Random thoughts from the mouse that runs the brain

Selections of 365 of 2009 - so far

2009-05-26T16:20:00.001-07:00

Spring Rain Me

2009-05-12T21:34:00.002-07:00

winter me

2008-12-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

-20°C
Light snow

and this is warm compared to the weekend

current obsession...

2008-11-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

I am completely obsessed with Black Cab Sessions. If you're not familiar with the BCS, the premise is really simple, and artist in the back seat of a Black cab in London doing a stripped down acoustic performance as the cab drives around. Black Cab Sessions slogan says it best ONE SONG.ONE TAKE.ONE CAB

Oportunity knocking the door down!!

2008-11-01T19:47:00.002-07:00

My life seems to be taking off without me these last few days...I launched my Photography website about a month ago, with the idea that I might get some feedback and start doing something I love rather than dreading doing something that I don't even like very much . (Yes, I know that is a ridiculous run-on!). The response has been fantastic, and I have become quite the busy little girl...I have complete two client sessions (one maternity and one newborn) and have 2 weddings, and 2 more sessions (one maternity and one glam (yeah! someone else who likes to play dress-up)) already lined up. Right now I am just taking on anything that comes my way to build me portfolio, but I eventually want to be able to select which clients I want to take on and create my business so it suites my personality and style more...working with clients looking for something unique, and completely out of the typical realm of "portrait" work...and weddings...we'll have to see how that goes...I used to say that I would NEVER do weddings since I didn't want to deal with brides...
Anyway, I just wanted to say hello world and let all 2 of you readers (are you still there?) know what's been going on in my life...I've also stared a blog to go with the website, and am thinking that I really need to get back into writing here on a more regular basis...we'll see how that goes...

. . .

2008-04-25T18:08:00.002-07:00

Back in July I wrote about a traumatic experience with an injured grasshopper...today I came across the photos again, and thought maybe it was time he had his moment of glory...

2007 in review

2007-12-31T17:55:00.001-07:00

January
1. cotton candy clouds, 2. craving satisfied, 3. pano x-ray,
February
4. rasp, 5. 129/365 - blue skeyes, 6. drip,
March
7. reflection b&w, 8. smilin' Murphy, 9. shodow,
April
10. red dragon, 11. still b&w, 12. ant tracks 1,
May
13. a curious sniff, 14. 199/365 - weeds?,
June
15. 220-4a, 16. revisiting childhood, 17. yellow,
July
18. take flight, 19. 267/365 - red, 20. yellow,
August
21. 261/365 - the great outdoors, 22. wind swept, 23. can I have some?,
September
24. lion, 25. Suspended Animation, 26. fly away all,
October
27. sorrowful song bird, 28. gaze, 29. ze photographer!,
November
30. Beveridge: a.k.a. proving the faulty filter theory, 31. red bricks, 32. BE GOOD, 33. shadows and light in the limo,
December
34. ooooooo....shiny!, 35. moon glow, 36. rusted bolt and steel plate

2007-07-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

I had an awful experience with a grasshopper this morning...
I was in the back yard in my bare feet talking to Mr J. when he came back from his run...

and I felt something crawling on my right foot…I looked down and it was a smallish bright green grasshopper...
I know they don't bite...so I wasn't in a big panic to get him off or anything...I just lifted my foot and thought he would hop away...
Nope, he stayed.. just sort of hanging out on my foot...no big deal
until I look at him more closely...
he's only got one back leg...

you know the big strong ones that are used for the hopping part of a grasshopper?

only one.
he's an amputee

pretty sad I think...so I just sort of wait for him to go about his business...
he's not leaving...he seems to really like my foot...

so I think...hmmm, could make for an interesting photo...

I reach down, scoop him up and bring him inside, in search of my bug box and my camera...find them...put him in the tube, and go back outside
get the camera all set up and open the lid of the box ...knowing he won't immediately hop away, well, because he can't

ok...keep in mind I didn't sleep at all last night...and only got about 4 hours this morning...

I'm watching this little guy walk along...thinking to myself he's brave and must be tough to survive with only one leg...
until he manages to turn his gimped side towards me and I see it's not just his back leg that's missing...that the entire side is damaged...
he's blind in that eye...and his other two legs on that side look injured too
it made me super sad...
he's not tough...he's slowly and likely painfully struggling toward his death

damn

and here I was taking pictures of him

I felt awful

it was actually pretty traumatic for me...I end up crying and everything in the end
pretty pathetic huh

I asked Mr. J. to kill him

so now I have these pictures of this poor little dude...and I don't know what to do with them...they actually turned out sort of good...but...I don’t think I can do anything with them...but I don't want to forget him, so I don’t want to delete them either

I'm so lame

short update...

2007-04-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

I am alive and well...I know it's been a long time since I posted anything here...the last while has been a tumultuous pit of chance...new city ...new job...new house... and now...

*EDIT* HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY EVERYONE!!! You can all breath now...

my chaotic life

2007-02-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

life has become very busy for me lately. Moving, end my current job, seeing friends before I leave the city...packing packing packing (why do I have so much stuff?!?)...

Anyway, I think it's become somewhat evident from my lack of posting over the last few weeks that I am not mentally engaged in this blog right now...so I am making my absenteeism official I suppose.

I am not going to say that I won't be posting at all for a while, just that I won't be posting on any sort of regular type frequency...like the last while...

Mr J and I will be documenting our adventures in house renovation starting at the beginning of March ... for anyone who is interested you can find us here...

Thanks to everyone who has been here, and I'll see you when I see you I suppose.

Decisions made . . .

2007-02-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

So the choice has been made...I am going to take the offer. There were a number of factors in the decision, but the main one was being in the same city (and under the same roof) as Mr. J...closely followed by the monitary advantage...

And in other news...We are buying a house! We looked at many, but fell in love with a 95 year old diamond in the rough. She is in rough shap right now, and not in the best of neighbourhoods, but she has so much potential.

short entry tonight...have to get back to packing! EEeeeeppp

Contemplation . . . HNT?

2007-01-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

Thoughts go racing through my mind . . .
one followed by another,
and another,
and another,
and another,
and another . . .
until my head is so full of random snippets of thought I fear it might burst at the seams . . . if a head had seams that is . . .
instead . . .
more thoughts push to the front from deep within . . .
starting the process over again . . .
Thoughts go racing through my mind . . .
one followed by another,
and another . . .

Not nakkid in the traditional sense...but my soul and nerves feel completely bare...

a confounding conundrum

2007-01-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

I wrote the post below,and only posted it briefly before taking it down again...
So much has transpired since then...

I spoke to my boss about the future of the design department in our office...the future is bleak if things are to continue the way they are going...I also told him of the generous offer I had been given, and asked him for his thought on the situation. This is the good part of working for a small company, your boss can also be your friend. he told me that I could definitely handle the position offered, which was good to hear...and he thanked me for being honest with him...I am also pretty sure he knows that my time with the company is limited independent of me taking this offer...

That's right...I have decided I need to leave my current job one way or another. I still have not decided if I am going to take the new position as offered, but I know I can't stay at this one. It has completely stifled my creativity, and my drive to do good work...three years of doing the same thing day after day, over and over will do that.

I have also spoken to a good friend who used to work in our office about the opportunities within Calgary. She loves her current job, and explained to me what the differences she has experienced are...she works for a larger company, with an actual design department...allowing her to learn from others who have been in the field longer...something I am missing not only at my current job, but would also not be available were I to take the new one offered...she said there are boundless opportunities (ug, how many times can I use that word in one post!) for a junior designer within Calgary, even within her company...something I knew already, just wasn't prepared to take on quite yet

So, the plan as it sits right now...get my resume out there; apply to as may places in Calgary as I can, and see if I get a response...I will be on a time limit how ever, as I still have the generous offer to face. If I have not found a place in Calgary that I think could supply me with a challenge and a mentor, then I will take the job with Mr.J's dad as of March 1st.

Wish me luck!

When crisi-tunity knocks...

2007-01-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

I have been offered a job with a great company...without even putting in an application...with a 45% increase in earnings a year...

So, why am I thinking of not taking it, you may be asking?

Because it would mean moving away from everything I know and love in Calgary, to a "city" that I dislike filled with retired farmes and young breeders...becasue it is a job that I am not really qualified for and I am not confident that I will do a good job at it, or that I am worth that much $...because it will mean working with my "in-laws" in a family business environment...because it will mean being in the same city as my mom and dad who have recently split...because I don't know anyone there anymore, and I have a nice group of friends here that I will see far less often...because it is a step back from the goal of where I want to be professionally...

Then, why am I still considering it despite all of these reasons?

Becasue taking the job will allow me to live under the same roof as Mr J for the first time in 2 years...and we will be able to afford a house...with a yard...and maybe a puppy...because the rent on my crumby apartment in Calgary will be raised by 25% as of May 1st...because the money is very tempting and that sort of wage is worth a lot more in a small city than it is in Calgary...because I could afford to travel instead of traveling despite the lack of funds and incuring more debt...because I hate my current job, and it's time for a change...

I've done a pro/con list...I've talked it through with Mr. J...and I tried this...I still don't know...
HARUMPH!!!

deep freeze

2007-01-12T00:51:00.000-07:00

I would rather be back here...

than here....

loss

2007-01-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

the blogosphere feels the loss of another blogger this week.

Last month WDKY reported of an accident taking Anu's life...

Today, Osbasso tells of betchcantguesswho, taken from the world too soon in another auto accident.

my heavy heart

2007-01-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

August 16, 1973 - December 30, 2006

Absentee HNT

2007-01-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

nothing from me this week as I am going through a bit of a family crisis...I'm not ready to talk about it, but it's got my brain in a bit of a scramble...
Happy HNT to the rest of you, I will try to make my rounds some time this week!

it's in the lyrics...a game of sorts

2007-01-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

Stolen from a my brother.

