Day Dreams and Ice Cream

We're gonna need a Surgeon!

2007-12-07T12:42:00.000-04:00

Did someone call for a Doctor?

I am a huge Grey's Anatomy fan. I started watching the show whilst it was in its second season. I got out season one and was hooked. Season two was amazing and then there was the dramatic but entertaining season three. The script was so well written and the characters were so interesting it was hard not to love them.

Like any Grey's fan I was anticipating season 4. What was going to happen to Christina? Where did Burke go? Are Meredith and Derek ever going to figure it out? I loved the cast that existed. I was angry that Isaiah had to go and screw it up with his ignorant comments, but I thought it would be ok. Then Addison had to go to LA for her own show so new characters were added. I saw the promos for season 4 and I was expecting the same magic as the other 3 seasons....

The cast of season 4

...I was disappointed! First episode, where's Ava? We just get one sentence about her moving away. Meredith and Derek? Yawn, same boring problems, same boring conversations. Christina? Ok, I can't really say anything bad cos I think the character's great and Sandra Oh is amazing. Then there's the whole Callie/George/Izzie love triangle. I don't know how other fans feel about it but I am so not a George with Izzie fan. I liked Izzie and Denny and I think her character suits a man more like him. The Actress who plays Izzie, Kathrine Heigl, said recently that she's finding it difficult to connect with Izzie, and who can blame her, it's like the characters of Grey's Anatomy took a break over summer and came back lamer versions of themselves.

Better Times

I don't want you to get the feeling that I can't adjust to change, I can, as long as that change is for the better. The new character of Lexie is a nice addition but they need to speed up some kind of storyline with her. We're half way through season 4 and so far a whole lot of nothing has happened. Now there's a new nurse who's supposed to come in between Mer/Der. I just don't want that relationship to become like the Ross/Rachel relationship on 'Friends'. Can't they just be happy, Meredith can stop whining about her oh so sad life and we can focus on more interesting characters. I would love to see more about Christina, Callie, Bailey and practically anyone else that isn't going to whine for 3/4 of the show and then end up in the same place as every other episode.

ahhh that's better, now let's all move on

I don't hate the character of Meredith, I think there's a lot there and with a good storyline she could be great. It's just that this whole season she's been so confused and weak and annoying. I love this show and I will continue to watch it and support it. I just hope that the writers will come back from the strike with a new look on life and will bring the show back, otherwise it's going to flatline and not even McDreamy will be able to save it.

I'd love to know what other Grey's fans think....how are you finding this season?

George Clooney...our last chance?

2007-01-18T18:28:00.000-04:00

Can this man save Hollywood?

Is it the end?

2007-01-17T00:33:00.000-04:00

What Happened to Hollywood?

Could someone please get Beyonce off the red carpet and back into a studio!

The Golden Globes were last night and I have to say that I'm a little disappointed. To begin with the ceremony was flat, blah, lacking. There was nothing extraordinary, or even slightly above ordinary. Hardly any jokes, no drunken speeches, and dare I say it a room full of boring people, not bright shining Hollywood stars. Bring back the era when being a star actually meant something. Now let's take the above picture of Beyonce. I'm full of words. This is a celebration for actors Beyonce, why are you there? Ok, sure, you were in Dreamgirls and oh we know you can sing, but seriously, look at you! Take that gold from your dress and try turn it into some golden records but please keep away from the Golden Globes (and every other golden statue desginated for actors)

A true beauty

However there were still a few glints of stardom lurking. Look at Jennifer Hudson. Truly a beauty. She may not fit into Hollywoods sick twisted idea of a "real women" but she's possibly the most "real" woman I've seen on a red carpet. Congratulations Jennifer on your win. I hope that you continue in film and music so that society can finally see beyond the plastic.

There ain't nothing ugly about this

America Ferrera was another natural beauty at the Globes. Her speech was an inspiration to many women out there and I hope to hear many more of them in the future. Overall I think that the Golden Globes and Hollywood in general needs aid from the Grey's Anatomy team (I think we may need a triple bag blood transfusion) The films I've seen lately have been nothing worth mentioning. I waited in anticipation for "Children of Men" only to be disappointed. And If I hear about another remake of Pirates of the Carribean or some Japanese horror film I think I may just have to throw the tv out the window. Where has originality gone? The last good original film I saw was "Good Night and Good Luck" but I just don't think it's fair of us to bank on George Clooney to make the only good films in hollywood. There's got to be something more, someone has to save hollywood, or is it too late?

Is this the end of Hollywood?

I know this much is true

2007-01-13T21:28:00.000-04:00

Well it's the new year, so I guess it's only natural to look back on your life and contemplate. There are people out there with blogs that are filled with amazing pictures and wonderful exotic places from all over the world. My blog can not compare to those. I don't have amazing stories about the exotic places I've been or the things I've bought. But I do have a story.

I won't forget the place I come from

I was born in New Zealand to Tony and Judith in 1984, when I arrived I had an older brother already waiting for me and then 4 years later my younger brother joined us too. I had a really great life when I was young, I don't think I realized then just how good I had it. When I was 12 my parents decided to end their marriage. Like any child of divorce will tell you, my world fell apart. A few months after my mum left my dad met someone and she moved in with us. My step-mum and I had problems the minute we met and I'm sad to say that they never got solved.

