So, today I started reading a book, given to me by my Secret Santa, called Monkey Beach.
It was written by a First Nations lady from Kitamaat, where the story also takes place, and I love reading books about places I've been, as the images are that much more vivid and real in your mind - I'm enjoying this one already.
What's interesting is that already in the first few pages of the story, sasquatch legends and sightings have been mentioned and I get the feeling that this will be a reoccuring theme throughout the book. I've heard rumors that this part of BC was sasquatch territory but this book seeks to confirm it, Monkey Beach being a place where several sasquatch (b'gwus in Haisla) have occured.
In the past, I've been a sasquatch doubter but recently I've changed my tune. It could be because of loud arguements coming from Big Jim, or Jane Goodall's B'gwus belief, or the discovery of a new carnivore in Australia (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17485571%255E30417,00.html), or maybe it just stems from the fact I hadn't really given it too much thought until now, but either way I'm finding myself turning into a fence-sitter, unsure whether to join Owen Sound boys in their steadfast Bubbles 'Samsquench' faith and admit that there could be this beast that lurks in our deep forests that we haven't discovered, or to keep with my doubt, waiting for some sort of hard evidence of these mysterious beasts.
Thoughts?
Monday, December 26
Wednesday, December 21
Happy (ridiculously mild) Holidays!
Well, for the first time I find myself (sick) at work on Christmas Day.
Working today is actually not as big of a deal as I thought it would be and the extra ski money is definitely appreciated.
What DOES suck however is I am stuck with some sort of virus or bacteria that refuses to leave my system. At first it was the fever chills, then the headaches came, followed shortly by the bed-shaking coughs and free flowing snot, and now, today and yesterday, it is the loss of appetite - it feels like I have rotting guts and, very strange for me, I'm not the least bit interested in eating sweets. Dammit this is the wrong time of year to get this symptom. I started taking ColdFX however and am sort of sold on this product. I don't think it's curing the sickness, however it is holding the symptoms at bay, which in turn prevents me from curling up and hibernating for a week.
Tonight is Christmas dinner with my family and, another first for this season, we have 2 boyfriends joining us for Christmas dinner. I personally think it's better with the addition of other people (and a puppy) - the more the merrier. I also think my family argues less and acts less crazy when we have guests over. That being said, I did stress out last night worrying about how boring my parents can be. Some people wish their parents didn't get drunk or didn't fall off the roof, but me I wish my parents would do something exciting, drink a bunch, or even argue loudly about the colour of Santa's shoes. (sigh) The Christmas tree is always greener....
When I have my land and home and dog and family ALL will be invited. I consider friends as family so screw this blood relation thing and bring on the big Christmas gatherings!
Merry happy day of the seasons!! Enjoy your winter solstice however it be spent.
Working today is actually not as big of a deal as I thought it would be and the extra ski money is definitely appreciated.
What DOES suck however is I am stuck with some sort of virus or bacteria that refuses to leave my system. At first it was the fever chills, then the headaches came, followed shortly by the bed-shaking coughs and free flowing snot, and now, today and yesterday, it is the loss of appetite - it feels like I have rotting guts and, very strange for me, I'm not the least bit interested in eating sweets. Dammit this is the wrong time of year to get this symptom. I started taking ColdFX however and am sort of sold on this product. I don't think it's curing the sickness, however it is holding the symptoms at bay, which in turn prevents me from curling up and hibernating for a week.
Tonight is Christmas dinner with my family and, another first for this season, we have 2 boyfriends joining us for Christmas dinner. I personally think it's better with the addition of other people (and a puppy) - the more the merrier. I also think my family argues less and acts less crazy when we have guests over. That being said, I did stress out last night worrying about how boring my parents can be. Some people wish their parents didn't get drunk or didn't fall off the roof, but me I wish my parents would do something exciting, drink a bunch, or even argue loudly about the colour of Santa's shoes. (sigh) The Christmas tree is always greener....
When I have my land and home and dog and family ALL will be invited. I consider friends as family so screw this blood relation thing and bring on the big Christmas gatherings!
Merry happy day of the seasons!! Enjoy your winter solstice however it be spent.
Saturday, December 10
19th floor
The apartment that I've been housesitting (aka my boyfriends apartment that I sort of moved into for the week - somehow that sounds a lot worse though) is on the 19th floor. This presents many opportunities to ride the elevator with a variety of residents and it amazes me how awkard each ride with a new face is - unless of course I'm drunk and then I can't shut up. I feel snotty for not engaging in conversation, but I'm shy and my fellow elevator riders usually don't say anything anyways.
Purely by coincidence I was looking up 'funny things to do on an elevator' the other day and I thought I'd post a few amusing ones:
~ Tell people their clothes are stuck in the lift door and when they look around and see that it isn't, apologize, then 5 seconds later say it again in exactly the same tone of voice.
~ Pretend to be a flight attendant and instruct people on what to do in an emergency. Especially effective in costume.
~ Say that you have just won the lottery and you are on your way to collect your winnings. See how many people are listening to you.
~ When the elevator is silent, look around and ask "is that your beeper?"
~ Stand silent and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
~ When arriving at your floor, grunt and strain to yank the doors open, then act embarrassed when they open by themselves.
~ When there is only one other person in the elevator, tap them on the shoulder and then pretend it wasn't you.
~ Push a button, pretend it gave you a shock. Smile and go back for more.
~ Ask the others in the elevator which floor they're going to, but push the wrong buttons.
{sigh}
I want to live on my own...
Purely by coincidence I was looking up 'funny things to do on an elevator' the other day and I thought I'd post a few amusing ones:
~ Tell people their clothes are stuck in the lift door and when they look around and see that it isn't, apologize, then 5 seconds later say it again in exactly the same tone of voice.
~ Pretend to be a flight attendant and instruct people on what to do in an emergency. Especially effective in costume.
~ Say that you have just won the lottery and you are on your way to collect your winnings. See how many people are listening to you.
~ When the elevator is silent, look around and ask "is that your beeper?"
~ Stand silent and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
~ When arriving at your floor, grunt and strain to yank the doors open, then act embarrassed when they open by themselves.
~ When there is only one other person in the elevator, tap them on the shoulder and then pretend it wasn't you.
~ Push a button, pretend it gave you a shock. Smile and go back for more.
~ Ask the others in the elevator which floor they're going to, but push the wrong buttons.
{sigh}
I want to live on my own...
Tuesday, December 6
Travellers Itch
The last couple of days I've been housesitting for Jim - well he didn't excatly ask me to housesit, but I volunteered, worried that the rowdies here in North Van might burn down the place and shit.
Anyways, I don't own a TV, so while here I've been taking advantage of some fine CBC programming and Sunday afternoon was the best. First I watched the end of some tales of travellers who faced the desolate yet gorgous Dempster Highway. (I want to go North...)
Then I watched a special on a Newfie who claims to make the best snow shoes, possibly ever - he walked us through the process and I was convinced.
Now I've been thinking about travelling to Cornerbrook, Newfoundland in February/January with the sole mission to purchase and test out these amazing shoe shoes.
I like to have themes if I can when travelling - they don't need to be ridgid themes, but things that keep me focused, such as diving, or surfing, or photographing the "World's Biggest [fill in the blank]!". It keeps me amused.
Maybe snowshoeing could be a theme.
Heh, likely I'll be using the "saving money" theme yet again....maybe travel to Sooke or something wild like that :)
Anyways, I don't own a TV, so while here I've been taking advantage of some fine CBC programming and Sunday afternoon was the best. First I watched the end of some tales of travellers who faced the desolate yet gorgous Dempster Highway. (I want to go North...)
Then I watched a special on a Newfie who claims to make the best snow shoes, possibly ever - he walked us through the process and I was convinced.
Now I've been thinking about travelling to Cornerbrook, Newfoundland in February/January with the sole mission to purchase and test out these amazing shoe shoes.
I like to have themes if I can when travelling - they don't need to be ridgid themes, but things that keep me focused, such as diving, or surfing, or photographing the "World's Biggest [fill in the blank]
Maybe snowshoeing could be a theme.
Heh, likely I'll be using the "saving money" theme yet again....maybe travel to Sooke or something wild like that :)
Thursday, December 1
Wednesday, November 16
I heart dinosaur comics
...even when it's guest week.
Anyone know someone whose nickname applies to this comic?
Makes me feel a bit better about some of my nicknames...like Haenus Janes (spelled incorrectly on purpose).
http://www.qwantz.com/index.pl?comic=663
And (not) speaking about photography, my current photo class is conjuring up a strange mix of utter frusteration, excitement, and humbleness and I'm left wondering why I'm spending so much time and money on this hobby. I spent 5 hours in the darkroom yesterday and 3 hours tonight for (drum roll please) possibly a total of 6 good prints.
sigh.
Anyone know someone whose nickname applies to this comic?
