With the Mississauga half marathon less than two weeks away I've been very concerned about my fitness level and if I'm trained enough for the run. I don't want to struggle through a run. Okay there is always some struggle, I don't want to suffer through a run. Also, if I'm not going to have fun then there's no point in doing it. Right?
So...
after being sick and delaying my long runs, missing training sessions here and there, and working double shifts recently, I started to suspect that I was unfit, untrained, and unmotivated. I wasn't sure I could finish. Today I've changed my mind. I'm 3 days late doing my long 19.2 km run (my last long run before the race), but I set out with a route mapped out and lots of quick exit routes just in case my body or mind gave up and couldn't go further. However, I did it! I feel great and I now believe I can run the half marathon and finish as long as I keep the same attitude (have fun, run with specific goals, and allow myself an exit route if necessary).
I'll have fun because I love running and I love racing (I don't really "race", but they are called that). This morning during the first half of my run I decided to try and raise money for the Fauna Chimps (see the sidebar link for more info) because I want a goal beyond my desire to finish. As for the exit route? I just have to listen to my body to know if I can finish or not.
Now I just hope for good weather, a good night's sleep and a good run.
Oh, another important discovery I made...
I realized those last 3 kms that were killing me the last couple of weeks were due in part to refueling. Last year prior to racing, at the 45 minute mark I had GU. Gu is an energy gel that helped me through a long run and recoup better at the end. That helped today too. I also like the Clif Razzberry Sorbet shot. Pretty tasty for a gel and I've tried a few icky ones.
I'm just about to start another series of double shift days so if I'm gone for a while that's why.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
Cold in Whoville
Well I suppose you can only work so much before your body shuts down on you and says, "No more." That's what my body did. I didn't even know it was coming. Usually I can tell I'm getting sick and take the appropriate amounts of zinc and vit. C to ward off any illness. This time it snuck up on me. I thought my allergies were worsening and contributing to me feeling tired. By ten o'clock that night I knew I was done for. My planned 19 k run would have to be postponed, but maybe I could still make the catering shift if I just got enough sleep. Nope. The cold settled in. So, I missed a shift for each job and am home until Thursday when I go back to double shifts. Whee!
The cats are happy to have me home. Svetlana spent much of yesterday on my lap. We cat napped all day together. While Prima roamed around trying out different spots, following D. around and napping on her chair. From time to time she attempted to disrupt Svetlana's spot on the couch with me. D. and I did our best to let poor old Sve (she's 17 afterall) remain content where she was. As always though, Prima won in the end. Sve got up for a snack and Prima promptly positioned herself on the very spot Sve had abandoned. I was too down to really change the situation so I napped with Prima.
* * *
As always I miss the cast of characters and their mum. I just looked at pictures of them to remind me of how sweet they all are. True they are bad and get into trouble, but each one of them is very loving as well. I miss their antics and their love.
* * *
The garden looks quite beautiful. The front yard is full of tulips and hyacinth. All the small bushes are filling in green and red (in the case of the Sandcherry). The most spectacular discovery today is the blooms on the peach tree. Last year we only got leaves and I suspected it was due to the heavy trimming D. and i had performed on it. This year it is full of pink blooms which means we should get peaches again. I missed them last year. How nice for our final year with the peach tree!
Also in the back is a row of daffodils and a small flock of miniature red tulips. The rhododendron is also stunning once again. It's pale pink blossoms have exploded on the bush. The stout leaves can barely be seen beneath the hardy blooms. I am always amazed by this plant. I'm hoping I will be able to take it with me when we move, but that may not be the best thing for it. Everything is doing really well in the garden. Once we get our veggies in we'll have greenery everywhere. Red jane dropped off some compost from the rescue farm where she volunteers her time to help out. So we have plenty of compost. Normally, I would never use animal compost because who knows the source? These animals have all been rescued from slaughter or bad homes and are now living their live peacefully as it should be so I don't object to using compost from such a source.
I'd better get back to taking it easy. I don't want to overdo it. It's absolutely gorgeous out too and I'm missing out. I'll venture to the mailbox and back. That will be enough. Maybe i'll even poke around the garden a little.
The cats are happy to have me home. Svetlana spent much of yesterday on my lap. We cat napped all day together. While Prima roamed around trying out different spots, following D. around and napping on her chair. From time to time she attempted to disrupt Svetlana's spot on the couch with me. D. and I did our best to let poor old Sve (she's 17 afterall) remain content where she was. As always though, Prima won in the end. Sve got up for a snack and Prima promptly positioned herself on the very spot Sve had abandoned. I was too down to really change the situation so I napped with Prima.
* * *
As always I miss the cast of characters and their mum. I just looked at pictures of them to remind me of how sweet they all are. True they are bad and get into trouble, but each one of them is very loving as well. I miss their antics and their love.
* * *
The garden looks quite beautiful. The front yard is full of tulips and hyacinth. All the small bushes are filling in green and red (in the case of the Sandcherry). The most spectacular discovery today is the blooms on the peach tree. Last year we only got leaves and I suspected it was due to the heavy trimming D. and i had performed on it. This year it is full of pink blooms which means we should get peaches again. I missed them last year. How nice for our final year with the peach tree!
Also in the back is a row of daffodils and a small flock of miniature red tulips. The rhododendron is also stunning once again. It's pale pink blossoms have exploded on the bush. The stout leaves can barely be seen beneath the hardy blooms. I am always amazed by this plant. I'm hoping I will be able to take it with me when we move, but that may not be the best thing for it. Everything is doing really well in the garden. Once we get our veggies in we'll have greenery everywhere. Red jane dropped off some compost from the rescue farm where she volunteers her time to help out. So we have plenty of compost. Normally, I would never use animal compost because who knows the source? These animals have all been rescued from slaughter or bad homes and are now living their live peacefully as it should be so I don't object to using compost from such a source.
I'd better get back to taking it easy. I don't want to overdo it. It's absolutely gorgeous out too and I'm missing out. I'll venture to the mailbox and back. That will be enough. Maybe i'll even poke around the garden a little.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
text imaging
Where should I begin? I keep flipping pages of my agenda, watching the weeks disappear. There are notes everywhere, work everywhere, chores everywhere and I'm somewhere in the middle of it all, coming and going, pausing for meals, emails, brief bouts of yoga. If I had a digital camera I probably would have just posted pictures at this point, trying to capture what my week has looked like:
an empty street intersection except for the front tire of a bike. In the background is a parking lot, light reflecting off car hoods and windshields. Over the lot is a large neon Barcardi billboard.
An extended green counter that runs 25 or 30 feet long with the employees perched at intervals along the counter some with customers, some wait alone.
A bouquet of flowers with a large butter orange lily in the middle. Eucalyptus shoots up behind and away fromt the white and pink daisies.
An ant moves across a yellow tile.
Svetlana (part of the cast) tucked into the grey fun fur. Her front paws extended out with her head resting between them.
A silver blade chopping garlic on a wooden block.
looking at a street end/intersection with a coffee shop in the centre.
A server's shoe in motion on the textured green tiled floor that looks like grass in the restaurant "live"
Prima (part of the cast) stretched out on the pink yoga mat
Looking up at the white paper Chinese lanterns lit up, hanging across a white ceiling
A messy desk.
A group of about 10 or more men and women all dressed in black pants, shirts and ties milling about against a brilliant pink wall. One woman fixes her tie in the mirror. Some of them are sitting on a counter and some are paired, talking to each other. Behind them is a rack of clothes and a punch clock.
A row of women at the gym on the eliptical machines while one woman runs on the treadmill behind them at the back.
A pair of pink hyacinths
A row of daffodils with a green fence behind them.
A stray cat tucked into the bushes, sleeping the day away
The sagging colourful fences along the alley behind our house.
The sky reflecting in the pond of a city park.
The playground on the Lakeshore (the same one I used in "from Human Resources")
Raindrops on the budding peach blossoms in the backyard
More later....
an empty street intersection except for the front tire of a bike. In the background is a parking lot, light reflecting off car hoods and windshields. Over the lot is a large neon Barcardi billboard.
An extended green counter that runs 25 or 30 feet long with the employees perched at intervals along the counter some with customers, some wait alone.
A bouquet of flowers with a large butter orange lily in the middle. Eucalyptus shoots up behind and away fromt the white and pink daisies.
An ant moves across a yellow tile.
Svetlana (part of the cast) tucked into the grey fun fur. Her front paws extended out with her head resting between them.
A silver blade chopping garlic on a wooden block.
looking at a street end/intersection with a coffee shop in the centre.
A server's shoe in motion on the textured green tiled floor that looks like grass in the restaurant "live"
Prima (part of the cast) stretched out on the pink yoga mat
Looking up at the white paper Chinese lanterns lit up, hanging across a white ceiling
A messy desk.
A group of about 10 or more men and women all dressed in black pants, shirts and ties milling about against a brilliant pink wall. One woman fixes her tie in the mirror. Some of them are sitting on a counter and some are paired, talking to each other. Behind them is a rack of clothes and a punch clock.
A row of women at the gym on the eliptical machines while one woman runs on the treadmill behind them at the back.
A pair of pink hyacinths
A row of daffodils with a green fence behind them.
A stray cat tucked into the bushes, sleeping the day away
The sagging colourful fences along the alley behind our house.
The sky reflecting in the pond of a city park.
The playground on the Lakeshore (the same one I used in "from Human Resources")
Raindrops on the budding peach blossoms in the backyard
More later....
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Addendum
Apparently yesterday it was too early and I was too excited about my coffee to remember the day itself. However, to the man who brought coffee to a new level for me...
Happy Anniversary, D!
Of course I wished each other a happy anniversary yesterday in person and I gave him a copper gift (as the 7th anniversary is copper) found at L.V. Now he has the super siphon for his wine and I have a beautful bouquet with my favorite eucalyptus and lillies in the mix.
Happy Anniversary, D!
Of course I wished each other a happy anniversary yesterday in person and I gave him a copper gift (as the 7th anniversary is copper) found at L.V. Now he has the super siphon for his wine and I have a beautful bouquet with my favorite eucalyptus and lillies in the mix.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Coffee!
Rich, dark elixir I am enslaved to you. How do you get through 10 hours, 12 hours etc of work? Coffee of course! I'm back on the drip after being a tea drinker for the last....year? I switched to tea to get rid of those coffee jitters I was getting, leaving myself to indulge in the luscious crema only on weekends when my personal barista (D.) can froth up a soy chai latte for my delight (it definitely is an asset that D. works for a espresson machine company). Tea hasn't been cutting it lately. I love my blends of green and white teas, jasmine and darjeeling, but when headaches started to creep in I knew I needed a little jolt of espresso to get me through the second job of the day.
This morning I've started with coffee which I haven't done in a very long time and I feel like an addict, telling myself "just this once and then I'll go back to tea in the morning." Yesterday I had a shot of espresso between shifts and felt so great by the time I started job #2 at 4:30 that I felt I could do 15 hours of work. Of course by 11 it all hit me and I could barely move. Hmmm, should I be concerned? Am I going to crash and end up in line at a dreaded Starbucks. Ugh!
A new tea shop just opened down the street and I've been waiting for weeks for them to open and see what varieties they have, wondering what kind of organic teas they carry. This may renew my delight in teas and draw me from the drip -- the gorgeous, velvety espresso. Yummmm.
This morning I've started with coffee which I haven't done in a very long time and I feel like an addict, telling myself "just this once and then I'll go back to tea in the morning." Yesterday I had a shot of espresso between shifts and felt so great by the time I started job #2 at 4:30 that I felt I could do 15 hours of work. Of course by 11 it all hit me and I could barely move. Hmmm, should I be concerned? Am I going to crash and end up in line at a dreaded Starbucks. Ugh!
A new tea shop just opened down the street and I've been waiting for weeks for them to open and see what varieties they have, wondering what kind of organic teas they carry. This may renew my delight in teas and draw me from the drip -- the gorgeous, velvety espresso. Yummmm.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Potato Gnocchi
Wandering Coyote asked for the gnocchi recipe so I thought I'd share with everyone.
This recipe is from the fabulous book Vegan Planet by Robin Robertson. I've never had a bad recipe from this book. Everything has been tasty.
For the gnocchi I'll put an * where I differ from the cookbook.
Potato Gnocchi
2 large baking potatoes (* this is key because baking potatoes are drier than other varieties)
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, or more as desired
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon turmeric, or more as needed.
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Puncture the potatoes in a few places and bake until soft, about 1 hour.
2. Place the flour in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and set aside.
3. Peel the potatoes while they are still hot and mash them using a potato masher or ricer (*I love the ricer!) sprinkle on the turmeric, stirring gently to incorporate it. Place the potatoes in the center of the flour. Using a spoon, slowly draw the flour into the potatoes to form a slightly sticky dough, adding more flour, if necessary. If a deeper yellow color is desired, sprinkle on a little more turmeric (*I used about 1/2 teaspoon). Knead the dough until smooth, 3-4 minutes. Divide the dough into 6 pieces.
4. On a floured board, roll each piece of dough into a 1/2 inch thick rope with the palms of your hands. Cut into 3/4 inch pieces (*cut to your preferred gnocchi size, remember that these do swell a little when boiled), then press one side of each gnocchi against the tines of a fork. (* I use a gnocchi paddle. Either way you just kind of use your thumb and roll the dough across the tines or paddle and off onto a floured baking sheet. Leave a little space between each gnocchi on the sheet.)
Cook them in a large pot of boiling salted water until they rise to the top, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
You can keep them warm in a baking dish until ready for use or eat right away with your favorite sauce.
Enjoy!
This recipe is from the fabulous book Vegan Planet by Robin Robertson. I've never had a bad recipe from this book. Everything has been tasty.
For the gnocchi I'll put an * where I differ from the cookbook.
Potato Gnocchi
2 large baking potatoes (* this is key because baking potatoes are drier than other varieties)
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, or more as desired
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon turmeric, or more as needed.
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Puncture the potatoes in a few places and bake until soft, about 1 hour.
