Friends in Wet Weather

It was such a wet day (rain replacing and washing away the snow from the day before) that I didn't end up going to David T's outdoor acapella concert. Instead, I got groceries.

After a snack with House Hippo (Coconut decided to stay in bed), I set out to do some cooking.

"Honey, I'm home!"

O.k. he didn't actually say that, but when Paul walked through the door in suit and tie that's what I heard in my head. 

The gig in Camrose had gone well - thanks again to Fisherman's Friend.  I figure he should write a testimonial to the company and see if they'll send us free stuff :P

We had some dinner, finished Appetite for Detention by Sloane Tanen (those little pipe cleaner chicks are full of teenage angst), and take another go at Hitchhiker's Guide. 

While Zaphod Beeblebox is "just this guy, you know." His brain-care specialist apparently has a very particular accent.  After trying it again and again, my version was deemed relatively acceptable, we moved on.  But then got stuck on another word:

"Row - like know!" 

"Row - like cow!"

I'm no longer even sure which one I use.

Creative Cuts then Tuba Concerto

Friday's discussion of art and craft led down the path of "What is creativity?".  I've been feeling a bit down about this area lately.  Paul, kindly said he thought I was creative.  But really, I'm really derivative and have yet to actually create something original...  Though, since I was cutting his hair at the time was he giving commentary?  Or licence? 

Though resting as much as he could the past week, Paul still had a bad cough for yesterday's year end concert with FCW at Concordia.  His tuba solo concerto, however, was still great.  I listened to it with my jaw dropped.  The piece wasn't something I'd expected to hear from a tuba.  Even more amazingly was how he kept it all together - his face turned red from suppressing the coughs, but he managed to keep playing.  He credits Fisherman's Friend. 

We zipped off soon after the concert so that he could have a couple extra precious hours of healing sleep.  He has another gig today, in Camrose, and a pocket full of more FFs.  At least yesterday's snow has mostly melted.

Thy Fashionable Feast

Feast!  A perfect cold and wet day meal with soufflé, yams, onion soup, and bread.  When we were fully satiated, Rebecca debuted THE dress. 

"It's all about the butt."

In the works all winter for a friend's wedding (this coming summer), the now completed dress is marvellous!  Rebecca is defnitely talented in sewing. 

As I understand it, the entire wedding party were to be in period dress.  All the visible elements were to be as authentic as possible, but the any of the stuff underneath could be of a modern persuasion (therefore ingenious substitutions from the hardware store were made).

Not surprisingly, many of us wanted to give the dress a try. 

The outer portion was gorgeous and I would happily wear it as a jacket to a fancy event. 

The hat was also very inspiring. 

At some point, I realised there was an overwhelming number of people in forest colours (and thus we needed a picture). 

But Rem and I (and Steph's sock) had bucked the trend with bright magenta, cyan, and yellow (and also needed a picture). 

While there was all this silliness, it turned out Paul and Stephen had had a serious talk about what is art and what is craft.  Heady stuff indeed.  We were still discussing it while waiting for the bus. 

Tango - Take Two

Spring class started with a bang: Argentine tango!  Always so glad when there's a class, but not surprisingly, it was virtually the same lesson we've had year after year.  So, time to kick it up a notch: Learn the guy's part.  Don and Allan had a similiar gender-bending idea. 

What I (re-)learned:
1. Leading is really hard - especially if your follow doesn't want to to follow
2. Don is still enviously sexy as "the girl" (even without the shimmies), but
3. It's still really weird to feel his leg hair when he does the "caress" embellishment *shiver*

Birthday Badinage

"You're pregnant?!"

I saw the girls' eyes go saucer wide, and I quickly set things straight: "No!  I just happened to have a question..." (inspired by current read Malcolm Gladwell's What the Dog Saw). 

Jazzy: "I almost choked on the mousse!"

The TC girls were together again, and for a special occassion: Yay, Catherine's birthday!  And Jaclyn is in town to celebrate it! 

We had a delicious dinner out of the crazy heat (yep, it's back).  Hardly needing another excuse to to indulge, we shared the chocolate mousse that was on special.  This Chianti's certainly impressed with great service. We talked books and babies, and had some nice catch up laughs too. 

Only thing missing was probably a little bit of dancing.  To fill that gap a forward from Catherine and Jaclyn: Awesome!

Dinner Date and Spring Fever

My attempt at healthy baking didn't quite work out.  Ken and Gisele didn't seem to mind (later smothering the dry doughy rolls in ice cream) - they already had planned a fabulous meal that included dessert.

