Alright, so we leave tomorrow for West Africa, i'm all packed and heading up to stay with Jennifer for the night. If all goes well, we arrive home on November 8th. I havne't a clue if i will be able to blog or not, so check if you'd like but no promises here. Chances are i'd rather be dancing with the locals or chasing wild animals than sitting in some stuffy room infront of a computer. I'm bringing my camera cable just in case so i can post pics of our fabulous African Lady dresses, cause who am i kidding, i love computers!!!
Apparently there is a halloween party on Saturday with some Marines..who knew!! So we may not totally be missing the festivities after all. Anyway take care everyone and i'll be in touch at some point....so excited!!!!!!
As an addendum. I was heating something in a styrofoam container in Jennfier's microwave. She looked at me and said "what, do you want to get cancer?" and then pointed at my nether region and said "oh wait, you already have it." This is going to be a lonnnnng two weeks LOL.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Safari Vests & Basketball
So i went to visit Jennifer this weekend. Friday evening i hung out with her bf while she volunteered, we watched girlie movies...oh and Lucky Number Sleven. I'm sure he was thrilled.
On Saturday Jennifer and I went to Okonomiyaki House for none other than Okonomiyaki of course!!! It's this delightful Japanese pan-fried batter cake that is made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage and whatever else you would like to put in it.
Soooo Good!!! If the opportunity ever presents itself, I highly recommend you try it.
I ended up at a costume party that evening dressed in a Sari. There was an Indian couple there that were so in love with my outfit they offered their spare room to me for the evening. Really great people, i enjoyed talking to them.
Oh Dan if you're reading this i found the perfect outfit for the plane ride to Africa, i hope it won't embarass you too much....
Sunday evening was date #2 at the Raptors game. (Shockingly after taking the above photo he still wanted to hang out with me). I was able to get some really great seats for free, 5 rows up from the court great. They played Cleveland so hottie Lebron James was there * wipes her drool*
It was a really close game, Raptors won 91 to 90 and to top it off Mr. Samuel L Jackson was in the front row hanging out watching the game. He's the blurry figure in the red hat...unfortunately he was across the court and apparently my zoom sucks.
Here's a pic from their site
On Saturday Jennifer and I went to Okonomiyaki House for none other than Okonomiyaki of course!!! It's this delightful Japanese pan-fried batter cake that is made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage and whatever else you would like to put in it.
Soooo Good!!! If the opportunity ever presents itself, I highly recommend you try it.
I ended up at a costume party that evening dressed in a Sari. There was an Indian couple there that were so in love with my outfit they offered their spare room to me for the evening. Really great people, i enjoyed talking to them.
Oh Dan if you're reading this i found the perfect outfit for the plane ride to Africa, i hope it won't embarass you too much....
Sunday evening was date #2 at the Raptors game. (Shockingly after taking the above photo he still wanted to hang out with me). I was able to get some really great seats for free, 5 rows up from the court great. They played Cleveland so hottie Lebron James was there * wipes her drool*
It was a really close game, Raptors won 91 to 90 and to top it off Mr. Samuel L Jackson was in the front row hanging out watching the game. He's the blurry figure in the red hat...unfortunately he was across the court and apparently my zoom sucks.
Here's a pic from their site
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Week From Hell
It has been a rather trying four days for me. Since Saturday i have:
1) Ripped my knee open like you would not believe. My own clumsy fault however it's quite bad and rather sore.
2) Had a kitchen fire. I was boiling water and almost left the room while i waited but thank goodness i did not. I look at the burner and see a flame under my pot so i pull the pot away and whoosh, more flames so i turn off the burner. Next of course i blow on it (i watch too much survivor and should realize this is a way to make the fire grow, which it did). Finally i remember the fire marshall from my grade 5 class and throw a pot lid over it. I wait a few seconds and lift it to even more flames. I throw it back down and wait a minute wondering how i'm going to call 911 and grab bunny at the same time, however this time the lid did the trick and it was out. Of course the house reeked of smoke and it turns out it was not at all my fault. Someone else had cooked before me and left grease in the holder under the burner and it caught fire. Of course they had no idea it was there.
3) I was leaving for work on Tuesday, went to pick something up off the floor and BAM pinched my Sciatica Nerve. I've been off work and on muscle relaxants ever since. Not good at all, it hurts to walk or get out of bed, or cough.
4) Got the results back from the doctor and have to go for treatment. I'm assuming the cells were pre cancerous and they have to freeze them...ewe. Then they fall off like scabs, how disgusting. I'm going after my trip as apparently stuff oozes out and would most likely show through my khaki attire :P
5) I also had a bit of a fiasco trying to get some bloody pictures developed. They have been a thorn in my side for the past few weeks and finally I was able to deal with them this evening. Thanks LD!! Oh and a shopping cart somehow managed to slam into my car as we were leaving the store.
