lindodles

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T00:27:39Z

It's been ages since I've written anything here, so I thought New Year's Eve might be a good time to do an update. lol. I'm sick at home (still - been sick since I got home from England on Wednesday :T), so I won't be going anywhere tonight!

I think I'm going to steal Debbie's meme here :D.

1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Let's see: travelled alone as an adult; became an honourary Londoner; went to evensong at Westminster Abbey (ethereally beautiful); walked along the Thames at night, began an impromptu carolling session on Christmas Eve in Trafalgar Square; tried and became addicted to Jaffa cakes, McVities' chocolate digestives, and Galaxy chocolate; started eating healthier (apart from the aforementioned!) and feeling better about myself; became mentally and physically stronger; got into and started teacher's college; had four 8:30am classes downtown (and haven't been late yet!); lesson-planned; taught as a real teacher in a real classroom; heard myself called "Miss Choi" and "Miss C"; punished students; RAISED MY VOICE at students; talked to strangers...lots of them; hugged and kissed strangers (lol); stayed out (literally, outside) all night, etc. The list could go on and on.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I always seem to forget to make new years' resolutions :).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, unfortunately.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank goodness!

5. What countries did you visit?
England (London and York) and the U.S. (NYC, Washington D.C.)

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Err...a winning lottery ticket? :D

7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Hmm...I suppose December 16th. My friend's son, an amazing singer, dancer and actor, had the lead role in a West End musical and December 16th was his last night. I was front row, centre. It was the most brilliant and emotionally-devastating theatre experience of my life.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving and sticking through a month of teaching practicum when even my supervisor thought the situation was so bad, she offered to let me quit and redo it later in the year (which is pretty unprecedented). Not only did I get through it, I got a fantastic evaluation. Yay me!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Being unable to help a problem student in my practicum. You know, they teach you that you can reach every student but, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't. Still stings.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Do two bouts with the flu in as many months count? I somehow managed to cut my foot on my bedframe a couple of days ago too... lol.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Plane ticket(s) :D.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
M.K.'s, for his dedication, quiet determination and strength :).

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Don't ask!

14. Where did most of your money go?
Travelling. Yes, most definitely travelling.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
See 14. lol.

16. What song/artist will always remind you of 2006?
Pass, please.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. Smaller or larger? Smaller
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Tried to see more of friends. Life when I'm home is so hectic - it's difficult to find the time to get together :T.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stressing about school.

20. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Hard to say ;). Actually, no, I didn't.

21. How many one-night stands?
Um, no.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
House.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hmm, I'm not really one for hating people. I can be angry or frustrated with someone, but that usually turns into indifference. So, no :).

24. What was the best book you read?
Can't decide. The last one I read, though, was "The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly" by Jean-Dominique Bauby. It's a really inspiring and heartbreaking read.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Pass, again! This would require me to think, which my brain isn't willing to do just yet ;).

26. What did you want and get?
A change from the norm and the room to grow and stretch my wings a bit.

27. What did you want and not get?
Nothing really :). I'm pretty content.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
To tell you the truth, I didn't think much of the films this year. Probably the one I enjoyed the most was "The Prestige".

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 24, and I spent it with my two oldest and closest friends :). We went to a lovely French cafe for brunch, then took a walk through a part of downtown we had never been before, chatting all the way.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I really can't think of anything, apart from winning the lottery so I never have to think about money again!

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
I have to confess I became a bit of a shopaholic in 2006! I had to throw out my entire wardrobe over the summer, so replacing everything took a bit of work (and a lot of money). I would say my style now is simple and classic. I've also fallen in love with my ballet flats - I don't think I've worn anything else for at least 5 months :D.

32. What kept you sane?
Being happy :). Jennifer, who always managed to surprise me in some sweet way when I was feeling a bit down or stressed, and who made it clear that she's one of the best friends a girl could have. Knowing that there were other people out there who cared about me and supported me as well, who were in constant contact to share a joke, say something silly, offer encouragement or advice, tell me I was brilliant or that they believed in me, and offer up gossip. So, I guess, meeting new people I can't imagine my life without, and finding and embracing the old friends I know will be with me through thick and thin :D.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None, really :).

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
If you want to get me started on a tirade, ask me what I think about Bush.

35. Who did you miss?
My sister. She started working full-time as a nurse in 2006, which means I can go a few days without seeing her :(.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
I've met so many amazing new people this year and begun loads of new friendships :). There are a handful of people that I've been especially grateful to have met and feel like I've known forever but, if I have to choose one, I have to say Hilda (in London). I think she's the only reason I stayed sane through my first teaching practicum, and I've relied on her support, kindness and encouragement countless times in the past year. Thanks Hilda! :D

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
Life is short, and money is only money. If you want to do something, don't think about the money and just do it! There's no room or time for regrets.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
What do you do with a BA in English?
What is my life going to be?
4 years of college and plenty of knowledge
Have earned me this useless degree.

I can't pay my bills yet
'Cause I have no skills yet.
The world is a big scary place!

But somehow I can't shake
The feeling I might make
A difference
To the human race.
(from "Avenue Q")

And I'm adding my own question...

39. What are you looking forward to in 2007?
Living and interning in London for one and a half months (end of April through mid June) at St Paul's Cathedral School (yes, the school for the boy choristers); Jen and Jon's wedding; finding a teaching job for September, preferably not in the country :D

Teacher's College

2006-04-13T16:34:46Z

Just a quick update, since a few of you have been asking about this...the results of teacher's college applications =). I'm happy to say that next year I'll still be in the city and I'll be at OISE, the University of Toronto's teacher's college. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic. Some of you can attest to my general freak-out a couple of days before I got the results ^_~.

