Micro Thrills

Building maintenance's refusal to turn on the air conditioning yesterday led to one person passing out in the photocopy room. I was gladly not here, instead having been sent downtown for a meeting I barely understood. Today, rain and wet snow outside, has kept more reasonable temperatures inside.

Far from being caught up with reading (or writing, or studying), but picked up from the library and finished Microthrills: True Stories from a Life of Small Highs by Wendy Spero in the last week. The great title, cover including two ladybugs and a quote from a reviewer: "David Sedaris, watch your back!", combined with the inside cover which told me that she grew up in Manhattan (again New York!) - I obviously had to borrow it. The introduction impressed by including both baby-eating ("I wanna slab on some savory marinara sauce and be done with it.") and insect sex references.

The verdict is, while she did have some amusing stories and a great title that really speaks to me, and it was nice to imagine / remember bits of Manhattan, I think David Sedaris is pretty safe. I'd like think it's the voice and the fact that his stories are not only wacky but also have a touch of sadness to them and better written... but it could just be that deep down it's easier for me to identify with a gay man with an eccentric family who lived in the suburbs, than I can with a woman who grew up with a sex therapist mother in the middle of a big city. Or not. Have not been sleeping well again, so anything's possible.

Anyway, it's time for me to go home. More catching up to come.

Scenes from the weekend

A supervillian walks into a bar...

Rem passed his candidacy exam on Friday! We went to Remedy to celebrate. (Right: Rem plots his next move. / Left: A math joke I'm sure.)



Doug Hoyer presents...

Later, met Catherine and Jaclyn at Axis Cafe for Doug Hoyer's CD release party. Standing-room-only became sitting-on-the-stairs-at-the back-entrance-only. Was laughing, charmed by:


a) the ukulele (electric - who would have known?)
b) Quirky lyrics and subject matter (e.g. worries on blind dates "Dress too slutty? Nails too fake?", and "Tattoo" a love song which apparently started as a sociology essay)
c) Mild squirming from Catherine and Jaclyn (it's not easy seeing family grow up... and sing about making-out with their girlfriend).


Overall a fun show. I hear he plays the accordian too. Look forward to seeing that.



And then at Dim Sum the next day...


"I wish you'd never get married so you can spend more time with us." Oh, Celina. *sigh* At least someone is benefiting...




Then onward to books!


And more books... and even more books! It was the Raise a Reader booksale in one of the airport hangers at Kingsway. Volunteered to help out for a shift and was just amazed. *dinner-plate-sized-eyes expression* Tables and tables covered with books. Boxes and boxes of books (donated from all over) sitting under the tables and next to the walls. Steph and I were to restock and tidy the tables as books were being taken away. Sorting came along pretty naturally. Aside from ocassional helping people with a "Ah-ha! I know exactly what you're looking for" moment, it wasn't exactly exhilarating work... unless you saw the misfiled books as commentaries. "Beowulf" is Adult Non-fiction and "Drop Dead Gorgeous" a book of Religion and Spirtuality. Silliness can get one through so many things.




"She's thinking of a stratagem." ~ Amelie in Amelie


Beth sling-shots me onto the dance floor carefully aimed (that girl is strong). Seconds later, our target starts dancing with someone. Seeing this, I veer off, returning to our side of the room. Regroup. Second attempt: Aim, shoot... target leaves the room. Slightly relieved, I tell Beth it's just not meant to be. But she has another plan. In the end, it was set. Travis was confused. But he is coming to Feast.

Still Saturday, and we still have an engagement with Math and Music. To Allendale Hall we go for the Martingales. We witness the debut of Rem on washboard. And Troll on mic.



Well what do you think?


Celina invites me over for lunch. She cooks spaghetti with a tomato chicken sauce. Kind of goopy, but tastey. A promising start.



Back to the book sale this time to comb through and buy. I buy trash, none of the good stuff I was recommending just yesterday to other customers. Why is this? Deep down am I a commitmentphobe?

Must be clumsy hand syndrome...

