A la weekend

Whew, weekend went by quick, but I am so at ease because I quit my job on Friday. I have been there just shy of two years, but it was time to let go and move on. Also, passing through another cold. Nothing like the flu last month, or these sinus infections going around.

On Friday, I went to the VanCity Theatre downtown to see Daft Punk's Electroma. A fantastic artistic film about two robots attempting to become human. The film has long sequences with no dialogue. I found it interesting and intense. I think watching clips online would take away the impact of this film as a whole. I wish Daft Punk were touring in Vancouver.

On Saturday, I went for brunch and our first Burn BC board meeting. Long, but we managed to cover almost every agenda topic. A good start to a new beginning. I went over to A&G's after to play Cranium. First time ever and I am hooked! Cranium is awesome! I think it would be even better with more pairs of competitors.

We went over to Commercial Drive to get some take away. We saw an intriguing window display at Mintage. There were two mannequins in bed and a photographer taking their photo. A's son and I immediately thought of Hair Peace with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. A's son told me that Yoko is almost ready to forgive the assassin of John. We continued on by discussing the US presidential race and voting in Canada. That kid really wows me sometimes. He's so far along at his age.

After chowing down on Red Burrito and Belgian Fries, we watched I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Halfway through, B&D came over and I went to chat them up in another room. I missed the last half of the movie, but I heard it was quite predictable. We were all too knackered for another round of Cranium. Never did make it to the Work Less Party's Enchanted Forest.

Sunday, I slept in very late (which helped my health and lack of sleep all week). Went out to Surrey to visit with my niece. I have not seen her in a month and a half. We did the belated Xmas thing. I also took her to the mall so she could play at the indoor playground. It's such a test to take a child through the mall and do the tug-of-war of let her look at stuff and move her along. Finished the evening watching her play a N64 tank game and helping my dad surf real estate on the Internet. Even got some doggy action with Max.

Listening to: Dave Matthews Band - Too Much

 

So, you get off on torturing animals?

A cat is back with its owner after getting shot in the face. The vet bill is at least $11,000. The cat had to have it's jaw rewired and eats through a tube. I can understand the owner's love for the cat. A pet is sometimes an extension to the family, like a child. I remember paying $1,000 for Bear to have a broken canine removed after he was hit by a car crossing Cornwall Avenue years ago. Luckily, he had no internal injuries, but he could not get himself home. He lay between parked cars meowing until someone found him and took him to a 24-hour vet hospital. I eventually got him back from the SPCA. I was so mortified when he did not come home for 2 days. He's all happy-go-lucky now; he is missing a tooth.

There is also the story about the guy in the West End who repeatedly beat his puppy with a hammer because it bit a friend. The puppy was probably teething. The puppy's injuries were so severe, it had to be put down. The SPCA is calling for charges. But animal protection laws are so weak and laughable that probably nothing will happen. Why doesn't the SPCA lobby for stricter laws and fines? Puppy millers usually get a slap on the wrist. I remember reading about a puppy mill where dogs lived outside in chicken wire cages in the snow with frozen water and maggot-infested food.

Top Culture Moments of 2007

CBC's web site has an article listing their favourite top pop culture moments of 2007. The moments that I personally enjoyed were: Daft Punk Live, return of the Coen Brothers, HBO tv show Tell Me You Love Me, My Humps by Alanis Morrisette, and Ellen Page in Juno.

I just watched the pilot episode of Cashmere Mafia. I love it! I really like Frances O'Connor's character. Hmm... successful and powerful women in New York balancing the work-family-play triangle. I wonder how it will compete against Lipstick Jungle.

 

Love this video Here It Goes Again by OK Go.




My laundry beckons.

Listening to: Hanson - Go

 

Camrose, Alberta teens microwave cat for fun

It is amazing what teenagers will dream up as ideal fun when they are bored.

Link: Cat torture case elicits calls for vengeance

*sigh*

Happy New Year

Yep, another year has gone by. I have to admit it, 2007 was one of the best years I have had in awhile. Why? I participated in local and regional BM events more, I hung out with old friends, I camped a lot, I went to England, I started dating again, and I got to hang out with my niece. There was also a lot of that maturing, growing and soul-searching hub-bub. But really, I am grinning, and it is from ear-to-ear.

I had to work new year's, but alas it's how I pay the rent. I grabbed Delilah and we met up with about 20 or so friends at a Skytrain Station for the 2nd Annual NYE Skytrain Party. There was even a live brass and percussion band. We decorated the train, danced, and drank. The Skytrain staff laughed hysterically and took photos when we rode by. We did a loop on the Millennium line. Most riders who got on our train were estatic and started dancing along with us.

