Keira-anne.com

Last night I had not one, but two houseguests. I talked on MSN with Andrew in the middle afternoon, where he proceeded to tell me that he and Billy were coming over to Vancouver to go snowboarding. I offered my place as a crash pad and crash it they did.

I hadn’t hung out with Billy in - literally - years, and Andrew and I only ever seem to get together at Qwanoes-related functions. And that, my friends, equals complete and total lameness. Is lameness actually a word? Anyways, back to the evening…

The boys arrived just after 7:30pm, and by then I was famished. I promised them that the best burgers in the city were just a few blocks down the street, so they reluctantly followed. The truth is, Vera’s Burger Shack really does grill up the best burgers in the city, and it was thumbs up from both. Somehow Andrew managed to sneak in a round of tequila shots for us at Vera’s. It was all downhill from there…
You have to understand that the last time the three of us all hung out, I was Miss Goody Two-Shoes and Andrew was Mr. Do No Wrong. It was alert status red for Billy to hear me actually say “fuck” and not just on MSN. After the burgers we returned home, only to have the boys crack open the bottle of Jim Beam they brought over with some Coca-Cola. Now, I’ve never been a huge fan of whiskey, but for some reason, this stuff was pretty damned good.

Soon we were well underway with a Monopoly game. “We need drinkin’ rules!” Billy soon exclaimed, so the rule was you had to take a drink everytime you landed on a corner. However, that didn’t last long, and before we knew it, it was one shot of whiskey everytime you landed on a corner or a utility.

The rest of the evening was somewhat of a blur, obviously. I do remember sharing a joint with them at one point (we’re all Island kids - gotta keep it real), and I also remember having a snowball fight in the living room. Yes, a snowball fight in my living room. And the next thing you know, for the first time ever…

…I was hunched over the toilet while Billy held my hair and Andrew rubbed my back. It was almost like an initiation. I’d never hurled due to alcohol consumption. Both guys were totally understanding and told me it was okay. Andrew got me water and put me to bed and held me until I fell asleep. Unfortunately, I never did get enough sleep because I still felt tipsy in the morning. From this experience, I learned two things:

1) Never drink whiskey on a weeknight when you have to work the next day; and

2) Never drink whiskey.

“I Don’t Feel Like Dancing” - Scissor Sisters

It has been snowing in downtown Vancouver for more than 24 hours straight, and it doesn’t look as though it will cease anytime soon. I can’t say I mind because these are the kind of days I live for. The days of guilt-free pajama wearing all afternoon, cookie baking and a general lack of productivity. Though truth be told, I have been somewhat active today. I walked in the snow to get supplies to bake chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, as well as pick up Christmas cards. The cookies are done, a bath is awaiting me and I’ll write up my cards soon after that. The Christmas baking comes next Sunday.

That aside, I have also spent a great deal of time thinking this afternoon. Some of you are loyal readers to my blog. When I say some, I mean about two because I doubt my readership is in the double digits. Regardless, it doesn’t matter who does or doesn’t read my blog. But those of you that have know that I’ve put a great deal of effort into thinking and writing about “D” over the last couple of months, but you’d all have to be complete idiots to not know I’m referring to Dylan. Thinking that seeing him once more would bring me closure was theoretically ideal, but completely ridiculous. He’s been someone that’s been on my mind for nearly four years now and he continues to be on my mind. Right now he’s in Hawaii in the sun and I’m here in the snow and I have no clue if he’s thinking about me. Truth be told, I have nothing to lose so I couldn’t care less who sees this blog entry. I wish this Christmas would be special…and magical. I’d love to spend more time with him, walk in the snow with him, have a snowball fight with him. It really doesn’t matter. The point is that I miss him when he’s not here and I’m beyond happy when he is. True, maybe he doesn’t see it that way, but to me it’s the real deal.

Besides, even if Dylan wasn’t in the picture at all, what’s the point in investing myself in any way with that other dude as anything other than his friend? Because let’s face it: Jell-o could never be Creme Brullee.

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You

This post marks the big 5-0. No, not my 50th anniversary, birthday or boyfriend. Not that any of those events are coinciding with today, but this post marks my 50th post on this particular blog. Between this one and my retired blog, I hit 200 a while back and 300 is too far away so I thought I’d start with the fresh 50. However, were it my birthday, I wouldn’t be sitting at home drinking Pacific Pilsner out of a can and blogging. Well, actually, come to think of it…maybe I would be.

