A La Weekend

The weekend was fantastic. I did not do enough homework as I liked or should have, but the weather was spectacular! Do not get me wrong, I love fall. The leaves changing colour the briskness in the air. I long to go to Whistler or Tofino.

On Saturday, I met up with some friends at the Cat's Meow at Granville Island. We had some bites and drinks on the patio before seeing the Dream Science Circus at the Waterfront Theatre. The group of talented performance artists are based out of Bellingham, Washington and this was their first show in Vancouver. I cheered and clapped in awe throughout all the performances. The interaction with the audience was amazing!




After, we lounged at the Arts Club on overstuffed leather sofas over rounds of tasty beverages. I got to catch up with friends, some of whom I had not seen in quite some time.


On Sunday, I went to the Clothing Swap at the Granview Legion. The sun was bursting through the sky and I felt a tough too warm in jeans. I only managed to find two items and I dropped off a medium sized bag of donations. Abel managed to find clothing to fill two medium bags. What a great community event.

We replenished our energy at Me & Julio. I had the amazing halibut and mango salsa tacos with drinks on the patio. The Executive Chef mentioned slyly that she still receives slack from devotees for dropping the brunch menu. Tsk.

We walked up and down The Drive and stopped for gelato. I love apple gelato. Yum, nice top to a beautiful day.

I am now addicted to Zoo Tycoon. Why can't I make the chimpanzees and clouded leopards happy? Apparently, guests did not like my first zoo. *grumble*

Listening to: Paul Simon - Me and Julio

 

Current Faves

Whitesnake - Here I Go Again




Def Leppard - Hysteria




The Cars - Drive




Yes - Owner Of A Lonely Heart




Simple Minds - Don't You Forgot About Me




New Order - True Faith




Petshop Boys - Being Boring



 

Favourite Music

Currently, I am listening to:

Daft Punk's Harder Better Faster Stronger (Deadmau5 Edit)




David Guetta's Love Is Gone




Starkillers's Discoteka




Global Deejay's Sound of San Francisco




Bravery's Believe




New Order's Age of Consent

Missing the Dust

My seventh Burn was awesome. I finally found my family on the playa at Costco. By mid-week there was 40 of us. Lots of work, little disposable time, but it was great fun getting to know everyone. Working for the corporation brought many new experiences and I loved working the store, especially interviewing customers.



My favourite memories include a great playa date on Friday and a beautiful kiss on top of Babylon at midnight, processing my application for the Department of Dreamland Security, having tea with The Hank at the Bombay Tea Co., joining a Khaki party near Opulent Temple, dancing at a great art bus party near Tetris, and watching the sunrise post-Burn with a new friend. The Temple Burn was fantastic and we escaped the dust storm in the Inca Roads art bus.

After a few break downs, salvaging parts in Reno, the Inca Roads art bus was a huge success. I got to work security on the bus on Friday evening. Loved chilling in the private space viewing my Laser Star Pod projector with a cuddle puddle of good friends.

On Wednesday, we went on the Costco Catholic School Girl Ride (on the Space Bus) and crashed a wedding reception at the Ashram Hotel. We also got to bud the line up the Man and dominated the second floor. A Costco employee got to spank Larry Harvey with a GFY paddle and another employee told him off.

I also had the pleasure of attending Kyle & Crafty's Wedding on Wednesday. Three songs were performed: Ring of Fire, Take On Me, and a beautiful song about walking hand-in-hand in the desert. Kyle and Crafty's vows were beautiful and made me cry. It was such a lovely wedding. The chilled cake was delicious too!

Saw some amazing art installtions, but not as many as usual. That was difficult for me, to not be able to view lots of art installations or visit with people. But new experiences and change is good. Karma was very good to me this year.

The weather was some of the worst I had seen in years. The temperatures hovered around 30C, but there were two full-day white out dust storms on Monday and Saturday. It basically consisted of wearing goggles and dust masks and sitting on the couches and watching the world go by. My summer-mesh tent barely held up throughout the storms.

I am really considering Ranger training for next year. I have done a few volunteer shifts for local Regional events. It's a huge commitment and responsibility. I am encouraged to take that step. I think it is time for me.

I did not take one photograph this year. Nonetheless, Espressbuzz, Hot Brenda, and Gambo took great photos.

