I am blogging from work. This is the first time ever that I've done so. I'm on my prep period, but I'm all prepped for tomorrow, and I should be catching up on my marking, but I have to run off in 19 minutes to a textbook launch, so really what I can accomplish in 19 minutes?
(I'm pretty sure I've had kids use that reasoning to not work at the end of class. My answer to that question is always "lots".)
Also, I have my office all to myself today, so I don't have to worry about anyone looking over my shoulder.
They are serving wine and beer at the texbook lauch tonight. I didn't even know this when I signed up. I'm just going because I heard a rumour that they will be giving out free books. They are changing the curriculum for next year, and I doubt we'll have textbooks at the beginning, so I want to get my hands on whatever resources I can.
After the launch, I'm heading off downtown to meet up with my friend from high school and her husband for dinner. I've also warned them that I may show up tipsy from the texbook launch, ha-ha.
Oh, gadzooks is now totally my favourite word because of the song "Heavens to Purgatory" by The Most Serene Republic.
Oh and thanks to everyone for your really kind responses to my last post. My friends will attest that I don't talk about my mom's illness very much, so that was actually a big deal for me to write. But I'm glad I did.
All right, onward to the launch and hopefully lots of free goodies!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Proud, just like my mother planned it.
Happy Mother's Day! I didn't see my mom today, but I did send her flowers. Yay for the internet for making that easy. Anyway, next weekend is my mom's birthday, as well as the long weekend, so it makes more sense to travel home then.
I don't really talk about my mom as much as I do my dad, I think. Even though a lot of my friends have never met my parents, a lot of them know a lot about my dad because he's easy to tell stories about 'cuz he's a wild and crazy dude who prank calls me, reads obsessively, gardens obsessively, and acts a lot like Homer Simpson. (I could totally see him parking across three disabled spots.)
So as I was saying, because my dad's on the eccentric side, I tend to talk more about him than I do my mom. But since it is Mother's Day I'll blog about my mom.
So some background on my mom. My mom was born in Poland during World War II. During the war, her parents eventually became forced labourers on a farm in Germany. My grandparents hated talking about the war, so the family stories from these times are not overly detailed, and my grandparents are dead, so we only have what they shared. My mom told me a story about how my grandmother had three children when they were fleeing from the Germans. It was hard to run with three children in tow, and someone told my grandma to set down the baby (my mom) and come back for her later. If she survived, that is. My grandma did, but couldn't bear to leave a crying baby, and returned for her. That story amazes me, because if it happened differently, well, I wouldn't be here.
After the war, my grandparents settled in Northern Ontario, and my mother was the hardworking, bookish middle-child of the family. She became a teacher back in the day where you didn't need a university degree to get a teaching degree, but she got her BA in English at the same time she was teaching. The thought of taking university courses while teaching just made me say "holy hell" out loud. That would be so hard.
My mom taught elementary school. She started with the younger grades but somehow ended up teaching grade 8 for most of her career. I'm pretty sure it's a universally-accepted fact that grade 8 is the hardest grade to teach. I guess that's another testament to my mother's strength.
My mother's teaching career ended when I was born. The intention was that she would stay at home with me until I was ready for school, then she would return to teaching. That never happened because my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis the year before I was born. By the time I went to school, she knew that she wouldn't be able to return to work.
My mother's MS gets progressively worse each year. She could sometimes walk with me to school (five minutes down the street) when I was in Kindergarten, but that was pretty much the only year she could do that. She could still drive when I was in high school, but she gave that up. In 2006, the year my dad had surgery, she had a pretty bad MS attack as a result of the stress of my dad being sick. She was in the hospital for quite some time, and the doctors told her that she'd might not be able to go back home, but she would not have any of that talk. She worked very hard in physiotherapy, and is now probably in better shape than she was before the attack, and made it back home despite the initial grim prognosis.
So yeah, basically my mom is an amazing person with so much strength and optimism in the face of adversity. I know that I don't tell her this enough. I think I use my mom too much as a sounding board when I'm displeased with the way things are happening in my life, and really, I clearly have nothing to complain about. Probably, the worst thing in my life has been my mom's disease, but it couldn't compare to actually having it. I am always sad about opportunities that I'll never have with my mother. I know that if she was well, we'd probably leave my dad at home, and go on trips during the summer, she'd come visit me in the city and we'd go shopping, and she'd point out that my apartment is a mess and that I really should hem my curtains and fix my dining room chairs.
However, I'll never have that, but I have been blessed with an amazingly strong mother who loves me more than anything, and is crazy-proud of me, which is far important that any of that stuff above.
Oh, here's a random picture of me and the kid who was clearly my boyfriend at the time (since he's carrying my dolls) that I have scanned on my computer. My mom took it. Pictures of her are few and far between because she was always the one taking the pictures. I think that's like everyone's mom, right? Moms of the present day will be more well-preserved because of digital cameras and self-timers.
I don't really talk about my mom as much as I do my dad, I think. Even though a lot of my friends have never met my parents, a lot of them know a lot about my dad because he's easy to tell stories about 'cuz he's a wild and crazy dude who prank calls me, reads obsessively, gardens obsessively, and acts a lot like Homer Simpson. (I could totally see him parking across three disabled spots.)
So as I was saying, because my dad's on the eccentric side, I tend to talk more about him than I do my mom. But since it is Mother's Day I'll blog about my mom.
So some background on my mom. My mom was born in Poland during World War II. During the war, her parents eventually became forced labourers on a farm in Germany. My grandparents hated talking about the war, so the family stories from these times are not overly detailed, and my grandparents are dead, so we only have what they shared. My mom told me a story about how my grandmother had three children when they were fleeing from the Germans. It was hard to run with three children in tow, and someone told my grandma to set down the baby (my mom) and come back for her later. If she survived, that is. My grandma did, but couldn't bear to leave a crying baby, and returned for her. That story amazes me, because if it happened differently, well, I wouldn't be here.
After the war, my grandparents settled in Northern Ontario, and my mother was the hardworking, bookish middle-child of the family. She became a teacher back in the day where you didn't need a university degree to get a teaching degree, but she got her BA in English at the same time she was teaching. The thought of taking university courses while teaching just made me say "holy hell" out loud. That would be so hard.
My mom taught elementary school. She started with the younger grades but somehow ended up teaching grade 8 for most of her career. I'm pretty sure it's a universally-accepted fact that grade 8 is the hardest grade to teach. I guess that's another testament to my mother's strength.
My mother's teaching career ended when I was born. The intention was that she would stay at home with me until I was ready for school, then she would return to teaching. That never happened because my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis the year before I was born. By the time I went to school, she knew that she wouldn't be able to return to work.
My mother's MS gets progressively worse each year. She could sometimes walk with me to school (five minutes down the street) when I was in Kindergarten, but that was pretty much the only year she could do that. She could still drive when I was in high school, but she gave that up. In 2006, the year my dad had surgery, she had a pretty bad MS attack as a result of the stress of my dad being sick. She was in the hospital for quite some time, and the doctors told her that she'd might not be able to go back home, but she would not have any of that talk. She worked very hard in physiotherapy, and is now probably in better shape than she was before the attack, and made it back home despite the initial grim prognosis.
So yeah, basically my mom is an amazing person with so much strength and optimism in the face of adversity. I know that I don't tell her this enough. I think I use my mom too much as a sounding board when I'm displeased with the way things are happening in my life, and really, I clearly have nothing to complain about. Probably, the worst thing in my life has been my mom's disease, but it couldn't compare to actually having it. I am always sad about opportunities that I'll never have with my mother. I know that if she was well, we'd probably leave my dad at home, and go on trips during the summer, she'd come visit me in the city and we'd go shopping, and she'd point out that my apartment is a mess and that I really should hem my curtains and fix my dining room chairs.
However, I'll never have that, but I have been blessed with an amazingly strong mother who loves me more than anything, and is crazy-proud of me, which is far important that any of that stuff above.
Oh, here's a random picture of me and the kid who was clearly my boyfriend at the time (since he's carrying my dolls) that I have scanned on my computer. My mom took it. Pictures of her are few and far between because she was always the one taking the pictures. I think that's like everyone's mom, right? Moms of the present day will be more well-preserved because of digital cameras and self-timers.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Look up, what do you see?
I have nothing to blog about.
I'd better go do something super exciting this weekend to remedy this, but right now I don't have anything super exciting on tap. Yet. Yet is the operative word.
Or maybe I'll just hang out and watch DVDs and read books. Whatevs.
School's good though. School's always pretty good. Why can't everything else be like school? However, I think that making school good takes a lot of energy and brainpower, and by the month of May, I have little left for other things. These batteries could probably use some recharging, and soon. Next weekend is the long weekend, and I think I'll go to St. Ratford, so that should give me a little bit of a boost.
The song "E-bow the Letter" by REM just came on. It's one of my fave songs by them. Beautiful, but sad.
Did anyone watch the Office tonight? I think every workplace needs a Cafe Disco.
I'd better go do something super exciting this weekend to remedy this, but right now I don't have anything super exciting on tap. Yet. Yet is the operative word.
Or maybe I'll just hang out and watch DVDs and read books. Whatevs.
School's good though. School's always pretty good. Why can't everything else be like school? However, I think that making school good takes a lot of energy and brainpower, and by the month of May, I have little left for other things. These batteries could probably use some recharging, and soon. Next weekend is the long weekend, and I think I'll go to St. Ratford, so that should give me a little bit of a boost.
The song "E-bow the Letter" by REM just came on. It's one of my fave songs by them. Beautiful, but sad.
Did anyone watch the Office tonight? I think every workplace needs a Cafe Disco.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Maybe sparrow, you should wait.
My weekend was dull, and unproductive in the reorganizing my apartment/spring cleaning front. However, there was some productivity in the reading and marking fronts.
On the reading front, I've gotta get my ass in gear with my goal of reading 52 books this year. As you can see from my sidebar, I've finished 13 books and I'm about halfway there on my 14th. The 17th week of the year just finished, so I'm not too far off the pace. Of course, I've got summer vacay, when I will catch up and work my way ahead.
The last book I finished (The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters), was good, but it put a wrench in my reading goals. I wanted to finish it, and when I want to finish a book, I cannot start another one, or the previous will not get finished. I'm not one of those people who can effectively read two books at once. Anyway, I should have started my current book (The Time Traveller's Wife), a long time ago, but I had to finish this book first. It was a good book overall, but slow-going at times. Or maybe it was my brain that was slow-going.
The Time Traveller's Wife is the current selection for my staff book club. I've had months to read it, but I don't like to read the book 'til a couple weeks before the meeting or I'll forget everything and look stupid in front of all of those English teachers. The meeting keeps getting pushed back, and I *think* it's on Wednesday. But the end of tonight, I'll be halfway done the book, but there is no way I'll finish it before the meeting. That's okay though; I think I know enough to contribute to the conversation, and I like it enough that I'll finish it even if I find out the ending.
Pretty much the highlight of my weekend (and this is sad), was spending yesterday afternoon marking with a pal from school at a coffee shop in our neighbourhood. I find that even though I work in the same bloody building as some of my best friends, we go weeks without really seeing each other, since high schools tend to be rather compartmentalized and everyone is so effing busy all of the time. It was fun to catch up with my friend, and share some stories about the crazy people we work with and life itself. And somehow, in between all of the chatter, I got completely caught up on my marking. That's right. I don't have a single piece of work to mark right now. Of course, that will change by tomorrow, when two of my classes have assignments due, but I'll enjoy the moment.
As we were marking, my friend said "Do you mind if I run out for a second and buy a gnome?"
"Holy I'm going deaf... I thought you said you need to buy a gnome."
"No, you're not deaf, there's a gnome in that little gift store across the street that I want. He used to have a friend but someone bought the friend. I want that gnome before he's gone too."
I cracked up and told her to go for it. I marked on my own for a little bit. My friend came back sad and gnomeless. "The store is closed on Sundays."
My friend is super busy these days (she's directing the school musical), so I offered to go pick up the gnome today after school, since I live in the neighbourhood. Yes, I got to go into the store and ask them "how much is that gnome-y in the window?"
Here's a picture of the fellow who will spend the night with me 'til I bring him to school tomorrow. I like him. I kind of want to gnome-nap him and keep him for myself.
ps Gnome is totally one of my fave words ever. I'm so glad I was able to use it multiple times in a post. I'm even going to tag this post, and make it a goal to post more about gnomes in the future.
On the reading front, I've gotta get my ass in gear with my goal of reading 52 books this year. As you can see from my sidebar, I've finished 13 books and I'm about halfway there on my 14th. The 17th week of the year just finished, so I'm not too far off the pace. Of course, I've got summer vacay, when I will catch up and work my way ahead.
The last book I finished (The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters), was good, but it put a wrench in my reading goals. I wanted to finish it, and when I want to finish a book, I cannot start another one, or the previous will not get finished. I'm not one of those people who can effectively read two books at once. Anyway, I should have started my current book (The Time Traveller's Wife), a long time ago, but I had to finish this book first. It was a good book overall, but slow-going at times. Or maybe it was my brain that was slow-going.
The Time Traveller's Wife is the current selection for my staff book club. I've had months to read it, but I don't like to read the book 'til a couple weeks before the meeting or I'll forget everything and look stupid in front of all of those English teachers. The meeting keeps getting pushed back, and I *think* it's on Wednesday. But the end of tonight, I'll be halfway done the book, but there is no way I'll finish it before the meeting. That's okay though; I think I know enough to contribute to the conversation, and I like it enough that I'll finish it even if I find out the ending.
Pretty much the highlight of my weekend (and this is sad), was spending yesterday afternoon marking with a pal from school at a coffee shop in our neighbourhood. I find that even though I work in the same bloody building as some of my best friends, we go weeks without really seeing each other, since high schools tend to be rather compartmentalized and everyone is so effing busy all of the time. It was fun to catch up with my friend, and share some stories about the crazy people we work with and life itself. And somehow, in between all of the chatter, I got completely caught up on my marking. That's right. I don't have a single piece of work to mark right now. Of course, that will change by tomorrow, when two of my classes have assignments due, but I'll enjoy the moment.
As we were marking, my friend said "Do you mind if I run out for a second and buy a gnome?"
"Holy I'm going deaf... I thought you said you need to buy a gnome."
"No, you're not deaf, there's a gnome in that little gift store across the street that I want. He used to have a friend but someone bought the friend. I want that gnome before he's gone too."
I cracked up and told her to go for it. I marked on my own for a little bit. My friend came back sad and gnomeless. "The store is closed on Sundays."
My friend is super busy these days (she's directing the school musical), so I offered to go pick up the gnome today after school, since I live in the neighbourhood. Yes, I got to go into the store and ask them "how much is that gnome-y in the window?"
