There is something about people hugging each other that always makes me feel great. It is my favourite part of going to the airport! Hug someone you know (or don't know) today. *smile*
Watch this: FREE HUGS
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
A Sea of Red
The debate continues. Should Canada be in Afghanistan? Our Prime Minister says yes. The Afghan President says yes. The 2,500 Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan are doing their duty, whether they believe in the war or not. Many Canadians hate the idea of this war and our role in it. Rosie DiManno said it best today, in The Toronto Star:
This shouldn't be about Canadians looking inwards; it should be about Canadians looking outwards, as a citizen state of the world, with values and obligations and a richness of spirit — all the finest of qualities that our soldiers embody.
And this, yesterday:
This country has a historical romance with peacekeeping. But peacekeeping is a hollow concept without fighting meat on the bone. Facts on the ground have changed and development has been compromised as a result. But there's no way, now, to jump from here to there without continuing the often perilous work of pacifying Afghanistan's most volatile areas. Building local institutions, training police, providing development assistance — none of this good and noble work can continue in the southern provinces if NATO flees from the challenges of combat.
This country gave its word. That used to mean something to Canadians.
Forget on which side of the fence you're currently sitting. Please support the troops!
You can leave a message here.
You can buy a pin, hat, tshirt or bumper sticker here.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
I Love A Parade!
On Sunday, September 17, 2006, the public is invited to join a ceremony honouring Canada’s military veterans for the sacrifices they have made, and continue to make, to protect our peace and freedom.
The ceremony will include one of the largest military parades in Toronto since the Second World War, including thousands of men and women of the Canadian Forces, cadets, veterans, bands and mounted units. The parade will begin at Fort York Armoury at 12:00 noon and proceed up Fleet Street, east on Front Street and north on University Avenue.
The march past will begin at Queen's Park at 2 p.m. and be immediately followed by the unveiling of the historic Veterans' Memorial.
For more pics, go to my Webshots Album here.
Toronto's Name
A recent comment on another blog caused me to do some research about Toronto's name.
From Wikipedia:
From Wikipedia:
'Toronto' means 'place where trees stand in the water'. It is an Iroquois name referring to what is now Lake Simcoe (known as Lake Toronto at the time) to the north, where Huron Indians planted tree saplings to corral fish. The portage between Lake Ontario and Lake Huron that went this route was called the 'Toronto Portage', or 'Passage'.
Toronto has collected a number of nicknames and epithets over the past two hundred years, including Muddy York (18th-19th Century), Hogtown (Victorian), The Big Smoke (1920s), Toronto the Good (1950s), T.O. (for Toronto, Ontario) and more recently T-dot, reflecting an ebonics style of nomenclature. Some Canadians outside Toronto have referred in a derogatory manner to the city as considering itself The Centre of the Universe based on the supposed Toronto-centricity of the "national" media.
Residents often pronounce the name in a slurred manner, including Toronno, Tronno, Tronna, Taranna.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
BITCHOLOGY
When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a bitch.
When I stand up for those I love, they call me a bitch.
When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way, they call me a bitch.
Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart. It means I live my life MY way. It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as a bitch.
The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish. It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me. You won't succeed.
And if that makes me a bitch, so be it. I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.
Thanks to my friend, Cliff, for sending this to me.
When I stand up for those I love, they call me a bitch.
When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way, they call me a bitch.
Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart. It means I live my life MY way. It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as a bitch.
The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish. It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me. You won't succeed.
And if that makes me a bitch, so be it. I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.
Thanks to my friend, Cliff, for sending this to me.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
WAR! What Is It Good For?
I got two calls from Afghanistan today. My friend "Joe" is over there as part of the Canadian NATO force fighting the Taliban. He didn't call me from the FOB (Forward Operations Base) either. He called me from the field. He sounds so exhausted! They've been "outside the wire" for a month and living under a constant state of alert. Currently they are stationed on one side of dry river bed and the Taliban are on the other. They can see each other. There are rockets firing, bombs dropping and weapons blasting, every day and night.
Of the 120 guys in his company, more than 40 have been injured. Five have been killed. My friend was about 10 feet away from the blast that killed four of his comrads. He told me he was "just lucky". He helped them into body bags and sopped up the blood for others. There's a big hole in the front of their LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) from when it got hit and a few bullet holes too. There are six guys in his crew and between them, they go through four cases of water a day. The temps are 60C during the day and 40C at night. He hasn't had a shower for a month. This is a guy who loves 30 minute showers, twice a day.
He said a 4 year old Afghani child gave him the him the finger the other day. I told him I blamed the parents. That made him laugh! He's been lifting weights (?) to help deal with the stress but they are all jumpy. The recent deaths and injuries have devastated his company. He says he doesn't have time to grieve and that he'll do it when he comes home. He's knows he's not going to be the same when he returns to Canada but he hopes the military will get him the help he needs.
