Things I Love - in no order and to varying degrees

1) James Spader
2) Honesty
3) Sweaters
4) Red Nails and Red Lips
5) Long Necklaces
6) Craft Fairs
7) Presents (both giving and receiving)
8) Dogs
9) The fairy lights in Oak Bay Village at Christmastime
10) Devin

A Sampler of my Thoughts

1) On Sunday I went to Starbucks twice. Once alone and once with someone. Both times (at two seperate starbucks) they got my order wrong! The first time it was half-sweet instead of half caf (I sent that one back) and the second time it had light-whip instead of no whip. But I decided just to go ahead and have the whip cream :)

2) I was supposed to buy this afternoon. I have no milk. This means tomorrow I will not be able to have ceral for breakfast. So I will either have yogurt, or buy a muffin instead.

3) Now that I have a roommate - I find I am cleaning more than I ever did when I lived by myself. I don't know if this is because it's not only my "dirt" or because my roommate is not especially tidy/clean but it's kinda nice to look at something that is cleaner than it was 5 minutes previously because of your hard work. That being said - I still do not like cleaning and would love to live alone again to enjoy my own (and not someone else's) mess.

4) Tonight I need to iron. Ironing and cleaning floors are my two least favourite chores. Plus both my iron and my ironing board suck! so that makes it especially frustrating.

5) Someone should send me mail!

6) I have been trying to imagine having three children and I can't. I just can't. It's beyond my ability to imagine myself as the mother of three. I can imagine waking up tomorrow being the Prime Minisiter of Canada - but not a mother of three. So in conclusion - the more I think about it - the more impressed I am.

so I guess I'll be needing directions to 24 Sussex

Nick Galifianakis for The Washington Post
(used entirely without permission)

speaking of babies...

The other night I had a dream that babies came from cupcakes. You would bring home a cupcake (or two) and once you got home you would open the cupcake and there would be a baby inside. In my dream I had 5 cupcakes (but I was going to give three of them to my aunts who needed someone elses cupcakes). And my 5 cupcakes were smaller than regular cupcakes (which makes sense, because multiples are usually lower birth rate babies). And the first cupcake I opened had a girl inside and I decided to name her Harry or Henry. And the second cupcake I opened had a boy baby inside and I decided to name him Harry (because apparently I am neither clever nor creative).

Anyways - I feel of all the foods that babies could come in, cupcakes would be right up there. Also fruits, like maybe a pomegranite would be a nice place for a baby to come from. In any case, I am sure all this baby-cupcake dreaming is related to the newest member of Devin's family - who I hear, despite not coming from a cupcake, is super cute and doing well - which is excellent! even more excellent than cupcakes!

Thanksgiving

So today is Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving! I had one thanksgiving Turkey dinner on Saturday which was quite nice. Aside from that, I spent most of the weekend waiting on Devin hand and foot taking care of a sick Devin. Although as of yesterday/today he is now strong enough to go outside so I feel fairly confident that he is on the mend.

I hope everyone reading this had a lovely weekend. In the past five years I have only spent one Thanksgiving with my family. But I think that's the nice thing about Thanksgiving - of all the major holidays it is the most inclusive and the one where new traditions develop. For me, Thanksgiving is about creating community, unlike Christmas which I like to be the same, I like that Thanksgiving is sometimes different.

Also this weekend I watched the movie "The Departed". It was excellent. I hadn't seen it yet and it was really good. The acting was fabulous and it was super well directed and it made me proud of my Irish gangster hertiage (well - 2 out of 3). And a few weeks ago I finished "A Jest of God" by Margaret Lawrence. It was really really good. And really Canadian. And really introspective. And so honest. So that's my little Thanksgiving weekend arts review!

simpler times

Feel Better Devin :)

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 :)

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 :)

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

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 :)

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.

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.

posting

Okay.

So clearly it has been quite a while since my last posting. That is because it is the summer and apparently, for me, summer is not posting time. However, come Sept. I should be back in Victoria and then I imagine that there I shall return to my regularly scheduled posting.

In any case...

Have you ever called a restuarant and asked "do you take reservations?" and when they say "yes, when would you like a reservation" replied with "oh, I don't want to make a reservation, I was just curious." only to be met with confusion? I don't want to make a reservation, I just want to know if I can make a reservation.

Speaking of reservations, although not really, tomorrow Devin is coming all the way from Calgary to visit me! I know - how exciting!! I hope the weather is nice - and by nice I mean not too hot, but also, not too cold. And I hope that he enjoys the company of my friends, and my family, and my province!! And that he puts up with me :)

Happy....

Happy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Day!!

Canadian Idol - wk 2

Oh Idol. My favourite summer pastime. Last night was the guys top 9. After the show there were 5 guys that I voted for. 5 guys that I thought were really really good (in no particular order) Andrew Austin, Jaydee Bixbee, Liam Styles Chang, Tyler Mollendorf, and Greg Neufeld. Now based on the judges comments, I don't know if all five of these guys will make the top ten (b/c there are other strong performers) but I am really digging the guys.

