Thanks, Cin… I just had to post this today for you all to get a crack out of (even if you don’t live in the GVRD).

Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Greater Vancouver market:

“West End Barbie”
This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or subtracting the multiple snap-on body parts. No need for vehicle – street walks everywhere.

This weekend is going to be another busy one! I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow night — I’m having “An intimate Rock Band party” at my place (I’ve elected to only invite a few people to this one so that everyone can be a part of the Rock Band and Guitar Hero action! I’ve actually been practicing a bit with Jeremy for a couple of evenings, but man, I can’t seem to get past Medium on Rock Band. I’m just not that coordinated. And to think I played several instruments when I was younger, too? I guess the Bag Pipes don’t really give me an edge up, huh?

Tonight, I’m hoping to catch up with Lisa, whom I haven’t seen in a donkey’s age… And Sunday, I think I’ll head over to Granville Island on the water taxi and have a relaxing afternoon there, if the weather holds.

What are you up to, this weekend?

As usual, I was up way too early again this morning… So I decided to surf online for a bit, and hit paydirt with a really great article!

Some of you may know most of these tips, but I can honestly say, I didn’t.

The article gives some really great ways to make the most of your SMS features on your cellphone — Check it out!

Do you use SMS on your phone to retrieve information on-the-go?

What the… F* is wrong with all the social networking platforms tonight?

I’d hoped that when I got home from my busy early evening, that I’d be able to log into Facebook, or even Twitter (ya, sorry kids, I haven’t been there much) and catch up with the gang.

But, hell. I can’t get into any of the systems.

Is it just me? Am I going mad? …It’s been known to happen.

UPDATE: Okay, Twitter is back up. And, because of the power of Twitter friends, I’m now off to meet the gang for a drink!

UPDATE: 2 (12:35pm) Okay, so I decide to make my way home from the pub we we’d all had a few fun drinks at.

Except. The F’n Vancouver City Cops decided I’d crossed their crime line somehow on my way home. So, the cops just HAD to detain me. Good GOD. Put up a proper police line, and I would have WALKED 3 blocks around the “crime scene” with the “dead body”. Seriously. Get a grip. Assholes. They made me bloody well wait another 45 minutes, and then, said I’d need to go to the station because apparently I crossed their invisible F’N line, just trying to go home.

The Vancouver City F’N Police can kiss my (entire) ass. I have all sorts of respect for every other (okay, maybe not New Westminster) police force, but the VPD so….. SO SO crossed the line tonight. Making me wait an hour, until I disputed the whole issue, at which time they simply asked for my mother’s maiden name and then let me go… UH. WTF.

Don’t even get me started with mine and my friends previous issues with the VPD. God forbid you won’t put up with their crap. (My impatience with them, after over 45 minutes almost got me arrested.) I guess my saying “Uh, I don’t give a crap, I didn’t MURDER the BODY that you’re currently investigating - I’m leaving.” finally made them realize how stupid the whole situation was. [shaking my head] Stop harassing innocent people… VPD, you morons.

A few weeks ago, I received a BodyGuardz protection film kit to install on my iPhone, and review. I was really looking forward to protecting my $550 investment, and I’d heard good things about their film on iPodLounge.

To quote the BodyGuardz website:

Looking for a product to protect your device from scratches, but not hide the beauty of it? Look no further, introducing BodyGuardz scratch-proof transparent skins. Each skin is designed to custom fit each particular device for full body and screen protection. BodyGuardz protectors are made from the same material that is used to protect the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements. Tough and durable, you can be assured that your device is protected by BodyGuardz.

BodyGuardz protective film is the toughest film on the market today and requires no special care or maintenance. Each pack includes two complete BodyGuardz - that’s right, two, providing you a spare just when you need it.

There are a few cool things about BodyGuardz — First, they give you two protection films, just in case, and secondly, they’ve got screen and device protectors for practically any device that needs it… One stop shopping!