When I was 15 my mum met a guy and moved to Australia with him. It doesn't matter if you're 5, 15 or 25, you can always feel abandoned by your parents. I moved in with my dad and step-mum and we all tried as best as we could to get along. When I turned 18 I guess we'd all grown tired of trying because my dad told me that he was moving to a new house and I couldn't come with them. My mum had moved back to NZ by this point so I moved into a one-bedroom apartment with her and we worked hard at fixing our relationship. For a year I worked hard at forgiving my parents.

Karina and I

By the time I turned 19 I felt that I needed something else in my life, I didn't know what it was but I just knew I had to go find it. After meeting my best friend Karina at University I finally felt like something good was happening. For a year we had a lot of fun skipping class and dreaming about Hollywood. However, after one year she had to go back to Canada. I was really upset but we planned for me to come and visit her that year. In early 2004 a series of events made me re-think my plans and it was then that I decided to move to Canada for a year.

When I landed in Vancouver Karina was waiting for me and we spent the next two months traveling around BC and LA. When Karina went to Kamloops in September 2004 I was officially alone.

Alex and Aman

2005 was a great year. I ended up managing a restaurant and met great friends including Alex, Aman and Mason who became my partners in crime every weekend. After many months of denial I finally realised that I was falling in love with Alex, only I happened to realise it 2 months before I had to leave. When it came time to leave Canada I was a wreck. Everything I'd always wanted was in Vancouver and everything I'd run from was waiting for me in NZ.

Those four months in NZ were the hardest but most important months of my life. I worked in a bar to save money to get to Montreal where Alex was waiting for me. My dad and I worked hard at dealing through everything that had happened and I'm glad we did.

Concordia University

In November 2005 I moved back to Canada. For the first time in my life I was running towards something instead of running away. I came in on a 6 months visitors visa and had no plan on how I was going to stay but just knew that somehow I'd make it happen. In January 2006 I applied to Concordia University and got accepted. I've already completed a semester at Concordia and I love doing a French degree. This April Alex and I will celebrate our 2 year anniversary.

The love of my life, Alex

I still feel like there's so much more to do but I also feel proud of what I've accomplished. I've always been surrounded by friends whose parents paid for everything and for a long time I was jealous of them. But when I look back on the last few years I'm so glad that I didn't have anyone helping me. I would not have been able to get here if I didn't have to fight for it like I did. And now that I'm here I feel blessed. Blessed that I have to work a lot to pay for school and rent, blessed that I can't just go out and buy the things I want, blessed that I have to work hard for the things I want. I feel blessed because I know now that I have the strength to go wherever I want and do whatever I want. Maybe someone is reading this blog and is in a place like I was when I was 12 or 15 or 18 and I just want them to know, it doesn't matter if you don't have much money, as long as you have passion and determination then you're richer than you can imagine.

The world just seems that little bit less safe

2007-01-13T21:02:00.000-04:00

Two days ago Alex was walking to my house. It was nearly 6pm and he was a block from my home. Three guys approached him and asked him for money, he said no. One of them came at him so he punched the guy. Then the other two came at him and held on to him whilst the other sprayed him in the eyes with pepper spray. Alex threw his money at them and they ran off. His eyes were really messed up for a few hours, but luckily he's ok.

I can't stop thinking though, what if they'd had a knife, or a gun. What if, in the space of a few moments, they took away the one person in my life that's made everything I've ever gone through worth it. I know that it's not a postive way to think and is probably self destructing but I guarantee that anyone who's been in a situation like this has felt the same.

As one of my best friends said to me, Alex is ok and that's all that matters. It's just really made me realise how quickly things can happen that can change your life. I was lucky, but many people have not been. We can never live our lives thinking that things like this will never happen to us. We need to accept that they can and we need to protect ourselves.

Go to: http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/119/113399.htm?pagenumber=3 for information on how you can protect yourself.

As negative as it sounds, you cannot trust people that you don't know, regardless of how kind they seem. It's much better to come across as rude than it is to be placed in a vulnerable situation.

I strongly suggest that everyone, male or female, become aware of the steps you can take to keep safe. Ignorance is not bliss, but knowledge is power.

The Night Train to Mundo Fine

2006-12-17T00:02:00.000-04:00

The actual train we took.....or something like it

My dearest loveliest friend Karina requested that I write a story about one of our adventures in NZ, so here it is.....

Karina and I had decided to take a much needed break from school and go to Wellington (a one hour flight from Auckland) Karina, who is so skilled in the ways of travel bookings, decided that it would be significantly cheaper to take a train back to Auckland rather than a plane, besides it was only meant to be 8 hours, and wouldn't it be fun???

We had a great time in Wellington. We stayed at a great hostel on the beach called Moana Lodge. We had one rule, that the windows must be kept open at night so that we could hear the surf. The train stop was quite a distance from our hostel but the walk was so beautiful. Everyday we'd pass the house of "the childhood we never had" where the happy blonde children played in the yard whilst Daddy worked in the garden and Mummy made dinner (10 bucks says the dad left the mum for another woman and one of the kids is on P) On our journeys along the coast we also got to encounter the FBI agents who were suspiciously walking in front of us, on the beach, in full suits, shades, ear pieces, the whole deal, talking to themselves in wispers and who also suspiciously disappeared within a few moments of our attention being diverted from them......hmmm strange things indeed.

