What exactly, though, did they tell?
It has been widely reported that Season 14 featuring Mr. Jake "Hunky Pilot" Pavelka has garnered ABC its highest ratings ever for the network. Chris Harrison, the show's host, confirmed that "more viewers than ever" have tuned in to this drama.
Which brings me to what I want to say. I do feel a certain self-imposed obligation to mention that in Monday's spectacle, viewers got to see past contestants involved in charitable works. On the flip side, we also were exposed to past contestants getting down and dirty in bikinis, martinis, and trash-talking-bad-boy Wes.
What has irked me and continues to irk me, just a little, is the scandal surrounding beautiful model Rozlyn Papa and an unnamed ex-producer of the show. If an "inappropriate relationship" did indeed happen between Papa and Ex-Producer, then I want to say right here and right now that I'm not judging that. Do I think that she should have asked to leave the show once she realized that she had feelings for Ex-Producer? Yes. Absolutely.
The problem is there is no televised proof. Just he said vs. she said vs. she said. Am I some kind of voyeur? I don't think so. After all, the whole point of the show is a televised quest for love. Yet, somehow, all we have of a series of "I saw this and that" from ex-contestants and Rozlyn swearing that none of it happened.
Canadian Jessie from Oakville, ON swore on her dog's life that such and such happened. Rozlyn counter swore on her son's life that Jessie's stories are false. Who to believe in such a mess? I don't know.
I'll leave Rozlyn's accusation of Chris Harrison hitting on Ex-Producer's Wife in New Zealand and move on to another unsettling matter. Ali Fedotowski. She attempted to pull a Swiderski (Ed Swiderski left Jillian Harris on The Bachelorette only to beg his way back) but in Ali's case, Jake didn't let the pretty blonde return.
Was that look of anguished longing between Jake and Ali on Monday's reunion fake? Were we supposed to notice it and jump to conclusions? I've heard and read rumours that Ali is the next bachelorette and this whole drama has been created to spike interest in her. Nothing against Ali but I'm a Gia Allemand fan. I want Gia to be the next bachelorette. I'm still hoping that Chris' interview with Gia is a good sign, calling her a "fan favourite" and Gia declaring that she'd be more expressive about her love the next time around.
Back to Ali though...despite the rampant net rumours that Vienna Girardi is the winner, I still think Jake won't choose neither Vienna or Tenley Molzahn and somehow end up wth Ali. Let's see.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Take a page from Reality Steve
I'm laughing so hard and thought, what the heck? Run with what you've just read on RealitySteve.com
I've been following The Bachelor (season 14, Jake Pavelka) and am firmly in the love-to-hate-the-show camp. Previously, I've refrained from making any comments about the television shows that I watch but I don't see why I can't put out a commentary or two about the tube. The truth is, I hadn't thought about doing it before.
Ali, one of the contestants, left the show on the grounds that her job was on the line. One week later, viewers are given the drama of a hokey-dokey telephone call to Jake. Much to the chagrin of the masses, Jake does not beg Ali to return to his harem.
Not having watched The Bachelor in years, I don't have a rich memory store of seasons past, although I did watch part of Jason Melnick's season (watched his infamous crying-over-the-balcony scene) and the second half of Gillian Anderson's season as The Bachelorette. Regardless, I still maintain that Jake seems "off" to me. Maybe I'm just another in the long list of not understanding his decisions to kick off women with lightning speed. I don't know. I'll pay close attention to "The Women Tell All" Monday night special and post back. I'm looking forward to some Rozlyn Papa drama.
I've been following The Bachelor (season 14, Jake Pavelka) and am firmly in the love-to-hate-the-show camp. Previously, I've refrained from making any comments about the television shows that I watch but I don't see why I can't put out a commentary or two about the tube. The truth is, I hadn't thought about doing it before.
Ali, one of the contestants, left the show on the grounds that her job was on the line. One week later, viewers are given the drama of a hokey-dokey telephone call to Jake. Much to the chagrin of the masses, Jake does not beg Ali to return to his harem.
