WISDOM CHECK

Life, the universe, and everything nerdy

  • The part they don’t advertise

    (Originally published to my Livejournal, Creamsodaangel)

    Today is the first day out of my entire trip that I’ve started to really feel homesick. I was only a little homesick before, which was small enough that I managed to brush it aside and generally feel good. But today I’ve been hit with a bought of loneliness that I can’t shake.

    Part of it is because my friend Paul from the UK, whom I talk to every day, is currently away on holiday with his family in Mexico. So he is internetless. I miss him very much.

    Another is my roomies, who don’t have the same days off as me. It makes it difficult to see them then, as sometimes I can go for days and not see or talk to any of them. Kelsey just becomes “that girl in the other bed”.

    I think the clencher was a message I got earlier from Imagine, a girl from the Sorcerer radio boards. I was gonna meet up with her and her hubby, as well as another member of the boards to say hello. Then suddenly this became a huge meetup for Sorcerer Radio (well, not huge). But then in a message it said they would all still love to meet me, but that they all had dinner reservations at 6, and they wanted to let me know so I didn’t feel like they were abandoning me. I know they aren’t, and I do know that they’re a lot closer to each other than I am to them, but I guess it just kinda dug into my current loneliness wound.

    I had planned to go do Epcot by myself today, and then meet up with Kelsey later. I would typically jump at the chance to go to my favourite park, but now I just feel… blah..

    I think I’m going to call my best friend and see how she’s doing.


    Current Music: Easy Silence – Dixie Chicks
    location: Orlando, Florida
    Current Mood: lonely

  • Wait a second…

    (Originally published to my Livejournal, CreamSodaAngel).

    Wait a second… what’s this..? A post? By Andrea?? That’s NOT in her Disney journal? Oh wow.

    So if you haven’t been reading my other journal, yes I am alive. And having the time of my life. There have been lots of ups and down to the trip (one up being that I get to work in Epcot, one down being that I was sick for the first month).

    One of the biggest things that I’ve come to realise, is how truly different Canada and the United States is. When I first came down, I knew that I had to be open minded. I know that we’re two different countries, and that even speaking with my online friends from the United States I knew that there would be differences.

    Can anyone say culture shock?

    Coming down on holidays and like before, I had never really noticed any other than minor differences. But now that I’ve been here for almost two months, the differences are like a slap in the face.

    I think one of the largest differences that I notice on an everyday basis, is the American intolerance. For everything. While I’ve had a few American friends who have exhibited this, I also have those who are very open to others opinions and beliefs. So I figured it would be like Canada, where there’s a mix. No. Ninety percent of the people here won’t hear a well opinionated argument. It’s so bad, that I’m frightened to even have an even quiet conversation with a friend in public about something remotely political. I have learned to keep my mouth shut for fear that someone is going to pull out a gun and shoot me :X

    Another thing I noticed a difference in, is the work ethic. I even had a comment to be from an American friend / coworker… “You can tell you’re Canadian because of your work ethic.” I wanted to probe that comment more, but alas my work ethic kicked in (we were gathering the putbacks at the time).

    Anyway, I could continue to point out more differences I noticed (what is up with clothing sizes? And why are our “super sizes” only equal to your mediums? why does the food have so much salt in it? Why can’t anyone drive?), but I’m sure most would understand.

    Miss you all!


    Current Mood: contemplative
    location: Orlando, Florida
    Current Music: In the Middle – Theory of a Deadman

  • (7) GLEE!!!!!!!

    Today I went back to work. I felt relatively okay, so I figured it would be a good idea to go make some monies. Went in for 11, since I was schedualed for an 11 – 530 cash shift. Low and behold, they changed the schedual on me and failed to tell me. Gee thanks guys, real nice. Anyway, it was just changed to an 1130-8 shift in the Bakery. Which I didn’t mind too much, since I love my Bakery. 🙂 So I started work anyway.

    Apparently spending a week on your butt, and then going back to a very physically demanding job is a bad idea. Either that, or I’m still not 100% (which I’m not, my jaw is still a little swollen and numb). Anyway, I was feeling woozy if I went to quickly. It was like, if I moved a certain way, my body wanted to keep going that way even though I had stopped.

    Tracy said it would be alright if I went home (she kept asking if I was alright). I said I’d be fine as long as I didn’t go too fast (I stumbled a few times). So I told her I would stay until I got all the work done, since there wasn’t much. She told Gord, who was fine with that. So I only worked 11 – 420. I’m not entirely sure what I would have done until 730 if I had felt up to staying. Oh well.

    Tomorrow I work 6 – 230, and it’s my last shift until September, so I’m hoping I can make it through the entire thing. I’m all nice and setup for tomorrow too, so here’s hoping it’s easy. Of course, it’s the long weekend, so it might be a zoo and it might be dead. We’ll see.

