...and going, and going, and going...

OMG. I just cannot believe the past 72 hours I've endured. It's been non-stop working (both work and school related). I'm not even gonna go into details because 1.) for privacy issues of a law firm, some details just cannot be mentioned in a forum like this and, 2.) it's the same old school stuff.

I come home every night after dark, too tired to eat a real meal. I've been on a latte diet these past three days. Is it really sad to say that Starbucks no long works for me anymore? I have to upgrade to something stronger, perhaps double shot next time. Nevertheless, I don't like this caffeine raid I've been on lately but I feel that I can't stop (I think this is what they call an 'addiction') because the work doesn't stop. No end in sight, as far as I can tell. The only time I get to catch some sleep is on the bus, commuting from home, to school, to work, to home, to school, to work, to home...it's pretty disgusting how I've become adaptive to sleeping on public transit.

I barely even had time to book the hotel for the party this weekend but I somehow did it. Yeah, to find time to make a 5-minute reservation was strenuous, but alas, something to cross off my list.

Anyway, I better catch some shut-eye now because I won't be getting a decent sleep until at least Sunday night (here's hoping).

Burrrrrberry for my Burrrrday?

^Lily > Kate

The vicious cycle has to end, and I'm not talking menstrual (although that'd be be nice)

The past month has been a blur since school has started. I don't even really know what's coming or going, I'm just somehow living and breathing each day (it's a wonder, too, because there's so many bad drivers out there in the equally bad weather). How I haven't collapsed from exhaustion and hunger is a wonder to me. However, I do realize that I need to start taking better care of myself. After all, I'm getting older and I am more susceptible to ailnesses like... frailty.

Let's see, what can I remember?

The above-noted pictures are a good representation of what I've been doing ('cept I don't have a picture of my work. Just picture me at my desk with stacks of files around me between the Poker and school pics).

Last night I made the treacherous trek to Milton to see Alex's new homemade Poker table. It was impressive, but I really have to wonder if it was worth it going up there being how the weather was (I'm still weighing the risks as we speak, of going all that way just to see and play at a poker table even though I made it home safely). For those who aren't in the know about the weather yesterday, the temperature rose after days of bitter cold, therefore resulting in wet snow, blowing snow and snow everywhere. This also results in the bad drivers exposing their bad driving skills and snow removers not working nearly as fast as they should have.

Driving on the highway was insanity and a bit interesting. What made it more interesting? That big patch of ice that formed on my windshield RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I had to drive sitting in an awkward angle to peer through a clear patch and try to drive within the lane (which was not easy to find because the road wasn't clear). This reminds of the time I went snowboarding with Konrad and we drove up to Horseshoe. Same situation and he ended up driving with his goggles and his head sticking out the window. LOL.

Special shoutout to Dev and Cuong, squeegee kids, for de-icing my car and David for just standing there and smoking (although it's not like I could've given him anymore scrapers).

I am very pleased to announce, though, that I am breaking the vicious cycle of school, work, Poker in light of an upcoming certain person's getting older (ARGGGGHHH 23, and it's not getting easier to admit). I've been very fortunate in my lifetime (hahaha, yes, 23 years is a lifetime) to have had and to have been given very special birthdays. I guess that's also in part that I have very special friends. That memorable trip to Rainforest Cafe at 15, surprise sweet 16 party at Jez's, "surprise" party at 19 thrown at Ian's... and what to make of my 23rd birthday?

I've decided that since I haven't hosted nor had an extravagant birthday in awhile, I will be throwing a hotel suite party in my fabulous honour. Most everyone is invited and it's going to be 'hype'. How often will I get the opportunity to throw away a couple bills to have a party with all my friends and acquaintances. Also, a couple other ppl are having birthdays too, so I might as throw them in there as well. The guestlist will extend from my days of elementary school to my days of Too Cool for You, to my Still to Cool for You high school years, to my present Not As Cool But Still Kickin' It college days to ... beyond? Yeah, I'm expecting big. It might as well be a birthday/reunion/excuse-for-Jon-to-dance party. Might as well. Anything to break The Cycle.

