Liverpool and Manchester

Liverpool is my favourite city in England. We stayed at the Albert Dock Premier Inn next to The Beatles Museum.

The Albert Dock is old shipping yard that has been converted and is now home to the Tate Liverpool, restaurants, bars, and hotels. There is Albert Dock tour where you can ride on a Duck bus that also floats in the water.



 

Walked around the Dock, saw the Passport office, the the Liverbirds, and
an old church by the Thistle Hotel.

Took it easy Thursday evening and had drinks at Baby Cream. We then had dinner at Est Est Est. British cuisine tends to be quite bland because it is usually not marinated or seasoned. I had a trio of fish that was grilled or charred. It was alright; I guess I a spoiled with Westcoast cuisine. Relaxed that evening with a bit of tele before a good night's sleep.

 

On Friday, we Walked around downtown during the afternoon and saw a great view of the Liverbirds and the Albert Dock. We also saw the Victoria Monument (where the castle used to stand), Matthew Street (where all the great clubs and bars are), a beautiful fountain surrounded by poetry. Chinatown was a bit of a disappointment. It was quite dodgy and more like ghost town. Also saw a bombed out church.



 

We had some scran at Weatherspoon's. I had a delicious chicken, ham and leek pie with gravy, vegetables (yay veggies!) and chips.

Spent about half an hour looking for Super Lama Banana, but I think it has been kidnapped. I asked for assistance at the Macky D's (they have banana shakes) and the YHA, but both places did not know what I was talking aboot. Maybe it was moved due to all the construction.

Met up with some friends and we went for drinks at the Pan American on Albert Dock. Utterly all style and no substance. Service was slow and pretentious and food was bland. Nice view of the Albert Dock and Liverbirds though.

Started the evening at the Cavern Club where The Beatles were discovered. Great place with live music and good atmosphere. Proceeded on to have a round or two of drinks at the Cavern Pub (older crowd), some dingy 70s bar (unfortunately *not* Flares), some 90s dance bars, Revolution (I love this place), and ended the night at 3 am at Mood (fantastic dance music). Topped it all off with kebab and chips (tradition).

 

Slept good and began the morning with a top British breakfast with a view of the Albert Dock. Packed up, checked out, and carpooled to Manchester. Played with this bizarre spherical Rubik Cube. Got settled in to the GMEX Premier Inn. Wished we stayed at The Palace instead, but we missed the prebooking special. We went to a pub by the University to watch the Liverpool football match.

Walked around and saw the Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Library, and St. Paul's Square.

Had yummy Weatherspoon's again (my very last *sniff*) and a Strongbow pint. Rested up in the hotel (basically had a drunken nap) and got ready for an evening of pubbing and clubbing. Had a quick brew (tea) before running over to the Weatherspoon's for drinks to start the evening off right. We did a pub crawl to Dean Gate Lock. Man, can Brits really drink (8 to 10 beers just to start, continuing on with 6 to 8 spirits and double vodka and Redbulls).

We started at Baa and I wanted to make our way down all the clubs, but we ended up going over to the Gay Village on Canal Street. We went into a few places and found Varsity (sp?) on the corner. It was a good dance club that played great dance and trance music. The place has three levels with a roof top terrace. Bathrooms has terrible lineups and are disgusting.

Chilled back at the hotel afterwards, nibbled on crisps and drank Vimto and Feel Good (love the Berry flavour). Caught a bit of Crank Yankers on the tele before dozing off in bed.

 

Last full day in England, Manchester. Had my very last British breakfast (I miss you so much!).

Walked around the shopping district. Saw a young lad
dancing old skool on a piece of cardboard. Gazed upon these funky windmill art structures in front of Selfridges. Checked out PrintWorks and felt like I was in Las Vegas. The movie theatre in there
has leather recliners with servers that bring you beer and snacks.

The movie we wanted to see was not playing there. So, we walked to the AMC Theatre near our hotel. We bought tickets to see Carmen Electra's I Want Candy. We killed some time playing video games and looking at the moon over top the new Hilton Hotel. The hotel has a protruding glass floor where you can sit in the bar and look down through the glass floor. How chic. Another martini please?




 

I was so impressed when asked at the snack bar asked me if I wanted sweet or salty popcorn. The sweet popcorn is basically caramel popcorn. It is like crack popcorn; I could not stop eating it. Not too mention, did I want still or fizzy Fanta Orange? The seat armrests go up so you can snuggle during the film. The movie was actually quite funny and enjoyable.

Got take-away from the pub underneath the hotel and chilled in front of the tele. Yummy smothered chicken with vegetables. We watched the Peter Kay special on BBC. I kept thinking, wow, England only has a handful of tv channels. But you can see how it is reflected in their culture and such a good thing when compared to North America.

We watched highlights from Peter Kay's tv shows Phoenix Nights
and Max and Paddy. The finale was his comedy show from Manchester Arena. He's hella funny and so down to earth. Humble even.

 

Got up semi-early the next morning, got ready, packed up and grabbed the Metro to Manchester Train Station. Got my last take-away Upper Crust of a spinach, brie and tomato baguette and crisps. Fell asleep on the train and was slightly disoriented when I reached Euston Station.

I forgot I had to transfer to Paddington Station get to the Heathrow Express. Grabbed a taxi cab to Paddington. If you have a day left over from your British Rail Pass, you can use the day to take the Heathrow Express (15 minutes) to the airport. Caught a flight back to Canada through Toronto. I was so jet lagged from being awake for 24 hours, I could barely eat a salad. I had to eat something because Air Canada gives you nothing on the flight. I think I will pay extra next time to fly a superior airline and fly direct to Europe.

