Was invited up to spend the weekend at Lofi’s cottage – a quintessential “Canadian” thing to do over the summer! I’d heard a lot about the good times at the cottage from The Ex (he and Lofi were at college together) but sadly had never been able to make it in past summers thanks to baseball ruling my summer schedule. This time however, I was determined not to let a wonderful opportunity for a fun (and not to mention cheap) weekend away pass me by!
Lofi and her boyfriend picked me up Friday afternoon and two hours later we were at the dinkiest little cottage ever right on the shores of Jack’s Lake, one of the hundreds that make northern Ontario’s landscape so unique. Guzzler, who also went to collage with Lofi and The Ex, joined us together with a friend of his A. I’d met both of them on several prior occasions, so it was really not at all strange that I was hanging out in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of The Ex's friends!
Friday night was rather cold, so we mostly hung out in the kitchen listening to music and chatting. As Lofi's bf and Guzzler got progressively drunker, they insisted on micro analyzing every single song that played giving the rest of us inane details on the song’s lyrics, artist and even what they wore to the recording!
The Ex showed up on Saturday, and so did some more friends and it was full on party time all afternoon and all night long. Lofi's bf unfortunately had to bow out of most activities as he was seriously paying for his sins of the night before. Still, The Ex was there to take his place as “drunken fool of the night” and after consuming a case of beer, 2 bottles of wine and 4 cans of cider, he was by far the drunkest I have ever seen him. He became his other, not so loved avatar of Mr. Octopus (all hands) and proceeded to bug Lofi all night by declaring his undying love and devotion for her. His cries of “Loooooooooofiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii…… you’re HOTTTTTTT” rang out across the water scaring away the melodious Loons and waking up most of the neighbours!
Somewhere in the middle of it all, I think I experienced a revelation of sorts that night, and thanked my lucky stars that that mess of a human being was no longer my concern.
Still, I couldn’t leave the bugger lying face down in a heap of peanut shells and helped him to bed. The dink then tried to dry hump my leg yelling out – Cummon Bit*h, I know you want it.
Suffice to say, I SHOULD have left him to drown out by the lake, but instead managed to get him in and into bed where I’m happy to report that he woke up the next day with the worst hangover ever, and the knowledge that he’d made a total and utter ass of himself… and it was all caught on tape!
Ah, bliss!
So in spite of The Ex's drunken ranting, or perhaps even because of them, my very first weekend-at-the-cottage experience turned out pretty well and I can’t wait to do it again. Sans the drunken ex though!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
First Day
Policy meetings...........personnel meetings..........company orientation..............loads of paperwork.........trying to figure out the new phone system (don't want to be hanging up on clients!).............cannot find the washrooms.... damn you need a key???...... double damn - I'm locked out of the office..........heels killing me.............oh my - that was my first day!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Last day of Nothingness
Today was my very last day as an unemployed sod! As of 8:30 am tomorrow morning, I will have rejoined the ranks of the gainfully employed and be on my way towards once again being a contributing member of society, and sadly having to endure heels again for the most part of a work day!
So what, you ask did I do today? Here are the highlights:
So what, you ask did I do today? Here are the highlights:
- Woke up only marginally late and make myself a big scrambled eggs and toast brefix. Figured it would be a while before I had that luxury again!
- Sent out "thankyous" to the 38 emails that came in in reply to my news of a new job. Must always be polite you know.
- Cleaned up and vacuumed my room. Its going to be a long while before I do that again, and the dust bunnies were getting rather wild.
- Settled down to watch some of my very fav British hunks in 4 of my all time "Feel Good" movies - Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, About a Boy, Love Actually and Notting Hill. These can also be classified as the part Colin Firth and whole Hugh Grant yummy-makes-me-swoon-with-delight collection.
- Had a delightful dance session with one of the guys from dance class. He came over and I spent 2 hours polishing all the moves that I'd previously just about fuddled my way though. We had such a good time, we're going to make it a regular weekly thing - which is awesome!
- Called a friend and had the pure joy of just .... chatting. Haven't done that in a while and it felt terrific.
- Picked out an outfit for my first day. Then changed my mind about 4 times. In the process, I ironed about 6 pairs of pants and 4 shirts - some of which weren't even mine.
- Started reading "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Will be re reading and re watching all books and movies out to date in anticipation of upcoming movie and book.
Monday, June 18, 2007
An Ode to the Vampire Slayer
About a month ago Trippy loaned me seasons 1 & 2 of the late 90s cult classic series - Buffy the Vampire Slayer. What stared out as a "pass time" routine each afternoon, quickly turned into an all out obsession! Putting aside the obvious fluff factor, the cheezy lines and the overdrawn out fight sequences; the series surprisingly does offer the viewer a lot to think about and of course throws in the occasional Apocalypse now and then.
Season 1 & 2 were quite mindless. 1 was all about Buffy pining for good Angel and 2 was her pining over bad Angel. It was season 3 that really got going with the development of characters and more challenging story lines other than the usual - New Demon in town - Buffy and Scoobie gang do research - Buffy kills Demon - sequence.*
With Angel outta the scene - off to do his own thing in the series spin off, season 4 introduced the Oh-so-hunky Riley Finn as the Slayer's new love interest and let's just say that he was a heck of a lot more interesting that Angel ever could be. I'm a fan of the tall and dark.... but let's leave the broody out ok?
Thanks to Riley, we were introduced to The Initiative a supposed top secret government agency that sent military men (all very hunky) to track and study various Demons or Hostiles as they called them. Things got tres interesting when Spike was bagged and tagged by the Initiative and released back into the world unable to do harm to any human thanks to a behaviour modifying chip in his brain. This new twist lead him to become a reluctant ally of the Slayer all the while plotting his revenge. Spike's new persona and added air time gave the series a much needed boost in both story line and ratings not to mention some classic one liners he spits out! Season 4 also reintroduces us to Anya - sans Vengeance powers and strangely full of lust for Xander. Still adjusting to her new human form, Anya's character stumbles through everyday life with a charming grace of her very own, and a complete inability to filter her innermost thoughts. Gee, I wonder why I relate to this character so much?!
Of course all cannot be well in Sunnydale or else it wouldn't be the charming Hell Mouth that we all know and love.
Season 5 sees Riley leave, Buffy mourns (again), a "new" 14 year old sister for the Slayer - who turns out to be a ball of mystical energy millions of years old; Giles buys a magic shop; Buffy's mum dies (natural causes); Xander and Anya heat things up, Willow and Tara getting their lesbian groove on and Spike inexplicably falls for the Slayer! And oh yeah... Buffy dies - again!
With Buffy's mum dead and Giles' impending return to England, the gang find themselves for the first time without a strong adult presence. Season 6 is all about them moving forward in life and fighting the demons of adulthood and reality as much as the icky, gooey trans dimensional ones. Willow really gets her groove on as a full on Wicca and by some truly dark and powerful magic resurrects Buffy back to life little realizing that her friend was actually at peace in a heaven like world. Buffy has huge problems readjusting to life back on Earth and those problems are compounded by very real issues like financial troubles and the worry of raising a teenager alone. Anya and Xander meanwhile are deep into planning their wedding but of course any semblance of true love on this show should always be looked at with suspicion! Before the happy event can take place, Sunnydale suddenly resembles the set of a Broadway musical in an episode that ranks as my all time favourite - Once Again with Feeling.**
The underlying topic of humanity is manifested even in the "villains" that Buffy faces this season. Not Gods or Demons, but a trio of nerdy social rejects who combine forces to make hell for the Slayer and in true comic book geek style want to "take over the world". As the season progresses, the trio turn from being bumbling inept stooges to a very real threat and inadvertently cause the death of Tara. Driven wild by grief, Willow reaches out to forces so dark that her entire personality is transformed into a Wicca so powerful. Hellbent on revenge - even if it means killing a human - she wrecks havoc all around and very little can come in her way. While its always left to Buffy to save the day, this time around it is Xander who manages to tap into the spark of humanity left in Willow and thereby releases her from her dark alter ego.
With Sunnydale back to "normal", the gang takes stock of what nearly happened and rejoices in their getting through yet another close call. Little do they know that far away in the deepest of Africa, Spike having been driven to the edge by his love for Buffy has regained his soul.
Season 7... here I come!
*FYI, I love the fact that there was tie in between the Scooby Doo movie starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and the show.
** MUST get a copy of that soundtrack.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
A Fool in Love
Friday turned out to be a very interesting and not to mention life altering day for me.
There was of course the thrill of the job offer - I couldn't have been happier at that time and was basically on cloud 9 for the rest of the day. Went to the baseball game that evening and had the pleasure of watching the Jays thump the Nationals 7-2.
Jiblett was at the game with me, and I'd forgotten just how nice it was to watch a game with someone else who really ... gets it! None of my other friends are baseball fans and getting someone to go to the ballpark with me is akin to pulling teeth! So when he said he'd come with me, it was a nice surprise.
We got talking during the game, and then after. In fact, we talked all night long.
It was long overdue. It was something we perhaps should have done 2 years ago. If only.
I said a lot of things and then I listened. We both had much to say - not all of which was pleasant to hear.
From a day that started off full of hope, full of excitement and of joy.... it had turned into one of unbelievable sadness and nothing but a sense of loss for me.
Yesterday was not good. I was sunk in a misery so deep that it took every fibre of my being not to give into the despair and do something incredibly stupid to myself that would at the very least make me very ill.
But yesterday passed, and today I woke up better. And although there is still pain, I feel like I'm in control once more.
I started listing off things that are good in my life. And amazingly, I got to over 100 points before I had to stop and think for more. My life may not be a bed of roses right now, but neither is it a hell that I cannot overcome.
I started off today well. I made an effort. I took a few steps.
I will probably fall again. And again. And then again.
But I will get up. I will keep walking. I will be strong.
There was of course the thrill of the job offer - I couldn't have been happier at that time and was basically on cloud 9 for the rest of the day. Went to the baseball game that evening and had the pleasure of watching the Jays thump the Nationals 7-2.
