Yesterday I went with a couple friends on a hunt for sun-related accessories after line duty. Now is the time to buy, buy, buy summer stuff since the weather is so fine and everything is on sale. It's unfortunate there's no money to buy stuff with. But I guess I don't need the stuff that badly.
I sort of wanted to get sunglasses, but since I hate wearing contacts (my right eye hates anything getting close to it and immediately shuts tightly when I shove contacts towards it) it seems sort of pointless. Wearing sunglasses over my bulky regular glasses doesn't work so much. Still...
One of my (under normal circumstances) co-workers has been worried about money because she operates on a paycheck to paycheck basis and now there's not much money coming in. So she went to the bank to try to get a credit line, to see her through this time. They asked her to bring in some paystubs, but she either doesn't keep them at all or they're stuffed in her desk inside the building we have no access to. She's infamous for being a bit... eccentric, let's say, and realised she has bags of "stuff" in the backseat of her car, and she thought maybe there might be some paystubs there.
As she went through the piles of papers, she discovered a lottery ticket. This distracted her from her mission and she went to the shop to check it. Because of all the lottery scandals in Ontario, apparently now you're supposed to check tickets yourself. She scanned it through the reader. Up pops a message that she won $1000 and three QuickPicks. She immediately thought that couldn't be right and handed the ticket to the cashier to check. Same result.
I have no idea if she ever went back to the bank to get a credit line.
Yesterday I saw a USB turntable and honestly contemplated how I could make it mine. Seems easier than getting a crap stereo to run my pre-amp/turntable through to then hook up to the computer to be able to make mixes of vinyl classics. They also had portable record players, something I tried to get while I was rolling in money in Japan (but they were sold out almost instantly), but it isn't so practical. I think I have a subscription to a 7" singles club that starts soon, so I probably should organise something soon. Unless... anyone nearby have any vinyl capabilities?
Seriously, the only thing that would get me out to the BJM show September 8th is if the old tambourine player rejoined the band and they played "Got My Eye On You," neither of which will happen. That was a great moment in rock.
Currently listening :
Strung Out in Heaven
By The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Release date: 23 June, 1998
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
goings on
I feel like I'm in a fog. I may have shut down all abilities to emote anything.
The last couple of days I've been on the picket line. Anyone who says union workers are lazy obviously haven't been on strike. It's physically and emotionally draining to walk on pavement for 8 hours a day, and is not something anyone decides to do lightly, I assure you. I don't want to be on strike, but I also don't want to lose my job in a year (absolutely possible with proposals presented by management). I also don't want to be paid 70% less than men doing a less-demanding job just because I'm in a female-dominated workplace.
My union (established 78 years ago) has never been on strike. Ever. I resent anyone telling me my co-workers and I are greedy and lazy; all unions are not the same, which is why there are so many different locals. If library workers are pissed off with how they're being treated, understand that there is a major problem with the bureaucratic infrastructure of the municipality.
Anyway....
I splurged and bought a ticket to Justice today (available at Scratch... you should get one, too!), so have a couple of things to look forward to in the fall, regardless of how the rest of the summer goes. "Cross" still kicks wicked ass. I totally want to go to Au Revoir Simone on August 22nd, too; not sure I can convince anyone to see three girls from Brooklyn. I'm trying not to look at the listings because I don't want to want to go to anything. I think I'm going to Ryan Adams tomorrow; I may have acquired a free ticket due to re-scheduling issues.
Just on my way out to the lantern thing tonight.
The last couple of days I've been on the picket line. Anyone who says union workers are lazy obviously haven't been on strike. It's physically and emotionally draining to walk on pavement for 8 hours a day, and is not something anyone decides to do lightly, I assure you. I don't want to be on strike, but I also don't want to lose my job in a year (absolutely possible with proposals presented by management). I also don't want to be paid 70% less than men doing a less-demanding job just because I'm in a female-dominated workplace.
My union (established 78 years ago) has never been on strike. Ever. I resent anyone telling me my co-workers and I are greedy and lazy; all unions are not the same, which is why there are so many different locals. If library workers are pissed off with how they're being treated, understand that there is a major problem with the bureaucratic infrastructure of the municipality.
Anyway....
I splurged and bought a ticket to Justice today (available at Scratch... you should get one, too!), so have a couple of things to look forward to in the fall, regardless of how the rest of the summer goes. "Cross" still kicks wicked ass. I totally want to go to Au Revoir Simone on August 22nd, too; not sure I can convince anyone to see three girls from Brooklyn. I'm trying not to look at the listings because I don't want to want to go to anything. I think I'm going to Ryan Adams tomorrow; I may have acquired a free ticket due to re-scheduling issues.
Just on my way out to the lantern thing tonight.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
keep on walking
I should be doing homework right now, but I just can't concentrate. I'm really trying hard to not drop out of this second class, even though it isn't hard and under normal circumstances I would be kicking its ass. I can't be that much of a quitter all in one week.
Today my union went on strike and it is highly unlikely anything will be resolved for weeks. At coffee (Thursday is my CBC experience day until the end of October), one of the CBC reporters wanted a community story and asked about the strike. She seemed shocked that librarians get paid so little and have a pittance of holidays at the public library, but I don't think she's going to follow up with a hard-hitting pro-union story or anything. It probably isn't cutting enough. Let's face it: no one really cares about library workers.
I realise I should be much more frugal than I have been, especially in light of the fact I won't be getting paid for at least a month (it takes a bit for strike pay to kick in), but it's hard to not spend money when it's summer and I want to spend time with friends who are gainfully employed and enjoy drinks on patios and such. Sigh.
Maybe I should think about organising some sort of fundraiser so I can pay rent and tuition. You know, after I get my homework done and stuff.
Really, I suppose I could have done homework this week if I didn't want to be sociable. Monday I had a group meeting for school, so it's somewhat ironic that school got in the way of schoolwork. On Tuesday I had poker night at mine (tried to win some money, but didn't) and wound up staying up with my friend for a while afterwards, chatting and stuff, making it impossible to do anything school-related. Then last night I met up for drinks and a lovely chat with one of the best boys I know, who also has the most fantastic hair of anyone ever (he's swoony and I secretly adore him, but shhhh... don't tell). By the time we went for sushi and beer, there was no way I wanted to do any school work, even though I got home relatively early. Tonight after CBC work, I had a couple beers with my supervisor and a couple of my friends (in solidarity. My supervisor is fantastically supportive of my union, being both a unionist and a librarian, and knew that I was having a less-than-great day with the strike starting, so picked up some Okanagan beer for me since he knows I'm from the general area), and then went to the Railway where Christine treated me and Eileen to some more beer and foodstuffs. Now I am a little too tipsy to read and write about young adult materials, even though I really need to get it done.
I know everything evens out eventually, but I can't even begin to make up for how kind friends have been, this summer especially but also in general. I marvel at how lucky I am to know such amazing people.
