The Eve of All-Hallows'-Eve

Strange things happen on the eve of All-Hallows'-Eve. 

People turn into manic lagomorphs. 

People fight loved ones and ask difficult questions (i.e. What kind of gourd would you take to a bar fight?) 

Others try to escape. 

I do not carve alone.

No problem, because we'll find people to carve with you! 

(Right: Creepy kitty sings and "dances" to "Who let the dogs out.")

Much coaxing later, we have teams for the office pumpkin carving contest. 

Fifty-minutes later: Cool jack-o-laterns are ready for judging. 

Much judging (and bribing - those severed fingers are actually cookies) later, a winner was announced and prizes were awarded. 

Then, we drew raffle tickets for the carved and uncarved pumpkins (making some money for United Way). 

See - it was a lot of fun.  Just like last year. 

Thank you carvers. 

I'm ready for the weekend to start. 

Hip Hop for a Cause

I knew I would look ridiculous.  But really, that (and a small donation to the United Way) was little payment for a lunch hour away from the office spent learning to dance.  I convinced Simon Brucie to come with me. 

Our instructor was energetic and extremely toned.  Instead of teaching us basic moves, she decided to run us through a short routine.  I fumbled and giggled as I tried to kick, punch, and pop (yes, the popping was as bad as expected) to the beat.  Simon Brucie was right beside me and we managed to not hurt each other despite all the direction changes. 

The 50 minutes went by much too quickly.  We demo what learned - what amounted to less than 2 minutes of dance - and headed back to work a little sweaty, but plenty energised (well, at least I was). 

At break we tried to piece everything together again.  Here was what we think we did (R- Right, L-Left):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

R - Forward

L - Forward
R - Side
Twist on heels
R - Kick back (bringing arms around)
R - side kick with right arm swinging down and outward
R - Forward kick
L - point - create leaning line from shoulder to the right
L - heel-toe-heel action
R - forward step - body crouch down, pivot 180
R - forward step - body crouch down, pivot 180
R - back-slide (diagonally to the right)
Knee rolls right, left, right
Jump with criss-cross footing
Up onto tip-toes
L - heel cross over right with both arms swinging down and outward.
R - collect, step right (left arm elbow pull)
L - collect, step left (right arm elbow pull)
R - collect, step right (left arm elbow pull) x 2
Pivot 90 degrees counter clockwise on heels
Body wave with and R-L heel lifts and upper body running
Pivot 90 clockwise
R - Forward (body lowering, arms crossing)
L - Forward (body lowering, arms uncrossing)
R - kick backwards, body twists to the left, right fist pound (!)

The Pumpkin Ninja Strikes Again!

Notes for a Wannabe MJ Zombie

"Imagine you have bits falling off of you."  ~ Josh

Paul and I decided to have a quiet night.  Meanwhile, Don, (supposedly) dressed up as Michael Jackson, along with the TA crew danced the Thriller at the Hallowe'en dance.  He had pulled me to some practices to give it a try and I had a hilarious time trying out my "zombie face". 

For you wannabe Thriller zombies out there, here are Josh's notes and the video:
 
Extended video, which I hadn't seen before, here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Slow Walks: 1 (R step), 2 (hold), 3 (L step), 4 (hold), 5 (R step), 6 (hold), 7 (L step), 8 (hold)

Fast Walks: 1 (R step + twitch), 2 (L step), 3 (R step), 4 (L step), 5 (R step + twitch), 6 (L step), 7 (R step + twitch), 8 (L step)

Booty Bounce: 1 (R step forward into MJ stance), 2 (hold), 3 (L foot closes to right), 4 (hold), 5 (R foot forward into MJ stance), 6 (hold), 7 (L foot closes to right), 8 (hold)

Zombie Claws: 1+2 (zombie claw diagonal right w/ R foot forward), 3+4 (zombie claw diagonal right w/ R foot forward), 5+6 (zombie claw diagonal left w/ L foot forward), 7+8 (zombie claw diagonal left w/ L foot forward)