Jiblett was at the game with me, and I'd forgotten just how nice it was to watch a game with someone else who really ... gets it! None of my other friends are baseball fans and getting someone to go to the ballpark with me is akin to pulling teeth! So when he said he'd come with me, it was a nice surprise.
We got talking during the game, and then after. In fact, we talked all night long.
It was long overdue. It was something we perhaps should have done 2 years ago. If only.
I said a lot of things and then I listened. We both had much to say - not all of which was pleasant to hear.
From a day that started off full of hope, full of excitement and of joy.... it had turned into one of unbelievable sadness and nothing but a sense of loss for me.
Yesterday was not good. I was sunk in a misery so deep that it took every fibre of my being not to give into the despair and do something incredibly stupid to myself that would at the very least make me very ill.
But yesterday passed, and today I woke up better. And although there is still pain, I feel like I'm in control once more.
I started listing off things that are good in my life. And amazingly, I got to over 100 points before I had to stop and think for more. My life may not be a bed of roses right now, but neither is it a hell that I cannot overcome.
I started off today well. I made an effort. I took a few steps.
I will probably fall again. And again. And then again.
But I will get up. I will keep walking. I will be strong.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Success!
After a brief meeting with the CEO of Not for Profit organization this afternoon, I was offered the position of Account Manager and Corporate Liaison Officer with their company.
The job is everything that I was looking for... and then some more!
I get to work in the Not for Profit sector and actually CONTRIBUTE towards a bunch of causes that I'm passionate about. Starting Wednesday, I will once again join the thousands of commuters who make their way across the city to work, and then back again 8 hours later. Only this time, I'll be doing so gladly. Everyday that I show up at this new job, I will be making a difference - helping someone. And that's worth more than all the glory and prestige of working with a big showy organization like I did before. Its worth more than the incentive trips across North America and the other little "extras" that were thrown in.
This time I'm wanted for who I am not for who I can become. And its a great feeling.
I can't wait to get started.
The job is everything that I was looking for... and then some more!
I get to work in the Not for Profit sector and actually CONTRIBUTE towards a bunch of causes that I'm passionate about. Starting Wednesday, I will once again join the thousands of commuters who make their way across the city to work, and then back again 8 hours later. Only this time, I'll be doing so gladly. Everyday that I show up at this new job, I will be making a difference - helping someone. And that's worth more than all the glory and prestige of working with a big showy organization like I did before. Its worth more than the incentive trips across North America and the other little "extras" that were thrown in.
This time I'm wanted for who I am not for who I can become. And its a great feeling.
I can't wait to get started.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
*Fingers Crossed*
Had an interview with a recruitment firm 2 weeks ago for a postion with a Not for Profit company in downtown T Dot. Good job, great pay, good opportunity.
Had follow up interview with them Thursday of last week.
Called in for another interview yesterday.
Recruiters called for references this morning.
I DARE NOT DREAM..... but I am hoping and wishing and praying - a lot!
Had follow up interview with them Thursday of last week.
Called in for another interview yesterday.
Recruiters called for references this morning.
I DARE NOT DREAM..... but I am hoping and wishing and praying - a lot!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Day at the Zoo
Spent most of Friday with my wee cousin's grade 2 class at the Toronto Zoo on Friday. Although dismayed at first when I found out that I'd been put in charge of a group of 4 VERY energetic boys, things worked out fine and I had a great time getting to know them, and getting to know the animals better too!
Highlights included the Gorillas, the Polar bear feeding, the Rainforest enclosure and the Pygmy Hippo!
Highlights included the Gorillas, the Polar bear feeding, the Rainforest enclosure and the Pygmy Hippo!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Tagged!
Been tagged by Liisa to reveal some of my fav eating spots in the T Dot. A rather herculean challenge as anyone who knows me knows I'm a total foodie..... and then again, its Toronto! There's every restaurant imaginable from Scandenavian to Sudanese!
There's really too much to choose from, so have made rather random choices here:
Pho Hung Restaurant - 200 Bloor St. West, Downtown Toronto
Tiny little place in the heart of the UofT Annexe. Best Pho around for a cheap cheap price, and amazing quantities.
Frederick's - Bellamy/ Ellesmere, Scarborough
Just minutes from my house and the best Indian-Chinese food outside of the Motherland! Mixed pakoras are amazing!
Jack Astor's - 144 Front St. West, Downtown Toronto
I love the bar section and the patio is spacious and actually has its own bar which makes it the perfect hangout post basball games in the summer. They serve an amazing calamari apetizer, and the California Chicken Salad is a healthy and filling alternate to the usual bar/ pub fare.
Spring Rolls - Yonge/ Dundas, Downtown Toronto
This chain of Thai food restaurants is one of my favourites - the curry pad thai and green curry are both top notch and at a very reasonable rate.
Taste of China Seafood Palace - Chinatown, Toronto
The very best after hours spot where a wink and a nod will get you a pot of "special" tea. I've never ever been here in the day time ... or sober for that matter, but I do know that its a great place to unwind after a big night out on the town.
I don't know too many bloggers, so I tag Boo and Sigsy.
There's really too much to choose from, so have made rather random choices here:
Pho Hung Restaurant - 200 Bloor St. West, Downtown Toronto
Tiny little place in the heart of the UofT Annexe. Best Pho around for a cheap cheap price, and amazing quantities.
Frederick's - Bellamy/ Ellesmere, Scarborough
Just minutes from my house and the best Indian-Chinese food outside of the Motherland! Mixed pakoras are amazing!
Jack Astor's - 144 Front St. West, Downtown Toronto
I love the bar section and the patio is spacious and actually has its own bar which makes it the perfect hangout post basball games in the summer. They serve an amazing calamari apetizer, and the California Chicken Salad is a healthy and filling alternate to the usual bar/ pub fare.
Spring Rolls - Yonge/ Dundas, Downtown Toronto
This chain of Thai food restaurants is one of my favourites - the curry pad thai and green curry are both top notch and at a very reasonable rate.
Taste of China Seafood Palace - Chinatown, Toronto
The very best after hours spot where a wink and a nod will get you a pot of "special" tea. I've never ever been here in the day time ... or sober for that matter, but I do know that its a great place to unwind after a big night out on the town.
I don't know too many bloggers, so I tag Boo and Sigsy.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Small Joys
Small Joy #1: My VERY OWN copy of Pride & Prejudice has just arrived in the mail. YES - the Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehel version!! Can now indulge in repeated oggling of Mr. Darcy in see-through soaking wet shirt a la Bridget Jones, and perhaps even find own Mr. Darcy in process. (hey, a girl can dream......)
Small Joy # 2: Also arrived - copies of Sense & Sensibility (Hugh-Yummy-Grant and Emma Thompson) and Alfie Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes.
Small Joy #3: Have been chosen as adult volunteer for wee cousin's grade 2 class outing to the zoo this Friday. Feel very love and needed at this moment.
Small Joy # 4: Dance class this evening has been cancelled. This means I will NOT have to leave the comfort of my warm and cozy home on a wet and windy day like today, and can instead indulge in Small Joys #1 and 2.
Small Joy # 2: Also arrived - copies of Sense & Sensibility (Hugh-Yummy-Grant and Emma Thompson) and Alfie Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes.
Small Joy #3: Have been chosen as adult volunteer for wee cousin's grade 2 class outing to the zoo this Friday. Feel very love and needed at this moment.
Small Joy # 4: Dance class this evening has been cancelled. This means I will NOT have to leave the comfort of my warm and cozy home on a wet and windy day like today, and can instead indulge in Small Joys #1 and 2.
Monday, June 04, 2007
The Captain departs
My cousin's 2 month holiday here in Toronto came to an end yesterday when she left to go back home to Bombay. I hope she's had a good time here. We don't always get along - we're very very different people - but I do hope she's enjoyed the stuff we did together and the things and places I showed her.
In true Indian family style, we all met at my aunt's place in Markham on Saturday for a last hurrah that included lots of food and kids running rampant.
In true Indian family style, we all met at my aunt's place in Markham on Saturday for a last hurrah that included lots of food and kids running rampant.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Missing - free time!
Looking for employment is a full time job in itself! Compound that with playing tour guide to a visiting cousin, trying to complete about 100 odd jobs around the house AND watching season 3 of Buffy.... well.... my days are just packed full to the brim!
Must finally hit the sac now - after all tomorrow is another soul searching, job hunting, chore filled day!
It's only Wednesday and already this week has been super hectic! Highlights include playing personal photographer the same visiting cousin who insisted she didn't get enough camera time at the wee one's communion. So went over to their place on Monday night where the kids and her got dressed up and I took a whole bunch of shots. The hardest part of that gig was getting Captain to shut up while I was taking the pics! She just CANNOT stop talking! I will not take responsibility if she has her mouth wide open in all of the shots!
Played tour guide all of Tuesday as I showed Captain the sights and sounds of downtown T Dot. Had to condend with much "Can we sit down now? When do we get to shop? Are we there yet?" along the way - alarming when its coming from a 32 yr old! Still, she seemed to have a good time and that was the purpose so I'll pass on the minor inconvenient details!
Passed my "charge" onto the aunt at the GO station at 5:15 and enjoyed the rest of the evening hanging with Brooksy and his gal at the ballgame where the Yankees were in town. Jays beat the Yanks 3-2 and the defining moment of the game was watching Aaron Hill catch Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte napping and steal home right under his nose!
Started today off bright and early with an interview for what sounds like a totally amazing postion with a Not for Profit organization. The recruiters I interviewed with seemed impressed with my experience and hopefully I'll hear back on a second interview with reps from the company.
Picked up Captain and took her to dinner on the Danforth where we met up with Trippy. Had an amazing tapas meal at Embrujo Flamenco that included Mejillones Con Queso - grilled mussels with parmesan, Pinchos Morunos - spicy pork kebabs and Avestruz - grilled ostrich in wine! If you're looking for something new with out-of-this-world food, try this place!