My caravan stayed at the Peppermill in Reno post-Burn. What a lovely experience. You could stay in a 70's drug lord or Roman Goddess room, both with insuite jacuzzi tubs. The pool, hot tubs, buffet, Fireside Lounge, and burners were a great, relaxing experience.

Listening to: Sheena Easton - Morning Train

 

Funny Sign

Got a chuckle out of this sign:




 

Are We There Yet?

Well, life has been hectic preparing for my 7th trip to Burning Man in less than 2 weeks. One would think I could just roll up into it with ease and knowledge of a veteran. But, it's a lot of work packing, finding a bike, decorating the bike, finding a carpool, figuring out when you leave/return, and whether to book that retro-neon room in Reno.




I spent my second weekend in Seattle working on the Inca Roads art bus. It looks fantastic. We painted the inside and exterior, and stained some doors. My laser star projector showed up, as did some interesting costumes. I cannot wait to be heading on the road with M&C. We are due to arrive Saturday. I will help setup Costco SoulMate Trading Post. This year the camp with have a fridge and barbecue. First time I will be camping with a major theme camp and participating in a meal plan. I am going to cook carnivore and vegetarian Thai yellow curry.


These past few weeks, I went to dinner with Demanda to The Reef on the drive for dinner. I had a delish fish entree with a Majita (raspberry rum mojito). I longed to be laying in a hammock holding a slushee drink watching the playa go by.

I also went to Flying Tiger with a friend I had not seen in years. We split tasty Asian tapas and I had a delicious Tiger Tail martini (pear vodka, apple, sparking cider, honey and cinnamon). I also am starting to catch up with an even older friend. It is nice to have him back in my life. I have missed him dearly. I am almost tempted to kidnap him and take him to the Burn.


Langara finally gave me my registration date of late June in August. Luckily, I managed to register for a business course that is a prerequisite for Managerial Accounting.


Other than that, been crazy busy preparing for the road trip and squeezing in as much social stuff as I can.

I bought a snazzy new Creative Nomad Zen. I cannot wait to load her up and try her out!

Listening to: Global Deejays - The Sound of San Francisco

 

Inca Roads and Pretty Toes

On the weekend, I went to Seattle to meet Jay and help Mom & Dad with their Inca Roads art bus. Dad has done an amazing job, with the help of Captain Conundrum, renovating the bus to transform it into a sci-fi art bus. Truly glorious! He added a platform roof accessible by a skylight and ladder with railings. Inside, all the seats have been removed, the floor rebuilt, and a platform bed added to the back. The inside will be lined with beautiful saree curtains. Railings will be added to the top with a soundsystem.



We had great fusion sushi at Umi in Belltown. I also went to the Flight To Mars Prompeii party. Fantastic decoration, costumes, and beats.

The next day, we had delicious sandwiches from De Laurenti a deli at the front of Pike Market. Best turkey and havarti sandwich on a ciabatta ever! Wow, every bite was tasty. Then, we helped clean up and organize the bus thus far. Then, we had great Mexican food at Guaymas Cantina south of Pike Market. The restaurant had amazing spinach salad. We hung out, viewed the sunset, and watched Serenity.

 

I went with Delilah to Jo's Toes on Burrard & 6th to get pretty pink and blue butterfly toes with little white flowers. Jo is a talented toe artist. It was a tough decision on choosing which pattern to paint. I was eying up the orange with toadstools. There were even great Santa themes.



 

Listening to: Frank Zappa - Inca Roads

 

Honeymoon Anyone?

Sprig has posted its Top 10 Eco-Honeymoons recommendations. Aside from dreaming of a week in Bora, Bora, Costa Rica, or Kenya, I have no worthy suitors.

When driving across the border to fly to Vegas from Bellingham, the female border guard asked if Demanda and I were married. I replied, "To each other?". She was attempting to subtly ask if we were marrying Americans to seek citizenship. I scoffed at her implying question and jovially stated, "What? I love being single!".

It takes quite a man to get me to do a double-take.

Listening to: Sarah McLachlan - Sweet Surrender

 

Fireworks Litterbugs

The aftermath of the fireworks at English Bay was a sea of trash. I do not know why people cannot pick up their disposable garbage and dispose of it in the trash bins on almost every block. How lazy can you be?

So Lucky

I am so lucky to have grown up always surrounded by nature on holidays, summer vacations, and weekends. Most summers were spent up at our grandfather's cabin (he built) on Crystal Lake in the Cariboo Interior. My father's sisters and their children (our cousins) would stay at the cabin in summer. We got to swim, canoe, fish, hike, play games and cards every day.