I've been a bit of an emotional wreck all week and had quite the cry today, it was very cathartic. So needless to say i am VERY much looking forward to the weekend where i can just relax and have a good time. Any funny jokes that will cheer me up until then?
1) Ripped my knee open like you would not believe. My own clumsy fault however it's quite bad and rather sore.
2) Had a kitchen fire. I was boiling water and almost left the room while i waited but thank goodness i did not. I look at the burner and see a flame under my pot so i pull the pot away and whoosh, more flames so i turn off the burner. Next of course i blow on it (i watch too much survivor and should realize this is a way to make the fire grow, which it did). Finally i remember the fire marshall from my grade 5 class and throw a pot lid over it. I wait a few seconds and lift it to even more flames. I throw it back down and wait a minute wondering how i'm going to call 911 and grab bunny at the same time, however this time the lid did the trick and it was out. Of course the house reeked of smoke and it turns out it was not at all my fault. Someone else had cooked before me and left grease in the holder under the burner and it caught fire. Of course they had no idea it was there.
3) I was leaving for work on Tuesday, went to pick something up off the floor and BAM pinched my Sciatica Nerve. I've been off work and on muscle relaxants ever since. Not good at all, it hurts to walk or get out of bed, or cough.
4) Got the results back from the doctor and have to go for treatment. I'm assuming the cells were pre cancerous and they have to freeze them...ewe. Then they fall off like scabs, how disgusting. I'm going after my trip as apparently stuff oozes out and would most likely show through my khaki attire :P
5) I also had a bit of a fiasco trying to get some bloody pictures developed. They have been a thorn in my side for the past few weeks and finally I was able to deal with them this evening. Thanks LD!! Oh and a shopping cart somehow managed to slam into my car as we were leaving the store.
I've been a bit of an emotional wreck all week and had quite the cry today, it was very cathartic. So needless to say i am VERY much looking forward to the weekend where i can just relax and have a good time. Any funny jokes that will cheer me up until then?
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Khaki Vests and so forth
So Jennifer wrote this ridiculously funny post about what she thinks i'm going to be wearing in Africa, check it out it's hilarious.
I'm going to show you all a few of my favorite shoes, and you tell me if you think i'm the type of gal to be wearing khaki vests and tilly hats.
While were at it, let me show you a few strange items that i owned at one time as well.
This is a corset purse that i fell in love with years ago. I never use it anymore as i've grown up....but just a little bit.
This is a coffin purse that my dad made for me when i was a teenager, now it's a jewelery holder in my closet...again i've grown up a little bit since then.
Halloween is fast approaching. Do any of you still dress up and if so what are you going to be this year? My favorite costume that i wore a few times was Mrs. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction. I only have my head shot unfortunatley but the rest of the outfit was great. I had a big needle sticking out of my chest with blood all around it and surprisingly a lot of folks figured out who i was. It was from the scene where she OD's and is brought back to life. Good times.
I'm going to show you all a few of my favorite shoes, and you tell me if you think i'm the type of gal to be wearing khaki vests and tilly hats.
While were at it, let me show you a few strange items that i owned at one time as well.
This is a corset purse that i fell in love with years ago. I never use it anymore as i've grown up....but just a little bit.
This is a coffin purse that my dad made for me when i was a teenager, now it's a jewelery holder in my closet...again i've grown up a little bit since then.
Halloween is fast approaching. Do any of you still dress up and if so what are you going to be this year? My favorite costume that i wore a few times was Mrs. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction. I only have my head shot unfortunatley but the rest of the outfit was great. I had a big needle sticking out of my chest with blood all around it and surprisingly a lot of folks figured out who i was. It was from the scene where she OD's and is brought back to life. Good times.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Come on over...
My co-workers and I were discussing children a few weeks ago and how innocent and carefree they are. One woman watched as her young son invited a child over to play that he had never met before....they laughed and dug in the sand and had a great day. They didn't know one another's history or anything at all about the other and yet they were instant friends. Why is it as adults we want to know so much about someone as and before we befriend them?
We want to know their history:
Have they ever been married
Do they have kids
What was their childhood like
Did they have a good relationship with their parents
Any addiction issues
The list is endless. The youth where i volunteer told me about this card game Bismark that you learn in jail, so if someone knows how to play Bismark run for the hills. Why can't we be more like children and just accept each other as is regardless of all the baggage that may be attached?
