I'm in London, Ontario, while Andrew is...everywhere!

Yep..he's a lucky bastard...

So as most of you know, my best "greek" friend Andrew has moved to Manchester, England to study Law. He informed me like 2 weeks that he and some of his buddies were taking off to Paris...just cause! They left during the Spring break and spent some time in London, England, and then made their way to Paris. Lucky? Umm..yeah. I wish I could just wake up one day and plan a trip down to somewhere so beautiful for the weekend..or week..or whatever!!! Around here we can pack up and drive down to....Guelph??? Ohh, how about St. Thomas??? Anyways, I thought I'd share some of the beautiful pictures taken by Andrew while on his trip. I think these photos are lovely and they really remind me of the times we spent in Paris..ohhh so long ago. It looks like my parents will be spending their 25th anniversary in Paris before I travel there again. Even though France is fantastic, I thought I'd include some funny quotes about the French and France (since they've always been "against" war). Hehe!

"Going to war without France is like going duck hunting without your accordion."

Donald Rumsfeld, U.S. Secretary of Defense

"The French will only agree to go to war when we've proven we've found truffles in Iraq." Dennis Miller

"You know why the French don't want to bomb Saddam Hussein? Because he hates Americans, he loves mistresses and wears a beret. He is French, people."

Conan O'Brien

"France has neither winter nor summer nor morals. Apart from these drawbacks it is a fine country. France has usually been governed by prostitutes."

Mark Twain

"I just love the French. They taste like chicken!"

Hannibal Lecter

(one of my favourites!!!)

"We can stand here like the French, or we can do something about it."
Marge Simpson

"I don't know why people are surprised that France won't help us get Saddam out of Iraq. After all, France wouldn't help us get the Germans out of France!"

Jay Leno

Andrew and the boys at the Louvre

Paris Street

Old Palace Entrance

Are We Romance Intolerant?

"Perhaps the feelings that we experience when we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be." - Anton Chekhov (1860-1904)

Most girls will talk about how much she gags when a guy tries to be 'romantic' claiming instead, that he's not really sincere..or that he's after one thing and one thing only.

Most guys will talk about how much work and effort it takes to be romantic these days, complaining that sometimes its too expensive in the end..and that their girl doesn't really appreciate it anyways.

We've gone from candle lit dinners to pick up or take out...from love letters written on paper... to email...from putting a lovely picture in a frame... to leaving it on a digital camera..forever!!! A lot of these changes may also reflect the way we feel about relationships...love..and romance!

Something that was considered "romantic" way back in the day...was meant to be a sincere gesture towards someone you liked...to show them you cared..or even that you loved them. Now it is considered too much of an effort...or too cheezy, or too idealistic. Of course we can all agree that a romantic date doesn't have to include candle light..or roses...or love letters...but why shouldn't it? Why are women settling for these guys who don't care for that stuff? And why are guys settling for women that don't appreciate it either?

Romance shouldn't have to be used as a deceptive means to an insincere end. Romance shouldn't have to take a lot of work either...because it should be something you want to do for someone anyways. Guys, if it feels like its too much work..then you probably don't think the girl is worth it. Girls, if you feel like your man isn't "romantic" enough..well then he probably isn't...and if you think he's TOO romantic..well then you're just a douche bag!!!

So next time you see a cheese flick..sorry, I meant, chic flick...try not to gag. Next time someone makes you dinner and lights a few candles...tell them how much you really appreciate stuff like that...and that it makes you happy. Give them a huge smile for trying..cause its sweet.

Anyways..I will stop procastinating now and must get back to my paper on computation..how romantic!

p.s. - tell me what kind of flowers they chose and i will tell you what kind of person they are.

"To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead." - Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)

Its Been Alright...

Maybe its because today was the "first day" of Spring...or maybe its because I got 8 full hours of sleep last night....

Maybe its because school is almost over...and I feel really in control and on top of my workload. Maybe this is why I'm actually looking forward to handing in my final assignments...and writing those final exams. I'm looking FORWARD to it...hmmm...(yeah, weird I know).

Something has come into my life and I don't know what it is yet. Something has also left my life...and for once...I'm "breathing."

I've been hearing back from some of the potential professors I may be working with on my Masters...and they sound so passionate about their research. Furthermore, all of them have been so incredibly nice and their kindness has really given me so much encouragement and hope.

Even though I got into a bitch fight with that stupid, smelly whore at Jacks the other night (cause she nearly killed my roommate)...I still have hope in humanity (yes, even in those gross, white-trashy girls with white blonde hair). Even though I stepped into this huge puddle this afternoon, I was thinking (while my shoe filled with ice cold water) how nice it actually felt, rather than slipping on ice like I usually do...and I was reminded of the sun today.

