Close-up Indoors

"Pick your nose!"
Of course this makes me laugh, which is what Paul really wanted me to do for the shot. 

This was definitely a different kind of photo shoot.  Allan had me lugging costumes around campus with the goal to be beautiful and glamorous.  

This time, in the house, I simply had to go to the closet.  Props were also fairly easy to find - How about that apple?  I can balance it on my head... Or a book? 

In the end of course, the best and easiest part was that Paul just wanted me to laugh.  And that was almost natural. 

There were quite a few photos, but Paul's high standards meant not that many made the cut.  

My favourites:

1. A shot while putting on makeup (Right)

2. Yay!  I'm laughing and don't look like I'm crying! (Left) 

 

3. The cowl neck sweater that inspired a shoot in the first place.  (Right)

4. Argh! Throwing a tantrum when I think we've been doing this for long enough.  (Below)
 

 5. Ah, finally some rest.

 

It was pretty fun, though there were a lot of self-conscious moments... about different bits. 

So... will this increase Paul's interest in watching Top Model shows with me?  It'll be research...

Good F(e)ast Friday

One great virtue about Paul is his punctuality.  When travelling with him I am either on time, early, or really early.  Which my parents (especially Dad) appreciate. 

For dinner at my parents' Friday, we were in the last category.  Um... as in really early.  So early it made sense for us to get off a few bus stops away to take a walk.  Which was actually pretty nice.  There was nothing too challenging for my ankle in the area and the sun was shining, finally melting some of the snow. 

And low and behold, right on theme, a piece of Easter:

Which got us talking.  This dinner at my parents' was meant to celebrate Good Friday, but apparently it's traditionally a day of fasting...?  Oops...

Well, I didn't know this and none of my family I think was going to be too bothered either way.  A day off is a good excuse for turkey.  (Now I'm wondering if there's a fast day as part of Chinese traditions... does our "No meat" meal on Chinese New Year Day 1 count?)

(Right: Our non-traditional Good Friday dinner with Dad and Theresa in fine chopstick arts form)

(Below: Kevin's riddle has Paul stumped?)

Neverwhere - BBC Radio Dramatisation

Ah!  I thought this was available for a whole year, but was told today it's only available for listening until 29-Mar-2013.  Yikes, that's tomorrow! 

Listen online to all 6 episodes here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01r522y/episodes/player

And if Neil Gaiman's fantastic story of a man unexpectedly pulled into the world of London Below brought to life is not incentive enough: Benedict Cumberbatch plays a major character. 

You know what I'll be listening to while processing entries for Year End.

Naan-sensical

From the added height of the bar stool (and better posture) I could see girls dancing at the window to our left and chefs busy preparing food to our right.  What I couldn't see was our server to indicate we we were finally ready to order.

Things were already quite busy at Naan-o-licious eventhough it was early Wednesday night.  But it could also be because Paul and I had (likely) spent a bit (a lot) longer than most reading through their colourful menu and missed our order window. 

Many "naan" related puns were used to name and describe what I considered "Indian fusion", what they called "favorites with a twist".  The puns made me stop and smile a little, but the decision's major delay was because we were just overwhelmed.  Should we try something from the Yogi section or a naan wrap?  Take on A Light Affair or A Trip to France? 

Eventually, order made, we sat back to enjoy the lively atmosphere.  People heading out, more people heading in, a decent sized window to see what was happening out on Whyte Ave, all to the soundtrack of what I guessed to be modern / top 40 Indian hits.  A wall-mounted television played music videos (possible for said hits?  Not sure, and I was having trouble understanding what was happening in the videos...)  A big Buddhah wall fountain bubbled. 

I laughed at the napkins which advertised their parent company (no mistake there!) 

Food arrived piping hot. 

Paul's Cinnamon Chops (right) were nice and flavourful.  My Deccan Meatloaf (below) arrived with a generous portion of vegetables, but was missing potatoes.  When inquired, they were brought out separately in an ice cream dish.  And then we asked about our missing appetizer...


Anyway, the food was very tasty.  The couple who sat across from us made some casual conversation.  They'd been there a few times and attested the food was generally really good. 

Hm... but the missing parts of our order and the inattention... was this again because it was so busy? A part of me hated to make a fuss, so having to ask for things gave a little stress.  I do have some pretty high expectations of food quality and service when eating out (and paying these prices).   But then again, maybe the expectation should be tempered since this was casual dining? 

