Marathon of Hope - 25th Anniversary...

Here it is folks. Here is your chance to truly make a difference. I will be running the 5km on Sunday September 28th, 2005 for all of my relatives and friends who have had to deal with this disease. I will be running not only for them, but for the people who are undergoing treatment now, and for the miracle medicines of the future. It can and will be beaten. This year I am running for: my Mom, my Aunt Helen, my Uncle Paul, my Aunt Mary and sadly my Uncle Gerard who lost his battle earlier this February. For Rich (who gave all of us a huge scare in high school) and for my friend Kenny - who was taken from his family and friends at far too young an age.

If you would like to make a difference, please see the link to my pledge website a the top of my links list to the right of this screen and make a donation. I believe you can also donate at the Canadian Banks if you prefer (although I am not 100% sure since this is the first time I am doing this) or get out there yourself and join in. For a run site in your area, visit www.terryfoxrun.org for more information.

Well, there is 2 hours left before my vacation and I cannot wait. I could have slept for an eternity this morning with the cool breeze coming in through my window. It felt like fall. I am sure the hot, humid weather will be back again, but it was such a nice change. Too bad I had to work!

Take care everyone and I hope this finds everyone well.
Lanny ;0)

13 hours and one minute of work time remaining...

... until my vacation!! Whoo hoo!! I cannot wait!! The countdown has begun until I am in non-work related bliss. I'll be around Ottawa for a few days and then off to Meaford until Labour day weekend for the annual corn boil! Whoo hoo!! Should be a great time with Low-wo being home and all. Miss you and the gals so much!!

Yesterday I ran with the running room clinic and we're up to 22 mins of running - 10 mins running, 1 min walking, times 2 and the 2 mins running at the end. Kind of confusing I know, but it works. Next week it's up to 4 mins at the end to end up running a total of 10:1 times 3 by the end of the clinic. I was soooo proud of myself yesterday! We start at the fountain at Confederation park and run along the canal and then back every week. We finally had some cooler weather without humidity and I took off like a shot. I think I went 4 kms yesterday or at least close to that because I made it to Pretoria bridge as my half way mark! Sooo amazed at myself. It is also so much fun. I've met so many amazing people in the clinic that I truly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn to run. They also have a learn to run clinic as well as one that's women only - but considering how desperate I am to meet men, I figured I'd take the co-ed one. As such, there's only 2 guys in it and their married etc. Not really my type anyway - but at least there are many to gander at during the pre-practice runs every week. Hey, a gal can look right? ;)

Found out the other day that I won't be able to get free preview movie passes from my movie pimp anymore because he was let go from his job! What the hell?!?! Sooo sorry Ron, I hope things turn around for you and you end up getting an even better job so it's a blessing in disguise. These things tend to happen for a reason and I know you'll do well wherever you go next. Good luck!! So I guess I am in the same boat as the rest of y'all now. Too bad - I really appreciated seeing Sin City and The Wedding Crashers etc before everyone else. I felt special even. Ah well, limelight had to end sometime...

My friend Tee sent this to me via e-mail this morning and it made me laugh. I must add one thing to this list just for me though because I don't know anyone who has a fascination with trees as I do when I'm drunk... but if there is another schmuck out there who either tries to climb, fall into Christmas trees or drag a huge limb down Elgin street for the hell of it (because it had fallen and no one cared about it)... let me know!

Here's the list (and yes Tee, it reminded me of you too):

WHEN GIRLS DRINK TOO MUCH...
1. I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHERE MY PURSE IS.

2. I BELIEVE THAT DANCING WITH MY ARMS OVERHEAD AND WIGGLING MY BUTT WHILE YELLING “WOO-HOO!” IS TRULY THE SEXIEST DANCE MOVE AROUND.

3. I’VE SUDDENLY DECIDED I WANT TO KICK SOMEONE’S ASS AND HONESTLY BELIEVE I COULD DO IT TOO.

4. IN MY LAST TRIP TO PEE, I REALIZE I NOW LOOK MORE LIKE A HOMELESS HOOKER THAN THE GODDESS I WAS JUST FOUR HOURS AGO.

5. I DROP MY 3:00 A.M. SUBMARINE SANDWICH ON THE FLOOR (WHICH I’M EATING EVEN THOUGH I’M NOT THE LEAST BIT HUNGRY), PICK IT UP AND CARRY ON EATING IT

6. I START CRYING AND TELLING EVERYONE I SEE THAT I LOVE THEM SOOOOO MUCH.

7. I GET EXTREMELY EXCITED AND JUMP UP AND DOWN EVERY TIME A NEW SONG PLAYS BECAUSE “OH MY GOD! I LOVE THIS SONG!”

8. I’VE FOUND A DEEPER/SPIRITUAL SIDE TO THE GEEK SITTING NEXT TO ME

9. THE MAN I’M FLIRTING WITH USED TO BE MY 5TH GRADE TEACHER.

10. THE URGE TO TAKE OFF ARTICLES OF CLOTHING, STAND ON A TABLE AND SING OR DANCE BECOMES STRANGELY OVERWHELMING.

11. MY EYES JUST DON’T SEEM TO WANT TO STAY OPEN ON THEIR OWN SO I KEEP THEM HALF CLOSED AND THINK IT LOOKS EXOTICALLY SEXY.

