Here are the rules… Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog.
1. The left side of my body is stiff due to dragon boat racing, but only the left side because that was the side of the boat I was on.
2. I have two fake teeth. Not the middle front, the two just beside. I have dental implants made of titanium because I have a genetic disorder and they didn't ever form. Don't worry, they don't set off the metal detectors at the airport.
3. I really like dissecting things. My favourite part of biology is the dissections. I am always so amazed at how living organisms are put together. (also, I really like it that scientists can't figure out why we need sleep)
4. I don't like it when my face is wet. The other day I was walking in the rain and wasn't bothered by it at all. Someone pointed out it was because I was wearing a hat and my face was staying dry. They were right. I can stand out in the pouring rain and get drenched so long as my face stays dry. Even in the shower I try to keep my face dry and am constantly wiping water off my face.
5. I don't like it when my hands get pruny. I also don't like touching floating bits of food in dishwater. This is why I rinse all my dishes before washing them, and why I wear gloves while washing dishes. Also, if I'm in a hot tub, I keep my hands out of the water so I can stay in longer because once my hands get pruny I want to get out.
6. I can't remember when I met Chris. Neither of us can. We don't have a "when I met you" story.
7. I have a lot of nose bleeds. When I was a kid my Mom had to come and get me from school once because it was bleeding for so long. I still get them quite frequently and I don't know why. (maybe I should ask my doctor)
I tag...Marc (kylie already did it), Grace, Michelle, Heather, crap...I don't have enough blog friends to tag 7 people...they've all done it already. Okay, so if you read this and you want to make 7 random facts you go right ahead.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
spring is here!
Do I have to mention that I haven't posted in two months? I think it goes without saying. I have been lurking in the background only reading and not contributing to the blogosphere.
Good news. I have a new Sunday night activity. Its beach volleyball. We were playing court volleyball in the winter and decided to move it outside for the summer. Its a good idea, except last Sunday when everyone was playing in sweaters and shoes. It just doesn't have the same pizazz when its so cold outside. I think that will be the last cold weather we'll have though, because as my blog title explicitely states "spring is here" I believe my declaration will make it so.
We have a plot in the community garden (adding to the spring theme) and we just finished planting it on Monday. I went to visit it today, but alas, nothing has sprouted. No instant gratification there. I'll just have to wait. I have a feeling that we may have planted the rows a little close together. We have a smallish plot so we crammed everything in together so it would fit. I'm sure it'll be fine. How much room do plants need? When we first got our plot it was a tad overgrown with mint and dandelions. Here are some pictures of Chris and I using the u-bar digger to show that mint just who's boss.
I tell you what, if you come to visit us, I'll let you have some fresh garden vegetables.
Good news. I have a new Sunday night activity. Its beach volleyball. We were playing court volleyball in the winter and decided to move it outside for the summer. Its a good idea, except last Sunday when everyone was playing in sweaters and shoes. It just doesn't have the same pizazz when its so cold outside. I think that will be the last cold weather we'll have though, because as my blog title explicitely states "spring is here" I believe my declaration will make it so.
We have a plot in the community garden (adding to the spring theme) and we just finished planting it on Monday. I went to visit it today, but alas, nothing has sprouted. No instant gratification there. I'll just have to wait. I have a feeling that we may have planted the rows a little close together. We have a smallish plot so we crammed everything in together so it would fit. I'm sure it'll be fine. How much room do plants need? When we first got our plot it was a tad overgrown with mint and dandelions. Here are some pictures of Chris and I using the u-bar digger to show that mint just who's boss.
I tell you what, if you come to visit us, I'll let you have some fresh garden vegetables.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
georgia on my mind
I helped lead a trip with the youth of our church to Georgia to visit Koinonia Farms, the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity. It was an amazing trip and we had a lot of fun to say the least.
We flew into Atlanta and drove the 3 hours to arrive in Americus. Koinonia is a few miles just outside of town and were fortunate not to have been hit by the tornado that Americus received on March 1. The damage was quite extensive to the town and it took us awhile, being late at night, to realize why all the trees were on the ground coming into town.
We had a chance to help with the cleanup one day in town. We just helped out with some light yard cleanup. It was very interesting to be in a place that was declared a federal state of emergency.
We got a chance to help out around the farm, a pecan plantation in its down season right now. We painted some buildings and helped with general yard maintenance.
My favourite part of the trip was learning about the history of the farm. It was started in 1942 and was very progressive in the deep south of Georgia. They hired blacks and paid them equally to their white counterparts. They experienced strong disapproval of these practices and were boycotted for almost 20 years in the 50's and 60's. They experienced drive-by shootings, death threats and were completely ostracized by the local community.
The boycott was how the farm got into pecans by offering them by mail order. Their slogan was "Help us get the nuts out of Georgia" I love that they had such a sense of humour amidst such hardships surrounding them.
And now for some photo descriptors of what Georgia is like mid-March. (we experienced temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius most days)
There were quite a few blossoms on the trees. This was a random twig tree that was covered in blossoms.