Step 1: Put your media player of choice on random. (mine will be windows media player)
Step 2: Post the first line from the first 30 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing. (I'll give you the first 2 for some of them)
Step 3: Bold out the songs when someone guesses correctly.
Google is cheating!
April 1, 2007 - no more guesses? ok...here are the rest of the answers

In order to place whatever's been done, you'll tell by the moon and the tide that has come.
Sit There - The Black Seeds
I'll wait for you till I turn blue, There's nothin' more a man can do.
Salty Dog - Flogging Molly
Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and taste
Sympathy for the Devil - Rolling Stones (identified by JMK)
Tell me one more time again, justy like I didn't hear you
Bulletproof - Blue Rodeo
Who took the bomb? Every day and night, Every day and night
I can see your disco disco dick is sucking my heart out of my mind
(these are lyrics found online...this could be what she is saying...)
Deceptacon - Le Tigre
When they start falling, executions will commence. Sides will not matter now, matter makes no sense.
Argument - Fugazi
I went away across the island. Climbed on up - on top the mountain
Bundle - The Gandharvas
I want to live, I want to give. I've been a minor for...
Heart of Gold - Neil Young (identified by Osbasso)
A heart of stone, a smoking gun. I can give you life, I can take it away.
Banquet - Block Party
She said you'd given up, Your folks told me you should be left alone, On a mountain top knocking the aeroplanes down with stones.
Do the Whirlwind - Architecture in Helsinki
I picked you out, of the crowd and talked to you. Said I liked your shoes, you said Thanks, can I follow you?
Lover I Don't Have to Love - Bight Eyes (identified by Bella)
I let the beast in too soon, I don't know how to live without my hand on his throat, I fight him always and still...
Fast As I Can - Fiona Apple (identified by Jenn)
Today's gonna be the day that they're gonna give it back to you. By now you should have some how realized what you gotta do... (this is going to be tricky...it is a cover song, and this artist is not the only one to cover it...the song is easy, the artist not so much)
Wonderwall - Ryan Adams (originally by Oasis...I also have a cover by Cat Power)
I saw it written and I saw it say...
Pink Moon - Nick Drake (identified by Lolita!)
Everything is bleak, it's the middle of the night. You're all alone and the dummies might be right...
Music @ Work - The Tragically Hip
Here, have a dollar. Na, in fact brother, man, here have two. Two dollars means a snack to me, but it means a big deal for you...
Mr. Wendel - Arrested Development (identified by Busted Toy Head - a.k.a. Mr J.)
You give me that look that's like laughing, like liquid in you mouth. Like you're choosing between chocking and spitting it all out.
Falling is Like This - Ani Difranco (identified by Rainypete)
Eye on the TV, 'cause tragedy thrills me. Whatever flavour, It happens to be like;
Vicarious - Tool
Drink up baby doll, are you in or are you out.
Let Go - Frou Frou (identified by 212designs - she put Static Lullaby as the artist...perhaps a cover I don't know about?)
I'm feeling mighty lonesome, haven't slept a wink.
Black Coffee - Ray Charles (the version I have is Ella Fitzgerald)(identified by 212designs)
The silicone chip inside her head gets switched to overload
I Don't Like Mondays - The Boomtown Rats (identified by chrish)
I want to hold the hand inside you. I want to take a breath thats true
Fade Into You - Mazzy Star (identified by The Lily)
Glad you made it, welcome to the farm
Airport Song - Guster (identified by 212designs)
your flirt finds me out, teases the crack in me, smittens me with hope
Show me, Show me, Show me, how you do that trick
Just Like Heaven - The Cure (Identified by JMK)
I am a workin' man, but I ain't worked for a while
All Hell For A Basement - Big Sugar
Papa, he left home today, and said he ain't comin' back again
Mama's got a Girlfriend - Ben Harper
oh so all my lovin' goes, under the fog fog fog
Y Control - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I keep my head up tight, I know my plans at night
Shine a Light - Wolf Parade
I should have known that this would happen from the start
It's a Hit - We Are Scientists

Should auld acquaintance be forgot....

2006-12-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

The beginning of a new year, and a new chapter in the book of my life... and after the final paragraph of the last chapter you can bet I am ready to start on a fresh page! Ok, enough with the writing analogies...

I've had just about enough of 2006...on to 2007. Happy New Year everyone!

technically still Thursday - HNT #50

2006-12-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

ok...two weeks vacation, and I have lost complete track of time...is it really Thursday already? and Thursday night at that! EEEP! Well, since this week is supposed to be a re-run anyway, I am more that prepared to participate in the final HNT of 2006...

We are to post our favorite HNT of 2006...that leaves me #49 to choose from...let see... I have been pleased with the outcome of many of my HNT shots over the year...and have even participated as Os' mystery guest

and as one of Lurch Adams' models for his too short HNT participation,

and even had my own not-so-mysterious mystery guest

... but what is my favorite HNT of the year???

Dang! that is a hard question...
do I go with the one that received the most comments...

no, that one doesn't count because it was riding on the coat tails of my mystery guest appearance...

the one I spent the most time on? That is a good one...

but not my favorite...

OH! OH! I know! The one that I think of most often, because the original artwork hangs on my bedroom wall! This is my favorite HNT submission ...

originally posted back in July
It's been a gret year everyone! Here's wishing you all a great 2007!

Mele Kalikimaka Everyone!

2006-12-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

I have been back from Hawaii for a couple of days now(arrived in Calgary Friday morning), but have been very lazy, and a bit anti-social as I am at my parents house in Medicine Hat for Krimis.
Hawaii was amazing, I even managed to get a bit of a tan WITHOUT getting sunburned...that's areally big deal for me.

Rather than go through everything that happened (Because a lot did, and vacation stories are often quite dull for those not actually there), I will list in point form (in no particular order) the most exciting events of my trip.

Waikiki - noisy and completely overrated...I wouldn't really recomend this as a stop to anyone... but the international market is a great place to pick up tacky souveniers
Hanauma Bay - a nature preserve famous for snorkeling...we saw many types of fish and a couple of sea turtles...I manages to bump both of my knees on coral, and only freaked out a couple of times (I really don't know how to swim very well, so snorkeling is a bit of a task)
Drive to the North Shore - Great big waves...which I find terrifying, but are really beautiful and worth seeing...surfers are also neat to see in person.
Giovani's shrimp wagon - like a hotdog stand, but serving some of the best shrimp I've had...don't have the hot and spicy though, much to hot...the lemon butter were by far the best.
Lanikai/Kailua - the beach and towns we spent most of our time in. Beautiful, and much less crouded than the more popular beaches. The water was a bit choppy while we were there, but Mr. J did manage to convince me to get in the kyak and row to one of the near by islands...which, again due to my lack of swimming ability, was another big exercise in bravery for me. YAY me!
Hiking to the bunkers near Lanikai - One of the most rugged hikes I've been on in recent years...about 3 miles long and the end is quite treacherous, but the view from the top was well worth it. And so was the beer in the pool when we got back to the house!
Lounging on the beach (Waikiki, Lanikai, Kailua, Hanauma Bay, Sunset Point, Waimanalo, and others I have forgotten the names of) - we stopped at many beaches along the way to various destinations, all a little different, but each great in its own way. The scenery is incredible, and each beach attracts different type of people, which makes the sport of people watching very interesting.
Geckos - they're cute and they eat bugs...need I say more?

There are so many more things to talk about...but I should get to bed before Sanata decides to make his appearance.

Merry Krimis everyone!

Only 1 sleep left!!!

2006-12-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

Work is the last thing I want to be doing right now, and I am having a hell of a time actually focusing on ANYTHING!

Our plane leaves tomorrow morning at 6:00, we're staying at a hotel near the airport tonight so we can get that extra hour of sleep tonight.

I am running through everything I've packed over and over again in my head to see if I've missed anything...I have that horrible feeling that I have forgotten something vital...but I figure if I can't buy it when I get there, I don't really need it anyway...right?

So, I'm off! I will be back in Calgary on the morning of the 22, and then it's off to Medicine Hat to visit my parents for Krimis. And back to the daily grind on the 27th. I'm not sure how much I'll be around between then and now, so Have a great couple of weeks everyone!!!

New words for 2006

2006-12-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

I received this in my email this morning...it was too darn funny not to share.

BLAMESTORMING: Sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible.

SEAGULL MANAGER: A manager, who flies in, makes a lot of noise, craps on everything, and then leaves.

ASSMOSIS: The process by which some people seem to absorb success and advancement by kissing up to the boss rather than working hard.

SALMON DAY: The experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream only to get screwed and die in the end.

CUBE FARM: An office filled with cubicles.

PRAIRIE DOGGING: When someone yells or drops something loudly in a cube farm, and people's heads pop up over the walls to see what's going on.

MOUSE POTATO: The on-line, wired generation's answer to the couch potato.

SITCOMs: Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage. What Yuppies get into when they have children and one of them stops working to stay home with the kids.

STRESS PUPPY: A person who seems to thrive on being stressed out and whiny.

SWIPEOUT: An ATM or credit card that has been rendered useless because magnetic strip is worn away from extensive use.

XEROX SUBSIDY: Euphemism for swiping free photocopies from one's workplace.

IRRITAINMENT: Entertainment and media spectacles that are annoying but you find yourself unable to stop watching them.

PERCUSSIVE MAINTENANCE: The fine art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work again.

ADMINISPHERE: The rarefied organizational layers beginning just above the rank and file. Decisions that fall from the adminisphere are often profoundly inappropriate or irrelevant to the problems they were designed to solve.

404: Someone who's clueless. From the World Wide Web error Message "404 Not Found," meaning that the requested site could not be located.

GENERICA: Features of the American landscape that are exactly the same no matter where one is, such as fast food joints, strip malls, and subdivisions.

OHNOSECOND: That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you've just made a BIG mistake - like hitting “reply all” by accident.