After the train party, we went to Amanda and Geoff's for a lively and energetic karaoke party. They, as always, host with the most. We continued on to a loft party near Main Street where the mood was more demure. Both parties had impromptu fire performance jams. Rang in the new year well amongst great friends and free of paying a cash grab for entrance to a lame-ass bar or club. Could have continued on to another party, but decided to call it a night at 3 am.

I finally figured out why my Langara College registration time was so late from the start these past semesters. Apparently, the college did not process my transcript from first year. I learned this after receiving an error while trying to apply for second year courses. I did not fill out a Credit Transfer Application. Shesh, no wonder my GPA was ZERO. I did get into one course: Intro to Cultural Anthropology. Jesse always said I should take this course. Let's see if he's right.

Listening to: Timbaland feat. One Republic - Apologize

 

Feast Navidad

I finished up my turkey dinner leftovers on Saturday. BT makes really good potato crack. On Xmas Day, I cooked a 20 pound turkey with stuff, gravy and cranberry sauce. It took 7 hours to cook, not including preparation time, but it turned out delicious. My 4th or 5th turkey to-date. I could be a domestic diva yet.

On Friday, a group of us went to Shabusen downtown for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and sushi. I tend to not be a huge fan of AYCA because one tends to gorge on low-grade food. But I love social gatherings and I got to meet a friend of a friend from Thailand. After, we went for Japanese crepes at the Japanese grocery on Robson street. We also went to Mondo Gelato a few doors down. I had no room for dessert.

On Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of going to Kino Cafe on Camie and 18th Streets. The food is dull and the service is atrocious, but the live Flamenco dancing and Spanish singing is extraordinary. I think if you only go to Kino Cafe for drinks or Sangria and to see the live show, it would be the perfect combination. The place calls itself a Spanish tapas restaurant, but there are really no tapas on the menu.

We went for Sunday brunch at the Best Western Inn in Coquitlam. For about $22, you can have a brunch buffet with seafood. I thought for the price, the food was good. The service was mediocre at best. Bit of a drive from Vancouver though. I really wanted to try the brunch at the Hilton Metrotown, but it was $29 and you had to make a reservation.

I have uploaded GEoff's Vancouver SantaCon photos to my flickr account.

Listening to: The Bravery Believe

 

Santa, Come Out, Come Out...

Santa, where ever you are...



Listening to: Depeche Mode - Policy of Truth

 

Victoria SantaCon

Victoria is such a beautiful, quaint city. I have not been there for about four years. I went over this past weekend with some friends to participate in Victoria SantaCon.

What an amazing cacophony event. We started at Big Bad John's Bar, went to a string of bars, picked up a Santa flying in at Harbour Air, sang carols, played Twister, Soprano's for karaoke, and Monty's for strippers.



We also tried to go to the Fairmont Empress lounge for a drink, but it could not accommodate our large group of 80 Santas. Lucky's Bar and Hush were also not having Christmas Cheer. Hugo's was a fun stop, but they did not have enough staff to keep Santa merry. Swan was fantastic though with a great live band.

The Jellyfish was very pretentious-pathetic basement chic. Overpriced drinks in a stark, plain white basement room. I think the staff and patrons were terrified of us. But Santa just wanted to drink and be merry.

Santa's Little Elf - Candy Cane (Rendition of Cocaine by Bob Dylan)

 

Santa Loves Victoria

Well, I am off tonight to Victoria for SantaCon. I have never been to Victoria's SantaCon before and I am very excited to partifipate. I have heard great things about it.

I am going over with Fasty, Gia & BT. I love taking the ferry. It brings back fond memories travelling with my family as a kid. It is such a journey. I haven't been to Victoria in years.

I am trying to figure out how I can fit in the Royal BC Museum. I am disappointed I missed the museum's Titanic Exhibit. It ended in October.

Vancouver's SantaCon is next week. So excited! I actually feel festive this year and am going to put up my family's old fake tree. I haven't seen that out of the box since 2001.

Kate Nash - Shit Song

 

Gray Goes Well With Red

8:30 pm: I am ready to go to bed. But it's too early. The sun is long gone from here. I read a few short stories from Margaret Atwood's Good Bones.

Attempted to sleep, but still restless. I go through periods of non-sleep to exhausted sleep. She says I am too eager. Is she right? Does she know me better than I know myself?

It is amazing how so many drifts in the storm can make you so strong-willed. It's good to know which clothes to arm yourself with and what equipment to take on the path with you each day. It ensures your survival.

