The office cleans around me. And some time during the day, I inherited the postcards. These tokens from co-workers who went to sunny places when snow was here, or exotic places while we stared at beige walls, had hung on a glass wall near the filing cabinets. I remember reading some of them when I first started, and then adding to the collection when I went away... It feels really strange to go through them now. The team is really splitting apart.

I never did meet Rob, but from his card, he must (had?) have a pretty funny (uh-oh) sense of humour.

*That* kind of office

Lana: I feel naked...
Rem: I didn't think it was that kind of office.

Surprised and happy that the sunglasses left at Erik's were not mine! He had hypothesized that that the glasses and chapstick belonged to the "sofa babes"... he was right, in part.

Lidia is cleaning out her desk drawer. Cans of V8 juice and bottles of calcium supplements expired in Jun 2001 are excavated, examined, and expelled into the garbage. More eccentric items are discovered, she admits that maybe we're not so different.

Could no longer refuse Terry's help. It feels wrong to file away something that has an outstanding item! But she's come again, and I still have too many. I let her go with the red ones. I work on the orange for now.

I tell Lorena that she's looking a lot healthier and happier (she'd gone on vacation, got strep throat, recovered just enough to come back). She tells me she's on codeine.

"Actually, I don't care about the children." ~ Erik

Movie Night featured UHF, the Weird Al Movie. It was ridiculous and surprisingly good. We laughed at the 80s hair and fashions, and the craziness that ensued when George (Weird Al) becomes the manager of a local television station. We root for the underdog Channel 62, and laugh outright when the bad guys get their comeuppance. My favourite parts though, were the comedy shorts / television promotions and programs that included "Ghandi 2 ", "Raul's Wild Kingdom" (flying poodles!), and "Spatula City" (hm... ideas for Christmas).

We didn't get through the deleted scenes (they were indeed deleted for a reason). And instead talked about Erik's Death Race is this weekend! Rem tried some reverse psychology, while the rest of us told him to be safe.

"Punishment Programs?" ~ One of the areas I applied for... as Terry (mis) interprets

Michael has decreed this morning that files should be filed away to facilitate the office move. I write back telling him I know he was talking about me, and I'll get to it. He writes back to say that I'm "lost cause by now", and suggests I "start with the files that aren't composting under their own weight."

Terry must have thought some thing similar, since she comes by not long after to help. The shame added extra incentive for me to do it myself. I still feel like I can't let things go... and the cabinets look like they are going to burst.

Feel almost like placing bets on who will get the positions with so much speculation in the air. My new armadillo friend just shakes his head.

"My lunar sign is in Virgo. Every month when the moon is full, I'm driven to balance my checkbook and straighten up my apartment. I can't help myself. Instead of a werewolf I turn into an accountant. " ~ from Tom Robbin's Jitterbug Perfume


Kevin's birthday passed by with a lot less fanfare than Celina's. Dinner out as a family and then ice cream cake at home. The boy is nine! And *loves* his Bionicle (10 [superficial] good auntie points).



Saturday went over to Jim and Theresa's for the annual DSAB riser related event which I've come to dub as "chance for Lana to work with powertools". I got a new pair earplugs and went to work at the jig saw. Got lots done and started to feel pretty handy... but definitely again, it was a different atmosphere. Darren and the other competitors I had expected from previous years were not there... I hoped it wasn't further manifestations of how the dance world has changed while I am away.



Couldn't stick around to see if more dancers would show up for the barbeque / party portion. Instead, still covered in sawdust, headed out for Blues class. Follows in high demand again... so much so, that Krystal and Curtis changed the lesson plan and taught us a solo routine. It included "pimp walks", "camel walks", "snake hips" and more. I tried desperately to learn how to shimmy (*sigh* again). And then danced the night away.


The heat and sun stuck around for most of Sunday. Steph and I met up at the downtown library and went to the NFB Animation Festival. In the hour I am laughing (Sleeping Betty, George and Rosemary), crying (Sainte Barbe), and in awe and confusion (Madame Tutli-Putli). With "The Cat Came Back" still ringing in our ears, we headed over to Churchill Square to check out Taste of Edmonton. I ate things that were not good for me, and walked Steph home. Along the way I looked at the for sale signs, and dreamed a little. We talked about houses that have bubble windows... looking out, would one feel like a goldfish?