Red eggs show up at the Chinese one-month-old celebrations for babies... and for Orthodox Easter dinner! Sophie's and her mom have created a wonderful meal (though no Battlestar Galatica). When we're ready to start, the red wine Eugene brought goes missing (Apollo wine no less). We find the wine (having disguised itself as a bottle of vinegar and fooled at least one of us), and start, with a game: Egg smashing! Well, a little more civilised than that. Each, with our chosen egg, are to... um... tap with vigour our egg to our partner's egg. The one with the uncracked shell is victorious. Steph and her super egg wins at the table and will be blessed with good luck for the rest of the year (that's my interpretation at least). We all suffer a little from clumsy hand syndrome. But even with nearly tipped wine glasses and flying broccoli, we manage to not make too big of a mess...

Afterwards we look at photos from Eugene's trip to Hong Kong. Turns out his sister knows cousin Daisy. And we take a couple of pictures of our own.

Constant Vigilance (!) and other side reminders

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth your effort.

~ H. Albright

The last basic training session for our team was accounting. Michael gave us the presentation instead of taking us out for lunch (Morgan's suggestion). He really taught us (me) some stuff. For one, while we prepare schedules that use the restricted fund method, the University uses the deferred revenue method for the financial statements! Wow! Kind of mind blowing. O.k. maybe not so much for the non-accounting folks, but this is directly related to the stuff in FA4. (Note: Study! Only 44 days left.)

The delight of improved revenue recognition and better accounting didn't last long though, a team meeting yesterday got people all riled up again about the changes, and lack of information in the re-organisation. I really don't like the unrest. Michael's also asked me to join in on another project related to the system upgrade. With a name like "Enrichment", how could it be bad? Really though, I wonder if this is going to be the great opportunity as advertised, or a big mistake.

Stuff Na and I talked about last week when we had dinner together, are still knocking around in my head. Among them, did I want to be her roommate? I keep thinking how different we are; Her take is that we are different floors of the same building. She mentioned a study about how we become who we are between ages 25 and 35, that these are the true formative years. I am both scared and hopeful of this. The thought of her reminds me to focus: I check my posture, and smile.

Orange Hall and bowling balls

"The Lana I knew was a good dancer." ~ Former student from UADC

The snow continued to fall, and our shoes were wet when Beth, John, Patrick and I made it to Orange Hall. The Sugar Swing event included a beginner lesson that taught some moves of "Jitterbug Jive". The instructors (Julie and Birkley) were laid-back and enthusiastic. After the lesson, we were left to our own devices to dance in the social. I was caught up in the atmosphere. Looking at the crowd, I fantasized slightly that I had stepped into a different era (feeling a nostalgia for an time I never lived or knew): The hardwood floor and wooden benches against the walls; the yellow glow of street lamps only mildy muted by the tall windows; a few men in fedoras and suspenders (my favourite); and the music! Big band, swing, some blues, and a sprinkling of what I considered foxtrot and quickstep songs. All melded together in this free spirit of dancing. This is how it could be. The laughing, the energy... I felt too upright and stiff, and tried to will myself to emmulate their relaxed grace. Two people strapped on tap shoes and I was delighted for the show they put on in the corner. Surprisingly I recognised and was recognised by some other (former?) UADC members. Travis took me under his wing and tried to teach me additional moves along with the West Coast Swing basic (Clarence had tried before, I can still cannot do it), and the Lindy Hop. I have much, much to learn. I've reverted back to

staring at feet... and realised I also needed to learn how to talk. Went home feeling, if somewhat inadequate, excited and inspired.


Next day: Snow has finally stopped! I scrambled to collect all the VIPs involved, and navigated through the slush to make it to Gateway Lanes for Celina's birthday party. This bunch was super energetic at playing 10-pin bowling, and suprisingly skillful too (the bumpers did help). There was definitely a change in the group. Instead of the shy and slightly scared of last year's Chuck E Cheese adventure, many of Celina's invited were attention-grabbers, were pretty savvy... and maybe even a touch mean. I wondered if this was because they were now on the cusp of teenage-hood. She, herself, had just turned 11.

Celina opened her presents after the group had a pizza lunch in a private party room. And then everyone was sent home after ice cream cake. I gladly took Celina and Kevin back home, and sank, completely tired, into their couch. Celina went through her gifts again and I tried calmly to talk to her about "What to say/do if you get a gift you don't like" (O.k. this is an area I need help with too... but her comments at the party did leave a bad taste in the mouth, though no tears). And then we watched Naruto, and played Scrabble (yay!) until I finally admitted I was getting sick and needed to go home.

