An afternoon in Central Park

The unplanned plans are always the best. Where someone calls you up impromptu and says "we're meeting at x place in an hour- see you there" and then 8 hours later...
That's what happened this afternoon. Here is my friend nameless at the picnic site.


This afternoon's plans were to meet for a picnic in Central Park- for some catch, strawberries and laughs. It started raining half way through- but we ducked under some trees for 20 minutes and then kept going.
On the way home we stopped by the Tavern on the Green for "1 drink" (which turned into 3)- and laughed so much we kept getting dirty looks from the more somber "proper" guests surrounding us. Here is Elizka and Caroline.

Finished off the evening with some pizza at a local. (It was good- but not as good as Rome offered last Sunday!!)

The residential tourist

As summer hits I'm struck by how many people are coming to New York to visit. (I used to be one of them). I'm lucky to live here as it's really a place people get excited about visiting. But living here day to day you get caught up in routine and forget about the things that make this city so great. This summer I want to take advantage of where I live and continue to not just live in this city- but to "tour" it.

Tonight Sherry and I walked along the Brooklyn bridge and have dinner off of the island. I'm sure there is some amazing history to the bridge. But we missed our walking tour because we ran into Chris (see earlier post).
But I reasoned- I can read about the bb and I'd rather have run into the old friend.

I was quite taken with how charming Brooklyn was. Of course it's far too hip and cool for me. But I can go over and dip my toe in before scuttling back to the city.

A view of Manhattan's skyline at sunset.


Art.

A reminder that Manhattan is an island.

Me on the bridge. (insert interesting history factoid here).

Old places and new faces

Ok I really just wrote that title to go with the previous post. It was an old place (Rome) but the faces weren't new. It was me and my friend Jen who is a friend from Toronto (so not new).
Regardless- I haven't posted about my trip to Rome. Mostly because I didn't have any pictures due to the fact that my camera was stolen. Then I thought I'd be clever and draw some crude pictures of the coliseum and St. Peter's Basilica but it turns out I don't have a drawing program on my computer (odd for a MAC). So... I have now stolen pictures from Jen's album and am posting. What's missing is my first day where I did the most touristy things- like visit :
- Roman Forum (loved- was the last one out- they had to kick me out)
- Palentino
- Piazza Venetia (loved- such great views. I got a GREAT photo of this giant horse statue...)
- Pantheon
- St. Peter's Basilica (I actually took some video of the inside because I didn't feel as though the pictures were truly capturing it's magnificence.)

yup. pictures and video.
ok you know what? Just writing about it makes me sad. I know that I'm lucky nothing happened to me. And I'm lucky to have been in Rome in the first place. And yes I've traveled a decent amount with nothing happening to me (knock on wood etc). And I was just too relaxed so that's what happens- your bag gets stolen. But that doesn't mean it still doesn't suck. And everyday I miss something that was taken.
But onwards we go. And here are some pictures of Rome from day 2 and 3 after I met up with Jen. You'll just have to imagine the first day and a half...
**********
One thing I love about Rome is that the aqueducts that were built 2000 years ago are still going strong and all throughout the city there are water fountains with fresh mineral water from the earth bubbling up. It was cold and delicious.


This is Trevi Fountain which is a result of the natural pressure from the aqueducts- and not an artificial mechanization the way that fountains are in north america. For all of the fountains in Rome (and there are hundreds) there is no 'turning them off'.

Here we are having wine and pizza at a cafe by the fountain. The weather was amazing while we were there- 30C and dry.


Inside of the Pantheon. Originally a pagan temple. The only source of light is the hole at the centre. The floor is concave. The walls are metres thick. It was very cool.


This is the outside/front of the Pantheon.

And of course, the coliseum. I loved it most of all. This time I was able to tour the inside.

At twilight.


Me inside.

This is the dome of St. Peter's Basilica from the Spanish Steps. SPB is another favourite of mine and I was so happy I was able to experience it again.


I think the biggest thing I will say is that I fell in love with Rome quite a few years ago. And I'll be honest- I was a bit worried that seeing it again would present itself in a different light. It would be like seeing the hot guy from high school that you were once in love with. And you had a great love affair and you have such great memories. And then you see him years later and he's got a pot belly and he's bald. And he's not so great afterall. I didn't want Rome to be the fat bald guy.
But it didn't disappoint. It was just as magical and wonderful as the first time- and I fell in love all over again.

