"And, with alarming suddenness, nothing happened. "
~ Terry Pratchett "Wyrd Sisters"
Five whole days without writing. I'm sure all of you are missing me :P It's been a pretty eventful 5 days, and right now I'm camped out at the downtown library... thinking about my next course of action.
After considering last week that I might indeed be a "book-addict", I thought would wean myself off slowly by reading something else instead... say a magazine. I picked up a copy of Details not sure what to think. The cover had a picture of David Beckham - a good start :P And flipping through I thought: wonderful pictures, lots of cool adverts... *pause, pause* This is a men's magazine? I guess it was only fair since almost all "women's" magazines seem to have scantily clad women on the covers... that this one would be for men. Anyway, despite the interesting articles, still found myself wholey unsatisfied, and went home and gorged myself on another book.
Friday - last day at the government job ended smoothly. I got to play with the label-maker one last time. We all ate TimBits and candy. And I headed off into the sunset to Friday Feast. We ate some interesting Indian food - whereby Lana finds out first hand that eating whole cloves is not for everyone. Rem shared his treatise on "Garlic for World Peace". Mark entertained us with stories of the Lomond brothers. Anne mades us "Whiskey Toddies" (is that what they are?) - whereby Lana finds out that cloves in small doses (especially with lemon and honey, yum) can be quite nice. Anne then wonderfully lets me tag along to one of the many parties she was invited to. I'm not sure what to make of that either. Everyone was friendly and I quickly found out that only a handful of people actually knew the host ("a friend of a friend brought me along"). But after one drink and a confused conversation with a very drunk 16 year old - I started to zone out, rather looking at people's cool clothing... and tattoos. It seemed a bit unusual that so many people had half runes / line design tattoo on their hand. I started thinking "I wish I brought my camera - I could've taken covert pictures, and estrapolated in the computer to see if all these puzzle piece tattoos were actually part of a bigger message - a secret society perhaps." *cue errie music*. And then I thought - maybe I'm being paranoid again.
I can't believe that was just the start of such a busy weekend. I ended up in the course of the next 48 hours hanging out with Catherine (thanks again for saving my sanity), going to "Tropika Take 2" the TAs second attempt at eating there and not getting sick, heading out to a night club (again another new and cool (?) experience), and of course, dance practice. Kind of makes yesterday and today a bit "blah" so to speak. But then again... only 3 more days before heading out to Calgary...
Tuesday, 28 February 2006
Wednesday, 22 February 2006
Superman's Girl
"I feel Polish."
"I feel Thai."
"How about Japanese?" I compromised.
~ Sugar and Charlene contemplate dinner plans in "A Girl Like Sugar" by Emily Pohl-Weary
Started reading "A Girl Like Sugar" last night. I really should stop. This must be an addiction of some sort, starting multiple books at once so that the stories blend together. Chain-reading? And as escape reading... I should be picking some happier stuff. Escape into happy places with happy endings. Instead, I pick Sugar... "Sugar is addictive". She's a mid-twenties Canadian, coping with the death of her rockstar boyfriend from a drug overdose, and trying to find herself after living in his shadow for 6 years. She listens to bands like "Le Tigre" (made me think of you Liz). And the book is billed as "Like an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer". So far I some of her moments of grief are so strong they make me want to cry, but overall things feel so hopeful. Only 43 pages from the end and I'm rooting for a happy ending :)
"Superman would like you," a vendor told me today. Um... huh? "You've got those L.L initials just like Lois Lane and his other girlfriend." Thought about this for a bit, and figured it wouldn't work. I'd probably stick glasses on him to see if he'd look scholarly (I do have a thing for nerds), and completely blow his secret identity. Anyways, last I heard, he wasn't available. But maybe I should try Jonathan Goldstein the host of WireTap (another of my favourites on CBC Radio 1). He wrote (supposedly) award-winning essay "I Dated Lois Lane". He was unemployed at the time, and Superman in good faith offers him a job as his side-kick. As a boss, apparently Superman sucks. Though that good natured Clark Kent seems to understand exactly how he feels. Lois goes back to Superman in the end.
Some one brought Jelly-Belly Beans to work - the only kind of jellybeans I eat and it's so hard to stop once you get started. They really quite fun. First with so many different flavours, and then they make them look like the tastes they emulate (i.e. grapefruit has a yellow coating with pink jelly). But I think the last one I had was "Lavender Soap", yuck. I think I'll stop now and head out to another busy night. Hope everyone's keeping warm - it looks like January outside.
P.S. Congratulations Andrea on your placement!
"I feel Thai."
"How about Japanese?" I compromised.