Heart attack at 22? I believe so.

It hasn't even fully begun, but the stress is starting. Oh, the horror. The horror! The source of wrinkles, baggy eyes and bad fashion-sense.

School is starting to get ridiculously ridiculous (an essay a week!!) and work is even worse now that the other law clerk is suddenly gone and all the glorious work is on yours truly. FUCK THE WHAT.

Times like these, I really want to just crawl into a ball in my bed and never leave my blanket. So this is what it means when people say 'life sucks'. I really feel like a big weight has been clunked to my head and there's no way to get it off. Ughhhh, my life is a vicious cycle of couple days to breathe and then PILES OF SHIT with more piles of shit on top.

Ahhh, yes, I know. Other people probably have it worst than me. Don't have jobs, don't go to school, baby-mama drama, broken nail, in deep debt, no boyfriend, no sex blah blah blah... yeah? Well, be careful what you wish for. Don't dare compare your life with mine and try to guilt me into thinking I got it going on. There are two different situations with that similar yucky feeling in the pit of your stomach. Except you have the time to sit and wish you had a 'better' life while I don't even have time to look both ways before I cross the street.

I'm turning 23 in 5 days and I don't believe I'll see that day for I will probably succumb to a caffeine-induced stroke in the next two days.

....

OK, quarter-life crisis moment over.

Circle Circle Dot Dot

I am so easily and pleasantly amused on this Saturday morning with this new video by Jamie Kennedy and Stu Stone: The Good: the Lego.

The Bad: the rapping.

The Ugly: Lego booty

Ugh. It's like I'm 13 again. I'm forever on the internet, somehow. And this is no thanks to a.) my household becoming wireless because our old router died or something, b.) tiny, small-as-a-magazine laptop and c.) Facebook. I really hate that now I'm so readily accessible to the internet although I suppose I could help it by just not going on but I can't help it! ARrrgh.

It is one of my pet peeves when I'm with a roomful of people and we're all doing this: I regret to report that I am currently sitting in front of the TV watching The Late Show with David Letterman with my laptop, entering the 4th hour. Oh, and my eyes are getting bleary. Ughh. To think I actually opted out of doing anything on this Friday night.

FACE!

Why does Kirstie Alley act so black in Jenny Craig commercials?

Okay, I finally caved and I finally signed up to Facebook. I pretty much swore off signing up to anymore of these profiling sites that everyone and their mothers have because I realized how ridiculous it was to have to repeat the same things in each site.

The one (and pretty much the only) thing that persuaded me to sign up to Facebook, though, is because I was hearing all my friends were getting in contact with old, old, old classmates and friends of ours. I'm talking about people we knew when we were practically in diapers, man! I just really want to see what everyone's been up to, compare lives and see who I'm better than now (HAHA). Like a virtual reunion, I guess. It has also given me something else to do during class (Employment Law, Zzzzzz). However, mark my words, I will never give into MySpace!

The internet manages to make the world a bit more smaller and lamer.

P.S. I just realized I stated I was interested in 'Women' (Freudian slip?). Please note I did this in the middle of the night, totally exhausted and in menstrual pain. HAHAHA, I must've given an eye-ful to those who haven't seen me in awhile. There must've been alot of "I knew it!" and "Not surprised...". I AM NOT GAY.

Fire your stylist!

I really hate watching award shows. They're really pointless, boring and dismally funny. Although, I do somewhat enjoy the pre-shows of the red carpet arrivals because it's like a low-budget fashion show with fug to OK-looking people in wonderful clothing that they had no real say in. However, I'd rather watch those pre-shows in mute because the commentary can get pretty dull: "You look great, who are you wearing, blah blah blah". Thank goodness the photographers amble to get their stuff uploaded to my computer screen ASAP.