Old faces in new places

So my friend Sherry and I are standing on the corner of Broadway and Chambers this afternoon- heading down to the Brooklyn bridge. It's pretty busy, it's right downtown and a beautiful afternoon. People everywhere.
Though Sherry wants to get going I see a Starbucks and make her stop so I can go for a mocha. On the way I look up and see this guy who looks vaguely familiar. I pause and do a double take and I see that he seems to recognize me. And it's ... no it couldn't be... yes-yes, it is... a guy that I went to high school with in Calgary *ahem* a million years ago!
so completely random.
We were both blown away because it was so unexpected and I think we'd only seen each other once since graduation- and even that was years ago (geez- how old am I anyhow?!). He lives in LA now, just in town for a few days with a friend.
We chatted, got more or less caught up- and I took a picture of him in the Starbucks with my new iphone.


He's doing well and it was great to see him. It was also good to be reminded that New York really is a tiny tiny place.

Ads That I Like cont...

Going to Rome

what are you doing next weekend?? Me? Oh well- glad you asked... I'm heading to Rome.
For the weekend.
I love just saying that.
It's completely
ridiculous.
But I'll be ridiculous while I can be.

I haven't been to Roma in about 10 years.
And even then only once.
Will see the Vatican.
And St. Peter's Basilica
Collesium.
Have gelato by Trevi Fountain.

See my friend Jen
and get out of the city.
I can't wait.
Pictures to be posted next week.

Whirlwind weekend with a wedding.

I was in Toronto this weekend for all too short of a visit. I didn't get to do all I wanted to do and see everyone I wanted to see- but there will be other trips. (Although given it took 7 hours to get home yesterday I'm not sure I want to go back!)

I saw Star Trek on Friday night (give it a 7/10) and a wedding all day Saturday. We also made it to RV's birthday bbq (in between ceremony and reception) all dressed in our wedding finery designed to make the other guests feel shoddy and under-dressed.

Us at the start of the bbq.


The wedding and reception were both beautiful. It was a Catholic ceremony with a full on mass, and though there was lightening outside- none of it made it to our rows (I will say that our rows were suspiciously quiet throughout all of the prayer and response). And Lisa was, of course, stunning. Her husband is Scottish so the men all wore kilts.


Here is most of (some of?) the gang at the reception with the bride.


4am post reception found me and Rob practicing our "Model" poses- (launched in 2006). "Smile with your eyes" - treasured words of the esteemed Tyra Banks.


And finally Sunday was a quick catch up brunch where three girls compared notes on our lives and realized we are all living the same one- months apart. There is comfort in that but funny enough- no learning.

And did I mention it took me 7 hours to get home?? And that I didn't drive but flew? In an airplane? Not made by the Wright brothers? And it was a direct flight? 7. hours.
But I'm home- and will not let the journey home diminish the joy that preceded it.

Like a really bad savings plan

I just did my FIRST US tax return and Uncle Sam owed me money!!

The more things change.

I haven't been inspired to write lately... I don't know why. And as this is meant to keep friends and family abreast of my goings on- here are some goings on since last I wrote:
- I got rocked at work last week (this week is looking better but will be able to breath after tomorrow)
- Bedroom renos continue and I'm looking to paint - because I haven't already painted enough this past year. Blue or Copper?
- I watched High School Musical 3 and for the first time in a long time I didn't find the teen movie a guilty pleasure. I found it painful. Like fast forwardly bad.
- I'm going to see "Star Trek" this Friday and am looking forward to it
- I'm particularly looking forward to it because I'm going with my friends in Toronto (it is a summer tradition to go for sushi and then to see the summer blockbusters and as I happen to be in town for LP's wedding I get to join)
- I had sort of met someone and have since discarded that same someone. This is a good thing because while he's a good guy, he's not the guy.
- I reached my boiling point at work last week and I have a very slow boiling point. But at least I learned what my threshold is.
- I went for a run in Central Park (in New York) and reflected on the changes in my life since I used to go running in Centennial Park (in Calgary).

It's funny how some things are so very different and yet some things are so very much the same.

I saw a guy wearing a transformer costume today

I've been a busy bee at work this week. Someone predicted it would be a tough week and while at the time I thought they were crazy, that someone was right.

So... um... that's all.

Feels like home to me

In two weeks I've already done more with my room in my new apartment than I did in my previous place in 6 months. Maybe I knew I wasn't going to stay in the UES- and that deep down I'm an UWS girl...the reason I had to finally tidy the room is I had friends coming to see it. (I love living in NY simply for the reason that more friends find their way here than they would any other city in NA).

