Darren's Happy

... Happy Birthday

It's uncharacteristic for Darren to make himself the centre of attention, but this year he decided he wanted to have a birthday gathering.  So, yesterday a bunch of us met up at the BP's near Chez Darren to make a bit of a fuss.

(Right: The cute crew that greeted us at the table - two of them remind me of two certain somebodies.) 

(Left: Andrew proves that no matter how old one is, one cannot escape some birthday ear-pulling.)

(Right: It's my party, I can drink girlie drinks if I want to.)

We had our dinner (Maria tried the Perogy Pizza) - eyes darting to the television screens to more Olympic highlights - and ordered dessert.  Before that arrived, our server helped me make this surprise: Sparklers on cup cakes!

Very glad Darren planned this get together.  It was great to see some old friends and catch up on what was going on - and have cake!

Happy Birthday, Darren!

Office Olympia

“You don’t have to be bi to take part in the biathlon," suggested Amy, for the tagline of our biathlon event.  Funny and tempting as it was, we didn't end up using it. 

When Thursday rolled along, I surprised to see the tagline-free-not-so-well-advertised-event had still managed to gather a huge crowd (ready to cheer on our athletes), and a very worried HR manager (not ready to make a WCB claim). 

Thankfully, the worries did not materialise.  Instead, the most active of the Office Olympic events had people having a great time!  Whew! 

The week of Office Olympics finished off today with people bringing their scavenger hunt items to the boardroom at our Coffee Club.  I couldn't believe how much stuff people pulled together all in a few days.  It was by far our best attended too (though I might have helped that along by making one of the Scavenger Hunt items "Ten team members in attendance wearing red"). 

When the final scores were talled: Team Black won the big prize - a team pizza lunch. 

There were no prizes for the following, but I thought they're worth a mention:

1. Team Green - eventhough the team started out as pretty much just Simon, they eventually rallied big participation numbers, and managed a perfect score for the Scavenger Hunt.

2. Team Blue - Best spirit - we were possibly the loudest, most identifiable (by our swatch of blue cloth), and arguably the funnest (though, I might be a little biased...)

I still have yet to watch any of the real Olympics, but I hear Canada is doing pretty well.  I'm just happy the OO turned out all right.  The social committee's already heard from staff saying they'd look forward to something like this soon... though the commitee just might need 4 years to recover for the next one. 

Some more photo highlights here. 

Lunch with TED

A head, some hair, and rectangle "glasses" were all that I managed in 30 seconds.  It was supposed to be Lorena... but it could have been Wendy (if one squinted)... really, it didn't quite look like anyone.  Meanwhile, Tim Brown, the presenter, pegged us exactly: We'd nervously laughed, feeling sheepish at our efforts.

It was not often that Lorena, Wendy, and I would be downtown at lunch - but this was TED in Edmonton!  Well... the first lunch time TED talk viewing.  Admittedly, I hadn't read the fine print and was expecting a live speaker, but as it was the first event, we got sandwiches.

As we munched away, we watched Tim Brown's presentation and took part in some of the activities* - all towards the point that play was important and really can pave the way for creativity**. 

We left the event feeling pretty energised... which was good since we were heading back to work (and my desk had a whole bunch of problems). A good break.  Look forward to the real thing - because the real thing is coming to Edmonton. 

A bonus - Wendy's awesome drawing of Lorena:

* Unfortunately, we didn't have fingerblasters taped to the bottom of our chairs - but I think we still have vestiges of rubber chicken back at the office.

** Though there was also an example related to drugs...

Gold!

The Social Committee, ambitiously, decided to host a series of challenges / games over the week, Office Olympics, to coincide with the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. 

The first set of activities took place at lunch today: Table Hockey and Hula Hoop. 

After some grueling elimination rounds and some innovative technical variations that tested Anglea's (fellow Social Committee member and organiser of this event) judgement, I can proudly say, I am the Hula Hoop champ.  Yay! The first gold medal for the Blue Team!

