I'm still at work. Testing out the now not-so-new laptop that I was going to write this entry. Propped up right in front of the regular monitor, I've been grabbing the mouse that is not connected, and generally getting frustrated with myself. Stupid brain. And stupid laptop... it's not connecting to internet. So... back to the regular computer, and a note to call nephew to fix.
Otherwise, it has been a very cool weekend to recover from. Denis Tremblay came to town for UADC workshops and taught some amazingly fun routines (which I can no longer remember). It's official - no formation team this year. So it was good to get some of that Broadway musical-feel chereography and short lesson on musical expression. "Ti-ta-ti-ta-ching-ching" and "Chica-chica-cong-cong-cong"... can you tell what dances those are for?
With all these cool moves still in my head, slipped off to Remedy cafe for the Mathies' celebration of "Math, Music and Saturday". In no time, the place heated up. I manned the jellybean guessing contest and took pictures. People move too much, and made crazy guesses. Rem and Malcolm taking the extremities of "there are no jellybeans in the jar they are a part of your imagination", and something I was told was close to infinity. And here Andria had promised no math! :) Andrew B and friends (Thomas / Tomaz / Elaine) played music including a heart wrenching Hallejuah, and ended his encore with Heart of Gold. With the formal program somewhat over, I dragged Rem onto the dance square, and we danced to random guitar strummings. I said goodbye... and returned not long after. I had walked away in socks.
Next day: Sarah Slean concert! So much fun. Chris and I met up for dinner at Earls. And then treked to Myer Horowitz. So cold! To my surprise I bumped into Liz (of Lister Hall) in the bathroom! I bring her out to meet Chris. We laughed, reminiscing over last year's concert and how James would strike up a conversation with someone in the bathroom... a prime meeting place. We have a talk about "artistes!" Would "You're a complete open book to me - I understand you completely" be the worse thing a artist could hear? And so I ask, if one is an artist, does one need to prove it? And would being completely inarticulate, unintellible, and thus beyond understanding (as I am) mean I have running chance at being an artist? Chris couldn't see me dying for my scrapbooks... I would have to agree.
Anyway, we finally get inside and settled, and wait for the opening act. Two guys walk onto the stage, one of which has a tambourine strapped to his shoe. That was Christian Hansen. He and his friend really like the tambourine. They start playing originals that were really catchy and had quirky lyrics (I want to say Barenaked Ladies-esque). In his song "The Rapture" he predicts "In 15 years... driving would be a crime." In another, he describes the life of a Westcoast Housewife... I joined his mailing list. Let's see what will happen.
In the short intermission that follows, Rem buys Day One, and between the three of us, we now own all her CDs!
"Hello, Dahlings!" She greets us in her throaty voice. She sits down to play. We love her. We all love her. So much that when she calls us her "little science project", and she forgets the words mid-"Out in the Park", we all cheer. And she called us "Musical Genii" *happy sigh* I guess it helped that (as Rem identified) many Kokopuffs were in the audience. I swear in the sing-along portions they were harmonizing :) She played some new material (written in France) and covers. Told us about the song she wrote in A-major, because it had to be least the favourite key. And then a spiritual her favouite of the songs in the very popular key of C (which of course us musical genii knew without saying). Made me cry with "Last Year's War" followed up with "California". And really before I knew what was happening, she played the last song of her encore (with a glass of wine propped on the piano), and it was time to go. Wouldn't it be awesome if she really did write a musical about us? (I'm such a geek)
Outside Rem waxed poetic about the with windchill -40 weather. Yes, the snow drifts are amazing (note to self: must take pictures for Christiana). Yes, the air is clear, and crisp. But wouldn't it nicer just a tad bit warmer?
To home - to bed - and tomorrow, the last dance class of the season.
Tuesday, 28 November 2006
Friday, 24 November 2006
Sleepless in Edmonton
"This e-mail has been brought to you by linking prepositions and the letter "A."" ~ Nikki
Work Email Inbox: 424
Days to Sarah Slean: 2!
Brr... super cold outside. Boots, coat, mitts, and many, many layers. Pib had once suggested that I should grow a beard to improve my dancing. Can't say it made sense, but I can see it as a possible benefit for right now: a scarf that I wouldn't absentmindly (easily) leave at restaurants.
