(DA) New Year's

New Year's Eve is upon us and I realize I haven't made any resolutions yet.

I didn't really make any last year, except the regular "eat better", "be more active", "write more" blah blah

Off the top of my head, I'd like to;

-play squash at least once a week
-finish my book by the end of February
-beat my times in the Races I ran last year
-read at least 9 books
-finish my second book by the end of 2015
-draw a character rendering once a week

And those are just a few things I thought of quickly.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Patience is a Virtue

When we bring the dog into a space that isn't our own, the rules don't really change but I'm much more strict with them.

My challenge over the Holidays was to re-train boundaries in my grandparents' and Jason's families homes. Washburn is not allowed upstairs (especially at my grandparents'- there are cats up there that he really wants to visit) and he isn't allowed in the basement without supervision.

The first hour and a bit of each visit consisted of me following the dog around and reminding with a gentle "no" when he was about to cross a boundary.

It's a repetitive and tiring chore, but it's worth it in the end. Eventually he learned and I was grateful that I took my time with him.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Pet Pet-Peeves

Or, rather, Pet-Owner Pet-Peeves.

-I cannot stand when people do not pick up after their dog. There is no excuse. If you didn't bring enough bags on your walk, then that's on you. Go back home and get more, go back and pick it up. Rest stops on the highway are not "leave it there 'cause I'll never have to see it again" places. HUNDREDS of pet owners use that same rest stop every day. Be courteous and pick up after your dog. Same thing goes for 'winter time'. Just because it's snowing doesn't mean you can leave your dog's poop on the ground. *rage* It's such a little thing to do. And if you don;t want to pick up after a dog, then don't get a dog.

-Pet-Owners who leave their dogs in the car while they do errands. ESPECIALLY over the summer. UNACCEPTABLE.

-Pet-Owners who use dog breeds as excuses for their dogs' bad behaviour. "Oh, Beagles are hoovers. They love food and love to beg." "Oh, He's a Husky, Husky's are pulling dogs." "He's a little dog, he's just showing who's boss, so he barks." NO. Put in the effort, train your dog.

-Pet-Owners who have no intention to breed their dog and don't spay and neuter their pets.

-Pet-Owners who have so little respect for other Pet Owners and their Pets to bring and UN-ALTERED dog (male or female) to a Dog Park.

(apparently I'm in a 'ranting' mood today)

If you are going to take on the responsibility of owning a pet, take it ALL on. Be conscientious. Be smart. Be responsible.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Big Hero 6 Review

It;s been a while since I posted a review of a movie.

Here ya go!

>>>VISIT ALTSCRN<<<

-Brandolyn

(DA) Too much of a good thing?

At this time of year, I could easily be talking about over indulging in alcohol, sweets or heavily caloric meals, but although I have been indulging in my share of sweets and delicious food, the good thing I'm referring to is actually writing.

Last night I woke up at 11:30 with inspiration to write. I was at my computer for 3 hours, before falling asleep and then going to work. Then, I got home and have been writing since noon.

Being creative, and writing is brilliant, but my hands are starting to cramp and my fingers are stiff. Probably a sign of spending too much time at my computer writing for one day.

But just like with delicious Holiday treats, I just can't stop!

-Brandolyn

(DA) Christmas(es)

I see that many people have been posting to social media about all the items they've received over the Holidays and how Happy they are, and although I'm thrilled with my gifts (I have a long list of reading to get through!) I cannot help but remember the excitement I've felt seeing family and friends!

I've seen cousins that are visiting from across the country, and from the States. I've been able to play Billiards with my Grandfather; where we beat my parents, gone bowling with aunts/uncles/cousins/parents/grandparents, gone to the movies with cousins and aunts and uncle, I've been part of preparing many meals (I love Holiday kitchen chatter), friends from out of town visited with their baby, local friends dropped by for quick hugs, I played my first video game in YEARS (NHL15 and beat my Dad~!), I've played games with cousins, Sports with family, and been so social that my 10:00pm I'm completely exhausted! And been able to share in all the joy of the season with my lovely man. And we have more family stuff to look forward to in the next few days.