"Louisiana in September was like an obscene phone call from nature. The air - moist, sultry, secretive, and far from fresh - felt as if it were being exhaled into one's face. Sometimes it even sounded like heavy breathing." ~ from Tom Robbin's Jitterbug Perfume


It had gotten darker and the air felt muggy. I raced back home, making it just before the storm, and read and read. Tim Robbin's Jitterbug Perfume is extremely difficult to stop reading. My brain is tickled by the strange images, metaphors, and sentence structures, and word combinations. And on top of that there's plot, humour, something about life that I can probably learn (will have to read again), and in the middle of it all there's the beet. Hm... I wonder what beets really smell like.


"To achieve the impossible, it is precisely the unthinkable that must be thought." ~ from Tom Robbin's Jitterbug Perfume


It's only Tuesday, less than a week since I've applied for those jobs, and I've already done all my interviews. It definitely does not feel like a competition. After each one, we head out of the meeting room to visit with others, telling them what was asked, and then offering coaching. I have no clue how they're going to choose.


We are closer and closer to moving day.

Lighter

Lidia is a grandmother! And yes, the baby is now named Tristan. With this kind of excitement it made perfect sense that she only applied for two of the new re-organisation positions. Which in affect makes it a little easier for me (competition-wise). I didn't like the whole process, dragging out the resume and giving it rehaul... but definitely not as bad as others who have worked here for a lot longer. As I handed in my papers Wednesday afternoon, I felt instantly better, good enough to indulge... in a haircut!

I headed over to Windows Salon afterwork to use the haircut portion of the package purchased long ago. Bonnie surprised me. No only did she have blonde, brown, and blue hair, she also had the outlines of a pin-up version of herself emerging from multicoloured roses like a muse with scissors in hand tattooed on her arm. Fantastic and daring! I told her I wanted something different from what I had. She said her motto was "Go hard or go home!". And thus with her at the helm, I got rockstar hair! She says what I want to hear "Just like a model, so pretty."

With a toss of my head - now much easier, I head out down Whyte Ave and find shoes. What luck! Take more than enough photos, and eventually meet with Beth for dinner. We finally decide on Oodle Noodle, and I'm pursuaded to try the Jungle Curry with tofu (tasty, but as usual, much to salty for my palate). The food came in a paper take out box with handles (just like in the movies).

Jazzy's bachelorette / bridal shower on Saturday was a blast! Diana booked the Matahari (fusion restuarant) on 124th street and we got a special room to ourselves. Jazzy arrived in costume.

(Right: Diana adding finishing touches to Jazzy's ensemble)

After kicking out Howie, us girls caught up with food and games. Haven't seen Shauna in ages so it was great to hear about the state of things, and her trip to Ireland.

After the food - time for more games and presents! There was definitely a theme in Jazzy's gifts (Below: Combination of scrapbooking, and lace).

By the end of the night, my cuthroat (annoying) ways won a prize. The group headed out for bowling and I went home.

Next day, through a whirlwind of last minute planning during the week, I was taking Celina to Shakespeare in the Park's "As You Like It". Sophie, Rhianne, Dave, Steph, Catherine and Andrea were going too.

It was a gorgeous day with blue skies and sun. We ate ice cream sandwiches while waiting in line for tickets, and had popcorn during the show. Rhianne kept Celina busy as I tried to understand the "twisted" plotline. It seemed like another sad commentary on how people treat each other, and how we end up "loving" the wrong person, mixed with gender switches and song and dance... ending with Christopher Marlowe's poem set to music (Catherine: "I wonder if the Free Will Players were making a comment on the TRUE identity of Shakespeare . . . dum dum dummmmm. (dramatic music)"). I definitely liked the costumes.

Headed home and in the car Celina complained about the heat. I asked her what she thought of the play. Surprise! Singing, dancing, comedy and action did not equal excellent. She said it was o.k. and what she really wanted to was to see some swordfights. Mental note: Tragedy next time.

Back her house, we start a game of Scrabble with Kevin. Celina shows off her trash talk skills - which I have to admit make the game a little more um... lively. They must be practicing when I'm not there - strategy, spelling, and vocabulary are much improved (and no more trying to use the letter "Z" to pluralize).

More minor worries about Celina turning into a "teenager": I wonder if when she tacks on "No offence" when commenting on how I'm not good at piano or driving, etc. is because she thinks it constructive in some way... or if she's figured something out... like in Dilbert:


Hm... that would make me the pointy-haired boss.

And in baby news: Baby J was baptised this weekend. Congratulations, Char!

First Adventures of Girl-Indigo

"Please wait while we calculate your awesomeness." ~ OK Cupid

Was going to head over with Adam to the Latitude 53 patio party, but we ended up chatting at Starbucks and then getting lost in the heart of downtown. This would be almost beyond embarassing if we both didn't have the excuse of "The last I was there it was dark."