~ Sugar and Charlene contemplate dinner plans in "A Girl Like Sugar" by Emily Pohl-Weary
Started reading "A Girl Like Sugar" last night. I really should stop. This must be an addiction of some sort, starting multiple books at once so that the stories blend together. Chain-reading? And as escape reading... I should be picking some happier stuff. Escape into happy places with happy endings. Instead, I pick Sugar... "Sugar is addictive". She's a mid-twenties Canadian, coping with the death of her rockstar boyfriend from a drug overdose, and trying to find herself after living in his shadow for 6 years. She listens to bands like "Le Tigre" (made me think of you Liz). And the book is billed as "Like an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer". So far I some of her moments of grief are so strong they make me want to cry, but overall things feel so hopeful. Only 43 pages from the end and I'm rooting for a happy ending :)
"Superman would like you," a vendor told me today. Um... huh? "You've got those L.L initials just like Lois Lane and his other girlfriend." Thought about this for a bit, and figured it wouldn't work. I'd probably stick glasses on him to see if he'd look scholarly (I do have a thing for nerds), and completely blow his secret identity. Anyways, last I heard, he wasn't available. But maybe I should try Jonathan Goldstein the host of WireTap (another of my favourites on CBC Radio 1). He wrote (supposedly) award-winning essay "I Dated Lois Lane". He was unemployed at the time, and Superman in good faith offers him a job as his side-kick. As a boss, apparently Superman sucks. Though that good natured Clark Kent seems to understand exactly how he feels. Lois goes back to Superman in the end.
Some one brought Jelly-Belly Beans to work - the only kind of jellybeans I eat and it's so hard to stop once you get started. They really quite fun. First with so many different flavours, and then they make them look like the tastes they emulate (i.e. grapefruit has a yellow coating with pink jelly). But I think the last one I had was "Lavender Soap", yuck. I think I'll stop now and head out to another busy night. Hope everyone's keeping warm - it looks like January outside.
P.S. Congratulations Andrea on your placement!
Tuesday, 21 February 2006
Zzzz...
"I am a trick, an illusion of the highest order, so incredible that I am actually true."
~ Henry from The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
I swear I could hear snoring coming from Bob's desk. It was lunch time... and really who could blame him? It was looking all cold and dreary outside. And I'm sure just like me instead of resting the long weekend, he was probably partying it up. :P Or not.
But despite not really partying - it was a busy weekend.
Friday Feast was a cozy affair this time around with the five of us there. Plenty of good food with chocolates for dessert. Rem, Steph, Malcolm, Anne and I talked about strong cheeses, photographs, and our crazy schemes at match-making.
The couple of days after were kind of blurry as I polished off Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons" in effectively 24 hours (just how long the bulk of the plot is set ^.^) and then went on to finish up Audrey Niffenegger's "The Time Traveler's Wife" (sad, but it has a good ending). I know there was dancing involved in there since my body still aches from it. And I recall that after a whole hour of practicing - Darren and I can finally do the prep step properly for waltz. *smile* Hopefully.
Monday, Family Day, was Lana's day to attempt parallel parking. (Thank you Steph, for enduring.) The day started off with some shopping at Value Village with Stephanie. Fun times as we combed through some very scary clothing, some "maybe if we were someone else" clothing, and finally the good stuff - and came out with some great bargains.
Parallel parking attempt number one was on our way to meet up with Anne for lunch. The result: let's just find an easier spot and get some food already. Very yummy lunch at Da-De-Os, followed by parking attempt number 2. This time it was in front of my sister's house and I wasn't going to give up. After attempts 3 & 4 for the same spot - success! Yay! Cheers! And then went inside to play with little Celina and Kevin. Celina wanted me to play this computer game called "Driver's Test"... yes... I gave up on that for parallel parking. (The crash noises and funny cartoon characters made it much more satisfying to not do things right, anyway.) After what seemed like a lot more exhaustive playing, they both then insisted on hitting me with "Nerf" arrows while I lay on the couch in attempt to rest.
The remainder of holiday included Darren and my last private lesson with Delphine. From here on in it's just us! Only 10 days until Calgary... I need a nap.
~ Henry from The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
I swear I could hear snoring coming from Bob's desk. It was lunch time... and really who could blame him? It was looking all cold and dreary outside. And I'm sure just like me instead of resting the long weekend, he was probably partying it up. :P Or not.
But despite not really partying - it was a busy weekend.
Friday Feast was a cozy affair this time around with the five of us there. Plenty of good food with chocolates for dessert. Rem, Steph, Malcolm, Anne and I talked about strong cheeses, photographs, and our crazy schemes at match-making.
The couple of days after were kind of blurry as I polished off Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons" in effectively 24 hours (just how long the bulk of the plot is set ^.^) and then went on to finish up Audrey Niffenegger's "The Time Traveler's Wife" (sad, but it has a good ending). I know there was dancing involved in there since my body still aches from it. And I recall that after a whole hour of practicing - Darren and I can finally do the prep step properly for waltz. *smile* Hopefully.
Monday, Family Day, was Lana's day to attempt parallel parking. (Thank you Steph, for enduring.) The day started off with some shopping at Value Village with Stephanie. Fun times as we combed through some very scary clothing, some "maybe if we were someone else" clothing, and finally the good stuff - and came out with some great bargains.
Parallel parking attempt number one was on our way to meet up with Anne for lunch. The result: let's just find an easier spot and get some food already. Very yummy lunch at Da-De-Os, followed by parking attempt number 2. This time it was in front of my sister's house and I wasn't going to give up. After attempts 3 & 4 for the same spot - success! Yay! Cheers! And then went inside to play with little Celina and Kevin. Celina wanted me to play this computer game called "Driver's Test"... yes... I gave up on that for parallel parking. (The crash noises and funny cartoon characters made it much more satisfying to not do things right, anyway.) After what seemed like a lot more exhaustive playing, they both then insisted on hitting me with "Nerf" arrows while I lay on the couch in attempt to rest.
