What's in my head

Travel update

2010-06-17T18:32:00.007-04:00

So a few months ago I went to this little thing called the Olympics.
Vancouver 2010. It was pretty sweet.

The best part?

Having to stand and hear my country's anthem played not once, but three times. I personally was in the stands for THREE of Canada's gold medal wins. So exciting.

There was the gold by Charles Hamelin in the 500 m men's short track event and the bronze by cutie Francois-Louis Tremblay in the same event. Which the boys followed up with a gold in the men's 5000 m relay. I love short track.

Then there was the gold by the men in the ROO - Richmond Olympic Oval. It was a pretty uneventful showing for the men on the oval, but they pulled it together for the last event and crossed the line together ahead of the Americans to win gold.

The aerials were also pretty cool, but I could have done without the hour of waiting and the two hours on buses to get to Cypress. But, at least there was snow.

Days

2010-02-18T22:51:00.003-05:00

Four days.

It's hard to imagine as I sit at home watching hours and hours of PVR'd Olympic coverage that in a matter of days I too will be in the Olympic city with tickets to three events. I have been planning this trip for years and the time is almost here for me to get on a plane. I can't wait to see the cauldron (from behind the lovely fence) and to mingle with the people of the world and to sit inside the beautiful Richmond Olympic Oval. I can't wait to see the aerialists perform their amazing feats at Cypress and to watch our feisty short trackers duke it on in roller derby on ice. It's going to be awesome. And I'll be able to say I was there.

The anticipation is killing me!

Call of duty

2010-01-31T15:45:00.003-05:00

Jury duty, that is. If anyone tells you it is exciting, fun or otherwise awesome they are a big fat liar. It is a break from work where you can catch up on your reading and make small talk with strangers for five days while waiting to be chosen. It is mind numbingly boring. I got to leave the Big Room and see the inside of a courtroom exactly once. For about an hour.

All of the sitting around and waiting and three hours a day on transit would have been worth it though if anyone had pulled Boggle, Win Lose or Draw or Trivial Pursuit off the shelf and started a juror tournament. That woulda been AWESOME. (Apparently the Big Room's shelf of ways-to-pass-the-time hasn't been updated since 1989).

Travel rewind

2010-01-24T13:08:00.010-05:00

In writing my last post I realized I had failed to document so many of my fantastic trips on my blog (I blame facebook). So I figured it's better late than never. Presenting Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, June 2008:

My friend Stuart and I took off for four fun filled, sun drenched days in Sin City and it was AWESOME. Highlights included being up for nearly 24 hours straight, playing in a poker tournament, shopping, lounging by the pool, 99 cent margaritas and catching Scott Weiland and The Stone Temple Pilots play the Pearl at The Palms (by fav band from high school). Fantastic show! (Just wish I'd brought my camera...)

Oh, and there was the little matter of seeing the wondrous Grand Canyon. Breathtaking.

The pool was surprisingly cold, but refreshing since it was about 40 degrees while we were there. It's a dry heat though and I loved it.

Las Vegas Blvd., aka The Strip, looking south from the Stratosphere tower. I, however, failed to actually take a picture of the tower. Oops.

The famous Bellagio fountains. The show was much more impressive at night with lights and stuff...

The Hoover Dam. Our tour bus stopped for 15 minutes en route to the Canyon. Apparently they were building a bridge across the river while we were there so buses would no longer be allowed over the Dam. (Precaution against terror attacks).

Less than a year later I saw real Egyptian pyramids and obelisks.

A good time was had by all.

Bucketish Lists

2010-01-19T21:31:00.008-05:00

Travel has always been high on my to-do list in life. I remember getting a map of the world in grade school and wanting to tack it on my wall so I could make a mark where I've been and where I needed to go. Fast forward a few years and I made a mental list of all the places I wanted to go before I was 30. I can't quite remember all the 10 places that was on the list, but I'd say I make a pretty good dent. I turned 30 in October so it's time to get started on my new list. But, first I shall revisit my travels to date:

New York City

Paris
London
Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon
Vancouver

Egypt

There were a few places on the list I didn't manage to get to (New Orleans, Cuba, Ireland) so I will carry them over...

So now I give you Danielle's list-of-places-I'd-like-to-visit-before-I-*gulp*-turn-the-big-4-0:

Prague
Italy
Spain
San Francisco
Chicago
The Olympics (cheating since I'll be there in five weeks).
Seattle (the hotel's already booked)
Drive out to Victoria
New Orleans
Cuba

And to add a difficult one to the list:

an African safari

(And I'll just put this thought out into the universe - I traveled to most of the places on the first list alone, I'd be happy to welcome a travel partner along for my next adventures).

Head shake

2010-01-08T17:02:00.001-05:00

I am someone who tends to focus on the negative, to think of what I’ve done wrong instead of what I’ve done well, who lives with regret. I am well aware this is a bad trait and one I intend to change - even if just a little bit - with this post. I am going to the Olympics next month. Not just to the host city, but to three actual Olympic events to which I have actual tickets. I have great seats for two of the events. I know, right! This is awesome. A once in a lifetime opportunity. I am a lucky girl.

Problem is: I keep focusing on the negative. I am, an idiot. I am fixated on the fact that I am only in Vancouver for four full days. That I won’t fully be able to soak in the ‘Olympic’ experience. That I should have not rushed to book my flight so soon because of a low, low fare (the result is an extended journey that takes me through two provinces and three states - or two states and DC). That I should have waited and flown directly from Toronto. That I should have booked two one ways instead of a round trip. (That I should have bought more Olympic tickets when I had the chance and sold them to the highest bidder to help pay for my own trip...I am far too innocent a person for that one as it goes against the true spirit of the games).

So with this post I give my head a shake and remind myself that I AM GOING TO THE OLYMPICS!! I will get to see speed skating and aerials and short track speed skating - events where it is very possible Canada will win gold! I get to spend four full days soaking in the atmosphere of Vancouver 2010, mingling with people from all over the world, visiting with my little brother and catching up with an old friend. And then I get to spend 30 hours in Seattle staying at a very nice hotel. People would love to be in my position and I’m being an idiot for focusing on the negatives, the what ifs and the should haves. I shouldn’t be thinking about ‘making the best of it,’ I should be grateful and ecstatic that I am going to fulfill a childhood dream!

Danielle, you are going to the OLYMPICS. You are a very, VERY lucky girl.

Serious withdrawal

2009-12-01T21:46:00.002-05:00

My sore hip - it is more serious than I first thought. I went to the doctor and I went to physio (again and again and again). I've stretched and iced and rested my hip and it STILL hurts. My physiotherapist is stumped and my doctor is of no help, "it's just going to take longer to heal," she says. Yes, but what is needed to be healed? What can I do to help it? It hurts more now than it did when I was running 40k a week. It's been so long since I've laced up my shoes, gasped for breath and pushed myself harder than I ever thought I could that it's hard to believe I used to do that. That I can do that.

I want to sign up for some spring races. I want to push myself again. I want to fly along the waterfront and zone out.

I want to run.

In which I do not mention running

2009-11-19T16:05:00.002-05:00

AKA - reasons why I would make a crap critic*.

I'm a lucky gal. I like musical theatre and I love free stuff. In the past two months I've been able to combine these loves for a record five shows (well one was ballet and one was stand-up, but none of them cost me a cent). Let's begin my mini reviews.

West Side Story - First musical I've ever seen that I really didn't like that much. And I've seen We Will Rock You and a rather amateurish production of Cabaret. I think this means I lack...ummm, what's the word. Taste. Yes, that's it because apparently this is a quintessential musical. And I saw the Broadway production, people. I found the fight scenes a little sissy what with all the kicks and jazz hands and the only song in the whole show I knew was in Spanish in this version. I'm Canadian, the extent of my knowledge of Spanish is how to say "where is the bathroom" and count to 13 (Thank you, The Offspring). The actress playing Anita, however, rocked.

The Toxic Avenger - I saw the movie 10 days before and wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised with the Toronto premiere. I would totally have paid $30 to see it. Kinda funny, entertaining and catchy little songs. I think it might be geared more towards the fellas though what with the arm ripping off, blood spraying and increasing rising hemlines of the blind librarian's outfits.

The Sleeping Beauty - The premiere of the National Ballet of Canada's latest production of the classic story was nothing short of elegant. The athletic ability of these waif like creatures astounds and baffles me. Lovely, just lovely.

My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding - The hit of the Fringe Festival is now in an extended run by Mirvish productions. Pretty good, I was again pleasantly surprised.

(*see, I like everything. A crap critic indeed.)

I am a runner

2009-11-03T16:56:00.001-05:00

So I ran four to five times a week for six months. (I just had to double check that count using my fingers because OMG I couldn’t believe I exercised that much and that consistently). I ran a half marathon. I ran hills and distance and did speed work. But, that is not what makes me a runner.

I am a runner because high on my list of things I MUST do while on vacation in New York City for four days was run in Central Park. I did. I started my 30s by running up the Upper West Side to Central Park and then running around the Central Park reservoir - I believe it’s kind of like Mecca for runners in Manhattan. And I couldn’t think of a better way to start my birthday

I am a runner because I woke up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday to go watch others run in the Canadian national 10k championship and this past Sunday I devoted two hours of my lazy afternoon not to Project Runway or Tori and Dean, but to watching NBC’s entire two hours of the New York City Marathon. And it was awesome.

I am a runner because for the past two weeks I have been going through withdrawal from not being able to run. As I drove home and watched people trotting along through the ambers and golds of fallen leaves I wanted nothing more than to rush home, change into my clothes and get in some kilometres before the light faded into dusk.

But, I can’t. I’m injured. I felt a twinge in my right hip starting in August (maybe late July) and I ignored it because I was afraid I would be told to stop running until it healed and I didn’t want to miss training or not be ready for the race. It didn’t hurt that badly and only when I stretched, I could suck it up. And so I did and I gave myself a break after the half to let myself heal. I ran the next weekend and it kinda hurt, I ran in NYC and it was sore and then I ran after watching the 10k and it really hurt so I made myself a doctor’s appointment and started physio. I’m likely sitting out the next week or two and I’m getting antsy. And despite the training log I have of proof of the craziness that was my half marathon training I am surprised.