12. I’VE SUDDENLY TAKEN UP SMOKING AND BECOME REALLY GOOD AT IT.

13. I YELL AT THE BARTENDER, WHO (I THINK) CHEATED ME BY GIVING ME JUST LEMONADE, BUT THAT’S JUST BECAUSE I CAN NO LONGER TASTE THE GIN.

14. I THINK I’M IN BED, BUT MY PILLOW FEELS STRANGELY LIKE THE KITCHEN FLOOR (er, or, the mop?)

15. I START EVERY CONVERSATION WITH A BOOMING, “DON’T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY BUT...”

16. I FAIL TO NOTICE THAT THE TOILET LID’S DOWN WHEN I SIT ON IT.

17. MY HUGS BEGIN TO RESEMBLE WRESTLING TAKE-DOWN MOVES.

18. I’M TIRED SO I JUST SIT ON THE FLOOR (WHEREVER I HAPPEN TO BE STANDING) AND TAKE A QUICK NAP.

19. I BEGIN LEAVING THE BUTTONS OPEN ON MY BUTTON FLY PANTS TO CUT DOWN ON THE TIME I’M IN THE BATHROOM AWAY FROM MY DRINK.

20. I TAKE MY SHOES OFF BECAUSE I BELIEVE IT’S THEIR FAULT THAT I’M HAVING PROBLEMS WALKING STRAIGHT.


Oh the memories... er... nightmares. At least I haven't seen polar bears in the sky for many, many moons...

Well (a deep hole with water in it), I must go and actually get back to work. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend if I don't end up adding anything to my blog tomorrow. If you don't hear from me, I'm on vacation. I'll write if anything interesting happens.

Bye for now.
Lanny ;)

Seems like yesterday I was bitchin' that it was Monday...

...and now it's Friday!! Whoo hoo!! A little update on my week so far (as if anyone really cares...) I'll try to go in order of the week, although as people who know me will attest - my mind truly doesn't function that way normally; but I will try.

Tuesday - well, it was a blur and I don't remember anything from that day so do you care? Certainly I don't. Onward hut!

Wednesday = Pay day!! It was "Yippee!!" for 2 mins I think, or at least until I paid all of my bills. Rejoined my gym. So unimpressed that I not only have to pay the initial start up cost with GoodLife, but I am also not considered a "new member" (because they are taking me as an old Florida Fitness member) so I was not entitled to the "new member deal" this month which was a cool looking pair of shades. I could have really used them for running outdoors. Bastards! $101.00+ later, I felt like crying... Oh well, at least I have a gym to go to again... let's hope the building owner doesn't get pissy again and kick them out too!!

Heard from the illusive Mr. 12 the other day - maybe it was Tuesday - soooo maybe that day wasn't a write off after all!! He's slaving away at La Roma learning all of the secrets and traditions of great italian food. Dude - I will definitely come and see you at La Roma so you can show off your new cooking skills. Sounds fun! Mmmmm, italian food. drooooool!!

Thursday - had to laugh. I remember this distictly. A woman was coming out of her apartment building at lunch and granted, it wasn't quite as hot and humid as it has been ALL SUMMER... but get this. She was wearing a nice summer outfit, nice shirt, skirt that matched and then... WINTER BOOTS!! What the f&$#? As if! At first I thought they were black boots (which they technically were) until I saw the winter insulation material popping up over the tops of the boots. I had to take a double take with that one. Hmmm, it's 30+ degree weather and I think I'll be traipsing through some snow banks!! Now there's making a fashion statement, and then there's just plain nuts. Now I don't even pretend to follow fashion trends, but I certainly hope that this isn't one of them. I hate summer to begin with so if I have to start wearing my winter clothes during 30 - 40 degree weather, I will have to dial the "bitch-switch" up a few notches to the ultimate level and scream! Or, just continue to be the fashion victim that I always am and just not follow trends. See, even I need help when it comes to dressing myself sometimes, but I must admit that I was able to help Dr. Drü out on several occasions with fashion choices. I don't think her trend will be one to follow...