He assured me that they are not peacekeeping. I assured him that we all know we're in a war now. No one in Canada is operating under the misapprehension that they are simply peacekeeping over there any more. I also told him that the people of Canada support all the troops and that seemed to give him some solace. He wants me to write him letters. They are starting to get mail drops twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. They are also getting special dispensation to use the phone because they have been out in the field for so long. He decided to call me instead of his family or buddies back home because he knows I won't freak out when I hear weapons firing in the background. I waited until I got off the phone before I freaked out.
I told him I had a dream about him last night and he mentioned dreaming about me last week. He said that the country is quite beautiful and the stars are breathtaking at night. He's been sleeping on a ground sheet or in the back of the LAV. He never knew what he was getting into when he quit his civilian job and volunteered for this tour. He wants to shower, longs to sleep in a real bed and eat anything else but rations. He says there were some young guys in his company who became men within their first 72 hours outside the wire. He said he is more afraid of the camel spiders than he is of the Taliban. That made me laugh ...
Of the 120 guys in his company, more than 40 have been injured. Five have been killed. My friend was about 10 feet away from the blast that killed four of his comrads. He told me he was "just lucky". He helped them into body bags and sopped up the blood for others. There's a big hole in the front of their LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) from when it got hit and a few bullet holes too. There are six guys in his crew and between them, they go through four cases of water a day. The temps are 60C during the day and 40C at night. He hasn't had a shower for a month. This is a guy who loves 30 minute showers, twice a day.
He said a 4 year old Afghani child gave him the him the finger the other day. I told him I blamed the parents. That made him laugh! He's been lifting weights (?) to help deal with the stress but they are all jumpy. The recent deaths and injuries have devastated his company. He says he doesn't have time to grieve and that he'll do it when he comes home. He's knows he's not going to be the same when he returns to Canada but he hopes the military will get him the help he needs.
He assured me that they are not peacekeeping. I assured him that we all know we're in a war now. No one in Canada is operating under the misapprehension that they are simply peacekeeping over there any more. I also told him that the people of Canada support all the troops and that seemed to give him some solace. He wants me to write him letters. They are starting to get mail drops twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. They are also getting special dispensation to use the phone because they have been out in the field for so long. He decided to call me instead of his family or buddies back home because he knows I won't freak out when I hear weapons firing in the background. I waited until I got off the phone before I freaked out.
I told him I had a dream about him last night and he mentioned dreaming about me last week. He said that the country is quite beautiful and the stars are breathtaking at night. He's been sleeping on a ground sheet or in the back of the LAV. He never knew what he was getting into when he quit his civilian job and volunteered for this tour. He wants to shower, longs to sleep in a real bed and eat anything else but rations. He says there were some young guys in his company who became men within their first 72 hours outside the wire. He said he is more afraid of the camel spiders than he is of the Taliban. That made me laugh ...
Saturday, September 09, 2006
We Support Our Troops!
Things in Afghanistan are really heating up, as are things here, politically speaking. Fortunately, public support for our troops to remain in Afghanistan is currently high. A recent poll indicates that support in Quebec has even risen 10%, which is good news considering the "VanDoos" (the 22nd Regiment out of CFB Valcartier are scheduled to deploy in February 2007). At the last day of The Ex, I stopped at the military's exhibit to check out the banners they had set up for civilians to sign, with the intention of sending these banners to the troops. I was overwhelmed with the sight of them and the messages written thereon. What are your thoughts?
"YOU HAVE THE COUNTRY'S SUPPORT -- RETURN SAFELY!!!"
"YOU HAVE THE COUNTRY'S SUPPORT -- RETURN SAFELY!!!"
Friday, September 01, 2006
Favourite Things
Show me a woman who doesn't like shoes and I'll show you ... well ... a man, I guess. But not a gay man, of course. *wink* I promised my friend Sandy some time ago that I would share my "collection" with her.
At one point in my life, I had three pairs of red boots. My first pair went into the garbage because I wore them so much they fell apart and could not be repaired. I bought these boots at an outlet centre in Waterloo for less than $30. They are made by Nine West. I loved the colour of these boots. A girlfriend was "bootsitting" this pair while I was away but I recently got them back from her.
I bought these boots shortly after I moved to Toronto in 1992. Does anyone remember that fabulous boot store on Yonge Street at Gloucester? I think I paid $475 for these boots, which back then was a small fortune but I had to have them. They are Sanchos and made in Spain. They look even better now than the day I bought them. These boots are a true reflection of my personality.
These are the boots I bought in Acapulco almost 8 years ago. I think I paid less than $500 pesos for them. I wore out the soles and just got them totally reconditioned for $40. I love these boots. They remind me of my 40th birthday. My ex-boyfriend has an identical pair only in a MUCH larger size. My friend Jo-Anne never got to wear her identical pair, thanks to Air Canada losing her luggage! :(
I can't remember where I bought these boots but it might have been downtown Toronto at Winners or someplace like that. They were less than $50. They're lightweight since they're made out of nylon. They're very, VERY sexy boots and I remember buying them to impress an old boyfriend. Dumped the guy but never held that against the boots. Story of my life ... haha!