We want to know their history:
Have they ever been married
Do they have kids
What was their childhood like
Did they have a good relationship with their parents
Any addiction issues
The list is endless. The youth where i volunteer told me about this card game Bismark that you learn in jail, so if someone knows how to play Bismark run for the hills. Why can't we be more like children and just accept each other as is regardless of all the baggage that may be attached?
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Love the Weather
So us Canadians get a long weekend as it's our Thanksgiving and so far the weather has been wonderful. It's warm, sunny and absolutely gorgeous outside. I spent the afternoon on Saturday at a baby shower which was a bit different than most i've been to. This one took place at a golf course and had a 3 course meal very posh and lovely. After, a few of us decided to hit up a small pub and linger on the patio to get the last bit of sun in for the day. Linger we did, we ended up staying there for over 6 hours just catching up and chatting having a few pints and some dinner. An unfortunate moth flew down my top and ended up dying in my bra, how disgusting. It was hilarious though as we were quite dressed up and a few people commented on our all black attire wondering where we had come from. They figured a funeral and laughed when we said a baby shower (I had red shoes on, counts for colour). Needless to say after such a long day, i was in bed on Saturday night at 10:30pm.
Today my mother and I decided to go hiking. We rarely ever hang out and figured we'd take advantage of the great weather and enjoy the area in which we live as we never bother to do so. We just went down to the gorge and watched the JetBoats go through the rapids before heading back up. Here are a few photos:
Oh and i'll leave you with something silly i did. I was at a friends house the other day, she pointed out some white stuff in my hair and asked what it was. I had no idea what she was talking about, so i looked, put it on my finger and tasted it. She then yelled and laughed and asked if i had been outside "what if it was birdshit?" I had never thought of that...EWE!!
Today my mother and I decided to go hiking. We rarely ever hang out and figured we'd take advantage of the great weather and enjoy the area in which we live as we never bother to do so. We just went down to the gorge and watched the JetBoats go through the rapids before heading back up. Here are a few photos:
Oh and i'll leave you with something silly i did. I was at a friends house the other day, she pointed out some white stuff in my hair and asked what it was. I had no idea what she was talking about, so i looked, put it on my finger and tasted it. She then yelled and laughed and asked if i had been outside "what if it was birdshit?" I had never thought of that...EWE!!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Keep that thing away from me.....
Alright so not the best week. I found out the results from my annual were the same so i had to go in for a biopsy. Going once a year is bad enough, three not so great. Especially when the 3rd visit consists of getting sprayed with vinegar in my womanly area, magnifying glasses and a sharp pointy long metal thing that resembles a juice opener going on in and ripping a few pieces of my cervix out or cells or whatever...good times. Needless to say i was quite upset when i heard about this on Monday but then i thought of Rosemarie Siggins whom has nothing to do with my vagina by the way :)
I watched a documentary on her this past year, she's dubbed the woman with half a body. She was born with a rare genetic disorder and her legs were amputated when she was just two. Rather than be confined to a wheelchair she has used her arms and hands as her main mode of transportation. Rosemarie loved cars and became a mechanic, she found a man to fall in love with and married him and then became pregnant. Rose's pregnancy was extraordinary and ground-breaking, no-one with Sacral Agenesis had ever given birth and all but one doctor advised her to have an abortion. She did not and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Her mother who pretty much held the family together passed away and Rosemarie was left to care for her father who had not only Alzheimers' but schizophrenia as well, her 29 year old brother who has the mentality of an 8 year old and her son and husband.
Rose said "A lot of people with disabilities feel that life owes them something, and I was raised in a way that no, no-one owes you a dime. The world doesn't owe you anything, this is what you have and you use your resources and you get through life. My personal opinion is, get up and go for it, just do it."
This woman is an absolute inspiration to me, she's overcome so much in her life and has the most remarkable attitude, she's just amazing. I cannot possibly feel sorry for myself when i remember Rose and her inner strength and will, we can all learn something from her.
Completely off topic, SS posted her old prom photo, i thought it would be fun to do the same. Check out the gold shoes whew!! It's strange that i look much better 9 years ago than i do now, shouldn't i look worse back then LOL. At least i know i have potential :)
Monday, October 02, 2006
100th Post
So after a very long long week of learning (mock trials, sex offender casemanagement, human rights training) i hit up the big city for some fun and went to visit Jennifer.
Her friend rented a roller rink at a place called Rinx. We first sat and watched a game of whirly ball, almost a cross between bumper cars and basketball. This poor old man was in one of the cars and for about 5 mins was turning the stick trying to move his car but could not and noone was helping him. It was rather amusing. So we put on the old school skates and off we went. It as so much fun, i felt like a kid again. There was a disco ball and they played all 80's music like Boy George and Madonna. We played tag, hockey (apparently i cannot shoot and skate at the same time, i ended up on my ass)and Jennifer tried to give me a wedgie but denies it.