There’s a few important things to keep in mind, when you are installing the film to your device:

– Make sure your device is clean and residue free
– Use plenty of the solution that the BodyGuardz protection comes with — It’ll dry, and any bubbles that were left over from the installation process will clear away
– Don’t rush your installation. Take the time to work out the bubbles and alignment, you won’t regret it

Rather than try to take my own installation video, I’ll use the ones I found very helpful on the BodyGuardz website:

And, the hair dryer method for the iPhone corners:

So, what do I think?

I really liked how easy it was to install the protection film from BodyGuardz. Their videos were helpful, and BodyGuardz was quick to help with a question I had about the installation solution. I’ve actually (gasp!) thrown my iPhone into my purse with keys and other sharp objects, and I’m amazed that there isn’t a single scratch on the unit or the film surface. I’d highly recommend this product to anyone who wants to keep their electronic devices looking great!

Stay tuned! BodyGuardz has said that they’ll be giving me another kit to give away to one of my lucky blog visitors shortly!

Your turn: Have you used any protective films that are on the market these days for your treasured electronics?

UPDATE 1 - Monica says - Mo Monay!

So, thanks to Monica, the contest is now at $500.00!

ORIGINAL POST

Hello All! Some of you might remember who I am. I used to continuously deface Tanya’s blog with obnoxious comments and slanderous statements. After a long hiatus, I’m back.

I’m back with a vengeance actually. Tanya inspired me with her recent and fabulous Wii give away which she insisted I should write a story for. I didn’t. But then, she contested a bunch of other things which she insisted I should enter for. I continued to not enter. Tanya wasn’t pleased. However, I did watch… and I did learn… and then I forgot everything, and had to watch and learn again all over.

And with all that, a month back I thought: “Hmmmm… How could I use found money to have a bit of fun and build something collectively with?” First Tanya made a few suggestions… and I madly scribbled down notes. Some JavaScript was learned, a PayPal account was reactivated, graphics splashed about, and then just to make sure I was close, I attended Monica’s “Crowd Sourcing” speech at a recent “Third Tuesday” and tweaked it all a bit.

And… now it’s ready.

Not only is it ready… it’s very much alive. This bit of fun is to kick off our new teleflow.org website which is promoting open source telecommunications and social voice applications. There will be for contests for everyone, and each contest will complete a piece of the puzzle for a web and telecommunications social environment that has been in the works. There are currently two active competitions. The first one is for $200 USD, and is for anyone who has used facebook and a telephone. The second one is counting up and will get as high as $500 before it is won.

Now, because you are a fan of NetChick, I’m going to give you a hint of how to win this contest; “Isn’t it fun to tell a story? Anonymously or otherwise? Sometimes things happen, that you just have to let the world know about it. Perhaps you have a secret or not a secret that you just have to share, or you have an idea for people who are searching for each other. ” This isn’t leading the witness, it’s just enough to get you started. Finally, even if you have no ideas, and hate contests, and are bitter that the world doesn’t understand you at all…. but, you have friends anyway… you should build a team. If your team member wins… well, my friend… you get a 50% bonus on the prize for contest, or any other one in the future.

It’s all explained by clicking on this little graphic just below.

In case you haven’t figured it out already, this is Vern.

I’ve had something (or, even more than one something) going on every evening this week. I’m not complaining — I love having stuff to do, but it’s kept me away from this blog. That’s no good!

I tried to find a moment to come up with something extra stupid for Friday Silliness this week, but alas, nothing was hitting me as terribly humorous. So, kids… I ask, did you see something funny this week online? Comment about it, and share the laughs

What have you got planned for this weekend? Me? Tonight I’m off to a potluck dinner with Laura, Ken, Cin, Paul, Monica, and Chris… Should be a blast. I hear there will be Cranium after. I suck at Cranium, but I always enjoy playing it with friends nonetheless. That reminds me, does anyone know where I can buy new putty for my Cranium?