We ended up having dinner at the Blue Plate Diner. Have only been inside once for brunch with the TC Girls, and I was surprised how different it was at night. It felt as though we had stepped into a Tarantino movie (Pulp Fiction in particular) with a hint of Sodenburg's Ocean's Eleven glamour. The bright colours during the day were now rich red and oranges in the half light. The perforated shade of the small lamp at our table swirled, sending disco light patches onto our food and drinks, and Chris Issak's twangy "Wicked Game" (I had mistaken it for kd lang) was the soundtrack. I returned from the washroom glad to report and confirm that no one had been shot (when the scene is set like this, it's a possibility).

I had promised "bread" for the work potluck picnic and due to poor planning on my part, the two of us, past 9 p.m., were in the grocery store bakery aisle. Soon a couple who knew Adam joined in the search. Together they asked "What do you want your buns to say?" Um... Wasn't I looking for some thing that tastes good? What is this about commentary? In this semi-unbalanced pause, Adam continued, "Oh, that one might get you fired... it's a little too fruity [fruit bread]. And that one might just scare them [nuts and spices bread] it might be too interesting."

(Right: Me with my expensive little friend.)

I settled for something flakey. That's the right message, right? Let's see if I still have my job after everyone recovers from the carb coma.

Like Water

Lidia is upset. She says she always thought people who died were old, but now she sees people dying who are her age. Her husband's former boss, aged 56, died from pancreatic cancer within 2 months of diagnosis. I can tell it's making her think it is possible at any time for her to loose her husband, Slava. I couldn't imagine how much it would hurt, and am reminded of Beth who had said how it takes a lot of courage to love.

Minutes later, she is all excited about Karolina again. Someone else has come by to ask how close we are to the due date (closer). And they talk about names. There's been some dispute in the family, but Lidia knows: "His name is supposed to be Tristan... like Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall."

And in another moment she called me a traitor. I am shocked; I didn't think this would ever be me. I figure now (after the shock) she said it to see what I'd do. Lidia after all does not go halfway. She's passionate. And she wants me to say something, do something, to show that I'm upset about being moved from her team and to another one. Maybe it is better to express, but I stay quiet.

It continues to rain and rain. In the morning it's only 10 degrees. I wear a sweater.

Hired Noses, Black Sunshine, and a NY Night

Olive: Grandpa, am I pretty?
Grandpa: You are the most beautiful girl in the world.
Olive: You're just saying that.
Grandpa: No! I'm madly in love with you and it's not because of your brains or your personality.

Kirsten and my mission: Find soap *pause* for Erik. I was probably taking the whole thing a little more seriously than I should, and yet... maybe not serious enough. A part of me thinks we should have brought coffee beans and set out some stronger scientific guidelines and ratings. All in all, it was a good excuse to go out with Kirsten and smell things. However, we might have been out of our league - our first stop: Lush. Every thing was very nice including the sales person. We sniffed, talked about soap / product properties, stared at things that looked like cupcakes, and got sparkled. Finally, we decided on three: one with figs, a chocolate based "Heavenly Bodies" that looked good enough to eat with real chocolate shavings, and a spicey "Skinny Dip".

Escaping that cloud without being totally overwhelmed, we headed over to Shoppers Drug Mart for something more affordable. Lots of choices, yet strangely similar. There were blue bottles that smelled blue, and green bottles that smelled green. Quite a few got Kirsten's verification of "Poison!" - including some of those from Axe (Directions [like the commericals] in pictograms: 1. Spray; 2. Be surrounded by women). Verdict: We're getting a headache - onward to Movie Night!

Olive: I'd like to dedicate this to my grandpa, who showed me these moves.
Pageant MC: Aww, that is so sweet. [Audience applauds]
Pageant MC: Is he here? Where's your grandpa right now?

Maybe we should have chosen one like oranges. I peeled one on Erik's counter and everyone seemed more interested in sniffing the peel than the soaps. We started the movie.

Dwayne: [on notepad] Welcome to hell.
Frank: Thanks Dwayne. Coming from you that means a lot.

Oh, how we laughed. But in the right places? The family was so messed up. Steph summed mid-movie: the only sane one there was the one who had attempted suicide. There were moments where people treated others awfully, and moments of real decency. Rem had a "wanted to hide behind the couch moment". And, I think in the end we all liked it. Little Miss Sunshine seemed to touch something. I think it might be time to read Nietzsche.

Frank: So, if you sleep until you're 18... Ah, think of the suffering you're gonna miss. I mean high school? High school-those are your prime suffering years. You don't get better suffering than that.

