kntgrl

HEY YOU!!

2010-09-14T22:12:00.001-07:00

yeah YOU!!!!!!

are you looking for my knitting/street art blog?

it's over here......

check it out and have a great day!

And Another thing...

2009-11-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

Just getting a few things off my chest today.

"You don't drive like her, so why should you pay the same insurance as her?"
Geared towards the Silverbacks at home pondering their home equity, this commercial really pisses me off.
If you haven't seen it, please take a moment to be outraged. It is ridiculous!!

Also, thank you to Cheryl DeWolfe for taking this great pic at the Touch Lighting ceremony in Victoria.
I enjoy the directness.

Let the games begin!!

Fall is for Film Fest

2009-10-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

If you have an hour to spare and you enjoy indie rock, and I mean ROCK, please check out this video by local filmmaker Murray Siple.
Even though I'd seen it mentioned around here and there, it was finally my mother who recommended it to me. She enjoys things all Canadiana, and was quite impressed by the film for the most part.

I watched it one afternoon and enjoyed it immensely. It's so very BC.
The music is all local and by local I mean as in just down the street or what have you.
It's a great slice of life for anyone interested in how things really are sometimes out here in Lotus land.
Making the most of what we have. Living an illusion sometimes.

The best place on Earth™

Immortalized by Google part 2

2009-10-09T12:50:00.001-07:00

View Larger Map

Whoop there it is!!

Rather stalkerish isn't it?!

Forever Immortalized by Google

2009-05-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

I was walking around my territory in East Van doing my job the other day when I realized that the Google Car was in the vicinity taking photos.
I was watching it zip up and down the streets and alleys in the lower grounds, so was very aware of where it was coming and going by the time it got to the street I was on.
I had heard an interesting story on CBC about this town in England that had resisted the car and it's invasive photography. They just decided "no" and created quite an effective ruckus.

I first became aware of the whole "street scene" feature when I was virtually lurking around LA's downtown core one afternoon a year or so ago. I loved it, but can see how privacy is really an issue.
I suppose now that the car has captured me on the job, I will be forever immortalized on street in Vancouver. Look for me with my blurred out face and extended finger. heh heh

In da 'hood

2009-04-04T13:36:00.001-07:00

I received this in my email today.

"I received a crime prevention bulletin from a Blockwatch Captain who wanted to share these interesting thoughts.

I realize these ideas are a little beyond Blockwatch but still worthy of consideration! Some Blockwatch members do a lot of travelling or work and park in some isolated areas.

1. If being attacked, use your elbows, heel of the hand or knees (hardest and toughest parts of your body) to hit with and go for eyes, throat or groin; all the soft spots of the human body. If you do strike a vulnerable body part and the suspect hits the ground and is slow to get up, start to RUN! Unless you are a UFC fighter, I suggest you beat a hasty retreat to a safe area! Be thankful you got a lucky punch or kick . You do not want to continue fighting.

2. If you are getting robbed for your purse or wallet, remove it from your possession and empty the contents and/or throw the wallet/purse away from you. Do not stand there and let the crook search the purse and ask them if they want more! Drop the purse/wallet and start to run IMMEDIATELY! THE CHANCES ARE GREAT THEY ARE MORE INTERESTED IN YOUR PROPERTY THAN CHASING YOU! RUN TO A PUBLIC PLACE!

3. If you are ever taken hostage and thrown in the trunk, try to remove the rear signal lights and put your hand out and get attention.

4. If you are ever taken hostage as a driver or passenger in a car, TRY TO GET HOLD OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASH THE CAR! TRY TO CRASH THE CAR IN A PUBLIC AREA WHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE! The chances are good the airbags will deploy and save you. Get out of the car immediately and run. I do not think the bad guys will be trying to chase you down after this car crash with witnesses about. Try not to hit any innocent people. AIM FOR A BUILDING OR TELEPHONE POLE.

5. Regarding Rule 4. It is better to fight for your life in a public area than be taken hostage and taken to a private area where the chances of a successful escape are going to lessen. When in a difficult situation where your freedom is at stake, be prepared to run! Your adrenaline will give you an added boost. DO NOT BE A WILLING HOSTAGE! I have read many Vancouver Police Reports and newspaper stories where adults have tried to abduct children or teenagers and these people have fought back and WON! If children and teens can fight off an adult male, SO CAN YOU!

6. DO NOT PARK BESIDE A VAN. The cargo doors could be opened quite easily by persons hidden within the van and you could be quickly grabbed if caught off guard.

7. DO NOT PARK BESIDE A VAN WITH A MAN SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SAME THING! It’s easier to grab you!

8. It is probably safer to take the elevator than the stairs. Stairwells are isolated and probably not well travelled when compared to elevators. Elevators also have alarm buttons that can be activated for ANY reason!

9. When facing an opponent with a GUN, if you can run away, THEN RUN! I can speak from 25 years of police handgun shooting at the range. IT’S TOUGH ENOUGH TO HIT A STATIONARY TARGET WITH A HANDGUN! HITTING A MOVING TARGET THAT IS ZIGZAGGING IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. ONLY A LUCKY SHOT WILL HIT YOU. DROP THE WALLET AND PURSE AND RUN.

10. Some criminals have pretended to use a cane or a crutch to lure their victims into a false sense of security or get you to help them open their car doors etc. Some criminals have used a fake cast to feign a broken arm. It is normal to offer assistance to physically challenged people. But, be warned. Perhaps asking for a shopping attendant to assist the both of you would be a suitable alternative? NOT EVERYTHING IS AS IT APPEARS TO BE.

11. If you hear noises at night time outside your house and you decide to go INVESTIGATE? Take your cell phone with you. These noises may be purposely made to get you outside your house. TAKE YOUR CELL PHONE WITH YOU!

12. Last but not least, make sure that you have an emergency action plan involving YOUR FAMILY. Does your family know what to do in the case of a house fire? How about an earth quake? If separated from your family for whatever reason, can they contact family members? Can you all meet at another location? MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS KNOW WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

13. Develop a PLAN B and PLAN C for your family in any emergencies."

Let's rumble?

victim of the 80's

2009-02-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

The 80's. Whoa.

Yarnbombing and the knit graffiti saga continues

2009-01-23T13:52:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I happened to be home from work by accident and heard an interview with Leanne and Mandy on CBC talking about their upcoming book, Yarnbombing.
It was cool to hear, and has got me started on making yet another branch of this original blaaaahg.

Please, do check out the Yarnbombing site, and the newest member of my blog family, Strathcozies.

get yer craft on people!!!!!

dear Israel...

2008-12-29T20:12:00.000-08:00

we interrupt this blog to talk about skincare....

2008-12-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

I'm not just talking regular skincare, but delicious, wonderfully organic skincare products that you deserve and will want if "quality" is what you are looking for.The company is called Bioéthique, the products are made in Provence, and they are having a boxing day sale now, so it is a perfect oppourtunity for you to check out their wares.

We all have skin, and we need to take care of it.
I used to be a strictly "soap and water" girl. I couldn't stand the feeling of anything on my face after I had washed it, and because I rarely wear any sort of makeup....this is something that I have always adhered to.
If I'm cleaning my face, I don't need any greasy, waxy, so called moisturizing products smeared or caked on my face. Bioéthique, is one of the first lines that has left me feeling clean and moisturized without that ugh waxy feel that is usually left behind.

One of the first things you will notice about these products is their very different texture and consistency. Compared to many main stream products which are artificially thickened, these products are quite thin or light by comparison. It certainly doesn't diminish their performance ability, and in my opinion, enhances it. There is no excess to absorb and it all disappears into the porous sponge that is your skin.
Their unique texture does require a mental shift when you are extracting them from their containers however, as I have lost great globs of shampoo by simply spacing out and not paying attention. Be aware!! These are quality products that need to be used sparingly, and with great relish.

Another consideration for making the switch to organic products like Bioéthique is the use of animal products in many 'brand name'products. If you wish to avoid these potentially harmful and generally disgusting animal products and other toxins you might want to think about it.
Longevity is key. So the time to start looking after your skin is now.

These products are delicious smelling, with subtle fragrances of orange, and rose and other essential plant oils. They are fresh, and work best that way. They leave my skin feeling great, and my body smelling delicious.Of course, only time will tell, but if I'm smiling because my skin feels so good, then how can this be a bad thing?

I strongly encourage you to check them out.
Their sale runs until January 1'st. You will be as hooked as I am. Guaranteed!

my favourites include:

the cleansing milk
the exfoliating scrub
the eye cream
the wonderful anti-oxidant serum
the delicious smelling body moisturizer
the day cream-nice and light
the moisture mask....because I work outdoors and need a little extra tlc sometimes

where have all the birches gone?

2008-12-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

Down at Gore and Union there has been a vacant lot for some time. It has also been a hot spot for arson and vandalism from the haters of gentrification.
They had placed some orange fencing around some of the larger trees there. I understood this fence to mean that they would be saved.There were about 4 birches initially.Some were larger than others.

I had seen some spectacular wildlife there from time to time as well. If you can call inner city wildlife spectacular, and I believe you can.
Giant 'coons sunning themselves on the roofs of the now burned out homes.
A big Buteo looking for lunch.
It was a familiar corner. One that has been changing ever so slowly.
The fenced in trees started to become a receptacle for garbage and starbucks cups. Clothing. Other flotsam of the downtown eastside.

The other day, I noticed that the very last tree had been cut down.
They had been disappearing over time, broken off, snapped in half.
This one was more obvious.
Someone actually tramped down the orange fence and cut it down.
There was no evidence left behind except a stump.

I started to wonder about some of the other Birches in the neighbourhood.
Three on the south side of Strathcona school field. Three at the park house on Keefer and Heatley.It is a bummer to see so many disappear. Leaving stumps.

14 gone but not forgotten

2008-12-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

Genevieve Bergeron.

Nathalie Croteau.

Anne-Marie Edward.

Maryse Laganiere.

Anne-Marie Lemay.

Michele Richard.

Annie Turcotte.