Forget the tree, the turkey and the presents, the PEOPLE are what Christmas is all about.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Christmas Traditions

It's challenging as a young couple to establish our own Holiday Traditions, especially when each of our families have their own we're still participating in. I'm sure we'll come up with some good ones of our own eventually, but there's one I'm really happy about.

I love going to Christmas Mass. I love listening to the choir, and singing along- even though I'm completely tone deaf.

I know it's bad, but I sometimes find my mind drifting away from the Priest on Sundays, but Christmas Mass is completely different. I love listening to the sermon. It's always so beautiful, heart warming and moving; all about family, charity and faith. This year I cried several times during the Mass. Eventually my father in law passed me some tissues. Which of course made me cry harder.

It's always so moving and lovely. I'm so glad it's part of our Christmas traditions.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Christmas Eve

It's the night before Christmas and the fire is crackling in the fire place. The dog is passed out in the hall. We've had a lovely dinner, played some games, and now are sitting down the sleepily watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Tomorrow we wake up for breakfast, gifts and silly family portraits. Then head to church, before going to see my family for more games, presents and family time. SO MUCH FAMILY TIME! I can't wait!

-Brandolyn

(DA) Early Christmas

I just found out I am getting the BEST early Christmas present for one of my girlfriends. 

She (and her husband) are in town visiting family, and they're going to drop by for a visit with their young son; whom I have never met. I am so excited to see my friends and meet their baby that I can't even think about going to sleep!

At a certain point every year I think that Christmas has lost its 'magic'. It;s still fun, but it's mostly stress and work, and then some surprise like this, or cousins from another province come to town, and the magic is overwhelming again.

It really is a beautiful time of year.

-Brandolyn

(DA) No snow

Last year my cousins, sister, husband and I (and the dog) had an incredible time tobogganing in the snow; which of course we've all been looking forward to recreating this year. And of course, mother nature has decided to make the snow elude us.

Unfortunate. But that didn't make the weekend any less enjoyable. Warmer for sure! but no less fun. We found other ways to enjoy our time together. We didn't work off any calories hiking up a hill, but we worked a few off in fits of laughter.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Pool

I have an odd affinity for things I'm not very skilled at.

For example: I love singing. Maybe not in front of people because I'm so horrible at it, but I LOVE to sing in the shower or in the car.

I also love playing pool. And I'm complete rubbish at it.

But I got paired with my grandfather today who is a Billiards wizard and he showed me the ropes! I lost more points than anyone had earned (combined) until he took me under his wing and started showing me all kinds of new tricks! I had a wonderful time! It's great to play a game you love, but even better to learn ways to improve.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Visiting

Jason and I are blessed to have 7 living Grandparents; all the Grandparents we've grown up with. Which means, that on top of visiting our parents for Christmas, we also have many Grandparents to visit. So we've starting the Holiday early!

Today we're at my Grandparents' lovely waterfront property. It's a stunning home where I spent much of my childhood and adolescence. I love this home. It's always beautiful, warm and full of laughter. This is a home full of love. This home is where people gather, where times are shared, memories are made and friendships are forged.

What a perfect place to be for the Holidays.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Writting

It's tough to pull myself away from writing Fiction and fall into writing for the blog. I wish I had started the year publishing pieces from my book because I write Fiction every day, I just can't publish it because it would ruin the continuity of the story (for anyone interested in reading it once it's complete.)

Jumping from Fiction to the blog is very difficult. Once my head is wrapped up in the world I created, it's hard to write about the real world; I'm constantly distracted by ideas for my story.

I guess the good news is that I've been doing a lot of writing and come up with a new 'scene' that develops one of the relationships in the story that has always been a bit superficial- therefore I've always had a problem with it.

-Brandolyn

(DA) The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

I like to dress up. I've always enjoyed playing characters.

I've dressed up with my sister for the Harry Potter movies, Twilight, Doctor Who, Frozen and now The Hobbit.