Not having watched The Bachelor in years, I don't have a rich memory store of seasons past, although I did watch part of Jason Melnick's season (watched his infamous crying-over-the-balcony scene) and the second half of Gillian Anderson's season as The Bachelorette. Regardless, I still maintain that Jake seems "off" to me. Maybe I'm just another in the long list of not understanding his decisions to kick off women with lightning speed. I don't know. I'll pay close attention to "The Women Tell All" Monday night special and post back. I'm looking forward to some Rozlyn Papa drama.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Quick change
Just a few mere hours ago, I wanted to come on here and post my frustrations about my inability to access an online course that I registered for. As I was typing away, Spitfire, who was officially home due to illness (poor thing vomitted three times yesterday), asked to play games on my computer. She is a big fan of www.treehousetv.com games. Struggles as she does with control of the mouse, she really likes Dora's Silly Costume Maker or anything Diego. As I shut down my applications, I realized that I didn't save my blog in progress. Oh well, I thought, I was a ball of fury anyway.
Happily, my course registration issues were sorted (just realized that I should send out a thank you to the school so I just whipped one off) and I can now view and participate in my course. I'm quite excited about it. Unlike the previous course (project management) I completed, this one (supervisory and leadership) seems a lot more interactive. I'm able to post on a discussion board and submit assignments. The previous course was a video format with tests at the end of each unit. I like the sharing and group learning aspect of this course.
With that out of the way, I can think about other things. Being at home brings about the gift of seeing all of the flaws in the house. It's been said time and time again that there is always something to do with a house. Sure enough, mine is no exception. I can see small issues and not-so-small issues. The small problems - the inside walls of my cupboard under my sink are slightly stained. I've tried cleaning, I've tried bleach. These are stubborn stains. I've decided to re-paint the insides of that cupboard. Off to add primer and white paint to my list.
Yes, I've started a list. I'm the type of person that would prefer to think of something and then act but this time, I'm restraining myself. I must create a to-do list for house projects and keep a budget. Off to make a big list.
Happily, my course registration issues were sorted (just realized that I should send out a thank you to the school so I just whipped one off) and I can now view and participate in my course. I'm quite excited about it. Unlike the previous course (project management) I completed, this one (supervisory and leadership) seems a lot more interactive. I'm able to post on a discussion board and submit assignments. The previous course was a video format with tests at the end of each unit. I like the sharing and group learning aspect of this course.
With that out of the way, I can think about other things. Being at home brings about the gift of seeing all of the flaws in the house. It's been said time and time again that there is always something to do with a house. Sure enough, mine is no exception. I can see small issues and not-so-small issues. The small problems - the inside walls of my cupboard under my sink are slightly stained. I've tried cleaning, I've tried bleach. These are stubborn stains. I've decided to re-paint the insides of that cupboard. Off to add primer and white paint to my list.
Yes, I've started a list. I'm the type of person that would prefer to think of something and then act but this time, I'm restraining myself. I must create a to-do list for house projects and keep a budget. Off to make a big list.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Why am I sleepy?
I don't want t be sleepy. Not in the slightest. In less than 1/2 hour, LittleLady needs to be at her math class and I was hoping that Spitfire and I could go to Bed, Bath and Beyond and then hang out at Starbucks for a bit. If I'm sleepy, it means that Mr. Unfazed will take LittleLady to her class and Spitfire and I will stay home. I can't allow fatigue to take over. I can always sleep later. I'm thinking a glass of water would be good right about now. Stoppped to get one. Yeah, the cold splash does have a certain magic.
Besides, I want to get back in the car. I'll be able to drive through the neighbourhood en route to Little Lady's class and that's incentive to stay alert. Of course, if I'm really that sleepy, well, then I won't get behind the wheel. Safety first. Always.
A good stretch and I'm feeling the need for fresh air. Maybe a quick walk. A pick me up. Time to go.
