just to spray the stuff…I know right?

So imagine my surprise and delight when this box FILLED with festive Febreze and related products arrived at my doorstep.

Literally amazing.

The letter accompanying the festive box encouraged me to throw a Kim Kardashian-type party over the holidays and at first I was like, "Well that's impossible since I've never seen her show before."

But then I set everything up and I saw CRANBERRIES AND FROST EVERYTHING!

The air freshener I spray on myself every day at work, scented candles, and two other types of air fresheners…one you plug in and one you can hide behind stuff (no clue what you call it). Perhaps the last one is for pranks.

At any rate, after that discovery I decided it was high time to throw my tri-annual Regift-athon Party.

But before you get your hopes up, NOTHING from this box of goodies will be regifted. Oh no, no no.

Side note: it's both weird and scary how quickly I Googled "Kim Kardashian party."

Winner of Ulinx Jewelry Revealed!

2012-12-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who entered to win the very cool Ulinx magnetic jewelry by comment, text, email, etc. The winner (determined by random dot org) is Cassy!

Cassy I will be in touch and I hope you have a most Merry Christmas!

Bad Habit #3: Avoiding Paperwork

2012-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

And by paperwork I mean bills.

Actually, scratch that. I mean, that's technically true but it's not the paying of bills I fail at, it's the filing.

I don't know why I hate filing so much, maybe it's genetic or something.

So here's how it goes every month or two:

Bills etc. arrive in the mail
Place everything on the kitchen counter
Wait a week (ish)
Open mail
Sigh audibly at every document
Recycle envelopes and redundant paper
Wait a week
Pay bills grudgingly
Leave paid bills on desk until mountain causes issues using my computer mouse
File paperwork, sighing audibly at every document

It's all very silly. What should take a couple minutes every week or two ends up taking me an entire evening due to my ridiculous procrastination.

So…why?

Sometimes I wish I was more organized. I probably wouldn't avoid my desk so much. And I might even begin to like my office.

Silly.

So I Love Charm Bracelets, Who Knew? [Ulinx Review & Giveaway]

2012-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

If 2012 has been anything it's the year of the charm bracelet.

I've never had one before, but by now most of my friends do.

In case you don't know, a charm bracelet is just like a regular bracelet but customized. It's filled with trinkets and pendants, which (usually) holds meaning for the wearer.

I think the appeal is because you can make it your own.

Recently I learned about Ulinx: magnetic charm jewelry. Up until this point I had only heard of the kind where you purchase the bracelet, then separately you purchase all kinds of charms to hang off of the bracelet.

Ulinx is a bit different. First you build your charm bracelet online using their fancy DIY bracelet builder. Then you choose the style you like, and drag in the pendants you want from their large selection. As you build the price grows or shrinks on the sidebar so there are no surprises when you're ready to purchase.

I had a lot of fun building my dream bracelet. In fact I spent an entire weekend creating my personal masterpiece. Up until that moment I never thought I was interested in charm bracelets. Now, I'm kind of digging it.

The funnest part about the jewelry being magnetic is you can swap around your design all the time. And you can order extra charms or linking spheres so you can build more or larger pieces.

All in all, I'm a fan.

So I'm glad Ulinx is providing an awesome giveaway on arbynblog—$150 of Ulinx! I can tell you right now, that's gonna be a nice Christmas surprise for the winner.

To enter all you have to do is browse the new Symbols Collection over at Ulinx and tell me your favourite pendant. You can tell me in the comments on this post, on Twitter, or however you generally talk to me. You can enter once and one winner will be chosen to receive $150 of Ulinx jewelry on Friday, December 21 so don't put this off!

If I don't know you remember to leave a way for me to contact you.

Thanks to Ulinx for this great contest and for the cool experience.