Here's a picture of the fellow who will spend the night with me 'til I bring him to school tomorrow. I like him. I kind of want to gnome-nap him and keep him for myself.
ps Gnome is totally one of my fave words ever. I'm so glad I was able to use it multiple times in a post. I'm even going to tag this post, and make it a goal to post more about gnomes in the future.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Philosophy that you can dance to.
Good stuff from the past couple of days:
1) One of my best pals at work leaves notes on my desk like "I hope you have an uneventful day" and "I like to burn things."
2) The above pal and I went on a roadtrip to North Scarborough for a workshop yesterday afternoon. On the way there, we heard the lame new Black Eyed Peas song on the radio. We both love the line "I'm so 3008, you're so two thousand and late" because we could totally use it at work. We both really really want to break out into that line when kids walk into our classes late. It's hilarious to picture how the kids would totally think we were the lamest people alive for doing that. I am so going to do it though... when the moment/mood are right.
3) Yesterday I stumbled across the new Ben Lee album online. I love Ben Lee 'cuz his music is nerdy pop music with handclaps and fingersnaps and la-la-las. It's just like candy. It makes a good soundtrack for sunny spring days.
4) Speaking of candy, I totally want to run across the street and buy some, but it's raining pretty hard... Hmmm...
5) Speaking of bad nutrition, I had leftover pizza and a bag of Kernels cheesy dill popcorn for dinner. Bad but tasty.
6) My eco-posse and I had a good day today. Our goal for this year was for our school to receive certification from an environmental education organization. In order to do so, we had to put together a huge application that summarizes all of our projects and activities for the year. This morning, a team from the organization came to visit the posse and I. My posse totally rocked, gave great answers, showed the team around the school, and totally impressed them. It warmed my heart, and I told them as much. Anyway, at the end of the visit, the organization told us that we definitely achieved certification. I'm so proud of my eco-posse. :D
7) TV tonight (Parks & Recreation/The Office/30 Rock) was totally hilarious. My fave line from the Office: "Oh, it's on like a prawn who yawns at dawn."
8) My current fave running joke on the Daily Show is about the RNC chairman Michael Steele. When he introduces Michael Steele, Jon Stewart always shows a picture of Fat Blue, the muppet who always dines at Grover's restaurant, and says "Here's Michael Steele, shown, as always, dining at his favourite restaurant." Cracks me up. Here's a youtube clip of Fat Blue and Grover, in case you forget these classic sketches. (My favourite use of youtube is to watch any sort of classic muppet stuff.)
9) This hilarious picture of Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff (from a Toronto Star review of his book), came to my attention from a couple of Fbook pals. Next time I'm feeling sad, it will make me happy.
10) It's almost the freakin' weekend! I don't have many exciting plans, but I'm looking forward to some down time and getting caught up on a bunch of stuff. Happy weekend everyone!
1) One of my best pals at work leaves notes on my desk like "I hope you have an uneventful day" and "I like to burn things."
2) The above pal and I went on a roadtrip to North Scarborough for a workshop yesterday afternoon. On the way there, we heard the lame new Black Eyed Peas song on the radio. We both love the line "I'm so 3008, you're so two thousand and late" because we could totally use it at work. We both really really want to break out into that line when kids walk into our classes late. It's hilarious to picture how the kids would totally think we were the lamest people alive for doing that. I am so going to do it though... when the moment/mood are right.
3) Yesterday I stumbled across the new Ben Lee album online. I love Ben Lee 'cuz his music is nerdy pop music with handclaps and fingersnaps and la-la-las. It's just like candy. It makes a good soundtrack for sunny spring days.
4) Speaking of candy, I totally want to run across the street and buy some, but it's raining pretty hard... Hmmm...
5) Speaking of bad nutrition, I had leftover pizza and a bag of Kernels cheesy dill popcorn for dinner. Bad but tasty.
6) My eco-posse and I had a good day today. Our goal for this year was for our school to receive certification from an environmental education organization. In order to do so, we had to put together a huge application that summarizes all of our projects and activities for the year. This morning, a team from the organization came to visit the posse and I. My posse totally rocked, gave great answers, showed the team around the school, and totally impressed them. It warmed my heart, and I told them as much. Anyway, at the end of the visit, the organization told us that we definitely achieved certification. I'm so proud of my eco-posse. :D
7) TV tonight (Parks & Recreation/The Office/30 Rock) was totally hilarious. My fave line from the Office: "Oh, it's on like a prawn who yawns at dawn."
8) My current fave running joke on the Daily Show is about the RNC chairman Michael Steele. When he introduces Michael Steele, Jon Stewart always shows a picture of Fat Blue, the muppet who always dines at Grover's restaurant, and says "Here's Michael Steele, shown, as always, dining at his favourite restaurant." Cracks me up. Here's a youtube clip of Fat Blue and Grover, in case you forget these classic sketches. (My favourite use of youtube is to watch any sort of classic muppet stuff.)
9) This hilarious picture of Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff (from a Toronto Star review of his book), came to my attention from a couple of Fbook pals. Next time I'm feeling sad, it will make me happy.
10) It's almost the freakin' weekend! I don't have many exciting plans, but I'm looking forward to some down time and getting caught up on a bunch of stuff. Happy weekend everyone!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
When I jerk away from holding hands with you...
I can’t sleep, and my iPod’s dead and yah, I really should be sleeping.
My dear friend Becca T always loves hearing my bad date stories. I thought I’d share her favourites on here because, well, I think they’re funny. Maybe you have to know me to find them funny, I dunno. Writing them down will give me something to do while I can't sleep.
1) I had a date that I was looking forward to mainly because the dude claimed to be really into music, and had a list of respectable bands that he liked. Good taste in music is oh-so-important for me, or I’ll run out of things to talk about fast. And I don’t think anyone can truly get me if they don’t like music.
This guy would title his emails to me with lines from songs and such, so I had high hopes.
At the beginning of the date, we talked about jobs, growing up, schooling, etc. Obviously the conversation flowed to our common interest. He started talking about all of the bands he likes. I asked what the best album is by a certain band.
“Oh, I don’t listen to albums. I just download maybe five to six of the most popular songs on iTunes.”
Sarcastic eyebrow raise and incredulous look from me. “You don’t listen to albums.”
I did my best to compose myself and not flip on the guy. I’m sorry. I’m a music snob. You cannot pose as a fellow music connoisseur and not listen to albums. Do you just read a few chapters of a book? Is that what you do? (Actually he didn’t read either.) How can you claim to love a band if you don’t own all of their albums?
To change the subject, I brought up the fact he was from the East Coast and listed a bunch of my fave East Coast bands. He hadn’t heard of any of them. None! Not even Sloan! What’s the point of living in a place if you don’t explore local bands, oh Mr. “I’m Really Into Music?”
Anyway, needless to say there never was a second date. Dude had many other annoying qualities as well. And he also kind of looked like Ricky Gervaise. Now, I know that for most people someone not liking albums does not a bad date make, but think of someone being a total poseur about what you love best, and you’ll know how I felt.
The only benefit of this date is that it makes a really funny story to tell other music snobs. A couple months later I had a date with a real music snob, and this story made good fodder for the date. This guy understood; one of his first questions for me was “what are three albums you like to listen to all the way through?” I went on a few guys with this guy, but despite our common music snobbery, there was no spark, so things just drifted, and it wasn’t meant to be.
2) This story of a bad date starts off with a good date. I had a really good date with a dude who was really funny, and seemed to be really into me. We had dinner at cute little Mexican restaurant in my neighbourhood, and I think I might have had a margarita too many, so maybe that’s why I found him funny.
(Aside, actually the best part of the date was when the funny little waitress who works there whispered in my ear “I’ve had too much tequila tonight!” I love little family-owned restaurants where the staff gets drunk!)
So second date: sushi at my fave sushi place. Dude meets up with me after work, and we walk over to the restaurant. He’s dressed nicely. However, it’s a windy day and I smell something strange. The smell lingers. I realize it’s him. I don’t know what to do. That smell was a complete deal-breaker for me. I wanted to run.
Dinner was okay, I guess. I couldn’t smell him in the restaurant, but the memory lingered. I managed to make it through sushi, and then I was like “I am so tired from work. I must go home.” It was true; I was tired. He was kind enough to walk me back home, and then hugged me. I pulled away and he was like “oh, are you not a huggy person?” and I was like “No, yes, I don’t know. Sometimes.” Such an awkward ending.
Anyway, those are Becca T’s fave Christielli-bad-date stories. Feel free to share any of your own.
My dear friend Becca T always loves hearing my bad date stories. I thought I’d share her favourites on here because, well, I think they’re funny. Maybe you have to know me to find them funny, I dunno. Writing them down will give me something to do while I can't sleep.
1) I had a date that I was looking forward to mainly because the dude claimed to be really into music, and had a list of respectable bands that he liked. Good taste in music is oh-so-important for me, or I’ll run out of things to talk about fast. And I don’t think anyone can truly get me if they don’t like music.
This guy would title his emails to me with lines from songs and such, so I had high hopes.
At the beginning of the date, we talked about jobs, growing up, schooling, etc. Obviously the conversation flowed to our common interest. He started talking about all of the bands he likes. I asked what the best album is by a certain band.
“Oh, I don’t listen to albums. I just download maybe five to six of the most popular songs on iTunes.”
Sarcastic eyebrow raise and incredulous look from me. “You don’t listen to albums.”
I did my best to compose myself and not flip on the guy. I’m sorry. I’m a music snob. You cannot pose as a fellow music connoisseur and not listen to albums. Do you just read a few chapters of a book? Is that what you do? (Actually he didn’t read either.) How can you claim to love a band if you don’t own all of their albums?
To change the subject, I brought up the fact he was from the East Coast and listed a bunch of my fave East Coast bands. He hadn’t heard of any of them. None! Not even Sloan! What’s the point of living in a place if you don’t explore local bands, oh Mr. “I’m Really Into Music?”
Anyway, needless to say there never was a second date. Dude had many other annoying qualities as well. And he also kind of looked like Ricky Gervaise. Now, I know that for most people someone not liking albums does not a bad date make, but think of someone being a total poseur about what you love best, and you’ll know how I felt.
The only benefit of this date is that it makes a really funny story to tell other music snobs. A couple months later I had a date with a real music snob, and this story made good fodder for the date. This guy understood; one of his first questions for me was “what are three albums you like to listen to all the way through?” I went on a few guys with this guy, but despite our common music snobbery, there was no spark, so things just drifted, and it wasn’t meant to be.
2) This story of a bad date starts off with a good date. I had a really good date with a dude who was really funny, and seemed to be really into me. We had dinner at cute little Mexican restaurant in my neighbourhood, and I think I might have had a margarita too many, so maybe that’s why I found him funny.
(Aside, actually the best part of the date was when the funny little waitress who works there whispered in my ear “I’ve had too much tequila tonight!” I love little family-owned restaurants where the staff gets drunk!)
So second date: sushi at my fave sushi place. Dude meets up with me after work, and we walk over to the restaurant. He’s dressed nicely. However, it’s a windy day and I smell something strange. The smell lingers. I realize it’s him. I don’t know what to do. That smell was a complete deal-breaker for me. I wanted to run.
Dinner was okay, I guess. I couldn’t smell him in the restaurant, but the memory lingered. I managed to make it through sushi, and then I was like “I am so tired from work. I must go home.” It was true; I was tired. He was kind enough to walk me back home, and then hugged me. I pulled away and he was like “oh, are you not a huggy person?” and I was like “No, yes, I don’t know. Sometimes.” Such an awkward ending.
Anyway, those are Becca T’s fave Christielli-bad-date stories. Feel free to share any of your own.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Never turn your back on Mother Earth.
Happy Earth Day!
I'm an accidental environmentalist. I teach science, and somehow I got the reputation for being really into eco-issues (I think it's because I let Al Gore teach my class when I can). Last year some students wanted to start an eco-club, and this year I have a pretty committed bunch. A coworker of mine calls them my posse, and jokes that I am their leader, and if anyone messes me, they would have to answer to my posse.
As a result of my little club, I've now got the reputation as the staff environmentalist. People confess to me their environmental sins. I absolve them. They also come to me with absurd ideas, to which I smile and nod.
I try to be a good example. I had to make sure that I got a good reusable mug for my morning coffee. I used to drop by my principal's office for my morning environmental complaint/idea/initiative, with my paper coffee cup in my hand and then point out that I was well aware of my hypocrisy.
This I've been very busy planning Earth Week activities, finishing off our application for an award as an environmentally-conscious school, and teaching my classes that I forgot all about the Earth Day T-shirts that I got in San Fran for my favourite colleauges to wear. Luckily one of the lucky recipients reminded me of the shirt, 'cuz I totally forgot about it. Unfortch, one of the bunch is on mat leave, but four of us were wearing the shirt below:
By the end of the day the fact that four of us were wearing the same shirt was a hot topic. "Where did you guys get those shirts?" "Are you like friends or something?" "Oh, look it's another teacher in one of those shirts." "Why does Earth only have one tooth?"
Anyway, my Earth Day shirt and I are going out to a birthday party after I take some time to clean up my own environment. My apartment is a mess!!
ps My super also handed out new recycling buckets to everyone today. I don't know if it was a coincidence that it was Earth Day, but it made me super happy.
I'm an accidental environmentalist. I teach science, and somehow I got the reputation for being really into eco-issues (I think it's because I let Al Gore teach my class when I can). Last year some students wanted to start an eco-club, and this year I have a pretty committed bunch. A coworker of mine calls them my posse, and jokes that I am their leader, and if anyone messes me, they would have to answer to my posse.
As a result of my little club, I've now got the reputation as the staff environmentalist. People confess to me their environmental sins. I absolve them. They also come to me with absurd ideas, to which I smile and nod.
I try to be a good example. I had to make sure that I got a good reusable mug for my morning coffee. I used to drop by my principal's office for my morning environmental complaint/idea/initiative, with my paper coffee cup in my hand and then point out that I was well aware of my hypocrisy.
This I've been very busy planning Earth Week activities, finishing off our application for an award as an environmentally-conscious school, and teaching my classes that I forgot all about the Earth Day T-shirts that I got in San Fran for my favourite colleauges to wear. Luckily one of the lucky recipients reminded me of the shirt, 'cuz I totally forgot about it. Unfortch, one of the bunch is on mat leave, but four of us were wearing the shirt below:
By the end of the day the fact that four of us were wearing the same shirt was a hot topic. "Where did you guys get those shirts?" "Are you like friends or something?" "Oh, look it's another teacher in one of those shirts." "Why does Earth only have one tooth?"
Anyway, my Earth Day shirt and I are going out to a birthday party after I take some time to clean up my own environment. My apartment is a mess!!
ps My super also handed out new recycling buckets to everyone today. I don't know if it was a coincidence that it was Earth Day, but it made me super happy.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I wish I was the moon tonight.
