We went to Trout Lake yesterday to watch Radiant Heat practice for the Illuminaries Lantern Procession.
Prior to going to Trout Lake, we stopped off at the Clubhouse for sushi. Clubhouse on 2nd Avenue east of Cambie Street is one of my favourite sushi places in Vancouver. Wednesday is the best day of the week for specials. Becky and Brian met up with us. I love their Sweet Jane Prawn Tempura Rolls. Great portions and prices, and of course cheap beer!
It was BT's birthday. So I gave him the Super Mario Mushroom t-shirt I purchase for him back in May at Fred Meyer when we went to Whidbey Island.
We watched the fire performers practice their routine for the show. I caught up with people I had not seen in awhile. It was good to be outside in the park surrounded by positive energy and happy faces. Smiles and hugs go a long way! After the sun set, we watched the performers light up and practice their routine with fire. It was a smokin' show! The best choreography I have seen from this talented group to date.
Oh, and a huge congratulations to Radiant Heat for being accepted to perform fire under The Man at Burning Man. (Photos from the night time will come when my mate uploads them.)
Listening to: Alanis Morisette - Crazy
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bad things comes in thr33s
Yesterday, was a complete write off. Fax toner exploded all over the floor and on part of my clothes at work, the fire alarm went off in my building after I came home because the dryer plug started to melt, and I received a threatening hand written letter in the postal mail.
I tried to turn the rest of the evening into a postive direction. I met up with Becky and we went to the Sunset Grill for wings. The wings were disgusting. Battered and oiled with a splash of teriyaki sauce. It was no Soho Bar & Grill.
We opted for a walk down at Kitsilano Beach. We strolled past some Bicentennial public art pieces in front of the Watermark. We continued to the beginning of Vanier Park and sat on logs at the Dog Beach next to the Maritime Museum.
The evening sky facing out to Howe Sound was beautiful. Whispy clouds scattered the sky and the sun was retreating towards the mountains. I was starting to feel much better.
We continued along the gravel path by False Creek. We stopped in front of a large tree before the Coast Guard station. We were about to say goodbye to each other before parting our separate ways, when I saw a large dark bird being chased by seagulls through some trees before the Burrard Bridge. Then the bird flew around the station and suddenly I saw an eagle flying over us. The eagle landed in the tree. In the tree was another eagle, a large nest, and baby eagles. The sighting of the family of eagles dispelled any negativity from the day.
Listening to: The Killers - Somebody Told Me
I tried to turn the rest of the evening into a postive direction. I met up with Becky and we went to the Sunset Grill for wings. The wings were disgusting. Battered and oiled with a splash of teriyaki sauce. It was no Soho Bar & Grill.
We opted for a walk down at Kitsilano Beach. We strolled past some Bicentennial public art pieces in front of the Watermark. We continued to the beginning of Vanier Park and sat on logs at the Dog Beach next to the Maritime Museum.
The evening sky facing out to Howe Sound was beautiful. Whispy clouds scattered the sky and the sun was retreating towards the mountains. I was starting to feel much better.
We continued along the gravel path by False Creek. We stopped in front of a large tree before the Coast Guard station. We were about to say goodbye to each other before parting our separate ways, when I saw a large dark bird being chased by seagulls through some trees before the Burrard Bridge. Then the bird flew around the station and suddenly I saw an eagle flying over us. The eagle landed in the tree. In the tree was another eagle, a large nest, and baby eagles. The sighting of the family of eagles dispelled any negativity from the day.
Listening to: The Killers - Somebody Told Me
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Tang Concubines, Whistler
Last Friday, I was had the wonderful pleasure of seeing the first performance of Tang Concubines at The Centre. The show was a sight and sound experience filled with graceful dancing, colourful costumes, love, betrayal, honour, and revenge. The action-musical portrays the lives of two concubines from the Tang Dynasty in 618-906 AD. One woman became the first and only Empress of China; the other devotes her love and life to her Emperor until the day she dies.
On Saturday, we went up to Whistler. The weather could not be more lovely. Beautiful, hot sunshine and not a cloud (maybe two) in the sky. Stopped at the old Wendy's and Tim Horton's in Squamish. Ran into a couple and a dog in the drive-thru.
After we settled in to our abode, we went into the Village to get hot chocolate from Blenz and wander. Did a bit of shopping, but nothing was really pulling my wallet. Disappointed I did not find anything at Willy's. The Village was overflowing with tourists and families.
Checked out the mountain bikers and the zip trek practice area by the Fitzsimmons ski lift. The mountain biking area includes jumps, and easy to difficult downhill roads. Grilled up some steak and peppers for dinner and sipped Inniskillian Pinot Blanc in front of the fireplace.
After a good sleep, we rose at around 9 am and walked down the Valley Trail 4 km to the Sunshine Diner next to the Husky Station across from Creekside. The diner serves up an early bird special of Hogs and Eggs. There was a great mix of Rock music on the cd player. I think I'll make a mix cd similar to that for the road trip: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles.
Checked out the Farmer's Market by the Chateau Whistler. Pricey products, but the homemade honey and jam were looking good. Berries are not the best prices, unless you are not going anywhere near the Okanagan anytime soon. Coming back from Kanansksis, we found a guy from his parents' farm selling delicious mounds of cherries in Merritt for great prices.
Mind you, if you are anywhere near Chilliwack, the best place is off Yarrow Road past the yellow barn. Continue past to the second farm on the right side. It is a nice family that sells blueberries, raspberries, and other fruit and vegetables at great prices. I cannot for the life of me remember the name. I might go back there this weekend and I will add the official name of the farm.
Listening to: Madonna - Jump
On Saturday, we went up to Whistler. The weather could not be more lovely. Beautiful, hot sunshine and not a cloud (maybe two) in the sky. Stopped at the old Wendy's and Tim Horton's in Squamish. Ran into a couple and a dog in the drive-thru.
After we settled in to our abode, we went into the Village to get hot chocolate from Blenz and wander. Did a bit of shopping, but nothing was really pulling my wallet. Disappointed I did not find anything at Willy's. The Village was overflowing with tourists and families.
Checked out the mountain bikers and the zip trek practice area by the Fitzsimmons ski lift. The mountain biking area includes jumps, and easy to difficult downhill roads. Grilled up some steak and peppers for dinner and sipped Inniskillian Pinot Blanc in front of the fireplace.
After a good sleep, we rose at around 9 am and walked down the Valley Trail 4 km to the Sunshine Diner next to the Husky Station across from Creekside. The diner serves up an early bird special of Hogs and Eggs. There was a great mix of Rock music on the cd player. I think I'll make a mix cd similar to that for the road trip: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles.
Checked out the Farmer's Market by the Chateau Whistler. Pricey products, but the homemade honey and jam were looking good. Berries are not the best prices, unless you are not going anywhere near the Okanagan anytime soon. Coming back from Kanansksis, we found a guy from his parents' farm selling delicious mounds of cherries in Merritt for great prices.
Mind you, if you are anywhere near Chilliwack, the best place is off Yarrow Road past the yellow barn. Continue past to the second farm on the right side. It is a nice family that sells blueberries, raspberries, and other fruit and vegetables at great prices. I cannot for the life of me remember the name. I might go back there this weekend and I will add the official name of the farm.
Listening to: Madonna - Jump
Friday, July 14, 2006
The Devil Wears Prada
Last night, I met up with Gia and some of her ex-coworkers for dinner and a movie. Eight of us went for dinner at the new Earls on Smithe Street downtown. Definitely pricier for basic food. But hanging out with outgoing and fun women is always a blast.
Women do not go out together enough. Men always go out often to drink, watch sports, and beat their chests. I wish women went out more often for breaks from juggling and multitasking daily routines and putting themselves last. So silly really. What could be more fun than culinary tasting and sipping cocktails with fabulous women?