^There's no place like home...there's no place like home...

^Why 99% of tattoos suck

^Mr. and Mrs. Smith Perfect

^Dear Beyonce's Dress: Ssshhh!

^Break ups are hard, huh, Cam?

^One word comes to mind: 'Puuuuuuuuubes'.

^Prada-worthy?

^I could've sworn I've seen this dress worn dozens of times in different colours

^Me likey

^Not all supermodels know how to dress

^An interesting-looking ... sari?

^Sooo FOBBY!

^How versatile: it's the dress and the coat

As you can probably tell, I was not a big fan of the fashion I saw on the red carpet this year. I think the fashion industry is in some sort of slump. The stylists were at a loss after the return of minimalist black of F/W 06 and they're not really sure where to go from there. Also, I don't even understand why they're making their clients wear dark, drabby gowns when this thing is held in California!

However, one person's entire ensemble (that is, not just the dress) did stand out for me which is quite the shocker because I usually don't like those 'Kitson-lovers, I-party-with-Paris-Hilton' types. But I must admit, this girl has a somewhat decent stylist and that's the cheerleader chick from that Heroes show. Her name is Hayden...Panen...Patenn... her name is Hayden. I also noticed her dress from the Peoples' Choice Awards, which I thought suited her skin, hair and, above all, the weather. You may or may not disagree with me, but the fact that I even remembered this dress and I hardly pay attention to award shows and stuff, says something. It's a nice change for the eyes from the muted colours of the 'older' generation.

For some reason, I'm forecasting even duller wardrobe for the Oscars (that's next, right?) because stylists try even harder for their clients. But that is probably their downfall.

Lil's real Real World

A few weeks ago, I got myself a personal digital camera. My family digital camera was getting a bit too cumbersome to take along with me everywhere I wanted, so I decided I needed to get my portable little self a teeny tiny camera (and a teeny tiny tripod!), to go with my teeny tiny laptop, to go with my teeny tiny life in this big, big world. As we all know, I'm a camera-whore and a life-documenter. Anyone involved with my life is subject to the lens of my camera and discussion on my blog (if one were so worthy). LOL. Can you say, "Lil's own little MTV's Real World"?

I already have albums and albums of pictures documenting everything from kindergarten, to high school ups and downs, to random events of just hanging out with friends.

