And now I'm back- from outer space

Sup everyone?

Where have you been? I've missed you! Sorry for the extended absence, between planning the wedding, moving and getting our lives settled I've been crazy busy. Excuses aside, I was inspired and requested by someone to continue on with this blog. 

So what have you been up to? 

We've got our wedding all planned and ready to go for June. So you know, that's fun. And since this post where we had thought we made a decision to move to Fort Erie, well plans changed. Kinda drastically. We realized at this point we aren't financially prepared to be taking on a mortgage. Nor did we want to be that far away from our friends and family. And when we really sat down to discuss it, we wanted to be in Toronto. But downtown, none of this uptown business. Right in the thick of it. So we found a place in a great area where we are close to all shops and restaurants and most importantly, the subway is mere moments away. I's wonderfully convenient. So we're selling the car and doing the transit shuffle. I'm loving it! (sung to the tune of McDonald's similarly plagiarized jingle)

I've been here, with Hudson (whatup Hudson!), for about a month now and thriving. Working at a new store location, and currently working on getting my business up and running I'm thoroughly enjoying my new place. Not just the surroundings, but I'm really happy with the unit. Technically its a basement apartment, but it really doesnt feel much like a basement at all. 

Brandon is currently waiting for his work to transfer him to a store nearby, so he goes back and forth between our place in Toronto and his parrents'. It sucks and the nights can be lonely sometimes, but I know its only short term. It better only be short term. 'Cause I didn't sign up to be living alone. Get your butt down here, Brandon! 

Other than that, not much is new in our usual rockstar-inspired lives. We have a family vacation planned for the beginning of May- headed to Florida for some fun and sun. So we're looking forward to that and then it's basically just a month until the wedding. Things are flying by fast, but we have our seatbelts securely fastened and we're ready!

I'm hoping I can get back into the swing of writing posts on here, because I missed it- I missed y'all. (all 15 of you that read this, anyway) So stay tuned for some fun stories, Toronto living hijinxs and some rants about all these people downtown. You know I'm bound to run into some crazy people! :)

Hey Hey Anybody Listening? Hey Hey Anybody Care?

Brandon made some big gaming decisions this week.  And unfortunately one of the decisions was the download a new computer multi player, World of Warcraft type, game and not order two other Xbox games he had on pre-order.  While it sounds like a better trade off, one game in place of two other games, the game of choice is intense and lengthy.  As in... there is no real ending.

At least the Xbox games have an end to the storyline.  They have a goal to reach and then when it's achieved it sort of loses it's luster.  While there is still "free play", tournaments and playing against your friends online, it's just not the same time commitment.  However, the game he is now playing, Guild Wars 2 (because #1 just is so last year), has no ending.  It's just like World of Warcraft.  In fact when I look at the screen it brings me back to these days, and these days, and these days (among many others).  It looks nearly identical.  Of course, if I was playing it (hahahahahaha) I'm sure I would see the differences.  But I just have to listen to the same grungy "monster" voices ("hey I can't restock this until we get more in"), the mythical background music (that's who keeps the flute players employed!), and the common battle with loud outbursts every now and then by Brandon, "agh! so stupid!" or "look at those little raccoons hanging out on the side of the road".

Other then these sporadic comments, he doesn't say much... or listen much.  Just as with WoW, I've lost his attention.  Sometimes I will ask him a question, or make a comment, and it's like I'm talking to the desk he's sitting at.  "ummm, hello? Brandon?"  Nope.  He's gone.  He's immersed in the game world.  I'm fairly certain he thinks he's a part of that world now... or I don't know how else to explain his new horns he's been wearing around the house.

Oh Baby, I just can't stand another lonely night... Save me from another lonely night

There hasn't been a new video game on the scene, well at least in our lives, for some time.  Sure there was some dabbling in "Gotham City Imposters"- an online first shooter XBox Arcade game.  But there was no end or real goals besides XBox "chievers", points and levels.  Boooooooring!

Though my false hope had me thinking that would be all until Chirtmas, deep down I knew it couldn't be.  Deep down I knew there would come a day when the next big video game showed up and took over Brandon's life.  That day has come, folks.  Let me introduce you to the new member of our family...well at least that's how much time it takes up, you'd think it was.

Darksiders 2

Collector's Edition, of course!  Would we have it any other way?  Ask me how much I love the extra empty box that takes up otherwise useful storage space, and the extra toy collectible that adorns the shelves.  Words cannot express my feelings towards these things.  So I just won't try.

What else does this game bring, besides constant love and hours of entertainment?  Hours of loneliness.  And talking to myself...unintentionally, of course. 

Me: "Brandon let's discuss the wedding menu." 
Brandon: ......

Me: "What should we have for dinner?"
Brandon: ......

Me: "Hey, look I'm naked!"
Brandon: ......

See the theme?  No, me neither.

The Uneventful Work Week

I've started at my new job as a recruitment sourcer however, official training didn't begin until this week. So last week I was shadowing and doing self directed learning by basically reading job descriptions and finding definitions of the obscure IT terms on Google. Needless to say, it was less than enthralling.