Helene Colgan.

Barbara Daigneault.

Maud Haviernick.

Maryse LeClair.

Sonia Pelletier.

Annie St-Arneault.

Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.

Remembering the Montreal Massacre.

I'm not sure we've come a long way in the last 19 years.
The news is still full of stories of women murdered by their spouses, family members, and total strangers. It is disgusting.
Women are still disposable in our society.

Overheard at work...

2008-12-03T14:14:00.001-08:00

"So some Haitian is gonna decide who runs the country?!?!!"

I know I shouldn't laugh.......

2008-11-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

...but this is the face of a scared little boy about to pee in his pants.

In case you haven't been listening, or are not a Canadian interested in federal affairs, our country is in a Constitutional Crisis. By dabbling in the ideologies that make up the identity of what it means to be a "Canadian", Prime Minister Steven Harper has blown it. This coupled with the fact that we JUST had a national election? People are annoyed. His old stomping grounds of Calgary might not accept the direness of the situation, but he's managed to unite all of the opposition parties against him. I believe this includes the Bloc Québécois.

What is especially delicious about this possibility of taking power from an ineffectual government, is the fact that Michaelle Jean, the Governor General, will be the one to decide how it will all go down, if it happens.
She is seen as a waste of money by most Conservatives, and they attack her travel expenses from time to time, but she is a representative of our country, and needs to exist.
As if we would want some totally backwards, uncultured, hater of the arts, right wing hill billy to represent us to the rest of the worldly universe. She puts up with a great deal of heat, and this seems like karmic payback for being maligned continuously.

I hope it goes through. I'm tired of all the cozying up to all the wrong people. I'd better end there, as I'm no political writer, and it's like Beavis and Butthead talking about the Mona Lisa in here, or something.

Let us all laugh aloud now, shall we?

On Wall Street

2008-10-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

Anangel Solidarity

Sammi Aurora

Joy Sea

Hane Pearl

Anthi P

Siskin Arrow

Silver Yu

Rubin Forest

Skaubryn

come sail your ships around me....

Stop the Violence

2008-08-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

Lately there has been a great deal of violence in my neighbourhood.
It's been a hot spot for awhile what with the rapid gentrification and housing market the way it is. It's been written on sidewalks, poles and on the sides of homes. Class Warfare!!!!

It has been particularly hard on the house at 708 Hawkes Ave, which has been the victim of shocking violence and destruction. Too much really.
It started when the house was sold. A huge, gorgeous communal place that had seen it's share of inhabitants over the years. Called the fish bowl for a reason, the preferred name for me was the "dirty fish bowl". Maybe it was the flip tone of, "hey, wanna buy a house?" that was posted in the window of the place, but whatever it was, it set off the vandals in a big way.
I guess the anger is mostly directed at the guy who bought and gutted the place for re-sale.
Everybody hates a flipper, but a guy has to make a living somehow. Is he any worse than a person who makes their living owning apartment buildings ahd renting out suites?

I have always had empathy for inanimate objects. I feel badly at the amount of damage that's occurred to this house, especially considering what kind vibes it's had throughout the years.

I've heard the rumours circulating of who it might be. Ranging from the ridiculous to the probable, including the rumour that a soccer ball was found inside, and I can't say that I know for sure who it is, but I do know that they're misdirecting their anger in a lame, adolescent way.
Like the night I had far too many drinks at the Anza club and upon leaving decided to act out some reckless, destructive rage on the antennae of some poor bastards car. I didn't choose the most expensive car on the block, to make it some 'credible' act against the man a la "eat the rich", oh no...
I chose some poor bugger, who was probably at the same show, and it was either a crappy Escort, or a Civic, or whatever from the 80's. Whatever it was, my behaviour was stupid, and juvenile, and didn't accomplish anything of value.
Sorry buddy.

I hope the senseless shit in the hood stops soon.
Take the anger to the big developers, or Gordon Campbell's house, or wherever.
Let the house return to it's good vibe self. It's already been gutted and eviscerated for all to see. I feel poorly for the house....and the new owner who is in the process of purchasing and is no doubt nervous about moving in there.It is sad.

Save the Heatley Block from Demolition

2008-07-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

Save the Heatley Block

Long Hot Summer of Bad Drugs?

2008-07-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Police and Ambulance services have been out 3 times already this morning to assist two tweaking half dressed girls on the street in front of my place. No one has been able to help them so far. Not that they are even willing to accept help....but their party posse had some infighting and abandoned them with their jerks and grunts and groans. It is extremely disturbing to witness.
Thankfully the kids didn't see any of it.

I saw some public sex in the park on my dog walk. The local park has become a camp ground.
Last night I heard blood curdling screams coming from the vicinity of Hastings.

Yes, summer is in full swing.
The trip to Oliphant seems like a distant memory.

If people could just stick to beer.....

Waves: Chinatown

2008-06-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

I met a couple of fine ladies for coffee tonight at Waves Coffee in Chinatown.
It's a 24 hour establishment at the corner of Pender and Main Streets, just one block from the infamous "Hastings and Main".
Yadda Yadda.

It felt weird going in there because I'd been to the old place several times which was jam packed full of Chinese curios and every type of thing imaginable.

I got a Latte, of course, and I should have had some food, but I was feeling stunned and not thinking clearly. What I saw looked good. Possibly even vegan.

It's huge, with comfy seats. Open air in the front and back. Free wifi. Plus, just having an alternative to Starbucks™ is a plus.

The only drawback was that the "Beavertail" guy came to our table, and as deferential and polite as he was....I could not give him any money. I hope this does not make me a Yuppie object of scorn.

What a maroon!!

2008-05-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

W.O.W.
That was some hiatus.
I saw this and thought it was post worthy.....hahahahahaa

My favourite Palace Brothers song

2008-04-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

I can't say which incarnation of Will Oldham I prefer, but this song is one of my best ever all time pick me ups.
Something about the great harmonies, the loose drums and laid back singing style. It's all good.
It's about as close as I'll inch to country music, and is up there with Freakwater for best indie old timey country ever.

And might I just say the "Flying Burrito Brothers are NOT country fusion Les!".
thank you.

Give a listen!!!

2008-04-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

This is making it hard to get started this morning.

So much tragedy in the world.
So much suffering.
Makes me worry for the future.
Again.

Lemme Guess...

2008-03-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

It must be the day after welfare wednesday, 'cause I've seen the fire truck go by about 4 times today.
Also, I saw an old acquaintance working out on our corner last night.

I wanted to make her a plate of chicken curry to go, but she took off down the street before I could get it together.

le sigh.

Somebody's knocking at the door....

2008-03-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Somebody's ringin' the bell.

You know the tune, and what with the Private Natural Gas Vendors and the Missionaries on the march, it's the song I've been singing lately.
The Jehovah's Witnesses were by the other day.
I must have been out, or occupied, because my husband saw them from afar and was trying to call and warn me.
Also, the bloody BC Liberals shoved something through my door.
As if......

But even weirder, was the God Graffiti I found directly out front of my door today.
I must say that this is a first, and I was initially creeped out, but now I am amused.
I don't think it was the woman I've dubbed "the witch", whom I have a photo of, but would rather not post.....but I doubt that she would get down on the ground to scrawl that.
She usually just walks up to my front door, looks up towards the rickity roof of my porch and stares. It is most unusual. But in a neighbourhood where some of the patrons wear aluminum foil helmets, there really isn't much that surprises me.

I did a google search on "limb of God" as if that might offer up some clues, but mostly all I found were sites devoted to talking about why God never heals missing limbs etc. Interesting, but not something I have time to explore at present.

I wonder if google will produce anything on "Limbo of God"? Sounds more fun definitely.

Honesty at what cost?

2008-03-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the ladies went downtown to do some shopping.
Springtime means a new lipgloss, you know, girl stuff.
We had lunch out and got on the bus with our parcels.

The bus stop at Abbott and Hastings was particularly grim, as per usual. I saw a guy buy dope and then his scabby girl came up and promptly punched him in the arm and started arguing with the dealer. These were 2 people dressed like any other 20 somethings, except they were covered in scabs, emaciated, and without much control of their muscles, jerking back and forth etc. It was tough to take.

Of course my 4 year old asks, "why is that person punching that other person"?
What can I say except, "those are crazy people honey".

I fear for the future. I wonder how Vancouver will clean up this heinous mess by the Olympics. Maybe finally things will change. I also worry about how desensitized we have all become.
These are human beings.

What a long strange day it's been....

2008-02-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe the craziness that I just witnessed on the street.
I had been nauseated earlier by the sight of two street urchins making out between two parked cars. Imagine emaciated, drawn, skeletal, love and then mix in the crazies. It was disturbing.

Then, as if out of some movie.....3 big guys wearing Puffy jackets and one donning some kind of Rasta hat come cruising down the sidewalk. It's only extra bizarre because they were obviously not familiar faces from the 'hood....cause usually people start to look familiar round these parts. Plus, this was a group of about 6 or 7 guys, so it was really obvious.

Next thing I know, I see one of the guys doing the kicking, stomping thing on a guy on the ground.

That is some scary stuff. I got all spooked calling the cops then realized the futility of it all.
I guess they can rack it up as statistics, but as far as enforcing people to not be violent towards each other, I dunno. It did break up the nice little crack party that had been forming though.

gonna banish all negative thoughts now.

ohmmmmmmm

Nothing to Report

2008-02-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

Oxford Comma

So my baby likes Vampire Weekend really a lot!
I knew that he would have his dad's penchant for the preppy.
Also he is a sucker for African guitars.

Check it out if you dare. The dude even wears 'deck shoes' as if that is some revolutionary fashion statement.

everything old is new again.

How Can this be Good for You?

2008-01-26T13:31:00.000-08:00

I realize that I'm taking a step backwards here, but I've been fascinated lately by the concept of the "E Meter". You hold onto two metal rods and an electrical charge goes through your body/mind as you do insane repetitive thoughts for hours on end. How can this be good for you? Does Tomkat participate in this? Does Beck? How many hours do they spend doing this per year?

