Showing posts with label Daily Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Life. Show all posts
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Glee!
I just finished watching the pilot episode of Glee.
It's amazing. There is no way I should be this excited about a television show, but it's like a Broadway production, summer movie, and great TV all rolled into one.
Seriously, after one episode I would buy the series on DVD.
I just wanted to share that.
Because it's awesome. And every Wednesday night from now until Spring, you know where to find me.
Now, on to more important things.
It's amazing. There is no way I should be this excited about a television show, but it's like a Broadway production, summer movie, and great TV all rolled into one.
Seriously, after one episode I would buy the series on DVD.
I just wanted to share that.
Because it's awesome. And every Wednesday night from now until Spring, you know where to find me.
Now, on to more important things.
Faded
The overhead sun was brightwashing out the color
of a normally vibrant
riverbank.
I was liquefying
amazed at the heat
of this September
afternoon.
You Look Like A...
Roommate (observing my green shirt and brown pants): You kind of look like a bean sprout. But in a good way.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Everywhere You Look
I've started to carry my camera with me all the time. This causes me to slow down, to look around, and really see the city around me. Here's what I saw today.
From the park bench where I sat, reading, during the noon hour.
On my way back to work.
Walking to the bike shop after work.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
A Saturday in Pictures
Sunset, downtown
Under the Broadway Bridge
Flowers, down by Prairie Fare at River Landing
Strawberries fresh from the garden
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I've Had Better Ideas
Yesterday was supposed to be a lake day. My roommate took the day off and we made plans to head up to the usual spot to spend the day lounging on the beach and floating on the water.
But it was not to be.
The forecast called for thundershowers at the lake, but beautiful sunny skies here at home, so we decided to stay put.
Thoughts of a laid back lake day lingered. How could we make this day in the city more like a lake day?
I know! Let's buy a kiddie pool for the "backyard" (shared common space behind the condo). Perfect. Then I can lounge in the water with all the comforts of home just a few feet away.
Fast forward - kiddie pool bought and inflated and ready to be filled.
Hmmm...how to fill the pool. No water tap in the backyard. No adapter to hook the hose up to the kitchen tap, although we did try this method without an adapter and managed, with the help of gravity, to get a few dribbles of water into the pool.
Jugs and pails it is then.
We got a pretty good system going, with Nicole filling water containers and me dumping them into the pool. Still, it took close to an hour to get the pool mostly filled.
Quick change into bathing suit.
By this point it was quite hot outside and I eagerly hopped into the pool.
Ahhh...refreshing.
5 minutes later - So now what? I couldn't lean back on the edge because the water, which we'd worked so hard to collect, would run out. It wasn't big enough to flip over and lay on my stomach, and it ended up feeling like I was sitting in the bathtub, but outside.
So, out of the pool and back into dry clothes.
We couldn't bring ourselves to dump the water out right away, so I was able to enjoy it again today, if only to cool my feet off.
Here's to hot summer days and bodies of water, be they large or small.
But it was not to be.
The forecast called for thundershowers at the lake, but beautiful sunny skies here at home, so we decided to stay put.
Thoughts of a laid back lake day lingered. How could we make this day in the city more like a lake day?
I know! Let's buy a kiddie pool for the "backyard" (shared common space behind the condo). Perfect. Then I can lounge in the water with all the comforts of home just a few feet away.
Fast forward - kiddie pool bought and inflated and ready to be filled.
Hmmm...how to fill the pool. No water tap in the backyard. No adapter to hook the hose up to the kitchen tap, although we did try this method without an adapter and managed, with the help of gravity, to get a few dribbles of water into the pool.
Jugs and pails it is then.
We got a pretty good system going, with Nicole filling water containers and me dumping them into the pool. Still, it took close to an hour to get the pool mostly filled.
Quick change into bathing suit.
By this point it was quite hot outside and I eagerly hopped into the pool.
Ahhh...refreshing.
5 minutes later - So now what? I couldn't lean back on the edge because the water, which we'd worked so hard to collect, would run out. It wasn't big enough to flip over and lay on my stomach, and it ended up feeling like I was sitting in the bathtub, but outside.
So, out of the pool and back into dry clothes.
We couldn't bring ourselves to dump the water out right away, so I was able to enjoy it again today, if only to cool my feet off.
Here's to hot summer days and bodies of water, be they large or small.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
My Echo
What a busy weekend! I bought a different car yesterday - a 2005 Toyota Echo. It's very different from my Cavalier - smaller, taller, and kind of fun to drive. I imagine it emitting a little "meep meep" sound as I zip around town.
So - test drove, bought, and licensed the Echo yesterday. Then I gathered up some more stuff for a garage sale next weekend and hauled it out to Mom and Dad's in the afternoon. In the evening, I had some errands to run, and then my day was done.
Today I got up early and volunteered as a road marshall for the Bridge City Boogie (2k, 5k, & 10k run/walk). An interesting experience. For the most part people were understanding about the delay getting across the intersection, but I had one lady who was late for church and quite angry that our race was preventing her from getting there on time.