2. Place the flour in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and set aside.
3. Peel the potatoes while they are still hot and mash them using a potato masher or ricer (*I love the ricer!) sprinkle on the turmeric, stirring gently to incorporate it. Place the potatoes in the center of the flour. Using a spoon, slowly draw the flour into the potatoes to form a slightly sticky dough, adding more flour, if necessary. If a deeper yellow color is desired, sprinkle on a little more turmeric (*I used about 1/2 teaspoon). Knead the dough until smooth, 3-4 minutes. Divide the dough into 6 pieces.
4. On a floured board, roll each piece of dough into a 1/2 inch thick rope with the palms of your hands. Cut into 3/4 inch pieces (*cut to your preferred gnocchi size, remember that these do swell a little when boiled), then press one side of each gnocchi against the tines of a fork. (* I use a gnocchi paddle. Either way you just kind of use your thumb and roll the dough across the tines or paddle and off onto a floured baking sheet. Leave a little space between each gnocchi on the sheet.)
Cook them in a large pot of boiling salted water until they rise to the top, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
You can keep them warm in a baking dish until ready for use or eat right away with your favorite sauce.
Enjoy!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Sunday Run
Why does 13 km of running feel as difficult as 16 km of running? Again, the last 3 kms were killer. We were so busy at LV on Saturday though that I was pretty well run off my feet so I went into my run somewhat unrested. It was a gorgeous day in whoville though. Again I sought out a new route and ran through a neighbourhood that was unfamiliar, but lovely. I hit the park towards the end. The last stretch to home was the killer part. Anyway, I did it. I do feel "under trained" for the 1/2 marathon but I still have a few weeks of training left so I'm not going to panic.
There were lots of people in the park this morning. More people than I expected were out on the streets, heading to church, stopping at the corner stores to buy easter lillies and other spring flowers. I did see some front lawns adorned with easter themed decorations as well.
D. had an awesome brunch waiting for when I returned. It was sort of like the Bournemouth breakfast I referred to earlier with some modifications. D.'s take on it, I suppose. Delicious coffee and what more could you ask for?
We also tended to the garden today, did a little tidying and put out our table and chairs. Soon we'll be having dinner outside again. I can't wait.
Nothing special going on around here for easter. We did buy some dark chocolate and I'm making potato gnocchi. I suppose the gnocchi are sort of egg shaped. I'm just enjoying the quiet in the neighbourhood and the warm weather.
Happy Easter.
There were lots of people in the park this morning. More people than I expected were out on the streets, heading to church, stopping at the corner stores to buy easter lillies and other spring flowers. I did see some front lawns adorned with easter themed decorations as well.
D. had an awesome brunch waiting for when I returned. It was sort of like the Bournemouth breakfast I referred to earlier with some modifications. D.'s take on it, I suppose. Delicious coffee and what more could you ask for?
We also tended to the garden today, did a little tidying and put out our table and chairs. Soon we'll be having dinner outside again. I can't wait.
Nothing special going on around here for easter. We did buy some dark chocolate and I'm making potato gnocchi. I suppose the gnocchi are sort of egg shaped. I'm just enjoying the quiet in the neighbourhood and the warm weather.
Happy Easter.
Friday, April 14, 2006
More Suzuki excerpts
Since much of my week required that I travel by transit more than usual, I've continued to read the David Suzuki Reader. It was published in 2003 so keep this in mind when you read the excerpt from "Global Warming" and think about recent disasters like New Orleans. He does talk about New Orleans and Louisiana's astonishing loss of marsh and farm lands due to flooding from rising sea levels, which sadly makes the recent disaster seem inevitable.
Of course if you're sick of reading my Suzuki excerpts then you may just want to skip my blog today and on other Suzuki related days.
"Later that year, I stayed in the traditional Kaiapo Indian village of Aucre, deep in the Amazon rain forest. Each time I asked a Kaiapo about a plant or animal, he or she identified it by name and told an anecdote about it. Kaiapo knowledge of forest flora and fauna is by no means complete, but it has enabled the people to survive in harmony with the forest biodiversity. Scince, in contrast, allows us to extract great detail by sacrificing that sense of nature's vast breadth and immeasurable complexity. In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, one is overwhelmed by the immensity of our ignorance, a sense of humility about our abilities, and a reverence for nature, which put our sense of achievement into perspective."
- from "How Little we Know" in the David Suzuki Reader.
"The most predictable consequence of warming is the effect on the oceans. When water warms, it expands. When a mass of water as large as an ocean heats up even a bit, sea levels rise. As a result, ocean currents are change, marine ecosystems altered, and plankton populations affected. Warmer oceans will increase the intensity of tides, storms, erosion, salt water intrusion in aquifers, and corrosion of underground subways and pipes. A sea level rise of a few centimeters will greatly affect human societies.
(...)Although sea level rise is occurring with astonishing speed in geological terms, it is invisible to most people. In spite of our capacity to plan ahead to avoid danger, we don't react to incremental change, only to major disasters like hurricanes or floods."
-from "Global Warming" in the David Suzuki Reader.
Until next time...
Of course if you're sick of reading my Suzuki excerpts then you may just want to skip my blog today and on other Suzuki related days.
"Later that year, I stayed in the traditional Kaiapo Indian village of Aucre, deep in the Amazon rain forest. Each time I asked a Kaiapo about a plant or animal, he or she identified it by name and told an anecdote about it. Kaiapo knowledge of forest flora and fauna is by no means complete, but it has enabled the people to survive in harmony with the forest biodiversity. Scince, in contrast, allows us to extract great detail by sacrificing that sense of nature's vast breadth and immeasurable complexity. In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, one is overwhelmed by the immensity of our ignorance, a sense of humility about our abilities, and a reverence for nature, which put our sense of achievement into perspective."
- from "How Little we Know" in the David Suzuki Reader.
"The most predictable consequence of warming is the effect on the oceans. When water warms, it expands. When a mass of water as large as an ocean heats up even a bit, sea levels rise. As a result, ocean currents are change, marine ecosystems altered, and plankton populations affected. Warmer oceans will increase the intensity of tides, storms, erosion, salt water intrusion in aquifers, and corrosion of underground subways and pipes. A sea level rise of a few centimeters will greatly affect human societies.
(...)Although sea level rise is occurring with astonishing speed in geological terms, it is invisible to most people. In spite of our capacity to plan ahead to avoid danger, we don't react to incremental change, only to major disasters like hurricanes or floods."
-from "Global Warming" in the David Suzuki Reader.
Until next time...
Life in Hellweek
I made it through!
I'm done in but I made it through.
Oh...the procession is just coming through, I can hear the music. Good Friday means that the reenactment of the stations of the cross occurs during a procession in Little Italy, the largest in Canada. However, closer to my whovillian home is another smaller procession that happens later in the day and is much simpler with sombre music and people holding candles. It's quite different from the Little Italy spectacle that appears complete with fake blood and soldiers in gladiator garb. Out of curiosity I went to little Italy one year for the event. D. was reluctant because he finds it a bit vulgar. Anywho...there was a struggle for front row view and a group of women with their kids and grandkids started to get into it because they all claimed to have that spot first. I was more interested in what was being said in the argument and missed half of the procession. After that I didn't go again. It's way too chaotic for me.
Back to the week I just came through. Phew. I'm glad it's over. Even though I work tomorrow, it still feels like the week is over. No more 13 hour days (plus travel time). No more catered passover meals. No more stuffing my back pack like an overnight back with lunch, dinner, my toothbrush and a change of clothes for catering and after work. At least not for this week. Who knows what next week will bring.
I'm done in but I made it through.
Oh...the procession is just coming through, I can hear the music. Good Friday means that the reenactment of the stations of the cross occurs during a procession in Little Italy, the largest in Canada. However, closer to my whovillian home is another smaller procession that happens later in the day and is much simpler with sombre music and people holding candles. It's quite different from the Little Italy spectacle that appears complete with fake blood and soldiers in gladiator garb. Out of curiosity I went to little Italy one year for the event. D. was reluctant because he finds it a bit vulgar. Anywho...there was a struggle for front row view and a group of women with their kids and grandkids started to get into it because they all claimed to have that spot first. I was more interested in what was being said in the argument and missed half of the procession. After that I didn't go again. It's way too chaotic for me.
Back to the week I just came through. Phew. I'm glad it's over. Even though I work tomorrow, it still feels like the week is over. No more 13 hour days (plus travel time). No more catered passover meals. No more stuffing my back pack like an overnight back with lunch, dinner, my toothbrush and a change of clothes for catering and after work. At least not for this week. Who knows what next week will bring.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Run Vegan Run
16 k. I did it! I can't believe it. I am quite elated. The last 3 km were probably the toughest I've done in a long time and it was mostly uphill, but I kept going until the end. Phew. Now I can imagine myself doing the Missisauga half marathon in May. If all goes well and I can keep up my training, I should be able to do it. I'd better book the time off work now. I'll give them lots of notice.
Another beautiful sunny day here in whoville. We had a great vegan brunch to fuel up. I made vegan french toast. D. frothed up the soymilk for my coffee and I tried to relax. I didn't want to get worked up about my first really long run of the year/season. I put no pressure on myself and took it nice and slow. The lakeshore was busy with all kinds of activities going on. There weren' t as many runners as I expected, mostly cyclists and inline skaters, but the few runners I did see were friendly.
I'm being pulled away again. We have to go in search or organic garlic. Until later...
Another beautiful sunny day here in whoville. We had a great vegan brunch to fuel up. I made vegan french toast. D. frothed up the soymilk for my coffee and I tried to relax. I didn't want to get worked up about my first really long run of the year/season. I put no pressure on myself and took it nice and slow. The lakeshore was busy with all kinds of activities going on. There weren' t as many runners as I expected, mostly cyclists and inline skaters, but the few runners I did see were friendly.
I'm being pulled away again. We have to go in search or organic garlic. Until later...
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Ah the joy of a day off! No longer do my days blur one into the other with bits and bouts of writing coming sporadically throughout the day, any day between laundry, emails, blogging, a trip to the gym, and breaking up the cat spats. I use to long for the 9-5 type of day and now I'm in it. The grass is always greener. Now I'm a time manager. I've started wearing my watch regularly again (for some reason this disturbs me). I've started a list of things to be accomplished for the month. Nope, no daily list for me. It's all about what needs to get done in a month and I'm moving on that list pretty quickly because I now appreciate my "down time."
So...
today I enjoyed the sunny, but cool, weather in whoville. There was not a cloud in the sky. I went to get my annual bike tune up at the same place where D. had dropped his bike earlier in the week and I left the place with two bikes! It's about time. I bought my old bike in Victoria in ;95 and it's had a good run, but I had to replace a lot of things and I sensed that there would be more to come. Furthermore, I was getting tired of spending the money on a tune up on a bike that was feeling uncomfortable and stiff. The new bike is...I can't really sum it up in one word but it is enough to say that I love it and am really excited to start riding it regularly. Of course this also means I need to upgrade my lock. The old 8.99 u-lock from the kitchen store on St. Laurent isn't going to suffice anymore. It's protected two bikes of mine and now it's time for a Kryptonite lock. L.V. lets us keep our bikes in the warehouse so I don't have to worry about leaving it out all day at work. Sad isn't it that I have to worry about leaving my bike anywhere?
Tonight we went to see Brokeback Mountain at a local rep theatre and I thought it'd be nice to quickly zip up on our bikes, but then rethought it when I considered the neighbourhood. Whoville isn't always so friendly, you know.
Well, now's it's time for pizza and I'm off to eat some of D's yummy pizza so more later...
So...
today I enjoyed the sunny, but cool, weather in whoville. There was not a cloud in the sky. I went to get my annual bike tune up at the same place where D. had dropped his bike earlier in the week and I left the place with two bikes! It's about time. I bought my old bike in Victoria in ;95 and it's had a good run, but I had to replace a lot of things and I sensed that there would be more to come. Furthermore, I was getting tired of spending the money on a tune up on a bike that was feeling uncomfortable and stiff. The new bike is...I can't really sum it up in one word but it is enough to say that I love it and am really excited to start riding it regularly. Of course this also means I need to upgrade my lock. The old 8.99 u-lock from the kitchen store on St. Laurent isn't going to suffice anymore. It's protected two bikes of mine and now it's time for a Kryptonite lock. L.V. lets us keep our bikes in the warehouse so I don't have to worry about leaving it out all day at work. Sad isn't it that I have to worry about leaving my bike anywhere?
Tonight we went to see Brokeback Mountain at a local rep theatre and I thought it'd be nice to quickly zip up on our bikes, but then rethought it when I considered the neighbourhood. Whoville isn't always so friendly, you know.
Well, now's it's time for pizza and I'm off to eat some of D's yummy pizza so more later...
Thursday, April 06, 2006
from the David Suzuki Reader
Since I've been commuting on transit lately, I've picked up the David Suzuki Reader because it is a collection of 2-5 page articles that I can read on my brief commute. I thought I'd include passages that stand out to me for whatever reason. I usually keep scraps of paper or a file on the computer where I collect these things for some future use (story idea or research).
"In cities, gleaming displays of vegetables, fruit, and meat in supermarkets create an illusion that the Earth's abundance is endless. It's easy for urban dwellers to believe this fantasy of a world without limits when we are immersed in a human-created landscape and few of us get to experience seasonal rites of nature anymore. But because our reference point is the urban setting and what we experience, we don't see the impoverishment of nature over the past two centuries."
(David Suzuki, "The Case for Keeping Wild Tigers" in the David Suzuki Reader, 2003, p. 38)
"In cities, gleaming displays of vegetables, fruit, and meat in supermarkets create an illusion that the Earth's abundance is endless. It's easy for urban dwellers to believe this fantasy of a world without limits when we are immersed in a human-created landscape and few of us get to experience seasonal rites of nature anymore. But because our reference point is the urban setting and what we experience, we don't see the impoverishment of nature over the past two centuries."
(David Suzuki, "The Case for Keeping Wild Tigers" in the David Suzuki Reader, 2003, p. 38)
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Today I ran.
Today I ran. My new shoes arrived from the States at a great discount. Mom and D. purchased them for me. They're last year's model but so what? They're great. I had some banking to do so I ran to the bank, beyond and then home. L.V. has taken up so much of my time lately that I've been too tired to do anything else. Furthermore, by the time I get home there's not much time to do anything but get some dinner, catch up on the news or watch the Blues. Most of the time I fall asleep on the couch. Sad isn't it?