Tomorrow and Saturday, and possibly Sunday, I'll be on the picket line at Central, so if you feel like popping by, I'll be the one with the sunburn, possibly suffering from sun stroke in a shady corner of the library exterior. If you have a wide-brimmed hat, please consider donating it to the "keep Karen from dying of exposure" campaign. All donations will be reimbursed by hugs, cheek kisses/make-out sessions (really, only the best boys with fantastic hair can participate in the make-out session) or some sort of sewing project of a manageable (read: small) size.
There are two yappy, barky dogs in or outside my building, but it's the first time I've ever heard them. They've been yapping for almost an hour already with no indication that they're going to shut it.
Currently listening :
Cafe Reggio
By Holiday
Today my union went on strike and it is highly unlikely anything will be resolved for weeks. At coffee (Thursday is my CBC experience day until the end of October), one of the CBC reporters wanted a community story and asked about the strike. She seemed shocked that librarians get paid so little and have a pittance of holidays at the public library, but I don't think she's going to follow up with a hard-hitting pro-union story or anything. It probably isn't cutting enough. Let's face it: no one really cares about library workers.
I realise I should be much more frugal than I have been, especially in light of the fact I won't be getting paid for at least a month (it takes a bit for strike pay to kick in), but it's hard to not spend money when it's summer and I want to spend time with friends who are gainfully employed and enjoy drinks on patios and such. Sigh.
Maybe I should think about organising some sort of fundraiser so I can pay rent and tuition. You know, after I get my homework done and stuff.
Really, I suppose I could have done homework this week if I didn't want to be sociable. Monday I had a group meeting for school, so it's somewhat ironic that school got in the way of schoolwork. On Tuesday I had poker night at mine (tried to win some money, but didn't) and wound up staying up with my friend for a while afterwards, chatting and stuff, making it impossible to do anything school-related. Then last night I met up for drinks and a lovely chat with one of the best boys I know, who also has the most fantastic hair of anyone ever (he's swoony and I secretly adore him, but shhhh... don't tell). By the time we went for sushi and beer, there was no way I wanted to do any school work, even though I got home relatively early. Tonight after CBC work, I had a couple beers with my supervisor and a couple of my friends (in solidarity. My supervisor is fantastically supportive of my union, being both a unionist and a librarian, and knew that I was having a less-than-great day with the strike starting, so picked up some Okanagan beer for me since he knows I'm from the general area), and then went to the Railway where Christine treated me and Eileen to some more beer and foodstuffs. Now I am a little too tipsy to read and write about young adult materials, even though I really need to get it done.
I know everything evens out eventually, but I can't even begin to make up for how kind friends have been, this summer especially but also in general. I marvel at how lucky I am to know such amazing people.
Tomorrow and Saturday, and possibly Sunday, I'll be on the picket line at Central, so if you feel like popping by, I'll be the one with the sunburn, possibly suffering from sun stroke in a shady corner of the library exterior. If you have a wide-brimmed hat, please consider donating it to the "keep Karen from dying of exposure" campaign. All donations will be reimbursed by hugs, cheek kisses/make-out sessions (really, only the best boys with fantastic hair can participate in the make-out session) or some sort of sewing project of a manageable (read: small) size.
There are two yappy, barky dogs in or outside my building, but it's the first time I've ever heard them. They've been yapping for almost an hour already with no indication that they're going to shut it.
Currently listening :
Cafe Reggio
By Holiday
Monday, July 23, 2007
no new tale to tell (ahhhhh)
Just before I left work tonight, I saw that a few of the library management team (read: highest-paids in the library) were cleaning both the public and staff washrooms. I used to work quite closely with these directors and they are nice people, though the situation we find ourselves in doesn't necessarily allow for niceties. I felt bad for them, yet got a tiny bit of satisfaction seeing them do menial work. And then I also remembered that they are all getting paid over $85,000 to clean toilets.
Work has been a little hectic these last few days. I guess, when faced with possible closure, people decide they like the library. A lot. Since strike notice was issued on Friday and up until around 4pm (the time reported in the media that we may be on strike), there had been constant line-ups at the check-out. The building was teeming with the literate.
Some of my co-workers are starting to lose it a little; one asked me about 59 questions in the first two hours of her shift, including a few rapid-fire ones where she asked the same questions a couple times, just in case the answer changed. Others kept spreading rumours that we were going to walk off the job, despite the union leaders saying we weren't. (We didn't.)
I thought, since there's a pretty good chance we'll be on the picket line by week's end, I would try to get through this week before making a decision on whether or not to stay in both classes (the last day to drop is the 27th). While drinking with friends on Saturday night, they pointed out that, with everything going on with work, I could probably stand to have one less thing to worry about. This was reinforced yesterday at work when faced with the choice between doing 5 hours of homework after work or going to a documentary at the Cinematheque. (The doc was fantastic.) So today I dropped the course that was three times the workload of the one I kept. I've never had a W before; it makes me feel like a quitter. But it is a relief to be out of it.
This week I've got a nice array of distractions organised, so am not as distraught as I might otherwise be when faced with the prospect of $10/day and no chance to save for tuition this fall. I did think for a minute about organising a fundraiser, but it isn't like I'm in dire straits or anything (not the band). Thank goodness I worked at that fricking bank when I still had J-coin, even though there's no way in hell I'm going to touch it. Hopefully.
Yawn. So sleepy.
Currently listening :
The Cellar Door Sessions 1970
By Miles Davis
Release date: 20 December, 2005
Work has been a little hectic these last few days. I guess, when faced with possible closure, people decide they like the library. A lot. Since strike notice was issued on Friday and up until around 4pm (the time reported in the media that we may be on strike), there had been constant line-ups at the check-out. The building was teeming with the literate.
Some of my co-workers are starting to lose it a little; one asked me about 59 questions in the first two hours of her shift, including a few rapid-fire ones where she asked the same questions a couple times, just in case the answer changed. Others kept spreading rumours that we were going to walk off the job, despite the union leaders saying we weren't. (We didn't.)
I thought, since there's a pretty good chance we'll be on the picket line by week's end, I would try to get through this week before making a decision on whether or not to stay in both classes (the last day to drop is the 27th). While drinking with friends on Saturday night, they pointed out that, with everything going on with work, I could probably stand to have one less thing to worry about. This was reinforced yesterday at work when faced with the choice between doing 5 hours of homework after work or going to a documentary at the Cinematheque. (The doc was fantastic.) So today I dropped the course that was three times the workload of the one I kept. I've never had a W before; it makes me feel like a quitter. But it is a relief to be out of it.
This week I've got a nice array of distractions organised, so am not as distraught as I might otherwise be when faced with the prospect of $10/day and no chance to save for tuition this fall. I did think for a minute about organising a fundraiser, but it isn't like I'm in dire straits or anything (not the band). Thank goodness I worked at that fricking bank when I still had J-coin, even though there's no way in hell I'm going to touch it. Hopefully.
Yawn. So sleepy.
Currently listening :
The Cellar Door Sessions 1970
By Miles Davis
Release date: 20 December, 2005
Friday, July 20, 2007
on the line
My union local gave 72-hour strike notice this afternoon, so I could be out on the picket line as early as 4pm on Monday. It makes my tummy hurt with worry to be in this sort of position, but I also don't think it's right to take whatever the City decides to pay (less than inflation, I mention again, with a proposed cut to pay in the last few months of the weird 39-month contract that would nullify the previous year's increase) without getting something in return. That's what collective bargaining is: give and take to make everyone sort of happy.