While I secretly hoped the being active thing would stick. That the running thing would keep my interest I knew better. I’m the girl who did belly dancing for 10 weeks, rowing for one summer, soccer for four months and I thoroughly enjoyed those activities (well, the last two anyway), but I never took up with them again. I never missed them when they were over. But, I really, really miss lacing up my shoes, putting on my earphones and heading out for four to six kilometres of sweating, panting and pushing my muscles. And that’s how I know: I am a runner.

2:15:26

2009-09-27T18:53:00.003-04:00

The race preparations today began at 5:30 a.m. and finished with my right foot hitting the finish line at 2:15:26. My realistic goal. (I had a secret goal of 2:10, which would have been an amazing feat given what I'd done in training). I was a tad disappointed because the last few kilometres I felt a little light headed so I wasn't able to push as hard as I knew I could.

The whole experience was amazing, exhausting, crazy and a definite learning experience that included arriving to a packed Nathan Phillips Square later than I should have and being greeted with a really long baggage check line, and a last minute trip to the washroom. The men's washroom. This is where I was when the race started. It didn't matter though, I was supposed to be so far back that the little pit stop still had me in line with the 2:30 pace time - just a little back of my projected 2:15. The race started good. I felt good. I didn't freak out despite my MP3 player deciding not to work properly for the first 30 minutes. I was on a good pace and enjoying the experience. There were so many runners. 20,000 in all - 10,000 in the half. At one point along Lakeshore the pack ahead of me were running up a slight incline (or maybe I was on the incline looking down at them - the details are a little fuzzy) and the wave of heads and backs in front of me was just astounding. I'm bit embarrassed to admit there were a few moments that got me teary eyed. One of the most emotional was when at 42 minutes in the men's leaders passed us heading east. It was amazing to watch these athletes in action. We all clapped as they flew by us and I got a little misty.

At the 10k mark I was really happy with my time and then the humidity started to take a toll and things got harder. I made it through to the 14k mark - 2/3 of the way through - and then I had to give myself little pep talks and slow down my pace so as to not burn out. At about the 17k mark the half marathoners headed one way towards the finish and the marathoners headed another towards the half way mark of their race. I couldn't imagine having more than 4k to go. I checked my time at 18k and I was four minutes ahead of when I'd run it before. Everything from here was a new distance to tackle. We headed under the Gardiner before heading north on Bay for the final stretch. I could see Old City Hall and the spectators along the route and I desperately wanted to dig deep and push towards the finish - there was just over a km to go, but my body was having none of it. My legs were heavy and I was tired, but more than anything I was feeling a little weak. Like faintish weak and I did not want to have an episode mere metres from the finish. With about 700m to go I passed a group of teenage girls and they screamed encouragement and held out their hands to high five some runners. I took them up on their offer and tried to use their energy to keep going. Then I saw my mom and my cousin and it helped push me even more. But, with 350m to go I still felt faint so I walked for 30 seconds and then took a deep breath and pushed through those last two minutes. I couldn't walk the final stretch and so I crossed the finish line running and smiling. Or at least I think I was.

While it felt great to cross the finish line and accomplishment my goal, it also felt different than how I imagined it would. I thought I would be overcome with emotion. I was happy, but not teary. I felt happy to be part of something so big and to have the medal around the neck. And then I felt like cattle as we were corralled to the water, to the timing chip drop off, and to the food area. By the time I saw my mom - after I'd dried off and changed - it had been nearly an hour since I'd crossed the finish line and by then I was just tired. Maybe I'll be elated tomorrow. The rest of the day I spent curled up in the fetal position because of some GI issues so common in runners. I guess these means I can now officially call myself a long distance runner.

And I have the medal to prove it...

T-16 hours

2009-09-26T15:20:00.002-04:00

I have my bib in hand and now all I can do is drink water, eat some carbs and wait. The big day is almost here and I'm excited, nervous and anxious. I just want to lace up my shoes, put my hat on and get out there. I went to the run expo yesterday and listened to a few speakers who were very inspiring. They talked about what a big accomplishment this is and how we've inspired others through our journey (even if we don't know it...and even if we're just doing the half). And I have to say I agree.

Five months ago I had never run more than 5k. I had never had a sports injury or run a 5:32 km or run for two hours or run up and down hills repeatedly. But, five months ago I set a goal for myself and I worked hard every single week to prepare for that goal and I am so proud of myself for sticking with that journey and no matter what happens tomorrow no one can take that accomplishment away from me. And when someone slips the finishing medal around my neck it will be the icing on the cake.

Of course, everyone knows how much I love icing...And cake with icing.

The last leg

2009-09-16T12:05:00.002-04:00

After months of training, the big run is now just 10 days away. Holy crap! And I am so grateful and happy to have had an awesome run last night. I was euphoric after crossing 6k off my training schedule in 32:32 because two weeks I got INJURED. Like I'm some kind of athlete or something.

It was the first night of speed training or farklets. As a newbie I knew this was one area of training I needed help with and so I went to the Running Room's practice run. And they broke me. After an hour and 45 minutes I believe I'd covered nearly 11k (did they not see the 6k John Stanton instructed for that night's training in THE BOOK??) and I was hurt. The evening of running increasing distances at top speed pulled my hamstring. It was serious. More than I knew until I tried to run Saturday and had to walk/run really, really, really slowly. On Sunday I gave up after just four minutes and wanted to cry. I needed to run 20k. What about my training? What about the race? What about all my hard work? I didn't know what to do or how long it would take to heal or what taking a week off from training would mean for my race performance. It was devastating to think one day of training could ruin everything I'd been working towards.

But, I iced. I rested. I cross trained. I came back slowly and easily and last night for the first time I ran without pain or stopping to walk. Plus I did it in a great time AND my hamstring doesn't hurt at all anymore. I am ready.

And so very excited.

Running's bitch

2009-09-01T21:03:00.002-04:00

So on Friday I wrote the words my "training has become a mental thing" and it's no longer about the "physical activity of running." Back on track Sunday (skipped Saturday to attend an out of town wedding) for the first time since my disastrous run Thursday, my body responded to those comments with a resounding call of "BULL SHIT." BULL. SHIT.

It's my own fault really. I had regrouped and was approaching the daunting task of running 18k with a new mental attitude. I was excited about the prospect of running a long distance in cool 16 degree weather with a breeze. I got too confident and started my pre-run routine by downing a massive amount of Indian food at a late afternoon buffet. In case you didn't know, this is a bad (BAAAAAD) thing to do less than three hours before a two hour run. So I was punished with a cramp in my side for the first four kilometres, but I didn't let that get me down. Despite my intense desire to vomit partially digested butter chicken through the bulk of my run, I made a mental commitment that if that did happen I wouldn't let it slow me down. Nope. Buyoed by the fantastic weather conditions I made a decision half way in to try for the two hour mark, which would be a personal best run pace for my long run. The cramp returned to accompany me on the last four kilometres, but again I didn't let it slow me down. I raced the last 500 metres, reached my imaginary finish line, stopped my watch and then looked down. Hopeful. 1 hour, 59 minutes and 16 seconds. I'd done it. I almost cried with joy.

And then I woke up Monday, got up and walked out of my bedroom and wanted to cry again. I was wrong. Very wrong. It's still a physical test. And I over did it. Now my knees hurt when I go up and down stairs. Heck, they hurt to shuffle to the kitchen to fetch a cookie. The pain in my right hip is now concerning me and my thighs are burning like they did the day after my first boot camp class. I learned a very valuable lesson with less than four weeks to go: save the 110% effort for race day or else I might not get there.

Message received, Body. Loud and clear. And painfully.

The Wall

2009-08-28T16:10:00.002-04:00

Last night while attempting to complete an easy 7km run I hit the wall and it SUCKED. I have run before sans motivation or desire, I have run in less than ideal weather conditions, and I have run before when my body wasn't on board, but I have never experienced the mental state I did last night.

It appears with a month to go the training has become a mental thing. It makes sense, having tackled 16k running another 5.1 km to get to the half-marathon mark isn't about the physical act of running. Rationally speaking if one can physical cover 16k, well then what's an extra 5? But, the mental aspect of continuing to lace up my running shoes and put one foot in front of the other day after day is getting tough. Last night I actually wanted to sit down on the sidewalk and cry. Not for physical pain - though my knees hurt from the last session of the cursed hills the night before - but just cause. It's not that I couldn't do. I didn't want to do it.

I mean I really, really did not want to do it. And so I began to walk - at the pathetic 2k mark (and the 3k and the 4.5k and the 6k, etc. until I finally arrived home and torture was over.) I felt like I had a blister on my left foot and my earphones just weren't co-operating and I wanted to scream. At one point I felt tears welling in my eyes at the prospect of being so far from the comfort of my couch. And I haven't a clue why, other than to blame that mysterious wall.

Maybe this is why people train with groups or a friend. To have someone to tell them "you can do it" and to remind them of how far they'd come. I have people who encourage me and who tell me they're proud of me for what I'm doing and what I've accomplished, but the positive reinforcement seems to be few and far between. Or maybe it just felt that way last night. Maybe I really wasn't completely alone as I struggled to make it home last night. With four weeks and a day left to go I need to dig deep and find the mental strength to push aside the other voices and listen for the cheerleaders because I don't think I can do it alone.

This is where things get tough

2009-08-16T21:07:00.003-04:00

Last week was the worst week of training I've encountered thus far.

There were cramps and exhaustion and heat and humidity and it wasn't pretty. It began Sunday with the already daunting task of having to run 16km, but Mother Nature wasn't helping matters with a weather forecast of heat and humid with thunderstorms thrown in for good measure. I awoke earlier than the previous Sunday (I can not begin to express how much of a morning person I am NOT and how I can't believe that I rise on a weekend morning earlier than I do to go to work on weekdays. And I'm not getting up for something good - not food or a cute guy or an awesome vacation - its to run. To run obscene distances. In hotter and hotter weather) and headed out at 8:08 a.m. The humidity was hard to miss. A third of the way in I was covered in sweat and forcing myself to ration my water. At 8km I had to talk myself into keeping the course and not heading home. At 10k I knew I couldn't do it. The heat and humidity was too much. I was exhausted and dehydrated. Defeated, I headed home where I went up to my apartment, wiped away the sweat, grabbed the Gatorade and headed back out to do two more - one shy of what I was supposed to do.

If someone had told me five months ago that I would return home from a 13 km run, covered in sweat, my dri-wick clothing soaked and then head back out for more I would have told them they were CRAZY. Because that behaviour right there was beyond belief for me a few months ago.