(Right: Me, proudly displaying what I'm sure will be a delicious cookie medal.)

It'll be a crazy week with all organising and lunchtime activities (and work), but the office already seems to be really enjoying it.  Fingers crossed that the two activities I'm organising go without a hitch. 

More details and highlights at the end of the week. 

Go, Blue Team, go!

Tea for Eight, and Annie too

"You look good with a baby," Mike told me, while giving a "You should be worried" look to Paul.  What could I say?  Sarah's a very good dancer and had me trained in no time: Keep moving!  We tangoed in the kitchen as others sipped tea (more Jammie Dodgers to make up for the cheese scones attempt that didn't rise for the occassion). 

It was great to finally meet the latest addition to Char and Mike's family, and to see everyone doing well.  Jade zipped around the room - appearing fuzzy in every photo I took of her.  Jesse and Jazzy ended up showing some tongue, but I don't think Alannah (or Paul) knew quite what was happening.

It seemed a little too soon, but right after Catherine arrived, Paul and I had to head out - For tonight, there was Annie. 


"This is my girlfriend, who wears too many clothes."  ~ How Paul wanted to introduce me

I have to admit, when Paul pulled out his diary to plan the week with me (months ago), I saw every third day marked with another woman's name and I was upset.  Who was Annie?  Well, Annie is Annie.  Paul had been asked, and said yes to be in a local production - and with that there were rehearsals. 

There is no dancing-six foot tall-tuba-playing orphan in Annie... that I knew of.  But there is definitely a tuba part in the orchestra (so I was told). 

We arrived at Festival Place with little time to spare.  As he warmed up, I read cast bios and found my assigned seat (coincidentially, right in front of my family doctor).  The curtain rose and I watched Annie's story unfold. 

The super charismatic and energetic, red-haired orphan girl inspires an incredible number of things to happen in the next few hours.  Most importantly, she awoke the workaholic heart of Mr. Warbucks.  Oh, and gave an uplifting boost for the New Deal, on the side - All in time for Christmas!

I waited for the apple seller to drop an apple (which happened at another performance causing a drum to ring) or for a dog to miss a cue.  Instead, it all seemed to flow quite well, and familiar tunes, I didn't know were from this musical, had me tapping and murmuring along: "It's a Hard Knocks Life", "Tomorrow", and "I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here." 

The kids were cute (the smallest girl being so completely adorable you could almost forget the off tune voice). The adults, however, were the main talents - Miss Hannigan, the ophanage matron, was deliciously evil and had a fabulous voice.

Definitely a fun production.  This "other woman" was pretty cool after all. 

There are a few more nights to go (it closes 27-Feb).  For more information and or tickets check out Festival Place.

Almost.

I pounced at the chance to see the latest listing.  Paul was dragged along since we were supposed to have lunch together.  Before I knew it, Lynne (the realtor) delivered us to the wedged-shaped property with the little house on it. 

The sun was shining; a cat tried to follow us in (I figured it must belong there); and once in the door, I started dreaming.  Sure it was small, but it didn't seem too far from the new LRT station.  Sure it was old, but looked much better than the others in the same age range.  I could see myself living there. 

And so, with Lynne's advice, I put in an offer. 

Hours later, I recinded. 

In between: A bunch of paper work, Paul had been dropped off back at work, and I'd gone to pick up my parents - pulling them out of their relative tranquility to land them directly into shock.  And then they saw the place.  I immediately realised how this was in their eyes: Far, far away from where they lived... every stain and nick another thing that needed to be fixed.  Most of all, the things that I didn't mind were obviously bad choices for resale value...

I was upset - because they were right: It wasn't smart to buy a place with so many bad features (even if they weren't bad to me, they would likely for others).  Also, while Lynne had pointed out many of the renovations and fixes required, my parents were probably right too that they'll cost much more than what she estimated. 