The colour of the earth there was incredible. A deep rusty red that stained shoes, but was beautiful nevertheless.
We went for a walk in the woods and I loved all the vines so I had my picture taken in front of them. I definitely would like to return to Georgia when all the leaves are on the trees. The forests looked a little bare (except in this viney spot)
This is a picture on the street where we were helping clean up yards. Most people lost a few trees in their backyards and many people lost sections of their roof. Everyone brought the rubble to the front lawn so heavy machinery could come and remove it.
This is a picture of our group in the pecan orchard, again, I think it'd be a bit improved with leaves on the trees but you can still get an idea of how extensive the orchard is.
We had a chance to visit Andersonville, which is known for its very large and poorly maintained POW camp during the Civil War. This area was originally designed for 6,000 soldiers, but instead held 45,000. It has a very tiny creek coming in through the middle of the field which was supposed to supply the entire camp with drinking water. All along the expanse you can see markers where they found wells that were dug by the soldiers with spoons in an effort to find fresh water. 13,000 men died here due to the conditions here. In Americus, 10 miles down the road, they complained of the smell that drifted from here.
Habitat for Humanity's headquarters are in Americus and they have a centre called the Global Village that displays some examples of the types of houses they build all over the world. To begin the display they have an example of a shanty town. It provides a good comparison for the houses that follow, which don't seem all that fancy to North American standards but they are simple houses that provide adequate shelter. My favourite part were all the windows. Why don't we have more creative windows?
See? So much better than our boring white windows.
We flew into Atlanta and drove the 3 hours to arrive in Americus. Koinonia is a few miles just outside of town and were fortunate not to have been hit by the tornado that Americus received on March 1. The damage was quite extensive to the town and it took us awhile, being late at night, to realize why all the trees were on the ground coming into town.
We had a chance to help with the cleanup one day in town. We just helped out with some light yard cleanup. It was very interesting to be in a place that was declared a federal state of emergency.
We got a chance to help out around the farm, a pecan plantation in its down season right now. We painted some buildings and helped with general yard maintenance.
My favourite part of the trip was learning about the history of the farm. It was started in 1942 and was very progressive in the deep south of Georgia. They hired blacks and paid them equally to their white counterparts. They experienced strong disapproval of these practices and were boycotted for almost 20 years in the 50's and 60's. They experienced drive-by shootings, death threats and were completely ostracized by the local community.
The boycott was how the farm got into pecans by offering them by mail order. Their slogan was "Help us get the nuts out of Georgia" I love that they had such a sense of humour amidst such hardships surrounding them.
And now for some photo descriptors of what Georgia is like mid-March. (we experienced temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius most days)
There were quite a few blossoms on the trees. This was a random twig tree that was covered in blossoms.
The colour of the earth there was incredible. A deep rusty red that stained shoes, but was beautiful nevertheless.
We went for a walk in the woods and I loved all the vines so I had my picture taken in front of them. I definitely would like to return to Georgia when all the leaves are on the trees. The forests looked a little bare (except in this viney spot)
This is a picture on the street where we were helping clean up yards. Most people lost a few trees in their backyards and many people lost sections of their roof. Everyone brought the rubble to the front lawn so heavy machinery could come and remove it.
This is a picture of our group in the pecan orchard, again, I think it'd be a bit improved with leaves on the trees but you can still get an idea of how extensive the orchard is.
We had a chance to visit Andersonville, which is known for its very large and poorly maintained POW camp during the Civil War. This area was originally designed for 6,000 soldiers, but instead held 45,000. It has a very tiny creek coming in through the middle of the field which was supposed to supply the entire camp with drinking water. All along the expanse you can see markers where they found wells that were dug by the soldiers with spoons in an effort to find fresh water. 13,000 men died here due to the conditions here. In Americus, 10 miles down the road, they complained of the smell that drifted from here.
Habitat for Humanity's headquarters are in Americus and they have a centre called the Global Village that displays some examples of the types of houses they build all over the world. To begin the display they have an example of a shanty town. It provides a good comparison for the houses that follow, which don't seem all that fancy to North American standards but they are simple houses that provide adequate shelter. My favourite part were all the windows. Why don't we have more creative windows?
See? So much better than our boring white windows.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
sunday nights
Do you ever think on a Sunday night "Ugh...tomorrow's Monday and I have to go back to work" I used to, but now that I've got a regular Sunday night activity I have something to look forward to. Chris and I were discussing the merits of a regular Sunday night activity and decided they're great. In fact, if you don't have one I would highly recommend it.
I remember back in University we'd all gather at Correy and Myles' house for a little Sunday night tv. We'd watch x files, Simpsons and other lovely Sunday evening sitcoms. It was always such a nice way to end the weekend.
Curling is about to come to a close at the end of the month and I'm worried about what to do with my Sunday night. I'm feeling a little panicky because the Sunday evening will turn into a wasted period of dread once again in my life. I don't want this.