Another great part of our trip was going to The Lord of The Rings set. Karinas brother-in-law works with Peter Jackson as a gaffer (is that the term?) and got us onto the set for a few hours of delicious snooping.....I have the same bra size as Liv yeah! Our trip however was nearing an end and we were both sad to say goodbye to Wellington. However, we still had our exciting trip back to Auckland by train, oh how we waited in anticipation.

Ahhh yes, we rose early on our last day and wearily made our way to the train station. But spirits were high as I munched on my sausage roll (damn you canada for not selling them) We got on board our home for the next 8 hours and were please to find that we were in the last carriage and the back of it was a giant window with some nice comfy sofas. Oh yes Karina, your decision was looking fine indeed.

Now one would think that a train carrying many people for many hours would sell beaucoup de nourriture but alas, the cafeteria was pretty much sold out. Hmmmm, this did seem a little odd. However, we bought what we could, and Karina defied her Atkins diet for the day (and thankfully defied the whole stupid diet soon after). As we settled back into our seats we overheard a conversation happening in the aisle next to us. A lady was making friends with some of the passengers, nice right.....well no, in fact it wasn't nice. It was damn well torture! Do you know what we learnt on our 13 hour trip on the train, oh yes, 13 hours, not 8! We learnt that she was a teacher and liked the colour green........because thats the only damn thing she spoke about, for 13 hours!!!!

Did he just say we have to take the train home?

By hour 4 we were already going a little crazy.....as we approached hour 8 we were clawing at the doors. For some reason we believed ourselves to be Gollum and we continued our journey in this manner.....yes precious it was a long insane journey for sure precious. By hour 10 we had grown such deteste for our fellow passengers we started giving them evil looks (if the erratic behaviour hadn't tipped them off already this would do the trick) All I can say is that after 13 hours when we finally got off the train I had made a personal vow to never enter one again.

So whilst Karina does have a talent for travel bookings, she has learnt a tough lesson on taking financial shortcuts. And the moral of the story? Is it to take the plane instead? Or perhaps it is to pack your own lunch when travelling on a train.....no, these are simple suggestions. The actual moral of the story is that if you do happen to find yourself on a long distance travel with Karina and I you had better beware, gollum is not the only character we like to take on!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-15T01:44:00.000-04:00

Well I just finished my last exam. I think it went well, at least after all the drinks I've just had I think it went well. I'm so glad that the exams are over. Now I can relax and enjoy Christmas. So I just wanted to send out a very Merry Christmas to all, no matter where you are. I hope that you have a wonderful time these holidays. And remember: enjoy responsibly!

I present to you the Cellar Bug

2006-12-14T00:33:00.000-04:00

THAT Josh is a household centipede! That is the lovely species that keeps showing up in my basement. Once you get past the long legs and antenna it's really quite lovely...NOT! It's frightening and it doesn't matter how many times you see them, it never gets better.

You see it all started many months ago as Alex and I were enjoying a movie downstairs. In the corner of my eye I saw something with long legs moving rapidly across my floor. Woman intuition told me to run, and so I did. I refused to go back down there until the perpetrator was caught and dare I say it killed. So Alex spent a good 15 minutes down there on the hunt, those things are fast! Finally it was sent to a better place and peace was restored.

I told my roommates about it, even got Alex to draw a picture but they didn't believe me. "It's just a cockroach" they would say. Even after I saw another one in the basement they still didn't believe me. It may have had something to do witht he fact that I would flee the area and not collect any evidence. However, they're sweet ignorance was soon gone after one of these "cellar bug" (as we've taken to calling it) showed up in the kitchen. Since then they've seen them in the kitchen, in the bedroom and even in the studio.

Because we don't actually know where they're coming from (I live in a duplex) we don't quite know what we can do about the problem. All I know is that they frighten me something fierce. I just sit, and wait, and hope and quietly chant to myself "this house is ours, this house is ours."

Retrace your steps

2006-12-09T13:35:00.000-04:00

I have to retrace my steps

Because I've lost something dear to me

Lost is not the word to use

I disregarded it knowingly

At the time it felt too heavy

So I thought I'd put it aside

It disappeared in the distance

With each step I took with pride

Like all journeys do mine came to pass

I found myself alone

The pride I'd felt so strong before

Left me the fear of what I'd sown

I closed my eyes that moment

I let the words flow from my heart

I picked up all that was left of me

And journeyed back to the start

I had to retrace my steps

Only through blindness could I see

That the very thing I'd forgotten

Is the only the only thing I need.

Jack frost fell out of the sky

2006-12-01T17:20:00.000-04:00

It's beginning to look a lot like winter

Ok, so the sun didn't exactly come out today. In fact the sky opened up and poured out some freezing rain. I've been wondering where winter has been hiding and now it's starting to show itself. Today the sidewalks are covered in ice and it's finally getting below zero (last year this time is was at least 10 degrees less) Hopefully the real snow will arrive in time for Christmas.