Besides, I want to get back in the car. I'll be able to drive through the neighbourhood en route to Little Lady's class and that's incentive to stay alert. Of course, if I'm really that sleepy, well, then I won't get behind the wheel. Safety first. Always.
A good stretch and I'm feeling the need for fresh air. Maybe a quick walk. A pick me up. Time to go.
Friday, February 12, 2010
No more procrastinating...
Being active doesn't mean I'm not allowed to write. If anything, it means I should be writing more.
I've spent the last couple of days in a flurry of sick children (thankfully, they recovered quickly), neglected house work (sick kids + finishing up my project management course) and today, I ploughed through it all.
Le film
With kiddies recovered and off to school, I first treated myself to watching "Camille" (movie starring Sienna Miller and James Franco). If I had shame, I would pretend I hadn't watched the movie but I'm feeling bold and want to put it out there. It's good for the laugh. I must say though...James Franco looks especially HOT in this movie. No Spiderman James Franco here. He is bad-boy-rugged-take-my-breath-away in Camille. So, not a total waste, I guess.
Let your fingers do the walking
Having indulged myself, I turned my sights to productivity. First, I noticed that I hadn't yet received my course confirmation for the online course I just signed up for: Supervisory and Leadership. The last time I enrolled with the school, confirmation was fast and furious. Sensing a red flag, I called the admissions office this morning. Sure enough, they weren't showing any payment information. I promptly gave my payment information and got confirmation via email. Now, I just need access to the course. If I don't see that by Monday, I'm calling in again. Yes, I've always been a keener.
Wash, rinse, repeat
Laundry, the unceasing ever essential evil in our lives, awaited me. Load after load of bed clothes, T-shirts, and of course the occasional piece stained beyond saving (only 2 items and they were minor, no risk of dupioni silk disasters in this household..) While making jaunts back and forth from laundry to living room (makeshift folding room), I came to terms that today was the day to purge and reorganize the laundry. A few issues with my laundry room, the lighting is poor. Poor lighting makes it difficult for me to see the dust animals that collect. Dust fiends be gone, I declared. Cupboard was reorganized, standing shelf was reorganized. I was itching to get myself to Bed, Bath and Beyond but I told myself to wait and do an assessment of the entire house before doing some damage to my plastic card.
Le frigo
Over the past few days, I've noticed that my fridge needed a reorg. I picked up these handy shelf liners (yes, from Bed, Bath and Beyond) for the fridge the other day and love them. I even showed my visiting friend the other day and she loved them too. The less chance of staining the actual fridge hardware, the better! So, off I went throwing out past-expiry-date items and categorizing items by type: dairy, condiments, etc.
Out to lunch
It wasn't all work, I did play as well. Met a friend and her 1 year old son at Sunset Grill for brunch. I ordered a burger (not bad but a tad dry) and she ordered an omelette. Conversation was great and I got my fix of seeing an adorable little boy. I pretended the jam packets were cars and went "vroom, vroom" to his amusement.
Home again
After the break, I returned home where the *ribs that had been sitting in the slow cooker (I did that right after cleaning out the fridge) filled the air with deliciousness.
My cookbooks have been irritating me lately...as in they're not orgatnized in an eye-pleasing manner so I fixed those as well. I still have some odds and ends left to do and as I type this, the guilt mounts.
Off to finish up the cookbooks, shouldn't take too long.
Now, if only I could tell my stomach to ignore the smell of slow cooked ribs...
*Canadian Living Recipe http://www.canadianliving.com/food/fall_off_the_bone_ribs_in_barbecue_sauce.php
I've spent the last couple of days in a flurry of sick children (thankfully, they recovered quickly), neglected house work (sick kids + finishing up my project management course) and today, I ploughed through it all.
Le film
With kiddies recovered and off to school, I first treated myself to watching "Camille" (movie starring Sienna Miller and James Franco). If I had shame, I would pretend I hadn't watched the movie but I'm feeling bold and want to put it out there. It's good for the laugh. I must say though...James Franco looks especially HOT in this movie. No Spiderman James Franco here. He is bad-boy-rugged-take-my-breath-away in Camille. So, not a total waste, I guess.