Malcolm came to visit on Wednesday! Wearing a kilt! Lidia was convinced he had visited before, which he hasn't. Which lead to the question: Is there a Math aura? I entertained him with some of my nicknacks and showed off my red files. He made me laugh... and from his splockasthkelar he pulled out a cell phone! It's so nice to have visitors... hm... I should have offered some tea...
A bout of insominia has hit our house. Dad has his mind on the car; Mom's is preoccupied with finding a new family doctor (must speak Chinese); and me... stuff. Such as the proper count for quickstep. Could it be that the music is in 4/4 time, but the basic is in three? Such questions students ask! Grr! Or more troubling, how adamant I was about being right, only to find that I was wrong. Is this a sign of close-mindedness? And when does confidence become rude?
With the added snow fall, decided to finally start Christiana's snow album. Here is Part 1.
AIDS Awareness Week starts today and ends 01-DEC-2006. Lots of activities going on. "We are the Remedy" concert at Remedy on Thursday the 30th. And really curious about Condom Art Pins being displayed at Nokomis, and SUB on the 1st. More details here.
Rem & Steph - get well soon!
Work Email Inbox: 424
Days to Sarah Slean: 2!
Brr... super cold outside. Boots, coat, mitts, and many, many layers. Pib had once suggested that I should grow a beard to improve my dancing. Can't say it made sense, but I can see it as a possible benefit for right now: a scarf that I wouldn't absentmindly (easily) leave at restaurants.
Malcolm came to visit on Wednesday! Wearing a kilt! Lidia was convinced he had visited before, which he hasn't. Which lead to the question: Is there a Math aura? I entertained him with some of my nicknacks and showed off my red files. He made me laugh... and from his splockasthkelar he pulled out a cell phone! It's so nice to have visitors... hm... I should have offered some tea...
A bout of insominia has hit our house. Dad has his mind on the car; Mom's is preoccupied with finding a new family doctor (must speak Chinese); and me... stuff. Such as the proper count for quickstep. Could it be that the music is in 4/4 time, but the basic is in three? Such questions students ask! Grr! Or more troubling, how adamant I was about being right, only to find that I was wrong. Is this a sign of close-mindedness? And when does confidence become rude?
With the added snow fall, decided to finally start Christiana's snow album. Here is Part 1.
AIDS Awareness Week starts today and ends 01-DEC-2006. Lots of activities going on. "We are the Remedy" concert at Remedy on Thursday the 30th. And really curious about Condom Art Pins being displayed at Nokomis, and SUB on the 1st. More details here.
Rem & Steph - get well soon!
Tuesday, 21 November 2006
... Warmth in Winter ...
Chris: He just wants to manipulate on a grand scale.
Malcolm: How do you know I don't?
Sam: Hey, do you have a thermostat in your office?
Dance class turned out o.k. and I managed to buy Sarah Slean tickets for her show in Edmonton! *swoon* And over the weekend so much stuff happened so that I was too busy to return my library books... ah the weight of library fines on the mind...
But I digress.
Anne's birthday celebrations included pastries, cornbread, and polenta at Friday Feast, followed by drinks at her new "local" the Hotel MacDonald. We were lightly serenaded by bagpipes at 10:13 p.m. I took pictures, listened to the sound of ice cubes in the glass, warmed my feet between the couch cushions. Malcolm insisted that the water tasted like celery. Which prompted an Iron Chef challenge. What they were drinking smelled like wet wood to me (billed as "Double Wood"). And though we waited, there was no bagpipe encore to mark the hour at 11:13 p.m.
Winter Waltz the next day and I couldn't seem to get anything right. There driving involved, and at some point I had to figure out where to park. Ugh. Parking. Atleast Darren tipped me off that Canada Place was close by. But weren't the doors supposed to automatically open? Some sensor, some where was supposed to detect me and the vehicle and open the door. Right?! But it didn't. I drove until the bumper kissed the door, and still no granted entry. And I thought this only happened for regular doors because I was too short. Dang! Opted for parking at the Library parking lot. I should have never strayed.
Inside things started to improve. Dinner, which answered the question: What does one eat soup with? The answer: a knife! We toasted to the Queen... while Beth toasted to the Governor General. Followed by lots and lots of dancing, after lots and lots of photos :) How could I resist - they were simply gorgeous dahlings! Was painful to sit through the Gotan tangos, but Pib did rescue me for one of them. And Steph let me "lead" her through a rumba. Thank you both! Didn't think I had the energy to stay to the very end. But I did. And with another handful of confetti tucked away in my purse, Anne and I drove off into the night.