Weekend Rundown:
Friday
Met up with Becca T for frappucinos and to lend her Neko Case CDs so she could "study" for the concert. Going for frappucinos with Becca T is one of my favourite things to do. We are both addicted to said beverages, and we grade them. These ones were A+s, which is always great.
Since it was a lovely evening, we ended up walking and drinking, and decided to go rent the movie "Twilight". It was all right. I just finished the book not too long ago. I read it so I could understand my students better since they are all in love with the series. Most of the kids hate the movie with a passion, but I liked the movie better because it was shorter (the book dragged on for me), and Robert Pattinson is pretty cute in an intense way.
Then, I stayed up far too late having a hilarious phone conversation with a new friend. I think this will officially the most bizarre circumstances under which I've gained a new friend, but I love it when truth is stranger than fiction.
Saturday
Woke up early to go visit my work spouse (who's on mat leave) with another work pal. Her baby's grown a lot since I saw her in March and is all smiley and cute.
I wandered over the Eaton Centre, but wasn't in a shopping mood so I went home. At home, I read a review about a new HBO movie with Drew Barrymore in it called "Grey Gardens". It's based on a documentary in the 1970s about some eccentric relatives of Jackie O who became destitute and lived in a crumbling mansion in the Hamptons. Anyway, I watched a bit of the 1970s documentary on Youtube and read up on the story, and it's just the kind of weird thing I like. I look forward to seeing the HBO movie once it's out on DVD. Oh, and it turns out that a song I like (Grey Gardens by Rufus Wainwright) was based on the documentary. I guess I just like coming across a good story about eccentrics every now and then.
Saturday evening was the Neko Case concert that I'd been looking forward to forever. Becca T and I went for sushi before the show, and later we found out that the dude sitting next to us was Neko's guitarist. The concert was in a church, hence we had great seats and the acoustics were amazing. The opening band, Crooked Fingers, were pretty good. Neko was amazing, of course. Her voice is so amazing live and she sang so many great songs. Her band was excellent. My favourite songs were "Your Favourite" (ironic) and "I Wish I Was the Moon".
Sunday
I had intentions to go looking at bikes today, and maybe go buy some new spring clothes, but I wasn't feeling it. So, instead I kind of lazed around home, avoided doing anything too productive, and went for a walk.
Oh wait, I did one productive thing. I contacted the artist of that print in my previous post. Turns out her studio's near my school, so I'll be getting it this week! Yay!
This coming week at work is unfortunately super and includes Parent-Teacher Interviews. However, when that's done, it means that I'm in my last quarter of the school year, and well on my way to summer!
Have a happy Monday everyone!
Friday
Met up with Becca T for frappucinos and to lend her Neko Case CDs so she could "study" for the concert. Going for frappucinos with Becca T is one of my favourite things to do. We are both addicted to said beverages, and we grade them. These ones were A+s, which is always great.
Since it was a lovely evening, we ended up walking and drinking, and decided to go rent the movie "Twilight". It was all right. I just finished the book not too long ago. I read it so I could understand my students better since they are all in love with the series. Most of the kids hate the movie with a passion, but I liked the movie better because it was shorter (the book dragged on for me), and Robert Pattinson is pretty cute in an intense way.
Then, I stayed up far too late having a hilarious phone conversation with a new friend. I think this will officially the most bizarre circumstances under which I've gained a new friend, but I love it when truth is stranger than fiction.
Saturday
Woke up early to go visit my work spouse (who's on mat leave) with another work pal. Her baby's grown a lot since I saw her in March and is all smiley and cute.
I wandered over the Eaton Centre, but wasn't in a shopping mood so I went home. At home, I read a review about a new HBO movie with Drew Barrymore in it called "Grey Gardens". It's based on a documentary in the 1970s about some eccentric relatives of Jackie O who became destitute and lived in a crumbling mansion in the Hamptons. Anyway, I watched a bit of the 1970s documentary on Youtube and read up on the story, and it's just the kind of weird thing I like. I look forward to seeing the HBO movie once it's out on DVD. Oh, and it turns out that a song I like (Grey Gardens by Rufus Wainwright) was based on the documentary. I guess I just like coming across a good story about eccentrics every now and then.
Saturday evening was the Neko Case concert that I'd been looking forward to forever. Becca T and I went for sushi before the show, and later we found out that the dude sitting next to us was Neko's guitarist. The concert was in a church, hence we had great seats and the acoustics were amazing. The opening band, Crooked Fingers, were pretty good. Neko was amazing, of course. Her voice is so amazing live and she sang so many great songs. Her band was excellent. My favourite songs were "Your Favourite" (ironic) and "I Wish I Was the Moon".
Sunday
I had intentions to go looking at bikes today, and maybe go buy some new spring clothes, but I wasn't feeling it. So, instead I kind of lazed around home, avoided doing anything too productive, and went for a walk.
Oh wait, I did one productive thing. I contacted the artist of that print in my previous post. Turns out her studio's near my school, so I'll be getting it this week! Yay!
This coming week at work is unfortunately super and includes Parent-Teacher Interviews. However, when that's done, it means that I'm in my last quarter of the school year, and well on my way to summer!
Have a happy Monday everyone!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Not stop 'til I get to normal...
Argh. These past few nights I've had homework. Homework. Eeeew. I should be doing some now, but I've decided that tonight's order of tasks will be blogging, TV (yay Thursdays!), and then homework. Or maybe just go to be early and make sure I'm early for work. But that strategy doesn't work, I know for a fact.
Yah, so I thought I have a bunch of stuff to say, but I guess I don't.
I came across this painting by a local artist named Melinda Josie in an article. I really like it.
I think I like it 'cuz:
a) We've all felt the way that poor cat looks;
b) But the toy reminds me that there's always comfort when you need it;
c) I like red coats;
d) I like leggings too;
e) I like her Mary Jane shoes; and
f) The cat reminds me a bit the ever fantastic Rilo, who was posing for my pal Mathew again the other night. I can never get good pictures of her.
Actually, now I'm seeing that I could buy a silkscreen print of it. I'm going to email the artist post-haste I think. There was this other painting a saw in Starbucks (of all places) the other day that I really liked. It looked totally abstract, but when you looked at it closely, you could see that beneath the paint, there was a collage of a crowd at a concert. Really perfect for me, but sadly out of my price range.
Anyway, happy weekend everyone! I plan to catch up on sleep, visit with friends, see Neko Case (for the first time ever, I'm so excited), and maybe finally go buy myself a bike. Oh, and then maybe bike rides!
Yah, so I thought I have a bunch of stuff to say, but I guess I don't.
I came across this painting by a local artist named Melinda Josie in an article. I really like it.
I think I like it 'cuz:
a) We've all felt the way that poor cat looks;
b) But the toy reminds me that there's always comfort when you need it;
c) I like red coats;
d) I like leggings too;
e) I like her Mary Jane shoes; and
f) The cat reminds me a bit the ever fantastic Rilo, who was posing for my pal Mathew again the other night. I can never get good pictures of her.
Actually, now I'm seeing that I could buy a silkscreen print of it. I'm going to email the artist post-haste I think. There was this other painting a saw in Starbucks (of all places) the other day that I really liked. It looked totally abstract, but when you looked at it closely, you could see that beneath the paint, there was a collage of a crowd at a concert. Really perfect for me, but sadly out of my price range.
Anyway, happy weekend everyone! I plan to catch up on sleep, visit with friends, see Neko Case (for the first time ever, I'm so excited), and maybe finally go buy myself a bike. Oh, and then maybe bike rides!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Deny, deny, you can't deny you let the curtain fall.
1) I hate when I can't sleep and I have school tomorrow.
2) I need to use gmail more 'cuz it's got quotes and stuff that seem to know how your day is going. Today's quote was:
“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” Charles de Gaulle
Ironic. Although I'm sure he meant dogs AND cats but the cats were lost in translation. Because Rilo is completely lovable.
3) Actually maybe I need to use gmail less, 'cuz their ads at the side that scan your email are super creepy. Please don't use my problems to generate ad revenue.
4) Also why do I need a metaphorical brick to hit me in the head to make me wake up?
5) Four days of school 'til I get to see Neko Case next weekend!! And tomorrow I get to do paperwork for a project instead of teach. The good thing about this is that I get to call a supply in, and I called my friend CT (cute teacher). Anyway, if he doesn't love me already, my well-behaved classes and the fact that I show CBC documentaries in class will definitely seal the deal.
6) Also, I am in love with the song "Cross My Heart" by Mariana's Trench. I heard it on the radio this weekend and it turned out it was already on my iPod 'cuz it was an iTunes single of the week. After listening to it an embarrassing number of times in a row today, I've decided I know what I want for my 30th birthday: a big party where all of my friends do a choreographed dance to this song. You have 10 months and 1 day to get this together, people.
2) I need to use gmail more 'cuz it's got quotes and stuff that seem to know how your day is going. Today's quote was:
“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” Charles de Gaulle
Ironic. Although I'm sure he meant dogs AND cats but the cats were lost in translation. Because Rilo is completely lovable.
3) Actually maybe I need to use gmail less, 'cuz their ads at the side that scan your email are super creepy. Please don't use my problems to generate ad revenue.
4) Also why do I need a metaphorical brick to hit me in the head to make me wake up?
5) Four days of school 'til I get to see Neko Case next weekend!! And tomorrow I get to do paperwork for a project instead of teach. The good thing about this is that I get to call a supply in, and I called my friend CT (cute teacher). Anyway, if he doesn't love me already, my well-behaved classes and the fact that I show CBC documentaries in class will definitely seal the deal.
6) Also, I am in love with the song "Cross My Heart" by Mariana's Trench. I heard it on the radio this weekend and it turned out it was already on my iPod 'cuz it was an iTunes single of the week. After listening to it an embarrassing number of times in a row today, I've decided I know what I want for my 30th birthday: a big party where all of my friends do a choreographed dance to this song. You have 10 months and 1 day to get this together, people.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Who would you rather be: the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?
Today I saw this with some kids. It was a nice day to be outside. Sunny, no snow, less cold.
Go renewable energy!
I love the new Metric album.
It's a four-day weekend soon. I'll spend some time in Ratford. I'm looking forward to it.
Today I had dinner at my old fave Thai place that I haven't eaten at in FOREVER. Not as good as it used to be, but they still load their salad with cilantro. I love cilantro.
I came across this old (note Christmas tree in background) of Rilo that was taken by her godfather. But it was so cute I must post it.
I'm excited for new TV tomorrow night: 2 new episodes of the Office, new show with Amy Poehler, and new 30 Rock.
So, all I have to get through before evening of TV hilarity and long weekend is one more school day. Bring it.
Go renewable energy!
I love the new Metric album.
It's a four-day weekend soon. I'll spend some time in Ratford. I'm looking forward to it.
Today I had dinner at my old fave Thai place that I haven't eaten at in FOREVER. Not as good as it used to be, but they still load their salad with cilantro. I love cilantro.
I came across this old (note Christmas tree in background) of Rilo that was taken by her godfather. But it was so cute I must post it.
I'm excited for new TV tomorrow night: 2 new episodes of the Office, new show with Amy Poehler, and new 30 Rock.
So, all I have to get through before evening of TV hilarity and long weekend is one more school day. Bring it.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Oh make me over; I'm all I want to be.
I probably should be in bed, but I had a whim to makeover my blog. I wasn't digging the old layout anymore. Anyway, this'll do for now. It's a little springy.
Which today's weather is not. Everyone is horrified when it snows in April, but I'm pretty sure it always happens, and you can't have spring 'til you've had the inevitable April snowfall. At least in these parts.
My own father prank called me tonight. Apparently he was watching the Jays' home-opener and fans were throwing stuff on the field. So, he picked up the phone (which he never does; I'm surprised he even knows how to use it), and called me. "Stop throwing things on the field." Click. The sad thing is, I totally got my dad's sense of humour in the genetic lottery, so I prank-called him back.
I just finished a book that takes place in a small Iowa town. Sometimes I wish that I could just pack up Rilo and all of my stuff and leave the city and move to a small town. I like the city, but sometimes it's a drag. I'm paradoxical in a lot of ways, and one of the ways is that I love the city, but I often yearn for small places.
iTunes just picked the song "Celebration Guns" by Stars for me to listen to. Good choice computer program. Good night. Sleep light. Stranger.
Which today's weather is not. Everyone is horrified when it snows in April, but I'm pretty sure it always happens, and you can't have spring 'til you've had the inevitable April snowfall. At least in these parts.
My own father prank called me tonight. Apparently he was watching the Jays' home-opener and fans were throwing stuff on the field. So, he picked up the phone (which he never does; I'm surprised he even knows how to use it), and called me. "Stop throwing things on the field." Click. The sad thing is, I totally got my dad's sense of humour in the genetic lottery, so I prank-called him back.
I just finished a book that takes place in a small Iowa town. Sometimes I wish that I could just pack up Rilo and all of my stuff and leave the city and move to a small town. I like the city, but sometimes it's a drag. I'm paradoxical in a lot of ways, and one of the ways is that I love the city, but I often yearn for small places.
iTunes just picked the song "Celebration Guns" by Stars for me to listen to. Good choice computer program. Good night. Sleep light. Stranger.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Stumbling through the city with the ordinary birds.
Life in point form:
- had a pretty lazy weekend overall, with the exception of a very busy Saturday road-tripping to the Buffalo area with my pal Mathew
- Becca T was supposed to come but ended up not being able to as she had left her passport and birth certificate at her parents' place in Ottawa
- was very well-behaved well shopping. I did get a new pair of Chucks at the Converse outlet store (beige with red and blue stripes on the bottom), a new watch, a green canvas purse for spring/summer, and a cool pair of colourful ballet flats. Oh, and a pile of junk food that's not available in Canada.
- met up with Jason at the mall for a bit, had dinner, and he got to go to Target with us as we flipped out over various products that we don't have here and the general lower cost of food. I hope he doesn't think Canadians are too weird.
- I'm still obsessively listening to Kensington Heights/Too Slow for Love by the Constantines. I downloaded the new Metric album, but I haven't touched it yet.
- I finished reading the book "Twilight" today. I'm sure I would have liked it more if I was still a teenager. Now I'm reading a book about a small town library cat. It's pretty fluffy, but I'm kind of enjoying it. I think that Rilo would make a good small town library cat. She's pretty friendly. And cute too.
- Anyway, it's a four day week. Thank goodness. I forgot to mark this weekend.