The remainder of holiday included Darren and my last private lesson with Delphine. From here on in it's just us! Only 10 days until Calgary... I need a nap.
Saturday, 18 February 2006
Chatanooga Rhythm
If you had a body like them, you'd run around in tights too.
~ Alberta Ballet
Thursday marked my first visit to the ballet. Wow, what a night. After being nicely stuffed with (in my case hot sauce laden) pizza, veggies, and goodies courtsey of sponsors - Catherine, Howard, Clara, Darren, Dianna, Maria, Kelly, Stephanie, Rem, and I all headed over to the Jubilee. We didn't manage to get seats together, but during intermissions we did meet up to chat.
"An Evening with Gershwin" is mixed show with 3 parts, each with a different style. The first was classical, Divertimento No. 15, to the music of Mozart. I'm sure I would have appreciated it more if I wasn't so sleepy - the artistic director had explained that the images would be like looking into a kaleidescope. I had thought it looked like sunlight dancing among water. All in all it was beautiful.
The second part, losing ground, an "Industrial Eden" as Dianna described it, was a piece of contemporary ballet. It had lots of impact and it moved me the most. I thought of the dancers as spirits caught in "pergatory" where they had to resolve their conflicts and emotions, before walking out into the light. You could see all these different emotions played between the dancers. And it was very difficult not to create a story for what was happening. I'm little ashamed to say though that my first impression was: Wow! Those guys aren't wearing shirts! *wide eyes* Followed by: There goes my attempt at being serious at a cultural experience *shaking head* But I didn't have to feel so bad... turns out the other girls had thought the same thing :P
The third part, Who Cares?, was a lot of fun, and it was set to the music of George Gershwin. Catherine and I were mouthing (and maybe slightly *blush* singing outloud) the words. The closing number was this awesome "I've Got Rythym" piece where everyone was on stage and dancing insync. Every head turn, every foot seemed to be perfectly in time with each other and the music. It had a great Broadway feel.
And then - we headed out back into the cold. All the while humming the tunes.
It was great to get such a big group of people together to try something new, and to visit.
I thought outloud how great it would be to be able to write for a living. I do love doing it. Darren and Clara suggests that I should bind up all my blog entries and sell it on eBay (surely anything can be sold there). Clara then quips that if sales are low - we could always add some coffee stains on the cover in the likeness of the Virgin Mary *blink, blink*... with her as my marketing director - how could I loose? :P
We also pondered the fact that the career of a ballet dancer usually ends at 35. Most of the dancers in the Alberta Ballet, we were told, were between 18 and 32. It's sad to think that this life would be so short. If this was our path, we would already be "middle-aged".
But, we're young, and part of an elite that can enjoy this type of entertainment.
There was this conflict in me to have these beautiful dance images in my head, and to come out of the LRT station on Friday to see someone sleeping there in the station. Surely culture is the way to create a legacy. But some days I wish we could get everyone to a state beyond survival, so that we can all enjoy art & culture. Hm... I hope not going into my capitalism rant.
~ Alberta Ballet
Thursday marked my first visit to the ballet. Wow, what a night. After being nicely stuffed with (in my case hot sauce laden) pizza, veggies, and goodies courtsey of sponsors - Catherine, Howard, Clara, Darren, Dianna, Maria, Kelly, Stephanie, Rem, and I all headed over to the Jubilee. We didn't manage to get seats together, but during intermissions we did meet up to chat.
"An Evening with Gershwin" is mixed show with 3 parts, each with a different style. The first was classical, Divertimento No. 15, to the music of Mozart. I'm sure I would have appreciated it more if I wasn't so sleepy - the artistic director had explained that the images would be like looking into a kaleidescope. I had thought it looked like sunlight dancing among water. All in all it was beautiful.
The second part, losing ground, an "Industrial Eden" as Dianna described it, was a piece of contemporary ballet. It had lots of impact and it moved me the most. I thought of the dancers as spirits caught in "pergatory" where they had to resolve their conflicts and emotions, before walking out into the light. You could see all these different emotions played between the dancers. And it was very difficult not to create a story for what was happening. I'm little ashamed to say though that my first impression was: Wow! Those guys aren't wearing shirts! *wide eyes* Followed by: There goes my attempt at being serious at a cultural experience *shaking head* But I didn't have to feel so bad... turns out the other girls had thought the same thing :P
The third part, Who Cares?, was a lot of fun, and it was set to the music of George Gershwin. Catherine and I were mouthing (and maybe slightly *blush* singing outloud) the words. The closing number was this awesome "I've Got Rythym" piece where everyone was on stage and dancing insync. Every head turn, every foot seemed to be perfectly in time with each other and the music. It had a great Broadway feel.
And then - we headed out back into the cold. All the while humming the tunes.
It was great to get such a big group of people together to try something new, and to visit.