It was weather to confuse the vegetation. Plus weather, and the snow was turning into ice. At some point, I will have to learn that sometimes doing too many things at once just means nothing will be done well. And you might slip and fall along the way, and it'll all be more painful too. Made cross the town trips to visit with Charlotte for her wedding shower (Congrats!) in Sherwood Park, and then to Rutherford House to meet for Anne's Birthday High Tea. It was quite the fashion event: Anne wore her new hat and Malcolm showed off his new reflective sash, Sophie simply looked great, and both Rem and Steph were not clashing :P I'm pretty sure I combed my hair. And it was there where I cut and created corners, we discussed whether a Star Trek or a Star Wars wedding would be best, along with some real estate developments.
I get home and fall asleep while listening to Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. Not sure if I dream of the answers to: What is evil? Or what is consciousness? I wake up to another Monday.
Malcolm: How do you know I don't?
Sam: Hey, do you have a thermostat in your office?
Dance class turned out o.k. and I managed to buy Sarah Slean tickets for her show in Edmonton! *swoon* And over the weekend so much stuff happened so that I was too busy to return my library books... ah the weight of library fines on the mind...
But I digress.
Anne's birthday celebrations included pastries, cornbread, and polenta at Friday Feast, followed by drinks at her new "local" the Hotel MacDonald. We were lightly serenaded by bagpipes at 10:13 p.m. I took pictures, listened to the sound of ice cubes in the glass, warmed my feet between the couch cushions. Malcolm insisted that the water tasted like celery. Which prompted an Iron Chef challenge. What they were drinking smelled like wet wood to me (billed as "Double Wood"). And though we waited, there was no bagpipe encore to mark the hour at 11:13 p.m.
Winter Waltz the next day and I couldn't seem to get anything right. There driving involved, and at some point I had to figure out where to park. Ugh. Parking. Atleast Darren tipped me off that Canada Place was close by. But weren't the doors supposed to automatically open? Some sensor, some where was supposed to detect me and the vehicle and open the door. Right?! But it didn't. I drove until the bumper kissed the door, and still no granted entry. And I thought this only happened for regular doors because I was too short. Dang! Opted for parking at the Library parking lot. I should have never strayed.
Inside things started to improve. Dinner, which answered the question: What does one eat soup with? The answer: a knife! We toasted to the Queen... while Beth toasted to the Governor General. Followed by lots and lots of dancing, after lots and lots of photos :) How could I resist - they were simply gorgeous dahlings! Was painful to sit through the Gotan tangos, but Pib did rescue me for one of them. And Steph let me "lead" her through a rumba. Thank you both! Didn't think I had the energy to stay to the very end. But I did. And with another handful of confetti tucked away in my purse, Anne and I drove off into the night.
It was weather to confuse the vegetation. Plus weather, and the snow was turning into ice. At some point, I will have to learn that sometimes doing too many things at once just means nothing will be done well. And you might slip and fall along the way, and it'll all be more painful too. Made cross the town trips to visit with Charlotte for her wedding shower (Congrats!) in Sherwood Park, and then to Rutherford House to meet for Anne's Birthday High Tea. It was quite the fashion event: Anne wore her new hat and Malcolm showed off his new reflective sash, Sophie simply looked great, and both Rem and Steph were not clashing :P I'm pretty sure I combed my hair. And it was there where I cut and created corners, we discussed whether a Star Trek or a Star Wars wedding would be best, along with some real estate developments.
I get home and fall asleep while listening to Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. Not sure if I dream of the answers to: What is evil? Or what is consciousness? I wake up to another Monday.
Wednesday, 15 November 2006
Buzzwords
"Screw you! I'm in a Christmasy mood!" ~ Catherine, while driving
Only an hour away from class and I'm thinking of what happened last week. Having already demonstrated that I cannot count, and that left and right are true challenges, inability to differentiate clock vs. counter-clock wise is added to the list. Not too big of deal... I mean... digital is quickly taking over the world, and soon children everywhere will just give you scrunched up "what are you talking about?" looks when it's mentioned. Kind of like the idea of "tying shoe laces" when there's velcro, zippers, and slid-ons... What was I talking about? Oh, right, class tonight. Maybe it'll all be redeemed with one word like last week. The word was: Disengage. Thank you, thank you! I would like to dedicate that one to Star Trek TNG, and Captain Picard...
