I'm off to see the wizard...
Well, OK just The Dandy Warhols and The Police and Sloan...
And my friends Cindi and Troy.
Going to be a nice holiday I think.
Later...
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Note to self
When using a pressure washer for the first time, instead of cursing the machine for being a piece of crap that doesn't work well, try turning the power on to the outlet feeding the washer. It's amazing how things work so much better when they are actually plugged in.
This is why I don't have power tools...
This is why I don't have power tools...
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wouldn't you like to know...
Pacian found the following five questions lying around and thought I might know how to answer them…
1. What (or who) was your favourite toy or cuddly animal as a child?
That’s a tough one, as I had a big imagination. Generally anything I could find became a toy or something to play with…even twigs and bits of wood would do in a pinch as I made potions, explored castles and fought dragons. As specifics, I do recall having a whole army of men, pirates and cowboys and my brother and I would spend hours setting up grand attacks and assaults, although I think I spent the most time with my Star Wars action figures…every winter was Hoth. Every summer was Dagoba.
I did have a small blanket I loved though…it was originally my brothers and was covered in flannel cartoon hockey players – it was soft and fluffy and all the monsters in the dark couldn’t find me when I was curled up safe underneath it. My Mum later recovered it when it got worn through to have cartoon clowns on it. I still have it…I recovered it back in high school (when clowns were so passé) with black and grey plaid flannel and still snuggle under it to read on cold evenings.
2. Someone loans you their rocketship for a day. Which planet or moon do you have your picnic on?
Hmmm…Something with soft ground and a bit of shade in or near a nebula, where the gasses and atmosphere would be a beautiful sight to see while sat and looked at the sky at night, and munched on cheese and wine. A bit of helium in the atmosphere would make for a fun afternoon too. If I had to pick an actual place…Saturn. I bet the rings would look beautiful at sunset.
3. You’ve been press-ganged! Which would you be: privateer, buccaneer or pirate?
Pirate…most definitively. I wouldn’t want to privateer for a government and a buccaneer-well I have no real beef with Spain. I like that buccaneers and pirates could elect their captain – the idea of a life on a pirate ship is something I like. Work hard for your wages and live a free life. Not a bad thing when you think about it...I’d prefer something along the lines of life on the Serenity. The life on Firefly with Zoe and captain tightpants is what I’d see a future "pirate" ship to be – a life of freedom I could really settle into.
4. Aliens are trying to steal your secret formula with their telepathy ray! Quick, go to your happy place! By the way, where is it? (I won't tell the aliens, honest...)
You’ll never get the formula!
My real happy place? Well, as much as I want to put in a witty weird place involving cheese and pillows and sunshine, for me it’s a real place I take with me. It’s on the dock at the lake. Ever since I was a girl, when something bothered me I’d picture being there at Little Bear, on a sunset with the wind rippling the water and the loons singing on the lake. I’d be bundled up in my blanket, crosslegged on the end of the dock and I’d breathe in the pine and listen to the wind in the trees and slowly, everything would all fall back into place. I’ve sat there many times in reality and in my head. It is to me the very definition of calm.
Why? Well here’s how it looked this weekend when I was there. Tell me this isn’t the most serene and peaceful thing you’ve ever seen…
5. If you could have one ability or body part from an animal, what would it be?
I want to fly. I always have. I used to hop off the treehouse as a kid and try to hover in the air…even for the briefest moment. I often dream I can fly and hover and I think it would be the most wonderful thing to just escape the world for a bit and fly in the air. I’d prefer it to be a gentle hover sort of flying where there was no exertion and mad arm flapping, but I’ll take what I can get...I always wanted wings ever since I watched the Dark Crystal
Extremely close second...chameleon powers. But only if I can do plaid...
*****************************************************************************
Here are the rules if you want in on the thingamajig:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions (or leaving them in a comment on your blog). I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
1. What (or who) was your favourite toy or cuddly animal as a child?
That’s a tough one, as I had a big imagination. Generally anything I could find became a toy or something to play with…even twigs and bits of wood would do in a pinch as I made potions, explored castles and fought dragons. As specifics, I do recall having a whole army of men, pirates and cowboys and my brother and I would spend hours setting up grand attacks and assaults, although I think I spent the most time with my Star Wars action figures…every winter was Hoth. Every summer was Dagoba.
I did have a small blanket I loved though…it was originally my brothers and was covered in flannel cartoon hockey players – it was soft and fluffy and all the monsters in the dark couldn’t find me when I was curled up safe underneath it. My Mum later recovered it when it got worn through to have cartoon clowns on it. I still have it…I recovered it back in high school (when clowns were so passé) with black and grey plaid flannel and still snuggle under it to read on cold evenings.
2. Someone loans you their rocketship for a day. Which planet or moon do you have your picnic on?
Hmmm…Something with soft ground and a bit of shade in or near a nebula, where the gasses and atmosphere would be a beautiful sight to see while sat and looked at the sky at night, and munched on cheese and wine. A bit of helium in the atmosphere would make for a fun afternoon too. If I had to pick an actual place…Saturn. I bet the rings would look beautiful at sunset.
