Book 12.1 is here!

Despite its Oct. 27, 2009 release date, I didn't hear a whisper about the first of three finales for Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series until Tuesday.

How. Embarrassing.

The Gathering Storm was partly written when Robert Jordan passed away, and some fan or something has now written a trilogy from Jordan's voluminous ramblings to complete the series.

I need them to end and they never end. And then he goes and dies and I nearly have a panic attack.

And now, book one of three is here. Obviously I'm hesitant to believe this series can actually end. I mean, I've been reading these books since I was 16. That's…a lot of years. Like, 10. Or something.

But wait! Some fan will finish the series for us tortured souls.

Will it sate me?

Regardless of my cynicism, on Tuesday I snatched book 12.1 off the shelf (at the grocery store) and promptly waved it around to make everyone else jealous. Well, after I paid for it.

And, before you say anything, I know full well no one cares. Give me my moment. The end is in sight. Maybe. Probably. At some point in the future.

Publishing dates for 12.2 and 12.3 are set for late 2010 and late 2011—do I dare hope?

Anyway, book 12.1 is 700-some pages so I may take until late 2010 to actually finish it. And then I will have to ask my brother for the details I forget, and reread sections in old books to get back in the Wheel of Time world.

Well, I'd better stop complaining and get reading if I want to finish before 12.2 comes out.

One, Two, Olympics

I don't want to spread rumours or give the wrong impression, but I'm a bit confused.

You see, two years ago, my mom and I decided to try to volunteer for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics for figure skating. We knew we had to do two international level competitions before qualifying for the Olympics, so we she planned out a fool-proof schedule.

First I moved back from England just in time to volunteer with her at the 2008 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Second, we volunteered at the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships. One, two, Olympics.

Right?

Wrong. Well, no, right. Er…

We're both accepted to volunteer at the Olympics in February, but neither of us are involved with figure skating. Weird, right?

Last night I attended my training session for Press Services. Yes, I service journalists.

While I half slept through the cutesy videos (not cute, not interesting, not large enough to see at the back of the auditorium) and introductory presentations (for all five divisions of Press Services, which I am only involved in one) I had a thought. So I wrote it down.

What if my blog got me this job?

On March 12, 2008 I wrote a blog about curling. My parents are moderately obsessed with curling and I have been known to watch an end or two from year to year. One night, while watching the Briar, I decided to write a bit about curling and a curling blog picked it up the next day.

This was confusing, since I clearly don't understand the sport, nor take it seriously, but also flattering. It drove a ridiculous amount of traffic to my blog and amped my stats for like three months. Pretty cool, but I didn't really ever aspire to write more about curling.

But maybe someone at Vanoc saw the blog, knew I applied to volunteer, and decided instead of figure skating, I should do Press Services. For curling.

Literally, this is the only explanation I can think of.

Fully Mullified

I told you I'd been mullified.

There's not much to say except my new haircut is a lot of fun. Bangs are a whole new challenge and I'm learning every day my hair can actually look different—this is a hair revolution!

In celebration, my sister lent me her old straightener, so I don't look silly. Yes, my mullif-ette requires styling. DAILY!

I know right? REVOLUTION. At first I was panicked, but now I'm in acceptance mode.

And soon, I might actually start to like it so I don't have to wear a wig to parties.

Although you may be confusing my behaviour with Andre Agassi, trust me, I'm nothing like him. I wouldn't wear a wig to play tennis.

That's why I made Big Red.

Loose kit

After cleaning out my car and beginning the changeover to winter, it reminded me I still haven't completed my emergency packing list (EPL).

Of course, this has nothing to do with my car, but is simply a quick list of items I should never leave my house without, in case something random happens. And, let's face it, something always does.

I would like to give a special thanks to everyone who suggested items for the list. It wouldn't be the same without you!

Here it is: The List

EPL especially for Robyn
• Extra set of clothes and shoes
• Contact case, solution and glasses
• Book, knitting, notebook, pens
• Phone charger and phone
• Painkillers
• Full toiletries set, which includes shower kit, make up, toothbrush/paste, lip balm and hair accessories
• Water bottle, so I will never have to drink water that tastes like pennies
• Map of Canada

I feel like this is a pretty reasonable and attainable list, even if I'm only heading out for a day.

This past weekend I met a friend for a bit of a hike/walk down by the river. She told me to bring a change of clothes with me so we could go out after and meet another friend for dinner.

Of course, I forgot my extra clothes on my bed.

After our adventurous hike (see photo), we went to change and I made the discovery of the missing clothes.

What. a. disaster.

Actually, it was fine. Clearly I deserved the punishment of going out for dinner in sweatpants. However, my friends deemed it inappropriate and within 15 minutes had dressed me in tan loafers, purple pants, a button-up trouser coat with a black and white hat. Classy.

Unable to return the clothes immediately, I reworked the outfit for work before washing and folding and saying goodbye to the purple (linen) pants forever.

And this is why I should always travel with an EPL. For days like that. And last weekend. And the other day when I went running right after work and only could find track pants and running shoes in the back of my car.