And so I finally meet the other Lana. I can't say it was surreal, but it did pose some problems. I'm not used to using Lana except when referring to myself in the third person. And at some point in the party, half of the female population were Lanas (I know Bob the Angry Flower says it's wrong to use the apostrophe there, but it sure looks funny without it), and all the men were called Mark. Bizarro. All this happened at Ali's November get-together for the a celebration of initials... I don't know what else to call it. Attendees were to bring something to share that had the same initials as their names. I manage to find something other than lighbulbs and linoleum.
The rest of the long weekend was pretty busy too. Agreeing to a free dinner promised by sister Theresa had strange political consequences. It was a fundraiser for the provincial Progressive Conservatives! Ack! Held by the Chinese Free Masons! Double ack! And they roped my dad into signing up for a membership. I figured the menu of almost all fried foods was enough of punishment. But apparently for true absolvement, I must "perform 40 "Hail Raj Pannu's" while singing jazz to a duck." Thank you, Jeff, at least I know I am redeemable :)
Next morning, I head over to my sister's (not for revenge) to enjoy the some internet access and peace and quiet. Celina and Kevin though weren't so happy with the idea of me not working while they have to go school. Too bad! I got to play on the internet - read random tidbits of James Bond movies from Pib, while chatting with Vienna. The kids come home for lunch and cause a ruckus. Malcolm re-names Kevin "Le garcon fromage" - superhero extrodinaire... with the power of cheese...
Navigated the snowy streets and got lost on the way to Anne's. Once arriving though, she plies me with lots of tea. Perfect. Warm up to the "Happy Anne" soundtrack which contains a verions of "I will Survive" by Cake, and get to work. Building desks... changing toilet seats... Anne has tools. Which is sooooo cool. O.k. I'm over that now. We also get to the one of the main reasons I was there - to flip through some of her grandma's estate. Photos... old coins... keys without locks... questions to be answered. In many ways I envy her having such a connected family. But then remembered some of the crazier bits of family that I'm already too connected to.
Yikes! Must head off to class!
Only an hour away from class and I'm thinking of what happened last week. Having already demonstrated that I cannot count, and that left and right are true challenges, inability to differentiate clock vs. counter-clock wise is added to the list. Not too big of deal... I mean... digital is quickly taking over the world, and soon children everywhere will just give you scrunched up "what are you talking about?" looks when it's mentioned. Kind of like the idea of "tying shoe laces" when there's velcro, zippers, and slid-ons... What was I talking about? Oh, right, class tonight. Maybe it'll all be redeemed with one word like last week. The word was: Disengage. Thank you, thank you! I would like to dedicate that one to Star Trek TNG, and Captain Picard...
And so I finally meet the other Lana. I can't say it was surreal, but it did pose some problems. I'm not used to using Lana except when referring to myself in the third person. And at some point in the party, half of the female population were Lanas (I know Bob the Angry Flower says it's wrong to use the apostrophe there, but it sure looks funny without it), and all the men were called Mark. Bizarro. All this happened at Ali's November get-together for the a celebration of initials... I don't know what else to call it. Attendees were to bring something to share that had the same initials as their names. I manage to find something other than lighbulbs and linoleum.
The rest of the long weekend was pretty busy too. Agreeing to a free dinner promised by sister Theresa had strange political consequences. It was a fundraiser for the provincial Progressive Conservatives! Ack! Held by the Chinese Free Masons! Double ack! And they roped my dad into signing up for a membership. I figured the menu of almost all fried foods was enough of punishment. But apparently for true absolvement, I must "perform 40 "Hail Raj Pannu's" while singing jazz to a duck." Thank you, Jeff, at least I know I am redeemable :)
Next morning, I head over to my sister's (not for revenge) to enjoy the some internet access and peace and quiet. Celina and Kevin though weren't so happy with the idea of me not working while they have to go school. Too bad! I got to play on the internet - read random tidbits of James Bond movies from Pib, while chatting with Vienna. The kids come home for lunch and cause a ruckus. Malcolm re-names Kevin "Le garcon fromage" - superhero extrodinaire... with the power of cheese...