If you have any suggestions for a new Sunday night activity, by all means send them my way.
I remember back in University we'd all gather at Correy and Myles' house for a little Sunday night tv. We'd watch x files, Simpsons and other lovely Sunday evening sitcoms. It was always such a nice way to end the weekend.
Curling is about to come to a close at the end of the month and I'm worried about what to do with my Sunday night. I'm feeling a little panicky because the Sunday evening will turn into a wasted period of dread once again in my life. I don't want this.
If you have any suggestions for a new Sunday night activity, by all means send them my way.
Monday, February 26, 2007
don't worry we got the skis to match the boots. Now we're cross country skiing superstars. Look, here's Chris in all his cross country skiing glory.
I've gone twice already since we've gotten our skis and I'm tempted to go again tomorrow. I had a student ask me the other day why one would want to Nordic ski. To be honest, when I was his age, I hated cross country skiing. In fact, in gym class, I got a very poor grade in the cross country skiing unit because I took off my skis and walked on our field trip to the Sand Hills.
Now somehow its all different. I enjoy the rhythm of the Nordic skiing. I enjoy the quiet of the forest and getting outside and the snow. I must be getting old. (but not old enough to look old enough. I got IDed the other day at a pub)
Speaking of beer, my favourite is Waterloo Dark, seen here:
oh wait, that's Chris with Betty inside a waterloo dark case. My mistake.
I've gone twice already since we've gotten our skis and I'm tempted to go again tomorrow. I had a student ask me the other day why one would want to Nordic ski. To be honest, when I was his age, I hated cross country skiing. In fact, in gym class, I got a very poor grade in the cross country skiing unit because I took off my skis and walked on our field trip to the Sand Hills.
Now somehow its all different. I enjoy the rhythm of the Nordic skiing. I enjoy the quiet of the forest and getting outside and the snow. I must be getting old. (but not old enough to look old enough. I got IDed the other day at a pub)
Speaking of beer, my favourite is Waterloo Dark, seen here:
oh wait, that's Chris with Betty inside a waterloo dark case. My mistake.
Monday, February 19, 2007
winter camping
I have rediscovered the joy of winter. Living in Lethbridge for the last 7 years has tainted my appreciation of winter because you don't really get one. It snows but then within two weeks a chinook comes and melts it all. When it gets cold it doesn't stay cold so you don't really ever get used to it so it seems unbearable.
Thankfully when winter comes in Ottawa (we were wondering if we were ever going to get winter in the beginning of January) its here to stay and the residents of Ottawa don't let the cold keep them indoors.
I volunteered to join the winter camping trip that the outdoor ed kids went on last week. It was great. We went out on Thursday morning, built quinsees, cross country skied, snowshoed, practiced our orienteering skills and played in the snow.
Maggie (the other female teacher) and I built a quinsee with snowshoes because we didn't bring any shovels. We thought that we'd be able to borrow some from the students but they were all using theirs. When it came time to dig it out we used our hands, so we literally built it with our own bare hands!
Some highlights...
Maggie with our snow pile before digging it out.
After digging it out with our sleeping bags inside.
Orienteering with our compass and course guide. They had these markers set up on trees and they would give you a series of bearings to follow and you'd have to find the markers and use the stamp to prove that you had been there. Maggie and I were doing so well until the third one and we went WAY past the marker and had to back track.
Stamping our course guide. The compass didn't let us down!
After going cross country skiing twice in the past few weeks, Chris and I decided to head out yesterday just to scope out what it would cost to set ourselves up with some skis. At all the stores we said that we'd just look and didn't try anything on. All except the last store... we came home with these.
Thankfully when winter comes in Ottawa (we were wondering if we were ever going to get winter in the beginning of January) its here to stay and the residents of Ottawa don't let the cold keep them indoors.
I volunteered to join the winter camping trip that the outdoor ed kids went on last week. It was great. We went out on Thursday morning, built quinsees, cross country skied, snowshoed, practiced our orienteering skills and played in the snow.
Maggie (the other female teacher) and I built a quinsee with snowshoes because we didn't bring any shovels. We thought that we'd be able to borrow some from the students but they were all using theirs. When it came time to dig it out we used our hands, so we literally built it with our own bare hands!
Some highlights...
Maggie with our snow pile before digging it out.
After digging it out with our sleeping bags inside.
Orienteering with our compass and course guide. They had these markers set up on trees and they would give you a series of bearings to follow and you'd have to find the markers and use the stamp to prove that you had been there. Maggie and I were doing so well until the third one and we went WAY past the marker and had to back track.
Stamping our course guide. The compass didn't let us down!After going cross country skiing twice in the past few weeks, Chris and I decided to head out yesterday just to scope out what it would cost to set ourselves up with some skis. At all the stores we said that we'd just look and didn't try anything on. All except the last store... we came home with these.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
winterlude
Our nation's capital comes alive in the midst of the bitter northern winter every February during Winterlude. Last weekend was the beginning and it starts off with ice carving competitions and the opening of the Rideau Canal. (I think that they actually open the full length of the canal before Winterlude if its cold enough but this year it opened just in time for the start)
We have taken up this spirit of embarking out into the cold and have been loving it.