(Right: What were supposed to be whole wheat yogurt cinnamon buns)

When we found their place (a bit hidden despite being right in the middle of things) they were mid-cooking which meant we had a chance to help. 

Ken, as usual, put a competitive swing on things and challenged us to speed potato peeling.  I decided instead to join Giselle on cutting up the salad. 

(Left: Math lessons) 

Alec impressively gnawed on a whole ear of corn as we chatted.  He was not deterred at all that it was larger than his arm. 

After dinner, Gisele showed us a video of a modern dance tango she had choreogaphed.  Pretty neat stuff. 

To cap off the evening, they shared one more gem from their video collection: The Prestige.  Nope, it's not about lawyers (my original guess - sounds like a plausible Grisham venture).  Instead, the intense and intriguing story was about two once-friends-now-enemies magicians set to find revenge and the truth to the ultimate trick.  Paul and I were still talking about it on the way home. 

Next day, Victoria Day, the sun fully came out.  Would have been lovely, but Paul was sick and I was miserably allergic.  After trying out the weed wacker (on these lovely flowers), we hid inside for more Flight of the Conchords.  Symptoms eventually faded, and all in all it wasn't a bad way to spend a holiday. 

Matahari and Tubas

"I can't see you in a porn show..."

Bits of Friday's rain looked suspicously like snow - I definitely spoke too soon about summer.  Paul and I managed to make the best of things and enjoyed a walk in the rain.  But it was definitely nicer when we finally decided to slip into our destination restaurant - Matahari. 

The food is (South East) Asian fusion and we further fused flavours by ordering items from different countries: For Paul the Nepalese Lamb, for me the Singapore Laksa.  When they arrived it was an interesting smell combination.  The laksa had the first dose of (the very pungent) fish sauce Paul's ever tried, but I think he ended up liking the dish a lot.

From our high booth we could see outside.  I was enjoying the cosy environment so much I didn't really want to leave.  Though, after desert (tiramisu cake), we did head back out. 

Come Saturday, the rain had mostly stopped, but it was still chilly.  After attempting another new recipe, we head out for Convocation Hall.  There was to be a meeting... of many tubas. 

Paul has played with the Tubas of Edmonton before, but this was first time I got to see them.  I've didn't expected so many!  To fill in the gaps (there are more, but they couldn't make it), they recruited the-tubas- quartet-yet-to-be-named and had them play some separate pieces.  It was all in all pretty cool. 

However, in an unexpected move to make me useful, I was given the task to film the concert.  Uh-oh.  I knew I wasn't cut out for it, but the person insisted all I had to do was aim and push the button.  Hopefully, the sliding ceiling shot (as the camera started slipping off the music stand) will be appreciated as artistic flair.

"Chris: Voyeur, philanthropist, pornographer."

Afterwards, Scott, Kathy, Chris, Karen, Paul, and I, (Alden and Ariane had another gig) met at Pack Rat Louie's.  I remembered Anne telling me about it (pricey, but good pizza), and I expected to feel out of place.  Instead, it was nice.  Our server barely even blinked when Paul rolled in our guest, Bessie (the tuba), or when I ordered my customary hot water. 

Over John Mayer's music and a lemon (!) pizza, the others gave us suggestions to their favourite places to eat in Edmonton (Haweli's, Masala Wok, an Indian-Carribean place that was dodgy on service, but had a good food [and probably a name]).  We told them about our regular haunt, Double Greeting. 

I also got a taste of Scott's infamous (dry and kind of odd) humour, and laughed at Chris's stories.  He and Karen were / are part of the Salvation Army Band - and they have attempted to march to 5/8 timing.  While singing with their choir, volunteers with good intentions, but often bad execution, led to "a row of barking baritones". 

A funny bunch.  I'm glad I finally got to meet them. 

I am not a Bad-Ass

... but my new wellies are kickin'! 

A hazy mist was mostly what we've been getting this past week (aside from Tuesday's small storm).  Paul didn't even need an umbrella, yesterday, when he came to surprise me at work.  Last night, however, there was rain.  There was wind.  And I was caught outside on the way to pick up groceries.  I used my umbrella to shield the almost horizontal onslaught, from LRT station to grocery store, keeping my upper body relatively dry.  From the knees down, I was soaking wet. This might have meant an awfully uncomfortable commute home, but providence provided: A sale on children's rubber boots! 

Now... the bright green dragons with big white teeth at the toes and tails that snaked up the back, or the smiling giraffes with fashionable neutral splotches (and the added humour that they were barely mid-calf high)?  In the end, these were the bad boys for me.  They're a good fit in size, and an almost perfect fit in my discordant "style".  With beige trench coat, sunflower and blue gingham print umbrella, and these [hyphenate as you will] bad-ass boots, I'm ready.  Bring on the rain!*

* But not too much - I don't think our house or the city sewer system are as rain ready :)

Summer Signs

It is gorgeous outside with plus 30 degrees, which means it's freezing in the office.  Leave work popscicle cold, and only start to thaw when the train arrives with a waft of warm air.  Thankfully, I have fully defrosted by the time Drew picks me up. 

I know nothing about dragon boating*, but he's recruited me for his Corporate Challenge team.  I had to think twice (and thrice) about taking part since I don't particularly like water and not that athletic... but I also feel it's part of my heritage and I should give it a try (shapelier arms would be an added benefit). 

Yesterday, at their company's training session, an EDBRC coach tried to whip me (and the rest of Drew's team) into shape. 

First: Safety.  Second: How to hold a paddle.  Third: Basic dragon boating commands. 

Drew's co-workers seemed rather blase about the whole thing, but they fulfill the required boat minimum of warm bodies.  And eventually, having satisfied the coach we were ready(-ish), we were allowed to get into a boat. 

I sat on the left (still convinced that I'm a lefty), and attempt the whole "kick off" technique that the coach talks about... except I can't quite reach the foothold to kick-off of (Drew laughed). 

It's muggy out on the water.  From our vantage we could see Dawson bridge covered (being fixed), and also... lightning.  Dang! 

We rushed back to the dock and the rest of the session was cancelled.  Seemed like a waste of all that sunscreen I slathered on and the extra clothes I packed (etc) for only 20 minutes on the water.  But safety first, and even with what we did I don't feel quite as clueless for race day. 

Oh, also, I got my first mosquito bite of season.  Next time, bring bug spray.

* Aside from the basic legend related to Qu Yuan.

M.O.staken

"Excuse me, were you the girl doing highland dancing at the bus stop?"

No, no I was not.  But... is it likely there was another Asian girl dancing at a different bus stop? 

Trying to keep warm and at the same alleviate some of the dance withdrawal I'm feeling.  If it was me - I'm hoping the guy saw and was referring to the jive portion of the routine I was practising, and not the rumba / cha-cha bit. 

Summer Weekend: BBQs & Ts

"Some people say that rappers don't have feelings.  We have feelings. (We have feelings) Some people say that we are not rappers. (We're rappers)  That hurt our feelings. (Hurts our feelings when you say we're not rappers.)..."

The sun is shining and our soundtrack as we drive deep-deep south to Shauna and Jesse's is the Flight of the Conchords album "I Told You I Was Freaky".  I was feeling pretty spoiled to have another day of such nice weather. 

Only just the day before, Paul and I had gone over to Drew's to watch The Time Traveler's Wife (beautiful to look at, made me cry like the book, though I question if the message is the same...).  Drew prepared dinner (barbeque pork chops) and gave us a short lesson: Rubs (the barbeque kind) are better than sauces.  The weather cooperated, so that when took a break to make and eat the surprise dessert (an experiment w/ grilled bananas and ice cream) it was fully enjoyed with the ideal ambient temperature. 

Back to the car: Catherine and I talked about Time Traveller's Wife (and how it differed from the book) while the Conchords made us laugh -  barely heard over the highway noises, it was almost funnier for not quite being able to tell what was going on.  Paul in the back seat, kept us on track. 

When we made it to the "Dinner Date / Barbeque" it was just a a great time.  As usual, S&J put on a great spread.  We ate and talked and the guys bonded over Coupling's china pattern conundrum (Steve: What do you think?  / Jeff: I'm getting something... it's... it's... white.), and chip butties (along with its cousins [potato] chip sandwiches, and noodle and chip sandwiches).  Before calling it a day, we also go through the baby name book (a riot and a half). 

Next day, weather still holding out, Paul and I visit Hawrelak park for Matilde's farewell. 

Then, being so lucky to be invited for another event on the same day, we dashed over to Sophie's for tea.  Her renovations and redecorating have transformed the space - before where it was colourful and bright, now it was elegant and sophisticated. 

We munched on equally fancy treats (which included the famous macarons from the Duchess Bake Shop), sat with the balcony doors open, and relaxed.  Sophie explains aphasia while Paul describes his research (helping me understand a little bit of it a little better). We throw around the idea of new letters for the alphabet (since the way we prounounce words have changed).  Somewhere in all of this, I found out Na was taking hip hop dancing (wow!). 

It was a busy weekend.  But now I feel it is right to officially declare it summer.  To more summer fun!  (Now, if only my allergies will clear up.)