Anywho...today I ran and it was beautiful. Outside, crisp air and the stress of the day gone from my thoughts. I focused on breathing and my stride. My achilles ached a little at the beginning but by the time I warmed up I felt fine and by the time I reached my little who-Home I felt I could keep going a little further.
The job is going fine. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of product and product knowledge required. My co-workers are a good group of interesting people. They understand that I need to do my catering and seem to be flexible with that so...so far so good.
The cats are needy when I get home and there never seems to be enough time to play with them or give them the attention they need. I'm off Friday and Saturday (I asked to have those days left open for catering since it's almost a guarentee lately that I'll be catering on one or both of those days) so I'll spend more time with kitties while doing fun things like cleaning the house! Oh joy! I will run outside again though and head right for who-High Park (my favorite place) and see how the gardens are coming along.
Until then...
Anywho...today I ran and it was beautiful. Outside, crisp air and the stress of the day gone from my thoughts. I focused on breathing and my stride. My achilles ached a little at the beginning but by the time I warmed up I felt fine and by the time I reached my little who-Home I felt I could keep going a little further.
The job is going fine. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of product and product knowledge required. My co-workers are a good group of interesting people. They understand that I need to do my catering and seem to be flexible with that so...so far so good.
The cats are needy when I get home and there never seems to be enough time to play with them or give them the attention they need. I'm off Friday and Saturday (I asked to have those days left open for catering since it's almost a guarentee lately that I'll be catering on one or both of those days) so I'll spend more time with kitties while doing fun things like cleaning the house! Oh joy! I will run outside again though and head right for who-High Park (my favorite place) and see how the gardens are coming along.
Until then...
Friday, March 31, 2006
Cats in a van
They were fine. Not a peep from one cat for almost 6 hours. We loaded up the "Kanyonaro", stuffed it full of L.'s temporary supplies for her 2 month rental. Three cat carriers in the back seat and one smaller one bungeed on top with a seat belt around them and away we went. They were all so good. I'm so proud of the cast of characters. L. was in the worst shape, but she recovered fine after a couple of hours and even forgot about needing to check on the kitties every 10 minutes.
Now I'm in Montreal and it's balmy spring weather. This is my favorite Montreal weather when everyone is out and buzzing around, shaking off the winter blues, cold and cabin fever. This place has such a different hum compared to whoville. It's neither better or worse...just different.
Tomorrow I'll try and get in a run. We still need to move some of L's stuff from our mom's apartment. Mom has a new addition on the back. I'm calling it the meditation room because I think it would be perfect for that. Tonight it is my bedroom and I love it.
Good night I'll see you anon.
Now I'm in Montreal and it's balmy spring weather. This is my favorite Montreal weather when everyone is out and buzzing around, shaking off the winter blues, cold and cabin fever. This place has such a different hum compared to whoville. It's neither better or worse...just different.
Tomorrow I'll try and get in a run. We still need to move some of L's stuff from our mom's apartment. Mom has a new addition on the back. I'm calling it the meditation room because I think it would be perfect for that. Tonight it is my bedroom and I love it.
Good night I'll see you anon.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
L.V. update and the rest of my life.
First a note about my blogging capabilities via an old computer. No, even older than that. It's a gamble whether my browser will let me into my blog to post or not. So...if you don't hear from me for a while it's because I'm having trouble with access.
Now where's that bloody work faerie? just kidding. Yes, I am exhausted and have little time for anything else in my life while the showroom becomes the focus of set up at L.V. Today will be the first time I work both jobs (L.V. and catering) so we'll see if I fall asleep in the kitchen at work tonight.
I'm trying to stay positive, really I am. However, I'm covered in dust from head to toe all day long. My legs don't want to run, but I keep training and hoping it will pay off on race day. My cats are like velcro whenever i'm home because they miss me so much (that's sweet thought isn't it). I think I saw D. and heard his voice, but there hasn't been much coversation. We do live in the same house though so at least we'll see each other. I know, I know once the dust settles (literally and figuratively) I'll ease into a routine. Won't I?
I miss writing and the past routine of my life although it was uneven working on call and not knowing when that will happen again, but there was a goal. L.V. is just a little conflict in the road that I will have to negotiate around in order to maintain all that other stuff too. It's just more juggling I suppose. The up side is that the people are super nice at the store and that makes all the difference.
Well, I'd better get going, I'm already running behind schedule.
Now where's that bloody work faerie? just kidding. Yes, I am exhausted and have little time for anything else in my life while the showroom becomes the focus of set up at L.V. Today will be the first time I work both jobs (L.V. and catering) so we'll see if I fall asleep in the kitchen at work tonight.
I'm trying to stay positive, really I am. However, I'm covered in dust from head to toe all day long. My legs don't want to run, but I keep training and hoping it will pay off on race day. My cats are like velcro whenever i'm home because they miss me so much (that's sweet thought isn't it). I think I saw D. and heard his voice, but there hasn't been much coversation. We do live in the same house though so at least we'll see each other. I know, I know once the dust settles (literally and figuratively) I'll ease into a routine. Won't I?
I miss writing and the past routine of my life although it was uneven working on call and not knowing when that will happen again, but there was a goal. L.V. is just a little conflict in the road that I will have to negotiate around in order to maintain all that other stuff too. It's just more juggling I suppose. The up side is that the people are super nice at the store and that makes all the difference.
Well, I'd better get going, I'm already running behind schedule.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
The Employment Faerie sprinkles her dust into whoville
(the Employment Faerie should have a hard hat or something, no?)Training started at Lee Valley. I've been learning their inventory system which seems quite logical. I'm not sure I needed 2 hours to learn it, but I understand why it's taught that way. The showroom is the focal point for the grand opening. The place is extremely dusty. I had to keep wiping my clipboard every 20 minutes just to clear it of the dust. Needless to say (but I'll say it anyway) I was covered in dust at the end of the day and it actually gave me a headache. It can't be good to inhale. There are people there 12 hours a day living in that environment. Anywho...I'm back at it Monday for full days until they open and unless a catering shift pulls me away. Regardless it will be a full week until Friday when I help sis move herself and her kitties to Montreal. She'll be there for 2 months doing a play so she thought it'd be best to rent a place and take the cats with her. With my busy schedule there would be no way I'd find time for her cats. Two months is a long time for all. The kitties really need to be with her.
The employment fairy seems to have really answered my calls! I'm also starting to do some administrative work for a friend who has employed me for the last four years at her children's drama summer camp and fall program. It will be nice to work from home and set my own hours.
I have to admit that while I am okay with the Lee Valley employment, I do shudder at the retail aspect of it and the monotony that retail can be. What I've realized is that my excitement has mostly been from landing the job itself. After applying for so many jobs over the last six months, I've successfully completed an interview being myself. It feels like a jumping off point because it has boosted my confidence to land another job more related to the arts. Only time will tell. It has certainly motivated me to write.
It's been difficult not even sure what I'm qualified to do or even sure of what I want to do. The catering has really been a lifesaver (I've already booked two days in April), but I just can't rely on it as a sure thing. I love the people I work with and the person I work for, but there are some inequities. I've seen "new" people acquire more shifts than I have booked and I'm not entirely sure how that happens. It's not really something I want to raise with other employees or the employer because I know that many of the people he employs are friends and that's fine. It's really good money and when it's really busy I work a lot so...what's that saying about looking a gift horse in the mouth? What does that mean anyway?
Let me be more positive about my working life. I'll be helping my friend with her administrative tasks that she hates doing. I'm also in the process of helping a friend see a film project come to life. I am very excited about that because I think it's a great documentary idea and I get to help her with the story of it, which is what I love doing more than anything. When the time comes I'll have to draw on my film friend resources for help. You know who you are out there! LOL. It's not the first time I've asked for your help.
Also, I still muse about turning my knitting into something profitable, or finally signing up for a yoga teacher training course so that I can be a certified teacher, but those are avenues that I'm not sure are the best commitments to make right now.
So today I'm going to enjoy my last free weekend and make a fabulous meal from The Artful Vegan and just try to relax before next week's insane schedule starts.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Lee Valley bound
Well it looks like I am now an employee of Lee Valley Tools. Huh? I know I can't believe it. Wish I could say I was writing for the catalogue, but alas no. I will be order picking and helping people find the right gardening tool and cabinet hinge. New territory for me. Well, I've worked in retail before and gardening is familiar ground, but woodworking supplies? I need to make a bigger dent in the debt load. So along with my usual search for some sort of writing opportunity I've been looking for a more secure regular source of income. Catering is great financially, but it's sporadic post holiday season. I thought about companies that I wouldn't mind working for and along with MEC I thought of Lee Valley. There's a new store opening in downtown whoville so I applied. It's part-time and the money is good for retail. I can also keep the better paying catering gig and still squeeze in some writing, running etc etc. Time management is top priority now.
Next week I'll be helping get the store ready for their April opening and tomorrow I go in to fill out all the necessary paper work. I'll just take it as it comes for now.
Next week I'll be helping get the store ready for their April opening and tomorrow I go in to fill out all the necessary paper work. I'll just take it as it comes for now.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Understanding conflict
Sunday
Time to think about our veggie garden. We're late this year. We usually plant our seedlings much earlier. I'm not sure why the late start. Perhaps on some level we are too aware that we are going to have to move this year and are saddened by the prospect of having to leave our garden. Will we find another home where we can plant a few tomatoes? I constantly think about moving. I can't not think about moving because I hate moving. Who doesn't? I'm trying to be very positive about the whole thing, but inside I know I am conflicted about how I feel.
Well, for now we will focus on this years garden and hope we can enjoy it's full cycle.
Saturday
While procrastinating today (it is Saturday after all, part of my weekend) I was thinking about some of the cast of characters outlined on an earlier post of whoville and thought about Rupert, who can be seen here. Poor Rupert indeed. He is now been prescribed an anti-anxiety drug to deal with his conflict. Rupert’s mum is trying out the anti-anxiety drug for two weeks to see how he does. The Rescue Remedy in the water just wasn’t enough. Once she described Rupert’s behaviour to our super-fantastic vet, the vet suggested the drug. After all we’ve been regularly calling Rupert the “Big Guy with the Big Issues” because of his obsessive behaviour with regards to Ruggles of Red Gap. Now Rupert even recognizes and responds to the rather long name that we've given him.
Anywho…sitting with Rupert after his first dose today, I noticed how he almost didn’t care that Ruggles was in the room and yet Rupert was still his same loving self. He seemed calm, happy. Oh the kitty prozac.
Now…
one of the books I am currently reading is The Way of the Screenwriter. I picked up this book for various reasons. Some of the concepts are familiar to me and it’s a refreshing approach to screenwriting not encountered in other more traditional approaches to the craft. The central idea of the book is that “story is a living thing. And you don’t work on a living thing, you work with it.”
The formula for conflict in the book is something I’ve always connected to in my studies and have found it to be useful whenever working with any type of story. The formula looks like this:
Conflict = Objective + Obstacle
So let’s see if I understand using my cast of characters as an example. If Rupert is the protagonist of this story…(you can see where I’m going here), Rupert wants to be the baby of the family. However, he needs to accept his new role that makes him the middle boy cat of the family. The motivation behind Rupert’s objective is that he will remain the special guy in his world and thus the pecking order will be maintained. While Rupert is third in the pecking order after Chengo and Penny, Rupert likes it this way. He likes the triad.
Enter Ruggles. Conflict can be between: Rupert and another cat, Rupert and himself, Rupert and an external force (a part of Rupert’s world). Ruggles is a big obstacle for Rupert. Ruggles is the new “baby” cat of the family and gets special attention. This threatens Rupert’s position and upsets the comfortable triad combination that Rupert has been enjoying up until now. Internally, Rupert struggles with what is his new role? How does he fit into this new quadrupling? He is internally conflicted. Can he still be the baby cat? If he tries to maintain his baby cat role won’t Ruggles dominate? The third type of conflict Rupert faces is external. Rupert’s world has most recently been disrupted by his new meds. An anti-anxiety drug was a difficult choice for his mum to make, but she is trying it for a couple of weeks (on Rupert, not herself). Now when Ruggles enters the scene, Rupert is disinterested. While Rupert remains his same old self, his desire to attack Ruggles, while still a flicker in his eyes, has been subdued.
I hope I’ve understood conflict properly. Yes, I may be certifiable but I like my ridiculous diversions. Any comments, suggestions, and interpretations you would like to add?
Just wait until I get to the chapter on theme…
Friday
An early morning shift started my day. No matter how early I get to bed the night before, I toss and turn because I can't help but be concerned with the prospect of having to get up three or four hours earlier than I normally do. It is glorious to be up at that time though. The sun rose and the air was sharp, clear and cold. I felt like going for a run, but that's not possible for me yet since I'm still treating my achilles injury.
When I arrived at the Forest who-Hill home I found out that we would be catering a Bris. This was a new experience for me. I mentioned the Seinfeld Bris episode to a co-worker and of course there were many jokes circulating as we set up. Seventy-five people attending a Bris in someone's home. What do we do during the ceremony? Retreat to the kitchen? Have breakfast? I had to hover near the door just in case any latecomers arrived. Being adjacent to the ceremonial room, I chose to cover my ears, fearing the inevitable wail from the baby. From my viewpoint I could only see the "audience". With hands over my ears, I watched the crowd wince and turn away. One woman walked out of the room and retreated to the buffet table. The baby was suprisingly calm. He spent the rest of the catered breakfast sleeping in his mother's arms, only rousing once to wail as if briefly recalling and then he drifted off to sleep again unaware of the mass of people there just for him.
After my shift I strolled along St. Clair to Corso Italia (my favorite stretch of St. Clair) to window shop. I took my time getting home and the early morning affect finally kicked in when I sat down at home. Surfing through the t.v. channels I stopped on Seinfeld. It was indeed the Bris episode. I had to watch.
Time to think about our veggie garden. We're late this year. We usually plant our seedlings much earlier. I'm not sure why the late start. Perhaps on some level we are too aware that we are going to have to move this year and are saddened by the prospect of having to leave our garden. Will we find another home where we can plant a few tomatoes? I constantly think about moving. I can't not think about moving because I hate moving. Who doesn't? I'm trying to be very positive about the whole thing, but inside I know I am conflicted about how I feel.