I know people do amazing feats everyday. People run marathons, people swim across great lakes, people climb mountains. They push themselves in ways I can't even imagine. But I have never felt such exhaustion, such fatigue, such a powerful urge to quit as I did last Sunday. And despite running 15k of a 16k run I felt like I'd failed. For the first time since I began training I'd failed. And the crap runs continued All. Week. Long. If I was ever going to give up on this silly half-marathon training it would have been last week, but I didn't. I learned a few things and I came back and woke up earlier, ran further and enjoyed the accomplishment that much more.

This morning I left the house at 7:15 a.m. and ran for one hour, 53 and a half minutes. I covered 16km - my goal. It wasn't fast and I walked far more than I would have liked, but I did it. I pushed myself mentally and physically and I did it. I hope today's accomplishment sets the tone for a better week than last. A week that is not mired by exhaustion three kilometres into a 5k morning run or a feeling of nauseau, fainting and cramps all at the same time while doing hills. But even if it is, it's OK. I will try again. I will come back more determined the next day.

Six weeks to go!

Progress

2009-08-04T19:34:00.003-04:00

I am beyond glad I blogged (albeit sporadically) about my foray into serious running. When I head out now for a 10k run, it's hard to imagine that I couldn't always do this. That I couldn't always run for an hour. That I couldn't always run four kilometres in less than 25 minutes. Reading about the burning and the gasping and the struggle it took to get to the point I am at today makes me feel proud for sticking with - and also maybe a little crazy for deciding to do it in the first place.

There have been many, many days where I didn't want to run, but I did. I ran in the rain, I ran in the dark and I ran after getting home late from work. And on Sunday - at 8:30 a.m. - I ran 14 kilometres. Let me repeat that: 14km!!!! That's like three times more than I had ever run at one time in my whole life before March. I ran for more than an hour and a half. (I shall not discuss the negative comment I got about it taking an hour and a half to run 14k - to him I say, bite me I RAN FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF).

As I look at the training schedule that remains (I'm about half way through), I get scared. If I follow it (as I so diligently have) it means I'll be gasping through 16km this Sunday and I have to conquer five hills on Wednesday (oh, how I hate thee hills training) and before the end of the month I'll be up to running 18 km in one session and 50 km in one week. Do you know how long it would have taken me to run 50 km a year ago? Like a month, if I was having a particularly active month. But while the schedule scares me, it also empowers me because I know I can accomplish it.

Because I've already come so far.

Sticking with it

2009-05-29T21:32:00.002-04:00

The running thing? Yah, turns out I'm sticking with it this time. I ran the 5k at the end of April under a constant drizzle and a chill coming off the lake. It was not the ideal conditions - or so I thought. It was my first time ever running with other people and one concern I had was that my body would want to keep up with the crowd, that I'd push myself beyond my limits and fade away. Turns out all those weeks of training paid off. I did my thing. I ran at my pace. While other people flew past me I kept to the pace I was comfortable with and I was able to maintain a run for the whole 5k. (And on more than one occasion I passed those speedy people who would have to inevitably stop and walk, huffing and puffing for air. Should have paced yourself, I thought smugly). And when I approached the finished line instead of feeling exhausted and out of breath, I felt great. I could have run more.
And I did it. I achieved my goal: a sub-30 minute 5k after six weeks of training. It felt AWESOME. FANTASTIC. I now understand that whole "runner's high" thing. It's a high that will make one do crazy things. Crazy as in thinking I can run a half-marathon - 21.1km, more than FOUR TIMES longer than the longest distance I've ever run. Do a 10k first, I thought and others advised. But, I wanted to push myself to go further and faster. After the 5k I continued training, continued pushing myself and continued to work through the pain (I'm up to 8k!). There have been good runs and there have been bad runs and there will be many more as I begin training for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I officially registered Monday for the race that takes place five months and a day after I ran my first race. It isn't about losing weight or "exercising" anymore, it's about endurance and embracing my chance to do something while I have the time and health to be able to do it. It's about starting my 30s fitter than I've ever been and with an amazing accomplishment under my belt. I can't wait.

The Burn

2009-04-07T19:46:00.003-04:00

Every year as the snow and ice and cold fades away and trees begin to bud and the grass turns greener a funny thing happens to my lazy ass. As layers are no longer needed to stay warm in the harsh Canadian winter I begin to forgo the need for that extra layer of me I somehow developed from October through March. I begin to run and walk and get active. This year it's been a little different. I've kicked it up a notch. Or maybe 12.

Ever since I returned from Egypt (there's a post full of stories and wonderful pictures) where my roommate was the first person I'd met in real life who'd actually run an honest to goodness marathon (that's 42 km!!!) I was left with feelings of laziness over my being satisfied when the treadmill hit 1.5 miles. So I came home and ran 4 km and then I got up the next morning at 6:30 a.m. (jet lag) and went for another run. I ran the day after that in the cold. Then I joined a boot camp class. It's at 8 a.m. On a Saturday. And when I woke up the morning after my first class, sore in muscles I was certain I hadn't used, I laced up my running shoes and went for a run. I've signed up for my first 5k race and I'm aiming for a time of 30 minutes. I am maybe obsessed, just a little.

I've gone through fitness spurts before. I've taken rowing and soccer. I had a gym membership for four years. I've climbed the CN Tower. But this time things are different. I've learned something interesting. When my calves are strained and my thighs are burning and the air around me seems to be lacking oxygen that is not the time to give up. That's when you push yourself harder than you've ever pushed yourself before. When my body used to yell, "hey, WTF stop this running shit and walk for a while." I'd listen. I'd let the pain win. Now I push. I take a deep breath, que up a pumping song on my MP3 player, put my head down and run. It might take me 30 minutes to do 4k, but I can now run for 30 minutes straight without stopping to walk.

And when I'm done. The sweat pouring down my red face, my legs not wanting to move another inch and my lungs gasping for breath I feel good. It's my own little victory. After each run, each little victory, it will get easier.

And that's when I'll know it's time to push again.

A tale of two shoes

2008-08-26T20:41:00.002-04:00

Every once in a while my career as a community newspaper reporter allows me a brush with fame: Paul Martin, Joe Thornton, Eric McCormack and '90s supermodel Cindy Crawford. I was to interview the former Mrs. Richard Gere about the re-launch of her furniture line at the Brick (oh, how the mighty fall...).

I didn't really care too much about it, I mean it's not like it was Luke Perry or Gavin Rossdale or some other 90s celebrity that I used to fantasize about making out with. But, it was Cindy Crawford so I thought I'd put a bit of extra umph into my wardrobe that day. I had the perfect new shoes: the faux snake skin pink Nine West flats I got in Las Vegas (for the low, low price of $29.99). One problem: they hadn't been worked in and well, they make me bleed. Solution: wear my black flats on the drive over and do a little switcheroo right before the interview.

Of course I'm running late (as usual) so I speed along the highway and get stopped at a light. I pull into a spot, grab my purse and notepad and sprint into the store. She's running late. OF COURSE SHE IS! I have some time so I chat with the photographer. He looks down. "What's going on down there?" he asks pointing to my feet.

OMG!! While stopped at the light I used the 10 seconds to slip my non-driving foot into a fab pink shoe. I never did slip my right foot into one. I am wearing ONE PINK SHOE and ONE BLACK SHOE! That is not exactly the fashion statement I wanted to make. I blush and then make a mad dash to the car to retrieve the matching shoe. I dash back and have enough time to compose myself before it's my turn for 10 minutes with Ms. Crawford.

Crisis averted. Of course the photographer and I have to share the story at the office Monday and I am slightly mortified.

All in a day's work...

A life unsent

2008-07-27T20:21:00.002-04:00

I am an incredibly analytical person. I go over major life decisions again and again. Pros, cons, the what ifs, the whys. I am a thinker. And one of the things that sometimes fills my thoughts are conversations I wish I'd had or e-mails I compose, but never send. To friends about a disagreement, to ex-boyfriends about how they're an ass or how only something they can appreciate has happened. I do it in the shower, while I'm running or as I lie in bed at night unable to fall asleep.

I realize it is somewhat of a luxury that a significant amount of my thinking is devoted not to thoughts such as "how I am going to pay the rent" or "why did I get (insert horrible disease)", but it is an unwelcome trait nonetheless.

I never actually physically compose these e-mails. That would be too tempting. In a moment of weakness I would hit send and tell a good friend that she was being unreasonable or that I'm sorry if I upset her, but could she tell me why. Or I'd tell an ex-boyfriend that our relationship was one of my biggest mistakes. Dealing with consequences of those compositions and hitting send is not something I would like to replace my insomniatic thoughts.

But maybe I should write them down... Somewhere.

Pretty pictures

2008-04-20T17:40:00.009-04:00

I love sunset pictures. I thought it was time I take some sunrise photos so I dragged my ass out of bed at 6 a.m. the other morning and watched the sun rise over Lake Ontario. It was lovely.

Dr. Seuss

2007-10-03T21:22:00.001-04:00

White wonder

2007-06-10T19:53:00.000-04:00

If you were going somewhere very public with a friend and she showed up wearing a white sun dress with a white bra and a white thong and you could totally see her ass, do you see if as your duty to tell her? Or would it be more a courtesy thing if you decided to say something?

Would you totally let her walk around a public park all day with the sun shinning brightly and her ass in plan view for all to see, because, hey it's her ass and she's gotta know white over white isn't a good thing...?

My wildlife encounter

2007-04-29T17:44:00.000-04:00

So I pull up to work Thursday morning, late as usual. Before turning off the car I notice something. Something I've never seen before. There is a raccoon under the back stairs. Between me and the door is a wild animal with little claws and teeth. "What do I do?" I think in a panic. I'm not going out there. I honk the horn. Nothing. I call a friend hoping she'll have some raccoon wisdom to share. It goes to voicemail. "Crap!" Before making my next move I remember I have my camera with me and take a few photos to document this experience. (I know it's kinda blurry, I was far away...)

Then I honk again. Nothing. It just looks scared and goes further into it's lair. I start the car, back up and drive towards it, horn going (don't worry, I wasn't actually going to run it over!) Nothing. I call my friend again and this time leave a cryptic message. I call a former colleague who will 1) thoroughly enjoy my predicament and 2) possibly have some advice. More voicemail. I call a colleague, she doesn't answer. I've been trapped in my car a good five minutes now, afraid of the beast under the stairs.