These boots are my latest acquisition and I got them by fluke. My friend Marianna was in Toronto operating a booth at The Clothing Show where I was busy shopping for a friend's birthday gift. She actually bought these boots in Amsterdam a few years ago and they were always a little bit too tight for her. Fortunately, they fit me like a glove! Made in Italy, these Guess boots are made with the softest leather you can possibly imagine. The snow will NEVER touch these boots. Thanks Marianna!
At one point in my life, I had three pairs of red boots. My first pair went into the garbage because I wore them so much they fell apart and could not be repaired. I bought these boots at an outlet centre in Waterloo for less than $30. They are made by Nine West. I loved the colour of these boots. A girlfriend was "bootsitting" this pair while I was away but I recently got them back from her.
I bought these boots shortly after I moved to Toronto in 1992. Does anyone remember that fabulous boot store on Yonge Street at Gloucester? I think I paid $475 for these boots, which back then was a small fortune but I had to have them. They are Sanchos and made in Spain. They look even better now than the day I bought them. These boots are a true reflection of my personality.
These are the boots I bought in Acapulco almost 8 years ago. I think I paid less than $500 pesos for them. I wore out the soles and just got them totally reconditioned for $40. I love these boots. They remind me of my 40th birthday. My ex-boyfriend has an identical pair only in a MUCH larger size. My friend Jo-Anne never got to wear her identical pair, thanks to Air Canada losing her luggage! :(
I can't remember where I bought these boots but it might have been downtown Toronto at Winners or someplace like that. They were less than $50. They're lightweight since they're made out of nylon. They're very, VERY sexy boots and I remember buying them to impress an old boyfriend. Dumped the guy but never held that against the boots. Story of my life ... haha!
These boots are my latest acquisition and I got them by fluke. My friend Marianna was in Toronto operating a booth at The Clothing Show where I was busy shopping for a friend's birthday gift. She actually bought these boots in Amsterdam a few years ago and they were always a little bit too tight for her. Fortunately, they fit me like a glove! Made in Italy, these Guess boots are made with the softest leather you can possibly imagine. The snow will NEVER touch these boots. Thanks Marianna!
Busy Life = Happy Goddess
WOW! I have so much going on in my life right, it's kind of nuts. But I really like it this way. I love being busy. And I plan to be even busier in the near future.
First on the list is a change in residence. I'll be moving back into my condo before the end of September and I have a lot to do before then. I probably should buy some furniture. Right now, I have a bed, a desk, four wine glasses and a box of pots. LOL Fortunately I kept all my linens so I'll be comfortably ensconced in my bed and able dry myself after a shower. I just won't be able to do anything else. OK, that's a slight exaggeration but I need to buy SO MUCH STUFF. Top of the list is an ironing board, dining room table and chairs, some dishes and cutlery. I also want to get the carpets cleaned while the place is empty.
On October 7, 2006, I will have owned this condo for SEVEN YEARS so it is a bit of an anniversary for me. I'm quite excited. It's almost new to me again since I haven't lived there in more than three and a half years. I have to arrange for internet and cable. I want a TV too (winter is coming and there are so many movies I haven't seen) so I've asked my Dad to take me shopping for electronics this weekend. Should be fun!
I've already bought a couch and a chair at The Bay. I kind of went over budget on them but I've decided that I'm old enough to buy something that I WANT as opposed to simply buying something that I can AFFORD. Besides, I was able to defer paying for a year so that will help me to budget for everything else. The couch is very contemporary and versatile. It will also double as a single bed for overnight guests. Much trendier than a sofa bed and actually less cumbersome.
Next on the list is brain development. I've always liked taking courses. Even in Mexico, I took Spanish lessons. Although, Scott and I spent more time explaining the many English uses for the word "fuck" to Lupe, our Mexican tutor ... *giggle*. I thought about more Spanish lessons here in Toronto but I found something EVEN BETTER! I discovered that I can actually get an "Editing Certificate" from my local community college. I'm so excited! I start class on Tuesday. Guess what the first compulsory course is? "Essential Grammar"!!! If I pass (like there's any doubt), I will be absolutely, positively, UNSTOPPABLE. I can't wait to begin.
The last piece of the full and happy life of a Goddess is volunteer work. I got a taste for it in Vallarta and I want to do more. So I jumped online (remember, Google is your friend!) and I typed in "Toronto + volunteer". I found the Volunteer Centre for Toronto where I was able to search for a volunteer position that suited my availability and administrative bent. I found the perfect thing! I am going to volunteer, every second Saturday afternoon at The Bata Shoe Museum. Imagine the odds of a self-proclaimed shoe-aholic finding such a position?
Life is good.