Let your fingers do the walking
Having indulged myself, I turned my sights to productivity. First, I noticed that I hadn't yet received my course confirmation for the online course I just signed up for: Supervisory and Leadership. The last time I enrolled with the school, confirmation was fast and furious. Sensing a red flag, I called the admissions office this morning. Sure enough, they weren't showing any payment information. I promptly gave my payment information and got confirmation via email. Now, I just need access to the course. If I don't see that by Monday, I'm calling in again. Yes, I've always been a keener.
Wash, rinse, repeat
Laundry, the unceasing ever essential evil in our lives, awaited me. Load after load of bed clothes, T-shirts, and of course the occasional piece stained beyond saving (only 2 items and they were minor, no risk of dupioni silk disasters in this household..) While making jaunts back and forth from laundry to living room (makeshift folding room), I came to terms that today was the day to purge and reorganize the laundry. A few issues with my laundry room, the lighting is poor. Poor lighting makes it difficult for me to see the dust animals that collect. Dust fiends be gone, I declared. Cupboard was reorganized, standing shelf was reorganized. I was itching to get myself to Bed, Bath and Beyond but I told myself to wait and do an assessment of the entire house before doing some damage to my plastic card.
Le frigo
Over the past few days, I've noticed that my fridge needed a reorg. I picked up these handy shelf liners (yes, from Bed, Bath and Beyond) for the fridge the other day and love them. I even showed my visiting friend the other day and she loved them too. The less chance of staining the actual fridge hardware, the better! So, off I went throwing out past-expiry-date items and categorizing items by type: dairy, condiments, etc.
Out to lunch
It wasn't all work, I did play as well. Met a friend and her 1 year old son at Sunset Grill for brunch. I ordered a burger (not bad but a tad dry) and she ordered an omelette. Conversation was great and I got my fix of seeing an adorable little boy. I pretended the jam packets were cars and went "vroom, vroom" to his amusement.
Home again
After the break, I returned home where the *ribs that had been sitting in the slow cooker (I did that right after cleaning out the fridge) filled the air with deliciousness.
My cookbooks have been irritating me lately...as in they're not orgatnized in an eye-pleasing manner so I fixed those as well. I still have some odds and ends left to do and as I type this, the guilt mounts.
Off to finish up the cookbooks, shouldn't take too long.
Now, if only I could tell my stomach to ignore the smell of slow cooked ribs...
*Canadian Living Recipe http://www.canadianliving.com/food/fall_off_the_bone_ribs_in_barbecue_sauce.php
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Behind the Wheel
To say I suspect that this will be the first of many such posts would be woefully dishonest. I KNOW that I will be writing a lot about my experiences as a student driver. But first to get me in the right mood, a little Depeche Mode plays as I type this out, "Oh little girl, there are times when I feel I'd rather not be, the one behind the wheel." I have to convince myself that he's not singing to me. As I ungracefully drove in the centre of my neighbourhood road yesterday morning, it was clear that I was the one who would rather not be behind the wheel.
With Mr. Unfazed as my makeshift teacher and spur of the moment instructions spewing out, "Signal Left! Signal Right, Steer!" it would have been funny if not for the fact that this wasn't a simulation but real life with real people. Yesterday's faux-pas not only included centre lane driving but also the whiplash inducing stop. I wasn't deterred though. I got back in the car today. I'm still dealing with the fear though. The fear of hitting something and god forbid, hitting someone.
Mr. Unfazed tells me the fear is normal but that I need to work on my confidence as the fear could cause me to actually do something that I don't want to do. I'm told that in spite of my trepidation, I did better today.