3. You’ve been press-ganged! Which would you be: privateer, buccaneer or pirate?
Pirate…most definitively. I wouldn’t want to privateer for a government and a buccaneer-well I have no real beef with Spain. I like that buccaneers and pirates could elect their captain – the idea of a life on a pirate ship is something I like. Work hard for your wages and live a free life. Not a bad thing when you think about it...I’d prefer something along the lines of life on the Serenity. The life on Firefly with Zoe and captain tightpants is what I’d see a future "pirate" ship to be – a life of freedom I could really settle into.
4. Aliens are trying to steal your secret formula with their telepathy ray! Quick, go to your happy place! By the way, where is it? (I won't tell the aliens, honest...)
You’ll never get the formula!
My real happy place? Well, as much as I want to put in a witty weird place involving cheese and pillows and sunshine, for me it’s a real place I take with me. It’s on the dock at the lake. Ever since I was a girl, when something bothered me I’d picture being there at Little Bear, on a sunset with the wind rippling the water and the loons singing on the lake. I’d be bundled up in my blanket, crosslegged on the end of the dock and I’d breathe in the pine and listen to the wind in the trees and slowly, everything would all fall back into place. I’ve sat there many times in reality and in my head. It is to me the very definition of calm.
Why? Well here’s how it looked this weekend when I was there. Tell me this isn’t the most serene and peaceful thing you’ve ever seen…
5. If you could have one ability or body part from an animal, what would it be?
I want to fly. I always have. I used to hop off the treehouse as a kid and try to hover in the air…even for the briefest moment. I often dream I can fly and hover and I think it would be the most wonderful thing to just escape the world for a bit and fly in the air. I’d prefer it to be a gentle hover sort of flying where there was no exertion and mad arm flapping, but I’ll take what I can get...I always wanted wings ever since I watched the Dark Crystal
Extremely close second...chameleon powers. But only if I can do plaid...
*****************************************************************************
Here are the rules if you want in on the thingamajig:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions (or leaving them in a comment on your blog). I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Bleargh
*sigh*
It is one of those days when whatever I touch breaks, explodes or in some other way refuses to do it's thing.
Lets just say the lab is a disaster.
Me? I'm a crochety thing.
And it's raining.
Still.
mumble mumble mumble...
It is one of those days when whatever I touch breaks, explodes or in some other way refuses to do it's thing.
Lets just say the lab is a disaster.
Me? I'm a crochety thing.
And it's raining.
Still.
mumble mumble mumble...
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Foody goody - yes please
I saw this on Roadchick’s weblog and liked the idea…since she said anyone could do it if they wanted to, and I have nothing else interesting to say, I consider meself tagged.
(Plus I figure if Tits McGee can fill this out, so can I...)
1. Add a direct link to your post below the name of the person who tagged you. Include the city/state and country you’re in.
Nicole (Sydney, Australia)
velverse (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
LB (San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy)
Melba (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Olivia (London, England)
ML (Utah, USA)
Lotus (Toronto, Canada)
tanabata (Saitama, Japan)
Andi (Dallas [ish], Texas, United States)
Todd (Louisville, Kentucky, United States)
miss kendra (los angeles, california, u.s.a)
Jiggs Casey (Berkeley, CA, USA! USA! USA!)
Tits McGee (New England, USA)
Kat (Ontario, Canada)
Cheezy (London, England)
Paula (Orange County, California, U.S.)
Jeff (Colorado, USA)
Fringes (around Houston, US)
Tera (Somewhere In KY by way of OH, USA)
heather (upstate new york, usa)
Roadchick (Nashville, TN, USA)
Geosomin (Saskatoon, Canada)
2. List your top five favorite local eating places:
1. Red Pepper: My favorite place to go out to. It is the best Vietnamese food in the province I’d say…voted best in town for many years, their food makes me very very happy. Spicy wonderful flavours. Plus there is always some bizarre strangely unsuitable music playing there when we go and eat in…it’s like all good restaurants that are there because of their food – slightly divey to sit in but the service is great and the food is amazing. No website.
2. Amigos – a local restaurant & bar where you can catch most of the great small bands that come through town. They have somewhat shit sound, but their food will make you do a little dance-Mexican food that is deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious…and the best nachos ever. And great beer. Plus it’s right in the artsy broadway district so you can spend an afternoon wandering about, eat a great meal and then hear a great band.
3. The Tajmahal – Best Indian food. Period. One of the best in Canada actually (or so some book about canadian dining says). They buy and make all their things from scratch the day of and the family that owns it it treats you like an honored guest in their home, recommending things, chatting with you and talking you through your choices. Pricey but honestly, some of the best food I’ve ever had. Ever. Ever ever. No website.
4. EE Burritos– A little Chilean restaurant that started out as takeaway but the food was so amazing they now have an eat in restaurant. The food is fantastic and the place is family owned and they take great pride in making some of the best cheese stuffed roast peppers and other yummy things. They even have a little place to get authentic ingredients if you want to make it at home. And their fresh Horchata is my favorite summer drink . No website.
5. The Cave - the food here is good, but the atmosphere is what makes it over the top and still a favorite for me. It’s a themey restaurant that really is set up like a cave and I always feel like I’m in Mos Eisley when we go there to eat in our own private cavernous nook of a table. We have dreamy plans to dress up in Star Wars garb and head out there for drinks one night…the lounge is like tatooine. Nice. No website.