    On my return from work, sitting on my doorstep was two parcels. I was quite excited, as Castaway just sent the visa’s out yesterday! SO I FINALLY HAVE MY VISA!!!! Actually, TWO visas. Yes, that’s right. Castaway sent me some other girl’s visa as well. I think it’s Kelsey, one of the girls from my school going on the program. I hope it is, because that will make it easier to get it to her. But still, I can’t believe they’d goof up like that and send me someone else’s visa. 😛

    So now I’m happy. It was the feather in my cap, and topped off the day just right. A day that wasn’t going to well.

    …. wow… this is a long post…

  • (16) I’ll always remember my 21st Birthday

    (Originally published to my Livejournal, Creamsodaangel).

    So today was incredibly frightening. I’m here, so obviously I survived, but the experience has not allayed my fear any.

    I got up this morning and had my regular shower. Put on baggy clothing, as per instructions, and then hopped on the computer for a bit so I could chat with Paul and Kathy to try and take my mind off things. Starved, as I couldn’t eat or drink anything.

    Mom came with me down to the Surgical centre, because I needed someone to drive me home. Filled out a bit of paperwork. Tried my hardest to stay calm, but was still nervous. They took me into a little room with comfy fluffly chairs, and I changed into a dressing gown thing. And sat. And waited. One of the other patients had heard it was my birthday, so as she was in recovery she doodled me a little happy birthday card, which was nice 🙂

    Took a pill for my stomach, so it wouldn’t get too bad, then the nurse came in and put in my IV drip. I was soooo scared, I started shaking and crying. 🙁

    The anesthesiologist came in and talked to me, about what they would be doing and such to put me to sleep. He was very nice. Apparently I have a heart murmer, but my mom says that’s alright as she and my brother both have them and are fine. It’s never been a problem for me before. He told me that they’d be putting a tube down my nose and into my windpipe so that I would be able to breathe during surgery and not get any fluid into my lung; also that I would prolly be a little sore from that when it was done. And when I woke he said to expect an oxygen mask on my face too.

    Anyway, then I waited and waited, and finally calmed down a bit and tried to think about my trip.

    The anesthesiologist came back and led me into the operating room. I climbed onto the table, and he and the nurse told me to relax, and just told me they’ve give me a shot (liquour) for my birthday into the IV, and then would give me the anesthesia.

    Anyway, he gave me the first shot and then took off my glasses. I remember he held them up to the light and told me they were scratched. Then he said “here we go”, and added the anesthesia to my IV. I vaguely remember telling him and the nurse “I’m starting to feel loopy”, they had a bit of a chuckle and them putting three of those round sticky things on my chest so they could monitor me.

    I remember dreaming about going to the UK…

    The next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery. I had the oxygen mask on, but was VERY groggy and my mouth was numb. The nurse asked if I was alright, and I remember nodding and asking for water. She said that I would have to wait a bit for that. I told her I was feeling dizzy and nauseated, so they gave me a bit of Gravol in my IV. I remember dozing off again. The nurse kept telling me to move my arms and legs.

    Eventually I got up and took off the dressing gown and put my tshirt back on. They led me into another recovery room, with similar comfy chairs. My mom came in, and I remember I was crying again. The nurse said that was a typical side affect of the anesthesia. The nurse talked to my mom a bit, and then mom stepped out to grab me some prescriptions. I watched some TNG for a little bit until she came back. Then the nurse came with a wheelchair, and away I went to the car.

    I came home, was fairly awake, and came on the computer. I was on for a little while until I started bawling my eyes out again :S Mom came and calmed me down. Eventually the freezing wore off and I had to start taking tylenol threes. Both my Mom and my brother were surprise that I was so awake, because when they had it done they slept the entire day.

    So now I’m very sore, look like a chimpmunk, … but I’ve long stopped the crying spells. Woo!

    And yes, I’m still scared out of my mind about it. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody, nor do I care to repeat anything similar 🙁

    Well that’s my 21st birthday for you. Whoopee.

    Happy Birthday to Me.
    Current Mood: sore
    Current Music: DVD: Alias S3, D2, E5

  • Eeek

    (Originally published to my Livejournal, CreamSodaAngel)

    So tomorrow is the big day. To say that I’m nervous would be an understatement. But the pain I’m in is worth facing my fear. I know that I will be okay, but I’m the most petrified I’ve been in a very long time…

    Until the next time..

  • (20) owwies…

    (Originally published to my Livejournal, Creamsodaangel)

    I realise that I am very lax as of late when it comes to the posting. So sorries. The last two days have been miserable for me.

    Firstly, my head is throbbing! My wisdom teeth are hurting like crazy, and even Tylenol isn’t working. I’ve come home with killer headaches due to these silly teeth. Today I almost broke down crying AT work due to the pain. Luckily I held out until I was safely seated in my car.