First on the list is a change in residence. I'll be moving back into my condo before the end of September and I have a lot to do before then. I probably should buy some furniture. Right now, I have a bed, a desk, four wine glasses and a box of pots. LOL Fortunately I kept all my linens so I'll be comfortably ensconced in my bed and able dry myself after a shower. I just won't be able to do anything else. OK, that's a slight exaggeration but I need to buy SO MUCH STUFF. Top of the list is an ironing board, dining room table and chairs, some dishes and cutlery. I also want to get the carpets cleaned while the place is empty.
On October 7, 2006, I will have owned this condo for SEVEN YEARS so it is a bit of an anniversary for me. I'm quite excited. It's almost new to me again since I haven't lived there in more than three and a half years. I have to arrange for internet and cable. I want a TV too (winter is coming and there are so many movies I haven't seen) so I've asked my Dad to take me shopping for electronics this weekend. Should be fun!
I've already bought a couch and a chair at The Bay. I kind of went over budget on them but I've decided that I'm old enough to buy something that I WANT as opposed to simply buying something that I can AFFORD. Besides, I was able to defer paying for a year so that will help me to budget for everything else. The couch is very contemporary and versatile. It will also double as a single bed for overnight guests. Much trendier than a sofa bed and actually less cumbersome.
Next on the list is brain development. I've always liked taking courses. Even in Mexico, I took Spanish lessons. Although, Scott and I spent more time explaining the many English uses for the word "fuck" to Lupe, our Mexican tutor ... *giggle*. I thought about more Spanish lessons here in Toronto but I found something EVEN BETTER! I discovered that I can actually get an "Editing Certificate" from my local community college. I'm so excited! I start class on Tuesday. Guess what the first compulsory course is? "Essential Grammar"!!! If I pass (like there's any doubt), I will be absolutely, positively, UNSTOPPABLE. I can't wait to begin.
The last piece of the full and happy life of a Goddess is volunteer work. I got a taste for it in Vallarta and I want to do more. So I jumped online (remember, Google is your friend!) and I typed in "Toronto + volunteer". I found the Volunteer Centre for Toronto where I was able to search for a volunteer position that suited my availability and administrative bent. I found the perfect thing! I am going to volunteer, every second Saturday afternoon at The Bata Shoe Museum. Imagine the odds of a self-proclaimed shoe-aholic finding such a position?
Life is good.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Let's Go To The Ex!
I went to The Canadian National Exhibition ("The Ex") last Sunday. I didn't go last year because I wasn't home at the end of August so I was really looking forward to continuing my annual tradition. Unfortunately, all my girlfriends have grown up and none of them really likes going to The Ex so I was reconciled to going alone. Sometimes that works out better for me because then I can go wherever I want.
I arrived around 1PM via streetcar, which takes you right into the exhibition grounds. I had already bought my reduced price pass for $7 at work so I was able to walk right in after they scanned my pass. I headed straight to the Food Building and after a quick look around, I came out the other side and walked right into one of the women from work! What a small world ... she was there with her family. After a quick hello, I headed over to The Better Living Building. Only it isn't there anymore! They're tearing it down or renovating it so I settled on the Arts & Crafts building. Lots of cool stuff in there: jewellery, decorative pillows and lamps, spices, jams, jellies, wood carvings, purses, hats, clothing, candy, etc. etc. etc. I bought some expensive jam. (Get it? JAM bought jam! LOL)
Next I headed over to the Sports and Leisure building. Other than the usual huge bikini retailer (with no change rooms to try on anything!), there were a couple of cheesy sports displays, some massage therapists and one great OBUS forme backpack sales kiosk. I almost bought a HEYS brand mini knapsack for $25. I'm always thinking in advance of my trip to Europe next spring as I've heard the pickpockets in Barcelona are quite prolific! So I need something other than a regular purse to guard my valuables. But I don't want to look like a tourist so the search is on for something chic yet versatile. After a quick browse through an area selling books (4 for $10), a made my way back to the Food Building.
The same people are there every year, selling the same grubb, almost in exactly the same spot! The only difference I noticed over two years ago was that the Tiny Tom Donuts stand was inside instead of outside. There is Greek food, Italian food, Jamaican food, German food, Chinese food, fish & chips, pizza, BBQ ribs and burgers, hot fried waffles served with ice cream and, of course, french fries. I have these so rarely that I always treat myself at The Ex with a small serving. If I bought a large, there is no doubt that I would eat them all. I absolutely love french fries over any other food, including chocolate. Shocking, isn't it?
Finally, I was ready for my favourite part of The Ex: The Direct Energy Centre. It used to be called the National Trade Centre but I simply remember it as the newest (and biggest) building on the Exhibition grounds with four or five separate salons filled people hawking their wares from all over the world. It's like a huge international marketplace with goodies from Brazil, Canada (!), China, Egypt, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, and many others I can't remember right now. I bought a set of hand towels and matching face cloths for $7, a funky necklace for $15 and a pair of earrings for $3. I also saw 50 million other things I wanted to buy but I was getting pretty tired by this point so I called it a day.