My sights are still focused ahead which is good. I still have driver's in-class theory lessons to attend and road lessons ahead, I'll be OK. More than OK. ;)
With Mr. Unfazed as my makeshift teacher and spur of the moment instructions spewing out, "Signal Left! Signal Right, Steer!" it would have been funny if not for the fact that this wasn't a simulation but real life with real people. Yesterday's faux-pas not only included centre lane driving but also the whiplash inducing stop. I wasn't deterred though. I got back in the car today. I'm still dealing with the fear though. The fear of hitting something and god forbid, hitting someone.
Mr. Unfazed tells me the fear is normal but that I need to work on my confidence as the fear could cause me to actually do something that I don't want to do. I'm told that in spite of my trepidation, I did better today.
My sights are still focused ahead which is good. I still have driver's in-class theory lessons to attend and road lessons ahead, I'll be OK. More than OK. ;)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Gotta Getcha
Once again, I'm at a block. After playing and replaying, Whigfield's "Gotta Getcha" (don't worry if you've never heard of the song, it wasn't a big hit), I just can't sum up the motivation. Earlier today I thought about writing about the baby shower that I'm planning. I want it to go well for the guest of honour so of course, I'm a bundle of nerves.
The blessed event will be on Saturday. A lovely group of ladies (about 16) will be there to wish our good friend well in the arrival of her precious baby girl (expected to show her cute little face in March).
I've gone through an online Baby Shower Checklist. I have my RSVPs, I've ordered the cake, I just finishing wrapping the favours (thank you Whigfield and the David Rocco Dolce Vita CD for keeping me moving), I'm picking up food on Saturday morning (the lovely guests are also all bringing a dish), and really all that's left is some decorations (yes, I have streamers but I want those WELCOME TO THE BABY SHOWER signs, well, at least one sign). Balloons too. But I'm getting the decorations and balloons on Saturday. I'll have time. Don't look at me like that. I know what you're thinking. ;)
I'm smiling again. The intended catharsis of blogging worked.
Any chance I'll go back to my project managment course today? The correct answer is...I really should.
The blessed event will be on Saturday. A lovely group of ladies (about 16) will be there to wish our good friend well in the arrival of her precious baby girl (expected to show her cute little face in March).
I've gone through an online Baby Shower Checklist. I have my RSVPs, I've ordered the cake, I just finishing wrapping the favours (thank you Whigfield and the David Rocco Dolce Vita CD for keeping me moving), I'm picking up food on Saturday morning (the lovely guests are also all bringing a dish), and really all that's left is some decorations (yes, I have streamers but I want those WELCOME TO THE BABY SHOWER signs, well, at least one sign). Balloons too. But I'm getting the decorations and balloons on Saturday. I'll have time. Don't look at me like that. I know what you're thinking. ;)
I'm smiling again. The intended catharsis of blogging worked.
Any chance I'll go back to my project managment course today? The correct answer is...I really should.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Cold1, G1
After almost 19 years of putting off the inevitable, I woke up this blistery cold morning and decided to do it. No more excuses, it was time for action. My purpose today was to obtain my G1 license - the written test. Upon passing this, I knew that I would be issued my ticket to learn to drive, with a licensed driver.
Knowing that the examination centre opened at 8:30am, I quickly got myself ready. I didn't bolt out the door right away though. Being academically minded, I wanted to review my material and set about retaking online G1 practice tests. Satisfied with my scores, I then called the taxi company to assist me in my voyage from Mississauga to Brampton. It is tempting to start ranting about how Mississauga, a city with almost 1 million people, doesn't have an examination centre, but I'll leave that one alone for today. I will mention though that since I'm a frequent client of the taxi company, I did receive best wishes to pass. An unexpected boost of confidence indeed.
My two options were Brampton or Oakville. Estimating that Brampton would likely be busier because unlike Oakville, it offers all classes of licensing, I still chose the Flower City location because of its proximity to restaurants and shopping. Idyllically, I dreamed of grabbing a pipping hot latte after spending say, a mere 20 minutes of driver test requirements.
Seated in the warm cab, I chatted animatedly with the friendly driver who warned me that due to the strike, (a labour disruption beginning in August 2009 put thousands of driver applications and renewals at risk), the centre was extremely busy. I tossed out the idea of going to Oakville instead but with dreams of shopping in my head, I stayed on course to go to Brampton.