I guess I have an obsession with having to try to remember everything that goes on because I tend to put a lot of things in the back of my mind and focus on the present. Also, I don't think I can quite possibly regret the obscene amounts of time and money I spend taking pictures, printing, scrapbooking and uploading, in the future. This is a worthy investment, I think.

~~~

So I went downtown again this weekend, this time with my other girls, Kathy and Mel. Since I was in search of looking for a book for my Phil class, I figured I may as well take people who wouldn't mind welcome embrace live for being in bookstores. So what do you do? You take along two of the most 'bookish' people you know.

I led them to a few used book stores that I knew of downtown and it was like taking kids to a candy store. Books to the left. Books to the right. I sometimes get a bit overwhelmed at huge shelves stuffed with books (random books, at that). It's hard to imagine that there is quite possibly billions of published works in this world (a third of which seemingly lives at Eliot's Bookstore on Yonge and Wellesley). Needless to say, I didn't end up finding the book I needed at all today (and I think we hit about eight stores). Kathy and Mel found a few 'treasures' and seemed pretty content on their finds.

They actually intend on each starting up their own little library, which I think is absolutely ludicrous because... well, my family has our own library and all these books that I will never read take up so much space in my house. Oddly enough, once upon a time my father once had a vision to create his own little library as well (ahh, so that's where Mel gets it from; so she's not adopted) and to this day, it is still growing to my dismay. Like father, like daughter (but not the older one), I guess.

Somehow in the midst of all the bookstore-hopping, we managed to hit an Aldos and I got a pair to add to my own collection: my shoe collection. So, none of us left the city empty-handed, thus making the trip somewhat not too lame.

^In Dundas Square, aka Times Square-in-the-making

^Kathy and Mel doing a crossword on the subway

^OK, I admit I was involved with the crossword, too.

^The New York Times crossword is not for the weak at heart

While we were trying to get our picture taken at Dundas Square, the guy first accidentally took a video of us, instead of a picture. Kathy thought it would be humourous to upload it for some reason...

I just read Kathy's entry on our little bookstore excursion. I am utterly amazed that someone can be so deliriously happy about bookstores, although it's probably comparable to plopping me in the middle of a really great sample sale and a wad-ful of cash. All I remember is myself standing in the bookstore holding Darwin's Origin of Species for Kathy and idly tried to read the first page. I couldn't even get past the first line. Ugh. I applaud and admire those who have read, or even attempted to read half, this book. You deserve a Nobel prize.

A Poker Rant for the Saturday Morning

I had a delightful read from the Manolo this morning. I so agree wit him, because I hate long denim skirts. I have hated them ever since the first year of college when I had this girl in my class and all she wore were long denim skirts. *Swishswishswishswish* was the sound she made when she walked and you could hear her a mile away. Not to mention how freakin' difficult it must be to wear them. Ugh. Yeah, I know, I'm a bitch and I shouldn't hate because it is her choice. But seriously, it's so heavy and not practical at all (BAD JUDGMENT) for any season!

And, yes, you read that right. I was up in the A.M. on a Saturday for once, on about 6 hours of sleep. Gah, my aunt from the Far East called me at 10:00 am (it was 11:00 pm over there at the time) and now I'm tired, but I can't go back to bed.

Last night, Dev debuted his homemade poker table. I wish I took pictures but I was distracted because everyone was totally peeving me. Yeah, that's right. Largely because I was made to sit in front of the open window (for the smokers). I even suggested we just shift around (not change spots, just shift around the table) so that the smokers could conveniently have the window and ashtray and I can be warm. But, no. I don't know why, but everyone was bitching at me for everything (even almost-bitched at for fanning the smoke away from me. WTF) and I then remembered why I hate playing Poker. Like, I love playing the game, but there's just a love-hate relationship I have with it. For one, it's a fun game. For another, it brings out the absolute worst in everyone (although everyone says I am the one who brings it out) competitive- and greediness-wise. Whatever. I guess you have to take the best and the absolute worst with everything (and everyone).