After the Boogie, I came home and had a much-needed nap. Then I helped Nicole dig up some grass and make a little flower bed in the back yard. And by little, I mean probably 3'x1.5'. Just enough to plant a few herbs, and maybe a tomato plant. It was fun to have a reason to putter around outside on this gorgeous summer day!
After supper I cleaned out the inside of my old car, washing and vaccuming it to get it ready to sell. If you know anyone who needs a reliable 1997 Cavalier, let me know!
Tonight I ran to the store and picked up a few groceries, and when I collapsed in the living room chairI couldn't believe it was already 9:30!
Here's to a good weekend, and I hope there are many more to come.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Thankful
Today I am thankful for spontaneous laughter and sisters to share it with. I'm thankful for good news, and optimism about the future.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Grocery Shopping, Reading, and Looking Forward
It's official. Sobey's rocks. I'm generally an Extra Foods shopper, mostly due to proximity, but every time I've needed a slightly obscure ingredient I've been able to find it at Sobey's. Every time. It's almost like magic.
Yesterday I was looking for a package of dried Italian dressing mix, and as a last resort (I don't know why I don't just go there first), I went to Sobey's. Slightly holding my breath, I walked down the aisle, and there it was. Magic I tell you.
[aside: I'm trying a new recipe tomorrow and am somewhat of a stickler for following exact directions the first time I make anything, necessitating the hunt for this particular ingredient.]
This year was another good year of reading. I read only 40 books, down a little from last year's count of 54, but there were some definite gems among them. Here are some of the highlights:
1. During the holiday season I read the first installment in the Troy Trilogy by David Gemmell, titled Lord of the Silver Bow. There's something that appeals to me about reading an epic novel during Christmas. Perhaps because the stories of larger-than-life heroes and mythical conquests remind me of the magnitude of the event we're celebrating. This was probably one of my favorite novels of the year.
2. Rowboat in a Hurricane. Fabulous true story of Julie Angus, who was the first woman in the world to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland. During the worst hurricane season on record. After biking from Moscow to Lisbon. And then she biked home from Costa Rica to Vancouver. Yeah, she rocks.
3. Travelling Mercies, by Anne Lamott. I haven't read a book by Lamott that I didn't love.
4. The Little Book, by Selden Edwards. Well-written book about a guy who finds himself in Vienna, circa 1900. And yes, now I would like to go to Vienna. Somewhere, in some notebook, I have started a list of the places I would like to visit, inspired by books I've read. If only I could find that notebook...
5. The Necklace, by Cheryl Jarvis. Girl power! A great book about women and friendship and what we can accomplish when we work together.
6. Well Enough Alone, by Jennifer Traig. A humorous book about hypochondria.
7. Interred With Their Bones, by Jennifer Lee Carrell. Mystery with a dash of Shakespeare. Perfect.
8. The Animal Dialogues, by Craig Childs. Interesting and educational. Did you know there were once camels in Saskatchewan? Or that porcupines quite often fall out of trees?
It would be too hard to pick a top 8 of 2008, but this list is where I would start.
And tomorrow is a new year. I love New Years. My version is not some big, crazy party, but rather a reflection on the past year and anticipation of next year. I'll probably start half-marathon training in about a month and am greatly looking forward to it.
I used to make a list of all the new things I had done the previous year. I like looking back and feeling that I've continued to learn and grow as a person. This year's list would include running 2 half marathons, and learning much about myself in the process, as well as writing book reviews for the StarPhoenix. Dreams for next year include running a full marathon and doing some travelling.
May you enjoy this last day of 2008 with friends and family, and do at least one new thing next year!
Yesterday I was looking for a package of dried Italian dressing mix, and as a last resort (I don't know why I don't just go there first), I went to Sobey's. Slightly holding my breath, I walked down the aisle, and there it was. Magic I tell you.
[aside: I'm trying a new recipe tomorrow and am somewhat of a stickler for following exact directions the first time I make anything, necessitating the hunt for this particular ingredient.]
This year was another good year of reading. I read only 40 books, down a little from last year's count of 54, but there were some definite gems among them. Here are some of the highlights:
1. During the holiday season I read the first installment in the Troy Trilogy by David Gemmell, titled Lord of the Silver Bow. There's something that appeals to me about reading an epic novel during Christmas. Perhaps because the stories of larger-than-life heroes and mythical conquests remind me of the magnitude of the event we're celebrating. This was probably one of my favorite novels of the year.
2. Rowboat in a Hurricane. Fabulous true story of Julie Angus, who was the first woman in the world to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland. During the worst hurricane season on record. After biking from Moscow to Lisbon. And then she biked home from Costa Rica to Vancouver. Yeah, she rocks.
3. Travelling Mercies, by Anne Lamott. I haven't read a book by Lamott that I didn't love.
4. The Little Book, by Selden Edwards. Well-written book about a guy who finds himself in Vienna, circa 1900. And yes, now I would like to go to Vienna. Somewhere, in some notebook, I have started a list of the places I would like to visit, inspired by books I've read. If only I could find that notebook...