    Secondly, Castaway emailed a bunch of us on Thursday basically saying “Oops, you need this form too!” It’s a proof of Student status form that I need to take up to the University and get them to stamp to say yes, I do indeed go to Simon Fraser University: the last three years weren’t just in her head! All this, DESPITE the fact that back in November I gave them my accreditation from from SFU that has all the same info that is on this form. Castaway had a number of us panicked (IE: Brynna, Kelsey, Carol, and myself). Luckily we all realise that it’s just this silly stamp we get from the Registrar’s office / student services. But that’s beside the point. Don’t need any added stress right now, thankyouverymuch! 😛

    Now that I’ve vented to my Mom (she called me worridely after I sent my Dad a crazy upset text message), Joseph (poor guy gets to deal with all my crying), and now you, livejournalland.

    On the upside, I got to help out the decorator today (glee!). I sliced strawberries for about an hour, which was quite amusing. I’m pro at slicing strawberries now.

    That’s all for now.


    Current Music: Impression de France – France Pavillion (Epcot)
    Current Mood: frustrated

  • (42) Eep!

    (Originally posted to my Livejournal, Creamsodaangel)

    Booked my airplane ticket this morning. Found a glitch in Air Canada’s system. Usually to book a round trip ticket it’s much cheaper than booking one way tickets. However, this worked out to be cheaper, even if I bought the same tickets separately. It was … strange. I’ll be on the same flight as two others who are in the program, so it should be fun 😀

    Oh… and my counter gets a day knocked off, because the flight is a redeye. I leave the day before!

    That’s about it for now… Apart from my random spurts of excitement. Heheheh.

    Here’s how it goes until the big day::
    -Work this weekend.
    -Meeting with Kelsey (one of the girls on my flight), and writing my publishing exam on Monday.
    -Study Tuesday.
    -Documentary Research Exam Wednesday.
    -Work Thursday to Monday.
    -Tuesday/Wednesday days off. Hopefully go get some prescription sunglasses & contacts.
    -Work some more…
    -Mom and Dad’s Anniversary
    -Going to US Consulate somewhere in here.
    -My Birthday & Oral Surgery. (Yes, I have to go for Surgery on my Birthday! BAH!)
    -Week off to recoup from surgery.
    -Work for a Week.
    -Off for a week to spend time with my parents, get last minute things together, PACK.
    -Aaron’s Birthday & Leaving Day!

    I Can’t wait!

    Oh, by the way, I worked on my Disney journal (which most of this post has been x-posted to), so please go visit epcot_andy. 🙂
    Current Mood:

    excited
    Current Music: Energy Adventure Medly – Energy Pavilion (Epcot)

  • (47) …. I think I’m here…

    (Originally published on my Livejournal, Creamsodaangel)

    So it’s been a while. Wow. Crazy week I suppose. Here’s a recap:

    Wednesday: Procrastinated most of the day on my boring Corporate Power assignment. Got it done at the last possible minute, drove it up to campus, and came back. Nicole, Amy and I then drove out to Point Roberts! Woo! Stopped off at the Grocery Store there, where we walked across the store about 4 times trying to decide what to get for breakfast the next morning. We ended up with sausages, oranges, and cinnamon buns. Cost us $2 each for breakfast. Do we rock or what? Got to the cabin safe and sound, then went for an evening stroll to the beach. Tried to avoid The Rapist (of which there was none, but this is us after all). Played an interesting game of scrabble, then became highschoolers again and played the Paper Game. The we chatted and went to bed.

    Thursday: We woke up, made breakfast. Yummies! We then tackled the Sand Cliffs. And my goodness. Climbing down about 100 metres (not feet, metres) of Sand Cliff. Good times. I nearly fell about 15 feet to the beach when some sand gave way. Phew. Decided going back up to the main trail that way would be a mistake, so we walked the beach. Came across another trail, this time in dirt, but equally steep. Got 1/4 of the way up when we spotted a lady on the beach. She was kind enough to show us the easy way up. Yeesh, go us. Went back to the cabin and had lunch. Came back to Canada, found a Sev for me (slushies!) and a Timmy Ho’s for Nicole and Amy. Got home and vedged on the couch.

    Friday: Woke up at 5 to go to work for 6. Was really crazy busy. Time and a half (woo monies!). Found out that Barbara has had enough and is quitting. Will miss her! Came home and sat on the back deck and vedge with my computer. Funny how on Monday it snowed, and on Friday I was in shorts and the temperature was 22C. Talked to Megan from Ontario, who said it was snowing there. We talked about the Disney College program (she wants to go next year). Cuddled in my bed, did some drawing, and just vedged.