Leigh and her sister (also a friend!) were here from Calgary. Leigh is having a baby (yay!!) and so while we went out for dinner and drinks and had a great night- it wasn't quite the same as the nights we used to have at "Cowboys" ...

This is my friend Paul who was visiting from Toronto. He and I went to the play "Exit the King" with Susan Sarandon and Geoffery Rush. I was going to write a post about it and call it "Exit the Sarah" because I left at intermission. I hated it- but upon discussing it with Paul I realize it was actually quite smart and I was just not in the right headspace for it.
(And YES my room is big enough to house a regular double bed and a double sized blow-up mattress- trust me- way more comfortable than the couch!)


This is me and Rose out on Saturday night. Though we hung a lot before- now it's constant because we live minutes away from each other. We went to a roof top patio at the Hudson and it was sooo beautiful out. We have pouring thunderstorms right now which people don't love (I do) but once they end, we'll have a freshly washed city- ready for the spring.

The Two Sides of O

Here she is enjoying her carrots.


Now I guess they don't taste as good.


It's also rare that I see a picture of her that she's not all smileys... so I had to post it!

Susan Boyle.

By now I'm sure you're heard about her or seen the clip on youtube... but in case you haven't- please do go and check out Susan Boyle singing "I dream a dream" on the reality TV show "Britain's Got Talent."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Susan has become an internet sensation- garnering around 47 million views on youtube in the past 6 days. (they are guesstimating based on how many times her clip has been copy and pasted and viewed beyond just the 24.5 million currently on the link above.) This is an all time high, especially for such a short period of time.

And there have been many many blogs and posts and comments about why she's so popular and inspirational and wonderful... so I won't add much to the fray except to say this:

Susan's performance has provided a bit of a moral compass to our society- and caused us all to sit up and re-evaluate our perceptions and beliefs. We viewed this woman through a filter of cynicism and disbelief: She is 'old', she is 'frumpy, she is past her prime and therefore not someone to be taken seriously. She is not successful or beautiful or talented.

Except that she is.

In this world of 'pretty young things' where youth and beauty triumph... she shows us all that we are worshiping at the wrong alter. And there can be beauty where you don't expect it. And that the definition of beauty (though we all know it - we don't 'know' it) needs to be re-defined.

After viewing this clip, we, as a society, sit here dumbfounded and shake our heads and hopefully learn from the lesson we have been given.

I think also (and I'm echoing the sentiments of many here) that she does provide that ray of sunshine in these bleak bleak times. We are living in an era where it's become common place for a shooting to occur at a nursing home, or an immigrant centre, and for that to occupy the news space for a day - before another tragedy takes over. We hear every day of jobs being cut, the unemployment rate soaring, chaos ensuing... there is not hope but fear.

And so to have something so simple and beautiful - an underdog triumphing and taking the world by storm... it gives us all hope. Look into the audience and you see those people want her to succeed. They want to be proven wrong. Because it gives them hope. It means that they too have a chance to succeed. And to triumph.

She has confidence, joy in her voice, and light shining out of her when singing. It's rare to find such a genuine article in our pre-packaged glossy world.

And she is definitely beautiful. You don't have to close your eyes to see it. You just have to open your mind.

(co-authored by jdk)

Bad movies & good wine

We went to see the movie "Adventureland" last night. Had high hopes for it as the commercials showed a witty coming of age story about a motley crew of kids getting into trouble, working as carnies and generally being kids in the best of all decades- the 80s.
Well to give an idea of how great it was:
There was one scene where the main kid was driving down the street drinking (I'm not 'spoiling' anything for you because you're not going to see it and if I am spoiling it- trust me- this little tidbit is only a shadow of the spoilage you will experience if you actually watch this pile of crap). So anys...he's driving down the street and veering and maybe the music starts to pipe in ominous tones so that you suspect something bad is going to happen- or maybe not- you don't really care either way by this point... and while he was veering, I was silently praying "Run into a tree....roll credits... run into a tree...c'mon credits..."
But alas though he did hit a tree no one died and it still went on for like another 20 long and boring and painful and pointless minutes. Please save yourself the $130 and don't go see it.