Overall, an amazing trip in England. London is grand. York was incredible and rich with history. Liverpool has great nightlife and Manchester has good culture and shopping. Already thinking about when I go back to England. Maybe in July?

Listening to: Simon and Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson

 

Warrington and York

After bringing one currency adapter that did not work, buying another at Boots that did not work, and asking three different places for leads and buying one at the Post Office near King's Cross Station, I finally had success. Mind you, I had to cut off the lip on the adapter, but I could charge my camera and cell phone.

Took a Virgin Train up north to Warrington. Arrive an hour early before check-in (hotels are strict there) and went over to the shopping promanade by Golden Square. I wanted to launder my clothes, but there was no where to do it.

I saw the memorial for a IRA bombing that killed two children in 1993.



Also, saw a very old pub, one of the oldest buildings in Warrington and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.



Went back to check-in to the Travelodge. All the movies were old, so I watched television. I watched a children's show about Tommy Zoom and his wonder dog who both taught children about eco-friendliness. I got addicted to the soap opera Hollyoaks. Of course I watched The Simpsons.

My friend met up with me and we went for dinner at the Old Stone House. We had steak and seafood on hot stone tiles. Delicious!

 

Took the train to York on Tuesday morning. Lots of green and farm scenery of the old English Country side. Went through many smaller towns along the way. The city of York was surrounded by old Roman walls. We checked into the Golden Fleece, which was apparently one of the most haunted inns in York. Just after we arrived, it started snowing.

Our Minster suite was on the top floor and the floor was slanted. We had to sleep with the bathroom light on and the curtains open. No ghost sightings. Lady Peckett's room is the most haunted suite in the inn.

We took a walk around the Shambles. We saw the York Minster, a Roman gate, and the Art Gallery.

We had lunch along the river at the Lowther Pub. Delicious roast turkey dinner and my first vodka J20 (mango orange).

After, we went to the York Dungeon for a bit of spooky fun. Stories about a ghost that haunts our inn, a Roman legion and the torture chamber. I was tried as a witch by a judge in a court of law.

We went to a few pubs for dinner and drinks and ended our night at The Reflex, and 80s club with uber-cheesiness and loads of fun. Many people were dressed up, cheesy music, shooters named after 80s celebs and Ghostbusters on the tvs. I absolutely loved it. My mate won me a Winnie the Pooh bear out of the machine.

 

On Wednesday, we went to the Jorvik Cafe for breakfast. We saw the Law Courts, and Clifford's Tower.



 

We tried to go to the Viking Museum, but there were loads of school children about. Instead, we went to the Punch Bowl for lunch. Saw an old Medieval Guild that was built in 1357. One of the oldest buildings in York.



 

We grabbed some cookies from Millie's and refreshments from Marks and Spencers, then chilled out and watched tele. After relaxing, we went on an award-winning Ghost Hunt with a dramatic Victorian gentleman as our guide. It was eerie walking around dark, narrow cobblestone alley ways in the night. Stories about dead children always freak me out. (Good thing we left the light on back at our suite in the inn.)

After being very spooked by ghost stories, we went for a drink at the Black Swan Pub. A former brothel with an infamous upstairs haunted inn that is no longer rent rooms.
We continued one to Yates, a student bar with constantly adjusting drink prices, and The Reflex, a ultra-cheesy but cool 80s bar. I really enjoyed the celebrity shooters, people dressed up, and Ghostbusters on the tvs. Of course we finished the night off with a traditional kebab.



 

Listening to: New Order - True Faith

 

Back from England - London, UK

I arrived back to Vancouver at 1 am on Tuesday from England. I went away for a 10 day trip to London, Warrington, York, Liverpool and Manchester.

Lovely Air Canada cancelled my flight going out, so I had to fly to Toronto and wing it from there. After missing our connecting flights out of Toronto, myself and nine other people including a young girl were exhausted upon arrival. After landing at 12:55 am and getting our bags, we were not in the least surprised to find no Air Canada customer service agents waiting for us. Eventually, two girls came over, and as if they were doing us a favour, called on the "approved list" of hotels.

I was baffled by the fact that the hotel rooms were not ready to go for the 10 of us. They knew we were coming and had missed our connecting flights. It took over 2 hours for them to get rooms for us.

The shuttled picked us up at 3:10 am and by the the time we checked into the hotel, I managed to get ONE hour sleep before having to get up, shower, eat breakfast and shuttle back to the airport at 7 am for my 9 am flight to London. Eventhough, I lost a day in London I was still estatic for my trip abroad. First overseas trip in 4 years!


Upon my evening arrival in London, I took the tube into central London to Euston Station near the YHA St. Pancras where I was staying for 2 nights. The hostel was great, clean and comfortable and included hot British breakfast every day (or contenniental).


The hostel was centrally located and it was very easy to get around London by tube. On Saturday, I went to the South Bank to visit the Tate Modern. There was an incredible slide exhibit in the main hall. Amazing how museums in major cities have free admission. After, I grabbed a baguette from EAT! and sat outside a pub and people watched. Checked out the Southwark Catherdral, the old Clink Prison, Shakespeare's Globe, and then walked west along the South Bank along the Thames River.

 

Saw a man building a sea serpent sand castle on the beach. I also walked past the OXO Tower, the London Eye, and the Victoria and Albert Museum featuring a Salvador Dali exhibit (I regret not going in to see it--silly me) to Westminster Bridge.

I walked over Westminster Bridge to Parliament, past Westminster Abbey, St. James Park, Admiral Arch, Trafalgar Square, Canadian High Commission, Picadilly Circus
and Leicester Square.



I walked 10 hours my first day in London. I continued on to Soho (I love this area of London) and stopped at Hamburger Union for dinner. Orgranic, grain-fed and hormone-free burgers (Homer drool...).