Must finally hit the sac now - after all tomorrow is another soul searching, job hunting, chore filled day!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Discoveries on Yonge Street
The weekend rolled by sooner than I expected and thankfully full of plans for moi. Started things off with a dinner-and-show at the Heron Barn Theatre in Pickering. It was a lovely setting for an "old time" concept - an old barn converted into a restaurant and tea room with a little theatre upstairs. My aunt originated the idea as a "Girl's Nite Out" for just a few of us, but a couple of the fellas wanted it, so it ended up being a nice big group of 15.
Spent a great part of Saturday poking around the many used book stores on Yonge Street. I was fortunate enough to find some real deals and added 4 new members to my book kingdom that is fast expanding down in the basement. Am in dire need of more shelving space now!
In the course of the afternoon, I stumbled upon a DE-Lightful little store that's choc-a-block full of lovely old furniture, paintings, frames, mirrors and all sorts of other household knick nacks that the store owners are literally giving away in a liqudation sale. Have plans to go back there on Thursday with me mum and see if we can find some stuff for the house.
Later met up with H, C, Andrew and Carolyn at one of our fav city beer spots - Volo. They'd spent the morning pic-a-nicing on Toronto Island. The Chad graced us with his presence for a wee bit and wrapped up the day at the Diesel Theatre where Bethums joined us to see one of 'Drew's friend's perform stand up there.
Spent a great part of Saturday poking around the many used book stores on Yonge Street. I was fortunate enough to find some real deals and added 4 new members to my book kingdom that is fast expanding down in the basement. Am in dire need of more shelving space now!
In the course of the afternoon, I stumbled upon a DE-Lightful little store that's choc-a-block full of lovely old furniture, paintings, frames, mirrors and all sorts of other household knick nacks that the store owners are literally giving away in a liqudation sale. Have plans to go back there on Thursday with me mum and see if we can find some stuff for the house.
Later met up with H, C, Andrew and Carolyn at one of our fav city beer spots - Volo. They'd spent the morning pic-a-nicing on Toronto Island. The Chad graced us with his presence for a wee bit and wrapped up the day at the Diesel Theatre where Bethums joined us to see one of 'Drew's friend's perform stand up there.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Happy B'day Queen Vicky
May 2-4 Weekend - long weekend in Canada, birthday celebrations for Queen Vic AND the "official" start to summer. Never mind the teensy detail that the calendar says that summer begins in June. We're too impatient to wait another month! The temps are soaring, the skies are clear and blue, the gardens are tilled and ready..... and Dairy Queen has a new "summer special" out - its time!
Sadly did not see Shrek on Friday as planned. Kids were unavailable, and so was the rest of everyone. Felt v looser like and went and rented videos - and ended up buying 2 as well. Friday night thus = video night.
Much work to be done on Saturday as dust bunnies run rampant all over house. 1.5 hrs of furious vacuuming later, they have been partially eradicated. In true resilient bunny style they will return - damn!
Went over to Menace's place Sattyday afternoon to help her out with preparations for party to celebrate Andrew and Carolyn's baby - due out in October, their moving to NJ and their upcoming nuptials. Lots of reasons to celebrate in short! Wore very new outfit - part of the NixPix Spring line. Hair behaved exceedingly well. No pics available - take my word for it; I looked good!
Met many of Andrew and Carolyn's friends at the party. Most of who are married, married with babies or about to be married with babies. Must say, thankfully not the "Smug Married" kind a la Bridget Jones' Diary, but still weird and awkward at times to be among this unknown and strange species.
Menace drove me home on Sunday and the poor girl spent part of the afternoon chatting with my parents. Rather, we all sat in the living room and then my dad proceeded to monopolize the conversation and spoke for 45 mins straight about ...... something...... It is times like these that I wish I was an orphan.
Plan for today - start watching Buffy DVDs. Menace loaned me seasons 1 and 2. With my current rate of TV watching, I should be done with all 8 seasons by next week!
Boy, do I REALLY need a job!
Sadly did not see Shrek on Friday as planned. Kids were unavailable, and so was the rest of everyone. Felt v looser like and went and rented videos - and ended up buying 2 as well. Friday night thus = video night.
Much work to be done on Saturday as dust bunnies run rampant all over house. 1.5 hrs of furious vacuuming later, they have been partially eradicated. In true resilient bunny style they will return - damn!
Went over to Menace's place Sattyday afternoon to help her out with preparations for party to celebrate Andrew and Carolyn's baby - due out in October, their moving to NJ and their upcoming nuptials. Lots of reasons to celebrate in short! Wore very new outfit - part of the NixPix Spring line. Hair behaved exceedingly well. No pics available - take my word for it; I looked good!
Met many of Andrew and Carolyn's friends at the party. Most of who are married, married with babies or about to be married with babies. Must say, thankfully not the "Smug Married" kind a la Bridget Jones' Diary, but still weird and awkward at times to be among this unknown and strange species.
Menace drove me home on Sunday and the poor girl spent part of the afternoon chatting with my parents. Rather, we all sat in the living room and then my dad proceeded to monopolize the conversation and spoke for 45 mins straight about ...... something...... It is times like these that I wish I was an orphan.
Plan for today - start watching Buffy DVDs. Menace loaned me seasons 1 and 2. With my current rate of TV watching, I should be done with all 8 seasons by next week!
Boy, do I REALLY need a job!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
My Everyday Companions
Another question I get asked a lot since getting back is "What do you do everyday, now that you're home?"
Well, I spend an average of 5 hours each day surfing job sites and sending out resumes and in the balance time - I read!
Well why not? I DID come home from my adventures with 43 books in my bag so might as well get cracking with reading 'em all!
Some books I have read since I got home:
Well, I spend an average of 5 hours each day surfing job sites and sending out resumes and in the balance time - I read!
Well why not? I DID come home from my adventures with 43 books in my bag so might as well get cracking with reading 'em all!
Some books I have read since I got home:
- Stuart McLean's Stories from the Vinyl Cafe - for a touch of Canadia!
- The Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan
- The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Ablom
- The Ex- Factor - Andrea Semple
- A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
- Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason - Helen Fielding
And, currently reading - The Pakistani Bride by Bapsi Sidhwa
Friday, May 18, 2007
Tiresome Day
Ok. So maybe starting the day off with 2 slices of left-over pizza for brekkers is NOT the way to loose 10 lbs. In my defense, I had to wake up at 8 am (early for the unemployed) and haul ass over to our old condo to supervise the plumber guy who was there to fix the shower. When one is woken up earlier than normal, one tends to get unreasonably hungry and there was no time for cereal or anything HEALTHY. It was pizza or starve.
The morning was a COMPLETE WASTE as it consisted of me sitting on the tenant's couch and watching plumber guy walk in and out of washroom, and in and out of condo trying to figure out how to get at a pesky pipe.
Plumber guy finally realised that the only way pesky pipe was coming out was if he was to bore a hole in the ceiling of the unit below. Of course when he went to inform owners of unit below of said activity, owner's son nearly fainted and called his daddy post haste. Not too sure why he got that look of terror on his face though - its not like plumber guy wanted to bore a hole in HIM!
Daddy in turn also freaks out and says "hell no" to any boring of walls/ ceilings in spite of being informed that all costs will be covered by us. Apparently all the units are interconnected and there's no other way to get to pesky pipe. By this point, I nearly want to take someone's head off, but manage to contain myself and in best mature, adult voice and fashion inform Daddy that if we do not get his consent, I would like to have it in writing that we will not be responsible for any damage caused to his unit resulting from water seeping from above. And in case of damage, he - Daddy Dear - will be responsible for the costs of fixing both units.
Anyway, long story short - nothing .... nothing got done after 3.5 hours of plumber guy running in and out of shower and condo and Daddy Dear running around wailing that the walls of Jericho would collapse and the condo manager trying to keep me from taking a hammer to his silly little head!
Now of course the tenants are being complete dinks over the entire issue and wanting to withhold rent etc etc. There's a perfectly working second washroom they can use in the interim - but no, they want to make a scene about something ... anything... without looking at reason. My dad refuses to let me talk to the SOB, but at the same time is getting completely stressed over something that he has no control over! See... this is why everyone else in my family has high BP problems! My philosophy is - if you can't control it - don't freak out. Somehow my parents skipped that chapter in the self help book of life.
So, now they're both freaking.... and will probably give themselves a cardiac attack before long.
Me, I think I'm going to raid the 'fridge.
The morning was a COMPLETE WASTE as it consisted of me sitting on the tenant's couch and watching plumber guy walk in and out of washroom, and in and out of condo trying to figure out how to get at a pesky pipe.
Plumber guy finally realised that the only way pesky pipe was coming out was if he was to bore a hole in the ceiling of the unit below. Of course when he went to inform owners of unit below of said activity, owner's son nearly fainted and called his daddy post haste. Not too sure why he got that look of terror on his face though - its not like plumber guy wanted to bore a hole in HIM!
Daddy in turn also freaks out and says "hell no" to any boring of walls/ ceilings in spite of being informed that all costs will be covered by us. Apparently all the units are interconnected and there's no other way to get to pesky pipe. By this point, I nearly want to take someone's head off, but manage to contain myself and in best mature, adult voice and fashion inform Daddy that if we do not get his consent, I would like to have it in writing that we will not be responsible for any damage caused to his unit resulting from water seeping from above. And in case of damage, he - Daddy Dear - will be responsible for the costs of fixing both units.
Anyway, long story short - nothing .... nothing got done after 3.5 hours of plumber guy running in and out of shower and condo and Daddy Dear running around wailing that the walls of Jericho would collapse and the condo manager trying to keep me from taking a hammer to his silly little head!
Now of course the tenants are being complete dinks over the entire issue and wanting to withhold rent etc etc. There's a perfectly working second washroom they can use in the interim - but no, they want to make a scene about something ... anything... without looking at reason. My dad refuses to let me talk to the SOB, but at the same time is getting completely stressed over something that he has no control over! See... this is why everyone else in my family has high BP problems! My philosophy is - if you can't control it - don't freak out. Somehow my parents skipped that chapter in the self help book of life.