And as usual, whenever Poker stops being fun, I'm probably going to take a break from it for a little while (good news for the smokers!) and *gasp* perhaps pick up a book or two for my Friday/Saturday nights. I understand that it is just the way the male species is and I wholeheartedly accept it and I will tolerate it (I have to, if I'm going to have mostly male friends). However, there is a certain extent to how much I think I can take and I guess if I leave a game feeling 'furrowed' and yucky (aside from the smoke. Okay, last time I'll bitch about it), it's a sign that I need to take a break.

HAHAHA, I'm gonna be like those nonsensical couples who don't break up but take 'breaks' from their relationships to 'find themselves' (translation: find better things/people to do). I don't want to break up with Poker, because we've been together for two years and to break up would be a waste of two years (ahh, another nonsensical thing couples do) but it's time for a break from each other. I love you, Poker, but it's not you, it's me. You need to find yourself and see if perhaps if I am worthy of your soft felt surface and shiny cards. And I need to (most definitely) delve into other interests like, um,... hmm,... Strip Poker, anyone?

Is Beauty in the eye of the Beerholder?

Man, already the first week of school and already I have an assignment due next week. I now remember why I liked working full-time at one point.

Actually, this first assignment is not so bad. It's for my Philosophy class "Theories of Beauty". I honestly would probably not have chosen this class to begin with. I didn't even read the course description and just registered for it automatically online because I had read Wendy O'Brien (a notoriously 'wacky' prof who says "Yo!" instead of "Excuse me") was teaching the class.

The assignment she asked us to do is to write a 1-2 page report on "10 things we consider beautiful". Easy peezy, right? I've narrowed down my list and it's more tedious than difficult to come up with my Top 10. To make this assignment more 'grade-worthy' she asked us to explain why. Oh, joy.

For some people, it's really easy for them to identify what is beautiful and what is not. However, most people tend to think that there are 'obvious' things that are beautiful (Jessica Alba, anyone?) and obvious things that are not (Umm, I really can't think of anything at the moment that is obviously not beautiful). Once, I was having an argument with a friend over suped up cars in Japan (which are, by North American standards, outrageous and ridiculous because of the 6-ft spoilers). He made a comment that the Japanese people supe up their cars awfully and ugly and had 'bad taste'. I pointed out that it is ugly to him but obviously not to them if they are driving it around and showing it off (I actually thought they were kinda neat). Their perception on what is good-looking is different from yours but it doesn't mean it's the wrong perception/bad taste.

And so, many tend to think that their opinion (which is largely the opinion of the majority of people) seems to determine the good, bad and ugly. A pet peeve of mine is when people make a comment about something you like and say, "Ew, that's so gross. What's wrong with you?", as if to imply that my taste is somehow 'wrong'. This brought me to the conclusion that it may be presumptuous to call one's taste 'bad' (or 'good). Taste should not be determined good nor bad (it would be like calling one's mama ugly). However, that is not to say that people do not make the wrong choices.

There is such thing as wearing the 'wrong clothes' (i.e. appropriate attire for the appropriate occasion, like a job interview) or choosing the wrong car (a car with an intake engine, although makes the car sound loud and fast, is a waste of money if it is driven in a place that has a chance of frequent flooding). The conclusion? There's no such thing as bad taste, just poor judgment. So if we go back to the Japanese version of suped up cars, a 6-ft spoiler and 4-ft lip is not in bad taste, just poor judgment because you can't safely and realistically drive that thing on the road (and we can all agree cars are meant for driving, right?).

Someone, please try and rebut this little theory of mine because I need to know that what I'm saying has at least some merit. As far as I've pondered this statement, I can't really think of a reason why it can't be true. I've seen many guys, who in my opinion were good-looking, with girls who I thought were 'fug' and had to wonder where the attraction was. Of course, that part is really none of my business and it really is to each his own (oh, how the single life can be so unfair). However, how does one explain a guy who drunkenly takes home a random chick and takes off the beer goggles and regret it the next morning?

