I like lists.

Do you like lists? I do. There's something about their organized nature, clearly laid out and orderly. It soothes my neurotic nature.

I live and die by lists, unable to function without a step-by-step guide for my daily activities. I have lists at work. I have lists at home. On the fridge. On the table. In my purse. Some have been crumpled, indicating I have either completed those tasks or decided against them. Others are color-coded, depending on its purpose and my level of cheerfulness during its creation. Usually numbered in descending order by importance, they always have a title and/or date.

I also really like titles.

My penchant for lists has been a lifelong fondness, and account for the majority of my writing history. You name it, I've probably made a list about it. My recent lists have been focused around accomplishments of sorts; goals for the year, places to visit, tasks to restore some sense of order in my house, ladies to swoon...I kid. I don't have goals.

Today's list is a compilation of places I want to visit before I'm 30. Tick, tock motherfuckers.

Top 10 Places to Visit Before I'm 30
(In no particular order)

1. New Zealand
2. Berlin
3. San Francisco
4. New York
5. Amsterdam
6. Australia/Tasmania
7. Havana
8. French countryside
9. Italy or Spain...or both
10. Chicago

New Zealand is my number one at the moment; I have family in Auckland and I haven't seen them in years. I also enjoy the prospect of free accommodations and a more temperate climate.

So what do you think? Any glaring omissions I should be aware of?

***I just found this image on 9gag. I really like the last one.

In keeping with my long-term goal of slowing taking up every available URL on the Internet, may I present the last of my blogs, a creation borne of my Lifelong Learning Processes course last year. Some of it may not make sense if you aren't familiar with the texts discussed, but I tried to write it so most people would understand the gist of it. Enjoy!

www.ashellsperspectiveonlearning.blogspot.com

Rain, rain, go away...

I take that back. I don't mind the rain on days like this, when I'm sick and whiny and incapable of anything beyond a bath and holding my head up. I had hoped I would conquer exams unscathed, ready to embrace my evenings and maybe even contemplate grocery shopping and laundry. Instead I have been saddled with a nasty little head cold or something of that nature.

While I had grand plans for this weekend (mainly reclaiming my apartment and finding my bedroom floor again), it seems the universe has other ideas. Shall I resign myself to my fate, or fight against it, knowing I'll only end up making things worse?

...yeeeah.

So I told a dear friend that I would house-sit/have a staycation at her place this week while she and her hubby are soaking up the sun and rum in Cuba. I figured after two weeks of cycling between work and bed I should have a change of scenery on all fronts. Unfortunately for me, rogue germs found me yesterday and have been making my head feel like a balloon ever since. Not a big deal, since my plan was to lay low all weekend with her pup and catch up on all the things I've neglected recently; reading, writing, proper nutrition...

So I spent most of the day in bed, trying to summon the energy to bathe, pack, and walk over to her place. Around 3pm I felt alive enough to draw a bath (I briefly considered a shower, but quickly realized I probably couldn't stand for that long). Packed my things (which only really consist of jammies, my computer, and a book) and hit the road - have I mentioned that I hadn't looked outside at all before leaving? Bad idea. For anyone currently in Halifax, you know that it's not the best day for a stroll through the neighborhood. It's cold, it's rainy, it's windy...but in my sick mind, I thought sure! Maybe I'll feel better in the fresh air. And I did...for about 30 seconds. By the time I reached her place, I was drenched and utterly exhausted. What is usually a pleasant 20 minute walk through the North End ended up being a 40 minute slog of death. I'm still trying to dry off and clear my head.

So now I shall wait for my snuggle buddy for the weekend, chug some NyQuil, and finish off Season 2 of Girls (have you watched it? Pretty entertaining; I find myself laughing out loud, crying, and hating someone every episode). Rumor has it the sun is supposed to make an appearance this weekend, so let's hope my immune system figures its shit out pronto.

All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey...

That might be a bit of a lie - while the leaves on the ground are brown, the sky is in fact a radiant blue, with wisps of fluffy white clouds streaking into the distance. Guess I just have the Mamas and the Papas stuck in my head. I suppose a more appropriate song choice would have been Monday, Monday - can't trust that day...

It seems the only time I feel compelled to add to this little corner of the Internet is when I'm in the throes of exams...Perhaps it's due to the hours of available time. And the need to stay minimally alert/awake. ...have I mentioned lately that I love my job?

WELL. Do I have news for you. So my contract expires for my current position at the end of the month. I assumed that we would get funding for the position again; originally it was expected that it would be renewed on a three-year term and everything would be wonderful and happy. Alas, this never seems to be the case when the government is involved. Now it has been renewed for 11 months with no light at the end of the tunnel - meaning we have no idea what to expect next year. Am I happy? Not really. Can I complain? Not really. Compared to the majority of people my age, I'm doing pretty goddamned good overall - sweet full-time job, awesome apartment, fantastic coworkers and friends...but I'm a security freak. I NEED to know where I'll be in a year's time, if I'll have enough money to cover my rent. Worst case scenario: I'll have to pimp out Norma Jean (oh yeah, I forgot: Tits McGee is now known as Norma Jean "Tits" McGee - I felt her original handle was off-putting to others, and really, the girl needed some friends).

I'm thoroughly enthused about the upcoming summer season - it's really the only time of the year that I don't want to crawl in a cave and eat until I can't move. I've been contemplating potential activities for the summer and this is my list thus far:

1) Explore more beaches around the HRM
2) Snorkel
3) Go on an all-day hike, complete with a picnic and stellar views...and maybe a little romance ;)
4) Do something mildly crazy - I've already gone skydiving, so perhaps TreeGo or rafting?
5) Summer-ize my apartment - break out the deck chairs, clean out the clutter, re-stock the bar
6) BBQ at least once a week (yes, you're invited!)
7) Get more patio time in downtown
8) Take in every Pride event possible
9) Attend at least one outdoor concert/festival, complete with my fanny pack, drinking hat, and awesome people
10) Wear shoes as infrequently as possible
11) Go camping - I have a tent that hasn't left its packaging yet
12) Get over my fear of cycling and use my bike for once

What do you think? Attainable? Too boring? I'm always open to suggestions - just know that if you suggest it, there's a very good chance you'll be recruited to join me :)

And now, for my favorite part of the day, in the words of House of Pain: pack it up, pack it in, let me begin...

People of the Internet: in the event you're interested, I have created yet another blog (my new life goal is to take up every URL I can). This one is comprised of a random smattering of writing; some prose, some short stories, mostly unfinished and extremely rough. If you're bored, check it out! If you're not bored, check it out anyway! It's been a while since I've written anything and I'm hoping to get back into it during the warmer months. Any feedback is appreciated (but don't be mean - I'm sensitive, y'know...).

http://shellontheshore.wordpress.com/