Afterwards to salvage the evening, Rose and I went to a wine bar nearish to my house. It was called "Barcibo Enoteca" and it was awesome. The service was a bit slow but that was only because I was really hungry and impatient. The setting was cozy and warm. The food was fantastic (nutella panini!!) and the wine plentiful and delish. I recommend it to anyone. Though it did seem more like a date place than somewhere you'd go with a group of friends.
Regardless of who you go with- it saved our evening and has earned a spot on my list of 'visit again'.

Rainy Day in the City

It's pouring rain in NYC today... so what's a girl to do? I started the day off by a trip to Target in Brooklyn for some essentials (although I must say my niece O did alright on this trip).

Now I'm meeting a new friend up at the Museum of the City of New York. Then we're meeting an old friend (she's not old- she's just been a friend for a long time!) at the Time Warner Centre for a coffee (or maybe by that time something a little bit stronger).

Pictures? No. Interesting stories? Not yet.

But it's not all madcap adventures in nyc y'know! Sometimes I do just do regular everyday stuff with friends. : )

what it feels like for a girl

Last night I went to see my old roommate Lola. Her new roommate, Ann, was moving in and was super friendly so we started chatting. It turns out that this girl works for a professional matchmaking service... not online but one similar to the show "Millionaire Matchmaker". And, the same way that one might ask a doctor at a cocktail party about the pain in their elbow, I started to share my recent guy issues to get her advice (I mean she's surrounded by relationships coming together and falling apart all the time- she must know a thing or two!). The advice was pretty good... but mostly common sense.

Then Lola, inspired, says to Ann "hey you could always use Sarah for a set-up! Sarah- how about it? Go see Ann for a match!"

(There was a pregnant pause heavy with anticipation as I was sized up by the professional matchmaker)

Ann, who is quite nice so please don't judge her harshly by my next words, said "um... let me give you the inside scoop on this game... you won't meet the criteria of the guys who are looking to be set up. You're too big."

(This was followed by an awkward pause).

Oh. Ok.

Well then.

Um.

How does one move on from such a comment?

She did elaborate (and quickly) that the guys who use this service pay $30,000 for a set-up and are mostly hedge fund millionaire jerks with no real time for a relationship who are looking for a size 2 trophy who won't voice an opinion or present a challenge.

And I'm happy to say that's not me.

I tend to be attracted to starving artist jerks with no real desire for a relationship who will suck me dry with emotional games.

I wonder if they have a service for that- and where can I sign up??!

A day in the life of O

Eating.

Hanging out.

Laughing.

It's pretty tough.

Dead Man's Bones

I love Ryan Gosling even more now.

She's reading!!

David and O settling in for a little read of some "Harry Potter".



She's quite enthralled with Harry's adventures. Not scared at all.

"She's Gone Bridal"

Before I started at Ogilvy NY I had a good long conversation with a girl named Liz about life at Ogivly: the work-life balance, the people and the work. And as conversations are wont to do... ours steered off course from 'work stuff' to 'life stuff' and we found we quite a few things in common, one of which is that we've both had the experience of being a bridesmaid multiple times.
Where I think Liz's experiences differed from mine is that she has stood up for friends who underwent a sort of 'transformation' if you will, from a 'bride' to a *ahem* 'bridezilla'. And these experiences have provided fodder for a great many stories.
(For the record I've had the fortune of being with a pile of the most laid back brides ever - seriously- I can't think of a single bride who was anything but calm and accommodating!).
But this fodder for great storytelling has become just that- a great story. And Liz has written a book. It's on shelf today- and is called... "She's Gone Bridal".
It's funny, charming and insightful- just like Liz.


I think you should pick up a copy and read it and tell your friends about it so they can read it too! Everyone can live vicariously through her experiences- or learn something to help your own! http://tinyurl.com/d9wc6p

The Catalyst of the Financial Crisis

We all know there is a recession. We have heard the words "In these troubled times" over and over again. Thousands of people are getting laid off (unemployment is an all time high), people are losing their homes, banks are closing. It's pretty grim.

And I sort of, but didn't really, understand why. I knew it had to do with giving out mortgages to people who didn't deserve them- but not the intricacies.

Here is a neat visual doc that shows you what happened and what was the first step that got us to where we are today. There's more to this story- but let's take it piece by piece...


The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

Bad New York Movers

I had thought we were in a recession. I had thought people were scrambling for work. I thought people were desperate for money.

Everyone except for Lana, Alex and Joseph apparently. They are the movers that decided that they didn't need to work and my money was worthless to them. This is their number: 347-251-2327. Please don't ever use it as you will be setting yourself up for disappointment. This is their email addy through craigslist: serv-bgnu5-1097968021@craigslist.org. Feel free to email them with a bogus request. This is a picture of their sad ridiculous faces in case you see them on the street and feel compelled to throw something at them.