Doesn't it fry your brain?

After having worked at a summer resort operated by "people of another faith", but really a cult in my opinion and shall remain nameless, I've seen how people will surrender their "free will" to the family they've found in a cult.

I mean, even I had that van of people who came around and picked me up for my Christian Youth Crusader group every Thursday night back when I was 13 years old. I'm surprised my parents allowed
me to go, but hey, whatever. I managed ok, and I even remember pulling my own hijinxs while I was there. Like when they picked me up for the wedding of the Pastor's daughter who was marrying some dude from Prison.

Come on, what is going on there?

It is scary stuff. To read so much about the Scientologists though...
I must say, "Ewwwwww!!". They seem like quite an unsavory bunch of characters. Of course I mean the ones in control, as a majority of them are likely victims to whatever extent.

Check out this e-meter costing over $4500 American. Yikes!

2008-01-25T13:43:00.001-08:00

If you've ever lived in Vancouver, you know that there is much too much property crime and far too many car thefts. One of the VPD's most successful campaigns is the "bait car program", which nabs and videotapes plenty of junkies driving erratically and shooting off handguns from time to time.

The VPD promoted themselves with bravado in a street style.

This is what happened.

I find this hilarious and harmless fun.

Milestones

2008-01-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

Today the littlest E was able to get his hands on his own wee unit.
It was so cute!!
I must say that I was a bit concerned at first only because he has trouble with his "grab control". It's never really in a delicate grab mode, more of a death grip.
I suppose he'll figure it out.

Hurray!

movin' on.......

2008-01-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

I never really got into his Seachange album, and I must say that his being a Scientologist was a huge disappointment, but whatever.

This video has got some fantastic work in it.

An Unhealthy Obsession?

2007-12-31T11:46:00.000-08:00

Santa brought me a new Vanity Fair magazine for Christmas. I enjoy this magazine, only because I'm a sucker for tabloid. I particularly enjoy the trials and tribulations of the enviably rich and the mayhem that ensues from life's excesses. I find it entertaining. Also, I don't have long patches of time now where I can read, so that's how it is.

So of course I latch right on to the tale of Jeremy Blake and Theresa Duncan. I'm reluctant to even type their names here lest I incur some sort of wrath be it supernatural or other. Just a normal pair of hipsters living their lives, being successful in Los Angeles, a city which I am also obsessed with.

I'll just say that the pair both committed suicide a week apart, and I might remember some snippit of this thing unfolding at the end of July, except that I was preoccupied with the upcoming birth of my boy.

Basically, I have spent a disgusting amount of time on these two deceased individuals, poring over every fact about their lives, and deaths.

I really don't feel like posting links to sources that I have read as I feel somewhat guilty,dirty,overly curious,pathetic,and exhilerated that I am engaging in such Schadenfreude.
First I honed up on the so called "facts" and "conspiracy theories", somewhat venturing into a world of haters. So many buzzards circling around. I tried to read and ignore what was necessary for me to NOT feel completely soulless, but who's kidding who, sometimes the dark is seductive.
To me, it is a mystery unfolding on the internet. There is a movie here, but I'm certainly not writing it. I will be moving on sometime in the near future.

I've recently tired of one particular blog as it was starting to feel too negative.
Also, how much time do I really want to spend on one dead blog. Goodbye to that one.

Now I've gone right to the source. Interesting in it's own merit, but certainly not worthy of the hype bestowed upon it. I have been rifling through, snooping on comments and getting obsessed with the Lunar Society. The whole premise of a secret society being very Pynchonesque in itself. I find many of the posts interesting and hilarious. Maybe I see a little of myself there. Not the glam or the blonde, but the interests. The music, the critical theory, the psychoanalysis,French New Wave,punk rock,consumption and criticism of pop culture,all that good stuff I went to University to learn. All from someone I never knew who took their own life.
So.Weird.

I borrowed these lovely images from her blog.

Happy New Year, she shouted into the void!!!

Damn!!

2007-12-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

OK, so I've still got the damn pink eye.

What the hell?!
Why am I the only one in the family with this damn annoying goopy eye business?
I'm thinking it's because I touched a donkey at the Christmas Train night and then promptly stuck my finger in my eye?!

Whatever.....I just don't take too kindly to foreign bacteria invading my body.
Gonna break down and go to the doctor later.

EXXXXXXXXPLEEEEEEEEEEEEETIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVE!!!!!!!

Things are getting interesting

2007-12-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

There has been one confirmed case of chicken pox at the daycare. Lovely.
Children covered in pustules. I wonder what an infant with chicken pox looks like? Can you still kiss him? I don't think that I can refrain.

That is all. I am too lazy to make a proper post with link thingys. Sic.

After 3 days of headache, a grotesque eye infection, general lethargy and other, I'm now a phlegm manufacturing machine. It is gross.

Goodbye.

Roots of Empathy

2007-11-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, my son and I had our Roots of Empathy gig at Strathcona School. It's a great program that hopes to build peaceful and civil societies through the development of empathy.
The idea is that by raising levels of empathy, you will encourage more respectful and caring relationships and reduce levels of bullying and aggression. Their program runs for 9 months, with my son being the 'teacher' at 9 different in class get togethers. I've listened to people bash the public school system, yet do nothing, and this seems like a good program, so I decided to get involved.

Someone asked me to do it when our first child was born, but I was such a mama bear back then. I was wayyyyy too over protective. Now it's fun. The kids in kindergarden are SO cute. They are all so into the baby that it's insane.

And wouldn't you know it, but the littlest E is mugging for the camera and making eyes at the teacher. It definitely leaves us both feeling positive and happy when we leave the school. I'll bet it does the same for that entire class and so on.

I've always felt this 'optimism' associated with kids. I guess it's their potential and the possibility for change that I'm referring to. Makes me glad I had kids!

Kids on GHB: wanna party?

2007-11-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

OK, so if you haven't heard, one of the most popular toys of the year has been recalled because of it's links to the "date rape" drug.

Are you freaking' kidding me?

I mean, what are the odds of this occurring?! Could they not find any other contaminant with which to poison our kids? Is lead passe now?

I always wondered about a toy with tiny little dots being around creatures that put everything into their mouths. Two kids that ingested these things slipped into comas. Scary. This was Australia's Toy of the Year!!

Not to overstate the obvious, but remember what it did to Nick Nolte who took this while dating himself?

In Celebration of Mark Szabo

2007-11-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

*Disclaimer: I'm not a record reviewer.

Recently, some people I know made an album celebrating the songwriting talents of local curmudgeon and hair farmer Mark Szabo. He's probably one of Vancouver's best kept under wraps songwriter. Did that come out right? And though I hardly ever see him anymore, I still enjoy the odd exchange on the streets of Vancouver.

Speaking musically, I came in around the time of Good Horsey. They were a great 3 piece that continues to inhabit my mind in the form of musical phrases.
Max Lee on drums is always a good thing.

Capozzi Park was next, with "Chocolate Covered Bad Things" and "The Record of Capozzi Park" . I think there were some tapes floating around too. Maybe there still are. It's laid back, and diverse, and cynical, and hopeful, and at this point, I'm looking back in nostalgia......so I'm drifting off...
Mark has a great way of capturing life: snapshots, snatches of conversation that transport you to a poignant place in your own history. It's urbane and emotionally universal. Or at least it seems that way to me.

Here's a version of Daytime Emmy with both Mark and Marcie on vocals. This would be ....I dunno when....almost 10 years ago? d'OH!
I'm glad that I've retrieved them from the back of my dusty CD collection which is stored away and unusable.

So all these years later, a project called Heartbreak Scene was started. Their CD is called The Szabo Songbook. I was stoked to see the number of noteworthy folks contributing: Mike Ledwidge(Zumpano), Pete Bourne(where do I start...), Mark Kleiner(Jungle), Dan Bejar(Destroyer...et al) to name a few, but not all that appear throughout.
Yes!! I know!!

There were only a couple of tracks that I didn't know, most absorbed through osmosis during blurry, happy times at Ms T's and the Anza club. Back in the salad days of indie rock......there I go again.
The Anza has always been one of my favourite places to quietly, or not so quietly get drunk and observe the mating ritual, or glasses grabbing fist fight, whatever was written into the evening by Fate.
Some day I will know who that was.
So it's no surprise that all this reflection of late has certainly made me stop and take note of the talent that is Mark. Just thought I'd say that.

One of the songs that I didn't recognize on the album is (Some Kind of)Watershed. It can hold it's own in any Pitchfork review I'd say. Don't you agree?
For $10 and with the Canadian Dollar so strong, you really should pick this up!
Franklin Bruno writes a fantastic opener that pretty much sums it all up.
That alone speaks volumes.
Do It!!!!!

Strange...

2007-10-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

I received an email from someone that I've known a long time asking why my blog had stopped. It was hilarious, because I didn't think that anyone was reading at all. Especially not a friend from University that is living in Ottawa. Big Ups Yerself Sandra!!

Mostly I treat this as some kind of ranting therapy about my crazy neighbourhood, but I got bored, so I stopped.
Or I guess you could say that I got busy....real busy, with another life form.

If there are any Built to Spill fans out there, and there must be...as they just played here in Vancouver, I have uploaded something for you. Strange. It's not exactly the real thing, but Boise Cover Band, a side project of Doug Martsh.

We are enjoying some of that here when we're taking a break from the ska/dub.

I had something funny happen with my Flickr™ account. As is customary, I had posted a pic of some people smoking crack and carrying on in front of my house. Someone on Flickr™ identified the person by name and made some comment about how their girlfriend wouldn't be happy to see such a thing. Her boyfriend smoking crack on the street I suppose.

I decided to remove the post as I didn't feel that it was appropriate to have someone outing him by name on the internets and volunteering his personal information. After doing this, I received a self righteous angry email from the person determined to "tell his story" on my photo sharing site.

Um, no.
I don't feel too cool about creating a place for others to tell other people's stories.