In other news, just back from London. What an AMAZING city - I just love it. I feel so comfortable there; it's hard to explain. Really sad to be back (and happy too, sort of) and already trying to figure out when I can go again =).

As if anyone wants to know anything more about me... =)

2006-02-27T00:56:02Z

LAYER ONE: ON THE OUTSIDE
Name: Linda Choi
Birthday: August 27, 1982
Current Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Righty or Lefty: Righty
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Favorite music: I'm partial to musical soundtracks, movie scores, big band/swing, and classical

LAYER TWO: ON THE INSIDE
What Shoes Did You Wear Today: Slippers =). I didn't get dressed today.
Your weakness: Cookies!!! (like Debs =D!) I'm a total cookie monster.
Your perfect pizza: Um...anything without green peppers...or onions.
Goal you'd like to achieve: Travelling all over the world.

LAYER THREE: YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW
Your most overused phrase: That's amazing.
Your thoughts first waking up: What time is it?
Your best physical feature: Hmm, I don't know. I'm not confident enough to say I have one =).
Your most missed memory: Sitting in a lawn chair overlooking a serene harbour on Georgian Bay, watching the sunset with my family. I've never felt so content in my entire life.

LAYER FOUR: YOUR PICK:
Pepsi or Coke: Doesn't matter.
McDonald's or Burger King: McDonald's (for their nuggets!)
Adidas or Nike: Adidas
Lipton Tea or Nestea: Nestea
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla

LAYER FIVE: DO YOU?
Smoke: Absolutely not =P.
Swear: Rarely.
Take showers: Yup.
Have a crush: Nope =).
Think you've been in love: Nope again.
Want to get married: Maybe if I meet the right guy.
Like(d) high school: At times though, thinking about it these days, not really.
Believe in yourself: Nope =).
Get motion sickness: Yes. In cars, on planes, on boats, etc, etc.
Think you're a health freak: DEFINITELY not.
Get along with your parents: Sometimes.

LAYER SIX: IN THE PAST MONTH
Drank alcohol: Yes.
Gone on a date: No, but that's not a bad thing =).
Gone to the mall: Yes, but not as often as I would have liked!
Been on stage: Nope.
Eaten Sushi: No
Been dumped: No
Gone skinny dipping: No
Dyed your hair: No

LAYER SEVEN: HAVE YOU EVER
Taken off your clothes during a game: Uh, no.
Gotten beaten up: No. Well, actually, there was that time in 3rd grade where a guy put snow down my back. Does that count?
Changed who you were to fit in: Definitely not.

LAYER EIGHT: GETTING OLDER
Age you hope to be married: Between 23 and 100 =).
Describe your dream wedding: A small wedding with only the people I care about there. I'm thinking I'll rent a castle for a weekend in the UK and have the ceremony in its chapel before having the reception and having everyone sleep over for the night.
How do you want to die: Painlessly =).

LAYER NINE: IN A GAL/GUY
Best eye color? Doesn't matter.
Best hair color? Doesn't matter.
Height: Ditto Debs (taller than me!)
Best first date location: Doesn't matter =).

LAYER TEN: IN THE NUMBERS
Number of people: Number of people where? There's 3 in the house right now, if that's what you're asking.
Number of CD's: Uhhh....200? 300? Definitely less than the number of DVDs I own =).
Number of piercings: Just a single piercing in each ear.
Number of tattoos: None
Number of times ur names been in the newspaper: Hmm. 4 or 5?
Number of scars on body: I think just one, from skating. I don't know =). Possibly more.

YAY!!!

2006-02-25T21:17:16Z

I'm so there! =)

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Render&c=Article&cid=1140824434265&call_pageid=968332188492

lindodles @ 2006-02-09T16:22:00

2006-02-09T21:34:07Z

I'm jumping on the bandwagon too (look at what you've done Debs! =P haha). Awhile ago I decided I would read (and re-read) my entire collection of literature in alphabetical order. After trying valiantly, I forgot about it and instead read whatever the hell I wanted at whatever time I wanted. Now I'm trying again. Last night I finished the second book in my collection.

What? Mansfield Park
Who? Jane Austen. If you don't know who Jane Austen is, I'll refuse to talk to you =).
When? Uh...it was originally published in 1814.
Where? I'm another one of those people who loves to read before going to bed...and often ends up sleeping really late as a result =). I also read some on the subway and while waiting for students to approach in Regent Park.
How'd I get it? I bought it.
Why? Why what? Why did I buy it? Why not?
Length 340 pages. It took me about 2 days to read it, in two segments of 1-2 hours.
First Bit: About thirty years ago, Miss Maria Ward of Huntingdon, with only seven thousand pounds, had the good luck to captivate Sir Thomas Bertram, of Mansfield Park, in the county of Northampton, and to be thereby raised to the rank of a baronet's lady, with all the comforts and consequences of a handsome house and large income. (Typically Austen, eh?)
My Thoughts: Well, it certainly wasn't my favourite Austen book. Maybe it was just because I had read an Austen book immediately before, but the whole thing seemed so predictable and typical. Don't get me wrong, I usually love Austen, but her novels do tend to be all about the same thing. I also found I couldn't identify with any of the characters, especially Fanny (the protagonist), who was so shy, proper and spineless that I just wanted her to disappear. None of the characters were even likeable, which is usually a bad thing =). Ah well, at least now I can say that I've read it and never have to again, if I so choose.