So, now they're both freaking.... and will probably give themselves a cardiac attack before long.
Me, I think I'm going to raid the 'fridge.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
New Season Resolutions
aWho says you can't make resolutions in the Spring? I think its the perfect time in fact. People are more likely to make more rational and realistic choices on a sunny afternoon sipping an ice tea than on a freezing winter night after 3 bottles of wine!
So here goes:
So here goes:
- MUST LOOSE 10 LBS - this is non negotiable. I lost about 6 lbs when in India with all the walking around and climbing hills and 1000s of steps to get to temples etc. If I can do it on holiday when I'm not even trying, surely I can do it at home ??
- MUST get drivers license - must must must.
- Work on garden more
- Clean out closet; Donate clothes that I haven't worn in 2 years. Accept that I will never ever fit into them again.
- Buy closet organizer and install order in there.
- Do NOT buy any more shoes/ clothes until above 2 points have been done.
- Visit another province - even if just for a day or two.
- Volunteer - at least 1 day a week until I find a job.
- Finish writing my report for OISE - get certification as Adult Trainer.
Good Luck to me!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
My Travel Companions
To answer an oft asked question re my recent travels - "Weren't you lonely?" - I'd say...
"No, I had my thoughts, my dreams.... and my books!"
Being on so many planes, trains and all sorts of automobiles travelling from city to city, country to country, I had an amazing amount of time to indulge in my very favourite of passtimes - reading. I certainly didn't plan it, but somehow all the books that I read over the 4 months of my travels somehow connected back to me and my life at that point in time.
In Scotland I read Night of Rain and of Stars and Circle of Friends both by Maeve Binchy. The former was the story of a group of people - all travellers - who's chance meeting in a small Greek cafe impacted the course of their lives. In London, Ajit loaned me Holy Cow author Sarah MacDonald's true storyof the 3 years she lived in India exploring India's religions and peoples in her quest to better understand who she is.
In Bombay, I raided Sanch's bookcase and besides catching up on my fav Enid Blytons, Chalet Schools and Agatha Christies, I also read Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy the story of 4 interconnected families who's lives are complicated by marriage, babies, culture, politics and the occassional communal riot or two. Set in the era of a newly indepentant India, the book mesmerised me and kept me company right though my Rajasthani adventures.
After that, I moved on to Love in the Time of Cholera a masterpiece by Gabriel Garcia Marquez that made me understand that love is indeed timeless and ageless. My next read was Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time a funny, sad and very touching story of an autistic boy trying to make sense of his world that is suddenly turned up-side-down by the death of the neighbour's dog.
I re read R. K Narayan's Malgudi Days and laughed and cried for the simplicity yet complexity of the characters and their stories. Amitav Ghosh's The Hungry Tide and The Glass Palace both took me to places in India I rarely thought about, and situations I previously hardly gave heed to.
And finally, I took with me to Japan Suketu Metha's Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found a birthday present from my cousin Ritchie. I lost myself in the pages as the author explored Bombay - her streets, her politics, her underworld, her highs and her lows. I was both thrilled and repulsed by the author's findings about the city. It seemed so bleak and outlook for so wonderful a place. In the end I understood, as hopefully the author wanted - that to have a true love affair with this city, one must be prepared for all the ups and downs that every relationship has to offer. And I did.
"No, I had my thoughts, my dreams.... and my books!"
Being on so many planes, trains and all sorts of automobiles travelling from city to city, country to country, I had an amazing amount of time to indulge in my very favourite of passtimes - reading. I certainly didn't plan it, but somehow all the books that I read over the 4 months of my travels somehow connected back to me and my life at that point in time.
In Scotland I read Night of Rain and of Stars and Circle of Friends both by Maeve Binchy. The former was the story of a group of people - all travellers - who's chance meeting in a small Greek cafe impacted the course of their lives. In London, Ajit loaned me Holy Cow author Sarah MacDonald's true storyof the 3 years she lived in India exploring India's religions and peoples in her quest to better understand who she is.
In Bombay, I raided Sanch's bookcase and besides catching up on my fav Enid Blytons, Chalet Schools and Agatha Christies, I also read Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy the story of 4 interconnected families who's lives are complicated by marriage, babies, culture, politics and the occassional communal riot or two. Set in the era of a newly indepentant India, the book mesmerised me and kept me company right though my Rajasthani adventures.
After that, I moved on to Love in the Time of Cholera a masterpiece by Gabriel Garcia Marquez that made me understand that love is indeed timeless and ageless. My next read was Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time a funny, sad and very touching story of an autistic boy trying to make sense of his world that is suddenly turned up-side-down by the death of the neighbour's dog.
I re read R. K Narayan's Malgudi Days and laughed and cried for the simplicity yet complexity of the characters and their stories. Amitav Ghosh's The Hungry Tide and The Glass Palace both took me to places in India I rarely thought about, and situations I previously hardly gave heed to.
And finally, I took with me to Japan Suketu Metha's Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found a birthday present from my cousin Ritchie. I lost myself in the pages as the author explored Bombay - her streets, her politics, her underworld, her highs and her lows. I was both thrilled and repulsed by the author's findings about the city. It seemed so bleak and outlook for so wonderful a place. In the end I understood, as hopefully the author wanted - that to have a true love affair with this city, one must be prepared for all the ups and downs that every relationship has to offer. And I did.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Bollocky Bollocks!
Just back from downtown where I had an interview with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation this morning. Analysis: Good, but not as good as the CNIB interview on Friday.
Was terribly intimidated by one of the interviwers - scarry looking gal who was a cross 'tween Cruella De Ville and the chick from "Devil wears Prada" and she had the warmth and personality of the Snow Queen!
Suffice to say, my answers were not top notch, but at least I didn't blubber and get tongue paralysis like I have done on a past interview! ;)
Spent morning wandering around downtown. Last night's rain had made everything look fresher and the grass smelled just peachy. Walked up Yonge street and bought a few summer "essentials" namely:
Was terribly intimidated by one of the interviwers - scarry looking gal who was a cross 'tween Cruella De Ville and the chick from "Devil wears Prada" and she had the warmth and personality of the Snow Queen!
Suffice to say, my answers were not top notch, but at least I didn't blubber and get tongue paralysis like I have done on a past interview! ;)
Spent morning wandering around downtown. Last night's rain had made everything look fresher and the grass smelled just peachy. Walked up Yonge street and bought a few summer "essentials" namely:
- 1 pair of the (cutiest) chocolate brown sneakers with baby pink laces
- 1 pair black ballet slippers -with ribbon bows
- 3 cotton tank tops - grape, turquoise and steel grey
- 1 white cotton button down shirt
- 1 black sheer top with asymetrical neck
- 1 navy and grey stripped v neck cross over top
All this combined with previous purchase from last week - 1. Military green polo neck and 2. off white crop top - make me totally prepared to take on summer. Job or not!
Monday, May 14, 2007
The family and the city
In honour of coz Captain who's visiting from Bombay, I organized a family "day at the ball park" this past Sunday. All the moms were quite thrilled when presented with a rose and a lovely tote bag at the gates by the staff in celebration of "Mother's day".
The Jays took on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and we cheered them along all the way! Even though the Jays lost, we were in too high sprits to be brought down. After the game, we hopped across the road to see my cousin's new condo and on the way out bumped into 3rd baseman Troy Glaus! The kids were thrilled and my aunt thought he was "quite nice looking"
Met up with my bro who works at the TD Tower. He took a bunch of us up to the roof and from 56 stories high we had a wonderful view of Toronto. Not as high as the CN Tower, but it sure beats the $22 price tag for the elevator ride up!
Finished the day with a fish 'n chips meal at Fionn McCools on the Esplanade followed by desserts from DQ's and we were all back home just in time to catch Desperate Housewives! Now THAT'S a well planned day - if I say it myself! ;)
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Finding the Silver Lining
One advantage to being unemployed is that on a bright sunny beautiful spring day like today, instead of being cooped up in a boring office like most of everyone I know, I was actually able to go out and meet up with a friend for lunch on Gerrard St - Little India - and simply "catch up".
Paul and I meandered our way through a $6.99 buffet lunch - making sure we tried ALL 18 featured dishes, then wandered around the area nibbling on kulfi (Indian icecream) and even stopped to pick up some bargain Hindi movie DVDs for a mere $3.99 a piece!
We were not quite done with playing catch up, so we both hopped onto the street car and rode it all the way in to Queen's Park and then slowly made our way up University to Bloor drinking in the freshly green trees and smiling, nodding tulips all along the way.
Picked up a copy of The Ex Factor by Andrea Semple on a whim and got quite lost in it on the subway ride home. In the genre of chit lit the likes of the Shopaholic books, this one too is a easy breazy read and actually makes me laugh about some of the things I've been experiencing lately! So hurrah for fluff factor books!
The storm clouds are moving in again and by the heaviness in the air we're in for a stormy night. Hope tomorrow dawns nice and clear as I have an interview with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and I'm really really hoping they like me coz the position is a terrific one!
*fingers crossed*
Paul and I meandered our way through a $6.99 buffet lunch - making sure we tried ALL 18 featured dishes, then wandered around the area nibbling on kulfi (Indian icecream) and even stopped to pick up some bargain Hindi movie DVDs for a mere $3.99 a piece!
We were not quite done with playing catch up, so we both hopped onto the street car and rode it all the way in to Queen's Park and then slowly made our way up University to Bloor drinking in the freshly green trees and smiling, nodding tulips all along the way.
Picked up a copy of The Ex Factor by Andrea Semple on a whim and got quite lost in it on the subway ride home. In the genre of chit lit the likes of the Shopaholic books, this one too is a easy breazy read and actually makes me laugh about some of the things I've been experiencing lately! So hurrah for fluff factor books!
The storm clouds are moving in again and by the heaviness in the air we're in for a stormy night. Hope tomorrow dawns nice and clear as I have an interview with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and I'm really really hoping they like me coz the position is a terrific one!