There are over 600 managers in the City that work outside the unions and who will essentially be keeping operations going as much as they can. Since they don't seem to do much other than hold meetings with each other, it's really hard to see how they can do anything during the city shutdown. There is very little chance anything will be settled this summer.
In short: I am poor in the short- to medium-term, so welcome invitations to free/cheap things for distracting amusement. This includes bike rides, beach visits, the Art Gallery (since I have a membership to that), and the like.
Maybe I can finally catch up on all my stupid homework for the classes I'm doing this summer. I really don't like the one class very much, only because there isn't enough time to absorb all the information she's throwing at us. The other one requires a bunch of reading, and that would also be easier to do with more time. I wonder how hard it would be to read while walking the line...
Is that what Johnny Cash sang about? Maybe I should listen to the words instead of just the music. I'm pretty sure he wasn't talking about unions. That'd be Woody Guthrie.
Tonight I will commiserate with a few co-workers and classmates. And will try to pretend for the remainder of the weekend that everything will be OK.
Currently reading :
Perfect from Now On: How Indie Rock Saved My Life
By John Sellers
Release date: 06 March, 2007
There are over 600 managers in the City that work outside the unions and who will essentially be keeping operations going as much as they can. Since they don't seem to do much other than hold meetings with each other, it's really hard to see how they can do anything during the city shutdown. There is very little chance anything will be settled this summer.
In short: I am poor in the short- to medium-term, so welcome invitations to free/cheap things for distracting amusement. This includes bike rides, beach visits, the Art Gallery (since I have a membership to that), and the like.
Maybe I can finally catch up on all my stupid homework for the classes I'm doing this summer. I really don't like the one class very much, only because there isn't enough time to absorb all the information she's throwing at us. The other one requires a bunch of reading, and that would also be easier to do with more time. I wonder how hard it would be to read while walking the line...
Is that what Johnny Cash sang about? Maybe I should listen to the words instead of just the music. I'm pretty sure he wasn't talking about unions. That'd be Woody Guthrie.
Tonight I will commiserate with a few co-workers and classmates. And will try to pretend for the remainder of the weekend that everything will be OK.
Currently reading :
Perfect from Now On: How Indie Rock Saved My Life
By John Sellers
Release date: 06 March, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
issues with drinking
I really want to rant again about this whole city/union/strike problem that will start shutting down cities by the end of this or the start of next weeks. But I won't. Even though it makes me freak out and worry about paying for tuition this last year.
No, I need you to know that Grasshopper and organic lemonade is a weird, yet oddly delightful, pairing. My friend didn't finish his bottle last night (lightweight) after we finished barbequing (the barbeque works! And the patio is lovely to bbq on! Wanna come over for a bbq soon?) and put it in my fridge. I just feel weird dumping out beer that doesn't have cigarette butts floating in it, so tried to make it drinkable today after work/schoolwork. Had I the interest in drinking more, I would have added some tonic water so bubbles could tickle my nose, but decided against opening the can because then I'd have to drink all of the can, and the only obvious pairing with tonic water is gin. Delicious gin. Who needs to drink alone the night before a new job?
OK, it's not a new job NOW, but it could lead to a new job. Tomorrow is my first day at the CBC and I should probably not smell like gin. (They're all beer drinkers anyway.) I'm excited to get security clearance; I hope this means a badge with my picture on it. I love picture badges.
Except my library one. I think the guy who takes the picture intentionally makes the average to ugly people look worse, and the cute, young girls get lights set up and can take multiple angles to get the perfect photo. Seriously, if you could see the difference between my badge compared to certain adorable co-workers... It isn't just that they're cute; their photos have been styled with light design, I swear.
I think it's time to sleep. That lemony beer cocktail is putting me to sleep. *yawn*
This book looks crazy, I know, but I kind of love it. Borrow it from the library. If we're open.
Surprisingly, this silly blog has been viewed almost 10,000 times. I suspect it's time to move it somewhere else. No one uses MySpace anymore anyway, right?
Currently reading :
Can I Freeze It?: How to Use the Most Versatile Appliance in Your Kitchen
By Susie Theodorou
Release date: 30 January, 2007
No, I need you to know that Grasshopper and organic lemonade is a weird, yet oddly delightful, pairing. My friend didn't finish his bottle last night (lightweight) after we finished barbequing (the barbeque works! And the patio is lovely to bbq on! Wanna come over for a bbq soon?) and put it in my fridge. I just feel weird dumping out beer that doesn't have cigarette butts floating in it, so tried to make it drinkable today after work/schoolwork. Had I the interest in drinking more, I would have added some tonic water so bubbles could tickle my nose, but decided against opening the can because then I'd have to drink all of the can, and the only obvious pairing with tonic water is gin. Delicious gin. Who needs to drink alone the night before a new job?
OK, it's not a new job NOW, but it could lead to a new job. Tomorrow is my first day at the CBC and I should probably not smell like gin. (They're all beer drinkers anyway.) I'm excited to get security clearance; I hope this means a badge with my picture on it. I love picture badges.
Except my library one. I think the guy who takes the picture intentionally makes the average to ugly people look worse, and the cute, young girls get lights set up and can take multiple angles to get the perfect photo. Seriously, if you could see the difference between my badge compared to certain adorable co-workers... It isn't just that they're cute; their photos have been styled with light design, I swear.
I think it's time to sleep. That lemony beer cocktail is putting me to sleep. *yawn*
This book looks crazy, I know, but I kind of love it. Borrow it from the library. If we're open.
Surprisingly, this silly blog has been viewed almost 10,000 times. I suspect it's time to move it somewhere else. No one uses MySpace anymore anyway, right?
Currently reading :
Can I Freeze It?: How to Use the Most Versatile Appliance in Your Kitchen
By Susie Theodorou
Release date: 30 January, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
i hate the gvrd (this is a ranter)
I'm feeling a little ranty today.
Yesterday I read some of the stupidest stuff in the local "media" about what the (inevitable) strike action means to people. One couple suggested they were going to sue the union local that is in charge of staffing community centres because the couple booked a wedding at one for the end of the month and were told they might not be able to hold it at the community centre because of job action. The guy said that, because workers have been working without a contract since last year, they should have told them then that there might be a strike. (There are so many things inherently wrong about that statement, the first being the guy seems non-plussed that people have been doing their jobs well for more than half a year without a fucking contract, indicating there might be some sort of long-term problem.) Seriously, who would think that it would take over 7 months to discuss a contract that, at the very least, offers the cost of inflation? I sure as hell didn't think my local would be in a position to strike, yet here we are. The city's representative is such a smarmy spin doctor that I almost went to city hall to kick him in the shins. THE SHINS!!!