For those that haven't yet had a skate down the Rideau Canal, let me take you on a tour.
First you get a pair of skates, preferably hockey skates because the ice piks at the end of figure skates sometimes get caught in the cracks in the ice.
You have to be careful about those cracks in the ice otherwise you'll end up on your back, like Aaron did... (Aaron didn't really fall but this picture demonstrates what could happen if you did fall)
Next you make your way down to the ice, you can start anywhere along the magnificent 7.8km of the canal but it's nice to start at one end and work your way down.
You make your way down to the ice and they have these nice little chalets for you to put your skates on.
Now its time for some skating.
After a long skate down the canal, the tradition is to get yourself a Beavertail. Be prepared for a long lineup though.
The canal is best enjoyed with friends. We've been lucky to have lots of skating partners in the last few weeks. Observe.
Jodi, Chris and Aaron making winter memories.
Kevan and Jodi taking a turn together down the canal.
Peter and Christa flashing their hockey skates for me.
This is not so much a "skating on the canal" picture. However Janelle and Chris are enjoying the fantastic music of Jason Collett, Amy Milan and Apostle of Hustle on the ice of the Rideau Canal. Friday was Indie night at the Snowbowl Stage downtown so we took in some very good music in the cold.
We have taken up this spirit of embarking out into the cold and have been loving it.
For those that haven't yet had a skate down the Rideau Canal, let me take you on a tour.
First you get a pair of skates, preferably hockey skates because the ice piks at the end of figure skates sometimes get caught in the cracks in the ice.
You have to be careful about those cracks in the ice otherwise you'll end up on your back, like Aaron did... (Aaron didn't really fall but this picture demonstrates what could happen if you did fall)
Next you make your way down to the ice, you can start anywhere along the magnificent 7.8km of the canal but it's nice to start at one end and work your way down.
You make your way down to the ice and they have these nice little chalets for you to put your skates on.
Now its time for some skating.After a long skate down the canal, the tradition is to get yourself a Beavertail. Be prepared for a long lineup though.
The canal is best enjoyed with friends. We've been lucky to have lots of skating partners in the last few weeks. Observe.
Jodi, Chris and Aaron making winter memories.
Kevan and Jodi taking a turn together down the canal.
Peter and Christa flashing their hockey skates for me.
This is not so much a "skating on the canal" picture. However Janelle and Chris are enjoying the fantastic music of Jason Collett, Amy Milan and Apostle of Hustle on the ice of the Rideau Canal. Friday was Indie night at the Snowbowl Stage downtown so we took in some very good music in the cold.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
what's new in the new year?
I have been a tad on the busy side these last few weeks since returning from a fantastic visit home. Many friends and family were seen and hugged and we had a wonderful time. Its good to be back where I can sleep in my own bed though too.
A few days after I got home I got a phone call from a friend of mine saying that I was probably going to have to take over her classes for the rest of the semester. Of course I said that I would do it so I have been teaching biology 11 and 12 and science 10 at a high school here in Ottawa. I love it. It's been so fantastic. The staff and students are both just amazing and I had the best time. Today was the last day of classes. I'll still be working there over finals week but my time is coming to a close. This is the reason why I haven't blogged since we've returned.
We've been keeping fairly busy and are finding many things to do.
A highlight reel...
1. Skating with hockey skates
I was always one of those girls with figure skates. I think most girls my age skated in figure skates. Those were "girl" skates and hockey skates were "boy" skates. Well no more am I going to be shackled with a toe pick I have never used! I've switched to hockey skates and I am loving life with them.
Observe these pictures of skating at the Governor General's place and a local hockey rink.
2. Curling.
We love curling so much we have entered into a bonspiel. Yes, a bonspiel. It's going to be an amazing time, I just know it. I'm sure you'll hear all about it but in the meantime we took the camera curling so you could share in the beauty that it is.
Janelle and I getting ready for some sweeping action.
Checking the angle oh so carefully.
3. New glasses.
I ordered these before Christmas and so they were ready for me when we returned from holidays. Hooray for new glasses. I feel I stepped up the funky factor a notch from my old ones. This is kind of a funny picture of me but its a nice close up of my glasses and I don't have one of those fancy macs where I can do self portraits. I suppose I could use my digital camera for a self portrait but that seems so "old school". At this point when the picture was taken I was really happy to be skating outside at Rideau Hall
4. I saved the best for last. The school I've been teaching at is an arts school. It is a fantastic school community and one of the guys in Arcade Fire used to go there. They wanted to come to the high school and give a concert for the students of the school to practice some of their new material before going on their European tour. So last Friday Chris and I were able to partake a semi-private concert, a small gathering of 400 in the school cafeteria. It was wicked awesome cool.