The excitement for me tonight however, was watching everyone else's excitement at the novelty of dressing up and going to the movies. My sisters and I are used to it, and were very excited, but it was a very special experience for the boys.

After the third person came up to us asking if they could take their picture with us, my brother in law said "This is the best night ever! Literally the best day of my life!" It was incredible to see all these grown people reverting to their inner child with the excitement of the night. It was an absolute pleasure to be apart of.

The costumes looked great. We had wonderful company and the movie was worth the wait.

Here's a peek at our night yesterday.

Our company of Warrior Elves from the forests of Aurora. (Can you tell who the actors are?)

Bad lighting, but this one has our small Hobbit

Yours truly, dressed to impress [the nerds]. The ears were a present from my uncle, and I wear the mas much as is socially acceptable!

-Brandolyn

(DA) Going to the movies!

Tonight The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies premieres!

The costumes are almost ready. Just finishing up some details on the bows and crafting boot covers for the boys; I don't know why they don't have brown leather boots in their closets.

Everything else is ready. My brother in law is already running up and down the stairs in his cape practicing how to be 'graceful'. He's doing a very good job so far.

As the time for everyone to arrive approaches, I'm getting more and more excited to see this movie.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Getting Ready

It's 11:00pm and I'm in the living room wrapping twine around the handles of bows my father designed for the Elf costumes we'll be wearing tomorrow.

I feel so crafty and creative! I'm barely doing anything and it feels amazing.

I miss creating things. I still draw and write, but I haven't built anything (except a desk from Ikea, which doesn't count) in a long time.

I think I'll be doing much more of this in the near future.

Look forward to pictures!

-Brandolyn

(DA) Getting Better

Last night the final straw that broke the metaphoric camel's back was added, and Jason and I have decided not to deal with any more 'straws' when it comes to out current apartment. Last night was enough trouble that unfortunately it's still affecting us the day after.

I'm pretty good at getting over things; I'm not great, but usually I'm pretty good. Jason, is better. So although I may not be over the 'final straw', I have gotten to a place where I feel I can safely write and create again. Last night I wasn't able to focus on anything else, but tonight I'm writing as usual.

I did some doodling, wrapped a few presents, cooked, cleaned and packed some boxes. And of course, more writing.

It's the Holidays, the last thing I want is to be holding a grudge!

*woooosa*

On another note completely, the restaurant is booming! We had 2 more parties today, and 1 of the parties and 5 other tables came in right at the same time. Myself and my co-worker worked our tails off running food and drinks today. We really deserved a high five at the end of that shift.
It's getting easier and better every day.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Not today

I am not in a place for writing tonight. It was a good day, and a bad day, and I just can't write about it.

*Sigh*

Let's just say, Jason and I are glad we've worked so hard on our communication skills. Some people still have a long way to go.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Holidays and Shifts

As the Christmas Holidays draw nearer the restaurant is getting busier and busier. I'm proud to say that I am getting more and more shifts and longer and longer shifts, which is in reality a blessing and a curse; but mostly a blessing. I didn't realize hoe different working at a restaurant would be from all my previous work, but there is absolutely no down time. So by the end of a shift, I've walked 20,000 steps and dealt with dozens of families (tomorrow is a party of 30 and a party of 11, PLUS whoever else comes into the restaurant for lunch) and I'm beat.

I've learned so much and have so much more to learn. I really, REALLY admire outstanding serving staff now, because I know just how much work goes into that job.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Crafting

My sister-in-law is one of the most creative people I know and lately she's making us (5 friends) costumes to wear to the new Hobbit premiere.

We're all going to be Elves! And my sister will be our Hobbit. The costumes are looking amazing. She finished braiding the wigs today and we built sheaths, for our arrows! She's been making tunics, and breast plates and cloaks and I am so excited to wear all this!

I'm a little disappointed that I haven't been able to help more, but I'm glad for the days I can! Next Wednesday is the premiere and I'll be posting lots of pictures!

-Brandolyn

(DA) For December 10th

Yesterday I spent so much mental effort writing to reach a personal goal that I didn't have anything left to write an evening blog post.