Next up, Charlotte Bronte's The Professor. Looks like I may give up this alphabetical order scheme again =).

lindodles @ 2006-02-08T00:41:00

2006-02-08T05:42:42Z

Some of you may know that Kevin and I went to New York City and Washington, D.C. at the beginning of January. It was a great trip - we had a lot of fun, went to a million museums (literally =D), saw a bunch of great Broadway shows and met some celebrities. Other than some minor quibbles (I absolutely HATE landing in a new city and having to immediately navigate the subway system), everything went fairly smoothly. That is, until we got to the airport to fly home to Toronto.

First of all, let me say that Dulles International in Washington is the most unbelieveably disorganized and mind-bogglingly designed I have ever had the misfortune of flying through. We managed to get ourselves to the airport okay, but it took us a few minutes to find the departures level and another few to find the right counter. See, I foolishly thought that, since I had bought our airline tickets through the Air Canada website, that meant we would be flying with Air Canada. Alas, when we got to the Air Canada counter, it was closed and there was nobody around.

Linda:(looking at the empty counter) Hmm...it's closed.
Kevin: Are you sure it's Air Canada? Does the e-ticket say anything else?
Linda: (consulting the ticket) Uh, it says the flight is run by United Airlines...?

Thankfully the United Airlines counter was right next to Air Canada's and we were checked in by a polite, friendly employee. She would be the last polite, friendly person we would meet at the airport.

The woman told us we had to drop our bags at security then take a shuttle to concourse ___ (I forgot what letter it was). After a little hesitation, we found the security bag drop (basically 3 security guards looking very bored took our bags and threw them down an ominous looking chute to nowhere) and set about trying to figure out where to get on the shuttle. We finally determined that we had to go through security first and stood in front of it, looking in dismay at the guide-rails blocking us from entering directly. Resigned, we walked about 5 minutes to the right along what seemed like miles of guide-rails and followed it 5 minutes back before finding ourselves at the exact spot we had been, except that now we were on the other side of the guide-rail...and it was now open.

Rolling my eyes, I joined a security line with Kevin right behind me. After emptying my pockets and plopping my carry-on, passport, boarding pass, jacket and shoes (yes, shoes) onto the conveyer belt, I walked through the security gate and was relieved to hear no beeping. Kevin was also soon cleared and we began to walk further into the airport, following the signs to the shuttle for our concourse. Along the way we picked up some pizza at a stand that was right next to a pseudo-bar with a TV playing a football game. I was disturbed to see that the crowd gathered around it consisted of security guards, baggage handlers and other airport employees. After briefly wondering how all these people had the time to sit around in front of a TV watching a football game and managing to convince myself that they were on break, we were on our way again.

About 20 minutes later (I kid you not), we finally came upon the shuttle pick-up for our concourse. Basically, it was what looked like an emergency door that opened onto the airport runway, complete with planes whizzing by (though, admittedly at some distance). Since the door was open and nobody around it looked like an airport official, we tentatively made our way to it and began to step through. I was about halfway outside when I heard:

Woman: Shuttle not here.
Linda: (stepping back inside and looking down at the disoriented-looking woman sitting next to the door) Is this the shuttle for concourse ___?
Woman: (nods then goes back to the sandwich she's eating from a lunchbox sitting on the seat next to her)
Linda: Uh, thank you.

It wasn't until I sat down that I noticed that this woman wasn't just a random passenger but, in fact, an airport employee. Kevin and I waited a few minutes, taking the time to rest from our long trek, then watched as the woman stood up and disappeared into the woman's washroom. In the meantime, two men in nondescript clothes showed up and sat down near the door, chatting about personal matters to each other. After a few more minutes, people started to stream in through the open door, signifying that the shuttle had arrived. The 4 or 5 of us that were waiting for it looked around at each other in confusion and I glanced towards the woman's washroom, hoping that the employee would come back out and tell us what to do. When she didn't, I looked back towards the door and was just in time to see the two men stand up and, motioning for us to follow them, disappear through the door.

With some hesitation, Kevin and I stood up and exited the building. The men were actually the drivers of the shuttle bus, which was comforting, and we settled ourselves on two of maybe six seats inside the barren bus. The rest of the space was occupied by...well, nothing =). There were some poles but, obviously, passengers weren't supposed to sit. After a somewhat harrowing 10 minute ride, wherein we wound slowly around planes and runways towards the concourse, we arrived and walked into what was basically a long rectangular box outfitted with a single newspaper stand/bar, washrooms, a row of payphones and about 15 desks, each with two gate numbers written on them.

We chose a couple of seats and sat down before I decided that I should check on the status of our flight. Walking over to the monitors that showed the flight schedules, I soon discovered that our flight had been delayed by an hour. I told Kevin the news then suggested that he call his parents, since they would be picking us up at the airport in Toronto. He took my phone card and went to use the payphones but soon returned to tell me that the phone card wasn't working. He went back for another attempt, which didn't work, before I took it from him and went to try myself. When I did, I was greeted with the news that the card had insufficient funds for the call (despite the fact that it had had over $3 the previous day).

After contemplating banging my head against the wall and deciding I didn't have the energy, I walked back to Kevin and gave him the news. The good news, however, was that I had noticed a sticker stuck on the payphone that listed the long-distance rates if we used good old-fashioned change and they were pretty damn reasonable. The problem, of course, was that neither of us had change, having used it all in anticipation of not needing it anymore. That problem was solved by Kevin's purchase of a chocolate bar and, finally, he was able to call his parents and leave a message that we would be late.