So with that said, let's go back to my assignment. I've come up with a couple for my list, in no particular order (yet) and perhaps it may change over the next week as my definition of 'beautiful' tends to be interchangeable with 'eccentric' and 'oooooh, shiny thing!'. By going over my choices, would you say I have bad taste or poor judgment?:

- as most of you already know, I love love love weird-looking models. The weirder, the better. I'm especially digging this 'wide-set eyes, alien chic, dwarfism' look. It's a nice change from the generic-looking pretty girls and more power to us strange and/or unique-looking chicks!

^Daria for Chloe

^Daria and Gemma for Chloe (just because they're some of my favourites)

^Gemma for Lanvin (I WANT THAT JACKET)

-if you didn't know this before (who, honestly, doesn't?), I used to be a big, fat, huge Hanson fan about a decade ago. For one, I was madly in love with Taylor Hanson, who was notorious for being mistaken for a girl. I have a thing for feminine-looking men. Sue me.

^Taylor Hanson

^NOT Taylor Hanson, but Kevin Zegers (they look strikingly similar, no?)

-Acura RSX, my future car. 'Nuff said.

- The Kaulitz Twins of Tokio Hotel. There is something oddly fascinating and awe-inspiring about these guys. They are identical twins but they obviously have very, very different styles (hip hop and emo/rock star) and personalities (masculine and even more masculine, although they are equally slutty). There is something beautiful about that, I think.

-Paul Walker's face.

-Paul Walker's body (yes, it does deserve a different point. Look at it!)

Chubby in the Clubby part 2

For those who care (no one, except for those who were there), I forgot to upload these pictures earlier from Corey's birthday:

^What's up with my meaty arms?

^I like this picture because I don't look like the shortest

^Ahh, yes, the sideways model-y pose works!

Hmmmmm, I miss clubbing. I'll see the hard partying soon enough, though (someone's turning 23 soon and she's so ready to forget about it through heavy drinking and/or dancing)

Time, space; all over the place, whenever you're near me

Today I started my first day of school of the semester and I really don't know how I made it through the day without dropping dead.

An 8am class on a Monday morning again this semester? What was program coordinator thinking when he put the class schedule together this semester? I also start work again part time. This semester I'll be working 4 days a week (OMG) between classes.

As soon as I got home I pretty much dropped dead for about half an hour and now I want to curl up in bed with some ice cream and a book (currently but slowly reading "Children of Men" by P.D. James) and sleep till next week. Oh, it's that time again. That time where I need to start cherishing more sleep and sacrificing time to do other things like breathe.

It's also that time where I am due for a hair trim. That is, if I'm to maintain short hair, which I still haven't decided on whether I want to keep. Short hair was fun, but I still can't figure out if it suits me (perhaps 3 months isn't long enough to decide if it suits me). The hair is starting to get long and 'scraggly' in the back, something I will have to solve by wearing my hair up for a couple more months to overcome that period of growing out hair where it just looks awkward.

I don't even know why I'm contemplating making the effort of even getting a trim because I barely have time to even do simple tasks that need to be done like paying bills and doing my brows.

The Breakfast Club is going down... downtown! NOT!

Alex: What are you doing tomorrow?

Me: I'm going downtown with my girlfriends.

Alex: Oh, can I come?

Cuong: Me, too!

Me: No. Girls only!

Just when I thought that that was the end of the conversation, I get a call at 9:30 in the morning...

Alex: Are you awake?

Me: I am now.

Alex: Good. Did you have breakfast yet?

Me: No...why?

Alex: Good. Come outside. I'm at your door.

WTF...

So I go downstairs, open my front door and see Nam's car in front of my house. Alex is not alone. I open my door and lo and behold this is what I find on my front porch at 9:30 on a Sunday morning...

^Breakfast in bed would have been nicer

^The Breakfast Club

They told me they really wanted to come downtown with us and they knew we were leaving at noon so they came with breakfast so that I wouldn't leave without them. I adamantly refused them to come with me, but I soon realized that if I could not get them off my veranda, I could not prevent them from doing whatever they wanted to do. These guys came prepared, burner, car and all.

^When you can't beat 'em, join 'em

^They came prepared, stove and all

^Mel shares her birthday cheesecake with the guys

So off we headed off to the subway. Just as us girls went over the turnstile, we turn around and the guys are just standing there. They weren't coming. The entire time they knew they weren't coming and they waited till we all got to the station to ditch. WORST GUYS.