Well, for now we will focus on this years garden and hope we can enjoy it's full cycle.
Saturday
While procrastinating today (it is Saturday after all, part of my weekend) I was thinking about some of the cast of characters outlined on an earlier post of whoville and thought about Rupert, who can be seen here. Poor Rupert indeed. He is now been prescribed an anti-anxiety drug to deal with his conflict. Rupert’s mum is trying out the anti-anxiety drug for two weeks to see how he does. The Rescue Remedy in the water just wasn’t enough. Once she described Rupert’s behaviour to our super-fantastic vet, the vet suggested the drug. After all we’ve been regularly calling Rupert the “Big Guy with the Big Issues” because of his obsessive behaviour with regards to Ruggles of Red Gap. Now Rupert even recognizes and responds to the rather long name that we've given him.
Anywho…sitting with Rupert after his first dose today, I noticed how he almost didn’t care that Ruggles was in the room and yet Rupert was still his same loving self. He seemed calm, happy. Oh the kitty prozac.
Now…
one of the books I am currently reading is The Way of the Screenwriter. I picked up this book for various reasons. Some of the concepts are familiar to me and it’s a refreshing approach to screenwriting not encountered in other more traditional approaches to the craft. The central idea of the book is that “story is a living thing. And you don’t work on a living thing, you work with it.”
The formula for conflict in the book is something I’ve always connected to in my studies and have found it to be useful whenever working with any type of story. The formula looks like this:
Conflict = Objective + Obstacle
So let’s see if I understand using my cast of characters as an example. If Rupert is the protagonist of this story…(you can see where I’m going here), Rupert wants to be the baby of the family. However, he needs to accept his new role that makes him the middle boy cat of the family. The motivation behind Rupert’s objective is that he will remain the special guy in his world and thus the pecking order will be maintained. While Rupert is third in the pecking order after Chengo and Penny, Rupert likes it this way. He likes the triad.
Enter Ruggles. Conflict can be between: Rupert and another cat, Rupert and himself, Rupert and an external force (a part of Rupert’s world). Ruggles is a big obstacle for Rupert. Ruggles is the new “baby” cat of the family and gets special attention. This threatens Rupert’s position and upsets the comfortable triad combination that Rupert has been enjoying up until now. Internally, Rupert struggles with what is his new role? How does he fit into this new quadrupling? He is internally conflicted. Can he still be the baby cat? If he tries to maintain his baby cat role won’t Ruggles dominate? The third type of conflict Rupert faces is external. Rupert’s world has most recently been disrupted by his new meds. An anti-anxiety drug was a difficult choice for his mum to make, but she is trying it for a couple of weeks (on Rupert, not herself). Now when Ruggles enters the scene, Rupert is disinterested. While Rupert remains his same old self, his desire to attack Ruggles, while still a flicker in his eyes, has been subdued.
I hope I’ve understood conflict properly. Yes, I may be certifiable but I like my ridiculous diversions. Any comments, suggestions, and interpretations you would like to add?
Just wait until I get to the chapter on theme…
Friday
An early morning shift started my day. No matter how early I get to bed the night before, I toss and turn because I can't help but be concerned with the prospect of having to get up three or four hours earlier than I normally do. It is glorious to be up at that time though. The sun rose and the air was sharp, clear and cold. I felt like going for a run, but that's not possible for me yet since I'm still treating my achilles injury.
When I arrived at the Forest who-Hill home I found out that we would be catering a Bris. This was a new experience for me. I mentioned the Seinfeld Bris episode to a co-worker and of course there were many jokes circulating as we set up. Seventy-five people attending a Bris in someone's home. What do we do during the ceremony? Retreat to the kitchen? Have breakfast? I had to hover near the door just in case any latecomers arrived. Being adjacent to the ceremonial room, I chose to cover my ears, fearing the inevitable wail from the baby. From my viewpoint I could only see the "audience". With hands over my ears, I watched the crowd wince and turn away. One woman walked out of the room and retreated to the buffet table. The baby was suprisingly calm. He spent the rest of the catered breakfast sleeping in his mother's arms, only rousing once to wail as if briefly recalling and then he drifted off to sleep again unaware of the mass of people there just for him.
After my shift I strolled along St. Clair to Corso Italia (my favorite stretch of St. Clair) to window shop. I took my time getting home and the early morning affect finally kicked in when I sat down at home. Surfing through the t.v. channels I stopped on Seinfeld. It was indeed the Bris episode. I had to watch.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Foot Cosy
Poor red jane she's recovering from foot surgery and housebound. As one of her "nurses" she requested early on if I could whip up something quick on the knitting needles to cover her toes and keep them warm. She wanted something large enough to go over the bandages, but not a full sock.
I love a challenge. It wasn't too challenging though since I just worked the toe end of a sock. I had a skein of the Manos del Uruguay cotton that is warm and soft and added the blue cotton/acrylic ribbing for colour and a snugger fit so they wouldn't slip around on her feet.
Knitting socks is one of the better knitting pleasures for me so this project was pure fun and fulfilled red jane's request. Everyone wins. Red jane has put up photos on her blog if you'd like a visual of the Foot Cosy.
I love a challenge. It wasn't too challenging though since I just worked the toe end of a sock. I had a skein of the Manos del Uruguay cotton that is warm and soft and added the blue cotton/acrylic ribbing for colour and a snugger fit so they wouldn't slip around on her feet.
Knitting socks is one of the better knitting pleasures for me so this project was pure fun and fulfilled red jane's request. Everyone wins. Red jane has put up photos on her blog if you'd like a visual of the Foot Cosy.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Story.
Every day stories occur to me. Conversations, moments on transit, images that strike me all conjur up story ideas. Some fragments I note could be inspiration for a story. Some fragments I spend more time with rolling them over, expanding on the idea asking, what kind of story is it? Is it a short, experimental, documentary, or feature length film? I always think in film. I've stopped thinking in terms of prose. Even if I shape an idea prosaically, I seek out the potential film that exists within it.
All of the stories I've let pass through my thoughts without ever jotting down the ideas are gone. I've no regrets about this. However, this week I do intend to carry my notebook and pen with me wherever I go, whether it is to the gym, the corner store or work.
The blog has been another way for me to think about story and how it develops for me. An earlier snippet from my "what comes next" in my archives spent some brief time with Jen. Since then I can't seem to turn this story away from a horror piece. Hmmm. Why do I feel the need to do so? I suppose I feel the need to come up with something more clever than genre convention, come up with a story that can be more terrifying than reality. Is this possible? I'll keep turning. I've come up with all sorts of complications for Jen and why she is in the place she is in. I suspect I will have to share some more on the blog as her story progresses.
Let's see what transpires.
All of the stories I've let pass through my thoughts without ever jotting down the ideas are gone. I've no regrets about this. However, this week I do intend to carry my notebook and pen with me wherever I go, whether it is to the gym, the corner store or work.
The blog has been another way for me to think about story and how it develops for me. An earlier snippet from my "what comes next" in my archives spent some brief time with Jen. Since then I can't seem to turn this story away from a horror piece. Hmmm. Why do I feel the need to do so? I suppose I feel the need to come up with something more clever than genre convention, come up with a story that can be more terrifying than reality. Is this possible? I'll keep turning. I've come up with all sorts of complications for Jen and why she is in the place she is in. I suspect I will have to share some more on the blog as her story progresses.
Let's see what transpires.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
This week's thoughts...
It's been a busy week but not a crazy week. One thing is for certain not having a 9-5 job brings new experiences to my life each week. On the gray days, the bleak will-this-weather-ever-end days, I sometimes long for the 9-5 routine. I am a creature of habit. Aren't we all? It's been over ten years since I had a 9-5 routine (actually it was a 1-9 routine) and how I loathed it then. The grass is always greener as some people say. I do have routine. Even if I don't get up at exactly the same time every morning, I do follow my own schedule. The discipline that graduate school required taught me that I have to deal with tasks as soon as they come up. I learned the importance of scheduling. So even if I never work in my field of expertise (I don't believe that though, I at least will deal with issues head as they come up. Routine yes, but the week can always be jostled due to my on-call part-time, occasionally full-time catering job. This week I had one shift, but next week I will be needed twice so far. Who knows what next week will bring?
I've been dealing with some old conflicts that have never been completely resolved. Each year that continues without resolution just adds another layer of complication, another tangle to the web. Unexpectedly, I've discovered that helping a friend deal with her post-surgery recovery (she's housebound for a while) has given me some perspective. Caring for someone else is quite healing for both involved it seems. Even just sitting with her while she nods off and the t.v. quietly murmurs as I knit has given me some peace, some time away from my usual. As for the friend, she's been up and down as the pain seems to be constant with differing degrees of intensity. On top of it all being housebound for someone who is so incredibly active socially and physically must be maddening.
Other bits of concern for me this week has been news related. The death of a police horse was all over the news and I was extremely saddened. Again I could not help but think of the other recent news story that doesn't make the evening news, but comes through my animal news network about the horse meat trade and "useless" horses ending up in the slaughterhouse, facing the bolt gun. Imagine the strength and power of a horse struggling against the death it can smell, hear, sense, see etc. So this recent story of the police horse being widely mourned makes me question why can't people see the connection? How can one animal be a pet and one a product? As some of you may know, I did touch on this subject with relation to the fur industry and made a short film called
Pe(L)ts that was inspired by a comment my cousin made about my cat and "what a fantastic fur coat she would make." Obviously I was horrified. So the question continues for me and maybe I'm just naive on this front to ask why don't people see that animals are living creatures, and could all be called pets or companion animals? All animals have individual personalities, feel pain, and have the capacity to love.
The other news story is a continuing one that I've mentioned before on my blog found here in the archives on the spread of avian flu. My 2006 issue of Farm Sanctuary's news looks at bird flu calling it a "virus of our own hatching." As far as I can see I have yet to see a mainstream news story examining the industrial commercial "farming" of chickens in our world that has continued to grow and is a perfect, in fact ideal, environment for spreading the virus. The focus continues to be on migratory birds and the migration of the virus and how it is beginning (i.e. learning) to jump species. The newest edition of "Veg News" does also raise issue with how the story is being mediated. This is a story I'll continue to follow. Hopefully another virus won't arise in the mean time as the world tries to deal with "bird flu."
In positive animal news, Ruggles of Red Gap went to the defense of his mommy (my sis) when he dashed to her rescue when one of her other cats bit her during play time. Ruggles growled and rushed to her defense. Chengo (the offender) was startled by the fraidy cat Ruggles charge. He's reassessing the pecking order as I write.
Tomorrow more cat and nurse duty.
I've been dealing with some old conflicts that have never been completely resolved. Each year that continues without resolution just adds another layer of complication, another tangle to the web. Unexpectedly, I've discovered that helping a friend deal with her post-surgery recovery (she's housebound for a while) has given me some perspective. Caring for someone else is quite healing for both involved it seems. Even just sitting with her while she nods off and the t.v. quietly murmurs as I knit has given me some peace, some time away from my usual. As for the friend, she's been up and down as the pain seems to be constant with differing degrees of intensity. On top of it all being housebound for someone who is so incredibly active socially and physically must be maddening.
Other bits of concern for me this week has been news related. The death of a police horse was all over the news and I was extremely saddened. Again I could not help but think of the other recent news story that doesn't make the evening news, but comes through my animal news network about the horse meat trade and "useless" horses ending up in the slaughterhouse, facing the bolt gun. Imagine the strength and power of a horse struggling against the death it can smell, hear, sense, see etc. So this recent story of the police horse being widely mourned makes me question why can't people see the connection? How can one animal be a pet and one a product? As some of you may know, I did touch on this subject with relation to the fur industry and made a short film called
Pe(L)ts that was inspired by a comment my cousin made about my cat and "what a fantastic fur coat she would make." Obviously I was horrified. So the question continues for me and maybe I'm just naive on this front to ask why don't people see that animals are living creatures, and could all be called pets or companion animals? All animals have individual personalities, feel pain, and have the capacity to love.
The other news story is a continuing one that I've mentioned before on my blog found here in the archives on the spread of avian flu. My 2006 issue of Farm Sanctuary's news looks at bird flu calling it a "virus of our own hatching." As far as I can see I have yet to see a mainstream news story examining the industrial commercial "farming" of chickens in our world that has continued to grow and is a perfect, in fact ideal, environment for spreading the virus. The focus continues to be on migratory birds and the migration of the virus and how it is beginning (i.e. learning) to jump species. The newest edition of "Veg News" does also raise issue with how the story is being mediated. This is a story I'll continue to follow. Hopefully another virus won't arise in the mean time as the world tries to deal with "bird flu."
In positive animal news, Ruggles of Red Gap went to the defense of his mommy (my sis) when he dashed to her rescue when one of her other cats bit her during play time. Ruggles growled and rushed to her defense. Chengo (the offender) was startled by the fraidy cat Ruggles charge. He's reassessing the pecking order as I write.
Tomorrow more cat and nurse duty.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
International Women's Day
Today I want to recognize all the women in my past and current life who have been positive influences, continuing to inspire me:
my mom
Grandmother
my sister
I’m also taking the time to recognize all my women friends (some whom I’ve lost touch with) out there in the world who have also been positive influences and supportive of me in some way:
Allyson
Ann
AnneMarie
Diane
Genevieve
Giulia
Jacquie
Julia
Kim
Kiran
Marsha
Megan
Myda
Nat
Patricia
Rochelle
Sarah
Shannon
Stephanie
Tracy
Wanda
All of you have been hugely supportive of me at some time and some of you continue to. I wish all of you well and hopefully you’ll have moment today to think of those women who have influenced your lives.
If you’re looking for some way to take part in an International Women’s Day activity and haven’t found anything yet, there is the IWD website. However, I’m sure locally it would be easy to find something to participate in.
For me today, I’m working. I have no idea how long the shift will be, nor how big an event, but it’s a large theatre opening so I expect it will be very sizeable. This is why I’m taking the time now to blog my moment of participation on this day.