One of the free papers had a small, three-person questionnaire asking which of the services they would miss most if a city-wide strike happened, then listed three. I'm guessing the "reporter" went to Lululemon or TNA and asked the first three girls she/he saw. The answers were so unbelievably stupid, with each admitting that they don't go to the library or parks or community centres or anywhere except their trash bins. Is it really possible to live in this fricking city and not go anywhere that offers city services? Balanced reporting... that's for the newspapers that cost money.
Regardless, I'm tired of having to defend myself against union haters who don't understand how unions actually work. My union has been trying to negotiate (which means ANY sort of actual discussion with the employer) for months and has gotten nowhere because the GVRD has, effectively, ensured that my local can't talk AT ALL during the negotiation process. The offers they've made to other Vancouver locals essentially mean paycuts, despite the fact the city manager got a raise for 1.5 times more than I make a year (she's getting a $43,000 RAISE). It's absolute cockshit.
By the way, it isn't always the union's fault that strikes happen. Just so you know.
Soapbox away.
Currently listening :
60 Second Wipe Out
By Atari Teenage Riot
Release date: 11 May, 1999
Yesterday I read some of the stupidest stuff in the local "media" about what the (inevitable) strike action means to people. One couple suggested they were going to sue the union local that is in charge of staffing community centres because the couple booked a wedding at one for the end of the month and were told they might not be able to hold it at the community centre because of job action. The guy said that, because workers have been working without a contract since last year, they should have told them then that there might be a strike. (There are so many things inherently wrong about that statement, the first being the guy seems non-plussed that people have been doing their jobs well for more than half a year without a fucking contract, indicating there might be some sort of long-term problem.) Seriously, who would think that it would take over 7 months to discuss a contract that, at the very least, offers the cost of inflation? I sure as hell didn't think my local would be in a position to strike, yet here we are. The city's representative is such a smarmy spin doctor that I almost went to city hall to kick him in the shins. THE SHINS!!!
One of the free papers had a small, three-person questionnaire asking which of the services they would miss most if a city-wide strike happened, then listed three. I'm guessing the "reporter" went to Lululemon or TNA and asked the first three girls she/he saw. The answers were so unbelievably stupid, with each admitting that they don't go to the library or parks or community centres or anywhere except their trash bins. Is it really possible to live in this fricking city and not go anywhere that offers city services? Balanced reporting... that's for the newspapers that cost money.
Regardless, I'm tired of having to defend myself against union haters who don't understand how unions actually work. My union has been trying to negotiate (which means ANY sort of actual discussion with the employer) for months and has gotten nowhere because the GVRD has, effectively, ensured that my local can't talk AT ALL during the negotiation process. The offers they've made to other Vancouver locals essentially mean paycuts, despite the fact the city manager got a raise for 1.5 times more than I make a year (she's getting a $43,000 RAISE). It's absolute cockshit.
By the way, it isn't always the union's fault that strikes happen. Just so you know.
Soapbox away.
Currently listening :
60 Second Wipe Out
By Atari Teenage Riot
Release date: 11 May, 1999
Saturday, July 14, 2007
sun on my tongue
Island Farms Lemon Meringue Ice Cream tastes like summer.
After this morning's brunch with Terry, Kathy, Rachel, Nathan and Augusten (which was lovely, thank you), I decided to check out my friend's friend's yard sale. My friend consulted with her friend and thought there might be some gems, since she and her housemates are leaving a full-sized house, but no. Alas, maybe I was too late. But it did put me in Strathcona and, by proximity, in Chinatown.
I strolled around the community centre and around McLean Park for a while, but decided it was too warm with not enough shade. I remembered I've always wanted to go to the Italian shop just down from Keefer on Main. The sign saying you need to buzz to get in always threw me, but it seemed like a good day to try it out.
It's my new favourite shop. The shop is dark and feels like a general store from the turn of the last century. But it is, apparently, the best place to buy olive oil. Boxes are piled precariously high above the shelves and above the cooler, but it was obvious they weren't going to fall. The prices are pretty OK and the owner is a dear. He asked me if I have enough parmesan because it would go so nice with the arborio I got. He also let me know that the sour cherry jam is good for gout. Good to know... I would have gotten some meat and cheese, but knew I had to stop off for some fruit and vegetables as well, and would probably be out for a while. Next time.
While shopping for fruits and vegetables, I thought it was time to embrace summer. I picked up some organic lemonade and the ice cream. I've wanted to make some, but I don't have an ice cream maker and I'm not sure if my sister still has hers. Regardless, lemons always make me think of warm days and so I feel OK eating lemon ice cream and drinking lemonade at the same time.
Yesterday I bought a bike pump, so it's really starting to feel like summer.
Currently listening :
Desormais
By Julie Doiron
Release date: 09 October, 2001
After this morning's brunch with Terry, Kathy, Rachel, Nathan and Augusten (which was lovely, thank you), I decided to check out my friend's friend's yard sale. My friend consulted with her friend and thought there might be some gems, since she and her housemates are leaving a full-sized house, but no. Alas, maybe I was too late. But it did put me in Strathcona and, by proximity, in Chinatown.
I strolled around the community centre and around McLean Park for a while, but decided it was too warm with not enough shade. I remembered I've always wanted to go to the Italian shop just down from Keefer on Main. The sign saying you need to buzz to get in always threw me, but it seemed like a good day to try it out.
It's my new favourite shop. The shop is dark and feels like a general store from the turn of the last century. But it is, apparently, the best place to buy olive oil. Boxes are piled precariously high above the shelves and above the cooler, but it was obvious they weren't going to fall. The prices are pretty OK and the owner is a dear. He asked me if I have enough parmesan because it would go so nice with the arborio I got. He also let me know that the sour cherry jam is good for gout. Good to know... I would have gotten some meat and cheese, but knew I had to stop off for some fruit and vegetables as well, and would probably be out for a while. Next time.
While shopping for fruits and vegetables, I thought it was time to embrace summer. I picked up some organic lemonade and the ice cream. I've wanted to make some, but I don't have an ice cream maker and I'm not sure if my sister still has hers. Regardless, lemons always make me think of warm days and so I feel OK eating lemon ice cream and drinking lemonade at the same time.
Yesterday I bought a bike pump, so it's really starting to feel like summer.
Currently listening :
Desormais
By Julie Doiron
Release date: 09 October, 2001
Friday, July 13, 2007
a thing or two
1) Next Thursday I'm meeting up with my sweet cat friends for dinner on Cambie. I wanted to start going weekly to the various businesses that are still open along the stupid Skytrain (underground... sky... ?) construction, but haven't been able to get over very much. But, starting this week, there is a very, very good reason to go.
Dadeo just opened at 17th, where Tomato used to be. Thank cripes places from Edmonton are making their way westward. What would Vancouver be without Gravity Pope? Aside from shoeless, I mean. It would be more uncool. If only more of my favourite places would transplant here.
I can't stop thinking about the blackened catfish po'boy. Neal, also a transplant from Edmonton (well, Spruce Grove), was so excited he almost signed up with Facebook to draw me graffiti (he wound up hacking into Nicola's account anyway) to inform me it's open. Collectively, I suspect we might be the most excited people in the city*.