That is in comparrison to the girls who sang tonight. Out of 9 girls the judges only liked 3, and I only liked 2 (Carly Rae Jepsen and Montana). And there were probably 4 or so girls who deserve to go home this week (for those not in the know, 2 men and 2 women will go home). So I just hope some of the women step their game up a little bit, and really show Canada what they've got!!

Look for more Canadian Idol commentary in the weeks and months to come. Oh Idol, how I love you!!

seriously?!

seriously?!

A Hymn to Him

HIGGINS
What in all of heaven could've promted her to go,
After such a triumph as the ball?
What could've depressed her;
What could've possessed her?
I cannot understand the wretch at all.

Women are irrational, that's all there is to that!
There heads are full of cotton, hay, and rags!
They're nothing but exasperating, irritating,
vacillating, calculating, agitating,
Maddening and infuriating hags!

Pickering, why can't a woman be more like a man?
Yes...

Why can't a woman be more like a man?
Men are so honest, so thoroughly square;
Eternally noble, historic'ly fair;
Who, when you win, will always give your back a pat.
Well, why can't a woman be like that?

Why does ev'ryone do what the others do?
Can't a woman learn to use her head?
Why do they do ev'rything their mothers do?
Why don't they grow up- well, like their father instead?

Why can't a woman take after a man?
Men are so pleasant, so easy to please;
Whenever you are with them, you're always at ease.
Would you be slighted if I didn't speak for hours?

PICKERING
Of course not!

HIGGINS
Would you be livid if I had a drink or two?

PICKERING
Nonsense.

HIGGINS
Would you be wounded if I never sent you flowers?

PICKERING
Never.

HIGGINS
Well, why can't a woman be like you?
One man in a million may shout a bit.
Now and then there's one with slight defects;
One, perhaps, whose truthfulness you doubt a bit.
But by and large we are a marvelous sex!
Why can't a woman take after like a man?
Cause men are so friendly, good natured and kind.
A better companion you never will find.
If I were hours late for dinner, would you bellow?

PICKERING
Of course not!

HIGGINS
If I forgot your silly birthday, would you fuss?

PICKERING
Nonsense.

HIGGINS
Would you complain if I took out another fellow?

PICKERING
Never.

HIGGINS
Well, why can't a woman be like us?

Why can't a woman be more like a man?
Men are so decent, such regular chaps.
Ready to help you through any mishaps.
Ready to buck you up whenever you are glum.
Why can't a woman be a chum?

Why is thinking something women never do?
Why is logic never even tried?
Straight'ning up their hair is all they ever do.
Why don't they straighten up the mess that's inside?

Why can't a woman behave like a man?
If I was a woman who'd been to a ball,
Been hailed as a princess by one and by all;
Would I start weeping like a bathtub overflowing?
And carry on as if my home were in a tree?
Would I run off and never tell me where I'm going?
Why can't a woman be like me?

- My Fair Lady

I love this song. I think it's hillarious.

eye spy

Today was not a good day to live in Toronto. This is because today it was 34 degrees outside, not including the humidex (feels like 40). This meant that today I abandoned all plans for being outside that were not absolutely necessary.

The only necessary outside things I had to do this morning was go to see the eye doctor. Today, for the first time, my eye doctor took a picture of my eye. Of the back of my eye. Of my optic nerve and all that other stuff. It was cool, but really quite disconcerting. Oh. That's my eye. And my optic nerve? And that's where I focus? Strangely beautiful as well, but weird.

Tomorrow is supposed to be hot again, hot and thunderstomy. I feel like I am in suspended animation right now. Not in a bad way - just in a strange way. And tonight is the top twelve women on Canadian Idol - what can I say - I love Canadian Idol! Like American Idol, but with character.

the city

I don't have a favourite city. I like many different cities for many different reasons, but one my favourite cities is Toronto.

Since I have been back, every time I go somewhere new or do something fun I think how great Toronto is and how much I want to share what is fabulous about Toronto with everyone I know (including people who live in Toronto). And even though there is so much of Toronto that I don't know, and even though I still get very confused about where Bathurst Street is downtown, I love being in the city and feeling like a part of the city. I feel this way about Victoria, but to a lesser extent, because though I occasionaly discover new things/parts of Victoria, size dictates that there is only so much to explore. I still need to get out more, and actively embrace more of the city, but I like knowing that the city is out there. waiting for me.

If not me, then who?

This past week has been very strange because I haven't felt at all like myself. Now this was puzzling to me, because clearly I am still me. But I didn't feel like me. I felt like the regular me emerged several times a day to express frustration with how the current me was behaving, but was unable to do anything about it.

Now, today I have once again begun to feel like myself, which is a welcome relief from feeling like the non-me. Hopefully I can manage to continue to feel like me.

The feeling that I have less control over my thoughts/feelings/actions - even though it is still clearly me controlling all these things - but it's like looking at yourself through a smudged window so all of your movements are sluggish, akward and inaccurate and you can't make yourself behave quite properly.

On an unrelated note: I remember growing up my parents getting upset with my sister when she was out with a cell phone and turned it off so they couldn't call. Well geez louise parents - when you go out with a cell phone - keep it turned on so important people (like me!) can call you! sheesh.