I wonder now what will she'll think of next year... and if Auntie Lana will still be cool enough to be a part of it.

Snow and Taxes

It's Saturday. It is snowing. It is also mid-late April. The last two points bother me more than the fact that I'm at work right now. The big surprise is that Grace is here too! However, she's doing overtime. I'm here trying to get my life together... one step at a time... First, do taxes. Second, somehow clean the office. A few hours should do it. Then, a partial cure to the moodiness and moping: Beth is taking me out swing dancing.

Lana: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. *bites into apple*
Malcolm: Especially if you throw 'em at them.

Back from Michael's grad show. Was impressed as heck, which was no surprise. Was particularly caught by the caption of one photo (part of someone else's portfolio), "Portrait in the Paprazzi Style". Now that I've seen the words, I think this is what I have been trying to do. Bundled up tight, Rem, Steph, and I take a bus ride home. It was grey, and makes me think of November.

Been reading Questionable Content online and simply love it. Just to be clear, it's a comic (right).

Not quite fabulous

"Oh, you know him. He probably just took off for Vegas." ~ Catherine speculates.

It wasn't long before empty wine bottles were lining the kitchen counter. It was her wine and cheese, but Morgan was still surprised by the number of people arriving. Strangely worded questions made the topic of conversation, (e.g. "Consider: Owning and operating your own child" - Timothy). And more people poured through the door. I wondered how many more would be able to fit. Didn't actually find out, because I left early... and took 3 cute guys with me. *laugh* Now that could have been an interesting beginning to a story. But with warnings from Morgan to not let them make me "fabulous" echoing in my head, I dropped them off at a club on Jasper Ave. And that was that.

Next day met up with Catherine at Three Bananas. From the window, we could see just outside in Churchill Square, and there was, a tightrope walker. He wore a top knot and beard, and walked back and forth on a line hung between two trees, less than a meter from the ground. A small child about 2 years old, with the similar curly hair was playing nearby in the sun. What a sight. Catherine says she's seen him before doing the same thing. I wondered about the large pack on the ground. Did he live a nomadic life, or just happened to carry around a large bag like me? Before we were done, he had packed up his stuff. With the child running behind him they left the area.

We then went to the library booksale. It, while fruitful (I found the soundtrack to "A Waking Life") was also a bit sad. I kept thinking: So many ways to escape, but after the last page, nothing has really changed.

Today, I work on finding the right mix - the music cocktail that would help make things better. I think about High Fidelity, maybe there is a recipe.

The F Words

"You look great tonight, and we're happy you're wearing pants." ~ Maria

Brad and Dianna's wedding reception in Edmonton was on Friday. Headed over to the Faculty Club and found I had arrived too late to get a seat with the dance crowd. I was however, seated with Brad's friendly co-workers, and pleasantly suprrised that one of them looked much like Sarah Slean! (Right: She might looked shocked and scared, but I did ask nicely before taking the photo.)

(left) "Unky Brad, can we dance?"

After some tasteful toasts and stories about Brad as a child, we all took to the dance floor. Andrew DJed through out the night, and gave me some good advice. Darren taught me a couple of moves from his new jive routine (Yay for the Windmill and Miami Special). And we whipped around the floor changing partners mid-polka (songs from Maria's special collection). We burst into song when the chords from Moulin Rouge numbers played. Clarence and I danced to Michael Buble's "Home", which made me think, and a little sad. But all in all it was a great time - like New York all over again.

"The two times you know when you're appreciated are your wedding and furneral. I'm glad you're here for my wedding." ~ Brad

Next day was the Unwrapping. Maria, Clarence, Darren, Rini and I went over to see Brad and Dianna open the gift we got them and also joined in their family dinner. Not surprisingly, the wrapping provided a lot of the fun - it's textured! And when you have stickers...

We then walked a couple of houses down to Dale and Ulla's to join in their family dinner. After another great meal, some wonderful stories, and good wishes, I left to head to another party. I couldn't quite figure out what I was feeling. I remembered Dale's words from the night before, telling me the F words of marriage: Family, friends, fate, forgiveness, forever. I think now, I was hopeful.