- had a pretty lazy weekend overall, with the exception of a very busy Saturday road-tripping to the Buffalo area with my pal Mathew
- Becca T was supposed to come but ended up not being able to as she had left her passport and birth certificate at her parents' place in Ottawa
- was very well-behaved well shopping. I did get a new pair of Chucks at the Converse outlet store (beige with red and blue stripes on the bottom), a new watch, a green canvas purse for spring/summer, and a cool pair of colourful ballet flats. Oh, and a pile of junk food that's not available in Canada.
- met up with Jason at the mall for a bit, had dinner, and he got to go to Target with us as we flipped out over various products that we don't have here and the general lower cost of food. I hope he doesn't think Canadians are too weird.
- I'm still obsessively listening to Kensington Heights/Too Slow for Love by the Constantines. I downloaded the new Metric album, but I haven't touched it yet.
- I finished reading the book "Twilight" today. I'm sure I would have liked it more if I was still a teenager. Now I'm reading a book about a small town library cat. It's pretty fluffy, but I'm kind of enjoying it. I think that Rilo would make a good small town library cat. She's pretty friendly. And cute too.
- Anyway, it's a four day week. Thank goodness. I forgot to mark this weekend.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
You do what you can do with what you got.
Wow, another busy week has flown by and it's a new month. Sometime the simple flow of time just blows my mind. It didn't used to go this fast, and I'd really like someone to slow it down.
I think if I could have any superpower, it would be to stop time at will. I would use my power entirely for good though. Actually, I think I would mostly use it as a snooze button. Oh, and I think time would be stopped for an eternity on Sundays, to give me long weekends. I'd probably fuck up the entire space-time continuum of the universe if I was had this power, so it's best that I don't.
Superpower rambling aside, I had a good week.
The Constantines/Weakerthans show was amazing, of course. First off, the Constantines did a great job of rocking my socks off. The Constantines are one of those bands where I like some songs here and there, but not really their albums in full. However, their set was amazing, despite not playing "Young Lions", which is a fave of mine since I often sing the opening line to Rilo when I come home. ("Oh, young lion, this is your kingdom.") Their version of "Nighttime/Anytime" was fucking awesome though.
Their awesome lead me to buy the new super-sized version of their latest albums on iTunes. For the low price of $5.99 you get the Kensington Heights album + Too Slow For Love, which contains all kinds of really great alternate versions. I've been listening to it constantly the last couple of days. Great stuff.
The Weakerthans were fantastic, as usual. I've lost count of how many times I've seen them. It's hard to describe. Well actually, it's easy to describe. When I see them, I'm pretty much at my happiest, and I can just feel this special smile on my face. It's corny as hell, but that's the way it is. Anyway, it was great as always to see my favourite band with my favourite friend, that being Becca T. She is my absolute favourite person to go to a concert with.
One thing that I may have to do is to start accepting applications for a new concert-going pal. Becca T is most likely going to be working in Nice, France next year (pending a visa), and I don't know who's going to be my new concert pal. My friend Mathew is pretty good for concerts, but he does not like the Weakerthans (surprising I'm still friends with him, huh), and sometimes makes poor concert-going decisions (i.e. not going to Stars with me). Anyway, Becca T and I have two more concerts lined up for the spring, and I'm sure we'll go to lots more before she leaves.
Work has tired me out for the rest of the week. I survived a trip to the Science Centre today. I didn't plan it, I was volun-forced to go. I was apprehensive about it since a) they made us take public transit; and b) I didn't know a lot of the kids. However, the kids from my school are always excellent on field trips and it was a very smooth day.
This weekend I'm going on a shopping trip to the States with Becca T and Mathew. It's gonna be fun. I kind of want new Chucks.
I'll let you know how that goes.
Happy weekend!
I think if I could have any superpower, it would be to stop time at will. I would use my power entirely for good though. Actually, I think I would mostly use it as a snooze button. Oh, and I think time would be stopped for an eternity on Sundays, to give me long weekends. I'd probably fuck up the entire space-time continuum of the universe if I was had this power, so it's best that I don't.
Superpower rambling aside, I had a good week.
The Constantines/Weakerthans show was amazing, of course. First off, the Constantines did a great job of rocking my socks off. The Constantines are one of those bands where I like some songs here and there, but not really their albums in full. However, their set was amazing, despite not playing "Young Lions", which is a fave of mine since I often sing the opening line to Rilo when I come home. ("Oh, young lion, this is your kingdom.") Their version of "Nighttime/Anytime" was fucking awesome though.
Their awesome lead me to buy the new super-sized version of their latest albums on iTunes. For the low price of $5.99 you get the Kensington Heights album + Too Slow For Love, which contains all kinds of really great alternate versions. I've been listening to it constantly the last couple of days. Great stuff.
The Weakerthans were fantastic, as usual. I've lost count of how many times I've seen them. It's hard to describe. Well actually, it's easy to describe. When I see them, I'm pretty much at my happiest, and I can just feel this special smile on my face. It's corny as hell, but that's the way it is. Anyway, it was great as always to see my favourite band with my favourite friend, that being Becca T. She is my absolute favourite person to go to a concert with.
One thing that I may have to do is to start accepting applications for a new concert-going pal. Becca T is most likely going to be working in Nice, France next year (pending a visa), and I don't know who's going to be my new concert pal. My friend Mathew is pretty good for concerts, but he does not like the Weakerthans (surprising I'm still friends with him, huh), and sometimes makes poor concert-going decisions (i.e. not going to Stars with me). Anyway, Becca T and I have two more concerts lined up for the spring, and I'm sure we'll go to lots more before she leaves.
Work has tired me out for the rest of the week. I survived a trip to the Science Centre today. I didn't plan it, I was volun-forced to go. I was apprehensive about it since a) they made us take public transit; and b) I didn't know a lot of the kids. However, the kids from my school are always excellent on field trips and it was a very smooth day.
This weekend I'm going on a shopping trip to the States with Becca T and Mathew. It's gonna be fun. I kind of want new Chucks.
I'll let you know how that goes.
Happy weekend!
Monday, March 30, 2009
And you tell me to fuck off, when I need somebody to.
I had a very pleasant Monday. I like pleasant Mondays. Weather was sunny (but cold), classes were well-behaved, I set some intentional well-controlled fires for educational purposes (daresay I'm become a pyro?), and a project I'm working on is going well. So yay!
Here's some Monday randomness:
1) I love pre-ordering stuff on iTunes, getting bonus tracks, and being able to download it the night before its official release date so it can accompany me on the subway to work the next day. Tonight's early delivery was the new Great Lake Swimmers' album "Lost Channels". If you like melodic mellow folk, look no further.
2) Oh! My favourite banjo player, Old Man Luedecke won a Juno for Best Roots Album. It wasn't televised on the show, but the fact he got something made me smile.
3) Sometimes Rilo will be sitting on the back of my rocking chair, and I'll sit on it, and she'll get all disturbed and displaced. I feel bad, but I often don't notice her or forget that the chair moves.
4) I want long hair with bangs like Feist has. Unfortch, my hair doesn't do long very well (it's too fine), but maybe I can do the bangs. I'll have to talk to my boyfriend (that's what I call my cute hairdresser) about this matter.
5) One of my fave parts of spa day (the Friday of March Break), that I forgot to blog about, was hanging out with my fabulous pal Eric after the spa, and going to his place and trying on some of his crazy shoes that he's picked up from fashion shoots and Halloween costumes over the years. Below are my faves. I can walk like 5 steps in them. They also make me prolly around 6 feet. Oh, and the cool socks are my own.
[Aside: The song "She Comes to Me in Dreams" on this new album is totally awesome. I'm on my first listen and it just grabbed me. End aside.]
6) I am really excited about the Weakerthans concert tomorrow night. Last time I saw them was in Austin, TX last year for SXSW. Today I was watching some of their stuff on YouTube, and I came across some performances from that show. This is a particularly good video, and I've gotta be in that crowd somewhere since I was really close to the front. I can't see me, or AlieMalie for that matter. Oh well. But I do remember them playing this song.
7) I mentioned to my period 2 class that Arial is my favourite font, and now all the papers I'm getting are in Arial.
8) Hah, there is a song on this album that is just castle bells and it played at exactly midnight. How fitting.
9) As little kid, I was *terrified* to be awake at midnight, since I'd heard it called "the witching hour". I would sometimes be laying awake at night (I've never been good at falling asleep right away), and I'd be praying to fall asleep before having to witness whatever horrors midnight had in store.
10) Oh, I picked a line from the Weakerthans' song "The Reasons" as my post title, 'cuz that song makes me think of my dear pal Becca T. She doesn't exactly tell me to fuck off (she rarely swears), but she will tell me its polite equivalent when needed. I think she's saving the f-word for when I really truly need to be told to fuck off. Trust me, hearing that girl swear would get anyone's attention.
All right. Sufficiently random post over.
Here's some Monday randomness:
1) I love pre-ordering stuff on iTunes, getting bonus tracks, and being able to download it the night before its official release date so it can accompany me on the subway to work the next day. Tonight's early delivery was the new Great Lake Swimmers' album "Lost Channels". If you like melodic mellow folk, look no further.
2) Oh! My favourite banjo player, Old Man Luedecke won a Juno for Best Roots Album. It wasn't televised on the show, but the fact he got something made me smile.
3) Sometimes Rilo will be sitting on the back of my rocking chair, and I'll sit on it, and she'll get all disturbed and displaced. I feel bad, but I often don't notice her or forget that the chair moves.
4) I want long hair with bangs like Feist has. Unfortch, my hair doesn't do long very well (it's too fine), but maybe I can do the bangs. I'll have to talk to my boyfriend (that's what I call my cute hairdresser) about this matter.
5) One of my fave parts of spa day (the Friday of March Break), that I forgot to blog about, was hanging out with my fabulous pal Eric after the spa, and going to his place and trying on some of his crazy shoes that he's picked up from fashion shoots and Halloween costumes over the years. Below are my faves. I can walk like 5 steps in them. They also make me prolly around 6 feet. Oh, and the cool socks are my own.
[Aside: The song "She Comes to Me in Dreams" on this new album is totally awesome. I'm on my first listen and it just grabbed me. End aside.]
6) I am really excited about the Weakerthans concert tomorrow night. Last time I saw them was in Austin, TX last year for SXSW. Today I was watching some of their stuff on YouTube, and I came across some performances from that show. This is a particularly good video, and I've gotta be in that crowd somewhere since I was really close to the front. I can't see me, or AlieMalie for that matter. Oh well. But I do remember them playing this song.
7) I mentioned to my period 2 class that Arial is my favourite font, and now all the papers I'm getting are in Arial.
8) Hah, there is a song on this album that is just castle bells and it played at exactly midnight. How fitting.
9) As little kid, I was *terrified* to be awake at midnight, since I'd heard it called "the witching hour". I would sometimes be laying awake at night (I've never been good at falling asleep right away), and I'd be praying to fall asleep before having to witness whatever horrors midnight had in store.
10) Oh, I picked a line from the Weakerthans' song "The Reasons" as my post title, 'cuz that song makes me think of my dear pal Becca T. She doesn't exactly tell me to fuck off (she rarely swears), but she will tell me its polite equivalent when needed. I think she's saving the f-word for when I really truly need to be told to fuck off. Trust me, hearing that girl swear would get anyone's attention.
All right. Sufficiently random post over.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Hey undercover lover when you coming home?
Every year I complain about the Juno (Cdn music award) nominations, the fact that they are based on sales, and how the show is so overhyped, yet every year I end up watching them. Why? Well, I think masochistic tendencies are partly to blame, and that despite all their flaws, well at least the Junos do celebrate Canadian music, something which I've been really into for all of my life. And where else would I get to see Hawksley Workman present an award?
So far, the Junos are their usual selves. I think the funniest part is that The Stills, a band who has been around for seven years, won "New Band of the Year" award. Seriously, what the fuck? Also, I have already suffered through the definite low point of the show. Nickelback opened with their song "Something in Your Mouth". Yup, I'm pretty sure they've got the "Most Misogynistic Song" category nailed down this year. Good for them.
However, thankfully, there is a lot of good Canadiana out there. I saw the movie "One Week" that stars Joshua Jackson this weekend. It's totally great. It's got a great soundtrack (Great Lake Swimmers, Stars, Patrick Watson and more), fun cameos (Gord Downie, Joel Plaskett), Tim Horton's references, and lots of beautiful Canadian scenery. Highly recommended.
I am still in love with the new Joel Plaskett record. It gets better with every listen. I can't wait to see him play in May.
Anyway, it's a typical Sunday night where I'm moping at home wondering why weekends go so fast. This coming week is going to be really busy, but I do have a great concert on Tuesday. It's Constantines/Weakerthans!!! I do believe it was my 22nd birthday when I saw these bands last play together. It was a great show. I know Tuesday will be another great show. Ahhh, how I love the rock.
So far, the Junos are their usual selves. I think the funniest part is that The Stills, a band who has been around for seven years, won "New Band of the Year" award. Seriously, what the fuck? Also, I have already suffered through the definite low point of the show. Nickelback opened with their song "Something in Your Mouth". Yup, I'm pretty sure they've got the "Most Misogynistic Song" category nailed down this year. Good for them.
However, thankfully, there is a lot of good Canadiana out there. I saw the movie "One Week" that stars Joshua Jackson this weekend. It's totally great. It's got a great soundtrack (Great Lake Swimmers, Stars, Patrick Watson and more), fun cameos (Gord Downie, Joel Plaskett), Tim Horton's references, and lots of beautiful Canadian scenery. Highly recommended.
I am still in love with the new Joel Plaskett record. It gets better with every listen. I can't wait to see him play in May.
Anyway, it's a typical Sunday night where I'm moping at home wondering why weekends go so fast. This coming week is going to be really busy, but I do have a great concert on Tuesday. It's Constantines/Weakerthans!!! I do believe it was my 22nd birthday when I saw these bands last play together. It was a great show. I know Tuesday will be another great show. Ahhh, how I love the rock.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Every note can't be solid gold, every boy can't be Romeo.
It's one of the occasions where I want to post something witty, or insightful, or creative or something.
But I got nothing.
And, I have time to write, since I forgot my book ("The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga) at work and don't want to start another.
But, I am enjoying spending some time listening to the new Joel Plaskett *triple* album and it's very good. And it's the kind of album that is so intricate and melodic, that one really should spend some time listening to it.
Also, The Office and 30 Rock were both very funny tonight.
It's almost the freakin' weekend too.
And, I smelled spring in the air.
So really, at least all is well even though I have bloggers' block.
But I got nothing.
And, I have time to write, since I forgot my book ("The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga) at work and don't want to start another.
But, I am enjoying spending some time listening to the new Joel Plaskett *triple* album and it's very good. And it's the kind of album that is so intricate and melodic, that one really should spend some time listening to it.
Also, The Office and 30 Rock were both very funny tonight.
It's almost the freakin' weekend too.
And, I smelled spring in the air.