Head Flip + Head Down: 1 (L foot under body), & (R foot steps to R side), 2 (head arches back), 3&4 (three hops on the spot; head moves to hang down on right side)

Pelvic Thrusts: 1 (rise into MJ stance, pivot left to face left, right hand over crotch), 2 (head turns to face stage), 3 (Pelvis down), 4 (pelvis up), 5 (pelvis down), 6 (pelvis up), 7 (pelvis down), 8 (pelvis up)

Zombie Slide: 1 (pelvis down), 2 (rise up with feet together and clap over head), 3+4+5 (Step to L and drag R foot to close; optional head slide), 6 (step on spot with R foot), 7 (shoulders up), 8 (look left)

Zombie Slide: 1+2 (rise up with feet together and clap over head), 3+4+5 (Step to R and drag L foot to close; optional head slide), 6 (step on spot with L foot), 7 (shoulders up), 8 (look left)

Runs: 1 (R step), 2 (L step), 3 (R step), & (L Step), 4(R step), 5 (L step), 6 (R step), 7 (L step), & (R step), 8 (L step)

Zombie Roar: & (R leg lifts up and bends behind L leg), 1+2 (zombie pose to R), 3+4 (zombie pose to L)

Zombie Shuffle: & (R leg lifts up and bends behind L leg), 1+2+3+4 (R leg steps to side and slowly shift weight from L foot to R foot; optional twist movement with legs)

Superman: & (stand on R leg, L rises up and stays straight, R arm rises diagonally up, head rests on R arm)

Zombie Shuffle: 1+2+3+4 (L leg steps to side and slowly shift weight from R foot to L foot; optional twist movement with legs)

Zombie Walks: 1 (all steps in zombie pose, R step), 2 (L step), 3 (R step), & (pivot to L), 4 (L step), & (pivot to R), 5 (R step), & (pivot to L), 6 (L step), 7 (R step), 8 (L step), & (pivot to R), 9 (R step), & (pivot to L), 10 (L step), 11 (jump up), & (land with legs shoulder width apart), 12 (swing arms from 6 O'clock position to 12 O'clock position then drop them in front of you)

Touch Your Toes: 1 (bend down), 2 (bounce up), 3 (bend down), 4 (bounce up)

Rock out: 1 (swing head to right), 2 (swing head to left), 3 (swing head to right), 4 (swing head to left), & (jump around 180° to R and land in split weight), 5 (swing head to right), 6 (swing head to left), 7 (swing head to right), 8 (swing head to left)

Air Guitar: 1+2+3+4 (swing R arm to L side and pivot around in same direction into MJ stance with an air guitar pose)

Foot shuffle: 1+2+3+4 (shuffle L foot on floor on the same spot and continue for next 4 counts), 5 (R hand up and down), 6 (R hand up and down), 7 (R hand up and down), 8 (R hand snaps)

Grab: 1 (both hands extend out to diagonal left), 2 (both hands pull in and pelvis thrust forward), & (L hand grabs diagonal right and back), 3 (R hand grabs diagonal right and back), & (L hand grabs diagonal right and back), 4 (L hand on L leg, R hand on R leg)

Hold: 1+2+3+4 (hold same position)

Turn: 1+2+3+4+5+6 (pivot 180° on R leg by taking a small step CW with L foot on each count), 7 (look over left shoulder), 8 (look forward)

Wide Walks: 1 (R step, keep both hands on legs for entire 12 counts, feet are slightly wider than shoulder width), 2 (L step), 3 (R Step), 4 (L step), 5 (R Step), 6 (L step), 7 (R Step), 8 (L step), 9 (R Step), 10 (L step), 11+12 (Hold)

"This Is Thriller": 1+2 (Hold), 3 (Jump, turn 180°), 4 (land R foot then L foot), 5 (look left), 6 (shoulder's up), 7 (L foot steps diagonal forward in MJ stance and extend arms as though grabbing a rope), 8 (L foots steps then R foot steps diagonally forward while pulling arms back as though pulling on a rope)