I think of who else is available during the day. I call Carly and she becomes my saviour. I explain the situation and she reasons, "maybe the honking and the driving at it scared it into not moving." Yes, that makes sense. "Throw something at it," she adds. Oooo, I think this idea. I have a messy car, I'm bound to have objects I can throw at it. I pick up a water bottle and get ready to aim, but stop, thinking it might not go very far or be very scary. I wedge into the backseat and open the hatch - as I refuse to leave the safety of my vehicle. I have roller blades! And old shoes! I take a shoe in one hand (a roller blades wouldn't go very far and if it made contact it might hurt the little beast) and the water bottle in the other. I step out of the car - making sure to leave the door open for easy access incase it attacks - and throw the shoe. I miss, but it scampers away. I grab my stuff and make it safely inside.

I spend the rest of the day afraid to go outside in the event I angered the raccoon and it didn't really leave, but rather just went to get friends to mess me up.

Domestic bliss

2007-04-24T20:04:00.000-04:00

I have never been so happy in my whole life to be able to do a load of laundry as I was Sunday after this baby was hooked up.

Front load washing machines are the best things. EVER. They use 50 per cent less electricity (this one uses about 10 times less than our old one, since it was pretty damn old. Woohoo less environmental impact), 40 per cent less water, they are gentler on clothes, AND they make the coolest sounds - gentle rain falling, a quiet humming and assorted other sounds I don't have the descriptive capabilities to describe right now. (I'm sure the novelty will wear off in a few weeks and I will stop sounding so in love with an appliance, because I am a little sad...)

Speed dating sucks! (I have no clever title...)

2007-03-30T14:46:00.000-04:00

While I am indeed single, I haven't yet opted to try the fun that is speed dating. I figure if I meet 10 guys though a-means-I-will-not-mention and I don't like any of them, I'm not gonna pay $45 to spend an hour and a half with 10 guys I won't be attracted to. With that being said, I was curious. Is it like when Miranda did it on Sex and the City? Is it fun? Who goes? Is the food yummy? So I decided to go for work purposes - strictly as an observer of course (despite the comments by the men that I should have participated to get the whole story). So as a reporter I headed to an event in Pickering last night and within 10 minutes I knew it would never be worth $5 for me or any gal who considers herself hotter than a 6.5. (And yep, I do consider myself hotter than that!).

My first instinct was, OMG the girls are all hotter than the guys. (And I for the most part believe most of the girls I know are at least a little hotter than their mates...sorry guys). So much hotter! I know it isn't all about looks and the men I interviewed seemed nice and relatively normal. But.

BUT

I don't think there was a man there who was taller than 5'6" and they were closer to 40 while the gals were closer to 30. There were balding men, badly dressed men, men who's hair and clothing style looked like they should be in a country bar. In a small town. In 1991. The gals I spoke to were polite and they said it was a good opportunity for them to meet new people, but I have a hunch today there are a lot of guys waiting for e-mails telling them they made a match with the nine* women they'd like to see again and probably only two or three guys are going to end up with any matches at all.

So my advice: ladies don't waste your time or money.

*there were only nine women at the event

Is the universe trying to tell me something?

2007-03-04T19:46:00.000-05:00

I have come to the conclusion no good can come from going to the gym (unless you catergorize such things as better muscle tone, improved cardio strength and a smaller you as "good").

This is why. Ten days ago I'm driving home from a workout at the aforementioned no-good-can-come-from-visiting it place and bam! I hit a giant pot hole (it was more like two - one right after the other). This was followed by funny steering, which I later learned meant flat tire. (The second in the past six or seven months. Ugh!).

See*: (this is all I have left of the pretty rim as the shady men who fixed the tire didn't put it back on tight enough and somewhere between Hwy 7 and home it made a break for it.)

Reason #2:
I head to the gym a few days ago only to fine my gym has been a bad, bad gym and with held rent from its landlord until some repairs were done. Repairs still need to be done, only now the gym is nice and empty, giving the repair ~~men~~ people plenty of room to work. My gym's been evicted and I have no where to exercise. This after I'm signed up for the CN Tower stair climb! I see a future of extra pounds and laboured breathing for me. And, yes, the membership had been paid in full. Until November!

*In related news, did you know if something happens to you or your property on City property (say a flat tire on a city road currently undergoing construction...) you can make a claim? Well, you can.

Day 2

2007-02-06T21:10:00.000-05:00

I started my new job this week.

That means I finished being a community news reporter Friday. Last week was a sad one as I wrote my goodbye column, was sent off with a fabulous fete (and cake!), and went through three years of my work. I am a sappy sentimental person so moving on is difficult, BUT I am enjoying the new gig.

Granted, I have only spent two days in the cold (but beautiful) old house where I work, but they have been good days. (Yesterday afternoon, I also finally found out that I have a job title and what it is: Program Co-ordinator). I can't decide if that sounds like a step up or down...?

Now the list of how my new job is different:

I should start whenever is convenient for me, you know to avoid traffic and stuff
My supervisor says things like, "Make sure you keep track of your hours."
I spend far less time writing personal e-mails and surfing the net (will this change...?)
I constantly have something different to do. I didn't know how much I would appreciate this. Apparently I like change, who knew?
I was given a key and the security code on my first day - and left alone to use them! (I never got a key at my last job and as a result felt like a 16-year-old co-op student that couldn't be trusted with having unsupervised access to the computers).
We have a stove and dishes. Lunch will never be the same.

(Knowing me, there will probably be a list of "how my new job is different" Version 2: The Bad by the end of the month...Or at least a rant about why being a part-time freelance writer SUCKS!)

Entertaining TV

2007-01-27T19:13:00.000-05:00

I went through a "Deal or No Deal" obsession. Then the Canadian version was announced (the chance to win a million dollars, tax free no less!). I read the application - it was long. It required a poem - or a rap (yeah right!). Plus you had to disclose if you knew anyone who worked for Global, the production company, etc, etc. Since I knew someone on the crew (Devin), there was no way I was going through all that work just to be disqualified. (I am lazy. I can admit it). Then I was watching an episode, with it's perky, bubbly, outgoing contestant. She jumped around and had a lot of spunk. I don't have much spunk. I'd be quiet, nervous and shy on national TV. This coupled with the laziness and the knowing of Devin confirmed to me I was not going to fill out the application.

After attending a taping of "Deal or No Deal Canada" I am so glad I didn't spend the time applying because there's no way real people stood a chance of making it as a contestant. The first contestant to take the stage during the marathon taping I attended Thursday had personality, spunk, and a hook. Two words for ya people:

GAY COWBOY!

(you should totally watch the Cdn episodes, I suspect it will be worth it).

Changes

2007-01-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

I was going to go to school, then I wasn't. And I didn't. (chicken?)
I was going to move out, then I wasn't. And I didn't. (fraidy cat?)
I was going to quit my job, ~~I wasn't~~. And I did. (embrace the change)

Despite not having a full time job to go to. Despite not having a secure job to go to. I. Quit. My. Job. Today. After three years of security, benefits, ok pay, and doing something I was pretty damn good at, I made the choice to walk away.

Instead. I get to do something I think I might love. I get to do something that I think will make a difference. I get to do something that will make the world a better place. (OK, I used to feel that way about journalism...). But, it's part-time and temporary.

I leave the paper Feb. 2. Stay tuned because I might just stop neglecting my blog now that I'll 1) have lots of free time 2) not be paranoid of about people at work finding out about my blog.

Trading spaces

2006-11-17T21:29:00.000-05:00

Tired of dark blue walls I impulsively decided to paint.
Step 1: mess up room with rearranging and purging. (And no, that is not my bed. And no, it does not have a mattress...)

Do you see these walls? Blue acrylic paint, that's what that is. It would take primer and paint to make that a distant memory.

The painting had a two fold purpose. 1) remove the Blue 2)transfer this furniture from the tiny room to the slightly less tiny room. Don't judge. What decorating options are there when you have a queen size bed in a 10x8 room? (For full before, imagine crap on bed on floor).

I optimistically believed one coat of primer and two coats of paint would do the job. I was wrong. Three hours later the two coats of primer were finished and I was ready for my before bed daiquiri.

TA-DA!

(Yes, the sheets match the wall. That was not intentional.)

The hard work paid off. See the pretty light purple wall (Arcadian Blue). Please, ignore the wood panelling closet doors. There is only some much transformation one can do in a weekend. Also notice there is floor space (yes, there is also carpet that doesn't match, but there is no tripping over piles, risking injury or death to pee in the dark of night.

Older, wiser, fatter

2006-10-18T21:00:00.000-04:00

So I turned 27 nine days ago (it's been a very extended birthday celebration - it lasted six days). I hate my birthday. It is always on/near Thanksgiving, which despite the lack of presents for this holiday it is still one and that means the day of my birth takes a back seat to all.

BUT, this year it was great. Greatness that involved tickets to Wicked; two (!) cakes; three dinners, one breakfast and a pizza party; CDs; a game of Trivial Pursuit where I was on the winning team; domestic-type presents; many cards; a walk at Rouge Park (one of my favourite places); gift cards; a poker tournament that I won; and many, many fabulous presents from a very generous boyfriend - and not one of them needed to be returned.
I. Like. Them. All.
Seriously...Shocking, I know.

(PS, Wicked is ~~wicked~~ awesome)

Whaling good time

2006-08-16T20:54:00.000-04:00

On Day 3 of our trip we went whale watching in a tiny zodiac (of which I took no pictures of) off the little village of Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia. It is right on the Capot Trail in Cape Breton.

The tour offered a money back guarantee if you didn't see a whale.

I was sure we would see something like the image above or below and then we'd putter around the water for an hour before heading back to the harbour without actually seeing any whales.

I was wrong. Look how close they got to our little boat. That image below was taken without much use of the 'zoom' feature on my camera.

The back of the beautiful pilot whale. Digital point and shoots and whales don't mix. Delay bad. Whale fast.

There wasn't just one whale. There were many. At one point about seven.

Finally a head and a blow hole. See it?! Of course you do, because it is sooo close. I was very excited because as a child I was so enamoured with whales I wanted a minature one as a pet (my brother lied and told me there was such a thing) and I wanted to be a marine biologist or the person who rode the whales at MarineLand when I grew up.