Like the fat girl waiting for jock to pick her up for the prom... incredulously unaware that it's all a set-up to humiliate her... she keeps waiting and hoping "he's only 30 minutes late- he'll come... he'll come..." (as she shovels another kit-kat into her mouth...).

Unsettled

Rundle Hall, (home) Castle Hall, (home) Brewster Hall, 14th & Northmount, Home, Guatemala, Hillhurst, Sunnyside, Roncesvalle, Aberdeen, 301 Sherbourne, 225 Sherbourne across the street, Yonge & Queens Quay, Upper East Side and now...
the Upper West Side.
I moved out when I was 18. This is my 15th move in the 15 years since. This includes a drive across Canada and from Canada to the US.

And it doesn't get any easier. I guess I care less about my possessions and tend to leave stuff behind. And I kind of have it down to a science of throwing stuff in a box. I've also learned it's easier to pay people to come and move your stuff rather than enlist friends or do it yourself. And I haven't accumulated a lot of 'things' to move.

But it's still not fun.

And there is still nostalgia about moving and starting afresh.

Overall it's not something I like to do. But here I go again.

something bright.

It's been a couple of days... with the sad news of the passing of an old colleague/friend Michelle.

Here is something that made me smile today. It's cheesey- but cute (thanks Paula).


It's a baby hedgehog.

see you my friend.

The Country

Some friends and I went to upstate New York this weekend. We were meant to go to the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) for dinner but they lost our reservation. We went to this little Armenian restaurant in Amenia. (not intentionally!) and it proved to be a delicious little find.

Driving through the country we came across a covered bridge.


Here is Rose taking a picture of Rob & Lindi.


The picture that Rose was taking.


Here is me and Rose.

I still heart my job

I love my job I love my job I love my job

and this time I mean it.

Buffalo Stance

I went to see my roommate (soon to be old roommate) singing on Saturday night. She's in an 80s pop cover band called "Buffalo Stance". It was their first performance and they were awesome. The crowd was quite 'eclectic' (read: old and weird) but a good time was had by all

Here they are at the start.

This is me and Rose enjoying the show.

Getting into it.

The crowd. It was pretty good. Though some really freaky characters.

this and that

I found an apartment today. I've been looking on and off for a few weeks... it was pretty grim. But yesterday I found a listing on craigslist and went to see it today. It's on the Upper West Side... loved it. Loved the roommates -though I walked out of there thinking "they must think I'm a complete nut job" because I'd been rambling so much (what?! me?!) ...

But N (new roommate) called me 10 minutes later and said "let's do it."

So I'm in and I move in 2 weeks.

yikes! but good news
*****
I also had a dream about my Dad last night. I was at my Stepmoms' house and we were hanging out with Stefan and David (though we were all grown up...) and I kept going up and down the stairs and my Dad was standing at the bottom of the stairs wearing a forest green polo shirt tucked into his jeans- just looking so happy and smiling at me. I asked if the others could see him and they couldn't. So I knew he was there for me. It was a happy dream and I woke up smiling.
*****
Here is David and O. They have matching hair.

I heart my job.

I love my job I love my job I love my job.

I just have to keep telling myself this.

Apartment Hunting in New York City

scene: downtown new york apartment, a girl and a guy are standing in the kitchen/foyer of a slightly run down but moderately clean typical apartment.

me: Hello- I'm Sarah. I'm here to look at the apartment (trying to appear friendly and likeable to this potential roommate met 5 seconds earlier)

him: hi there. Come in. Let's tour around.

me: Bedroom. nice. Living room. Ok. Bathroom- Hey what's the water pressure like in the shower?

him: Its good. But if you really want to know- you could always jump in and find out if you'd like. *grins and raises eyebrows*

me: ok bye.

scene.

camera opens on a different new york apartment with a different guy- same girl.

him: ...here's the bedroom- look there's exposed brick. It's really 'new york'

me: the room seems... kind of small for $1500...
(it fits the bed- and that's it. you have to crawl over the bed to get to the window to open the curtain)

him: Look (pointing excitedly) exposed brick!

me: And there's no closet...

him: but we have exposed brick??? (truly confused as to why girl is not jumping up and down)

me: (changing the subject) So...are there grocery stores in the neighbourhood?

him: Oh yah- there's a great butcher on the corner. I get all of my meat there...

me: Oh that's cool- but I don't really cook per se...

him: It's better than Whole Foods- all natural braised meat... the finest selection- a bit more expensive but worth it...

me: yah... I've cooked once in the last 5 months and that was heating up soup on the stove top.

him: They have the most beautiful cuts of venison...

me: Oh look um- exposed brick!

scene

Opens on a girl and a real estate agent in a 'luxury lobby' (word 'luxury' is open to interpretation) of a downtown apartment building. The pair go up to see the 'luxury' layout.

