Sunday, September 30, 2007

simpler times



Feel Better Devin :)

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

the magic of the psl.

Over the course of the summer, I have acquired several "free drink" coupons for starbucks.

So I went to starbucks this morning with the plan of using one of this very very special certificates.

And I exchanged it for a venti, half-caf, 1%, no-whip pumpkin spice latte.

I adore the pumpkin spice latte.

The psl fills me with joy every autumn. It is so delicious. Everytime I see Kirsten mention a pumpkin spice latte (on fb, her blog etc). I want to exclaim, outloud "pumpkin spice latte!!" I also know and understand and have a deep appreciation for the specialness and joy of the psl. I know that many people don't agree. And that's okay. But for me, the psl is in the top tier of starbucks drink. Perfection in a paper cup - and today it cost me nothing :)

Monday, September 24, 2007

Margaret Atwood

I like Margaret Atwood a lot. I wrote a paper on her in 10th grade and one of my all time favourite books is The Robber Bride.

Today I finished Bodily Harm, Atwood's 5th novel from 1981. At the back of the book, under "about the author" it says "Margaret Atwood needs little introduction..." and that was 25 years ago! It's interesting since when I think of Atwood I don't think of her as being famous until well into my lifetime, which means in my mind she became famous when I first became aware of her (how typically self-centred). In any case, in Bodily Harm I can totally see the Atwood I know and love in the book, but I didn't enjoy it as much as some of her later work. I still have to read "The Penelopiad" and I want to re-read the Handmaids Tale (which I haven't read since 10th grade). So I started to think about what Atwood I've read. I've read some of Survival (her first non-fiction book about CanLit), none of her poetry and the following novels:

The Edible Woman
Bodily Harm
The Handmaid's Tale
Cat's Eye
The Robber Bride
Alias Grace
The Blind Assassin
Oryx and Crake

Which means I have not read:
Lady Oracle
Life Before Man
The Penelopiad
The Tent

Which suggests I have read twice as many as I have not read. Some day I will read them all. But I am in no hurray and they are not going anywhere :)

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Discovered...

Today I discovered this cute little "food court" near my house. It's a stand alone building in neighbourhood near where I live where there is a thai restaurant, sushi restaurant, ethopian restaurant and a cafe. There is some seating inside and outside, though I am guessing that most of their business is take-away. It is very cute, and I don't know where else in victoria to get ethiopian food (it's not like I can't live without ethiopian food but I do like it, and it is always nice to have the option). Plus it means that I can get takeout food for dinner on those "non-cooking" nights. Tonight was a cooking night, and I made gnocci (pre-made) but I wasn't a big fan of it. It tasted weird. So I am thinking next time I buy a different type. I did however buy a nanimo bar this afternoon so I can have a special desert later!

Update: The nanimo bar from the cafe near where I live was not very good. Not very good at all. I was doubly disappointed with my evening meal. However, if that is the worst thing I have going right now I guess I am pretty well off.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

wednesday

Today was a much better day....

I woke up in the morning and the sun was shining. I went to school and got some good work done in the morning. Then I ran into a number of people in my program and went for a drink to celebrate someone finishing their degree. At first I didn't want to go because I was feeling anti-social - but then I thought I should just go - and I had a lovely time - except for all the political theory discussions. Then I ran into someone else I know who (with some friends) just opened a book store! Which I think is pretty cool. I met with my supervisor who is lovely, then I picked up my jacket (which does look really nice) and I bought some moisterizer and milk (not at the same place) came home, relaxed for a bit, made some dinner, and now I am going to watch corrie and do some reading.

Hopefully the next time I blog it will be slightly more inspired and a little less a recitation of my daily activities. However, I just wanted to share with the world me better day :)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

monday/tuesday

Yesterday was Monday.

Yesterday I have an excellent day.

I was productive - I worked on a number of the different "projects" I have on the go. I walked all over the city and my body felt really good. I spent lots of time with my fabulous boyfriend. I felt like I was really in control of my life.

Today is Tuesday.

Today I am having a bad day.

There is no reason really. And it is only noon so the day has some time to salvage itself. On the plus side I bought a tabletop ironing board and a drying rack. On the downside I had to carry them home. I wanted to buy a full sized ironing board - but seeing as it was 10times more expensive I decided to economize and buy the tabletop version. However - I had to go to the tailor - and since I live in a new part of Victoria I had to find a new tailor. So I went to a local tailor that was supposed to open at 10am, however, at 11am there was still no one in the shop, so I went to a tailor that I heard was good, but a little more expensive. Now I needed only the smallest thing done so I figured I could pay an extra $5. Unfortunetly the cost was three times more than what I expected, but since I just talked to the woman for five minutes, and she had given me a discount on their rush cost (because I want it for tomorrow) I didn't have the courage to walk out. Plus I didn't know for sure somewhere else where I could get it for tomorrow. In any case, I now just feel foolish for spending so much and for not being more prepared. I realize this is not a really big deal - but for whatever reason it feels like the end of the world right now.

And normally I would go to starbucks to buy a pumpkin spice latte to make myself feel better - but now I don't want to spend any more money. oh sigh. hopefully I will write more tomorrow and with a recap of a happier day.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Return to Victoria

For the first time in over four months I am composing a blog post from victoria.

It is very nice (if a little strange) to be back.

Everything this year is new. I have a new aptartment, and a new roommate and a new bed. The most exciting part is the bed. I bought a new queen sized bed (and by bed I mean mattress, boxspring, metal frame rather than an actual bed frame). The bed is huge and takes up the bulk of my room, but that is fine, because clearly the bed is the most important part of the room. I have my old Ikea duvet covers, and I had to buy a new queen sized sheet and bed skirt, and they are gorgeous.

I also have a new bookcase ($40 courtesy of walmart) which my fabulous boyfriend helped me put together (helpless girl that I am). I could probably use a dresser, but my lack of floor space and ample closet space leads me to believe that probably won't happen.

It is nice finally be set up so I can feel at home in my new place. And though of course I miss my wonderful parents and friends I am glad I am back in Victoria. And now that I offically have internet in my new place I can (hopefully) return to my more regularly scheduled blogging program.