We also saw this moose on the side of the road on our way to whale watching. We never did see a bear, even though we were in "bear country."

Because I promised

2006-08-06T23:13:00.000-04:00

While I am far too tired from my vacation to actually start those PEI/wedding/Cabot Trail posts I talked about before I went away, I will post this teaser as a way to make myself post full photo posts some time this ~~week~~ month.

Above: another beautiful Island sunset.
Right: luppins; pretty

Me and the brothers.
We clean up nicely, no?

The whole bridal party looking posey in the park.

Skip ahead four weeks to vacation #2 of the Summer of '06. It's back to the East Coast for a first time visit to Nova Scotia (well, the first time I left the airport).
Purpose: to drive the beautiful (see left and below) Cabot Trail in Cape Breton.

Three things...

2006-07-26T18:50:00.000-04:00

I learned last week:

Rogers on Demand is a wonderful thing.
Temporary children's tattoos that came with gum for like a quarter still work 17 years later...and last about a week.
I have an incredibly difficult time making REALLY big decisions and so change my mind, annoy my friends and family, and nearly make myself crazy in the process.

Not dead, just preoccupied

2006-07-26T18:46:00.000-04:00

Despite having beautiful pictures of my vacation in PEI and lovely photos of my older brother's wedding, I have been neglectful of this site and generally MIA.

But, the photos they will be coming, as well as some from the Cabot Trail - where I head off to in just over a week.

Where I will not be heading anytime soon is Vancouver. After much consideration, headaches, research, stress and flip-floping, I have decided not to move to Vancouver to accept SFU's wonderful offer to study in the Master of Public Policy progam. It's really quite unfortunate for the blog though, it would have given me much more of a reason to keep it updated...

Vacationing

2006-06-28T16:14:00.000-04:00

I'm on an island (it's a tiny one in Canada so no white sandy beaches or drinks with umbrellas for me). Prince Edward Island to be exact.

I am here for my brother's wedding (the older one this time). (If I ever wed, I think I may elope. Weddings are stressful!)

I have no access to a vehicle and while the City of Charlottetown did just recently get a transit service - it only has a whopping five (!) routes. This means I am essentially house-bound.

I can't really indulge too much in ice cream or any other vacation type foods because the dress for the aforementioned wedding is a size too small.

...I want another vacation when I get back from this one...

(I am enjoying visiting with the family).

Quebec City

2006-06-13T21:04:00.000-04:00

Better late than never...

I took a lot of pictures of a lot of different churches. Here is just one because they all kinda look the same at some point.

The beautiful and magestic Chateau Frontenac. Had I showed up at 2 in the morning the Delta would have cancelled my reservation and I would have gotten to stay there, but instead I got a smoking room.

One of the few pictures of me because I walked around alone most of the time and wasn't in the mood to talk to strangers. I got lucky and found my co-worker and had her walk around with me for two hours taking pictures at important sites.

The streets, they are pretty.
And oh so European.
(And also? apparently empty)

This just looks cool, right?

We visited the Sugar Shack for a traditional Quebecois meal, not quite what I was expecting. I did get to try sugar pie and it was too sweet for me (that is saying something). Then we went outside to have maple sap treats. It is poured on snow (I don't know where they got the snow..) and then wrapped around a wooden stick to become a tasty sugary snack.

I couldn't eat it.
So I played with it. It looks gross. And dirty, right?

So that was Quebec City. A beautiful place with lots of yummy food.

It's official

2006-06-07T21:28:00.000-04:00

Ryerson doesn't want me :-(

Cue The Clash.
"Should I stay or should I go" to Vancouver...

See all the chocolate I am not eating, despite my anxious and decision-making state. I totally have will power.

Well, that and the little problem of the increasing size of my ass (hips, waist, thighs, etc...). See the previous post.

And the pictures of Quebec City are coming. Also, they are not so good. Vancouver, Paris, London, every other photo I've posted of places - so much better.

Summer the bad

2006-05-30T18:49:00.000-04:00

Normally I like summer (when it isn't 35 degrees with a humidex of 43 and smog that makes the sky look like it has jaundice), but there is a funny thing about the change of seasons in Canada and that would be the change of wardrobe. And how it can make you feel about yourself, a feeling I've been stuck with since the mercury hit the 30 degree mark yesterday: the frustration and shock of pulling on a summer skirt for the first time since September and finding the zipper will barely make it to the top.

It is just unfair to go from your fall/winter/early spring pants that are a half a size too big (which encourages the eating of dessert, timbits, fried foods, etc) to pulling on a the shorts you used to be able to nearly pull off last year without unzipping them and finding the button won't make it into the hole without squishing the hibernation flesh you used to keep yourself warm during those minus 10 degree days of just a few months ago.

I curse you summer and your heat that makes one want to eat nothing but ice cream because I can't, I have to go live in the gym for a week.

(Pictures from Quebec City tomorrow or possibly Thursday, as I've become neglectful...)

Shocker

2006-05-06T11:01:00.000-04:00

I do not exude confidence. I do not think I am the most beautiful girl or the most talented, but damnit I think I'm kinda smart.

Apparently Ryerson University disagrees. "If you've been accepted to another school, you should take the offer," advised the woman on Thursday when I inquired if my application had been looked at yet (!). Apparently good ol' Rye High doesn't give a hoot about references and resumes and that statement they make you include with your application if you don't have an 'A' GPA. I got a B+ people, from what many (seriously, it's not just me) would describe as one of the harder programs to excel in at Ryerson.

I am sad. But also angry!
(And also in denial, because I refuse to believe the rejection until I actually get the cursed letter).

Yeah me!

2006-05-03T21:11:00.000-04:00

I got nominated for another award today (possibly the last one of my career - how sad) and because of it I get to go to Quebec City for free. (And possibly Africa or Bolivia if I win, but I'm much more excited about Quebec City...)

Bad day

2006-04-27T23:40:00.000-04:00

You know how you have those days where everything goes wrong and you let everyone know the many ways in which the world has wronged you? And then something that is actually bad happens and it puts everything in perspective, and you feel stupid for freaking out about the other things.

And you feel sad.

Thankfully, that day is over in 20 minutes...(I don't think I could have taken much more).

The service

2006-04-23T21:22:00.000-04:00

(In an effort to achieve the 10 posts I promised for April, I give you this rant).

Everyone gets bad service - the waiter that is unattentive, the waitress that messes up the order - shit happens. No big deal. But, in the past two months I think I've been witnessing the eradication of any kind of service that could be deemed "good" or "quality." I don't know if I've been cursed or what, but here are restaurant experiences I've had while out with friends.

being sat next to the rotisserie oven - so I could get a tan with my teriyaki chicken (this was coupled with the "forgetting" of one of the ingredients in my dessert and inattentive service)
screwing up my order and offering no apology for having to remake it, which left my friend and I eating essential on our own
a waiter who brought our order to the table and then asking, "is there anything else I can get you." "Yah, how about some napkins and maybe some utensils." My friend also had to get her own condiments, which the waiter made no attempt to bring her...
A restaurant so understaffed for the dinner shift, 1/3 of the tables were empty (meaning a 20 minute wait) and our waitress seemed like she was training for the speed ordering category at the restaurant server olympics
cold, tiny and sad looking portions (this one was added to round the list out to five).

What does this list tell me?
Maybe that I need to go out to nicer/non-chain restaurants (well, #3 didn't happen at a chain) because my last two Friday night dinners have been excellent in both quality and service (but then, I didn't pay for those...)

And the doctor says...

2006-04-18T18:40:00.000-04:00

Everything is normal and I'm fine.

(or at least he's pretty sure I am...can't rule out anything bad for absolute certain unless the lump is removed and I'm not really in the mood for unnecessary surgery.)

I'm in!

2006-04-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

SFU wants me! (It's about time I heard from them)...one problem: I only have three weeks to decide it I want them and I haven't heard from my Alma Mater yet. Ugh!

Cue the freaking out about making a decision.

My date with the gun

2006-04-04T20:04:00.000-04:00

The lesson I learned today was to keep one's eyes firmly staring up at the ceiling when having a medical procedure done for which you are awake because making the mistake of looking down as the doctor passes the nurse a piece of...well, you, is really quite gross.

There was prodding and pressure, but less pain then excepted. The boob, she is doing ok.

I hope to be told I'm not dying in just 12 short days.

Lucy

2006-04-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

My friends make cute babies:

Stupid said!

2006-04-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

I have lost my title, been dethroned, am now the runner up and only needed if the winner - for whatever reason - is unable to fulfill his duties. I am no longer Reporter of the Year, which I am totally ok with. Except. EXCEPT I got to read the judges comments.

I feel like a singles figure skater (pre the new judging system) who was happy just to make it through qualifying for a chance to compete at the Olympics only to lose after the long program based on one tenth of a point for artistic merit from one judge. A situation where the skater has no control, where she could have done nothing differently because it all comes down to one person's opinion. It is oh so subjective. And it SUCKS!

My equivalent of that situation is being told I lost by one point and I lost that one point because of my use of the word 'said' after a quote. The judge would have preferred 'stated' or 'explained'. This is an acceptable critique except, EXCEPT, not more than a month before starting the criticized piece I was at a workshop or conference where I was specifically told to use said. They explained it was because the reader runs right over it and it doesn't register, doesn't break up the flow of the piece like 'explained' or 'stated' do. See subjective. Subjectivity sucks!

(In happier news I did win the best rural/agircultural story. This is kinda funny because I grew up in the city, knew nothing of farming before beginning the piece and I don't eat red meat.
Ok, so I don't know how that last point has anything to do with it, but I like lists of threes...)

Ride'em Copper

2006-03-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

Last night I saw a sight usually reserved for downtown Toronto or a ~~riot~~ protest at Queen's Park.

Driving home along a residential section of Kingston Road in Scarborough I noticed a reflective thing in the distance. It was too high up to be a runner. As I got closer, I saw it was a Toronto police officer on horse back. Judging from the death of the beloved Brigadier just 10 minutes up the road last month, the mounted cops are a presence in the neighbourhood. It was odd nonetheless.

I wanted to document the odd sighting so I rushed home (because a cop on horseback is really going to be able to catch me speeding...) and picked up my camera and headed back outside to make sure I hadn't missed him. I stood there for a second eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse and finally he appeared. Turning at my street! I turned the camera on, but the batteries were dead. I fumbled with the next set as I looked up to see him trotting down the driveway of my townhouse complex. That set was dead too so I turned to make my way back into the house, but as I did the officer and his trusty stead trotted on by and the officer gave a friendly wave before continuing on his way.