There is no living room. It's a converted 2 bedroom- and the living room is cut in half to make a 3rd bedroom.

him: See how great it is- luxury luxury luxury!

me: There's no living room

him: It's a luxury converted 2 bedroom- THIS is the living room. (He stands in the expanded foyer)

me: That's a foyer. A large foyer granted, but it's not a living room.

him: Luxury!

me: (sighs) I'm out.

Final scene opens on a truly nice apartment. A bit small but bigger than most we've seen. It's tastefully done and seems clean and almost living up to the phrase "luxury". Girl feels hopeful as this seems like the real deal.

me: Hi! Nice to meet you. I'm Sarah!

him: Hi there. meow meow I work in investment banking meow meow - money & headge funds meow I'm so great meow meow meow

me: (cringing) Why don't you show me around the apartment and tell me a bit about it?

him: meow I have a giant screen TV with every kind of video console known to man because I make so much money posturing posturing posturing.

me: kill me now.

*******

That was this week. Tune in next Sunday to see how I fare in round 2 of "apartment hunting in nyc".

common people

Who says you can't go home again??

I just got back from Toronto. It was my friend Rob's birthday party- and I had a meeting on Monday and though I had to give up an amazing ski trip, everything seemed to coalesce and work out for a reunion weekend.
I surprised a lot of people and subsequently felt bathed in love. Even without the surprises I felt seeped in it.
My friends took very good care of me (even the ones that were sick) and it felt like I'd never left.

The first night was a late one. This is our cab drivers' coat.

It was around 4am and we were heading home from the bar- but there was 5 of us so no cab would take us (WHY we didn't just split up- I don't know). Then we found this guy. He acted like the car was his pimp-mobile or something with his arm thrown around the front seat, shades on (it was 4am- not pm), and loud beating music. I swear if he could've he would've had the car jumping up and down all old skool. It was sooo funny.

This is my friend (and old roommate) Paul.

Paul went on a date the other day with a guy who took classes at some celestial centre. He told Paul- within the first two minutes of their date- that he was taking the 9 levels of something or other to enlightment- and that on level 7 he reached a state of such consciousness that he was able to hear a sound that is not discernable by man or dog- but rather is a sound communicated via aliens- that manifests itself as colours shooting like lasers out of your eyes.

2 minutes in.

And Paul is going on a date #2.

Here is a pic of me and my good friends Ashleigh and Danielle at Leo. My friend Dawn decided to take pictures of the "Kostecki" invasion.


Lookit how happy I am.
Oh and one thing I'll say ... I did get a LOT of "ohmygoshyougivethegreatesthugs" comments. It almost got to the point where I was like- yah I get it. I'm a strong hugger. I know. Enough already.

Not that I'm complaining. : )

Oh and this is my friend P.

Watch this.

It will make you laugh.

If the link doesn't work then go to youtube and search : "Everything's amazing Nobody's happy. Louis CK"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus

Remember me?

Stefan, David and Paula- do you remember this linoleum??!?!?! Jen's aunt had the same stuff in her kitchen in Halifax.


And people in NY= remember this stuff?? It's called snow. They also had this in Halifax. And they don't have it here. But apparently there was 11" of it this weekend in Vermont- where I will be enjoying next weekend skiing.


And this last picture is of my valentine's date in Halifax. Jen and I went out for dinner with her parents before I went to visit my Grandma. Maybe not the most romantic night- but a good one.
Also I wanted to post the pic of my hair pre-cut. I got it butchered again this weekend. V upsetting but I won't bother posting about it. Just refer to last March- there'll be an entry in there ("Some perspective" and "Nope it's still horrible") and it's basically the same story. Rinse and repeat.

Stealing this thing from facebook... of 25 things about me.