The snowman reminds us not to throw our discarded Starbucks cups on the ground.

The Rolling Stones - Let It Loose

 

Cirque de Sag - Friday, November 30th

Our second event of the year since creating Burn BC in September 2007. The main three goals of this founded organization is to coordinate a Cascadia Burn, an industrial arts centre, and a fire guild.

Listening to: Donna Summer - I Feel Love

 

Is It the Weekend? Really?

Wow, where did the year go? It really flew by. It is such a cliche to say that when you were younger, time moved so slowly. I am glad I am making the most out of my seasons. Thank dogness for no homework! That will hopefully change next season. Maybe some other aspects of my life will change too! (Definitely working on them.)

Last weekend, I went to Seattle, Washington to attend the annual Burning Man Seattle Seacompression event. It was held at a military barracks on Lake Union. Over 1,466 people attended. The theme was unicorns and rainbows. The community put on an amazing and successful event. I had a wonderful time and it really brought back the essence, art, and music of the playa.

Here are TW's photos.

The event and the Seattle community give me inspiration and encouragement for our local community in Vancouver. During these past few months before the end of the year, two other sub-culture groups have decided to start-up projects and fundraising organizations. Our main community has also decided to create a legal entity, which is long overdue, but a necessary next step.


Yesterday, I went to the new H&M store in Coquitlam Centre. I love H&M from London and New York. We are truly blessed to have such a cool clothing chain at low prices Yes, I am advocating a corporate chain that most likely uses sweat shops. I should actually do some research to see how evil they may be.

Last night, we celebrated Amanda's birthday with a Scorpio Party. Mark Brennan DJed and was amazing. Great food spread and an awesome group of people. One of the best parties I have seen come together at her place. It was a Tops and Tails theme. I made delicious Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Squares.

I can't stop listening to this electro-house trax. I am so silly. There is just something about a rhythmic dance mix with sexy vocals that makes me want to move.

Listening to: Freeform Five - No More Conversations (Mylo Remix)

 

Weird Al's Canadian Idiot

I'm am so proud EH!



 

Sky Train Party, Parade of Lost Souls

On Friday, I went to the Sky Train Party that was looping from Clark Station to Main Street. The party filled up three train cars and had a live DJ on the first car. The attending police were very cool and laughed a lot.

There was an outdoor party afterwards with free jello shots. The Master was my favourite costume.

Then we went to the Anza club for a drink and live music. I had never been there before. It is like an old cottage or coach house on Ontario and 8th Avenue. Our last stop was Gigi's for baked pasta on Broadway between Cambie and Main Streets.


On Saturday, a friend I went to Commercial Drive for the Parade of Lost Souls. We started our evening at Stella's. I had a delicious raspberry vodka cocktail called a Blind Date. We shared tasty tapas including calamari, hummus and ahi tuna. We had a great view of the costumed revelers on the street.



Some of my favourite costumes were this orange demon, Lego Man, Beaker, Princess and Mario, the Fortune Teller, and a bartender with his own bar. Wish I saw the Queen of Narnia, Facebook and A-Team, and Robot Kitty.

Watched the second show by Radiant Heat at Mosaic Park off of Charles and McLeans streets.

Listening to: The Shins - New Slang (Garden State Soundtrack)

 

Mark Tewksbury Is a Great Movtivational Speaker

I had an opportunity to hear Mark Tewksbury speak at the annual Vancouver Tourism Awards. The event took place at the Sheraton Wall Centre. Beautiful hotel and a successful event. Wished I worked in the front-line of the tourism industry because the door prizes were amazing. Trips, nights at hotel, tours, dinners, and the three grand prizes were packages to Whistler, Seattle, and Banff and Calgary.

Mark Tewksbury is an Olympic bronze, silver, and gold swimmer from Calgary. He talked about 5 steps to visualize, plan and achieve your goals. I guess they are summarized from his new book. He is a good public speaker and very inspiring and motivational. I left the gala on an elated high.


I am trying to figure out the weekend. There is the Parade of Lost Souls of course. I really want to go to that unless it is pouring rain. Maybe mix in a few chores, some social mixing, and a movie and coffee or two and we might have a weekend.

I am so dismayed that my Calculus II course I need to take to finish my first year is being offered in the middle of the day. The college used to offer one of the courses in the evening. Don't they realize some of us have to work during the day? That college is so poorly managed, it is unbelievable.

I also have to go down to South Vancouver to update my address at another college. Useless. I would rather do it online or over the phone.