A few days after I got home I got a phone call from a friend of mine saying that I was probably going to have to take over her classes for the rest of the semester. Of course I said that I would do it so I have been teaching biology 11 and 12 and science 10 at a high school here in Ottawa. I love it. It's been so fantastic. The staff and students are both just amazing and I had the best time. Today was the last day of classes. I'll still be working there over finals week but my time is coming to a close. This is the reason why I haven't blogged since we've returned.
We've been keeping fairly busy and are finding many things to do.
A highlight reel...
1. Skating with hockey skates
I was always one of those girls with figure skates. I think most girls my age skated in figure skates. Those were "girl" skates and hockey skates were "boy" skates. Well no more am I going to be shackled with a toe pick I have never used! I've switched to hockey skates and I am loving life with them.
Observe these pictures of skating at the Governor General's place and a local hockey rink.
2. Curling.
We love curling so much we have entered into a bonspiel. Yes, a bonspiel. It's going to be an amazing time, I just know it. I'm sure you'll hear all about it but in the meantime we took the camera curling so you could share in the beauty that it is.
Janelle and I getting ready for some sweeping action.
Checking the angle oh so carefully.
3. New glasses.
I ordered these before Christmas and so they were ready for me when we returned from holidays. Hooray for new glasses. I feel I stepped up the funky factor a notch from my old ones. This is kind of a funny picture of me but its a nice close up of my glasses and I don't have one of those fancy macs where I can do self portraits. I suppose I could use my digital camera for a self portrait but that seems so "old school". At this point when the picture was taken I was really happy to be skating outside at Rideau Hall
4. I saved the best for last. The school I've been teaching at is an arts school. It is a fantastic school community and one of the guys in Arcade Fire used to go there. They wanted to come to the high school and give a concert for the students of the school to practice some of their new material before going on their European tour. So last Friday Chris and I were able to partake a semi-private concert, a small gathering of 400 in the school cafeteria. It was wicked awesome cool.
Friday, January 05, 2007
I found this on my camera
It turns out that I have an extraordinary skating star living in the same house as me. I didn't even know it. Ah the secrets we keep.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
xmas letter
I never really sent out Christmas cards before last year, nor had I ever made a Christmas letter. I don't know why we suddenly felt more inclined to do this once we got married but we did. I think its because we had taken all the trouble to compile addresses for our invitations so half the battle was done.
I think that Chris is now officially in charge of writing the Christmas letter. He's very good at it. Here's a copy of this years. I think its funny but I'm biased.
I think that Chris is now officially in charge of writing the Christmas letter. He's very good at it. Here's a copy of this years. I think its funny but I'm biased.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
my cat has a learning disability
In an effort to raise a socially well-adjusted cat we have things we will not tolerate. We don't like it when the cat goes up on the table or counters, we stop her from biting and she is not supposed to whine at our door in the morning.
In order to instill this discipline we figured a squirt bottle would be the best method of behaviour management. So when we find here doing any of these things she gets a squirt from the bottle.
She doesn't seem to get it. She continues to do the same things though we spray her 11 times a day. Chris has resorted to putting her in the shower when she whines in the morning. It doesn't seem to work.
This is not completely abnormal with a cat. Some resistance is expected with most behaviour modification. The thing that really is strange is that she rarely lands on her feet. If we find her somewhere she's not supposed to be, we often pick her up, spray her and then drop her from about mid-thigh height. Not excessive for a cat to be sure. She often fails to land on her feet.
Chris is convinced she has a learning disability. We are looking into getting her coded and maybe we can get some extra funding for her.
I still really love her though.
I didn't think I would ever do a post on my cat, but I can't help it. I really don't have that many interesting things to write about. Although....we are leaving for Lethbridge soon. Hooray for home!
Friday, December 15, 2006
beta?
Has anyone switched their blog over to beta? I know beta was better than vhs back in the day....but blogger beta?
Any critiques of the new system? I was trying to post a comment on someone's blog that has switched and it didn't recognize my username and password. It said, try again later. Boooo. I was already logged into blogger. I like it on the old one how you can just be signed in and then comment without having to type in your username and password.
Any thoughts?
Any critiques of the new system? I was trying to post a comment on someone's blog that has switched and it didn't recognize my username and password. It said, try again later. Boooo. I was already logged into blogger. I like it on the old one how you can just be signed in and then comment without having to type in your username and password.
Any thoughts?
I love kids movies
Recently Chris and I have been watching a lot of movies because he was sick for over a week and a half. (he's feeling better now) We rented a few movies that were the feel good type you'd watch with your parents, some kids movies and a few avant-garde movies. Of all the movies we've watched in the past few weeks the kids movies were by far the best. Why is that? Here are a few of my theories.
1. Movies for kids have imagination. They take a story and then inject it with creativity and imagination.
2. They have a plot. We watched so many movies that have no plot whatsoever. They're either depressing movies about people getting screwed over or they are a fun filled movie that's about nothing really at all.
3. They create a world outside our own. Most of the time the kids movies I like the best are about a world that's not like the one we live in. Maybe one of my favourite kids movies is Monsters Inc. They create an entire world of Monsters with its own economy and stories. It's fantastic.