So, yes, disappointed, but admittedly it was for the best.  And at least now they're taking me more seriously.  Or so I thought. 

Later that night, Mom offered another suggestion: I should buy their house. And before you ask, the answer is they'll live with me until they decide to move to some kind of elder care.  I know they love me, but a part of me wants to cry at how hard it is for her to understand - how foreign this whole concept must be. 

The concept isn't foreign to Angela, (Jeffy's moved out), but she called me today to say she doesn't think it's safe for a girl to be living alone in a house.  But, she was also worried about crazed housemates.  From the person who said that condos are losing value and that they wouldn't be a good investment - it seems the only "smart" thing is for me to stay put.  Ugh. 

To Work, To Home

Over a month, the escaltors have been out of service at University station.  Anything could be happening behind the locked white wooden walls.  And while the true reasons might be legitimate*, secretly, I believe "they" are trying to help with new year's resolutions of "get more exercise".  I've played into "their" plans by taking the stairs, but some are just bypassing the health properties (and maybe saving a little time) by cramming the elevators. 

Are there some (a lot of / signficant?) energy savings by not having the escalators run all the time (net of extra elevator usage)?  Though I have to agree with Dan - it's nice not having to take the stairs when I'm tired. 

On the way home: (left) Even metal busts need a little extra warmth, sometimes.  I wonder if "they" considered it vandalism.  Or an inspired act of guerilla art from The P.L.A.I.N. Janes**?  I never noticed Sir Winston Churchill's half-smile before (in my head it's always the Karsh caught grimmace).  But apparently he smiles when he's ready for a fight***...

I certainly smiled.


* The rumour is that they're fixing damage from a water-main break over the holidays.

** People Loving Art in Neighborhoods

*** Lessons of Manliness from Winston Churchill - A fun tribute

Man in the Middle (of Double Greeting)

I was nervous the notoriously dingy space in a not so nice part of downtown would be repelling. However, with Paul's growing knowlege of Chinese, I finally decided he was ready to visit (handle) my favourite greasy spoon, Double Greeting (Seven Happiness). 

He liked it! 

One of the restaurant's "features": Customers write their own orders on paper slip.  We poured over the menu (Chinese and English listings - making for a fun little language lesson).  Paul then copied the characters for our choices.  The food arrived - greasy as it should be. 

An added bonus, shockingly, was the Bee Gees tribute woven right into the booths' upolstery. 

Maybe this place is hipper than I give it credit for. 

(Below: Paul sees two of the brothers Gibbs, I see one.) 

Family Day at the Square

"Jermy Dutchins?  Who's that?"

~ Kevin, who doesn't quite have the ear for the accent

The magic show was lacklustre and I was worried that downtown for Family Day activities would end up being an outing failure.  But "Tall Paul [Birkendam] Dude" saved the day... oh, along with the free popcorn and balloon creations later found at other sites. 

We took a break in the Winspear Centre (with popcorn and "jammie dodgers").

Then headed over to the City Hall for a Firefly Theatre presentation.

Celina was disappointed that everything was closing up - no skating afterall.  But she seemed pretty happy to use what was left of her balloon flower as a "boom". 

 

There was still some time before Theresa was to come and pick us up - so it was a short trip to the library.  I can't believe how tired I felt after really such a short day.  Mom likes to say I that I used to be energetic and bouncing around like they are (and now I lay around like a lump). 

It was all worth it though:

Kevin: You're my favourite auntie.

Celina: You only have two.

Kevin: No, I mean all the other aunties. 

Nice. 

Cold Jeans and Hot Tools

A brief stop for a strange find on the way to the TA training (a result of some new year's luck?), and then it was back on track to dance. 

Afterwards, I made a surprise Valentine's visit to Paul's.  The day before, we'd celebrated with my attempt at a Chinese-ish dish (a fish and tofu noodle-soup thing) and Paul's Chinese penmanship.  Thus, he was not expecting me on his doorstep at all. Even more surprising were the thing-within-a-things (Chinese buns - notably pineapple buns) and a heavy, wrapped rectangle - a tool kit! 