Criss-Cross Walks: 1 (hold), & (L foot steps across R foot), 2 (R foot steps diagonally right into MJ stance), 3 (R foot closes to L foot), & (L foot steps diagonally left into MJ stance), 4 (L foot closes to R foot), & (R foot steps diagonally right into MJ stance), 5 (hold), 6 (R foot closes to L foot; both arms bent at 90°, L bicep level with shoulder, R bicep upwards w/ R hand pointing to L hand ), & (L foot steps diagonally left into MJ stance)

Arm Shakes: 1+2 (hold),3+4 (shake arms and butt), 5 (L foot steps in front of R foot), 6 (R foot steps in front of L foot), 7 (small hop so both feet are shoulder width apart), & (small hop and feet move inwards), 8 (drop to crouching position)

"Get Up #1": 1+2+3+4 (hold), 5+6+7+8 (slowly rise to standing position with zombie arms)

"This Is Thriller": 1+2 (Hold), 3 (Jump, turn 180°, land R foot then L foot), 4 (look left), 5 (shoulder's up), 6 (look left), 7 (step left foot diagonal forward in MJ stance and extend arms as though grabbing a rope), 8 (L foots steps then R foot steps diagonally forward while pulling arms back as though pulling on a rope)

Criss-Cross Walks: 1 (hold), & (L foot steps across R foot), 2 (R foot steps diagonally right into MJ stance), 3 (R foot closes to L foot), & (L foot steps diagonally left into MJ stance), 4 (L foot closes to R foot), & (R foot steps diagonally right into MJ stance), 5 (hold), 6 (R foot closes to L foot; both arms bent at 90°, L bicep level with shoulder, R bicep upwards w/ R hand pointing to L hand ), & (L foot steps diagonally left into MJ stance)

Arm Shakes: 1+2 (hold),3+4 (shake arms and butt), 5 (L foot steps in front of R foot), 6 (R foot steps in front of L foot), 7 (small hop so both feet are shoulder width apart), & (small hop and feet move inwards), 8 (drop to crouching position)

"Get Up #2": 1+2+3+4 (hold), 1+2 (Rise up w/ zombie arms for all remaining counts), 3+4 (fall back down), 1+2 (rise up), 3+4 (fall back down), 1+2+3+4 (rise up)

Zombie Shuffle: & (R leg lifts up and bends behind L leg), 1+2+3+4 (R leg steps to side and slowly shift weight from L foot to R foot; optional twist movement with legs)

Superman: & (stand on R leg, L rises up and stays straight, R arm rises diagonally up, head rests on R arm)

Zombie Shuffle: 1+2+3 (L leg steps to side and slowly shift weight from R foot to L foot; optional twist movement with legs), 4 (R hand over groin, L hand to the side)

Zombie Walks: 1 (all in zombie pose, R step), 2 (L step), 3 (R step), & (pivot to L), 4 (L step), & (pivot to R), 5 (R step), & (pivot to L), 6 (L step), 7 (R step), 8 (L step), & (pivot to R), 9 (R step), & (pivot to L), 10 (L step), 11 (R hand up), 12 (Both hands down on legs)

Turn: 1+2+3+4+5+6 (pivot 180° on R leg by taking a small step CW with L foot on each count), 7 (look over left shoulder), 8 (look forward)

Wide Walks + Zombie Pose: 1+2+3 (wide walks starting with R foot), 4 (turn 180° and strike zombie pose), 5+6+7+8 (remain in pose position)

GOURD!

SQUASH!

Sick, Stubborn,and Stupid

Sick again yesterday.  Enough that I got Paul to come pick me up lunch.  He tucked me into bed for a long nap.  At his place.  Yes, I was still going to teach dance, and his place was closest to dance class.  Thankfully, the nap did help.  Paul woke me, fed me some pancakes, and walked me to class.  Don also stepped up and was really nice, not making me have to think or talk too much.  I washed my hands at every break, and tried not to breath on him. 