This person was pissed, and said "I thought that at least one of your subjects would have the oppourtunity to have the truth told about them".
Um, wrong.
Yes, everyone has a story, but no, you cannot tell it for them. Sorry to take away your chance to tell all, but it would be better for him to do the revealing, and not some third person account of his 'truth'.

Oh the controversy!
I guess these things are to be expected.

Chain Gang. Another good cover from one of the crabbiest ladies in Rock 'N Roll. Boise Cover Band does it good!!

It's my birthday...

2007-06-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

...and the street life's gift to me was stealing my last Iris.

I cannot explain how violent I felt towards any potential flower theif that I saw today.

I guess my only solution is to remove all of the flowering plants from my garden and return them to the nice friend who gave them to me.

It is just too discouraging.

I seriously saw myself running down the street with my field hockey stick in my hand looking for heads to crack.

Maybe this year will be the year that I mellow out, but it's doubtful! ha ha!

Gangsta Stylin'

2007-05-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Last night we were grilling some dinner outside and we heard a pop.
It sounded like a gun shot. Not a rifle though, which I remember as echoing and reverberating throughout the fields during my childhood years.

I said to my man, "wow, that sure sounded like a gunshot".
So this afternoon as I was walking my dog, it was confirmed.
One of our local drug dealer types was wearing his gun in the front of his pants like a cool guy, and he shot his cajones off.

Guess we won't be seeing him for awhile.

I wonder if this is the genius in quesion?!

How apropos...

2007-04-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Yeah, what's there to worry about really?!

the possibilities are endless....

2007-04-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

My child had some soiled clothes come home from her daycare in one of those small shopping bags from a large department store.
When I unpacked them, I found a receipt, so of course I had a look.

How funny to find a half dozen thongs had been purchased...in cash no less.
Very interesting.

I can't imagine which parent left this bag at the daycare.
I have a sneaking suspicion that it's the mom who is always showing off her arm pits and touching her bare stomach etc, but it really could be anyone.

Gonna just leave that one alone now...

I've fallen into a K-hole...

2007-04-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

K-Hole-The Silver Jews

I found this news nugget fascinating.

$63,000 award for drug overdose
Last Updated: Thursday, April 12, 2007 | 9:25 AM PT
CBC News

A B.C. judge has ordered the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to pay $63,000 in damages to a Campbell River man who had a near-death experience after being given an overdose of a painkiller.

Bradley Weafer, 38, got the overdose of ketamine, which is also used as an anesthetic, after undergoing back surgery at Vancouver General Hospital in 2001.

He was supposed to get three millilitres an hour of the drug. Instead he got the whole 500-millilitre bag in five minutes.

When the nurse went back to check on him after setting up an intravenous drip, she found Weafer unresponsive and making jerky motions.

In court, Weafer recalled being sucked into black tunnels. It was hot and scary, he said, adding he saw his life flash before him, felt being born and placed in his mother's arms. He also said he saw God.

Weafer also testified he had suffered brain damage.

Several witnesses including a psychiatrist supported his claim.

But B.C. Supreme Court Justice Frank Cole said the witnesses failed to establish Weafer had a brain injury.

He also ruled that they did not adequately consider the former social worker's previous health problems — everything from migraine headaches to leg pains.

But the judge agreed Weafer had suffered a near-death experience that was terrifying and caused a great deal of stress and anxiety.

He awarded him $55,000 for the psychological trauma plus another $8,000 in damages.

This is my new favourite song.....

2007-04-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

It does the trick.

You know that once it has broken on the CBC it is old news, but I don't care.
I haven't seen the video, so I hope that it's not offensive.

ha ha!

No, The Customer is NOT Always Right

2007-04-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Date: April 13, 2007
Time: 09:00
Location: Superintendent's Office

"The purpose of the interview is discuss the incident on March 14, 2007, at approximately 10:35 am, on the 2900 block of Woodland Drive, when you were verbally abusive to a customer and called her a bitch while in uniform. Furthermore, at the fore-mentioned incident you also threatened to pepper spray her tied up dog."

Let me just say...BULLSHIT.
The only thing factual about this synopsis is that I was indeed in uniform.
It is tremendously frustrating when your employer would rather take the word of some jackass on the street who is obviously fabricating some tale, over their employee who they've known for years.
Or not.
Our latest boss, or commandant as some have called her is all about "respect in the work place" but refuses to hear my side of the story and would rather take the word of a total stranger and prejudge the interview process in this manner. I'm pissed that I am being called a liar, and I'm pissed that some idiot walking their pit bull off leash might have an impact of my finances should I be suspended without pay.
It's not the dog I hate, but the feckless owner who insists, "she would never bite".
Well, you don't know that, and I'm not taking any chances, so put a leash on it.
I'm a dog lover!! All dogs...and I don't support a ban or anything like that, but when I'm working, I don't need to meet your dog off leash.

This is the Kafkaesque nature of the Post Office.
Nothing makes sense, so just get used to it.

It's really not a bad job, but the poor management that makes it so.

Found a remix version of the Stars album that I played to death last year.
I particularly like Final Fantasy's cover of Your Ex Lover Is Dead.

Check it out

Road Rage

2007-04-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

To the redneck rageAholic who wanted to run down a pregnant lady and her dog in the middle of the intersection: I know you're in a big hurry to get home and beat your wife, but it's WHORE (hoare) not WHORE (hoor)....get it right dumbass.

This is why women need to carry guns.

You certainly didn't wipe the smile off of my face though...it remains a beautiful day despite all of the underendowed men in giant trucks driving in our city.
Get thee back to Surrey, or Alberta.
Whatever.

Happy Easter Eveyone

2007-04-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

It has been positively loony around the 'hood lately.
Early last night I heard someone screaming....so upon looking out the door, I saw a woman walking down the sidewalk hunched over and grabbing at the back of her head. She was obviously on some bad drugs, but experience has taught me that it is futile to call 911 over something like this. Especially if she is on the move. She passed a couple out for their Saturday night date, and they just carried on as though nothing was out of the ordinary. It was bizarre. The woman was letting out blood curdling screams and they didn't even bat an eye.

Later, I heard more shouting and saw the guy who has been soliciting money from people all over the 'hood by painting street numbers and Canadian flags in front of their homes for $5. He was shouting into our elderly Chinese neighbour's house and it was after midnight. Apparently, he painted their address in front of their place and was now looking for his $5. What a loon. My hubby nearly went out with the field hockey stick. It was totally uncalled for. I'm sure that they didn't ask him to paint that stuff on there, so piss off guy.

What can we expect today I wonder?

2007-04-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

This pretty much sums up how I feel about the Olympics. As if it wasn't expensive enough living in this idyllic city of crack by the sea, imagine the debt left over after these games are done.

It's crazy!!!!

Mundanities

2007-04-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Dear woman at the bus stop,
I'm sorry that you have just come out of the Compassion Club and are feeling chatty, but I have to decline your invitation to conversation.

Though I am in my 'uniform' which is usually an open invitation to unload, I am wearing my headphones and listening to music.

Your opener was enchanting, "new running shoes?", but I had only a lackluster, "I guess..." in response.
Yes.

I didn't see Bloc Party when they were here recently, and have never really heard them except for this cover. I like it!

Cheque's in the Mail.....er not.

2007-04-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

March 29, 2007 - 19:30

Urban Postal Unit Negotiations - 2007 / Bulletins

Negotiations Bulletin no. 53

Canada Post management has informed CUPW that it will not agree to the union’s proposal to extend the conciliation process for the Urban Operations Unit. In a letter to the union dated March 27, Canada Post’s Chief Negotiator did make a commitment that the corporation will not “modify the terms and conditions of employment until the results of the Union’s ratification vote are communicated or April 30, 2007 which ever date occurs first.”

The current timeline

We expect to have the official results of ratification and strike votes after the voting ends on April 22, 2007. The union will obtain the right to strike and Canada Post will obtain the right to lockout immediately following the current ratification process.

However, under the Canada Labour Code, both parties must provide 72 hours notice prior to initiating a strike or lockout.

All locals should be on “Strike Alert” for April 26

If the membership votes to accept the tentative collective agreement, it would take effect on the date it is signed with full retroactivity for wages and premiums.

If the tentative agreement is rejected, the negotiations committee will go back to the table to try to convince the employer to improve their final offer. If the employer refuses to move, a strike may be necessary.

Canada Post has stated that the language in the tentative collective agreement is their “final offer” and that they are prepared to take a strike. They have also threatened to bring back many of the rollbacks that they dropped during negotiations. We do not know if they are bluffing but we must be prepared.

All locals should be preparing for strike activity in case it is necessary. Locals should prepare picket rosters and shop stewards should prepare phone trees. All members should participate fully in the activities of the union. Contact your local and see how you can participate should strike action be necessary.

In solidarity,
Pat Bertrand
CUPW Chief Negotiator

Elliott Smith

2007-03-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

Just doing some chores and listening to music...LOUD.
I cannot get through that XO album without losing it.
What a talent, what a tragedy, what a waste!!

Here is a fan site that someone has set up.

Here's a link for a live version of Independence Day at the Henry Fonda theatre in Los Angeles 02/01/03.

August 6, 1969-October 21, 2003

Zombies!!

2007-03-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

My husband met with the Vancouver Police Department yesterday to talk about their plans to do a "haunted house" in the neighbourhood this upcoming Hallowe'en. I was thinking that they were going to have to dig really deep to scare some of the kids around here, considering that some of the usual suspects look like zombie extras from some bad Horror Flick. These kids aren't going to be scared by some mummy in rags, or some dirty looking malfeasant muttering to himself

He doesn't think the house will have any sort of "just say NO" message, because sometimes they like to insert some kind of 'educational' element into the exhibition, but would it really be so bad if they did?
I guess you don't have to look far to see that drugs really aren't too cool if you're going to end up looking like this.