5. The Necklace, by Cheryl Jarvis. Girl power! A great book about women and friendship and what we can accomplish when we work together.
6. Well Enough Alone, by Jennifer Traig. A humorous book about hypochondria.
7. Interred With Their Bones, by Jennifer Lee Carrell. Mystery with a dash of Shakespeare. Perfect.
8. The Animal Dialogues, by Craig Childs. Interesting and educational. Did you know there were once camels in Saskatchewan? Or that porcupines quite often fall out of trees?
It would be too hard to pick a top 8 of 2008, but this list is where I would start.
And tomorrow is a new year. I love New Years. My version is not some big, crazy party, but rather a reflection on the past year and anticipation of next year. I'll probably start half-marathon training in about a month and am greatly looking forward to it.
I used to make a list of all the new things I had done the previous year. I like looking back and feeling that I've continued to learn and grow as a person. This year's list would include running 2 half marathons, and learning much about myself in the process, as well as writing book reviews for the StarPhoenix. Dreams for next year include running a full marathon and doing some travelling.
May you enjoy this last day of 2008 with friends and family, and do at least one new thing next year!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Day 1
Today was a marvelous day. Although technically the last day of a long weekend, I will consider it the first day of my 2-week holiday. After a busy summer and early Fall, I am greatly anticipating 2 weeks at home, to work on the projects that seem to be ever on my mind and destined to live on my to-do list forever.
I look in my closet and think that I'd like to move those boxes into the basement.
I open the pantry and think it needs to be re-organized.
I open the cupboards and realize they need to be wiped out.
I go downstairs and wish that things were just a little more organized. That box of give-away stuff needs to be given away. Those blankets need to be washed one of these days.
And why oh why is there so much stuff everywhere? Newspapers, flyers, mail, old grocery lists, bills, receipts, reminders, the list never ends.
Today I took 5 bags and 3 boxes of stuff to the garbage, the recycling bins, and the community living bins accordingly. And then came home and discovered that I had forgotten a few things.
How and why do we accumulate so much stuff?
Awhile back my sister sent me a link to a blog about becoming minimalist. http://www.becomingminimalist.com/
I like the idea of minimalism - downsizing our lives and homes to just the essentials. Of course, this begs the questions of just what is essential. I don't want to get rid of all my books just because I've read them already. I like books. I have memories associated with them.
However, the old bath mat that's not being used, the random candle holders that will never see another candle, the broken answering machine in that box in the corner, all of that stuff can go.
But I digress. Today was a marvelous day, because I got so much accomplished. Besides the purging, I washed windows inside and out, vacuumed, tidied up, and actually brought those 2 boxes down to the basement, taking the time to properly rearrange the existing stacks of stuff to accommodate this other stuff.
I also read outside in the beautiful sunshine and watched a bit of tv.
I played with my cats and bathed in contentment when they all curled up on and around me for their afternoon nap.
And tomorrow I'll carry on, alternating between productivity and restfulness as the mood strikes me.
I look in my closet and think that I'd like to move those boxes into the basement.
I open the pantry and think it needs to be re-organized.
I open the cupboards and realize they need to be wiped out.
I go downstairs and wish that things were just a little more organized. That box of give-away stuff needs to be given away. Those blankets need to be washed one of these days.
And why oh why is there so much stuff everywhere? Newspapers, flyers, mail, old grocery lists, bills, receipts, reminders, the list never ends.
Today I took 5 bags and 3 boxes of stuff to the garbage, the recycling bins, and the community living bins accordingly. And then came home and discovered that I had forgotten a few things.
How and why do we accumulate so much stuff?
Awhile back my sister sent me a link to a blog about becoming minimalist. http://www.becomingminimalist.com/
I like the idea of minimalism - downsizing our lives and homes to just the essentials. Of course, this begs the questions of just what is essential. I don't want to get rid of all my books just because I've read them already. I like books. I have memories associated with them.
However, the old bath mat that's not being used, the random candle holders that will never see another candle, the broken answering machine in that box in the corner, all of that stuff can go.
But I digress. Today was a marvelous day, because I got so much accomplished. Besides the purging, I washed windows inside and out, vacuumed, tidied up, and actually brought those 2 boxes down to the basement, taking the time to properly rearrange the existing stacks of stuff to accommodate this other stuff.
I also read outside in the beautiful sunshine and watched a bit of tv.
I played with my cats and bathed in contentment when they all curled up on and around me for their afternoon nap.
And tomorrow I'll carry on, alternating between productivity and restfulness as the mood strikes me.
Friday, July 30, 2004
A Visit from a Longtime Friend
The other day I got an unexpected visit from a friend ( http://ryan.macktic.co.uk/ ) whom I haven't seen in probably 6 or 7 years. He was just passing through town, but we managed to grab a bite to eat, go for a walk, and have a few hours of great conversation. What a blessing friends are!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