It was the start of the St. Patrick's Day celebration weekend. Lots of drunken folks wearing big foamy green Guiness hats. I walked along Oxford Street to Tottenham Underground and caught a train back to Euston Station. Lots of policemen everywhere. I grabbed some take-away from the Marks & Spencer in Euston. My feet and legs were throbbing, but I was estatic to be back in the big city.


On Sunday, I started my day with a traditional English Breakfast: eggs, back bacon, sausage, baked beans in tomato sauce and toast. Woo! I was instantly a fan of the hot Brit breakie. I went over to Camden Market for shopping. I remember two great stores in The Stables: Black Rose and Cyberdog. I wanted to shop longer, but I had a limited amount of time (only 2 days in London). I stopped off at the hostel for a break and to refuel with M&S take-away: fruit yogurt smoothie, fruit salad (mango, kiwi, blueberries, pommegranate), and caramel chocolate bar.



I checked out the train time for tomorrow at the Virgin train booth. I tubed over to Nottinghill to check out the Portobello Markets. I had some trouble finding it (as most streets are windy and difficult) when all of a sudden it started hailing.



Decided to skip the market and go over to Oxford Street. Saw the funky window displays at Selfridges. To my dismay, the surrealism exhibit featuring Salvador Dali was not opening for another week. Still regretting not seeing the exibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Went to Marks & Spencer because I was told by a friend that it was the place to get lunch in the basement. I had a great toasted ham and cheese sandwich with a tea.

 

Walked back through Soho; many bars were having happy hour from 4 to 7 pm. Tried my luck at getting theatre tickets at the Original Half Price Ticket Booth at Leicester Square. Unfortuately, the booth did not sell tickets for Sunday evening shows. Damn shame because I really wanted to see Monty Python's Spamalot with Tim Curry.

I went over to Covent Garden. The markets were on and there were St. Paddy's Day celebrations. After walking 8 hours, my feet and legs were really killing me. I longed for a shower and some scram (food). My camera had died and my cell phone (mobile) was dying. I got some take-away at M&S at Euston (I love this place): grilled salmon, watercress, potatoes, beans and broccoli.



 

Chilled, read and wrote postcards back at the YHA hostel. Finally got a decent night's sleep after being up for 3 days.

Listening to: The Beatles - Hello Goodbye

 

Yuk Yuk's and Car Crash on Highway 1

Went to Yuk Yuk's again on Saturday with my old neighbour and her cousin and their boyfriends. I was the fifth wheel, but had a fantastic time.

We saw Erica Sigurdson with Patrick Maliha & Dan Quinn. All the comedians were hilarious and kept the jokes coming that were dirty, funny and downright non-stop laughable.

On Sunday, I went out to suburbia hell to visit my brother for a laundry date. After exhausting laundromat possibilities, we ended just doing laundry at his building. We took a break at Winner's and bought some cheap stuff we needed. The Abbotsford Winner's is gigantic.

Went over to our cousin's for a visit and I helped Kelly put together a Mario Lemieux puzzle. I miss puzzles; I used to do them all the time with my mum. We had Subway for dinner and then left. Short and sweet.

With all the slow process of getting back to Vancouver (my brother on the phone, the puzzle, dropping my brother off at his home, stopping for drinks at the gas station), we were understatedly stunned when we saw a car flipped over and the roof completely caved and perpendicular on the highway exit we were to take to get back to Vancouver.

We pulled over next to three other cars on the side road. I remembered to just breathe. Kelly remarked it was a good thing we kept side-tracking... we could have been involved in the car accident. We could not even fathom how the car ended up upside down and perpendicular.

We had seen one emergency vehicle pass by us at the gas station. On scene, the firemen were trying to give oxygen to the people trapped in the vehicle, but I imagined them to be somewhat ravaged.

Karma... Or someone was looking out for us that night.

Listening to: Ozzy Osbourne - Time After Time

 

Ceili's Irish Pub, Aquarius Party, Casino Royale

Last weekend was another great and busy weekend. I started off on Friday going to the new Ceili's Irish Pub on Smithe Street. Upstairs is a good place to get settled. The DJ plays a variety of mixed 70s and 80s music with a bit of pop. There is a dance floor area too. Great vibe, casual scene, and lots of fun.

On Saturday, I went to the Aquarius Party at the Waldorf. Aside from dancing and drinks, there was a variety show with magician Megaseth, comedy by Watermelon, a fashion show, a dance performance, and a fire show by Demanda and Katia of Radiant Heat.

Overall, a great night. I really loved it when the DJ in the West End room mixed in Outfield's "Your Love" and the crowd stopped to sing along:

Josie's on a vacation far away
Come around and talk it over
So many things that I'd like to say
You know I like my girls a little bit older

I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight

 

On Sunday, I went to Amanda and Geoff's for pancake breakfast. I helped her son with his math homework. Then we all went for a walk over to The Drive. We had hopped to catch the street hockey tournament, but we missed it.

So, we stopped at Sweet Cherubim for some cookies. We parted ways and I went to meet a friend for brunch. The sushi place he wanted to go to on Kingsway and Broadway was closed, so we went to Bon's on Nanaimo and Broadway. Good old grilled cheese. Yum!

Then we went over to Deep Cove for a walk. We almost opted for Cates Park. I always used to go there as a kid and look for jelly fish on the beach. We walked around the Deep Cove Park and took in the sights.

In the evening, we went to Silver City at Riverport and saw Casino Royale. Daniel Craig is incredible as James Bond. Pulls it off without class and ease. Lots of great action, less product placement and techie gadgets. I was truly satisfied. However, my friend pointed out the play-by-play during the card game was annoying and I concurred.