Makes me feel a bit better about some of my nicknames...like Haenus Janes (spelled incorrectly on purpose).
http://www.qwantz.com/index.pl?comic=663
And (not) speaking about photography, my current photo class is conjuring up a strange mix of utter frusteration, excitement, and humbleness and I'm left wondering why I'm spending so much time and money on this hobby. I spent 5 hours in the darkroom yesterday and 3 hours tonight for (drum roll please) possibly a total of 6 good prints.
sigh.
Friday, November 11
Half ironman transition
This my sister in the summer transitioning before her 22km run.
I'm so proud of her.
At the moment I'm taking a Black and White Photo course where I'm learning how to make prints. I can't talk enough about how fun it is.
Anyone think this photo is good for printing?
I'm so proud of her.
At the moment I'm taking a Black and White Photo course where I'm learning how to make prints. I can't talk enough about how fun it is.
Anyone think this photo is good for printing?
Wednesday, November 9
Another year older...
Well, my day of birth was great.
I figured I'd have been lost in reflection, feeling old and wondering where my mis-spent youth had gone but when the big day came there was no celebration formally planned but I had a perma-smile on my face from thoughts of all my good fortune in life - good friends, good family, good times, good job, and a sunny day.
(Thanks to all of you who made it special).
Oh yeah and yesterday I photographed Marcus Naslund while he and his family had a beluga encounter. He laughed at my wit. He also asked for my phone number but I told him I was taken. I'm what you call a loyal girlfriend.
It's raining again today.
I figured I'd have been lost in reflection, feeling old and wondering where my mis-spent youth had gone but when the big day came there was no celebration formally planned but I had a perma-smile on my face from thoughts of all my good fortune in life - good friends, good family, good times, good job, and a sunny day.
(Thanks to all of you who made it special).
Oh yeah and yesterday I photographed Marcus Naslund while he and his family had a beluga encounter. He laughed at my wit. He also asked for my phone number but I told him I was taken. I'm what you call a loyal girlfriend.
It's raining again today.
Wednesday, November 2
What is the price of absent-mindedness?
$1
That's the cost of upgrading your expired bus ticket because you didn't pull the cord at the right time and you somehow ended up on the North side of the 2nd Narrows, several km's, many minutes and a bridge away from your home.
That's the cost of upgrading your expired bus ticket because you didn't pull the cord at the right time and you somehow ended up on the North side of the 2nd Narrows, several km's, many minutes and a bridge away from your home.
Monday, October 31
Tales from the Wet Coast
My adventure to Bamfield began with a bang - or should I say a gong(show) - when I awoke to find that I was missing one of my contacts. With no time to return to my home and get a new set before the 8:30am ferry, and no other option to see (I forgot to bring a back-up pair), I borrowed James's glasses. They didn't really fit my head, or my prescription, but beggars can't be choosers, so along they came. It was with these glasses that I noticed, while boarding the ferry, that there seemed to be a lot of people carrying sleeping bags and I was not one of them. Great...
After a long bus ride, courtesy of the slowest bus driver in the world - he came out of retirement just for this trip!! - we arrived at Bamfield and the rain followed shortly afterwards. Friday and Saturday were great days of beach wandering, boat touring, bird watching, plankton catching, Sea Lion viewing, and bunkbed napping and Saturday night was the big night of Bamfield's Halloween party. I had no idea how legendary this party was - it's bigger than Christmas with some people beginning their costume in August and others driving from all over the place just to return for this bash (Kate is now a returning regular)! My costume was the cameraman for the Crocodile Hunter, the Croc and the Croc Hunter's wife.
I began with evening with rye, moved quickly to wine but didn't really feel any effects until I arrived at the party...and then I was pissed. The details of the night are hazy but what I DO remember is amazing costumes (Frankenstein on stilts won the best costume), the many boys eager for some lady attention, dancing (sometimes moshing) the eve away, the slippery floor and my sneaky (read: not so sneaky) refills of red wine into my coffee mug. Apparently I was rowdy and I found a huge bruise on my hip this morning - a good evening all in all. The next day I woke up (still drunk) and begun the day with an oceanography cruise (groan) and then climbed up a 116 foot Red Cedar. Note to the wise: this is not the best hung-over activity. On the top, 4th, very slippery, platform you could feel the huge gusts of wind that were whipping through the canopy and I, scared shitless, I was literally a tree hugger. After these fun morning activities, we rushed around getting ready for the bus that was to meet us there at 1pm. At 1:15 were started to wonder. At 2pm we started to play cards. To make a long story short, the bus company got confused and thought they were picking us on Monday - finally they dispatched a bus to come to our rescue (luckily NOT our first driver) and at 5:20 pm he sped us to the ferries just in time to make the 9pm.
Whew...what a weekend.
After a long bus ride, courtesy of the slowest bus driver in the world - he came out of retirement just for this trip!! - we arrived at Bamfield and the rain followed shortly afterwards. Friday and Saturday were great days of beach wandering, boat touring, bird watching, plankton catching, Sea Lion viewing, and bunkbed napping and Saturday night was the big night of Bamfield's Halloween party. I had no idea how legendary this party was - it's bigger than Christmas with some people beginning their costume in August and others driving from all over the place just to return for this bash (Kate is now a returning regular)! My costume was the cameraman for the Crocodile Hunter, the Croc and the Croc Hunter's wife.
I began with evening with rye, moved quickly to wine but didn't really feel any effects until I arrived at the party...and then I was pissed. The details of the night are hazy but what I DO remember is amazing costumes (Frankenstein on stilts won the best costume), the many boys eager for some lady attention, dancing (sometimes moshing) the eve away, the slippery floor and my sneaky (read: not so sneaky) refills of red wine into my coffee mug. Apparently I was rowdy and I found a huge bruise on my hip this morning - a good evening all in all. The next day I woke up (still drunk) and begun the day with an oceanography cruise (groan) and then climbed up a 116 foot Red Cedar. Note to the wise: this is not the best hung-over activity. On the top, 4th, very slippery, platform you could feel the huge gusts of wind that were whipping through the canopy and I, scared shitless, I was literally a tree hugger. After these fun morning activities, we rushed around getting ready for the bus that was to meet us there at 1pm. At 1:15 were started to wonder. At 2pm we started to play cards. To make a long story short, the bus company got confused and thought they were picking us on Monday - finally they dispatched a bus to come to our rescue (luckily NOT our first driver) and at 5:20 pm he sped us to the ferries just in time to make the 9pm.
Whew...what a weekend.
Thursday, October 20
Dreaming of the midnight sun...
There are strange things done 'neath the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold.
The arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold.
The northern lights have seen queer sights
But the queerest they ever did see,
Was that night on the marge of Lake LeBarge
When I cremated Sam McGee...
- Robert Service
By the men who moil for gold.
The arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold.
The northern lights have seen queer sights
But the queerest they ever did see,
Was that night on the marge of Lake LeBarge
When I cremated Sam McGee...
- Robert Service
Saturday, October 15
another ordinary posting
It's been a while. And after this much time, the stress of what to write usually overcomes any desire to write. Again, stress of production has strangled creativity. Ugh.
Random updates:
Diving: Love drysuits. Don't know if I'm going to be able to go back to wet suits - I didn't get cold until I got out of the water. How great is that? Saw lots of cool critters at Whitecliff (a pretty cool, very busy local dive site) including thousands of brittle seastars. Overheard an amusing conversation from some male divers as they were floating in the water waiting for their dive buddies:
"...Yah she's nice, but just my luck all her friends are all hot so....She's ok but I'm looking around still for something better....I didn't say i love her so it's ok....".
Sound travels faster across water boys. I already have a tainted view on how guys REALLY feel, there's no need to cement these feeling any more.
Bamfield: Going there in a couple of weekends for the first time. I'm so excited, though I will be missing Mel's first western Halloween Social.
Hair cut: It's short. I like it. Sometimes makes me look like a triangle head. Vanity is weird.
Photo class: Art students can be so snobby. That being said the continuing studies group isn't that bad. Feel less like a photographer than I've ever felt in my life however - having a broken camera doesn't help. Where has my creativity gone...Perhaps it attached itself to my idealism?
Brazillian: Does not exist anymore. However, as promised the hair that has grown back is very soft. mmmm. I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go bald again soon though.
Vacation: Thinking of taking one in January. Any ideas where? Anyone want to come?
ok all for now.
Random updates:
Diving: Love drysuits. Don't know if I'm going to be able to go back to wet suits - I didn't get cold until I got out of the water. How great is that? Saw lots of cool critters at Whitecliff (a pretty cool, very busy local dive site) including thousands of brittle seastars. Overheard an amusing conversation from some male divers as they were floating in the water waiting for their dive buddies:
"...Yah she's nice, but just my luck all her friends are all hot so....She's ok but I'm looking around still for something better....I didn't say i love her so it's ok....".
Sound travels faster across water boys. I already have a tainted view on how guys REALLY feel, there's no need to cement these feeling any more.
Bamfield: Going there in a couple of weekends for the first time. I'm so excited, though I will be missing Mel's first western Halloween Social.
Hair cut: It's short. I like it. Sometimes makes me look like a triangle head. Vanity is weird.