Resigning ourselves to a long wait (it was at least a couple of hours before our flight was scheduled to depart), we entertained ourselves by listening to the announcements that kept coming over the intercom system every two minutes. Here's a sampling:

Disembodied voice: Passengers on Flight _______, please be advised that your flight has been delayed due to the lateness of the flight crew. As soon as your pilot, co-pilot and flight attendant show up, we'll let you know.
(about 20 minutes later)
Disembodied voice: Passengers on Flight _______, we're still waiting on your pilot. We have absolutely no idea when he'll arrive.
(about 15 minutes later, a pilot walks through the door and, amidst applause, disappears through a gate)
Disembodied voice: Passengers on Flight _______, as you may have noticed, your pilot has just arrived. As soon as he's conducted his safety check, we'll have you boarded and on your way.

Disembodied voice: Attention passengers on Flight _______ to New York. If anyone has a flexible schedule and is willing to give up their seat, would you please come to gate ________? Your flight is overbooked and we cannot carry all of you tonight. We will compensate you with a free flight to anywhere in the continental U.S.

Disembodied voice: Attention passengers on Flight _______. Unfortunately, your plane has exceeded its weight limit and we are unable to carry all checked-in passengers as it will be too heavy. Will any passengers who have flexible schedules and are willing to give up their seats please proceed to gate ________?

Disembodied voice: A-attention passengers on Flight 08...I mean, 094...I mean 940 to Mia...to Los Angeles. There's been a...a delay...I mean, your flight crew...(garble, garble, unintelligible English)...thank you.

Disembodied voice: Passengers on Flight ______, please be advised that your plane has been delayed due to a mechanical failure. It should only take 15 minutes to fix, then we'll have you on your way.
(30 minutes later)
Disembodied voice: Passengers on Flight ______, the mechanical failure is worse than we thought. We're still trying to fix it but your flight will be delayed another hour. We'll keep you posted.
(30 minutes later)
Disembodied voice: Passengers on Flight ______, your flight has been cancelled due to mechanical failure. Please come to the customer desk to arrange alternative flights.

Disembodied voice: Passengers on Flight ______, your flight is now boarding at gate 4.
(5 minutes later)
Disembodied voice: Passengers on Flight ______, your boarding gate has now been changed to gate 20. That's gate 21...I mean, gate 20! Yes, gate 21.

I swear, this went on for hours and every single one of these announcements actually happened (although I'm a little foggy on the details). I became more and more concerned about our own flight as time went on, especially as it soon became 10pm and it still hadn't begun boarding (though it was scheduled to take off at 10:15). Finally the announcement for the boarding of our flight was called and we were able to get through the gate. Once we had emerged on the other side, we found ourselves in a tunnel outside, composed of two tall partitions, one on either side. It was windy and freezing cold, and we had to walk about 10 minutes before we finally reached an opening (our "gate") and found ourselves standing in front of the smallest plane I have ever seen. We walked up the steps into the cabin and I was shocked to see that the seating configuration was 2-2 (2 seats on either side with a narrow aisle down the middle).

I literally fell into my seat, which was beside a nice, middle-aged woman, and stowed all my stuff. There was one flight attendant, who was making sure everyone was seated. The plane filled quickly and, once everyone was in their seat, we waited for the door to be closed and the plane to take off. We waited...and waited...and waited. After awhile, the flight attendant came over the intercom:

FA: Welcome to flight _____ with United Airlines to Toronto. Please listen carefully to the safety instructions I will now give you. In the unlikely case of an emergency landing over a body of water, there is a life jacket under the seat in front of you. If the cabin pressure should drop...
(Her voice trails off as she turns to talk to the Captain and 50 expectant faces turn towards them. She walks out of sight)
Linda: (jokingly, to the woman beside her) I hope she remembers to finish those safety instructions later!

The flight attendant came back in a few minutes and lifted the receiver for the intercom again.

FA: I apologize, ladies and gentlemen, but apparently our paperwork is not on board. Someone has gone to find it so we'll be on our way as soon as it arrives. Thank you for your patience.

Awhile later, after some whispered discussion, the flight attendant lifted the receiver again, a tired smile on her face.

FA: Ladies and gentlemen, the paperwork has arrived but we have a new problem. The plane is too light for take-off because, apparently, we don't have enough luggage to balance it. As such, we need to rearrange some seating. We have three children on board - two in the front and one in the back. We need to move the two children sitting in the front of the plane to the back and, obviously, would like to move their parents with them. Would four adults in the rear mind switching please?
(There are some amused faces as four people from the back stand up and drag their stuff to the front of the plane. Meanwhile, the aforementioned children are sleeping and need to be wakened and transported by their disgruntled parents, complete with bags of toys and supplies, to the back. As this is happening, the pilot comes out of the cockpit with an apologetic look.)
Pilot: I'm sorry, folks. You can blame the French-Canadians, who designed this stupid plane, for making it so nose-heavy that we need to pile luggage in the back to balance it.

At this comment, the woman next to me turned to me with a confused expression.

Woman: That's strange. If the plane is nose-heavy, why are they moving the lighter people to the back of the plane?
Linda: (cocking her head, thinking) I don't know, that IS really weird. They must have a good reason though.

As we're having this conversation, the flight attendant is talking to some people in front about our situation.

FA: Yes, it's really strange. Normally people pack way too much and the problem is that we have too much luggage. Apparently, this time, you all have packed too little. We only have 16 bags to fill the hold.