4. (usually) They have good character development.
Now I'm not saying all kids movies have these aspects, but I think I can safely say that most of them do. (at least the ones that I have watched)
Its nice to watch a movie and not feel disgusted by what you've just seen. There's no violence in kids movies, or adultery or prostitution or drug overdoses or any of the nasty things we see in the world all the time.
It seems like there are fewer and fewer good movies being made lately. Or maybe I just don't know where to look for them or how to pick a good movie at the store anymore. I pick up something that looks like it will be good and it turns out to be another story on young male prostitute drug addicts. (this is embarassing, but its happened more than once, this is becoming a popular movie subject) I end up having to turn it off because its just so nasty.
That's my rant about that. On another note we've sent off our Christmas cards. Do you think they'll make it on time? Chris wrote our Christmas letter and it is really funny. Don't be offended if you don't get a Christmas card. We only really sent them to family and those we won't be seeing at Christmas. I will be posting the letter on my blog though because its just so good.
1. Movies for kids have imagination. They take a story and then inject it with creativity and imagination.
2. They have a plot. We watched so many movies that have no plot whatsoever. They're either depressing movies about people getting screwed over or they are a fun filled movie that's about nothing really at all.
3. They create a world outside our own. Most of the time the kids movies I like the best are about a world that's not like the one we live in. Maybe one of my favourite kids movies is Monsters Inc. They create an entire world of Monsters with its own economy and stories. It's fantastic.
4. (usually) They have good character development.
Now I'm not saying all kids movies have these aspects, but I think I can safely say that most of them do. (at least the ones that I have watched)
Its nice to watch a movie and not feel disgusted by what you've just seen. There's no violence in kids movies, or adultery or prostitution or drug overdoses or any of the nasty things we see in the world all the time.
It seems like there are fewer and fewer good movies being made lately. Or maybe I just don't know where to look for them or how to pick a good movie at the store anymore. I pick up something that looks like it will be good and it turns out to be another story on young male prostitute drug addicts. (this is embarassing, but its happened more than once, this is becoming a popular movie subject) I end up having to turn it off because its just so nasty.
That's my rant about that. On another note we've sent off our Christmas cards. Do you think they'll make it on time? Chris wrote our Christmas letter and it is really funny. Don't be offended if you don't get a Christmas card. We only really sent them to family and those we won't be seeing at Christmas. I will be posting the letter on my blog though because its just so good.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
venture forth...alone
Wednesday came and I was excited all day to go to the cbc studios and be there live for a recording between two fantastic artists. I went to pick up Chris from work and, to put it nicely, he looked like death. He was not well. He came home and passed out on the couch. So now I had to find someone else to go with me.
Now my rolodex of friends is not that large in Ottawa, in fact I'd say it was limited to three people that I'd feel comfortable calling up and asking if they wanted to go to a concert together. (actually its 4 but one friend is currently in the middle east) I phoned up each person and everyone was busy or sick. I was faced with having to go it alone.
No big deal. I'm perfectly comfortable going to things by myself. But I wasn't, not at first anyways. The whole time I was walking from my car to the studio I kept thinking "Maybe I should just ask a random person on the street if they want to come with me" There was a girl that was young and hip looking stopped at the walk light at the same time as me. All I had to do was say "Hey, I have an extra ticket for Fuse tonight, want to come?" But alas, I decided I'd rather go in by myself than with a perfect stranger.
Everyone was waiting in the lobby talking with their friends. I actually went through a nice period of transition standing in the lobby. From watching the news, to watching the people around me (I saw three local cbc celebs). I had so much fun people watching I completely forgot that I was by myself. It was actually perfect because there was one seat near the front that wasn't taken. I, being solo, was able to sneak in and get it. By the end I was actually glad that I went there by myself. There was a few retakes of songs and if I had been with someone I would've had to leave, but I didn't leave because I didn't need to. I was on my schedule and no one else's.
The concert was great. Zaki Ibrahim was amazing and gave me the shivers with her performance and Bob Egan was fantastic as well. We actually got two more tickets for another show next Wednesday with Patrick Watson and Torngat. I'm not sure who Torngat is but Patrick Watson was our favourite discovery this summer at Osheaga. This time I'll remember to bring my camera so you too can have a sneak peek at the inside of the cbc glory.
Now my rolodex of friends is not that large in Ottawa, in fact I'd say it was limited to three people that I'd feel comfortable calling up and asking if they wanted to go to a concert together. (actually its 4 but one friend is currently in the middle east) I phoned up each person and everyone was busy or sick. I was faced with having to go it alone.
No big deal. I'm perfectly comfortable going to things by myself. But I wasn't, not at first anyways. The whole time I was walking from my car to the studio I kept thinking "Maybe I should just ask a random person on the street if they want to come with me" There was a girl that was young and hip looking stopped at the walk light at the same time as me. All I had to do was say "Hey, I have an extra ticket for Fuse tonight, want to come?" But alas, I decided I'd rather go in by myself than with a perfect stranger.
