Seeing as Lent has begun recently I’ve been reading all the posts about what people are giving up, planning on doing, etc and I thought I’d add my own feelings to the mix.

As a little background information I’ll let you know my religious history. I was born on a Monday and the very next Sunday I was at mass … and pretty much every subsequent Sunday until I was 19 years old. This was not of my own choosing mind you and I feel that my feelings towards Catholicism and religion in general are greatly influenced by that fact. Every Sunday I was forced to go to first catechism and then mass. I don’t know that I minded catechism so much … but mass was a pretty big pain in the ass for a kid. At least at catechism I was with my friends, during mass I had to sit with my parents and pretend to listen to what was going on. I amused myself by people watching and memorizing the priest’s “lines” as I called them. I can still recite those lines to this day.

I come from a very Catholic family on both sides. But my family didn’t pray together at meal or bedtime. And we didn’t normally read the Bible together either. Although my Mom did get on this kick where we did the Rosery every once on a while. Was kinda fun for my sister and I because we got to lay on the floor with candles lit and we each had parts that we had to read. I think it made my Mom feel better about having heathen children! In all seriousness, we weren’t bad kids, we just weren’t interested in church. I like reading the stories in the New Testament … but the Old Testament bores the hell out of me. Even when I was younger I had pretty much the same beliefs about the Bible … it is not the literal word of God. The Bible is indeed a book to live by (to the best of your ability) however the things it describes did not necessarily happen. The parables are there to teach us something which they do regardless of if you believe them to be true or not.

Anyway, back to the part about lent haha! I normally just say “I’m giving up chocolate for lent.” When I was a kid I actually had to do it because my parents paid attention to it but as I got older I said I was giving up chocolate but I’d always forget about it and eat it anyway. My Mom’s pretty good at it. She actually gives things up every year … this year it’s beer, bless her! The problem was I didn’t actually care why I was supposed to be giving something up, I just did it because my Mom told me to and we talked about it in church. I wasn’t giving up chocolate because I wanted to go without like Jesus did. I just did it because I was told to and everyone else was. And this is part of the reason I no longer go to mass.

I haven’t been to mass in a few years. Not because I have some big beef with the church. I just don’t believe that you have to attend weekly mass in order to be a good person. I know it’s not the best thing to be but I am sort of a buffet Catholic. I do believe in some parts of the religion but not others. For example: I don’t believe in confession. I think that if you are truly sorry for your sins and want forgiveness that it’s between you and God and he will know. A priest doesn’t need to tell you that you are forgiven. I believe that having a relationship with God is a very personal thing. You don’t have to go to church, say pre-written prayers, go to confession, or give up chocolate for lent. I believe in a God, be it a man or a woman or whatever name it chooses to go by, but I know there is something. And my relationship with this something doesn’t have to depend on me going to church or believing in every word of the Bible literally. I live my life to be the best person I can but I don’t abstain from things like premarital sex or covetting my neighbors goods … because God knows me and accepts me and all of my faults. I feel good about who I am and where I stand religiously. I say that I’m Catholic because that’s what I was raised but some people may disagree.

So did I give something up for lent this year? Yes. Not because I have some strong religious feeling about it, but because that’s what I have done every year since I was born so why break tradition now. Wondering if I gave up chocolate? No, as a matter of fact I didn’t. This year I gave up spending money on things that I don’t really need. This is going to be the hardest 40 days EVER!

It’s not often that I find something to do with Abbott and Costello … when I was little I used to LOVE watching their movies in black and white. I have been trying to download some of the movies but it’s hard to get them. When I found this video I couldn’t believe it … it combines my love of WoW and Abbott and Costello!!

I have had a busy few days so this one is late but I wanted to post it anyway.

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

I hate very selfish people. Didn’t their mothers ever teach them about sharing? I think some people missed out on that all important life lesson.

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phoney, fraudulent or bogus.

Paula Abdul and the fact that she said she has never been under the influence of anything. I’ve seen the videos anf I beg to differ.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

The first birth control pill of a new pack always makes me really sick. I take my pill before bed everynight so when I take the first one of a new pack I feel like death the next day. Today is that day haha!