A few posts back, I took some time to reflect and compare where I was with my blogging a year ago in relation with now. True, I could do that once again but what’s the point? Those of you that know me know that this has been a tremendously huge personal year for me. There were no “catastrophic” or life-altering events (at least not to my knowledge anyways), but the miles I have grown this year will stay with me always. For the first time in my life I feel as someone who has finally, to some extent, figured out who she truly is. I feel as though I know what’s at the core of me and it’s such a good feeling to know that. I have taken a lot of time to examine myself, my heart and my personality. Through that, I have learned what I value, what I take for granted, what is important in my life and what is fleeting. I have also come to realizations about what I want for my future and my family’s future. And my future family.

I am completely grateful for all the new friends that I have
made and the old friends I have reconnected with. And I am even more grateful for the friends I have had for years and years and who are still an important and consistent part of my life. So upon such reflections, let me share with you some of the sweet treats that I take to heart:

- Smile for at least one stranger a day, even if you don’t mean it.

- Drink beer from a can sometimes - it’ll keep you grounded.

- Look around you. Everything you see that’s tangible can disappear in the snap of your fingers. Don’t hang on to it.

- Chew bubblegum and blow big bubbles. If the people around you can’t appreciate it, let them deal with that.

- Embrace socks of all shapes, sizes and colours.

- Spend your heart resources on your family and the friends that have stuck with you. They’re the only investment you can make with a guaranteed return.

- If you’re going to admire people in the spotlight, admire people with stories worth telling. I count Goldie Hawn, Sheryl Crow and Diane Keaton in my “top ladies.”

- It’s okay to turn the TV off. You’ll still wake up the next morning if you don’t get to see your favourite shows.

- Educate yourself. You owe it to yourself and your community.

- Your life is designed for living, loving and laughing. So do it!

- Say “I love you.”

- Shed yourself of thoughts and stresses that weigh you down. You only get one shot.

- Pay attention to what the government is telling you, and then believe the opposite.

…and no, that’s not the Pacific Pilsner talking. I’m not even through my first one yet!

Also, may I point out that there are only 31 days until Christmas?

P.S. My Flickr site has new pics - check them out…indeed!

You’re listening to: “The Execution of All Things” by Rilo Kiley

Once upon a time there was a girl named Keira and a girl named Emily. Both were equally gorgeous and both had equally infectious giggles. And as of Friday evening, both were luxuriously blonde. The girl named Keira rode the Pacific Coach bus to the city of Victoria, which is where the girl named Emily lives. That evening they had delicious adventures at the Noodle Box (Black Bean and Garlic forever), sweet adventures with Christmas drinks at Starbucks, eye candy adventures watching the OC, and disgusting adventures involving spider guts.

“Spider guts?” you ask? Yes, because upon Keira’s ascent of the stairs in Emily’s house, she discovered an icky, long-legged spider crawling up the wall and proceeded to freak out. Smart-thinking Emily grabbed a shoe belonging to an Irish boy (Irish boys always save the day) and smacked that spider into the next life. However, she was also quick to offer that spider peace at the first photo op.

Before we move on, I’d like to point out the other significant event that happened on the stairs that evening. The stairs to the basement are quite narrow. The ceiling hanging over the stairs is quite low. Upon stepping down onto the second to last step, Keira thought it would be a marvelous idea to jump the last one. Instead, she went up, smacked her head quite hard (she can still feel the bruise) on the ceiling and dropped like a sack of potatoes. When Keira’s feet hit the ground, they took no time to get some footing, and she proceeded to land on my ass - hard. The following pictures demonstrate where she hit her head and where she landed.

The rest of the weekend was rather whirlwind. After a fresh-baked breakfast of cinnamon buns, the girls drove into the local countryside in search of Winchester Cellars to pick up some of their lovely Pinot Noir, only to find that it was closed and sold out. The next stop was Central Baptist for Qwanoes’ 40th Anniversary celebration, which was actually rather odd and uncomfortable. Christmas shopping, Christmas parades, chill time with boys, chill time with girls and some Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was also on the menu for that day. Good times were had by all and a weekend like that will be sure to happen again sometime soon. Your humble narrator would like to take a moment and thank the weekend’s sponsor:

From here on, I’m going to stop narrating in third person, so now it’s just me. Sunday was a bit of a gong show because the terrible weather we’ve been having lately caused more uncertain ferry delays. I ended up finally catching the 3pm ferry and it was smooth sailing. That night I had a very welcome visitor, enjoyed some good times at Vera’s Burger Shack aaaaaand…yeah. It was an enjoyable evening. Thanks, D.