I thought outloud how great it would be to be able to write for a living. I do love doing it. Darren and Clara suggests that I should bind up all my blog entries and sell it on eBay (surely anything can be sold there). Clara then quips that if sales are low - we could always add some coffee stains on the cover in the likeness of the Virgin Mary *blink, blink*... with her as my marketing director - how could I loose? :P
We also pondered the fact that the career of a ballet dancer usually ends at 35. Most of the dancers in the Alberta Ballet, we were told, were between 18 and 32. It's sad to think that this life would be so short. If this was our path, we would already be "middle-aged".
But, we're young, and part of an elite that can enjoy this type of entertainment.
There was this conflict in me to have these beautiful dance images in my head, and to come out of the LRT station on Friday to see someone sleeping there in the station. Surely culture is the way to create a legacy. But some days I wish we could get everyone to a state beyond survival, so that we can all enjoy art & culture. Hm... I hope not going into my capitalism rant.
Thursday, 16 February 2006
Authorized Rest Period
"Life should be a little nuts, or else it just would be a string of Thursdays."
~ Beau Burroughs from "Rumour Has It"
Today, work was better. I got to tinker around with an Excel workbook, and actually felt like I was using my brain! :) But of course the actual paper (to do) pile on my desk grew.
Such a cold, cold day. Really wish I didn't have to go outside... but that would mean missing the Alberta Ballet. With such excitement - Thursday's can't be all that bad, though I know what Beau Burroughs was talking about in the movie (still an awful movie overall :P) Bob would even go to say it's his favourite day... it's the day he gets to look at his lottery tickets and say "Dang" (well, something stronger than that).
Anyway - last night Darren and I met up with Delphine for a private lesson. Who would have thought Quickstep needed to be slow? Or that we were just too bouncy? :D One more lesson before heading out to Calgary - hopefully she won't make "that face" when we show her our other dances. Darren was also very nice yesterday in helping me tinker with my camera. Here are shots from the Valentine's Dance (o.k. they're not that artistic - but look at those gorgeous smiles!). More to come - hopefully.
~ Beau Burroughs from "Rumour Has It"
Today, work was better. I got to tinker around with an Excel workbook, and actually felt like I was using my brain! :) But of course the actual paper (to do) pile on my desk grew.
Such a cold, cold day. Really wish I didn't have to go outside... but that would mean missing the Alberta Ballet. With such excitement - Thursday's can't be all that bad, though I know what Beau Burroughs was talking about in the movie (still an awful movie overall :P) Bob would even go to say it's his favourite day... it's the day he gets to look at his lottery tickets and say "Dang" (well, something stronger than that).
Anyway - last night Darren and I met up with Delphine for a private lesson. Who would have thought Quickstep needed to be slow? Or that we were just too bouncy? :D One more lesson before heading out to Calgary - hopefully she won't make "that face" when we show her our other dances. Darren was also very nice yesterday in helping me tinker with my camera. Here are shots from the Valentine's Dance (o.k. they're not that artistic - but look at those gorgeous smiles!). More to come - hopefully.
Wednesday, 15 February 2006
Wednesday's Child
"Is it wrong to trust in a beautiful lie if it helps you get through life."
~ Nomi in "A Complicated Kindness" by Miriam Toews
Is this my bosses sadistic little game? She just left the office on another one of her long meetings and handed me a list of files to find. I think the nice name for these duties is “File Management”. But I’m pretty sure this is “Let’s see if how frustrated Lana gets before she figures out that none of these files exist *evil laugh*”
*shaking head* Slightly paranoid, non? Truthfully, Kim has been a very nice, if absent boss. And Lucy’s here ready to kick me in the butt whenever I start drifting off again. And it’s happening a lot it seems today.
Didn’t sleep well last night despite having a very good time with Catherine and Clara. We did do a little bit of the requisite guy / relationship bashing. There was lots of laughing and catching up. But most of the night was watching the movie “Rumour Has It” (really what were they thinking when they made the movie?), and then talking about books and life. We had ended on a high note (promises to catch “Rent” and hang-out more), but by the time I got myself into bed… already feeling kind of sad. I guess I’m in another one of those moods…
Today finished reading “A Complicated Kindness” on the bus. Felt like crying. I used to hate happy endings thinking they were unrealistic, but now, I don’t want these protagonists of mine to keep suffering… but it was a good ending. Decided that I probably shouldn’t cry on the bus… or at work… though it would probably feel good to just let it all out. Instead, I decided to eat a cookie. So, Char, there goes my diet promises. :P Barely 15 minutes into the workday and already can’t resist the sugar.
Really wish I was in bed asleep… while I’m at it, I can wish it’s the weekend too… hm… and how about warm, sandy beaches, a tall, dark stranger, and a happy ending? Oh, Lana, don't be silly. Back to work.
~ Nomi in "A Complicated Kindness" by Miriam Toews
Is this my bosses sadistic little game? She just left the office on another one of her long meetings and handed me a list of files to find. I think the nice name for these duties is “File Management”. But I’m pretty sure this is “Let’s see if how frustrated Lana gets before she figures out that none of these files exist *evil laugh*”
*shaking head* Slightly paranoid, non? Truthfully, Kim has been a very nice, if absent boss. And Lucy’s here ready to kick me in the butt whenever I start drifting off again. And it’s happening a lot it seems today.