Now that I'm better, I realise I could have called in sick.  It would have been very last minute, but Leslie was TAing that night...

Unhealthy brains simply do no have the same capacity to make healthy decisions... leading to more unhealthy body and brain... and onward...  Not sure if knowing this really helps. 

O.k. must stay healthy.  Think healthy thoughts. 

Diwali

"It's like Christmas... but without Jesus." ~ co-worker Neil

Paul told me the building had handles, that God could pick it up like shopping bag.  When we got closer to Kaneenika's, I understood exactly what he meant. 

Adriana and Leo had made it there before us.  I had expected more people and lots of candles (or oil lamps as I was told by wikipedia), but there are certain restrictions in living in an apartment building. 

Kaneenika had prepared some traditional Indian dishes, Lobhia Dal (black eyed peas), Matar Paneer (Green peas and cottage cheese), and "a random stir fry with any veggies that [she] could find n [her] refrigerator." As we ate the very tasty meal, she told us of past celebrations back at home, and some funny tales of her dad (who is not convinced Edmonton is a good place to be). 

All that food - and there was still dessert!  Adriana had made a chocolate banana cream pie, and Paul had brought a package of milk cake (a traditional Indian dessert).  We continued talking into the night.

Even though it wasn't as wild or loud as I thought it would be, it was definitely a sweet and comfortable gathering.

Kaneenika, knowing I was interested in more information of Diwali sent me these videos.  The first is kind of cheesey, but tells the basic story of the celebration.  The other two are from the The Office, and they definitely put an interesting spin on things. 

The Office - Dwight Explains Diwali
The Office - Michael's Adam Sandler Impression

I'm a little, but not completely, disappointed that we didn't sing the Diwali song.

Shauna's Baby Shower

It was a short work week, but there were plenty of non-work things keeping me busy.  Dance (teaching Viennese was surprisingly good), and putting the finishing touches for my part of Shauna's baby shower. 

The TC Girls, plus Shauna's mom and sister, have been planning and preparing for months.  Plans turned into reality yesterday afternoon at Jazzy's place. 

Food and decorations were set.  Professional photographers had been called in for family portaits and to document parts of the shower.  When the guests arrived, we got rid of the guys and got ready for games. 

Charlotte handed us toilet paper and asked: How much toilet paper do you think it would take to wrap around Shauna twice?  I estimated by loosely wrapping the roll around myself two and a half times (including one arm).  I had someone pull the toilet paper from me so I'd spin like a top (you know, if I had actually been a top).  My estimate was a little to generous, but someone else got it exactly right. 

Next, Charlotte handed out little numbered diapers.  She had spent the night before preparing them in the microwave.  What we held were bits of chocolate bars.  We were to sniff, observe (possibly even taste if we're daring enough?), to determine exactly what type of chocolate bar.  It seemed to me that they all were kind of chocolately and peanutty... It was a bit disgusting, but mostly hilariously funny. 

Gift bingo followed.  Fill in the bingo sheet, each square with a different item you think Shauna will receive, and then mark them off as they're unwrapped - first to get a line wins.  Simple... except after writing down about seven items I was stuck.  Did babies and new moms really need that many things?  What else aside from diapers, bottles, some clothes...?  It became more obvious as the packages were opened...

I thought back to what Paul had said about bridal showers (i.e. they seem so much more practical than bachelor parties), and realised that baby showers were the same.  First, women have them (to gather advice and get people together for some fun), and secondly, the gifts are well thought out and really come in handy. 

(Left: A gift from someone who knows the truth about babies.) 

O.k. Shauna, we're ready when you are! 

Thanks.

Celina and Kevin managed to rope Theresa into another turkey dinner.  I romanticise, that this is because they're trying to put some order and normalcy into their lives by playing out these traditions.  But it's probably because they just like turkey. 