2) Justice is hitting town on October 13th and I'm SO FRICKIN' EXCITED!!! I'm going to look into tickets tomorrow when I pick up my Spoon ticket. Dancing shows are rad. Those French electronic duos... It's hard not to love them. Will make up for missing Air.
*I need to fixate on the little things to help me avoid thinking of the upcoming/ongoing big things that make me insane with worry.
Currently listening :
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Limited Edition Bonus Disc)
By Spoon
Release date: 10 July, 2007
Dadeo just opened at 17th, where Tomato used to be. Thank cripes places from Edmonton are making their way westward. What would Vancouver be without Gravity Pope? Aside from shoeless, I mean. It would be more uncool. If only more of my favourite places would transplant here.
I can't stop thinking about the blackened catfish po'boy. Neal, also a transplant from Edmonton (well, Spruce Grove), was so excited he almost signed up with Facebook to draw me graffiti (he wound up hacking into Nicola's account anyway) to inform me it's open. Collectively, I suspect we might be the most excited people in the city*.
2) Justice is hitting town on October 13th and I'm SO FRICKIN' EXCITED!!! I'm going to look into tickets tomorrow when I pick up my Spoon ticket. Dancing shows are rad. Those French electronic duos... It's hard not to love them. Will make up for missing Air.
*I need to fixate on the little things to help me avoid thinking of the upcoming/ongoing big things that make me insane with worry.
Currently listening :
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Limited Edition Bonus Disc)
By Spoon
Release date: 10 July, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
sun day
I'm trying desperately to keep up with my life, but it's really hard. It keeps getting away from me. I meant to write yesterday, but my classes started (opened) yesterday and needed attending to. (By the by, I suspect I will be mostly miserable the next 6 weeks between work [will be acting supervisor again for a month] and school [no need for redundancy] unless I have a drink in my hand or some other pleasant distraction. Like a make-out session replay, which I always have time for.)
Sunday I took the day off work (seriously, I took a day off work) so I could go to Elle's bridal shower tea at the Secret Garden. High tea on a Sunday afternoon is delightful and I got to see a few girlfriends I haven't seen for a while. It was a little strange that 30% of attendees were pregnant, but I suppose at a certain age you have to accept that. What's weird is that three of them are on their second kids, all separated by approximately the same due dates as their first round of kids. It was a lovely, relaxing afternoon.
I love high tea. I love the tiny sandwiches. I love the little scones. I love the dainty desserts. The tea part... well, whatever. It's good and all, but I only mix my tea in certain company because it's like milk and sugar with a little tea for colour, and can be embarrassing. I still have every intention of organising a less fancy high tea at my house, since I collected all those tea cup sets specifically for that purpose. (Those wishing to attend can request an invitation. It could happen within weeks.)
When I got home I realised I wasn't interested in sitting around my house, so called Jill and Mark to see if they wanted to wander over to China Creek Park to watch the library softball team. We negotiated. Instead I rode the Schwinn over (need to figure out something cheap with those tires... they're leakers) and had some drinks while listening to throwback secret hits from the '80s. The Jets, The Cars, Howard Jones, Nik Kershaw, Triumph, Platinum Blonde, Air Supply... It was fun to sing along to songs that I remember specifically because of their videos. Jill and I organised a sweet set to sing/dance to while Mark created a yummy late dinner. After we finished eating, the booze made us realise we should hunt down some dessert, so wandered up to the DQ for a treat.
I am hopeful that, even as the peak of summer descends, days like this will be close at hand.
Currently listening :
Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
By Simian Mobile Disco
Release date: 25 June, 2007
Sunday I took the day off work (seriously, I took a day off work) so I could go to Elle's bridal shower tea at the Secret Garden. High tea on a Sunday afternoon is delightful and I got to see a few girlfriends I haven't seen for a while. It was a little strange that 30% of attendees were pregnant, but I suppose at a certain age you have to accept that. What's weird is that three of them are on their second kids, all separated by approximately the same due dates as their first round of kids. It was a lovely, relaxing afternoon.
I love high tea. I love the tiny sandwiches. I love the little scones. I love the dainty desserts. The tea part... well, whatever. It's good and all, but I only mix my tea in certain company because it's like milk and sugar with a little tea for colour, and can be embarrassing. I still have every intention of organising a less fancy high tea at my house, since I collected all those tea cup sets specifically for that purpose. (Those wishing to attend can request an invitation. It could happen within weeks.)
When I got home I realised I wasn't interested in sitting around my house, so called Jill and Mark to see if they wanted to wander over to China Creek Park to watch the library softball team. We negotiated. Instead I rode the Schwinn over (need to figure out something cheap with those tires... they're leakers) and had some drinks while listening to throwback secret hits from the '80s. The Jets, The Cars, Howard Jones, Nik Kershaw, Triumph, Platinum Blonde, Air Supply... It was fun to sing along to songs that I remember specifically because of their videos. Jill and I organised a sweet set to sing/dance to while Mark created a yummy late dinner. After we finished eating, the booze made us realise we should hunt down some dessert, so wandered up to the DQ for a treat.
I am hopeful that, even as the peak of summer descends, days like this will be close at hand.
Currently listening :
Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
By Simian Mobile Disco
Release date: 25 June, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
in or out?
"High Fidelity" introduced the whole "in or out" concept, the forcing people to decide if they're willing to put the effort into relationships or not. While I admit I've become terrible at keeping up with people, at the same time I appreciate the clear-cut nature of questioning loyalty and commitment with friendships, especially those in near geographic locales.
Lately I've been masochistic enough to want to question where I stand with certain people. I want to know and yet know that I don't want to know because I probably won't get the answers I hope for. Obviously I want my friends to adore me at some level, to shower me with approval and puff up my slightly inflated (though lately battered) ego. Those that I see/talk with with any regularity (read: at all in the last few months) are not ones I have issue with. It is the coasters, the stragglers.
Honestly, it's pretty easy to stay in my good books. The smallest amount of effort on the other person's part keeps me in. Once I make a personal connection, I'm hard to shake free from. But once the effort ends or isn't being reciprocated, it's a quick descent.
This weekend I've been feeling like a friend assessment needs some doing. A few people are fucking pissing me off with their brushoffs. But I am pretty sure it's me that needs to change because I sure as hell can't make them do what I want them to do. I used to think I had such great friends because I demand a certain level of awesomeness and only the best are able to step up. But I realise I have great friends because I miraculously manage to attract the most tolerant people alive.
Talking with my old friend last night after my night out, I realised that I am probably really hard to be friends with. So, for the next while at least, I'm going to hold off on the test of loyalty and see what happens. At the same time, my effort level is going to drop relative to the amount of energy I wind up having outside school and work, so likewise will see people dropping off who don't make the effort. It's the passive-aggressive way. Which I guess is a test after all.
Disregard everything I just said.
On a side note: holy fuck, is the latest Justice fucking brilliant. I can't stop listening. "The Party" is my new anthem.
Currently listening :
Cross
By Justice
Release date: 10 July, 2007
Lately I've been masochistic enough to want to question where I stand with certain people. I want to know and yet know that I don't want to know because I probably won't get the answers I hope for. Obviously I want my friends to adore me at some level, to shower me with approval and puff up my slightly inflated (though lately battered) ego. Those that I see/talk with with any regularity (read: at all in the last few months) are not ones I have issue with. It is the coasters, the stragglers.