I climbed aboard a streetcar to take me home sometime after 6PM, after spending approximately FIVE HOURS walking around The Ex. My feet were sore and my back was aching. I can't wait to go back again on Labour Day Monday!!! *grin*
I arrived around 1PM via streetcar, which takes you right into the exhibition grounds. I had already bought my reduced price pass for $7 at work so I was able to walk right in after they scanned my pass. I headed straight to the Food Building and after a quick look around, I came out the other side and walked right into one of the women from work! What a small world ... she was there with her family. After a quick hello, I headed over to The Better Living Building. Only it isn't there anymore! They're tearing it down or renovating it so I settled on the Arts & Crafts building. Lots of cool stuff in there: jewellery, decorative pillows and lamps, spices, jams, jellies, wood carvings, purses, hats, clothing, candy, etc. etc. etc. I bought some expensive jam. (Get it? JAM bought jam! LOL)
Next I headed over to the Sports and Leisure building. Other than the usual huge bikini retailer (with no change rooms to try on anything!), there were a couple of cheesy sports displays, some massage therapists and one great OBUS forme backpack sales kiosk. I almost bought a HEYS brand mini knapsack for $25. I'm always thinking in advance of my trip to Europe next spring as I've heard the pickpockets in Barcelona are quite prolific! So I need something other than a regular purse to guard my valuables. But I don't want to look like a tourist so the search is on for something chic yet versatile. After a quick browse through an area selling books (4 for $10), a made my way back to the Food Building.
The same people are there every year, selling the same grubb, almost in exactly the same spot! The only difference I noticed over two years ago was that the Tiny Tom Donuts stand was inside instead of outside. There is Greek food, Italian food, Jamaican food, German food, Chinese food, fish & chips, pizza, BBQ ribs and burgers, hot fried waffles served with ice cream and, of course, french fries. I have these so rarely that I always treat myself at The Ex with a small serving. If I bought a large, there is no doubt that I would eat them all. I absolutely love french fries over any other food, including chocolate. Shocking, isn't it?
Finally, I was ready for my favourite part of The Ex: The Direct Energy Centre. It used to be called the National Trade Centre but I simply remember it as the newest (and biggest) building on the Exhibition grounds with four or five separate salons filled people hawking their wares from all over the world. It's like a huge international marketplace with goodies from Brazil, Canada (!), China, Egypt, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, and many others I can't remember right now. I bought a set of hand towels and matching face cloths for $7, a funky necklace for $15 and a pair of earrings for $3. I also saw 50 million other things I wanted to buy but I was getting pretty tired by this point so I called it a day.
I climbed aboard a streetcar to take me home sometime after 6PM, after spending approximately FIVE HOURS walking around The Ex. My feet were sore and my back was aching. I can't wait to go back again on Labour Day Monday!!! *grin*
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Commenting on My Blog
The beauty of it being MY blog, is that I get to moderate all comments.
So, in response to the weak and spiteful individual who tried to post an inflamatory comment this morning: Na na na na na!
LOL
So, in response to the weak and spiteful individual who tried to post an inflamatory comment this morning: Na na na na na!
LOL
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Mexico Comes To Toronto - Part 2
Last Friday (was it really over a week ago?), Dave and Isabel Manore hosted a Mexican Fiesta at the Madison. The Mad is a well-known and very popular pub in downtown Toronto. Dave and Isabel also own a boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta called, appropriately enough, Casa Isabel. Every year they have this big party. We pay admission and that includes all our food and at least one drink. There is a silent auction and live music. It was a beautiful summer night. Isabel subsequently told me they raised $6,000 CDN to benefit the Becas Foundation, a PV charity which raises funds for children's education. Anyway, here's a few pics of the festivities. The Goddesses, of course, were there (we can't resist a party!) as well as some friends from two borders south. Enjoy!
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Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Cell Phone Stupidity
Those of you who know me well, know my feelings about cell phones. I hate them. I think they were invented by Dr. Evil. The REAL Dr. Evil, not Mike Myers' baby finger sucking, coyly bald Dr. Evil. I owned a cell phone, once. I owned it for a year. Or should I say, it owned me. I didn't have a land line where I was living and my work needed to reach me so I was required to get a cell phone. *sigh* It was the worse year of my life, communicatively speaking. Don't get me wrong. I love talking on the phone. I can (and do) spend hours talking on the phone. It is right up there with shopping for shoes and dinner with the Goddesses.
Still, the cell phone was always THERE. Always ON. I had to take it with me EVERYWHERE. When I didn't, people would call me and give me shit for not answering the phone WHEN THEY CALLED. They hated leaving a message because it gave me the control as to when I called them back, not the other way around. And I was constantly feeding cards into the damn thing. Then I would get these text messages in Spanish, which I could never understand. And if I ever had to recall a message, I had to go through the menu in Spanish. I didn't know what the hell she was saying but I got to know which numbers to press to bypass her. I hated that bitch! LOL
Recently, I've witnessed some pretty stupid cell phone behaviour. For example, at work (I work in law office), we all have phones on our desk. Mine is a regular office phone with my number, my boss' number, a hold button, flashing lights, etc. I use it to make calls to other people and people can call me on it. What an invention! Anyway, I work with people who own cell phones which, by the way, are not allowed in the office. Regardless of this rule (and numerous other rules which have apparently been made for the sole purpose of being broken), cell phones ring in my office all the time. And they don't ring ring. They play stupid little songs. Or buzz. Or beep. Every time a different one goes off, I think it is the fire alarm.