Photo class: Art students can be so snobby. That being said the continuing studies group isn't that bad. Feel less like a photographer than I've ever felt in my life however - having a broken camera doesn't help. Where has my creativity gone...Perhaps it attached itself to my idealism?
Brazillian: Does not exist anymore. However, as promised the hair that has grown back is very soft. mmmm. I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go bald again soon though.
Vacation: Thinking of taking one in January. Any ideas where? Anyone want to come?
ok all for now.
Thursday, September 29
Call me crazy...
I love rain.
Correction: I love rain downpours (none of that woosy spit rain).
Correction: I love getting soaked and then coming in from the rain to a nice, dry home - preferably with a fireplace, hot tea, a good book and a roof that echoes the pounding rain.
This love for rain is likely a consequence of growing up on the wet (west) coast, Port Hardy being a very wet town with an average of up to 5m of rain a year.
Prince Rupert however, a great coastal town that I just recently visited for the first time, takes the cake - Rainiest city - 2468.50 mm in a year!
Its a wonder, with such claims to fame as "Least sunshine year-round", why anyone (other than aquaman) lives there. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks gumboots are sexy...
http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/weather/winners/winners-e.html
--------------
In other news, I had a great time up at Shuswap Lake with BJ Boone - basking in the SUN, reading, more sunning, photographing...
Highlight of the trip? BJ's gas mileage.
just kidding.
Oh and I'm taking a photo class which is so exciting. Anyone else want to be my model?
Correction: I love rain downpours (none of that woosy spit rain).
Correction: I love getting soaked and then coming in from the rain to a nice, dry home - preferably with a fireplace, hot tea, a good book and a roof that echoes the pounding rain.
This love for rain is likely a consequence of growing up on the wet (west) coast, Port Hardy being a very wet town with an average of up to 5m of rain a year.
Prince Rupert however, a great coastal town that I just recently visited for the first time, takes the cake - Rainiest city - 2468.50 mm in a year!
Its a wonder, with such claims to fame as "Least sunshine year-round", why anyone (other than aquaman) lives there. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks gumboots are sexy...
http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/weather/winners/winners-e.html
--------------
In other news, I had a great time up at Shuswap Lake with BJ Boone - basking in the SUN, reading, more sunning, photographing...
Highlight of the trip? BJ's gas mileage.
just kidding.
Oh and I'm taking a photo class which is so exciting. Anyone else want to be my model?
Wednesday, September 28
Friday, September 23
is it rude to sit on them?
taken with a Holga toy camera.
Given to me courtesy of my good friend Mel. Thanks also goes to Brad for being a twit so that I could be the second person to recieve this as a gift :)
Given to me courtesy of my good friend Mel. Thanks also goes to Brad for being a twit so that I could be the second person to recieve this as a gift :)
Monday, September 19
Friday, September 16
Heartbreaker
So a couple of days ago I bumped into a guy friend I knew from grade 10 and according to his drunken babble (not to mention the lingering kiss on on my cheek good-bye) I had broken his heart - which he felt the need to tell me over and over again.
I had no idea that I had had such an affect on him.
Then there was the story/gossip, at Andrea's wedding rehearsal dinner, that Cheryl and her husband (the single woman is fast becoming a dying species) had bumped into a guy from Richmond around her sisters age and after he recalled not knowing Andrea, she tried me (Richmond remember is quite populated). Turns out I went on a date with him but he "screwed it up" and it was "probably his fault". Me, I didn't even remember his name for the first few minutes. I felt like such a slut...or maybe a stud?
Then today while dreaming about owning my boat at a dock in Coal Harbour, Apdual (he spelled his name for me) from Africa tried to pick me up.
His line?
A - "What boat would you like, I'll sell it to you"
L - "hmph...I'll pay $20...for the SeaStar"
A - "what?! You would want that boat out of them all? [translation: that boat is crap] I would take the fancy sporty speed boat beside it because it's small and fast and has such flashy colours"
L - "I think that [pastel] green is disgusting"
A - "Really? It's my favourite colour! Hey would you like to go for drinks with me?....."
My ego has been stroked. Purrrrrrr.
I had no idea that I had had such an affect on him.
Then there was the story/gossip, at Andrea's wedding rehearsal dinner, that Cheryl and her husband (the single woman is fast becoming a dying species) had bumped into a guy from Richmond around her sisters age and after he recalled not knowing Andrea, she tried me (Richmond remember is quite populated). Turns out I went on a date with him but he "screwed it up" and it was "probably his fault". Me, I didn't even remember his name for the first few minutes. I felt like such a slut...or maybe a stud?
Then today while dreaming about owning my boat at a dock in Coal Harbour, Apdual (he spelled his name for me) from Africa tried to pick me up.
His line?
A - "What boat would you like, I'll sell it to you"
L - "hmph...I'll pay $20...for the SeaStar"
A - "what?! You would want that boat out of them all? [translation: that boat is crap] I would take the fancy sporty speed boat beside it because it's small and fast and has such flashy colours"
L - "I think that [pastel] green is disgusting"
A - "Really? It's my favourite colour! Hey would you like to go for drinks with me?....."
My ego has been stroked. Purrrrrrr.
Friday, September 9
Thursday, September 1
Monday, August 29
Brazillian part 2
I went for my second wax yesterday.
(I have decided to be loyal to the lady who waxes me. I mean, I don't spread my legs for just anybody - as an aside, what is her offical title? Waxer? Hair Removal Officer?)
It didn't hurt AS much though it seemed rather expensive this time. I wonder if she charged me more because I swiped someone elses appointment right when it was closing time (by accident i swear! nobody bothered to ASK if my name was Flo).
Curious to see if it's this growth or the next one is the one that is supposed to be soft...
(I have decided to be loyal to the lady who waxes me. I mean, I don't spread my legs for just anybody - as an aside, what is her offical title? Waxer? Hair Removal Officer?)
It didn't hurt AS much though it seemed rather expensive this time. I wonder if she charged me more because I swiped someone elses appointment right when it was closing time (by accident i swear! nobody bothered to ASK if my name was Flo).
Curious to see if it's this growth or the next one is the one that is supposed to be soft...
Saturday, August 27
Unanswerable questions?
Why is it that occasionally, especially when James is around, I prove my abesent-mindness and do something dumb.
Or rather don't do something smart. Like get car insurance when it was expired...20 days ago.
Interestingly though, after the cop pulled me over, forced me to pay for a tow back into town and then slapped with me a huge fine (but luckily no jail time - i didn't realize that could be an option!), he discretely advised me to dispute the ticket so as to lower the fine. Not the crime, but the fine amount. What? You bargain your fine?
Why couldn't I dispute it today?
Why do I have to go to court a year and half later to get the ticket fine reduced? The officer told me he wouldn't object today!
Why the drama?
And why is James always there for these moments?....
Or rather don't do something smart. Like get car insurance when it was expired...20 days ago.
Interestingly though, after the cop pulled me over, forced me to pay for a tow back into town and then slapped with me a huge fine (but luckily no jail time - i didn't realize that could be an option!), he discretely advised me to dispute the ticket so as to lower the fine. Not the crime, but the fine amount. What? You bargain your fine?
Why couldn't I dispute it today?
Why do I have to go to court a year and half later to get the ticket fine reduced? The officer told me he wouldn't object today!
Why the drama?
And why is James always there for these moments?....
Monday, August 22
Early morning firedancing memories
It's 8 am. I have already had a shower, washed the dishes, started the laundry, and made a coffee. What made this girl so productive so early you ask? Extra energy? (certainly not) Motivation? (come on, for laundry?)
No, in fact it was an early wake-up call from the Phillipino cousins (I refer to them as a large group because I forget everyone's name...hey, there were many here for the wedding). Fortunately this morning it's the women I know and like best but because they were cleaning before the clock had reached 7:11 (my 'favourite' time), I felt compelled to get up and clean last night's small mess, left out because I had passed out on the couch around 9 pm last night.
Why was I so tired? Well, I went to a 'party' as the DD and it surprisingly had me up until 3 am.
'Party' is in quotations because I'm unfamiliar with the approximate number of people required to make a 'party'. At what point does a 'gathering' become a party? I guess the 80's theme get-up was what made it a 'party' and not the number of people.
Anyway, we spotted the 'party' before we spotted the house because of swirling flames that were coming from the rooftop (!).
People. Fire-dancing and alcohol do not mix.
Several hours, and several beers, after we arrived BJ Boone re-lit (pun intended) the fire swirling interest.
First he proved to his spectators that he could move the pole without a flame, then he proceeded to soak (drench) the pole tips in kerosene. After many failed attempts at ignition, and more kerosene soaks ("trust me, it's needs more"), one of the tips finally lit up...big.
So, there he stood freaked out, holding the flaming pole far away out in front of him, and unsure what to do with the oversized flame (no one saw this coming, I'm sure).
"Here let me do it" says guy #1 (where did he come from?) and he grabbed the pole.
Then guy #1 starts swiping the air with said flaming pole forcing BJ to dive across the roof and roll down unto deck 4 - with the rest of us were keeled over in laughter as it quickly became evident that guy #1 had no idea what he was doing. Finally someone decided that maybe it IS best to just let it burn off. Sigh...drama over.