Saturday night, I’m off to a gala event (uh, tux/suit for men, gowns for women) in Coal Harbour… Man. I still haven’t a clue what I’m going to wear. I have a real issue with my arms, these days. (You won’t get “it” unless you feel my pain, trust me) so I’m really not feeling like I want to go halter/sleeveless with one of my gowns in the closet. I do have a designer dress I bought on a moments notice in New York last June… I wonder if it fits. It’s got sleeves, at least. LOL. God, what us girls go through. It’s stupid, and I’m probably being ridiculous. But hey, body image is a hard thing to truly accept as “all good” when you know it isn’t, really, “all good”.

But, the party should be fun!

And, I have no idea yet what I’m doing on Sunday. Hmmm…

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

Hey guys! It’s that time of the week, again… Time to socialize on the fly! (And, I’ll have one of those shots in the photo, please!)

Here’s how it works: I’ll start with a question, and the first person answers my question, and then asks a different question for the next person in the same comment.

I’ll start!

Do you think you are an outgoing person?

ps: Facebook viewers, click on “view original entry” at the top of this post to participate!

TGIF, everyone!

Phew… That was a busy week for me. And, the next couple coming up look to be just as busy.

I headed out to the BCAMA speaker series evening with Monica last night… And, I really enjoyed the speaker’s topic (thanks for inviting me to join you, Mon!). I think I should get a membership to this association, and actually can’t believe I haven’t already, since I live, breath, dream social media, marketing, and community engagement.

I’d hoped to get to a few things last night, including catching up with Michael in Chicago, and doing my review on the BodyGuards protective shield for my iPhone, but I got home far later than I had anticipated. I’d hoped to get to Miranda’s quick favour, too. But, alas, I didn’t.

But these days, I’m really trying to not feel so horrible about not getting to things. The old Tanya would have been really stressing about it. The new Tanya isn’t (although I do feel bad). I’ll get to these things when I can.

So, today is Friday! YAY! I’ve got a lot to look forward to, this weekend! Tonight, I’ve got a bunch of awesome chicks coming over for an estrogen-bonding evening, which I hope to keep going on a somewhat monthly basis. I think it’s important to have little things to look forward to… This is going to be one of those things!

Tomorrow, I’m meeting a friend for lunch, and then doing some running around and chores before heading out to the Supper Club at Campoverde — I haven’t been in a while, and I’m looking forward to meeting some new people there! Should be fun!

Sunday afternoon, I plan on doing a serious, long workout (I’ve gotta do something about these arms! Man, time is running out, and I have to be in a gown for a formal party I’m heading to next Saturday… Something tells me that I’m just going to have to suck it up and realize that my arms just aren’t going to be awesome yet — Oh well). Sunday evening, I’m looking forward to catching up with Vern — I haven’t seen that guy in a while. A girlfriend has been taking up his time, (and rightly so) but, I’m glad we’ve got a chance to catch up and possibly head to a movie.

How about you? What are you looking forward to, this weekend?

Why am I wearing my hair up, all the time?

Uh, because my last hair cut sucked? That’s why. It’s so damned short, and because of that, outrageously curly. And, I really hate frizzy, curly hair on me. Like, really.

Oh, and I forgot to mention about my negative experience during the cut… When I visited the salon the last time, the hair stylist (or whatever the PC term for her would be) didn’t say a word to me, other than a quick “yes” or “no” when I tried to start a conversation. It was so bizarre, and so frustrating, that I won’t go back to Aveda after my latest experience a few weeks ago. I’m officially looking for a new stylist.

Onto a different topic!

Here’s what you can look forward to, coming up for entries on this blog:

– Finally, my Brother Laser Color Printer review. I’m dreadfully behind with this one, because I only actually started using it a few weeks ago because of the move. That extensive review is coming shortly!!

– A book review on a great book I just finished reading, and will probably pick up and read again soon to glean more goodness: Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth”.

– I received a protective shield for my iPhone from BodyGuards last week, and I’ll be installing it tonight with Monica’s video assistance. Look forward to a video blog review on that product!

– Another contest! (details to come)

And, a question for you, today: What’s the coolest thing you’ve purchased for yourself, lately?

So, stay tuned, kids! And, happy Tuesday!

Hi guys!

I hope you had a good weekend! I did!