Relaxed a bit watching Mythbusters and a Bill Cosby interview on the tele. I had to stay up to pick my brother at the airport at 11:30 pm. Brutal and it was way past my bed time. But you do these things for your siblings.

Listening to: Outfield - Your Love

 

Light Water Drums and MoFaux's Birthday

Truly fabulous weekend. It is so lovely to be reborn into a social butterfly again.

On Friday, Lianne, Marna and I went to O'Doul's Restaurant and Bar for Dine Out Vancouver. My first time at O'Doul's and I was completely in awe with the ambience and nautical decor. Nicol our server was patient, gracious and accommodating. Every course was excellent: lobster bisque, sabelfish, and peach and berry crumble. Extraordinary compared to last week's choice Blue Water Cafe (disappointing to say the least).



Saturday, Omid and Kelly picked me up for brunch and we headed over to Main and Broadway for some delicious diner food at Slickety Jim's. I had already eaten so I opted for a fruit plate. But their benny breakfasts looked and smelled devine. I will definitely go back for breakie after I move apartments.

In the afternoon, I went to MoFaux's because we were fire techin' for Radiant Heat's show at Light Water Drums. While she got ready, I walked Sienna, the dog. She was lovely to walk except when we neared the park. I was shocked to learn she was a pitbull. I have always been afraid of pitbulls, but she has completely won me over.

We met up for fire practice at the PNE near the lake. The stage was like a skating rink with frost. We had to put down a bag of sand before the show. I watched a practice dry run and teched a practice lit run. We went into the Hastings Community Centre for some warm beverages and snacks.



 

I also teched the smaller group by the stone steps. But the finale was fantastic. Fire waltzing, fire fingers, fire fans, fire breathing and fire poi. Radiant Heat performed their best show to date.

Afterwards, MoFaux and I went back to her place to freshen up and change. Then we walked Sienna, grabbed some sushi from Clubhouse on 6th Avenue (before Cambie). We finally made it back to Amanda's for the after-party and MoFaux's birthday. The cake was delicious with yellow and red flames on the edges.

DJ Mars kicked it way up with amazing psychedelic trance. I love psych trance and I never really hear it in Vancouver. It reminds me of party days gone-by in San Francisco in the 90s. Georgie tagteam djed with great progressive house and breaks.

I danced a bit, munched sushi and socialized. The party was intimate and chill, just what I needed. Unfortuately, I had to leave at 1:30 am because I thought I was doing the family thing tomorrow. However, they later cancelled at the last minute and I acutally could have stayed out even later.



Sunday, was a slow start after being woken up by an early phone call. But it turned out quickly to be a lazy Sunday, which are my favourite. I was kind of groggy from going to be late and getting up early. I hate that disoriented feeling of I think I need to get stuff done with what am I suppose to be doing right now?

Gia came to visit me a bit in the afternoon. It was great to see her. I managed a few social calls throughout the day here and there. Amanda and Geoff phoned me late afternoon asking me to go for brunch. The idea of microwaving tofu wieners with sliced white cheddar did not sound appealing, so I opted to join them. Hey, I am moving Saturday and have refrained from buying groceries, so I have meal limitations.

They took me to Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe on Cambie Street. I was surprised to see so many closed shops and restaurants on Cambie Street due to the rapid transit construction. My first de dutch pannekoek and it was delicious! I got the one with ham, gouda and tomato. Wow, filling and delicious. I get what all the fuss is about now.

Sunday kind of flew by eventhough I did not do much. Watched the Simpsons and Family Guy. Read a book of Margaret Atwood short stories before bed. I have decided not to renew cable when I move. I pay $60 per month for it and there is never anything on it. I think I need to disconnect from tvland for awhile again. My extra $$$ on rent needs to be recouped somehow. I figure I can always rent movies and tv shows from the video store.

Listening to: Michelle Branch - Breathe

 

Left My Heart in San Francisco

I went down to San Francisco to spend 7 days through New Year's. I love San Fran. I have not been there in about three or four years. I find San Fran to be the most European city in the United States. It is about four times the size of Vancouver. The city has great culture, nightlife, shopping, and people.

I went to visit friends, whom I have not seen for over a year. I got to see live Blues at the Boom Boom Room, went to Japantown and bought a cast-iron teapot with blue dragonflies on it, stayed at the W Hotel next to the SFMOMA, shopped at and around Union Square, ate delicious dim sum at Yank Singh, and saw the Woman and Child from Burning Man 2005 at Pier 14.



I ate at Nara Sushi, Hobson's, Flipper's, Crepevine, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Sadly, Haight Street has turned into another Yuppie Mecca. I also walked in Golden Gate Park and around Stow Lake.

Spent New Year's with a wonderful group of people. We started the evening eating cheese and chocolate fondue. My first time and it was delicious! We continued the celebration by toasting champagne at a couple's condo in the Castro at midnight. I left the festivities early to sleep (yeah, well it was 1:30 am), while the others continued on with two other after-hours parties.

Overall, a wonderful and memorable year-end--one of the best I have had in a long time.

Listening to: Andain - Beautiful Things

 

Fa, La, La, La, La

Well, I am not a huge Christmasy-type person. I have most of my shopping and wrapping done, except for pictures developed from Future Shop. When I went there on Thursday to grab them, the guy forgot to give me a pack. So, I have to go back and get them. What a waste of time. One of my hard drives failed in my computer, so a technican came on Thursday after work to fix it. My Shaw digital movie channels have been on the fritz for 2 weeks. I waited for 2 hours for the technican to come on Friday, but he never showed.
So much for catching up on movies while school's out.