I know that the Vancouverites have been having a rough time with the weather lately. Usually it only snows around late December and early January. But just be thankful that you don't have to deal with this:

Ahhhh, now that looks like a Montreal winter

Winters in montreal are, how do you say, ah yes, rough! It gets to at least minus 30 in Montreal, and it lasts from December up until at least March. I do love living here but sometimes NZ seems like a tropical island compared to this frozen kingdom. The trick though is to have fun with it. There's a nice little game I like to play called "how quick can I run to the Metro without falling on my ass?" and "how quick will my body freeze if I only wear 5 layers?" So much fun. Now I know you're all probably rushing to get your tickets to come out here, but I think you should maybe wait about 5 months, then you can enjoy the 40+ degree days. Ahhh yes Montreal, a city of extreme seasons.

The sun will come out tomorrow

2006-12-01T00:06:00.000-04:00

Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes the sun doesn't come out the minute you wake up in the morning. Sometimes you have to try a little harder to smile. And that's ok. Sometimes it's ok to not be ok. Sometimes you do just have to grin and bear it and know that the sun will come out tomorrow. And if you need a little help then just sing along with Annie:

The sun'll come outTomorrow
Bet your bottom dollarThat tomorrowThere'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,And the sorrow'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck a dayThat's gray,And lonely,
I just stick out my chinAnd Grin,And Say,
OhThe sun'll come out Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always A day A way!

The final dilemma

2006-11-23T23:04:00.000-04:00

Does this:

Plus this:

equal this?

Finals are next week and I'm officially stressing. I am so tired I can't think straight, I keep conjugating all my french around the wrong way. My friend suggested that I go to a yoga class with her on Sunday to get relaxed. I've never tried yoga. I tried Pilates onces at home and kept rolling over the floor, I felt so....what's the word?....ungraceful! So I'm wondering if all those Hollywood stars are telling the truth, is Yoga a relaxing way to get fit? Watch this space and wait for an update.

Casino Baby Yeah!

2006-11-23T21:08:00.000-04:00

Can I say love? hmmmm I think so. Ok, I must have been the first sceptic when I heard that Daniel Craig was going to be playing Bond. It's just that Bond has always been so suave and handsome and well I'll admit that I didn't find that when I saw a picture of Daniel.

But Oh have I changed my mind. Alex and I went to see the movie the other day and it was nothing short of awesome. I think I can say, oh god I'm going to say it, that was the best Bond film I've ever seen! (She said it, gasp)

Room for me?

He made Bond so natural and so real that you really get into the story. Most Bond films are just an action packed thrill ride but this one had heart. There's still lots of action but they got rid of all those ridiculous gadgets that Bond used to carry around (that's not just toothpaste is it?) I remember thinking that Bond can't be Bond without the gadgets and the martinis, but it wasn't until the end of the film that I realised there hadn't really been any. For the first time Bond got sweaty, bloody and oh so damn sexy.

If you haven't already seen it, go! Right now! Stop reading this and Go! Just kidding, finish this, leave a comment and then go. I was just reading an article about Judi Dench and she said that she caught a glimpse into Daniels trailer and saw, well....quite alot. Her comment: It's a Monster. Oh yes!

The Guts Girls part 2

2006-11-05T14:11:00.000-04:00

Vance "Lady Helena" and I

For three weeks I've been working in the costume department at Concordia on the production "The Gut Girls" I had the most amazing experience. It was fun to work backstage for once, every other production Ive been in I've worked as an actor. I still prefer being on stage but I had so much fun backstage too.

Lady Helena ready to go

Gut girls is a production about a group of girls working in the gutting sheds. Its an emotional and funny play and all the actors were brillant. Because the girls work in the gutting sheds their costumes are all red with blood and part of my job was splattering blood all over their faces and in their hair.....ahhh the things we do for money.

The cast do a warm up before going on for their last show.

The Gut Girls

2006-10-22T18:43:00.000-03:00

Im working as a production assistant on the Concordia University production of "Gut Girls" which is the story of 5 girls who work in the gutting sheds back in the 1800s. Its a great production and I'm learning alot about the behind the scenes of showbiz, like how much I can score in Family feud on the computer....sadly not much because the Americans are so limited with their words, I wrote the word cleaner and got it wrong cos it was supposed to be Janitor, geez! Show biz is tough.
I love being back in the theatre though, God I missed that smell! I can't wait to get back on stage again! I'm meeting alot of people who are wanting to start up their own companies so hopefullyI can get in one of those....hmmm I should probably check with my agent, sometimes you arent allowed to work for anyone else in the industry. I'm going to take some pics this week of the actors etc so watch this space.

2006-10-13T22:13:00.000-03:00

Autumn is upon us and I am loving this brand new season (lets face it, it only rains in Vancouver and Auckland during Autumn) I had my first thanksgiving dinner on Monday yum. The trees have turned many shades of the sun and I even carved my first pumpkin. Oh Autumn, how wonderful you are, if only you didnt mean that Winter was at our doorstep.

Jess and the turkey

A beautiful Autumn day in Montreal

Meet my pumpkin, hes really friendly and made a yummy pie

Me and my pumpkin

A conversation with my knees

2006-10-12T19:04:00.000-03:00

Dear Knees,

Please don't give up on me! I neeeeeeed you! The lovely physiotherepist is going to pull, twist and crunch your way back to healthiness.....actually you were never really that healthy. What's up with that? Did I not walk you enough, Should I have done more? Why did you not grow properly? Why did you fight with the thigh muscle and seperate? I'm afraid that because of the bad job you've done at being you we now have to work extra hard 3 times a week to get you "normal". But because I love you I will go to the sessions too and give you support.