(For my friends who are tired of coming here and seeing the same two week old posts, I make a pledge to you: in the month of April I will make at least 10 posts)

Prairie Giant

2006-03-16T16:33:00.000-05:00

Tommy Douglas really is the Greatest Canadian.

(If he were alive - and not 102 - I think I might have a little crush on him, even if he was short...)

Posting

2006-03-12T22:49:00.000-05:00

I am aware I've been kind of neglecting my blog lately. I don't know if it's because I don't really have anything to post that I think others would be interested in reading, or if it's because I am sick of the word blog because of the sudden discovery of the internet at work by the higher ups, or maybe I'm just bored of all this. (Or maybe it's because no one really stops by except for Vicki and Carly - and sometimes a few others...).

Here are the things I thought about writing about lately, but never quite got around to it (incase you are curious):

a rant about the health care system after a run-in with a condescending jackass of a radiologist who made me feel as though I'd made up the lump (I am, however, grateful I never did have that date with the biopsy gun)
how wonderfully tiny and cute new born babies are (welcome to the world little Lucy) and how awesome my friend Carly is for making it through pregnancy, labour and now the ups and downs of motherhood
how I am incredibly anxious to hear from Ryerson and SFU - not because I am overly concerned with whether I get in or not, but because I can't stand the not knowing (how did we ever wait seven months to hear from schools when we were in high school?)

Hot wheels

2006-03-01T21:03:00.000-05:00

I went to the Auto Show on the weekend (free tickets) and although I am not a car person (I do drive a car and I love her, but she is just a car), seeing that many pretty, waxed and buffed autos in one place (well, actually three) was pretty cool. I loved the Prius even more and saw many cars that could pass for twins of my cute little hatch, but this car was by far the coolest.

I don't know what it is so I'm naming her "the car of the future"

You can't really see it in the photo to the right, but there is actually a little uncomfortable looking stool like seat between the front bench and the back.

This is her bum.

I loved the spinny things and was surprised that there were no women in fancy dresses and high heels spinning with the beautiful cars a la Gabrielle in that episode of Desperate Housewives where she needs money so she goes back to modeling.

Worth a shot

2006-02-23T21:46:00.000-05:00

Screw journalistic objectivity - I am throwing my support behind a cause. There is an online petition to save possibly the best show on television: This is Wonderland.

Go sign it. Please.

(even if you don't watch the show, trust me it is totally worth saving)

Girls Rule!

2006-02-22T22:16:00.000-05:00

Before today's impressive haul of four more medals, Canada had 14 and 9 of those were won by the women. Now that number is 13 out of 18. I don't know what this means, if anything, I just wanted to point it out. Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

Speaking of which, as I watched the games while eating breakfast this morning I was able to witness what was, at least in my opinion, the moment of the olympic games so far. Alberta's Chandra Crawford gave an awesome performance in the cross country sprint and got the gold. The 22-year-old had only won one medal in world competition so far and that was a bronze.

But it wasn't that she won a gold that was so great, it was seeing her reaction afterwards. She was jumping on the podium and smiling and her enthusiasm was infectious. I know nothing of sportsmanship or the thrill of competition and winning, but I think Canada's Chandra Crawford epitomized all of that today.

The obsession continues

2006-02-19T16:14:00.000-05:00

I know who Duff Gibson is (and that he grew up in Scarborough), what the "team pursuit" is and why the Canadian women's hockey team is going to win the gold. That's because it's been all Olympics, all the time this week (well, as much as it can be when you have a full time job). I've been switching the station to CBC at the gym, going to www.cbc.ca/olympics at least four times a day, and when Erin and I were deciding to go for dinner on Friday I insisted the pub/bar/restaurant have a TV.

Like I said: I am obsessed!

But I am also curious about how some of these sports even get thought up or how one figures out that he is good at them. A prime example: skeleton (which we are good at having won three of six medals between the men and women's competitions). Are the elite athletes in this field the kids who had the cheap parents who wouldn't buy them a real sled, but rather they got stuck with the $3 sheet of plastic that is the "crazy carpet"? Are these the kids who got so good at sliding down the hill on that accident waiting to happen that they decided to do it head first and seeing as how they lived to tell about it they now find themselves on the medal podium at the olympics? Because really, I can find no other scenario that would tell you that this is the sport for you - go on, try it, you might just excel.

I also find the biathlon weird, but it's more so about the strangeness of having someone cross country ski for a kilometre or so and then deciding it might be fun to have them take a short rest and fire off a few rounds. Who comes up with these things?

I think it might be kinda fun to try and come up with a new winter sport - but, of course, only if it is something Canada would excel at...Maybe we could have athletes drink a few beer and then do something. Or snowmobile racing? Ice fishing? Winter diving?

Goodbye good TV

2006-02-15T20:25:00.000-05:00

Those TV network types couldn't be satisfied cancelling just one of the intelligent, funny and quirky shows that I watch (and really, really like), no they had to go cancel two of 'em. Within two days of each other.

The CBC gave the axe to This is Wonderland on Monday after three seasons, while that network south of the border CBS only gave Love Monkey like three episodes before pulling the plug. Damn low ratings! These were two excellent shows people. I repeat - smart, funny and highly entertaining. You should have been watching.

...At least Love Monkey gave us Wayne, aka Teddy Geiger...

It's an honour just to be nominated

2006-02-15T20:20:00.000-05:00

Will I be able to defend my (Ontario) reporter of the year title?

Who knows. It's just nice to be able to have the chance...(k, so awards don't really mean that much and they are fairly subjective, but the bonus that comes will them sure is nice.)

Let the games begin!

2006-02-11T14:41:00.000-05:00

I don't play sports and I don't watch sports, but for two weeks every two years I'll sit glued to the TV watching the Olympics. I'll watch speed skating, cross country skiing, bobsled, moguls - just about anything, although it helps if there is a Canadian competing. I'll check CBC online throughout the day and read the sports section for the first time in 18 months.

Maybe I've just bought into all the Olympic buzz or maybe it's because there are so many individual sports and it's just the athlete against themselves. Either way it's addictive because I don't know who these people are or understand their sports, but that doesn't stop me from being invested in their performances (I was so happy to see Jennifer Heil win the gold in women's moguls live this afternoon).

Or maybe it's just cause during the last summer Olympics my obsessive TV watching paid off by me winning a spa vacation at Mont Tremblant with Olympic diver Emilie Heymans...

Double standard

2006-02-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

I'm not a big fan of Belinda Stronach's, but the first thought that popped into my head when I heard Liberal David Emerson was now a Conservative minister was that his critics wouldn't be using the same language they'd thrown at her (dipstick, prostituting, whore - I believe were a few of them) and I think that thought was right.

(I kept that thought to myself - sort of - because the first time I shared it the response was, "not everything is about putting women down" or something to that affect and I got a little sensitive. Everything might not be, but I believed the language used to describe Stronach's defection wouldn't be the same used to described Emerson's and I was right. Unless someone can find the media reports I've missed...? I'd actually love to be proven wrong).

Hmmm, I wonder why women in this country don't want to run for political office...

Vegetarian funny

2006-02-08T18:47:00.000-05:00

So I don't eat beef or pork (or any weird things like lamb, duck, venison...) and most of my friends are some form of vegetarian, but this little flyer is FUNNY! (We got it in the mail) If only all junk mail could be this amusing...

You can't quite see how funny it is from the full size, so look closer. Look at the pig (cow?) telling you it loves you and the chicken and her chicks who will pray for you (because you eat meat, I assume? And this makes you a killer!).

One question: who eats dolphins?

Feminist farewell

2006-02-05T21:04:00.000-05:00

I actually gasped when I saw this on the ticker yesterday while watching CP24: "Betty Friedan dead at 85"

I must admit I knew much more about her contribution to the second wave of feminism when I first became a vocal and (slightly obnoxious) feminist in high school, now I just know she contributed a lot to the rights of women.

I bought "The Feminine Mystique" several years ago...maybe now I'll actually read it to honour her memory.

My two cents

2006-02-05T19:54:00.000-05:00

I normally don't see movies because of "the buzz," but I made an exception this time around.

With all the critical praise and award wins/nominations "Brokeback Mountain" seems to be the movie to see. However, it was the reviews from two women I work with that pushed me over the fence. In one corner the young women who said nothing happens except "angry man sex" and who believes all those who say they like it really don't like it (or get it), but they want to be part of the crowd so they say they get it and it's wonderful. In the other corner a 66-year-old Catholic woman who attends church every Sunday and who liked the movie, even though she thought she wouldn't.

My verdict: it was moving and visually beautiful. Yes, nothing happens, per se, but at the same time the actors (mostly Heath Ledger, but also Jake Gyllenhaal) are able to convey love and longing, at the same time as the characters' shame and inner struggle. I normally don't 'get' arty, award-winning type movies. But I think this time I did and it was pretty good.

(Kudos also to the person behind the score. I hardly ever notice that aspect of a movie, but when there are this many scenes without dialogue it's hard not to and this one was good)

I have to learn how to say "NO"

2006-02-01T21:20:00.000-05:00

Maybe I'm just a masochist or I have a really bad memory (nope, that's not it) - or maybe I just believe the best in people/situations and that things get better. I shouldn't. I was wrong to think that.

I agreed to be judge for the second year in a row of a student writing contest about diversity. Now I know what you're thinking, that this sounds like it wouldn't rank very high on the levels of hell scale. If you're thinking that, you would be wrong.

There are more than 200 entries. The winners are announced on Feb. 18. The judges decisions have to be in NO LATER THAN Feb. 10. That's right. I got a week to drudge through the ~~crap~~ not so good stuff to get to the top three. Not so good stuff like the kids who keep talking about how diversity is great because it means different kinds of food for them to eat and different kinds of music for them to listen to. And, maybe when you're 13 that is diversity to you. Maybe I am expecting too much of these middle school kids.

So far I've read 20 and already there has been entirely too much use of the word "coloured" (um, don't the teachers give a little lesson on diversity and whatnot before sending the little kiddies off to write these works of openmindness and acceptance). I also did not miss the Grade 8 student who used the word "bastien"...I'm thinking if he knew what it meant he'd know how to spell it.