And as honorable mentions, simply based on their names, there is also the Slurp & Munch , the Jug 'N Loaf and (because I still go there everytime I'm back visiting) the Blarney Stone pub (for Guinness on tap and chili cheese fries) & Lamborgini's subs (where all the subs were named after cars and the spinach feta sub was mmm...) in nearby Regina, SK. Sure they are divey, but somehow their names made them worth it...and as a starving student they were my homes for many late night munches and study breaks.
Feel free to do this if ya like. As for me…I’m hungry now and have to go eat something.
(Plus I figure if Tits McGee can fill this out, so can I...)
1. Add a direct link to your post below the name of the person who tagged you. Include the city/state and country you’re in.
Nicole (Sydney, Australia)
velverse (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
LB (San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy)
Melba (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Olivia (London, England)
ML (Utah, USA)
Lotus (Toronto, Canada)
tanabata (Saitama, Japan)
Andi (Dallas [ish], Texas, United States)
Todd (Louisville, Kentucky, United States)
miss kendra (los angeles, california, u.s.a)
Jiggs Casey (Berkeley, CA, USA! USA! USA!)
Tits McGee (New England, USA)
Kat (Ontario, Canada)
Cheezy (London, England)
Paula (Orange County, California, U.S.)
Jeff (Colorado, USA)
Fringes (around Houston, US)
Tera (Somewhere In KY by way of OH, USA)
heather (upstate new york, usa)
Roadchick (Nashville, TN, USA)
Geosomin (Saskatoon, Canada)
2. List your top five favorite local eating places:
1. Red Pepper: My favorite place to go out to. It is the best Vietnamese food in the province I’d say…voted best in town for many years, their food makes me very very happy. Spicy wonderful flavours. Plus there is always some bizarre strangely unsuitable music playing there when we go and eat in…it’s like all good restaurants that are there because of their food – slightly divey to sit in but the service is great and the food is amazing. No website.
2. Amigos – a local restaurant & bar where you can catch most of the great small bands that come through town. They have somewhat shit sound, but their food will make you do a little dance-Mexican food that is deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious…and the best nachos ever. And great beer. Plus it’s right in the artsy broadway district so you can spend an afternoon wandering about, eat a great meal and then hear a great band.
3. The Tajmahal – Best Indian food. Period. One of the best in Canada actually (or so some book about canadian dining says). They buy and make all their things from scratch the day of and the family that owns it it treats you like an honored guest in their home, recommending things, chatting with you and talking you through your choices. Pricey but honestly, some of the best food I’ve ever had. Ever. Ever ever. No website.
4. EE Burritos– A little Chilean restaurant that started out as takeaway but the food was so amazing they now have an eat in restaurant. The food is fantastic and the place is family owned and they take great pride in making some of the best cheese stuffed roast peppers and other yummy things. They even have a little place to get authentic ingredients if you want to make it at home. And their fresh Horchata is my favorite summer drink . No website.
5. The Cave - the food here is good, but the atmosphere is what makes it over the top and still a favorite for me. It’s a themey restaurant that really is set up like a cave and I always feel like I’m in Mos Eisley when we go there to eat in our own private cavernous nook of a table. We have dreamy plans to dress up in Star Wars garb and head out there for drinks one night…the lounge is like tatooine. Nice. No website.
And as honorable mentions, simply based on their names, there is also the Slurp & Munch , the Jug 'N Loaf and (because I still go there everytime I'm back visiting) the Blarney Stone pub (for Guinness on tap and chili cheese fries) & Lamborgini's subs (where all the subs were named after cars and the spinach feta sub was mmm...) in nearby Regina, SK. Sure they are divey, but somehow their names made them worth it...and as a starving student they were my homes for many late night munches and study breaks.
Feel free to do this if ya like. As for me…I’m hungry now and have to go eat something.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
rain rain go away
I do believe I'm losing my mind.
I got up at 5 this morning and ran in the rain for nearly an hour.
And get this...I *liked* it.
When I've time there is much to say, but for now, I'll leave it at this:
5 days is enough - No more rain please...and thank you.
I got up at 5 this morning and ran in the rain for nearly an hour.
And get this...I *liked* it.
When I've time there is much to say, but for now, I'll leave it at this:
5 days is enough - No more rain please...and thank you.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Going on a holiday....gonna have a good time.
Well...it's a long weekend here thanks to the Queen, so J and I are taking off as soon as we can to go up to my parent's cottage at Little Bear Lake for the weekend and staying until Monday night. I"m all stressed and wigged out by the hecticness of life lately, and like Earl over to my left there, I need a holiday before I start to wig out and see flying flaming skulls and all that sort of thing.
It'll be nice to get away and relax...maybe do some canoeing or fishing. I'll get to jog up there, which I've always daydreamed about doing, so I'm excited about that. It one of my favorite places in the world to be - I relax as soon as I get there. My brother will be up there too, so it's all good. Even if it rains all weekend I'll curl up in an old blanket by the fire and read trashy garage sale novels all weekend while drinking hot chocolate and nibbling on popcorn. Jay needs a break too so I'm looking forward to just veggin in nature...maybe hiking...who knows?
I made my Dad a bunch of wine labels to bring up for him for his latest batches that he just bottled before they went up there- I hope he likes them. Most of them are classyish ones, but one is his face photoshopped onto a guy in a vineyard holding a bunch of grapes labelled Dave's Finest Vintage. I think he'll get a kick out of it...I giggled like an idiot while making it, so I hope so.