Anyways, we went to see The Devil Wears Prada. Anne Hathaway is wonderful as the heroine, a recently graduated journalist in New York, who is trying to land any job at a major publication after exhausting all possibilities. She is accepted at Runway, based on Vogue as the second assistant to Melissa Priestly, Meryl Streep.
Meryl Streep is brillant as the magazines editor-in-chief. It is funny how Streep's character is branded as the Dragon Lady, when any man in a CEO position would be considered adminired, successful and powerful as the head of any Fortune 500 company.
Overall, the movie has great characters, dialogue, costume design, and plot. It has encouraged me to read the novel. I miss being a fashion maven. But shopping until you drop endlessly just supplies you with mounds of clothes, shoes and trinkets you really cannot afford unless you want to always be in debt.
This week, my Hotmail account has stopped working, or at least, no longer lets me login. I am not sure if other folks have experienced this problem. At first I was perplexed thinking I was mis-typing the password. Then, maybe, I thought that it locked me out temporarily for typing the password incorrectly a few times. After three days of fustration, I checked the secret question: "Where was your mother born?". I do not recall *ever* setting that question up. Even when I type in the correct answer, it does not let me in. For all I know, my email account could be sending mass-spam email.
So, if any people out there are receiving emails about how to become an ordained minister, or marry a foreign bride, or make lots of $$$, I deeply apologize for this situation and I hope it resolve itself in a week. I probably should change the password every month and include a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers and a few symbols.
Listening to: Steve Miller Band - The Joker
Women do not go out together enough. Men always go out often to drink, watch sports, and beat their chests. I wish women went out more often for breaks from juggling and multitasking daily routines and putting themselves last. So silly really. What could be more fun than culinary tasting and sipping cocktails with fabulous women?
Anyways, we went to see The Devil Wears Prada. Anne Hathaway is wonderful as the heroine, a recently graduated journalist in New York, who is trying to land any job at a major publication after exhausting all possibilities. She is accepted at Runway, based on Vogue as the second assistant to Melissa Priestly, Meryl Streep.
Meryl Streep is brillant as the magazines editor-in-chief. It is funny how Streep's character is branded as the Dragon Lady, when any man in a CEO position would be considered adminired, successful and powerful as the head of any Fortune 500 company.
Overall, the movie has great characters, dialogue, costume design, and plot. It has encouraged me to read the novel. I miss being a fashion maven. But shopping until you drop endlessly just supplies you with mounds of clothes, shoes and trinkets you really cannot afford unless you want to always be in debt.
This week, my Hotmail account has stopped working, or at least, no longer lets me login. I am not sure if other folks have experienced this problem. At first I was perplexed thinking I was mis-typing the password. Then, maybe, I thought that it locked me out temporarily for typing the password incorrectly a few times. After three days of fustration, I checked the secret question: "Where was your mother born?". I do not recall *ever* setting that question up. Even when I type in the correct answer, it does not let me in. For all I know, my email account could be sending mass-spam email.
So, if any people out there are receiving emails about how to become an ordained minister, or marry a foreign bride, or make lots of $$$, I deeply apologize for this situation and I hope it resolve itself in a week. I probably should change the password every month and include a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers and a few symbols.
Listening to: Steve Miller Band - The Joker
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Hello Kitty Wedding Packages
Well, I was reading an old issue of MacLean's. I take old copies from my massage therapist (with her permission of course). In an issue dated November 21, 2005, I learned about Hello Kitty themed weddings in Japan's Hankyu-Daiichi Hotel. Cartoon characters dance, escort the bride, and carry your rings on a pillow.
The best was the story of a Brazillian who had strange noises coming from his garage. When authorities investigated the complaints, they discovered a full grown lion living in the garage of Jesus Teixeira. He had kept the lion after he dissolved his circus. The lion had grown up with his kids and was "very calm and never attacked anyone." "Baby" had lived with Teixeira's family for 15 years.
Listening to: The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The best was the story of a Brazillian who had strange noises coming from his garage. When authorities investigated the complaints, they discovered a full grown lion living in the garage of Jesus Teixeira. He had kept the lion after he dissolved his circus. The lion had grown up with his kids and was "very calm and never attacked anyone." "Baby" had lived with Teixeira's family for 15 years.
Listening to: The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Fishin' with the Scotts
Spent a relaxing weekend because I still needed to recover from last weekend. Took a slower pace doing a few errands. Made a basic spaghetti sauce from scratch on Friday from my new Bonnie Stern Heart Smart cookbook.
Saturday, I helped a friend shop for wedding attaire. Not so easy. Lots of things that are inappropriate, do not fit great or look sharp. Took photos of the Spirit Bears downtown.
I am midway through Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic which I started last week on the road trip. It is a funny story about a financial journalist in London who has a weakness for clothing, makeup, and shoes. Easy to read, entertaining and funny. Good light-hearted reading for summer.
In the evening, I went out to my cousins to hang out and go fishing with them in the morning. We grabbed takeout and were very disappointed by the runny frosties. We watched Cheaper By the Dozen 2. Funny and entertaining for minimal brain activity. I do not know how a parent can afford to raise 12 kids on a coach's salary. Amazing how Steve Martin can play a father without ever being one. I loved him in Parenthood. One of my all time favourite family comedies.
On Sunday, I went fishing with my cousins in Chilliwack. We got up early and were down by the fishing hole before 9 am. I had not fished in about 10 years. But it was like riding a bike. I got a few bites in the morning, but not much after that. We were out for hours. My niece dropped by for a visit with my dad. My cousin Kevin did well with four nice trout. Kelly got a nice wild salmon that was over 14 inches. We snapped a great photo of her catch (best one ever!) before we released it back into the river. We can only keep the hatchery raised salmon, not the wild.
Ended the evening with steak and trout for dinner with all the fixins'. Relaxed for a bit and watched Family Guy, Bromwell High, and The Simpsons before driving back to the city.
Listening to: Paul Simon - Slip Slidin' Away
Saturday, I helped a friend shop for wedding attaire. Not so easy. Lots of things that are inappropriate, do not fit great or look sharp. Took photos of the Spirit Bears downtown.
I am midway through Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic which I started last week on the road trip. It is a funny story about a financial journalist in London who has a weakness for clothing, makeup, and shoes. Easy to read, entertaining and funny. Good light-hearted reading for summer.
In the evening, I went out to my cousins to hang out and go fishing with them in the morning. We grabbed takeout and were very disappointed by the runny frosties. We watched Cheaper By the Dozen 2. Funny and entertaining for minimal brain activity. I do not know how a parent can afford to raise 12 kids on a coach's salary. Amazing how Steve Martin can play a father without ever being one. I loved him in Parenthood. One of my all time favourite family comedies.
On Sunday, I went fishing with my cousins in Chilliwack. We got up early and were down by the fishing hole before 9 am. I had not fished in about 10 years. But it was like riding a bike. I got a few bites in the morning, but not much after that. We were out for hours. My niece dropped by for a visit with my dad. My cousin Kevin did well with four nice trout. Kelly got a nice wild salmon that was over 14 inches. We snapped a great photo of her catch (best one ever!) before we released it back into the river. We can only keep the hatchery raised salmon, not the wild.
Ended the evening with steak and trout for dinner with all the fixins'. Relaxed for a bit and watched Family Guy, Bromwell High, and The Simpsons before driving back to the city.
Listening to: Paul Simon - Slip Slidin' Away
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
A Wedding in Kananaskis
I returned last night from a long weekend trip to Kananaskis for a wedding. It was my mate's cousin's wedding. I have also been to her sister and brother's weddings. Thank goodness this wedding was not in winter in Winnipeg like one of the other ones. (Hey, I sound bitter because one was a few days before Christmas in Winterpeg!)