Navigated the snowy streets and got lost on the way to Anne's. Once arriving though, she plies me with lots of tea. Perfect. Warm up to the "Happy Anne" soundtrack which contains a verions of "I will Survive" by Cake, and get to work. Building desks... changing toilet seats... Anne has tools. Which is sooooo cool. O.k. I'm over that now. We also get to the one of the main reasons I was there - to flip through some of her grandma's estate. Photos... old coins... keys without locks... questions to be answered. In many ways I envy her having such a connected family. But then remembered some of the crazier bits of family that I'm already too connected to.
Yikes! Must head off to class!
Friday, 10 November 2006
the Time in Between
As Andrew would say it, I've been seeing a "holy man"... I had to smack him for that. Be assured, I have not found religion. In the time in between, I've been seeing an accupuncturist! (O.k. Steph you should probably skip to the next section.) The place is located in HUB Mall, and offers both massage and acutherapy. HUB Mall is very deceiving in that the narrow store opens up to a reception area and then 3 treatment rooms. You walk in, and feel wrapped in calmness. Neutral colours, low lighting, bamboo plants, and water fountain in the corner all help to set the scene. So, how does this work? I show up, I tell him what's hurts, and then he goes to work. The sensation of the actual treatment is difficult to describe... he showed me the needles before hand (tiny things with a coloured plastic top) and a plastic figurine that had energy flow lines marked all along it. Tap, tap, tap... the needle goes into the pore (I imagine Steph with a tiny hammer), and then a small twisting sensation. For the next half an hour I lie there listening to some nature sounds overlayed on flute / harp music, as I wait for the energy to do its work. Lidia says she usually falls asleep during this time. I try to do the same, but keep feeling itchy at all the treatment sites. Maybe I'm just turning into an itchy person? In the end, I walk out feeling less pain. Which is a good thing.
Small adventures of late have been educational... if trivial in nature. I joined a lunch tour for Studio Theatre and got to see what happens back stage! Wow! Photos might actually be posting again. (Wish I knew what exactly the trick is.) Anyways, here are some pictures I took:
The stage for "The Double Inconstancy"/ Set model of "Crimes of the Heart" 
Clocks 
Birdcages
Ladies dressing room - yes they have the lights! /
All types of facial hair...
More photos, along with my notes of things.
And also in line with why I love working the U: I was waiting for the LRT when Nick walks up to me and says hi. This isn't Nick who's in Calgary. Rather this was Nick who I haven't seen more than 4 years, and used to live near my house. I want to call him "Turkey Nick" but that doesn't seem right. Anyway, he's part of the team that put together "There's Heifer in your Tank". And the next thing you know, I've been given a ticket to go see the show where they answer questions I didn't even know I had about Agriculture. No matter that when I showed up to the Agricom I got lost and was mistaken for a junior high student. I was awed from the cows (Farmfair International), and learned lots of cool facts: Such as how many teeth cows have... how many cowboy boots you can get from a cow... the process for making beef jerky... and many more. And all in an entertaining way. The cowboy boot questions was answered by a group of "elves" competing to be "[Canada's] Next Top Elf". And there people were dressed up as cows (all seemed to be named Bessie) and chickens! It was an overall fun night, though so very cold...
O.k. off to Friday Feast with me! Stay warm.
Small adventures of late have been educational... if trivial in nature. I joined a lunch tour for Studio Theatre and got to see what happens back stage! Wow! Photos might actually be posting again. (Wish I knew what exactly the trick is.) Anyways, here are some pictures I took:
The stage for "The Double Inconstancy"/ Set model of "Crimes of the Heart" 
Clocks 
Birdcages
Ladies dressing room - yes they have the lights! /
All types of facial hair...More photos, along with my notes of things.
And also in line with why I love working the U: I was waiting for the LRT when Nick walks up to me and says hi. This isn't Nick who's in Calgary. Rather this was Nick who I haven't seen more than 4 years, and used to live near my house. I want to call him "Turkey Nick" but that doesn't seem right. Anyway, he's part of the team that put together "There's Heifer in your Tank". And the next thing you know, I've been given a ticket to go see the show where they answer questions I didn't even know I had about Agriculture. No matter that when I showed up to the Agricom I got lost and was mistaken for a junior high student. I was awed from the cows (Farmfair International), and learned lots of cool facts: Such as how many teeth cows have... how many cowboy boots you can get from a cow... the process for making beef jerky... and many more. And all in an entertaining way. The cowboy boot questions was answered by a group of "elves" competing to be "[Canada's] Next Top Elf". And there people were dressed up as cows (all seemed to be named Bessie) and chickens! It was an overall fun night, though so very cold...