Anyways, I'm bloody exhausted and have a whack of stuff to do before I can creep off to start the 3 hour drive, so I'm off.
Have a great weekend all you blogopeoples out there!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
How sweet it is to be loved by J
J just came and left me 3 tiny little groups of 3 tiny purple flowers that grow on the vines in our house in 3 tiny 1 mL beakers as vases...so pretty...and so very cute. Why? Just 'cause.I'm so in love...
meep :)
Later: snagged a camera to capture the cuteness
So small...so cute...:)
Much later: I just learned what this plant is finally! It's Hoya (wax plant). We inherited it from J's grandma and always wondered what it was. Bonus...
I'd like to be your hero - I am a mighty little man
My favorite "making pancakes on a lazy Saturday" album has to be Songs for Dustmites by Steve Burns.
It's a nice happy album about science and love and full of things I might have thought or said or done. Sure the guy made it into the world music and such writing music/being on the Blues Clues children's program (which I admit I've never seen so can't comment on), but his first "real" album is still one of my favorites. We came across it at the community radio station and from the first listen, I was very impressed.
Apparently he's influenced by Flaming Lips...which can only be a good thing in my mind. According to what I've heard, Burns was at a party when someone played the Flaming Lips album "The Soft Bulletin." Story goes that he got very excited and immediately bought the album, and began working on his own music, leaving behind Blues Clues for something else. He even convinced the Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd and Michael Ivins to be in on the work. I've heard the album described as "indie rock" and " having a slightly folksy bent to the songs, as if folk were played on a spaceship". It's been called a concept album, but to me it's just a collection of intelligent thoughts about things put to music I happen to really enjoy...I suppose I'd call him a musical godlet.
Go have a listen.
Here's a few of my favorite lyrics from the album...I listened to the album this morning on my way to work and it's made me happy. *grin*
Mighty Little Man
-Steve Burns-
A tired man in his chair
doesn't move he only stares
at the machine across the room
there's nothing there; it's not getting through
he shakes his head, finally stands up
throws his hands up in the air
a blinding flash across the room
a sudden crash, a sonic boom changes everything he knew
it's everything he's never seen
the biggest deal there's ever been
described in light upon the screen
(it said)
nobody else is stronger than I am
yesterday I moved a mountain
I'd like to be your hero
I am a mighty little man
from way up here you can't look down
as of now there is no ground
the microscope is turned around
don't be alarmed, don't make a fuss
he's still like you; he's one of us
and he'll come back before too long
he takes a breath and clears his mind
grabs his coat and steps outside
an empty street, there's no one there
he lifts himself into the air
a billion thoughts expressed as one
etched in words across the sun
(it said)
nobody else is stronger than I am
yesterday I moved a mountain
I'd like to be your hero
I am a mighty little man
Songs For Dustmites
Nano you and nano me
Living beside the micron sea
Will the stars spin around the earth again
I don't know it's up to them
They'll get to it later
The biggest baddest world you've ever seen
Is smaller than a tear
Where all the kids have robot hearts
And dustmites fight with micro gears
When the earth was still and the universe spun round
Biggest baddest world you've ever seen
Is smaller than a tear
Where all the kids have robot hearts
And dustmites fight with micro gears
It's a nice happy album about science and love and full of things I might have thought or said or done. Sure the guy made it into the world music and such writing music/being on the Blues Clues children's program (which I admit I've never seen so can't comment on), but his first "real" album is still one of my favorites. We came across it at the community radio station and from the first listen, I was very impressed.
Apparently he's influenced by Flaming Lips...which can only be a good thing in my mind. According to what I've heard, Burns was at a party when someone played the Flaming Lips album "The Soft Bulletin." Story goes that he got very excited and immediately bought the album, and began working on his own music, leaving behind Blues Clues for something else. He even convinced the Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd and Michael Ivins to be in on the work. I've heard the album described as "indie rock" and " having a slightly folksy bent to the songs, as if folk were played on a spaceship". It's been called a concept album, but to me it's just a collection of intelligent thoughts about things put to music I happen to really enjoy...I suppose I'd call him a musical godlet.
Go have a listen.
Here's a few of my favorite lyrics from the album...I listened to the album this morning on my way to work and it's made me happy. *grin*
Mighty Little Man
-Steve Burns-
A tired man in his chair
doesn't move he only stares
at the machine across the room
there's nothing there; it's not getting through
he shakes his head, finally stands up
throws his hands up in the air
a blinding flash across the room
a sudden crash, a sonic boom changes everything he knew
it's everything he's never seen
the biggest deal there's ever been
described in light upon the screen
(it said)
nobody else is stronger than I am
yesterday I moved a mountain
I'd like to be your hero
I am a mighty little man
from way up here you can't look down
as of now there is no ground
the microscope is turned around
don't be alarmed, don't make a fuss
he's still like you; he's one of us
and he'll come back before too long
he takes a breath and clears his mind
grabs his coat and steps outside
an empty street, there's no one there
he lifts himself into the air
a billion thoughts expressed as one
etched in words across the sun
(it said)
nobody else is stronger than I am
yesterday I moved a mountain
I'd like to be your hero
I am a mighty little man
Songs For Dustmites
Nano you and nano me
Living beside the micron sea
Will the stars spin around the earth again
I don't know it's up to them
They'll get to it later
The biggest baddest world you've ever seen
Is smaller than a tear
Where all the kids have robot hearts
And dustmites fight with micro gears
When the earth was still and the universe spun round
Biggest baddest world you've ever seen
Is smaller than a tear
Where all the kids have robot hearts
And dustmites fight with micro gears
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Why I'm not allowed to be an engineer
I'd go for form over function and to amuse myself I'd probably come up with things like this...