As usual, it's chaotic.  Theresa refuses my offer to help, and tells me to play with the kids. 

Come dinner, the usual problems arise: The small kitchen table can't really fit all of us.  But, this is quickly solved: We eat in shifts.  Carl would show up a little earlier or later anyway, and the kids would eat everything but the vegetables, run off, and then be rounded up when everyone else was done to finish the meal. 

After dinner the kids and I play Monopoly (Junior).  It takes surprisingly less time than I thought it would (between shorted game play in the rules, and not so great investment decisions on Celina's part).  Kevin wins.  Despite all the trash talk and squabbling during the game, they finish up civilly.

Celina: I hope you get that rich in real life.
Kevin: I hope you never get that poor in real life. 

While I had laughed at the CBC radio comedy special which featured a marketing team charged with making Thanksgiving a more commercial holiday (some ideas generated included a Thanksgiving cornucopia filled with presents, smashing holiday plates after the meal)...  Paul and I go shopping Monday.  He really needed some fall / winter clothes.

After that venture of commercialism, we head over to Erik's for Movie Night.  I let myself in since Erik wasn't back in town just yet.  As people arrived we munched on snacks and chatted.  Both Steph and Rem had brought knitting projects.  I charged Beth with the responsibility of bringing movies.  From her selections we chose A Scanner Darkly.  The animation was interesting, and some of the situations and characters were so wacky, that I had to giggle.  But the plot was confusing.  After the credits, we tried to break down what exactly the writer and director wanted to say.  Drugs are bad?  Trust no one?  Don't trust yourself?  Not exactly what one would consider a holiday movie... but it did mention Thanksgiving. 

madam kayak pop pop pop kayak madam

"She really is Chinese." ~ Malcolm

Mr. Anderson still thought something quite right about his and Shannon's place.  But, it looked great to me.  Since moving day, the kitchen had been cleared and now fully operational, and the living area had seating centred around a music system.  Perfect for Music Night! 

Low lighting and candles set the mood, and we each had drinks and some snacks. (Shannon had made some really tasty crackers that Paul thought were familiar - I tried to encourage him into a Proustian Madeleine moment... which, of course, completely defeats the idea.)

Mr. Anderson, Shannon, Rem, Steph, Paul and myself are truly ready - Who will go first?

R: Meet Your Bride - Jason Webley
SG: Terrible Way to See Omaha - Nathan
CA: Death How Bitter You Are

"I JUST WANT PANTS!" Malcolm arrived and lamented on the difficulty of finding just pants.

M: ? - Ford Pier
SP: To Build a Home - Cinematic Orchestra featuring Patrick Watson

A small music lesson on the fugue, and Paul plays us a piece he describes as,"Finely controlled chaos".

P: Contra Punctus 9 - Bach's Art of Fugue performed by Julliard Quartet 
L: You Sent Me Flying - Amy Winehouse
R: Abigail and the Whale - Luluc
SG: Sophie's Waltz - Nathan

Steph: Theramin!
Malcolm: Dueling theramins! 

But instead, Malcolm plays an early Rolling Stones tune. 

M: ? - Rolling Stones (1971)

"I've been waffling..."

"It's time to pancake..."
"It's time for French Toast!"
"As long as you don't muffin."


CA: Lux Aurumque - Erik Whitacre

"There's snow on the ground, let's play Christmas music." ~ Shannon, on the upside of the not so nice weather.

SP: Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time! - Sufjan Stevens
P: Pictures at an Exhibition - Ravel
L: Eraser - Barenaked Ladies
R: Not to Me - Big Ditch Road
SG: Dancer - Ben Sures

M: Mother of All Funk Chords - Kutiman
More from Kutiman here: http://thru-you.com/#/videos/

What could Mr. Anderson follow with? Something that made us rolling on the floor laughing.  No kidding.

CA: Elvis is Everywhere - Mojo Nixon

SP: Noah's Ark - CocoRosie
L: The Spinster's Almanac - Christine Fellows

We break for cake to celebrate Shannon's birthday.  Then, Paul and I head out into the night. 