Friday night, I elected to have a quiet evening at home with a friend. We played Guitar Hero III (with two guitars, because I’m an idiot, and didn’t read the instructions on the first guitar and thought it was broken so I bought a second one), and then had a magical walk in the snow. Wow, I haven’t done that in a long time… Crazy that we were able to do it near the end of APRIL. Sheesh. That was a fun night! (and a much-much needed cut-loose on my part)

Saturday, my Step-Mom came out to see my new place with her “Muffin” (her teacup Yorkshire - Man, I think I need a really small dog… She’s flippin’ adorable.) and then the two of us went over to Granville Island on the water taxi and enjoyed the shops. She picked up a crystal for me that has something to do with change. Hmmm… Is she trying to say something? Afterwards, we had a delectable lunch at Tony’s Fish & Chips — It’s simply the best fish and chips in town.

Later that night, I had a date with someone that I’ve been yacking with online — Last minute kind of thing. He’s a nice guy, and we had a lot of fun, but I think we’re going down different paths. I’ve really been trying hard not to say *no* in my head after one date these days, but I’m pretty sure even though this guy was extremely cute, and showed interest, that we’d not be a match. Too many non-similar goals, I guess. And, he took forever and three days to even ask me out. He’s obviously not that excited about dating. (and I really want to find a great guy who hasn’t lost the enthusiasm for finding a special girl) As many of you know… I have a few hard and fast rules of dating: a) the guy needs to ask me out (and at least attempt to pay for the first date) b) he needs to express interest for a future date during the first meeting (okay, he did that right) and c) he needs to at least sort of be congruent with my future goals (he wasn’t, really). Argh. That’s okay. He was nice, and I’m glad I met him. I’ve already sent him the “sorry, I don’t think we’re a match email… I hate having to do that.)

Sunday was nice. I turned off my phone, and had a “Tanya day”. That included a long walk this morning, cleaning my home in the afternoon, and plopping myself in front of the big screen to see if I’d enjoy “Dexter” — a show a lot of people have been raving about. Hmmm. So far, I’ve seen 2 episodes… It’s okay. Maybe it’ll get better?

And tonight, (and the point of the subject of this post) I bought a Canon Powershot TX1 — A HD video camera/7 mp digital camera. It was a great deal on Canada.com’s AuctionMart. Actually, I almost made a very, very huge impulse purchase of a Pontiac Solstice. I’ve been looking at that car forever, but, “who buys a car on an auction site??” and really, the car-sharing situation that I have with Vern is really awesome for both of us. So, I didn’t. It was close, though. What a sweet car. But, anyhow… The point. I’m really hoping to get some video posts on here finally. I’ve been holding off, because all the video gear I’ve had has been second rate. Until now. So, with a new site design, will also come video posting. So, look forward to that!!

So, I’m dying to know… What did you do this weekend? Did you go and walk out in the snow?

Here comes another work week! Hope your Monday is great…

Granted, I do need to make some changes in my life, *again*. But, I got myself into such a tizzy the other night — I called up anyone who would listen to me grumble. And then, I looked at the calendar today.

For F* sake. Why do I do this? Every three months, when my Depo Provera shot runs out, suddenly my life is hell and everything must change.

Except at the time, I don’t recognize the timing of it all. Life just seems like complete shite.

Man, hormones are really, really nasty. I know I should stop using Depo — it’s not like I have a boyfriend, so seriously, why have I been injecting high levels of Progesterone hormone for the past year and a half into myself? Well, there’s two answers for that, really. First off… Going on and off Depo is a real nightmare as any girl who’s gone through it will tell you, and also, I love not having a cycle (over 7 years now). Well, a cycle that happens every month, with all the pain and yuckyness that comes along with it.

Sorry guys. I just realized that I should have put a disclaimer at the top of this post.

Anyhow. I just wanted to thank my friends, once again. You’ve all been my rock.

I really do need to get back into a relationship soon, and take the heat off of you guys.