Finished another book set in New York: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (coming to theatres near you). A "he said, she said" narrative of a chance encounter in the music scene, where it seemed like anything could happen in one night. Oh, and with lots of musical references. And endorsement for finding what you need right on the internet. I don't quite believe that being a teenager could be like this. But it's New York, so maybe it is. Just a side I didn't get to see. I think back to the night club we passed, graphitti everywhere, catching my eye as we were raced to find a subway station. A small line-up outside, that would probably only grow as it got darker... and I can imagine him there.

This and a dash of rainbows

Rhys (holding up a cheese grater): Where does this go? In bed?

No spoons! I promised myself and delivered, though while poking around in Nikki's stuff (another wonderful garage sale), I was sorely tempted. Catherine and I ended up being invited to dinner. One of the other guests did a demonstration on an "olive picker-upper" that was part of the sale. Another commented on how rootbeer seemed to taste like toothpaste. (I had trouble believing this, but Catherine found this article. So wintergreen is a possible link.)

A dark cloud came over, and it started pouring and pouring rain. Catherine and I ran to the car, splashing along with the umbrella that helped little. Catherine had promised her Oma to protect the car if it hailed (dream sequence: Catherine throwing herself over the hood of the car to blocking the hail as it fell). It didn't, and after barely 15 minutes, the sky was clear again with a double rainbow.

Next day, I was back at Rem and Steph's to work on the computer transfer project... and inadvertedly starting watching Angel Season 1 (even better than I thought it would be). Had to drag myself away to blues and swing dancing. Beth proves that she can lead me around in Blues (better than most and definitely more than I can to her) and I think it has something to do with personality. For the record: I'm now on the inside volunteering (They trust me with money!)

Sunday was Whyte Ave's Sidewalk Sale. It seems a lot more organised this year with a fashion show on one end, and overlapping just a little, the Art Walk. After seeing all this designer clothing I go into Army & Navy.

I head back to Rem and Steph's and catch them just as they returned. They invite me for dinner (homemade pizzas) and afterwards, together with Rhys, we visit an online trivia site, and play their games. Together we could name all the Disc World books written by Terry Pratchett, made reasonable guesses at anniverary years/gifts (Lana: "Hm... other valuable things..." / Steph:"Coal, oil... mineral rights!"), attempted labelling parts of the heart, and naming the shires of England (helped by Steph and Rem's memory of Austen novels). There were many more fun and intellectual timed quizes... but I don't remember the site's name [I should have taken more/better notes]. Steph, help!

Strategy, Clout, Short Inventory

All Staff Meeting: Buzz. More postponements announced, new positions introduced. Yikes!

For the rest of the afternoon, I was hearing about people's "strategic applications". These people didn't necessarily want these jobs, but they definitely didn't want *someone* to be the manager. Ambition (?) can come at strange times.

The last page of the handouts: A new floor plan for teams!

Lidia is to move with my old team to the other side of the office. My new team wraps around my current location. I half-joke that "they" took one look at desk (and stuff) and decided they weren’t going to move me. Clout in the physical sense.

Wonders (junk) of my space: Antacids, socks, a stylish hat, music for almost all occasions, fan and toaster (broken and still available), novels, greeting cards, stamps, pots and other requirements for growing seeds, files and more files... but no kitchen sink.

Seeing the Girls

"I'm wearing a small car on my finger." ~ Vienna

First Blues dance class this past Saturday. Curtis and Krystal talk about moving the bowling ball in your stomach... I extrapolate and think of floor pressure and weight transfer. Beth and my persuasion from the night before to remedy the prophesied "follow heavy" situation in class didn't pan out, but later on for the swing dancing social, Steph shows up in her little black dress and Rem in his top hat! They were definitely the most stylin' couple there. And had arrived by bicycle!

Next, Funday Sunday (as per Jenn). I dropped in at a Michael's 4th birthday party mid-afternoon. He welcomed me right away (along with my candies), and seemed completely comfortable to be followed by a stranger with a camera. (Left: Birthday boy with grandparents.)
There was a barbeque, a bit of rain, dogs getting into the ice, football and waterguns, and more adults than kids! The last point is an excellent ratio for high present yield. (Right: Make a wish / Below: Everyone helps with presents.)

I head out with some bows and sans cake. Onward to meet Vienna and Christiana!

(Right: Jenn with only one drink!)