Listening to: Paula Cole - I Don't Wanna Wait

 

Autumn Has Arrived

I am trying to remember the past month and a half, and I cannot recollect what I has transgressed. I know there has been plenty of movie nights, potlucks and movie viewing. On Thanksgiving weekend, I got to hang with my niece for two days and one night. That was awesome as usual. We went to Mill Lake Road Park, the Vedder River for salmon fishing, and she read to me before bed time. We also walked the dog Max.

I also volunteered at the After Burn to fundraise for the Burn BC project(s). That was a long, but exciting evening. The first party at the Waldorf was an incredible success and exceeding our expectations. There were DJs, performance artists, live bands, stilters, and a fire show.



 

This past weekend, I went to the Work Less Party Masquerade. It was a blast! A great mix of good energy, people in great costumes, performance art, body painting competition, and live music. My only dismay results from the fact that the two crowd favourite competitors, Fatman and Spiderman who were both outstanding crowd favourites, did not win any of the four categories for body art and talent. Some great costumes were Princess & Mario, Ghosbuster, Brokeback Mountain, and a gorgeous Silver Hooper Goddess.

I also went to Shebeen Whiskey behind the Irish Heather on Friday for a friend of a friend's birthday. What a grand place to celebrate. It feels like you are at a little bar in the old world (19th century Coach House). Met a few folks who worked with people from my past. The place is a bit tricky to find, but cozy once you get there.

Listening to: Jim Sturgess - I've Just Seen a Face (Across the Universe Soundtrack)

 

Burning Man As Burning Does

I just woke up from a 3 hour nap after work and I am eating a grilled turkey and swiss sandwich. I had chocolate earlier and a pecan cinnamon muffin. I also had Memphis Blues ribs with friends on Commercial Drive for dinner last night. Ahh, the things you crave in the desert.

Been back from Burning Man for two days now. The population total this year was 47,700 people. I really felt the tourist yahoo factor on the last weekend. Garbage everywhere (especially by the dance camps on 2:00). Lots of creepy guys, people not participating, and bikes not lit up at night. There was a suicide and an arsonist burned the Man on Monday during the lunar eclipse.



I had a great burn. I camped with Kamp GFY near 3:30 and Desert. We got many thanks for not playing trance all weekend from many folks including DPW and the Rangers. Theme camps and citizens came by to gift us with ice cream bars, freezies, snow cones, and entertainment. Our agent missions were a blast.

We built a bike ramp on the street and heckled passer-byers. Visited many friends and danced most nights until 4 am.

My second home was the Lost Bar at 2:00 and Landfill. I participated in Free Hugs.



Some of my favourite art pieces were the Crude Awakening, two oil tanker trucks, Treehouse, this synchronized light piece, and the Temple.

Oh, there was this crazy gorilla and snake eating apple merry-go-round that created a motion picture when it was peddled (better in the evening). Went to Cereal Thrillers a few times for my journey down children's memory lane. Saw a camp that built a waterslide, took a kayaking lesson with James, and went to Costco Soulmate Trading Post to find my Soulmate.

Impressive dance camps this year. Of course there was Opulent Temple with mega-superstar DJs and fire cannons. But there was a gigantic dome with excellent breaks called Eschon Village. Moon Base was fantastic too with drum & bass and lasers you could see across the city. I also went to a beautiful wedding at the trash fence during the lunar eclipse.



There were two white-out dust storms two days in a row. The weather was generally warm with warm nights. Long drive home. Wished I stayed overnight in Reno or Oregon to break it up. We were rear-ended by a woman from Fort McMurray in the exit line out (exodus). The temple burn was magnificent.

 

On Tuesday, I went to the Vancouver Art Gallery with a friend to see the Monet to Dali exhibit from the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is probably the best exhibit to date at the VAG. Paintings from Impressionist, Post-Impressionists and Expressionists. The art is absolutely breathtaking.

There is also an exibit by Andrea Zittel titled Critical Space. She is an artist from California and her exhibit showcases works and textiles influenced by mainstream culture, psychology, technology, and consumerism. I really loved the Escape Vehicles, floating islands, modular living spaces, capsule living unit, and dresses.



 

Last night, I went over to a friend's to sew fun-fur boot covers. They look so cute! Eskimo kiss anyone?

Working on last minute preparations, scavenging and shopping for my trip to Burning Man. I am on track with only a few more things to get (parasol, cd zip case, groceries...). I am starting to feel the butterflies and jitters. I can't wait to be on the road. I started writing down events, parties and invites in my little black book.

I think I am going to volunteer at Costco! So excited. That afternoon, there is a Catholic skool party. Hmm... the possiiblities! Can you tell I am giddy like a skool girl?