WOOFS: Well-Off Older Folks.

CROP DUSTING: Surreptitiously passing gas while passing through a Cube Farm.

weather report - HNT #49

2006-12-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

Tommy is out there shouting my name out...and I was thinking I might give HNT a miss tonight...guess not! Thanks Tommy for the kind words...you do indeed know how to flatter a girl...

I have nothing new for tonight as I am in the middle of doing the housework (boo!), but I do have a couple of out takes from my 365 project...these were taken December 2 (saturday).

The nasty cold spell that we had been plagued by finally lifted in the form of a Chinook...

Shi...what now?!? A Chinook (for those of you not from the Rocky Mountains) is a phenomena that can only be experienced to be fully understood...

"The term Chinook comes from an Indian word which means snow eater. The Chinook wind is a warm, dry wind that descends the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains and sweeps across the foothills and other parts of Alberta. When it moves over heavy snow cover, it can melt and evaporate a foot of snow in less than a day. Also, the temperature rises sharply, sometimes over 20 degrees Celsius in one hour. On average, southern Alberta gets 20 to 30 Chinook days per year." ~ The Weather Network

No joke...these things are a welcome respite to the harsh winter temperatures that we were suffering through last week...

except if you happen to suffer from a little thing known as a Chinook Migraine...

which I unfortunately do...

These pictures were taken right at the begining of the process...the sun streaming in the window was more than I could resist, but the headache that was building from the rapid change in air pressure would soon have me in agony...

This will be my last HNT for at least the next two weeks...and when I return, I will either be tan or burnt to a nice red crisp...I'm wishing for the former (yes, I am packing sunblock)...I'm off to Hawaii in 6 more sleeps!!!

Nine Years...

2006-12-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Nine years ago today, I reluctantly left my parents house to meet a young man for an afternoon coffee. A first date...eep! I was nervous, and reluctant because I was harbouring an unrequited love for another at the time...my mom convinced me it was just coffee. So I went.

That young man, was Mr. J, and nine years later I can look back on the day of our first date and laugh at myself, and my mother. Just coffee...indeed!

Nine years seems like a long time...in fact it is my entire adult life (I met him at the tender young age of 19). It has been a wild ride, with ups and downs just like any relationship, but I wouldn't change ....well, ok I would change some of it, but I like where we've found ourselves nine years from that first afternoon coffee.

in other news... 7 more sleeps!!! EEEEeeeeeee!

Tagged? ME? Really??? FINE! But just this once!!!

2006-12-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

the rules…
Each player of this game starts with the “6 weird things about you”. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says “you are tagged” in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

I walk everywhere I go. The reason: I don't drive...at all...ever...I don't have a car, and I don't even have a license... but I have had my learners permit for almost 14 years now!
I bit my finger nails for 26 years... I decided I wanted to have nice nails, so I just stopped. No tricks, or products...I just didn't bite them anymore.
I am narcissistic yet self conscious...you figure that one out!
Sometimes my eyelids don't blink in sync...if you watch them close, they go one at a time...it's actually sort of creepy!
I want a hairless cat...I like cats (although I prefer dogs, but cats are easier to have in apartments), but they are hairy little beasts...and I really think the hairless ones are more cute...with their little bald skinny bodies and big heads...they remind me of ET!
I am allergic to ginger. Which really isn't fair, because I love the stuff.

I follow the rule: do not tag, least ye be tagged...so, I guess the buck stops here (unless someone volunteers to take the tag - leave a comment if you're going to do it!)

I'm in love!!!

2006-12-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Her name is Alpha!!!

October 4th...Sony P73

November 30th...Sony A100

She's here! - HNT #48

2006-11-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

My baby arrived today! That is my new camera! And simply saying I am excited would be like calling a tornado a little bit of wind!!!

So, for those so inclined to care, this is what I gave myself as an early Krimas present:

Sony alpha 100 camera body
Tamron AF28-80mm F/3-5.6
Tamron AF75-300 F/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2
Wide angle lens adapter
High Res filter set (3)
52" Tripod
4G Compact Flash & reader
8hr Lith Ion battery

also included in the kit:

soft weather proof camera bag
hard luggage case
starter's cleaning kit incl. mini tripod
and 5 year extended warranty package

***disclaimer: my bottom not included***

Now I just need to learn how to use the little darling...

EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

An email from UPS was sent informing me that it should arrive tomorrow!

EEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cold snap!

2006-11-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Great White North...Canada didn't get this moniker without good reason...And right now we are in the middle of a nasty little cold snap. Our regular temperatures for this time of year sit around the 0°C mark (that's 32°F for my neighbours to the South).

Right now... feels like -39°C (-38.2°F) with the wind chill...I think I'll go put on anoither pair of socks before I head out this morning...

There had better be hot coffee waiting for me when I get to the office!

Amazing

2006-11-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone go here right now!

EEP! - I forgot - HNT #47

2006-11-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night...already???

And me with no new ideas for HNT...oops!

So I dug into my archives again, and found something I hardly have recolection of...I don't remember taking the set of photos that tonight's offering comes from, but there are many of them...over 100 in fact...I don't think I have used any of them before...seems strange. The set was taken back in August...I will have to go through it and see if any of it is worth revisiting...but for tonight's HNT I give you a lost piece of me...

This fascinates me

2006-11-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

Noah takes a photo of himself every day for 6 years.

I know many of you have seen this, but I wanted to share it anyway. It is amazing, and beautiful!

the countdown is on

2006-11-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I placed an order. An order that will result in great new toy/tool for me to play with very soon. I am very very excited. And a littel bit freaked out. This has cost me a lot of money, but it is a great deal, and it is more than worth it. The wait just might kill me though....

is it here yet?

how about now?

EDIT* - A hint, because Tommy pouted...this tool will help me improve my view of the world, helping me further my current obsession into a possible career...

Winterized - HNT #46

2006-11-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Winter is upon us here in Calgary...and it's not the cool wind or the small amount of snow collected on the ground...Nope...it's my body's reaction to the lack of humidity.

Calgary is not a humid place at the best of times...actually it's down right dry...but winter it almost unbearable.

It's only mid November and already my hair is a fuzzy staticy mess...

my eyes are dry and feel like crunchy leaves under my eyelids when I blink...

my lips hurt from the wind and the cold, and it doesn't seem to matter how much balm I use...

my cuticles...oh man, my cuticles are so dry and ragged that my mitten made me bleed last week...and I've cut my nails short in an attempt to stop the chipping and peeling...so dry and brittle...

and I use lotion night and day and my skin is still dry...thirsting for moisture...

Only 5 more months till spring...

Happy HNT everyone . . .

more nekkidness? -->

all is well

2006-11-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

okay, sulkfest is over...I slept well - only waking once at about 4:30 - and refreshed and ready to face Tuesday this morning...is it really only Tuesday???

In other news...today is Mr. J's birthday! He's 31 today!

Table reserved for self pitty...party of one

2006-11-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

I'm going to bed . . . alone

. . . again . . .

sad, and lonely
. . . my two worst friends close by my sides tonight, like the small angel and devil masquerading as ones conscience, or The Great Gazoo to Fred Flintstone . . .

will I be okay?

Yes

but for now I wallow in my bad mood . . .

loneliness feeding on sadness . . .
sadness feeding on loneliness . . .

I'm going to bed . . . alone

. . . again . . .

goodnight cruel world . . .
see you in the morning . . .

Baby, it's cold outside! - HNT #45

2006-11-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning in the dark, the sunrise was beautiful. The sun smiled down on the city, with the promise of a beautiful day...

by noon the wind had picked up... by 1:30 the sun was completely under cover of a thick grey cloud layer... by 2:00 a fog layer had rolled in and a fine snow had begun to fall... by 3:00 the snow flakes were coming down in clumps and had begun to collect on the cars and grass... by 5:00 this is what the city looked like...

time to dig out the winter clothes...

Happy HNT everyone . . .

more nekkidness? -->

Random thoughts . . . update

2006-11-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have been so slack about keeping things up to date around here the last while . . . for that I am sorry! I have spent a large portion of my time going through photos on my computer and working on a few projects, trying to improve a few computer skills, helping a friend out, sleeping, and otherwise being generally distracted . . .

There has been some major changes in my life and I am still trying to settle into my new existance . . . my doctor has me on a new medication and it has knocked me on my ass. I can't seem to get enough sleep, which is a very strange experience, because I typically suffer from cronic insomnia . . . sleep is good . . . I like it . . . I just don't like waking up.

jmk has moved out. He returned my keys yesterday afternoon . . . all his belongings relocated to his new abode. I slept with my bedroom door open for the first time in a few months...it was weird . . . I think it will be good for me to be on my own again while I try to sort through things, but I will mioss having someone there when I get home from work.

And the big news! I am going to Hawaii in December!!! I am so excited about it.9 nights, 10 days on the beach just before Christmas . . . I'll have that lovley sunkissed (pink) glow for the holidays. Mr. J's family are all going courtesy of his sister, so Mr. J and I are splitting the cost of a ticket so I can join them. We are staying in a beach house on Lanikai Beach . . . We fly out on Dec 12th all together, and I return on my own on Dec 21st just intime to drive to my Parents place with my sister mek and jmk for Christmas...it's going to be a busy December . . . but 10 days on the beach . . . I can't complain.

Fallen . . . HNT #44

2006-11-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't put my Halloween costume away from yesterday yet, so . . . this is what I came up with . . .

. . . again, not quite what I was going for, but a much better result than last week . . .

Happy HNT everyone . . .

more nekkidness? -->

ooooooo . . .

2006-10-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN!!!

Eat your hearts out...

2006-10-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

I'm going here . . .