Monday, May 14, 2007
I...n...c...o...m...p...a...no wait...i...no wait...e...
And so I sit here sipping tea and wondering to myself: If I can't spell incompetent in a letter to a friend where I am trying to describe my own incompetence, what does that say about me...really? Should I just cease all useful things and go play with some Playdoh and glitter glue or hit my head on the wall until I find a different adjective...(or misspell it and hope noone will notice)?
Hmm...incapability? lack of ability or skill?
Just how can I do this thoroughly?
I've been giggling uncontrollably the past few minutes over this since the error came up on spell check. It doesn't help that the spell check recomended a correction for a friend's name to be "moron"...
Hmm...incapability? lack of ability or skill?
Just how can I do this thoroughly?
I've been giggling uncontrollably the past few minutes over this since the error came up on spell check. It doesn't help that the spell check recomended a correction for a friend's name to be "moron"...
wella wella well...
Beautiful day, but nothing to say.
So here ya go - read up on how to survive just slightly longer once you've been sucked into a a black hole.
and...um...have a look at these...
Eh? Eh?
I tried...
So here ya go - read up on how to survive just slightly longer once you've been sucked into a a black hole.
and...um...have a look at these...
Eh? Eh?
I tried...
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Don't let the wonderful world of art pass you by
Apparently this painting reflects my personality...
It's really not my taste, but maybe it's a freudean thing...?
On the plus note, I found out Simon Posford one half of Shpongle is, for some bizarre reason, coming to Regina of all places in a few weeks for a DJ gig. AWHaaaaaaaH?. That's a hop skip and a jump from me (OK 2 1/2 hours) so I'm hoping to get tickets tomorow. He played at Shambhala last year and it was some of the finest psytrance I've ever heard. Period. And don't even get me started babbling about Shpongle...
It's just turning into a great summer of music I tells ya. We just got our Shambhala festival tickets, plus we have tickets to see the Dandy Warhols and the Police in a few weeks...then Simon Posford in June, and Motion Notion festival and Shambhala in July and August too. And Gomez in Ferbruary...so much music I absolutely I love.
Neat.
It's really not my taste, but maybe it's a freudean thing...?
On the plus note, I found out Simon Posford one half of Shpongle is, for some bizarre reason, coming to Regina of all places in a few weeks for a DJ gig. AWHaaaaaaaH?. That's a hop skip and a jump from me (OK 2 1/2 hours) so I'm hoping to get tickets tomorow. He played at Shambhala last year and it was some of the finest psytrance I've ever heard. Period. And don't even get me started babbling about Shpongle...
It's just turning into a great summer of music I tells ya. We just got our Shambhala festival tickets, plus we have tickets to see the Dandy Warhols and the Police in a few weeks...then Simon Posford in June, and Motion Notion festival and Shambhala in July and August too. And Gomez in Ferbruary...so much music I absolutely I love.
Neat.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Yardorama and my calves of steel
It's my day off tomorrow so I figure I'll
-rake/mow lawn
-weed the front yard
-take in the recyclables
-scrub and mop the deck
-pressure wash the bikes and patio stuff (I'll leave some of that for J - he likes to play with the pressure washer)
-hang up obcene amounts of rope light on the deck
-Plan to to paint the deck this year...maybe...
in no particular order...and hopefully all in one day.
Oh yeah, and have a beer at the end...preferably a Harp or smething equally tasty.
THAT is what makes it all worth while for me...J bringing me a beer after a long day out in the yard.
Men, fawn over and serve your women a beer every once in a while...they'll be ever so grateful.
Cute efficient service is not to be underestimated.
Somehow that list is more daunting than jogging. Go figure.
Incidentally- anyone know some good calf stretches? My legs are SO stiff this week now that I'm stepping up the pace. I don't want to give myself an injury from not stretching enough..I just don't know what else to do for stretches.
Anyone??
-rake/mow lawn
-weed the front yard
-take in the recyclables
-scrub and mop the deck
-pressure wash the bikes and patio stuff (I'll leave some of that for J - he likes to play with the pressure washer)
-hang up obcene amounts of rope light on the deck
-Plan to to paint the deck this year...maybe...
in no particular order...and hopefully all in one day.
Oh yeah, and have a beer at the end...preferably a Harp or smething equally tasty.
THAT is what makes it all worth while for me...J bringing me a beer after a long day out in the yard.
Men, fawn over and serve your women a beer every once in a while...they'll be ever so grateful.
Cute efficient service is not to be underestimated.
Somehow that list is more daunting than jogging. Go figure.
Incidentally- anyone know some good calf stretches? My legs are SO stiff this week now that I'm stepping up the pace. I don't want to give myself an injury from not stretching enough..I just don't know what else to do for stretches.