O.k. off to Friday Feast with me! Stay warm.
Tuesday, 7 November 2006
NLC III
"Almost anyone can become comfortable in a skirt."
I did head home early on Friday, but not before visiting Rem & Steph's for Friday Feast. It's seems like such a long time since we were all sitting together, enjoying the food and company... away from the cold. I had to do a triple take (?) to register the changes: new artwork, the table, couch and television moved... the new spice rack... Simony showed up and talked a little about Vegas, while shuffling cardboard coasters from the Edmonton Arts Council. And when it was time for dishes we challenged each other to remember where everything went... I jump out of the kitchen brandishing part of a spatchula "Grr!"... yes, very frightening. Both Na and Chris brought computer speakers (the rest of us must have missed the memo). There was cake as promised for Jen and Reese's birthday, and eggnog (*making face*). Malcolm revealed a grand idea involving the Heritage Ampitheatre, dressing up, and dancing... and if we don't cheap out, a portable cello and grand piano... all to go over the fence :)
Spent the rest of the night getting ready for the competition. Did the little things that Pib mentioned... though not the same areas... And tried to get last minute details sorted out. Come morning, I was nervous and jittery.
Darren picked me up and we headed to the Polish Hall. He saw it the night before while helping with setup, but he didn't prepare me for all that was there. I walk inside and see: chandeliers, large windows, and spot lights! Beautiful. Great vantage point from the balcony, and awesome lighting... um... where's my camera? Dang! I forgot the camera! And I had planned to bring two - so that I could try film photography again. Argh. Oh, well, Darren was nice and lent me his for some shots.
Went downstairs to the change rooms, and was hit with a feeling of fear. De ja vu again... and this time it made me worried. Something in a dream had me in this basement (same wood panelling, same checkerboard tiled floor) and doing massive moving of chairs, and tables... Got ready despite the feelings of foreboding, and danced.
The next part, Pib described as a gong show. I would have to agree. More couples than in Calgary vying for the same amount of space. And there was all this dust. The conditions really tested the competitors' floor craft. And amid all the stopping, starting, and slipping, Darren and I didn't do our best in Standard - and didn't make the finals. It was disappointing, but it felt pretty special to have Olga (TA for our Wednesday class) shouting our number, and Clarice cheering all the way.
Break for lunch. Went to Tim Hortons with Darren, Vienna, Sylwester, Ryan, and Dexter. I drowned a bit of my sorrows in green tea and Timbits. But still didn't quite want to go back. Wanted a nap... or to go shopping with Vienna. Yes, my focus was gone. But, in my absence, after considering costume fit, height... we realised that Dexter would have to take my place and dance with Darren. Not everyone was happy with this idea, though, so I went back.
Latin portion was just as crazy. This time quarter finals, and 14 couples on the same slippery floor. Surprisingly though, Darren and I had probably our best Latin performance ever, and made the first cut. There was barely a pause before the semi-finals started. Didn't go as well this time, I got kicked and stepped on... and again didn't make the finals. We both agreed though, that it was a good run, while it lasted :) It'll be a while before we compete together again.
The day events ended, and when we returned for the night the harshness of the spotlights was intensified without the warm light from the windows. It was not flattering at all. But to compensate, the costumes and dancing were magnificent! I was a runner that night, which meant a better than front row seat... though I wasn't allowed to be so entranced by the dancing to forget my duties. The judges had a little fun with me - I guess I run like a duck?
The Champs really knew what they were doing, and I saw their secret - To avoid slipping: apply Liquid Vitamin E.
The Pirate was there, and during general dancing, I did think maybe, I could ask him for a dance... a Standard one? But I chickened out, so again, no new gossip, peoples.
D&D's show was wonderful starting off with a bunch of the guys carrying Dominic onto the stage as though he was a statue (Dance Machine to be exact) for a waltz, and ending it all with a super fun "How to Exorcise you Partner" jive to "Devil in a Blue Dress." Wow!