Onward and upward.
my mom
Grandmother
my sister
I’m also taking the time to recognize all my women friends (some whom I’ve lost touch with) out there in the world who have also been positive influences and supportive of me in some way:
Allyson
Ann
AnneMarie
Diane
Genevieve
Giulia
Jacquie
Julia
Kim
Kiran
Marsha
Megan
Myda
Nat
Patricia
Rochelle
Sarah
Shannon
Stephanie
Tracy
Wanda
All of you have been hugely supportive of me at some time and some of you continue to. I wish all of you well and hopefully you’ll have moment today to think of those women who have influenced your lives.
If you’re looking for some way to take part in an International Women’s Day activity and haven’t found anything yet, there is the IWD website. However, I’m sure locally it would be easy to find something to participate in.
For me today, I’m working. I have no idea how long the shift will be, nor how big an event, but it’s a large theatre opening so I expect it will be very sizeable. This is why I’m taking the time now to blog my moment of participation on this day.
Onward and upward.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Mom's visit to whoville
My mom was in whoville for a few days so I've been busy doing all the things we usually do when she visits. Mostly she vanity shops because she never gets a chance to shop in Montreal. Without getting into a long story it's enough to say that several years back she was in a serious accident and her leg was so badly damaged that she spent months in hospital and now finds it difficult to get around. She walks without a cane, but her leg and foot get tired or achey easily. We live close to a mall and it's perfect for her. Every visit we make a trip to her favorite stores and she gets what she needs and is thrilled. After the shopping is out of the way, we usually just spend time around the house, cook, eat, watch a movie maybe. Now that I think about it she usually comes for an event, a birthday, a graduation, a play or whatever. This time however we decided to go to the gallery without knowing what exhibitions were on. We just got on the streetcar (another treat for her. She loves taking the streetcars because it reminds her of a time when Montreal had streetcars. She often tells the story of when Montreal first switched to buses how the diesel fumes made her feel sick because she wasn't use to them). Anywho...she's an artist (not professionally, but art has always been central in her life) and knew David Milne's work which is being presented at the gallery now. From the first painting on, I was completely taken with his work. I fell in love with certain watercolours.
His growth as an artist and the techniques he devised as he progressed was all so interesting for me. It has been a while since I'd been to the gallery and it was fabulous to go with someone who has a real understanding of painting.
We had planned to see the Gehry exhibit as well, but mom found the Milne was enough. She does tire pretty easily after standing for so long. We did manage to take a break and sit on one of those benches in the middle of the room and take in some of the paintings from a distance. The biopic offered was awful and offered nothing. It took away from the brilliance of his work and made it seem less somehow, although the filmmaker certainly did intend to do that. The film just had a elementary school "education film" feel to it. Unfortunately, the film did ruin some of the exhibit for me. It took a moment to reconnect with the paintings themselves. We were at the end of the show by then so we headed out back into the crisp air and sunshine, back on the streetcar, back home.
I wouldn't say that my relationship with my mother is the easiest. We are pretty close and I do respect her and appreciate all that she has done for me and continues to do for me as a supportive parent. She did most of the parenting for most of my childhood. She's always supported my choices in my life with my education, my career, my relationships, as long as it meant I was happy. Support was never an issue. We've been close, distant and close again. We've always been in touch and I've always had problems with my conflictual feelings for her. We both change and evolve as people and I think I find myself searching for ways to maintain the best of our relationship. The mother/daughter relationship is a continual negotiation, but I think this is how it is and how it should be. I would rather have negotiation than patterns of negative behaviour that continue on and never are addressed by one party or the other. I would rather negotiate my place in the relationship than not have one at all.
I sound so mature about it all don't I? Don't be fooled. This doesn't mean that I don't fear becoming more like my mother as I age. Who wants to turn into their parent? This also doesn't mean that we don't have our moments of horrible tension and conflict. This doesn't mean that we spend our time together as if it's a precious moment. Because the dynamic is not simple I like the idea of negotiation.
His growth as an artist and the techniques he devised as he progressed was all so interesting for me. It has been a while since I'd been to the gallery and it was fabulous to go with someone who has a real understanding of painting.
We had planned to see the Gehry exhibit as well, but mom found the Milne was enough. She does tire pretty easily after standing for so long. We did manage to take a break and sit on one of those benches in the middle of the room and take in some of the paintings from a distance. The biopic offered was awful and offered nothing. It took away from the brilliance of his work and made it seem less somehow, although the filmmaker certainly did intend to do that. The film just had a elementary school "education film" feel to it. Unfortunately, the film did ruin some of the exhibit for me. It took a moment to reconnect with the paintings themselves. We were at the end of the show by then so we headed out back into the crisp air and sunshine, back on the streetcar, back home.
I wouldn't say that my relationship with my mother is the easiest. We are pretty close and I do respect her and appreciate all that she has done for me and continues to do for me as a supportive parent. She did most of the parenting for most of my childhood. She's always supported my choices in my life with my education, my career, my relationships, as long as it meant I was happy. Support was never an issue. We've been close, distant and close again. We've always been in touch and I've always had problems with my conflictual feelings for her. We both change and evolve as people and I think I find myself searching for ways to maintain the best of our relationship. The mother/daughter relationship is a continual negotiation, but I think this is how it is and how it should be. I would rather have negotiation than patterns of negative behaviour that continue on and never are addressed by one party or the other. I would rather negotiate my place in the relationship than not have one at all.
I sound so mature about it all don't I? Don't be fooled. This doesn't mean that I don't fear becoming more like my mother as I age. Who wants to turn into their parent? This also doesn't mean that we don't have our moments of horrible tension and conflict. This doesn't mean that we spend our time together as if it's a precious moment. Because the dynamic is not simple I like the idea of negotiation.
Friday, March 03, 2006
McDougall Vegan Breakfast
Mmmm! Maybe I need a breakfast blog? This cereal is so easy to make. It's from one of the McDougall cookbooks. And yes, you get a story with this bit of info...
When I first went vegan (I admit I lapsed back to vegetarianism for a few years, but I'm happily vegan again and will never look back), I found the McDougall program book which I had heard about through a friend. It was easy to use and had meals for each day sort of thing that was quite practical for a single gal as I was then. McDougall's book really changed my way to healthier eating and a healthier way of living. In other words, it was revolutionary for me. My cooking skills improved and I started experimenting with my own versions of things etc.
I loved this cereal then and I love it now.
1/2cup bulgar
3 tbls rolled oats
1 tbls of molasses
1/3 cup chopped dried fruit (I used mango, cranberry and cherry)
1 1/2 cups of water
place everything in a bowl, stir and refrigerate over night. In the morning heat and eat. Yum! I also put maple syrup on mine and a little rice milk. I thought couscous might be nice option instead of the bulgar, maybe with dried pear and raisins or something citrusy.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
keeping busy
I had trouble getting into my blog the last couple of days. It's not a blogger issue, but a browser issue. Our computer can only do so much for its age so until we remedy this, I'll have to manage with what we have. I'd always rather make do with what we have simply because I believe we should get the most out of our computers, electronics etc as opposed to always buying new as the trends change.
I'll be busier in the next week or so with my mom visiting us here in whoville. She's here until Sunday. Sis is going to Montreal again for the weekend so that's too bad that she'll miss most of mom's visit. I've got more catering work coming my way which is always great to chip away at the debt. A friend is having surgery next week so she'll need round the clock care for the first few days. We seem to have worked out a schedule so that she gets the care she needs. She has a kitty as well so he'll need tending to. Since my sis will be also caring for our friend I'll be back on cat duty upstairs, but it'll be easier with sis still in town. Training is also important to keep up so I'll fit that in my day as well. Writing? Hmm I suppose I should cram that in as well.
Even though I'm not running these days because of my achilles problem, I need to keep going to the gym. The bummer phase of not running seems to have passed. I did the typical fat foods comfort, wallowing as if i'd never run again.
Now that the self pity seems to be waning, I picked up the knitting needles again, well actually the crochet hook to work on some mittens. I know it's the end of the season, but I am quite determined to finish these mittens with odds and ends wool. That reminds me of how much D. loves the socks I made him. He's actually worn a pair through so I'm going to go through the stash and make stripey socks for him. He wears them around the house so I can have some fun with stripes, patterns etc. And I do love making socks.
I'll be busier in the next week or so with my mom visiting us here in whoville. She's here until Sunday. Sis is going to Montreal again for the weekend so that's too bad that she'll miss most of mom's visit. I've got more catering work coming my way which is always great to chip away at the debt. A friend is having surgery next week so she'll need round the clock care for the first few days. We seem to have worked out a schedule so that she gets the care she needs. She has a kitty as well so he'll need tending to. Since my sis will be also caring for our friend I'll be back on cat duty upstairs, but it'll be easier with sis still in town. Training is also important to keep up so I'll fit that in my day as well. Writing? Hmm I suppose I should cram that in as well.
Even though I'm not running these days because of my achilles problem, I need to keep going to the gym. The bummer phase of not running seems to have passed. I did the typical fat foods comfort, wallowing as if i'd never run again.
Now that the self pity seems to be waning, I picked up the knitting needles again, well actually the crochet hook to work on some mittens. I know it's the end of the season, but I am quite determined to finish these mittens with odds and ends wool. That reminds me of how much D. loves the socks I made him. He's actually worn a pair through so I'm going to go through the stash and make stripey socks for him. He wears them around the house so I can have some fun with stripes, patterns etc. And I do love making socks.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Sunday Brunch and then Dufferin Grove who-Park
Started the day with vegan version of what I'm calling "Bournemouth Breakfast" because when I was in Bournemouth this time last year, all I could eat for breakfast at the hotel was the beans and tomato. Here I've added the Tofurkey brand sausages, D's flaxseed sourdough and fresh avocado (not shown).
Svetlana stretched out in the sun next to my desk. Her favorite place is the sunny spot. Prima must have been unaware that Sve was here because she usually doesn't allow such a thing to occur.
It was gorgeous out so we headed to Dufferin Grove to skate. It was our first time out this year. I'm not as wobbly this year (I think). The music reminded me of my roller skating rink days in the 70s/80s. The puppets I think were part of a celebration, along with the d.js. Usually there's just some quiet piped in classical music (the skater's waltz and that kind of thing). Lots of wee kids. When D. and I arrived, I turned to him and said: "did we forget something?"
D: "What?"
Me: "Should we have kids with us?"
D: "I don't think Svetlana would like it here."
It's all families on Sundays. No, i wasn't suggesting to D. we get going on having kids. We have our kitties and that's good for us.
Once I got going i felt okay and was able to do a couple of rounds on my own. The wee ones you really have to watch out for when you're a wobbly skater like me because they just go and go and go and will take out anything in their path.
Anywho...it was very festive and fun.
The blue and yellow hat I knit for D. because he wanted a hat with earflaps and in the St. Louis Blue colours to go with his Blues jacket. Later I lined the hat with fleece to make it extra warm.
Svetlana stretched out in the sun next to my desk. Her favorite place is the sunny spot. Prima must have been unaware that Sve was here because she usually doesn't allow such a thing to occur.
It was gorgeous out so we headed to Dufferin Grove to skate. It was our first time out this year. I'm not as wobbly this year (I think). The music reminded me of my roller skating rink days in the 70s/80s. The puppets I think were part of a celebration, along with the d.js. Usually there's just some quiet piped in classical music (the skater's waltz and that kind of thing). Lots of wee kids. When D. and I arrived, I turned to him and said: "did we forget something?"
D: "What?"
Me: "Should we have kids with us?"
D: "I don't think Svetlana would like it here."
It's all families on Sundays. No, i wasn't suggesting to D. we get going on having kids. We have our kitties and that's good for us.
Once I got going i felt okay and was able to do a couple of rounds on my own. The wee ones you really have to watch out for when you're a wobbly skater like me because they just go and go and go and will take out anything in their path.
Anywho...it was very festive and fun.
The blue and yellow hat I knit for D. because he wanted a hat with earflaps and in the St. Louis Blue colours to go with his Blues jacket. Later I lined the hat with fleece to make it extra warm.
So, it can't be that bad right? Right? Wait, I'm going to think about this too much and then mellow out for a while...
Maybe I'll start a new exciting project and then save the world and party, but at the party I'll keep in the background and be "quiet and reserved." Maybe I'll take another test to be sure...
| You Are 25% Addicted to Blogthings |
 Okay, so you know how to take and post a Blogthing. But you're no addict. (Hey, this quiz *proves* it!) For you, Blogthings is more of a healthy habit. At least, that's what you tell yourself! |
I can't stop! Obsessive personality?
| Your Five Factor Personality Profile |
 Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything. |
Saturday, February 25, 2006
And then I saw the Superheroine test...
I'm a definite sucker for these things and I love the "superheroine" character and I loved the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer (no calls were answered on Tuesday nights).
I'll stop overindulging in these things, but it is a nice change from Olympic fever.
I have to go to work!
| You Are Buffy the Vampire Slayer |
 "We saved the world. I say we have to party." |
I'll stop overindulging in these things, but it is a nice change from Olympic fever.
I have to go to work!
My temperament? Really? Let me overthink this....
Thanks from The End of It All who retrieved it from Wandering Coyote.
Wow for 4 or 5 questions this seems like a pretty apt description.
| You Have a Melancholic Temperament |
 Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything. You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life. You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you. Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace. You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life. Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times. At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you. You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others. You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult. |
Wow for 4 or 5 questions this seems like a pretty apt description.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Olympic overload
I've reached Olympic overload. I can no longer bear to watch Olympic coverage on any channel. It's all become one big blurr of events. Don't misundertand, it's a wonderful competition and all the athletes are amazing. Hurray for all of them! However, I've overloaded myself with the spectacle of winning and I no longer want to see people compete at a frenetic pace or passion to win in that brief window of opportunity that is present for just a fraction of a second for them to reach their dream. It's overwhelming. Furthermore, since it's been the only thing I've been watching this last week (I miss movie nights!) and I've been watching the same formula on every channel, it seems like one long day. I even feel a bit jet lagged watching evening events in the day and vice versa. You can see how confused I am.
On top of it all I've watched myself and those around me get caught up in the dramas that the media enhances to try and make the athlete's drive more dramatic, to make that plummet down the mountain seem like the athlete's last chance at happiness. It's taken over our lives. Now I feel nauseous.