Looking on it positively, our particular seat was a great place if you liked people watching and didn't want to be disturbed... But privacy is still limited since right across the bar might be another set of customers. 

Bellies full, we waited for the bill. 



When it arrived, Paul, got a good laugh. 

I'd just glossed over it - that's why he's the editor. 

On our way home, I asked Paul if he would want to come back even if there wasn't a groupon deal (which brought us there this time).  He said yes because the food was really good.  I'm not so sure myself.  The price of eating out just gets to me. 

We Like It Hot (Pot)

After many attempts to meet up, an impromptu phone call hit the mark.  We were to have dinner with Na and Stephen!  And hot pot no less.  Paul's been hoping for hot pot for ages - ever since trying it at Jazzy and Howie's for the first time. 

We met at Hot Pot King and it was immediately clear that restaurant hot pot had changed a lot since I've been. 

Na was the expert in this case and took charge starting with the broth.  Classic clear chicken broth for one side and the "Little Sheep" broth (almost a direct translation), a very flavourful "new" combination, for the other. 

She then marked off different raw items on the sheet to create a balanced and interesting meal.  Classics such as tofu, shrimp, fish balls, and beef slices were augmented by what I would call luxury items (lamb slices, oysters, cuttlefish). 

I was extremely impressed by the menu's variety.  Even staying away from the organ meats (Stephen and Paul were pretty adventurous, but wasn't going to go into that territory) there were plenty of choices*.  My eyes jumped to a number of unusual vegetables and mushrooms (tempting) but then were caught by the sheer strangeness of hot dog sasauges and instant noodles (not so tempting). 

After putting in our order, we got up in turn to go to the sauce bar.  Little bowls were available for us to concoct our own dipping mix.  There were enough sauces to compete with Jazzy's fridge ;)  Mine, I decided, would be mostly of ginger paste, fish sauce, and plenty of cilantro (right) at least for the first round. 

A sign above the sauce bar told me aside from age to qualify for child prices, one also had to be under a certain height.  Seems fair. 

The food arrived on plates stacked on a trolly.  Na dumped items into the hot pot, taking care to balance the flavours. 

During the delicious meal we talked about learning to cook (they're trying out differen Chinese dishes), movies and television (pass on Quantum of Solace, but to definitely try Elementary), travel plans (Stephen's big European trip, Na's recent CNY visit to China), and, strangely enough, games. 

It made sense to me that since most people didn't have much privacy or space at home (living with multiple generations) to socialise, the next likely place were semi-public / private spaces such as restaurants and lounges (that in the past would cater to karaoke).  However, on this latest visit, she found people were meeting up together in special lounges to play games, not Majong (which is rather traditional), rather card / board games like Legends of the Three Kingdoms (三国杀Sanguosha).  She even gave it a try. 

Another, "game" activity she heard about (based  on a computer game?):  People are purposely locked in a room with a few items; The goal is to then escape*.  This sounded a bit like a team building exercise crossed with a kidnapping.  But was kind of intriguing... granted you knew you were eventually going to be let out. 

(Right: Quail eggs I had really looked forward to - unfortunately, didn't hold up to poaching as I'd hoped.)

I'm glad the restaurant didn't hold to its 2 hour maximum seating rule despite it filling up during our stay.  Perhaps it was because we stopped eating long before that (though it was tempting to try more varieties and eat more).  Na's theory was that it was unlikely for people to make reservations for 8:30 p.m. (when our time was up). 

After such a great food experience, I wasn't going to doubt her when it came aspects of eating out.  I had a great time and I'd gladly take another one of her restaurant recommendations (or go back - knowing Paul would love that), but I think I need my wallet and waistline to recover a bit first. 

* The buffet menu also included cooked items on rice and such, but we decided to focus on the hot pot.

** I assumed this meant all members of the group had to escape safely and climbing the bodies of your dead teammates was not an option. 

Pride and Prejudice, Part I

We didn't play the drinking game*, but we certainly drank a lot of tea!

Sophie was as usual a fabulous host, setting out plenty of goodies and hot tea to accompany the watching of a Jane Austen movie.  Rem (who couldn't make it) and Ken (who didn't want to stay*), also help out with the proceedings by contributing some delicious baking. 