They were apparently tried to 'out-crazy' me because I always try to walk home whenever I want to go home and noone else does. I guess they got fed up with chasing me, so this was their way to prove that they can be crazier (and more ridiculous).

There were signs that I should've seen along the way that would have clued me in that the entire thing was a joke. But because I was so tired and still trying to get over the fact that they brought me breakfast to my house (aww, such sweeties), I overlooked all the signs: the fact that they were so eager to go downtown even though I know they hate to walk around aimlessly and Alex hates downtown; when we suggested we drive downtown, Nam immediately refused, and; they would not let Mel come even though I wanted her to just take them downtown so I wouldn't have to babysit them.

I wanted to murder them for what they did, not only because I was duped, but because they duped my innocent friends. I vowed to get them back, but over time I realized that in a way they got their just desserts, for several reasons:

1. they apparently stayed up late 'plotting' and only had 2 hours of sleep;
2. they woke up at 9:30 in the morning on a Sunday just to play a prank;
3. Nam ended up driving me to the station even though they only planned on ditching me on my driveway;
4. I made Alex pay for the Day Pass Vicki bought just before they ditched and we girls decided to drive downtown

So in the end, the playing field is quite even and although I will get them back (I don't know how, I don't know when, but they better sleep with one eye open), I will not hold a grudge (cuz boys will be boys and you can't hate them for being immature like that). However, I really hope this doesn't end up being a back and forth game of practical jokes because I have neither the time, energy nor brain power to come up with good pranks (actually, yes I can) between work, school and being a friend to them.

Nevertheless, I had a lovely day with the girls today. We had lunch at Milestone's and went to the bong shop, condom shop and finally the mall. Same old, same old but I'm really glad I got to see them before school starts and my schedule starts getting crazy again.

The guys are now calling themselves 'The Breakfast Crew' but I'm going to call them 'The Breakfast Club', named after the movie about losers who go into cahoots with each other because they're that lame. LAAAAMMMME!

Boy, oh, boy

Recently Alex sent me this Sex ID test, which determines... well, I'm not sure what exactly it's supposed to measure. There's a notion that men and women are equal in intelligence. I guess that is somewhat true, but I wouldn't say men and women are of equal intelligence in everything, just equally intelligent overall. There's a series of tests that deals with cognitive memory and whatnot, so I encourage all to take it to determine if you have a mind of that of a man or a woman (as I have interpreted this test to determine).

I took the test and guess what? I'm a girl, for the most part.

It's hard to say whether tests like these are accurate, even if they've been done by doctors worldwide (big deal). A few comments from the test regarding my results:

- "You may have a balanced female-male brain." What exactly is does it mean to have a 'balanced female-male' brain? Sounds healthy, though.

- "You said your right thumb was on top when you clasped your hands together.

Right thumb on top: This suggests the left half of your brain is dominant. Many studies have tried to establish whether there is a relationship between handedness and brain dominance. Some scientists believe that if you are left brain dominant, you would be more verbal and analytical." Analytical, yes. Verbal? Can that also include loud?

- "If you scored 15 and above, you are very empathic and would be an ideal person to comfort people in a time of crisis. Women in general are better at empathising." I scored a 5. I failed miserably but I would say that's a bit accurate.

-"A score of 15 and above suggests you're good at analysing or building systems. Men in general are better at systemising." I scored a 12, which is higher than the average woman and about the average of men. LOL

- "This task looked at how you rate the attractiveness of a series of faces. The images you looked at were digitally altered to create slight differences in masculinity.

Your choices suggest you prefer more masculine faces." Hmm, it doesn't explain my attractiveness to the likes of Taylor Hanson, Kevin Zegers and other feminine-looking men..

^Kevin Zegers is the sex

- "If you scored 10 - 12: Are you an engineer or do you have a science background? People with these skills tend to score in this range. Past studies have concluded that people in this range have a more male brain." I scored an 11. This is my first hint that this test may not be so accurate.