That is until guy #2 (more drunk that #1) grabs the pole and soaks (drenches) the tips up again, managing to light BOTH sides up this time, and proceeds to twirl/knock the chimney.
I, sober, was already on deck 2 as soon as the second flame tip lit up and stood back wondering how this was going to unfold.....20 seconds later I was bolting down the stairs to rescue the flaming pole before the yard lit up.
As I stood there discussing with guy#1 (who had arrived seconds earlier) what to do with the flaming pole, guy#2 grabs the still flaming pole and storms off. I ran after him trying to convince him to put it out and then settled for staying as supervision while he swirled/dropped the flaming pole, but this time in the street.
"I've never done that before" he mumbled as the pole dropped again. "I made this (!) and the material is too heavy."
Ahh... that must have been the only reason for the near fire miss... sure....
No, in fact it was an early wake-up call from the Phillipino cousins (I refer to them as a large group because I forget everyone's name...hey, there were many here for the wedding). Fortunately this morning it's the women I know and like best but because they were cleaning before the clock had reached 7:11 (my 'favourite' time), I felt compelled to get up and clean last night's small mess, left out because I had passed out on the couch around 9 pm last night.
Why was I so tired? Well, I went to a 'party' as the DD and it surprisingly had me up until 3 am.
'Party' is in quotations because I'm unfamiliar with the approximate number of people required to make a 'party'. At what point does a 'gathering' become a party? I guess the 80's theme get-up was what made it a 'party' and not the number of people.
Anyway, we spotted the 'party' before we spotted the house because of swirling flames that were coming from the rooftop (!).
People. Fire-dancing and alcohol do not mix.
Several hours, and several beers, after we arrived BJ Boone re-lit (pun intended) the fire swirling interest.
First he proved to his spectators that he could move the pole without a flame, then he proceeded to soak (drench) the pole tips in kerosene. After many failed attempts at ignition, and more kerosene soaks ("trust me, it's needs more"), one of the tips finally lit up...big.
So, there he stood freaked out, holding the flaming pole far away out in front of him, and unsure what to do with the oversized flame (no one saw this coming, I'm sure).
"Here let me do it" says guy #1 (where did he come from?) and he grabbed the pole.
Then guy #1 starts swiping the air with said flaming pole forcing BJ to dive across the roof and roll down unto deck 4 - with the rest of us were keeled over in laughter as it quickly became evident that guy #1 had no idea what he was doing. Finally someone decided that maybe it IS best to just let it burn off. Sigh...drama over.
That is until guy #2 (more drunk that #1) grabs the pole and soaks (drenches) the tips up again, managing to light BOTH sides up this time, and proceeds to twirl/knock the chimney.
I, sober, was already on deck 2 as soon as the second flame tip lit up and stood back wondering how this was going to unfold.....20 seconds later I was bolting down the stairs to rescue the flaming pole before the yard lit up.
As I stood there discussing with guy#1 (who had arrived seconds earlier) what to do with the flaming pole, guy#2 grabs the still flaming pole and storms off. I ran after him trying to convince him to put it out and then settled for staying as supervision while he swirled/dropped the flaming pole, but this time in the street.
"I've never done that before" he mumbled as the pole dropped again. "I made this (!) and the material is too heavy."
Ahh... that must have been the only reason for the near fire miss... sure....
Thursday, August 18
The Weakerthans
Recently I was lent a Weakerthans CD and now I'm getting a little obsessed.
(I'm a little slow in discovering great bands. I'm too lazy to seek them out- though I'll go see anyone on a recommendation - and rely on my good friends to introduce me to the next great talent.)
This is how I do it though. I listen to one or two CD's loyally for days or weeks, depending on how good the music is. A bit like my men? ha, just kidding.
Last night I had a good time with the old gang and a couple of bottles of wine (even though I was late, I think I got the drunkest). Very fun. It was great to see Svea again. I love that girl and wish she lived closer.
(I'm a little slow in discovering great bands. I'm too lazy to seek them out- though I'll go see anyone on a recommendation - and rely on my good friends to introduce me to the next great talent.)
This is how I do it though. I listen to one or two CD's loyally for days or weeks, depending on how good the music is. A bit like my men? ha, just kidding.
Last night I had a good time with the old gang and a couple of bottles of wine (even though I was late, I think I got the drunkest). Very fun. It was great to see Svea again. I love that girl and wish she lived closer.
Tuesday, August 16
I've been busy!....geez....
...AND this is the second time that I've written this post!!! Last night after writing a brilliant, yes brilliant, like the big fish that got away brilliant, posting I hit save and then sudddenly... the server is down again. Which reminds me, this whole sketchy Shaw internet access is quite annoying.
...AND, besides, I'm still anxious that I have nothing intelligent to contribute to my blog other than updates on my life and however interesting they may be (this is sarcasm), I had no idea that there was more than 1 person who checks for them.
so ok already.
here they are.
Brazillian - loved it when the hair was gone... but now, as it starts to grow back as an itchy stubble, well, the honeymoon is over and I'm excited to wax it again.
(apparently this annoying/ugly stubble is normal for the first two "growths" and then it grows back as soft hair. I'm skeptical, but the combination of wanting to rid my body of this stubble, the enjoyment I got when there was no hair, and basic curiousity makes me want to see it through for a couple more painful wax treatments.)
Rollerblades - are still without wheels. I'm hoping this rain will buy me a few more days.
Living situation - right now I'm house-sitting for Maile and Tee Jae. It so wonderful to be an 8 minute bike ride from work and except for the random Phillipino cousins dropping by (usually this information would reach me late at night...when do they decide to stay here?... you think you might give your roomate a heads up beforehand... at a normal hour), things have been great. I love living on my own! Especially when the rent is null.
Octopus - Fiesty (the 2.5 year old Giant Pacific Octopus) is so cool when she's out hunting, bright red gliding across the tank.
Job - is both good, bad and busy - any job is still a job.
Flamenco - loving it! It's so nice to be dancing more these days and makes me feel like I might actually be improving, leaving the learning plateau that I've been stuck on for several months. I'm doing workshops this week . 2.5 hours of dancing every night.
Thursday's - are reserved for Andrea's wedding.
My new keyboard - rocks. I do wish it had speakers though. For now, as I jam with Johnny Cash, I listen to the CD with one ear and the other is covered by headphones - huge, weathered, yellow, 70's style DJ headphones...so great...brings me back to my spinning days... :)
Miscellaneous - I'm tired - the Tercel has been a BC Ferries taxi lately which I don't mind doing but eats away my time very quickly - i have a growing pile of Vancouver Sun newspapers that I would like to read some time. I have no idea whats going on with the BC corals that are in trouble, a canadian man that was killed in Iraq, and freaking Bertuzzi - I really need to see a couple of friends such as Andrea, Sarah Hanna (tommorw night with Svea!), Tracy (not my sister though she should be on the list too, however she's living up at the cabin right now... lucky), Alex and Sarah and their new girl Linnaea (sp?), Brian (again, not my sibling, though shit I guess he needs to be on this too), Kate, Mel and those are just the people in Vancouver! - so Big Jim Boone is getting a dog and the major reason he's been thinking about it is because I keep talking about it! I've screwed myself here. Can we both get dogs? Is this a relationship faux-pas? Matching flannel jackets and two dogs? Is it fair though, that I "can't" adopt a dog as well? - anyone still reading? :)
(sigh)
...AND, besides, I'm still anxious that I have nothing intelligent to contribute to my blog other than updates on my life and however interesting they may be (this is sarcasm), I had no idea that there was more than 1 person who checks for them.
so ok already.
here they are.
Brazillian - loved it when the hair was gone... but now, as it starts to grow back as an itchy stubble, well, the honeymoon is over and I'm excited to wax it again.
(apparently this annoying/ugly stubble is normal for the first two "growths" and then it grows back as soft hair. I'm skeptical, but the combination of wanting to rid my body of this stubble, the enjoyment I got when there was no hair, and basic curiousity makes me want to see it through for a couple more painful wax treatments.)
Rollerblades - are still without wheels. I'm hoping this rain will buy me a few more days.
Living situation - right now I'm house-sitting for Maile and Tee Jae. It so wonderful to be an 8 minute bike ride from work and except for the random Phillipino cousins dropping by (usually this information would reach me late at night...when do they decide to stay here?... you think you might give your roomate a heads up beforehand... at a normal hour), things have been great. I love living on my own! Especially when the rent is null.
Octopus - Fiesty (the 2.5 year old Giant Pacific Octopus) is so cool when she's out hunting, bright red gliding across the tank.
Job - is both good, bad and busy - any job is still a job.
Flamenco - loving it! It's so nice to be dancing more these days and makes me feel like I might actually be improving, leaving the learning plateau that I've been stuck on for several months. I'm doing workshops this week . 2.5 hours of dancing every night.
Thursday's - are reserved for Andrea's wedding.