    Saturday: Woke up with a killer migraine. Stayed in bed as late as possible, just on the computer doing nothing. Went to work were it was horribly busy. Was told numerous times to go home (because apparently I looked really pale and sick). Stayed anyway, because I need the money for FLA. Came home, wrapped myself in a blanket, and vedged (I seem to do that a lot).

    Sunday: Work up at 5 to go to work. Was fairly quiet until about 11 there. It’s really annoying to have people come up to you and say “I Can’t believe you’re open today! It’s Easter! I feel bad for you!” and then continue on their shopping. Does it not occur to them that I wouldn’t have to be there if they didn’t want to shop? Sillies. Came home and packed up, drove to Point Roberts for Easter. My brother and his girlfriend, my uncle and aunt, my two grandmas, my parents, and myself were there for Easter Supper. Was good 🙂

    Today: Slept in (had to sleep on the couch due to the Grandmas being down). Played cards with Grandmas, then drove back and spent some time with Winnipeg Grandma who goes home tomorrow :'( We went out to dinner to say goodbye to Winnipeg Grandma. And came home and my dad, Grammie (winnipeg Grandma) and I played cards. Now everyone’s gone to bed and here I am.

    Phew…

    Now I’m going into exams this and next week. Then I work for 2 weeks, have a week off to recover from my oral surgery, work a week, and then I have a week to get ready to leave!!

    … My trip is going to be here before I know it!


    Current Mood: sleepy
    Current Music: Hevia – ROE Preshow (Epcot)

  • (30) ONE MONTH

    (Originally published to my Livejournal, Creamsodaangel)

    Wow it’s been a while. Work has made me really sleepy, so basically my life has consisted of Working and sleeping. I’m gonna be really glad for a break right before I go. It will give me my energy back that the semester drained from me right before I go.

    Speaking of semester, I got my grades back early this week. Very surprising! I thought I was gonna do really awful, due to my lack of care on a few assignments. Turns out I did really good! The class I thought I was going to fail (Documentary Research) I got a C. In the class I really loved (Evaluation Methods in Research) I got an A-. Then there were the two distance education courses I did. In my Sociology Class (Tourism & Social Policy), I got a B, and in my Publishing Class I got and A! Woo! Best semester yet =D

    Remember that To Do list from a few posts back? Here’s the updated version.
    -Work this weekend.
    -Meeting with Kelsey (one of the girls on my flight), and writing my publishing exam on Monday.
    -Study Tuesday.
    -Documentary Research Exam Wednesday.
    -Work Thursday to Monday.
    -Tuesday/Wednesday days off.

    Hopefully go get some prescription sunglasses & contacts.
    -Work some more…
    -Mom and Dad’s Anniversary
    -Going to US Consulate somewhere in here.

    (Found out I don’t need to do this because I’m Canadian. Woo!)
    -My Birthday & Oral Surgery. (Yes, I have to go for Surgery on my Birthday! BAH!)
    -Week off to recoup from surgery.
    -Work for a Week.
    -Off for a week to spend time with my parents, get last minute things together, PACK.
    -Aaron’s Birthday & Leaving Day!

    Anyway, one month until I get to go! Wanting my visa to come. Needing cuddles.

    That’s it 🙂
    Current Music: TV: Will & Grace
    Current Mood: groggy

  • (53) She rambles

    So um.. yesterday was… weird. I woke up, went about my regular routine, came downstairs and… nearly fell down the stairs when I saw snow.

    I am not kidding you.

    It snowed yesterday morning. While it was very beautiful, I think Mother Nature was playing a very cruel practical joke on us. Today I saw people wearing shorts. The snow was melted, it was bright and sunny, and in some cases it was warm. I believe they have predicted the end of the week to be a high of 20 celsius.

    As it is April now, I have begun to stalk the front door wait patiently for Mr Courier Man to bring me my visa for my trip. They did say it would come in April, so now that it’s April I’m expecting it as of yesterday.

    And I was feeling productive yesterday. Look! New Art!

    Okay, time for me to go to sleepy. I have a *cough*verydull*cough* Corporate Ownership and Power assignment to do tomorrow.

    Nighty night.

    will comment on any journals I missed tomorrow, sorry folks! Needs sleeps!

    Current Mood: predatory
    Current Music: Gift Shop – The Tragically Hip

CHARACTER SHEET

Hi! I’m Andrea (she/her). Welcome to my little corner of the internet.

Conduit for nonsense and delight. Mama, storyteller, RPGer, board gamer, bibliophile, writer, tea drinker, introvert, hybrid Jeep owner, living with cancer. Pan and Ace. Boss lady at Adventure Dice and (on leave) Terminal City Tabletop Convention.

Here you’ll find some of my fiction, slice of life stuff, TTRPG and community building insights, and life with stage 4 cancer.

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