Somehow, I was lucky enough to be given a window desk seat. That's like not requesting a window seat on an airplane and being given one anyway. Jackpot!

Thankfully, this window has provided me many minutes, possibly up to an hour, of mindless staring entertainment. Let me introduce to you: Roof Man! He's a normal man who comes up onto the roof of the adjacent building and fiddles. Not musically. Physically- with wires and cords and such. He goes up a couple times a day and moves around some wires, pulls on them (he must be checking their strength) and returns back inside the building. The other day he brought a friend up to help him.

This is he only picture I've been able to capture of Roof Man:

He's quick- in and out. So it's tough to get a good photo of the elusive Roof Man. I can only assume he must be doing something of importance but I really can't be sure. I'll keep you posted.

Also, yesterday, a lonely yellow balloon floated past my window :) it was lovely... though it is ultimately going to pollute our environment, it was a nice surprise to my otherwise boring day.

Why Living Alone is Bad for My Blog

This blog began, in jest, as a plight for my survival against living with men boys.  And, when I began, I had lots of material.  I had been stock piling for months, possibly years.  But now, Brandon is gone for many days of the week and my inspiration has gone with him.  He provided me with such great material, and now it isn't as plentiful.  Meaning I cling to the little things I then realize aren't quite as impactful or funny once I begin writing.  Therefore, until my boyfriend and I are, once again, living together full time, I am adding a segment to this blog called "Eco Econ".

This segment will discuss environmentally friendly ways to help the environment while not breaking the bank.  We all see those ads out there claiming to have fantastic environmentally friendly products and then when you do a bit more research and check the pricing, it's so far out of reality you feel badly about then turning around and going for your 2 hour luxury drive through the country- spewing fumes and toxins into the air.  Oh, is that just me?

I am a budget gal.  I like making them.  I like keeping to them.  I enjoy cheap inexpensive (thank you Brandon for the terminology correction) items.  The less expensive the item is, the more I feel I should buy it.  Sales and discounts are a killer for me.  But, my frugal lifestyle and my eco-warrior lifestyle don't always see eye-to-eye.  Organic toothpaste: $16.  Shannon's wallet: $5.  Do you see the problem?

So, this made me think there has to be other people out there interested in loving the environment and being more socially conscious about their purchases, who also cannot spend ridiculous amounts of money on such items.  I know it is possible to be environmentally aware and keep within budget.  Actually many of the ideas I will give you are FREE!  That's right folks- F.R.E.E.

So stay tuned to the blog for some Eco Econ...and of course the blog genesis of the mantics!

30 by 30: have readers in at least 30 different countries

As part of my 30 by 30 challenge, I wanted to have at least 30 different countries reading my blog.  And I am happy to announce I have reached my goal (far before my 30th birthday)!  Below is a list of the countries who have read my blog.  If you're one of my readers, leave me a comment about which country you tune in from.  I'd love to hear from you!

1. Canada
2. United States
3. Russia
4. Australia
5. Germany
6. Bangladesh
7. Bulgaria
8. Brazil
9. Greece
10. India
11. Turkey
12. Ukraine
13. China
14. Malaysia 
15. United Kingdom
16. South Africa
17. Armenia
18. Lithuania
19. Czech Republic
20. Japan
21. Latvia
22. Ireland
23. Mexico
24. Columbia
25. Indonesia
26. Egypt
27. France
28. Taiwan
29. Pakistan
30. Romania
31. Ecuador
32. Denmark
33. Croatia
34. Vietnam
35. Italy
36. Hungary
37. Austria
38. South Korea
39. Argentina   (updated May 26, 2012)
40. Puerto Rico
41. Kenya
42. Honduras
43. Nigeria

Late Night Phone Call

It's 2am. Suddenly I'm drearily hearing the voice of John Denver belting out his hit song "Country Roads". I'm trying to place the song- why am I hearing it? What time is it?

Then I realize- that's Brandon's ringtone on my phone. He's calling me! I lift my heavy hand from under my pillow and drop it into the bedside table drawer, grabbing at my phone. It's attached to the charger so I'm leaning into my drawer with my ear.
I try to answer sounding as awake as I can, "mmmhhelloo".
But Brandon can hear the disorientation in my voice. He asks me what I'm doing and I, assuming if he's calling it must be an hour of the morning, say, "Just getting ready to get up".
I can hear he's confused, so I look over at the clock: 2:04am.  So clearly, I am not about to get up at all.

As I'm finally becoming more awake and aware of the time and conversation I am part of I am functioning better and having a better conversation.  It was nice to hear from Brandon, even if it was 2am, and hear that he missed me.  Normally, I wouldn't welcome a late night phone call like that, but when it's him I'd gladly answer :)  

Bad at Being Irish

cutestblogontheblock

 With St. Patrick's Day upon us, you'd think a good Irish girl would have hopping plans to get out in the metropolis city in which I live.  But sadly, as I've mentioned before, my life just isn't that exciting.  Brandon is still in his hometown, I work until the late evening and all my friends are back in my hometown.  So, following work I will come home to emptiness and perhaps partake in a beer with Hudson.  I'm going to wear a green sweater today- in hopes it'll make me feel more festive.