*fingers crossed*
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Pub Crawlin'
For someone who's entire day is made up of sitting at the comp and job surfing, ironically I've had little or no time to keep updating the blog! Still, its not like anything exciting happens every day at home. Thankfully, this past weekend generated enough excitement to keep me happy for the next few days at least!
Started off with a visit to my ol' stomping grounds - York U where I used to work aeons ago! After a quick round of catch up with the staff, Menace, Beer Baron, Brooksy and myself took off to see Spidey 3. A tad disappointing really - the lines were choppy. the character development weak and there was about 30 mins that belonged more in an episode of "Days of Our Lives" than in a Sam Raimi movie! Still, the action sequences were pretty awesome and the animation on "Venom" was amazing!
Saturday was of course the much anticipated and awaited "12 Hour Pub Crawl - 2007 Edition". This year's route started at noon at Ciros at Bloor and Landsdowne and took us east on Bloor street where we finally wound up at midnight at the Green Room at bloor and bathurst.
I decided it was the perfect occassion to launch my new look - Spring wear and got rave reviews all day long.
And N countered with the "I make this look better" look!
Along the way beer was drunk, jokes were made, friends met up, more beer was drunk and good time were had by all! My "barely legal" brother Big Indian who just turned 19 last Sunday joined us for a short time at the Vic. Over 12 hours, 6 pubs, 27 participants representing 8 countries and MANY pints of beer later we can safely say that Pub Crawl Spring 07 was one of the best ones yet!
Started off with a visit to my ol' stomping grounds - York U where I used to work aeons ago! After a quick round of catch up with the staff, Menace, Beer Baron, Brooksy and myself took off to see Spidey 3. A tad disappointing really - the lines were choppy. the character development weak and there was about 30 mins that belonged more in an episode of "Days of Our Lives" than in a Sam Raimi movie! Still, the action sequences were pretty awesome and the animation on "Venom" was amazing!
Saturday was of course the much anticipated and awaited "12 Hour Pub Crawl - 2007 Edition". This year's route started at noon at Ciros at Bloor and Landsdowne and took us east on Bloor street where we finally wound up at midnight at the Green Room at bloor and bathurst.
I decided it was the perfect occassion to launch my new look - Spring wear and got rave reviews all day long.
The Beer Baron went for the "I make this look good.... and easy" look:
And N countered with the "I make this look better" look!
Along the way beer was drunk, jokes were made, friends met up, more beer was drunk and good time were had by all! My "barely legal" brother Big Indian who just turned 19 last Sunday joined us for a short time at the Vic. Over 12 hours, 6 pubs, 27 participants representing 8 countries and MANY pints of beer later we can safely say that Pub Crawl Spring 07 was one of the best ones yet!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Analyze this will ya...??
Exerpts from last night's dream sequence:
I'm on the farm (Ex's parents' place) and its a nice sunny day in the country. It seems that we're out on the lawn having lunch on picnic tables. Then I realise that my table is drifting away from the other tables and the bench I'm on is doing a jig trying to get me off. Everyone else keeps eating as if dancing tables were a dime a dozen in those parts.
The scene shifts to the corn field and in true horror movie style, the skies have darkened, there is a menacing wind swirling around me and the occassional lightening bolt streaks across the heavens. And I'm running... and running... not sure from what - perhaps the picnic bench?
Scene III
London Heathrow Airport - Terminal 4. I need to get to terminal 2, but I somehow landup at another Tube station. I go to the booth to speak with the transit guys, but they're all speaking different languages and I cannot make them understand what I want. Time is ticking away and if I don't get back to the airport soon....I'll miss my flight! An old lady tries to help me, but the evil Tube worker guy beats her over the head and locks her in a cupboard!
Scene IV
I'm part of the cast of "Fraiser" (I *think* I was Ross)
Daphane and Mr. Crane are standing outside a store signing people up for a "therapy treasure hunt" that Niles and Fraser have created. It's supposed to bring fighting people together over the course of the hunt. Fraiser and Niles begin to fight themselves and Daphane signs them up too. Then a big German Sheppard dog ran up and peed on Fraiser's leg. Note: Ross didn't actually have anything to do with the scene - she was just there so that I could be there ... to view all this. I think.
Scene V
Well not really a scene - I wake up coz the dog reminded me that I needed to go to the washroom!
I'm on the farm (Ex's parents' place) and its a nice sunny day in the country. It seems that we're out on the lawn having lunch on picnic tables. Then I realise that my table is drifting away from the other tables and the bench I'm on is doing a jig trying to get me off. Everyone else keeps eating as if dancing tables were a dime a dozen in those parts.
The scene shifts to the corn field and in true horror movie style, the skies have darkened, there is a menacing wind swirling around me and the occassional lightening bolt streaks across the heavens. And I'm running... and running... not sure from what - perhaps the picnic bench?
Scene III
London Heathrow Airport - Terminal 4. I need to get to terminal 2, but I somehow landup at another Tube station. I go to the booth to speak with the transit guys, but they're all speaking different languages and I cannot make them understand what I want. Time is ticking away and if I don't get back to the airport soon....I'll miss my flight! An old lady tries to help me, but the evil Tube worker guy beats her over the head and locks her in a cupboard!
Scene IV
I'm part of the cast of "Fraiser" (I *think* I was Ross)
Daphane and Mr. Crane are standing outside a store signing people up for a "therapy treasure hunt" that Niles and Fraser have created. It's supposed to bring fighting people together over the course of the hunt. Fraiser and Niles begin to fight themselves and Daphane signs them up too. Then a big German Sheppard dog ran up and peed on Fraiser's leg. Note: Ross didn't actually have anything to do with the scene - she was just there so that I could be there ... to view all this. I think.
Scene V
Well not really a scene - I wake up coz the dog reminded me that I needed to go to the washroom!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
New Look
Woke up this morning and just felt like doing something different.
So started off my "life transformation" with changing the look of my blog. I feel this new look is way lighter and more in tune with me. I like it!
I can't seem to change the second "Links" to say "Fav Blogs" - anyone know how?
Yesterday's pre- screening seemed to have gone off well. I had to write an essay type answer on whether I was for or against the decriminalization of marijuana usage - and I totally pulled that one out of my a**!!! They said they'll let me know in 2 weeks if I've made it to the second round for the interview.
So started off my "life transformation" with changing the look of my blog. I feel this new look is way lighter and more in tune with me. I like it!
I can't seem to change the second "Links" to say "Fav Blogs" - anyone know how?
Yesterday's pre- screening seemed to have gone off well. I had to write an essay type answer on whether I was for or against the decriminalization of marijuana usage - and I totally pulled that one out of my a**!!! They said they'll let me know in 2 weeks if I've made it to the second round for the interview.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Good 'Ol Fashioned Family Fun!
My littlw cousin elebreated his First Holy Communion yesterday and like most big (or any) occassions, the family was out in full force to celebrate with him.
After much anxiety over the weather - last week was dull and rainy - Sunday dawned bright and sunny with a promise of a high of 20 degrees! Everyone was thrilled - though Captain (my cousin visiting from India) declared that she was still cold!
Preparations for the event began days... and weeks before with various family members being handed their respective "duties". The household was busy all of Saturday as there was fruit for dessert to be cut, gram to be boiled, sandwiches to be made (cheese and chutney) and the give aways to be packed. Somehow in the middle of all of this Captain and I managed to fine time to visit an old high school teacher who is currently here in Toronto visiting her family.
My brother, uncle and myself went over to the event venue early on Sunday morning to set up the tables and move the majority of the food, misc things over. We only had about an hour to do all that before we had to rush back home to get changed and ready for the mass.
Family and friends were represented in full force at the Mass and we needed much more than the 1 pew reservered for communicants family! The service was really enjoyable as the pastor was nice and dynamic and kept everyone interested throughout. After mass, we all trooped over to the reception and the festivities were soon underway. Many more guests joined us over the afternoon - I think we must have been about a hundred in total.
With DJ R (another cousin!) at the helm, there were enough party tunes being belted out to keep the dance floor crowded all afternoon long.
The kids had a blast chassing balloons, playing hide and seek and generally running around adding to the noise and chaos that is most of our parties! Guests drinks were being well looked after by rookie bartenders who were very generous with pouring out the pegs!
And of course there was FOOD - snacks consisted of batata wadas, pakoras, chips , meatballs and sandwiches.
The main course was pure Parsee delight with sali boti, chicken, and fish parsee style combined with potato chops and sorpotel. And let's not forget dessert - Laganoo custard and a chocolate fountain hat you could dip fresh fruit into - big hit with the little kids.... and some big kids too!
As guests began to leave, it was cleanup time .... and with many helping hands the room was back to normal pretty soon.
All in all, a lovely afternoon with family and friends!
In other news, I finally got a call for an interview tomorrow morning at 9 am - rather a prescreening. It will be like a brief test - I will have to write an essay type answer, 2 short answers and also do a personality test. The job is with the Central Toronto Employment Centre and the position is that of Training Application Coordinator. If I get through this round, I'll have an interview with the manager there. *fingers crossed*
Spring seems to have finally made an appearence in the city. The past week was wet and rainy, but the warm sunshine over the weekend seems to have made a difference and forced the trees to push out some tiny buds. Hopefully before long, things will be green again.
After much anxiety over the weather - last week was dull and rainy - Sunday dawned bright and sunny with a promise of a high of 20 degrees! Everyone was thrilled - though Captain (my cousin visiting from India) declared that she was still cold!
Preparations for the event began days... and weeks before with various family members being handed their respective "duties". The household was busy all of Saturday as there was fruit for dessert to be cut, gram to be boiled, sandwiches to be made (cheese and chutney) and the give aways to be packed. Somehow in the middle of all of this Captain and I managed to fine time to visit an old high school teacher who is currently here in Toronto visiting her family.
My brother, uncle and myself went over to the event venue early on Sunday morning to set up the tables and move the majority of the food, misc things over. We only had about an hour to do all that before we had to rush back home to get changed and ready for the mass.