A couple of weeks ago, the Goddesses and I met for dinner at a local steakhouse in the Village, recently renovated. OK, it was The Keg Mansion on Jarvis. We had drinks in the bar at 7PM and were showed to our table around 8PM. About an hour later, a young family came into the restaurant. Mother, father and a young daughter who was approximately 7 years old. They were a beautiful family and seemed relatively normal until the cell phones were placed on the table. Then all semblance of the "happy family" disappeared. First the wife's cell phone rang and she answered it. The caller must have asked, "What are you doing?" because her response was "Not much. What's new with you?" NOT MUCH??? She's out for dinner with HER FAMILY and she takes a personal call. Since when do cell phones replace human beings? GRRR!!! She hung up and then the husband's cell phone rang. Same scenario. It was pathetic. I wonder if they call each other from opposite sides of the bed to say goodnight.
I've also seen this happen in the dog park. Picture this scene. It's a beautiful, warm, sunny morning. You are going crazy, waiting for your master to take you for your "morning constitution". It is the highlight of your day! Your owner grabs his keys, your ball, affixes your leash and heads out the door. But he can't forget the cell phone! Just in case someone needs to call him at 8AM and ask him for his opinion about the state of the economy. So there you are, in the park, your most favourite place in the whole world, with the person you love the most. And he's got the ball, which you're dying to chase and slobber all over. Trouble is, Master Dearest is too busy on his cell phone to pay much attention to you and your needs. So you bark and jump up and down, trying to get his attention for just two seconds. Just long enough for him to throw the ball. It's a very sad thing to see. Even sadder when you substitute a SMALL CHILD for the dog. I've seen it. Disgusting behaviour by people who are more attached to a small electronic device than to their own family, friends or other human beings.
I used to date a really nice guy, and his cell phone. We fought about it constantly. I wanted it off. He wanted it on. I won. The woman always wins in arguments like this. We have the ultimate trump card. Hehe! I recently talked to a guy from a dating website who had a similar experience but with a business associate. These two bachelors met through business and decided to hit a patio and do some serious girl-watching. Bachelor #1 (my friend) was looking forward to enjoying a drink and some good old-fashioned "guy talk". Bachelor #2 took a call on his cell phone five minutes after they sat down and proceeded to talk for longer than 20 minutes to someone not even there. Bachelor #1 was pissed but did nothing. I couldn't sit for longer than TWO minutes without saying something! I don't know where he found the restraint.
So many people in Canada have cell phones now that they are starting to take out the phone booths. This really ticks me off because I don't have a cell phone. I don't want a cell phone. I have no intention of EVER BUYING A CELL PHONE. I somehow need to communicate this need to the phone company. I figure I'll have to make a trip out to the airport to call them. *sigh* I have to stop now before I really get worked up. I need to go to bed and I won't be able to sleep if I carry on with this rant much longer.
Still, the cell phone was always THERE. Always ON. I had to take it with me EVERYWHERE. When I didn't, people would call me and give me shit for not answering the phone WHEN THEY CALLED. They hated leaving a message because it gave me the control as to when I called them back, not the other way around. And I was constantly feeding cards into the damn thing. Then I would get these text messages in Spanish, which I could never understand. And if I ever had to recall a message, I had to go through the menu in Spanish. I didn't know what the hell she was saying but I got to know which numbers to press to bypass her. I hated that bitch! LOL
Recently, I've witnessed some pretty stupid cell phone behaviour. For example, at work (I work in law office), we all have phones on our desk. Mine is a regular office phone with my number, my boss' number, a hold button, flashing lights, etc. I use it to make calls to other people and people can call me on it. What an invention! Anyway, I work with people who own cell phones which, by the way, are not allowed in the office. Regardless of this rule (and numerous other rules which have apparently been made for the sole purpose of being broken), cell phones ring in my office all the time. And they don't ring ring. They play stupid little songs. Or buzz. Or beep. Every time a different one goes off, I think it is the fire alarm.
A couple of weeks ago, the Goddesses and I met for dinner at a local steakhouse in the Village, recently renovated. OK, it was The Keg Mansion on Jarvis. We had drinks in the bar at 7PM and were showed to our table around 8PM. About an hour later, a young family came into the restaurant. Mother, father and a young daughter who was approximately 7 years old. They were a beautiful family and seemed relatively normal until the cell phones were placed on the table. Then all semblance of the "happy family" disappeared. First the wife's cell phone rang and she answered it. The caller must have asked, "What are you doing?" because her response was "Not much. What's new with you?" NOT MUCH??? She's out for dinner with HER FAMILY and she takes a personal call. Since when do cell phones replace human beings? GRRR!!! She hung up and then the husband's cell phone rang. Same scenario. It was pathetic. I wonder if they call each other from opposite sides of the bed to say goodnight.