Probably one of the scariest things they could get into the house would be that oversized, overzealous billy club wielding cop that was filmed in the punch up with the off duty fireman and his son. In case you are out of town, this story received much press.

sick day...bleh

2007-03-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather has turned and there isn't the ever present downfall, the spring colds and snotty noses have arrived. My child has had the most annoying cough for days, and finally we decided to keep her home from daycare.
Yesterday my husband was off work, and today it was my turn. I can't help but feel somewhat guilty that I'm here sipping coffee while it takes a team of at least 6 people to replace me.

Hmmm...something is wrong with that picture.
I guess I shouldn't really worry about the management failures of my employers, but it still remains on my mind. Especially after doing so much over time over the past 3 days. I obviously need the break as well.

Question of the day: What are the ethical implications of placing a phony call in to Crimestoppers? I suppose that there will be some "fiscal waste" for the investigating officers, but compared to insurance fraud or whatever other white collar crimes are occurring on a daily basis, is it really something to worry about?

I'm gonna ponder this for awhile before I make any decisions. I feel that my karmic situation has been good lately, and aside from my horrorscope which stated that "even CEOs can get the pink slip sometimes", I feel good. Hmmmmmm again.

What a mess

2007-03-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

I heard on the radio the other day that we've lost 3 month of sunshine this winter and are on the verge of breaking another rainfall record. It just might be the rainiest March EVER!!!!
I probably wouldn't be so concerned except that I work outside and it's hard to ignore as it pounds down on you daily.
Is it any wonder that I'm going through my whole little Dino Jr mid-life crisis thing? I'm going barmy!

Guess my man and my wee tadpole will be attending this show. I've been known to jam out on such occasions, including the fantastic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a huge regret, because now he's dead...but this one will be for sure.
Original line up.
Loud.
Rockin' foetus.
You got it.
Freak scene indeed!

In case you're not converted, check out this ancient track....FreakScene.
Yes, Yes, I am old, but I can still stand in a crowd and bob my head with the best of them. Even at 8 months preggo....wonder if I can find some sort of belly muffler. Last time I was preggo I saw Arab Strap at the Commodore. It was no problem negotiating my way through the crowd. People got the hell out of the way! It was hilarious.

Wonder if I can get my hands on some sort of belly muffler.

Some times I don't thrill you
Some times I think I'll kill you
So don't let me fuck up will you,
'cause when I need a friend it's still you

Barking Mad!!!!!

2007-03-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

My co-worker emailed me this story about some crazy guy that ran naked onto the tarmac at LAX trying to board a moving plane.

As it turns out, this guy is a co-worker of ours.
I am in awe!!

Now I know that mental illness is no laughing matter, but this story is just so bizarre that I can't believe it. I had to walk by my friend's work area to contemplate this guy who is behind all the madness.

I'm not worthy.

Apparently, this story is a few years old.

Salon.com Nov. 4, 2004 | Los Angeles -- A man was charged with trespassing after he stripped naked, scaled a airport fence, ran across the tarmac and climbed into a plane's wheel well before firefighters talked him out, officials said.

The man had earlier tried to buy a ticket for a Qantas Airways flight to Australia with only a credit card receipt. He told authorities at Los Angeles International Airport that he stripped off his clothes Monday to protest the airline's decision to deny him the ticket, airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles said.

The man, XXXX XXXXX, 31, of Canada, suffers from bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness) and had been listed as a missing person in Canada, Castles said. He was booked on a tresspassing charge, and was released from custody Tuesday.

Baggage handlers saw the man climb an 8-foot, barbed-wire fence that separates public and private areas of the airport and run to a departing plane as it backed from the gate. He climbed into a wheel well before the plane stopped.

He ignored police officers' commands to come out, but complied when city firefighters arrived. The Boeing 747, bound for Melbourne, Australia, departed an hour late.

Airport authorities will look into improving the fence, said Paul Haney, a spokesman for the agency that operates the airport.

**This particular version of the story neglects to mention the barbed wire atop the fence. He scaled it unscathed.

On another note, Happy Birthday Tommy Hunter!!

In case you aren't from Canada, Tommy Hunter is a HUGE icon. He doesn't have the fame of Stompin' Tom Conners, but if you grew up in the boonies of Canada, where you only got 2 television stations, chances are you have encountered this man. He had a variety show with a tinge of country. I mean, look at the guys hair!

Cheers Tommy, and thanks for all those great years of tv!!
Go and check out his awesomeness:Tommy Hunter

2007-03-15T16:28:00.002-07:00

I heard that Black Mountain were in HellA recording a song for Spiderman or something.
I may have the superhero wrong.
This isn't one of my favourite songs, but I like the film.

Big Ups to the young man with the tuque who offered up his bus seat when I got on today.

Boo to the crazy guy who started his soliloquy's with "are you waiting for the bus?", and then exclaiming a Nazi epithet before leaving the area.

Something Good around the Corner...

2007-03-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Finally, something fun to do on Friday night, and I don't even have to leave the neighbourhood.
I love that!!
Plus, it's always good to catch up with people...AND it's kid friendly.
Check out Mark DeLong and Jason McLean's stuff!!

There is a new gallery around the corner and I just noticed it this week while waiting for the bus in the dark amongst hobos snorting shit off bus shelter benches, and half dead looking junkies drifting around. It has been gross.
But that's for another post!

work and slave and skimp and save

2007-03-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

...and you can buy yourself a bigger cage

Last night I awoke to the sounds of a woman crying on the street outside. I must be more callous now, because I didn't even bother to look out. The junkie drama is just too taxing on the psyche some times. Besides, there is nothing to be done. Even when I call about convulsing and half dead girls on the sidewalk, the ambulance comes and goes without them. It is all too bizarre.

So it looks like I'm on garbage detail today. And low and behold, there's a hooker bust happening as I type this. It's not the girls I have a beef with, but the crack smoking creeps in cars that cruise around looking for them. It seems these guys have a preference for scabby incoherent desperately young girls. It is sad.
I figured that something was up this morning as all of the available police cruisers in Vancouver appear to be in the 'hood.

In honour of our potential upcoming labour unrest, I was looking for my favourite Quasi song, The Happy Prole, but I'll have to settle for an equally engaging tune instead. Birds is a fantastic album. They are still a band that serves a real purpose in my listening life, unlike Mates of State, which seem like a rip off spazzy outfit that I can do without. Check this out...
The Poisoned Well.

Beyond

2007-03-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

On May 1'st, there's a new Dinosaur Jr album coming out, and it's the original lineup, so I'm pretty excited.
I know, I'm old.

My hubby is going on a man date to see Sebadoh on Saturday....snicker snicker....better than staying at home with your homemade bone I suppose.
What I love about the album, what I've heard, is that it sounds like Dinosaur Jr. They have not changed their sound, and even Lou sings!!!! yippeeeee

Check out this wailing, melodic, awesome 6 minute song, Pick Me Up.
I blame much of my hearing loss on the Dinosaur Jr concert I saw in Toronto back in the early 90's. I was stage side, getting pushed in all directions, and still only saw hair in the face of J Mascis. Does the guy have a face? I dunno. It was a fantastic show from what I can recall.

What hearing I did have left, Broadcast absolutely finished off in the UK in 2001. Who would have thought that Broadcast would need to be so loud, but they were!

"Pardon?" Indeed!!!!

Some things I saw on my travels yesterday:

Police cars with their lights on interrogating suspected drug dealers, and then allowing said dealers to ride away on their stolen bikes.

A line of little day care kids toddling down Hastings street hanging onto colourful strings.

A headless bird with it's ripped open chest exposed. Obviously a snack for something.

Bad driving!!

Strathcona Residents Association Meeting

2007-02-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

These things can get pretty raucous!!

Great video...and they're faces aren't obscured by weird beards as per usual.
S.T.R.E.E.T.S. rock!!!!

I love my neighbourhood!

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

I guess that if I weren't watching Lost tomorrow night, I might take in a live show, or two.
Hallmark looks like a good bet at Hoko's on Powell. It's all ages and starts at 8.But from the looks of things, the early birds will get a rose. Awwww, that's sweet.

Otherwise, you can't really go wrong with the Railway Club.
I would certainly be there if I were still pouring booze down my neck.

Happy Birthday to BIG GAY JOHN in Cali!!

Get out and see some live music!!

I smelled Spring today

2007-02-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

Thankfully spring is around the corner. It has been one hell of a tough winter.
Might as well live in Winterpeg if we're going to have to deal with the winter weather. At least they're equipped to deal with things there.

It was so beautiful out today, and I ran into many folks that I hadn't seen in months it seems. One of them gave me these beautiful pussy willows, which are adorning my dining table as we speak. I think that things will take a turn now that spring is in the air.
I did see a 14 year old girl that we know who is pregnant. She was walking down the sidewalk with a huge grin on her face holding the hand of her boyfriend, but I just couldn't muster a giant smile myself. I crossed the street before we met because I worried that my expression would betray my true feelings.
I have this problem...an inability to fake my real emotions sometimes. So rather than give her the cold face that she will be receiving so much now and in the future, I crossed the street. It just seems so incredibly sad that a 14 year old girl will be having a baby. I wish that I could share her enthusiasm, but it's going to be a tough life for her.
Her childhood is over. Was it really worth it?
Sad.

I know that I'm sounding like a one trick pony here, but Final Fantasy is still blowing my mind. He's opening here in town for Block Party, but as I've only ever heard him cover Block Party, I'd rather see him at a show of his own. Also, I don't think I've been out to a live show since I was 8 months pregnant at Arab Strap at the Commodore several years ago. I just don't fancy hangin' out in bars like I used to I guess.

Please do go and see what all the fuss is about. The guy is phenomenal!!!!!

Work Hazards.....again!

2007-02-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

I took a spill at work the other day and crashed down about 6 cement stairs covered in ice.
It didn't seem dangerous on the approach, but on the way back down, hand on handrail, things went haywire.

Had I been wearing these fashionable kicks, I might have been spared the agony and humiliation of having to return to work in tears.
It was lame.
As a result, I'll be convalescing indoors for a week while the bumps and bruises resolve themselves. It's a special kind of hell being stuck inside at my workplace, 'cause that's usually where the true anger and bitterness sets in.
Hopefully I'll be out before too many of my brain cells are sucked from my body.