Family and friends were represented in full force at the Mass and we needed much more than the 1 pew reservered for communicants family! The service was really enjoyable as the pastor was nice and dynamic and kept everyone interested throughout. After mass, we all trooped over to the reception and the festivities were soon underway. Many more guests joined us over the afternoon - I think we must have been about a hundred in total.
The kids had a blast chassing balloons, playing hide and seek and generally running around adding to the noise and chaos that is most of our parties! Guests drinks were being well looked after by rookie bartenders who were very generous with pouring out the pegs!
And of course there was FOOD - snacks consisted of batata wadas, pakoras, chips , meatballs and sandwiches.
The main course was pure Parsee delight with sali boti, chicken, and fish parsee style combined with potato chops and sorpotel. And let's not forget dessert - Laganoo custard and a chocolate fountain hat you could dip fresh fruit into - big hit with the little kids.... and some big kids too!
As guests began to leave, it was cleanup time .... and with many helping hands the room was back to normal pretty soon.
All in all, a lovely afternoon with family and friends!
In other news, I finally got a call for an interview tomorrow morning at 9 am - rather a prescreening. It will be like a brief test - I will have to write an essay type answer, 2 short answers and also do a personality test. The job is with the Central Toronto Employment Centre and the position is that of Training Application Coordinator. If I get through this round, I'll have an interview with the manager there. *fingers crossed*
Spring seems to have finally made an appearence in the city. The past week was wet and rainy, but the warm sunshine over the weekend seems to have made a difference and forced the trees to push out some tiny buds. Hopefully before long, things will be green again.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Old friends, New Obsession
After a week filled with nothing but sitting at the comp surfing job sites and applying for God knows how many jobs.... I was really looking forward to the weekend and meeting up with the gang again.
Started things off with a bang on Friday night as I headed over to Menace's for dinner and drinks (a lovely BIG bottle of red wine) and then out DANCING with the girls - Cosmo Girl and Big Blue Eyes. The very lovely and the newly single and very hot Drama joined us gals on the dance floor with some bustin' moves of his own! Guys be warned.... Drama is on the loose!
Saturday with Menace was nice and relaxed. Beatutiful day for just taking a walk, catching up and getting high on my latest addiction - Veronica Mars - seasons 1 & 2!
It was a nice reunion with my friends on Saturday evening - not too drunk, not too crazy... good times and lots of news being exchanged. Should "formally" congratulate Brooksy and Carolyn on their soon-to-be new addition to their family - Clumpy Brooks, we fondly await your arrival.
Rounded up the weekend by taking advantage of the sunshine to clear away a lot of the mess and wild bushes from the backyard. Its looking a lot better now, but there's a long way to go before we'll have that oasis of tranqulity we all crave! Some more eppys of Ronnie Mars and fantastic grilled fish dindin... and my weekend was done!
Monday morning now.... and its back to the mundane life of an ex world traveller who's now looking for a job..... any job.....
Started things off with a bang on Friday night as I headed over to Menace's for dinner and drinks (a lovely BIG bottle of red wine) and then out DANCING with the girls - Cosmo Girl and Big Blue Eyes. The very lovely and the newly single and very hot Drama joined us gals on the dance floor with some bustin' moves of his own! Guys be warned.... Drama is on the loose!
Saturday with Menace was nice and relaxed. Beatutiful day for just taking a walk, catching up and getting high on my latest addiction - Veronica Mars - seasons 1 & 2!
It was a nice reunion with my friends on Saturday evening - not too drunk, not too crazy... good times and lots of news being exchanged. Should "formally" congratulate Brooksy and Carolyn on their soon-to-be new addition to their family - Clumpy Brooks, we fondly await your arrival.
Rounded up the weekend by taking advantage of the sunshine to clear away a lot of the mess and wild bushes from the backyard. Its looking a lot better now, but there's a long way to go before we'll have that oasis of tranqulity we all crave! Some more eppys of Ronnie Mars and fantastic grilled fish dindin... and my weekend was done!
Monday morning now.... and its back to the mundane life of an ex world traveller who's now looking for a job..... any job.....
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
To Do List
- Find a Job
- Sort out banking matters
- Put away travel clothes
- Clean up room
- Find a Job
- Upload Japan pics onto Flickr
- Buy new sneakers
- Sort gifts from trip
- Find a Job
- Get over 4 year relationship
Did you know that in addition to Naval Combat Information Offices, Military Policemen and Naval Combat Systems Engineers the Canadian Forces have 52 job openings for MUSICIANS???
Cross my heart..... its true! I didn't know soldiers got piped into battle these days......
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
New Game, Old Player
You know things are not going well when you return from a 4 month vacation and your supposed boyfriend doesn't contact you for 3 days, nor does he reply to any of your emails or voice messages. Even I - Ms. Optimism herself - was troubled.
Well, we finally made contact last evening, and split up. This time for good.
So here I am in the middle of a new game. But I'm an old player and I need to figure out the rules for myself. And I can't cheat and ask for help either as that would mean I lose and would be stranded mid game.
Why am I speaking in metaphors? I don't know. I suppose it makes for a more interesting post instead of just blabbing on about a breakup!
Everyone (even me) knew this was coming. Things have been crappy for ages. It still doesnt make it any easier, and it still makes me want to go over every detail and wonder what I could have done different. But its too late now and I need to figure out my next move.
So I'm officially signing up for a new team now. Let the games begin.
Well, we finally made contact last evening, and split up. This time for good.
So here I am in the middle of a new game. But I'm an old player and I need to figure out the rules for myself. And I can't cheat and ask for help either as that would mean I lose and would be stranded mid game.
Why am I speaking in metaphors? I don't know. I suppose it makes for a more interesting post instead of just blabbing on about a breakup!
Everyone (even me) knew this was coming. Things have been crappy for ages. It still doesnt make it any easier, and it still makes me want to go over every detail and wonder what I could have done different. But its too late now and I need to figure out my next move.
So I'm officially signing up for a new team now. Let the games begin.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Journey to the Ends of the Earth.
April 11 2007
0800 hrs (Japan time): Leave home for airport after being up all night with Sakura House pals.
1000 hrs: Arrive at airport find out flight is delayed.
1200 hrs: Find out flight is delayed some more.
1327 hrs: Finally depart Narita International Airport (delay of 2 hrs 27 mins) for Mumbai, India via Bangkok and Delhi.
Movies watched in-flight: Dreamgirls, Eklayva.
April 12 2007
0246 hrs (IST): Arrive into Bombay 3 hrs 36 mins behind schedule.
0415 hrs: Arrive at grandparents home and crash.
0800 hrs: Wake up.
1015 hrs: Go to family Doc for last in series of Hep shots.
1045 hrs: Go to bank and conclude banking matters. Withdraw lots of money!
1125 hrs: Go shopping for last minute gifts etc etc.
1300 hrs: Lunch
1415 - 1535 hrs: Phone calls to all and sundry.
1645 hrs: Meet VBF her mum and her bf JJ who's down from Glasgow for a holiday.
1650 hrs: Find out JJ and VBF got engaged 2 days ago - run around and shriek madly.
1715 - 2020 hrs: go ring shopping for JJ's ring. Find nothing other than the knowledge that there is a LOT of ugly a** jewellery that exists.
2025 hrs: Get back home, finish packing. At. Last.
2100 hrs: Dinner (and more phone calls)
2230 hrs: Leave for airport.
April 13 2007
0215 hrs: Leave Bombay for London on BA 138.
Movies watched in-fight: Stranger Than Fiction, The Holiday (seemed apt), Casino Royale.
0731 hrs (GMT): Landed in London-Heathrow
0731 -0820 hrs: Sat bucked up in aircraft on the runway waiting for a free docking bay.
0830 - 1300 hrs: Wandered around in Heathrow airport.
1300 hrs: Departed London for Toronto on AC 857.
Movies watched in-flight: Driving Lessons, Charlotte's Web, Eragon
1529 hrs (EST): Arrive into Toronto.
1720 hrs: Arrive home.
The End.
0800 hrs (Japan time): Leave home for airport after being up all night with Sakura House pals.
1000 hrs: Arrive at airport find out flight is delayed.
1200 hrs: Find out flight is delayed some more.
1327 hrs: Finally depart Narita International Airport (delay of 2 hrs 27 mins) for Mumbai, India via Bangkok and Delhi.
Movies watched in-flight: Dreamgirls, Eklayva.
April 12 2007
0246 hrs (IST): Arrive into Bombay 3 hrs 36 mins behind schedule.
0415 hrs: Arrive at grandparents home and crash.
0800 hrs: Wake up.
1015 hrs: Go to family Doc for last in series of Hep shots.
1045 hrs: Go to bank and conclude banking matters. Withdraw lots of money!
1125 hrs: Go shopping for last minute gifts etc etc.
1300 hrs: Lunch
1415 - 1535 hrs: Phone calls to all and sundry.
1645 hrs: Meet VBF her mum and her bf JJ who's down from Glasgow for a holiday.
1650 hrs: Find out JJ and VBF got engaged 2 days ago - run around and shriek madly.
1715 - 2020 hrs: go ring shopping for JJ's ring. Find nothing other than the knowledge that there is a LOT of ugly a** jewellery that exists.
2025 hrs: Get back home, finish packing. At. Last.
2100 hrs: Dinner (and more phone calls)
2230 hrs: Leave for airport.
April 13 2007
0215 hrs: Leave Bombay for London on BA 138.
Movies watched in-fight: Stranger Than Fiction, The Holiday (seemed apt), Casino Royale.
0731 hrs (GMT): Landed in London-Heathrow
0731 -0820 hrs: Sat bucked up in aircraft on the runway waiting for a free docking bay.
0830 - 1300 hrs: Wandered around in Heathrow airport.
1300 hrs: Departed London for Toronto on AC 857.
Movies watched in-flight: Driving Lessons, Charlotte's Web, Eragon
1529 hrs (EST): Arrive into Toronto.
1720 hrs: Arrive home.
The End.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Sayonara Japan, Arigato Gozaimas!
I've finally come to what I'm sure will be the last post on this amazing 4 month adventure. I leave Japan for Bombay tomorrow morning, then its on to Toronto on Friday the 13th. (Auspicious na?)