Anyone??
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
If Costello bought a computer from Abbot
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.
ABBOTT: Your computer?
COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows?
COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: Recommend something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COST ELLO: OK, what did you recommend
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office.
COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".
COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: That's right. What do you recommend I keep track of my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOT: Well, we can sell you a copy of Money
Costello: Isn't it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.
COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!
(A few days later)
COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?
ABBOTT: Click on "START"...
COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.
ABBOTT: Your computer?
COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows?
COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: Recommend something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COST ELLO: OK, what did you recommend
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office.
COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".
COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: That's right. What do you recommend I keep track of my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOT: Well, we can sell you a copy of Money
Costello: Isn't it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.
COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!
(A few days later)
COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?
ABBOTT: Click on "START"...
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
I like shiny things
J stumbled upon something rather cool...and gaudy and blinky and shiny....
I must preface by saying we both love lights. All kinds of lights - colors, blinking, shaped, UV, lasers, blacklight, lightsabers...you name it, we will probably like it if not try and own it. There are at least 20 different odd lights throughout our house and at Christmas...well you almost need shades. So personally, on a blinky shiny things level I can see the appeal of the one of the crazes in Japan called Dekotora (Don't worry no more icky links)
What is it you ask?Well you take a huge semi or monster truck and cover it with blinky things and show them off...from what I can tell the more you look like a slot machine in the gaudiest casino in Vegas the better you're doing. It's a decoration truck. Sure you could argue it is pointless (and rather tasteless) and a waste of $$ but yo uhave to admire that level of dedication to blinky shiny things. As wierd as I find it, I'd love to run into someone driving one of these at night. I can't say I want one, but I wouldn't mind gawking at one for a bit...
I must preface by saying we both love lights. All kinds of lights - colors, blinking, shaped, UV, lasers, blacklight, lightsabers...you name it, we will probably like it if not try and own it. There are at least 20 different odd lights throughout our house and at Christmas...well you almost need shades. So personally, on a blinky shiny things level I can see the appeal of the one of the crazes in Japan called Dekotora (Don't worry no more icky links)
What is it you ask?Well you take a huge semi or monster truck and cover it with blinky things and show them off...from what I can tell the more you look like a slot machine in the gaudiest casino in Vegas the better you're doing. It's a decoration truck. Sure you could argue it is pointless (and rather tasteless) and a waste of $$ but yo uhave to admire that level of dedication to blinky shiny things. As wierd as I find it, I'd love to run into someone driving one of these at night. I can't say I want one, but I wouldn't mind gawking at one for a bit...
To counteract the ickiness of my previous post
I'll make you all aware of how secrety mad I am...
I'm a triolet...
I'm a triolet...
|
Monday, May 07, 2007
We interrupt this workout for this important nude announcement
I was looking for a link to the personal trainer exerball tape i have and this link came up.
Apparently there is a whole series of nude workout tapes...tai chi, body building, aerobics.
Ew.
Am I the only one who finds this gloriously tacky?
Apparently there is a whole series of nude workout tapes...tai chi, body building, aerobics.
Ew.
Am I the only one who finds this gloriously tacky?
Sunday, May 06, 2007
I heart Peter Parker
Although I have some reservations, for the most part I liked the latest Spiderman film.
It wasn't as good as the other 2 in my mind, but up until about half way through thte film I was enthralled. I have always loved spiderman since I was a child, so I will admit I'm a bit biased...I mean when you had a poster of spiderman on the ceiling above your bed for a more than a few years you tend to overlook a few flaws in a film about him just to see him on the big screen. I mean, a scientist everyday guy who gets to be a superhero? A good guy who can't seem to get things right and yet wants to do the right thing -my kinda guy!
I'll try not to give anything away as I ramble...but I can't promise anything, so if you're diehard and don't want to know anything, go have a glass of milk and a cookie and come back later. OK? OK. They made a few changes from the comics, which I'm neither here nor there about...like Venom being a much smaller man, the Son of Green Goblin redeeming himself... I'm not a real comic purist, so as long as the changes don't distract, I don't mind very much. I've always found the idea of Venom an interesting one, so I was anxious to see it on film. The idea of a symbiote amplifying parrts of it's host, both good and bad - it's an intriguing idea. I liked the idea of Peter Parker dabbling in revenge and choosing to step back, while Venom ends up letting it consume him. My real issue with the film was when Peter "went bad for a while" - a small section of the film went on and on too long for my taste. What should've been a quick joke or two was really extended and in my mind went too far into the silly realm for me...I got the idea they just should've gone through the script a few more times and it would've been better-it suffered a bit from sequelitis. Too much going on, with too many coincidences necessary to fit it all in. Even the butler was a bit convenient with his revelations. And yet...it's a comic book story. One with one of my favorite childhood heroes in it. So in the end I still enjoyed it. And I must say that Bruce Campbell's cameo in this film makes it worth going to in itself!
But yet overall, I'd still prefer the second film to this one. I did enjoy it though. Being at the premiere as one of the very few girls amongst a gang of spiderman geeks makes for a fun way to view the film...and a very exhausting day afterwards on very little sleep. I defended the female geeks presence in the comic realm once again.