After the roller rink we went to an all night art show around the city called Nuit Blanche, it was open till 7am but we petered out around 3am.
"The city will be buzzing with activity as we break down the barriers between art and public space. For one sleepless night the familiar will be discarded and Toronto will become an artistic playground for a series of exhilarating contemporary art experiences. Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is a free city-wide event featuring more than 130 contemporary art projects for you to discover."
One exhibt was numerous fog machines over Philosopher's Walk that you could go through, they had Elvis titles along one street in the windows of apartments glowing in neon pink, there was a disco in the middle of the street which was rather disappointing. The one i enjoyed the most was at a homeless bathhouse and was an exhibt on Roy and Silo two gay penguins at the Manhattan Zoo. It was dark around the pool except for candlelight and a video playing and there were all these balloon penguins floating on frisbess in the pool. Very cool stuff, Jennifer has some great photos but they are not in my posession yet.
We also met some strange characters along the way. There was the man who was out jogging and had a strange resemblence to Lincoln from Prison Break. He was crossing the street as were we and put out his hand and tried to shove a bedazzled hair clip into Jennifer's hand. She looked perplexed but took it anyway, i suggested she bleach the shit out of it or regift it, in any event i wasn't going to wear it. We also met a friends new girlfriend. As i've said the city is not as big as everyone seems to think and we ran into some friends at one of the exhibits. We were introduced to N's girl. She looked completely unamused, closed her eyes sloooowwwly and opened them, rolled them even and said "hi." Granted it was hot and there were people everywhere so it could be cause for a bit of crankiness however i've never met someone so bleh. She even commented to him that she was going to "be bitchy later if we don't leave FYI." Wow!!! Perhaps i'm just used to terribly friendly people, of which she was not.
On Sunday we dressed up in Sari's and went to the 8th annual Kalanidhi Indian Dance Festival. This was also very cool and many people were admiring our outfits which was quite the compliment. Strangely though we had the most attention on Church Street which is the gay village when we were walking home. We also went out for amazing Indian food.....yummmmm!!! I was drooling a la Homer Simpson. The staff were also very appreciative of our garb.
So after roller skating for 2 hours straight and developing bruises and blisters, and then walking around in the rain for 3 more hours straight, i'm keen to take it easy for the rest of the week :)
Her friend rented a roller rink at a place called Rinx. We first sat and watched a game of whirly ball, almost a cross between bumper cars and basketball. This poor old man was in one of the cars and for about 5 mins was turning the stick trying to move his car but could not and noone was helping him. It was rather amusing. So we put on the old school skates and off we went. It as so much fun, i felt like a kid again. There was a disco ball and they played all 80's music like Boy George and Madonna. We played tag, hockey (apparently i cannot shoot and skate at the same time, i ended up on my ass)and Jennifer tried to give me a wedgie but denies it.
After the roller rink we went to an all night art show around the city called Nuit Blanche, it was open till 7am but we petered out around 3am.
"The city will be buzzing with activity as we break down the barriers between art and public space. For one sleepless night the familiar will be discarded and Toronto will become an artistic playground for a series of exhilarating contemporary art experiences. Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is a free city-wide event featuring more than 130 contemporary art projects for you to discover."
One exhibt was numerous fog machines over Philosopher's Walk that you could go through, they had Elvis titles along one street in the windows of apartments glowing in neon pink, there was a disco in the middle of the street which was rather disappointing. The one i enjoyed the most was at a homeless bathhouse and was an exhibt on Roy and Silo two gay penguins at the Manhattan Zoo. It was dark around the pool except for candlelight and a video playing and there were all these balloon penguins floating on frisbess in the pool. Very cool stuff, Jennifer has some great photos but they are not in my posession yet.
We also met some strange characters along the way. There was the man who was out jogging and had a strange resemblence to Lincoln from Prison Break. He was crossing the street as were we and put out his hand and tried to shove a bedazzled hair clip into Jennifer's hand. She looked perplexed but took it anyway, i suggested she bleach the shit out of it or regift it, in any event i wasn't going to wear it. We also met a friends new girlfriend. As i've said the city is not as big as everyone seems to think and we ran into some friends at one of the exhibits. We were introduced to N's girl. She looked completely unamused, closed her eyes sloooowwwly and opened them, rolled them even and said "hi." Granted it was hot and there were people everywhere so it could be cause for a bit of crankiness however i've never met someone so bleh. She even commented to him that she was going to "be bitchy later if we don't leave FYI." Wow!!! Perhaps i'm just used to terribly friendly people, of which she was not.