So really, at least all is well even though I have bloggers' block.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Spring forward, fall back down.
Yesterday, I said to myself "hey, my blogoversary is coming up soon, I think." So I did a bit of research and was surprised that it was indeed the following day, i.e. today. I was glad that I didn't miss it.
So, my blog is 4 years old now. If it was a child, it'd be able to go to junior kindergarten next school year. Scary that I've been doing this so long. That inspired me to pick my fave song line about time from the Weakerthans' awesome song "Left & Leaving" to title this post.
If this blog believed in horoscopes, it would also be an Aries. It doesn't, but it agrees with its writer and thinks they're fun to read. Here's what the Toronto Star's horoscope says is in store for this blog next year:
"If today is your birthday: There will be plenty of surprises in the coming year. Most of these will be welcome and all will turn out to be positive in the end. But the greatest surprise will be how easily you bring a successful conclusion to a certain long and arduous ordeal. Happy birthday to Keri Russell, 33, and Perez Hilton, 31."
So yeah, looks like a good year for this blog. Maybe I'll finally decide on a proper name for it. Maybe I'll give it another makeover. Maybe the content will get very exciting with some fun exploits in store for the blog's writer. One can only hope.
How funny that this blog shares a birthday with one of my guilty pleasure bloggers (Perez Hilton). Hmmm, that reminds me, I haven't gotten my daily dose of celebrity smut yet.
I also noticed that the "thought for the day" part of today's horoscope says that a sharp angle between the Sun and Pluto is going to bring some sharp criticism of leaders. But, hey - Pluto's a dwarf planet now you astrologers... so should we care about its angle with the Sun? If we do, we'd better start taking into account the movements of the asteroid Ceres, and that other celestial body, whose name is escaping me, that would be a planet if Pluto was a planet. Yah, what about that? So, don't worry leaders, no one's going to criticize you... as long as you keep up on your astronomical semantics.
But yeah, four years of this blog. To celebrate my blog, and for a bit of they-made-me-return-to-work retail therapy, I bought a new outfit for work and really cute (but pricey) shoes. Just doing by bit for the economy, I say. And for my mental health. And to celebrate four fabulous frivolous fantastic years of blogging.
So, my blog is 4 years old now. If it was a child, it'd be able to go to junior kindergarten next school year. Scary that I've been doing this so long. That inspired me to pick my fave song line about time from the Weakerthans' awesome song "Left & Leaving" to title this post.
If this blog believed in horoscopes, it would also be an Aries. It doesn't, but it agrees with its writer and thinks they're fun to read. Here's what the Toronto Star's horoscope says is in store for this blog next year:
"If today is your birthday: There will be plenty of surprises in the coming year. Most of these will be welcome and all will turn out to be positive in the end. But the greatest surprise will be how easily you bring a successful conclusion to a certain long and arduous ordeal. Happy birthday to Keri Russell, 33, and Perez Hilton, 31."
So yeah, looks like a good year for this blog. Maybe I'll finally decide on a proper name for it. Maybe I'll give it another makeover. Maybe the content will get very exciting with some fun exploits in store for the blog's writer. One can only hope.
How funny that this blog shares a birthday with one of my guilty pleasure bloggers (Perez Hilton). Hmmm, that reminds me, I haven't gotten my daily dose of celebrity smut yet.
I also noticed that the "thought for the day" part of today's horoscope says that a sharp angle between the Sun and Pluto is going to bring some sharp criticism of leaders. But, hey - Pluto's a dwarf planet now you astrologers... so should we care about its angle with the Sun? If we do, we'd better start taking into account the movements of the asteroid Ceres, and that other celestial body, whose name is escaping me, that would be a planet if Pluto was a planet. Yah, what about that? So, don't worry leaders, no one's going to criticize you... as long as you keep up on your astronomical semantics.
But yeah, four years of this blog. To celebrate my blog, and for a bit of they-made-me-return-to-work retail therapy, I bought a new outfit for work and really cute (but pricey) shoes. Just doing by bit for the economy, I say. And for my mental health. And to celebrate four fabulous frivolous fantastic years of blogging.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I do my best but I'm made of mistakes.
Right now I'm listening to...
1) Through & Through & Through - Joel Plaskett: I <3 JP, but I was a little meh when I first heard this song. Maybe I was in a bad mood that day or something 'cuz I love it now. Best moment: bleeping "outta my fucking mind" with horns. Love.
2) Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs: I'm still trying to find out if this album's any good (no reviews are anywhere, I tells ya). However, this song is so great, and so fun, and so good to have when you are stuck on a treadmill.
3) Kids (MGMT) - Ben Lee: This is a very well done cover of the ubiquitous MGMT song by my buddy Ben. It's very melancholy and stark sounding, but being a child of the 90s, I like melancholy.
4) I'm an Animal - Neko Case: Okay, first of all, I have neglected blogging about how much I adore Neko Case's new album "Middle Cyclone". I *know* it'll be in my top ten for the year, and it could very well be my fave album of the year. Anyway, this song is my current personal anthem.
5) The Walls are Coming Down - Fanfarlo: This was a find from my Saturday morning online Toronto Star reading from a couple weeks ago. It's pretty.
6) Train Song - Feist & Ben Gibbard: My first fave track from the "Dark Was the Night" compilation. Even more fun to listen to when you are actually on a train.
7) Hey, Snow White - The New Pornographers: Second fave track from the above complitation. Random Christielli trivia: Snow White was my favourite fairytale princess as a kid. Even if this song had a lesser princess in the title, it'd still be great.
8) My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson: C'mon, none of us are perfect. Even me. I like this song.
9) From Here - Jenny Owen Youngs: This song, which I've apparently neglected, came up on shuffle today, and it caught my attention.
10) Going Out Tonight - Andrew Vincent: This started off a CBC Radio 3 podcast that just came up on iTunes, and it's pretty fun.
So that's a brief rundown (in no particular order) of songs that are rocking my iPod these days. What are your favourite songs these days?
1) Through & Through & Through - Joel Plaskett: I <3 JP, but I was a little meh when I first heard this song. Maybe I was in a bad mood that day or something 'cuz I love it now. Best moment: bleeping "outta my fucking mind" with horns. Love.
2) Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs: I'm still trying to find out if this album's any good (no reviews are anywhere, I tells ya). However, this song is so great, and so fun, and so good to have when you are stuck on a treadmill.
3) Kids (MGMT) - Ben Lee: This is a very well done cover of the ubiquitous MGMT song by my buddy Ben. It's very melancholy and stark sounding, but being a child of the 90s, I like melancholy.
4) I'm an Animal - Neko Case: Okay, first of all, I have neglected blogging about how much I adore Neko Case's new album "Middle Cyclone". I *know* it'll be in my top ten for the year, and it could very well be my fave album of the year. Anyway, this song is my current personal anthem.
5) The Walls are Coming Down - Fanfarlo: This was a find from my Saturday morning online Toronto Star reading from a couple weeks ago. It's pretty.
6) Train Song - Feist & Ben Gibbard: My first fave track from the "Dark Was the Night" compilation. Even more fun to listen to when you are actually on a train.
7) Hey, Snow White - The New Pornographers: Second fave track from the above complitation. Random Christielli trivia: Snow White was my favourite fairytale princess as a kid. Even if this song had a lesser princess in the title, it'd still be great.
8) My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson: C'mon, none of us are perfect. Even me. I like this song.
9) From Here - Jenny Owen Youngs: This song, which I've apparently neglected, came up on shuffle today, and it caught my attention.
10) Going Out Tonight - Andrew Vincent: This started off a CBC Radio 3 podcast that just came up on iTunes, and it's pretty fun.
So that's a brief rundown (in no particular order) of songs that are rocking my iPod these days. What are your favourite songs these days?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hey, Snow White. It's gonna be all right, it's gonna be all right.
Here I am at the midway point of my March Break. Why do these weeks off go so much faster than work weeks? Grr!
Anyway, today's my last day chilling in St. Ratford. I've had some good downtime here. I've gone for a couple walks around the river, which is really more like a giant mud puddle these days 'cuz they drained it. However, the ducks and Canada geese seem to be digging it, so who I am to be critical?
I had many good visits these past few days. Saturday night was drinks with some girls from the legendary Group of 9 (pals from high school). There were only 4 of us who were able to make it, but we represented. And, even if it was an early night, it felt like old days as my friend Teresa gave me a ride home and we spent time chatting in her car in my driveway. I love driveway chats.
Monday night was food at a downtown pub with my friend Wendy. Then on Tuesday afternoon, I met up for sushi with my friend Jolene, and we wandered around downtown browsing in the stores and enjoying the sunny warm-ish weather. I love downtown shopping in Stratford. I was very good about not buying silly stuff until we hit a really fun bookstore where I got a book, a sudoku book for my dad (I'm a good daughter), and a origami kit. So now I can make quality origami cats and crippled looking pigs. I'm sure I'll expand my repertoire. I also came across a plaque with a quote by Katherine Hepburn that I rather like: "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." I bought it, 'cuz I'd seen it before in a closed gift shop in Saint John NB, and have been looking for it ever since.
I visited my aunt last night and watched "Dancing with the Stars" with her. I'm a good niece too.
Today I braved country roads to visit another high school pal who lives on a farm, has 2 kids, and is pregnant with her third. (My news for her: I got a cat.) Anyway, her four year old son seemed to enjoy me, and I taught him about crabs and octupusses (octupi?), so I guess I'm not as hopeless with non-teenage children as I thought.
I'm blogging from a coffee pub in Stratford that has free wifi. There was a time (late high school, early university), where several of my friends and I practically lived here, and this place was Stratford's social hub for my peers. I'd run into long-lost friends from elementary school, high school, various parties, and old crappy part-time jobs here. Now I notice that this place is filled with two types of people:
a) Older people reading the free newspapers.
b) Younger people using the free wifi.
Most people are sitting alone though. I dunno where people socialize anymore. Maybe Facebook has rendered it unnecessary to come across pals in small-town coffee shops? Or, I've heard that the Shopper's Drugmart that's open 'til midnight is the new hotspot in town.
There's also a new stop sign in town. (It might have been here for awhile actually.) I almost ran it, and exclaimed "who the fuck put that there?" as I slammed the brakes. In high school, when there was no stop sign there, my friend Teresa ran off the road and up a hill at that same spot in the road because she was driving far too fast. I wasn't actually there, but the story's become part of the Group of 9 mythology, so it's like I was.
Anyway, I guess nothing ever stays static, even my sleepy little hometown. And with that rambling, I'm out.
Anyway, today's my last day chilling in St. Ratford. I've had some good downtime here. I've gone for a couple walks around the river, which is really more like a giant mud puddle these days 'cuz they drained it. However, the ducks and Canada geese seem to be digging it, so who I am to be critical?
I had many good visits these past few days. Saturday night was drinks with some girls from the legendary Group of 9 (pals from high school). There were only 4 of us who were able to make it, but we represented. And, even if it was an early night, it felt like old days as my friend Teresa gave me a ride home and we spent time chatting in her car in my driveway. I love driveway chats.
Monday night was food at a downtown pub with my friend Wendy. Then on Tuesday afternoon, I met up for sushi with my friend Jolene, and we wandered around downtown browsing in the stores and enjoying the sunny warm-ish weather. I love downtown shopping in Stratford. I was very good about not buying silly stuff until we hit a really fun bookstore where I got a book, a sudoku book for my dad (I'm a good daughter), and a origami kit. So now I can make quality origami cats and crippled looking pigs. I'm sure I'll expand my repertoire. I also came across a plaque with a quote by Katherine Hepburn that I rather like: "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." I bought it, 'cuz I'd seen it before in a closed gift shop in Saint John NB, and have been looking for it ever since.
I visited my aunt last night and watched "Dancing with the Stars" with her. I'm a good niece too.
Today I braved country roads to visit another high school pal who lives on a farm, has 2 kids, and is pregnant with her third. (My news for her: I got a cat.) Anyway, her four year old son seemed to enjoy me, and I taught him about crabs and octupusses (octupi?), so I guess I'm not as hopeless with non-teenage children as I thought.
I'm blogging from a coffee pub in Stratford that has free wifi. There was a time (late high school, early university), where several of my friends and I practically lived here, and this place was Stratford's social hub for my peers. I'd run into long-lost friends from elementary school, high school, various parties, and old crappy part-time jobs here. Now I notice that this place is filled with two types of people:
a) Older people reading the free newspapers.
b) Younger people using the free wifi.
Most people are sitting alone though. I dunno where people socialize anymore. Maybe Facebook has rendered it unnecessary to come across pals in small-town coffee shops? Or, I've heard that the Shopper's Drugmart that's open 'til midnight is the new hotspot in town.
There's also a new stop sign in town. (It might have been here for awhile actually.) I almost ran it, and exclaimed "who the fuck put that there?" as I slammed the brakes. In high school, when there was no stop sign there, my friend Teresa ran off the road and up a hill at that same spot in the road because she was driving far too fast. I wasn't actually there, but the story's become part of the Group of 9 mythology, so it's like I was.
Anyway, I guess nothing ever stays static, even my sleepy little hometown. And with that rambling, I'm out.
Monday, March 16, 2009
From all the drinks, I get drunk off music.
I'm officially on Day 1 of March Break! Woot! I'm in Stratford until late Wednesday night, and I'm enjoying just chilling and catching up with friends. Today's agenda includes me blogging at a coffee shop with wifi (who knew Stratford had one?), running a couple of errands, going to the gym, and meeting up for coffee with a friend in the evening.
Anyway, I've been meaning to do Scott's music meme forever. However, let's face facts: this thing is more of a exam, and the only way it was ever going to get done is for me to have a week away from work. Luckily, it's March Break, so here we go...
1) What's a piece of music, any genre, any year, and form, (i.e 45, album, MP3, etc), that you often return to. Something that continually resonates throughout your life, and seems to gain greater impact as you grow older. How often do you find yourself seeking this piece?
There are really several go-to albums that I have. Of the many, I’ll list three:
a) Left & Leaving – The Weakerthans
b) The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – Ben Folds Five
c) The Beekeeper – Tori Amos (or anything by Tori Amos)
2) Is there a specific story that relates to this?
a) This is the first album I got by my now-and-probably-for-always favourite band. I discovered them in a magazine article and liked their name. I downloaded a few of their songs on Napster (ahhh remember the days?) and enjoyed them. I had a nasty case of strep throat for my 21st bday, and dragged myself out of my sickbed to buy this album to cheer myself up. Anyway, I always come back to this album if I’ve feeling down, or a bit alienated.
b) I listened to this album a lot when my Nana was dying of cancer. The song “Magic” helped me cope, and even though it got me through really tough times, I am fond of this album because it reminds of how lucky I was to have such a special relationship with my Nana, even though I was only 19 when she died.
c) Anything by Tori helps me deal with crap and makes me feel powerful. This is my fave album by her.
