Getting up to speed.

Hey people. It looks like I haven't mulled over my life written for a while, which isn't the case. I have been writing, but I've been writing and deleting because I feel like all I do is complain or whine about the littlest things instead of just... writing... about my life.

Anyhow, since the last post was from November, I thought I'd write about what's gone on since then. There isn't a lot, despite there being two months to cover, but you know me; I don't do much.

(warning: photo-heavy content behind the link)

Stuck

Once again, I've arrived at the point of not knowing what on earth to do with this blog. 

All really good blogs have some sort of theme to it, and of course, this theme is something of interest to the blogger herself. The problem with me is that a) I am moderately interested in everything, b) I am not intensely interested in anything, and c) for the things I am moderately interested in, I feel I am not quite qualified to say anything about them.  

This was initially intended to be a journal. A... public diary of my life. A place to share all my answers to 'what have you been doing?' And sometimes a place where I can just share my opinions. I mean, that's what I did with my old (now non-existent) blog. But those don't seem to be popular unless you vlog and are already pretty famous, because who wants to look into the life of some unknown chick with a relatively lacklustre life? I mean, I know there were two people who used to read my old blog and enjoyed it but these people already knew me. 

Oh well. 

So... What have I been doing?

1. Working. Remember how I said I was going to be more out and about because I would be leaving my house daily to go to work, and how I said I was going to take a picture everyday and write about it? That plan immediately fell apart as I quickly learned that stepping outside your house everyday isn't that fun when you're going the same route and to the same place each time. I mean, sometimes, I do see different things, but most of the time they're unremarkable. Anyhow, work has been fun. My coworkers are all really great people and being with them all the time has really made me feel a bit more comfortable about myself because they think I'm really great too. It's a nice feeling. 

2. I am still volunteering once a week. I don't quite enjoy it sometimes because of reasons. But there are days that have been better than the rest. Last week, a patient who could speak very little English taught me how to count in Italian.

3. Acting classes. Yup. It happened. I've been doing it for two months now and while I have no idea if I'm actually improving or learning anything, the classes are fun and I'm finally getting a chance to do something I've wanted to do for the longest time. Bet you didn't know that.

 4. Squats. My (mostly) daily routine of 20 squats in the morning while brushing my teeth has basically been my only form of exercise for the past few months. I need to do more exercise... I've also been throwing in some wimpy push-ups. They're my go-to exercise for warming up on cold days. 

Alas, that is all I've been up to really. It's usually relatively late by the time I get home from work so I can't do much else in the few hours that are left in the day (also especially because I have to wake up super early to commute to work!). There are more things I want to get to but those will have to wait a bit longer...

But yeah. I'll let y'all know. 

TL;DR I am alive. Stop poking me on Facebook 

#canadastrong

teebe:

• Someone went to the War Memorial and shot a soldier (point-blank, reports CBC). The soldier was a reservist from Hamilton standing guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Bystanders stepped in to help the soldier and CPR was performed. He was taken to hospital alive.
• After the War Memorial shooting, the suspect supposedly got in a car and drove to Parliament Hill, which is right near the War Memorial. He ran into Centre Block. 30-50 shots fired. As he approached the MP Caucus room, he was shot and killed by Sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers. Death was confirmed by police. Early reports suggested police had found the car.
• Police are reporting that there was NO INCIDENT at the nearby Rideau Centre.
• It was confirmed by the hospital that three victims were brought in. Two of them were reported to be in stable condition. One of whom is a parliamentary guard. No comment on the third, who was confirmed to be the soldier from the War Memorial. Conservative MPs then began reporting that the soldier from the War Memorial died in hospital. Police have officially confirmed this. No I.D yet as next of kin is being notified.
• This is still an active situation. Number of suspects has not been confirmed by police.
• All of downtown was on lockdown (cannot go in/out) buses are re-routed. UOttawa is on lockdown and Carleton is telling everyone to skip class. Yes, the hockey game is postponed (Leafs were apparently staying not far from where the shootings happened.) All military bases, police stations, federal buildings, etc. are closed. Cell networks were clogged for awhile but they seem to be clear now.
• Soldiers that are off-duty are being told NOT to wear their uniforms.
• Security has been heightened across the country.
• CBC reporting that the terror threat had been raised last week.
• The U.S. President was briefed on the situation. The President and PM have spoken over the phone. According to White House, they discussed the shootings in Ottawa and what happened in Quebec.
• U.S. has also stepped up their security measures.
• Also, DO NOT post on any social media about where police are stationed.
• If you are in downtown Ottawa— do not go outside and stay away from the windows. Listen to the instructions of your building manager. Police are asking that everyone else stay away from downtown.
• There are NO reports of who the suspects are or why this is happening. Any person or news agency claiming this is linked to ISIS, or any other group, is currently reporting false information. There is speculation this is linked to what happened in Quebec but it’s only speculation.
• RCMP held a news conference at 2:15pm. Says police presence will continue for as long as necessary and are asking for witnesses to come forward (see contact info below)
• PM will make a speech sometime tonight.
• The Rideau Centre has re-opened and people were allowed to leave. Police have begun easing barriers around the War Memorial, but are still sweeping the downtown area. Police still consider this ongoing.

Those in Ottawa, if you need to speak with someone:

• Ottawa Crisis Line 613.722.6914 | http://www.crisisline.ca/
• Distress Centre Ottawa 613.238.3311| http://www.dcottawa.on.ca/

From the Ottawa Police:
The Ottawa Police Service wants to speak to witnesses of today’s shooting incidents.  Witnesses are to call Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222, ext 5493.
Those with tips regarding the shooting incidents, or those looking to report suspicious activity, can call 613-236-1222 or call 9-1-1.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477(TIPS), toll free at 1-800-222-8477 or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.
—
If you have photo or video from what happened today, RCMP are asking you upload it HERE to help with their investigation.
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*This post will continue to be updated
Updated Oct 22 2:30 pm
Updated Oct 22 3:08pm
Updated Oct 22 3:14 pm
Updated Oct 22 3:20 pm
Updated Oct 22 3:29 pm

(stolen from tumblr)

Scary day here in the Great White North. 

Every time I hear about a terrorist attack, I always think to myself that it'd never happen here. Every day, it feels like things like that won't ever happen here. Maybe because in my head, it feels like all of us are friendly people up here, like we're all friends with each other up here, like no one would ever have a problem with anyone or anything here. Because Canada's a great country.

But I know it's naive to think this way, and the realities of this country and this world are glaring, and that things like this have happened before and will probably keep happening because nothing can ever be truly all right.

Please, please, please, if you're in Ottawa, follow instructions from authorities and stay hella safe. And if you're a witness, please, please, please chip in and call the police so we can get to the bottom of this and get some answers for the families affected.