My heart’s happy.

P.S. I have hot cleave. Gratuitous, I know.

You’re listening to: “Maybe Tomorrow” by Stereophonics

I am, unofficially, crazy. Today, after spending a few hours at Ikea in Richmond, I decorated my apartment for the Christmas season. I am not, however, the craziest Kris Kringle nut on the block. There is an apartment directly across from mine at eye level, rented by someone who keeps their Christmas tree up 365 days a year; lights, decorations and all. So maybe I just love Christmas and maybe I just love making the most of my favourite season of the whole year. Is that really such a crime or reason to commit me? I think not. I even watched “Home Alone” yesterday and it got me so excited. If you want to see a few more pictures, check out my flickr site - the link is at the left.

My mom has been visiting me since Thursday night, and so far, we’ve been having a fabulous time. Yesterday we spent a few hours getting lost on 4th Avenue, followed by dragging our feet around Pacific Centre. Sears was having their famous “Scratch & Save Saturday” event, and in the wake of it all, I cannot stop kicking myself. When we got to the ’till and scratched, we won our entire purchase. What did our purchase include, you ask? Socks, tank tops and underwear for my brother. No leather boots, no big screen TV, no gorgeous Christmas decorations and certainly no cute new bras and panties. Sad, isn’t it? It could’ve all been ours for FREE!

Ummm so I’m going to Victoria next weekend. I am excited because I get to see mon Emily. I get to wear scarves and sweaters and drink Starbucks and see the Island Farms Santa Claus parade wind down Government Street and I get to be on the island! I’m coming, Em! Five more sleeps!

You’re listening to: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee

As we sat around the table this afternoon, I listened to the stories and experiences of married women. One was a newlywed, one was at her tenth year, one was at her twentieth and one was a grandmother. Some stories were sweet and got me excited, while other stories were told with a dash of bitterness planted at their roots. In the middle of it all, Gavin (my bossman) barged in for more coffee and to make the announcement that Britney Spears filed for divorce from Kevin Federline, citing the ever-popular “irreconcilable differences.” Many saw that coming, few thought it’d ever come to fruition.

The more we ladies talked, the more I pondered. Marriage is a topic I have long thought about and tossed over in my mind again and again. It’s something I have questioned more than once and there is no doubt in my mind that I have very strong convictions with regards to these matters. I have always been of the idea that a “marriage” and a “wedding” are two totally different matters. Some people treat the wedding as the means to a marriage, and sadly, some people get married simply as the means to having a wedding. After many years of seeing friends get married, friends get divorced, celebrities get married, celebrities get divorced, I have come to the solid conclusion that I’m not really sure I want a wedding or a marriage. Let me explain this…

I believe in the institution of marriage, and by that, I believe in the life-long commitment it pertains to and the covenant you enter into with your spouse. In today’s day and age, signing a marriage certificate does not protect that covenant any more or less than not signing one does. Too many people, it seems, enter into the idea of getting married with the thought of “well, if it doesn’t work out, divorce is always an option.” In this narrator’s humble opinion, if you are already thinking of such an idea, the chances of a divorce actually happening are pretty imminent. The sacred bond of a marriage seems so entirely lost in today’s society that it’s caused a lot of cynicism to grow inside of me.

So where is my stance on this? Obviously I am an adult woman on the verge of her 26th birthday, and companionship is something that is very important to me. In fact, it’s something that’s becoming harder and harder to live without. However, like I said, signing a piece of paper means absolutely nothing. Wearing a 1-carat diamond ring in a platinum setting means nothing. Nothing. It’s fleeting. What does mean something is commitment, which is why I think my values would best be served by a commitment ceremony. The purpose of such a ceremony would be to proclaim to each other, to our family and friends and to God our desire and vow to pledge ourselves eternally to each other. And in that proclamation, ask for accountability from those closest to us in keeping to our word. I’m not saying I wouldn’t wear a white dress or exchange rings. However, isn’t the ring simply supposed to be symbollic of the profession?