Honestly, it's pretty easy to stay in my good books. The smallest amount of effort on the other person's part keeps me in. Once I make a personal connection, I'm hard to shake free from. But once the effort ends or isn't being reciprocated, it's a quick descent.
This weekend I've been feeling like a friend assessment needs some doing. A few people are fucking pissing me off with their brushoffs. But I am pretty sure it's me that needs to change because I sure as hell can't make them do what I want them to do. I used to think I had such great friends because I demand a certain level of awesomeness and only the best are able to step up. But I realise I have great friends because I miraculously manage to attract the most tolerant people alive.
Talking with my old friend last night after my night out, I realised that I am probably really hard to be friends with. So, for the next while at least, I'm going to hold off on the test of loyalty and see what happens. At the same time, my effort level is going to drop relative to the amount of energy I wind up having outside school and work, so likewise will see people dropping off who don't make the effort. It's the passive-aggressive way. Which I guess is a test after all.
Disregard everything I just said.
On a side note: holy fuck, is the latest Justice fucking brilliant. I can't stop listening. "The Party" is my new anthem.
Currently listening :
Cross
By Justice
Release date: 10 July, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
how smart do i want to be?
(WARNING: THIS WILL BE AN ABSOLUTELY BORING POST)
Yesterday I got notification that the online course I had tried to register for in April but was wait-listed for now had a spot for me. When I was out of my head finishing off last semester, I thought it would be good to get two classes out of the way this summer to make one of the last two semesters a little easier. But, since I was 12th on the wait list (in a class of 25), I had given up hope that I'd get into the second class.
When now presented with the idea of 6 weeks of full-time online schoolness, I'm not sure what to do. And I only have until Monday to figure it out, since both classes start then. Assignments are due at the end of the first week.
Let's face it: I've been a slacker this summer. This was supposed to be the time to (finally) unpack stuff around my apartment and get rid of crap that made the move with me last year that I don't actually need. And maybe find a bed frame or headboard or the like. Maybe do some crafts and sewing. Use up and develop the expired film in my plethora of cameras. Go for leisurely bike rides with friends. Days to date spent on such tasks: none. (OK, that's not totally true. I did hem some pants for my friend and took a couple cameras out, but that doesn't really count.)
At the same time, I'm working almost the same amount as I did during the school year (maybe a smidge more... OK, probably more than a smidge) and so a few extra hours after work wouldn't necessarily mean I can't do anything else this summer. Both classes sound kind of cool: international librarianship and materials for young adults (including a section on "hot topics" for teens and censorship). But then I'm also starting that third class once a week...
Cripes, I'm totally not ready for full-time classes again. I don't really want to have to choose. But I also wouldn't mind spreading out the crazy. And I'll have to start up again full-time anyway in a couple months. So... book your drinking time with me soon because I'm going to need it. (Now I see why so many librarians drink heavily.)
Currently listening :
Songs for the Deaf
By Queens of the Stone Age
Release date: 27 August, 2002
Yesterday I got notification that the online course I had tried to register for in April but was wait-listed for now had a spot for me. When I was out of my head finishing off last semester, I thought it would be good to get two classes out of the way this summer to make one of the last two semesters a little easier. But, since I was 12th on the wait list (in a class of 25), I had given up hope that I'd get into the second class.
When now presented with the idea of 6 weeks of full-time online schoolness, I'm not sure what to do. And I only have until Monday to figure it out, since both classes start then. Assignments are due at the end of the first week.
Let's face it: I've been a slacker this summer. This was supposed to be the time to (finally) unpack stuff around my apartment and get rid of crap that made the move with me last year that I don't actually need. And maybe find a bed frame or headboard or the like. Maybe do some crafts and sewing. Use up and develop the expired film in my plethora of cameras. Go for leisurely bike rides with friends. Days to date spent on such tasks: none. (OK, that's not totally true. I did hem some pants for my friend and took a couple cameras out, but that doesn't really count.)
At the same time, I'm working almost the same amount as I did during the school year (maybe a smidge more... OK, probably more than a smidge) and so a few extra hours after work wouldn't necessarily mean I can't do anything else this summer. Both classes sound kind of cool: international librarianship and materials for young adults (including a section on "hot topics" for teens and censorship). But then I'm also starting that third class once a week...
Cripes, I'm totally not ready for full-time classes again. I don't really want to have to choose. But I also wouldn't mind spreading out the crazy. And I'll have to start up again full-time anyway in a couple months. So... book your drinking time with me soon because I'm going to need it. (Now I see why so many librarians drink heavily.)
Currently listening :
Songs for the Deaf
By Queens of the Stone Age
Release date: 27 August, 2002
Friday, July 6, 2007
glee!
Yesterday I worked through lunch so I could pop next door to the CBC for an early-afternoon meeting with the head librarian. It was to finalise my professional experience class details and set a start date. In just two weeks I'll start working my way towards 3 credits in the media library!
Security clearance! Keys! Access to film-related equipment! The mind reels! (Unintentional nerdiness, I swear...) I'm not sure if it translates well in electronic form, but I'm SO FRICKIN' EXCITED about this.
Obviously, I'm hoping this will open some doors for contract work or some full-time, meaningful work (here or in Toronto), but for now am just open to the experience. One of the perks of working with the head librarian is that he's heavily involved with the CBC's union, so will get an insider's look at the union's issues before actually being in it. And the project is fantastically interesting as well. I'll be looking through old boxes of film reels that people found in abandoned buildings and in basements, and either incorporating them into the collection or finding more appropriate homes for them.
Tonight I'm hoping to meet up with car-driving friends to head out to Coquitlam to the Kwik-E-Mart. It's the only one in Canada, set up to promote the Simpsons' movie. I want Buzz Cola. It will be a full evening, as I'm also going to the Mouse and Bean for a going-away dinner for one of my co-workers. And would like to meet friends for drinks later still, but will depend on the timing of everything else.
Then tomorrow is Harry & the Potters at the Vancouver Public Library. Rock shows at the library are super-fun because there's such a wide range of people that show up and everyone is (mostly) happy to see something unexpected. Case in point: seeing 3-year-olds rockin' out to the Evaporators last year.
Fun times. I'm trying not to think of what's going to happen to balance all the good. I saw my friend Eva on the bus on Wednesday and she said something about my life being pretty good right now, that I have a lot of great stuff happening, and what more could I want? But there's always something that suffers when good things happen in another area of my life. Maybe I can't make everything go right at the same time. For now, it's OK.
Currently listening :
Le Mans / Entresemana
By Le Mans
Release date: 24 March, 1998
Security clearance! Keys! Access to film-related equipment! The mind reels! (Unintentional nerdiness, I swear...) I'm not sure if it translates well in electronic form, but I'm SO FRICKIN' EXCITED about this.