So in the end... this test didn't make me realize much more about myself that I didn't already know. I've been notified that I do think too much like a man, but I know deep down, I have the emotions of a woman (shh). I guess that is what 'balanced male-female brain' means. I would put rims on my car, but I will also stop to ask for directions.

My aunt once told me that guys are raised a 'certain' way, some of which guys are taught not to show emotion, etc., etc.. I do have to wonder what if society did not 'conform' how each gender 'should' act. Would we all be a little bit more compassionate to each other? Would infidelity be as rampant as it is now? Perhaps the roles would be reversed? Perhaps it would remain the same as it is now?

C-I-A-RA, Come On...

[VERSE 1]

Pull up your pants, just like him

Take out the trash, just like him

getting your cash like him, fast like him

girl u wanna act like he did

I’m talking bout, security codes on everything

on vibrate so your phone don’t ever ring

a foreign account and another one he don’t know about

[Hook]

Wish we could switch up the roles and I could be that

Tell you I love you, but when you call, I never get back

Would you ask them questions like me, like where you be at

Cuz I’m out, 4 in the morning on the corner rolling doing my own thing

[Chorus]

What If I Had A Thing On The Side

Made You Cry

Would The Rules Change Up Or Would They Still Apply

If I, Played You Like A Toy

Sometimes I wish I could act Like A Boy

Can’t be getting mad, but u mad, can’t handle that (x4)

[Verse 2]

Girl go ahead and be just like him

Go run the streets like him

Go home missin sleep like em, Creep like em

Front wit ur friends, Act hard when u with them like him

Keep a straight face when you tell a lie

Always keep an air tight alibi

Keep it hid in the dark

What he don’t know won’t break his heart

[Hook]

Wish we could switch up the roles and I could be that

Tell you I love you, but when you call, I never get back

Would you ask them questions like me, like where you be at

Cuz I’m out, 4 in the morning on the corner rolling doing my own thing

[Chorus]

What If I Had A Thing On The Side

Made You Cry

Would The Rules Change Up Or Would They Still Apply

If I, Played You Like A Toy

Sometimes I wish I could act Like A Boy

Can’t be getting mad, but u mad, can’t handle that (x4)

[Verse 3]

If I was always gone

Hit the sun getting home (Would you like that?)

I told u I was with my crew when I knew it wasn’t true

If I act like u

Walked a mile off in ur shoes (Would you like that?)

Messing with ur head again

Dose of your own medicine

[Chorus]

What If I Had A Thing On The Side

Made You Cry

Would The Rules Change Up Or Would They Still Apply

If I, Played You Like A Toy

Sometimes I wish I could act Like A Boy

Can’t be getting mad, but u mad, can’t handle that (x4)

R-A go, here’s the clutch…

If I paged u (would you like that?)

Had friends (would you like that?)

With a car (would you like that?)

Hell Nah, You wouldn’t like that, No!

What If I? If I, played You Like A Toy,

Sometimes I wish I would act Like A Boy

Can’t handle that…

~ Ciara - "Like a Boy"

Goodbye, Iljya... Hello, 21

It was a bittersweet bi-celebration tonight: my little sister's 21st birthday and the departure of my dear friend, Iljya (who is leaving for internship in California at some fancy computer company in Silicon Valley).

We went allllll the way to Vaughan and ate at Sam and Pete's. I friggin' hate driving in the rain at night, and the two times that I happen to travel there for someone's birthday I get caught in it. Baaaah! Nevertheless, I didn't mind being the DD for the night. But I did mind the backseat drivers (you know who you are).

^Sarah and Dev

^Cheers!

^Dev and Cuong trying to be hood. Emphasis on 'trying'

^And Sarah was the only one who even noticed the camera

^Mel is a bookaholic and Whitney just provided her with some bookahol

^Before: "Hey, wouldn't it be great to put vinegar in Cuong's water?" "Hells yes"

^After

^Mmm, special banana-chocolate cake for Mel

^...or for Dev?

^Alex is one gypsy joke away from an ass-whoop

^Three cheers for Sam and Pete's!

After Sam and Pete's, we went to Iljya's for some Guesstures (it's like charades but 5x harder) and ping pong and jitz. It's a damn good thing we didn't end up playing Poker, although maybe we should have one last time just for Iljya...

^Kathy reading the instructions aloud to us: "Yes, Kathy, we're listening."

^Guesstures begins

^Looking a bit perplexed?

^Worst Guesstures player ever.

It's sad seeing Iljya go, even though he's only going for four months. HOWEVER, this prompts us to plan our trip for '07: CALIFORNIA, BABY! Huh? Huh? Perfect as a graduation trip (for, I guess, only me).

Californ-I-A for some sun, surf and sand. Oh yeah, and Iljya. ;) I'm sick of this 'winter weather'. I need some real warm weather. Who's in? Who's ready for some 'California Love' a la Tupac?