Love the rest of the body.

P.S do you have any idea why the hips are being mean too?

Les St-Laurents et moi

2006-10-11T00:28:00.000-03:00

Me and the frenchies (Alex and Guillaume)

Bonne fete a moi

2006-10-08T16:10:00.000-03:00

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for such an awesome birthday. Alex took me and some friends out to an amazing medieval restaurant. It was so fun! I had the best birthday ever.

Alex and I at L'auberge du Dragon Rouge

Alex and Guillaume enjoying ony of many glasses of wine

Jess and our medieval waitress awaiting our dragons blood drinks, oh how ignorant we were

Charles and Jess suffering from the dragons blood drinks which consisted of JDs Tequila and tabasco sauce, it burnt for 10 minutes straight!

Thanks Beyonce

2006-10-02T11:59:00.000-03:00

Ive been listening to Beyonces new album Bday and theres a song on it that I love, even though the lyrics dont apply to me so much I think its a great power to the woman song. So I just wanted to put it on my blog and send it out to every woman who is in a long term relationship, a failing relationship or single and to remind you all that youre beautiful and unique and that if your man isnt treating you right then remember that he is oh so replacable.

to the left
to the left
to the left
to the left
mmmmmmm
to the left to the left
everything you own in the box to the left
in the closet, thats my stuff
yes, if I bought it, then please don't touch (don't touch)
and keep on talking that mess, thats fine
could you walk and talk, at the same time?
and- its my name thats on that bag
so go move your bags, let me call you a cab
standing in the front yard, telling me
how I'm such a fool, talking 'bout
how I'll never ever find a man like you
you got me twisted
you must not know 'bout me
you must not know 'bout me
I could have another you in a minute
matter fact, he'll be here in a minute (baby)
you must not know 'bout me
you must not know 'bout me
I could another you by tomorrow
so don't you ever for a second get to thinkin'
you're irreplaceable
so go ahead and get gone
call up that chick, and see if shes home
oops I bet you thought, that I didn't know
what did you think
I was putting you out for?
because you was untrue
rolling around in the car that I bought you
baby, drop them keys
hurry up, before your taxi leaves
standing in the front yard, telling me
how I'm such a fool, talking 'bout
how I'll never ever find a man like you
you got me twisted
you must not know 'bout me
you must not know 'bout me
I could have another you in a minute
matter fact, he'll be here in a minute (baby)
you must not know 'bout me
you must not know 'bout me
I could another you by tomorrow
so don't you ever for a second get to thinkin'
you're irreplaceable
so since I'm not your everything
how about I'll be nothing? nothing at all to you
baby i won't shed a tear for you
I won't lose a wink of sleep
cause the truth of the matter is
replacing you was so easy
to the left
to the left
to the left
to the left
mmmmmmmm
to the left to the left
everything you own in the box to left
to the left to the left
don't you ever for a second get to thinking
you're irreplaceable
you must not know 'bout me
you must not know 'bout me
I could have another you in a minute
matter fact, he'll be here in a minute (baby)
you must not know 'bout me
you must not know 'bout me
I could another you by tomorrow
so don't you ever for a second get to thinkin'
you must not know 'bout me
you must not know 'bout me
I could have another you in a minute
matter fact, he'll be here in a minute
you can pack all your things- we're finished
cause you made your bed now lay in it
I could have another you by tomorrow
don't you ever for a second get to thinkin'
you're irreplaceable

Comment dit-on "Arrogant jerk" en francais?

2006-10-01T16:56:00.001-03:00

The battle of the languages has been happening since humans began, and probably even before that. Sometimes it can be awkward, sometimes funny, and sometimes someone crosses the line.

Living in Montreal as an Anglo can be slightly difficult, there's always this guilt about not speaking french. What makes it worse is that most of the Quebecois speak both french and english. However, Montrealers are very tolerent of Anglos who are learning french, they are understanding, patient and kind.......well at least until last night.

Alex and I were at a party at this friends place. We were all having a great time. 90% of the people there were french but most spoke english. Being from New Zealand I do have a sound excuse for not being fluent in french, we're sooooo not french down under. However whenever I mention that im doing a major in french everyone gets really excited. The more drinks I had the more I spoke in french, I guess you just care less about what people think when you've had a few cocktails. But it's still really hard to try and speak a language that you're not comfortable in, to a room full of people that speak it. Anyways, Alexs best friend Simon doesn't speak English. So later in the night we started having a conversation in french, I managed to conjugate the verbs I could remember, I think he understood most of what I was saying. We talked about how lovely everyone is in montreal, and about my family, you know, all the things I've covered in chapters one and two. I was really enjoying talking to simon because he's a shy guy and I was glad to have the opportunity to get to know him a bit more.

All was going well until another guy joined the covnersation. He asked me where I'm from, I told him, I also said I'd just started a major in french, and then I went back to talking to Simon. Then this guy stops me and tells me Im saying the sentence wrong, I ask him to help correct me. Then he starts going on about how bad my french was. I was a little taken back because no one in Montreal has ever mocked me for trying to speak French. But I guess the guy wasn't done because he starts grabbing at my hands and tells me to stop using my hand gestures because it's taking away from the French. Ok, now I'm offended and feeling a little like crying.