3) Was there a piece of music, despite the fact that you may have "outgrown" it now that at one time changed your life? How about something you feel you'll never outgrow?
I’ve outgrown Our Lady Peace a long time ago, but they were one of the bands that started me on the path of being really passionate about Canadian music, so kudos to them.
I’m pretty sure I’ll never outgrow artists whom I’ve consistently loved for 10+ years. That list includes Ben Folds, Sloan, almost the Weakerthans, Tori Amos, and Hawksley Workman (almost 10 years). There’s a lot of stuff from the 90s I still like, but I LOVE the artists I’ve listed above and I’m pretty sure that won’t change.
4) Could a piece of music that you found in common with a stranger bond you for life? Is there a story behind that?
Everyone’s a stranger at first, right? I have lots of friends with whom our friendships are based on a common love of music. They’ve progressed past that, but music is a great way to break the ice, and something we can always come back to.
5) Is there a favorite artist that you had that you gave up on only to have him or her redeem themselves?
Not completely. However, I became pretty meh about REM after some of the albums they released in the late 90s, early 00s, but they brought it last year with Accelerate.
6) Has music ever got you through some really tough times? How?
Definitely. As I said before, the song “Magic” by Ben Folds Five really helped me get through my Nana’s fight with cancer. It perfectly articulated my feelings.
7) Can music change the world or is that naive wishful thinking?
I think music can perhaps encourage or inspire change, but not actually make the change itself.
8) Is Rock and Roll dead?
Hell no. I saw Sloan rock out on Wednesday, and as long as those guys, and many others, are still around, rock ‘n roll is alive and well.
9) What's the song you wish played at you wedding? How about your funeral?
Wedding – maybe “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds, or “Anyone Else But You” by the Moldy Peaches, or “Nowhere with You” by the Joel Plaskett Emergency or “Safe and Sound” by Hawksley Workman. Oh yeah, and I guess someone else would have to agree with me too, but…
Funeral – Happy Phantom by Tori Amos. Read the lyrics and you’ll understand why.
10) What's the greatest live show you ever saw? In what year? Why? How old were you then? Did you attend with friends? Were you a skeptic going in?
Did you enter a huge fan? How about the most disappointing show? Why?
This is too hard to answer for me ‘cuz I’ve been to A LOT of concerts (def over 100) in my life. However, one of the most influential was Hawksley Workman at the Rivoli in 2001. A friend of mine had introduced Becca T and I to Hawksley, but we only knew a few of his songs. However, we’d read his was doing a show at the Rivoli and we decided to go. I even skipped my evening stats class to go. Anyhow, it was an AMAZING show and it turned us into huge Hawksley fans and the concert fanatics that we are today.
Most disappointing… hmmm… not sure. I probably erased it from my memory ‘cuz a disappointing concert would be really traumatic for me.
11) Have your feelings about recorded or live music changed over the years?
I’m definitely more passionate about live music than I used be in the past. Also, I’m kind of getting over having to own the CD. I like being able to download albums instead of buying the physical CD and not having to invest in a new CD tower. Although I'll still buy the CD for my absolute faves.
12) Do you listen to radio? How do you listen to music?
I never listen to the radio with the exception of when I’m in Stratford and borrow my ‘rents car (the radio is the only part of the stereo that works). Other than that it’s my iPod constantly. Oh, but I do like streaming new things on the internet and I like CBC Radio 3’s podcast.
13) Has the amount of time you listen to music changed over the years? To what extent?
I think I kept listening to more and more once I branched out into indie music in university, but I’ve leveled off over the years, since my time is finite.
14) In these tough economic stressful times do you gravitate towards a different kind of music, i.e happy, nostalgic, the blues, then you did say, 4 years ago?
Not really, no. I’m lucky enough to be personally safe in these times.
15) You're stuck on a desert isle, you've got a mix Cd with 10 songs you're stuck with until your dying day, (or at least until you're rescued) what are those 10 songs and why?
Am I to assume this is *not* my dream desert island scenario (ie a barrel of rum and Johnny Depp a la Pirates of the Caribbean)? ‘cuz that would need a different list entirely, but I’m going to assume a run of the mill desert island with no rum, no Johnny Depp, and no monkey butlers either.
1) Deeper than Beauty – Sloan
2) Reconstruction Site – The Weakerthans
3) Your Ex-Lover is Dead – Stars
4) Magic – Ben Folds Five
5) Your Beauty Must Be Rubbing Off – Hawksley Workman
6) A Sorta Fairytale – Tori Amos
7) MFEO – Jack’s Mannequin (shut up Scott… you knew this post wouldn’t be made without a JM reference… I have to be happy on my desert island!)
8) Change of Season – Matthew Good Band
9) Nightswimming – REM
10) Volcano Girls – Veruca Salt
Anyway, I've been meaning to do Scott's music meme forever. However, let's face facts: this thing is more of a exam, and the only way it was ever going to get done is for me to have a week away from work. Luckily, it's March Break, so here we go...
1) What's a piece of music, any genre, any year, and form, (i.e 45, album, MP3, etc), that you often return to. Something that continually resonates throughout your life, and seems to gain greater impact as you grow older. How often do you find yourself seeking this piece?
There are really several go-to albums that I have. Of the many, I’ll list three:
a) Left & Leaving – The Weakerthans
b) The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – Ben Folds Five
c) The Beekeeper – Tori Amos (or anything by Tori Amos)
2) Is there a specific story that relates to this?
a) This is the first album I got by my now-and-probably-for-always favourite band. I discovered them in a magazine article and liked their name. I downloaded a few of their songs on Napster (ahhh remember the days?) and enjoyed them. I had a nasty case of strep throat for my 21st bday, and dragged myself out of my sickbed to buy this album to cheer myself up. Anyway, I always come back to this album if I’ve feeling down, or a bit alienated.
b) I listened to this album a lot when my Nana was dying of cancer. The song “Magic” helped me cope, and even though it got me through really tough times, I am fond of this album because it reminds of how lucky I was to have such a special relationship with my Nana, even though I was only 19 when she died.
c) Anything by Tori helps me deal with crap and makes me feel powerful. This is my fave album by her.
3) Was there a piece of music, despite the fact that you may have "outgrown" it now that at one time changed your life? How about something you feel you'll never outgrow?
I’ve outgrown Our Lady Peace a long time ago, but they were one of the bands that started me on the path of being really passionate about Canadian music, so kudos to them.
I’m pretty sure I’ll never outgrow artists whom I’ve consistently loved for 10+ years. That list includes Ben Folds, Sloan, almost the Weakerthans, Tori Amos, and Hawksley Workman (almost 10 years). There’s a lot of stuff from the 90s I still like, but I LOVE the artists I’ve listed above and I’m pretty sure that won’t change.
4) Could a piece of music that you found in common with a stranger bond you for life? Is there a story behind that?
Everyone’s a stranger at first, right? I have lots of friends with whom our friendships are based on a common love of music. They’ve progressed past that, but music is a great way to break the ice, and something we can always come back to.
5) Is there a favorite artist that you had that you gave up on only to have him or her redeem themselves?
Not completely. However, I became pretty meh about REM after some of the albums they released in the late 90s, early 00s, but they brought it last year with Accelerate.
6) Has music ever got you through some really tough times? How?
Definitely. As I said before, the song “Magic” by Ben Folds Five really helped me get through my Nana’s fight with cancer. It perfectly articulated my feelings.
7) Can music change the world or is that naive wishful thinking?
I think music can perhaps encourage or inspire change, but not actually make the change itself.
8) Is Rock and Roll dead?
Hell no. I saw Sloan rock out on Wednesday, and as long as those guys, and many others, are still around, rock ‘n roll is alive and well.
9) What's the song you wish played at you wedding? How about your funeral?
Wedding – maybe “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds, or “Anyone Else But You” by the Moldy Peaches, or “Nowhere with You” by the Joel Plaskett Emergency or “Safe and Sound” by Hawksley Workman. Oh yeah, and I guess someone else would have to agree with me too, but…
Funeral – Happy Phantom by Tori Amos. Read the lyrics and you’ll understand why.
10) What's the greatest live show you ever saw? In what year? Why? How old were you then? Did you attend with friends? Were you a skeptic going in?
Did you enter a huge fan? How about the most disappointing show? Why?
This is too hard to answer for me ‘cuz I’ve been to A LOT of concerts (def over 100) in my life. However, one of the most influential was Hawksley Workman at the Rivoli in 2001. A friend of mine had introduced Becca T and I to Hawksley, but we only knew a few of his songs. However, we’d read his was doing a show at the Rivoli and we decided to go. I even skipped my evening stats class to go. Anyhow, it was an AMAZING show and it turned us into huge Hawksley fans and the concert fanatics that we are today.
Most disappointing… hmmm… not sure. I probably erased it from my memory ‘cuz a disappointing concert would be really traumatic for me.
11) Have your feelings about recorded or live music changed over the years?
I’m definitely more passionate about live music than I used be in the past. Also, I’m kind of getting over having to own the CD. I like being able to download albums instead of buying the physical CD and not having to invest in a new CD tower. Although I'll still buy the CD for my absolute faves.
12) Do you listen to radio? How do you listen to music?
I never listen to the radio with the exception of when I’m in Stratford and borrow my ‘rents car (the radio is the only part of the stereo that works). Other than that it’s my iPod constantly. Oh, but I do like streaming new things on the internet and I like CBC Radio 3’s podcast.
13) Has the amount of time you listen to music changed over the years? To what extent?
I think I kept listening to more and more once I branched out into indie music in university, but I’ve leveled off over the years, since my time is finite.
14) In these tough economic stressful times do you gravitate towards a different kind of music, i.e happy, nostalgic, the blues, then you did say, 4 years ago?
Not really, no. I’m lucky enough to be personally safe in these times.
15) You're stuck on a desert isle, you've got a mix Cd with 10 songs you're stuck with until your dying day, (or at least until you're rescued) what are those 10 songs and why?
Am I to assume this is *not* my dream desert island scenario (ie a barrel of rum and Johnny Depp a la Pirates of the Caribbean)? ‘cuz that would need a different list entirely, but I’m going to assume a run of the mill desert island with no rum, no Johnny Depp, and no monkey butlers either.
1) Deeper than Beauty – Sloan
2) Reconstruction Site – The Weakerthans
3) Your Ex-Lover is Dead – Stars
4) Magic – Ben Folds Five
5) Your Beauty Must Be Rubbing Off – Hawksley Workman
6) A Sorta Fairytale – Tori Amos
7) MFEO – Jack’s Mannequin (shut up Scott… you knew this post wouldn’t be made without a JM reference… I have to be happy on my desert island!)
8) Change of Season – Matthew Good Band
9) Nightswimming – REM
10) Volcano Girls – Veruca Salt
Thursday, March 12, 2009
You are surely special. I like you. I like you. A-la-la.
10 things that are awesome:
1) Last night's Sloan show. Best version of "Money City Maniacs" that I've heard live.
2) Pizza.
3) My classes being very well-behaved and quiet when I was tired 'cuz I went to a concert then stayed up far too late the night before.
4) People who use Simpsons references like Smarch, "I'll trade you this delicious doorstop for...", the old classic "Boo-urns", and the like.
5) New episodes of the Office and 30 Rock on Thursday nights. Fave line of the night: "Professor Bananas is dead!"
6) I have a friend who texts me lines from the above shows while watching it. Fun. Also, if someone ever steals my phone and reads my messages, they'll think I'm weird.
7) People who lend me books.
8) The fact that someone who lives across the way from me still seems to have their Christmas tree up. I dunno why I think this is awesome, I just do.
9) The fact that I'm taking some very much needed downtime for a few days in St. Ratford during my March Break. It'll be a great opportunity to slow down, catch up with family and friends, and relax. It's no SXSW like last year's March Break, but it's not working.
10) The fact that I only have 1 day of work until March Break.
1) Last night's Sloan show. Best version of "Money City Maniacs" that I've heard live.
2) Pizza.
3) My classes being very well-behaved and quiet when I was tired 'cuz I went to a concert then stayed up far too late the night before.
4) People who use Simpsons references like Smarch, "I'll trade you this delicious doorstop for...", the old classic "Boo-urns", and the like.
5) New episodes of the Office and 30 Rock on Thursday nights. Fave line of the night: "Professor Bananas is dead!"
6) I have a friend who texts me lines from the above shows while watching it. Fun. Also, if someone ever steals my phone and reads my messages, they'll think I'm weird.
7) People who lend me books.
8) The fact that someone who lives across the way from me still seems to have their Christmas tree up. I dunno why I think this is awesome, I just do.
9) The fact that I'm taking some very much needed downtime for a few days in St. Ratford during my March Break. It'll be a great opportunity to slow down, catch up with family and friends, and relax. It's no SXSW like last year's March Break, but it's not working.
10) The fact that I only have 1 day of work until March Break.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Work on your algebra and stand out in the rain and give yourself to simple pleasures.
I was totally going to write a good blog post tonight, but my pal Mathew phoned me to give me some really good news about more people joining us for an upcoming Sloan concert (Wednesday!) and somehow our Sloan-related conversation morphed into a heated debate about religion, relationships, evolution, and pretty much every controversial/highly debatable subject under the sun. It was hilariously freaking random and long. Anyway, there goes me going to bed early tonight. And writing a good blog post. But I have a good idea for something, we'll just have to see how long it takes for it to materialize.
I wimped out of Boot Camp today because I had a stress headache that made it feel like there was a lightning bolt behind my left eye. But, I did go to the gym after I slept off said headache and had a really good workout accompanied by Los Campensinos!
I have to get up early to set up for a lab tomorrow. Thank God for caffeine. I love it.
Oh yah, and I'll leave you with some older Sloan 'cuz I fucking love Sloan.
I wimped out of Boot Camp today because I had a stress headache that made it feel like there was a lightning bolt behind my left eye. But, I did go to the gym after I slept off said headache and had a really good workout accompanied by Los Campensinos!
I have to get up early to set up for a lab tomorrow. Thank God for caffeine. I love it.
Oh yah, and I'll leave you with some older Sloan 'cuz I fucking love Sloan.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Shut eyes your eyes closed, shut your eyes and read between the lines.
Haven't felt like blogging in a bit, but I should post for posterity's sake.
Randomness:
- My work spouse gave birth to a baby girl. She called me during labour *after* she'd gotten an epidural. She was laughing during her contractions and was thankful for modern medicine. I can't wait to meet her baby!
- Another really good teacher at my school was promoted to a position elsewhere, which made Friday very melancholy. All the good people are leaving and I hate change.
- Rilo is looking at me right now like "why do you have to play your music so loud while I'm trying to sleep?"