We left at 6 am on Saturday and drove 10 hours through Merritt, Revelstoke, Golden, Canmore, and Banff. When I met foreigners or tourists in Vancouver or Australia, they always looked at me quizically when I replied I had never been to the Rockies. While driving through Banff and Yoho National Park, I was awe-struck by the glacier mountains and valley scenic views. We saw mountain goats, big horn sheep, and an osprey. Unfortuately, we also drove past a black bear cub that had been hit by a vehicle.
We arrived at the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis an hour before the barbecue. It was good to see my mate's extended family on his father's side again. I am finally learning the correct names of the many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Guests came from all over Canada, Australia, Sweden, and the Grand Caymans.
The wedding ceremony was outside facing a mountain under a tent. The weather was looking bleak, but the sun came out and shone down on everyone after there ceremony was finished. The justice of the peace spoke of equality, balance, harmony and spirituality. It was one of the best ceremonies I have ever been too. When we entered the seating area, friends of the bride and groom gave us rocks collected from their favourite childhood areas. We were asked to hold them tight and transfer positive energy and thoughts to them. On the way to the reception, we dropped our rocks in a large vase with sand on the bottom. It was such a beautiful way to create a momento from the ceremony.
The reception was held in a beautiful ballroom. There were wonderful and heartfelt speeches, toasts, and a slide show. The first dance was a fabulous two-step waltz to Shania Twain's Forever and Always. Dancing went all night and the floor was packed. I danced to most 80s songs (of course!). I lasted until 12:30 am (good thing I had a therapeutic massage in the spa). Definitely, one of the best weddings I have ever been too.
Listening to: James Blunt - Beautiful
We left at 6 am on Saturday and drove 10 hours through Merritt, Revelstoke, Golden, Canmore, and Banff. When I met foreigners or tourists in Vancouver or Australia, they always looked at me quizically when I replied I had never been to the Rockies. While driving through Banff and Yoho National Park, I was awe-struck by the glacier mountains and valley scenic views. We saw mountain goats, big horn sheep, and an osprey. Unfortuately, we also drove past a black bear cub that had been hit by a vehicle.
We arrived at the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis an hour before the barbecue. It was good to see my mate's extended family on his father's side again. I am finally learning the correct names of the many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Guests came from all over Canada, Australia, Sweden, and the Grand Caymans.
The wedding ceremony was outside facing a mountain under a tent. The weather was looking bleak, but the sun came out and shone down on everyone after there ceremony was finished. The justice of the peace spoke of equality, balance, harmony and spirituality. It was one of the best ceremonies I have ever been too. When we entered the seating area, friends of the bride and groom gave us rocks collected from their favourite childhood areas. We were asked to hold them tight and transfer positive energy and thoughts to them. On the way to the reception, we dropped our rocks in a large vase with sand on the bottom. It was such a beautiful way to create a momento from the ceremony.
The reception was held in a beautiful ballroom. There were wonderful and heartfelt speeches, toasts, and a slide show. The first dance was a fabulous two-step waltz to Shania Twain's Forever and Always. Dancing went all night and the floor was packed. I danced to most 80s songs (of course!). I lasted until 12:30 am (good thing I had a therapeutic massage in the spa). Definitely, one of the best weddings I have ever been too.
Listening to: James Blunt - Beautiful
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Saltaire
Yesterday evening, my friend I went to the North Shore for dinner. Originally, we wanted to go to Moustache Cafe in North Vancouver. However, there was a large party at the restaurant so we opted for another restaurant.
We decided to go to Saltaire in West Vancouver near Ambleside. There is a roof top patio above the main dining floor. We did not have a reservation for the patio, so we sat in a booth by the window. We had a partial view which was nice. The waiter took forever to come over because he could not see us. He was the only waitperson on the floor. There seemed to be only one chef preparing food. Service was extremely slow and the food was mediocre. My "wild" salmon entree was good, but the strawberry coulis was disappointing. It was suppose to come with a strawberry and papaya salsa, but it seemed to be drowning in a dessert coulis. My friend's free-run jerk chicken was disappointing. It was not roasted with a spice-rub, but marinated in dark sauce that looked like molasses or chutney.
The tapas of salmon lox, capers, and creme fraiche to start was good. I think we will go back and give the restaurant another shot. The salads looked good, as did the martini and slushie drink menu. I'll be sure to make a reservation for the patio.
Because the food and service took forever, we did not get to walk along the Ambleside seawall before the sun was setting as we hoped.
We decided to go to Saltaire in West Vancouver near Ambleside. There is a roof top patio above the main dining floor. We did not have a reservation for the patio, so we sat in a booth by the window. We had a partial view which was nice. The waiter took forever to come over because he could not see us. He was the only waitperson on the floor. There seemed to be only one chef preparing food. Service was extremely slow and the food was mediocre. My "wild" salmon entree was good, but the strawberry coulis was disappointing. It was suppose to come with a strawberry and papaya salsa, but it seemed to be drowning in a dessert coulis. My friend's free-run jerk chicken was disappointing. It was not roasted with a spice-rub, but marinated in dark sauce that looked like molasses or chutney.
The tapas of salmon lox, capers, and creme fraiche to start was good. I think we will go back and give the restaurant another shot. The salads looked good, as did the martini and slushie drink menu. I'll be sure to make a reservation for the patio.
Because the food and service took forever, we did not get to walk along the Ambleside seawall before the sun was setting as we hoped.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Le Soleil
The past weekend was the first real weekend of great weather to kick off summer.
The temperature reached 30 degrees on Sunday. I got a nice tan and evened-out my farmer's tan.
I washed my car (slight regret from my stiffness now). I did some chores. I picked up my niece mid-Saturday from the burbs. She has one more week of school and then she's off for the summer. I tried to find a summer camp or swimming lessons for a week for her to participate in, but finding child care until I get off work was impossible.
Late Saturday afternoon, my niece, my cousin, my mate, and I went to Stanley Park to swim in the pool at Second Beach. I had never actually been in the pool before, but I admired it from afar and imagined myself in the clear blue refreshing water. We walked down Davie Street and along the Seawall at English Bay to the pool.
We saw rock balancing along the seawall and the tide was out. A few painters were setup and selling paintings. There were plenty of people at the beach, walking, biking and roller blading along the pathway.
The pool itself was a reasonable $4.75 per adult. The pool was heated and only went to five feet deep. We played in the pool for a few hours and then we headed back up Davie Street for dinner. We decided to give Moxie's a shot, and surprisingly it was good. I had a haibut entree that was delish. I ignored the mountain of spring mix on the plate and enjoyed the scrumptous baked potato with cream cheese. No room for dessert!
We took a taxi cab back to Kitsilano. My niece had been counting every colour of taxi cabs that day. I think the totals stood at: 27 yellow, 2 green, 3 black, and 1 white.
By the time I got her changed into her pajamas, teeth brushed, and a story read, it was late. I was poopered and dreaded the early wake up call.
On Sunday, we awoke at about 7 am to the sounds of crows. Argh! Reminds me of camping and the ravens doing their thing first thing in the morning. By the time we got going to meet my mate for breakfast at Cafe Zen, it was about 9:30 am. Grabbed an early bird special of bacon, eggs & toast for under $5.
Then we packed up the car and headed to the Granville Island water park. My niece was in Science World mode until she saw all the water spraying out of the structures. The water park is the same one I went to as a child. There are fire hydrants, showers, and a giant water slide. She actually went down it by herself. Then reckoned that it was too cold and scary.
There were sevreal birthday parties around the park, including a Princess Parade of some kind. They played with a giant parachute (reminded me of elementary gym class), and did a gymnastics show with multiple flips and jumps.
One birthday mom was giving her guests a small bag of chips, a slice of watermelon and pop. Nice minimal hosting for a crap-load of presents. Another group had a potluck of platters of fruit, veggies and snacks, and grab bags with bubble wands for the kids. I watched a dog chase and pop the bubbles with his mouth.