Luckily Alex showed up at that point, I told him the guy was mocking my french and alex starts asking what his problem is. Then a few other people join the group as the guy's mocking my hand gestures. I explain, in french, that I use my hands to speak in english, im an actress, my hands are my job, and that when you don't speak well in a language then hand gestures are a great way at aiding you. Well he wont let it go. Everyone around was getting a little angry at this guy for his attitude, especially Alex. Someone started pointing out that the guy was using hand gestures himself as he was mocking my own. Now I want everyone to know that this was the first person to be like this, Montrealers are usually really sweet and understanding, and in this case, were really supportive of me as this guy continually tried to pull me down. For those of you that know me you know that I only take so much attacking and then I pounce back. After the guy had mocked me as much as I could take I looked at him and asked him how dare he be so judgemental, Im from a country far away where we don't speak french, Im here, in Montreal, trying, learning to speak french, I come to a party and put myself in a vulnerable position and he dares to attack me, if he wants his language to be preserved he better start thinking about how he treats people who want to learn it. Then I told him that if he were to go to Australia or New Zealand then he'd be eaten alive with an attitude like that. I also said that his english would not survive where I'm from, I told him we speak alot faster with our own slang and he would not get far.

I think he got what was coming to him, everyone pretty much told him he was being a jerk. I just think it was so unneccesary to mock someone who's trying. I really love the french language and hope to live here for a long time, I may be an anglo, I may not fully understand the language yet, but Im trying, I want to learn and thats more than most monreal born anglos are doing. so next time someone wants to try attack my for trying something new just remember that the tables can be flipped really easily.

A blog about Hair

2006-09-21T13:31:00.000-03:00

I CUT ALL MY HAIR OFFFFFFF NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHY WHY DID I DO THIS I WANT MY LONG HAIR BACK OH GOD WHY WHY DID I DO THIS.
Hmmmmm yes, Everyone has been at this horrible place in life. You go for a new change all confident and then walk out crying. Life is tough. The cut doesnt look bad though right, I mean I dont look weird do I, you can be honest, oh God you hate it dont you. WHYYYYY WHYYYYY DID I CUT MY HAIR OFFFFFFFF. Ha ha this is fun.

Ok, I didnt actually cut my hair off. I did get a hair cut but I only got like an inch taken off, Im very strict about them cutting my hair, you know how for some hairdressers an inch means 5 or 6. Anyways, I was taking some photos for my blog and one of the photos turned out like this and I kinda liked it. I dont actually have the guts to cut my hair off though, and do take into consideration that you are only seeing about 25% of my hair in that photo, my hair is actually really thicVk so it wouldnt look all straight and silky like in the photo if it was that short, itd be more like a fro!

Ok, so this is what my hair actually looks like. You can see what a fluke it was that the other photo turned out the way it did.

And yes, for those of you out there thinking it. I did just write a blog about my hair. Well what do you expect, I lead a dull life of work and study. I promise I will come up with something more exciting for my next blog. Ill either find something exciting to do and report about or Ill just make up a story like Karina has with all those scottish people. Lets be honest Karina, there is no Ross and you do not know any scots! Its a tastesless way to get people to read your blog. However, since it seems to work, my next blog will feature a story about my Irish brother and my Swedish dog!

Too close for Comfort

2006-09-13T22:35:00.000-03:00

Students rush out of Dawson College as the dead body of the gunman lies on the ground

Today there was a shooting at Dawson College in downtown Montreal. I was in class at Loyola when I found out. There were many students in my class who have friends and family members that go there so it was really intense. So far all we know is that a gunman went into the cafeteria of Dawson college and started shooting at the students. 19 were injured and one girl was killed, the gunman was shot by the Police and killed.
I just want to let my friends and family know that Im ok. My school is close to Dawson College but I was on the campus further away at the time. The College is by the Mall and the metro so you can imagine how scared everyone was. Ive had a few friends concerned because all theyre hearing is that a gunman attacked students at a School in Downtown Montreal. Concordia University may be getting mentioned in some reports because it was used as a shelter for the students of Dawson College. But even though the shootings werent at my school its really made me nervous. Ive never lived in a place where something like this has happened. Its way too close for comfort.
My prayers are with all those who have been affected by this horrible crime.

Me Vs. Cadbury

2006-09-12T13:29:00.000-03:00

Definatly not the same taste as a Cream Egg!

Ok, so I woke up two days ago and all I wanted was a Cadbury Cream egg. I cant explain it, Im a lover of all kinds of chocolate but on this particular day I only wanted the delightful taste of a cream egg. I began at one depanneur (7-11) but they didnt have any, so I went to another, and another. By the end of the day I had been to over 6 different places but could not find one little but greatly delicious Cadbury Cream Egg. Needless to say I was becoming frustrated.

Chocolate is my drug of choice and I was definatly in need of a fix but I could not find it anywhere. As my journey went on and my frustration increased I became quite vocal about the crime of Montreal not having any Cadbury Cream Eggs, especially when I grew up in a place where there were Cadbury Cream eggs in abundance (or so I thought). Alex told me that its usually just an Easter thing here. After Id finished counting the months till Easter I let him know how stupid that was, ¨I mean how can something so tasty only be out at one time of year¨, and ¨if we were in NZ right now Id be able to get my hands on all different kinds of Cream eggs¨. Oh yes, I let my opinions fly. Well I just wanted to let everyone know, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity here so listen carefully.......