So anyhow… What are you looking forward to, this weekend? Me? Hmmm. I might go to Granville Island tonight to have drinks with a group of people I don’t know at all (well, I’ve met the one guy who organizes it in passing on the street with Monica) — Sink or swim, baby, sink or swim… Tomorrow morning, my step-Mom is coming out to see the new place, and our plan is to take the water taxi over to Granville Island for a few hours. (See a theme forming here?) And, Sunday, I don’t yet have plans. Hmmm. If you want to catch up with me on Sunday (or Saturday night), drop me a line! I promise that my Depo situation will be over by then!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

First of all… Last night’s Third Tuesday was so much fun! Monica rocked her presentation on Crowdsourcing, and everyone seemed to have a great time. Rebecca live-blogged the event, so check out her entry if you missed it and would like to know more about the subject.

The after-event appies at Steamworks was a blast… It was great to have time to catch up with a lot of people that I haven’t seen much of lately. Thanks to everyone who could make it! It was a great night!

The contest for the Guitar Hero 3 is now closed. I’ll draw a name sometime today when I have time to get to it. Thanks for the interest, and even to the de-lurkers — Great to have you here!

UPDATE: RICHARD… YOU WON! I’ve emailed you… Please send me your mailing address, and I’ll get the Guitar Hero III out to you ASAP! CONGRATULATIONS!! (Draw witnessed by Shawn, at the office — who actually made me show him all the entries… LOL! Good on him!)

And now on to the SOCIALIZING GAME!!

Hey guys! It’s that time of the week, again… Time to socialize on the fly! (And, I’ll have one of those shots in the photo, please!)

Here’s how it works: I’ll start with a question, and the first person answers my question, and then asks a different question for the next person in the same comment.

I’ll start!

Do you often comment on blogs, or only de-lurk when there’s something really important to say?

ps: Facebook viewers, click on “view original entry” at the top of this post to participate!

Tonight is Third Tuesday Vancouver! If you haven’t RSVP’d yet… Head on over to http://www.thirdtuesdayvancouver.com and let us know you’re coming! Looks to be a great crowd getting involved tonight. Monica is very much looking forward to sharing her “Crowdsourcing” knowledge with us all!

And, if you haven’t yet, today is your last day to participate in the “Win a copy of Guitar Hero 3!” — Don’t miss out! I’m drawing a lucky winner tomorrow morning!

And… A question for you… What was the last contest you won?

Happy Tuesday!!

xoxo…

I had a really great weekend…

Friday night provided for some much-needed “me” time. I’ve almost finished reading “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle (a full post on that coming up later this week) and I am still awed by what I’ve been learning while reading each chapter. It’s not an easy book to fully grasp, as I find myself re-reading sections to get a better understanding of Eckhart’s message, but it’s a great book.

Saturday morning, I woke up with a very serious headache (probably due to the allergies that have been dogging me this Spring) and I slept in later than I normally would to get rid of it. I finally got up at 11am, and started my running-around that I needed to get done, mostly in preparation for the housewarming party that evening. I was actually a little dismayed by the number of last-minute cancellations, but decided it was going to be a good party, anyhow.

And, it was! I had more people show up that hadn’t RSVP’d, so that made up for the 11 or so who canceled that afternoon. Other than one very spilly drinker that made a fairly large amount of stains on my carpet, everyone seemed to have a great time. My last guests left at 4am (my cousin and her husband always seem to close down my parties… LOL… It was great to catch up with them!).

When I woke up the next morning, I was happy that I’d done most of the cleaning the night before — But, I also noticed something that I hadn’t during the night before… Something had gouged and scraped almost all my walls. *sigh* At first it looked like dirt, or pencil, but when I looked closer, there were actually groves in my walls. Yikes. I’m going to have to repaint, after patching up the affected areas. I have no idea what caused that… But it sucks.

Sunday evening, after some more running around, I had a fun date with someone that I was actually set-up with. First. Time. Ever! We laughed over yummy pizza and beer at the Yaletown Brew Pub. Good times. He and I have spoken online, and seen each other on video through MSN, so it was a really easy first meeting. Thanks Lara!

Then, I went home, and cleaned my carpets with the steam cleaner I bought that afternoon. I hope the stains are gone when the carpet has dried today.