Yes, this is what I'll be posting about for the next week: how very disappointed I am in the next generation and how they can't express themselves good. There will, of course, be the few shinning lights that make me resist the urge to pay a visit to the local schools and yell at the teachers and educate the students (I hope).

On the bright side, being a judge does create endless conversation opportunities where I recount excerpts from the entries to my friends and colleagues for my own amusement (I did this A LOT last year - used it as date/getting to know you fodder. This year new people will be subjected to it...and the few people who stumble upon my blog. Hello there. Please come again!)

This is just weird

2006-01-31T21:20:00.000-05:00

K, I understand there are people out there who like Stephen Harper (although even the Conservatives I know don't think he's, you know, like the best leader ever or anything), but this site is just weird and stalkerish...(I checked there is no www.ihateharper.ca site)

(Credit for finding this goes to her - well, I don't know if she found it, but I found in on her site so...)

Happy New Year!

2006-01-29T22:16:00.000-05:00

Kung hei fat choi!

I'm a sheep (or goat or ram...depending on the horoscope page).

I know horoscopes can be pretty generic and apply to almost everyone, but this part in particular definitely describes me:
They never forget anyone's birthday, and you had better not forget theirs!

(It's Oct. 9 - incase you were wondering...)

Wondering about assumptions.

2006-01-29T13:22:00.000-05:00

Why is it that every time I go out for dinner with one of my male friends the restaurant staff assumes we're "together?"

They never assume I'm on a date with any of my female friends...

OR, maybe it's just me. Maybe I just think they assume we're together...

Winning gone wrong

2006-01-26T20:33:00.000-05:00

I arrived home to find a package from "Alice Productions Inc." My This is Wonderland Season One DVD, I thought excitedly (it's the little things people). I picked up the package and thought, doesn't feel like a DVD. I opened the package to find this*:

They sent me the WRONG PRIZE! Even when I win I lose.

*Yes, I'm keeping the bubble wrap on the autographed cast photo. I still want my DVD!

Prediction

2006-01-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

I put money on this guess (it, in no way, reflects my desires...):

Conservative - 123
Liberal - 102
Bloc - 56
NDP - 26
Other - 1

Dame Danielle

2006-01-22T17:05:00.000-05:00

Which dame am I? Apparently I am like Katharine Hepburn.

On this test I scored 14% grit, 42% wit, 47% flair, and 9% class.
This is the description:

You are the fabulously quirky and independent woman of character. You go your own way, follow your own drummer, take your own lead. You stand head and shoulders next to your partner, but you are perfectly willing and able to stand alone. Others might be more classically beautiful or conventionally woman-like, but you possess a more fundamental common sense and off-kilter charm, making interesting men fall at your feet. You can pick them up or leave them there as you see fit. You share the screen with the likes of Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant, thinking men who like strong women.

Sounds kinda right...What dame are you?

Mr. Prime Minister

2006-01-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

My covering of the federal election campaign took an unexpected turn this morning, Prime Minister Paul Martin decided to make a last minute ~~photo op~~ visit in Ajax this morning and I was sent to...well, I got to stand there with a bunch of members of the much-higher-paid national media and watch PM PM make chit chat with three-year-olds who didn't give a hoot about the strange old guy talking to them while they were trying to put together their puzzles.

But, it was interesting to get that close to the national campaign. Despite what the polls are saying, Mr. Martin came across as personable and relaxed. He was even making jokes. He looked nothing at all like the haggard old man in the Conservative ads. Say what you will about the Liberals and Mr. Martin and the (pretty much) inevitable loss on Monday, he hasn't given up yet.

Either that or our Prime Minister is one fine actor Canada...

I won! I won!

2006-01-14T12:12:00.000-05:00

Watching TV can pay off. I have been rewarded for my loyalty to and my love of This is Wonderland. I won a prize for my knowledge of last week's episode. I even get to choose between an array of fabulous TIW merchandise for my prize.

Signed TIW Season One DVD
TIW North Face Fleece
TIW Hooded Sweatshirt
Signed TIW Season Two Cast Photo
TIW New Logo Toque

I'm going with the DVD. Anyone can borrow it to see what a great show This is Wonderland is... (well, maybe not just anyone).

Did ya know?

2006-01-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

Apparently the problems with our health care system have nothing to do with a lack of money or inefficiencies or too many users or not enough doctors. Nuh uh. Our problems could all be solved if we just stopped funding things like abortions and sex change operations. You didn't know that? ME EITHER! But a candidate from the Christian Heritage Party attended the debate I was covering last night and enlightened us all.

We also learned homosexuals live, on average, 20 year less than heteros because of their deviant lifestyle and abortions cause breast cancer. I think those were the highlights of learning.

Oh wait, I also learned some parties should probably keep their platforms to themselves...

Vote for Pedro

2006-01-10T19:38:00.000-05:00

My job covering the election had a hint of humour injected into when I received this picture last week for the independent candidate named Pedro.

When a photographer was sent to Pedro's to get a new photo he came back with one of Pedro sleeping, as well Pedro offered to pick his nose or look at porn for additional shots.

He's a serious candidate though. Seriously.

Now I'm on the lookout for 'Vote for Pedro' signs...

I'm it

2006-01-08T12:34:00.000-05:00

Vicki tagged me with the ~~three~~ weird things about me blogging thing. I've never been tagged (that I know of). Yippee! And as luck would have it, I have nothing else to blog about other than my horror at the recent election polls. Unfortunately, it's gonna take me a while to come up with five things (not that I'm super normal or anything...).

1) I don't like my food to touch and mix with other food. Because of this quirk Tiffany brought me back a big porcelain divided plate from Germany (like the plastic ones children use), but it only has three sections so at Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc I have to use an extra plate for my stuffing.

2) I say I don't like things I've never even tried, for example cream cheese, tea, coffee - I've now tried those three and I was right about the tea and coffee.

3) I carried a SpongeBob Square Pants lunch bag to work up until a week ago. (I am 26-years-old...)

4) I will think about it and come back to update.

5) See four.

*Update* I can't think of a fourth or fifth (maybe I'm just too normal) so I give up. Enjoy the three.

Snip snip

2006-01-03T20:06:00.000-05:00

No one noticed. This morning I was *this* close to being the sad crying girl from America's Next Top Model who Tyra forced to have her hair cut (ok, that's a wee bit of an exageration. I just dislike my hair a bit), but yet no one noticed I had five to six less inches of hair today.

I think it's totally noticeable! Keep in mind hair to left is wavy so it's shortened by that. (I also noticed grey is not my colour and I look better with make-up).

Singing in '06

2006-01-01T20:30:00.000-05:00

Jodes you made the blog! Thanks to Jodi and Brad for a fun place to ring in the New Year complete with drinks, laughs, music and a subway escort.

Happy New Year!

More election quiz fun

2005-12-31T13:37:00.000-05:00

The CBC has a vote by issue quiz. There are 12 issues you are asked to agree or disagree with the opinion of each of the national leaders (you can omit any of the leaders); you can also skip questions.

My results are not surprising (well, except for the fact that I agreed with Stephen Harper on two issues...how'd that happen?).

Agreed: Jack Layton 11/12; Gilles Duceppe 6; Paul Martin 5; Stephen Harper 2

Disagreed: Layton 0 (I didn't answer the one on farming); Duceppe 3 (separation being a BIG one); Martin 1; Harper 6

The rest I gave no opinion.

Election blogging (aka stealing from the work blog)

2005-12-30T13:11:00.000-05:00

I'm not really all that interested in the election this time around. Maybe it has something to do with the holidays. Maybe it is voter fatigue. Maybe I just think it is stupid and the House is going to end up looking pretty much like it did in November, but millions of dollars would have been wasted. With that being said I encourage all to exercise their democratic right and vote!

Don't know who to vote for?

Not sure who you like? Take this vote selector quiz offered by Politics Watch.

I couldn't find a similar quiz to go with the 2006 election, but the leaders are the same, the issues are the same so it probably doesn't make a difference. I scored 100 with NDP leader Jack Layton (how shocking!) then came the most attractive leader (I've done a poll) Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc, then PM PM and way down with a score of only 14 Mr. Harper.

Cool Christmas

2005-12-29T21:09:00.000-05:00

I know Christmas is technically over, but I thought these blacklight displays were kinda cool. You, however will not get to see them in person because they can be found at Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village in Whitby and it's closing Jan. 1.

Stupid election

2005-12-28T21:14:00.000-05:00

He's a local candidate! Why does he need a bus? I'm pretty sure he's the only one ever on it. And anyone's head blown up that big? Not a good idea...

Getting personal

2005-12-26T21:56:00.000-05:00

Biospy: the scariest word in the English language.*

(Even though the doctor tries to reassure you it's probably just a cyst).

*when you're a woman and b-cancer runs in your family...

Merry Christmas

2005-12-24T17:51:00.000-05:00

Good eats

2005-12-23T23:19:00.000-05:00

There has been no blogging because I've been busy being Betty Crocker.

First there was the peanut butter cups.
A yummy idea I found here.

Then it was on to my traditional sugar cookies. Six dozen and four hours in the kitchen sound about right for yummy Christmas homemade goodness...

It wasn't enough to dye French vanilla icing (sorry Santa, I didn't mean to make you pink), I had to have some with sugar sprinkles. Some with red. Some with green. Some with a mixture of both. Overachiever? What? Me? Never...

And what's a girl to do with left over pink and mint green icing? I could think of only one solution. (I was on one wicked sugar high that night).

The peanut butter cups were such a hit I had to make more. I thought I'd make some with white chocolate, only I thought it wouldn't show up against the white cupcake paper...so I dyed it pink.
It looks weird, but it's yummy. You wish you had one, trust me.

Happy holiday eating!

The Rumour is mediocre

2005-12-22T12:38:00.000-05:00

For the first time in about a year, my movie reviewer friend brought me to a screening this week (just like old times) so I will attempt a movie review to fill some space. (Yah, like anyone gives a hoot about my opinion).

Rumour Has It
starring: Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Mark Ruffalo and Shirley MacLaine
opens: Christmas day
rating 2.85/5

The preview leads one to believe the movie is about a woman on a quest to discover her family was the inspiration for "The Graduate." That takes all of about 25 minutes and then we're left to watch Sarah Huttinger (Aniston) take a journey of self-discovery, which isn't all the interesting. The characters (or at least Aniston's) need more development for the motivation for the self discovery to be more believable. That her younger sister "bounces" and her family likes tennis and she doesn't is not enough of a reason for a grown woman to believe she doesn't fit into her family. Also, the best comedic bits are given away in the previews. The idea and movie had potential, but don't really live up to it. I recommend you go see something else this holiday season.