So I'm happy to be going to work if only to break up with the Olympic coverage for a day (okay I admit i had the Russia/Finland hockey game on in the background. See? It's just background noise now).
I'm out the door and moving on.
On top of it all I've watched myself and those around me get caught up in the dramas that the media enhances to try and make the athlete's drive more dramatic, to make that plummet down the mountain seem like the athlete's last chance at happiness. It's taken over our lives. Now I feel nauseous.
So I'm happy to be going to work if only to break up with the Olympic coverage for a day (okay I admit i had the Russia/Finland hockey game on in the background. See? It's just background noise now).
I'm out the door and moving on.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Ruggles of Red Gap
Sitting in my living room I heard a strange noise. There's a door between our apartment and my sister's apartment so I checked the door and guess who?
Ruggles of Red Gap was squeaking at my door. It's not really a meow it's more a rubbery squeak. Our apartment is his new thing. He loves to visit and just hang out. Sve and Prima don't really mind. They're really good with him. He sits at my feet under my desk or just stretches across the floor. Hope this hasn't gone too far already.
Ruggles of Red Gap was squeaking at my door. It's not really a meow it's more a rubbery squeak. Our apartment is his new thing. He loves to visit and just hang out. Sve and Prima don't really mind. They're really good with him. He sits at my feet under my desk or just stretches across the floor. Hope this hasn't gone too far already.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Interior activites. The Marvel Quilt.
A beautiful day today, it's very spring-like. A perfect day to run outside! I walked to drop off an application at one of whoville's optical retailers and envied the runners I saw go by. The sun came out and there was just a bit of a cool breeze. It was definitely above zero because I didn't need a hat and on my way home even went without gloves. The park must have been lovely to run in. I just can't risk it. Any pain and I need to stop.
So it's on to interior activities, knitting, quilting/sewing, and baking. A few weeks ago, D. rescued this beautiful little sewing machine from the side of the road that had been ditched by someone. It was just sitting there outside of his workplace. He brought it in and plugged it in and it worked! D. doesn't know much about sewing machines so he thought it best to bring it home for me to check out. I don't know much about sewing machines, but everything looked okay. I did a few test stitches and saw smoke. D. took the wheel and the motor started to spark so we decided to see how much it would cost to refurbish it.
Here it is! That's our dear 17 year old Svetlana in behind it on the table. One of D's sweaters I made him is on the table waiting for a seam repair (hey, I can knit but I'm still learning the finer points of finishing). It has zig zag, buttonholes, and reverse which is a big step forward from the old singer that sis and I have been using. I'm pretty excited.
This machine gave me a chance to finish my quilt. Of course I've been using the quilt on the bed anyway, but the borders were not quite right so I re-did them on the Marvel sewing machine and now I can sleep more peacefully.
And here's the quilt. It's made from donated fabric that a kind friend gave to me. I went through the scraps, collecting until I decided to make a quilt. It took me a year to complete (just because I'd put it aside and come back to it again and again). My only expense was the cotton filling and the thread! Not bad.
I'd like to hang it outside and take a photo for better lighting, but it's a little chilly and I've really nothing to hang it on. I'll wait until the summer before I put it away during the inevitable heatwave.
So it's on to interior activities, knitting, quilting/sewing, and baking. A few weeks ago, D. rescued this beautiful little sewing machine from the side of the road that had been ditched by someone. It was just sitting there outside of his workplace. He brought it in and plugged it in and it worked! D. doesn't know much about sewing machines so he thought it best to bring it home for me to check out. I don't know much about sewing machines, but everything looked okay. I did a few test stitches and saw smoke. D. took the wheel and the motor started to spark so we decided to see how much it would cost to refurbish it.
Here it is! That's our dear 17 year old Svetlana in behind it on the table. One of D's sweaters I made him is on the table waiting for a seam repair (hey, I can knit but I'm still learning the finer points of finishing). It has zig zag, buttonholes, and reverse which is a big step forward from the old singer that sis and I have been using. I'm pretty excited.
This machine gave me a chance to finish my quilt. Of course I've been using the quilt on the bed anyway, but the borders were not quite right so I re-did them on the Marvel sewing machine and now I can sleep more peacefully.
And here's the quilt. It's made from donated fabric that a kind friend gave to me. I went through the scraps, collecting until I decided to make a quilt. It took me a year to complete (just because I'd put it aside and come back to it again and again). My only expense was the cotton filling and the thread! Not bad.
I'd like to hang it outside and take a photo for better lighting, but it's a little chilly and I've really nothing to hang it on. I'll wait until the summer before I put it away during the inevitable heatwave.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Vegan Lunch Box
Julia reminded me of the vegan lunch box site from Schmoo blog. I've added it to my "notable blogs" list for all to click, view and drool. Thanks Julia.
Coretta Scott King Vegan and Animal Voices radio
I was just listening to Animal Voices on the radio and heard that Coretta Scott King was vegan! One more reason to admire this woman and the legacy of her family with compassion towards all living creatures.
I'm sure I've mentioned this radio show before since I do appreciate the existence of it. Oh yes, I mentioned it when I was excited about winning the Vegan Essentials gift certificate. I still haven't used the g.c. yet. It's too hard to decide on what to get so I'm waiting for the right moment. I have a year to use it so why rush?
Today on Animal Voices they also discussed the use of horse meat (exported mostly, but also available in Quebec and Vancouver, and hidden in pet foods) as a nasty industry that needs to be regulated. Horse in slaughterhouses is just a really nasty affair and apparently the video footage will confirm yet another horrible suffering of an animal in a slaughterhouse. You can click on the link above if you want the details. Animal Voices puts up transcripts for each show. PETA is also currently taking action on this issue. So you could follow up there too.
On a more positive note our dear sweet Chengo is on his way home from the vet. His food was changed recently to Wysong and he got crystals as a result, but fortunately with some minor invasive treatment he has passed them all at the vet and can return home with lots of meds and some new prescribed food. I was so worried about the little guy. It's always frightening when they want to keep your cat overnight. Apparently other male cats have proven to show problems with Wysong and Wellness and it is even showing up in some dogs. Chengi is on his way home with his mum as I write.
I'm sure I've mentioned this radio show before since I do appreciate the existence of it. Oh yes, I mentioned it when I was excited about winning the Vegan Essentials gift certificate. I still haven't used the g.c. yet. It's too hard to decide on what to get so I'm waiting for the right moment. I have a year to use it so why rush?
Today on Animal Voices they also discussed the use of horse meat (exported mostly, but also available in Quebec and Vancouver, and hidden in pet foods) as a nasty industry that needs to be regulated. Horse in slaughterhouses is just a really nasty affair and apparently the video footage will confirm yet another horrible suffering of an animal in a slaughterhouse. You can click on the link above if you want the details. Animal Voices puts up transcripts for each show. PETA is also currently taking action on this issue. So you could follow up there too.
On a more positive note our dear sweet Chengo is on his way home from the vet. His food was changed recently to Wysong and he got crystals as a result, but fortunately with some minor invasive treatment he has passed them all at the vet and can return home with lots of meds and some new prescribed food. I was so worried about the little guy. It's always frightening when they want to keep your cat overnight. Apparently other male cats have proven to show problems with Wysong and Wellness and it is even showing up in some dogs. Chengi is on his way home with his mum as I write.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Sidelined
All the websites and reference books seem to be telling me the same thing, I have Achilles Tendonitis. No, this isn't a doctor's diagnosis. Perhaps that's my next step and then I can be directed to physio. This is not good. Not only does this not feel good, but it changes my training schedule. To sum it up, if it hurts I can't do it.
How did this happen? Too much pace and/or incline too quickly. It could also be further aggravated by my expired shoes. If the cushioning has gone then the achilles tends to stretch more than it probably should (age is a factor too). The dreaded treadmill has much to do with it. No one runs at a consistent pace as the treadmill encourages. They can automate incline changes, but perhaps pace should randomly change as well. Since I've noticed the pain, when I run inside I have started to adjust my pace every five minutes, checking in with how I feel on the treadmill. Now I need to think about a heel wedge for my shoe, icing after a workout and stretching, not going in my sock feet indoors and worst of all considering if yoga is perhaps overstretching the achilles. No yoga?! Maybe I should switch to the much slowed restorative classes at the end of the day as opposed to the vinyasa flow of the regular ashtanga class.
Now I must adjust my training schedule. I was hoping to do the Missisauga half marathon in May, but that may not be in my sights for now. So I need to re-think my training yet again for 2006. I settled on the Missisauga run when I realized that I couldn't afford to get to the Tofino run and now...more frustration. Maybe I can do some 5 or 10 k runs for fun?
How did this happen? Too much pace and/or incline too quickly. It could also be further aggravated by my expired shoes. If the cushioning has gone then the achilles tends to stretch more than it probably should (age is a factor too). The dreaded treadmill has much to do with it. No one runs at a consistent pace as the treadmill encourages. They can automate incline changes, but perhaps pace should randomly change as well. Since I've noticed the pain, when I run inside I have started to adjust my pace every five minutes, checking in with how I feel on the treadmill. Now I need to think about a heel wedge for my shoe, icing after a workout and stretching, not going in my sock feet indoors and worst of all considering if yoga is perhaps overstretching the achilles. No yoga?! Maybe I should switch to the much slowed restorative classes at the end of the day as opposed to the vinyasa flow of the regular ashtanga class.
Now I must adjust my training schedule. I was hoping to do the Missisauga half marathon in May, but that may not be in my sights for now. So I need to re-think my training yet again for 2006. I settled on the Missisauga run when I realized that I couldn't afford to get to the Tofino run and now...more frustration. Maybe I can do some 5 or 10 k runs for fun?
Thursday, February 16, 2006
slow food
Last night cbc inserted a "cultural moment" into the Olympic coverage. This is where they explore the culture around the place where the event is set. Last night was a segment on slow food. D. was aware of it and so I watched it. Of course I then realized that this is what the symbol at Fressen (my favorite vegan restaurant) is about and what they mean by slow food. Ding! The light went on in my head when I made the connection. Becoming vegan, consuming mostly organics, and my desire to eat foods that are seasonal and local is all coming together. A little slow myself sometimes.
venture over to Vegan Freaks
It's worth checking out Vegan Freaks. There is a posting about how shelter dogs end up in labs as testing animals. It's horrific yes but a post worth reading and one of the comments does recognize a similar story done by the cbc a couple of years ago.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
B horror movie where the B stands for "bad"
When A Stranger Calls
I don't even know why I am wasting my time writing about this. I suppose it is to warn anyone from seeing it. Rent the original if you want to be bored, don't bother seeing this remake.
In general I don't see remakes, but the opportunity to see a film with a friend who is also a horror fan led us to this film. True, I don't regret going because I did really like the North by Northwest style house in the film. However, a house can't carry a film I learned. Even the House on Haunted Hill needed characters for it to be spooky.
When A Stranger Calls is pretty thin in terms of story. As a horror film it's a feature length cliche of teen girl (Jill Johnson) with boyfriend troubles who is stalked by an unknown killer. Her best blonde friend is killed (who by the way was played by an actress who was at least 30 as my film going friend pointed out). There's the usual suspenseful creaky sounds that Jill Johnson pursues only to be suprised by nothing there. Even these supposed suspenseful scenes are anything but. This film even has a black cat for good measure. The only great moment for me was when the glass to the indoor aviary was broken open and there's a close up of the black cat eating one of the canaries. Unfortunately, this is a flash on the screen and has nothing to do with the rest of the film. It foreshadows nothing. No one gets killed (except the blonde bimbo and the live-in maid, but she has no lines) and we are bombarded with annoying phone sequences -- that at times lack logic -- and even more confusing moments with the house's security system (is it on or isn't it?). The feeble attempt at some sort of storyline with Jill and her boyfriend is left hanging and so what. No one cares if they get together or not. He's never thought to be a suspect so who cares. The bad nothing-but-expository dialogue we've endured gives us nothing to care about or even hope for.
As for the killer in the traditional serial killer issued outfit (akin to prison garb with black boots), there's no explanation of who he is or why. When we are given a long moment on his face at the end it means nothing. Is this supposed to be burned on the mind of Jill Johnson? Why she wakes up screaming in the end, I don't know. This isn't Carrie. She didn't wrong someone and watch her whole school burn to the ground in a bloody massacre. The killer doesn't make it scarier, but at least gives her something to run from. I think at least in the original there was some attempt to make us feel sorry for the killer's warped world.
When a Stranger Calls? Try not to be aware that there's a camera and crew there.
When a Stranger Calls? Wandering aimlessly through the rooms of a posh house will not help.
When a Stranger Calls? Hang up.
Lying Tart!
I forgot to mention this with regards to my early Sunday morning commute to see red Fred. The local paper, the Sun, has a box on our corner and it's the trashier of the local papers. So there's usually a deadly picture or a shocking headline to make you fear life itself. However, Sunday morning was a picture of Jennifer Heil smiling. In big bold black letters it read:
LYING
TART!
I stopped in my tracks and did a double-take. It took me a moment to realize that the newspaper box frame had cut off the first letter of each word. The "F" and the "S" had been cut off.
LYING
TART!
I stopped in my tracks and did a double-take. It took me a moment to realize that the newspaper box frame had cut off the first letter of each word. The "F" and the "S" had been cut off.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Monday
Starting a new day.
Cat sitting is over. My sister has returned so I don't have to care for her brood anymore. She's also helping me out by looking after red Fred today (even though I do kind of miss going to see him). So my cat sitting is over. I'm a bit relieved really. Last night I felt quite tired from it all even with D. helping me out feeding my sister's cats in the morning while I went off to see red Fred. My own cats were becoming quite needy. D. leaves so early in the morning for his long commute to work so the cats just rely on me for attention in the day. One morning I was trying to get ready in the bathroom and Prima and Svetlana were like a circus act, weaving around my legs, jumping from the bathtub to the sink to the bathtub to the sink etc etc and then both were on the sink while I'm trying to put contacts in my eyes. I finally had to say enough and I picked them both up and put them out in the hallway. It was getting to be cat crazy. You've seen the cast of characters so you know Rupert, Penny, Chengo and Ruggles were just as needy (especially Rupert and Chengo). You can't just dump food in a bowl and leave. Each cat needs attention, each one needs to be acknowledged.