So the official night program came to an end. But for the volunteers, there was still the matter of clean up. Mark with the fractured rib, stuck around to move the risers ("Back go cracky, snappy.") Darren and Clarence too. Amanda and I were "fellow-fellows". She moved risers, while I mostly concentrated on collecting sparkles. And around 2 a.m. I finally get home, scrub off the makeup and sleep. Sleep. I like that.
~ Stuart McLean, "Sam the Athlete"
I did head home early on Friday, but not before visiting Rem & Steph's for Friday Feast. It's seems like such a long time since we were all sitting together, enjoying the food and company... away from the cold. I had to do a triple take (?) to register the changes: new artwork, the table, couch and television moved... the new spice rack... Simony showed up and talked a little about Vegas, while shuffling cardboard coasters from the Edmonton Arts Council. And when it was time for dishes we challenged each other to remember where everything went... I jump out of the kitchen brandishing part of a spatchula "Grr!"... yes, very frightening. Both Na and Chris brought computer speakers (the rest of us must have missed the memo). There was cake as promised for Jen and Reese's birthday, and eggnog (*making face*). Malcolm revealed a grand idea involving the Heritage Ampitheatre, dressing up, and dancing... and if we don't cheap out, a portable cello and grand piano... all to go over the fence :)
Spent the rest of the night getting ready for the competition. Did the little things that Pib mentioned... though not the same areas... And tried to get last minute details sorted out. Come morning, I was nervous and jittery.
Darren picked me up and we headed to the Polish Hall. He saw it the night before while helping with setup, but he didn't prepare me for all that was there. I walk inside and see: chandeliers, large windows, and spot lights! Beautiful. Great vantage point from the balcony, and awesome lighting... um... where's my camera? Dang! I forgot the camera! And I had planned to bring two - so that I could try film photography again. Argh. Oh, well, Darren was nice and lent me his for some shots.
Went downstairs to the change rooms, and was hit with a feeling of fear. De ja vu again... and this time it made me worried. Something in a dream had me in this basement (same wood panelling, same checkerboard tiled floor) and doing massive moving of chairs, and tables... Got ready despite the feelings of foreboding, and danced.
The next part, Pib described as a gong show. I would have to agree. More couples than in Calgary vying for the same amount of space. And there was all this dust. The conditions really tested the competitors' floor craft. And amid all the stopping, starting, and slipping, Darren and I didn't do our best in Standard - and didn't make the finals. It was disappointing, but it felt pretty special to have Olga (TA for our Wednesday class) shouting our number, and Clarice cheering all the way.
Break for lunch. Went to Tim Hortons with Darren, Vienna, Sylwester, Ryan, and Dexter. I drowned a bit of my sorrows in green tea and Timbits. But still didn't quite want to go back. Wanted a nap... or to go shopping with Vienna. Yes, my focus was gone. But, in my absence, after considering costume fit, height... we realised that Dexter would have to take my place and dance with Darren. Not everyone was happy with this idea, though, so I went back.
Latin portion was just as crazy. This time quarter finals, and 14 couples on the same slippery floor. Surprisingly though, Darren and I had probably our best Latin performance ever, and made the first cut. There was barely a pause before the semi-finals started. Didn't go as well this time, I got kicked and stepped on... and again didn't make the finals. We both agreed though, that it was a good run, while it lasted :) It'll be a while before we compete together again.
The day events ended, and when we returned for the night the harshness of the spotlights was intensified without the warm light from the windows. It was not flattering at all. But to compensate, the costumes and dancing were magnificent! I was a runner that night, which meant a better than front row seat... though I wasn't allowed to be so entranced by the dancing to forget my duties. The judges had a little fun with me - I guess I run like a duck?
The Champs really knew what they were doing, and I saw their secret - To avoid slipping: apply Liquid Vitamin E.
The Pirate was there, and during general dancing, I did think maybe, I could ask him for a dance... a Standard one? But I chickened out, so again, no new gossip, peoples.
D&D's show was wonderful starting off with a bunch of the guys carrying Dominic onto the stage as though he was a statue (Dance Machine to be exact) for a waltz, and ending it all with a super fun "How to Exorcise you Partner" jive to "Devil in a Blue Dress." Wow!