So, if you're headed out tonight to celebrate St. Patrick, have a green beer for me won't you?

There He Goes Again

Well, Brandon's off again for his hometown to work his shifts. Good for the bills, sad for me. I'd love to say I was having big parties and having all sorts of people over, but sadly my life just isn't that exciting. Instead, my days will be filled with work, errands, taking care of Hudson and making dinners for one. (And maybe passing off my leftovers to Jai. If he dare eat them.)

In fact, tonight I spent a lovely evening watching "The Muppets" new movie (which was fantastic, by the way), drinking Steamwhistle beer (also fantastic) and munching on chippies, Hudson at my feet. 

I was saddened that my all-time favourite Muppet, Pepe, the King Prawn only had a very short appearance (trying to woo Miss Piggy in typical Pepe fashion).  I would like the Disney Muppeteres to consider this, my blog post, a formal petition for a Pepe, the King Prawn official Muppet movie!  He has a book (which is still on my birthday list- hint hint) which is a great piece of classical literature, why not add motion picture film to his repertoire?!  

Though a good night, it would have been better with my man next to me.  However, I would not have been able to relate to Amy Adams' duet with Miss Piggy had I not been alone.  Take a look- be sure to turn up your speakers!

Have I mentioned how much I love Amy Adams?  She's so much fun. So, tonight I had a "me partay, don't need nobody else, a me partay- I'm the first and last to show" I think that's my cue to go grab some warm milk and tuck myself into bed.  It must be way past my bedtime by now.

Today I Learned...

I don't like living alone.

I knew when Brandon got a job back near his home town (which is really only a 35 minute drive away), that he wouldn't be here as much as I was used to.  He would be staying with his parents, to make the commute shorter and the gas costs, well, not his problem.  But I didn't realize the new place he got hired would decide to schedule him full 40 hour weeks!  It's great for our finances, but not so great for our time spent together.  Which is nill!  I can't afford to drive back and forth, plus I have work right around the corner from where we are supposed to live.  So I guess, for now, we work it out and learn how to adjust to not seeing each other quite as much.

I'm sure it's all corny and mushy, but there hasn't been any length of time longer than 48 hours in the last two years that we haven't spent time together.  I'm used to having him around.  Even if it is leaving his dish towel on the couch, playing video games all day, or stacking his clean laundry in the dirty laundry basket.  I've become somewhat accustomed to that all.  (Not that I want him to continue those habits when he returns any more than I did prior!)

There will be good points to it I'm sure, like watching anything I want on TV.  Watching chick flicks when I feel necessary.  Being just me, I get to make all my decisions alone now.  You know, the super important ones like, "what should I eat for dinner?" and "does this shirt fit right on me?"  No longer will I receive the professional input from my man.  I suppose I could still pass those decisions by him, in hopes of things seeming normal again.  But maybe, I'll try to make those decisions all on my own.  Like a big girl. Nah... I don't want to be a big girl.

Missing Him

Last night Brandon had to go back to our home town for a doctor's appointment schedule for today.  I disapprove of this decision.  This meant he got home from work, we chatted with our new potential roommate for a bit, I began making dinner and then he left.  At like 7:30pm!  I, assuming he'd hang around for a while before going back, felt uprooted.  Well not me, myself, but I felt like Brandon was uprooted from me. 

(Realizing this all sounds very petty and selfish- I don't care)

Anyhow, I spent all evening alone.  Well Hudson was here, but he isn't much of a conversationalist.  Although it was nice to get to watch whatever I wanted to watch on TV, and make the foods I wanted without any compromising, getting up to make the bed and realizing I just have to fold the one corner I moved to slide into the bed and tuck myself in- as opposed to all the covers being sideways and ruffled when we both sleep in the bed.... the rest of it sucked!  Even before Brandon and I lived together there were very few nights we didn't sleep in the same bed.  So this was like a blast from the past- and I'm truly not interested in going back to those times.  So, Brandon don't leave me alone overnight again...please!?

This dog looks lonely- I don't know him, and I'm not sitting out in the rain... but I was lonely.  I felt a dramatic photo would help convey that feeling to the readers.

Talking to the Couch

Sometimes I wonder if I'm actually talking to the couch, when in fact I intend to talk to Brandon.

Me: I think the dog needs eardrops for her...
Brandon: (staring at the TV screen) Are you serious?!  What the hell? 
Me: Are you talking to me?
Brandon: No- game.

So I figure since he interrupted me in the middle of my sentence he probably wasn't listening anyway.  Rather he's so entranced by his super amazing game he's upset he now has to fight a dragon.

Me: Hey couch- I think the dog needs eardrops for her ear infection.