Sunday, October 26, 2008

Thriller and Parade of Lost Souls

On Saturday morning, SFU students participated in the charity event, Thrill the World, a global attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver.

In the evening, I went over to Demanda and GEoff's for a pre-Parade of Lost Souls party. We feasted on scary Flesh and Blood Sandwiches (turkey and bell pepper), Tombstones (rice krispie treats), and Rotting Fingernails (toasted pumpkin seeds). The house was decorated like a Haunted House. I dressed up as Alice In Wonderland. Riff Raff lent me a stuffed bunny.

We headed to Commercial Drive for the Parade of Lost Souls. Surprisingly, most people did not dress up, or maybe dressed as tourists. Sadly, a lot of people littered on the ground. Demanda and I scolded a Super Mario for throwing his beer bottle on the park grass.

Some of the best costumes I saw: an aerobics class, Hello Kitty Stormtrooper, Marionettes, and various Public Dreams performers. Great fire show at Grandview Park by the CinderBellas and Radiant Heat.

Listening to: Monster Mash

 

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

I am a Social and Economic Liberal

I could have told you that.


You are a

Social Liberal
(78% permissive)

and an...

Economic Liberal
(26% permissive)

You are best described as a:

Strong Democrat




Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid.com: Free Online Dating
Also : The OkCupid Dating Persona Test


Take the Politics Test

Friday, October 10, 2008

Bad Girls

Well, I have been a bad girl. Not literally, at the moment, but when I receive gift certificates I forget to use them. Ones for The Bay, Capers, Jacob, A&B Sound, Pacific Centre, Blue Water, and Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Train. Most people would rush right out and spend the paper/card-for-cash immediately, but me, hey, I put it away safe for a rainy day and find it two years later. Whoops!

Another hectic week at work, my first mid-term, and a nutter-disengage after two dates. If it's not for the half-life crisis mid-thirties men, it's the younger insecure and needy momma boys looking for codependency. Mr. T, I miss your companionship dearly.



Nothing a apple martini, chicken and veggie stir-fry and some Sex and The City episodes won't cure. I am completely hooked on this British show Secret Diary of A Call Girl.

Trying to figure out how to mix-meld the weekend. A bit of errands, a bit of fun, some homework, some chores, and some retail therapy? Demanda asked me to be her plus one for fun to the spa for her birthday next month. I cannot wait to be pampered from head to toe at Spa Utopia.

Listening To: Donna Summer - Bad Girls

 

Sunday, October 05, 2008

A La Weekend

The weekend was a blast. I went to a fun hipster party on Friday that had a great group of people, DJs, live PA, and grilled tasty meats in a beautiful loft in Gastown. Met a bunch of new cool people, danced, and got to hang with some great Victoria people. Happy 4th Anniversary P6!


We (me + Victoria peeps) continued our twenty-four hour extravaganza with brunch at Locus. Best apple-cinnamon pancakes ever. I love their apple-raspberry juice. I ran my guests back to the ferry terminal just as it started to get stormy. Stormy days are best spent in bed cuddling with a lovely warm body. But a girl cannot have everything she desires. Well, maybe. I am currently taking applications.

Tried to nap, but really what was the point. I can push through on 5 hours sleep. I went back down to Gastown for Erin's stagette party. She has a funky loft in Gastown. We started out by Blue-in' Up in blue accessories, ribbons and pom-poms.

We nibbled and drank, and then headed to Salt. This restaurant serves amazing pinic-portion tapas. You can pick your wine, spirits or beer, and server will help you choose a tasting platter or meats, cheeses, and condiments. The beef tenderloin, farmhouse brie and ash camembert, and an Australian shiraz were a perfect compliment. With slices of French bread, you can nibble away and wow your taste buds at every bite.

Slightly tipsy in a short skirt and big black boots, we refreshed back at the loft and then headed to Lotus. We danced the evening away with a blue cheer here and there.

I meant to go to Donna's birthday party around midnight, but I just could not muster the stamina. I was yawning and beat from a craptastic week. I will have to make it up to her BIG TIME. I wasn't sure how late her party would be going on until. I am pathetic. IOU a good time out on the town!


I am attempting to study for my mid-term on Tuesday. Unfortunately, procrastinating is winning. It does not help that I am stressed by all the crazy people falling apart around me. How did I not get that Memo?

Listening to: Seal - Crazy

 

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

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

 

Saturday, September 27, 2008

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



 

Saturday, September 20, 2008

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

Saturday, September 06, 2008

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

 

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Monday, August 18, 2008

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

 

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

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

 

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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

 

Friday, July 25, 2008

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?

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

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.

 

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

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

 

Monday, July 14, 2008

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

 

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

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

 

Sunday, July 06, 2008

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

 

Friday, July 04, 2008

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.