So the official night program came to an end. But for the volunteers, there was still the matter of clean up. Mark with the fractured rib, stuck around to move the risers ("Back go cracky, snappy.") Darren and Clarence too. Amanda and I were "fellow-fellows". She moved risers, while I mostly concentrated on collecting sparkles. And around 2 a.m. I finally get home, scrub off the makeup and sleep. Sleep. I like that.
Friday, 3 November 2006
"Other" Encounters
Days until NLC: 1!
Big announcement: Lorena is my new boss!
Finally got a chance to see Andrea's new place (hm... this has been close to 3 weeks now). Married life seems to be treating her well. She and Bob are so sweet together and I love to tease them for it. Bob cooked us dinner (goose medallions in a cream sauce), and kept me entertained (and with tea) between my bursts of enthusiam at seeing their home, Andrea's stories, and Marie's plants. As the proud owner of cuttings for 4 different plants, I have my fingers crossed that they will spout roots, and redeem me of all the cut flowers I have killed in the past month. Marie assures me if these don't take,we can get another from the original plant. I like this kind of back-up plan.
Things have not been exactly calm since coming back from Calgary. It has been snowing, and it feels like winter, ugh. Not a happy feeling.
Rhianne was in town for a couple of days, and we met up Chris to attend Jay Ingram's lecture "Are Animals Conscious? Dog Dreams and Parrot Petulance". He starts off his talk with some of the challenges in observing animals and how people have a tendency to anthropromophize (I hope that's right), and ended with question period. I didn't have anything intelligent to say. Chris only wanted to know if there was a way to get rid of the "annoying" co-host... so we went straight for the wine and cheese. Next, armed with soon to expire Entertainment coupons, we headed out for dinner, caught up on some gossip (sorry, Rhianne, nothing new since), and headed to Whyte. We saw people lined up and crowded around a church. Rhianne relayed that it must have been the ghost tour. Next we visited Death by Chocolate. Only a visit you see... because they didn't accept coupons. I was in a frenze - must use coupons! Must only patron businessness that accept coupons! It was that kind of night *blush* Truly, coupons are dangerous things...
Next day, back at work, with a aluminum foil hat and Lisa and Wendy - made a relatively convincing alien autopsy scene out of an unfortunate pumpkin. The idea was born from "sick" minds. But we won the pumpkin carving contest!
Should head out, and rest. Big day tomorrow! NLC - here we come... hm... I wonder if I'll see the Pirate again...
Big announcement: Lorena is my new boss!
Finally got a chance to see Andrea's new place (hm... this has been close to 3 weeks now). Married life seems to be treating her well. She and Bob are so sweet together and I love to tease them for it. Bob cooked us dinner (goose medallions in a cream sauce), and kept me entertained (and with tea) between my bursts of enthusiam at seeing their home, Andrea's stories, and Marie's plants. As the proud owner of cuttings for 4 different plants, I have my fingers crossed that they will spout roots, and redeem me of all the cut flowers I have killed in the past month. Marie assures me if these don't take,we can get another from the original plant. I like this kind of back-up plan.
Things have not been exactly calm since coming back from Calgary. It has been snowing, and it feels like winter, ugh. Not a happy feeling.
Rhianne was in town for a couple of days, and we met up Chris to attend Jay Ingram's lecture "Are Animals Conscious? Dog Dreams and Parrot Petulance". He starts off his talk with some of the challenges in observing animals and how people have a tendency to anthropromophize (I hope that's right), and ended with question period. I didn't have anything intelligent to say. Chris only wanted to know if there was a way to get rid of the "annoying" co-host... so we went straight for the wine and cheese. Next, armed with soon to expire Entertainment coupons, we headed out for dinner, caught up on some gossip (sorry, Rhianne, nothing new since), and headed to Whyte. We saw people lined up and crowded around a church. Rhianne relayed that it must have been the ghost tour. Next we visited Death by Chocolate. Only a visit you see... because they didn't accept coupons. I was in a frenze - must use coupons! Must only patron businessness that accept coupons! It was that kind of night *blush* Truly, coupons are dangerous things...
Next day, back at work, with a aluminum foil hat and Lisa and Wendy - made a relatively convincing alien autopsy scene out of an unfortunate pumpkin. The idea was born from "sick" minds. But we won the pumpkin carving contest!
Should head out, and rest. Big day tomorrow! NLC - here we come... hm... I wonder if I'll see the Pirate again...
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