My new keyboard - rocks. I do wish it had speakers though. For now, as I jam with Johnny Cash, I listen to the CD with one ear and the other is covered by headphones - huge, weathered, yellow, 70's style DJ headphones...so great...brings me back to my spinning days... :)
Miscellaneous - I'm tired - the Tercel has been a BC Ferries taxi lately which I don't mind doing but eats away my time very quickly - i have a growing pile of Vancouver Sun newspapers that I would like to read some time. I have no idea whats going on with the BC corals that are in trouble, a canadian man that was killed in Iraq, and freaking Bertuzzi - I really need to see a couple of friends such as Andrea, Sarah Hanna (tommorw night with Svea!), Tracy (not my sister though she should be on the list too, however she's living up at the cabin right now... lucky), Alex and Sarah and their new girl Linnaea (sp?), Brian (again, not my sibling, though shit I guess he needs to be on this too), Kate, Mel and those are just the people in Vancouver! - so Big Jim Boone is getting a dog and the major reason he's been thinking about it is because I keep talking about it! I've screwed myself here. Can we both get dogs? Is this a relationship faux-pas? Matching flannel jackets and two dogs? Is it fair though, that I "can't" adopt a dog as well? - anyone still reading? :)
(sigh)
Wednesday, August 3
Try everything once: The Brazillian
Today, against all hippie inclinatations, I showed a little pussy and lost a little hair.
Lets just say it wasn't amazing to have hair ripped out at the root in a most sensitve area, but it only lasted a little while and then, nothing. Now it just looks slightly odd.
At the moment I'm feeling rather impartial about the whole thing however the postive side of my "hair cut" is promised to come about during certain partner activites, so I'll reserve my judgement until then...
I also cut the hair on my head. Feels good to be shorter again.
Lets just say it wasn't amazing to have hair ripped out at the root in a most sensitve area, but it only lasted a little while and then, nothing. Now it just looks slightly odd.
At the moment I'm feeling rather impartial about the whole thing however the postive side of my "hair cut" is promised to come about during certain partner activites, so I'll reserve my judgement until then...
I also cut the hair on my head. Feels good to be shorter again.
Monday, August 1
Mr. and Mrs. Conwi
Well, it was a crazy day, but the parties did not dissapoint and the wedding was amazing. However with everything leading up to that day draining me, and another one looming in the future, I would like now to not think about the W-word. At least for a day or two. I'm going to pass on the details, for now.
Yesterday was, what I felt, my only my third summer afternoon. Well, it was actually more like an evening but with the sun and the warm air still around, it was almost more satifying than the sweltering middle of the day. Big Jim Boone and I took our bikes down to a beach that I can't remeber the name of - it was on the west side of the Lions Gate bridge. The water was great to swim in. It reminded me of swimming in the ocean when I worked as life guard on Anvil Island, Howe Sound. The surface water was warm enough that you could stay in the water for many minutes and we could waterski around some of the sheltered bays...all in the North Pacific Ocean.
So, I didn't realize that I was a dating a pussy. 15 minutes after I had been in the water swimming around, my man left the knee-deep shallows, but not without an extremely worried expression. You would think that experience would have taught him that they will drop down again after you leave the water. You're down going to lose them ...
Back to work today..ugh.
Yesterday was, what I felt, my only my third summer afternoon. Well, it was actually more like an evening but with the sun and the warm air still around, it was almost more satifying than the sweltering middle of the day. Big Jim Boone and I took our bikes down to a beach that I can't remeber the name of - it was on the west side of the Lions Gate bridge. The water was great to swim in. It reminded me of swimming in the ocean when I worked as life guard on Anvil Island, Howe Sound. The surface water was warm enough that you could stay in the water for many minutes and we could waterski around some of the sheltered bays...all in the North Pacific Ocean.
So, I didn't realize that I was a dating a pussy. 15 minutes after I had been in the water swimming around, my man left the knee-deep shallows, but not without an extremely worried expression. You would think that experience would have taught him that they will drop down again after you leave the water. You're down going to lose them ...
Back to work today..ugh.
Wednesday, July 20
Stagette (1) and Jack-and-Jill party
The stagette to my family's cabin was fantastic. Even though on Saturday the sun refused to come out for more than 20 minutes (total time) , we have a great time doing girly stuff..and drinking (this included the 13-year old...just an little of course).
We tried to get into the Scotch Creek Pub (Mariah looks uncanny to Maile so we figured we could pass off her ID) but refused to go in when we heard that the terrible music we had come to drink to, was charging a $5 cover (!!!). Apparently "off north in the boonies" (like we weren't already in the boonies compared to Vancouver) was another pub we could drink in. Well, we tried.
So, instead we went home and like true PH girls commenced drinking, card playing, dancing, nude swimming and then more drinking and dancing. We now have a dance routine that is set to make it's premier at Maile's wedding. The K-OS song we're dancing to is fantastic with the main chorus singing "I tried it, but couldn't fight it, I just had to get back to me, oh yah, Whoo hoo (sung up high), back into the man I used to be". Heh heh, I love it. I pushed for this song.
I saw K-OS live in Victoria recently. I would definately go to see him again but next time will involve perhaps a little more dancing.
Oh and Sunday was gorgeous.
Last night's Jack and Jill party was also great yet different, consisting of a mixture of us younger PH crew (most also bearing a child or two), the groom's mom's Phillipino women's church choir, a couple of husbands, and a scattering of family friends. The highlights of this party were the food (oh my goodness, it can probably be assumed that if someone owns serving platters, they probably know how to cook a feast. She did.) and the Pictionary-like game that made these seemingly calm women turn into a screaming competitors. People were cheating all over the place, arguements over who won were loud, but everything was done in such a great humor. Photo's of the drawing were taken. It was very quite amusing if not a bit overwhelming.
At first, when I was handed a microphone to announce the game to everyone, I thought "how silly". Later however, when Samantha's (TeeJae's out-going niece) cries on the mic for attention were again unsuccessful, I realized this was not the first time a party like this had been planned, and the microphone had not been a joke.
Good times, good times, and more to come soon.
We tried to get into the Scotch Creek Pub (Mariah looks uncanny to Maile so we figured we could pass off her ID) but refused to go in when we heard that the terrible music we had come to drink to, was charging a $5 cover (!!!). Apparently "off north in the boonies" (like we weren't already in the boonies compared to Vancouver) was another pub we could drink in. Well, we tried.
So, instead we went home and like true PH girls commenced drinking, card playing, dancing, nude swimming and then more drinking and dancing. We now have a dance routine that is set to make it's premier at Maile's wedding. The K-OS song we're dancing to is fantastic with the main chorus singing "I tried it, but couldn't fight it, I just had to get back to me, oh yah, Whoo hoo (sung up high), back into the man I used to be". Heh heh, I love it. I pushed for this song.
I saw K-OS live in Victoria recently. I would definately go to see him again but next time will involve perhaps a little more dancing.
Oh and Sunday was gorgeous.
Last night's Jack and Jill party was also great yet different, consisting of a mixture of us younger PH crew (most also bearing a child or two), the groom's mom's Phillipino women's church choir, a couple of husbands, and a scattering of family friends. The highlights of this party were the food (oh my goodness, it can probably be assumed that if someone owns serving platters, they probably know how to cook a feast. She did.) and the Pictionary-like game that made these seemingly calm women turn into a screaming competitors. People were cheating all over the place, arguements over who won were loud, but everything was done in such a great humor. Photo's of the drawing were taken. It was very quite amusing if not a bit overwhelming.
At first, when I was handed a microphone to announce the game to everyone, I thought "how silly". Later however, when Samantha's (TeeJae's out-going niece) cries on the mic for attention were again unsuccessful, I realized this was not the first time a party like this had been planned, and the microphone had not been a joke.
Good times, good times, and more to come soon.
Tuesday, July 19
What every good wake needs...booze
Tommorow night (Wednesday), doors open at 9pm, The Cellar.
It was intended to be the celebration of both young belugas born at the aquarium, but under morbid conditions, it has now turned into a wake...with a free drink included.
There's been many opinions that have risen out of Tuvaq's death and I find it interesting that we point fingers at organizations, like the aquarium, that are attempting to change our environmental mistakes, even just a little bit. A place where people come and appreciate the beauty that exists off our coast, perhaps even connecting with plants and animals, raises the likelyhood that they will have new considerations when taking action or making consumer decisions. The belugas are in great care I assure you of that. And with a necropsy finding nothing, speculations about Tuvaq's death are nothing more than that. Um, can we point the finger for mistreatment of the wild animals back towards George Bush? Or maybe Gordon Cambell? Or the gazillion coffee companies?
It was intended to be the celebration of both young belugas born at the aquarium, but under morbid conditions, it has now turned into a wake...with a free drink included.
There's been many opinions that have risen out of Tuvaq's death and I find it interesting that we point fingers at organizations, like the aquarium, that are attempting to change our environmental mistakes, even just a little bit. A place where people come and appreciate the beauty that exists off our coast, perhaps even connecting with plants and animals, raises the likelyhood that they will have new considerations when taking action or making consumer decisions. The belugas are in great care I assure you of that. And with a necropsy finding nothing, speculations about Tuvaq's death are nothing more than that. Um, can we point the finger for mistreatment of the wild animals back towards George Bush? Or maybe Gordon Cambell? Or the gazillion coffee companies?