Everyone was waiting in the lobby talking with their friends. I actually went through a nice period of transition standing in the lobby. From watching the news, to watching the people around me (I saw three local cbc celebs). I had so much fun people watching I completely forgot that I was by myself. It was actually perfect because there was one seat near the front that wasn't taken. I, being solo, was able to sneak in and get it. By the end I was actually glad that I went there by myself. There was a few retakes of songs and if I had been with someone I would've had to leave, but I didn't leave because I didn't need to. I was on my schedule and no one else's.
The concert was great. Zaki Ibrahim was amazing and gave me the shivers with her performance and Bob Egan was fantastic as well. We actually got two more tickets for another show next Wednesday with Patrick Watson and Torngat. I'm not sure who Torngat is but Patrick Watson was our favourite discovery this summer at Osheaga. This time I'll remember to bring my camera so you too can have a sneak peek at the inside of the cbc glory.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
two things
First I thought I would share what I'm reading. Marc and Kylie shared the non-fiction works that they are slogging through, I thought I would do the same.
I'm reading Blink by Malcom Gladwell. He's most well-known for his previous book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. (am I supposed to italicize that? I never know) This book is about how we make split second decisions, from first impressions to "intuition". I'm only 1/3 of the way through it but so far so good! It's quite the page turner. I highly recommend it. Reading on his website, he got the idea for the book when he decided to grow his hair long. He started getting more speeding tickets, getting pulled aside in airport security lines and once was pulled inside a police van because they thought he matched the description of a rapist they were on the hunt for. This sparked curiousity in him about the stereotypes we have and the profound effect they have on the decisions we make.
One part I especially liked in the book was the IAT (Implicit Association Test). Go do one yourself at: www.implicit.harvard.edu
This is very good if you have some procrastinating you would like to accomplish. Each test takes about 10 minutes.
Second, there is a cbc show in Ottawa called Fuse. They bring two artists into a studio and allow them to "fuse" their sounds together in front of a live audience. Since we've been here I've been really wanting to go. I finally heard the announcement for tickets before they were sold out and now have two tickets to go and see the fusing of Bob Egan and Zaki Ibrahim. I'm so excited! A live taping at cbc. Does life get any better than this?
(actually it does, when I was curling on Sunday the last two rocks I shot in the last end both made it into the house!)
I'm reading Blink by Malcom Gladwell. He's most well-known for his previous book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. (am I supposed to italicize that? I never know) This book is about how we make split second decisions, from first impressions to "intuition". I'm only 1/3 of the way through it but so far so good! It's quite the page turner. I highly recommend it. Reading on his website, he got the idea for the book when he decided to grow his hair long. He started getting more speeding tickets, getting pulled aside in airport security lines and once was pulled inside a police van because they thought he matched the description of a rapist they were on the hunt for. This sparked curiousity in him about the stereotypes we have and the profound effect they have on the decisions we make.
One part I especially liked in the book was the IAT (Implicit Association Test). Go do one yourself at: www.implicit.harvard.edu
This is very good if you have some procrastinating you would like to accomplish. Each test takes about 10 minutes.
Second, there is a cbc show in Ottawa called Fuse. They bring two artists into a studio and allow them to "fuse" their sounds together in front of a live audience. Since we've been here I've been really wanting to go. I finally heard the announcement for tickets before they were sold out and now have two tickets to go and see the fusing of Bob Egan and Zaki Ibrahim. I'm so excited! A live taping at cbc. Does life get any better than this?
(actually it does, when I was curling on Sunday the last two rocks I shot in the last end both made it into the house!)
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Chris said to me yesterday "What are you reading about?"
"Hair salons" I replied. "What are you reading about?"
"Nondisclosure agreements" he said.
And then I burst out laughing. I believe this is a perfect summation of us.
I was actually reading about a hair salon run by a member of Le Tigre and Chris was reading JPod, the new Douglas Coupland. Its still really funny though, even when you know the bigger picture.
Also, I took the car in today to get winter tires put on. Bring on the snow!
"Hair salons" I replied. "What are you reading about?"
"Nondisclosure agreements" he said.
And then I burst out laughing. I believe this is a perfect summation of us.
I was actually reading about a hair salon run by a member of Le Tigre and Chris was reading JPod, the new Douglas Coupland. Its still really funny though, even when you know the bigger picture.
Also, I took the car in today to get winter tires put on. Bring on the snow!
Friday, November 24, 2006
is this art?
Chris washed the carrots tonight and here's what they looked like as they dried.
Is this art?
(for more of a context, see Fraser's post on foetuses and the comments that follow. The question was posed, is every photograph art?)
Thursday, November 23, 2006
I heart steamrollers!
I came home tonight from work to a beautiful sight. A steamroller was doing its thing on the street beside our house. My heart skipped a beat. You see, when we arrived at our new home a sign was posted on the door: Construction to begin September 5, to upgrade the water lines, ending November 30.