Oh yes, I was starting a new day. Just me and my cats and back to writing and job hunting since I did one catering shift last week on Wednesday.
I was called on the day of the event, which was just a sit down dinner for 10 people in a house not too long a commute from home so it was all good. Lovely old house that looks partially renovated while trying to maintain the old bones of the house. This was refreshing to see since so many of these wealthy homes are gutted and rebuilt from the bottom up so that all is left is the exterior facade and maybe some old windows. Generally though the houses are gutted and rebuilt to look Restoration Hardware. In sum, they are quite bland. Thus, this house was refreshing. The couple were lovely. Two very sweet dogs lived there. The woman greeted us after walking the dog. She wore a full length down coat and a big ol' fur hat. I try not to react too startled when people greet me with fur on since it happens so much in the work I do. She's very nice and relaxed with us and doesn't mind that her cutlery doesn't match or the plates and wine glasses are odd shaped. She overlaps two different table cloths in order to cover the length of the dining table. So this all bodes well for me because she's fairly casual about it. Don't misunderstand though even though nothing matches, her mismatched things are beautiful. The cutlery is still silver, some of the stemware is still Riedel and the mismatched tablecloths are Provence prints,and the placemats she bought at the Met in New York. The crowd for dinner are predominantly artists so methinks this is part of her mismatched design plan.
I digress.
Back to the fur hat...
At the end of the evening I feel like I've had enough. It's been enough work since there was just two of us on the job and Sharon was in the kitchen the whole night cooking while I served hors d'oevres, did a little bartending, served dinner, cleared, helped with dishes etc etc. It was a busy night. It all went smoothly. So at the end of the night the hostess tells us she has no cash for a tip, but will write us checques. Sharon and I gather our things and I casually toss my tibuktu bag on the couch. This bag has a PETA logo stitched into it that I bought from PETA many years ago. Usually, I'm discreet about the logo in these homes for the same reason I served lamb stew that night without complaint -- it's my job and I'm not there to offend the client. The hostess hand me the checque and says, "Oh, PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Are you vegan?"
Me: "Yes."
Her: "My sister is vegan! I know all about it. Do you know Farm Sanctuary?"
Me: "The one in New York?"
She nods and hurries into the kitchen.
Me: "Of course I know it. I'd love to go someday."
Her (from the other room): "My daughter goes every summer with her cousin and the two of them help out around the farm."
She returns to me holding out a photo.
Her: "This is my daughter with the pigs. These two pigs were rescued from the slaughterhouse."
Me: "They're beautiful."
In the photo are two young girls (around 10 or 12) hugging these beautifully full grown large pigs lyiing in big bed of straw. It makes my heart melt, it's such a moving photo because I hope it changes these girls lives. I understand that they have the privilege of wealth so that their kids can go to places like this instead of summer camp and their lives will be changed forever. They will learn about the things we aren't told about animals when we grow up.
On Saturday I'm at red Fred's and we've done some bonding. He's eating. I turn on the t.v. to see what's what and am immediately caught up in a TVO children's program that is in the midst of a visit to a sheep farm in England somewhere. Lambs are being born on a regular basis it would seem. This is the spectacle of the animal world that children are riveted to so I see the attraction. We get to watch the spectacle of a "lambing" (a birth -- see i've learned something already). there is no explanation of why there are so many sheep in such a small space nor why the lambs are being born so regularly and are hopping around the space with blue numbers painted on them. What the children's show doesn't permit is a view into the lamb's future which is slaughter. How do you explain that to your youngster? The solution. Don't tell them about it and make this sheep barn seem as natural as the Old MacDonald song. From a very early age we learn that farms are natural, eating meat is natural but there is no connect shown between the two. A step is omitted.
Next.
Another channel has this crazy show called Maralee Dawn and friends (the friends are two puppets. Maralee is a ventriloquist). The theme music is "merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily life is but a dream" that you'll remember from the Row Row Row your Boat fun times in nursery school. Maralee's show is a Christian emphasized program where, for example, she has a talk with an Elvis impersonator who tells us there is "only one king" and corrects one of Maralee's friends when they say Elvis is the only king. The impersonator says that no, "it's Jesus Christ. We should want to be like Jesus. The king of kings." Again I digress.
In a section of Maralee's show titled "Adventures in Scripture" we visit a zoological garden where we are invited to watch penguins swim merrily around a pool. These penguins, we are told, are rescued from an oil spill. The narrator continues to tell us the generic facts about penguin life. No explanation is offered about the oil spill being a problem nor is there any explanation about penguins not really living in a pool in a "zoological garden." We learn to identify the bird but not the bird in its "natural" environment. There is no explanation offered of their real world location. Therefore, this scene is normalized. A zoo is shown to be a normal habitat of sorts. Animals are experienced through zoos.
Understand that I never see children's programming (except for maybe Yoho Ahoy when I manage to catch it) so this is a revelation for me. I know we can do better. Adult programs are no improvement. We have "nature shows" that need to contain a voice of God narration to give us a traditional dramatic narrative with Aristotlean like build up in order to keep us from changing channels. Darwinism is endorsed as is the heterosexuality of animals (when it is proven that the animal world is completely bisexual). Furthermore, the presence and necessity of presence of humans is also shown as normal.
I know there is no simply solution to our co-existence with animals. We can't ignore our imprint on their lives and how we've altered their existences with no regard for their needs. Yes there are amazing organizations and people doing incredible things to improve our relationships with animals worldwide. I applaud them, donate to them and encourage others to know about their work. My concern is what I've mentioned above, the misinformation we give our children about our relationship to animals. These shows don't have to be done away with (although I wonder about the Elvis impersonator???). At some point in a child's development do we not have to come clean? Fur is an animal's skin torn away. Milk is meant for baby cows and not the only source of calcium. Meat is factory farmed. Wild life doesn't really exist. Do we not have to tell them the truth at some point?
Okay, I really digressed there. This was supposed to be about Monday. Monday being a new day...
Cat sitting is over. My sister has returned so I don't have to care for her brood anymore. She's also helping me out by looking after red Fred today (even though I do kind of miss going to see him). So my cat sitting is over. I'm a bit relieved really. Last night I felt quite tired from it all even with D. helping me out feeding my sister's cats in the morning while I went off to see red Fred. My own cats were becoming quite needy. D. leaves so early in the morning for his long commute to work so the cats just rely on me for attention in the day. One morning I was trying to get ready in the bathroom and Prima and Svetlana were like a circus act, weaving around my legs, jumping from the bathtub to the sink to the bathtub to the sink etc etc and then both were on the sink while I'm trying to put contacts in my eyes. I finally had to say enough and I picked them both up and put them out in the hallway. It was getting to be cat crazy. You've seen the cast of characters so you know Rupert, Penny, Chengo and Ruggles were just as needy (especially Rupert and Chengo). You can't just dump food in a bowl and leave. Each cat needs attention, each one needs to be acknowledged.
Oh yes, I was starting a new day. Just me and my cats and back to writing and job hunting since I did one catering shift last week on Wednesday.
I was called on the day of the event, which was just a sit down dinner for 10 people in a house not too long a commute from home so it was all good. Lovely old house that looks partially renovated while trying to maintain the old bones of the house. This was refreshing to see since so many of these wealthy homes are gutted and rebuilt from the bottom up so that all is left is the exterior facade and maybe some old windows. Generally though the houses are gutted and rebuilt to look Restoration Hardware. In sum, they are quite bland. Thus, this house was refreshing. The couple were lovely. Two very sweet dogs lived there. The woman greeted us after walking the dog. She wore a full length down coat and a big ol' fur hat. I try not to react too startled when people greet me with fur on since it happens so much in the work I do. She's very nice and relaxed with us and doesn't mind that her cutlery doesn't match or the plates and wine glasses are odd shaped. She overlaps two different table cloths in order to cover the length of the dining table. So this all bodes well for me because she's fairly casual about it. Don't misunderstand though even though nothing matches, her mismatched things are beautiful. The cutlery is still silver, some of the stemware is still Riedel and the mismatched tablecloths are Provence prints,and the placemats she bought at the Met in New York. The crowd for dinner are predominantly artists so methinks this is part of her mismatched design plan.
I digress.
Back to the fur hat...
At the end of the evening I feel like I've had enough. It's been enough work since there was just two of us on the job and Sharon was in the kitchen the whole night cooking while I served hors d'oevres, did a little bartending, served dinner, cleared, helped with dishes etc etc. It was a busy night. It all went smoothly. So at the end of the night the hostess tells us she has no cash for a tip, but will write us checques. Sharon and I gather our things and I casually toss my tibuktu bag on the couch. This bag has a PETA logo stitched into it that I bought from PETA many years ago. Usually, I'm discreet about the logo in these homes for the same reason I served lamb stew that night without complaint -- it's my job and I'm not there to offend the client. The hostess hand me the checque and says, "Oh, PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Are you vegan?"
Me: "Yes."
Her: "My sister is vegan! I know all about it. Do you know Farm Sanctuary?"
Me: "The one in New York?"
She nods and hurries into the kitchen.
Me: "Of course I know it. I'd love to go someday."
Her (from the other room): "My daughter goes every summer with her cousin and the two of them help out around the farm."
She returns to me holding out a photo.
Her: "This is my daughter with the pigs. These two pigs were rescued from the slaughterhouse."
Me: "They're beautiful."
In the photo are two young girls (around 10 or 12) hugging these beautifully full grown large pigs lyiing in big bed of straw. It makes my heart melt, it's such a moving photo because I hope it changes these girls lives. I understand that they have the privilege of wealth so that their kids can go to places like this instead of summer camp and their lives will be changed forever. They will learn about the things we aren't told about animals when we grow up.
On Saturday I'm at red Fred's and we've done some bonding. He's eating. I turn on the t.v. to see what's what and am immediately caught up in a TVO children's program that is in the midst of a visit to a sheep farm in England somewhere. Lambs are being born on a regular basis it would seem. This is the spectacle of the animal world that children are riveted to so I see the attraction. We get to watch the spectacle of a "lambing" (a birth -- see i've learned something already). there is no explanation of why there are so many sheep in such a small space nor why the lambs are being born so regularly and are hopping around the space with blue numbers painted on them. What the children's show doesn't permit is a view into the lamb's future which is slaughter. How do you explain that to your youngster? The solution. Don't tell them about it and make this sheep barn seem as natural as the Old MacDonald song. From a very early age we learn that farms are natural, eating meat is natural but there is no connect shown between the two. A step is omitted.
Next.
Another channel has this crazy show called Maralee Dawn and friends (the friends are two puppets. Maralee is a ventriloquist). The theme music is "merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily life is but a dream" that you'll remember from the Row Row Row your Boat fun times in nursery school. Maralee's show is a Christian emphasized program where, for example, she has a talk with an Elvis impersonator who tells us there is "only one king" and corrects one of Maralee's friends when they say Elvis is the only king. The impersonator says that no, "it's Jesus Christ. We should want to be like Jesus. The king of kings." Again I digress.
In a section of Maralee's show titled "Adventures in Scripture" we visit a zoological garden where we are invited to watch penguins swim merrily around a pool. These penguins, we are told, are rescued from an oil spill. The narrator continues to tell us the generic facts about penguin life. No explanation is offered about the oil spill being a problem nor is there any explanation about penguins not really living in a pool in a "zoological garden." We learn to identify the bird but not the bird in its "natural" environment. There is no explanation offered of their real world location. Therefore, this scene is normalized. A zoo is shown to be a normal habitat of sorts. Animals are experienced through zoos.
Understand that I never see children's programming (except for maybe Yoho Ahoy when I manage to catch it) so this is a revelation for me. I know we can do better. Adult programs are no improvement. We have "nature shows" that need to contain a voice of God narration to give us a traditional dramatic narrative with Aristotlean like build up in order to keep us from changing channels. Darwinism is endorsed as is the heterosexuality of animals (when it is proven that the animal world is completely bisexual). Furthermore, the presence and necessity of presence of humans is also shown as normal.
I know there is no simply solution to our co-existence with animals. We can't ignore our imprint on their lives and how we've altered their existences with no regard for their needs. Yes there are amazing organizations and people doing incredible things to improve our relationships with animals worldwide. I applaud them, donate to them and encourage others to know about their work. My concern is what I've mentioned above, the misinformation we give our children about our relationship to animals. These shows don't have to be done away with (although I wonder about the Elvis impersonator???). At some point in a child's development do we not have to come clean? Fur is an animal's skin torn away. Milk is meant for baby cows and not the only source of calcium. Meat is factory farmed. Wild life doesn't really exist. Do we not have to tell them the truth at some point?
Okay, I really digressed there. This was supposed to be about Monday. Monday being a new day...
Saturday, February 11, 2006
in memory of
Cats, cats, cats, cats and more cats. I'm cat sitting. There's actually not much sitting involved more feeding, watering and scooping. Very little sitting. red jane (see the End of it All blog link) is shooting a commercial in Chile and I'm now looking after her glorious red Fred. He's beautiful as you can see from the pix on her site. He came right out of hiding for me and I did get to do some sitting because Fred and I aren't too familiar with each other so we spent a good while getting to know each other. He bit me in the head! It was a friendly bite though. He's very playful and likes to rub against his sisal post. After getting acquainted he spent some time marking my bag, rolling on it and rubbing his little face on it. Oh red Fred!
The "in memory of" is for Mama Sita who left the cat world last February 9th. We miss her here in whoville. She was much loved and gave much love in return.
She was 13 or so when my sister and mother rescued her in the early 90s (can't remember the exact year). She had kittens with her and the whole lot was fortunately rescued from the Montreal winter. Sis took her in and Mama had a good life. She was able to live in places in the city where she could go outside and catch mice, chew on grass and all that good cat stuff. She was incredibly intelligent and was very good at communicating what she needed or what was bothering. Her eyes were very expressive and bright. I don't have picture to post unfortunately, but hopefully in the future I can scan one so all can see how lovely she truly was. We miss you Mama and are grateful to have known you and spent time with you during your life.
The "in memory of" is for Mama Sita who left the cat world last February 9th. We miss her here in whoville. She was much loved and gave much love in return.