After sleeping, waking refreshed and then exhausting myself again I have decided to post a small piece of writing that I cut from my novel. I changed the sequence of events enough that this excerpt no longer had a place in the story. I really like this part, so I'm happy to have an outlet to share it.


A little note for the reader: Bret and Jane are not friends. They've never gotten along, but they are both very close with a mutual friend. In this, their friend is badly injured and the two bond, briefly, for the first time, over their mutual concern.

*** 

Bret couldn’t manage to formulate any words, but Jane knew what he was asking and she didn’t know what to say: It’s hard to imagine she’s alive, I've never seen so much blood, It doesn’t look good, I don’t know how anyone could survive that many broken bones, all raced to the front of her mind, bringing tears to her eyes and making her lip quiver. 

She might lose her best friend today, and after everything else, that was just too much to bear. She opened her mouth to lie, to tell him, She’s fine, just a couple fractures, but instead her voice came out as a squeak. She covered her mouth with one hand, and turned away to blink away more tears. A firm hand reached out for hers, and closed around the hand she had balled up into a fist on the bed. Bret was leaning forward awkwardly, looking to her for answers. Jane turned back and sat on the edge of the bed. She patted his hand with her other hand, and opened her mouth again.

“She’s alive,” was all she could say at first. But Bret deserved more. “She’s unconscious, but that’s good for her right now. Her body’s badly broken, but the healer’s working on her right now. She’ll fix her up.” Jane’s voice hitched again, but when Bret’s grip relaxed she changed the subject quickly.

***

I'm kind of sad to see this go. Bret and Jane need moments like this, but it just doesn't help the story at the moment. 

-Brandolyn

(DA) My work-self

I had never had the chance to see how very different my "work-self" is to my regular self before today.

I knew that I behave a little differently when I'm serving at the restaurant; my voice changes for one thing, and I start to sound like 'Tour Guide Barbie".

This afternoon my sister and Grandmother surprised me at the restaurant- which was a wonderful surprise!- but because they know me so well, I knew that they would be able to tell if I was putting on a show, which apparently I do. Often. Most of my moments as a server are well rehearsed, and unnatural to my character. It was a surprising thing to realize! I had no idea until I did my "welcome talk" and heard how different my voice and cadence was.

Now I'll have to make a conscious decision to be more myself while working at the restaurant. 

-Brandolyn

(DA) Boosting Confidence

Yesterday on a walk with the dog I admitted to feeling badly about my writing. I had lost confidence in it and hated the writing I had done in the previous hours.

Jason told me that I shouldn't dwell on the negative ,and admitting that I didn't feel confidently about it was only feeding the fire. He pushed me to continue writing when we got home- even if I felt it was mediocre and worse. Just keep writing. He said. Your confidence will come back.

I guess it's kind of like drinking fluid to flush out a cold. Keep writing to flush out the bad work.

Well, today I'm not feeling any more confident and have made very little progress writing, but I've looked back into some of my older work and been very proud of what I did.

This particular excerpt is from a story about crew mates on a ship, and this is how I introduced two of the characters, I really like it.

By human standards Seth is considered an attractive man; he’s tall with brown hair that falls into his eyes when he hasn’t combed it to the side. He has round blue eyes and the mind of a scholar, with a strong, slim build ideal for a hand to hand fighter. Seth is often underestimated because of his build, unlike his partner Blayze; even at a first glance it would be hard to underestimate her.  Slim, fit, recklessly impulsive and intense in every way. Blayze is first to a fight and goes by the idea that you should act first and ask questions later. She stands a few inches taller than Seth, with dark curly hair, narrow green eyes under pointed brows, with a body full of curves that draw the eyes of strangers and intense pale features from the Elven half of her bloodline. 

It still needs work. But I like it all the same. 

-Brandolyn  

(DA) Scatter Brained

One of my faults as a writer is that I don't carry the same journal with me everywhere. I have several journals I'm writing in at any given time, with bits and pieces from various stories side by side on the pages.