On Sunday we dressed up in Sari's and went to the 8th annual Kalanidhi Indian Dance Festival. This was also very cool and many people were admiring our outfits which was quite the compliment. Strangely though we had the most attention on Church Street which is the gay village when we were walking home. We also went out for amazing Indian food.....yummmmm!!! I was drooling a la Homer Simpson. The staff were also very appreciative of our garb.
So after roller skating for 2 hours straight and developing bruises and blisters, and then walking around in the rain for 3 more hours straight, i'm keen to take it easy for the rest of the week :)
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Blogging....
I was walking to the post office today and was amazed at the amount of dwellings that have sheets, flags, newspapers, you name it for curtains. Mind you the street i was on is a bit dodgey and more than one had smashed windows and garbage strewn around. I find it all rather bizzare though.
I've been ridiculously busy trying to get all of my travel stuff in order, pictures, visas and the like. Which brings me to vaccinations. I just spent the same amount on vaccinations as i did on a cheap trip to the Dominican a few years back...crazy i tell ya!! I had 5 needles and everything under the sun put into my body. I feel better now as that has been completed and my applicaion has been sent off so now i wait and hope that they will let me in :)
I was thinking about blogs the other day and the "friendships" you build with fellow bloggers. I probably keep in regular contact via blogs with my fellow bloggers, moreso than my own real life friends which is also rather bizzare. I'm just curious to know how other's feel about this and whether or not you consider fellow bloggers to be friends? Would you be upset if a blog you regularily read disappeared as the writer was no longer interseted in blogging? Do tell......
I'll be gone for a few days to a conference and then to some training. Enjoy the weekend!!!
I've been ridiculously busy trying to get all of my travel stuff in order, pictures, visas and the like. Which brings me to vaccinations. I just spent the same amount on vaccinations as i did on a cheap trip to the Dominican a few years back...crazy i tell ya!! I had 5 needles and everything under the sun put into my body. I feel better now as that has been completed and my applicaion has been sent off so now i wait and hope that they will let me in :)
I was thinking about blogs the other day and the "friendships" you build with fellow bloggers. I probably keep in regular contact via blogs with my fellow bloggers, moreso than my own real life friends which is also rather bizzare. I'm just curious to know how other's feel about this and whether or not you consider fellow bloggers to be friends? Would you be upset if a blog you regularily read disappeared as the writer was no longer interseted in blogging? Do tell......
I'll be gone for a few days to a conference and then to some training. Enjoy the weekend!!!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Mish Mash
It's not that i'm a super secretive person and my family is rather close, but i have a tendency to not tell them much of anything that is going on. This is why....
I had to go for my 2nd annual this year as they found some abnormalities so i told my mother. The morning of she would not stop talking about it to me, trying to make me feel better i suppose, but was concerning me even more. Then clearly she told my father as he was calling me sweetie and asking questions. I come home from work that day and my sister asks how my vagina is doing, i was like "she told you too." My brother in law, sister and I go out for dinner and for kicks i ask him if he too has heard about my vagina, he doesn't blink an eye and says "yes, yes i have." I was like for the love of God LOL. This is why i don't tell them much of anything.
This weekend PP and I went to this fantastic restaurant for dinner it was a fusion of Thai and Vietnamese. We ordered the Veggie special and sat across from one another smiling and laughing and saying "hmmmmmmmmm" because it was so delightful. They brought out coconut veggie soup, spring rolls with this amazing peanut sauce, pad thai and veggie curry and rice. It's my new fav place to eat. We were stuffed and it was cheap.
On Saturday i went to a wedding reception with LD. They played NKOTB (New kids on the block) Step by Step, we were laughing and dancing around. Was anyone else in love with this band as a child. I was 12 or so and dragged my mother to a few of their concerts. I also had posters all over my walls and celing, tapes, videos, the Joey doll LMAO. I think i'm going to make an NKOTB cd for my car... We left the recpetion and ended up downtown and it was quite busy. Some guy was eyeing us as we tried to walk around so we made a dash for the bathroom and then some drunk girl asked if she could dance with us. We also saw this girl in a tiny skirt lying in a doorway on the street alone, sideways and all crumpled up with her undies showing. That's safe....ah back to downtown, always good times.
I had to go for my 2nd annual this year as they found some abnormalities so i told my mother. The morning of she would not stop talking about it to me, trying to make me feel better i suppose, but was concerning me even more. Then clearly she told my father as he was calling me sweetie and asking questions. I come home from work that day and my sister asks how my vagina is doing, i was like "she told you too." My brother in law, sister and I go out for dinner and for kicks i ask him if he too has heard about my vagina, he doesn't blink an eye and says "yes, yes i have." I was like for the love of God LOL. This is why i don't tell them much of anything.