There is still fun to be had on the internet...

2007-01-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

I finally stumbled upon a cool new craft site that really inspires. I had become bored with the internet in general lately, but this new page is cool!
Check it out!!.
Maybe I'll actually get busy and make some of these things.

I had to call an ambulance for someone today who wiped out on her bike while I was working. She is the second cyclist I've seen take a tumble transitioning from the sidewalk to the roadway in icy conditions. I saw her get up onto the sidewalk farther down the street, and when she got to the corner, I heard this awful scraping crashing sound and there she was on the ground. I don't usually feel too sympathetic for people who ride on the sidewalk, but from the looks of her mangled hand, she was in trouble. Her baby finger was completely bent backwards. Ugh.
Almost lost my lunch.
Also she didn't have a helmet, and I wasn't sure if she'd cracked her head. She was certainly babbling like an idiot. I felt badly for her.

The other woman went down a month or so ago. Same situation, from the sidewalk to the roadway, except one of those pretty tile mosaics took her down. She was older, and wearing a helmet, but still went down hard and didn't move for some time. She was also in a great deal of pain and grabbing her hip. Bad news.

The moral of this story is....RIDERS!!!!!...stay off the sidewalks!

Time to rustle up some needles and some yarn. yummy!!

Another weekend...

2007-01-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

Another cutlery drawer full of mouse shit.

I guess the kitten has extended her life here yet another weekend, because upon waking on Saturday morning and opening the pantry, she caught another mouse.

ARRRRRRGH!!!

And I thought that I had nearly found a home for her...

Total mouse count to date: 7

Happy Hockey Day in Canada

2007-01-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Yeterday was the official Hockey Day in Canada. It was also my husband's Iron John, er Howie Meeker weekend away with the guys. Not to be confused with the McMeekers, who are a farcical team of drunken curlers in Vancouver.

From what I hear, a good time was had by all, including tying up with the Flying Vees, an obnoxious, trash talking team of minor celebrities who thought they would mop up the ice with the Maroons. Heh Heh.
Sorry about that Grant!!
Less trash talkin' more goal tendin' next time.

On the mouse front, we seem to be losing the battle.
Our latest attempt at genocide is the sonic mouse repellent. It's suppose to cause auditory distress causing them to leave the area. Yeah right.
All I've noticed is that they've moved into different places, like my dishes cupboard. It's getting to be pretty annoying all this shifting and discarding of food and washing the area only to find that the next day I need to do it somewhere else. grrrrrrr

The bloody vermin are getting me down.

Go to the Railway Club tonight!

2007-01-12T16:24:00.000-08:00

Looks like my friends The Choir Practice are playing at the Railway Club tonight, so go and check them out if you're so inclined. I would certainly be there if I wasn't stuck in without a sitter. It should be a good time.

I know they're recording now, so let's just hope that there will be some sort of vinyl pressing. I'm so tired of the CD scene in our house right now. We have hundreds and hundreds of the things clogging up prime storage space, and not even a CD player to play them on. ARRRRGH.
I would ditch them all tomorrow if the old man wouldn't notice. hmmmmmmm(?!)

FUCKING CARS IN THIS CITY!!!!!

2007-01-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

I just found out that a friend of mine was hit by a car yesterday and has a smashed pelvis as well as a compound fracture to his leg. It is extrememly upsetting, because I know too many people that have been hurt by negligent and uncaring drivers in this city.

Even my 3 year old daughter has been hit in her trailer by some idiotic unattentive driver. I really don't know what the solution is, besides us being scared off of our bikes and into cars like the other fat asses that I see around me. I mean what the fuck?!?
Vancouver is suppose to be a progressive, sustainable city, but the reality is far from the image that it tries to present. The roads are clogged with single drivers in giant SUVs which they can't even navigate. It is disgusting!!

I feel like I'm gonna die everytime I go out on my bike. Time to get more active I suppose. Whatever that means...

Oh Glorious Boob Tube

2007-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

I cannot wait for the start of CBC's new sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie to begin. And not just because it has many reactionary Conservative types with their knickers in a knot. I would post some of the hype and anti-hype here, but I don't need the heat that the trackbacks will bring.
I have always been a huge fan and supporter of Canadian Television. Just finished with Dragon Boys, which despite the insane violence, was really good.

I don't know why I'm so compelled to watch our own programming, but I believe that it might just stave off the ideological manifest destiny that looms.
So check out the funny Muslims on CBC tomorrow night.
It's gonna be good!!

Worst Christmas on Record

2006-12-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

I must be getting better, because I'm feeling less despondent and more irritated. This is the second Christmas in a row that I've been ill and unable to eat any chocolate.
To top things off this year, I'm not even drinking. Not a drop. Not that I would be able to anyhow.

I don't really miss the booze, but time does crawl when you're not well. You can't even sprawl around and watch tv because it's impossible to get comfortable. Plus the projectile vomiting adds an element of surprise to nearly everything.

Then there's the sick smell. I don't mean the obvious barf smell, but the sour one that comes from within that you can't seem to shake. I have been advised to "brush my tongue", but I'm well aware of dental hygiene, so I don't need any advice from someone that has been walking around with a temporary filling in their mouth for YEARS! COME ON!!!

See what I mean about irritable?

Total mouse count to date: 6

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

Last evening ended with barfing, and this morning began with barfing. I was the only one exempt from this activity.
I didn't let it stop me from making one killer Christmas feast. It was nice to have my brother back from America to celebrate with us.

The only glitch was that I had no idea the watch I bought my husband had "cougar bait" stamped on the back.....grrrrrrr

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Have an Itchy Scratchy Christmas!

2006-12-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

Unlike last year, when we were all gaunt and afflicted with some sort of flu, this year, we are harboring disgusting little pests in our hair. It's SO heinous and nasty, but a fact of life now I guess. I somehow managed to go my entire life without catching the wee little buggers, but having a husband that works for the school board, and a child in public daycare, our world has been rocked. So gross.

Tonight will be our 3'rd week of treatments. And it has been a nice excuse to avoid all the holiday mayhem by saying, "Oh, sorry, we can't make it tonight. We have to wash our hair".
Thankfully, there is a new treatment which is non-toxic, but trying to get a 3 year old to sit still for any length of time is still very much a challenge.
I guess everyone will get lice these days, but it still doesn't stop me from feeling total disgust and revulsion at the idea that these parasites are feasting on my scalp. All I have to do is think about it and I'm scratching like mad.

Hopefully after tonight's final treatment, all will be well.

I hope you and yours are not dealing with anything like this during the holidays.
Have a merry HO HO!!

Yes but he's OUR pain in the ass...

2006-12-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

The other day our Homeopathic Vet showed up on her bike for a house call.
Yup, a Homeopathic Vet. And yes, she came to our house.

It was great, but really stressful as our 14 year old cat Chico was far from compliant.
She needed to take blood from him, so instructed us (the hubby and I) on how to hold him. I held the front legs with one hand, and with the other, tried to tilt his head back, but not too far, with the idea of keeping him motionless. My husband took care of those jack-rabbit back legs.
I wouldn't have thought that a 14 year old cat could have so much strength, but the guy was a force to be reckoned with. The vet would flinch, and remind me to hold him still. I was super stressed 'cause Chico would jerk and make this howling sound every time she tried to get a needle into his neck.

We tried several times to draw blood from his neck. A couple of times we tried to take from him back leg, but this too was difficult because you needed to press onto the vein to make sure it didn't move. Arrrgh. It was too much. I feel like I aged about 5 years, and the strain was evident on the other's face too. Even the vet was flustered by our stubborn and remarkably strong cat.

We eventually gave in and administered a sedative, but only after we were all sufficiently rattled. Poor Chico. He must have felt like a damn pin cushion. The remedies for both cat and dog were peculiar. Chico had 2 doses of a magic dust, that we were to sprinkle onto his gums. Yoshi had wee tiny pellets, but they must have worked, 'cause I do see an improvement in his kitten scratch gone bad.

It was an experience for all!
Thankfully, all balance has been restored. HA!

Remembering Women Murdered by Men

2006-12-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

On December 6'th, 1989, at Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique, a man that will not be named here, separated the women from the men in an engineering class screaming "I hate feminists".
He then proceeded to shoot all the women in the class.
It was my second year university, and like many, I was shocked and disgusted by this man's actions. It opened my eyes to a whole new concept. Misogyny. What was most disturbing about this event was the fact that he deliberately separated the women from the men, allowing the men to leave the room and go free.
Even now, years later, some people challenge that this was a hate crime. Perhaps it's too painful to admit that not much has changed.

Out of respect to the victims, I have listed their names below.

Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte "

Remembering Women Murdered by Men is the name of a new book written by a collective called The Cultural Memory Group. The group includes an English professor, a Director of a Women's Crisis Centre, a Human Rights and Equity Advisor, and a PhD candidate in Communications and Culture, among others. I heard an interview with them the other day on their attempts to establish public memorials to these victims of violence, and the resistance they face to bring attention to the plights of women who have been murdered by men. The women were great, and their ability to speak so clearly on the subject brought many knee jerk responses, which I was forced to listen to today. It was excruciating to listen to middle aged men deny deny deny. Deal with it! You are part of the problem.

Times have not really changed have they?
We are still reluctant to recognize the numbers of women on the news everynight who die at the hands of their spouses or other 'loved' ones. It is right in front of us, yet some still refuse to see. Prime time is full of crime dramas that begin every night with the bodies of dead women. Is this entertainment? I can only think of the 50 or so missing women that were collected from the streets surrounding my own home only to be murdered and forgotten until so many years later.

I can't think of too many people who can say that they are unaware of someone who has been a victim of violence against women. It is still tolerated.

I had a childhood babysitter, who was the only daughter of the Police Chief in my small town. She grew up surrounded by brothers, and they were a very nice family. She married a local fellow, and they soon moved away. Before too long, this man would murder his wife in front of thier children, then attempt to bury her in the back yard. This man is now out, and seeking custody of the kids. I hope he rots. Carole did not deserve it, and I often think of her with tears in my eyes.