Now I just have to see Hot Fuzz...and take my brother to Grindhouse. He needs to see those films. The guy is the reason I watched so many schlocky horror films as a kid and I feel I must repay the favor.
And on an off note (a positively curdled one actually) my brother showed me something very scary today and I fear for the future. I can't believe it - There is a *musical* being made of Evil Dead. Yes. A musical. I know. I too went WTF???
Honest...to experience the thing go to: http://www.evildeadthemusical.com/toronto/
I'm sad to say it's real. *shudder* With a poster advertising how it is "disarmingly funny? With musical numbers like "Do the necronomicon?" I'm frightened. I need to go sit in the corner, suck my thumb and draw some pictures of smiling dinosaurs and bunny rabbits for a while.
I'm off to find my crayolas...Yeargh.
It wasn't as good as the other 2 in my mind, but up until about half way through thte film I was enthralled. I have always loved spiderman since I was a child, so I will admit I'm a bit biased...I mean when you had a poster of spiderman on the ceiling above your bed for a more than a few years you tend to overlook a few flaws in a film about him just to see him on the big screen. I mean, a scientist everyday guy who gets to be a superhero? A good guy who can't seem to get things right and yet wants to do the right thing -my kinda guy!
I'll try not to give anything away as I ramble...but I can't promise anything, so if you're diehard and don't want to know anything, go have a glass of milk and a cookie and come back later. OK? OK. They made a few changes from the comics, which I'm neither here nor there about...like Venom being a much smaller man, the Son of Green Goblin redeeming himself... I'm not a real comic purist, so as long as the changes don't distract, I don't mind very much. I've always found the idea of Venom an interesting one, so I was anxious to see it on film. The idea of a symbiote amplifying parrts of it's host, both good and bad - it's an intriguing idea. I liked the idea of Peter Parker dabbling in revenge and choosing to step back, while Venom ends up letting it consume him. My real issue with the film was when Peter "went bad for a while" - a small section of the film went on and on too long for my taste. What should've been a quick joke or two was really extended and in my mind went too far into the silly realm for me...I got the idea they just should've gone through the script a few more times and it would've been better-it suffered a bit from sequelitis. Too much going on, with too many coincidences necessary to fit it all in. Even the butler was a bit convenient with his revelations. And yet...it's a comic book story. One with one of my favorite childhood heroes in it. So in the end I still enjoyed it. And I must say that Bruce Campbell's cameo in this film makes it worth going to in itself!
But yet overall, I'd still prefer the second film to this one. I did enjoy it though. Being at the premiere as one of the very few girls amongst a gang of spiderman geeks makes for a fun way to view the film...and a very exhausting day afterwards on very little sleep. I defended the female geeks presence in the comic realm once again.
Now I just have to see Hot Fuzz...and take my brother to Grindhouse. He needs to see those films. The guy is the reason I watched so many schlocky horror films as a kid and I feel I must repay the favor.
And on an off note (a positively curdled one actually) my brother showed me something very scary today and I fear for the future. I can't believe it - There is a *musical* being made of Evil Dead. Yes. A musical. I know. I too went WTF???
Honest...to experience the thing go to: http://www.evildeadthemusical.com/toronto/
I'm sad to say it's real. *shudder* With a poster advertising how it is "disarmingly funny? With musical numbers like "Do the necronomicon?" I'm frightened. I need to go sit in the corner, suck my thumb and draw some pictures of smiling dinosaurs and bunny rabbits for a while.
I'm off to find my crayolas...Yeargh.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Mumble mumble spiderman mumble mumble
I saw the 12:01 show of Spiderman last night. OH yeah. Much to say about it, but no time right now. Plus I'm totally knackered on very little sleep. Later...
Thursday, May 03, 2007
I'm walking on sunshine waaaaoooooooooh
As a ying to the yang of my previous post, I must blather on about something I am extremely hyped about:LOOK AT MY NEW RUNNING SHOES!
They correct my rolling arches and ankles, feel like little pillows and make my running a joy. I loves them...my old shoes are over 4 years old and had no support left at all. There was a shoe sale and now I'm the proud owner of gel sole, arch support Asic Gel 1210 running shoes...in yellow. Oh yeah!
With extreme prejudice...
Sometimes I'm embarrassed and ashamed to live where I do.
Why?
Well, there is a lot of bigotry and rudeness in our province towards the native indian population here, aprticularly in the northern part of the province. There are a lot of reserves in and around where I live, and many from the older generations still have prejudice when it comes to the natives here. It's never been an issue for me and I hate to see it in other people - Canadians are so quick to say how bad America is with slavery, but we were no different in WW2 with the Chinese immigrants forced to build the CP railway for slave wages in horrible conditions, and now the native populations are being shuffled into reserves where they can be ignored in poverty and distress. A lot is said about how they pay little taxes and get free education, and in some of the tougher more poverty ridden areas of the city and province, there is a problem with gangs and crime, but there is a great deal socially, financially and culturally for them to overcome, and I can't see it being easy. And not everyone is that way in any community.
This is on my mind because of something that happened last night.