Ever since I was a toddler, my father always took us to parks on weekends and camping several times a year. I love being outdoors. It is so calming and beautiful. British Columbia is my backyard. I guess that is why I have such a strong desire to preserve and protect the outdoors. Why I am always conscience of my ecological footprint on the planet.

 

Sunshiney Day

Well, I have seemed to lost my Dragon sunglasses (second pair *sigh*), my fleece jacket, my credit card, and my car keys. Talk about a bout of bad zen. What did I do to my karma?

To recover from my huge lack luster shopping in Vegas, I decided to purchase some cyberlox hair pieces from Amalthea's Attic. I have friends who have made beautiful and sexy hair pieces that tie around pig-n-pony tails. But I am lazy and that requires artistic skill. So, I bought a custom-made pieces of blue and green cyberlox. The pieces even glow under ultraviolet light. I thinking about having custom metallic silver and blue pieces made.

I also bought Switchrings to give away at Burning Man. It's official, I am attending my 7th Burn. I was invited to camp with a great group and theme camp, (drum roll please): CostCo - The Soulmate Trading Post. I participated last year and met my Soulmate. He was a wonderful person and cute ta-boot.



I am also eyeing this bamboo t-shirt that says Seek Balance and is sweat-shop free. Pricey, but good for the mind, body, soul and conscience.


Since I get multiple tickets for parking in permit-holder only sections of my neighbourhood, I finally dragged my arse down to City Hall to purchase a permit for Kitsilano. What do you know, it was cheaper for a annual permit than one ticket ($45). Shucks.

Listening to: Matchbox Twenty - Time After Time

 

Viva Las Vegas

Returned from Las Vegas late last night. Still recovering from sleep debt today. Overall, it was an amazing time. Katia and Shawn's wedding ceremony at Lake Las Vegas was beautiful. Dina sang two Hawaiian chants and Amy and Nikki sang a song and played guitar and flute.



The weekend consisted of shopping, dancing, strippers, buffet, some sleep and Penthouse parties. One of the best moments was walking the strip at dawn. I definitely regretted it to some degree after only sleeping two and a half hours before check out. Wished I stayed another night. It is so difficult to pack in as much as possible into one little weekend. The temperature was about 40C with humidity and there was even a thunder and lightning storm on Friday evening.

I had not been to Sin City for over 7 years. It has changed a lot since I was there. Lots of new lights, hotels, shopping, and restaurants. I was so perplexed to see so many families with young children. Lots of young 20-somethings going full-fledged Spring Break style. I even got a few, "Show me your tits!".

Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Leaving Las Vegas

 

Balloon animals from trash bags

Street artist Joshua Allen Harris started with a polar bear made of out recycled plastic bags. He installed it over a New York street air vent and it created an Internet sensation. He has also built a giraffe, lockness monster, and mythical creatures.



I love temporary urban art.

Listening to: The Knack - My Sharona

 

10,000th Shoplifter Gets Parade

What do you do when your shop is a constant target for shoplifters? Why celebrate by giving the 10,000th shoplifter roses, cake and a marching band!

The The Consumerist is easily my new favourite information-based web site.


I bought some reuseable picnic items from Ikea to use at potlucks, picnics and camping. I had camping stuffs, but they are made from metal. I purchase a plate, bowl, cutlery and cups. I even broke them in last night at Belva's 5th Birthday Party! We celebrated her big day with games, a water balloon fight, Twister (you're welcome!), dancing and tubbing. Happy Birthday Belva!!!


My cold is down to a dry cough. Because of the heat, I have coughing fits. Bah! At least it will be gone before Vegas! The countdown begins. I am a perfectionist at cramming in as much as possible into weekend trips to Sin City. My date's mom asked her if I was a lesbian. Well, I prefer the term "kissing cousins". Now my only decision is what to wear to the wedding?

Listening to: Matthew Good - Anti-Pop

 

Ontario dog owner throws best friend off overpass

A Niagara Falls dog owner threw his/her dog over an overpass. What kind of sick, sadistic person would do something like that? Luckily, the dog managed to limp away with a fat lip and a chipped incisor, only to collapse and be rescued by a woman driving by who saw the dark object fall from the overpass overhead.