I've also seen this happen in the dog park. Picture this scene. It's a beautiful, warm, sunny morning. You are going crazy, waiting for your master to take you for your "morning constitution". It is the highlight of your day! Your owner grabs his keys, your ball, affixes your leash and heads out the door. But he can't forget the cell phone! Just in case someone needs to call him at 8AM and ask him for his opinion about the state of the economy. So there you are, in the park, your most favourite place in the whole world, with the person you love the most. And he's got the ball, which you're dying to chase and slobber all over. Trouble is, Master Dearest is too busy on his cell phone to pay much attention to you and your needs. So you bark and jump up and down, trying to get his attention for just two seconds. Just long enough for him to throw the ball. It's a very sad thing to see. Even sadder when you substitute a SMALL CHILD for the dog. I've seen it. Disgusting behaviour by people who are more attached to a small electronic device than to their own family, friends or other human beings.
I used to date a really nice guy, and his cell phone. We fought about it constantly. I wanted it off. He wanted it on. I won. The woman always wins in arguments like this. We have the ultimate trump card. Hehe! I recently talked to a guy from a dating website who had a similar experience but with a business associate. These two bachelors met through business and decided to hit a patio and do some serious girl-watching. Bachelor #1 (my friend) was looking forward to enjoying a drink and some good old-fashioned "guy talk". Bachelor #2 took a call on his cell phone five minutes after they sat down and proceeded to talk for longer than 20 minutes to someone not even there. Bachelor #1 was pissed but did nothing. I couldn't sit for longer than TWO minutes without saying something! I don't know where he found the restraint.
So many people in Canada have cell phones now that they are starting to take out the phone booths. This really ticks me off because I don't have a cell phone. I don't want a cell phone. I have no intention of EVER BUYING A CELL PHONE. I somehow need to communicate this need to the phone company. I figure I'll have to make a trip out to the airport to call them. *sigh* I have to stop now before I really get worked up. I need to go to bed and I won't be able to sleep if I carry on with this rant much longer.
Friday, August 18, 2006
End Breast Cancer
Here is an awesome way to help continue the fight against Breast Cancer. Frito-Lay of Canada is donating $1 to End Breast Cancer for every person that signs onto their site this weekend.
They are committed to raising up to $100,000 through this site. I just signed on myself and they are presently at $17,235+. There is a long way to hitting $100,000 and we need your help.
There are no other obligations by signing on, and you won't receive any other emails or offers from them, unless you check off the box to get them. So please, just take a minute, and click onto their website, and please forward it to your friends.
Click Here
Thanks for reading!
They are committed to raising up to $100,000 through this site. I just signed on myself and they are presently at $17,235+. There is a long way to hitting $100,000 and we need your help.
There are no other obligations by signing on, and you won't receive any other emails or offers from them, unless you check off the box to get them. So please, just take a minute, and click onto their website, and please forward it to your friends.
Click Here
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Mexico Comes To Toronto - Part 1
Earlier this month, I received an email from Carmen, the owner of El Arrayan, one my favourite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. She and her partner, Claudia, were coming to Canada on vacation and I made her promise to contact me with their itinerary. The email came with a request for help. Could I find them a hotel for one night and also help them get tickets for the train between Toronto to Montreal? No problema! I booked the hotel for their late arrival and met them for lunch the next day with train tickets in hand.
A week later, they returned to Toronto and we arranged to meet for dinner. As they were staying with friends in the Beaches, I took a streetcar out there one night last week and we had a marvelous dinner! I think I ate the BEST guacamole I've ever had in MY LIFE -- it was chunky, not pureed. (I hate that mushy stuff!) The conversation was in English and Spanish and I'm happy to say, I've retained a lot of my second language since April.
Anyway, I can't resist another plug for Carmen's absolutely AMAZING restaurant in Vallarta. There's a reason they were voted #1! Her filet mignon with mole sauce is one of the few things I miss about living there. Here's a pic of Carmen and me enjoying a local brew:
A week later, they returned to Toronto and we arranged to meet for dinner. As they were staying with friends in the Beaches, I took a streetcar out there one night last week and we had a marvelous dinner! I think I ate the BEST guacamole I've ever had in MY LIFE -- it was chunky, not pureed. (I hate that mushy stuff!) The conversation was in English and Spanish and I'm happy to say, I've retained a lot of my second language since April.
Anyway, I can't resist another plug for Carmen's absolutely AMAZING restaurant in Vallarta. There's a reason they were voted #1! Her filet mignon with mole sauce is one of the few things I miss about living there. Here's a pic of Carmen and me enjoying a local brew:
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Get Involved!