Eight nights in paradise... December 14-22.
Anyone care to guess? (those of you who know...shhhh!)

sleeping in - HNT #43

2006-10-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

I was preoccupied this evening and the idea I tried for HNT just didn't come out quite right...maybe I'll have to solicite a photographer to make it work...
So I am left with using the picture I took this morning for the 365 project...and I am half nekkid in it so it qualifies...
I did NOT want to get up this morning...I have been sleeping like crazy for the last week...it's like my body is trying to make up for 10 years of insomnia...this was the result this morning...

and to appease the minds of the curious...here is a snippit of what I had intended for tonight's HNT...anyone want to volunteer to take my picture?

Happy HNT everyone!

more nekkidness? -->

Pause

2006-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

II

I am alive I swear...just a little distracted at the moment...I will return...really

Fresh - HNT #42

2006-10-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

I started a new photography project this morning, one that I have been contemplating for a few weeks... 365 Days. The concept is easy - take a new self portrait every day for a year... the idea is supposed to inspire self awareness and creativity...and I am lacking in one or both at any given time of the day/week/month/year...

Today was my first day, and it just so happens to coincide with HNT...*gasp* she's re-using a photo!...yes I am...I'm busy tonight and my apartment is too cold to be stripping down in...

A warning...those of you who came here to see me looking gorgeous...(pfft I can't pull that off with a straight face!)...should click yourselves away...I warn you this is not glamorous. I decided for the start of this new project I would start with a blank canvas as it were...a fresh showered clean face shot before I got ready for my day...that menas no make up people!

You've been warned!
Here is Day 1...

a new project
a fresh start
a clean slate
a fresh face forward

more nekkidness? -->

tales from the laundry room...and Flickr news

2006-10-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from the basement of my building, where the common laundry room is located (poorly equiped with only 7 washers and 7 dryers to accomodate over 100 suites, hence the reason I'm still doing laundry at 11:00 at night).

I was standing infront of the first dryer, unloading and folding towels when a gentleman in his early 40s whom I had not seen in the building before tonight walks in...he walked over to the washer he knew his clothes were in and stopped in his tracks...paused, looked around...walked to the washer opened the lid...closed the lid...looked around again running his hands through his hair...

I was only half paying attention, and thought he was waiting for a dryer, so I scooped my sheets out of the next dryer and told him it was free...he looks at me with a rather perplexed look and speaks in a heavy German accent "I thought I left my basket here?" and looked at me for confirmationas if I knew if he had or not...I said I hadn't seen one, and he turned to go to the elevators.

He returned a few minutes later as I was struggling to get the bed sheets folded without dragging them on the floor (ewww...public floor on my sheets, no thanks!), this time carrying a small orange wash basin...no basket. He looked rather sad about his lost laundry basket, and really I suppose I would be in his situation too...

WHO STEALS A LAUNDRY BASKET!?! I live in the best building!

*EDIT* Thursday I was called down to the resident managers office...the launry basket thief had been caught on tape, stealing not only the laundry basket in question, but laundry from the counter, as well as opening three dryersa nd taking items from two of the...you guessed it, but dryers taken from were filled with my laundry...A blue towl, my favorite red tank top, and two items I have yet to identify...at least she didn't open the end dryer with my new expensive high thread count pink sheets!!! The manager just wanted to show me the tapes so I know it wasn't a fellow tenant that violated my personal space like that...which was nice I guess...harumph!

In other news...I started a group on Flickr tonight dedicated to Calgary Public Art, and there is already someone else posting their finds...yay I'm a nerd!

Ghoulish Saturday

2006-10-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

As previously announced, today was the Second annual Calgary Zombie Walk...I took near 200 pictures, some of it useable, most of it carp...I even got zombie blood on me (from the crust I think it was cornsyrup in a former life...hope it washes out)...so without further ado...

want to see more...

the dead will rise

2006-10-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the second annual Calgary Zombie Walk...I will be going down tomorrow after my massage (yay massage!) to photograph the zombie shenanigans...I don't dress the part, I'm more of an active observer...the zombies love to ham it up for the camera...here are a couple of my favorites from last year...

stay tuned for scene from this years event...

Eye love it - HNT #41

2006-10-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

So last week I showed off my lips because I think they are my best feature...but I've been told that my eyes may need to take that honour...
Eyes, as a general rule creep me out! And mine are no exception to that, so choosing the pictures for this was not an easy task...I had to look through several dozen pictures to find the ones that show of my big blues without freaking myself out too much... And the more I talk about them...the more grossed out I become ...so here you go...

Look deep into my eyes...

They're big...they're blue... (that's my natural colour...eat your heart out!!!)

some say eyes are the windows to the soul...

I've been told mine are hypnotic...

Vanity thy name is Susan...I wear contact lenses partially because they show off my eyes better than glasses...

Happy HNT everyone! Want to see more? -->

It's been a quiet week from me here, I do have my reasons . . . there will be more random thoughts and twisted ramblings here in the days and weeks to come...I promise...

too funny not to share!

2006-10-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

OK Go - Here It Goes Again

Musical Monday #8 - long weekend..Hip hip hooray!

2006-10-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Thanksgiving here in Canada today, that means we will stuff ourselves with Turkey and all the fixings and lounge around and sleep off the tryptophan comma to follow...it also means a long weekend! Yay!!!

We are heading to my sister's apartment tomorrow evening for the compulsory eatfest...my duty was to make the ice cream for the pie...which I nearly managed to ruin...but all is not lost and the results should be acceptable...and when I have had my fill of turkey, stuffing , yams, and pie with aforementioned ice cream and have a nice little buzz going from the accompanying wine, I will have time to listen to everyone's Musical Monday contributions...and here is mine!

I don't listen to much in the way of hip hop music...it just doesn't speak to me really. I like a bit of soul, and some early r&b, but hip hop just doesn't do it for me...

but there are exceptions to every rule...

Powered by Castpost
Artist: Buck 65
Album: Talkin' Honky Blues (Track #2 - Wicked & Weird)
Label: Wea International
Released:November 4, 2003

Born Richard Terfry, and raised in a rural Nova Scotia, Buck 65 is not what typically comes to mind when one thinks of a hip hop artist...he's a scrawny middle class white boy from maritime Canada!

His unique style of music goes beyond the traditional sounds thought of as hip hop as well...mixing in samples from every music type imaginable, including the traditional yodel recording he demonstrated at folk fest a couple of summers ago, his music is really in a genre all it own...I hate genre grouping anyway!

He is also quite the prolific songwriter, with 13 recordings in as many years under his belt, his sound is ever changing and evolving, and there is sure to be something for everyone in there.

Oral obsession - HNT #40

2006-10-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

I think my lips might be my best physical feature...I was blessed with my father's lips. He hides his behind a moustache because he thinks they are too femanine, but I wear mine full glossed and pouty with pride. . .

I also have a minor oral fixation...not to the same extent that smokers often associate themselves with, but I do like to have something in my mouth...ok , get your heads out of the gutter, all of you!!! I mean, I often chew gum, I perfer to drink with a staw than from the glass, and will often use my teeth to hold a pen rather than behind my ear...

It can also give me away when I have something on my mind, or I am trying to keep a secret, or am deep in thought (my tongue sticks out if I am thinking too hard...another inherited trait from my Dad) ...try as I might to keep my thoughts to myself...my lips will give me away every time...now you know how to tell if I'm lying...which my mother told me I should never do anyway!

Happy HNT everyone! Want to see more? -->

Soundtrack to my life...

2006-10-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

ok . . . I know I've done one of these before, but I'm a sucker for a good music game . . . and I LOVED the soundtrack idea . . . so when I saw this at 3.14's Big Ball of String, I had to have a go at it myself . . .

Here's how it works...Put your ~~iPod~~ music player of choice on shuffle (I'll be using my computer this evening equiped with over 27G of music). The first song that you hear will be the song for your Opening Scene. Skip to the next song, this is your next category. Keep doing this until the end.

Opening Scene: Sombody That I Used to Know - Elliott Smith
I had tender feelings that you made hard,
But its your heart, not mine, thats scarred.
So when I go home, I'll be happy to go -
You're just somebody that I used to know.

Wake Up Scene: Good Enough - Cindy Lauper
Oh it's not real if you don't feel it
Unspoken expectations
Ideals you used to play with

Average Day: Hush - Third Eye Open (A String Quartet tribute to Tool)

1st Date: Cold Hard Bitch - Jet
Cold hard bitch
Just a kiss on the lips
And I was on my knees

Falling in Love: Corelli Theme - The Mars Volta
Are you sure you want to do that

Fight Scene: Jagged - Old 97's (tee hee the album is called Fight Songs!)
I couldn't drink enough to make this make sense
But I think I'm gonna give it a try

Break Up Scene: Killer Bees - The Stills
But headlights go on
and i`m half way gone
now we speak rememberese

Back together: Keep Me - The Black Keys
show me trust, show me love,
show me heaven up above.
show your soul, show your mind
show it to me all the time

Secret Love: Lonely Lonely - Feist
Distance makes the heart grow weak
So that the mouth can barely speak
Except to those who hide their needs
And I have read the golden seal
That tell of how the seedlings feel
Reminds my heart what love can yield

Life's OK: Modern Nature - Sondre Lerche
Oh, what a world this life would be
Forget all your technicolour dreams
Forget modern nature
this is how it´s meant to be

Mental Breakdown: Various Stages - Great Lake Swimmers
How high are your highest of highs,
How low are your lows

Driving: Mainstream - Thea Gilmore
Break-neck, full-tilt
Climb the ladders they built

Learning a Lesson: You Are - Built Spill
Everybody
Everybody Knows

Deep Thought: The First Taste - Fiona Apple
Full is not heavy as empty
not nearly my love
not nearly

Flashback: Calculation Theme - Metric
I wish we were lovers
But it's for the best

Partying: Too Young - Phoenix
I tried my best to smile but deep inside my heart
I felt it was shouting like a crowd dancing

Happy Dance: Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield
Just move on up
and keep on wishing
Remember your dreams
are your only schemes

Regretting: C'mere - Interpol
Set the day, you know exactly how I feel
I had my doubts little girl
I'm in love with something real
It could be me, that's changing!