This weekend PP and I went to this fantastic restaurant for dinner it was a fusion of Thai and Vietnamese. We ordered the Veggie special and sat across from one another smiling and laughing and saying "hmmmmmmmmm" because it was so delightful. They brought out coconut veggie soup, spring rolls with this amazing peanut sauce, pad thai and veggie curry and rice. It's my new fav place to eat. We were stuffed and it was cheap.
On Saturday i went to a wedding reception with LD. They played NKOTB (New kids on the block) Step by Step, we were laughing and dancing around. Was anyone else in love with this band as a child. I was 12 or so and dragged my mother to a few of their concerts. I also had posters all over my walls and celing, tapes, videos, the Joey doll LMAO. I think i'm going to make an NKOTB cd for my car... We left the recpetion and ended up downtown and it was quite busy. Some guy was eyeing us as we tried to walk around so we made a dash for the bathroom and then some drunk girl asked if she could dance with us. We also saw this girl in a tiny skirt lying in a doorway on the street alone, sideways and all crumpled up with her undies showing. That's safe....ah back to downtown, always good times.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Togo here we come!!
The travel bug bit me years ago when my family decided to take me on various vacations. There was the trip to Florida and New York with PP's family, South Carolina...you get the idea. As an adult i've ventured off to Europe, Japan and a few sunny places like Cancun and the Dominican.
My next destination was supposed to be Dubai which is in the United Arab Emirates. I have a friend working over there and thought a visit was in order....it still is, just not at this time.
Instead i was talking to Jennifer and Dan on the weekend about their plans to go to Togo to visit their old roomate next month. She's over there with the Peace Corps and is going to be coming home soon. I messaged Jennifer the other day and said to count me in. When will an opportunity like this ever present itself again...never i say!! Off to Africa we go!!!
I've been spending my day at work checking out what immunizations are needed and trying to make appointments to get everything in order, as well as harassing Jennifer about scrounging up some moolah. I can't concentrate on work related tasks and i'm rather excited and jittery ... yes i'm a geek!!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
5 Date Challenge Begins
So here is a summary of the weekend:
On Friday i went on my 1st date for the challenge. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for you, I have nothing terrible to report, i had a good time. We met at the Royal Ontario Museum and looked around at the various displays and exhibits. Neither of us was terribly impressed by what we saw and figured most people probably rave about it as it's the cool thing to do. Sort of like that Seinfeld episode where everyone loves the English Patient and Elaine hates it. From there we walked around and ended up at an Asian restaurant for dinner and then headed off to a pub with a patio. Jennifer came and met us for a few drinks. At one point she said "there's your boyfriend" to me and on the sidewalk was this shirtless old man yelling about Christians and waving his finger in the air while swearing. Most on the patio were laughing, some taunting while one guy stood up and yelled "that's my dad, leave my dad alone" which made the entire patio burst into laughter. Cleary there were some mental health issues with shirtless man. The date was really good, Scott was attractive and had a great sense of humour and we got along well. I wanted to give him the finger bone in the Bat Cave but refrained!!
On Saturday i decided Jennifer and I needed poutine for breakfast (it was like 1pm) so we walked a ways to get it and then went to buy the Grey's Anatomy Season 2 dvd which we spent the remainder of the day watching. In the evening we went to a Papua New Guinea Independence Day party. It was fun and i ran into the guy i stayed with in Kyoto which was funny neither of us recognized the other. We left the party fairly late like 4am and ended up going to the washroom at this bar. I come out and see a friend, apparently Jennifers bf had just been there as well, the city really isn't as big as everyone says it is.
Today we're going to watch more of the DVD and maybe head out for some Indian food. Good times!!
On Friday i went on my 1st date for the challenge. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for you, I have nothing terrible to report, i had a good time. We met at the Royal Ontario Museum and looked around at the various displays and exhibits. Neither of us was terribly impressed by what we saw and figured most people probably rave about it as it's the cool thing to do. Sort of like that Seinfeld episode where everyone loves the English Patient and Elaine hates it. From there we walked around and ended up at an Asian restaurant for dinner and then headed off to a pub with a patio. Jennifer came and met us for a few drinks. At one point she said "there's your boyfriend" to me and on the sidewalk was this shirtless old man yelling about Christians and waving his finger in the air while swearing. Most on the patio were laughing, some taunting while one guy stood up and yelled "that's my dad, leave my dad alone" which made the entire patio burst into laughter. Cleary there were some mental health issues with shirtless man. The date was really good, Scott was attractive and had a great sense of humour and we got along well. I wanted to give him the finger bone in the Bat Cave but refrained!!