I'm at work (quelle surprise) and procrastinating (another shocker) so am doing this activity which has been running rampant on fb recently. You're supposed to write 25 things about yourself- tag people- they read it and write and it goes on.
But I have friends who aren't on facebook that do read my blog and why cut you out of the love?? It's a ridiculous exercise- but you all love me- so why wouldn't you want to know more about me?!??! You might learn something.

25 Random Bits of Useless Trivia About Me:

1. Every cute 'saying' I have, I stole from someone else (eg. meow meow meow, quelle surprise)

2. Every time I see a fire truck/ambulance etc I say a prayer.

3. I believe I'll be a single mom. At least that's how I envision it.

4. I can't sleep with my feet trapped under my the bed covers- the covers HAVE to be untucked.

5. I actually prefer a duvet to a quilt (this is meaningful because my Mom owns a quilt store) BUT I've discovered that if I put a quilt ON TOP of a duvet it is actually better.

6. Until very recently I wouldn't alllow ANYTHING to go on top of my duvet. You wanted to sit on my bed? You had to pull the duvet back to sit down.

7. I kind of believe that we dream the future. (A little bit)

8. I like hugs more than kisses. I hug everyone. Even people I don't know that well which throws them off. I think I get it from my Mom and my Dad.

9. When I was growing up I secretly thought it was so cool that my last name was different than my Moms' last name.

10. I do what Paul does and unconsciously mimic other people's accents. You can even tell a difference from when I moved to Toronto from Calgary and to New York from Toronto.

11. I was born in Calgary but consider myself a Maritimer because I spent every summer in New Brunswick when I was growing up.

12. Many of my friends are 'foodies' but I would be completely content to eat the same food every day. It's just fuel. In fact that's what I do. In Calgary I used to have rice for lunch (for 2 years) nearly every day) and in Toronto it was sushi- for about 2.5 years. Right now it's a turkey sandwich from starbucks.

13. Except for Peanut M&Ms. I love those like heroin. (or at least how I imagine I would love heroin... I hear it's pretty addictive). People probably don't realize the extent to which I like to eat them. I think the most romantic proposal would be if he gave me a bag of Peanut M&Ms ("Mega" variant- they don't actually exist anymore) and the ring was buried in the bag. Of course I'd probably eat it before I realized what it was. And I do realize that this is not so much "romantic" as it is "sad".

14. I have dreams about losing my teeth all the time. Only I'm not 80- I lose them in the middle of a meeting on a Tuesday. So I really hope that #7 is wrong.

15. My first boyfriend was when I was 19. I didn't date in high school. (I also didn't wear contacts, have straight teeth, wear make-up or know how to dress until after HS. I wonder if there's a correlation??). Even now I don't date that much.

16. I have been a part of an annual Christmas potluck dinner with a group of 7 other girls for the past 16 years. I cherish those friendships. One of those friends I've had since I was 4! (Incidentally I cherish all of my friendships)

17. I got into my career by accident. If Eric hadn't walked into the GAP that day...

18. Even though I love travelling I find it exhausting and lonely and hard.

19. After University I went to a semester of bible college, used to attend church 6 days a week, and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher.

20. I don't like wine. Red or white. Though I'll drink white if I have to. But I just don't like the taste. Everyone freaking LOVES it and I just don't get it??!!

21. I don't love New York (blasphemy right?!) but think it's cool to live here for now. I have NO IDEA where I'm going to go next. I just know that I don't want to live anywhere that I've already lived- as I feel that's going backward.

22. I fall in love VERY EASILY. And often. oh wait- this is supposed to be stuff people DON'T know about me...

23. When I take paper towels from a dispenser in a public washroom I always have to take 3. I don't know why. Now tell me something: now that you know this about me, how does it change how you feel about me?? What sort of deeper understanding do you have of me that will enable our relationship to be more fulfilling??!

24. The top thing I look for in any relationship (friendship, partnership etc) is laughter. And not just you making me laugh, but me making you laugh too.

25. People always tell me I've very photogenic and tho I doth protest too much, I secretly agree. But ONLY from certain angles!!!! Isn't that horrible of me?! : )

So so sad

I have an unhealthy love for the iphone. Those that know me know this. And they will attest to the fact that I :

- Wanted the iphone a full year before it came to Canada
- Bought the iphone the day it became available in Canada
- RELUCTANTLY had to give it up when I moved to the States and then didn't (and still haven't) shut up about how much I miss it
- Miss it more than I miss some of my friends

It's a bit of a sickness really.