M: We're going to ignore relativity for the rest of this conversation
C: Relatively is now the elephant in the room.
R: No sir, away! A papya war is on!

An apple (and some insurance) a day...

I've been thinking about life insurance.  Dad's been bugging me pretty much since I graduated.  With all these crazy health issues lately, it seems this is the right time*.  I've been talking to an investment advisor, and she lined me up for a medical.  The lady who took my blood samples and filled out the medical questionaire was a doctor from the Phillipines before she immigrated to Canada.  We had a nice chat, and I was only mildly embarassed to be telling someone I barely knew all the these details.  I got over it. 

Later, Catherine met me at Erik's and we did some catching up.  I attempted another apple muffin recipe (my latest obsession) while she played cool videos from the web. 

Apples were peeled to a Japanese anime theme song with dozens of different versions (men dressed as the anime girls doing the theme song dance, one woman doing the dance in different locations around Japan, many many people doing the dance in a parking lot...), ingredients measured and mixed to OK Go (Do What You Want - Wallpaper Version), and baking to Night on Bald Mountain (Fantasia version - prompted by my reference to Paul's choice of The Rite of Spring on my "mixed tape")... and then repeat!

By the time Paul came to meet me, two versions of apple muffins were cooling and ready for a taste test.  It worked out well: Catherine liked one, Paul liked the other, I was getting them to eat (some) fruit!  Success!

* Well, actually a little late if any of these things had been serious, but thankfully not. 

Well Wrapped and Buddies

"I am always willing to go to jail for a friend." ~ Simony

AIDS Walk For Life volunteer party was not hard to find.  A large rainbow flag, visible from the bus, pinpointed Woody's Pub, and later, signs in Buddy's Night Club led me upstairs. 

The space was larger than expected (from what I could see on the outside), but it felt crowded with two pool tables, a bar, and plenty of small tables surrounded by chairs.  The volunteer party had taken camp near the small dance floor / karaoke area. 

Pizza and cookies kept us fueled through some rowdy speeches, door prize draws, and then later, karaoke.  Maybe everyone else knew each other, but no one seemed shy at all.  People went up to sing Margaritaville, You Oughta Know, and These Boots are Made for Walking - I hooted and clapped along.  Before being pulled up to sing, I bundled up and headed out. 

It had been fun, but it was nice to be outside walking with a little quiet (despite the slush). I was even happier when Steph called.  We caught up, she gave updated me on some friends I haven't been good keeping in touch with (Margaret, Malcolm, Anne), and gave me some good advice:

1. Have fun.  Don't worry.  (Remember: You have a passport.)
2. Don't bother with 10 lbs of potatoes. 

Happy birthday, Rem!

Getting up is so hard do

First snow of the season was overnight.  I just wanted to just stay in bed.  Apparently, some other people at the office had the same idea - the team supervisor (I've been loaned out to) is working from home today.  I'd like think it's because I've been so productive on "the backlog project" that her inbox of stuff from me to approve and review kept her home... but it's probably the snow.

The feeling and glow of new-found health fades much too fast, and today's snow has wiped out the last of it.  (I am well [yay!], but ready to complain about the little aches and pains again of everyday again). 

However, there is brightening news, it's supposed to warm up soon again.  And, the Japan Contingent (high school gang who were in Japan for vacation) are now back in Edmonton!  Jackie sent me two postcards when they were there.  Lucky me!  One, (right) shows a "Hadaka Matsuri" festival in Ohara.  I didn't quite believe it was a photo - they're really in the water! 

1 down, 8 more to go

Gone were the spiral and  hip twist exercises that Melissa liked so much (she loves to spin) - instead, the last two TA training classes were about curriculum.  And about how to teach.  This is definitely different from D&D.  In their classes, they told us exactly what to teach and how to teach it.  I was caught off guard more than once and fumbled my way in trying to explain the foxtrot routine (Pre-Bronze first class!) to the other TAs in an intelligble way.  It also didn't help when I asked Don about preparing for the class, he said he prefers to "just wing-it".  Ack!