It makes for some very messy notes, and makes it very hard to find bits of writing when I'm looking for them.

Today I was working on piecing together a chapter that was split between the pages of 4 different journals! And it was only recently that I'd discovered a particular part of the chapter was hiding in earlier pages of one of the journals.

Sometimes I get fed up with how complicated it is to piece everything together. I love writing initially, but I hate taking the journal writings and converting them to a soft copy on my computer. It's so complicated sometimes.

Here's what my work space looked like today.

Eventually I hope to be organized enough to have 1 journal for each story. The trick will be knowing what story I'll be inspired to write that day!

-Brandolyn

(DA) Christmas approaches!

Christmas is the best and most stressful time of year.

It's the time of year when I get to see all my loved ones. We share wonderful meals, play games, exchange gifts and enjoy the time off together. For me, I get to see a lot of family from out of town that Jason and I don't get to see very often.

The tough part is splitting the holidays between all of our lovely families. We want to see everyone, and sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day.

I'm sure we'll get better and better as we get more practise, but until then, it's going to be a little stressful. But worth it in the end, of course.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Contrasts

I worked 2 jobs today- which is not really that odd, but the contrast to them was.

At the restaurant, and Open/ Lunch shift usually has about 6 tables to tend at the same time, and split between two staff is super easy and on the boring side of 'working'.

At the Squash club there are usually between 10-30 members at the club at the same time.

Today however, instead of having 6 tables to tend at the same time, we had 20. And at the squash club I had 4 members for an hour, then they left and I was there alone.

Apparently today is opposite day!

Both changes at work had their own challenges, but I'm glad I rose to the occasion and met them!

-Brandolyn

(DA) Blank Page

I've been on such a lovely writing streak lately, and today, right now, everything I've written in the past several months seems like garbage.

Yesterday I was almost giddy while rereading old chapters. Today I can't finish a paragraph without judgement.

I hate these days. The days where nothing is good enough and I'm not creative enough to fix it. These are the days when I stare at a blank page in awe, feeling like the nothingness on a blank page is better than the months of work I've put in to the full pages.
*sigh*
Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Winter Dog Walks

It's hard to motivate yourself to take the dog out for a walk when it's -10, but that's the sacrifice of owning a dog.

Sure the walks are not always as long as in warmer weather, and maybe I bat my eyelashes at Jason to walk the dog instead, but the dog gets out.

Yesterday I stood at the dog park (coffee in hand thanks to my lovely friend Jen!) and we watched our dogs run around, as we froze for 2 hours. But the dogs needed it, and LOVED it. Totally worth it.

I also have a trick I use on super cold days: I take Washburn to Petsmart, or another pet friendly store and do laps of the store and work on obedience training. It's challenging, mentally stimulating and warm!

If you have a pet, even on cold days you have to do your best to meet the needs of your furry friend.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Small World

I had the pleasure of serving two lovely ladies at the restaurant today; a senior mother and her grown daughter.

I greeted them politely, and introduced myself. When I said my name the older woman looked at me and asked, "You're not a (insert last name here), are you?"

I looked at her in shock. She looked somewhat familiar, but not familiar enough that I thought I knew her. "I am!" I said. And then she started to tear up.

"You are the spitting image of your grandmother!" And then I wrapped her in a big hug and we got properly introduced.

Apparently, she and my paternal grandmother had grown up on the same street not too far away from the restaurant.

It was a lot of chit chat. Apparently my grandmother and I share a lot of mannerism!

I feel so blessed to work jobs that help me meet such nice and amazing people.

-Brandolyn

(DA) December 1st!

I bought Jason and I Lego Advent Calendars! It was a surprise for Jason and I was so excited to give it to him (his is Lego StarWars) that I woke up at 6am to get him to unwrap it!

I've been waiting weeks to see this! I had mentioned it a while ago and then never told him whether or not I had bought him one.

So now every morning we'll open one of the little door on the calendar and get to put together a tiny figure!

Silly and very exciting.

DECEMBER'S HERE!

-Brandolyn