Moved on to Kyoto on the 8th after my 3 nights in Osaka. Kyoto was a far more interesting city than Osaka and I had more than enough to see and do here to fill my 2 days. I didn't have time to see it all of course, so chose to see the "top 5" of Kyoto:
Boo was nice enough to volunteer to show me around the parts of Tokyo I had missed, so when I finally surfaced, I gave her a buzz and we met up. She showed me around town - the electronic shops where all the geeks of the world unite, the by lanes where goods from sushi to souvenirs are sold, to Asakusa temple and area and to fashioneista centre - Ginza. I told Boo I had just 2 things I needed to buy - Sake and Hello Kitty socks. By the end of the day I had bought a whole slew of souvenirs for friends and family.... everything BUT the things I mentioned! But in my defense, I picked up COOL JAPANESE stuff that I won't find anywhere else.... and all really light so that I don't play any more havoc with my baggage situation! Finally did buy some Sake to take home, so at least part of my plans were achieved. Still can't believe I looked all over Japan and couldn't find one lousy pair of Hello Kitty socks! Unbelieveable!
Must really get down to packing up all my stuff. Want to get it done before everyone arrives back home - coz once they're here.... there'll be no chance! Looking forward to cracking open one of the Sake bottles. Kampai Japan..... o-sewa ni narimashita!
Moved on to Kyoto on the 8th after my 3 nights in Osaka. Kyoto was a far more interesting city than Osaka and I had more than enough to see and do here to fill my 2 days. I didn't have time to see it all of course, so chose to see the "top 5" of Kyoto:
- Toji Temple - highest 5 story pagoda in Japan
- Kinkakuji Temple - famed "Golden Pavillion"
- Ryoanji Temple - amazing Zen garden
- Fushimiinari-Taisa Shrine - 100s of red Toriis line the path to the main shrine
Day 2 was supposed to be spent in Nara, but met up with some fellow Canadian (they insisted they were Quebecers... but I soon put a stop to THAT!) at the hostel and decided to hang out with them in the Gion district instead. Caught a Maiko Odori show as well (performance by apprentice Geisha) that just about put a crowning cherry on my amazing Japanese experience.
After returning from Kyoto late last night, I (mistakenly) thought I'd get a good night's sleep but of course that's something that doesn't really exist in Sakura House! All the gang was in attendance last night and we had a special guest appearence by some bottles of wine and (horrors) tequilla! It made me feel so good to be back in Tokyo again - almost like a home away from home.
Boo was nice enough to volunteer to show me around the parts of Tokyo I had missed, so when I finally surfaced, I gave her a buzz and we met up. She showed me around town - the electronic shops where all the geeks of the world unite, the by lanes where goods from sushi to souvenirs are sold, to Asakusa temple and area and to fashioneista centre - Ginza. I told Boo I had just 2 things I needed to buy - Sake and Hello Kitty socks. By the end of the day I had bought a whole slew of souvenirs for friends and family.... everything BUT the things I mentioned! But in my defense, I picked up COOL JAPANESE stuff that I won't find anywhere else.... and all really light so that I don't play any more havoc with my baggage situation! Finally did buy some Sake to take home, so at least part of my plans were achieved. Still can't believe I looked all over Japan and couldn't find one lousy pair of Hello Kitty socks! Unbelieveable!
Must really get down to packing up all my stuff. Want to get it done before everyone arrives back home - coz once they're here.... there'll be no chance! Looking forward to cracking open one of the Sake bottles. Kampai Japan..... o-sewa ni narimashita!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
There will be good times.... and then some bad!
My third night in Osaka now and its sure been an interesting ride! Spent most of Thursday in bed as I was totally knackered with all the late nights Id been having. It was worth it though as I woke up really refreshed and ready to hit the town! The only thing I had time for before the sun set was to check out the Umeda Towers (i think thats what its called) that boasted of spectacular city views - and I wasnt disappointed!
Met up with some Aussie guys at the Tower and we decided to join forces for the rest of the evening and together we checked out the Dombutori district in downtown Osaka where neon is the light of choice and "bigger and brighter" is the local mantra! After sampling some amazing cuisine (NO clue what I actually ate....) we headed over to a karaoke bar and rocked the night away to Madonna, the Backstreet Boys and AC/DC before we ran (RAN) to catch the last train back to our hotels!!!
Spent Friday in Hiroshima which is just about an hour and half away from Osaka on the Shinkansen (thank you GOD for inventing that and the handy dandy JR pass!!)
It was Good Friday, and a seemingly auspicious day to be in a city that spells a message of peace... and more importantly.. that of hope. It was a bright and sunny day and walking around the Peace Park, I was struck by how Hiroshima is not remembered as a city destroyed, rather a city reborn. By its very existance today, Hiroshima and Nagasaki are cities that stand to remind us about how ugly war is and how fragile and yet how resiliant life is.
I've been having such a wonderful vacation, that at some point or the other my luck was bound to turn - today was that day! Lost my wallet between hotels (5 mins apart) and spent all of the morning sifting through dirty laundry trying in vain to locate it. When that proved futile, there was nothing to do but call and cancel my cards. Amex was easy. Stupid Scotia doesn't have any local numbers so was forced to call les parents in the T Dot and ask them to do the needful. Fortunately I had most of my cash on my person and my passport and other documents are all safe - so really... things could have been worse!
Determined not to let this morning's events deter my vacation... I headed off to Hemeiji this afternoon to check out Hemeiji Castle - a Japanse Treasure and World Heritage Site. Glad I made it there as its definately a MUST SEE and wandering around there really lifted my sadly downtroden spirits! The super large super dark chocolate cone that I devovoured along with the other kids also helped! (yes, I'm sometimes 5.......:p)
Will try and get a good night's sleep now as I head off to Kyoto tomorrow..... after all as Scarlette said.... "Tomorrow IS another day!"
Met up with some Aussie guys at the Tower and we decided to join forces for the rest of the evening and together we checked out the Dombutori district in downtown Osaka where neon is the light of choice and "bigger and brighter" is the local mantra! After sampling some amazing cuisine (NO clue what I actually ate....) we headed over to a karaoke bar and rocked the night away to Madonna, the Backstreet Boys and AC/DC before we ran (RAN) to catch the last train back to our hotels!!!
Spent Friday in Hiroshima which is just about an hour and half away from Osaka on the Shinkansen (thank you GOD for inventing that and the handy dandy JR pass!!)
It was Good Friday, and a seemingly auspicious day to be in a city that spells a message of peace... and more importantly.. that of hope. It was a bright and sunny day and walking around the Peace Park, I was struck by how Hiroshima is not remembered as a city destroyed, rather a city reborn. By its very existance today, Hiroshima and Nagasaki are cities that stand to remind us about how ugly war is and how fragile and yet how resiliant life is.
I've been having such a wonderful vacation, that at some point or the other my luck was bound to turn - today was that day! Lost my wallet between hotels (5 mins apart) and spent all of the morning sifting through dirty laundry trying in vain to locate it. When that proved futile, there was nothing to do but call and cancel my cards. Amex was easy. Stupid Scotia doesn't have any local numbers so was forced to call les parents in the T Dot and ask them to do the needful. Fortunately I had most of my cash on my person and my passport and other documents are all safe - so really... things could have been worse!
Determined not to let this morning's events deter my vacation... I headed off to Hemeiji this afternoon to check out Hemeiji Castle - a Japanse Treasure and World Heritage Site. Glad I made it there as its definately a MUST SEE and wandering around there really lifted my sadly downtroden spirits! The super large super dark chocolate cone that I devovoured along with the other kids also helped! (yes, I'm sometimes 5.......:p)
Will try and get a good night's sleep now as I head off to Kyoto tomorrow..... after all as Scarlette said.... "Tomorrow IS another day!"
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Another day, another friend!
After getting to bed as late as 3:30 am last night (rather, this morning)... waking up was rather difficult! Fortunately I had told Don I'd meet him at 11:30 in Yokahama and there was a direct train from Sakura House there.
As per Don's instructions, I was to exit the station via the "Central Exit" head out and right and wait at the "Soup Stock" - sounds simple huh? Well when I get to Yokohama, I discover that "central exit" does not exist; instead there is "West" and "East" exits and they're quite far apart from each other. A quick call to his celly doesn't help either as it goes to voicemail. After wandering around for a bit, I discover that he meant the WEST exit, and waited by the shop for this dude I've never met and who's supposed to show me around Yokohama but who is obviously directionally challenged!
The dude turned out to be great fun though, and we had an amazing day together!
With Don as my guide......
As per Don's instructions, I was to exit the station via the "Central Exit" head out and right and wait at the "Soup Stock" - sounds simple huh? Well when I get to Yokohama, I discover that "central exit" does not exist; instead there is "West" and "East" exits and they're quite far apart from each other. A quick call to his celly doesn't help either as it goes to voicemail. After wandering around for a bit, I discover that he meant the WEST exit, and waited by the shop for this dude I've never met and who's supposed to show me around Yokohama but who is obviously directionally challenged!
The dude turned out to be great fun though, and we had an amazing day together!
With Don as my guide......
- I explored my first Don Quiotxe store (very popular chain store in Japan that sells everything from socks to lightbulbs)
- Gazed upon the Landmark Tower - the tallest building in Japan with the fastest lift
- Checked out the Cosmo Clock Ferris Wheel - Japan's version of the London Eye
- Wandered along the Osanbashi Pier
- Chowed down on some yummy sushi
- And reveled in the beauty of the landscaped gardens and relocated houses of Sankei En.
After a mad dash on the subways and the JR lines we made it (late) back in to Tokyo where we met up with Junko one of my friends from ASL classes in Toronto. Junko had just returned to Tokyo after some years studying in Toronto and she had suggested that we check out a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome. She managed to score some amazing seats right behind the catcher (in the upper deck of course!) and Don and I both most thoroughly enjoyed our first Japanese baseball experience! Had to try the beer (overpriced) and the dogs (cold and insipid) of course and came to the conclusion that some things are the same the world over!