- I'm a little off track on my book a week resolution, but I did read "The Flying Troutmans" by Mirian Toews this week and enjoyed it.
- I'm kicking ass at giving up three things for Lent this year. Okay, so it's been 5 days, but 5 out of 40 is more than 10% so that's something.
- It's been pretty sunny and cold these days. I'll talk the cold if it means sunshine.
- A friend of mine introduced me to a really great singer/songwriter named Craig Cardiff.
- I need someone at school to start a marking boot camp. I've been lugging the same sets of assignments from school to home and then back for three weeks now.
- I had a cool moment on a school bus this week. I helped a colleague supervise some students on a trip to a Black History Month celebration. On the way home, he played the bongos, while a kid rapped, and the bus driver kind of danced in his seat while driving. The rest of the bus chanted "Go Driver! Go Driver!" It was pretty hilarious.
- 10 more school days 'til March Break.
Randomness:
- My work spouse gave birth to a baby girl. She called me during labour *after* she'd gotten an epidural. She was laughing during her contractions and was thankful for modern medicine. I can't wait to meet her baby!
- Another really good teacher at my school was promoted to a position elsewhere, which made Friday very melancholy. All the good people are leaving and I hate change.
- Rilo is looking at me right now like "why do you have to play your music so loud while I'm trying to sleep?"
- I'm a little off track on my book a week resolution, but I did read "The Flying Troutmans" by Mirian Toews this week and enjoyed it.
- I'm kicking ass at giving up three things for Lent this year. Okay, so it's been 5 days, but 5 out of 40 is more than 10% so that's something.
- It's been pretty sunny and cold these days. I'll talk the cold if it means sunshine.
- A friend of mine introduced me to a really great singer/songwriter named Craig Cardiff.
- I need someone at school to start a marking boot camp. I've been lugging the same sets of assignments from school to home and then back for three weeks now.
- I had a cool moment on a school bus this week. I helped a colleague supervise some students on a trip to a Black History Month celebration. On the way home, he played the bongos, while a kid rapped, and the bus driver kind of danced in his seat while driving. The rest of the bus chanted "Go Driver! Go Driver!" It was pretty hilarious.
- 10 more school days 'til March Break.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Downtown lights will be shining on me like a diamond.
I was sick sick sick last night, but I think I managed to literally boil it out of me.
I was feeling a little off for a couple days, but being typical me, I refused to let that throw off any my social plans, until last night when I was chilling out with my going-to-pop-out-a-baby-at-any-moment work spouse.
First of all, you know things are off if we order Swiss Chalet, and all I ask for is soup. As we watched "Big Daddy" on TV, and ate and WS complained of baby cramps, I thought that I must be having sympathy cramps or something, 'cuz my stomach was not happy. After the movie was over, I apologized that I had to go home 'cuz I did not feel well.
After an endless subway-ride home, I drew a hot bath as fast as I could (of course throwing in a Lush bath bomb to ease my pain). I could feel my teeth chattering, and I looked in the mirror and saw that my lips were blue. I keep my bath water hot by leaving the hot water running most of the time and dreaded leaving the water to the cold air of my apartment.
After I was extremely prune-ish and came to accept the fact that I could not sleep in the bathtub, I changed into my warmest pjs, put my warmest hoodie over that (with the hood up), and piled every blanket I owned onto my bed. I passed out before I even turned off my lights. I woke up sweating at about 2:30 am, removed some of the blankets and my hoodie, and then went back to sleep.
I woke up this morning feeling 100% and thankfully did not have to cancel today's social plans. Thank goodness 'cuz you know I hate doing that.
And that is how I boiled out some nasty bug that was making me ill.
Anyway, here are some random NYC pictures from last weekend.
The Will Ferrell show was just as funny as it sounds. I loved it. I laughed so hard that I almost cried. That show was the highlight of the trip for me. Other things that we did included eating lots of good food, lots of shopping, wandering around Greenwich village, walking around Central Park, nerding out at the American Museum of Natural History, and enjoying the view of the city from Top of the Rock. I also like the bottom of the Rock 'cuz it makes me think of 30 Rock. And I loved being amongst the rich at the Waldorf even though I'm not so rich.
Speaking of the rich, it's almost Oscar time! Hmmm, if I win this year's Oscar pool, I'll be perhaps $100 richer.
I was feeling a little off for a couple days, but being typical me, I refused to let that throw off any my social plans, until last night when I was chilling out with my going-to-pop-out-a-baby-at-any-moment work spouse.
First of all, you know things are off if we order Swiss Chalet, and all I ask for is soup. As we watched "Big Daddy" on TV, and ate and WS complained of baby cramps, I thought that I must be having sympathy cramps or something, 'cuz my stomach was not happy. After the movie was over, I apologized that I had to go home 'cuz I did not feel well.
After an endless subway-ride home, I drew a hot bath as fast as I could (of course throwing in a Lush bath bomb to ease my pain). I could feel my teeth chattering, and I looked in the mirror and saw that my lips were blue. I keep my bath water hot by leaving the hot water running most of the time and dreaded leaving the water to the cold air of my apartment.
After I was extremely prune-ish and came to accept the fact that I could not sleep in the bathtub, I changed into my warmest pjs, put my warmest hoodie over that (with the hood up), and piled every blanket I owned onto my bed. I passed out before I even turned off my lights. I woke up sweating at about 2:30 am, removed some of the blankets and my hoodie, and then went back to sleep.
I woke up this morning feeling 100% and thankfully did not have to cancel today's social plans. Thank goodness 'cuz you know I hate doing that.
And that is how I boiled out some nasty bug that was making me ill.
Anyway, here are some random NYC pictures from last weekend.
The Will Ferrell show was just as funny as it sounds. I loved it. I laughed so hard that I almost cried. That show was the highlight of the trip for me. Other things that we did included eating lots of good food, lots of shopping, wandering around Greenwich village, walking around Central Park, nerding out at the American Museum of Natural History, and enjoying the view of the city from Top of the Rock. I also like the bottom of the Rock 'cuz it makes me think of 30 Rock. And I loved being amongst the rich at the Waldorf even though I'm not so rich.
Speaking of the rich, it's almost Oscar time! Hmmm, if I win this year's Oscar pool, I'll be perhaps $100 richer.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
But I got my philosophy; it keeps my feet on the ground.
NYC was awesome! I think I had my best birthday ever! I'll do a post-trip post complete with pictures and more details and stuff later.
The only downside to our trip is that our return flight was canceled, so we ended up getting in pretty late, so that had thrown me off. I love Air Canada. And the best was that they were all rude and condescending about it.
Tonight I went to my first show of 2009: Ben Folds. It was all sorts of awesome!
So tomorrow is the first day of Lent. I like to give up stuff for Lent to test my willpower. Last year it was celebrity gossip blogs. This year I am giving up:
a) solid chocolate (hot chocolate still allowed)
b) candy (don't want to start eating gallons of Skittles in place of chocolate)
c) baked treats from coffee shops
I'm going hardcore this year. I'm actually looking forward to this challenge. I'm crazy. I blame one of my traveling buddies for this.
Anyway, trip photos and recaps to come in the future. Work is kicking my ass these days. Boo-urns to that!
Edit: After checking my calendar, it turns out Lent starts next Wednesday here too. LOL I guess yesterday was too early to eat that last pack of M&Ms.
The only downside to our trip is that our return flight was canceled, so we ended up getting in pretty late, so that had thrown me off. I love Air Canada. And the best was that they were all rude and condescending about it.
Tonight I went to my first show of 2009: Ben Folds. It was all sorts of awesome!
So tomorrow is the first day of Lent. I like to give up stuff for Lent to test my willpower. Last year it was celebrity gossip blogs. This year I am giving up:
a) solid chocolate (hot chocolate still allowed)
b) candy (don't want to start eating gallons of Skittles in place of chocolate)
c) baked treats from coffee shops
I'm going hardcore this year. I'm actually looking forward to this challenge. I'm crazy. I blame one of my traveling buddies for this.
Anyway, trip photos and recaps to come in the future. Work is kicking my ass these days. Boo-urns to that!
Edit: After checking my calendar, it turns out Lent starts next Wednesday here too. LOL I guess yesterday was too early to eat that last pack of M&Ms.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
and float down grand street in daylight
I know that Grand Street is in Brooklyn, and I don't know if I'll be going over to Brooklyn this weekend, but I really like the Matt & Kim song "Daylight". In fact, I really like their whole album "Grand". It's super fun and New York City-ish.
Which is appropriate because I'll be in NYC in less than 24 hours for my second annual long weekend in NYC, which happily corresponds with my birthday! :)
This has been a fun and busy week so far. I survived Boot Camp at school. It was really fun doing power yoga with students. They are less co-ordinated than I am, so I didn't feel so self-conscious.
On Wednesday, I went to a very exciting Raptors' game with my work spouse, whose last day of work before her maternity leave is tomorrow. I'm going to miss her, but I know I'll be visiting her lots to catch her up on gossip and such. Not that I'm a gossip...
Tonight I've been tidying my apartment and getting all ready for NYC. One of my friends from home is joining me and two work pals on our fabulous trip, so she's crashing here tonight. I hope Rilo's not bothering her.
My bags are pretty much packed. I hate packing. Determining what clothing I will need is so tough. While packing, I asked myself if I *really* need three pairs of jeans for what is essentially a three day trip, and the answer is yes, of course I do.
Now all I have to do is to get through tomorrow. It's a PD day, and I'm sure what they have planned is all sorts of boring, and they're not even serving us lunch! I guess that's the economy for you.
I'll leave you with an awesome picture of Rilo yawning (taken by Becca T), which is what I'll be doing lots of tomorrow during the PD, and until I land in NYC.
Which is appropriate because I'll be in NYC in less than 24 hours for my second annual long weekend in NYC, which happily corresponds with my birthday! :)
This has been a fun and busy week so far. I survived Boot Camp at school. It was really fun doing power yoga with students. They are less co-ordinated than I am, so I didn't feel so self-conscious.
On Wednesday, I went to a very exciting Raptors' game with my work spouse, whose last day of work before her maternity leave is tomorrow. I'm going to miss her, but I know I'll be visiting her lots to catch her up on gossip and such. Not that I'm a gossip...
Tonight I've been tidying my apartment and getting all ready for NYC. One of my friends from home is joining me and two work pals on our fabulous trip, so she's crashing here tonight. I hope Rilo's not bothering her.
My bags are pretty much packed. I hate packing. Determining what clothing I will need is so tough. While packing, I asked myself if I *really* need three pairs of jeans for what is essentially a three day trip, and the answer is yes, of course I do.
Now all I have to do is to get through tomorrow. It's a PD day, and I'm sure what they have planned is all sorts of boring, and they're not even serving us lunch! I guess that's the economy for you.
I'll leave you with an awesome picture of Rilo yawning (taken by Becca T), which is what I'll be doing lots of tomorrow during the PD, and until I land in NYC.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Hoodies and chuck-ts.
On Friday night, I thought that I had organized a sushi-night with my pals Becca T and Mathew. I had picked the date, the time and the place.
When we met up at our selected meeting place, Becca told me that a couple of our friends were having dinner at a restaurant close to the sushi place and that she told them that we'd drop by and say hi.
We got to the restaurant (a cute Mexican place that I'd heard was good) and we looked around for them and then went to the second floor. Immediately I saw my friend David and though "oh, he's having dinner with them too, how nice." Then I saw my friend Jamie and thought "I didn't know that he was hanging out with that group these days." Then I saw my friend Flora and thought "what the fuck?" Then I looked around the table and saw all kinds of people that I knew.
"Wait, I know all of these people. This must be for me!" I exclaimed and then slapped my own face like a total dork. I won the prize for slowest surprise party realization ever. And there is actual photographic evidence of me slapping my face and people laughing at my slowness. Awesome.
Anyway, I was so touched that my friends planned this party and so many people came out. It's so fun spending the evening eating good food and laughing and being silly with all kinds of good friends.
And I got a bunch of cool stuff too!
From Becca T, I got the Harajuku Lovers perfume (Music) that I'd been coveting. I really like Gwen Stefani things for some reason.
Also from Becca T, a fun sparkly box with a ring in it that says "Lance". I purchased said ring for her as a joke (back in university when N Sync was around). I'm pretty sure she'll be getting it back at some point in her life.
From my pals Jon & Ali (the decoys), I got a journal and a mini-book on the elements. Being the science nerd that I am, I got really excited about that book. I'm going to bring it to school and read it to the kids.
My friend Flora got me bird cards, bird earring and a box with birds on it 'cuz I like birds.
I got a gift certificate from Indigo from my friend David 'cuz he's impressed with my resolution to read 52 books this year and wants to help the cause. (Note: I slowed down this week in my reading but I'm determined to finish book #7 before I leave for NYC.)
My friend/colleague/travel buddy Fea and her husband got me a super cute lululemon hoodie (!) and a lush bath bomb.
And la piece de resistance of bday presents, of which I've heard about the making of it since January is from my pal Mathew...
He managed to make me a replica of the Simpsons' sailboat picture above their couch using his mad photoshop skillz. How awesome is that? I guess I'm going to have run into my apt and towards the couch and perform some sort of couch gag every time I come home now.
Anyway, the rest of my weekend was fun (shopping, sushi, chilling, and a baby shower), but the party was def the highlight. I love my friends so much.
My week will start off really hard because I have managed to be talked into doing the fitness boot camp that my friend (who teaches phys ed) is organizing. She is hardcore, and I'm terrified, but I'm going to do it.
I also have a Raptors' game this week with my work spouse (for whom the baby shower was for), and then on Friday I'm off to NYC for my birthday weekend! Yay!!!
When we met up at our selected meeting place, Becca told me that a couple of our friends were having dinner at a restaurant close to the sushi place and that she told them that we'd drop by and say hi.
We got to the restaurant (a cute Mexican place that I'd heard was good) and we looked around for them and then went to the second floor. Immediately I saw my friend David and though "oh, he's having dinner with them too, how nice." Then I saw my friend Jamie and thought "I didn't know that he was hanging out with that group these days." Then I saw my friend Flora and thought "what the fuck?" Then I looked around the table and saw all kinds of people that I knew.
"Wait, I know all of these people. This must be for me!" I exclaimed and then slapped my own face like a total dork. I won the prize for slowest surprise party realization ever. And there is actual photographic evidence of me slapping my face and people laughing at my slowness. Awesome.
Anyway, I was so touched that my friends planned this party and so many people came out. It's so fun spending the evening eating good food and laughing and being silly with all kinds of good friends.
And I got a bunch of cool stuff too!
From Becca T, I got the Harajuku Lovers perfume (Music) that I'd been coveting. I really like Gwen Stefani things for some reason.