As the car turned towards the front of the building, my jaw dropped at the sight that greeted me. It appeared that 100 people were waiting outside the examination centre. Technically -6C but feeling like -13C, the task before me was daunting. The cab driver looked apologetically at me and said weakly, "Perhaps they're not open yet?" Knowing that the centre had opened almost 1 hour ago, I smiled and said, "No, they're open." He asked me, "What do you want to do?" The friendly driver guessed that I would want to turn around. Convincingly I said, "I want to go through it." I handed over my credit card for payment and mentally prepared myself for the physical onslaught to follow.
As I exited the cab, I eyed the long line and not being one for prayer, hoped for a quick wait outdoors. Thankful for having worn a bulky sweater, lined ski jacket, furry boots, knitted hat and scarf, and gloves (although leather was the wrong choice - I needed my thick Kombi gloves), I took my place behind the sea of bulky jackets and incredulous faces. Initially, I had thought to use the wait time to review my Driver's Study Guide, and I did get through a few pages but then the cold reality bit me fiercely. The frosty temperature was not conducive to such an undertaking. With the flimsy gloves, my poor fingers could not withstand the pressure. Burying my hands in my warm sleeves, I wiggled my fingers and got my legs to join in on the action. Humming Annie Lennox's "I Need a Man" over and over in my head, I was certain that I could have nabbed the "Worst Dancing In This or Any Year" award. I shook myself around on the spot continuously and sometimes knocked into the others in the line up. A speedy apology would fly out of my mouth. In response, I was always greeted with a smile and a relaxed "It's OK." Perhaps the unexpected body heat was a welcome respite.
Commiserating with fellow G1 wannabes (road test applicants can just walk-in, no waiting required), we shared sighs and complained about our numb toes. Occasionally, I would eye the Harveys across the street dreaming of a quick coffee run but I knew that I couldn't lose my spot. Too much was at stake.
A lovely lady waiting with her son, offered the warmth of her car to two freezing teenaged girls in front of me, promising them she'd keep their spot in line. The girls politely declined, however, the lovely lady went into her car and grabbed an extra coat to give them. Despite how cold I was feeling on the outside, the warm ray of her kindness fueled me on the inside.
As the crowd inched closer and closer to the Promised Door, I started to feel hope again. This is it, I thought. We're almost there. At one point, those of us in the front were all allowed in. Exclaiming, "I can't believe this!" I happily scampered inside. My visit in the Promised Land was tragically shortlived. An employee of the centre ordered us all out (I heard the words "numbers of people" and "fire hazard").
The wait after that felt especially cruel and unusual. With my constant uncoordinated movements during my stay warm exercise, my thighs had hardened into solid rocks. I decided right there and then that I would not need to exercise for 1 week following this flirtation with torture.
Finally, after a shocking 2 hour wait, I heard the words, "The next two." Those words were intended for the 16-year old in front of me and for yours truly. Shaking, not out of excitement, but out of sheer cold, I handed over my birth certificate and passport at the registration desk. A number was handed to me and I quickly found a seat beside a teenaged girl and her mother. Although I hd found a spot to sit, I learned that my rock hard legs were not agreeable to sitting. After some dramatic gestures, I forced my way into the seat. Feeling mortified, I laughed it off and quietly reminded myself that such incidents make for great comedic moments in storytelling.
My number was quickly called and I met with the administrator. My shaky hands struggled to sign my name but after a few attempts, my signing ability returned. A vision test here, a few questions there, and I thought the test would be handed to me to write. Not so fast. Full stop.
Being an insulin dependent diabetic, I'm considered disabled from the point of view of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. A fact that I myself was not aware of until a good friend of mine, also an insulin dependent diabetic, came over for tea this past Saturday and happened to mention that.