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

Whoever it was that created Pepto Bismol is my saviour. Of course I know the catchy little jingle from the commercial by heart … and I regularly sing it too my English boyfriend whenever he’s feeling sick to tell him what Pepto is good for. I had my family mail me Pepto the entire time I was studying in Denmark and they have already had to send some to me in England. I don’t know that I’ve found anything as good or if I could live without it. I prefer either the liquid or chewable varieties because I love the taste but when I need it the swallowable pills do the trick as well … just without the yumminess!

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

I’m a very good shopper. As a general rule I don’t buy anything that isn’t on sale. Of course there’s always an acception for a really cute pair of shoes but when it comes to grocery shopping I always end up with alot of food without having spent alot of cash. A tip for people like me who stop by the grocery store on a regualr basis … make good use of the Reduced section. I always check there to see if there’s anything good and that’s what we have for dinner that night. Alot of times there are vegetables and meat with that day as the “sell by” date even though it won’t actually expire for a few days. Sometimes it’s 2 days worth of meals for at least half the price.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

I really would like to win the lottery. Better yet, I’d like to win money without actually having to buy something first. Or just getting a job within the next few days would be good haha!

This song has always been a personal favorite of mine … as well as my theme song for obvious reasons. So I’m pleased to present to you a video incorporating a favorite song and a favorite addiction. Enjoy!

I’m always looking for ways to make a little extra cash online so when I saw an add for a site called AGLOCO I thought what the heck. As of now you can only make money through referrals however there is a Viewbar which is due to be available in March which will allow you to make money based on the time you spend browsing the net. And since I spend a significant amount of time doing that particular activity I might as well try to get paid for it.

I haven’t read very much feedback on it so if you have any experience with this site please let me know. I’ll keep an update here on how I’m finding it.

If you would like to participate please click here to join me (and give me a referral hehe)!

I have recently begun employment with a company called Xfactordates and I had my very first shift a few nights ago. To be honest I had no idea what to expect. Basically speed dating involved having 20 dates of 3 minutes each. Each person has a scorecard which is used to write each dates’ name and mark Yes, No, Friend and a comment about the person. After the event each person takes their scorecard home and enters the details onto our website using the username and password they had already set up. The site will then make the Yes or Friend matches and will email the participants with the contact details of any matches. My job title is “Ice breaker” so basically I greet people as they come in and make small talk with anyone standing alone to make sure that everyone is comfortable and not too nervous. I wasn’t nervous seeing as I wasn’t one of the people who would actually be participating but I think I was more curious than anything. I wasn’t sure what type of people would show up.

My boss told me the key demographic for the evening would be professionals between the ages of 25 and 35. Ok, so there weren’t going to be any vagabonds looking for a home via love but would they be social failures who aren’t able to meet people through work or friends? Would they be geeks whom no one would give a chance if they didn’t have to sit down and talk to them for 3 minutes? That might sound harsh but I had never been exposed to an event such as this before so I really had no idea. Much to my surprise as our participants began to arrive they all looked like normal people! There seemed to be a trend in that most of the women arrived in groups of 2 or 3 friends where as most of the men arrived alone. I’m wondering if that is because men don’t normally discuss their dating issues with their friends and tend not to rely so much on the support of other males in a situation such as this where they might feel nervous.

The people who participated were all normal looking people with normal and fun personalities but just had very little time outside of work to meet people they want to date. Many of the women I spoke to said they do enjoy going out to clubs with friends but the sort of men they meet there aren’t the type of men they would be interested in dating. One of the men told me that he wasn’t necessarily looking for a wife but he enjoys speed dating because it’s a different way to get out and socialize with people his own age and stage of life and it’s better than sitting at home alone. There were also quite a few people who where at their very first speed dating event but came with an open mind and were curious as to how it worked. I found that alot of the people weren’t desperately seeking a partner, but more of a way to socialize and make some friends.

It was even quite enjoyable for me because I was able to get out of the house and talk to interesting and fun people who I normally would not have met. I had a few free drinks, some good laughs and got paid for it! I think that’s a pretty good deal.

Oh the things you can find on YouTube!! Here’s a lovely little video I found while searching for WoW videos … enjoy

I have always been an avid reader and I’m a fan of many literary genres but lately I have been finding it hard to divide my time so that I can accomplish what I would like to. I certainly have no trouble finding time to get my daily fix of Perez or even reading my monthly issue (when I can afford it) of Cosmopolitan but I’m finding that I’m not reading as many books as I would like to lately. Maybe it’s my busy gaming schedule that’s keeping me from it! That’s pretty likely actually haha!