I opened up a fortune cookie tonight and it said: "You find beauty in ordinary things. Do not lose this ability." And its true. Just take a moment to actually think about something thats so beautiful to you, even though its so simple. For example, as I was walking home from class this afternoon....I saw my philosopher professor waving at me from across the street and I was so happy that he actually acknowledged me, because to be honest..I didn't even think he knew I existed. His smile and wave was such a kind gesture..that it made me smile the entire walk home. I thought: "wow, what a nice, sweet old man. the entire time i thought he was an arrogant prick...but he likes me!!! he REALLY likes me!" It was the smallest thing..but at the same time it was something so huge to me!!!

Cheers,
Annie!


Currently
Mood:
Relaxed...yet anxious because I have so much energy.
Music:
Matthew Good, "Near Fantastica"
Essays:
1) Why the mind is attracted to tragedy and negative emotion
2) Kant's Moral Philosophy and the Categorical Imperative
3) Computation: is it sufficient or necessary for mentality?
4) Unethical Advertising: which ethical principles do they violate?
Events:
April 1st - Momo's Exhibit, you can check out her details on her blog: www.princesss-momes.blogspot.com
April 2nd: Drinks and dancing for Jenn T's Birthday
April 29th - This night is mine and Sarah's LAST night in London, so we are going out to
party!!! (it is also the last day of exams!!! yay!)
Exam schedule:
April 12th (7 p.m.)
April 13th - I present my thesis (a.m.)
April 16th - 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. (super fun day!)
April 29th - my last exam is at 9 a.m. (oh yessss)

Annie and Momes at Jack's Night Club in good old London this past Saturday night! (March 19th, 2005). John, thanks again for taking the photos! :)

Colleen, Sarah, Momes, Ramsey and I dancing and hanging Jack's Night Club Saturday night (March 19th).

John, Me, and Ramsey! At Kerri and Darren's St. Patti's Day Party. March 17th, 2005.

Melissa and Annie at Kerri and Darren's St. Patti's Day Party (March 17th, 2005)

Sarah, my fabulous roomie, with our very fabulous friend, Ramsey! St. Patrick's Day Party!!! (March 17th, 2005).

Janice, Kerri (being strangled by Ramsey) and Darren! March 17th, 2005

The Fourth for Luck...

One leaf is for Hope

The second for Faith

The third for Love

The fourth for Luck

It is said that finding one on St. Patrick's Day will bring the bearer twice the luck!!!

Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Not much of it is actually substantiated.
Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday.

Holding on for dear life on the dance floor at Molly Bloom's!!! Something is waaaaay toooo funny here (as usual, I can't remember what).

Janice, Me, Colleen, and my roomie, Sarah Dee! Dancing at Molly Blooms - March 2005

We do it to ourselves...

Just...

Can't get the stink off
He's been hanging round for days
Comes like a comet
Suckered you but not your friends
One day he'll get to you
And teach you how to be a holy cow

You do it to yourself, you do
And that's what really hurts
Is that you do it to yourself
Just you and no one else
You do it to yourself
You do it to yourself

Don't get my sympathy
Hanging out the 15th floor
You've changed the locks three times
He still comes reeling through the door
One day I'll get you
And teach you how to get to purest hell

You do it to yourself, you do
And that's what really hurts
Is that you do it to yourself
Just you, you and no one else
You do it to yourself
You do it to yourself.. yourself.. yourself..

"I saw you again and my whole world stopped..."

Wilson and I at Sarah's 23rd birthday bash at the Barking Frog. It was such a fun night! I love you Sarah..happy birthday again!!! xoxox. The night was very..umm..errr..."interesting" as I was put in a very unexpected situation. All in all, I had such an awesome time! Very much needed!

Random Question for the Week

When telling someone "its over" what has been the most "safest" way in which you've had to do this?

There is life outside this bowl...

Time to try walking on land instead...

Panic

Well...its crunch time soon.

I'm beginning to panic...

People are coming over to view my apartment daily now before we move out on April 30th. We're coming so close to the end. This is real...I'm going home...and I don't know what to feel.

I just feel like there is so much to do and I need to catch my breath. I need to vent and I need to calm down too. I guess all I really need is someone to say to me: "Annie...you're O.K.!"

Things will be okay. I know many of you are going through the same thing. You're graduating and you're scared...and excited and confused. I just want this to be over already. I want final exams to come and go. I want everything moved out of my apartment. I want a cup of coffee right now too..mmm.

I guess I just don't feel settled right now. I don't know where I'm going for grad. school yet...I still have to get my letters of reference...I still have to complete my damn courses!!! ugggh. I have to patch up those holes in the walls otherwise they're going to charge us like 5 million dollars!!!

London is no longer home....but all of you still are to me.

xoxo,
annie....