Catty sidenote: Jennifer Aniston is starting to look her age. On magazine covers her lines are airbrushed and they're not as evident on the small screen, but magnified on the BIG screen at Silvercity there is no hiding that big line in her forehead or the two deep laugh lines by her mouth (I also think her smoking is starting to affect her voice, some of her lines sounded a little phlegmy).

Random winter pic

2005-12-17T14:38:00.000-05:00

Because I have a camera, but nothing to say...

Double dipping

2005-12-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

Yah, so I already posted something on this in my other blog. But a gal can only think of so many new posts in a day and I'm busy getting my ass kicked in that contest I talked about (I think I'm in second).

Don't vote on an empty stomach

An interesting tidbit from the Did you know section? of the Elections Canada site

It is illegal to eat your ballot in a federal election or by-election. Six members of the Edible Ballot Society, a protest group, were charged after the 2000 election under paragraph 167(2)(a) of the Canada Elections Act for wilfully destroying a ballot; two were found not guilty for lack of evidence, and charges against the other four were stayed.
Lack of evidence...they should have waited for a movement in the case...What? Yah, I know lame, but I wanted to add something new to the post.

Winter Wonderland

2005-12-13T20:06:00.000-05:00

It was prettier in person, but isn't the world of Grouse Mountain a Winter Wonderland? You have to take a tram, trolley, whatever you want to call it up the mountain ($30), but for that you get beautiful views and the closest thing to the North Pole I've ever seen (oh, and there's skiing).

You can even take public transit there from North Vancouver (or Vancouver if you take the seabus) and it's only about a 20 minute ride, which in itself is interesting. To see public transit buses make it part way up a mountain on narrow, mainly residential roads is a truly West Coast experience.

There are even reindeer. And that's not all.

There is a skating rink (they have rentals incase you forget your skates), Santa's workshop, a ~~roaring~~ fire and lots of snow. (When there is more snow cover than there was Dec. 1, they even offer sleigh rides...)

That's me (duh!). I took about a dozen photos of myself while standing in calf deep snow near the edge of a hill and they sucked. As does this one taken by a stranger, but it was improved with cropping. (I do have a cute one of me in a toque...)

Below: that's the view from the top on a cloudy day. I now like The Gimp and have been experimenting with its features (some people are getting Gimp-related Christmas gifts...)

Those are wolves. I thought they were real wild wolves...being all well behaved behind that oh so convenient fence next to a big-ass parking lot. Yah, I'm stupid when it comes to nature. The Grouse people keep them and some bears for the tourists.

Blog cheating

2005-12-11T19:25:00.000-05:00

I have another blog. It's for work. I don't think it can really be called blogging (because I don't think it's really blogging if you're have to do it, there's a weekly quota, and someone is editing your posts...). BUT, because I am ridiculously competitive (probably why I never played sports because I ain't so athletic and therefore would not have won) and my editor-in-chief has put up a prize for the site that attracts the most hits I've become just a little...obsessed.

But, it's hard to think of things to write about for an ELECTION blog. That covers one riding (a boring riding). Of which half is not in the municipality our paper covers. Needless to say, I am trailing to the...umm...election enthusiasts in Oshawa by A LOT (but am not in last place. Yeah!). My wit and intelligence is no match for the blog covering the riding that had the tightest three-way race in the June 2004 campaign.

I'd link to it here to attract another hit or two, but I'm not really interested in having my editors find out that I'm not new to this whole blogging thing and, more importantly, letting them in my head.

I have to go visit my other blog now...

Washroom wonder

2005-12-10T12:47:00.000-05:00

With my new found baby awareness because of C, I was hit with a thought about gender discrimination while out last night. I must admit I've never been in a men's washroom, but I'm pretty sure they don't have changing tables.

Where do fathers who have taken their little boy or girl out shopping sans the mother do the changing? What about gay couples?
Someone should really launch a discrimination suit against mall washrooms...

Wedding photos

2005-12-06T21:27:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005

David and Shelly got married. In North Vancouver, British Columbia. (All of the GOOD photos of them in the traditional wedding attire were taken with black and white film...)

My mom and I were there (I don't know why my hair is so BIG. I think it has something to do with the water in Vancouver, it gives it more body...)

After the ceremony, pictures and dinner, there was The Cake. Before the eating of The Cake there was the traditional cutting of The Cake.

And the traditional ~~smooshing~~ feeding of the cake to your partner. (The bottom layer was chocolate...mmmm.)

My little brother then attempted to dance. He can't. I don't think the height difference helped. (Yep, she changed for the third and final time before the dancing started).

This was followed by musical performances by Shelly's cousin Emily and Dan, who wrote an original song for the event. I went to high school with Dan and this was the first time I'd seen him in three years (he's friends with David now...weird).

Then there was the bouquet toss (yah, I caught it). In between all of these activities there was vodka. The smile on my face was as a result of the vodka, not the catching of the bouquet...

After all the formalities were over (and in between all the drinking) there was dancing including this amusing number by the best man Chris (left), Dan (on his head? The garter. He caught it.) and Paul (I think that's his name...) They'd probably be angry if they knew I posted this photo on the internet - oh well, they won't know.

You'd think it was my wedding, what with all the photos of me. Well, it wasn't, but this is my blog so I can post whatever I want. Plus, I think I look kinda pretty in this photo (and am made more so by the fact Dan looks goofy - in a good way).

This is Dan's girlfriend Kim. The drinking helped us to become fast friends and dancing buddies. (Does that photo make my head look big?...or is it the hair?) I don't look drunk at all, do I?

Shopaholic's back

2005-12-05T17:56:00.002-05:00

After many (many, many) months of only buying souvenirs and electronics, and wondering where my desire to buy clothes went I am happy to report IT'S BACK (well, happy until I get this month's credit card statement).

While shopping for a wedding gift for David and Shelly (photos to come tomorrow) I happened to walk through the women's clothing department at The Bay and I found The Cashmere. I'll admit I'd never really touched the cashmere before and I'd definitely never tried it on. This time around I ignored the $90 price tag for the sweater and thought 'what the heck?' (The condo fund has already been blown with my jet setting anway...). I liked it. A LOT. I bought one (it was 40 per cent off). Now I want the black turtle neck. And maybe a pink sweather. And a scarf. And some matching gloves...

Vancouver revisited

2005-11-30T21:49:00.000-05:00

I can blog, but can't post photos from ~~Vancouver~~ North Vancouver. If I could, ya'll would have gotten to see just how pretty winter is in the mountains (there is actually a bit of snow on the ground in the coastal areas, not just in the mountains. Apparently it caused commuter chaos yesterday).

Oh well, something for you to look forward to.

Wedding bells

2005-11-29T20:41:00.000-05:00

I'm off to Vancouver (again!) tomorrow because my brother is getting married. Not this brother, but rather my little brother.

This is David:

He's 23 now (and 22 days) and he's actually not that little - he's 6'2" - but it is still weird that some time after 3 p.m. P.S.T. on Dec. 3 he will be a married man!

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he and Shelly have only been dating since February or maybe it's because in the last 7 years he's had more jobs than me, my mother and my older brother Brian put together so committment isn't really his thing or maybe it's because they've only been planning it for two months (No! It is not a shotgun wedding). Whatever it is, saying David is getting married Saturday is weird.

Nevertheless, I wish them a lifetime of happiness. Congratulations you two!

I must go pack now because me, the quintessential planning girl, is nowhere near ready to go yet and we have to be out the door by 9:30 tomorrow morning. I'm not looking forward to another trip to the airport. I don't want to go away again. I would never make a good flight attendant...

"Gimme a 'P'!"

2005-11-29T19:37:00.000-05:00

"Gimme a 'R', Gimme an 'E', Gimme a 'V', Gimme an 'A', Gimme a 'C',
Gimme 'I', Gimme 'D'
"What's it spell? PREVACID!!!"

Apparently cheerleaders make good salespeople, specifically pharmaceutical sales reps.

From the New York Times:

Some industry critics view wholesomely sexy drug representatives as a variation on the seductive inducements like dinners, golf outings and speaking fees that pharmaceutical companies have dangled to sway doctors to their brands...
"They don't ask what the major is." Proven cheerleading skills suffice. "Exaggerated motions, exaggerated smiles, exaggerated enthusiasm - they learn those things, and they can get people to do what they want."
Approximately two dozen Kentucky cheerleaders, mostly women but a few men, have become drug reps in recent years.

They even have Miss Florida USA.

How thoughtful

2005-11-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

As read on the back of my box of Skittles gum (bought in London).

Enjoyment tip: Gum can accidentially lodge in the throat. Take care when eating, and with the very young.

We don't get warnings like that on our candy...must be because of all the English AND French writing.

And, FYI, the gum isn't bad. It takes just like Skittles candy, but instead of dissolving into sugary nothingness it turns into tasteless, hard to chew, funny coloured gum. OK, maybe it is bad. The colours of the gum are a little different than the candy, see.

I could totally arrange candy for ads...

Wonderland just got better

2005-11-27T17:39:00.000-05:00

Found this out (obviously, see previous post) Wednesday after watching This is Wonderland on CBC. The song in the new opening credits is Soft Revolution, one of my favourites by the wonderful Canadian band the Stars.

Good Canadian entertainment all around.

(New opening, except for the song, isn't so good...)

This is good TV

2005-11-23T19:36:00.000-05:00

I enjoy the CBC for many reasons, but for one most of all:
This is Wonderland.

The wonderful court room dramedy returns for its third season tonight at 8 p.m. It is funny, quirky, well written, smart and Canadian! It is unique in the best possible way. You should watch it.

Don't believe me? Vinay Menon was also gushing about it in today's Star.

Addiction

2005-11-23T19:12:00.000-05:00

Hello, my name is Danielle and I'm a chocolate addict.

I bought some milk chocolate chipits in advance of some holiday baking.
I opened the bag late last week.
They are now gone...

Welcome to my office

2005-11-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

The world is my office. Well, maybe not the whole world...

Images from a morning in my (work) life.

(No, there isn't a body in there).

(No, she wasn't in there).