Presently, our Conservative Government has withdrawn funding for women's centres. This with a surplus in their coffers. I can only think about how mean spirited this is. Stephen Harper and his Bush humping partners disgust me.

Let us not forget the events of December 6'th, 1989.
It will remain Canada's National Day of Remembrance

Right on Schedule

2006-12-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Everything is right on schedule.

It's scary how the universe clicks into order sometimes. I've learned not to even dwell on the idea, just go with it and enjoy.

Have decided to go into work this Sunday for double time and a half.
I always said that I would never do that. I guess the consumer season has got me thinking that it's better to buy in cash.
That's the way I roll now. Cash only for large, self indulgent items.

On the mouse front, our little killer got another one today with an assist from dad. He opened the pantry door and saw something scurry, so he got the kitten, pointed it into the direction of the pantry, and voila, one more mouse out of our house.

Total mouse count to date: 5

Infinite Jest

2006-11-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

David Foster Wallace has invaded my itunes!!
Does this guy have ibooks, or podcasts or other such stuff?
Of course he does, and now it's in my itunes. Jeebus!!

Maybe he'll appear on my ipod too.......*wink*

Water Water Everywhere

2006-11-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

but not a drop to drink

We are still on a boil water order. It is surreal.
There are certainly no bodies in the streets, but it is a wakeup call. The biggest downside on the "no water" situation had to be the "no coffee" situation that followed. Fortunately, my favourite shop lived recklessly, and we were all fine.

Today I needed to tape my boots together. I hadn't noticed that they'd both split open and needed immediate repair. Fortunately, I acquired some tape and resolved the near disaster immediately. I half expected to incur a possible I.O.D. on the job however, so I remained ever vigilant and alert.
All possible mishaps were avoided.

Now all I need is a lobotomy to get me through the rest of the season.

I'm Walkin' Here...

2006-11-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

I've had it with drivers and their anger issues. In this town, people don't even stop when they hit someone legally crossing in the crosswalk. They just mow them down and drive away. Every week the police are on the news asking people to come forward and turn themselves in. It is pretty ugly. What ever happened to common decency?

As for cycling, you have to be pretty gutsy to ride here. It can feel like every trip out sometimes is a risk.

In the summer, one of my good friends broke her collarbone when a car decided to make a left hand turn in front of her. She was traveling at a good clip, and therefore had no time to stop. She bounced off the car. It was a nasty break. Then, a few months later, we see another friend of ours sporting a fashionable black cast on her arm. Same scenario. Hit by a car while riding her bike.

My 3 year old child has already been in an accident with a car, while riding in her trailer behind her dad. It was such a stupid accident, that it makes me wonder if the geezer behind the wheel was even capable of operating a motor vehicle. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this incident, but it was so unnecessary.

And maybe it's just me, or maybe it's because I'm in the business of walking, but these ridiculous, stupid scenarios have even come even to me,a pedestrian, as I walk along the sidewalk. I'm not talking about the risk taking that I do when I decide to 'J' walk across a certain 6 lane stretch of my route; but after several times of nearly being mowed down at the lights while crossing legally, I have decided that it is better to do the dash....when I can be certain that there are no cars coming. I am super cautious though, because it wouldn't be hard to be surprised.

So yesterday, I'm at work, and I almost get hit by a van which runs a Stop sign and nearly takes me out. He missed me by maybe 2 feet, which is pretty hair raising. I point at the sign, and he finally decides to stop long enough to yell out, "SHUT YOUR HOLE YOU BITCH!!!!". Does he forget that he is driving around with his business labeled on the side of his van? Sheesh. Deal with yourself guy. I called his boss and told her about his potty mouth.

Also yesterday, my co-worker encountered the biggest Samoan guy in Vancouver, who parks his car, and chases him into an apartment building and spits on him repeatedly. All this because he didn't want to stop to allow someone to cross. Thankfully, my co-worker is not a fighter, so managed to rise above such reprehensible behaviour and sends him on his way.

Is it just me, or do these responses seem somewhat over the top?
Just another manic sign of the times I suppose.

Can I have a collective OHM please?!

Meditation on a Mouse and a Mouse

2006-11-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

We still have mice!! After killing 4 of them. They live.
I refuse to go to the sticky tape solution though. Seems completely inhumane. Though I don't suppose that a mouse has enough intellect to sit around pondering it's own existence, I still wouldn't want one to chew off it's own limb in a desperate attempt at escape.

I'm glad that Freaky T has finally got his own blog. He's been needing one for awhile now, and finally, he's 'diversified'.Yippeeeee!!!!!

You know that thing when you get a new mouse and the thing just has a mind of it's own? That's where I'm at right now. Finding out all of the new wonderful things that my mouse can do.

That said, I'll end the mouse theme now.

In other matters of great import, we have finished watching 2 whole seasons of Lost, and have caught up on this seasons 6 episodes. It was a delicious guilt free marathon!!!!The whole time I was watching, I kept flashing back to posts on the The Busblog, which I had been misreading for months as The Bushblog. I can't remember the details, but the obsession was always there.
Now I understand why. It's a damn good show, but it does sometimes fall short of what your imagination has painted. What are we to do with ourselves now? Converse? Play Scrabble? Other things? At least I have a good jump on making some pretty special Christmas Gifts if I must say so myself.

Back to work.

The sky is falling, the sky is falling

2006-11-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

The other day, we were driving home, and I saw this really sketchy guy carrying a bunch of what looked like stolen stuff. I only say this because he had one of those tell tale black gym bags awkwardly overstuffed, and he was carrying something that was obviously a television covered by one of those Mexican cotton blankets.
It was a purple and white one.
HEY!! We have a purple Mexican blanket like that!

Short of stopping the car and beating and robbing this unsuspecting man of his stuff while our toddler looked on, we decided to fly home first to see if anything had been disrupted. Fortunately, it was someone else's stuff...and blanket. Good thing we didn't act upon our impulses. We are learning and growing everyday. Ha!

In other urgent matters...
Vancouver has been told that their water is unsafe to drink.
Charming. Oh well, at least it's a good test for us unprepared types.

Question: Is it wrong to steal your neighbour's water that has been sitting on their front porch for a week? I don't usually condone thievery, but really, take your water inside girly! It has suddenly become more valuable, and if I don't take it someone else will. I'm reminded of that Lost episode where the water becomes scarce and precious. And why am I so damn thirsty all the time?

Another one bites the dust...

2006-11-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

Total mouse count to date : 4

Help Me......

2006-11-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Does anyone remember how to add that photo strip from buzznet or flickr?

I just can't seem to find the upload link. thx to any nerds out there who can help me.

Heading to L.A.?

2006-11-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

I noticed today that my friend Carrie Walker's opening is happening this upcoming weekend at the Kristi Engle Gallery in downtown L.A. If you are going to be in the area, then most certainly drop by.

It's good stuff.

The face of a killer.....

2006-11-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

She may look sweet, but this cat is a killer.
She is only about 10 weeks old, and this morning, went charging into the pantry and relieved a mouse of it's life.
I didn't witness the carnage myself, but apparently, she was fearless, caught the thing in her mouth, growling, ran outside, and that was that.
She knew just what to do. I'm not surprised she could finish the job either, as her teeth are like little razors.

Chico, you have been replaced.

All hail Celeste the Fierce!!!

Total mouse count to date : 3

What the hell was THAT?!

2006-10-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

Last night after my man returned home from a night out with the boys, we heard a loud, high pitched SQUEEEEEEEEEEAK that sounded like someone was coming through the front door with an axe or something. I nearly jumped out of my skin, as I had just been discussing ghosts and my potentially haunted house with my brother.
After checking that all was well, I awoke this morning to find some carnage under our upstairs sink. A mouse.
The sound was that last dying gasp as the air was squeezed out of the poor little critter. No wonder it scared us so much.

Total mouse count to date: 2

Parade Of Lost Souls tonight

2006-10-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Don't forget about the annual Parade Of Lost Souls on Commercial Drive tonight between 6 and 10 pm. It should be a good, spooky time for all! It would have been my Grandmother's birthday on the 31'st, and I remember every year. I like that board where you post messages to the dead. I'll be looking for it tonight.

2-4-6-8 we will not deliver hate!!!

2006-10-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

If you live in Canada, you may be familiar with this story as it's been all over the local and national news.
Here in Vancouver, we were asked to deliver this piece of admail, and after viewing only the first page of this 27 page document, we were so horrified and disgusted, that our entire postal station walked out in protest. It couldn't be considered an actual "walk out", as most of us would have been suspended, so we called it a coffee break en masse, and it made a difference.

You don't even need half a brain to determine that this piece of admail is inappropriate. It is SO offensive on so many levels, but my employer takes the stand that it cannot censor their admail business, and are obliged to carry through with delivering this zealot's personal views! For once I wish they would grow some balls, or at least get some standards.
Check out but one of a series of news stories here.
It makes me so ashamed to work for a Corporation that would deem this as just another way to make a buck.
As you can imagine, this story has spread like crazy across the country, and a good thing too, because the general public needs to be aware of this nasty bit of business. I also heard our MP starting to mix it up at the House, so we'll see where this goes.

Apparently there is video footage of me floating around out there, but as of yet, I haven't found it!
stay tuned.......

FIGHT THE POWER!!!!

No Yo La Tengo

2006-10-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I won't be attending the rock show tonight, and by the looks of things on Craig's list, it's sold out! Too bad too, as they are one of my favourite long time running bands. Te Amo Yo La Tengo.
The babysitter cancelled at the last minute. Arrrrgh! It's legit, and she's a kid and all, but in the bigger scheme of things, it feels like Karmic payback for the time I jammed on her. Oh well. I am a true homebody, so I won't miss the going out part, but I will miss the music.