Monday, July 18
I hadn't taken his photo yet...
Tonight, driving home from a weekend stagette, there was a terrible top story. The Vancouver Aquarium's baby beluga whale, the almost-3-years old Tuvaq, died today. According to news radio, they found him floating dead in the tank 30 minutes after a routine blood testing. An aquarium representative likened it to a healthy 24-year old human suddenly having a heart attack.
Tommorow will be tough and morbid I imagine (for both employees, visitors and belugas)...
Tommorow will be tough and morbid I imagine (for both employees, visitors and belugas)...
Monday, July 11
Me and otters
Well, it seems that my job will be changing come late August/September and essentially I will be leading tours that people pay money to be on, in order to touch and feed the animals. Then I am to take pictures of them having fun.
Yes, I'm being paid to do this.
The coolest thing about my job will be that I will likely have one of the weekend days off.
(Perhaps BJ Boon, I will out ski you sooner than you expected?)
Cha Cha is in town from Jerez...and her flamenco class is packed. Mmm I want her attidude, similar to that Ms Sharon Jones but with a Spanish twist. I have so much to learn...
Yes, I'm being paid to do this.
The coolest thing about my job will be that I will likely have one of the weekend days off.
(Perhaps BJ Boon, I will out ski you sooner than you expected?)
Cha Cha is in town from Jerez...and her flamenco class is packed. Mmm I want her attidude, similar to that Ms Sharon Jones but with a Spanish twist. I have so much to learn...
Sunday, July 10
Lions
It's hard to tell but The Lions are right above the lion's head :)
Hard to capture with a 50mm Canon SLR.
Hard to capture with a 50mm Canon SLR.
'Tis the age...
There are many weddings that are going on these days, either within my circle of friends or just a few steps outside (ie my friends friend). And it's got me thinking...
Don't worry, nothing too original, just the same old "Why get married?", "Why spend so much money on a party?", "Will this ever happen to me?", "Am I not into weddings simply because my life hasn't gone that way?", "Does marriage work against evolutionary tendency?" and my favourite (the one that makes me feel like a horse) "If I wanted to get married some day, am I passing my prime?"... it goes on.
I probably shouldn't be comparing my life to those around me, but show me someone who doesn't, in some form or another, torture themselves with the very same comparison game.
To make matters interesting, most of my good friends were single up until a year ago and now this summer there's three more that will be checking the "Married" box on their taxes, all at once (I'm a maid-of-dishonor for two for them).
'Tis the age for 'settling down'.
And what if you don't?
What if that never happens for you?
What if you're content just knowing that the person you're with loves you?
(this is a hypothetical question and not necessarily my circumstance)
What if you just don't want to buy into the bridal magazines, and white dresses, and matching flowers?
(here come the questions again)
However, being of the sort that picks and chooses the best from the famers market of world traditions, one thing I do buy into are the parties (!!). I'm in the process of planning several and though it's stressful, it's a strange excited stress because it comes down to this... in the end, you're having a party!
Exclamation mark!
Don't worry, nothing too original, just the same old "Why get married?", "Why spend so much money on a party?", "Will this ever happen to me?", "Am I not into weddings simply because my life hasn't gone that way?", "Does marriage work against evolutionary tendency?" and my favourite (the one that makes me feel like a horse) "If I wanted to get married some day, am I passing my prime?"... it goes on.
I probably shouldn't be comparing my life to those around me, but show me someone who doesn't, in some form or another, torture themselves with the very same comparison game.
To make matters interesting, most of my good friends were single up until a year ago and now this summer there's three more that will be checking the "Married" box on their taxes, all at once (I'm a maid-of-dishonor for two for them).
'Tis the age for 'settling down'.
And what if you don't?
What if that never happens for you?
What if you're content just knowing that the person you're with loves you?
(this is a hypothetical question and not necessarily my circumstance)
What if you just don't want to buy into the bridal magazines, and white dresses, and matching flowers?
(here come the questions again)
However, being of the sort that picks and chooses the best from the famers market of world traditions, one thing I do buy into are the parties (!!). I'm in the process of planning several and though it's stressful, it's a strange excited stress because it comes down to this... in the end, you're having a party!
Exclamation mark!
Thursday, July 7
Wednesday, July 6
Monday, July 4
Welcome to Vancouver..
On the way back from Stanley Park heading into the city I noticed, for the first time, a small inconspicuous brown sign.
"Welcome to Vancouver a nuclear weapons free zone"
Huh?
Does this mean Squamish and Cumberland and Prince Rupert and all the other towns without this little sign are NOT a nuclear weapons free zone? Unless they've too placed their brown signs in spots where I couldn't notice until years later.
And is this sign intended to comfort the public, or to let all potential nuclear weapon carriers know not to bring their weapons in with them?
*Hmm, Sigmund, according to this brown sign we're not allowed to bring our nuclear weapons into Vancouver. Want to go Squamish?*
Doing some research, I found out that "The Canadian Government does not have nuclear weapons, opposes nuclear proliferation, and officially supports disarmament" however still supports nuclear deployment, testing and storage, etc.
That is, except for in Vancouver... if you believe in little brown signs.
"Welcome to Vancouver a nuclear weapons free zone"
Huh?
Does this mean Squamish and Cumberland and Prince Rupert and all the other towns without this little sign are NOT a nuclear weapons free zone? Unless they've too placed their brown signs in spots where I couldn't notice until years later.
And is this sign intended to comfort the public, or to let all potential nuclear weapon carriers know not to bring their weapons in with them?
*Hmm, Sigmund, according to this brown sign we're not allowed to bring our nuclear weapons into Vancouver. Want to go Squamish?*
Doing some research, I found out that "The Canadian Government does not have nuclear weapons, opposes nuclear proliferation, and officially supports disarmament" however still supports nuclear deployment, testing and storage, etc.
That is, except for in Vancouver... if you believe in little brown signs.
Whew..
I almost pressed the *delete this blog* button by accident. Good thing I scrolled down a bit futher and read the button. Sure I threaten to delete this blog, but remember, once a pack rat always a... just kidding ha ha... I can get rid of things I promise...I'm going to go clean my rrom now...
Wednesday, June 29
Rants 2
I'm thinking of deleting this blog.
Every time I go to the change settings page there is this tempting button that says "delete this blog" as if this is such a common occurrence.
Person A starts blog. Person A tries out blog, posts a couple of entries, gets a couple of comments, maybe even puts some photos up. Person A then realizes that "blogging" (I put this in quotes because I'm pretty sure Webster doesn't recognize this) was either a mistake, bore, frustration, guilt, stress or any combination there of. Yes, I admit there are those talented people who are successful in their ventures, but it seems that for most, who undoubtedly had dreams of being a writer at one point in their life, the blog will account for little more than a broadly accessible group email, fueled by a reality drama/sit-com craze.
I am myself wondering why, when for the first time that I have ever returned to live in a city of my mis-spent youth (unless you count Port McNeill, which is close to Port Hardy), why I"m choosing NOW to be the time I begin a blog. I've been several places in the world, and for that matter in BC, where it would have been much more interesting to write about. For instance in answer to the question "what is Prince Rupert like?" I would have told you about the community center employees who, after having completed a workout, tried bumming a smoke off us (I do enjoy a good drag after cardio as well). Or even the bowling alley (5 pin...classic and with higher scores)
So, is this blog for the photos? I'd like to think so, and that case perhaps its more appropriate to start a website specifically for galleries or something. Unfortunately I have no idea how to do this on my own at this time. Perhaps I should take a course or something. Lets see if I can say 'or something' one more time or something.
In the meantime I'm dangerously close to just hitting the delete button, with the only thing stopping me being the fact that I did put some time into it (and I'm kind of a pack rat, even with the computer stuff).
sigh...keep it light enough to travel?
Every time I go to the change settings page there is this tempting button that says "delete this blog" as if this is such a common occurrence.
Person A starts blog. Person A tries out blog, posts a couple of entries, gets a couple of comments, maybe even puts some photos up. Person A then realizes that "blogging" (I put this in quotes because I'm pretty sure Webster doesn't recognize this) was either a mistake, bore, frustration, guilt, stress or any combination there of. Yes, I admit there are those talented people who are successful in their ventures, but it seems that for most, who undoubtedly had dreams of being a writer at one point in their life, the blog will account for little more than a broadly accessible group email, fueled by a reality drama/sit-com craze.
I am myself wondering why, when for the first time that I have ever returned to live in a city of my mis-spent youth (unless you count Port McNeill, which is close to Port Hardy), why I"m choosing NOW to be the time I begin a blog. I've been several places in the world, and for that matter in BC, where it would have been much more interesting to write about. For instance in answer to the question "what is Prince Rupert like?" I would have told you about the community center employees who, after having completed a workout, tried bumming a smoke off us (I do enjoy a good drag after cardio as well). Or even the bowling alley (5 pin...classic and with higher scores)
So, is this blog for the photos? I'd like to think so, and that case perhaps its more appropriate to start a website specifically for galleries or something. Unfortunately I have no idea how to do this on my own at this time. Perhaps I should take a course or something. Lets see if I can say 'or something' one more time or something.