My administrator was informed by a colleague that due to my "insulin diabetes", my application would need to be reviewed by a medical board. The review board would contact my doctor and then a decision would be made as to whether I was eligible to write the test. The words, "She won't be writing today" hung shamefully in the air.
My mind racing, I showed a cool exterior, not hard to do since my body was still recovering from the cold, and smiled and politely asked for additional information regarding the review process. I bit down hard on my tongue and resisted the urge to ask why my diabetes was an issue now when it wasn't an issue as I stood outside for two hours.
My administrator, doing her due diligence, consulted with another colleague and checked the Rule Book. According to the rules, the diabetes is only an issue if there has been a reaction within the 1-year period preceding application. I confidently declared that I had not experienced any hospitalizations, ER visits, blah, blah, for my diabetes within the 1-year. After declaring a few more particulars regarding my diabetes and forking over the $125 fee, I was given my luminous white test paper.
Eagerly I sat down and began answering the multiple choice test. I breezed through it and then went over my answers. Changing only one answer and confident that I had answered most of the questions correctly, I placed my completed test in the to-be-marked-pile.
The wait for my result was long but I was not complaning - it was warm inside. With my BlackBerry hidden in my purse so as to not draw attention, I emailed friends and checked Facebook. I then practiced memorizing my speech for my Toastmasters meeting the following day. I went through this a few times before my name was called.
I passed. I'm now on the yellow brick road. If I enroll in a driver's school, which I will, I can take my G1 road test in 8 months from now. Otherwise, it's a 12 month wait. Next step: behind the wheel.
Knowing that the examination centre opened at 8:30am, I quickly got myself ready. I didn't bolt out the door right away though. Being academically minded, I wanted to review my material and set about retaking online G1 practice tests. Satisfied with my scores, I then called the taxi company to assist me in my voyage from Mississauga to Brampton. It is tempting to start ranting about how Mississauga, a city with almost 1 million people, doesn't have an examination centre, but I'll leave that one alone for today. I will mention though that since I'm a frequent client of the taxi company, I did receive best wishes to pass. An unexpected boost of confidence indeed.
My two options were Brampton or Oakville. Estimating that Brampton would likely be busier because unlike Oakville, it offers all classes of licensing, I still chose the Flower City location because of its proximity to restaurants and shopping. Idyllically, I dreamed of grabbing a pipping hot latte after spending say, a mere 20 minutes of driver test requirements.
Seated in the warm cab, I chatted animatedly with the friendly driver who warned me that due to the strike, (a labour disruption beginning in August 2009 put thousands of driver applications and renewals at risk), the centre was extremely busy. I tossed out the idea of going to Oakville instead but with dreams of shopping in my head, I stayed on course to go to Brampton.
As the car turned towards the front of the building, my jaw dropped at the sight that greeted me. It appeared that 100 people were waiting outside the examination centre. Technically -6C but feeling like -13C, the task before me was daunting. The cab driver looked apologetically at me and said weakly, "Perhaps they're not open yet?" Knowing that the centre had opened almost 1 hour ago, I smiled and said, "No, they're open." He asked me, "What do you want to do?" The friendly driver guessed that I would want to turn around. Convincingly I said, "I want to go through it." I handed over my credit card for payment and mentally prepared myself for the physical onslaught to follow.
As I exited the cab, I eyed the long line and not being one for prayer, hoped for a quick wait outdoors. Thankful for having worn a bulky sweater, lined ski jacket, furry boots, knitted hat and scarf, and gloves (although leather was the wrong choice - I needed my thick Kombi gloves), I took my place behind the sea of bulky jackets and incredulous faces. Initially, I had thought to use the wait time to review my Driver's Study Guide, and I did get through a few pages but then the cold reality bit me fiercely. The frosty temperature was not conducive to such an undertaking. With the flimsy gloves, my poor fingers could not withstand the pressure. Burying my hands in my warm sleeves, I wiggled my fingers and got my legs to join in on the action. Humming Annie Lennox's "I Need a Man" over and over in my head, I was certain that I could have nabbed the "Worst Dancing In This or Any Year" award. I shook myself around on the spot continuously and sometimes knocked into the others in the line up. A speedy apology would fly out of my mouth. In response, I was always greeted with a smile and a relaxed "It's OK." Perhaps the unexpected body heat was a welcome respite.