Long Night Alone: Tomorrow is Such a Long Time - Nick Drake
If today was not an endless highway,
If tonight was not a crooked trail,
If tomorrow wasn't such a long time,
Then lonesome would mean nothing to you at all.

Death Scene: The Sweetest Condition - Depeche Mode
It's a sad disease
Creeping through my mind
Causing disabilities
Of the strangest kind

Closing Credits: Goodnight Goodnight - Hot Hot Heat (ok...this one I modified...it really came up as introduction - Hot Hot Heat...that didn't fit at all...)
A little bit of rain I'd say is fair
But when it starts to thunder they all stare
This isn't goodnight, this is goodbye...

Can't trust that day... Musical Monday #7

2006-10-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

Where did the weekend go?
Can it really be Monday Morning already...back to work...boo hoo!
And to top it all off...it's trying to ... gulp ...snow outside!

I didn't prepare anything for Musical Monday last night, so I was left searching and panicking this morning... I came up with this...

Powered by Castpost
Artist: Nathan
Album: Jimson Weed(Track #9 - Gasoline)
Label: Nettwerk Records
Released: September 21, 2004

Nathan...

"If David Lynch had directed 'O Brother Where Art Thou?,'
Nathan's Music would be the soundtrack"
~Michael Wrycraft, CBC Radio

that just about says it all about this menagerie from the prairies...

Fronted by the songwritting duo Keri Latimer and Shelley Marshall, Nathan's often dark, yet catchy tunes, paint a portrait of life on the prairies, where they tell us how life out in the big open is anything but dull and boring. The rest of the band is comprised of Devin Latimer - bass player(and Keri's husband), drummer Damon Mitchell, and a rotating list of various other performers each bringing something interesting to Nathan's own brand of meloncholic bluegrass.

Instrumentation runs from the expected (guitar, bass, banjo, pedal steel) to the eccentric (accordion, theramin, tuba), and the songs...well I'm hooked...listen for yourself.

I have seen Nathan perform on 3 occations, the most recent being at Waynefest last month, where I decided the only time a screaming baby is acceptable at a music festival is when the mother of said child (Hazel Mariko Latimer), is on stage performing (Keri and Devin are brand new parents!)

I almost forgot...

2006-10-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

I went to see Stan, my stylist a couple of weeks ago, and we were talking about the colour of my hair. He likes it red, but know I'm sick of it. He suggested if I really wanted to get rid of the red I should go black. Blue black to be specific because it will bring out my eyes...I've always liked the idea of black hair but thought I am way too pale to pull it off without looking like a moody goth teenager. But earlier this week I was bored, and my hair colour was in desperate need of refreshing - the medium brown had faded to a (you guessed it) coppery red colour. So I did it!

I told Mr J, and he asked me to put it up on here for him to see...I forgot until this morning...oops!

OH! And happy 300 posts to me!

inspirations - HNT #39

2006-09-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

I've been told that this is a rather inspiring photo . . .

I'm quite fond of it myself, for a number of reasons . . .
these are one of my favorite pairs of shoes, my favorite comfy chair, warm sunlight bathing over me, and surrounded by my lovely house plants . . .

I have been feeling a bit uninspired for the last few weeks . . . I think it must be the forboding changing of the seasons . . . things should get back to normal soon

. . . I hope!

These buttons are fun to push, you should try it...you never know, you might just find something inspiring -->

let's get physical...

2006-09-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

poked...
prodded...
pressurized...
scrutinized...
analyzed...
poked again...
shuffled...
stabbed...
bled...

I hate going to the doctor!

Completely random thought...

2006-09-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

Alcoholic is to Alcohol as Workaholic is to ______________?

Workahol isn't a word. Then why do we say workaholic...shouldn't it be workic?

Musical Monday #6 - brooding disposition

2006-09-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

Powered by Castpost
Artist: Elliott BROOD
Album: Ambassador (Track #3 - Second Son)
Label: Six Shooter Records
Released: October 4, 2005

I love the banjo as some of you well know. I guess it fits in with what a friend recently described as a strong folk roots to my musical tastes. But I also like it loud, and dark, and well...brooding!

Elliott BROOD's music has been described as death country and blackgrass, labels which could not be more appropriate for the traditional folk blended with dark lyrics and a hard modern edge

"dark, gritty folk music built around whiskey-drenched vocals and lyrics
evoking images of love, loss and murder. In their soul-thumping bluegrass songs,
banjo keeps time to a strange and chunky angular stomp, with vicious
Kentucky-hardcore acoustic guitar and somber, achingly confessional vocal
harmonies." ~weework records

I discovered Elliott BROOD this July at the Calgary Folk Music Festival and was immediately captivated. I saw them again a few weeks ago at Waynefest, and both shows completely blew me away. They will be in Calgary again in mid October opening for Corbb Lund, I will be there. If you ever get the chance...see them live!

3:40

2006-09-25T03:04:00.000-07:00

3:40am

awake

the soft steady breaths beside me taunting . . .

a cough somewhere outside my window . . . I guess he can’t sleep either
too bad I don’t smoke . . . I’d have something to do

the slow constant hum of traffic . . .
yes, even at this hour

off in the distance the moan of an airplane passing overhead
I wonder where it’s going . . .
can I come too?

awake

3:40am

Thoughts thrown out with the bathwater

2006-09-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

The bathtub in my apartment, is small...too small really for me to comfortable take a bath. But I love baths, and take them often despite the inadequacy presented to me by the woes of being a downtown renter.

I have always found being surrounded by warm water very conducive to thought...whether I am in need of making a decision or just waiting for the next big idea to come to me. Today as I was nearing the end of my bath, my fingers and toes resembling little flesh coloured raisins, a myriad of random things bounced around inside my head, some good, some bad, some completely ridiculous, and some so irrelevant they are hardly worth analyzing...I slid as far down in the tiny tub as I could, held my breath, and put my head under the water...and just let the water drain away, taking any thoughts it cared to with it...

A strange sense of self can be gained if you remain in the bath tub while the warm water pours away down the drain. It grants a special kind of self awareness that I have not been able to replicate anywhere else . . . perhaps walking nude in the warm summer rain would have a similar effect, but living in the core of the city, I have not been afforded such opportunities . . . as I layed there, I could feel my lungs begin to burn in want for another breath to replace the held one growning stale, and then the water level dropped just under my nose, allowing me to replenish my air supply. The sensation of the water level slowly abating down my face stored me to open my eyes which had been shut against the water, and I could see delicate shadows cast around the small bathroom by the low end light fixture above the mirror consisting of 4 exposed clear bulbs in a polished brass band - three layers (one of the bulbs is burned out) of shadows created by a plethora of items around the room - a feast for the eyes viewed from an unusual angle.

When the water cleared my ears with a gentle pop, first in the right ear and followed by the next gentle sweep of water down by the left. The room that only moments before had seemed quiets and peaceful with the only sound emitting from the steady drip of the bathtub faucet, now seemed unreasinalbly loud. The gurgle of the drain and the water rushing down the walls below making its 10 floor journey to the sewers.

As more water emptied from the tub, my skin became intimately aware of the temperature difference between the water and the air in the bathroom; first discovered by my nipples as they emerged from the water, but as more water drained, small bumps began to form on the surface of my skin, often referred to as resembling that of a goose whose feathers have been plucked . . . what causes skin to react this way to cold anyway? I became more aware of the hard enameled steel under and around me as the warmth of the water was replaced by the coolness of air drying skin. I could feel the pressure odd bone pressing skin against the steel along my back and neck, under my hips, and the points where my shoulders touched the sides. The last of the water drained away, save for a tiny pool around my head trapped by my shoulders, and I lay there listening to the dripping faucet and the last dribbles of bathwater running throught the pipes until my skin was nearly dry and I had stopped shivering. . . .

Change of Seasons

2006-09-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today is the Autumnal Equinox . . . a new season . . . filled with new and exciting possiblities around every corner . . .

Just call me Imelda... - HNT #38

2006-09-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

I like shoes...a lot.
I have somewhere in the neighbourhood of 45 pairs of shoes, boots, sandles, runners etc. I don't see this as a problem...Mr. J seems to for some reason...

Yes, my legs really are that freaking pale...and yes those are bruises ( I'll bruise if you look at me the wrong way - I'm like a peach I've been told)

Want to walk a mile in someone elses shoes? -->

WARNING: I nearly choked on my coffee when I read this!

2006-09-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

better

2006-09-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a little retail therapy can do to improve ones mood.

*EDIT* - Lily asked...
I bought a new handbag today at lunch. It's a Matt & Nat bag...style: d-squared, colour: raspberry...I've had my eye on it for about 2 weeks...and today was the day. I actually left the store without buying it, got to the end of the block, and had to go back for it. It was just one of those days...

I like lemonade

2006-09-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life doesn't go your way - often refered to as giving you lemons. The options are easy: a) make the best of it (making lemonade), or b)...whine, thrown tantrums, call people names, and otherwise act like a spoiled child.

Musical Monday #5 - Musical Chicken Soup

2006-09-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

I knew that I would eventually feature Edmonton's Shout out out out out for Musical Mondy, even thought it might be today...but when I read MM's leader's post, I knew exactly which song it would be. This one's for you WDKY!

Powered by Castpost
Artist: Shout out out out out (SO4)
Album: Not Saying / Just Saying (Track #8 - Chicken Soup for the Fuck You)
Label: NRMLSWLCMRCDS (Normals Welcome Records)
Released: July 25, 2006

I could never sum up the band as well as the record label website does, so...
"Shout out out out out = two drummers + four bass players + two samplers + five synthesizers + five cowbells + two octapads + one vocoder. Shout out out out out plays volatile dance music.