I went to Granville Island last night for Winter Solstice. It was so beautiful down there, lights done up, lantern procession and art structures. I volunteered to do fire tech safety for Radiant Heat. A group of four talented performers did a fire performance on top of the hill on the east side of the island.

On Thursday, I went to Doolin's Irish Pub with Lianne and two of her Ozzie friends. We had a few drinks and hung out. I was so exhausted, I ended up going home for a good night's sleep. Missed out on them going to Republic. I have been eager to check out this new bar on Granville Street because I hear it plays a fair amount of retro music.

 

The weekend prior, I went to Omid's family annual Iranian buffet. It was delightful and delicious as always. I got to catch up with people I had not seen in a very long time. Unfortuately, the power went out, but all of the food had already been prepared. The family had a generator and the power was restored. The storms this winter have really hit a lot of people hard.

I hope the power stays on Monday for Christmas dinner. I will be cooking turkey dinner with all the trimmings for my father and brother. We are hoping to see my niece, but we are not guaranteed to have her. I still have to grocery shop for Christmas dinner. I do not want to go when it is too busy. Earlier or later? I am yearning to go see a movie. There are so many movies out I want to see and I have not seen a movie in the theatre since August.

 

SantaCon Vancouver was awesome this year. We started out on Commercial Drive. The people on The Drive were very receptive, honking and accepting tonkens of our Christmas cheer. We stopped at a pub before 1st Avenue and then walked up to Toby's Pub and Grill. Santa dipped and smooched me. A Santa from Christmas past came up to me. It was my old boyfriend from Grade 10. That was bizarre as the old and new worlds collided.



 

Poor Santa was kicked out of Metrotown Centre because the security thought Santa was protesting consumerism and Santa was going to rampage. Santa just wanted to spread Christmas cheer by giving out candy canes, gingerbread men, and misfit toys. We had dinner and drinks at the Station Square Pub.

 

I have officially joined Happy Bats Cinema. I have been eargerly yearning to join this video store for almost a year. It has a great selection of films and tv shows. My virgin rentals are: The Entourage, Freaks & Geeks, The 70's Show, and Robot Chicken.

Happy Holidays everyone! See you in the New Year!

 

A la weekend

Last weekend, I went to Amanda and Geoff's for a potluck dinner. It was wonderful with a great mix of people. We also played Greed with secret Santa presents. We drew playing cards and a dealer went through another deck of cards elminating or calling rules on the fly with the second deck. We went through various: pick a present, switch presents, rearrange presents and do something to this person for their present. It was a total blast! I got a nice bag with Harajuku love phrases all over it. Some people got neat things, other people got quirky items like straws.

I also went out to visit my cousin and brother. My cousin's cat Fluffy was having breathing problems due to a chest infection. She has lost so much weight from being ill and she is already diabetic. I went with my cousins to pick up Fluffy from the vet. I hung out with Holly and Gabby (three-legged black cat) in the waiting room. Fluffy was woozy from the medication. We got her back home and she was still out of it, but realized she was finally home with her family. Eventually, she jumped on the sofa and curled up on me and took a nap. She has never jumped up to cuddle or be near me.

 

My calculus final exam is this Tuesday. I have finally come to terms with it all and stopped stressing over it. We did a practice final exam from last term and it was very difficult. We were all kind of anxious after it. But the end is near and freedom is around the corner! I am looking forward to watching movies, reading, cleaning, watching tv shows on DVDs, and overall having a social life again (at least for two weeks).

 

Last week, my work took us to dinner at Beyond for our Christmas Party. I had a delicious steak and chocolate-fudgy cake for dessert. There were door prizes, a manicure at Absolute Spa, dinner at O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar, and a suite at the Pacific Palisades Hotel.

The grand prize was a trip for two round-trip to Whistler on the Rocky Mountaineer Whistler train. I had no idea there was a grand-prize trip. Well, we had to play heads or tails to win it. Basically, each round you put your hands on your head or butt. We went two rounds, and I was the last contender with a co-worker's boyfriend. I was so nervous! Well, I won the trip! I was flabbergasted to say the least.



So, my plan is to go up in summer for my birthday and hopefully get some folks up there to rent a condo with a hot tub for some summer birthday fun.

 

So many parties and festivities were happening this weekend, and I had to study (*pouty face*). Donna and Jenn's martini party (dang! another great party they are hosting that I could not attend!), martini and brunch today, and ice skating this afternoon (I went to the last one). Oh, the dedication and discipline I practice for my school courses.

Last night, I did go to Katia's birthday party. It was a pleasure to celebrate her birthday with her and her friends. We did arts and crafts of oven clay and painting. There was also some drumming and guitar. Shawn made a delicious vegan chocolate cake (when I am rolling in dough, I will hire Shawn as my personal chef/caterer). Katia gave me a beautiful Yin Yang pendant. Silly me, I forgot her present at home! I will have to give it to her when she returns from her trip to South America.

Listening to: Coldplay - Don't Panic

 

Winter Wonderland

So, I officially have the day off due to snow of 20 to 40 cm from a period of constant snow fall from Saturday evening until Monday morning. I was getting ready for work and had a thought of, maybe I should phone first. Sure enough, no one was at work. Thank goodness I did not bus out and try to go all by my lonesome self!

 

Anyhows, on Sunday I went for cocoa with Leanne to Bean Around the World on Cornwall yesterday afternoon. We sat and talked for a bit which was nice. The snow is so peaceful and tranquil. Unfortuately, most Vancouverites cannot drive in it, especially without experience or snow tires. Warnings say stay off the roads!

I met up with Danielle for dinner and we went to the Cactus Club on Robson Street for dinner. I had my usual Jack Daniels burger (Homer drool...) with fries. I had not had fries in a few months and they were tasty! I have been craving a Vera's Burger Shack barbecue burger, but J.D. will have to do.