On Saturday i decided Jennifer and I needed poutine for breakfast (it was like 1pm) so we walked a ways to get it and then went to buy the Grey's Anatomy Season 2 dvd which we spent the remainder of the day watching. In the evening we went to a Papua New Guinea Independence Day party. It was fun and i ran into the guy i stayed with in Kyoto which was funny neither of us recognized the other. We left the party fairly late like 4am and ended up going to the washroom at this bar. I come out and see a friend, apparently Jennifers bf had just been there as well, the city really isn't as big as everyone says it is.
Today we're going to watch more of the DVD and maybe head out for some Indian food. Good times!!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
PETA
I was having trouble deciding what to blog about today, when i looked down at my veggie chili for dinner and figured why not, i'll talk about being a non-meat eater.
About 5 years ago i was surfing the net and came across the PETA (People for the Ethical Treamtment of Animals) website. I clicked on a video that would change my life forever. It was called Meet your Meat and of course was extremely graphic and heartwrenching to watch. I then proceeded to sit for hours and watch every video i could find behind tears.
I don't preach to others what they should or should not be eating. I have suggested to some people to watch the video and draw their own conclusions, but at the very least just watch it. Jennifer and I went to a few vegan potlucks with a group called TARS which is an animal rights activist group in her city. They had various speakers, videos and great food. A good place to network with like minded people. Not everyone there was a vegan, we certainly were not and there was a couple who owned a farm but killed their animals in a humane way.
I am however in constant turmoil with myself because i still eat dairy and eggs as well as shrimp. I saw a horrible video regarding leather and did stop purchasing it for a few years but i've since started again. Apparently i only have so much compassion to go around which is bothersome for me because I do not want to be a hypocrite. It's a bit difficult always having to ask about ingredients when i'm out or travelling where i don't speak the language. In Japan I had a local man order my lunch Okonomiyaki with no meat for me, sure enough they slapped on some bacon anyway. When i told the friend i was staying with he declared "but it's bacon, everyone loves bacon." I used to in all it's crispy goodness, but not anymore.
I'll leave you with a letter i wrote to the Editor of a local newspaper a few years ago:
This is in response to the article titled "Anti-Meat Commercial Too Graphic for Canada." Every year billions of animals are raised to endure lives of absolute confinement and unspeakable pain and suffering in factory farms. There is no justification for our society's refusal to take this suffering seriously, yet attempts to raise people's awareness about these shameful practices are considered by most to be outrageous and extreme.
Case in point the TV Bureau of Canada has deemed a 30 second commercial by PETA "too graphic" and would anger Canadian viewers. It says the spot depicts "brutality against animals", would spark "major complaints" and has been banned in Canada.
I invite you to increase your knowledge of the conditions within factory farms, the premeditated methods of imprisoning, torturing and the slaughtering of animals.
Perhaps then you will view your dinner in a different light.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
I got nothing
I'm going to borrow this from another blog as i rarely do quizzy type of things and quite frankly its Saturday morning and my brain seems to be on hold today.
1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
2. What's your favorite article of clothing?
If i'm going for comfort a pair of pants PP's mom made at her shop, they are fuzzy, warm and it feels like you're not wearing anything.
3. What's your favorite physical feature on the opposite sex?
I enjoy nice lips, i'm a kissing monster :)
4. What is the last CD you bought?
I rarely ever buy cd's i usually burn them. However, i did purchase Pinks latest one.
5. Where is your favorite place to be?
On vacation exploring somewhere new.
6. Where is your least favorite place to be?
Commuting to work. Recently i have seen a lot of blown out tires and accidents, makes me rather nervous.
7. What is your favorite place to be massaged?
I'm going to have to say my feet for sure, and of course my shoulders and back. Nothing is better than a good massage....
8. Strong in mind, or strong in body?
I'd say moreso mind than body, though i'm sloooowwwllly working on the body LOL.
9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
I am up at 6:45am and leave the house by 7:30am. I am not a morning person at all, i loathe mornings.
10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance?
The blender hands down. I drink protein shakes daily so i need something to whip them up.
11. What makes you really angry?
People who use the word retarded get on my nerves, it's so demeaning . As well, people that are close minded. I really can't understand in this day and age how some can be so homophobic or racist. Come on people.
12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
I'd have to go with the guitar. I had a roomate who played and taught our other roomate. I really should have jumped in there and learned while i had the chance for free :)
13. Which do you prefer, sports car or SUV?
Hmm, well see sports cars are just so cute, and SUV's are such gas guzzling gigantor monsters. However, i was recently in a friends SUV and it really was quite lovely. I'm still going to have to say sports car.