Listening to: Stereo MCs - Step It Up

 

Still Radiating From the Weekend

My long weekend in Seattle was a blast. We stayed with friends in South Park and kept singing our "theme". Arrived very late on Friday, chatted with our hostess for a bit, and then crashed.

On Saturday, our hostess made us waffles, eggs and bacon. Delicious. I love their dog. She's wonderful. Very friendly and obedient. She can close the door after she goes outside all by herself.

Since everyone was going roller skating and then to a wedding later, I opted to meet up with a friend. He and his loved one were hosting a get-together in West Seattle for a friend that was passing through town. We stopped off at the Utilikilt store. The store was out of basic black kilts in my size. My friend insisted I try on a new style that was blue corduroy. I was resistant at first, but then, oh my, it was a perfect fit! Felt comfortable and not heavy or hot like I anticipated. I got one and ordered the black one. My friend tried on a red corduroy one. He looked so *hawt*. He took it too.

We went back to his place. Some friends came over and we worked on our camp banner for Burning Man. Then we played cards. I was so ecstatic. No one I know plays cards anymore. When I was young, we could not sit at the grown-ups table unless we played cards. They taught me a game called Presidents and Assholes. It was a lot of fun, except when you are an Asshole. My President's rule was pass your worst card to the left and your best card to the right.

After, a bunch of folks came over to hang out. I met lots of new people, including Mom and Dad. Mom was very loving, but she reminded me how important it is to buy your mom a Mother's Day present every year. I took a nap for a bit and started laughing when I heard Diem's voice.

I got up and people had come over post-wedding. Fasty & Gia came by to pick me up and take me to another house party. I wore my new kilt. Woo! It was great to see the bride and groom. I gave them my congratulations. They both looked lovely. I saw a few pictures from the wedding. The location was a beautiful garden and the reception was under outdoor tents. I heard the food was amazing and there was even belly dancing.

On Sunday, we went to the PAD for brunch. Fasty & I cooked brunch. I had a blast. The PAD is wonderful and has a huge back yard. One wonders how one will ever afford that kind of palace in Vancouver.

We went to the Fremont Market after and ran into Johay and Merry. We checked out the market and went for drinks on a patio. Worst waitress ever (well, almost). We went back to visit Jelly and Queen of the Harpies. We bought them snacks and treats. We watched the end of Who's That Girl. That was a riot! Madonna during her Marilyn Monroe phase.

We did a bit of shopping to kill some time because we weren't quite right for dinner. We opted to go to a great Mexican restaurant in South Park, but it had just closed when we arrived. Tsk Sunday hours. We grabbed some take-away from the deli of a grocery store along the I-5 and headed north at around 9 pm. The border line-up was killer. I got in at about 1 am.

The holiday Monday was nice and relaxing. The weather was still stunning. We met up with Diem, K8 and BT to watch The Simpsons movie. It really is awesome! It holds its own as a movie. I laughed all the way through. Fantastic! We gave BT some silly birthday presents.

After, I went to Fasty & Gia's to hang out and play Super Nintendo. We chilled all afternoon. I was so low-key; it was great. I went for great Japanese food near Metrotown at Tomoya off Nelson and Kingsway. I had a wonderful Burnaby roll and 2 pieces of hamachi sushi. Yum.

Best weekend I have had in a long time. I did not even have to go camping!

Listening to: Pink Floyd - Learning To Fly

 

Summer Feels Good

Yesterday was fun. Not the work part, but the post-work part. Some coworkers and I met up after work and we went to the new Hapa Izakaya in Kitsilano. Yummy Japanese tapas and drinks. Ahi tuna, sashimi salad, chicken wings and Korean rice along with raspberry vodka ice-tea (I am going to try it replicate it). Not difficult for four people to spend $80 and still be hungry and sober.

We kicked it up a notch with Bellinis at Browns Social House. Much better with spinach and artichoke dip and yam fries. The drinks and yam fries were divine. I think we have to keep up traditions for Tuesday Bellini night. I think I will be back there on Friday for dinner before heading south to Seattle.

We finished off the warm evening by watching the Celebration of Light with China's fireworks display at Kitsilano Beach.

 

After work today, I went to MEC to get a head lamp for camping and some turtle LED lights. I have been wanting a head lamp for years and it really helps see in a dark tent at night.

At home, I managed to cool off by drinking Breyers vanilla frozen yogurt and Baileys in a Simpsons slurpee cup.

Currently, I am painting my toes Suzy Loves Sydney by and Bogota Blackberry OPI. Got to have pretty toes for holey soles and my new Utilikilt.


Listening to: Alex Gaudino - Destination Calabria