Every day since September 5, excluding weekends, I have woken up to the noise of heavy machinery and their blasted, backing up beeping. I have tried my best to ignore it, and have been quite successful. Even yesterday when they were pouring sidewalks I didn't get too excited because I thought to myself "They won't finish the project on time, they never finish these projects on time" Especially because its been such a rainy fall in Ottawa. Rain delays these projects I hear.
But when I saw that steam roller in all its steam rolling glory today I couldn't help it. I think they're going to be done when they said. I can't wait! The silence will be golden. No more beeping or heavy diesel engines or City of Ottawa workers outside my windows yelling to each other. I'll just have the sound of traffic, which I think will be bliss in comparison.
Friday, November 17, 2006
fell off the wagon
I think it's fair to say I fell off the blogging wagon. This happened for two reasons.
1. My parents were visiting
2. I was working a whole lot!!! Hooray.
Now that I have a day off I can tell you all the exciting things that are happening in my life. Perhaps I'll go through them in alphabetical order.
Curling: Chris and I joined up with some folks from our church and are now curlers extraordinaire on Sunday nights. I feel like I'm discovering a part of my Canadianess that I didn't know was there. I went curling when I was in high school but hadn't been since then. Let me tell you, it is fun. The best part is when you hear the familiar yell of "hurry hard!" echoing in the curling club. Actually, the real reason I wanted to curl is because I have a really wicked curling sweater. I was even complimented on it by the mother of a curling superstar when we were at the Ottawa Curling Club. The club is 150 years old and started on the Rideau Canal, which I think is amazing.
Remembering: We attended the Rememberance Day ceremony at the War Memorial in Ottawa. It was raining and very cold. We couldn't really see much either but it was exciting to be there all the same. This picture displays our view of the parade of veterans (it had stopped raining by this time, before this there were umbrellas as far as the eye could see).
Tour Guiding: When my parents were here we did a bit of tour guiding. A highlight was a storytelling concert. Chris and I were remarking a few months ago how storytelling is a lost art. Turns out it's not, it's just a bit more underground. There's a group here called the Ottawa Storytellers who put on a festival every year. They brought in a storyteller from Texas named Elizabeth Ellis. I was completely entranced while she was speaking.
Working: I've recently started supply teaching at a school called Sir Guy Carleton. It's great! I've been getting lots of work there. The staff and students are fantastic and are really welcoming. I was there three times this week.
That concludes my update.
Also as a side note, there was a discussion of starting a housewives blog of activities to keep oneself from going crazy. It's up and running now and I've put the link on the side. Its called ladies of leisure (marc's suggestion, thanks marc!). If any other housewives, or non-housewives for that matter, would like to join, just let me know.
1. My parents were visiting
2. I was working a whole lot!!! Hooray.
Now that I have a day off I can tell you all the exciting things that are happening in my life. Perhaps I'll go through them in alphabetical order.
Curling: Chris and I joined up with some folks from our church and are now curlers extraordinaire on Sunday nights. I feel like I'm discovering a part of my Canadianess that I didn't know was there. I went curling when I was in high school but hadn't been since then. Let me tell you, it is fun. The best part is when you hear the familiar yell of "hurry hard!" echoing in the curling club. Actually, the real reason I wanted to curl is because I have a really wicked curling sweater. I was even complimented on it by the mother of a curling superstar when we were at the Ottawa Curling Club. The club is 150 years old and started on the Rideau Canal, which I think is amazing.
Remembering: We attended the Rememberance Day ceremony at the War Memorial in Ottawa. It was raining and very cold. We couldn't really see much either but it was exciting to be there all the same. This picture displays our view of the parade of veterans (it had stopped raining by this time, before this there were umbrellas as far as the eye could see).
Tour Guiding: When my parents were here we did a bit of tour guiding. A highlight was a storytelling concert. Chris and I were remarking a few months ago how storytelling is a lost art. Turns out it's not, it's just a bit more underground. There's a group here called the Ottawa Storytellers who put on a festival every year. They brought in a storyteller from Texas named Elizabeth Ellis. I was completely entranced while she was speaking.
Working: I've recently started supply teaching at a school called Sir Guy Carleton. It's great! I've been getting lots of work there. The staff and students are fantastic and are really welcoming. I was there three times this week.
That concludes my update.
Also as a side note, there was a discussion of starting a housewives blog of activities to keep oneself from going crazy. It's up and running now and I've put the link on the side. Its called ladies of leisure (marc's suggestion, thanks marc!). If any other housewives, or non-housewives for that matter, would like to join, just let me know.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
my new hobby
I've had a bit of spare time on my hands (where it says "a bit" read "a lot") as I'm getting established as a supply teacher here. I've been wanting to do some screenprinting for a long time now and so I figured, what better time to start. I did my first major run yesterday and documented it for you.
My fancy apron.
The screen that I burned crooked.
Making the print.
Voila!
This is about half of the run that I did. There was a set of red that I did as well.
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