I am not speaking ill of anyone that marries or wears the white dress or has the diamond ring. For most people, that’s what they want and it isn’t wrong to desire those things. It’s just my wish that people, generally speaking, would be more aware of their choices and decisions in this regard. Divorce is not an option. When the going gets tough, the tough get to counselling or therapy or whatever is necessary. Of course, there will always be exceptions when health and safety are at stake, but it would make my heart so happy to see more people willing to fight hand and foot for the ones they proclaim to love.

I’m not sure what else I can write with regards to this. I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences and opinions, whether you side with me or have an entirely different dispostion to this topic.

You’re listening to: “Home Life” by John Mayer from the album Heavier Things

I was talking on the phone with a friend this evening. She said:

“You know what I have saved for this weekend? A bottle of wine. It’s the end of mid-terms and I’m going to have my wine, get in the bath, light candles, put on hot music and love myself. Uhhh…wait, that didn’t sound good, did it?”

- Anonymous

*After Edit: Hmmm…on second thought, maybe it was me that said that. Probs was. Minus the wine, bath, candles and music.

You’re listening to: “Erotica” by Madonna

Angela Campbell, you inspire me. When I saw that you went back to read what you’d written on your blog a year ago today, I did the same. It was a year ago today that Stathi and I did our photoshoot around Gastown for Fierce magazine. It was the closest we had ever and will ever come to kissing. Nothing sexual, you see. Just the direction of the photographer.

I also lingered over some of my other posts from November 2005 and was amazed to see how things change in a year. The men that captured my heart are different then than they are now. The dreams and plans I had have changed. I think perhaps I was a little more jaded. Now I’m just a cynic, but a smart cynic at that. I wasn’t sure where I stood on my future life plans and what I really wanted for myself. I’ve come to the solid understanding that there is nothing more important in this life than our families. Which is the very reason that I am all the more ready to start my own. I always thought I’d wait until I was in my 30s, but truth be told, to get pregnant before then wouldn’t nearly be the end of the world. Now, now…don’t go getting any ideas. I am not - I repeat not - in a position to do so right now, nor am I getting married. But when it happens, I’ll be pretty darned excited. Plus I think I’ll be quite the “yummy mommy.”

In other asides, it’s rather interesting that Saddam’s guilty verdict comes just two days before the vote. Republican planned? Possibly. My friend Matt things Saddam will buy his way out of something. Wouldn’t it be lovely to see the Democrats take over and get Bush the hell out of the Oval Office? Roseanne Barr was on CNN today proclaiming that she is a patriot but that George W. Bush is bad for America. This on the tails of the Dixie Chicks making their comeback after their follow-out after blasting Bush and stating their shame for Texas. Natalie Maines of the Chicks applauded Kanye West’s lashing out at Bush and the fact that the Monkey Man “doesn’t care about black people,” following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the displacement of thousands and thousands and American citizens. Let’s hope that more celebrities will be using their status to bring political awareness to their country. Sadly, too many people are turning a blind eye to the fact that we aided Hussein and basically gave him everything he wanted and needed. Hundreds of millions of dollars of American taxpayer money was signed over to him. Now every American wants to see him hung for the crimes he committed. Funny how life’s like that, hey?

Go visit Post Secret if you haven’t yet. Awesome website.

P.S. Show some love here and here. If you’re lucky, you may get to see some terrible and incriminating photos of me from time to time.

You’re listening to: “In the Deep” by Bird York from the Crash soundtrack (see this movie if you haven’t already)

I love rainy days in the fall because they never seem to end. I woke up around 9:00 this morning and shuffled from my bed to my couch, finally getting in the shower around 10:00. After running to Shopper’s Drug Mart, I went to Matt’s and copped a squat. He’s been feeling not-so-hot these last few days, so while he slept, I took care of all four dogs, read my magazine and drank tea. Eventually Matt woke up, we drank more tea and he made us dinner, which was followed by laying around watching the HBO series “Rome” (check it out - it’s really well made) and that’s about it. True, it doesn’t sound like much, but aren’t the days when you do nothing, yet are completely content, absolutely the best? I think so.

I haven’t blogged in a week because, really, I’ve had nothing I’ve felt like blogging about. I’m feeling somewhat better than I was last week, but by no means amazing. Work was a gong show all week and I put in my fair share of overtime hours. At least it’s now November and I have much to look forward to, including my visit from my mom, my visit to see Emily in Victoria, my birthday and finally Christmas. I’m on the verge of rambling so that’s it for now.

You’re listening to: “Some Things Last a Long Time” by Daniel Johnston