Didn’t sleep well last night despite having a very good time with Catherine and Clara. We did do a little bit of the requisite guy / relationship bashing. There was lots of laughing and catching up. But most of the night was watching the movie “Rumour Has It” (really what were they thinking when they made the movie?), and then talking about books and life. We had ended on a high note (promises to catch “Rent” and hang-out more), but by the time I got myself into bed… already feeling kind of sad. I guess I’m in another one of those moods…
Today finished reading “A Complicated Kindness” on the bus. Felt like crying. I used to hate happy endings thinking they were unrealistic, but now, I don’t want these protagonists of mine to keep suffering… but it was a good ending. Decided that I probably shouldn’t cry on the bus… or at work… though it would probably feel good to just let it all out. Instead, I decided to eat a cookie. So, Char, there goes my diet promises. :P Barely 15 minutes into the workday and already can’t resist the sugar.
Really wish I was in bed asleep… while I’m at it, I can wish it’s the weekend too… hm… and how about warm, sandy beaches, a tall, dark stranger, and a happy ending? Oh, Lana, don't be silly. Back to work.
Tuesday, 14 February 2006
Eat, Drink, Be Merry…
Hm… sour and kind of tingly… HOT, HOT, HOT!
~ Lana’s reaction to biting into a jalapeño pepper.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day I can grumble with the best of them. But this year I’m not really justified. Darren, my sweetest / best dance partner in the whole wide world, brought me chocolates and a card (Thank you again Darren). People called to say hi, and I’ll cap off the day with some time with Clara and Catherine. The three of us loose on the town - watch out! :P
The day in general is looking up despite the weather's relapse into winter – Stephanie, Jazzy girl, Anne, and Char have all updated their blogs *big smiles* and the office is having a big potluck feast. O.k. they called it “snack day” but there are so many varieties of goodies and actual food that it was a feast. I tried zuchinni quiche, avocado and jalapeno dip, some mystery meat, and lots of different sweets. Yum, yum, and yum... *willing brain to not think of calories or formation routine*
I’m a sap for getting teary from the Easy Rock 104.9 songs that are playing right now (yes, it's their love special - even more than usual :P). Anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day lovely peoples. Oh, and tomorrow... I’ll diet.
~ Lana’s reaction to biting into a jalapeño pepper.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day I can grumble with the best of them. But this year I’m not really justified. Darren, my sweetest / best dance partner in the whole wide world, brought me chocolates and a card (Thank you again Darren). People called to say hi, and I’ll cap off the day with some time with Clara and Catherine. The three of us loose on the town - watch out! :P
The day in general is looking up despite the weather's relapse into winter – Stephanie, Jazzy girl, Anne, and Char have all updated their blogs *big smiles* and the office is having a big potluck feast. O.k. they called it “snack day” but there are so many varieties of goodies and actual food that it was a feast. I tried zuchinni quiche, avocado and jalapeno dip, some mystery meat, and lots of different sweets. Yum, yum, and yum... *willing brain to not think of calories or formation routine*
I’m a sap for getting teary from the Easy Rock 104.9 songs that are playing right now (yes, it's their love special - even more than usual :P). Anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day lovely peoples. Oh, and tomorrow... I’ll diet.
Sunday, 12 February 2006
Knock, knock...
Days until Alberta Winter DanceSport Classic: 20
Days until Valentine's Day: 2
Moments of panic since last entry: 1
Song stuck in head: Oh My Love ~ John Lennon
So I have been living under a rock. This is not entirely bad. I emerge to find that there are other things living under rocks (and all over) - and they've been discovered in Indonesia. Birds that were thought to be extinct, gigantic flowers, and animals not seen before. The area is considered untouched - such that animals do not even fear the scientists in the area. I really would love to see these new discoveries in the "Lost World" as it's been billed. But unfortunately there's probably lots of people with similar designs (and some that are more sinister) that will ultimately lead to it's ruin. I'll just have to live with the pictures.
But to see new things, I know, I don't have to go very far. I just have to stay awake past midnight and venture out. And there - voila! A new world! But no guarantees that it'll be exciting. With Jeff and Vincent (his cousin) as my guide, I ventured to a Gentlemen's *cough, cough* (Strip) Club on Friday after having dinner with the family. Yes, I went in! And, as with Anne's frat party experience, it didn't really live up to it's hype. Phooey. I was thinking: Yay! I'm going to experience this rite of passage, and it'll be such a neat place to observe people. But it turned out to be pretty boring. There were big stretches of waiting for the next performer, and I felt like getting up and dancing... and then I realised "dancing in a strip club" had too many connotations. So I sat tight... and waited. I found it difficult to believe that what was going on on stage was considered provocative - I've seen more arousing displays in the U of A Dance Club. (Oh, yes, we dancers are hot!) Boring though it was, in the end it might be a good thing. It potentially saved me some future therapy bills - I was with family afterall :P
I think the best part of the evening was getting home and telling my parents that we were out 'til 2:30 a.m. having a coffee (Block 1812), chatting, and then driving around (which was what we did before we ventured to Diamonds). I had to snicker since they figured as long as I was with Jeff - a male family member- we certainly couldn't have been up to anything bad. *Grr...* But that's for another rant altogether.