In the meantime I'm dangerously close to just hitting the delete button, with the only thing stopping me being the fact that I did put some time into it (and I'm kind of a pack rat, even with the computer stuff).
sigh...keep it light enough to travel?
Friday, June 24
What did she mean?
So... a coworker says to me today as I'm leaving work...
"You know, I wouldn't recgonize you if you weren't wearing your aquarium uniform"
Any insights as to what the heck she meant? Was it an insult (aka I am the most average loking person on the face of earth and could look like any old 2-legged creature)? Was it just a passing comment (and if so, how utterly random of an observation)?
Any suggestions?
ps. first time back on the bike since the "incident". A little nervous but all went well. The gears and handle bar are a little bent up though...damn residual reminder of stupidity...
"You know, I wouldn't recgonize you if you weren't wearing your aquarium uniform"
Any insights as to what the heck she meant? Was it an insult (aka I am the most average loking person on the face of earth and could look like any old 2-legged creature)? Was it just a passing comment (and if so, how utterly random of an observation)?
Any suggestions?
ps. first time back on the bike since the "incident". A little nervous but all went well. The gears and handle bar are a little bent up though...damn residual reminder of stupidity...
Tuesday, June 21
Is Crazy genetic?
I chatted with my grandmother tonight. She's wonderful yet many times crazy, and sometimes insulting, which of course makes me worry for my own future. My favourite quote of hers is still "Don't worry, Hilda never got married"
(is there a crazy gene that is dominant?)
She's also a bit of a ranter and tonight, after the surface chat of what's been going on, and moving into how I think it's great that there are conservation messages at the aquarium, she breaks into rant...
" Yes, I read an article about China the other day. Oh the pollution there! They have no conception about what they're doing to the environment and there are so many people in China. Once upon a time there were only bikes but now people are driving cars like crazy, and so people have to wear masks! Anyway, we're going off [driving]to the cottage. It seems to take me so long to get ready these days..."
ah Grandmere...
Victoria was fun. My sister ran a half-iron man. (wow). I got to see Sequoia and Caroline, and got to photograph my FOURTH set of nude photos....anyone else? no takers?
(is there a crazy gene that is dominant?)
She's also a bit of a ranter and tonight, after the surface chat of what's been going on, and moving into how I think it's great that there are conservation messages at the aquarium, she breaks into rant...
" Yes, I read an article about China the other day. Oh the pollution there! They have no conception about what they're doing to the environment and there are so many people in China. Once upon a time there were only bikes but now people are driving cars like crazy, and so people have to wear masks! Anyway, we're going off [driving]
Victoria was fun. My sister ran a half-iron man. (wow). I got to see Sequoia and Caroline, and got to photograph my FOURTH set of nude photos....anyone else? no takers?
Wednesday, June 15
nerdball
Today, I held coachroaches, walking sticks, butterfly's and a corn snake. Yesterday an octopus suctioned onto my arm. My job is cool. Yes, I'm a nerdball.
Digable Planets tommorow. Very excited to shake my booty.
As an aside, I feel kind of motion sick after taking a bus that sped with a large amount of rocking. (What's going on here busman. I'm not taking a boat and this isn't the Strait of Georgia).
Digable Planets tommorow. Very excited to shake my booty.
As an aside, I feel kind of motion sick after taking a bus that sped with a large amount of rocking. (What's going on here busman. I'm not taking a boat and this isn't the Strait of Georgia).
Monday, June 13
Supreme Canadian Sport
This is one of my favourite "drive-by photo shootings". Hockey in front of the supreme court - can you get any more canadian than that?
Ottawa, November 2003.
I don't heart malls
Day 2 without coffee - dull headache all day.
I've decided to quit drinking coffee. I love the taste but somehow my frequency intake has increased to a level where I HAVE to have coffee in the morning in order to function. Don't get me wrong, I love coffee (the smell, the taste, the warmth, wait a second...What the hell am I doing?!?). The problem is that I am very aware of how unhealthy it is for you and since I have recently declared myself to have an addictive personality (as of this morning), moderation is not an option with coffee, at least not now. So I'm quitting. Last time I challenged myself to a year without coffee. After the first month you don't even really miss it. However, currently I am only on day 2 and having no coffee sucks. To boot, the Vancouver Aquarium gives free coffee to employees. (hmph)
Speaking of the aquarium, today was my first day (!!). A little overwhelming (especially with all the animals having names like Tuvaq and Qila, never mind the names of the 300 other people who work there) but I'm really excited and could see myself working there for a long time, perhaps even working towards a position in the training or research departments. For now though I think I'm going to enjoy chatting to people about the horseshoe crabs, sea anemones, starfish, sea lions, sloths (!), and sea otters. As a bonus, if you want to see me in action (or just want to see the belugas) I can hook friends up with a deal.
As an aside, I've reached a new low in my loathing of malls and almost smacked some kids out of the way as they stood there like little tools, blocking the escalator...hmmm...I may be prone to *mall-rage*...
I've decided to quit drinking coffee. I love the taste but somehow my frequency intake has increased to a level where I HAVE to have coffee in the morning in order to function. Don't get me wrong, I love coffee (the smell, the taste, the warmth, wait a second...What the hell am I doing?!?). The problem is that I am very aware of how unhealthy it is for you and since I have recently declared myself to have an addictive personality (as of this morning), moderation is not an option with coffee, at least not now. So I'm quitting. Last time I challenged myself to a year without coffee. After the first month you don't even really miss it. However, currently I am only on day 2 and having no coffee sucks. To boot, the Vancouver Aquarium gives free coffee to employees. (hmph)
Speaking of the aquarium, today was my first day (!!). A little overwhelming (especially with all the animals having names like Tuvaq and Qila, never mind the names of the 300 other people who work there) but I'm really excited and could see myself working there for a long time, perhaps even working towards a position in the training or research departments. For now though I think I'm going to enjoy chatting to people about the horseshoe crabs, sea anemones, starfish, sea lions, sloths (!), and sea otters. As a bonus, if you want to see me in action (or just want to see the belugas) I can hook friends up with a deal.
As an aside, I've reached a new low in my loathing of malls and almost smacked some kids out of the way as they stood there like little tools, blocking the escalator...hmmm...I may be prone to *mall-rage*...
Wednesday, June 8
Tuesday, June 7
Uniforms and Drunk Mel Confessions
Just got a job. I have to wear a uniform.
Now, I understand that the Uniform is designed to help visitors associate you with an organization so that they can easily spot you in a crowd if your assistance is required, but there's some sort of identity crisis I go through when I'm forced to wear one. (ya I know, poor middle class me)
The only Uniform I enjoyed wearing was my firefighting uniform, mostly because fire-resistant-baggy-blue pants that dry quickly are actually quite comfortable (the shirt not so much) - I still have a borrowed pair or two kicking around, you know, just in case I return.
Mel, remember the time that you got really drunk and then admitted that you had this burning desire for the loins of Big Jim? Something about "I'll show him c*&ks%cker"?
Yah, that was funny.
(Lindsay's attempt at making sure there was a topic about Mel in here)
Now, I understand that the Uniform is designed to help visitors associate you with an organization so that they can easily spot you in a crowd if your assistance is required, but there's some sort of identity crisis I go through when I'm forced to wear one. (ya I know, poor middle class me)
The only Uniform I enjoyed wearing was my firefighting uniform, mostly because fire-resistant-baggy-blue pants that dry quickly are actually quite comfortable (the shirt not so much) - I still have a borrowed pair or two kicking around, you know, just in case I return.
Mel, remember the time that you got really drunk and then admitted that you had this burning desire for the loins of Big Jim? Something about "I'll show him c*&ks%cker"?
Yah, that was funny.
(Lindsay's attempt at making sure there was a topic about Mel in here)
Monday, June 6
June is Bike Month
Does anyone else find it ironic that I fell on June 1st?
(they should really change the signs to June is Bike Month with a Helmet)
Black eye is looking better than ever. Could do without the shoulder pain however.
(they should really change the signs to June is Bike Month with a Helmet)
Black eye is looking better than ever. Could do without the shoulder pain however.
Sunday, June 5
Saturday, June 4
Friday, June 3
16 years prior..
On June 3 and 4th 1989, the Tiananmen student-led pro-democracy demostrations ended in the deaths of an estimated 23 to 7000 (!) Chinese protesters.
16 years later, injustice still surrounds this issue, including the recent 10 year jail sentence of Shi Tao for "leaking state secrets".
(Isn't that what journalists are supposed to do?)
If you want to know more
http://www.amnesty.ca/english/main_article_home/Tiananmen_backgrounder_2005.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square_protests_of_1989
16 years later, injustice still surrounds this issue, including the recent 10 year jail sentence of Shi Tao for "leaking state secrets".