Obviously, I'm hoping this will open some doors for contract work or some full-time, meaningful work (here or in Toronto), but for now am just open to the experience. One of the perks of working with the head librarian is that he's heavily involved with the CBC's union, so will get an insider's look at the union's issues before actually being in it. And the project is fantastically interesting as well. I'll be looking through old boxes of film reels that people found in abandoned buildings and in basements, and either incorporating them into the collection or finding more appropriate homes for them.
Tonight I'm hoping to meet up with car-driving friends to head out to Coquitlam to the Kwik-E-Mart. It's the only one in Canada, set up to promote the Simpsons' movie. I want Buzz Cola. It will be a full evening, as I'm also going to the Mouse and Bean for a going-away dinner for one of my co-workers. And would like to meet friends for drinks later still, but will depend on the timing of everything else.
Then tomorrow is Harry & the Potters at the Vancouver Public Library. Rock shows at the library are super-fun because there's such a wide range of people that show up and everyone is (mostly) happy to see something unexpected. Case in point: seeing 3-year-olds rockin' out to the Evaporators last year.
Fun times. I'm trying not to think of what's going to happen to balance all the good. I saw my friend Eva on the bus on Wednesday and she said something about my life being pretty good right now, that I have a lot of great stuff happening, and what more could I want? But there's always something that suffers when good things happen in another area of my life. Maybe I can't make everything go right at the same time. For now, it's OK.
Currently listening :
Le Mans / Entresemana
By Le Mans
Release date: 24 March, 1998
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
love & rockets
A few weeks ago, while in the car with my friend, a song came on that instantly blasted me back to the late '80s: a brilliant song/video, even for 1986. Especially for 1986.
Now I'm wondering if it's time to trade in my underutilised Love & Rockets cassettes (cassettes!!!) for CDs, or spend an extensive amount of time downloading (or getting kind friends to do it for me). Thankfully, a small chunk of their videos can be found online; I don't want to even think about the alternative while I figure this out.
I was always concerned that Daniel Ash wasn't getting enough to eat, but looking back at Ball of Confusion, I suppose he could've just had a heroin problem. Or maybe he was just naturally thin. It just seemed like his head was far too large for his tiny body, like a grapefruit on the end of a toothpick. But then he was all about the skinny jeans. Holy crap, Daniel Ash would be a hipster now.
Many would disagree, but I'm glad Peter Murphy pussied out of Bauhaus, forcing the other three into Love & Rockets. Excluding So Alive, they wrote some fantastic stuff.
I'm also seriously debating whether or not it's worth it to see the Cure. I haven't been happy with them since "Wish" (and saw them for that tour), so I'm not sure the nostalgia is worth it.
Now I'm wondering if it's time to trade in my underutilised Love & Rockets cassettes (cassettes!!!) for CDs, or spend an extensive amount of time downloading (or getting kind friends to do it for me). Thankfully, a small chunk of their videos can be found online; I don't want to even think about the alternative while I figure this out.
I was always concerned that Daniel Ash wasn't getting enough to eat, but looking back at Ball of Confusion, I suppose he could've just had a heroin problem. Or maybe he was just naturally thin. It just seemed like his head was far too large for his tiny body, like a grapefruit on the end of a toothpick. But then he was all about the skinny jeans. Holy crap, Daniel Ash would be a hipster now.
Many would disagree, but I'm glad Peter Murphy pussied out of Bauhaus, forcing the other three into Love & Rockets. Excluding So Alive, they wrote some fantastic stuff.
I'm also seriously debating whether or not it's worth it to see the Cure. I haven't been happy with them since "Wish" (and saw them for that tour), so I'm not sure the nostalgia is worth it.
Monday, July 2, 2007
r u hot?
OK, this is one of the weirdest things in recent memory.
I was at my friend's house and on my walk home some guy asked me where 12th was. That's not the weird part. He realised he was parked in the direction of my house, so walked with me for a few blocks. In that time, he informed me I was "pretty hot" and wondered if we could hook up sometime, being summer and all. (Apparently, because it's the summer, I should want to fuck everyone I see on the street. I was not aware.)
Honestly, I couldn't stop laughing. I don't think I've ever been accused of being hot. And the last time someone suggested hooking up on the street was the guy I met on the bus during a Skytrain disaster, who kept petting my hair and telling me how straight my teeth were, as though that were the way to my bed.
The boys (well, boy singular) I want to make-out with aren't (isn't) interested, but random freaks on the street are. I don't get it.
Currently listening :
Cross
By Justice
Release date: 10 July, 2007
I was at my friend's house and on my walk home some guy asked me where 12th was. That's not the weird part. He realised he was parked in the direction of my house, so walked with me for a few blocks. In that time, he informed me I was "pretty hot" and wondered if we could hook up sometime, being summer and all. (Apparently, because it's the summer, I should want to fuck everyone I see on the street. I was not aware.)
Honestly, I couldn't stop laughing. I don't think I've ever been accused of being hot. And the last time someone suggested hooking up on the street was the guy I met on the bus during a Skytrain disaster, who kept petting my hair and telling me how straight my teeth were, as though that were the way to my bed.
The boys (well, boy singular) I want to make-out with aren't (isn't) interested, but random freaks on the street are. I don't get it.
Currently listening :
Cross
By Justice
Release date: 10 July, 2007
Sunday, July 1, 2007
i *heart* canadia
Despite fundamentally hating crowds (and, let's face it, people in general), I felt some need to do something to mark Canada Day. Nothing crazy, like a trip to Canada Place to get pushed around by people wearing Tilley hats and fanny packs. I was thinking of something a little less specific. It was the doing *something* I wanted.
So I got up early, even for me, and hauled myself out of the house to ride to feed Lego, the cat I've been nourishing for the past few days. I didn't have to wait for traffic to cross major roads because there is no traffic at 7:30am on a holiday Sunday. It was clear sailing and, as the breeze cooled my skin (but not my head; that helmet is fricking hot), I thought how lovely it would be to do this daily, prior to work. Except for the sweatiness part.
I've still got a bit of a block riding in major traffic, even in the bike lane, but could probably feel OK with riding if I knew I wouldn't have to deal with traffic. I just don't know, during the week, what time that would have to be to avoid cars. The ride into work is sketchy only around the stadiums, with questionable roadwork that never seems to be completed, but puts me far enough in traffic to feel uncomfortably nervous and I wind up riding around BC Place and dragging my bike up two flights of stairs instead of an alternate, direct, roady route.
Anyway, it was a pleasant ride to and fro, and the cat is still alive, in case you're wondering. Which really should be paramount in your thoughts right now, knowing the fate of every plant I've had, including the ones that "are impossible to kill" (oh, how untrue that is). Lego does enjoy pulling out the claws to "play," but I can't get behind that because my own nails don't inflict the same degree of damage as his.
I digress...
After the ride/feeding/ride, I went for breakfast with Jill at a place on one of the tree streets (Yew? Vine?). You're allowed to combo up your Benny's there, so I had a crab one and a mushroom/bacon one. Good stuff. We decided to go for a lengthy walk around Kerrisdale to look at houses and wound up walking for 4 hours, from 5th @ Macdonald to Alma, up to 41st, to Macdonald (where we had a pint of Strongbow that wound up being around $8 apiece. Guh, the Westside is a nightmare), and back to 5th. The weather was perfect and we saw a lot of fantastic and not-so-fantastic houses. I'm seriously thinking about going back to school after this library degree, for something related to buildings. (Colin, got any tips about that?)