Kevin and I exchange looks. I was thinking, "how on earth can there only be 16 bags? There are at least 50 people on this plane." About ten more minutes go by before the flight attendant gets back on the intercom.

FA: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your patience. We're just trying to find some extra ballast for the luggage hold. As soon as we find that, we'll be on our way. (Trying to joke) Apparently you all are very conscientious flyers and great packers! We only have 16 bags on board, which is very bizarre.

At this point, a man in the front seat spoke up.

Man: Excuse me, but didn't the pilot say that the plane was nose-heavy?
FA: Yes.
Man: Doesn't that mean the lighter people, namely the children, should be in the front of the plane? Don't we need all the weight we can get in the back?
FA: (looking confused, laughs nervously) Well, I...yes, that would make sense. Hold on.
(She disappears into the cockpit. After a few minutes, she comes out, still laughing nervously, and picks up the receiver again.)
FA: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm so sorry but I've made a mistake. I misunderstood what flight control said and I need all of the children in the front of the plane, not the rear. Could we please have the children that were moved to the back and their parents back in the front, along with the extra child and parent, and six volunteers to move to the back?

There was a lot of grumbling and some worried looks being exchanged amongst passengers as people switched seats and some obviously PO-ed parents moved their drowsy children. Finally the switch was made. Suddenly...

Young man behind us: (waving at the flight attendant) Excuse me? Did you say we only have 16 bags on the plane?
FA: Yes...?
YMBU: And they're all on board?
FA: Yes...?
YMBU: Well, I'm looking out my window here, and I swear that I see my bags sitting out on the runway.

The flight attendant looked shocked then asked for his name before going back into the cockpit. A moment later the pilot exited, wearing only his short-sleeved shirt, and ran down the steps. I watched him go over to a truckload of abandoned bags on the runway and check some tags before apparently swearing and lifting a couple of them down. Carrying them towards the plane, he was stopped by a baggage handler who materialized from nowhere. The pair had a screaming match that looked like it would come to blows before the pilot dropped the bags and re-entered the plane. After a brief conference with the flight attendant, he disappeared into the cockpit and she came up the aisle.

FA: Sir, I'm so sorry, but we HAVE found a couple of your bags on the runway.
YMBU: (obviously having witnessed the same thing I did) Why weren't they loaded on the plane then?
FA: Well, the baggage handler is saying that we can't load those bags onto the plane without security clearance. The pilot is trying to sort it out right now.

After relaying this information, she walked back to the front of the plane, obviously frazzled. A moment later, a man went down the aisle towards her, looking worried. They had a heated discussion, during which I overheard her say, "No, there is no problem with the safety of this plane. I just made a mistake." Finally, she sighed and went into the cockpit, returning with the pilot. The man and the pilot had another heated discussion, which ended with the pilot saying, in obvious exasperation, to the flight attendant, "Fine, let him go!" The man returned back up the aisle, picked up his things and, with three other people, exited the plane.

About 10 minutes later, the flight attendant picked up the receiver again.

FA: Ladies and gentlemen, since we have lost four passengers from the rear, I need four passengers from the first four rows to please take their seats.

Four passengers good-naturedly got up and moved, joking about how they had never thought their weight would be of so much use on this flight. A few minutes later, the door was closed and the pilot came over the intercom.

Pilot: Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay. We now have our paperwork, our weight and what bags we could find. I apologize to the man who saw his bags on the runway - I tried to get them on the plane but apparently no-one at this airport has the authority to allow me to put them on my plane. They will, however, arrive in Toronto in the next few days and be delived to your house. We are now, finally, ready to take off. Thank you for your patience.

A few minutes later, we finally lifted off. The flight itself wasn't bad, though the turbulence as we lifted off was a little scary. In such a small plane, you can really feel everything and the weather was bad to start with. After a period of time during which I regretted not getting off the plane like the four people who had left earlier, the plane settled down and we had an uneventful flight into Toronto.

After deboarding and walking miles to customs, we were quickly questioned and let through. I believe we were the last flight of the night and that the customs people were too tired to really care whether we were terrorists or not =). After customs, we made our way to baggage pick-up and watched the 16 bags roll onto the conveyer belt. My bag, fortunately, was there, but Kevin's was not. Thus followed about 15 minutes of watching Kevin and most of the passengers on the plane fill out lost baggage forms at customer service before we finally headed out the gate and found Kevin's dad.

Thus ends my account of our adventures in Dulles International Airport, just outside Washington, D.C. In conclusion, I have two pieces of advice:

1) NEVER fly through Dulles. Period. EVER.
2) If you must fly through Dulles, NEVER fly on United Airlines. Actually, NEVER fly United.

Here's hoping I'll listen to my own advice in the future =).

lindodles @ 2006-01-25T13:34:00

2006-01-25T18:42:58Z

Bryan had this on this livejournal, so I thought I'd fill it out too =). Saves me the trouble of having to type a lot. lol.

Appearance
[ ] I am shorter than 5'4.
[x] I think I'm ugly sometimes.
[x] I have many scars.
[x] I tan easily.
[x] I wish my hair was a different color.
[ ] I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.
[ ] I have a tattoo.
[x] I am self-conscious about my appearance.
[ ] I have/I've had braces.
[?] I wear glasses/contacts. (I've had laser eye surgery - does that count?)
[ ] I would get plastic surgery if it were 100 safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
[x] I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
[ ] I have more than 2 piercings.
[ ] I have piercings in places besides my ears.
[x] I have freckles.