By the time we left Granville Island at 12:30 pm, the place was a car park/zoo. Had a quick lunch and then drove my niece back to the burbs so my father could spend some time with her too. Five hours of driving around town in two days is a bit much. Driving in and out of Kitsilano is a nightmare because people drive in from the outter areas to go to the beach.
Spent the evening barbecuing at Kitsilano Beach and watching the sun go down. A bunch of teenagers were having a water fight right in the middle of everyone's barbecue and picnic. Got kind of annoying after awhile.
I thought about how it would be interesting to sit and take pictures of people using the water fountain and tap all day. We saw dogs drinking out of the fountain (one small one even jumped up on top of it to drink out of it), people rinsing out empty pop cans, one lady brushing her teeth, people rinsing fruit and rinsing out containers and rinsing.
Made it home in time to see two episodes of the Family Guy.
Listening to: John Lennon - Watching the Wheels
The temperature reached 30 degrees on Sunday. I got a nice tan and evened-out my farmer's tan.
I washed my car (slight regret from my stiffness now). I did some chores. I picked up my niece mid-Saturday from the burbs. She has one more week of school and then she's off for the summer. I tried to find a summer camp or swimming lessons for a week for her to participate in, but finding child care until I get off work was impossible.
Late Saturday afternoon, my niece, my cousin, my mate, and I went to Stanley Park to swim in the pool at Second Beach. I had never actually been in the pool before, but I admired it from afar and imagined myself in the clear blue refreshing water. We walked down Davie Street and along the Seawall at English Bay to the pool.
We saw rock balancing along the seawall and the tide was out. A few painters were setup and selling paintings. There were plenty of people at the beach, walking, biking and roller blading along the pathway.
The pool itself was a reasonable $4.75 per adult. The pool was heated and only went to five feet deep. We played in the pool for a few hours and then we headed back up Davie Street for dinner. We decided to give Moxie's a shot, and surprisingly it was good. I had a haibut entree that was delish. I ignored the mountain of spring mix on the plate and enjoyed the scrumptous baked potato with cream cheese. No room for dessert!
We took a taxi cab back to Kitsilano. My niece had been counting every colour of taxi cabs that day. I think the totals stood at: 27 yellow, 2 green, 3 black, and 1 white.
By the time I got her changed into her pajamas, teeth brushed, and a story read, it was late. I was poopered and dreaded the early wake up call.
On Sunday, we awoke at about 7 am to the sounds of crows. Argh! Reminds me of camping and the ravens doing their thing first thing in the morning. By the time we got going to meet my mate for breakfast at Cafe Zen, it was about 9:30 am. Grabbed an early bird special of bacon, eggs & toast for under $5.
Then we packed up the car and headed to the Granville Island water park. My niece was in Science World mode until she saw all the water spraying out of the structures. The water park is the same one I went to as a child. There are fire hydrants, showers, and a giant water slide. She actually went down it by herself. Then reckoned that it was too cold and scary.
There were sevreal birthday parties around the park, including a Princess Parade of some kind. They played with a giant parachute (reminded me of elementary gym class), and did a gymnastics show with multiple flips and jumps.
One birthday mom was giving her guests a small bag of chips, a slice of watermelon and pop. Nice minimal hosting for a crap-load of presents. Another group had a potluck of platters of fruit, veggies and snacks, and grab bags with bubble wands for the kids. I watched a dog chase and pop the bubbles with his mouth.
By the time we left Granville Island at 12:30 pm, the place was a car park/zoo. Had a quick lunch and then drove my niece back to the burbs so my father could spend some time with her too. Five hours of driving around town in two days is a bit much. Driving in and out of Kitsilano is a nightmare because people drive in from the outter areas to go to the beach.
Spent the evening barbecuing at Kitsilano Beach and watching the sun go down. A bunch of teenagers were having a water fight right in the middle of everyone's barbecue and picnic. Got kind of annoying after awhile.
I thought about how it would be interesting to sit and take pictures of people using the water fountain and tap all day. We saw dogs drinking out of the fountain (one small one even jumped up on top of it to drink out of it), people rinsing out empty pop cans, one lady brushing her teeth, people rinsing fruit and rinsing out containers and rinsing.
Made it home in time to see two episodes of the Family Guy.
Listening to: John Lennon - Watching the Wheels
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Playland
I went to Playland yesterday with my mate, my cousins and her friend. Total blast because it was VIP: free entrance, rides, a midway game, and snacks.
I kind of like PNE a bit better because the other side of the park is open and the other activities and shows are available. However, free is always good. We had a fabulous time. I have not been to Playland in several years.
We rode on the Ferris Wheel, Enterprise (my favourite as an adult), Wave Swinger, and Pirate. My cousin and her friend also did Baywatch. The roller coast line up was far too long (them, not me).
Funny, how when we stopped for hotdogs and popcorn, and we ran into Becky, Brian, James and Erin. Nice randomness, I looked away and looked back, and Brian was standing right in front of me grinning. Token shoe shot.
I got my cotton candy fix (thanks Omid!). We tried to win a prize with better odds by playing a game together. That one where you roll the ball up and try to get your horse to move fast. Unfortately, I did not get to sit beside everyone else. That must have ruined our zen, because we did not win. Those Family Guy plush dolls were lookin' fine.
We ended the night stocking up on cotton candy (one for my niece--pink of course!) and a ride in the sunset sky on the Wave Swinger. We wanted the Music Express, but the line was too long. I wish it still went backwards. The Wave Swinger was my favourite as a kid. I also digged the Grand Prix as a youngin'.
How I yearn for the PNE... and minidonuts!
Listening to: AC/DC - Thunderstruck
I kind of like PNE a bit better because the other side of the park is open and the other activities and shows are available. However, free is always good. We had a fabulous time. I have not been to Playland in several years.
We rode on the Ferris Wheel, Enterprise (my favourite as an adult), Wave Swinger, and Pirate. My cousin and her friend also did Baywatch. The roller coast line up was far too long (them, not me).
Funny, how when we stopped for hotdogs and popcorn, and we ran into Becky, Brian, James and Erin. Nice randomness, I looked away and looked back, and Brian was standing right in front of me grinning. Token shoe shot.
I got my cotton candy fix (thanks Omid!). We tried to win a prize with better odds by playing a game together. That one where you roll the ball up and try to get your horse to move fast. Unfortately, I did not get to sit beside everyone else. That must have ruined our zen, because we did not win. Those Family Guy plush dolls were lookin' fine.
We ended the night stocking up on cotton candy (one for my niece--pink of course!) and a ride in the sunset sky on the Wave Swinger. We wanted the Music Express, but the line was too long. I wish it still went backwards. The Wave Swinger was my favourite as a kid. I also digged the Grand Prix as a youngin'.
How I yearn for the PNE... and minidonuts!
Listening to: AC/DC - Thunderstruck
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Bachelor Food - Strawberry Nutella
 | I have discovered a new, quick and easy bachelor food: strawberries and nutella. Like a crepe, but minus the crepe. I have been living on my own for 6 years now and I always try to minimize my time and unnecessary dirtying of dishes. So, I thought about microwaving cut up strawberries and nutella. |
Try it! If you like nutella, you will definitely like it.
Strawberries and Nutella
Cut up strawberries in half or thirds if larger. Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Put two tablespoons of nutella on strawberries. Microwave on High for 15 to 30 seconds. Stir, eat and enjoy!
Monday, June 19, 2006
It has been a nice, fun and relaxing weekend that has preluded a week of warm sunshine (finally!!). On Friday, I went to the Radiant Heat Fundraiser. It was a blast in a house in East Vancouver. DJs Geminatrix and Scottish mixed great music. Some of the RH fire performers showed off their hot stuff. Was there late, but I had to give my support.
Got up early Saturday because I had to be downtown at 9:30 am for a haircut and hightlights. I am going to a wedding on the long weekend and I wanted to look good for photos et al. Unfortunately, now I feel like a rock-surfer summer chick. The highlights are thick and bolder around my face (reddy-beige on top and caramel-blonde around my face). I am used to thinner, scattered hightlights. Change is good, but I think it is too much change. It may work out if I start an angst-rocker-chick band. However, I am dismayed and trying to make the best of it.
In the evening, I went to join Brian and his friends Team Body Massage Machine at the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay. They were great hosts and were setup just off the pool. I watched them play volleyball against a Burnaby High School team, who did a synchronized dance routine prior to play. Kudos to Team Pink who looked great.
A good event with great community spirit with teams from all kinds of companies and organizations. Music, costumes, theme camps and crazy people... kind of reminds me of an event with hotter weather in a desert.
I was thinking about going back next year and offering to cook breakfast for Team Body Massage Machine. Do not think I can offer my running skills. Maybe power walking? The route is about 4 km. I ended up staying late at the event (for the second night in a row). Then I went to the airport to pick up my mate. He was returning from a week in New York.
Slept in Sunday and felt disoriented from waking up later than usual. No jet lag for me though. Watched Mean Girls on the movie channel. Such a well written, well directed film.
Met up with my mate and we walked over to get slurpees. Sat at the dog beach by Vanier Park across from the Maritime Museum and watched dogs run and swim with other dogs at the playground.
There were sailboats speckled all over the water. We could see Bowen Island and Stanley Park. We walked past the Vancouver Museum towards Cornwall Avenue for lunch.
We tried Juliet's Cafe on Cypress and Cornwall. It had moved to a larger location from across the street years ago. We finally decided to try it. It was dead inside with a few patrons in and out on the patio. We ordered sandwiches and a salad. The sandwiches took forever to arrive without our salad. The waitress was unenthused. Why work in food service if you do not care for it in any way? We had to go back and remind her of the salad. Food was decent, but I cannot say I would ever go back there.
Hung out and lazed around. Watched Mythbusters with the slingshot episode. They were testing the theory of Canadians trying to slingshot into the United States. (Shouldn't it be the other way around?)
Got takeout from Wrapzone up on 4th Avenue. Tasty and refreshing smoothies and wraps. Was perplexed that stores on 4th Avenue on a Sunday closed so early pre-summer. Watched two episodes of the Simpsons before heading home to sleep.
Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Soak Up the Sun
Got up early Saturday because I had to be downtown at 9:30 am for a haircut and hightlights. I am going to a wedding on the long weekend and I wanted to look good for photos et al. Unfortunately, now I feel like a rock-surfer summer chick. The highlights are thick and bolder around my face (reddy-beige on top and caramel-blonde around my face). I am used to thinner, scattered hightlights. Change is good, but I think it is too much change. It may work out if I start an angst-rocker-chick band. However, I am dismayed and trying to make the best of it.
In the evening, I went to join Brian and his friends Team Body Massage Machine at the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay. They were great hosts and were setup just off the pool. I watched them play volleyball against a Burnaby High School team, who did a synchronized dance routine prior to play. Kudos to Team Pink who looked great.
A good event with great community spirit with teams from all kinds of companies and organizations. Music, costumes, theme camps and crazy people... kind of reminds me of an event with hotter weather in a desert.
I was thinking about going back next year and offering to cook breakfast for Team Body Massage Machine. Do not think I can offer my running skills. Maybe power walking? The route is about 4 km. I ended up staying late at the event (for the second night in a row). Then I went to the airport to pick up my mate. He was returning from a week in New York.
Slept in Sunday and felt disoriented from waking up later than usual. No jet lag for me though. Watched Mean Girls on the movie channel. Such a well written, well directed film.
Met up with my mate and we walked over to get slurpees. Sat at the dog beach by Vanier Park across from the Maritime Museum and watched dogs run and swim with other dogs at the playground.
There were sailboats speckled all over the water. We could see Bowen Island and Stanley Park. We walked past the Vancouver Museum towards Cornwall Avenue for lunch.
We tried Juliet's Cafe on Cypress and Cornwall. It had moved to a larger location from across the street years ago. We finally decided to try it. It was dead inside with a few patrons in and out on the patio. We ordered sandwiches and a salad. The sandwiches took forever to arrive without our salad. The waitress was unenthused. Why work in food service if you do not care for it in any way? We had to go back and remind her of the salad. Food was decent, but I cannot say I would ever go back there.
Hung out and lazed around. Watched Mythbusters with the slingshot episode. They were testing the theory of Canadians trying to slingshot into the United States. (Shouldn't it be the other way around?)
Got takeout from Wrapzone up on 4th Avenue. Tasty and refreshing smoothies and wraps. Was perplexed that stores on 4th Avenue on a Sunday closed so early pre-summer. Watched two episodes of the Simpsons before heading home to sleep.
Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Soak Up the Sun
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Cotton-Eyed Joe
Last Saturday, I went to a redneck-themed house party. Rusted parts and a toliet on the lawn, dogs running around, a fridge outside, lots of people in stonewash jeans, trucker hats, overalls and ripped Molson Candian t-shirts, and the DJ playing Pink Floyd's Wall covered by Luther Wright and The Wrongs.
The costumes were a hoot, and it was a lot of fun. Most of the trailer trash went over the the Asian Night Market before it closed. I stayed and chilled. Saw my friend M@ in a mullet. He looked so Fubar. He ripped it up later with Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama. Overall, it was a good party.
On Friday, some friends and I saw the The Da Vinci Code. Paul Bettany was great as a villian. I thought his character's self-inflicting S&M ways quite interesting. The film had good thriller twists and turns, and great special effects. I had not read the book, nor planned to really see the movie. The ending full of religious theories and was down-right laughable. But hey, it was a way to fill a Friday night.
The summer movie selection seems like a bust again this year, except for Pirates of the Caribbean 2.
Listening to: El Debarge - Who's Johnny
The costumes were a hoot, and it was a lot of fun. Most of the trailer trash went over the the Asian Night Market before it closed. I stayed and chilled. Saw my friend M@ in a mullet. He looked so Fubar. He ripped it up later with Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama. Overall, it was a good party.
On Friday, some friends and I saw the The Da Vinci Code. Paul Bettany was great as a villian. I thought his character's self-inflicting S&M ways quite interesting. The film had good thriller twists and turns, and great special effects. I had not read the book, nor planned to really see the movie. The ending full of religious theories and was down-right laughable. But hey, it was a way to fill a Friday night.
The summer movie selection seems like a bust again this year, except for Pirates of the Caribbean 2.
Listening to: El Debarge - Who's Johnny
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Fire Is As Fire Does
I woke up this morning at 7 am from another burner dream. It must have been triggered by watching a Radiant Heat fire performance practice. Their choreography was fantastic. It made me want to go to the burn this year. I was starting to rationalize going only for the weekend.
I have been previously for five years. I was yearning for a break. But the pull is strong--even more so than in 2003 when I went to Australia instead. I remember waking up the burn night on Saturday in the middle of the night. I sat upright instantly in a tent on the Oregon Coast and fainty said, "the Man is gone...".
Yesterday, I kept manically saying I should have gone to the burn this year instead of last year. More people I know are going this year, I could have volunteered at Camp Stimulation (a coffee camp on the 9 o'clock plaza), or Recycle Camp or Sanctuary. Moreover, I could have provided fire tech safety services for Radiant Heat's fire performance under the Man. What a honour and experience that would be.
I dreamt that I was on a tour group and we were passing through Black Rock City. The BMORG had setup a tourist information centre complete with sample costumes, theme camps, souveniers (I saw KGFY lunchboxes), and aisles for Virgins, and Health and Safety (condoms, lube), etc.
Once I walked down the long path to the entrance way (similar to the actual event entrance), I started crying. I cried the whole time touring the information centre. I saw BT and we hugged. He gave me some words of encouragement and support. He had this great smile on his face all the time. I saw Teresa and she was lying on a blanket with a friend. She got up to hug me too.
What I could not get over was the waterfall of waterworks. Was I grieving the end of my burner days? I am not quite sure. After I woke up (an hour earlier than I have to), I kind of just layed there and thought about ever aspect of the dream. I usually do not remember dreams, but burner dreams are so vivid and emotional.
When the clock radio finally turned on, the song playing was America's A Horse With No Name. I love this song and it reminds me of the desert.
o/~ I been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert your can remember your name
Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain
(la la la...) o/~
The song coming on was so eerie. Coincidence is sometimes like a jolt from the centre of the earth. It is random, but sometimes you want so deeply to believe that it is not.
Listening To: America - "A Horse With No Name"
I have been previously for five years. I was yearning for a break. But the pull is strong--even more so than in 2003 when I went to Australia instead. I remember waking up the burn night on Saturday in the middle of the night. I sat upright instantly in a tent on the Oregon Coast and fainty said, "the Man is gone...".
Yesterday, I kept manically saying I should have gone to the burn this year instead of last year. More people I know are going this year, I could have volunteered at Camp Stimulation (a coffee camp on the 9 o'clock plaza), or Recycle Camp or Sanctuary. Moreover, I could have provided fire tech safety services for Radiant Heat's fire performance under the Man. What a honour and experience that would be.
I dreamt that I was on a tour group and we were passing through Black Rock City. The BMORG had setup a tourist information centre complete with sample costumes, theme camps, souveniers (I saw KGFY lunchboxes), and aisles for Virgins, and Health and Safety (condoms, lube), etc.
Once I walked down the long path to the entrance way (similar to the actual event entrance), I started crying. I cried the whole time touring the information centre. I saw BT and we hugged. He gave me some words of encouragement and support. He had this great smile on his face all the time. I saw Teresa and she was lying on a blanket with a friend. She got up to hug me too.
What I could not get over was the waterfall of waterworks. Was I grieving the end of my burner days? I am not quite sure. After I woke up (an hour earlier than I have to), I kind of just layed there and thought about ever aspect of the dream. I usually do not remember dreams, but burner dreams are so vivid and emotional.
When the clock radio finally turned on, the song playing was America's A Horse With No Name. I love this song and it reminds me of the desert.
o/~ I been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert your can remember your name
Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain
(la la la...) o/~
The song coming on was so eerie. Coincidence is sometimes like a jolt from the centre of the earth. It is random, but sometimes you want so deeply to believe that it is not.
Listening To: America - "A Horse With No Name"
Sunday, June 04, 2006
This past week has been busy, I worked hard and I got a lot done. Last weekend, I went to the Asian Night Market in Richmond with some friends. Interesting smells, sounds and lots of knock offs. It is located off the Knight Street Bridge behind the Home Depot. We walked over instead of dealing with the circus of parking and bumper-to-bumper cars. Tasty potstickers, skewers, and bargain deals.
This weekend, we checked out the Mount Pleasant Family Festival by the local Business Improvement Association at Guelph Park. Not much there after 2 pm. It was fun to just walk around and enjoy the sunshine.
Stopped off at the Harmony House so a friend could purchase a custom-made and unique hulla-hoop. The house had such a calming and groovy vibe. A cat walked out, Maya, who was Choco-cat's doubleganger--chocolate-point siamese, but female. She was much more friendler too. I adored the blue powder room.
We walked up Main Street and I checked out Smoking Lily and Life of Riley.
Always a new frou-frou restaurant or boutique opening up on Main Street. Lots of new condos and renovations everywhere. Still a fair amount of heritage houses around.
Recently, renovated by reSource Rethinking Building Inc. is Five, a row of homes built in 1912 that have been renovated to conform to green standards to reduce ecological footprints. If only I had $500k sitting in the bank doing nothing!
Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Every Day Is A Winding Road
This weekend, we checked out the Mount Pleasant Family Festival by the local Business Improvement Association at Guelph Park. Not much there after 2 pm. It was fun to just walk around and enjoy the sunshine.
Stopped off at the Harmony House so a friend could purchase a custom-made and unique hulla-hoop. The house had such a calming and groovy vibe. A cat walked out, Maya, who was Choco-cat's doubleganger--chocolate-point siamese, but female. She was much more friendler too. I adored the blue powder room.
We walked up Main Street and I checked out Smoking Lily and Life of Riley.
Always a new frou-frou restaurant or boutique opening up on Main Street. Lots of new condos and renovations everywhere. Still a fair amount of heritage houses around.
Recently, renovated by reSource Rethinking Building Inc. is Five, a row of homes built in 1912 that have been renovated to conform to green standards to reduce ecological footprints. If only I had $500k sitting in the bank doing nothing!
Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Every Day Is A Winding Road
Thursday, May 25, 2006
It's Easy Being Green
I have tried some organic foods and, most of time, I do not really notice a taste difference. With apples, they taste less waxy. I do not notice a difference with bananas. (I love bananas, especially with Nutella.) Recently, I heard to my dismay that there is a uncontrollable fungus killing banana crops and may lead to extinction of the banana. What was that sound? Was that all the monkeys in the world screaming in mass hysteria?
Yesterday, I tried an organic avocado. I just started eating avocados last year, with a spoon. I used to find avocados and guacamole vile. The smell, the texture, the colour--all disgusting. My boyfriend's friend's girlfriend is Pesco-vegetarian (eats fish). She eats an avid eater of avocados. I tried it on a salad she made. I started to learn to like them as guacamole with chips. Before you know it, I was coddling them myself.
However, I am worried about buying avocados year-round. Most fruits and vegetables do not naturally grow year-round (without some resource and human assistance). I read once that one should shop for produce seasonally to reduce his or her impact on natural, limited resources. Such as strawberries. They are ripe and in season in the summer, but you can generally get them year round. Buying them year round uses up unnecessary resources such as electricity, water, and gas to get them from the greenhouses to your fridge.
So, I was at Capers and I saw some organic avocados. I thought, I'll buy two and see how they do. I tried one last night and could not believe how tasty an organic avocado from Fresh Kampo of Mexico was. It is taking all my will power to not glance at the other avocado sitting on my kitchen counter. I will never go back to buying regular avocados.
It is tough to buy sustainable, organic and quality based products. (Not too mention I am now on a part-time/student income and actually price-compare while shopping.) The prices are higher when you compare them to mainstream, corporate products sold at grocery store chains.
Nonetheless, there is a growing trend for organic and sustainable products because of the aging baby boomers demand for eco-friendly products. I have realized that spending more of my disposable income on healthier products for me and the environment is worth it. It satisfies my marginial utility (consuming to the point of being perfectly happy). I figure I'd rather spend more on eat right (and tasty too) then on eating out, going out, and general consumption. Even buying something for lunch at Capers or Whole Foods is still cheaper (and healthier) than eating out at a restaurant chain.
Some people say you are what you eat. There may be some truth to that motto with all the concern about obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
When we were young, we ate mostly junk and crap. Our diets consisted of sugar cereal (with more white death poured on top), refined junk foods, starch, carbs, and fried and deep-fried meats. I did not really notice how unhealthy my basic food groups were until a close relative of mine passed away to cancer. It was as if I was racing for the edge of a clift in a car with no breaks.
I started reading labels on food products in the grocery store, I researched organic agriculture, Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs), industrial-farming practices, hormones added to meats, and the list goes on. I switched to soy milk, I stopped eating land animals every day, I started eating more soy products and tofu, and more fruits and veggies. My boyfriend also introduced me to the healthy habit of drinking water all day. Now I feel as if I cannot go an hour without having a refreshing tall glass of H20.
It's common sense (and science) to know that a healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercising often leads to a higher energy, less stressed and fatigued, healthier, happier, and longer life. I mean who really wants to loose one-third of their life by dying in their 50s instead of their 80s or 90s?
Some say changing your lifestyle to incorporate healthier habits will not make any difference. Your life will end when it will end. You could be hit by a car tomorrow. Research suggests that you, fully and completely, are made up of 50% of genetics and 50% of environmental factors. So, if my genes that I inherited are utter-crap (my line includes cancer, heart disease, diabetes, lupus, and obesity), then I better do a 180 degree lifestyle change to minimize the environmental factors that are steering me to a painful and short death before I even retire.
It took me a few years, but my eating habits have changed tremendously. It has been a difficult change of lifestyle to go from unhealthy eating habits to healthy ones. Mind you, the selection of healthy food items these days is so much better than when I was a kid. It actually tastes, smells and looks good. Some products I buy: Nature Path cereals, Muir Glen salsa, Liberte yogurt, So Good, Lifestream Flax Waffles, Amy's Kitchen soups, Sunrise dessert tofu snacks and Yves Soy hotdogs, and Endangered Species chocolate. The list goes on, although, I cringe whenever I find out my small, favourite brands have been bought up by multinational corporations.
I do still eat refined and processed foods once in awhile, but not on a weekly basis. I eat red meat maybe once or twice a month. I eat a fair amount of chicken and tofu. I eat a lot more fruits, vegetables and salads. Drink lots of water and juice.
Earlier on, our ancestors were more active as hunters and gatherers. They ate a diet based on fruits, vegetables and plants. They drank water and ate meat sparingly. Quite a constrast to a modern life of convenience and excessiveness.
I have realized that my body is a temple. I need to worship it and nourish it. Sacrifice and I will achieve serenity.
Yesterday, I tried an organic avocado. I just started eating avocados last year, with a spoon. I used to find avocados and guacamole vile. The smell, the texture, the colour--all disgusting. My boyfriend's friend's girlfriend is Pesco-vegetarian (eats fish). She eats an avid eater of avocados. I tried it on a salad she made. I started to learn to like them as guacamole with chips. Before you know it, I was coddling them myself.
However, I am worried about buying avocados year-round. Most fruits and vegetables do not naturally grow year-round (without some resource and human assistance). I read once that one should shop for produce seasonally to reduce his or her impact on natural, limited resources. Such as strawberries. They are ripe and in season in the summer, but you can generally get them year round. Buying them year round uses up unnecessary resources such as electricity, water, and gas to get them from the greenhouses to your fridge.
So, I was at Capers and I saw some organic avocados. I thought, I'll buy two and see how they do. I tried one last night and could not believe how tasty an organic avocado from Fresh Kampo of Mexico was. It is taking all my will power to not glance at the other avocado sitting on my kitchen counter. I will never go back to buying regular avocados.
It is tough to buy sustainable, organic and quality based products. (Not too mention I am now on a part-time/student income and actually price-compare while shopping.) The prices are higher when you compare them to mainstream, corporate products sold at grocery store chains.
Nonetheless, there is a growing trend for organic and sustainable products because of the aging baby boomers demand for eco-friendly products. I have realized that spending more of my disposable income on healthier products for me and the environment is worth it. It satisfies my marginial utility (consuming to the point of being perfectly happy). I figure I'd rather spend more on eat right (and tasty too) then on eating out, going out, and general consumption. Even buying something for lunch at Capers or Whole Foods is still cheaper (and healthier) than eating out at a restaurant chain.
Some people say you are what you eat. There may be some truth to that motto with all the concern about obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
When we were young, we ate mostly junk and crap. Our diets consisted of sugar cereal (with more white death poured on top), refined junk foods, starch, carbs, and fried and deep-fried meats. I did not really notice how unhealthy my basic food groups were until a close relative of mine passed away to cancer. It was as if I was racing for the edge of a clift in a car with no breaks.
I started reading labels on food products in the grocery store, I researched organic agriculture, Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs), industrial-farming practices, hormones added to meats, and the list goes on. I switched to soy milk, I stopped eating land animals every day, I started eating more soy products and tofu, and more fruits and veggies. My boyfriend also introduced me to the healthy habit of drinking water all day. Now I feel as if I cannot go an hour without having a refreshing tall glass of H20.
It's common sense (and science) to know that a healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercising often leads to a higher energy, less stressed and fatigued, healthier, happier, and longer life. I mean who really wants to loose one-third of their life by dying in their 50s instead of their 80s or 90s?
Some say changing your lifestyle to incorporate healthier habits will not make any difference. Your life will end when it will end. You could be hit by a car tomorrow. Research suggests that you, fully and completely, are made up of 50% of genetics and 50% of environmental factors. So, if my genes that I inherited are utter-crap (my line includes cancer, heart disease, diabetes, lupus, and obesity), then I better do a 180 degree lifestyle change to minimize the environmental factors that are steering me to a painful and short death before I even retire.
It took me a few years, but my eating habits have changed tremendously. It has been a difficult change of lifestyle to go from unhealthy eating habits to healthy ones. Mind you, the selection of healthy food items these days is so much better than when I was a kid. It actually tastes, smells and looks good. Some products I buy: Nature Path cereals, Muir Glen salsa, Liberte yogurt, So Good, Lifestream Flax Waffles, Amy's Kitchen soups, Sunrise dessert tofu snacks and Yves Soy hotdogs, and Endangered Species chocolate. The list goes on, although, I cringe whenever I find out my small, favourite brands have been bought up by multinational corporations.
I do still eat refined and processed foods once in awhile, but not on a weekly basis. I eat red meat maybe once or twice a month. I eat a fair amount of chicken and tofu. I eat a lot more fruits, vegetables and salads. Drink lots of water and juice.
Earlier on, our ancestors were more active as hunters and gatherers. They ate a diet based on fruits, vegetables and plants. They drank water and ate meat sparingly. Quite a constrast to a modern life of convenience and excessiveness.
I have realized that my body is a temple. I need to worship it and nourish it. Sacrifice and I will achieve serenity.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Whidbey Island Road Trip
This past weekend, a group of us went to Whidbey Island for the annual May long weekend camping trip. We stay in South Whidbey State Park in Washington. The campground is surrounded by old growth forest off a bay on the ocean. The weather was cool, cloudy and rain (chilly at night). We broke in a new five-person tent from Fred Meyer. Our new favourite Fred Meyer is the one in Bellingham (it is only three years old). Cheap quality goods with decent value. With the low American dollar, the exchange rate for Canuck bucks is the highest it has been in decades.
The campground was mostly filled with Canadians. I love the fact we were able to reserve our campsites in advance online and even choose the individual sites we wanted. Campgrounds in Washington and Oregon usually have Park Hosts. Park Hosts are available for additional brochures, pamphlets, and fire wood. The Park Host usually cleans and cares for the restrooms. The only drawback from this campground was there was only one shower stall for our loop. Luckily, the campground was not that busy and there were usually no shower lineups early morning.
Overall, it was a good trip. We explored the island a bit. On Saturday, we went to the Bayview Farmers Market. It was small because it was early in the season. But the public restroom was fully sustainable. Then we drove around the west coast back towards our campground. We stopped at Double Bluff and the Port Townsend Ferry Terminal, where we encountered some local wild life. We drove past Fort Casey.
On Sunday, the boys went to play golf at Island Greens. The girls went to Langley to window shop and have lunch. We were definitely bringing the age rang down. We went to Cafe Langley for grub. We dined on tasty pita, hummus and baba ganoush, and mini spanakopitas. We met Bob the cat. We had linner at the Beachfire Grill on Harbor Hills Drive. Lynn was a fantastic server and the food was good. It was a nice change to dine out and have someone else cook and clean for us. Back at our campground, we hiked the Wilbert Trail (a mere .8 of a mile) and played badminton on the beach.
Every night included grilled meat (yes, even hotdogs), wine and s'mores. On the way back we shopped at the Premium Outlets and snacked on barbecued hotdogs and salad in the parking lot. Finished it all off with another trip to the Fred Meyer in Burlington (under renovations though) where I bought a nice purse for a mere $20. The border lineup was minimal and we had no delay crossing back to Canadaland. It is always a good feeling to be back in your own country. Dirty, tired, and looking forward to a warm shower and a comfy bed.
The campground was mostly filled with Canadians. I love the fact we were able to reserve our campsites in advance online and even choose the individual sites we wanted. Campgrounds in Washington and Oregon usually have Park Hosts. Park Hosts are available for additional brochures, pamphlets, and fire wood. The Park Host usually cleans and cares for the restrooms. The only drawback from this campground was there was only one shower stall for our loop. Luckily, the campground was not that busy and there were usually no shower lineups early morning.
Overall, it was a good trip. We explored the island a bit. On Saturday, we went to the Bayview Farmers Market. It was small because it was early in the season. But the public restroom was fully sustainable. Then we drove around the west coast back towards our campground. We stopped at Double Bluff and the Port Townsend Ferry Terminal, where we encountered some local wild life. We drove past Fort Casey.
On Sunday, the boys went to play golf at Island Greens. The girls went to Langley to window shop and have lunch. We were definitely bringing the age rang down. We went to Cafe Langley for grub. We dined on tasty pita, hummus and baba ganoush, and mini spanakopitas. We met Bob the cat. We had linner at the Beachfire Grill on Harbor Hills Drive. Lynn was a fantastic server and the food was good. It was a nice change to dine out and have someone else cook and clean for us. Back at our campground, we hiked the Wilbert Trail (a mere .8 of a mile) and played badminton on the beach.
Every night included grilled meat (yes, even hotdogs), wine and s'mores. On the way back we shopped at the Premium Outlets and snacked on barbecued hotdogs and salad in the parking lot. Finished it all off with another trip to the Fred Meyer in Burlington (under renovations though) where I bought a nice purse for a mere $20. The border lineup was minimal and we had no delay crossing back to Canadaland. It is always a good feeling to be back in your own country. Dirty, tired, and looking forward to a warm shower and a comfy bed.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Love Something, Set It Free
The other day while grocery shopping, we had a bum cart. (I usually say " wagon ", but I always get harassed for saying this word. Although, I do not know what the big deal is.)
Anyways, we had to switch the cart for another one. Later, when we were putting my grocery items on the mover at the cashier, I noticed I was missing the plastic bags I brought and my last two canvas bags.
I had several canvas bags from my mum. Over the years, I have left these canvas bags here and there at various places during potlucks and trips. I was down to my last two bags, which I left in the old cart we switched.
It is strange how we create emotional attachments to inanimate objects. Some items have negative energy and some have positive energy. We keep so much clutter over time and cannot bear to part with any of it. Some say, just throw it out. But they do not understand that some items harbour old energy of people we love or who are gone.
I felt so upset and guilty for loosing those bags. To my dismay, the bags were not in the old cart. I know it was a accident, I cannot hold on to this distress. Hopefully, someone somewhere is utilizing them to their full potential.
Anyways, we had to switch the cart for another one. Later, when we were putting my grocery items on the mover at the cashier, I noticed I was missing the plastic bags I brought and my last two canvas bags.
I had several canvas bags from my mum. Over the years, I have left these canvas bags here and there at various places during potlucks and trips. I was down to my last two bags, which I left in the old cart we switched.
It is strange how we create emotional attachments to inanimate objects. Some items have negative energy and some have positive energy. We keep so much clutter over time and cannot bear to part with any of it. Some say, just throw it out. But they do not understand that some items harbour old energy of people we love or who are gone.
I felt so upset and guilty for loosing those bags. To my dismay, the bags were not in the old cart. I know it was a accident, I cannot hold on to this distress. Hopefully, someone somewhere is utilizing them to their full potential.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Crash-Test Mommy
I child minded my five year old niece this weekend. I picked her up Friday after work. I will never commute in regular rush-hour traffic ever. Once I travelled to suburbia to pick her up, we went to Connaught Park next to Kitsilano Community Centre.
Up early on Saturday, we went to breakfast at Cafe Zen. Then it was off to Science World for a few hours, her favourite kids destintation in Vancouver. In the lobby, there was a statue of a Pharaoh sitting on a throne made out of Lego! I was excited to see a new Lego exhibit LEGO: Secrets of the Pharaohs coming May 20th featuring an Egyptian theme. Ever since I was a child, I have been excited and facinated about Egyptian history and culture.
Later, we went to Douglas Park to have a picnic and enjoy the large playground. The place was busy, but the children were friendly. Read her two stories before her bed time, including Dr. Seuss, and then I chatted a few friends before bed.
Watching a child, nevermind more than one, 24/7 is quite a job. That is even before adding the financial responsibilities. It's a bit of work. Now that she's past preschool, she does not have been monitored all the time. I can rest or do chores without keeping an eye on her constantly. In the early days, she'd easily get into trouble or make a mess.
I was trying to find some day camp weekly sessions to enroll her in for the summer. Then I could care for her for a week. But it is difficult to find ones that are on when I am at work and have an overlap until I get off work. I think swimming lessons would be great for her. I guess I will just keep trying to find something.
Today, will consist of more playground fun at Kitsilano Beach. In the afternoon, we will be going to Watermania in Richmond. It has a small children's area with a jungle gym and a wave pool. There is also a larger pool and a waterslide. Most likely we will finish off with the traditional Pirate Pak at White Spot.
Not a bad weekend with my niece. I really enjoy spending time with her. It allows me to be a kid again. I am looking forward to taking her to Playland with other kids. I wish she had children her own age to play with on evenings and weekends.
I am a little rundown with a cold, although, I think I am at the final stage of it.
Up early on Saturday, we went to breakfast at Cafe Zen. Then it was off to Science World for a few hours, her favourite kids destintation in Vancouver. In the lobby, there was a statue of a Pharaoh sitting on a throne made out of Lego! I was excited to see a new Lego exhibit LEGO: Secrets of the Pharaohs coming May 20th featuring an Egyptian theme. Ever since I was a child, I have been excited and facinated about Egyptian history and culture.
Later, we went to Douglas Park to have a picnic and enjoy the large playground. The place was busy, but the children were friendly. Read her two stories before her bed time, including Dr. Seuss, and then I chatted a few friends before bed.
Watching a child, nevermind more than one, 24/7 is quite a job. That is even before adding the financial responsibilities. It's a bit of work. Now that she's past preschool, she does not have been monitored all the time. I can rest or do chores without keeping an eye on her constantly. In the early days, she'd easily get into trouble or make a mess.
I was trying to find some day camp weekly sessions to enroll her in for the summer. Then I could care for her for a week. But it is difficult to find ones that are on when I am at work and have an overlap until I get off work. I think swimming lessons would be great for her. I guess I will just keep trying to find something.
Today, will consist of more playground fun at Kitsilano Beach. In the afternoon, we will be going to Watermania in Richmond. It has a small children's area with a jungle gym and a wave pool. There is also a larger pool and a waterslide. Most likely we will finish off with the traditional Pirate Pak at White Spot.
Not a bad weekend with my niece. I really enjoy spending time with her. It allows me to be a kid again. I am looking forward to taking her to Playland with other kids. I wish she had children her own age to play with on evenings and weekends.
I am a little rundown with a cold, although, I think I am at the final stage of it.
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