 

Just Because

Last week, I placed a Boylan's Vanilla Soda in the freezer to chill before drinking after purchasing it. Well, I forgot about it and it froze and expanded in the freezer. I had never seen the result of it before. It was kind of cool in a science experiment kind of way.


A really cool guy sent me a Haiku:

Alas my dead dog
Trusty friend for all these years
At least I won't starve


I bought two new rugs at Ikea the other day. The cats love them (like the futon Fasty & Gia gave me). I swear cats think you purchase stuff for them. I wanted to purchase a new entertainment unit, but I could not figure out what parts to choose to replicate the final result.


I thought of a great triple-feature 80s night. The movies would be Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and The Breakfast Club. Popcorn anyone?


So, a dear friend of mine came to visit me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. When I asked why he was giving them to me, he said to thank me for a favour I did for him months ago. I was gobsmacked. I helped me because he asked for help. But the gesture was lovely.

We went for a walk at Kits Beach and stumbled upon a picnic with a great people beside Bitchez's car. We sat with them for a bit, laughing, people watching and graciously accept their offerings of delicious salad, sushi and cherries.

We continued on to Swiss Chalet for roast chicken dinner and Caramel Fudge Cheesecake.

Listening to: Simple Minds - Don't You Forget About Me

 

Happy Canada Day

Happy Canada Day everyone! Yes, I am one day late, but I have a cold even though it's 20-ish Celsius out. Last weekend, I went camping in the hills near Mount Baker with BT and Harley. Beautiful area, views of Mount Baker, and nothing but songbirds singing. It was about 28C. I picked up two and a half bags of trash. Litterbugs sux!

Had dinner Sunday evening at the great North Fork Brewery on Mt. Baker Highway. Best pizza I have had in a very long time. I had a delicious Mediterranean pie with home-made rootbeer. Yee haa! Definitely comfort food after being in the woods two days.


Trying to figure out my weekend. So many social invitations and activities to choose from. Off work sick today. Lovely to have a hoarse throat and cough in the middle of summer. But what's a girl to do but go get a slurpee and get things done?


One and a half weeks to VEGAS. How I long for the glam and glitz of Vegas. One of my favourite, trashy, excessive American cities.



Here are some White Trash Party photos.

Listening to: Starkillers - Discoteka

 

Help For Little Victims

From VancouverSun:

Dogs injured in the earthquake that killed 70,000 people in China on May 12 are getting a second chance at life, thanks to a private shelter run by Chen Yunlian in Sichuan province. Many of the dogs taken in by the shelter were found dragging crushed hind legs through the rubble-clogged streets of Sichuan province.


They were the lucky few -- stray and abandoned dogs were mostly shot by police and soldiers in the wake of the quake for fear they would spread disease. One of the about 100 dogs rescued by Chen from devastated cities including Beichuan, Wenchuan, Qingchuan and Dujiangyan takes a rest as it learns to walk in a home-made walker. One of the eight staff members at the shelter trained dogs over the weekend to use their walkers. Chen, 60, has been rescuing stray dogs for a decade and now has about 900 dogs and 100 cats in the shelter just outside Chengdu, the provincial capital.

Dog ownership has grown more popular as Chinese become wealthier, but few people have the emotional attachment to pets that is common in the West. Indeed, dogs are still often seen as a source of meat for the family stew pot, especially in some rural areas.

 

Truly inspirational.

 

I Love You

You people are amazing! Thank you for showering my life with joy and positivity.




There isn't one day that goes by that I take your friendship for granted.

XoxoX

 

J'aime Au Chocolate

I love chocolate and chocolate loves me! Nothing beats coming home after a long, stressful day at work to find a bar of Endangered Species chocolate in the fridge. I love the Rhino Dark Chocolate Toffee and the Tiger Dark Chocolate Espresso bars. Proceeds go to protecting endangered species in their natural habitat and the bars are organic. Once you taste good, dark chocolate, you never go back!




Love Catherine Ledner's animal print series of animals with wallpaper.




Really feel a strong desire to paint my apartment. I even picked out colours for the living room, kitchen, bathroom and hallway. But my body is so ragged from my muscular-skeletal soft-tissue problems. I think I am going to commission my father to create a framed chalk board for the kitchen wall. Better yet, I should pay him to paint my apartment. Hmm... now there's a thought.

Listening to: INXS - Pretty Vegas