Added Frustrations

It didn't work. At least not with our team. The class that had meant to re-orientate everyone to the re-organisation and what each team was responsible for, made most of our team angry. One co-worker vocalised, "We're like second-class citizens." Our duties and responsibilities had been reduced to one slide in a Power Point presentation. In my head, I rationalised: As a basic introduction, weren't everyone's jobs summarised? On the way back to the office, people compared how much presentation time, explanation, and resourses were devoted to the other teams as compared to ours. I could feel team morale degrading. And it continues today. I feel sick. It's a sad day. And, he cancelled.

I *heart* (Part II)

... or "Now we know why there's so much popcorn on the theatre floors."

The rest of Sunday: It was off to Chris's to meet up with Margaret and friends. Baking was also part of the plan. And so (some of us) did. Lindsey worked on creating healthy cinnamon rolls, as I set off to peel as many apples as I could. Chris pulled the things we needed from the kitchen, and did what was needed to the apples I peeled. And meanwhile on the otherside of the partition: Simon demonstrated that he could whistle, pat his head, rub his tummy and work the exercise bike.

We chatted, and got a bit more caught up on what everyone was doing. And then, the question came: How do you eat your theatre popcorn? For Simon and Ryan, the answer turned out to be quite... outside the box.

1. Simon's method / rationale: When is the last time you washed your hands? You weren't planning to eat popcorn, but now someone's passed you the popcorn bucket to share. Would you take a handful and just ignore the germs? What would Simon do? Simon would tip the bucket and keep a stash on top of his shirt. And from there, using only two fingers, he would pick at the popcorn.

2. Ryan's Method (Non-sharing scenerio): Stick head into bucket. And when you can no longer reach the popcorn line, "drink" from bucket.

(Personally, I think I would just decline.)

Moments later, finally calmed down from laughing, I realised I had to run. It was going to be a mad dash in order to see this year's TA Formation Team in their dress rehearsal. Lindsey lead me on to the "new" Anthony Henday Drive. Things were going well... and then I took the wrong turn-off. I was late when I arrived at the South Alliance Church, but I didn't give up, yanking on doors, and knocking... until I heard music. Dang! From the window of the gym's door I watched the show. Even from my disadvantaged angle, I still thought it was pretty spectacular, with lifts, and a good helping of James Bond/spy humour (to match the music). Someone let me in when it was over. I managed to get some pictures while someone was taking official photos. (Christiana - you are gorgeous.)

Next it was off to Steph's to join up with Margaret. There Thomas mused that the wall scroll actually said something like "Really Big Car" and that it seemed to have been penned (brushed?) by Rice Bucket Monk. Chris came to the shocking realisation that his friends (us) were getting old. We ate taco pizza and still managed to find some space for the cinnamon rolls (a little on the hard side) topped with icing by Margaret. And then we had to call it a night.

Today, so very tired, but will have to find some energy to sit through orientation - first of 5 basic training sessions for the re-organisation. But then tonight, Die-Nasty. To the Varscona!

I *heart* (Part I)

Dawn Campbell: Brad, do you love me?
Brad Stand: I think so.
Dawn Campbell: With the bonnet?
Brad Stand: Ehhh...

~ I Heart Huckabees

I expected awkwardness, but of course it was only in my head. Yesterday's trip to the Scene Flea Market at Alberta Avenue Hall was fairly uneventful in a pleasant way. I kept looking wondering if she was the one. Is she part of the E-ville Roller Derby? Or was she the girl at In.3s.Tees (preloved and new items with limited-3 only-print designs)? Or the one at thoughtcrimeink? None of them fit. I remained uneasy, not sure what I was trying to prove. In the end, I read some poetry, marvelled at some of the performers on stage (loved Eamon McGrath's voice), and found out "Sustainability is sexy" (from Lucid Lifestyle). The Spreepark display caught my eye - not sure what they were about, but I was sold on the great album art - then it turns out one of the members of is the brother of fellow highschool band geek!

With still more time to kill, I dropped in to the Carrot and fortuitously, Micah was there! It was my first time there and was treated to Keith Walker's "The Rescue", an installation piece of glass umbrellas. People came in to set up for the Saturday Open Mic night, and she showed me around as we caught up. The space is small, fitting a small stage, an upright piano on the side, a few tables and chairs. But it also perfect, I thought, for cup of coffee, some reading and hiding out, and enjoying some music. Will have to come back... and maybe submit something with Micah (or Steph) involving the tambourine. She offers some sage advice and then I'm off.