We went back to her suite at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel and watched the Simpsons, Family Guy and War at Home. All good bets. Her bed was so comfy, I did not want to leave! But with no PJs and it is always good to wake up in your own bed. I wonder if her flight will be able to leave Vancouver.

 

On the previous weekend last Saturday, Michael, Lola and a few other good samaritans of the newly formed Free Hugs Vancouver collective went down to Robson Street in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery to proudly initiate the very first Free Hugs Campaign. It was originally created by this guy (video on YouTube) who started the idea. He was shut down by security on a shopping promenade, but he started a petition to get it going again with over 30,000 signatures.

So, now there is Free Hugs movements all over the world.

The Free Hugs Vancouver went for about 4 hours. It started out slow. People were skeptical. Many responded with, "What's the catch or gimick?" and "What company do you work for?" or "What product are you giving away?" Eventually, people caught on, including a woman who gave a hug from her father on the other side of the world (it was his birthday). Another guy said he had a terrible week and could really use a hug. I am going to try and go to the next one, which will be at Granville Island.

More adults need to hug more often in the world--with friends or even strangers. People hug so much when they are young, as adults we are obsessed with this 2 feet of personal space and do-not-enter my boundary area. I am lucky to have a circle of friends who hug upon meeting and parting.

 

Whistler and Sunday Dinner

Wooo... still cresting from the awesome weekend. I have awesome friends. I am so lucky to have such a great circle of people of diverse interests, education and quality of life. People I consider family.

A group of us went up to Whistler this weekend to rent a 4 bedroom, 3 level condo in the Upper Village for Amanda's birthday. I met a great group of wonderful new people. We had dinner at Tapley's Pub Friday evening. We went into the men's washroom because we were told there was female porn over the urnial. There was, but there was no male porn in the women's bathroom. We complained, but the boys said they created the shrine and that the women staff need to create one for the men. Then went to Buffalo Bill's to shake shake our booties. I could not believe the circling predator sharks there. The ambiance and music were great. But the young bucks and old men that suddenly appear in your face, grinding you with their cheesy pick up lines are unbelievable. Once guy said to me, "Are you old enough to be in here?" They were so aggressive and would not take a simple and polite, "No." for an answer.

Saturday, we made brunch and hung out around the fireplace. We went into the village and walked around. We had lunch and drinks at Citta's Bistro in the Village. Luckily, Citta's had hot man sexy pics in the women's washroom. Not as much nudity though--still very good. I was sad to discover that my favourite clothing store Willy's was gone forever. I guess the rent was too much to bear. A clothing store like that would do well in East Vancouver.

In the evening, we cooked potluck. Amanda made a delicious apple and coconut crumble dessert. A few more friends dropped in to join us. We played Backgammon, Jenga, and Uno. Marvelous! We did plenty of soaking in the hot tub throughout the weekend.

On Sunday, we went for brunch at Function Junction at a simple cafe next to Lordco. Drove back to Vancouver and I was home by early afternoon. I was relaxed and stress-free, completely back on top of my game and ready to take on the world (or at least calculus).

 

Sunday evening, a another group of us went over to a friend's on the North Shore for dinner. Lianne cooked up a feast of roast chicken and veggies, vegetable casserole, scalloped potatoes. We brought wine, appetizers and apple caramel dessert. Three days of glorious gluttony. We finished off the evening with dancing in the living room.

Listening to: Madonna - Sorry

 

You Are My Sunshine

Well, I officially miss the sun and warm weather. Mind you, I am adapted to the gray and rain. Calculus is difficult. I did not realize how stressed I have been for the past month and a half until I barely made it through this week. School, work, and trying to find a new place to live is one gigantic barrel of monkeys.

Last weekend, I had a blast going ice skating with a group of people at Kerrisdale rink. I felt like we were Peanuts skating around and around. Even the music was retro--80s music and The Beatles that probably played on casette tapes that had not been changed in 20 years. Afterwards, a few of us went to Chill Winston in Gastown for a round of drinks. Not a bad place, but the menu was not very enticing. However, I heard it is great for weekend brunch.

Tonight should be good though. A group of us are heading down to Doolin's for their Four Year Annivsary Party. I could really blow off some stem and laugh with a good group of people. I just have to make it to the weekend for our getaway for a friend's birthday. Are we there yet?

Listening to: The Beatles - Hey Jude

 

Bah-Humbug!

Well, last year the Christmas crap was in the stores the day after Halloween. That I can handle. But this year, it was up and ready to roll early October. I was flabbergasted to say the least.

I was at the mall yesterday, puttering around looking for boots when I stopped dead, perked my head up and thought, "Is that a Christmas tune?". I checked my date log, yep, today is November 10th. Hmm... I asked the staff about the Christmas songs and she replied that many customers were complaining about it.

Nothing like the corporations and shopping chains to get the Christmas consumerism ball rolling early--Buy More Stuff!

Listening to: Matthew Good - 21st Century

 

Here Comes the Rain Again

Blah, I hate canker sores. I use to get them years ago when I was in a stressful relationship. I do not think I have been stressed as of late, other than the make-up calculus mid-term. That means another mid-term and final exam to go!

Well, there is the part about trying to find a new place to live. Slim pickins' in Kitsilano and everything is either very expensive for a one-bedroom or No Pets. What's a girl to do? You read in the media about poor folks being evicted on Xmas because building owners want to renovate and charge sky high rents. You just never think it is going to happen to you. Not too mention, people who put down a measley down payment and expect a renter to pay the mortgage at $1,000 per bedroom.