Devastation, pure devastation!

I WAS WROOOOOOOOOONG! Josh told me last night that Cadbury Cream Eggs are only an Easter thing in NZ too. Supposedly theyre only an Easter thing all over the world. I was so sure Id seen them in times other than Easter but I guess not. So there you have it, I officially admit that I, Kelly, was wrong about Cadbury Cream Eggs.

It still is quite devastating though, wanting something so badly that just isnt available. However, last night I went downstairs to the Depanneur to get some different Chocolate and the guy working there must have remembered me from that fateful day before (now officially called Cream egg doomsday) because he told me the eggs would be in tomorrow. Theyre not exactly Cadbury Cream eggs, but they ordered in Turtles eggs (yum). I hope they didnt order them just for me, oh who am I kidding, of course I do!

Me and Boulette

2006-09-07T13:03:00.000-03:00

Sooooo cute, the hamster is too!

Bombs over the Philosophy Department?

2006-08-29T13:10:00.000-03:00

The Universite de Montreal

Ok, so I come home after a long hard day and all I want to do is put my feet up and order Chinese food, but alas it was not to be. Instead the whole street was blocked off by police because....now brace yourself for this....someone found a "suspicious" package in the Philosophy department. Ok, hold on a minute who's going to blow up the Philosophy dept, what'd they ever do? Alexs apartment is right opposite that specific building so we had to wait hours till they "cleared" the area. The worst part is that we didn't even make it into the news the next day. I guess someone got a bad mark on a paper, or maybe someone just left a lunch bag behind, tomatoes can be very suspicious

This one's for you Daddy

2006-08-28T12:26:00.000-03:00

I'll take my chances with the Ferret hehe, just kidding. Alex took this photo in Boston for you, we think it would be perfect on your door. Love you and miss you!

Back to School...and how it came about

2006-08-28T01:19:00.000-03:00

The beautiful Loyola Campus at Concordia

Well I've been on a gap year from school for the last three years but the time has come for me to return. In a week I start school at Concordia University in Montreal and Je suis tres contente. Im going to be doing a Major in etudes Francaise (French) and a minor in Theatre. It's weird to think how this has all come around. I'll do a quick back track for you.

Two years ago I moved to Vancouver for a year and worked at a Swiss Chalet restaurant. Three months after starting I was promoted to superviser and shortly after that became a manager. Before I knew it I was running the restaurant with my best friend Alex (aka Frenchie). My friends kept telling me that Alex liked me but I kept telling them that we were just friends. It took me a few months to realise that we were more than good friends. After trying Alexs patience as much as anyone could I finally realised that I was in love with Frenchie. We got together and everyone was glad I'd finally caught on. The only problem was that I was flying back home in two months because my visa was expiring. We decided to enjoy the next couple months together and figure the rest out later.

Just before I was due to fly home Alex decided that he was going to move back to Montreal. We talked it over and thought it would be great if I joined him. However I still had to go back to NZ and save up some money. So in July 2005 after being away for a year I flew back to my home and family. I got a job as a bartender at the Cock and Bull and worked so hard (a little too hard, I got myself a kidney infection) But after four months I managed to save up enough to get back to Montreal.

Me and the "cock" girls

In November 2005 I flew back to my home of Canada and spent time with my friends in Vancouver, then I flew to the wonderful country of Quebec. Alex and I hadn't seen eachother in four months so I was a little nervous but the minute I saw him I completely relaxed. Over the next few months I ventured out around beautiful Montreal. As fate would have it my old neighbour Sarah (she lived next to me in NZ when I was 6 years old) also lived in montreal so we started hanging out again which was great. One day we were sitting in Burger King with Andy, another Kiwi, and talking about how on earth I was going to stay in Montreal. You see I was only in canada on a 6 month visa, and for obvious reasons didnt want to leave. My friend mentioned going to uni, but I couldnt afford it (no trust fund for Kelly) but she said that if you do the french degree you only have to pay Quebec fees ($3500 a year) and I checked it out and she was right. So I enrolled and have been sorting out immingration and everything for the past few months and now Im about to start school.

Ok, so that wasnt really a short back track but it explains everything. I just can't believe that Im actually going to school in Canada, its a real blessing. Im looking forward to this new chapter in my life.

It's not so easy loving me

2006-08-28T00:52:00.000-03:00

It's not so easy loving me
It gets so complicated
All the things you gotta be
Everything's changing
But you're the truth
I'm amazed by all your patience
Everything I put you through
When I'm about to fall
Somehow you're always waiting with
Your open arms to catch me
You're gonna save me from myself
From myself, yes
You're gonna save me from myself
Ooh, whoa yes, mm
My love is tainted by your touch
Well, some guys have shown me aces
But you've got that royal flush
I know it's crazy everyday
Well, tomorrow may be shaky
But you never turn away
Don't ask me why I'm crying
'Cause when I start to crumble
You know how to keep me smiling
You always save me from myself
From myself, myself
You're gonna save me from myself
I know it's hard, it's hard
But you've broken all my walls
You've been my strength, so strong
And don't ask me why I love you
It's obvious your tenderness
Is what I need to make me
A better woman to myself
To myself, myself
You're gonna save me from my..
Myself

When I heard this song by Christina Aguilera I couldn't believe how much it expressed my relationship with Alex.
This ones for you baby, thank you for all your patience, your understanding and most of all for saving me from myself. I love you more than words can say!