Shout out out out out is made up of nrmls wlcm label bosses Nik Kozub and Jason Troock, whitey houston members Lyle Bell and Gravy, sketchy casanova Will Zimmerman, and a lil' spazz named Clint Frazier. They are a live spectacle, leaving jaws dropped and dance floors filled with their chaotic blend of epic bumpin'. Hell yes, let us do the electro rock and dance the night away. "

Hand claps and Cow bells...you just can't go wrong!

Amen!

2006-09-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

Pets . . . ?

2006-09-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

Pet noun.
- An animal kept for amusement or companionship.

They are often cute, often soft, playfull, lovable...and also often hairy, and smelly and messy. On the whole, they are dirty...
when does the cuteness outweigh the dirtiness, allowing these creatures into our homes?

In the last two days I have visited homes with a cat and a dog (respectivly), both are very nice, cute animals. Both are well mannered, and relativly clean as pets go. I enjoyed playing with both...but I don't know if I ever want to have one in my own home...but don't tell Mr. J because I may chance my mind again...I'm prone to that sort of thing

baby, it's cold outside...

2006-09-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

only 4 degrees to be exact . . . and there's a bit of a chill on the wind . . . there's a nasty rumour going around that it might . . . snow . . . this weekend . . .

It's the perfect day to tuck into a warm curry lunch and a hot cup of chai . . . which is just what I did . . . YUM!

New music for me!

2006-09-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

F(dot) brought me new music. That's so great...I was just begining to get sick of all my music agian, and from nowhere (or maybe it only seemed like nowhere because I don't get to see her much anymore) she has music that I've never heard before!
Curious? Check out She Wants Revenge.

Oh! And the cover art...
this is why I buy CDs people...

And if anyone has music that I should check out...feel free to leave me a comment or send me an email...I go through CDs like they've gone out of fashion and are on the way back out, and am always on the prowl for something new to fill my airspace!

evil

2006-09-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

this was too funny to pass up...jmk's page is 44%...we laughed...

How does my garden grow? - HNT #37

2006-09-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

Shhhh . . .

Come with me into the garden . . .

I have something to show you.

Step lightly though, we wouldn't want to startle her

Look . . . just there, beneath the yellow flowers . . .

The Flowers ~Robert Louis Stevenson

All the names I know from nurse:
Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse,
Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock,
And the Lady Hollyhock.
Fairy places, fairy things,
Fairy woods where the wild bee wings,
Tiny trees for tiny dames--
These must all be fairy names!
Tiny woods below whose boughs
Shady fairies weave a house;
Tiny tree-tops, rose or thyme,
Where the braver fairies climb!
Fair are grown-up people's trees,
But the fairest woods are these;
Where, if I were not so tall,
I should live for good and all.

Ok, so I posted the only half nekkid gardening photos I had last week, and rather than be redundant, I got creative . . . Truth be told this isn't even a flower in my garden...I didn't plant anything on the balcony this year at all . . . but it is a garden in my neigbourhood . . .

Care to see how other gardens grow? -->

HK says...

2006-09-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Don't be perfectly timid, be imperfectly BOLD!

I've got happy feet!

2006-09-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

...and hands.
Pardon me, I'm going to have a complete GIRL moment...

Miss N from work and I went for a spa Pedicure and Manicure last night. We had both been given gift certificates from the company...oh, how they spoil us sometimes (pfft...I'm sure it's a first and a last). But it was very nice to just sit and relax... and now my feet and hands are oh so happy!!!

For the toes...OPI - It's a Doozi, Says Suzi

and for the fingers - OPI - Honeymoon Suite.

Unfortunately, I've already chiped one of the finger nails...I guess I'm not a very girly girl...oh well!

Ok, back to the regularly scheduled not so GIRLY programming...

And so it begins

2006-09-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Musical Monday #4 - Wall of Noise

2006-09-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

Some of you will likely be surprised by my selection this week. It's loud, and makes no apologies for being such. But unlike much of the loud punk/metal/harcore (call it what you will) music on the market today, it is well composed and well executed. And unfortuantely in limited supply, as the band has spilt.

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Artist: Death From Above 1979
Album: You're A Woman, I'm A Machine (Track #8 - Cold War)
Label: Vice Records
Released: November 25, 2004

Montreal's Death from Above 1979 officially broke up early last month. Unlike most bands that part ways, DFA79's website addresses this issue with a very well written personal statement from one half of the driving drum and guitar duo:

"AUGUST 04.2006

HEY

I KNOW ITS BEEN FOREVER SINCE I WROTE ANYTHING ON HERE. I'M SURE BY NOW MOST OF YOU ASSUME THE BAND ISN'T HAPPENING ANYMORE SINCE THERE ARE NO SHOWS, NO WORK ON A NEW ALBUM, ETC. WELL. I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOUR ASSUMPTIONS ARE CORRECT. WE DECIDED TO STOP DOING THE BAND... ACTUALLY WE DECIDED THAT ALMOST A YEAR AGO. WE FINISHED OFF OUR SCHEDULED TOUR DATES BECAUSE THERE WERE GOOD PEOPLE WORKING FOR US WHO RELIED ON US TO MAKE A LIVING AND BUY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND PAY RENT ETC. WE COULDNT JUST CANCEL EVERYTHING AND LEAVE THEM OUT TO DRY... PLUS I THINK WE WANTED TO SEE IF WE WOULD RECONSIDER AFTER BEING OUT ON THE ROAD. OUR LABEL WAS REALLY HOPING THAT WE WOULD CHANGE OUR MINDS, SO THEY ASKED US TO KEEP QUIET ABOUT THE DECISION FOR AT FIRST. WELL, ITS BEEN QUITE AWHILE NOW AND WE ARE STILL VERY SURE THE BAND WONT HAPPEN AGAIN, SO I GUESS ITS TIME TO SAY SOMETHING.

WE STARTED AS A PUNK BAND WITH POP ASPIRATIONS AND WE MET EVERY GOAL WE SET FOR OURSELVES. A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE ALBUM FINALLY WENT GOLD IN CANADA AND THAT WAS THE FINAL MARK I REALLY WANTED TO REACH.. IT WAS MY GOAL TO SEE HOW BIG WE COULD BECOME WITHOUT EVER COMPROMISING OR CHANGING WHAT WE DID RIGHT FROM THE START... AND NOW I KNOW. WE DID WAY MORE THAN I EVER EXPECTED AND I LIKE TO THINK THE FANS (YOU?) ENJOYED IT AS MUCH AS WE DID.... WATCHING US SNEAK OUR WAY ONTO NETWORK TV, BIG FESTIVALS AND SPORTS ARENAS... PLAYING MUSIC THAT MOST PEOPLE ASSUMED ONLY BELONGED IN BASEMENTS AND DIRTY ROCK CLUBS. WE PLAYED OUR FIRST SHOW IN A LIVING ROOM ON LONG ISLAND FOR ABOUT 12 PEOPLE AND PLAYED OUR LAST IN THE CALGARY SADDLEDOME FOR 12,000. HA! WHAT MORE COULD I HAVE EVER ASKED FOR? IVE BEEN IN LOTS OF PUNK BANDS OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS AND I PLAYED EVERY BASEMENT, SQUAT, HOLE AND ALLEY FROM HERE TO EASTERN EUROPE. DFA79 WAS THE FIRST TIME I EVER REALLY PLAYED ON A STAGE, YET I REALLY DIDNT CHANGE WHAT I WAS DOING FROM WHAT ID BEEN DOING IN THE PAST... HELL I WAS EVEN USING THE SAME
AMPLIFIERS!

I NEVER WOULD HAVE IMAGINED THAT THE WALL OF NOISE I LOVE SO MUCH COULD HAVE COME THIS FAR. TO SEE MY SILLY ELEPHANT TRUNK IDEA BECOME SO POPULAR... IM SURE ITS THE GREATEST PIECE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN I'LL EVER DO.

OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS OF TOURING, SEBASTIEN AND I HAD GROWN APART TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THE ONLY REAL TIME WE SPOKE WAS JUST BEFORE WE WOULD PLAY AND DURING INTERVIEWS. WE BOTH CHANGED SO MUCH THAT THE PEOPLE WE WERE BY THE END OF IT, PROBABLY WOULDNT HAVE BEEN FRIENDS IF THEY WERE TO MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME AGAIN. ITS A TOTALLY NORMAL FUNCTION OF GROWING UP. LIKE HOW YOUR HIGH SCHOOL BF/GF THAT MEANT SO MUCH TO YOU WOULD PROBABLY BE THE LAST PERSON YOU WOULD DATE AT 30, YA KNOW? THATS WHERE WE GOT TO. ITS NOT SAD.

IT WOULD BE MORE SAD IF WE STOPPED CHANGING AND GROWING AND KEPT PLAYING THE SAME SONGS FOR 40 YEARS LIKE THE ROLLING STONES. FOR ME THAT WOULD BE A NIGHTMARE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT FROM BEGINNING TO END. THANKS ACHE RECORDS FOR GIVING US THAT FIRST 325 DOLLARS AND THANKS LAST GANG FOR TAKING US THE REST OF THE WAY. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO OUR SHOWS, WROTE LETTERS JUST TO SAY HI, BAKED CAKES AND MADE YOUR OWN T-SHIRTS. I KEPT EVERYTHING YOU GAVE ME. THANKS SO MUCH TO THE KIDS WHO CAME REALLY EARLY TO SEE US WHEN WERE WERE OPENING FOR BIGGER BANDS... THAT MEANT SO MUCH TO ME.

I HOPE I HAVE BEEN A POSITIVE EXAMPLE AND NOT A BAD INFLUENCE AND I REALLY WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WHEN YOU STOP ME ON THE STREET AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY, ITS NOT BECAUSE I DONT APPRECIATE YOU, ITS JUST NOT SOMETHING I'LL EVER REALLY GET USED TO.

THANKS AGAIN.