Yo La Tengo are champs live. I still remember them busting out "The Kids are Alright" at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in England. That was back in 2001. The room went crazy!! Especially after hearing dead Princess Diana jokes from Neil Hambuger. They would NEVER be a disappointment musically. I haven't really explored the new record, "I Am Not Afraid Of You And Will Beat Your Ass" too much, but the few tracks I have heard sound like the real McCoy and not just a band cranking out yet another mediocre album. But like I said, I haven't delved into it too much. But you have to love a band that will open a record with an 11 minute song.

Pass The Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind.

Besides, if I went out tonight, I'd have to put down the kitten.

Mouse Outing

2006-10-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Oh My God!!!!

I just saw the mouse!!!!! It was totally chowing down at Yoshi's food dish. I don't know why, but those little buggers really scare you for a moment. It jumped, I jumped, and then It scurried to exacly where we suspected he comes from; a big gaping hole under the sick where the pipes disappear into the floor. UGH.
I hadn't seen any evidence of him in the pantry, so optimistically thought that he'd moved on to our neighbour's house, but there he was this morning. And now my pulse is really racing.

He's going to be evicted. I hate to kill anything really.
Until then....eeeeeeeSH!

Score another one for the mouse.

Shanty town

2006-10-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

One man's shanty town is another man's half a million dollar home!

Read all about the insanity!!

When is enough enough?

2006-10-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

If ever I was going to rob a bank or commit some other crime, now would be the time. I have sanded all distinguishing marks off of my finger tips. This bloody door has taken over for the time being, and I am determined to get that thing hanging again by the end of the weekend. I have no idea what I'm doing though, so I might still be sanding then. I have gotten really fastidious about the whole thing though, so it's going to look awesome in the end.

I have heat gunned the thing, and stripped it, and now I'm debating as to whether or not I should fill the holes. I think that I might skip that part, as who wants to look at a bunch of filled holes? Maybe it will be more interesting with scars. I mean, it's a 100 year old door, so it's never going to look immaculate. Should I stop now? Then what? Christ. Feel free to send tips, though it's nothing a google search wouldn't solve. Maybe after one more coffee.

at least the place doesn't look like this anymore, with tagging everywhere.....jeepers!

Let the vacation begin now...

2006-10-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

So I had a half empty carton of eggs that had been rotting for sometime in my fridge. I'd decided to keep them for hurling purposes, as sometimes there is an annoying "john" on the block. I would never hurl at the ladies. Though I talk a big game, I am an empathetic person at heart. So there they are, hidden yet present, and more than likely pretty lethal if injested.

I decided to make brownies yesterday, because I had a box of baking chocolate and I didn't want to see that damned mouse get any of it. I melted it with some unsalted butter in a bowl over a pan of hot water, and mixed in a sinfully large cup of white sugar. mmmMMMMmmm!
I even added some vanilla though it was uncalled for.
So it was time for the eggs. I grabbed a carton from the fridge and cracked away into the thick, brown, glossy mixture. The first one was ok, maybe somewhat dodgy, 'cause I could spy some red veiny wisps in the yolk. But ok, I decided to let that go because I am a food freak, and mostly phobic, so I decided to let that one slide. It would be baked, and all would be well. The second egg was seemingly ok too, 'cept that when I put the shells into the compost bowl, I saw something out of the corner of my eye that froze me still. I'd grabbed the wrong carton of eggs!!!!!

UUUGHKKKKKKKKKK! There was a small cluster of black beads, quite large living on the inside of the shell of the egg. IT was the most disgusting thing I had seen in a while, and it was SO sad, to have to dump the entire mixture into the bin. Wahhhhhh.
Of course I made another batch, and I pitched the rotten eggs that once held so much promise. The brownies were overcooked, but they still tasted wonderfully. Sadly, I can still conjure up perfectly the image of that dark, beady colony. *shudder

I have been checking out the new Chad VanGaalen album. It's not as immediately likeable as his previous, but there are at least one or two songs that have wormed their way into my head. Check out graveyard.

AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!

2006-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am SOOOOO tired of moving piles of things from one place to another.
Is this to be my lot in life until I die?

If anyone knows of a good 'organizer'.......let me know.

until then.....grrrrrr

Getting that Disgruntled feeling...

2006-09-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Sure, many people think that my job is a dream, or a joke, depending on your view, and there are many misconceptions and Kafkaesque realities about working for Canada Post. Firstly, It IS a manual labour job, so accept it, and while it seemed hilarious to take it on initially as I paid off my student loan, I just ended up staying on, where the paid vacations were, and where I thought it might be possible to find some security since I one day wanted to own a home.

It's difficult to explain to people why posties become so grouchy, or why they seem to complain so much about a job that it seems a monkey could do.

I received this letter in the mail the other day, and it was a real downer. This might explain some of the reasons why postal workers tend to become bitter and disgruntled.
enjoy....

Canada Post Corporation,
PO Box 2110 Stn. Terminal,
Vancouver, BC
V613 4Z3

Dear Colleague,

As you know, improving Admail service performance is a high priority for Canada Post and is critically important to our future, as it currently accounts for 20% of our income.

To ensure we meet our customers' expectations and determine where we can improve our effort, Canada Post has engaged IBM to measure our performance for both Addressed and Unaddressed Admail.

While IBM's test methods have been questioned by some employees, please be assured that there is diligent and thorough checking of all deposits of test items, in order to confirm on-time deposit and receipt of sufficient volumes in depots. Your Supervisor can provide you with further details of the testing methods if you wish.

Based on these independent measurements, we are seeing modest improvements in Addressed Admail service -performance, though we still have a long way to go to meet our customers' expectations.

Unfortunately, Unaddressed Admail service performance has not improved, and the results tell us that non-delivery, rather than on-time performance, is the cause.

In an effort to understand these non-delivery issues, we have analyzed possible contributing factors. We have looked at Unaddressed Admail volumes, depot processes, employee satisfaction and absenteeism rates, but have found no connection to low performance- for this is -product-, The IBM test results also lead us to conclude that non- is occurring after the time the Letter Carrier receives the item for delivery.

From our testing, we know that Letter Carriers are receiving the right amount of mail, but it isn't being delivered in all instances. In addition to this, we are aware of many incidents of improper Unaddressed Admail disposal by Letter Carriers. This is a major misconduct for which disciplinary consequences have been, and continue to be, applied.

Despite the fact that low performance has been due almost exclusively to non-delivery, we do know those items that are delivered have a very high on-time performance rate.

In order to meet commitments to our customers, we must improve considerably and do so over the next few months. We must satisfy ALL of our customers by providing the same level of professionalism and accuracy we do for Lettermail!
I am asking for your support to help us meet our targets for 2006 by delivering all Admail Unaddressed and Addressed, on time, every time. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

A. R. Burnett
General Manager, Pacific Region

Word on the Street

2006-09-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

The annual Word On the Street Festival is happening! We're all heading down there to see one of our favourite bands, Duplex. If you haven't already heard me going on and on about them, you should really check them out! Go here!
They are all over the place: catchy and interesting and infectious to boot! Not just fare for kids, that's for sure. Though mine loves to sing along and at one point this summer there was an actual ban on the CD for awhile. Just to take a rest. It is just too good.

This year, the little one can watch Duplex instead of her favourite from last year, Mecca Normal.
That is so hilarious. It cracks me up.

On the mouse front, score another one for the wretched filthy vermin. I am getting closer to setting those traps!
I just wish that my cat would do his job and secure the damn fortress. Enough already.

Gorgeous fall weather is upon us!

2006-09-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

It's shaping up to be a busy week. Sydney is one busy gal.....a book launch tomorrow, at the Charles H Scott gallery, then this show with Book of Lists and the Rodney Graham band on the 14'th, which just happens to be my 10 year wedding anniversary.
Earlier that day, I'll be taking in a show with my little E and seeing Fred Penner at the library.
Here is a tease of one of our favourite songs.... The Cat Came Back
Should be a hoot!

Get out there and see some art!

Did someone say Dance Party?

2006-09-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

This looks like it could be good.
Anything that involves green, you can pretty much count me in!
Plus, 'going out' just blocks from my house is an added benefit!

It promises to de/evolve into a dance party later in the evening.

Be there, or be sqaure!!

Victory Square Block Party

2006-08-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Victory Square Block Party
on Monday, September 4th

They Shoot Horses
Hot Loins
The Battles
The Doers
The Nons
The Winks
No Feeling
Precious Fathers

Hosted by MC Babyduck.
DJ's provided by Vinyl Records.

Monday, Sept. 4th
Victory Square (Cambie and Hastings)
2-9pm

*thanks to myvirtual friend theonly for the info and cool poster!!

Art gallery madness...

2006-08-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Battles at the art gallery on Friday night were great. It was good to get out and catch up with some folks and hear some great music and see some art.The set up at the gallery was for an outdoor concert, but drinks were forbidden down where the band played, so we were forced to swill atop the pyramid stairs that would became the stairs of death later in the evening, or so I imagined.
I can't believe how many people you can reconnect with at the Art Gallery. Becoming a member was well worth the investment!
So we were forced to listen to Sinoa Caves, as we tried to get a couple of drinks into us, and then we descended to the stage to check out the band. Les did a great job with the visuals!

Surreal was the fact that the show backed onto the Robson Square skating rink/ballroom dancing extravaganza. So between songs, you were able to listen to either the Rumba band playing upstairs in the Fuse part of the VAG or you could check out the dancing below street level. It was packed down there. People sure do love their ballroom dancing.
As usual, the battles took us all over hells half acre with their awesome music. They are tight, and fun, and great to watch.
Book of Lists also played and I liked what I heard, until I had to vacate the premises to head over to some art opening which turned out to be great!! I really must get out a bit more. Now that we have a sitter, mebbe it will happen.

Go and see some great music at Victory Square party on Labour Day. It is always a good time. I'm still cursing myself that I missed the damn Unicorns that one year.
arrrrrrgggghhhhhhhh!!!!

Art Show in the 'hood

2006-08-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

This looks like it could be good, and I wouldn't even have to leave the neighbourhood.
It conflicts with the Battles show at the Art Gallery though, but since I just cancelled my sitter...