Alex and I are becoming trappers

2006-08-27T14:28:00.000-03:00

Ahhh yes the feeling of a raccoon on your head, nothing beats it! With that long bushy tail curling around your neck, and to think it was once alive! OH GROSS! Who would really wear these things, and what exactly do trappers do? Im guessing they trap, but what do they trap? People? Animals? Aliens? I just want to apologize to all the vegetarians and anyone associated with PETA for this tasteless blog! but hmmm raccooooooooon yum

Welcome Sinatra.......welcome back Boulette???

2006-08-27T14:06:00.000-03:00

Sooooooo, Alex and I had accepted the fact that our precious Boulette was gone forever. After a few days we decided to get another hamster, to help us through the pain. We went to the pet store and found the cutest brownest fluffiest hamster. We ( I mean I) decided to call him Sinatra. We took him home and gave him Boulettes old cage, all seemed well at the Kelex residence.....

...However, unbeknownst to us we had not seen the last of Boulette. Later on in the evening whilst enjoying a beer or 5 we got a call. The man on the phone said "J'ai trouve un hamster" and I was like hmmm is my french that bad, I think he said he found a hamster, but no my french wasn't that bad, he DID find a hamster. Well, when I say find I mean he saw a tiny rodent like thing in the Electrical room in the basement. A room almost the size of the apartment!
So Alex, Guillaume and I treked down the four floors and went in search of Boulette. An hour later with food all over the floor we found her. Little skinny not so white anymore Boulette had ventured down the walls and survived days without food and water. We were happy but a little shocked at the whole scenario. Our next problem was where to put her. Her little cage now had a new occupent and hamsters dont live together kindly. We put her in a box for the night and went out the next day and bought a whole new hamster home for our Escape artist.

So now we have two hamsters. Luckily they dont cost too much to take care of. But I am now serenaded to sleep every night by the sound of wheels spinning simultaneously. Hmmmm I wonder what will happen if we let them have babies.........

Avacaaaaaaaaado

2006-08-23T02:43:00.000-03:00

Hey just wanted to say hi to my best friend karina, I miss you like crazy girl! cant wait to see you again. I never look as pasty in photos as I do sitting next to you. I know youre having a hard time with your job at the moment but just remember where we are destined to go, it makes those hurdles easier to jump. Keep dreaming big cos I believe in you like I know you believe in me. Love you. MITCHELL.......wheres my poodle

Sunset at Montreal ahhhh tres beau

2006-08-23T02:26:00.000-03:00

I wont forget the place I come from

2006-08-23T02:18:00.000-03:00

I was listening to that Kelly Clarkson song Breakaway and suddenly felt the need to pay tribute to my homeland.

So heres to you New Zealand, to all your beauty, your awesome attitude, and the best Rugby team in the world. But mostly, heres to those sheep, oh how I miss riding them to school everyday.

Right mate, cheerio

Come home Boulette

2006-08-21T19:28:00.000-03:00

Our cute hamster Boulette ran away today. we got home this afternoon and she had escaped from her cage. We've looked everywhere but she hasn't turned up. Ive put food and water in every room like the net said to do and hopefully she'll come out of her hiding place and back home where it's safe. We love her and miss her, please come home booboo!

Quebec City pour la deuxieme fois

2006-08-21T19:11:00.000-03:00

I had another little surprise up my sleeve for Alexs birthday, and this one worked out much better. I told Alex we were going to Quebec City for the weekend of his birthday, I just "forgot" to mention that our good friend Aman was flying in from vancouver to join us. Needless to say Alex was really surprised when Aman showed up.

We arrived for the Fete de Nouvelle France which was amazing, there were so many people dressed up in period pieces. Alex and Aman got persuaded to join in on a mock military training session. Aman tried to remember his high school french as the Captain yelled out commands to them. They looked ridiculous but it was all in the name of fun.

We were only meant to stay for one night but we couldnt get a ride home on the Saturday, so we had to plan for another night. We went back to the hostel we had just signed out of to see if we could get the same room again, but they only had one bed left in a dorm. It was the same case for most of the hotels around Old Quebec, but just as we were running out of hope we found a nice hotel that was close to our price range. We spent more money than we planned but we had a great time. Alex and I can't wait till you move here next year Veer! we'll get a place in the plateau and drink sangria everynight while you scheme us at monopoly!

Bonne fete Alex

2006-08-21T19:01:00.000-03:00

Bonne Fete Alex!

I had a "surprise" party for Alex's 23rd birthday. It didnt really go according to plan, when I say that I mean things like the giant photo I ordered showed up with ink stains all over it, oh yeah, and the birthday boy arriving before most of the guests. Oh well, we all still had a great night.

Thanks to everyone for making it a special night, Alex had a great time, so I guess it means I did an ok job. Still Im not sure surprise parties are my thing.

Oh yeah, T-Joe if you happen to read this, next time you have a party we'll definatly be there, with lots of friends. You can count on us!

teddy's a drunk

2006-08-21T18:53:00.000-03:00

Teddy drank too much sangria last night!