(Isn't that what journalists are supposed to do?)
If you want to know more
http://www.amnesty.ca/english/main_article_home/Tiananmen_backgrounder_2005.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square_protests_of_1989
2 days later...
...a black eye is forming...sweet.
now I have to tell my "i-was-a-dumbass-and-wasn't-wearing-a-helmet" story to more people.
It was only 7 blocks away!?!
Who has never not worn a helmet before?
now I have to tell my "i-was-a-dumbass-and-wasn't-wearing-a-helmet" story to more people.
It was only 7 blocks away!?!
Who has never not worn a helmet before?
Thursday, June 2
Thank you cellphone (and Big Jim)
*They* always say that things happen when you least expect, and that if you have a bike accident it'll be 4 blocks from your home JUST after you had decided (yes foolishly, I admit) to take off your helmet because you're "only 7 blocks from home".
Yesterday morning I remember thinking, as I was biking home from downtown Vancouver, about how great the bike streets are, and oh my aren't I feeling hot after this long ride, and since I'm almost home, I'm just going to take my helmet off and get a little breeze.
Then I remember jerking my bike, something getting caught, me flying off the bike, and the sound of pavement hitting my head. The rest of the morning was sort of a blur. I've taken many first aid courses in my life and yet couldn't determine what I should do after the incident so I moved to the curb and just noticed the large amount of blood staining the street. Someone drove by and asked if I needed an ambulance and in shock I replied "no worries, I can't afford an ambulance, I live close by". They drove off apparently satisfied.
I did have enough wit to then pull out my cellphone (a device I have been known to scoff at in the past and am now forced to praise) and with shaky hands call my hero, Big Jim.
Lindsay - I've fallen. My head is bleeding
James - Put something on the bleeding.
Right...I remember now. Good suggestion.
I was more like a damsel-going-into-shock than distress, and he arrived in a black truck rather than on a white stallion (and if he had arrived on a stallion this would have indicated that I was moving into advance stages of shock), but he was the hero nonetheless.
After a fair amount of drama at the hospital (they were very good to me at VGH), James drove me home battered by the pavement but relatively unharmed.
The world still insists on changing its orientation when I change elevation (ie sit-up), my fractured shoulder blade hurts like... a fracture, my elbow feels and looks gruesome, and my body aches, especially on my right side, but on the whole everything is fine.
Lesson 1: Always, even 7 blocks away on a safe street, wear your helmet (perhaps not avoiding broken bones, but definitely lessening head injuries).
Lesson 2: When someone is sitting on the road with blood running down their face they are probably entering stages of shock. Don't believe people who insist they are fine directly after an incident. Shock can kill after even the smallest injury. Learning how to lesson shock and how to recognize it is probably the best first aid knowledge you can have.
Lesson 3: The bike streets of Vancouver are great to travel (and fall) on as they have bike traffice lights and very little car traffic.
Yesterday morning I remember thinking, as I was biking home from downtown Vancouver, about how great the bike streets are, and oh my aren't I feeling hot after this long ride, and since I'm almost home, I'm just going to take my helmet off and get a little breeze.
Then I remember jerking my bike, something getting caught, me flying off the bike, and the sound of pavement hitting my head. The rest of the morning was sort of a blur. I've taken many first aid courses in my life and yet couldn't determine what I should do after the incident so I moved to the curb and just noticed the large amount of blood staining the street. Someone drove by and asked if I needed an ambulance and in shock I replied "no worries, I can't afford an ambulance, I live close by". They drove off apparently satisfied.
I did have enough wit to then pull out my cellphone (a device I have been known to scoff at in the past and am now forced to praise) and with shaky hands call my hero, Big Jim.
Lindsay - I've fallen. My head is bleeding
James - Put something on the bleeding.
Right...I remember now. Good suggestion.
I was more like a damsel-going-into-shock than distress, and he arrived in a black truck rather than on a white stallion (and if he had arrived on a stallion this would have indicated that I was moving into advance stages of shock), but he was the hero nonetheless.
After a fair amount of drama at the hospital (they were very good to me at VGH), James drove me home battered by the pavement but relatively unharmed.
The world still insists on changing its orientation when I change elevation (ie sit-up), my fractured shoulder blade hurts like... a fracture, my elbow feels and looks gruesome, and my body aches, especially on my right side, but on the whole everything is fine.
Lesson 1: Always, even 7 blocks away on a safe street, wear your helmet (perhaps not avoiding broken bones, but definitely lessening head injuries).
Lesson 2: When someone is sitting on the road with blood running down their face they are probably entering stages of shock. Don't believe people who insist they are fine directly after an incident. Shock can kill after even the smallest injury. Learning how to lesson shock and how to recognize it is probably the best first aid knowledge you can have.
Lesson 3: The bike streets of Vancouver are great to travel (and fall) on as they have bike traffice lights and very little car traffic.
Wednesday, June 1
Tuesday, May 31
Help Wanted
Must have experience and knowledge in blog photo postings and determining whether a system is down or the user is just computer illiterate. Start is immediate, though pay may be delayed. Include personal photo.
Thursday, May 26
Reflections
reflections: n, Something, such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.
Mental concentration; careful consideration.
A thought or an opinion resulting from such consideration.
An indirect expression of censure or discredit: a reflection on his integrity.
A manifestation or result: Her achievements are a reflection of her courage.
Mental concentration; careful consideration.
A thought or an opinion resulting from such consideration.
An indirect expression of censure or discredit: a reflection on his integrity.
A manifestation or result: Her achievements are a reflection of her courage.
Plagued by indecision, better with hindsight, or fearing some unknown regret, I have once again been able to dramatize yet another small event in my life - choosing the name of a blog that likely will not get read.
Reflecting on my choice of Rants, it still felt not quite right (can I be loud, angry and confused that often? Did I want a drinking problem?). Kate asked what my blog pupose was. I stumbled over the explanation that "well, I didn't have one but I wanted to just, chat...about stuff...that was going on....and maybe put up a few of my photos." (bingo!)
My favourite photo shots, though perhaps cliche in content, are reflections in water. So I change my name again. Who will I be tommorow? (and will it start with the letter "r"?)
Wednesday, May 25
Rants
rants: n, long, angry and confused speeches.
For some unknown reason *they* wouldn't allow just Rivulets as the title for this blog so I stressed for a bit, sorting through my mind for self-descriptive and original words to use in combination with rivulets. Mel suggested spasm - that seemed to sum me up quite nicely for her so I thought "Sure, why not. Who's going to read this anyway?".
And then I briefly panicked. Did I want to let on to the masses that I have uncontrollable moments in life not unlike a muscle spasm? Who exactly was going to read this anyways? And who did I think I was that I even needed to create a blog? Most of my friends really don't know what that word means - even this bloggers site doesn't recognize the word in their dictionary. And what a waste of time for me, the writer, and you, the reader, if I wasn't going to say anything that was worth being said. I seem to already spend enough time using the computer as my main source of information and communication. Hydro can be quite expensive, not to mention the detrimental effects of staring at a pixel screen for moments on end...
It was this interlude that inspired the other half of my title.
For some unknown reason *they* wouldn't allow just Rivulets as the title for this blog so I stressed for a bit, sorting through my mind for self-descriptive and original words to use in combination with rivulets. Mel suggested spasm - that seemed to sum me up quite nicely for her so I thought "Sure, why not. Who's going to read this anyway?".
And then I briefly panicked. Did I want to let on to the masses that I have uncontrollable moments in life not unlike a muscle spasm? Who exactly was going to read this anyways? And who did I think I was that I even needed to create a blog? Most of my friends really don't know what that word means - even this bloggers site doesn't recognize the word in their dictionary. And what a waste of time for me, the writer, and you, the reader, if I wasn't going to say anything that was worth being said. I seem to already spend enough time using the computer as my main source of information and communication. Hydro can be quite expensive, not to mention the detrimental effects of staring at a pixel screen for moments on end...
It was this interlude that inspired the other half of my title.
Rivulets
rivulets : n, very small streams
And then suddenly I was starting a blog.
Mel asked me to choose a name and the first word to come to mind was rivulets. I thought of this word because of a song by the Tragically Hip, Flamenco, that has the line *..Walk like a matador. Don't be chicken shit and turn breezes into rivulets...*. I love flamenco dancing and it's a beautiful image that these words create - a strong dancer swirling in a fluid motion.
Later on, in afterthought, I realized rivulets could also represent my passion for nature. Or even my absent minded tendencies, for I have many rivulets in my stream of consciousness.
And then suddenly I was starting a blog.
Mel asked me to choose a name and the first word to come to mind was rivulets. I thought of this word because of a song by the Tragically Hip, Flamenco, that has the line *..Walk like a matador. Don't be chicken shit and turn breezes into rivulets...*. I love flamenco dancing and it's a beautiful image that these words create - a strong dancer swirling in a fluid motion.
Later on, in afterthought, I realized rivulets could also represent my passion for nature. Or even my absent minded tendencies, for I have many rivulets in my stream of consciousness.
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