J F K "

Waynefest 2006

2006-09-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

Until Thursday evening, I had no idea Waynefest even existed . . . actually I bearly knew of the town of Wayne to be honest. Mr J first sent me a link to the website and said he might like to go maybe . . . it is strange for Mr. J to show an interest in any sort of music event (the only concert he has bought tickets for himself since I have known him is GWAR . . . enough siad) so I thought I had better look into it. . .

Waynefest, in the bonefide ghost town of Wayne, Alberta (population 42) is billed as Canada’s most intimate little music festival, with only 500 tickets sold (400 camping weekend passes and only 100 Saturday day passes). The line up was made up of some of my favorite players in the Canadian folk music scene, including Po Girl, Nathan and a recent addition to my musical repetoir - Elliott Brood.

The website cautioned that since there are only 100 Saturday tickets available (only at the gate) to arrive early . . . Mr J and I had a back up plan to go hicking if we could not secure tickets, but left Calgary bright and early for the nearly 2 hour drive. We arrived just after 9:00 after taking the long (but not the very long) route, to discover that we had been a bit mislead. The two very sleepy lookin gyoung men sitting at the entry gate, had not sold a single day pass, and didn't even really know how to go about doing so...the field was completely empty, and the stage was still in the process of being set up . . . luckily there was a single food vendor serving up large portions of breakfast and coffee (with free refills) for a mere $5, the sun was shining and before too long there was music to be heard, starting with a bagpipe wake up call through out the campsite.

The mainstage started at 12:00 and there was continuous music until 5:30 at which point the 400 weekend ticket holders were served their complimentary deepfird steak dinner . . . while the 100 day pass people (Mr J and I included) were left to either watch or procure or own diner. So we headed across the street to the Last Chance Saloon (yes, Wayne may only have 42 residents, but it has a 200+ capacity saloon) where we noched on Buffalo Burgers and BBQ your own steak with Mr J's friends A, J & K. Then it was back to the festival for hours more of music and entertainment.

Throughout the course of the day, the show wound up running about an hour and a half late. And naturally the act I anticipated seeing the most was scheduled for the second last itme slot, so we didn't get back on the road to Calgary until almost 12:30 . . . needless to say we slept in this morning.

It was a great day, although the 3 1/2 hours travel time made the long day of sitting in the hot desert sun even longer. Mr J says if we are to partake in this fun, yet poorly organized fest agian, that we will have to go for the whole weekend - camping included. This almost guarentees that the fifth annual Waynefest will be my first, and last, as this girl DOES NOT CAMP! It would have to be one hell of a lineup to get me to sleep in a tent and forego showers. . .

too much time on your hands?

2006-09-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Some people seem to, and for that I am glad...look at these increadable paper sculptures...turly amazing!

Urban Jungle - HNT #36

2006-09-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

I've been talking a lot about my urban existence over the last little while, both here and in day to day conversations with friends (old and new alike). My lack of inspiration for this week's post lead me toperuse my archives (truth be told I had a request which started me on this little scavenger hunt) . . . what did I find? I found today's HNT post . . . leftover images from my 'bad apple' set. With a little crop here and there, they are the perfect example of my own urban jungle. Ten floors above the ground I have my own piece of paradise in a world of concrete and noise . . . and since they are from the archives, I'll give you all three . . . aren't I generous?

Seriously people, I have an inspirational drain going right now, if you have any ideas, send them my way!

These buttons are fun to push, you should try it...you never know, you might just find something inspiring -->

"Going to an airport with a T-shirt in Arabic script is like going to a bank and wearing a T-shirt that says: 'I'm a robber' "

2006-09-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

WHAT?!?!?
This is wrong on so many levels it makes my brain hurt!

NEW YORK (AP) - An Arab human rights activist was prevented from boarding a
plane at Kennedy Airport while wearing a T-shirt that read "We will not be
silent" in English and Arabic.
read more...

Close encounters of the Blog kind

2006-09-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

I met my second 'blogger' in person tonight. Coffee was had, and conversations were shared, it was delightful...I thought the second meeting would be a little less nerve-wracking then when I met Lurch, but I was wrong. It's strange, I meet new people all the time without a care in the world, but meeting someone who regularly reads my blog puts me completely on edge...

*EDIT* I neglected to mention...it was the one and only Spirit who was my charming coffee companion

Come to work with me!

2006-09-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

I walk to work...well, I walk everywhere actually. But when Os first said to take 12 photos of our journey to work for the Labor Day theme, I thought there was no way that I could take 12 pictures of my 15 minute walk and keep it interesting...oh how foolish I was...I took about 50 this morning...here's some of them...~~Happy~~ post-long weekend Tuesday everyone! (click images to see full size)

Running late...again

be it ever so humble…

watch your step

someone's got an early start on things

Did you know it takes over 3 weeks to pour a new sidewalk?

keep your eyes peeled for new graffiti

daily reminder

Sing a little Janis Joplin

a little history lesson

over the Bow River we go…look at the lovely shadows this morning

look out point #1

take a look over the railing

look out point #2...a must stop every day

I have taken a picture from this same spot everyday for almost a year now

one of my favorite trees...the leaves are starting to turn

good morning

lost about 3 weeks ago...

almost there...smell the pungent greasy smell in the air? Hold your breath while we walk on by...

cut through the parking lot and we're there.

About Calgary...Urban feel

2006-09-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Ceeci left a comment on my downtown photo prowl post that got me thinking...

. . . I just finished watching "Long Way Round" the documentary of Ewan McGregor's and Charley Boorman's motorcycle ride around the world. They went through Calgary. I don't know what I was thinking...Stampede maybe...I had no idea you lived in such a big city. Now I understand why your pictures have such an urban feel . . .

It's true Calgary is a BIG city! The official population hit 1 million last month, and has continued to grow by about 100 people a day for over a year now. That makes us the fastest growing city in Canada. Calgary is currently the 4th largest metropolitan area in Canada (third largest municipal area). And it's not just a big city in terms of population, the footprint of our fair city is 790 km square (that's big, New York City's land area is only 785 km s and has 8 million people - very few if any live in the water).

What else can be said about Calgary?

Calgary has 4 post secondary schools - 1 University (The University of Calgary of course), and 3 colleges: Mount Royal College (my alma mater), Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD), and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Calgary hosts several annual festivals: Calgary Folk Music Festival (my personal favorite, and highlight of my summer), Calgary Jazz festival, Global Fest (including an international fireworks competition), Lilac festival, Calgary International Film Festival (it's not Cannes, but it's pretty darn good!)
Calgary boasts a large arts and entertainment culture: a number of theatre companies (Alberta Theatre Projects, Vertigo Mystery Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Theatre Junction, One Yellow Rabbit, Mob Hit Productions, Loose Moose, The Shakespeare Company), The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, The Alberta Ballet, Calgary Opera, And a huge number of Museums (Glenbow Museum, Nickle Arts Museum, Modern Art Museum of Calgary, Fort Calgary Historic Park, Heritage Park, Museum of the Regiments, Museum of Movie Art) and Galleries.
Calgary has 8 skyscrapers that are higher than 40 floors.
Much of the downtown core is connected by second floor covered walkways known as the +15 ...there was a movie (waydowntown) that featured these, it's quite good - watch it if you can.
Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics...and we now have a series of decaying sports centres because of it - Including Canada Olympic Park, a ski Hill within the city limits!
Calgary has 4 professional sport teams: The Flames (National Hockey League), The Stampeders (Canadian Football League), The Roughnecks (National Lacrosse league), and the Vipers (Northern League - Baseball)
10 days out of every July the city is thrown to the dogs and everyone (including thousands of tourist) is given free license to act like a jackass - I'm talking about "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. I've lived in Calgary for 8+ years (and Alberta for almost 3 times that) and have only been once for a few hours...and that was too much.

So, for anyone who wondered, or even cares slightly, now you know a little bit more about Calgary.

THAT'S MY BOY!

2006-09-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, I just found this out, and I have to share it. Everyone is familiar with IMDb right? Well check this out!

. . . my brother that is . . .

Musical Monday #3 - Incestuous Canada

2006-09-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Last week I featured Calgarian Feist as my Musical Monday contribution; this week a group that she has worked with - a group that many Canadian artists have either been a member of or have collaborated with: Broken Social Scene.

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7-4 Shortline feat. Feist on vocals

The definitive Canadian indie rock supergroup, Broken Social Scene (BSS) was formed in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning in Toronto. Along with a small army of musically inclined friends from various groups and projects, the two have created a truly dynamic sound experience. The BSS website lists 16 members (Justin Peroff, Brendan Canning, Kevin Drew, Charles Spearin, Andrew Whiteman, Feist, Jason Collett, Evan Cranley, Emily Haines, James Shaw, Amy Millan, Dave Neufeld, John Crossingham, Ohad Benchetrit, Julie Penner, Lisa Lobsinger) , but there have been countless others to work with the collective over the years. Canadian music is often intermingled like that - to the point where it is sometimes hard to keep track of who has worked with whom etc...so for the most part I don't. If I like it good, if someone from a particular group has been in some other band great I'll check it out if I hear about it...but if you really want details...

I can tell you this much, BSS put on a stellar live show! They played the Thursday night mainstage at this year's folk fest and I was blown away! If you ever get the chance to see them go! I know I will go again, the line up is always changing and each show is new because of it!