J and I went to the movie theatre downtown to try and pick up a ticket for a friend of ours to see a movie with us tonight. As we left the theatre there was a normally dressed native man about our age stopping people and talking to them - he did not look like a panhandler or a beggar...just a regular guy. Most of the people he stopped were walking away from him and ignoring him. When he came up to us, he explained his situation: He and his family (wife and 3 kids) were coming into the city from a small community about 3 hours north of the city for an appointment at the university hospital and had run out of gas about 3 Km out of the city. He had left his wife and kids in the car and started to walk to town and someone had given him a lift into town and tried to help him find a place to get gas. He only had enough for the gas to get here and back home plus a few dollars, but no one would lend him a gas can without $20 collateral, even when he offered to leave his wallet and ID and other personal items. Some swore at him, called him a indian and one even said "tough sh*t for you indian". All he was trying to find out was if there were other gas stations nearby he could walk to in the hopes of finding one that would give him a gascan to use. He had found someone willing to drive him back to his car...just didn't know where to go to get a gascan. We tried to recommend to him where to go and then realised an easy solution - he was only 7$ short of the gascan deposit...so we just gave him the $7. He was incredibly grateful, told us his name and thanked us profusely. He said he was so happy to find people who'd treat him decently and he didn't expect it.
Now I could be cynical than think maybe he made up the story for money...but really who cares? What is $7 to me, when to this guy, it was the difference between going g and getting his family safely and taking them to their appointment and then back home and leaving his family out on the highway continuing to get verbally abused while trying to get help.
The thing that bothers me is if he had been Caucasian, especially a white woman, I seriously doubt any of this would have happened to him.
It's times like that when I see bigotry rear it's ugly head that I get angry at society. Why do we assume the worst of people? Why do we treat them badly because of how they look, and how some people from their community may act?
Come on people...We're *better* than that.
Why?
Well, there is a lot of bigotry and rudeness in our province towards the native indian population here, aprticularly in the northern part of the province. There are a lot of reserves in and around where I live, and many from the older generations still have prejudice when it comes to the natives here. It's never been an issue for me and I hate to see it in other people - Canadians are so quick to say how bad America is with slavery, but we were no different in WW2 with the Chinese immigrants forced to build the CP railway for slave wages in horrible conditions, and now the native populations are being shuffled into reserves where they can be ignored in poverty and distress. A lot is said about how they pay little taxes and get free education, and in some of the tougher more poverty ridden areas of the city and province, there is a problem with gangs and crime, but there is a great deal socially, financially and culturally for them to overcome, and I can't see it being easy. And not everyone is that way in any community.
This is on my mind because of something that happened last night.
J and I went to the movie theatre downtown to try and pick up a ticket for a friend of ours to see a movie with us tonight. As we left the theatre there was a normally dressed native man about our age stopping people and talking to them - he did not look like a panhandler or a beggar...just a regular guy. Most of the people he stopped were walking away from him and ignoring him. When he came up to us, he explained his situation: He and his family (wife and 3 kids) were coming into the city from a small community about 3 hours north of the city for an appointment at the university hospital and had run out of gas about 3 Km out of the city. He had left his wife and kids in the car and started to walk to town and someone had given him a lift into town and tried to help him find a place to get gas. He only had enough for the gas to get here and back home plus a few dollars, but no one would lend him a gas can without $20 collateral, even when he offered to leave his wallet and ID and other personal items. Some swore at him, called him a indian and one even said "tough sh*t for you indian". All he was trying to find out was if there were other gas stations nearby he could walk to in the hopes of finding one that would give him a gascan to use. He had found someone willing to drive him back to his car...just didn't know where to go to get a gascan. We tried to recommend to him where to go and then realised an easy solution - he was only 7$ short of the gascan deposit...so we just gave him the $7. He was incredibly grateful, told us his name and thanked us profusely. He said he was so happy to find people who'd treat him decently and he didn't expect it.
Now I could be cynical than think maybe he made up the story for money...but really who cares? What is $7 to me, when to this guy, it was the difference between going g and getting his family safely and taking them to their appointment and then back home and leaving his family out on the highway continuing to get verbally abused while trying to get help.
The thing that bothers me is if he had been Caucasian, especially a white woman, I seriously doubt any of this would have happened to him.
It's times like that when I see bigotry rear it's ugly head that I get angry at society. Why do we assume the worst of people? Why do we treat them badly because of how they look, and how some people from their community may act?
Come on people...We're *better* than that.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
All hail the mighty parallax
Pete's friend Betty is smart.
Not only does she have a cat named Vir, and work for the very large array in the US...which has to be one of the coolest jobs around, but she recently explained parallax and how it's used to calculate the distance between Earth and the new "earth-like" planet that was just found, as well as how they work out a lot of galaxy-size distances and calculations inm a way that makes sense to me. I've never quite been able to wrap my mind around it before.
I feel ever so much smarter now.
Last night I tried to impress J with this new found knowledge...but he already knew what parallax was. Turns out, I married a man of infinite knowledge...either that or I just need to read more :)
Not only does she have a cat named Vir, and work for the very large array in the US...which has to be one of the coolest jobs around, but she recently explained parallax and how it's used to calculate the distance between Earth and the new "earth-like" planet that was just found, as well as how they work out a lot of galaxy-size distances and calculations inm a way that makes sense to me. I've never quite been able to wrap my mind around it before.
I feel ever so much smarter now.
Last night I tried to impress J with this new found knowledge...but he already knew what parallax was. Turns out, I married a man of infinite knowledge...either that or I just need to read more :)
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