The Valentine's Dance turned out o.k. Darren and got to practice our routines. I got to hang out with Anne, Stephanie and Rem, and it was a chance to catch up on gossip. Boy, I've missed a lot!
Well, lovely peoples - I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. OPDS - here I come!
Days until Valentine's Day: 2
Moments of panic since last entry: 1
Song stuck in head: Oh My Love ~ John Lennon
So I have been living under a rock. This is not entirely bad. I emerge to find that there are other things living under rocks (and all over) - and they've been discovered in Indonesia. Birds that were thought to be extinct, gigantic flowers, and animals not seen before. The area is considered untouched - such that animals do not even fear the scientists in the area. I really would love to see these new discoveries in the "Lost World" as it's been billed. But unfortunately there's probably lots of people with similar designs (and some that are more sinister) that will ultimately lead to it's ruin. I'll just have to live with the pictures.
But to see new things, I know, I don't have to go very far. I just have to stay awake past midnight and venture out. And there - voila! A new world! But no guarantees that it'll be exciting. With Jeff and Vincent (his cousin) as my guide, I ventured to a Gentlemen's *cough, cough* (Strip) Club on Friday after having dinner with the family. Yes, I went in! And, as with Anne's frat party experience, it didn't really live up to it's hype. Phooey. I was thinking: Yay! I'm going to experience this rite of passage, and it'll be such a neat place to observe people. But it turned out to be pretty boring. There were big stretches of waiting for the next performer, and I felt like getting up and dancing... and then I realised "dancing in a strip club" had too many connotations. So I sat tight... and waited. I found it difficult to believe that what was going on on stage was considered provocative - I've seen more arousing displays in the U of A Dance Club. (Oh, yes, we dancers are hot!) Boring though it was, in the end it might be a good thing. It potentially saved me some future therapy bills - I was with family afterall :P
I think the best part of the evening was getting home and telling my parents that we were out 'til 2:30 a.m. having a coffee (Block 1812), chatting, and then driving around (which was what we did before we ventured to Diamonds). I had to snicker since they figured as long as I was with Jeff - a male family member- we certainly couldn't have been up to anything bad. *Grr...* But that's for another rant altogether.
The Valentine's Dance turned out o.k. Darren and got to practice our routines. I got to hang out with Anne, Stephanie and Rem, and it was a chance to catch up on gossip. Boy, I've missed a lot!
Well, lovely peoples - I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. OPDS - here I come!
Friday, 10 February 2006
Unnatural Neutrals - and more ramblings
I too can own a space shuttle for only $ 29.95... wow what a deal! The offer is strangely alluring. I'm must be in a daze again.
Spent most of late last night talking to Jeff (nephew number 2) and couldn't help thinking - wow, he's almost a grown up. Technically he's already a grown-up, he's bought a condo, a car, and working on the whole relationship and future thing. But he's still my nephew. I'm so impressed.
Another whirlwind seems to has passed through in the past couple of days. There's Jeff coming to Edmonton on business, dance classes, work, and calls back from those interviews! I know I should be more estactic or something, but after the initial shock:
More "Bob-isms" today including "One feather is sensual, a whole chicken is kinky." This apparently is a version of "One bad apple ruins the batch." *puzzled face* I'm not sure how he got there either. But these and others sent most of the team into fits of giggles. Must be Friday.
Hopefully decent amount of vocabulary will return by Monday. Happy weekend peoples - come to the Valentine's dance!
Spent most of late last night talking to Jeff (nephew number 2) and couldn't help thinking - wow, he's almost a grown up. Technically he's already a grown-up, he's bought a condo, a car, and working on the whole relationship and future thing. But he's still my nephew. I'm so impressed.
Another whirlwind seems to has passed through in the past couple of days. There's Jeff coming to Edmonton on business, dance classes, work, and calls back from those interviews! I know I should be more estactic or something, but after the initial shock:
Mike: We'd like to offer you the position.I'm back to being tired and thinking about sleep. And mildly panicking. Wonder if it's this building? Neutral colours are supposed to elicit a calming effect. But they seem to clash. Don't ask me how browns and greys can clash - all I know is here they do. And the Valentine's decorations have gone up. Feels so weird to be in celebration mode, and yet not be a part of it *ugh*
Lana: Wow... *pause... pause*
Mike: Lana?
Lana: I'm feeling wobbly.
More "Bob-isms" today including "One feather is sensual, a whole chicken is kinky." This apparently is a version of "One bad apple ruins the batch." *puzzled face* I'm not sure how he got there either. But these and others sent most of the team into fits of giggles. Must be Friday.
Hopefully decent amount of vocabulary will return by Monday. Happy weekend peoples - come to the Valentine's dance!
Tuesday, 7 February 2006
Things I Learned from Work
"Illegal is always faster."