Also from Becca T, a fun sparkly box with a ring in it that says "Lance". I purchased said ring for her as a joke (back in university when N Sync was around). I'm pretty sure she'll be getting it back at some point in her life.
From my pals Jon & Ali (the decoys), I got a journal and a mini-book on the elements. Being the science nerd that I am, I got really excited about that book. I'm going to bring it to school and read it to the kids.
My friend Flora got me bird cards, bird earring and a box with birds on it 'cuz I like birds.
I got a gift certificate from Indigo from my friend David 'cuz he's impressed with my resolution to read 52 books this year and wants to help the cause. (Note: I slowed down this week in my reading but I'm determined to finish book #7 before I leave for NYC.)
My friend/colleague/travel buddy Fea and her husband got me a super cute lululemon hoodie (!) and a lush bath bomb.
And la piece de resistance of bday presents, of which I've heard about the making of it since January is from my pal Mathew...
He managed to make me a replica of the Simpsons' sailboat picture above their couch using his mad photoshop skillz. How awesome is that? I guess I'm going to have run into my apt and towards the couch and perform some sort of couch gag every time I come home now.
Anyway, the rest of my weekend was fun (shopping, sushi, chilling, and a baby shower), but the party was def the highlight. I love my friends so much.
My week will start off really hard because I have managed to be talked into doing the fitness boot camp that my friend (who teaches phys ed) is organizing. She is hardcore, and I'm terrified, but I'm going to do it.
I also have a Raptors' game this week with my work spouse (for whom the baby shower was for), and then on Friday I'm off to NYC for my birthday weekend! Yay!!!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
I certainly haven't been shopping for any new shoes *and* I certainly haven't been spreading myself around.
Listening to: the album "Extraordinary Machine" by Fiona Apple
Reading: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Finally. This was last year's birthday gift from my pal Mathew, and I gotta get it read before this year's birthday. I started it, but then got diverted by a book about the dwarf planet Pluto, of all things. That book was awesome by the way.
Just watched: The episode of Simpsons where Marge paints Mr. Burns' portrait because I wanted to hear the line "and yes, even a rhombus!"
Last night: Becca T and I saw "The Wrestler". It was good.
I'm baking: banana-blueberry muffins. From scratch.
Rilo is: sleeping on the couch.
I'm not watching: the Superbowl. Quelle surprise.
I'm waiting for: the special one-hour episode of "The Office" to start.
I'm looking forward to: going to see the play "Medea" with my work spouse on Tuesday. Then, Thursday is the postponed date of our second annual semester one smashdown. It had to be pushed back to this week so that all five founding members could attend. Lastly, I'm looking forward to NYC in less than two weeks!
I don't want to think about: going to work tomorrow morning. It's the start of a new semester. Going to be exhausting. Oh well, one cannot have March Break without a new semester, so that's how my glass is half-full.
Reading: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Finally. This was last year's birthday gift from my pal Mathew, and I gotta get it read before this year's birthday. I started it, but then got diverted by a book about the dwarf planet Pluto, of all things. That book was awesome by the way.
Just watched: The episode of Simpsons where Marge paints Mr. Burns' portrait because I wanted to hear the line "and yes, even a rhombus!"
Last night: Becca T and I saw "The Wrestler". It was good.
I'm baking: banana-blueberry muffins. From scratch.
Rilo is: sleeping on the couch.
I'm not watching: the Superbowl. Quelle surprise.
I'm waiting for: the special one-hour episode of "The Office" to start.
I'm looking forward to: going to see the play "Medea" with my work spouse on Tuesday. Then, Thursday is the postponed date of our second annual semester one smashdown. It had to be pushed back to this week so that all five founding members could attend. Lastly, I'm looking forward to NYC in less than two weeks!
I don't want to think about: going to work tomorrow morning. It's the start of a new semester. Going to be exhausting. Oh well, one cannot have March Break without a new semester, so that's how my glass is half-full.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
It all don't seem so bad when ice is ringing in your whiskey glass.
Funny story time.
1) I was marking exams in a Starbucks the other day and eavesdropping on conversations as I marked. Beside me were a couple who seemed like they were on a first date. They were older, maybe forty-ish. Anyway, the dude totally talked about his cats the whole time. As a cat-person, I found the stories cute (his cat eats elastics just like Rilo), but the quantity of stories was astounding. At one point, the conversation seemed to drift from cats to other topics, and I thought, oh good this date can be saved, and I went back to paying attention to my marking, but shortly thereafter it was back to more cat stories. The woman didn't seem to mind, I don't think, so perhaps they will live happily ever after with the cats.
2) Last night I was chatting with a pal on the phone, and in reference to something I said "I usually just drag Becca T with me." She replied "that's random" in a strangely uncomfortable tone. I asked why she said that. "You just said that you drank back a glass of whiskey..." was her response. I killed myself laughing. Did she think I was at home alone, on a school night, chugging back glasses of whiskey? If I hadn't corrected her, I think there would have been an intervention scheduled for me shortly. However, upon further reflection, there are a lot of good songs about drinking whiskey, so maybe I should take it up to become more rock 'n roll. ;)
3) Before an exam, one of my students came up to me and says out of the blue "Miss, Chuck Norris broke the Periodic Table of the Elements. He only needs one element: the element of surprise." I laughed so hard; I think the kid was surprised at how funny I found it.
4) Here's another amusing school anecdote from a couple weeks ago. I was walking to the subway with a fellow teacher, and a kid joins us and chatted away. He says to me "Miss, you know what I heard about you? I heard that you're into grindcore metal." Not sure how that secret got out, but yeah, you know me. Huge metal fan. Actually, I do know how it got out. A kid in one of my classes was playing music he likes for me on his iPod, and I didn't say anything bad about it. I guess I'd better be sure to insult kids' tastes in music from now on so it doesn't get around that I like that stuff.
1) I was marking exams in a Starbucks the other day and eavesdropping on conversations as I marked. Beside me were a couple who seemed like they were on a first date. They were older, maybe forty-ish. Anyway, the dude totally talked about his cats the whole time. As a cat-person, I found the stories cute (his cat eats elastics just like Rilo), but the quantity of stories was astounding. At one point, the conversation seemed to drift from cats to other topics, and I thought, oh good this date can be saved, and I went back to paying attention to my marking, but shortly thereafter it was back to more cat stories. The woman didn't seem to mind, I don't think, so perhaps they will live happily ever after with the cats.
2) Last night I was chatting with a pal on the phone, and in reference to something I said "I usually just drag Becca T with me." She replied "that's random" in a strangely uncomfortable tone. I asked why she said that. "You just said that you drank back a glass of whiskey..." was her response. I killed myself laughing. Did she think I was at home alone, on a school night, chugging back glasses of whiskey? If I hadn't corrected her, I think there would have been an intervention scheduled for me shortly. However, upon further reflection, there are a lot of good songs about drinking whiskey, so maybe I should take it up to become more rock 'n roll. ;)
3) Before an exam, one of my students came up to me and says out of the blue "Miss, Chuck Norris broke the Periodic Table of the Elements. He only needs one element: the element of surprise." I laughed so hard; I think the kid was surprised at how funny I found it.
4) Here's another amusing school anecdote from a couple weeks ago. I was walking to the subway with a fellow teacher, and a kid joins us and chatted away. He says to me "Miss, you know what I heard about you? I heard that you're into grindcore metal." Not sure how that secret got out, but yeah, you know me. Huge metal fan. Actually, I do know how it got out. A kid in one of my classes was playing music he likes for me on his iPod, and I didn't say anything bad about it. I guess I'd better be sure to insult kids' tastes in music from now on so it doesn't get around that I like that stuff.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Everybody tells me this is crazy; yes, I know it.
I should be marking. But, updating the neglected blog with random crap is a better option right now.
1) I came across the new Neko Case single "People Got A Lotta Nerve" this weekend. It's all sorts of awesome. You can download it here: http://www.anti.com/media/download/708
I also like the cover art for the single.
I also like that there are two Neko tour dates in April. Can't decide on whether I want to see her on a Friday night or a Saturday night. Decisions, decisions. (Edit: after consultation with my probable-Neko buddy, I went with the Saturday night option.)
2) I got front row tickets to see The Joel Plaskett Emergency at Massey Hall in May. I'm very psyched about that. Also, they are releasing a triple (!) album in March.
3) Right now two of my new year's resolutions are going well. One involves me doing a little bit of scheming, and the second one is reading 52 books in 2009. I'm on book #5. Book #4 was amazing; I read it in less than 24 hours.
That book was "The Bookseller of Kabul" by Asne Seierstad (as you can no doubt see from my side-bar). It's about a family that a journalist lives with in post-Taliban Afghanistan. One of the passages that really stood out to me was a description of a math problem from a Taliban-era textbook:
Not only was I obviously appalled by the context and content of the problem, but I never thought that you could kill more than one person with a single bullet. (Of course I did the math; I got 1.5 infidels/bullet as my answer.)
One thing I love about reading is that you can go on so many different journeys with every book that you read. I had read Khaled Hosseini's "One Thousand Splendid Suns" late last year, and it also takes place in Afghanistan. In books about Afghanistan, I am always struck by the lack of control (before, during, and after the Taliban) that women have over their own lives. Just the thought of a fifteen year-old girl being forced to become the second-wife of a fifty-year old man makes me incredibly thankful that I was lucky enough to be born in 20th-century North America.
The book I'm currently reading (The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant)takes place in 15th century Florence. The teenaged main character is married off to a forty-five year old man who is having an affair with her older brother. Again, I'm so thankful for the setting of my life.
4) This post was actually started hours ago, and then I was interrupted by visitors, and had to entertain said people and serve them hot beverages. So, no marking got done tonight and I'm prolly gonna get in trouble by the kids for it tomorrow but oh well, they're not the bosses of me. ;)
1) I came across the new Neko Case single "People Got A Lotta Nerve" this weekend. It's all sorts of awesome. You can download it here: http://www.anti.com/media/download/708
I also like the cover art for the single.
I also like that there are two Neko tour dates in April. Can't decide on whether I want to see her on a Friday night or a Saturday night. Decisions, decisions. (Edit: after consultation with my probable-Neko buddy, I went with the Saturday night option.)
2) I got front row tickets to see The Joel Plaskett Emergency at Massey Hall in May. I'm very psyched about that. Also, they are releasing a triple (!) album in March.
3) Right now two of my new year's resolutions are going well. One involves me doing a little bit of scheming, and the second one is reading 52 books in 2009. I'm on book #5. Book #4 was amazing; I read it in less than 24 hours.
That book was "The Bookseller of Kabul" by Asne Seierstad (as you can no doubt see from my side-bar). It's about a family that a journalist lives with in post-Taliban Afghanistan. One of the passages that really stood out to me was a description of a math problem from a Taliban-era textbook:
"Litte Omar has a Kalashnikov with three magazines. There are twenty bullets in each magazine. He uses two thirds of the bullets and kills sixty infidels. How many infidels does he kill with each bullet?"
Not only was I obviously appalled by the context and content of the problem, but I never thought that you could kill more than one person with a single bullet. (Of course I did the math; I got 1.5 infidels/bullet as my answer.)
One thing I love about reading is that you can go on so many different journeys with every book that you read. I had read Khaled Hosseini's "One Thousand Splendid Suns" late last year, and it also takes place in Afghanistan. In books about Afghanistan, I am always struck by the lack of control (before, during, and after the Taliban) that women have over their own lives. Just the thought of a fifteen year-old girl being forced to become the second-wife of a fifty-year old man makes me incredibly thankful that I was lucky enough to be born in 20th-century North America.
The book I'm currently reading (The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant)takes place in 15th century Florence. The teenaged main character is married off to a forty-five year old man who is having an affair with her older brother. Again, I'm so thankful for the setting of my life.
4) This post was actually started hours ago, and then I was interrupted by visitors, and had to entertain said people and serve them hot beverages. So, no marking got done tonight and I'm prolly gonna get in trouble by the kids for it tomorrow but oh well, they're not the bosses of me. ;)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
How those furious affections followed you.
I have been so lazy during this spontaneous long weekend. A lot of this weekend seemed to be me engaged in a nap-off with Rilo. Even though I napped a lot, she won. She's a fierce competitor.
Of course, some things did happen while I was awake.
Becca T and I saw the Benjamin Button movie. We both enjoyed it.
I listened to a lot of Weakerthans. Properly too. Full albums in their intended order and not shuffled. I realized that "Reconstruction Site" is one of my favourite albums ever to listen to all the way through.
I'm working away through book #3 for the year so I'm right on track regarding that resolution.
I discovered that Rilo is petrified of iPhones. My friend Mathew was over to drop off some leftover risotto that he made (don't I have the best friends ever?), and as we were chatting, his phone was buzzing which spooked her. Then he slid it over near her and she was airbourne. It was really funny.
I got a bunch of housework done. There was one load of laundry that I was too lazy to put away, and I caught Rilo napping in it this afternoon. How nice would it be to nap in a clean basket of laundry?
Anyway, this lazy spontaneous long weekend should give me enough energy to get through the last regular week of the semester. After that it's exams, and then a new semester with new classes. Another fresh start. :)
Of course, some things did happen while I was awake.
Becca T and I saw the Benjamin Button movie. We both enjoyed it.
I listened to a lot of Weakerthans. Properly too. Full albums in their intended order and not shuffled. I realized that "Reconstruction Site" is one of my favourite albums ever to listen to all the way through.
I'm working away through book #3 for the year so I'm right on track regarding that resolution.
I discovered that Rilo is petrified of iPhones. My friend Mathew was over to drop off some leftover risotto that he made (don't I have the best friends ever?), and as we were chatting, his phone was buzzing which spooked her. Then he slid it over near her and she was airbourne. It was really funny.
I got a bunch of housework done. There was one load of laundry that I was too lazy to put away, and I caught Rilo napping in it this afternoon. How nice would it be to nap in a clean basket of laundry?
Anyway, this lazy spontaneous long weekend should give me enough energy to get through the last regular week of the semester. After that it's exams, and then a new semester with new classes. Another fresh start. :)
Friday, January 16, 2009
We could be bouncing off the top of this cloud.
My school is closed today because of a large power outage in that part of the city.
Best. News. Ever.
(Well, maybe not ever, but you know.)
Once I calm down from being so hyper and excited, I think I'm going back to bed. Then, I'll figure out what to do with my spontaneous long weekend. Oh, and shucks, all of my work for the weekend is stuck in the building. So, no work for me for three days. :D
Best. News. Ever.
(Well, maybe not ever, but you know.)
Once I calm down from being so hyper and excited, I think I'm going back to bed. Then, I'll figure out what to do with my spontaneous long weekend. Oh, and shucks, all of my work for the weekend is stuck in the building. So, no work for me for three days. :D
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