How was your weekend?

Today is the day that I’m going in for injectable cosmetic filler. And, although needles don’t normally bother me… I’m a bit anxious about this one.

The reason? I’m getting “Restylane” injected into my cleft lip scar. Granted, since the scar was revised back in 2001, it’s appearance has been greatly minimized (and some friends even say they don’t notice it at all… Although, seriously, how can you not?) but it’s been six years, and the scar has sunken in a little, and it’s noticeable to me. And, I’m quite sure those that have never met me do notice it as well.

But, it’s for me. I’ve lived with this birth defect all my life, and after a total of 18 surgeries (yes, 18), I think I earned the right (without the label of ‘vain’) to pay (*gulp* $600) to have something done to greatly reduce my scar’s visibility.

Eventually, I’ll have fractional laser work done as a more permanent way to minimize the appearance of the scar, but, this procedure over lunch today is about as drastic as I want to go for now. It’s a needle, and it’ll be poked into my scar many times… hopefully restoring and repairing the area where my skin lost some of the fullness I had back after my surgery — and that area is already very sensitive without messing with it with a needle.

Wish me luck!!

UPDATE: No go. The dermatologist discussed the treatment with me, and said that the Restylane wouldn’t be the right option, and that currently, there are no fillers he can do that would be strong enough to stay in place. Uh, okay… Why didn’t these people just say that on the phone when I told them specifically what I was coming in for? And, what do other people who have facial scars do… And, why does the Restylane site say that the product is good for scarring, if it isn’t. *annoyed*

I’m kinda grumpy today. I have my reasons. I wish I could write them here, but it wouldn’t be appropriate.

So, instead, I’m pasting a smile on my face because that’s all I can do.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

How’s your day going?

(ps: Don’t forget to enter to win the contest below! …And the socializing game is still going on!)

Hey guys! It’s that time of the week, again… Time to socialize on the fly! (And, I’ll have one of those shots in the photo, please!)

Here’s how it works: I’ll start with a question, and the first person answers my question, and then asks a different question for the next person in the same comment.

I’ll start!

Did you (err, your blog, if you have one) go naked today?

ps: Facebook viewers, click on “view original entry” at the top of this post to participate!

Don’t forget to enter the contest below!!

…I’m going naked today! See the post here to find out more.

Did you go naked today?

(and don’t forget to enter the contest below!!!)

UPDATE: RICHARD… YOU WON! I’ve emailed you… Please send me your mailing address, and I’ll get the Guitar Hero III out to you ASAP! CONGRATULATIONS!! (Draw witnessed by Shawn, (my boss) at the office — who actually made me show him all the entries… LOL! Good on him!)

I’ve got another contest for everyone! This one isn’t as big as the last one, but it’s still a cool give-away! I’ve got an extra, brand new copy of Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock (XBOX 360) that I’m giving away. It’s worth about $70 with tax (plus I’ll ship it practically anywhere), and I’m giving it away to one of my awesome visitors!

This contest is super easy. To get one entry… Just comment below! If you want five bonus entries, mention the contest on your blog or forum post with (at least) the following linkback: Tanya (aka NetChick) is at it again! She’s giving away “Guitar Hero III” for the X-Box 360! Go to her blog and comment to win! You must have all the words, and that link, to qualify for the extra entries.

This contest will run one week only! I’ll physically be drawing names out of a bowl… And, I’ll have someone to witness it. So, get your entries in by 9am, Wednesday, April 16th (PST).

Good luck!! I hope you win!

It’s the third year of going naked… On April 9th, thousands of bloggers will be doing it! …Going “CSS Naked” that is.

So, tomorrow, when you visit this site, I’ll be going naked, too! What’s the point of this exercise? Simply put, this event is to promote Web Standards. And, of course, by going “naked” we’re all honoring web designers and WordPress Theme builders, who work so hard to make us look pretty. I’d know. I build themes for clients at work on a regular basis. It’s not simple work.

Want to get more info on “going naked”? Here’s two articles that go into detail about tomorrow’s strip-down!

Your turn… Are you going naked on April 9th?