Tools are romantic, right?  Not missing a beat, Paul made me laugh.  O.k., if not romantic, they can be lewd.

Happy New Year and Happy Valentine's Day

or Ode to Chainsaw

It's been a crazy bit of week and all for today, Chinese (Lunar) New Year.  At one in the morning, Mom, Dad and I go about our "Walk for Big Fortune", before going back to bed.  Today we will having a (loosely) vegetarian lunch to honour buddhist roots.  Then I suspect, Mom and Dad will make calls overseas to wish family a happy new year.  This will be followed with a lot more cooking and cooking preparation.  I will be quite spoiled and not have to think about it - instead the rest of my day will be filled with dance training.

It just also happens to be Valentine's.  I've predict flower sellers will have a very good week in sales between this and CNY.

All the best to everyone!  May this second start bring good luck.

This, I grabbed from Anne's blog made me laugh, and I hope it brings a smile to your face too:  http://www.slate.com/id/2211163/

Introductions, Reunion...

.. and where Sir Wilfred Laurier gets a bit Trek-ish

Rem rang in Chinese New Year early with a Chinese themed Feast.  A long list of ingredients (right) made for many deliciously interesting dishes. 

Haikus are easy

But sometimes they don't make sense

Refrigerator

While I had been expecting special guests (Anne and Del) I didn't expect Anne's parents to be there too.  Later, another surprise - Jono and Dawn's new baby, Arilyn!

After we've finished the main course, Rem worked on dessert, a red bean nian gao, and poured drinks. 

Perhaps we were getting a little tipsy (or simply the nature of Feast turns to the silly) - Stephen pulls out a five-dollar bill and shows us how to "Spock" it. 

Na had to leave before the nian gao was completed, but I was pleasantly surprised with Rem's wheat flour version (per Paul, another "thing within a thing").

Traditionally, on New Year's Eve, the entire family gets together for a reunion dinner.  It seemed very fitting to have spent New Year's Eve Eve with the Feast family.  Thank you, Rem & Steph!

More photos here. 

Sold?!

I was not interested in buying my neighbour's house (could you imagine moving in next door to my parents at this stage in my life?), but I'm still felt disappointed and frustrated when it sold. 

Here's how it went:

Tuesday
I get home from work.  There is a huge "For Sale" sign in my neighbour's lawn (which they got at by digging a big hole in the snowbank)

Wednesday
I get home from work.  A big "SOLD" sticker is on the sign. 

Sure, almost every house I've been interested so far has gone pending by the weekend - but this was less than 48 hours!  This is nuts. 

It's Official!

Well, o.k. it was official before we saw the ring, but now people at work know too. 

Congratulations, Wendy and Will on your engagement!

Malcolm's, re:Par-Tea

Aos lept onto my shoulder like nothing else... o.k. don't panic.  Though, I could feel her claws in my sweater and I wasn't sure how to convince her to get off and let me go (repeated tippings didn't seem to work).  So, Na gave her a good "shoo". 

I certainly would have gladly stayed, but there was dance (and I can't exactly cite "Feline Clause").  In the two hours I was there, I'd soaked up plenty of conversation, tea, and treats - all in honour of Malcolm's birthday (though I didn't stay long enough to enjoy the chocolate cake [left]). 

Mathies and Feasters co-mingled with others, while, rugrats and cats (well, one busy one) had a run of the place.  Malcolm looked happy, which was the main thing.  (Happy Birthday, Malcolm!  More photo evidence that I was there, here). 

Training ended up being long, and Formation rehearsal made it even longer.  But it was good (both in itself and to work off some of those treats).  And!  I just might have myself a dance partner... maybe. 

Blue Plate

"The beet is the most intense of vegetables. The radish, admittedly, is more feverish, but the fire of the radish is a cold fire, the fire of discontent not of passion. Tomatoes are lusty enough, yet there runs through tomatoes an undercurrent of frivolity. Beets are deadly serious."