The Jane Austen Movie Club has been going on for a while now.  I, somehow, by the grace of the organisers, am still included on invitations eventhough I've been super delinquent on these movie meetings (i.e. my first and only attendance was for an extremely tearful Sense and Sensibility... years ago?). 

The others (Steph, Cynthia, Rem, Paul, Sophie, Carmen, and others) had gone through the entire cannon (as far as I know), plus Austen inspired movies (e.g. Becoming Jane) and have doubled back to the original that started the club. Yes, the BBC-Colin Firth-Jennifer Elhe mini-series version of Pride and Prejudice. Or as most in attendence seemed to think of as THE version. 

And then I admitted I'd never watched the entire thing through. 

GASP! 

Oh, yes, there were clips here and there (mostly in my one university English class), but not the entire thing.  And I've certainly heard / read of the lake scene many times over (e.g. Bridget Jones Diary the novel; Steph). 

Who'd have guessed it was so funny? 

Steph: Why did you think we like it so much? 
Me: Colin Firth and the lake scene? 

Watching it and not studying it (for that English class), and the audience commentary probably helped.  

 (Left: My semi-slightly-healthier first plate included one of Ken's scones.)

 (Right: But this happy fellow called out to me.) 

 

Before long, Paul was pointing out Dawn as a child and a little after that it was the end of the first half... which didn't include the lake scene.  And I know I'll have to wait for that a bit longer.  The main thing, I have a newer, happier view of the book. 

 

* Though perhaps Ken would have wanted to stick around?  Full rules for the game can be found here :P

 

Snow Day Activities

I to work.

Paul to shovel.

The kids to puzzle the time away.

Puzzling

The pieces had been separated and nicely packaged into plastic zip-lock bags*.  All the red (burgandy) ones were in one and everything else in the other.  We dumped them all together and Paul did a good mix...

 

And then I separated them again.

Why?  Well, I guess Paul's point was that if we really started with no help at all, it would make it a true triumph when all the pieces are put together.  I kind of agree... but there was the practical side of me that kind of disagreed...

We used one of the largest boxes from the move (now flattened) as our base for easy-ish transport when we needed the dining table.

The kids, of course, wanted to help.





Paul started with the words.  I concentrated on separating and sorting, when faces caught my attention.  There are quite a number of them in Dracula's Castle (Buried Blueprints: Puzzles from the Past). 

My favourite had to be the one of with a lovely woman mid-faint (below).  I imagined she was saying "My word!" in a southern belle voice.  Paul just wondered why she was naked (she isn't / wasn't). 

We got a good start at it and eventually had to pull away. 

It was pretty late, and Paul came up with this idea: Leaving a message for the next people to do the puzzle - on the back!  Maybe even one that's encrypted.  My word! 

*The previous owner had carefully done this before taking it to the Reuse Centre

I need a display case.

 

"The difference between a collector and a hoarder is a display case."

- Judge John Hodgeman, Episode 94

First Day of Spring

Coconut is despondent.

 

Collaborate

"See what it’s like to collaborate with famous storytellers.  Admittedly, a few years after their prime."

http://www.google.com/campaigns/gonegoogle/demos.html

Google docs taken to another level.  Very silly.  I just wanted to write to each of them to talk (too much Working Theory of Love and The Most Human Human), but they are definitely not chat-bots. 

Down Downtown

I'm working downtown this week.  Thinking on the glamour and prestige (of the downtown in my imagination), I try to dress the part and stand straighter.  But who am I kidding?

First, I am sick.  No amount of dressing up will disguise the raw nose or hide the lumps of the tissues I've stashed in every possible pocket. 

Second, it's not worth all the trouble.  Most of my time here is / will be spent in front of a computer, and the handful of co-workers I do see at the beginning and end of my day won't care. 

And third, it's not like I was a souped version of myself living the lush life when I did work downtown (how quickly I forget).  Truthfully, it only meant I was tapped into and had a whole heck easier access to the cool stuff happening downtown.  I could potentially skip to at lunch or right afterwork... but, right now, sick!  Agh. 

Can a bug be dormant for two months?  I ask because I'm thinking how similar this one feels to what Paul described in January. So, exhausted at times, dripping for most of it...

I half complain about this to a co-worker when she asks me how I was doing.  And then that's when she revealed her medical condition: Narcolepsy.

Well, that's perspective.  At least mine will get better.  I wonder if this is what she feels pretty much all the time. 

Brass and Birthday Blast!