- Butler in "Artemis Fowl: Opal Deception" by Eoin Colfer
Almost a week here at work... things are still going o.k. Spent most of today worried about an interview in the morning (it didn't go so great). Then came back, and made labels and filed. I have to say that while this is not terribly stimulating - it can be fun. I mean labels are just stickers, right? And Lana does love stickers. :P
I'm also gleaning wisdom along the way:
- Butler in "Artemis Fowl: Opal Deception" by Eoin Colfer
Almost a week here at work... things are still going o.k. Spent most of today worried about an interview in the morning (it didn't go so great). Then came back, and made labels and filed. I have to say that while this is not terribly stimulating - it can be fun. I mean labels are just stickers, right? And Lana does love stickers. :P
I'm also gleaning wisdom along the way:
- Anything not nailed down or labelled can be traded for, taken, or sold
- Plan for your retirement early (i.e. start selling those things your co-workers didn't nail down)
- If you find a man you like - trip him and make sure you fall under him (not quite sure about the physics / mechanics involved with that, but I guess Lucy knows what she's talking about)
- We're government, but we have a sense of humour too
- It's not "You, Bag", it's "Ms. Bag-ette"
- If you're willing to file - they'll love you
Much, much dancing on Sunday, and yesterday we learned the ending for our Formation routine. Dexter ends up with two lovely ladies in his arms and he better not be complaining. Now we just have to make everything "explode" as Dominic puts it.
Find myself again reading (still procrastinating on "The Alchemist") young adult books. Was YA fiction this good when we were that age? Or maybe it's just my maturity reverting again? You guys can answer that or not. :P
Either way, I'm going to say that Eoin Colfer has written some great books about Atemis Fowl - think Irish, criminal mastermind who happens to be barely a teenager (oh, and add in fairies - but not the cute kind). Then there is "The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo, which told in the style of old fairytales, is about a small mouse who overcomes big obstacles, and finds courage, love, and friendship. O.k. this one is actually listed for readers in Grades 2-7, but it's still heartwarmingly good! And still in the process of being devoured by Lana is "A Complicated Kindness". This one is much more complex than the other two. And while the others I had a little bit of trouble identifying with the protagonist, I think Nomi speaks volumes - Mennonite girl struggling to keep with tradition, while constantly dreaming of a life in New York. There's a reason this one is winning awards! Read it! Read it now! I think I might have to start a blog just for books...
Anyway. It's my one day off from dance this week - Sleep, here I come!
Poor Pig... sometimes I feel like that too.
Saturday, 4 February 2006
Drifting on Saturday
The lines between reality and fantasy are bluring again. I'm sitting here in the Bonnie Doon library after a great day where I met up with the TC girls to attend Jasmine's CA Graduation (Congratulations again, Jazzy Girl!). And sitting at a computer right beside me is Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde... O.k. I know he's not actually Jekyll / Hyde, but rather the amazing actor who played the part close to 5 years ago at a the Jekyll & Hyde Pub. I had watched the play thinking this guy is awesome... and then I started bumping into him at bus stations... at the University (come to think of it he might be a professor)... and I still couldn't shake the weird feeling that this person was really someone else... someone who would again transform before my eyes from a respectable, graceful gentleman, into a monster. *shudder* Really, Lana, stay away from fantasy. And stop staring!
The CA Graduation today felt like a great reunion of our B.Comm graduating class. So many people, I recognised both the faces of the people graduating, and their presentors. It's a lot of hard work - amazing to hear how within a year, some of the people had written and passed "one of the hardest professional exams", and still managed to buy and renovate a house, and or host a wedding. It feels strange to see how our lives had diverged. Weren't we just all cramming / preparing for an accounting project / exam? Where did the time go? A little bit of nostalgia again for the good 'ole (soft-lense in hindsight) University days. (Added congratulations for Bryan!)
So tired today. I remember Adam saying once that he only tried to schedule a maximum of three things each day. I had thought at the time, "That doesn't sound like much." Turns out, it probably is a good idea. I broke the rule the night before and now I'm paying for it.
Friday started with a half day at work, followed by an interview at the University, then to Rem & Stephanie's for Friday Feast (thanks again guys). To prepare for the dinner Rem had to go shop for groceries, bake bread, and cook stew. He had, what I thought, a magician's look and flair as he stirred the pot and added the ingredients. A dash of this spice, a pinch of that... and whole lot of garlic. And the pot responded with large puffs of steam and wonderful aromas. Yum... can hardly wait for next week's treats ;) And as we ate, we talked and laughed, and I was sure there wasn't going to be an easy way for me to leave the apartment, but I had agreed to get with the dance program: Only 1 month away from the Calgary Winter Classic! (As Christiana reminded us.) So Darren and I topped off the night (thus breaking the rule) with dance practice.
I'm drifting off here... time to go home and sleep!
The CA Graduation today felt like a great reunion of our B.Comm graduating class. So many people, I recognised both the faces of the people graduating, and their presentors. It's a lot of hard work - amazing to hear how within a year, some of the people had written and passed "one of the hardest professional exams", and still managed to buy and renovate a house, and or host a wedding. It feels strange to see how our lives had diverged. Weren't we just all cramming / preparing for an accounting project / exam? Where did the time go? A little bit of nostalgia again for the good 'ole (soft-lense in hindsight) University days. (Added congratulations for Bryan!)
So tired today. I remember Adam saying once that he only tried to schedule a maximum of three things each day. I had thought at the time, "That doesn't sound like much." Turns out, it probably is a good idea. I broke the rule the night before and now I'm paying for it.