Discography
Feel Good Lost (2001)
You Forgot It in People (2002)
Bee Hives (2004)
Broken Social Scene (2005) - Track #3 - 7-4 (Shortline)

Wikipedia says:
Most of the musicians who have worked with Broken Social Scene are members of
other bands as well. These include:
KC Accidental - Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin
Apostle of Hustle - Andrew Whiteman
Feist - Leslie Feist
Jason Collett - Jason Collett
Do Make Say Think - Charles Spearin and Ohad Benchetrit
Junior Blue - Justin Peroff and Kevin Drew
Metric - James Shaw and Emily Haines
Raising the Fawn - John Crossingham
Stars - Evan Cranley, Amy Millan, and Torquil Campbell
Treble Charger (split up early 2006) - Bill Priddle (left Treble Charger in 2003)
Valley of the Giants - Brendan Canning and Charles Spearin
The Weakerthans - Jason Tait
FemBots - Jason Tait and Julie Penner
Reverie Sound Revue - Lisa Lobsinger
k-os - Kheaven Brereton
The Dears - Murray Lightburn

Junior Blue and Valley of the Giants are both BSS-style collaborative bands that were formed after You Forgot It in People was recorded and released.
Canning was previously in the bands hHead and By Divine Right.
Leslie Feist was previously in the band By Devine Right.
Whiteman was previously in the bands Que Vida and Bourbon Tabernacle Choir.

I had a very productive day...how about you?

2006-09-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Coffee in hand, camera batteries charged . . . I headed downtown to photograph familiar territory. These are the things I see all the time, but have never taken the time to capture . . . this is Calgary the way I see it

More . . .

We're going out!

2006-09-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

shoes tied, music playing, batteries charged...we're going for a walk

i couldn't resist

2006-09-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

want one?

Welcome to Miss J's class

2006-09-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

My best friend officially begins her life as a teacher on Tuesday, when 23 first and second graders pile into her class room and look to her for guidance. She's nervous. She's taught before, under the supervision of others, an well as in Japan. But now she has her own class room. I spent today helping her set it up for the very first time. It was fun!

Her school is less than a block from my apartment, and is a building that I am quite fond of, and secretly have wished to see the inside of for some time. Today I got my chance.

My first task was to sort through her supply order, make sure everything was there, and assemble a pencil box for each child. I have a bit of neurosis when it comes to stationary goods - school supplies to be more specific - I love them, always have...there's just something about a fresh note book, or a brand new package of never before used wax crayons...it makes me happy...very happy. So I set out sorting through cardboard boxes stamped with a big green Grand & Toy with my spirits high! 23 plastic boxes waiting for thier bright eyed receipients each containing: 2 HB pencils, 1/2 pink pearl earser, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 pair scissors with safty lid, 1 package 24 wax crayons, and 1 package 24 coloured pencils.

From there I labeled a duotang for each student for math, spelling, social studies and science...it's strange that after writting the word spelling (or any word for that matter) 23 times you can't tell if you have it spelled correctly or not.

We moved furniture, cut out laminated apples, cleaned white boards, made name tags, un-packaged magnets, hung posters, moved furniture again, snooped in other teachers rooms for guidance, shopped for books, supplies and containers for supplies, ate lunch on the road between school and shops, cleaned some more, moved furniture yet again, and after 9 hours had passed, her classroom had been transformed from a nearly bare room, to the begining of a room that will foster young minds!

I am so proud of her!

have you ever . . . ?

2006-09-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched a bird take flight? I mean, really watched…as spindly little legs push off from the tree branch and feet are clenched into tiny fists of pure ambition… wings flapping furiously…until the moment of grace hits and he soars on with instinctual confidence…I have, it is truly a wonderous thing to really watch…

I Sh( )t the sheriff

2006-09-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Ok so, maybe he isn't the sheriff, but I shot him anyway...

It's a big day for history buffs . . .

2006-08-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

5509 BC - The world was created, according to the Byzantine Empire.

1653 - Johann Pachelbel born in Germany (d. 1706)

1854 - Engelbert Humperdinck (composer) born in Siegburg (d. 1921)

1875 - Edgar Rice Burroughs born in Chicago (d. 1950)

1887 - Emile Berliner filed for a patent for his invention of the lateral-cut, flat-disk gramophone. We know it better as the record player. Emile got the patent, but Thomas Edison got the notoriety for making it work and making music with his invention.

1905 - Alberta (the ~~fine~~ province I call home) and Saskatchewan (neighbour to the East) join the Canadian confederation.

1914 - The last Passenger Pigeon, a female named Martha, dies in captivity in the Cincinnati Zoo.

1939 - The start of World War II: Polish September Campaign - Nazi Germany invades Poland.

1951 - Nellie McClung, Canadian feminist, politician and social activist, dies in Victoria, B.C. at 77.

1974 - Jhonen Vasquez born in San Jose

Which Jhonen Vaquez character are you?

1977 - Singer Debbie Harry (of Blondie) signed a recording deal with Chrysalis Records. Chrysalis bought the group’s private stock label for $500,000. With the high visibility of the former Playboy Bunny, it was difficult to think of Blondie as a band, and not just Debbie Harry.

1980 - Terry Fox forced to stop Marthon of Hope in St. John's, Newfoundland after cancer returned and spread to his lungs. He started the run on April 12 and ran over 5000 Km across the country.

1982 - Canada adopts a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as part of its Constitution.

2006 - You learned something new! What was it?

55 flash (non)fiction friday

2006-08-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

Missing . . .

like the cream in my coffee . . .

not quite right

like the staw on a juice box . . .

not as easy as it should be

like music on my walk to work . . .

quiet, yet unbearably noisey

like a day without laughter

or a night without stars

something is missing . . .

I can't put my finger on what

*EDIT* 55Flash ~~Fiction~~ Friday - Not feeling all that creative this morning...with a minor edit this post from last night can almost fit the guidelines, and this is my offering

Stupid Human Trick - HNT #35

2006-08-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Lime showed off her her ability to roll her tongue last week, and when I commented on being able to not only roll mine one way, but 2 ways, she challenged me to show it. I'm not one to back away from a challenge, so this week I present to you, my very own stupid human trick.

As Lime so elegantly displayed last week, I too can roll my tongue into an O shape by bringing the sides together . . . like so . . .

. . . but in addition to that, I can also roll my tongue from front to back. I have never met another person that can do this without using teeth or lips to keep the tongue in this possition . . . I'm not really sure what that says about me, maybe I'msome sort of mutant . . . if you want a closer look at this freakish contortion click the picture . . .

but be warned, mouths are really gross, and mine is no exception!

For more HNT tricks (probably a lot less stupid than this one) from other humans click these buttons -->

*EDIT* - I may have to ask all of you that say "I can do it too!" to show it off...like I said, I've never met anyone else that can.

Oh, and, YES, I can tie a cherry stem in a knot using only my tongue...Andy asked!

Feverish Fog

2006-08-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

I spent the day on the couch wrapped in a sweat soaked blanket shivering like there was no tomorrow. My eyes cooking in their sockets, chills running through me and the fog of a fevered brain thinking all sorts of crazy things.
I hate being alone when I'm sick. It seems like having someone there...just in case...makes me feel just that little bit better. When jmk walked in the door just before 9:00 tonight I felt relieved...I summoned the strength to get off the couch and get some juice and some advil, and a couple of hours later the fever is starting to lift...
I hate being sick!

Musical Monday #2 - Local Girl

2006-08-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

Keeping with my Canadian strategy for Musical Monday, I thought I would feature a Calgarian for my second post.

Leslie Feist, or just Feist as she is more widly known, got her musical start playing in a high school punk band, winning an opening spot for The Ramones in a 'battle of the bands' competition. I'm not a biographer, so if you want to know the whole story of how Feist went from not being able to sing to becoming one of the most well known Canadain singers today go here or to her website. Here is a point form list as I know it... In the window between her high school band opening for The Ramones in the early 90s and now, Feist has played with By Devine Right (who toured with The Tragically Hip), and Broken Social Scene, she lived with Peaches, has been featured vocally on Appostle of Hustle, Kings of Convenience, and Jane Birkin recordings . . . oh, and has released two albums Let It Die and and a remixes and Collaberative album Open Season. Busy girl!

I should maybe mention that I'm not a big fan of Feist's work as a general rule . . . then why the heck am I featuring her you might ask? Well, because the colabs and remixs are outstanding! Which is the album that today's song comes from. The liner notes include this little anecdote on the remix of Lonely Lonely:

Then, a few months into touring the album, someone in London frisbee'd an unmarked CD onto the stage. Later in my hotel, I listened to it as a pre-sleep nightcap. It was so bizarre and exciting to hear a song that we had so carefully dressed, be undressed and re-addressd, and put into clothes it would have never thought to wear on its own.

So, connecting little ol' me in Calgary, to Musical Monday's creator on London - Feist's Lonely Lonely [frisbee'd mix] from Open Season!

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*EDIT 7:12 am* - It seems that track just isn't going to play..at all...for whatever reason. So instead here is track 4 from the same album Gatekeeper [One Room One Hour mix]. There's no cute annecdote in the liner notes about this one, so I'll just let you have a listen and see for yourself...

Happy Monday all!

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*EDIT ~~6:52pm~~ 9:02pm* I GOT IT!!! Okay, because I love you people so darn much (and it was really bugging me that I couldn't get the darn song to work), I have found an alternate means of bringing you the song I had originally wanted to post. This guy claims to be the source of the frisbee'd disk. He has this to say about this version...

See 'Open Season' by Feist for my remix of Lonely Lonely. But bear in mind that due to an error made in mastering, the remix is slower and lower in pitch than it should be.

I honestly prefer the mix on Open Season at about 90% this speed, but this gives a good feel for the track!

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Frisbeemusic myspace version

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Open Season version...~~takes a while to load, and I'll completely understand if you don't wait~~ seems to be ok now?...I just had to figure it out for myself mostly!

Lazy Sunday Photo Prowl

2006-08-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

It is such a beautiful day out, I just couldn't stay inside . . . So I went out to play!
Less than 3 hours . . . 305 photos . . . I usually take at least 2 shots of everything just to be sure . . . so lets cut that number to 150 . . . and let's assume that only about 25% of that is actually worth seeing . . . that means I should have somewhere around 35-40 pictures to show off ...Yay!

More...

12:34

2006-08-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of day...
I'm spending my lazy Sunday taking my camera for a walk...