~ Tom Robbins, Jitterbug Perfume

Perhaps partially inspired by Jitterbug Perfume, Paul ordered the beet cake for dessert.  It was a nice cap to our Sunday late lunch with Rem and Steph at the Blue Plate Diner. 

We'd been sitted next to the windows and the ledges proved handy for us to put some of our stuff. The overcast light was abit harsh for me eyes, but it was slightly warmed up with the retro lamp at our table (it changes colours).

The food was good as I remembered it (the dinner menu because we were way past the brunch or lunch hour), but the wall art surprised.  Serendipitously, our waiter served Rem's coffee in just the right cup to match (left).   

In that space that's somewhere between late afternoon and early evening, we said good-bye.  I was tired before, but now with warm thoughts and a warm belly - I was really ready for a nap.

Potluck Feast

"Haven't they heard about volunteering?"  We were all surprised by Ollie's recount of a past case study* she read on different categories of prostitution, but Steph's response was directed to the middle (in price and prestige) group: Suburban Housewives.  As Ollie remembered it, the majority of this group were engaged in this because they were bored and had nothing to do. 

I arrived too late at Erik's potluck Feast for my appetizer to make a difference, but was, gladly, in time for some unsual conversation topics.  As I munched away on others' contributions (Rem's manicotti, sushi, Erik's lemon chicken pasta, Sol's greek farmer salad, Michael's veggie and fruit trays, Neil's cinnamon buns), Mugsy (a serious mover and shaker in the city) polled us on different items of Edmonton and Alberta politics and policies (the Municpal Airport seemed the most contested).  And of course there were the occassional forays into racier topics.  It was neat to have such a large group discussion. 

At the end of the night, we divvied up the leftovers.  Mom and Dad were pleasantly surprised (though they still think I don't eat).


* In order of least to greatest in price and prestige:
1. Street corner
2. Pimped
3. Suburban housewife
4. Massage Parlours
5. Escort Services

Have tried to find the study on the web, using the few details Ollie mentioned.  What I found was that "the suburban housewife as prostitute" theme showing up in Hollywood movies and television, and in an article about Second Life: "Art imitates life"?

Done with Happy People

Bloodletting: Always listed as an example of ridiculous medical practices in the past, but... what if...? 

Just started Survival of the Sickest (a Catherine recommendation), where the author instroduces the book with what inspired him to write: A grandfather with a genetic disorder that lead to extreme high levels of iron in the blood (iron overload / haemochromatosis).  A lightbulb (no doubt planted by Dr. Moalem), went off: What if this bloodletting business wasn't all nonsense, seeming to actually work because some people had a similar genetic disorder?* 

I was already hooked, but Dr. Moalem went one step further, teasing the reader that he will look into why such a genetic disorder exists, and why it is concentrated in European populations.  I'm excited! 

This is exactly what I needed after finishing the horrible Happy People.  This old library sale find, takes place at a 10-year high school reunion (grad class of 1980 - just a little dated).  I was looking forward to its Edmonton setting, but the story soured quickly.  The main character believes people who are happy, Happy People, are delusional.  He hasn't seen his old friends in years and is a little surprised to find that some of them have become Happy People.  As the reunion weekend goes on, some of his friends prove him right - ending up in a very sloppy and depressing mess that doesn't enlighten at all.  Do not read! 
I would warn you through Goodreads, but it's, thankfully, not listed.  I can, however, think happy thoughts that I've sort of cleaned - that's one less book on the shelf. 

Now for Goodreads: It reminds me of a basic facebook, but completely centered around books.  I'm not cataloguing my collection like Catherine, instead entering books as I read them.  The list is growing slowly, but it feels good - especially since they can make a pretty montage like this:

Lana.'s read:

Lana.'s favorite books »

Book club anyone? 

* Reminder: Time to donate blood!