Jeff cooks dinner as I warm up from the cold. I tell him a bit about New York, but have trouble with the important parts... how I thought about Rent, and getting lost... about finding Van Gogh. I think I got an eyebrow when I told him about photographing shoes. I don't think he likes my pictures. He tells me about his trip west, the long drives, the blue skies, and the records he found along the way. We sit in front of his record collection, he pulls out more for my 80s eductation, and laughs when I said it would be fun to catalogue it.

We finally start "I Heart Huckabees". The movie was borrowed from Sophie based on the premise that it was funny and thoughtful, and because I had liked the soundtrack. I had laughed, but at the same time it had hit a nerve. He said he didn't want it to be, but he's probably Brad. I kept quiet. I had already cast myself as Dawn. He goes out onto the balcony for a cigarette. Another picture I'd loved to have taken: His back to me, his arms on the railing, the sky a purple indigo, and the city lights all around.

Mom and Dad say I'm acting weird today, but I think it's because I'm happy, despite the lack of sleep. Later today, will be catching Magaret for the couple of minutes she'll be in town. I'm kind of worried about the driving, but at least it is beautiful and sunny outside. I think the last of the snow will be melting.

"The Hutterites make the best eggs... but I'm sure they contract to the chickens." ~ Erik

Very glad it's the weekend. Followed Morgan home on Friday and went with Bali for a walk. Most of the snow has melted so that the litter once hidden in the layers now lies on top of the grey brown grass. Bali is delighted. I see him as a child that cannot be reasoned with, so it was good that Morgan had him on a tight leash, preventing him from getting to all those "goodies" along the path.

It has been a while since the two of us talked. Crazy, crazy researchers (hers) topped the discussion list (followed by basic training in light of the re-organisation). I try not to think of doom, but it's hard. The Engineers aren't the only nutty ones around. Now that I'm fully back and catching up - will they come out of the woodwork?

We finish the walk and head over to Feast. We nibble on cheese and have some wine. I am reminded how awesome my friends are and I glow a bit when Morgan says she had fun.

Today, now, I am anxious. The phone call I'm waiting for hasn't come yet. I mentally make alternate plans. Some time this weekend I also need to plan for Celina's birthday party. She's turning 11. Sixty-Three days until the FA4 National.

Fools like Me

“Life sucks. But I’m thinking of you.” ~ Drunken voicemail

Lidia sent Lorena running into our office yesterday wondering if she was gravely ill (a message indicating she needed a month of sick leave), and figured it would have be great fun if I told people I'm pregnant. I thought not.

Zulma: And he emailed you, and copied me… and then I emailed him, and copied
you… and he emailed you and copied me… and then you emailed…

Despite the jokes, we were all still pretty stressed. Zulma has left for another position, and I can't say people were sad. However, being year-end, it also meant people have been staying late to finish last minute year-end things. I am still no where near caught up. The weekend though, was great.

Feast on Friday was very nice and I got to talk with Jenn and Na (I realise now I haven't seen them for over a month). Saturday was Cindy's loft-warming (downtown-office-converted-condo that looked like it came out of a magazine). And later Saturday night: Jim's 50th birthday party!

By the time I arrived, bottles of wine had been opened and the cake had been cut. I munched on maki rolls while getting updated on some of the latest dance gossip. And then Jim took the computer reins - Darren and I were to start our 70s and 80s musical education.

Jim: You're laughing now, but we lived through this!
Nigel: Now we know what went wrong!

With the help of YouTube, Jim showed us videos of Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime", Trio's "Da Da Da Song" (Jim: Makes Britney look like a genius), Flying Lizard's "Money", Flock of Seagulls "I Ran", and many more. Between the videos and the commentaries, I couldn't stop laughing. Darren and I high-fived each other when "We successfully identified the girl!" And Nigel grooved away, with Betty cringing nearby. I finally decided to call it a night with notes in hand, but not before this performance: Amy Winehouses's at the Grammy's with Jim and Nigel imitating the backup singers/dancers.