Family/Home Life
[x] I've sworn at my parents.
[x] I've run away from home. (when I was 7 =D)
[ ] I've been kicked out of the house.
[x] My biological parents are together.
[ ] I have a sibling less than one year old.
[x] I want to have kids someday.
[ ] I've had children.
[ ] I've lost a child.

School/Work
[ ] I'm in school.
[x] I have a job.
[x] I've fallen asleep at work/school.
[x] I almost always do my homework.
[ ] I've missed a week or more of school. (Not recently.)
[ ] I've been on the Honor Roll within the last 2 years.
[ ] I failed more than 1 class last year.
[ ] I've stolen something from my job.
[ ] I've been fired.
[x] I've skipped school.

Embarrassment
[ ] I've slipped out a "lol" in a spoken conversation.
[x] Disney movies still make me cry
[ ] I've peed from laughing
[x] I've snorted while laughing.
[x] I've laughed so hard I've cried.
[ ] I've glued my hand to something.
[ ] I've laughed till some kind of beverage came out of my nose.
[ ] I've had my pants rip in public.
[x] I've spilt stuff on my clothes in public.

Health
[ ] I was born with a disease/impairment.
[x] I've gotten stitches.
[x] I've broken a bone.
[ ] I've had my tonsils removed.
[ ] I've sat in a doctors office with a friend.
[x] I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
[ ] I had a serious surgery.
[x] I've had chicken pox.
[ ] I've had the measles.

Traveling
[ ] I've driven over 200 miles in one day.
[x] I've been on a plane.
[x] I've been to Canada.
[ ] I've been to Mexico.
[x] I've been to Niagara Falls.
[ ] I've been to Japan.
[ ] I've Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
[x] I've been to Europe.
[ ] I've been to Africa.
[x] I've been on a train.

Experiences
[x] I've gotten lost in my city.
[ ] I've seen a shooting star.
[ ] I've wished on a shooting star.
[ ] I've seen a meteor shower.
[x] I've gone out in public in my pajamas.
[x] I've pushed all the buttons on an elevator.
[x] I've kicked a guy where it hurts.
[x] I've been to a casino.
[ ] I've been skydiving.
[ ] I've gone skinny dipping.
[ ] I've played spin the bottle.
[ ] I've drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour.
[ ] I've crashed a car
[x] I've been Skiing.
[x] I've been in a play.
[x] I've met someone in person from the internet.
[x] I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
[ ] I've seen the Northern Lights.
[ ] I've sat on a roof top at night.
[ ] I've played chicken.
[x] I've played a prank on someone.
[x] I've ridden in a taxi.
[ ] I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
[x] I've eaten Sushi.
[ ] I've been snowboarding.

Relationships
[x] I'm single.
[ ] I'm in a relationship.
[ ] I'm engaged.
[ ] I'm married.
[ ] I've gone on a blind date.
[ ] I've been the dumpee more than the dumper.
[ ] I miss someone right now.
[ ] I have a fear of commitment.
[ ] I've cheated in a relationship.
[ ] I've gotten divorced.
[ ] I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
[ ] I've told someone I loved them when I didn't.
[ ] I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
[ ] I've kept something from a past relationship.

Sexuality
[ ] I've had a crush on someone of the same sex.
[ ] I've had a crush on a teacher.
[ ] I am a cuddler.
[ ] I've been kissed in the rain.
[x] I've hugged a stranger.
[ ] I have kissed a stranger.

Honesty/Crime
[x] I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't.
[x] I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.
[ ] I've snuck out of my house.
[x] I have lied to my parents about where I am.
[ ] I am keeping a secret from the world.
[ ] I've cheated while playing a game.
[ ] I've cheated on a test.
[ ] I've run a red light.
[ ] I've been suspended from school.
[x] I've witnessed a crime.
[ ] I've been in a fist fight.
[ ] I've been arrested.
[ ] I've shoplifted.

Drugs/Alcohol
[x] I've consumed alcohol.
[ ] I regularly drink.
[ ] I've passed out from drinking.
[ ] I have passed out drunk at least once in the past 6 months.
[ ] I've smoked weed.
[ ] I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.
[ ] I've eaten shrooms.
[ ] I've popped E.
[ ] I've inhaled Nitrous.
[ ] I've done hard drugs.
[ ] I have cough drops when I'm not sick.
[ ] I can't swallow pills.
[ ] I can swallow about 5 pills at a time no problem
[ ] I have been diagnosed with clinical depression.
[x] I shut others out when I'm depressed.
[ ] I take anti-depressants.
[ ] I'm anorexic or bulimic.
[x] I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.
[ ] I've woken up crying.

Death and Suicide
[x] I'm afraid of dying.
[ ] I hate funerals.
[x] I've seen someone dying.
[ ] Someone close to me has attempted suicide.
[ ] Someone close to me has committed suicide.

Materialism
[ ] I own over 5 rap CDs.
[x] I own an iPod or MP3 player.
[ ] I have an unhealthy obsession with anime/manga.
[ ] I own multiple designer purses, costing over $100 a piece.
[ ] I own something from Hot Topic.
[ ] I own something from Pac Sun.
[ ] I collect comic books.
[x] I own something from The Gap.
[x] I own something I got on e-bay.
[ ] I own something from Abercrombie.
[ ] I own something from hollister.
[x] I own something from American Eagle.
[ ] I own something from Express.

Political/Social Attitudes
[x] In general, I don't like people.
[x] I'm a feminist.
[ ] I'm outgoing.
[ ] I listen to political music.
[ ] I'm Democratic.
[ ] I'm Republican.
[x] I'm liberal.
[ ] I'm religious.
[x] I dress fairly modestly.
[ ] My attitude is, "If you've got it, flaunt it."