14. Do you believe in an afterlife?
I do believe in an afterlife, where it is and what it's like i haven't a clue.
15. Favorite childrens book?
16. What is your favorite season?
I have two, i adore both summer and fall. I love lazy summer days when the sun is shining and the nights are long. I also love when it starts to cool down and the leaves change color and the smell of a nice fire. Halloween is my favorite time of year :)
17. What is your least favorite chore?
Sorting my black socks. I despise doing this and would really love to pay someone to do it for me.
18. If you could have one superpower what would it be?
I'd probably like to be invisible. Oh yeah, invisible.
19. If you have a tattoo what is it?
No tattoos for this chicka. I have piercings though, 7 in my ears, 1 in my tongue, 1 in my bellybutton and i had 1 in my nipple a few years back but it grew out. Not doing that again LOL it was wayyyyy too painful.
20. Can you juggle?
I suppose i could juggle a few balls (oh yeah i said it) but i haven't really tried in a very long time.
21. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to...
Definately my Aunt. My mom's sister she died way too young in her early 50's from cancer. I wish i had spent more time with her, i always said i would go and visit and spend the weekend but i never did. She was my favorite relative hands down, wise beyond her years, told it like it was, i really miss her.
22. What's your favorite day?
Wednesday because the weekend is approaching and of course Saturday because it is the weekend.
23. What's in the trunk of your car?
Booster cables, extra washer fluid, umbrella and my gym bag, so practical and boring.
24. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger.
I don't eat hamburgers so i'll have to go with Sushi....hmmmm sushi.
1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
2. What's your favorite article of clothing?
If i'm going for comfort a pair of pants PP's mom made at her shop, they are fuzzy, warm and it feels like you're not wearing anything.
3. What's your favorite physical feature on the opposite sex?
I enjoy nice lips, i'm a kissing monster :)
4. What is the last CD you bought?
I rarely ever buy cd's i usually burn them. However, i did purchase Pinks latest one.
5. Where is your favorite place to be?
On vacation exploring somewhere new.
6. Where is your least favorite place to be?
Commuting to work. Recently i have seen a lot of blown out tires and accidents, makes me rather nervous.
7. What is your favorite place to be massaged?
I'm going to have to say my feet for sure, and of course my shoulders and back. Nothing is better than a good massage....
8. Strong in mind, or strong in body?
I'd say moreso mind than body, though i'm sloooowwwllly working on the body LOL.
9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
I am up at 6:45am and leave the house by 7:30am. I am not a morning person at all, i loathe mornings.
10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance?
The blender hands down. I drink protein shakes daily so i need something to whip them up.
11. What makes you really angry?
People who use the word retarded get on my nerves, it's so demeaning . As well, people that are close minded. I really can't understand in this day and age how some can be so homophobic or racist. Come on people.
12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
I'd have to go with the guitar. I had a roomate who played and taught our other roomate. I really should have jumped in there and learned while i had the chance for free :)
13. Which do you prefer, sports car or SUV?
Hmm, well see sports cars are just so cute, and SUV's are such gas guzzling gigantor monsters. However, i was recently in a friends SUV and it really was quite lovely. I'm still going to have to say sports car.
14. Do you believe in an afterlife?
I do believe in an afterlife, where it is and what it's like i haven't a clue.
15. Favorite childrens book?
16. What is your favorite season?
I have two, i adore both summer and fall. I love lazy summer days when the sun is shining and the nights are long. I also love when it starts to cool down and the leaves change color and the smell of a nice fire. Halloween is my favorite time of year :)
17. What is your least favorite chore?
Sorting my black socks. I despise doing this and would really love to pay someone to do it for me.
18. If you could have one superpower what would it be?
I'd probably like to be invisible. Oh yeah, invisible.
19. If you have a tattoo what is it?
No tattoos for this chicka. I have piercings though, 7 in my ears, 1 in my tongue, 1 in my bellybutton and i had 1 in my nipple a few years back but it grew out. Not doing that again LOL it was wayyyyy too painful.
20. Can you juggle?
I suppose i could juggle a few balls (oh yeah i said it) but i haven't really tried in a very long time.
21. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to...
Definately my Aunt. My mom's sister she died way too young in her early 50's from cancer. I wish i had spent more time with her, i always said i would go and visit and spend the weekend but i never did. She was my favorite relative hands down, wise beyond her years, told it like it was, i really miss her.
22. What's your favorite day?
Wednesday because the weekend is approaching and of course Saturday because it is the weekend.
23. What's in the trunk of your car?
Booster cables, extra washer fluid, umbrella and my gym bag, so practical and boring.
24. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger.
I don't eat hamburgers so i'll have to go with Sushi....hmmmm sushi.