I am posting this as a favour for a friend:
Hi Juliana, I have a petition online to request Wasaga Beach Council make changes to the burning by-law. With our denser population, hundreds of fires can burn here at any time. The air is so bad (worse than any bad day in Toronto) and tourists are actually complaining about the air quality. I don't know if you've been here lately, but it's absolutely unacceptable. I have a petition and a video showing what I'm talking about on my website.Please take a moment to sign her petition. I did.
First Article on the Page
I'd appreciate if you could sign the petition and send it along to anyone else who cares about the environment.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
A Worthy Cause
I don't usually ask people for money but this is a very worthy cause. I sponsored myself for $20 and I encourage you to match that amount, if possible. However, please feel free to donate as little as $5 or $10. Every little bit helps! And thank you very much for your pledge.
Juliana
Juliana
The Ride for Diabetes Research is a highly successful fundraising event for diabetes research in Canada thanks to people like you who are supporting our participants by making a pledge donation. By pledging me, your money will be going towards finding a cure for this disease by funding some of the most progressive research in the world, with some of the biggest breakthroughs coming from Canada.
You can pledge quickly and safely through our secure on-line pledge option. An electronic tax receipt will be e-mailed directly to you. Click on the following link to use your VISA, MasterCard or American Express.
Sponsor Me Here
For more information about the Ride for Diabetes Research and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, please visit www.jdrf.ca. Again, thank you for your support.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Hot, Hot, HOT!!!
I remember last summer in Mexico and living in hot temps with high humidity for months on end. I also remember thinking that the summers in Canada were much more pleasant and I couldn't wait to get home to one. Well ... today we reached 35C in Toronto and, with the humidex (an odious Canadian invention, by the way), it felt like 47C on the skin. For all my American readers, that's 116.6F or HOT!!!
Last night apparently was the hottest night on record in Toronto. I slept with the window open, the fan OFF, wore pjs and slept under a sheet and comforter. I guess I'm still acclimated to down south. I wouldn't mind my blood thickening a bit before the fall and winter get here. Thank the Goddess I still have all my cold weather clothing.
The AC is a mixed blessing. I have it on now (5:45PM) because this is, in my opinion, the hottest part of the day, but I will turn it off before bed and open my window once again. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about it at work and am constantly complaining about the cold. I seem to have a constant scratchy throat from it. The weather will break soon, I hope.
We have another long weekend coming up and, other than Caribana, which I have no intention of attending, there isn't a lot going on around town. I might take a couple of day trips to outlying areas for a change of scenery or try to catch a movie. What do you have planned for this weekend? Whatever you do, stay cool and well hydrated. Dehydration is a very serious condition and it kind of sneaks up on you without warning. Take care and be careful.
Last night apparently was the hottest night on record in Toronto. I slept with the window open, the fan OFF, wore pjs and slept under a sheet and comforter. I guess I'm still acclimated to down south. I wouldn't mind my blood thickening a bit before the fall and winter get here. Thank the Goddess I still have all my cold weather clothing.
The AC is a mixed blessing. I have it on now (5:45PM) because this is, in my opinion, the hottest part of the day, but I will turn it off before bed and open my window once again. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about it at work and am constantly complaining about the cold. I seem to have a constant scratchy throat from it. The weather will break soon, I hope.
We have another long weekend coming up and, other than Caribana, which I have no intention of attending, there isn't a lot going on around town. I might take a couple of day trips to outlying areas for a change of scenery or try to catch a movie. What do you have planned for this weekend? Whatever you do, stay cool and well hydrated. Dehydration is a very serious condition and it kind of sneaks up on you without warning. Take care and be careful.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Repatriation
re·pa·tri·ate
To restore or return to the country of birth, citizenship, or origin
I heard this phrase used on the news the other day and thought of my own repatriation. I'm not sure it's going so well. I'm still living in one room and sharing the rest of the condo with my roommate. It's her place so I'm feeling a little bit like an unwelcome houseguest, even though I pay rent and buy my own food and supplies. There's just something about being in your own place isn't there?
To that end, I will be moving back into my condo on October 1st. Considering my birthday is October 2nd and my anniversary of buying the place is October 7th, this date seems rather auspicious to me. Unfortunately, I don't own very much -- a bed, a desk, a box of pots, some wineglasses, linens and towels. My Dad is giving me a couple of plastic lawn chairs and an old stereo cabinet so I'm not entirely destitute. And my Mom's giving me a vaccuum cleaner. LOL
But I keep feeling like I'm caught in a bit of a twilight zone ...
I find myself still drawn back into discussions about Puerto Vallarta and I'm still getting emails from people who think I can help them with vacation accomodations and tourist attractons. But I'm really not interested. The more news I receive from down there (parks being plowed under, pollution, storms, crooked politicians, unbearably hot weather, blah, blah, blah), the happier I am to be here. So I think it is important not to dwell on my old life there and concentrate on bulding my new life here.
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