So last Christmas I bought an ipod touch as a lesser replacement. And it is less- much less- but at least it made me feel somewhat tied to my beloved iphone.

And now it's missing. I don't know if it got taken off of my desk last night or if I left it in the cab or if it felt out of my pocket. I know that it's sad and lonely to be apart from me and, even though I think it's a lesser kind of sad version of the iphone, it was my lesser kind of sad version and I'm sad and lonely to not have it.

And I really have no perspective about this- I KNOW that there are worse things in the world than losing/getting an iphone stolen and that at the end of the day it's just a 'possession' and there are bigger things to ...WHATEVER I WANT MY FREAKING IPHONE BACK (er ipod touch) THIS SUCKS!!!!! I'M SO MAD RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ugh.

New artiste

Ok she's not new- but she's new to me.

A friend of mine introduced me to the work of a new artist last night. Her name is moira mcnair and she is based out of the UK. I love her work- and I love her method. (a method which I'm not going to share as I don't know how "intellectual property" applies here...)

Check her out at:
http://www.moiramcnair.co.uk/

Emails

You might have noticed I haven't been sending out emails lately... I'm sorry!!! I'm just really busy- and away. And away. And busy. But mostly just away.
I'll try to get better! (P and L and J I'm thinking of specifically)
xoxooxo

Out East

I was in Halifax and Moncton this weekend- visiting friends and family, and seeing snow.

I went to Halifax to see an old friend Jen. She and I lived in Toronto at the same time for a year and both moved away last Fall. I had seen her since the move and, once again, we saw one another and it was like no time had passed (that's my MO with this girl- we can go YEARS without seeing each other and then get together pas de problem).

We went out for a great dinner at Onyx (I'm having AWESOME luck at dining out lately) with friends I'd been hearing all about and was glad to finally meet, and then we went for a drink at a way too young for me bar- trying to hunt down my cousin Chris who was MIA. He was at a gay bar- and didn't want to tell me that's where he was in case I was weird about the whole gay bar scene. HAH. Clearly this guy DOES NOT know me!!!

Jen and I drove to Moncton on Saturday and I saw my Grandma. She is in the hospital having tests right now- but doing really well. She's in high spirits, has good colour in her cheeks and is just acting the cautious way you're meant to when you're 84. I have to say - I was very, very glad to see her. I showed her pictures of baby O on my ipod touch- and she said, in a very serious tone, "this is a very cute baby. Isn't she Nancy? She's a cute baby." She is Grandma : )
(Nancy is my aunt- who was also in town. And we had a chance for some one on one visiting- which was unusual but very welcomed).

I loved visiting the maritimes because it was home. Because it was family. Because it was snowing. Because it was everything I'd been missing.

And now I'm back at work. When I get home I'll upload some pictures.

The Slopes

I went skiing this past weekend - for the first time in about oh...8 years. The worst part is I've BEEN to ski hills and just haven't skied- and now am wondering why?! I love skiing! And I'm actually okay at it. My form is complete crap and I have to think about what I'm doing, and my skis are practically the length of my feet... but I can get down the hill, get a little speed- and I have fun doing it.

And though I am a Rocky Mountains' snob they do have some decent hills in Vermont (I've heard). The hill we went to this weekend was pretty small with mostly manmade icy snow... but it was great to just play in the fresh air. And to be honest- I needed a small hill to get my ski legs back.

In two weeks we're going to Killington, Vermont. I think next year we might plan a proper trip and do Aspen or Colorado...maybe Banff!

More of my favourite things

1. Old friends I've had forever
2. Old friends I've become reacquainted with
3. New friends
4. The song "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. If you say you don't like it- you're lying.
5. Accomplishing something really hard. You think you're not going to get through it but you do.
6. Family. I love my family- I have a lot of fam and most I don't get to see often- but they are in my thoughts ALOT.
7. I LOVE my new face lotion from Lancome - it's uber expensive and even though I know better I believe it's doing something great for me.
8. Running
9. Writing
10. Light. Sunlight AND the light from within.
11. Smiles and a kind word.
12. Hugs

laugh out loud funny

Did anyone watch "The Office" after the superbowl? I've been watching the show for a few years now and used to be a big fan. This year, however, I was feeling quite 'meh' about it- thinking that the show had gone too crazy and lost it's spark.
Tonight I watched the latest episode online and I have to say that the opening sequence was the funniest TV I have seen in years. The chaos of trying to escape "Dunder Mifflin" during a simulated fire actually made me laugh out loud.