Random
[x] I can sing well.
[ ] I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
[ ] I open up to others easily.
[x] I watch the news.
[ ] I don't kill bugs.
[x] I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for the sake of being able to rhyme.
[ ] I curse regularly.
[x] I sing in the shower.
[ ] I am a morning person.
[ ] I paid for my cell phone ring tone.
[x] I'm a snob about grammar.
[ ] I am a sports fanatic.
[x] I twirl my hair.
[ ] I have "x"s in my screen name.
[x] I love being neat.
[ ] I love Spam.
[ ] I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day.
[x] I bake well.
[ ] My favorite color is either white, yellow, pink, red or blue.
[ ] I would wear pajamas to school.
[ ] I like Martha Stewart.
[ ] I know how to shoot a gun.
[ ] I am in love with love.
[ ] I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
[x] I laugh at my own jokes.
[ ] I eat fast food weekly.
[x] I believe in ghosts.
[ ] I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
[ ] I've not turned anything in and still got an A in a certain class.
[x] I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
[x] I am really ticklish.
[x] I love white chocolate.
[ ] I bite my nails.
[x] I play video games.
[x] I'm good at remembering faces.
[x] I'm good at remembering names.
[x] I'm good at remembering dates.
[x] I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
[x] My answers are totally honest.

lindodles @ 2006-01-20T23:04:00

2006-01-21T04:05:27Z

So, I'm at the ROM on Monday, feeling achy and sick and monitoring the exit of the Discovery Room, which is right next to the live insect gallery. Suddenly, a little boy, about 8-years old, comes up to me.

Boy: Excuse me. Can you tell me why so many of the beetles in the case are dead?
Linda: (caught off guard and thinking, "Damn, what did that security guard say that one time? That there was some bacteria circulating in the cases that was killing a lot of bugs? I can't tell him that! Maybe I should tell him something about lifespan...or what they eat! Why don't they friggin' remove the dead bugs more than once a week?!") Um, I think it's because they don't feed the bugs more than once a week.
Boy: (wide-eyed) Uh, okay. Thank you. (turning to his mom) Mom, the lady says they don't feed them more than once a week so they starve to death!

At this point, the mom turned to me with a look of mingled bemusement and accusation, while trying to reassure her son that I must be wrong and the museum wouldn't be so cruel to insects.

*sigh* Call me Linda, destroyer of innocence.

lindodles @ 2005-11-12T20:39:00

2005-11-13T01:39:56Z

Ah crap, I've been tagged =). Hmm, 5 days I'm looking forward to in the next month? *sigh* My life is so boring - this is going to be hard!

1) November 18 - like everyone else, I'm excited that "Harry Potter" is coming out =). I'm a little worried about there being yet another director, but I guess we'll have to see what happens.

2) November 22 - Kevin's birthday =). Because I like birthdays and Kevin's my friend! =) lol

3) November 27 - Jen and I are going to see "Movin' Out"! Woohoo!!!

4) December 3 - because the day before is my parent's anniversary, the whole family is heading down to Niagara Falls for the weekend to gamble all our money away =). It should be fun.

5) December 9 - "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" =). I'm so excited about this movie, it's not even funny! I hope I'm not disappointed in the end!

Okay, I tag...umm...whoever hasn't been tagged! *cough* Brenda *cough*.

Having been to Normandy, this seemed especially important this year...

2005-11-11T17:45:16Z

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Lest we forget.

Randomness

2005-11-09T16:47:20Z

What, Linda is posting twice in one day?! How can this be, you ask? =) Well, basically, I'm saddened by the lack of updates by everyone - I have no idea what's going on with most of you =T. So, here is my entry of everything and anything, completely random of course, that is up with me.

I've graduated from UofT and am now drifting aimlessly as I apply to teacher's college. Actually, aimless probably isn't the right word since I AM applying to teacher's college =). lol.

I still have 5 teacher's college essays to write and they have to arrive at their destinations by December 1, 2005.

My hair is getting VERY long =). I'm contemplating cutting it but really want to do something new - I'm getting bored with it. Hmm...dilemmas, dilemmas.

I'm volunteering at the ROM, Bata Shoe Museum, and a program in Regent Park right now. It's fun, but I spend most of my days chasing little kids around museums before coming home to supervise homework and pretend to instill knowledge in high-school kids (tutoring).

I'm getting very fed up with my routine =). Does anyone want to do something new with me? Go somewhere new with me? Anything??

I keep accidentally hurting my fingers. First, I cut my finger on my computer tower. Don't ask how because I have ABSOLUTELY no idea =). Second, I cut another finger on my poppy pin. Yes, cut, not poked. I don't understand how these weird things are causing me to actually cut my fingers - I'm starting to feel like Jen in the "Mysterious Case of the Cut Caused by her Locker". Was I abducted by aliens, who drew blood from my hands by making small incisions? Nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh... (<-- Twilight Zone music.)

My country, when I take over the world, will house only Latin speakers. That's right, Latin.

I need to go to a TSO concert =). NEED to! My soul is starved of classical music right now.

I've become strangely indifferent to eating these past few months =). If I don't consciously remind myself to eat, I won't. And experience no hunger pains because of it.

I miss school =). Yes, I'll admit it. Being out of school is REALLY scary. At least, in school, I had structure and knew what I was doing. I was also learning (well, some of the time =D), which is more than I can say right now. I can literally FEEL my brain rotting away.