The Japanese baseball fans are however in a class of their own, rivaling even the die-hard Bostonians over their passion for the sport. So enamoured with the players are they that the fans have come up with little chants for each player that they sing and do coordinated hand steps to each time a player comes up to bat. There was never a quiet moment in all of the 3 hrs and 20 mins of the game! Amazing!
Altogether, another good day in Japan all due to the efforts of both Don and Junko - thanks a million you guys!!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Sake bath anyone??
Today was earmarked as "Trying to see Mt. Fuji day", but thanks to the crap weather, that was quite out of the question. Went to Hakone anyway since it was pointless staying in Tokyo in the rain.
Beastie had reccomended an Onsen in Hakone that she had recently been to and since visibility was near nil, I decided to go check it out. For my first Onsen, it was really quite spectacular! There was the traditional section with the heated pools and hot springs and then there was a whole other section that was more like a family ammusement park with slides and theme pools and other funky stuff.
Some of the pools I paddled in today -
Coffee - more like Cappucino actually; it was all foamy
Green Tea - smelled kinda funny, like cold tea smells
Dead Sea bath - high salt content and everyone was all floaty
I peeked into the Red wine bath, but Beastie had already discounted it as mere coloured water, so I gave it a miss.
Finally, I loved the bath with the little fishies that nibble on your toes - they apparently love to eat dead skin! Its terribly ticklish though, and when you're by yourself its hard to keep a straight face while you're being tickled to death by fish fins!
Thanks for the recco Beastie, it saved my trip to Hakone from being a complete washout!
Beastie had reccomended an Onsen in Hakone that she had recently been to and since visibility was near nil, I decided to go check it out. For my first Onsen, it was really quite spectacular! There was the traditional section with the heated pools and hot springs and then there was a whole other section that was more like a family ammusement park with slides and theme pools and other funky stuff.
Some of the pools I paddled in today -
Coffee - more like Cappucino actually; it was all foamy
Green Tea - smelled kinda funny, like cold tea smells
Dead Sea bath - high salt content and everyone was all floaty
I peeked into the Red wine bath, but Beastie had already discounted it as mere coloured water, so I gave it a miss.
Finally, I loved the bath with the little fishies that nibble on your toes - they apparently love to eat dead skin! Its terribly ticklish though, and when you're by yourself its hard to keep a straight face while you're being tickled to death by fish fins!
Thanks for the recco Beastie, it saved my trip to Hakone from being a complete washout!
Hanami Sakua = Bloody good times followed by killer hangover!
My first Hanami Sakura was a truly amazing and I'm so thankful to Jo for inviting me. Before I met up with her, I went to Haraju station and people watched outside. Everyweekend, the bridge just outside of Harajuku station is filled with Japanese youth who all dress up in crazy costumes - superheroes from comics, baby dolls, goth charecters etc. - and parade about posing for the crowds of tourists who come there to snap pictures of the wackier side of Japan!
Also managed to take a quite look at the Meiji Shrine which is right around the corner from the station. Glad I did as there were a lot of weddings ceremonies going on and I had the opportunity to witness a traditional Japanese wedding party.
Headed over to Kichijoji to meet up with Jo, and I was SO excited I could barely stand still at the designated meeting spot. Jo was one of the primary reasons I was in Japan to begin with as I was so taken up with her discriptions of Japan and her many zainy adventures here, I just had to come see it all for myself! We'd been chatting with each other for almost 2 years now and I was terribly excited to be finally meeting up. And I was so not disappointed - she's just as lovely (and crazy) in person as she is online and I've had the best time with her over the past 2 days. We met up with a bunch of Jo's friends and went to the park and as we entered, I had a "jaw drop" moment. There were literally 1000s of people all over the place having little picnics everywhere. Every inch of ground was covered with groups of people - young, old, families, guys in business suits, gals in designer clothes - all eating and drinking (yes, you can drink in public here) and generally chilling out under the cherry blossoms.
Hanami Sakura liteally translates into "party to go look at the cherry blossoms". Hanami is party and Sakura cherry blossoms. Its a HUGE event in Japan and judging by the scores of people I saw all around, a very popular one as well! And I can see why! After all, who wouldn't like the idea of sitting in a beautiful park under a canopy of white and pink blossoms chilling out with friends or family and getting piss drunk in the process?? I certainly applaude the whole idea!
We were about 20ish people in our group and everyone had brought food and drink of some kind. Along the way random people joined in - including some drunk Canadians, some drunk Japanese, some drunk Brits.... well you get the idea. 
Finally at about 10 pm we decide to pack up (only because it begins to rain) and head out to a bar. What kind, Karaoke of course! Many many rounds of horrendous singing later we (somehow) stumble home to Jo's place, get some late night food from the corner store and crack open a few more beers and don't go to bed until we're too sleepy and too drunk to keep sitting upright!
Suffice to say after the appaling cocktail of drinks I'd had (bubbly wine, sake, sochu, beer.....) I paid DEARLY for that today as I was Sick. As. A. Dog for all of today. Jo and I had planned to go sightseeing around Tokyo but all I could manage was to crawl from the bed to the washroom about 5 times to try and purge my sins.
We headed out to Shinjuku (Tokyo's entertainment district) at 5ish to meet up with some more blogging buddies and even along the way there I had to get off the train to get some air. I was *this* close to calling the whole things off and heading home when I FINALLY threw up all that crap that was in me, and immidiately started to feel better.
Meeting Beastie, Sigsy and Shiomi was another wonderful experience. Sigsy and Shiomi I know from blogging and Shiomi is Jo's friend. We went to this amazing little restaurant - Izakaya its called - and I tried all sorts of new kinds of Japanese food. Thankfully my tummy was behaving now and after having nothing but two bites of salad and tiny sips of water all day, I was quite ready to dig in!
I even got some prezzies today as Sigsy gave me a beautiful "Sayonara Doll" and Jo had earlier presented me with a packet of Hello Kitty pasta! In the course of conversation I found out that Sigsy is actually in my line of work - Corporate Training and coincidently her company is looking to hire! Huummm.... now that would be an interesting opportunity!
Many drinks, eats and laughs later, we had to reluctantly say goodbye but I will always have wonderful memories of meeting up with my blog buddies in Tokyo!
Suffice to say after the appaling cocktail of drinks I'd had (bubbly wine, sake, sochu, beer.....) I paid DEARLY for that today as I was Sick. As. A. Dog for all of today. Jo and I had planned to go sightseeing around Tokyo but all I could manage was to crawl from the bed to the washroom about 5 times to try and purge my sins.
We headed out to Shinjuku (Tokyo's entertainment district) at 5ish to meet up with some more blogging buddies and even along the way there I had to get off the train to get some air. I was *this* close to calling the whole things off and heading home when I FINALLY threw up all that crap that was in me, and immidiately started to feel better.
Meeting Beastie, Sigsy and Shiomi was another wonderful experience. Sigsy and Shiomi I know from blogging and Shiomi is Jo's friend. We went to this amazing little restaurant - Izakaya its called - and I tried all sorts of new kinds of Japanese food. Thankfully my tummy was behaving now and after having nothing but two bites of salad and tiny sips of water all day, I was quite ready to dig in!
I even got some prezzies today as Sigsy gave me a beautiful "Sayonara Doll" and Jo had earlier presented me with a packet of Hello Kitty pasta! In the course of conversation I found out that Sigsy is actually in my line of work - Corporate Training and coincidently her company is looking to hire! Huummm.... now that would be an interesting opportunity!
Many drinks, eats and laughs later, we had to reluctantly say goodbye but I will always have wonderful memories of meeting up with my blog buddies in Tokyo!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Not Lost in Translation
Turns out, I know a lot more people in Japan than I originally thought.
For starters, there's De the girl I'm currently staying with - daughter of mum's colleague.
Then there's the blogging buddies - Jo, Beastie and Sigsy who I'm meeting for drinks and general fun times tomorrow night.
There's Don - a friend of a friend who also from Canada and who also went to York!
.....AND....
I just found out that Junko, a friend from ASL classes has just moved back home to Tokyo after 4 years in Toronto!
What with plans to meet up with all of them, my social life is quite hectic - considering I'm in a whole other country!
*****************************************************************************
Spent yesterday in Kamakura which is about an hour and half southish of Tokyo. Like Nikko, its a "temple town" with little shrines and beautiful masterpieces of architecture scattered over a large area. Took my own sweet time wandering around, poking around little corners and (of course) taking hundreds of pics! Spring is just EVERYWHERE you look, and the Japanese gardens are simply amazing. Every tiny leaf and bud here looks absolutely precious! I took about 10 pics of the "totally cool tree" before I realised it was a MAPLE tree!
Day 5 in Japan, and I'm off for Hanami Sakura, which basically means sitting in a park, looking at the trees and drinking oodles of sake!
wooohoooo......
For starters, there's De the girl I'm currently staying with - daughter of mum's colleague.
Then there's the blogging buddies - Jo, Beastie and Sigsy who I'm meeting for drinks and general fun times tomorrow night.
There's Don - a friend of a friend who also from Canada and who also went to York!
.....AND....
I just found out that Junko, a friend from ASL classes has just moved back home to Tokyo after 4 years in Toronto!
What with plans to meet up with all of them, my social life is quite hectic - considering I'm in a whole other country!
*****************************************************************************
Spent yesterday in Kamakura which is about an hour and half southish of Tokyo. Like Nikko, its a "temple town" with little shrines and beautiful masterpieces of architecture scattered over a large area. Took my own sweet time wandering around, poking around little corners and (of course) taking hundreds of pics! Spring is just EVERYWHERE you look, and the Japanese gardens are simply amazing. Every tiny leaf and bud here looks absolutely precious! I took about 10 pics of the "totally cool tree" before I realised it was a MAPLE tree!
Day 5 in Japan, and I'm off for Hanami Sakura, which basically means sitting in a park, looking at the trees and drinking oodles of sake!
wooohoooo......
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