Despite my worrying and bumbling, the first class went by relatively well.  My TAs assured me I didn't sound too nervous and Leslie gave me pep talks and advice along the way.  There were, understandbly, grumbles from students who could barely remember the foxtrot basic, let alone learn all the new moves in the first class back from summer... Don gave me a ride home, which was really nice.  On way, he revealed that he had been nervous too - he just covered it up with silly jokes.  This made me feel a little better. 

Taking the Newcomber I class with Paul, on the other hand, was just fun.  Beth and Melissa are TAs in that class, and they came by often to offer encouragement. 

This week's a break, and then we're on two week 2!  Let's see if my class has shrunk. 

Around Mid-Autumn Festival

What are those?!

"A red herring, might not necessarily be a red herring." ~ Paul with a clue to my gift

For all my worrying about looking grotesque, no one seemed to notice.  (Though, it could be because I've worn wear long sleeves and my hair down.)  Mom had assumed I was breaking out (again) and made me some hot-chi fighting gruel. 

Come Friday, I was still itchy and uncomfortable (and nervous), but dinner with some of Paul's friends I'd never met turned out great. 

Adriana had prepared a fabulously tasty vegetarian dinner with kale soup (every other ingredient seemed to be from the Green & Gold Community Garden, which she is a volunteer), and homebaked bread.  As we ate, Adriana, her husband, Leo, and Sherri introduced themselves and filled me in on some of things I never knew about Paul. 

Between Adriana bursting into song at the table, "Willies, willies, I LOVE willies!", Leo describing an old house they had lived in (insulated with newspapers from 1957 [which they saved as proof and general interest], and where the basement toilet was right next to the fire alarm and electrical box)*, and everyone laughing about "ish", I had relaxed and was enjoying myself. 

The antihistamines had kicked in and I was feeling less itchy and more friendly towards the pets of the house: Pax, the big dog, Teg, the reclusive cat, and Darius, the cat that thinks its a dog.  Various people with pets have told me they give voices to their pets.  In Adriana and Leo's case, they also gave them theme songs.  Darius, apparently, is the Pimp (cue strutting music).  I was already laughing, when Pax proved the outlandish "nibbling" story was true.  Darius sat quietly as Pax's teeth did their work, creating neat rows in his hair... maybe its like a massage...

Paul finished his grape Crush (apparently tastes like Dimatab), we had dessert, and we leave to head home.  It was a fun night. 

* Their experience also makes me think Vancouver is not the the place for me.  Really?!  Spiders coming out of the drains?!  Ack! 

Third Time's the Charm?

My body must hate me.  I woke up this morning with my chest and stomach reminding me of very cherry cake: lots of red flecks on white.  This colour combination I usually like... but it's not normal for my skin. 

At the Health Clinic, I got the same doctor as from my first (finger infection) visit.  As I sulked about being there again, he reminded me how lucky I had the finger infection now, and was able to treat it so quickly - in the olden days it would have likely killed me. 

What I had this time, though not deadly at present, was not good either.  He said it looked an allergic reaction, likely to the medication I was taking for the sinus infection.  So, first, stop taking them (I was only a day away from finishing), and second, start on antihistamines.  He also sent me for blood work, just in case. The antihistamines will take time to work and all the antibiotics will take time to clear out of my system - so, he concluded it will all look much worse before it gets better.

Superstitious as it is, I really hope, in this case, he's also right that "these things come in threes". It makes me feel a little better that a fourth or fifth health attack will occuring soon (though really... isn't it more likely?).

Now, back at the office, I checked the mirror.  Yes, it's gotten worse, spreading up my neck to my face and ears.  Ugh, repulsive. Thankfully, with all the medical stuff I did in this morning, I can tell people I'm not infectious.  And at least it's not too painful or itchy.