I’ve started reading 2 books this past month and haven’t finished either of them. Not because I haven’t been enjoying them, I really like them so far, but I get distracted very easily. I’m also finding that it is becoming increasingly easier to find good reading online. I really enjoy reading the blogs here and there are soooo many interesting and entertaining people out there. I’m now wondering if there are any good online book sites available so that I can combine my love for computers with my love for literature. There must be something out there. *Makes a note to google it after finishing post.* If I find anything noteworthy I’ll certainly post the link. Also, if anyone knows of any good sites please let me know. I’m not looking for well known titles necessarily … just some good reading while I’m staring at a loading screen. Poking around blogs is proving to be quite satisfying now … I’m just curious as to what else is available to prevent my brain from turning to mush.

If you are bored or are looking for something fun to fill your time I encourage you make a Neopets account. Click here so I get the credit for referring you haha! I started playing way back in 2001 and yesterday I stumbled across some old links I had bookmarked and became addicted once more. Although it was a site created with children in mind it has evolved in a way that welcomes and fascilitates the older and wiser players. It is by far the best virtual pet game that I have ever played and believe me I have tried out all others available and this one seems to surpass all others. Since it is the original virtual pet game out there all others are essentially copies. There are over 70 million users in this online community and you are sure to find people with similar interests to your own. There are over 160 flash games to play (sooooo addictive and fun), tons of species to choose from to make your pets (of which you can have 4), items which you can use to feed or play with your pet, sell in your own shop, auction, and trade. And for the more sophisticated user, Neopets even has their own economy driven stock market.

A while back I used to run a Neopets help site which I have since shut down because I stopped playing for a while but now that I’ve rediscovered it I might bring the site back. I also used to help run a guild for members 18 years and older. Would be fun to get back into that as well. When am I going to have time for WoW? I might be getting a little ahead of myself in jumping right back into it again but I can tell you that it will give you hours and hours of fun!

And did I mention that it’s free?

Yay my very first Monday Melee post! And here we go …

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

Nosey people drive me insane. Not the people who ask “So how have things been?” and actually care and want to know, but the people who ask my parents where I am, what I’m doing, when I’m coming home, etc. I talk to my Mom, Dad and sister Kate pretty much everyday which is pretty damn good considering we are on different continents. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times they tell me “So-and-so asked about you today” and it’ll be some obscure person who I haven’t spoken to or seen in 5 years or someone they know who I’ve never met in my life. I assume they’re just trying to make conversation but I’m sure they don’t actually give 2 shits about where I am or what I’m doing so why bother asking?

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

Get rich quick schemes. How many times have you gotten an email or seen a post on a forum claiming that the writer made millions of dollars by simply following X number of steps and it was quick and easy? So you think to yourself “Hmm that sounds pretty nice, I think I’ll continue reading”. You read about how this guy was able to quit his job, get a fancy car and go to an inclusive resort in Mexico for a month because he made so much money with so little effort. Then if that wasn’t enough to convince you, there are little blurbs by other people praising this wonderful system. Now you’re thinking “Wow if it’s that easy SIGN ME UP!” Then you scroll to the bottom and your dreams of a pink Cadillac Escalade are crushed when you read “Special offer for today only for $99.99!” I’m not going to make any money if I sign up for this … I’m losing $99.99 I could be spending on shoes …

Here’s a little comic which reflects my sentiments.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

I finally found one job (as a host for speed dating events at cool bars in Manchester) but it’s only a few times a month so I still have to find another job. I feel like I’ve been looking for ages and I haven’t gotten anything.

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

I have to give credit to my Dad for always letting me know he’s proud of me for what I’m doing even though I know he misses me alot and is very concerned about my current financial situation. He’s always been very involved in my life while working very hard to put food on the table. He coached my softball teams and my hockey teams even though he worked shift work and sometimes had to come to morning practices right from work without having been to sleep yet. I used to fight with him alot but I know now it’s because we are so much alike (Mom was right … we’re both Taurus the bull shitters)! I also have to give him credit for having to deal with my Mom haha! I <3 my Daddy!

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

I’d say I’m pretty reliable. If someone asks something of me and I tell them I’ll do it I will certainly go to great lengths to see that it’s done. If I know that it may not be possible for me to do it, I won’t commit myself to it.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

I wish that England and Canada were closer together!!