Sweet Sedona

Gloria definitely knows how to set the mood.  This time a garland of real cloth diapers (augmented with scrapbook stickers) helped to transform the boardroom into a fitting meeting and celebrating place for Jaleen's new baby, Sedona. 

Plenty of cake, presents (left: Kamalya helps), and catching up on the news make for a really nice gathering, but also really tough to get back to work.  Sort of manage, and then get distracted again: Dragonboating!

Second Time Better

Juno MacGuff: [on the phone with "Women Now"] Hey, yeah, uh, I'm just calling to procure a hasty abortion. What? - Can you just hold on for a second, I'm on my hamburger phone.

Kathy, Neil, Rem, and I were over for Movie Night to see Juno.  It was great (as expected from the first time), but also (unexpectedly) even better. 

Was it because we're all laughing at the jokes together? Or was it the cool tidbits injected by Erik (courtesy of iPhone's connections to the internets)? 

Some of the Tid Bits:
1. The runners wore prosethics (well, that explains it...)
2. There was a freak snowstorm in Vancouver - which was very convienent for the winter scenes

Or was it enhanced by that wonderful enhancer: Chocolate?  Oh, I ate way too much chocolate.

"-age" to Paul is "-___" to Lana.

I wasn't expecting the FCW recitals to be so informal.  The First Presbyerian Church is a very pretty place (with an usual kind of stained glass in the basement), and the invite I received (recommedations "in the pursuance of the enhancement of [my] weekend") had made it seem a most grand affair. 

Anyway, while there was an order, there wasn't much of a programme: Members of the FCW simply walked up to the front with their small ensemble or accompanist, spoke a few words and began to play.  

As it was a kind of an experimental event (as Conductor Wendy said - an opportunity to perform), we even got to see and hear an usual (antique) instrument: The natural horn!

The morning had been bright and sunny (almost all the snow's melted), so it was a bit of surprise when it started raining outside.  Thunder crashed and there wasn't much light coming from the windows.  I half wondered maybe something really bad was happening outside.  Inside, at least, we had music. 

The weather added extra drama to Paul's "duple of features for tuba and piano".  Bessie certainly shined. 

By the time the we left the church, it was sunny again - the only evidence of the storm were the larger puddles in the road. 

Mom's Day with Dad

Dad returned right in time to celebrate Mother's Day with Mom. 

We picked him up at the airport yesterday, ready with a big warm jacket.  He was shocked that the weather seemed unchanged (almost worst) from when he left (mid-March).  I was shocked to see him -extra tanned and almost scarily skinny.  Despite the phone calls home where he mentioned the food wasn't agreeing with him (so unfortunate since he'd really been looking forward to it), I was still unprepared. 

By next day, things seemed to have already reverted to usual*. 

Dad was back to cooking and had made Mother's Day lunch.  Theresa and the kids joined us.  Afterwards, while Mom, Dad, and Theresa talked about China, Celina, Kevin, and I play... Scrabble! (My gain, their punishment for all their hypothetical questions). 

* Surprisingly, Dad had little trouble with jetlag.  Actually, since he didn't sleep well at night, this might have all worked in his favour...

May Flowers and Snow

Snow in May! 

It was a drag to get to work, but it seemed at least, everyone made it. 

By the next day a lot of it had cleared up. 

These tulips must have been confused.

Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

I won't lie, I picked this recipe simply because it was so outrageous.  (And it didn't hurt that we needed to use up a lot garlic...) 

Into the oven went the pans lined with garlic cloves, carrots, and celery, topped with chicken and special herbs and spices.  Out came very hot pans with the same stuff, but in a much tastier form. 

We probably could have added onions, and it seemed rather dry to me, but Paul was still enthusiastic.  No clove was left behind (cooked until soft they spread quite nicely on the pieces of bread).  So, success!  But a day later, I'm sure I still smell.

"I still think they belong to a transvestite." 

Kathy, Steph, and I are trying to be good, concientious citizens: We're out picking up trash as a part of Capital City Clean Up.  The stuff we're finding is a bit strange.  What sense could we make from it? 

Kathy: Large, high heeled boots + Bedsheet + Shorts = Transvestite?
Lana: Metal + A whole lot of glass = A car accident?

Kathy and Steph used their imagination and came up with some pretty cool stories, but I still didn't feel inspired to take any pictures. 

Then we found a bag of bones... well... it could have been, we didn't open it up to check. 

I'll stick to my sparkly treasures finds: A mirror, some razors, a large piece of rusty metal, a quarter!