There were no fireworks in the bells.  But it was still quite a blast.  The Mill Creek Colliery Band concert "Brass Blast" was in the afternoon and despite the cold weather and snow, still had a decent turn out.  David did the introduction and compere duties, making me giggle when he dramatically recited the lyrics to Jurassic Park (by Weird Al) as preamble for the parody's basis, MacArthur Park. 



My favourite in the concert, even with "Colonel Bogey" as the encore, was sentimentally (and thus predictably), the ‘Sous le Dôme Epais’ arranged as an euphonium duet. 

After the concert, we rushed home and then headed out again to celebrate Steph's birthday. 

Games Night was already in full swing by the time we arrived. 
 

(Above: Steph skeptical about a certain word?) 

(Right: Ken takes a peek at Sophie's Scattegories card.)

(Below: Agricula.) 

But, thankfully, we were not too late for cake or presents.  My gift for Steph garnered a few laughs and inspired a few ideas for other food related buildings (unforutnately, I did not take note for the benefit of future architects)*. 

* It occurs to me now how fun for there to be a Superlambanana banana saver.

(Below: The Butterdome butter dish gets a place of honour in the centre of attention.)  

 

Later, when it was just Steph, Rem, Kathy, Neil, Paul and myself left, we started a game of "Things" completely (with) out the box -  we created our own topics. 

Your slogan / motto if you were a dictator... Things you have forgotten...

Then, Kathy proposed a combination of a person and something they never would have said. 

Submitted:

1. All you need is love.  Hugs all around!  ~ The Marquis de Sade
2. Ciecro never said "Life is like a box of chocolates"
3. Marco Polo never said, "Marco... Polo..."
4. Genghis Khan: "Do we need to annex this bit of land, do you think?"
5. Charles Dickens: I'll make this brief. 

All made us laugh.  The last made Paul gasp.  Then there was the fun of discovering who exactly wrote which one. 

Can you match the answers to the submitters?  Some hints:

1. I missed recording Neil's answer, and
2. Below are photos of the actual submissions.

 

Morning at Mandolin

or Drinks at My Local

Ah!  So much snow again.  Was glad Clarence made it safely from Calgary and had a fairly smooth trip to meet me at Mandolin Books & Coffee Co. (which I've taken to as "my local"). 

The server prepared just what I requested (tea in a mug large enough to wrap my hands around to warm), while Clarence had his breakfast.  We were the only people there.  (Below: I think he approves of their coffee.)

 

I tried to remember the last time we were together just to talk.  Or when it was just the two of us.  It's been a long time.  Where to start?  The bandage on his finger is as good as any!  He said Christiana had two kinds, but he picked Princess over plain, knowing we'd appreciate it.

I confessed I didn't check facebook often enough to know what's going on in his life.  But he told me he censors what he posts - what's important, what's he's really thinking or feeling won't likely end up there.  Which made me feel only slightly better.  But not absolved for not checking in with him more often. 

Technology is nice though.  On his phone he showed me photos of past travel (Istanbul - before my wedding - was in part a decision to go somewhere different because he noticed his travel photos were looking too much the same) and talked about upcoming trips. 

Hearing all this from him, I felt inside a desire to try something new and travel somewhere different too (within reason - it's still a thing Paul and I still have to negotiate).  But I also felt a huge tiredness.  The house, health, and uncertainty at work (and winter?) were all having their say. 

We talked about staying positive and getting older. The need for stretching, to actually think about taking care of our bodies... the fact we have the same (looking) foam roller.  He's enjoying the running... I'm not enjoying not dancing...

My scheduled couple of hours were up (his visit, as usual, was completely packed).  Part of Clarence's parting shot was a huge hint at families and children.  A light hearted joke?  But my reponse was serious: More than ever, I feel like I need to be able to take care of myself (the big kid) first. 

March to Rally

The students' protest of AB government education cuts, passed right by our building.  I knew of the rally from facebook, but didn't think to join. 

We watched from the window and had mixed feelings. 

The group looked small, but then the actual size of the group revealed itself around the corner. 

I was glad people were demonstrating their disappointment, anger, and frustration with the cuts.  Especially students because it would seem self-serving if it was just staff worried about their jobs.  The other part was sadness and disappointed in myself - I wasn't out there... and because I wasn't sure if this was going to make a change. 

I have to remember that even if it doesn't change things it is still important. 

 

Global News' coverage of the event here.