Almost as soon as I walked in the door, Chris called to hang out, so we went for gelato. Might as well negate the benefits of exercise. As of tomorrow, he'll be living in the 'hood, right on one of the bike routes. I'm pretty sure I won't see him much after the move, largely because I've got a class starting in a week and hopefully starting my professional experience at the CBC in a couple weeks (!!!), but also because I don't see him much as it is and proximity isn't going to change that. Which is just as well because there are other people I want to see more.
Now I'm just waiting to go for papusas with Tangiene and some Mexicans she befriended at her workplace. She's much nicer than me. I suspect we might wind up at the fireworks (if they're still on, which is always doubtful around here) at one of the shorelines, though am really pushing for Coal Harbour. I've been trying to find out some details on it and it is highly possible I imagined the whole thing. We'll just see.
All in all, a positively pleasant Canada Day. Except for the potential crowds at the fireworks.
Tomorrow I'm off work again (three whole days in a row! Wow!!!) and am trying to figure out the best way to spend the day. I'm hoping today proves the weather is improving, so probably need to either find some skirts or fabric to make a plethora of skirts and dresses (which sounds more fun in theory, except for the fact my serger is acting like a spoiled princess and won't work for more than a few stitches before cutting the thread, meaning raw edges or having to zigzag stitch them all, which I HATE SO MUCH and is the reason I got a fricking serger in the first place. Sigh. What a drama queen I am). Maybe I should just go through the fabric and patterns I already have and see what can be done. I think I still have a bunch of Reprodepot fabric that was meant for cute skirts and possibly vintage pattern dresses. Perhaps it's time to start those projects before embarking on new ones.
Also, the new Spoon is pretty fantastic, though still unreleased officially so I can't put it up. A little more sparse and (not sure it's the right word, but...) airy than recent releases, but easy to get into and tap feet/hands/head to. "The Underdog" is a personal favourite, with trumpets, doot doos, handclaps and the like. "Finer Feelings" is also pretty great. I think I love songs with handclaps. Fits the formula. That he now lives relatively close, I'm not sure why I haven't planned trips to Portland to enquire after him, but have purchased my ticket for the show in September. He's one of the few people I don't mind seeing repeatedly live because he's always awesome. Spoon = swoon.
This Ben Folds Five is also pretty awesome, especially "Kate." A feel-good summer song if I've ever heard one, and still good 10 years later (10 years!!!).
Currently listening :
Whatever and Ever Amen
By Ben Folds Five
Release date: 18 March, 1997
So I got up early, even for me, and hauled myself out of the house to ride to feed Lego, the cat I've been nourishing for the past few days. I didn't have to wait for traffic to cross major roads because there is no traffic at 7:30am on a holiday Sunday. It was clear sailing and, as the breeze cooled my skin (but not my head; that helmet is fricking hot), I thought how lovely it would be to do this daily, prior to work. Except for the sweatiness part.
I've still got a bit of a block riding in major traffic, even in the bike lane, but could probably feel OK with riding if I knew I wouldn't have to deal with traffic. I just don't know, during the week, what time that would have to be to avoid cars. The ride into work is sketchy only around the stadiums, with questionable roadwork that never seems to be completed, but puts me far enough in traffic to feel uncomfortably nervous and I wind up riding around BC Place and dragging my bike up two flights of stairs instead of an alternate, direct, roady route.
Anyway, it was a pleasant ride to and fro, and the cat is still alive, in case you're wondering. Which really should be paramount in your thoughts right now, knowing the fate of every plant I've had, including the ones that "are impossible to kill" (oh, how untrue that is). Lego does enjoy pulling out the claws to "play," but I can't get behind that because my own nails don't inflict the same degree of damage as his.
I digress...
After the ride/feeding/ride, I went for breakfast with Jill at a place on one of the tree streets (Yew? Vine?). You're allowed to combo up your Benny's there, so I had a crab one and a mushroom/bacon one. Good stuff. We decided to go for a lengthy walk around Kerrisdale to look at houses and wound up walking for 4 hours, from 5th @ Macdonald to Alma, up to 41st, to Macdonald (where we had a pint of Strongbow that wound up being around $8 apiece. Guh, the Westside is a nightmare), and back to 5th. The weather was perfect and we saw a lot of fantastic and not-so-fantastic houses. I'm seriously thinking about going back to school after this library degree, for something related to buildings. (Colin, got any tips about that?)
Almost as soon as I walked in the door, Chris called to hang out, so we went for gelato. Might as well negate the benefits of exercise. As of tomorrow, he'll be living in the 'hood, right on one of the bike routes. I'm pretty sure I won't see him much after the move, largely because I've got a class starting in a week and hopefully starting my professional experience at the CBC in a couple weeks (!!!), but also because I don't see him much as it is and proximity isn't going to change that. Which is just as well because there are other people I want to see more.
Now I'm just waiting to go for papusas with Tangiene and some Mexicans she befriended at her workplace. She's much nicer than me. I suspect we might wind up at the fireworks (if they're still on, which is always doubtful around here) at one of the shorelines, though am really pushing for Coal Harbour. I've been trying to find out some details on it and it is highly possible I imagined the whole thing. We'll just see.
All in all, a positively pleasant Canada Day. Except for the potential crowds at the fireworks.
Tomorrow I'm off work again (three whole days in a row! Wow!!!) and am trying to figure out the best way to spend the day. I'm hoping today proves the weather is improving, so probably need to either find some skirts or fabric to make a plethora of skirts and dresses (which sounds more fun in theory, except for the fact my serger is acting like a spoiled princess and won't work for more than a few stitches before cutting the thread, meaning raw edges or having to zigzag stitch them all, which I HATE SO MUCH and is the reason I got a fricking serger in the first place. Sigh. What a drama queen I am). Maybe I should just go through the fabric and patterns I already have and see what can be done. I think I still have a bunch of Reprodepot fabric that was meant for cute skirts and possibly vintage pattern dresses. Perhaps it's time to start those projects before embarking on new ones.
Also, the new Spoon is pretty fantastic, though still unreleased officially so I can't put it up. A little more sparse and (not sure it's the right word, but...) airy than recent releases, but easy to get into and tap feet/hands/head to. "The Underdog" is a personal favourite, with trumpets, doot doos, handclaps and the like. "Finer Feelings" is also pretty great. I think I love songs with handclaps. Fits the formula. That he now lives relatively close, I'm not sure why I haven't planned trips to Portland to enquire after him, but have purchased my ticket for the show in September. He's one of the few people I don't mind seeing repeatedly live because he's always awesome. Spoon = swoon.
This Ben Folds Five is also pretty awesome, especially "Kate." A feel-good summer song if I've ever heard one, and still good 10 years later (10 years!!!).
Currently listening :
Whatever and Ever Amen
By Ben Folds Five
Release date: 18 March, 1997
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