Speaking of Big bitch, I heard from Lil' bitch that he's coming back to O-Town (the city) for a visit - but sorry dude, I forget when you're going to be here. Make sure to call me and hopefully we'll get to hook up and catch up on life in general while you're here. Speaking of "shut-up-and-drink-Bill" - I'm currently listening to the best of Café del Mar (got it off him before he left for BC) here at work and I'm just groovin' away. I totally recommend these 2 albums to anyone who's looking for some chill out music. All I have to do now is turn on my coffee maker and I'll feel as though I'm hanging out at posh barista coffee shop - instead of being surrounded by grey walls, grey desk, grey world of the government offices...

I received this e-mail from Lisa today and I thought it was nice... maybe this is why I'm still single... I'm still waiting for THIS man:

"Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot,
who calls you back when you hang up on him,
who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.

Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead,
who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats,
who holds your hand in front of his friends.

Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how lucky he is to have you.

Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, "...that's her."

Hmmm, well now I know she's found him because she's with my cousin. :) tee hee.

Well, that's it from my end for now. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

Lanny ;)

Mondays are the worst day of the week...

Mondays definitely suck. There is not enough caffeine in the world to help you get through Mondays. I totally agree with the ever-popular notion of having a constant IV drip stuck in your arm as you carry out your day. In fact, make mine an espresso s.v.p.

Speaking of espressos and such, D and I went to Pub Italia on Preston st Sunday evening and it was fabulous. Imagine the best Italian food imaginable (at reasonable prices) with the added bonus of an atmosphere of an Irish Pub. Yes, you read correctly. Not only that, they have a beer bible at every table and they offer every beer possible I think. After sitting there waiting for our order (pesto thin crust pizza with sundried tomatos, mushrooms, chicken and mozzarella cheese....) I kept seeing other people's orders come out and thought to myself - yes, I want to try that next time - no, maybe that! OOOOHHHH!! Look at that ravioli!! The dessert came and I was in heaven. The waitress asked how everything was and I told her flat out - who needs men now when I have this!! (Kidding, but not really.... boys are dumb). I think she almost choked on her laughter. So, the plan is this. Next time we all go out to Absolute Comedy - we'll meet there for dinner and walk over to the club after. Capiche?!

Anyhoo... last week I went in to see the new GoodLife fitness club (previously Florida Fitness) and I couldn't believe how many more cardio machines they've got stacked in there. Looking forward to getting back in there after being away for a few weeks (thanks to the owner who kicked FF out apparently...) I don't truly understand what happened but at least they are refunding our last month's payment as well as waiving the cancellation charges since it was out of everyone's hands. At least with GoodLife, there are more clubs across Canuck-land so when I go away, I can probably hit one on the way or something. I'm looking forward to mixing my interval runs with strength training again. Whoo hoo!

Well, I hope everyone is recovering well from whatever the weekend brought you. only 11 days (plus the rest of today) until my VACATION!!! Then it's look out world, Lanny's comin' to town!!

Had to... ha ha ha!!

baby steps, baby steps...

My god I'm slow! Still trying to figure this Blog-thing out and I feel as though I've just been reborn from the dark ages of technology. One day I'll get this right so please bare with me. I'll try and include some interesting links (including my friend Brian's comedy page) etc.

4 months left of the dreaded student loan and I can't wait! For anyone who's dealt with the ever-changing, ever-so-frustrating Canada Student Loans program - especially when I was going to University where each year the rules changed and you had to not only sign your own life away in blood, but also a relative's. so much fun! almost done... will have semblance of life... soon! Whoo hoo!

This feels so weird, talking to myself. You'd think I'd be used to it by now... ;)

Read my cousin's JoJo's blog. I hope that even though you've been cut off from Canuck-land since you left - I hope things are going better now that you have a phone etc. I'd love to see more pictures of the beach you went to - it sounds phenom. It's so nice to be able to keep in touch even though you're "down-under". I hope you're able to take as much time to travel as you possibly can.

Tonight is my 4th week out of 10 at the Running Room on Slater st. I'm doing the 5K clinic and I'm having a blast!! :) The people in the group are so fun anyone would enjoy the actual physical act of running with these people. I recommend the program to anyone!! Found out that the Terry Fox run will be on Sunday Sept. 18th so I hope everyone gets out there and takes part - whether it be running, walking or making a pledge. Cancer can, and will be beaten. Too many of my family members and friends have had to deal with this monster and although most have survived, not everyone was so lucky. Get out there and go!

I still can't believe it's August already!!! Soon the annual corn boil will be upon us and we'll also get to visit with Low-wo from Calgary!! Have you picked up any cowboys yet? :) Miss you and all the gals. Can't wait to get caught up on everything going on.

Sent a long winded novella to dude in Vancouver updating him on the escapades of my mother's "wardrobe malfunction" at the latest family wedding. Sometimes I wonder how I share DNA with her...

Well, gotta run for now. Later gaters,
Lanny