Friday started with a half day at work, followed by an interview at the University, then to Rem & Stephanie's for Friday Feast (thanks again guys). To prepare for the dinner Rem had to go shop for groceries, bake bread, and cook stew. He had, what I thought, a magician's look and flair as he stirred the pot and added the ingredients. A dash of this spice, a pinch of that... and whole lot of garlic. And the pot responded with large puffs of steam and wonderful aromas. Yum... can hardly wait for next week's treats ;) And as we ate, we talked and laughed, and I was sure there wasn't going to be an easy way for me to leave the apartment, but I had agreed to get with the dance program: Only 1 month away from the Calgary Winter Classic! (As Christiana reminded us.) So Darren and I topped off the night (thus breaking the rule) with dance practice.
I'm drifting off here... time to go home and sleep!
Wednesday, 1 February 2006
Vote HARPO!
... and other reasons why Catherine should have a blog...
Couldn't sleep last night. Want to blame it on the 2 cups of coffee consumed out of characters in attempt to get last minute things done... but will have to probably chalk it up to to nerves. That and talking to Catherine... She brought up the great idea that Oprah should run for US President (Harpo being her corporation / party name), and Dr. Phil should be her Vice-President. What would the world be like then? We had little doubt that they would win. And I would also suspect huge voter turnout. O.k. not exactly the deep thoughts one would expect to be keeping one awake at night. But I was nicely energised at that point and no longer as sleepy. Sometimes, though, I do suspect that insominia is a communicable disease. But that's just depressing thinking again.
Anyway, it's day one with the temporary job. Things were kind of hazy (due to lack of sleep), but people were nice and insane in a good way. I'm starting to think that all accounting departments have a certain employee mix / archetypes. Something like a sitcom to make the dynamics work. Though instead of having the "dumb blonde", "the smart one", "the cute one"... etc. we have the "Sole Male", "Sassy Assistant Manager", "Smoking / Street Smart co-worker" etc.
The Sole Male in a group of females is highly sarcastic, and the brunt of the jokes. He doesn't quite belong, and tries to engage in some form of "guy talk" with me... thinking I would understand (what can I say, I guess I give off those vibes). The one here is named Bob and he reminds me very much of Brent (back at CCRA) - they even share the a dwarvish look - Eldest imagery seeping into mind - and bushy, greying mustache. The "Sassy Assistant Manager" can be seen in Chantel, the red-head at CCRA who's name escapes me at the moment, and shows up here as a blonde bombshell, Pat. Before long, I'm sure I'll change from "Nice Lana", to "The Little Brat" :P
So is this mix of archetypes what is needed to make an accounting department work and it's all predetermined at time of hiring? Or do people just end up adopting these roles after becoming unhinged from being locked in a box together for so many hours a day, with minimal sunlight, and too much hand lotion (to counter the dry atmosphere)? *laugh* O.k. really need more sleep.
My biggest fear here has been papercuts. And the fun part - lots and lots of stamping! We'll see if I even get to use a computer tomorrow :)
Couldn't sleep last night. Want to blame it on the 2 cups of coffee consumed out of characters in attempt to get last minute things done... but will have to probably chalk it up to to nerves. That and talking to Catherine... She brought up the great idea that Oprah should run for US President (Harpo being her corporation / party name), and Dr. Phil should be her Vice-President. What would the world be like then? We had little doubt that they would win. And I would also suspect huge voter turnout. O.k. not exactly the deep thoughts one would expect to be keeping one awake at night. But I was nicely energised at that point and no longer as sleepy. Sometimes, though, I do suspect that insominia is a communicable disease. But that's just depressing thinking again.
Anyway, it's day one with the temporary job. Things were kind of hazy (due to lack of sleep), but people were nice and insane in a good way. I'm starting to think that all accounting departments have a certain employee mix / archetypes. Something like a sitcom to make the dynamics work. Though instead of having the "dumb blonde", "the smart one", "the cute one"... etc. we have the "Sole Male", "Sassy Assistant Manager", "Smoking / Street Smart co-worker" etc.
The Sole Male in a group of females is highly sarcastic, and the brunt of the jokes. He doesn't quite belong, and tries to engage in some form of "guy talk" with me... thinking I would understand (what can I say, I guess I give off those vibes). The one here is named Bob and he reminds me very much of Brent (back at CCRA) - they even share the a dwarvish look - Eldest imagery seeping into mind - and bushy, greying mustache. The "Sassy Assistant Manager" can be seen in Chantel, the red-head at CCRA who's name escapes me at the moment, and shows up here as a blonde bombshell, Pat. Before long, I'm sure I'll change from "Nice Lana", to "The Little Brat" :P
So is this mix of archetypes what is needed to make an accounting department work and it's all predetermined at time of hiring? Or do people just end up adopting these roles after becoming unhinged from being locked in a box together for so many hours a day, with minimal sunlight, and too much hand lotion (to counter the dry atmosphere)? *laugh* O.k. really need more sleep.
My biggest fear here has been papercuts. And the fun part - lots and lots of stamping! We'll see if I even get to use a computer tomorrow :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)