She was 13 or so when my sister and mother rescued her in the early 90s (can't remember the exact year). She had kittens with her and the whole lot was fortunately rescued from the Montreal winter. Sis took her in and Mama had a good life. She was able to live in places in the city where she could go outside and catch mice, chew on grass and all that good cat stuff. She was incredibly intelligent and was very good at communicating what she needed or what was bothering. Her eyes were very expressive and bright. I don't have picture to post unfortunately, but hopefully in the future I can scan one so all can see how lovely she truly was. We miss you Mama and are grateful to have known you and spent time with you during your life.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
what is the sound of one needle knitting?
A very thoughtful friend bought a knitting book for sis and I. It's called "Mindful Knitting" by Tara Jon Manning. It's about knitting as meditation. The author's passion for knitting led her into a graduate program in textile design and she talks about how her studies led her to "explore the relationship between the work of the hands and the qualities of the mind." If you've been reading whoville for a while now you'll know that this book is right up my alley.
The book offers a progression in knitting from a very simple pattern to ending with more complex stitches to meditate upon. The intention of the book is to develop your mindful focus as your knitting skills progress.
I've only just started reading, but am completely won over by her approach. I am even looking forward to knitting the first pattern which is a garter stitch scarf. This is something that might be last on my list these days since I've knit so many scarves for so many people in so many colours, patterns and lengths. However, the reason I am excited about knitting a garter stitch scarf again is because Manning's offers new directions to take your focus when you get to that bored point and to take time to "stay in the present moment as each stitch is formed."
In other knit news...
Still working the Grace pattern from knitty.com. Phew! I took it apart and decided to try it again using circular needles as far as I can on the body before the shaping takes me back to two needles. I prefer the circular needles so far and am just excited to try something new.
If anyone has combined knitted pieces and fabric garment pieces together do tell. I would like to explore things like knit sleeves on regular t-shirts or vice versa or half and half knit and fabric things like...whatever. I suppose the only thing to do is go for it.
The book offers a progression in knitting from a very simple pattern to ending with more complex stitches to meditate upon. The intention of the book is to develop your mindful focus as your knitting skills progress.
I've only just started reading, but am completely won over by her approach. I am even looking forward to knitting the first pattern which is a garter stitch scarf. This is something that might be last on my list these days since I've knit so many scarves for so many people in so many colours, patterns and lengths. However, the reason I am excited about knitting a garter stitch scarf again is because Manning's offers new directions to take your focus when you get to that bored point and to take time to "stay in the present moment as each stitch is formed."
In other knit news...
Still working the Grace pattern from knitty.com. Phew! I took it apart and decided to try it again using circular needles as far as I can on the body before the shaping takes me back to two needles. I prefer the circular needles so far and am just excited to try something new.
If anyone has combined knitted pieces and fabric garment pieces together do tell. I would like to explore things like knit sleeves on regular t-shirts or vice versa or half and half knit and fabric things like...whatever. I suppose the only thing to do is go for it.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Today I vegan...
Today I vegan my day with a shot of espresso in my favorite
Juventus cup, which I won in a Christmas party prize draw (what luck that the cups had my team on it!). It's the small things that give me pleasure. I vegan my day with spicy scrambled tofu (yellowed using Tumeric), home-fried potatoes just like mom use to make, fresh gorgeous ripe avocado, D's sourdough, pomegranate smoothie, and a soy vanilla macchiato (courtesy or our shiny custom made Saeco machine). I love brunch!
Today I also vegan my day with my favorite t-shirt from Vegan Essentials that reads "Vegetarianism wish you were here!" and there's a sillhouette of a couple of palm trees and a pig on that sanctuary paradise.
Today I vegan a search in the tva.ca directory and found two new vegan delightful blogs that I've added to my "notable blogs" in the sidebar. They are: Post Punk Kitchen and Bunnyfoot.
Today I vegan giving into my Tuna-Free Salad Sandwich craving. When I went to fluville in January (see my archives if you're really that concerned), I had a strange Tuna salad sandwich craving that disturbed me. I recalled being sick as a child and my mother giving me a tuna salad sandwich (my favorite comfort food as a child) that made me feel almost instantly better. Anywho...I consulted my trusty Vegan Planet (I highly recommend this cookbook by Robin Robertson. I've made numerous recipes from it and none have failed or let me down in anyway. Do I need footnotes in my blogs? If i can figure out how to footnote properly, I will). Vegan Planet's Tuna-Free Salad Sandwich is unbelievable delicious and tasty like the real flavored thing (It's the taste of the sea) without the cruel suffering or mercury (Note to newly pregnant friend G: mercury free! If you get that craving make this recipe!).
Tuna-Free Salad Sandwich (I've made it so many times I'm writing it from memory)
1 can of chickpeas (or you can soak your own -- you need about 15oz)
1/2 cup of blanched almonds (I've also used raw almonds and it works fine. I've also recently
discovered soaked sunflower seeds in my ventures into Raw
cuisine and I suspect this would work well too, but I haven't actually
tried it)
Pulse these two in a food processor until roughly chopped.
Add:
1 tbls of lemon juice
1 tsp of kelp powder (granules) *this is the key ingrediant to give it that flavor
Blend until well combined.
Transfer to a bowl and stir in:
I/3 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup of Vegenaise (or your own favorite vegan mayo -- you can make your own too with silken tofu)
1 1/2 tsp of Dijon mustard
1 scallion minced (personally, I haven't tried it this way because I'm allergic to scallion)
salt and pepper to taste
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Enjoy!
I can't refrigerate for the 30 minutes because I can't wait and it tastes just as good.
***
Where I've Been Surfing
The Meatrix
If you've seen The Matrix you should see
the Meatrix.
Educational and entertaining.
Generally, I don't endorse car culture but I came across this honda civic add where a choir is used to make the noises of a car on the road and all the sounds that entails. You can check it out
at: http://www.honda.co.uk/civic and watch the video and even watch the making of.
I'm not entirely sure what this says about the human/machine relationship, symbiotic? Maybe J.G. Ballard said it all in Crash
***
In other news...
Thursday
After a 12 hour fast, had some bloodwork done to satisfy my doctor's desire to make sure my B12 is where it should be. Felt pretty weird since I usually snack about every two hours. All I could think about in the doctor's waiting room was the LARABAR in my bag, waiting for me to tear into it. I don't remember eating it that's how hungry I was.
After sufficient lunch (Soba noodles with a nutty sauce stir fry) and digestive time I ran in who-High Park for the first time this year! It was so nice to be back. There were a lot of dogs and their walkers, but I managed okay (I have a big dog phobia). I stuck close to another runner just ahead and tried to look the other way as I passed a Shephard. Progress.
The run felt great. Not sure how far I went. It's just good to run outside again. The weather has been so mild the outdoor run is unavoidable. I'm trying to stretch the life of my running shoes that I'm pretty certain have expired. I inserted some nice gel insoles and that give a little cushioning, but if anyone has any other tips or advice please let me know.
New screenplay idea is developing. I'm very excited about this. Hopefully, it's going somewhere. Help me with this one Universe.
Friday
Downward Dog Day. Few people turned out for my favorite class which meant more hands on correction and adjustments from both the instructor and her teaching assistant. The teaching assistant was great and really attentive. Usually they just adjust, but this one asked questions about where I was feeling the stretch (pain!) and it was much more interactive.
Overall, I didn't have a good class for some reason (water retention?), but I still enjoyed it and did benefit from it.
Time for that Tuna-Free sandwich before the 3rd period of the Blues game starts.
Juventus cup, which I won in a Christmas party prize draw (what luck that the cups had my team on it!). It's the small things that give me pleasure. I vegan my day with spicy scrambled tofu (yellowed using Tumeric), home-fried potatoes just like mom use to make, fresh gorgeous ripe avocado, D's sourdough, pomegranate smoothie, and a soy vanilla macchiato (courtesy or our shiny custom made Saeco machine). I love brunch!
Today I also vegan my day with my favorite t-shirt from Vegan Essentials that reads "Vegetarianism wish you were here!" and there's a sillhouette of a couple of palm trees and a pig on that sanctuary paradise.
Today I vegan a search in the tva.ca directory and found two new vegan delightful blogs that I've added to my "notable blogs" in the sidebar. They are: Post Punk Kitchen and Bunnyfoot.
Today I vegan giving into my Tuna-Free Salad Sandwich craving. When I went to fluville in January (see my archives if you're really that concerned), I had a strange Tuna salad sandwich craving that disturbed me. I recalled being sick as a child and my mother giving me a tuna salad sandwich (my favorite comfort food as a child) that made me feel almost instantly better. Anywho...I consulted my trusty Vegan Planet (I highly recommend this cookbook by Robin Robertson. I've made numerous recipes from it and none have failed or let me down in anyway. Do I need footnotes in my blogs? If i can figure out how to footnote properly, I will). Vegan Planet's Tuna-Free Salad Sandwich is unbelievable delicious and tasty like the real flavored thing (It's the taste of the sea) without the cruel suffering or mercury (Note to newly pregnant friend G: mercury free! If you get that craving make this recipe!).
Tuna-Free Salad Sandwich (I've made it so many times I'm writing it from memory)
1 can of chickpeas (or you can soak your own -- you need about 15oz)
1/2 cup of blanched almonds (I've also used raw almonds and it works fine. I've also recently
discovered soaked sunflower seeds in my ventures into Raw
cuisine and I suspect this would work well too, but I haven't actually
tried it)
Pulse these two in a food processor until roughly chopped.
Add:
1 tbls of lemon juice
1 tsp of kelp powder (granules) *this is the key ingrediant to give it that flavor
Blend until well combined.
Transfer to a bowl and stir in:
I/3 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup of Vegenaise (or your own favorite vegan mayo -- you can make your own too with silken tofu)
1 1/2 tsp of Dijon mustard
1 scallion minced (personally, I haven't tried it this way because I'm allergic to scallion)
salt and pepper to taste
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Enjoy!
I can't refrigerate for the 30 minutes because I can't wait and it tastes just as good.
***
Where I've Been Surfing
The Meatrix
If you've seen The Matrix you should see
the Meatrix.
Educational and entertaining.
Generally, I don't endorse car culture but I came across this honda civic add where a choir is used to make the noises of a car on the road and all the sounds that entails. You can check it out
at: http://www.honda.co.uk/civic and watch the video and even watch the making of.
I'm not entirely sure what this says about the human/machine relationship, symbiotic? Maybe J.G. Ballard said it all in Crash
***
In other news...
Thursday
After a 12 hour fast, had some bloodwork done to satisfy my doctor's desire to make sure my B12 is where it should be. Felt pretty weird since I usually snack about every two hours. All I could think about in the doctor's waiting room was the LARABAR in my bag, waiting for me to tear into it. I don't remember eating it that's how hungry I was.
After sufficient lunch (Soba noodles with a nutty sauce stir fry) and digestive time I ran in who-High Park for the first time this year! It was so nice to be back. There were a lot of dogs and their walkers, but I managed okay (I have a big dog phobia). I stuck close to another runner just ahead and tried to look the other way as I passed a Shephard. Progress.
The run felt great. Not sure how far I went. It's just good to run outside again. The weather has been so mild the outdoor run is unavoidable. I'm trying to stretch the life of my running shoes that I'm pretty certain have expired. I inserted some nice gel insoles and that give a little cushioning, but if anyone has any other tips or advice please let me know.
New screenplay idea is developing. I'm very excited about this. Hopefully, it's going somewhere. Help me with this one Universe.
Friday
Downward Dog Day. Few people turned out for my favorite class which meant more hands on correction and adjustments from both the instructor and her teaching assistant. The teaching assistant was great and really attentive. Usually they just adjust, but this one asked questions about where I was feeling the stretch (pain!) and it was much more interactive.
Overall, I didn't have a good class for some reason (water retention?), but I still enjoyed it and did benefit from it.
Time for that Tuna-Free sandwich before the 3rd period of the Blues game starts.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
teen stories
I've seen enough movies this year about teen angst. Let me clarify, I've seen enough movies this year and probably this lifetime about teenage boy angst. The most recent film that I saw with this subject matter was Thumbsucker. Don't misunderstand, I did enjoy the film. What initially drew me to the film was being a Tilda Swinton fan. Once into the film however, the strength of the story and the characters kept me engaged to the end. I did notice that I was really interested in what happened to Rachel (I think that was the character's name). I suppose that's one of the nice things about Thumbsucker is that not all the blanks are filled in for you. It doesn't really matter what happened to Rachel, and there's enough there to see how she's transformed and to wonder why. What resulted from this is a renewal of my interest in the teenage girl story. Perhaps this is why I was drawn to the horror film in my early years of studying cinema. Actually, I had always enjoyed watching horror movies and being scared. Film studies just gave me an opportunity to look at the horror film in a new way. Even in their, at times, poorly written stories these films are often about teen girls or stories about women. True women are often monstrous and even the female hero is often undermined by her Otherness or by a man stepping in. I could write a thesis about it. Ha, ha.
Anywho...
Teen life can be a traumatic time for most, but I don't think enough girl stories are seen on screen. Yes, they do exist but they are far less common than the boy stories. It reveals who is writing the stories and who is making the stories.
In part of my story writing life, I've never been able to really capture what I want to say about being a teen girl. I suppose I'll take another stab at it and maybe the screenplay is just the format I've been waiting for.
What I want to ask of anyone reading this is if you could offer your own tragic or joyful moments of being a teenage girl. If you don't want to comment with a name then go for the anonymous option or you can email me if you'd rather. It's a bit of research for me.
Hopefully, you'll respond.
Anywho...
Teen life can be a traumatic time for most, but I don't think enough girl stories are seen on screen. Yes, they do exist but they are far less common than the boy stories. It reveals who is writing the stories and who is making the stories.
In part of my story writing life, I've never been able to really capture what I want to say about being a teen girl. I suppose I'll take another stab at it and maybe the screenplay is just the format I've been waiting for.
What I want to ask of anyone reading this is if you could offer your own tragic or joyful moments of being a teenage girl. If you don't want to comment with a name then go for the anonymous option or you can email me if you'd rather. It's a bit of research for me.
Hopefully, you'll respond.
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