I've recently become very nostalgic. A couple of weeks ago, I got very interested in where all of my elementary school friends have gone and, thus, tried to contact a few of them =). I got in touch with Rachel Sheps and she filled me in on what everyone's doing. It's so strange to think that I'm at an age where contacting an old friend will actually garner interesting and important information. In the past, all friends were fairly new and nothing would have happened during the lapse in friendship - now, people have gotten married or become doctors or engineers or moved to Africa.

Random fact: At any given time, I have a random song running through my head on a continuous loop. Sometimes it can be quite aggravating, but most of the time I just treat it as a background track to the movie of my life. Right now the song is still "A Heart Full of Love" from Les Mis. I'm probably exacerbating the problem by listening to the song on my stereo =).

I've forgotten how to use commas properly =). Quite alarming, since I'm an English major (WAS an English major? Hold an English degree?) and am going to be expected to TEACH English, if all goes well. I just find myself putting them in at random spots or becoming confused about where they're needed. I'm always thinking, "Does this sentence need a comma? Are there too many commas in this sentence?"

I'm addicted to emoticons and smileys. "Hi, my name is Linda, and I'm a smiley-addict." I just can't break myself of the habit of putting them in all over the place! I'm trying. VERY hard. I put them in whenever I feel like making a physical expression, which, it turns out, is very often. Argh, someone stop me!!!

I read a 400-page book in 2 hours last night. Is that normal?

Okay, enough randomness =). I invite everyone else to post their own randomness! Please. To alleviate my boredom and fill me in on what's going on with you and what's going through your minds right now =).

lindodles @ 2005-11-09T10:59:00

2005-11-09T16:11:26Z

Okay, I'll stop lurking and finally post something! =) It's been such a long time...

Let's see, 5 things that make me happy? I, too, will skip friends because everyone has said it and you guys already know I love you...most of the time =). haha, I'm just kidding.

My list:

1) Travelling. There's just something so exciting about getting on a plane and knowing that, when you get off it, you'll be in a new place with a billion new things to see =). I like the adventure of a new place and being able to discover and experience new things.

2) A good book. You know the kind - the ones that pull you in and keep you reading until you've finished the whole thing. The ones that wring genuine emotion from you or make you completely forget reality.

3) Music. I think I've said this before, but truly beautiful music makes me feel positively euphoric =).

4) Musicals. Possibly because it's a combination of 2) and 3) - you get to lose yourself in a story AND the music is often astoundingly good and beautifully sung =).

5) Museums/Historical Sites/HISTORY!! haha, yes, I know I'm a complete geek =). There's just something about looking at something historical or standing in a historical place that gives me goosebumps. You can really FEEL the past, which is so amazing to me, and imagine all of the people who used those items or stood in those places or lived their own lives so long ago.

Hmm, all of these things seem to be about removing me from reality =). haha. That's pretty funny.

quick update

2005-05-16T15:31:13Z

Hi everyone,

Well, I'm here in London and I wanted to give a brief update of how thing's are going with me, in case anyone's interested =). So far it's been fantastic. I think I may be more tired than I've ever been in my life, but it's a good kind of tired, if you know what I mean. We've been doing a lot of walking over here (even within the tubes you usually have to walk at least 5-10 minutes just to transfer lines) and trying to get used to the food (blander than Canada) and the slang/language. It's been fun though, and I'm having a great time! =) Today we visited St. Paul's Cathedral and climbed the 500+ stairs to the topmost gallery - my legs were shaking by the time we got back to the bottom but the view was definitely worth it. Anyway, if anyone wants to get in touch with me or anything, I'll have internet access (though it'll be limited) until the 19th and then again in the beginning of June.

I hope everyone is having a great time back in Canada - I'm surprised to admit that I'm actually slightly homesick =).

Talk to you soon,
Linda

On a lighter note...

2004-10-24T05:18:46Z

I've decided I need a cheerful entry to accompany my depressing one, so I've decided to "jump on the bandwagon as well". Post memories of me! =)

It can be anything you want.
Then post this to your journal.
See what people remember about you!

lindodles @ 2004-06-06T20:56:00

2004-06-07T00:56:31Z

They shall grow not old as we
That are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them nor
The years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning,
We will remember them.

June 6, 1944. Lest we forget.

lindodles @ 2004-06-04T12:09:00

2004-06-04T16:22:59Z

So, the other day, Judy, Kevin and I were discussing how it seems unlikely that a camping trip will go ahead this year. I suggested, therefore, that we go on some sort of road trip. The question is, who's interested? And do you have any idea where you want to go?

The reason I ask is that I saw an ad in the paper for this year's version of "It's Time for a Little T.O.". For $149 CDN you get a one-night's stay at a hotel, dinner at a great restaurant, a ticket to "The Producers," "Mamma Mia!," or "Hairspray" and a $20 gift certificate for ROOTS. I thought it might be kinda fun to take advantage of this deal and also spend some time at some of the city's sights (like the AGO, the ROM, Casa Loma, the zoo, etc. - we can pretend to be tourists). Is anyone interested?

The alternative is that we plan an ACTUAL road trip somewhere - maybe to Niagara-on-the-Lake, north to Montreal or Quebec, or south to the States somewhere. I think enough people have their Gs to make this a viable option, or we could be lazy and take the train =).

Anyone who's interested, let me know what you want to do and WHEN (when you get days off, all possible weekends you'd be free, etc, etc) =). If we go with the Toronto special, we'll have to book soon - I'm fairly sure it's selling pretty well.