Commiserating with fellow G1 wannabes (road test applicants can just walk-in, no waiting required), we shared sighs and complained about our numb toes. Occasionally, I would eye the Harveys across the street dreaming of a quick coffee run but I knew that I couldn't lose my spot. Too much was at stake.
A lovely lady waiting with her son, offered the warmth of her car to two freezing teenaged girls in front of me, promising them she'd keep their spot in line. The girls politely declined, however, the lovely lady went into her car and grabbed an extra coat to give them. Despite how cold I was feeling on the outside, the warm ray of her kindness fueled me on the inside.
As the crowd inched closer and closer to the Promised Door, I started to feel hope again. This is it, I thought. We're almost there. At one point, those of us in the front were all allowed in. Exclaiming, "I can't believe this!" I happily scampered inside. My visit in the Promised Land was tragically shortlived. An employee of the centre ordered us all out (I heard the words "numbers of people" and "fire hazard").
The wait after that felt especially cruel and unusual. With my constant uncoordinated movements during my stay warm exercise, my thighs had hardened into solid rocks. I decided right there and then that I would not need to exercise for 1 week following this flirtation with torture.
Finally, after a shocking 2 hour wait, I heard the words, "The next two." Those words were intended for the 16-year old in front of me and for yours truly. Shaking, not out of excitement, but out of sheer cold, I handed over my birth certificate and passport at the registration desk. A number was handed to me and I quickly found a seat beside a teenaged girl and her mother. Although I hd found a spot to sit, I learned that my rock hard legs were not agreeable to sitting. After some dramatic gestures, I forced my way into the seat. Feeling mortified, I laughed it off and quietly reminded myself that such incidents make for great comedic moments in storytelling.
My number was quickly called and I met with the administrator. My shaky hands struggled to sign my name but after a few attempts, my signing ability returned. A vision test here, a few questions there, and I thought the test would be handed to me to write. Not so fast. Full stop.
Being an insulin dependent diabetic, I'm considered disabled from the point of view of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. A fact that I myself was not aware of until a good friend of mine, also an insulin dependent diabetic, came over for tea this past Saturday and happened to mention that.
My administrator was informed by a colleague that due to my "insulin diabetes", my application would need to be reviewed by a medical board. The review board would contact my doctor and then a decision would be made as to whether I was eligible to write the test. The words, "She won't be writing today" hung shamefully in the air.
My mind racing, I showed a cool exterior, not hard to do since my body was still recovering from the cold, and smiled and politely asked for additional information regarding the review process. I bit down hard on my tongue and resisted the urge to ask why my diabetes was an issue now when it wasn't an issue as I stood outside for two hours.
My administrator, doing her due diligence, consulted with another colleague and checked the Rule Book. According to the rules, the diabetes is only an issue if there has been a reaction within the 1-year period preceding application. I confidently declared that I had not experienced any hospitalizations, ER visits, blah, blah, for my diabetes within the 1-year. After declaring a few more particulars regarding my diabetes and forking over the $125 fee, I was given my luminous white test paper.
Eagerly I sat down and began answering the multiple choice test. I breezed through it and then went over my answers. Changing only one answer and confident that I had answered most of the questions correctly, I placed my completed test in the to-be-marked-pile.
The wait for my result was long but I was not complaning - it was warm inside. With my BlackBerry hidden in my purse so as to not draw attention, I emailed friends and checked Facebook. I then practiced memorizing my speech for my Toastmasters meeting the following day. I went through this a few times before my name was called.
I passed. I'm now on the yellow brick road. If I enroll in a driver's school, which I will, I can take my G1 road test in 8 months from now. Otherwise, it's a 12 month wait. Next step: behind the wheel.
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