On a side note, I started mingling in the dating scene again. It has been so long, I have to really analyze siutations to figure out whether or not I am being flirted with. "Is that a line?" and "Are you hitting on me?". Amongst other things, my Gaydar is completely off. I cannot tell if a guy is Metro or Gay these days.

Last weekend, a group of us went Cosmic Bowling. It was such a blast! I had not been for a few years. I used to go often before my body was ravaged by a few car accidents. The muscle tension and knots hold me back (no pun intended). Yoga will help though, I should drop into a class this weekend. Hopefully, by spring I will be able to be more active.

Tis' the season of rain and gray in Vancouver. Oh wait, there's wind today too. Today is my stat holiday for the long weekend. Everyone else is getting Monday off. Kind of wierd, but it was set by the head office in Toronto at the beginning of the year. I just have to make it through the next month of math homework and tests, work, and then there is Christmas fun! *Santa, Santa, Santa... Presents, Presents!

Listening to: Eurythimcs - Here Comes the Rain Again

 

A la weekend

On Saturday, I offered my fire tech safety skills for Radiant Heat for their two performances at the the Parade of Lost Souls at Granview Park. The show consisted of scafolding risers with poi spinners, stilters, fire breathers, hoopers, staffers, sword fights, and a headless horseman. The shows were fantastic!

Afterwards, we hung out at Todd and Fyrespryte's place to chill and relax. It had been a long day. They have a beautiful view of downtown Vancouver from their balcony. Then we all went over to Amanda and Geoff's spooky Halloween party. Their living room was decorated eerily with cobwebs, ghosts, limbs, and tombstones. We chilled for a bit before I headed home. I did not end up making the rounds to other house parties.

 

On Sunday, I met up with Fasty, Gia, and their friend Wanda for Indian buffet at Saffron in Burnaby. The food was delicious and not too spicy. A great deal for $10 bucks. We went back to Fasty & Gia's and watched their wedding video. It was so wonderful to see it because I was not there with them at the first wedding. We hung out and looked at pictures for a bit. Then we went to look at a two bedroom for sale near Central Park. It is amazing how much condos go for in the Greater Vancouver Area. Gia's sister just purchased a three bedroom, three bathroom townhouse near Cambridge for under $200k. Yeah, yeah you cannot compare the markets and prices, but one has to wonder how one will ever be able to afford a one bedroom condo in Vancouver with the prices escalating (highest prices in Canada).

In the evening, we chilled and watched American History X. This film had been on my rental list for years. I can see why so many film critics and fans say this movie is one of the best contemporary movies ever made. Not too mention Edward Norton looks great and lusty as a bad-ass testosterone alpha male skinhead.

 

Bill Maher

Oct 16, 2006 - nyc

bill maher might have his shortcomings, but his epistles are always really good.
-moby

Oct. 13, 2006 | If you think the worst thing Congress doesn't
protect young people from is Mark Foley, wake up and smell the
burning planet. The ice caps are cracking, the coral reefs are
bleaching, and we're losing two species an hour. The birds have
bird flu, the cows have mad cow, and our poisoned groundwater has
turned spinach into a side dish of mass destruction. Our schools
are shooting galleries, our beaches are cancer wards, and under
George W. Bush -- for the first time in 45 years -- our country's
infant mortality rate actually went up.

Read the labels on your food. It turns out the healthiest thing
you can put in your body is Mark Foley's penis. He was probably
the first fruit those pages ever came into contact with that
wasn't drenched in pesticide.

But that's America for you -- a red herring culture, always
scared of the wrong things. The fact is, there are a lot of
creepy middle-aged men out there lusting for your kids. They work
for MTV, the pharmaceutical industry, McDonald's, Marlboro and K
Street. And recently, there's been a rash of strangers making
their way onto school campuses and targeting our children for
death. They're called military recruiters.

More young Americans were crippled in Iraq last month than in any
month in the past three years. And the scandal is that Mark Foley
wants to show them a good time before they go? When will our
closeted gay congressmen learn? Our boys aren't for pleasure.
They're for cannon fodder. They shouldn't be another notch on
your bedpost. They should be a comma in Bush's war. If I hear a
zipper, it had better be on a body bag.

Why aren't Democrats and the media hammering away every day about
who we're supposed to be fighting for over there and what the
plan is. Yes, Mark Foley was wrong to ask teenagers how long
their penises were -- but at least someone on Capitol Hill was
asking questions. We're the predators. Because we have an entire
economy built on asking young people what they want, making the
cheapest, sleaziest form of it they'll accept, and selling it to
them until they choke on it and die.

You know who's grabbing your kids at too young an age? Merck,
Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, by convincing you they're depressed,
hyperactive or suffering from attention-deficit disorder and so
they must all get medicated. The drug dealers hooking your kids
aren't in South America, they're in the halls of Congress handing
out campaign donations to your congressmen. Mark Foley says he
never slept with those kids, and I believe him, because American
children are so hopped up on pills I doubt any of them could get
it up.

From 1995 to 2002, the number of children prescribed
antipsychotic drugs increased by over 400 percent. Either our
children are going insane -- which we might look on as a problem
-- or, more likely, we have, for profit, created a nation of
little junkies. So stop already with the righteous moral
indignation about predators -- this whole country is trying to
get inside your kid's pants because that's where he keeps the
money Daddy gave him to stay out of his hair.

I don't care if Mark Foley had been asking boys to describe their
penises because I have some sad news for you: Your kid is so
larded out on Cheetos and Yoo-hoo, he can't even see his penis.
We live in a country where the ultimate consumer is an obese 16-
year-old hooked up at one end to a Big Gulp and at the other to a
PlayStation. So many of our kids today are fat drug addicts, it's
almost as if Rush Limbaugh had had puppies.