I made it downtown, found parking, parallel parked (!), and was in time for the three of us to get into the Sex and the City movie. Yes, I did a little bit of sniffling. In the dark theatre though, it seemed the others weren't much moved... except maybe for when the shoes appeared :P Later, dinner at L'Azia's, the reason was revealed: None of us had been fans of the original show! Ack to have put ourselves through that! Well, it was at least in New York. I had almost the same (if not more) delight in recognising the New York Public Library (I was there!) as seeing all the clothing/fashion eye-candy. As we ate (no Cosmopolitans in sight), we caught up on the dance world, speculated about UADC, and then opening the envelopes Vienna had given us, talked about weddings! In Hawaii!

Next day met up with Na afterwork for dinner and to see her new place. She cooks (very) liberally with salt and we have a good laugh.

A shiver on the train this morning. Heading into University Station, reading Michael Ondaatje's "In the Skin of Lion" there was a sudden recognition: this is Hanna from "The English Patient". It felt like I had discovered some truth, finding another facet to someone I cared about - despite it being fiction and all.

Playing in my head over and over: It didn't work because I couldn't "distinguish Miles from Coltrane". Silly to focus on that when there was so much more... and the rest of the lyrics. Seems hardly healthy. But maybe I understand a little better.

Baby Fever

Hardly anyone can work. Lidia's first grandaughter is on the way! This was a little earlier than the big pink circled day on the calendar, but very close. Lidia is positively buzzing, and people keep coming into the office to ask if Karolina has the baby yet. In other work-baby news: Terry's grandaugther is to be adopted by her brother. It's complicated in my mind, but I know she's just really happy that this little girl is going to stay in the family.

In non-work baby news: Charlotte's started a new blog about life with Baby J! My laugh from the Baby Rogaine post was even able to pentrate through to Lidia in her state. Find more at Tales from the Playpen.

In non-baby news (seeming pretty boring in comparison): The chirp, chrip noise from the last 3 days that woke us up, and that compelled Dad to go madly freezer shopping with me, was in fact the fire alarm telling us it was running out of batteries. Mystery solved. One less appliance to worry about.

O Canada!

It is now Wednesday. Yesterday's Canada Day holiday meant for a strange almost extended weekend. So many people had planned to take off the sandwiched Monday, that Morgan suggested we should all wear something outrageous. No bosses (definitely no clients) - why not? Kelly was in pyjamas, and I sported those black short shorts that no one (of Kirsten, Na, and Catherine) agreed was work appropriate. Only we found Morgan did not wear the "baby elephant" powder blue bridesmaid dress that she had promised. I grumbled. But oh well. Disappointed as I was, I still got some work done, and met up with Chris!

We went into the Twillegar area and took a walk in the river valley. People in the parking lot inflated rafts... perhaps they had plans to float down the river with those huge coolers at their side? As we walked and caught up on goings on (his trip to Seattle, my attempts at forgetting all about the exam through activity), we encountered dog after dog after dog. They were so excited that for the most part they ignored us, instead opting to run off the edges into the water and bark at echoes. After a late dinner, he treated me to ice cream, and dumpster diving.

Next Day: Canada Day!

Beth decided to join me with the kids for their annual community parade and picnic. Again as we walked and the kids rode on their bikes, I waved to the crowds like a queen. When we stopped, Beth pulled out bubbles blowers.

It wasn't before long that (like last year), a waterfight started. And though I was mentally prepared (and had warned Beth too), we didn't expect to be completely soaked. Kids against adults - guess who had the equipment. Not exactly as profound as the "The pen is mightier than the sword." But I have to say the bucket is superior to the plastic cup...

Despite all the running, the dodging, broken sandals, and an the great bucket struggle, Beth was drenched, and I was only a little bit drier. I go back to the house to pick up plates and utensils, and more importantly a change of clothes. A bit of searching and I'd built a couple of mis-matched outfits. I get ready to leave, and that's when Carl comes out with a pair of shorts that I have never seen before... from another closet. Should have known Theresa would have more clothes stashed away (my clotheshorse tendencies did have some roots).

Return to find the barbeque was in full swing and people were eating. Bumped into Doug Hoyer(!) en route to the bridge to attempt to write some songs (I figured he really didn't remember me, but he didn't give it away). Sat down to eat and was promptly, impossibly hit on the forehead in the small space between sunglasses and hat. Celina and her supersoaker had struck again!

Drying off, and really now sitting down to eat, watched Kevin grab a gigantic handful of "cheesies" and seriously contemplate stuffing them all into his mouth at once. Finally deciding it wasn't possible, pulled one out, an in the process dropping most of the others. Beth and I laughed. Not that that stopped him, he wasn't going until he'd eaten them all. I was a little disgusted by unnatural orange... but it turns out Beth loves that "fake cheese on styrofoam" too.