In conclusion, we can pretend that the biggest threat to "our
children" is some creep on the Internet, or we can admit it's Mom
and Dad. When your son can't find France on a map, or touch his
toes with his hands, or understand that the ads on TV are lying
-- including the one in which the Marine turns into Lancelot --
then the person fucking him is you.

-- By Bill Maher

From: Moby.com

 

Eviction On the Horizon?

Less than a month ago, our low-rise building in Kitsilano was sold. A neighbour informed me the other day that the new owner let it slip that he is planning on renovating the building to charge higher rents. He can evict us with 2 months notice. I checked online at the Rental Tenancy Office and I think this is true. I would hope it would be 6 months (better vacancy options in April because of the students finishing), but it looks like the tenancy law in this area is weak.

I have lived in this building for 6 years and love the location and building itself. I half expected the rents to increase with the new owner, but I never expected I may be out on my ass in Christmas. I read all the time in the local newspapers how landlords are evicting people to renovate in order to charge higher rents because of the economic boom. Nonetheless, you never expect it will happen to you and you may be homeless. I hope I can find something in time. I think the earliest we will be out is February 2007, but one never knows.

Listening to: Barenaked Ladies - If I Had A $1,000,000

 

Annual Brupper, Pumpkin Carving and Work Less Party

The month has been good so far with the odd low points relating to calculus homework. On Friday, I went to Leanne's birthday party at the Yaletown Brew Company. After waiting for almost an hour for our reservation, we sat down. Almost everyone had thin-crust pizza. It was interesting being surrounded by people with Masters degrees in Psychology. It was also great meeting new people who I could engage in good conversation with other than the regular ho-hum topics.

Afterwards, we went over to dance and drink at the pub next door to the restaurant. This Samuel Jackson-type charming middle-aged man came over and tried to buy us drinks. I politely declined. He was with two other gentlemen from New York. He was taking them out for a night on the town and hoping to "get laid". Overall, a fun night.

On Saturday, my brother came into town with my cousin. We hung out with our cousins at the BC Lions street fair at Robson and Beatty Streets. After, we went to Bazaar Novelty to check out the Halloween costumes and decorations. For dinner, we went for Japanese at Clubhouse. It was great to see him and catch up. While our cousins went to the BC Lions football game, we went down to Trout Lake to watch people spin fire. The fog was heavy and we half expected zombies to come out of the trees chanting brains.

On Sunday, Leanne had her annual Brupper Day (brunch + supper). She cooked up a slab of pancakes. People brought various toppings including oreos, jelly bellys, strawberries, apples, bananas, whipped topping, jams and syrups. Surprisingly, every pancake was declicious (must have been made with *love*). I enjoyed the banana and cinnamon.

 

The previous weekend, I went to Katia's pumpkin carving party. Met some wonderful new folks and we sat on the folded out futon and chatted. The pumpkins turned out great.

On the Saturday, we went to the Work Less Party. Had a blast, lots of great costumes and a variety of fabulous entertainment including bands UFOMP, Carnival Band and Freeflow, belly dancing by Dance Bellys, body painted performance art, and the B:C:Clettes.

Now, if I can only get the momentum to work on my Safari Guide costume for next Saturday's Parade of Lost Souls. I will be providing fire tech safety for the fire show featuring Radiant Heat.

Listening to: K-Os - Love Song

 

Cambridge, Ontario and Fasty & Gia's Wedding

I went to Cambridge, Ontario for Fasty & Gia's wedding on Thanksgiving weekend.

It was such a pleasure to attend the wedding and meet both of their families. I learned a lot about Portuguese culture and family spirit. There was plenty of feasting and festivities. I was officially adopted by Gia's father into his family.

The day of the wedding, Gia's sister rented a Rolls Royce limo and we rode around in it while we had our hair and makeup done. Fall is so beautiful in Ontario. The trees were brushed with reds, oranges, and yellows.

I was nervous about speaking at the wedding (first wedding speech ever). But it went over very well and I received compliments. Not only did I make Gia cry, but her father as well. I kept it all together during the ceremony and speeches, but I completely lost all composure during their first dance to Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes.

Being at the wedding and staying with Gia's family really encouraged me to find someone to spend the rest of my life with and build a relationship that is based on a foundation of committment, respect, loyalty, and communication.

All the couples on both sides near my age range never fought and you could feel the connection of love, support, and happiness between each. Lots of little ones too. I got to spend some memorable and fun moments with Fasty's niece.

Listening to: Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance

 

Tourism Vancouver Open House

After work, I went down to Tourism Vancouver for their annual Open House. The place was jammed packed with folks from hotels, restaurants, landmarks and various affiliates including our company. I put a few faces to names and got to sample tasty bites from Red Door Pan Asian Grill, Bridge House from Capilano Suspenion Bridge, and Canadian Maple Delights. I sampled another place that had delicious pumpkin cheesecake, but cannot remember the name of the establishment.

The wine and beer were flowing from Vintropolis, Doolin's Irish Pub, Steamworks Brewing Co., and other fine places. Unfortunately, I had to go home and pack for tomorrow's flight to Cambridge, Ontario for Fasty & Gia's wedding.

I very exhausted. Work is crazy and school is going full speed. I have one midterm out of three done. I am looking forward to the long weekend. I also get to spend Thanksgiving with Gia's family. I heard her mom is a very good cook. It is not often I get home cooking!

Tomorrow will be a very long day. I have corporate HR training downtown at a hotel, then work, night school, and then take a cab to the airport for my flight. Hopefully, I can sleep on the plane.

Have a great long weekend everyone. Thanks to Poiboy for cat sitting.

Listening to: Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes