The Sound of Silence
Darlings, I just can't think of anything to say these days. I'm writing scads of poems. (Well, scads of fragments anyway) and Crabby and I WILL be having a poetry reading soonish, to which I insist you all come. Please. It's good poetry, really. No unicorns or rainbows or roses or anything. Also, no chickens. But there will be booze. It's the event of the season! Date forthcoming. June, if Harper doesn't force an election (don't ask why our poetry reading is tied to Stephen Harper. It's too terrible to think of.)
I think I'll take a blog break -- knowing that as soon as I offically declare a break that I will overflow with witty things to say. So check in anyway.
Here's a fantastic blog which makes me giggle: Thread Bared. Enjoy responsibly.
I'll be back, maybe next week when my brain has had time to reboot.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Monday, May 09, 2005
No shed and no more fish for you!
I’m not ignoring you. It’s just that my shed story is so tedious to repeat. In a nutshell, after four people, we finally got someone to confirm that they had the shed we wanted. Then the person started to walk away.
“But we want it, now what?”
“You want to order it?”
“No, we want to BUY it!”
It was like the Monty Python Cheese Skit, or maybe soup nazi. “We might have a shed, but you can’t have it).
Anyhow, the guy directed us to stand in a special line that was very long, so we gave up and will go back on a week night. It would be a much better story if I told it right.
Then we tried to buy fish for dinner. Fresh and I were talking about which piece.
“How many?” says the counter guy.
“Four”
“This piece.” He says throwing one on the scale. “More than enough for four.”
Fresh and I look at each other and silently agree it’s not enough.
“Another piece, please.” - me
“No! You don’t need another piece. This is too much for four people. You take.”
“We would like another piece.” - me
“You don’t need. See, I show you. Is too much!” counter guy puts the second piece on the scale.
“We’ll take both pieces, thank you.” – me
You just KNOW that I would’ve taken both pieces anyway, just to spite him, but it was the perfect amount. So Pffffffftttttt!
Mom and Dad came up for dinner last night. Dad takes insulin right before dinner. Ice Prince followed him downstairs. Then IP comes running back upstairs: “Cool! I want to do a shot too!” B52 or heroin?
Boomer gave me a juicer he won. I think it will make me happy. Thank you. Boomer! Beet juice is the BEST.
I’m not ignoring you. It’s just that my shed story is so tedious to repeat. In a nutshell, after four people, we finally got someone to confirm that they had the shed we wanted. Then the person started to walk away.
“But we want it, now what?”
“You want to order it?”
“No, we want to BUY it!”
It was like the Monty Python Cheese Skit, or maybe soup nazi. “We might have a shed, but you can’t have it).
Anyhow, the guy directed us to stand in a special line that was very long, so we gave up and will go back on a week night. It would be a much better story if I told it right.
Then we tried to buy fish for dinner. Fresh and I were talking about which piece.
“How many?” says the counter guy.
“Four”
“This piece.” He says throwing one on the scale. “More than enough for four.”
Fresh and I look at each other and silently agree it’s not enough.
“Another piece, please.” - me
“No! You don’t need another piece. This is too much for four people. You take.”
“We would like another piece.” - me
“You don’t need. See, I show you. Is too much!” counter guy puts the second piece on the scale.
“We’ll take both pieces, thank you.” – me
You just KNOW that I would’ve taken both pieces anyway, just to spite him, but it was the perfect amount. So Pffffffftttttt!
Mom and Dad came up for dinner last night. Dad takes insulin right before dinner. Ice Prince followed him downstairs. Then IP comes running back upstairs: “Cool! I want to do a shot too!” B52 or heroin?
Boomer gave me a juicer he won. I think it will make me happy. Thank you. Boomer! Beet juice is the BEST.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Money and Beer? That’s just S-M-R-T!
Yesterday, I applied for a Senior Director of Communications position at a bank.
Today I applied for a Director of Communication job at a beer company.
I was strangely gratified to see that I actually had the qualifications.
As the erudite and succinct Hillary Duff would say, “Why Not?”
Yesterday, I applied for a Senior Director of Communications position at a bank.
Today I applied for a Director of Communication job at a beer company.
I was strangely gratified to see that I actually had the qualifications.
As the erudite and succinct Hillary Duff would say, “Why Not?”
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
I Feel Pretty! Oh, So Pretty!
If I were a picture of artwork, this is what I would look like. How ‘bout you?
(link circa Clara, who will go on my link list when I next update it.)
P.S. Would somebody PLEASE buy me THIS?
If I were a picture of artwork, this is what I would look like. How ‘bout you?
(link circa Clara, who will go on my link list when I next update it.)
P.S. Would somebody PLEASE buy me THIS?
Won't You Let Me Take You On A Sea Cruise? Ooowee Ooooweee baby...
Obsessed today with wanting to book a sea kayaking trip.
Only obstacles are time and money.
Huh. Maybe we can manage a day trip at some point.
Would also like to go hiking and have an astronomy lecture. And a manicure/pedicure.
And a chocolate milkshake.
Obsessed today with wanting to book a sea kayaking trip.
Only obstacles are time and money.
Huh. Maybe we can manage a day trip at some point.
Would also like to go hiking and have an astronomy lecture. And a manicure/pedicure.
And a chocolate milkshake.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Dr. Tongue’s Monster Chiller Theatre
Maria asked: Do you believe dead people come back in your dreams and talk to you?
Ice Queen Answers:
Yes. My dearly beloved Nana (that’s like a Grandma, only Scottish and much more fun) died in 1997. Whenever my life is going really badly, she will show up in my dreams. Very quietly. Then she says: “I just thought you could use a hug.” We hug and then I thank her and she goes.
It’s happened several times. And it’s so very reassuring.
In February, I had a dream where Nana showed up and yelled at me. She didn’t say why she was so angry, but I woke up feeling terrible. What was she trying to tell me? What had I done wrong? It actually makes me teary-eyed thinking about it.
About a month later, my mom and I were talking about dreams. She mentioned (without me prodding) that Nana visited her in her dreams and made her feel better, but that last month she had shown up and yelled at her for no apparent reason.
Spooky, eh? Or as Ice Prince would say: “That’s smooky!”
It’s a true story.
Maria asked: Do you believe dead people come back in your dreams and talk to you?
Ice Queen Answers:
Yes. My dearly beloved Nana (that’s like a Grandma, only Scottish and much more fun) died in 1997. Whenever my life is going really badly, she will show up in my dreams. Very quietly. Then she says: “I just thought you could use a hug.” We hug and then I thank her and she goes.
It’s happened several times. And it’s so very reassuring.
In February, I had a dream where Nana showed up and yelled at me. She didn’t say why she was so angry, but I woke up feeling terrible. What was she trying to tell me? What had I done wrong? It actually makes me teary-eyed thinking about it.
About a month later, my mom and I were talking about dreams. She mentioned (without me prodding) that Nana visited her in her dreams and made her feel better, but that last month she had shown up and yelled at her for no apparent reason.
Spooky, eh? Or as Ice Prince would say: “That’s smooky!”
It’s a true story.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Of Chests, Chests and ,errr, Poetry
Just a quick check-in.
I'm going to the doctor today. Not as sick, but it's in my chest now and with my pneumonia tendencies, I am not taking any chances.
In good news, unexpected tax refunds on the way! We're going to buy a (cheapish) shed and sod and flatten our back lawn. Right now, it's like mowing the pre TrimSpa Anna Nicole.
And Crabby and I are arranging our own poetry reading. Stay tuned and wear your shades -- we are the new bright lights of Canadian Literature. I'm going to start weight training now for when we have to arm wrestle for the Pulitzer.
Just a quick check-in.
I'm going to the doctor today. Not as sick, but it's in my chest now and with my pneumonia tendencies, I am not taking any chances.
In good news, unexpected tax refunds on the way! We're going to buy a (cheapish) shed and sod and flatten our back lawn. Right now, it's like mowing the pre TrimSpa Anna Nicole.
And Crabby and I are arranging our own poetry reading. Stay tuned and wear your shades -- we are the new bright lights of Canadian Literature. I'm going to start weight training now for when we have to arm wrestle for the Pulitzer.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Nobody Here But Us Chickens
Last night is a daze. I remember them liking my poem and I remember a Klingon and a woman who broke down in tears in the middle of her poem. Crabby did a great job, even though she won't believe me. (You did! I'm proud of you!)
My favourite criticism I got from the judges was: "Your poetry reminds me of some of the best stuff that Lorna Crozier has written in the last ten years. Unfortunately, I don't like her poetry."
"But you've heard of her, haven't you?" I replied triumphantly.
Yep. I just want fame.
Crabby's poetry also got compared to Lorna Crozier. Funny coincidence, eh? Maybe we can start up a poet's group, like Group of Seven. Oh wait. We already have: Two Drink Minimum.
On the subway on the way home, Crabby said. "What shall we do for our next adventure?"
"I say we call up Lorna Crozier's publisher."
Snaps to Boomer, Benjamin and Barbara for coming. I hope it wasn't too painful.
I'm going back to bed. Boomer, no need to tell anyone you came to my poetry reading last night since I'm home sick again.
Last night is a daze. I remember them liking my poem and I remember a Klingon and a woman who broke down in tears in the middle of her poem. Crabby did a great job, even though she won't believe me. (You did! I'm proud of you!)
My favourite criticism I got from the judges was: "Your poetry reminds me of some of the best stuff that Lorna Crozier has written in the last ten years. Unfortunately, I don't like her poetry."
"But you've heard of her, haven't you?" I replied triumphantly.
Yep. I just want fame.
Crabby's poetry also got compared to Lorna Crozier. Funny coincidence, eh? Maybe we can start up a poet's group, like Group of Seven. Oh wait. We already have: Two Drink Minimum.
On the subway on the way home, Crabby said. "What shall we do for our next adventure?"
"I say we call up Lorna Crozier's publisher."
Snaps to Boomer, Benjamin and Barbara for coming. I hope it wasn't too painful.
I'm going back to bed. Boomer, no need to tell anyone you came to my poetry reading last night since I'm home sick again.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Dear fans,
Although the rumours of my sickness ARE true, I am not one to disappoint those who are the wind beneath my wings.
Crabby and I WILL be at Poetry Idol tonight, but if we don't get on the slate, I may not stick around long.
I am currently enjoying my first hot toddy and it is charming.
Public apologies to Mikevil for having to pull out of the Diversity Workshop tomorrow. I feel awful. I will make it up to you, I promise. (If you want to help Mikevil out, e-mail him at the Behemoth!)
Although the rumours of my sickness ARE true, I am not one to disappoint those who are the wind beneath my wings.
Crabby and I WILL be at Poetry Idol tonight, but if we don't get on the slate, I may not stick around long.
I am currently enjoying my first hot toddy and it is charming.
Public apologies to Mikevil for having to pull out of the Diversity Workshop tomorrow. I feel awful. I will make it up to you, I promise. (If you want to help Mikevil out, e-mail him at the Behemoth!)
Monday, April 25, 2005
Still Funky, After All These Years
Today is Fresh’s 39th Birthday. Yes, I don’t know what a young thing like me is doing with a man of such advanced years. I had a party for him last night. Colin got him a skull ring. I still haven’t gotten him anything. I made a big chocolate cake, tho’.
Then I had insomnia. I got up at 4 am and did my nails and then went back to bed and had weird scary dreams about Fresh. I hate it when you have a bad dream and when you feel bad all day because it seemed so real. Ugh.
Today is Fresh’s 39th Birthday. Yes, I don’t know what a young thing like me is doing with a man of such advanced years. I had a party for him last night. Colin got him a skull ring. I still haven’t gotten him anything. I made a big chocolate cake, tho’.
Then I had insomnia. I got up at 4 am and did my nails and then went back to bed and had weird scary dreams about Fresh. I hate it when you have a bad dream and when you feel bad all day because it seemed so real. Ugh.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Crabby and Icy – Poetry Superstars!
Crabby and I are entering the Art Bar’s 1st Annual Poetry Idol Competition. (Crabby and I both studied Creative Writing in university – don’t try this at home, we’re professionals)
Come out to the Art Bar on Tuesday April 26th at 8pm. Listen to some poetry and when Crabby and I make it to round two (natch) VOTE FOR US!
I will probably be reading selections from the famous Glencoe Poem (aka concessions. Maybe even with my hand-coloured Glencoe photos.
Come for the booze, stay for the poetry.
AND VOTE FOR US!
(It’s at The Victory Café, 581 Markham Street. 1 Block West of Bathurst, 1 Block South of Bloor, second floor.)
I suppose there’s a tiny chance we may not get on the slate, but we plan to arrive early to ensure our place in the spotlight.
Crabby and I are entering the Art Bar’s 1st Annual Poetry Idol Competition. (Crabby and I both studied Creative Writing in university – don’t try this at home, we’re professionals)
Come out to the Art Bar on Tuesday April 26th at 8pm. Listen to some poetry and when Crabby and I make it to round two (natch) VOTE FOR US!
I will probably be reading selections from the famous Glencoe Poem (aka concessions. Maybe even with my hand-coloured Glencoe photos.
Come for the booze, stay for the poetry.
AND VOTE FOR US!
(It’s at The Victory Café, 581 Markham Street. 1 Block West of Bathurst, 1 Block South of Bloor, second floor.)
I suppose there’s a tiny chance we may not get on the slate, but we plan to arrive early to ensure our place in the spotlight.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Live and Let Die
Have you seen those yellow “Live Strong” wristbands that were popularized by Lance Armstrong? All the cool kids are wearing them.
Well, apparently, they are causing some problems in Florida.
You see, the hospitals down there use a similar yellow bracelet to indicate “Do Not Resuscitate Patient.”
Oopsie!
Have you seen those yellow “Live Strong” wristbands that were popularized by Lance Armstrong? All the cool kids are wearing them.
Well, apparently, they are causing some problems in Florida.
You see, the hospitals down there use a similar yellow bracelet to indicate “Do Not Resuscitate Patient.”
Oopsie!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Good Exposure for Our New Band
Did I tell you that our friend Rich and his partner Craig invited Fresh and I down to their cabin for a weekend? They have a variety show night at the resort and they thought we could get together and do something—Fresh on the guitar, me singing, Rich on the recorder and Craig playing keyboard. “And,” adds Rich, “It’s not mandatory to take all your clothes off.”
Wait. Say what?
Oh yeah. I forgot it was a nudist resort. Small but significant detail.
Did I tell you that our friend Rich and his partner Craig invited Fresh and I down to their cabin for a weekend? They have a variety show night at the resort and they thought we could get together and do something—Fresh on the guitar, me singing, Rich on the recorder and Craig playing keyboard. “And,” adds Rich, “It’s not mandatory to take all your clothes off.”
Wait. Say what?
Oh yeah. I forgot it was a nudist resort. Small but significant detail.
Ding-Dong!
Here are some tips from a British Website on Getting Active. Which would YOU choose?
10 ways to be more active (without even realising it!)
• Discover the delights of bell-ringing or rambling
• Run a guided tour of your town
• Start a dog-walking rota with your neighbours
• Take up salsa dancing or t'ai chi
• Get off the bus a couple of stops early
• Go on a sponsored walk
• Take young family members off for a game of football
• Offer to help out at your local school
• Revamp a section of the garden as your special project
• Have more sex.
Here are some tips from a British Website on Getting Active. Which would YOU choose?
10 ways to be more active (without even realising it!)
• Discover the delights of bell-ringing or rambling
• Run a guided tour of your town
• Start a dog-walking rota with your neighbours
• Take up salsa dancing or t'ai chi
• Get off the bus a couple of stops early
• Go on a sponsored walk
• Take young family members off for a game of football
• Offer to help out at your local school
• Revamp a section of the garden as your special project
• Have more sex.
Stuff
I’ve been keeping up with my running (even WITHOUT an incentive program from Boomer.) I now fit into my favourite red dress. Here’s a picture of me in my running gear (thanks to a link on All Things Christie):
On Saturday I bought a Sunny Choi dress at Goodwill for $10. I went online, and her dresses go for between $800 and $2500. Score! It’s floor length and white, so if anyone wants to invite me to somewhere formal or would like to marry me, let me know. Or re-marry me.
I have decided that I want to learn to sea kayak. Just thought I’d mention that.
Hey! New pope! Don’t know who he is yet…
I’ve been keeping up with my running (even WITHOUT an incentive program from Boomer.) I now fit into my favourite red dress. Here’s a picture of me in my running gear (thanks to a link on All Things Christie):
On Saturday I bought a Sunny Choi dress at Goodwill for $10. I went online, and her dresses go for between $800 and $2500. Score! It’s floor length and white, so if anyone wants to invite me to somewhere formal or would like to marry me, let me know. Or re-marry me.
I have decided that I want to learn to sea kayak. Just thought I’d mention that.
Hey! New pope! Don’t know who he is yet…
Monday, April 18, 2005
Wisdom of the Ice Prince: Melting Pot Boy Wonder
Ice Prince was putting a blanket on the floor on Sunday.
IQ: "Whatcha doing?"
IP: "This is my prayer rug. It's for praying."
IQ: "Oh yeah..so how do you do that?"
IP: "You have to be quiet and then you do this:" He knelt and touched his forehead to the floor.
Who knew my son was Muslim?
Ice Prince was putting a blanket on the floor on Sunday.
IQ: "Whatcha doing?"
IP: "This is my prayer rug. It's for praying."
IQ: "Oh yeah..so how do you do that?"
IP: "You have to be quiet and then you do this:" He knelt and touched his forehead to the floor.
Who knew my son was Muslim?
Meme-ries, all alone in the moonlight…
Passed on from Radmila:
Q: You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book do you want to be?
Shane by Jack Schaefer. The book which, in Grade Five, was so boring that I could barely read it and resulted in my worst grade in English EVER. I think I got a B. AUGH!
Q: Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
Linus from Peanuts. No, seriously.
Q: The last book you bought is:
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Q: The last book you read:
Under the Tuscan Sun – Re-read it after my Mom returned it to me.
Q: What are you currently reading?
Re-reading America: Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart and Friends
Q: Five books you would take to a desert island.
Little Women
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: A Trilogy in 5 Parts
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Sophie’s World
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook
Q: Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 persons) and why?
Crabby, Benjamin and Maria, because they took part in the Ice Queen Reads, which I sadly never actually polled anyone on. Maybe I have Adult Onset ADD, or AOADD, for short.
Passed on from Radmila:
Q: You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book do you want to be?
Shane by Jack Schaefer. The book which, in Grade Five, was so boring that I could barely read it and resulted in my worst grade in English EVER. I think I got a B. AUGH!
Q: Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
Linus from Peanuts. No, seriously.
Q: The last book you bought is:
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Q: The last book you read:
Under the Tuscan Sun – Re-read it after my Mom returned it to me.
Q: What are you currently reading?
Re-reading America: Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart and Friends
Q: Five books you would take to a desert island.
Little Women
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: A Trilogy in 5 Parts
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Sophie’s World
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook
Q: Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 persons) and why?
Crabby, Benjamin and Maria, because they took part in the Ice Queen Reads, which I sadly never actually polled anyone on. Maybe I have Adult Onset ADD, or AOADD, for short.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Tomorrow is Ice Queen Day.
I am taking tomorrow off. I have booked a manicure and pedicure with a gift certificate I got from Crabby and Sister for my birthday. Other than that, I have no specific plans. Kensington Market, maybe.
My gut is a little uneasy, what with the election possibility. Those in the know remember that Fresh is consumed for the entire election. Unlikely that his boss won’t be re-elected, but still…
And the big news of the day: I am not wearing one single item that is black. True!
I am taking tomorrow off. I have booked a manicure and pedicure with a gift certificate I got from Crabby and Sister for my birthday. Other than that, I have no specific plans. Kensington Market, maybe.
My gut is a little uneasy, what with the election possibility. Those in the know remember that Fresh is consumed for the entire election. Unlikely that his boss won’t be re-elected, but still…
And the big news of the day: I am not wearing one single item that is black. True!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
That’s a Fact, Jack!
Last night I ran 2 miles. That’s 3.2 km. Which, considering that 2 years ago, I couldn’t run a block is pretty damn fine, since I haven’t run since August.
I’ve got my lovely little mp3 player which has spawned an entirely new running style that really works for me, but will probably be filmed and posted on the Internet. It took me a while to figure out its provenance, but I know now.
Do you remember one of the best movies of all times, Stripes? And do you remember the funny little running in place dance Bill Murray does during the Graduation Day gun salute?
Yep. That’s me. Boom Chaka Laka Laka, Boom Chaka Laka Laka…..
Last night I ran 2 miles. That’s 3.2 km. Which, considering that 2 years ago, I couldn’t run a block is pretty damn fine, since I haven’t run since August.
I’ve got my lovely little mp3 player which has spawned an entirely new running style that really works for me, but will probably be filmed and posted on the Internet. It took me a while to figure out its provenance, but I know now.
Do you remember one of the best movies of all times, Stripes? And do you remember the funny little running in place dance Bill Murray does during the Graduation Day gun salute?
Yep. That’s me. Boom Chaka Laka Laka, Boom Chaka Laka Laka…..
Monday, April 11, 2005
Homework
Here’s the Official Wedding Poem for Charles and Camilla. Your mission: Write Your Own.
Spring Wedding by Andrew Motion
I took your news outdoors, and strolled a while
In silence on my square of garden-ground
Where I could dim the roar of arguments,
Ignore the scandal-flywheel whirring round,
And hear instead the green fuse in the flower
Ignite, the breeze stretch out a shadow-hand
To ruffle blossom on its sticking points,
The blackbirds sing, and singing take their stand.
I took your news outdoors, and found the Spring
Had honored all its promises to start
Disclosing how the principles of earth
Can make a common purpose with the heart.
The heart which slips and sidles like a stream
Weighed down by winter-wreckage near its source --
But given time, and come the clearing rain,
Breaks loose to revel in its proper course.
In other news….
Here’s the Official Wedding Poem for Charles and Camilla. Your mission: Write Your Own.
Spring Wedding by Andrew Motion
I took your news outdoors, and strolled a while
In silence on my square of garden-ground
Where I could dim the roar of arguments,
Ignore the scandal-flywheel whirring round,
And hear instead the green fuse in the flower
Ignite, the breeze stretch out a shadow-hand
To ruffle blossom on its sticking points,
The blackbirds sing, and singing take their stand.
I took your news outdoors, and found the Spring
Had honored all its promises to start
Disclosing how the principles of earth
Can make a common purpose with the heart.
The heart which slips and sidles like a stream
Weighed down by winter-wreckage near its source --
But given time, and come the clearing rain,
Breaks loose to revel in its proper course.
In other news….
| Your Inner European is Italian! |
 |
Thursday, April 07, 2005
The Von Fresh Family Singers
Fresh’s guitar playing is coming along nicely. Last night we sang together : “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and it was wonderful! It’s like having live karaoke in my living room! (I’m sure my parents were not expecting this when they moved in, poor things.) This week’s song is “Brown Eyed Girl,” and man, is it ever tough to sing. We think he may be learning Green Day’s “Time of Your Life” this week, which I look forward to.
I’m on a diet (spring clothes – ‘nuff said) and I’m going to start running and biking. To ease the exercise thing and as a pre-reward, I am buying an MP3 player tomorrow. Yes, I am entering the 21st Century.
What else? Ah yes. Mr. Crabby’s birthday bash is Saturday night and Fresh and I are going! Out of the house! Together! You have no idea what joy this brings me. I may buy a new outfit from Value Village to commemorate the occasion.
And, tomorrow is the 17th anniversary of the Day Fresh and I met. (Okay, technically I had met him briefly once before when our boyfriend introduced us, but we don’t count that.) Will I actually write something mushy about him tomorrow? Wait and see. I don’t know yet either.
Fresh’s guitar playing is coming along nicely. Last night we sang together : “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and it was wonderful! It’s like having live karaoke in my living room! (I’m sure my parents were not expecting this when they moved in, poor things.) This week’s song is “Brown Eyed Girl,” and man, is it ever tough to sing. We think he may be learning Green Day’s “Time of Your Life” this week, which I look forward to.
I’m on a diet (spring clothes – ‘nuff said) and I’m going to start running and biking. To ease the exercise thing and as a pre-reward, I am buying an MP3 player tomorrow. Yes, I am entering the 21st Century.
What else? Ah yes. Mr. Crabby’s birthday bash is Saturday night and Fresh and I are going! Out of the house! Together! You have no idea what joy this brings me. I may buy a new outfit from Value Village to commemorate the occasion.
And, tomorrow is the 17th anniversary of the Day Fresh and I met. (Okay, technically I had met him briefly once before when our boyfriend introduced us, but we don’t count that.) Will I actually write something mushy about him tomorrow? Wait and see. I don’t know yet either.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Looks Like I Picked the Wrong Week to Stop Taking Horse Tranquilizers
Somehow, a mundane task we have done annually here at work for three years has turned into a crisis of epic proportions with a cast of dozens. With me front and centre.
And the coffee machine is broken.
And Ice Prince's teacher told me he openly piddled on the kindergarten carpet last week.
I am reminded of Airplane!:
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit smoking."
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue."
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines."
Somehow, a mundane task we have done annually here at work for three years has turned into a crisis of epic proportions with a cast of dozens. With me front and centre.
And the coffee machine is broken.
And Ice Prince's teacher told me he openly piddled on the kindergarten carpet last week.
I am reminded of Airplane!:
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit smoking."
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue."
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines."
Monday, April 04, 2005
What's 'ice' in latin?
So the pope has died. The man deserves a rest. I may not agree with everything he advocated (most specifically opposing birth control and women priests) but he seemed to be a good man who changed many lives. And he deserves a rest.
They will be picking the new pope soon. And when the pope is chosen, he will choose a name. The tradition began when a fellow named Mercury was elected pope and he didn’t want to sully the post with a pagan name, so he chose another. (Pope Mercury –that‘s so cool.)
“Popes follow no established model in deciding on their name. Most often their choice honors a predecessor whom they admire, or who appointed them bishop or cardinal.”
If YOU were elected pope, what name would you choose and why? You may choose a male or female name, or one of each. And tell me why you chose that name. I’ll go think about my choice.
Pope Choosing a name
List of Past Popes
So the pope has died. The man deserves a rest. I may not agree with everything he advocated (most specifically opposing birth control and women priests) but he seemed to be a good man who changed many lives. And he deserves a rest.
They will be picking the new pope soon. And when the pope is chosen, he will choose a name. The tradition began when a fellow named Mercury was elected pope and he didn’t want to sully the post with a pagan name, so he chose another. (Pope Mercury –that‘s so cool.)
“Popes follow no established model in deciding on their name. Most often their choice honors a predecessor whom they admire, or who appointed them bishop or cardinal.”
If YOU were elected pope, what name would you choose and why? You may choose a male or female name, or one of each. And tell me why you chose that name. I’ll go think about my choice.
Pope Choosing a name
List of Past Popes
Friday, April 01, 2005
Cap Lock. Classic Comedy.
mY SOLE CONTRIBUTION TO aPRIL fOOL'S dAY IS A BIG FAKE PONYTAIL i'VE GOT CLIPPED ON TODAY.
bUT gO fUG yOURSELF IS PRETTY FUNNY TODAY. You all know that Site, riGht? If Not, Don';t Forget To cheCk itOn a reGuLar dAy.
(I HAD'NT PLAnNnED TO tYPE fUNNY, bUT iT'S rATHER SUItABLE, dON'T yOu THiNK?
mY SOLE CONTRIBUTION TO aPRIL fOOL'S dAY IS A BIG FAKE PONYTAIL i'VE GOT CLIPPED ON TODAY.
bUT gO fUG yOURSELF IS PRETTY FUNNY TODAY. You all know that Site, riGht? If Not, Don';t Forget To cheCk itOn a reGuLar dAy.
(I HAD'NT PLAnNnED TO tYPE fUNNY, bUT iT'S rATHER SUItABLE, dON'T yOu THiNK?
Thursday, March 31, 2005
"This is the Pope that never ends, he just goes on and on and on..."
"The pontiff (that's the Pope to you and me -- IQ) seemed to indicate he would want to be kept alive by artificial means even if he fell into a coma or persistent vegetative state." (City Pulse 24)
So even if it was God's will that he die, he would want to be kept alive through man-made means, eh?
So why then, if it's okay to use man-made modern conveniences to make your own choices, is birth control wrong?
(I like the Pope. I'm just sayin'....)
"The pontiff (that's the Pope to you and me -- IQ) seemed to indicate he would want to be kept alive by artificial means even if he fell into a coma or persistent vegetative state." (City Pulse 24)
So even if it was God's will that he die, he would want to be kept alive through man-made means, eh?
So why then, if it's okay to use man-made modern conveniences to make your own choices, is birth control wrong?
(I like the Pope. I'm just sayin'....)
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Ice Queen recommends
Backseat Kiss’ Cocktail of the Week Page
With such wonderfully named delights as:
• A mix tape is forever
• Drunken phone calls (this one looks tasty!)
• You will not find love on the radio
Click on ‘em! The descriptions and illustrations are charming in a broken-heart-listening-to-Air-Supply-in-your-darkened-bedroom-and-crying sort of way. Which I like.
Backseat Kiss’ Cocktail of the Week Page
With such wonderfully named delights as:
• A mix tape is forever
• Drunken phone calls (this one looks tasty!)
• You will not find love on the radio
Click on ‘em! The descriptions and illustrations are charming in a broken-heart-listening-to-Air-Supply-in-your-darkened-bedroom-and-crying sort of way. Which I like.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Child Labour, among other things
Fresh now has the stomach flu-y thing that I had last week and Ice Prince had the week before.
I’m soooo tired. Cleaning the basement was more work than I expected. Didn’t help that IP kept bringing all of his toys down to amuse himself while I worked. I decided to get him to clean the bathroom because he loves to spray Windex. 10 minutes later I looked in the bathroom and the trash can was full of barely used paper towels. And the bathroom was still dirty. He would find one tiny dirty spot, spray it repeatedly and then wipe it meticulously with five paper towels. Typical man – if you don’t do it well, you won’t be asked to do it again.
Here’s a joke my Dad e-mailed me:
A man and his wife are awakened at 3 o'clock in the morning by a loud pounding on the door...... The man gets up and goes to the door, where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.
"Not a chance," says the husband, "It is three o'clock in the morning." He slams the door and returns to bed.
"Who was that?" asked his wife.
"Just some drunk guy asking for a push," he answers.
"Did you help him?" she asks. "No. I did not. It is three o'clock in the morning and it is pouring rain outside!!"
His wife said, "Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed
of yourself!"
The man does as he is told (of course!), gets dressed and goes out into the pouring rain. He calls out into the dark, "Hello! Are you still there?"
"Yes," comes back the answer. "Do you still need a push?" calls out the husband.
"Yes! Please!" comes the reply from the darkness.
"Where are you?" asks the husband.
"Over here on the swing!!" replies the drunk.
Fresh now has the stomach flu-y thing that I had last week and Ice Prince had the week before.
I’m soooo tired. Cleaning the basement was more work than I expected. Didn’t help that IP kept bringing all of his toys down to amuse himself while I worked. I decided to get him to clean the bathroom because he loves to spray Windex. 10 minutes later I looked in the bathroom and the trash can was full of barely used paper towels. And the bathroom was still dirty. He would find one tiny dirty spot, spray it repeatedly and then wipe it meticulously with five paper towels. Typical man – if you don’t do it well, you won’t be asked to do it again.
Here’s a joke my Dad e-mailed me:
A man and his wife are awakened at 3 o'clock in the morning by a loud pounding on the door...... The man gets up and goes to the door, where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.
"Not a chance," says the husband, "It is three o'clock in the morning." He slams the door and returns to bed.
"Who was that?" asked his wife.
"Just some drunk guy asking for a push," he answers.
"Did you help him?" she asks. "No. I did not. It is three o'clock in the morning and it is pouring rain outside!!"
His wife said, "Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed
of yourself!"
The man does as he is told (of course!), gets dressed and goes out into the pouring rain. He calls out into the dark, "Hello! Are you still there?"
"Yes," comes back the answer. "Do you still need a push?" calls out the husband.
"Yes! Please!" comes the reply from the darkness.
"Where are you?" asks the husband.
"Over here on the swing!!" replies the drunk.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Just your typical Easter Weekend
So, Rich was here last night. We ate steak, drank wine and had a lovely time. Even though we only see him once a year, it's like no time has passed. (Hi Rich! Hi Craig!)
I woke up at 4 am. There was that critical moment when you think: "Did I wake up because I'm hungover and feel like hell?" but no. I lay there. Maybe I should tunr on the dishwasher. Hmmm. Maybe. Can't get back to sleep. Ah, Sunday morning. Easter Sunday. Easter! Damn!
So at 4 am, I was out in the backyard hiding plastic eggs. ("We can't let the Easter Bunny in the house, Mommy. He'll bounce and break the ceiling and bounce and break the table and bounce and break the windows...." and so on.)Some of the eggs had toys in them, and some had chocolate. Sometime between 4 and 7 am, the squirrels figured out how to sniff out the chocolate ones, open them and eat the contents. Ice Prince was happy "This was so NICE of the Easter Bunny!" and seemed to buy the excuse that the Bunny had dropped some of the eggs and that's why they were already open.
PTA (Parental Arrival Time), T minus 24 hours or so. I think all I have left to do is vacuum the basement carpet.
So, Rich was here last night. We ate steak, drank wine and had a lovely time. Even though we only see him once a year, it's like no time has passed. (Hi Rich! Hi Craig!)
I woke up at 4 am. There was that critical moment when you think: "Did I wake up because I'm hungover and feel like hell?" but no. I lay there. Maybe I should tunr on the dishwasher. Hmmm. Maybe. Can't get back to sleep. Ah, Sunday morning. Easter Sunday. Easter! Damn!
So at 4 am, I was out in the backyard hiding plastic eggs. ("We can't let the Easter Bunny in the house, Mommy. He'll bounce and break the ceiling and bounce and break the table and bounce and break the windows...." and so on.)Some of the eggs had toys in them, and some had chocolate. Sometime between 4 and 7 am, the squirrels figured out how to sniff out the chocolate ones, open them and eat the contents. Ice Prince was happy "This was so NICE of the Easter Bunny!" and seemed to buy the excuse that the Bunny had dropped some of the eggs and that's why they were already open.
PTA (Parental Arrival Time), T minus 24 hours or so. I think all I have left to do is vacuum the basement carpet.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Paper Tiger
If it weren’t for the G-D snow again, I’d be very happy today. As such, I am pretty darn happy, which is fine by me.
Payday.
House is kinda clean-ish
Aunt Susan is dropping off Easter Basket for Ice Prince tomorrow
NYC friend Rich is coming for dinner on Saturday
Spring is just around the corner, I swear
Good stuff going on at work (more on this later if anything develops)
Big ass coffee
Housewarming present for parents (giant grill/griddle thing, which I will naturally borrow when entertaining)
Dryer coming!
Basement 90% ready for parents
Husband 90% ready for parents
Fresh is making grand progress on the guitar – very pleasant to listen to him practice
Long weekend
Done most of the heavy duty stuff I need to do at work…for a few days at least
Meeting I didn’t want today cancelled
Boss asks for things these days and then says :”I don’t need to see this. You’re a good writer. Just send it.”
Anyhow, more stuff to do at work. May have to go choose some paper this afternoon. Don’t you hate it when you want 100 lb and you get 60 lb? And you get glossy instead of matte? I used to trust my print guy, but lately I am questioning his taste in paper.
Glossy, indeed. Pfft!
If it weren’t for the G-D snow again, I’d be very happy today. As such, I am pretty darn happy, which is fine by me.
Payday.
House is kinda clean-ish
Aunt Susan is dropping off Easter Basket for Ice Prince tomorrow
NYC friend Rich is coming for dinner on Saturday
Spring is just around the corner, I swear
Good stuff going on at work (more on this later if anything develops)
Big ass coffee
Housewarming present for parents (giant grill/griddle thing, which I will naturally borrow when entertaining)
Dryer coming!
Basement 90% ready for parents
Husband 90% ready for parents
Fresh is making grand progress on the guitar – very pleasant to listen to him practice
Long weekend
Done most of the heavy duty stuff I need to do at work…for a few days at least
Meeting I didn’t want today cancelled
Boss asks for things these days and then says :”I don’t need to see this. You’re a good writer. Just send it.”
Anyhow, more stuff to do at work. May have to go choose some paper this afternoon. Don’t you hate it when you want 100 lb and you get 60 lb? And you get glossy instead of matte? I used to trust my print guy, but lately I am questioning his taste in paper.
Glossy, indeed. Pfft!
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Ice Queen Reviews The Incredibles
I bought The Incredibles yesterday. It was good. Not great. I felt a bit cheated. I expected it to be really funny, but it was more like watching an animated James Bond movie. Did you see it? What did you think? I'll probably like it better next time, because I'll know what to expect.
Ice Prince liked the first ten minutes and laughed hysterically when Incrediboy got ejected from the car. Then he got bored and starting doing other stuff.
My favourite part was Helen’s first phone call to Bob. “Ha, ha!” Don’t know why, but I could so see me doing that.
And Bob’s boss seemed to be channelling William H. Macy. Which is fine.
The most disappointing part of all was the Incredi-blunders. I didn’t want to see the animators’ goofs, I wanted to see the animated characters behaving like real actors and messing up their lines, etc. You know.
Oh! I was watching some the of the behind the scenes interviews, I decided that I so want an office that looks like Pixar’s. Stuffed couches, toys, castles, the works.
Who am I kidding? I’d just love an office with a door.
I bought The Incredibles yesterday. It was good. Not great. I felt a bit cheated. I expected it to be really funny, but it was more like watching an animated James Bond movie. Did you see it? What did you think? I'll probably like it better next time, because I'll know what to expect.
Ice Prince liked the first ten minutes and laughed hysterically when Incrediboy got ejected from the car. Then he got bored and starting doing other stuff.
My favourite part was Helen’s first phone call to Bob. “Ha, ha!” Don’t know why, but I could so see me doing that.
And Bob’s boss seemed to be channelling William H. Macy. Which is fine.
The most disappointing part of all was the Incredi-blunders. I didn’t want to see the animators’ goofs, I wanted to see the animated characters behaving like real actors and messing up their lines, etc. You know.
Oh! I was watching some the of the behind the scenes interviews, I decided that I so want an office that looks like Pixar’s. Stuffed couches, toys, castles, the works.
Who am I kidding? I’d just love an office with a door.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Rules Are Made to Be Broken
Some of you already know, but haven’t mentioned anything here before, so here it is:
My parents are moving in with us. Now, my parents read this blog, as do their friends, so you won’t hear me dissing them or anything. And in answer to the inevitable questions:
1. Because Dad’s retired and there’s nothing to keep them living in Glencoe anymore.
2. Basement Apartment, separate entrance
3. Seasonally (they’ll be up to the trailer from May to October.)
4. Yes, Ice Prince is excited.
5. Sure, it’ll have very good results (inhouse babysitting and a van) and some bad results (hopefully Dad won’t play his Whitesnake albums too loud and Mom won’t ruin the paint by taping up all of her Justin Timberlake posters).
The hardest part will be training Ice Prince that he can’t just run down there any time he likes to visit. “But Mommy, privacy is just for the bathroom,” he says.
The Crabbys were over on Saturday and we were talking to IP. “So,” I said to him, “You have house rules. Are there any house rules Nana and GP will need to know about?”
“No going down!” says IP.
Some of you already know, but haven’t mentioned anything here before, so here it is:
My parents are moving in with us. Now, my parents read this blog, as do their friends, so you won’t hear me dissing them or anything. And in answer to the inevitable questions:
1. Because Dad’s retired and there’s nothing to keep them living in Glencoe anymore.
2. Basement Apartment, separate entrance
3. Seasonally (they’ll be up to the trailer from May to October.)
4. Yes, Ice Prince is excited.
5. Sure, it’ll have very good results (inhouse babysitting and a van) and some bad results (hopefully Dad won’t play his Whitesnake albums too loud and Mom won’t ruin the paint by taping up all of her Justin Timberlake posters).
The hardest part will be training Ice Prince that he can’t just run down there any time he likes to visit. “But Mommy, privacy is just for the bathroom,” he says.
The Crabbys were over on Saturday and we were talking to IP. “So,” I said to him, “You have house rules. Are there any house rules Nana and GP will need to know about?”
“No going down!” says IP.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Born to be Wilde
Did you read Picture of Dorian Grey? And do you know vaguely about Canadian Idol? Of course you do! My readers are both educated and cognizent of popular culture. (Thus you will also enjoy the post title on both levels.)
So you'll understand when I say:
Kalan Porter is exactly how I always imagined Dorian Grey to look.
Am I right?
Did you read Picture of Dorian Grey? And do you know vaguely about Canadian Idol? Of course you do! My readers are both educated and cognizent of popular culture. (Thus you will also enjoy the post title on both levels.)
So you'll understand when I say:
Kalan Porter is exactly how I always imagined Dorian Grey to look.
Am I right?
Thursday, March 17, 2005
My Sainthood Is In The Mail
Busy today, possums. Today is a Virtuous Day®, whereby I do things that scare me like:
1. Returning rather ancient voice mails
2. Calling a stranger (ugh!) to ask them about taking away our old washer and dryer.
3. Doing the last fiddly bits to get our employee newsletter done.
4. Cleaned off my sty of a desk. I have a box full of band-aids (unopened, natch) and photos of Ice Prince. And hair gel. And a pair of underwear. And a dress. And crayons. Don’t I sound like I have a fun job?
5. Arranging meetings with people I have ignored. For good reason.
6. Smiling at people I don’t like (okay, that was actually a mistake. I thought it was my boss coming around the corner, but it was someone else.)
In other news, today is Beach Day at Ice Prince’s school. Err…yes, that’s right. Not St. Patrick’s Day, but BEACH DAY. Explain to me why they can celebrate St. Valentine’s Day and not St. Patrick’s Day? Is there some IRA contingent in East York that I was previously unaware of? (Of which I was previously aware?) Fresh was goading me to join the Home and School Association for pure entertainment value.
Okay, can’t spend Virtuous Day® on the blog. À la prochain!
(Feeling better thanks.)
Busy today, possums. Today is a Virtuous Day®, whereby I do things that scare me like:
1. Returning rather ancient voice mails
2. Calling a stranger (ugh!) to ask them about taking away our old washer and dryer.
3. Doing the last fiddly bits to get our employee newsletter done.
4. Cleaned off my sty of a desk. I have a box full of band-aids (unopened, natch) and photos of Ice Prince. And hair gel. And a pair of underwear. And a dress. And crayons. Don’t I sound like I have a fun job?
5. Arranging meetings with people I have ignored. For good reason.
6. Smiling at people I don’t like (okay, that was actually a mistake. I thought it was my boss coming around the corner, but it was someone else.)
In other news, today is Beach Day at Ice Prince’s school. Err…yes, that’s right. Not St. Patrick’s Day, but BEACH DAY. Explain to me why they can celebrate St. Valentine’s Day and not St. Patrick’s Day? Is there some IRA contingent in East York that I was previously unaware of? (Of which I was previously aware?) Fresh was goading me to join the Home and School Association for pure entertainment value.
Okay, can’t spend Virtuous Day® on the blog. À la prochain!
(Feeling better thanks.)
Monday, March 14, 2005
Friday, March 11, 2005
Because I'm the Queen, That's Why!
It's Ice Queen Appreciation Day. Why? Because I bloody well need to be appreciated, that's why! Sigh.
Write me a poem, pay me a compliment, mail me a present. Reflect on the fabulousness that is The Ice Queen!
In proper news,last call for recommending a book for Icicle Fief Reads! If I don't get any more enteries, we'll do the polling on Monday for the book you most want to read. Then, go read it! And report back on whether you liked it. You know the drill: screamforicequeenATgmailDOTcom.
It's Ice Queen Appreciation Day. Why? Because I bloody well need to be appreciated, that's why! Sigh.
Write me a poem, pay me a compliment, mail me a present. Reflect on the fabulousness that is The Ice Queen!
In proper news,last call for recommending a book for Icicle Fief Reads! If I don't get any more enteries, we'll do the polling on Monday for the book you most want to read. Then, go read it! And report back on whether you liked it. You know the drill: screamforicequeenATgmailDOTcom.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Maria's Reading Adventure in Downtown Toronto
Part trois in the ongoing Icicle Fief Reads series. To nominate a book, e-mail screamforicequeenAtgmailDOTcom
Title: The Song Beneath the Ice
Author: Joe Fiorito
Genre: Fiction/drama/mystery
About what: This book is about a Toronto musician who
suddenly disappears. His friends decides to look for
him and find out what really happened.
Why you should read it:This book shows a portrait of Toronto as it sounds, it helps us appreciate all the sounds that surround us in
our everyday lives, sounds we may take for granted
like the TTC chimes, the streetcar bell, people
walking by speaking different languages. It also talks
about places in the city that all of us might be
familiar with. It is an amazing portrait of Toronto
through an often overlooked point of view.
(P.S. to Crabby: I'm going to post my sonnet to the 2DM now.)
Part trois in the ongoing Icicle Fief Reads series. To nominate a book, e-mail screamforicequeenAtgmailDOTcom
Title: The Song Beneath the Ice
Author: Joe Fiorito
Genre: Fiction/drama/mystery
About what: This book is about a Toronto musician who
suddenly disappears. His friends decides to look for
him and find out what really happened.
Why you should read it:This book shows a portrait of Toronto as it sounds, it helps us appreciate all the sounds that surround us in
our everyday lives, sounds we may take for granted
like the TTC chimes, the streetcar bell, people
walking by speaking different languages. It also talks
about places in the city that all of us might be
familiar with. It is an amazing portrait of Toronto
through an often overlooked point of view.
(P.S. to Crabby: I'm going to post my sonnet to the 2DM now.)
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Irascible Reads!
Part Deux in the ongoing Icicle Fief Reads series. To nominate a Canadian work of fiction, e-mail me at screamforicequeenATgmailDOTcom.
Microserfs
About what: A group of Microsoft employees in 1993 that leave the relative security of Bill’s company to take a chance with a start-up. The book is largely a search for identity and meaning in the “accelerated culture” that we now live in. Microserfs further expounds on the themes of Coupland’s previous novels notably that, “we live in an era with no precedents – this is to say, history is no longer useful as a tool in helping us understand current changes.”
This "time" is like no other and meaning is hard to find.
Top Eight Reasons why to Read it:
1) It’s written like a journal. It could’ve been a blog.
2) The book examines the disconnect that modern life creates with nature, our primal selves and hence that which makes us happy. “he mistakes the reward for the goal… He is lost. He does not connect privilege with responsibility; wealth with morality. I feel it is up to me to help him become found. It is my work, it is my task; it is my burden.
“Q: What animal would you be if you could be an animal? A: You already are an animal”
3) The pop-culture references are not only hilarious but well suited for the novel e.g. “Using the Bloom County-cartoon-taped-on-the-door index Michael is certainly the most sensitive coder..”
4) The books words of wisdom about change: “people are generally quite thrilled to have change enter their lives…(but) I’ve realized that people most dread the thought of actually initiating change… It’s hard coping with chaos and diversity.” “We mistake this time as “the ‘end of history.’ But maybe it’s the Beginning.”
“The only thing that is immune to change is our desire for meaning”
5) It’s important to choose to find hope
6) Awesome little stand alone paragraphs like: “And I wondered then, how do we ever know what beauty lies inside of people, and the strange ways this world works to lure that beauty outward?”
And
“Went to the gym for the first time today and my body feels like an East German Trabant car running on linseed oil crashing into a stack of burning televisions. The pain!”
7) Knocks the piss out of the silly tendency people have to define themselves by their work.
8) It’s reinforced my drive to be “One-Point-Oh.” To build; to create; to make something new. Version 1.0 “is what separates the microserfs from the cyberlords.”
Part Deux in the ongoing Icicle Fief Reads series. To nominate a Canadian work of fiction, e-mail me at screamforicequeenATgmailDOTcom.
Microserfs
About what: A group of Microsoft employees in 1993 that leave the relative security of Bill’s company to take a chance with a start-up. The book is largely a search for identity and meaning in the “accelerated culture” that we now live in. Microserfs further expounds on the themes of Coupland’s previous novels notably that, “we live in an era with no precedents – this is to say, history is no longer useful as a tool in helping us understand current changes.”
This "time" is like no other and meaning is hard to find.
Top Eight Reasons why to Read it:
1) It’s written like a journal. It could’ve been a blog.
2) The book examines the disconnect that modern life creates with nature, our primal selves and hence that which makes us happy. “he mistakes the reward for the goal… He is lost. He does not connect privilege with responsibility; wealth with morality. I feel it is up to me to help him become found. It is my work, it is my task; it is my burden.
“Q: What animal would you be if you could be an animal? A: You already are an animal”
3) The pop-culture references are not only hilarious but well suited for the novel e.g. “Using the Bloom County-cartoon-taped-on-the-door index Michael is certainly the most sensitive coder..”
4) The books words of wisdom about change: “people are generally quite thrilled to have change enter their lives…(but) I’ve realized that people most dread the thought of actually initiating change… It’s hard coping with chaos and diversity.” “We mistake this time as “the ‘end of history.’ But maybe it’s the Beginning.”
“The only thing that is immune to change is our desire for meaning”
5) It’s important to choose to find hope
6) Awesome little stand alone paragraphs like: “And I wondered then, how do we ever know what beauty lies inside of people, and the strange ways this world works to lure that beauty outward?”
And
“Went to the gym for the first time today and my body feels like an East German Trabant car running on linseed oil crashing into a stack of burning televisions. The pain!”
7) Knocks the piss out of the silly tendency people have to define themselves by their work.
8) It’s reinforced my drive to be “One-Point-Oh.” To build; to create; to make something new. Version 1.0 “is what separates the microserfs from the cyberlords.”
Monday, March 07, 2005
Crabby Reads!
Our first nomintation for the Icicle Fief comes from Crabby.
Title: Testament
Author: Nino Ricci
Genre: Historical fiction.
About what: Set in a remote corner of the Roman Empire at a moment of political unrest and spiritual uncertainty, it re-tells the life of a man of enormous charisma who alters the course of human history. The main character's story is told through the eyes of four characters: Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, his mother Miryam, and Simon. And, if you haven't guessed already, the main character is Jesus.
Why read it: There are no miracles here! Indeed, Ricci writes that Jesus was conceived as the result of a rape, not immaculate conception. This is a book about a fictionalized human being, not the son of God. This is not my favourite work of Canadian literature, but it is astonishingly good and very different from anything else that is likely to be on your list.
Any questions for Crabby about her nomination?
(Don't forget, if YOU want to nominate a book, email me at screamforicequeenAT gmailDOTcom, this means YOU, Mikevil and JustMark!)
Our first nomintation for the Icicle Fief comes from Crabby.
Title: Testament
Author: Nino Ricci
Genre: Historical fiction.
About what: Set in a remote corner of the Roman Empire at a moment of political unrest and spiritual uncertainty, it re-tells the life of a man of enormous charisma who alters the course of human history. The main character's story is told through the eyes of four characters: Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, his mother Miryam, and Simon. And, if you haven't guessed already, the main character is Jesus.
Why read it: There are no miracles here! Indeed, Ricci writes that Jesus was conceived as the result of a rape, not immaculate conception. This is a book about a fictionalized human being, not the son of God. This is not my favourite work of Canadian literature, but it is astonishingly good and very different from anything else that is likely to be on your list.
Any questions for Crabby about her nomination?
(Don't forget, if YOU want to nominate a book, email me at screamforicequeenAT gmailDOTcom, this means YOU, Mikevil and JustMark!)
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Could've been worse. I could've looked like Jimmy Fallon.
So you want to know how the haircut went? How flattering!
I have two words:
TINA FEY. (If you don't know who that is, please go away and come back when your popular culture meter is back on 21st century.)
True. The colour, the piecey-ness. The attitude. Especially with my librarian glasses. I'll try to manage a picture tomorrow at the subway station if I have the right change.
I'm bloody pleased with it. Fresh (hereby known as Funky Folk Frank since he began playing Knockin' on Heaven's Door on the guitar) seems to like it too. Ice prince has no comment. Mommy usually has dog ears on or a serape or a tam or a tutu, so nothing really phases the poor boy.
So you want to know how the haircut went? How flattering!
I have two words:
TINA FEY. (If you don't know who that is, please go away and come back when your popular culture meter is back on 21st century.)
True. The colour, the piecey-ness. The attitude. Especially with my librarian glasses. I'll try to manage a picture tomorrow at the subway station if I have the right change.
I'm bloody pleased with it. Fresh (hereby known as Funky Folk Frank since he began playing Knockin' on Heaven's Door on the guitar) seems to like it too. Ice prince has no comment. Mommy usually has dog ears on or a serape or a tam or a tutu, so nothing really phases the poor boy.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Clock Watching
Is it 5 o’ clock yet? No. Sigh.
I’ve worked hard this week. Really. But this is ridiculous. The longest. Afternoon. Ever.
Hey, I finally read David Sedaris’ “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.” He is hailed as the funniest writer around. Brilliant. Wet your pants hilarious.
I didn’t laugh once. I didn’t even smirk. I forced myself to finish it. I’d like to ask for my money back, but I got it from the library. Maybe they can credit my library fines for the portion of my life I wasted while reading it.
I’ve read funnier, better written blogs, including yours. Seriously.
You want funny? Read Bill Bryson. Now THAT man can make me laugh out loud.
Now back to our regularly scheduled memo-writing.
Is it 5 o’ clock yet? No. Sigh.
I’ve worked hard this week. Really. But this is ridiculous. The longest. Afternoon. Ever.
Hey, I finally read David Sedaris’ “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.” He is hailed as the funniest writer around. Brilliant. Wet your pants hilarious.
I didn’t laugh once. I didn’t even smirk. I forced myself to finish it. I’d like to ask for my money back, but I got it from the library. Maybe they can credit my library fines for the portion of my life I wasted while reading it.
I’ve read funnier, better written blogs, including yours. Seriously.
You want funny? Read Bill Bryson. Now THAT man can make me laugh out loud.
Now back to our regularly scheduled memo-writing.
Superstar Chef, My Arse
After waiting up until midnight while it simmered, the veal is still kinda chewy and the potatoes are still al dente (which means "pretty bloody rock hard" to those non-culinary types).
I'm going to take out the potatoes, add some portobellos and serve it over orzo if it doesn't seem much improved when I heat it up tonight.
Don't worry, Crab Family! There's always bread and salad!
After waiting up until midnight while it simmered, the veal is still kinda chewy and the potatoes are still al dente (which means "pretty bloody rock hard" to those non-culinary types).
I'm going to take out the potatoes, add some portobellos and serve it over orzo if it doesn't seem much improved when I heat it up tonight.
Don't worry, Crab Family! There's always bread and salad!
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Just Another Thursday Night in the Icicle Fief
Here's what I'm making right now. Only I decided to use osso bucco (veal shank) instead of stewing veal because I'm afraid of any stewing meat turning out too chewing.
Don't you wish you were coming for dinner tonight, like Crabby and Mr. Crab? I'm still hoping to have a BBQ for the Ice Queen readers this summer. It'll be such fun! I can feel the hangover just thinking about it.
(Yes, I'm making Friday's the night before. We working parents try to make things seem effortless.) Fresh is downstairs practicing his guitar and it sounds good.
Anyhow, time to go peel some potatoes. I plan to try to do Illustration Friday tomorrow, so drop by to see what the theme is and what I draw. My drawing is worse than my singing -- and I actually took drawing lessons. Sad, really. Of well. I still have my good looks and winning personality.
Here's what I'm making right now. Only I decided to use osso bucco (veal shank) instead of stewing veal because I'm afraid of any stewing meat turning out too chewing.
Don't you wish you were coming for dinner tonight, like Crabby and Mr. Crab? I'm still hoping to have a BBQ for the Ice Queen readers this summer. It'll be such fun! I can feel the hangover just thinking about it.
(Yes, I'm making Friday's the night before. We working parents try to make things seem effortless.) Fresh is downstairs practicing his guitar and it sounds good.
Anyhow, time to go peel some potatoes. I plan to try to do Illustration Friday tomorrow, so drop by to see what the theme is and what I draw. My drawing is worse than my singing -- and I actually took drawing lessons. Sad, really. Of well. I still have my good looks and winning personality.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
With a name like Smuckers, it has to be good
I have a hair appointment for 2:00 on Saturday at Poison Ivy. The 'do below, with possibly longer or shorter bang bits - TBD.
(I'm saving my spa gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure at the first whiff of spring. What I wouldn't do for a little Spring Whiff® right now!)
I have a hair appointment for 2:00 on Saturday at Poison Ivy. The 'do below, with possibly longer or shorter bang bits - TBD.
(I'm saving my spa gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure at the first whiff of spring. What I wouldn't do for a little Spring Whiff® right now!)
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Monday, February 28, 2005
Icicle Fief Reads 2005
Yes, it’s time for the First Annual Icicle Fief Reads competition.
Want to participate?
1. Choose your favourite Canadian work of fiction. (Liberal Red Book not included. I'm kidding. Really.)
2. Send me a short description of why you think it deserves to be voted Fief-worthy. (screamforicequeenATgmailDOTcom)
3. We (yes, the royal we) will feature one book per day until we run out of participants. Participants must be willing to defend the book on their appointed day and answer questions of a non-salacious nature.
(Note: Volunteer also needed to make me a poll so we can vote on this when we’re done. Shut up, Brett.)
Winner will receive a book from the Ice Queen’s personal library. Americans eligible, but must choose a Canadian book.
Yes, it’s time for the First Annual Icicle Fief Reads competition.
Want to participate?
1. Choose your favourite Canadian work of fiction. (Liberal Red Book not included. I'm kidding. Really.)
2. Send me a short description of why you think it deserves to be voted Fief-worthy. (screamforicequeenATgmailDOTcom)
3. We (yes, the royal we) will feature one book per day until we run out of participants. Participants must be willing to defend the book on their appointed day and answer questions of a non-salacious nature.
(Note: Volunteer also needed to make me a poll so we can vote on this when we’re done. Shut up, Brett.)
Winner will receive a book from the Ice Queen’s personal library. Americans eligible, but must choose a Canadian book.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
"Don't make me come over there. I know a thing or two about getting lunch money out of people. Ha ha!"
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
the Theme Song to the New Hit Sitcom: Wanda and The Queen
They're Wanda and The Queen
Yes, Wanda and The Queen
One is a genius
The other's insane.
They're ladies on the ‘net
Who haven’t even met
They're yonder
They're Wanda and The Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen
Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen
Queen.
They roam the city streets
Alert for fashion wrongs
They’ll slap you with a fine
And take away your thongs
They're Wanda and The Queen
Yes, Wanda and The Queen
They both look as if
Each day’s Hallowe’en.
I have to confess
They look good in a dress
They're yonder
They're Wanda and The Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen
Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen
Narf!
They're Wanda and The Queen
Yes, Wanda and The Queen
One is a genius
The other's insane.
They're ladies on the ‘net
Who haven’t even met
They're yonder
They're Wanda and The Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen
Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen
Queen.
They roam the city streets
Alert for fashion wrongs
They’ll slap you with a fine
And take away your thongs
They're Wanda and The Queen
Yes, Wanda and The Queen
They both look as if
Each day’s Hallowe’en.
I have to confess
They look good in a dress
They're yonder
They're Wanda and The Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen
Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen
Narf!
Two Queens is a Full House!
Markus has a post today: “To Wanda and the Ice Queen.”
Doesn’t “Wanda and the Ice Queen” sound like a sit com? Like Sanford and Son, Chico and the Man, Kate and Ally, Ned and Stacey, Will and Grace….
We need a theme song, a plot for the pilot episode and a logo. Then when Wanda comes up in the summer, we can film. Hey, maybe we can all write the screenplay together – like with the novel contest. Success in numbers! (Note that I have a no nudity clause.) Plus you could write yourselves in as characters.
C’mon, possums. Any contributions to my 15 minutes would be appreciated. I’m busy today, but can never shut my brain off, so if you give me a tune to set my words to, maybe I can come up with the theme song today.
In other news, Fresh is bemused about why a drag queen from Minneapolis mailed me a thong. (I got it last night. Thanks, Wanda!) I think I'll wear it whan Mikevil and I teach that Grade 8 Diversity Class.
Markus has a post today: “To Wanda and the Ice Queen.”
Doesn’t “Wanda and the Ice Queen” sound like a sit com? Like Sanford and Son, Chico and the Man, Kate and Ally, Ned and Stacey, Will and Grace….
We need a theme song, a plot for the pilot episode and a logo. Then when Wanda comes up in the summer, we can film. Hey, maybe we can all write the screenplay together – like with the novel contest. Success in numbers! (Note that I have a no nudity clause.) Plus you could write yourselves in as characters.
C’mon, possums. Any contributions to my 15 minutes would be appreciated. I’m busy today, but can never shut my brain off, so if you give me a tune to set my words to, maybe I can come up with the theme song today.
In other news, Fresh is bemused about why a drag queen from Minneapolis mailed me a thong. (I got it last night. Thanks, Wanda!) I think I'll wear it whan Mikevil and I teach that Grade 8 Diversity Class.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Vive la difference!
I’m bored.
Not that I don’t have a lot to do, oh yessir bob, I have lots to do. I’m just tired of the beige walls here at work, and the winter boots, and the bus home, and being stuck inside the house. Yes, we’ve been tobogganing and skating.
Last night, Fresh and I (and IP) went to a restaurant. We don’t do this often and if you know any 4 year olds, you’ll know why. It was a nice change of pace and the Little Prince was sort of well-behaved. He had orange fries (yam frites).
I need to shake things up. Yesterday, I went for a beverage break with Boomer, determined to try something new. The only thing I hadn’t tried in the coffee shop was Mello Yello, which was like Mountain Dew. Yawn.
So give me some ideas. How can I make life exciting until the snow melts? Help!
I’m bored.
Not that I don’t have a lot to do, oh yessir bob, I have lots to do. I’m just tired of the beige walls here at work, and the winter boots, and the bus home, and being stuck inside the house. Yes, we’ve been tobogganing and skating.
Last night, Fresh and I (and IP) went to a restaurant. We don’t do this often and if you know any 4 year olds, you’ll know why. It was a nice change of pace and the Little Prince was sort of well-behaved. He had orange fries (yam frites).
I need to shake things up. Yesterday, I went for a beverage break with Boomer, determined to try something new. The only thing I hadn’t tried in the coffee shop was Mello Yello, which was like Mountain Dew. Yawn.
So give me some ideas. How can I make life exciting until the snow melts? Help!
Monday, February 21, 2005
I Don't Know Art, But I Know What I Like
So you've probably heardofthat Christo's Gates thing in Central Park. Pretty, sure, but somehow all that outlay of money for something pretty bothers me. Unless I'm the something pretty that the money is being spent on.
Now THIS (found via the lovely Eva) is more my style. Click on the links too.
So you've probably heardofthat Christo's Gates thing in Central Park. Pretty, sure, but somehow all that outlay of money for something pretty bothers me. Unless I'm the something pretty that the money is being spent on.
Now THIS (found via the lovely Eva) is more my style. Click on the links too.
Life in a Northern Town
George W. smoked pot. But doesn't think you should.
Jason Kenney (Dipwad for Northern Hickville) says marriages that don’t produce children don’t contribute to society and aren’t real marriages. Guess my parents have to split up now. And most of my friends. Wonder what he would have thought of the French Canadian couple who lived next door to us at one point. They’re were happily unmarried with three teenaged kids. All their own.
Ice Prince has been accepted into French Immersion for next year (All French, All The Time! Until Grade 4!)
Fresh has purchased a guitar. And guitar paraphernalia. He’s practicing daily.
Took us three times as long to get to school this morning because we had to climb huge snow banks.
Watched Gods and Monsters last night. Pretty good.
Missed the Simpsons episode (don’t get that channel), so would appreciate any recaps.
And Brett is so ungrateful and mocking about the poll that didn’t work that I wash my hands of him. If anyone else is looking for love, I’d be happy to post an ad for you.
And if Gavin and Maria or Dave and Kat do get together, please come back and tell us what happened. I deserve to live vicariously through you for my efforts.
Today’s Interactive Fun
Hey, know what we haven’t done for ages? Cast my Life Story movie. Who would play you and who would play me?
George W. smoked pot. But doesn't think you should.
Jason Kenney (Dipwad for Northern Hickville) says marriages that don’t produce children don’t contribute to society and aren’t real marriages. Guess my parents have to split up now. And most of my friends. Wonder what he would have thought of the French Canadian couple who lived next door to us at one point. They’re were happily unmarried with three teenaged kids. All their own.
Ice Prince has been accepted into French Immersion for next year (All French, All The Time! Until Grade 4!)
Fresh has purchased a guitar. And guitar paraphernalia. He’s practicing daily.
Took us three times as long to get to school this morning because we had to climb huge snow banks.
Watched Gods and Monsters last night. Pretty good.
Missed the Simpsons episode (don’t get that channel), so would appreciate any recaps.
And Brett is so ungrateful and mocking about the poll that didn’t work that I wash my hands of him. If anyone else is looking for love, I’d be happy to post an ad for you.
And if Gavin and Maria or Dave and Kat do get together, please come back and tell us what happened. I deserve to live vicariously through you for my efforts.
Today’s Interactive Fun
Hey, know what we haven’t done for ages? Cast my Life Story movie. Who would play you and who would play me?
Friday, February 18, 2005
A Friday Game of Kat and Mouse
Over on blamblog, it’s spring and a young man’s thoughts turn to love.
And love, these days, is decided by random strangers voting. Or it should be. At least in this case, many of the voters will know Brett.
We have two (self-declaring) candidates to marry Brett, and he has agreed to binding arbitration. YOU decide! (I was sad to see that Alice didn’t want to participate. I guess she’s still too heart broken. Besides, she had her go with Brett. It’s time for some fresh young blood.)
Our bachelorettes are:
Kat
I was born to left-wing hippies (as opposed to those right-wing
hippies you see so much) in Toronto. Almost born on the Don Valley
Parkway - good times! I was a weird kid who lived mostly in books, and
when I did emerge, I'd do odd things like kick my sister's friends in
the shins. I finally stopped being socially inept in high school,
though I was still weird. I discovered a disturbing love for Mystery
Science Theatre 3000, Douglas Adams, and Oscar Wilde. I came to
university a few years ago, found many friends who shared my love of
cartoons and sexual innuendo, and now I am delighting everyone who
knows me. And I have no ego problem whatsoever.
I should marry Brett because, really, I'm adorable and hilarious and
boys who can draw make me melt.
Maria
(No picture supplied. Artist’s impressions only.)
Maria tries to speak four languages, but speaks none of them fluently.
Maria knows how to cook, but sometimes dinner turns out to be very salty.
Maria can make her own sweaters, but it takes her about two years to finish
each.
Maria likes watching Jeopardy and shouting the answers at the TV, only
occasionally does she get them remotely right.
Maria has an expensive addiction: chicken wings (hot or suicide) and beer.
“At this stage in life I just want to be married, to anyone!”
(Okay, Maria just sent me a photo after all here it is:
"Here's my picture, it's a bit dark, but I think it works all right. And it shows what I can offer (lots of booze)."
So, what do you think?
VOTE NOW!
Over on blamblog, it’s spring and a young man’s thoughts turn to love.
And love, these days, is decided by random strangers voting. Or it should be. At least in this case, many of the voters will know Brett.
We have two (self-declaring) candidates to marry Brett, and he has agreed to binding arbitration. YOU decide! (I was sad to see that Alice didn’t want to participate. I guess she’s still too heart broken. Besides, she had her go with Brett. It’s time for some fresh young blood.)
Our bachelorettes are:
Kat
I was born to left-wing hippies (as opposed to those right-wing
hippies you see so much) in Toronto. Almost born on the Don Valley
Parkway - good times! I was a weird kid who lived mostly in books, and
when I did emerge, I'd do odd things like kick my sister's friends in
the shins. I finally stopped being socially inept in high school,
though I was still weird. I discovered a disturbing love for Mystery
Science Theatre 3000, Douglas Adams, and Oscar Wilde. I came to
university a few years ago, found many friends who shared my love of
cartoons and sexual innuendo, and now I am delighting everyone who
knows me. And I have no ego problem whatsoever.
I should marry Brett because, really, I'm adorable and hilarious and
boys who can draw make me melt.
Maria
(No picture supplied. Artist’s impressions only.)
Maria tries to speak four languages, but speaks none of them fluently.
Maria knows how to cook, but sometimes dinner turns out to be very salty.
Maria can make her own sweaters, but it takes her about two years to finish
each.
Maria likes watching Jeopardy and shouting the answers at the TV, only
occasionally does she get them remotely right.
Maria has an expensive addiction: chicken wings (hot or suicide) and beer.
“At this stage in life I just want to be married, to anyone!”
(Okay, Maria just sent me a photo after all here it is:
"Here's my picture, it's a bit dark, but I think it works all right. And it shows what I can offer (lots of booze)."
So, what do you think?
VOTE NOW!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Bit and Bites
Tonight I am going to Crabby’s house to see her favourite movie: Only You.
Fresh is starting his guitar lessons on Saturday. He has rented a guitar and it smells good. Like wood. Like a good wood guitar should. Hey, that kind of makes me a groupie, eh?
What else, what else. I facilitated my first Planning Session yesterday. It went okay. I think I failed Flip Chart Paper Tearing.
I’m going to Goodwill tonight because they have a 50 per cent off sale tomorrow. Why does that logic make sense? There will be lots of good stuff there which people have not bought because they are waiting until tomorrow. I will snap it up tonight. Extra $3.50 be damned! Plus its very close to Crab Central.
And in the Small World After All category, the business colleague I shared a cab home with last night was once Branch Manager for my bank in Glencoe (2 years before I moved there) AND lives directly across the road from Mikevil and Markus (at #22). Wave at Brad, boys!
Tonight I am going to Crabby’s house to see her favourite movie: Only You.
Fresh is starting his guitar lessons on Saturday. He has rented a guitar and it smells good. Like wood. Like a good wood guitar should. Hey, that kind of makes me a groupie, eh?
What else, what else. I facilitated my first Planning Session yesterday. It went okay. I think I failed Flip Chart Paper Tearing.
I’m going to Goodwill tonight because they have a 50 per cent off sale tomorrow. Why does that logic make sense? There will be lots of good stuff there which people have not bought because they are waiting until tomorrow. I will snap it up tonight. Extra $3.50 be damned! Plus its very close to Crab Central.
And in the Small World After All category, the business colleague I shared a cab home with last night was once Branch Manager for my bank in Glencoe (2 years before I moved there) AND lives directly across the road from Mikevil and Markus (at #22). Wave at Brad, boys!
Monday, February 14, 2005
Love, Sexsmith and Eating the Scones
Back from Glencoe. Ice Prince took some pictures, but I have to get them developed, so stay tuned. (No, I don’t have a digital camera. Feel free to buy me one, ardent admirers.)
Speaking of admirers, It’s Valentine’s Day.
If you have a sweetie, do you buy/expect a gift? I don’t. I do expect a nice dinner and a bottle of wine and some undivided attention. But then again, I usually expect that.
I might buy Fresh a CD I saw at Starbucks this morning. Not because I feel obligated, but because it looked good and he would like it: it’s got Rufus and Sondre on it. But no Ron Sexsmith. Sad. But I still have money left on my HMV gift card so I’m planning on buying Sexsmith’s album Retriever.
If you don’t have a sweetie (and even if you do), call your mom or dad or best friend and tell them how much you love them. After all, who says Valentine’s Day has to be about romantic love?
Now for some interactive fun.
My Dear Friend Dave® is now a guest star on Train 48. Really!
Anyhow, if you could guest star on a show, what show would you pick and what character would you be? How would you fit into the plot?
Tell me. I’ll think about it and be back later.
Back from Glencoe. Ice Prince took some pictures, but I have to get them developed, so stay tuned. (No, I don’t have a digital camera. Feel free to buy me one, ardent admirers.)
Speaking of admirers, It’s Valentine’s Day.
If you have a sweetie, do you buy/expect a gift? I don’t. I do expect a nice dinner and a bottle of wine and some undivided attention. But then again, I usually expect that.
I might buy Fresh a CD I saw at Starbucks this morning. Not because I feel obligated, but because it looked good and he would like it: it’s got Rufus and Sondre on it. But no Ron Sexsmith. Sad. But I still have money left on my HMV gift card so I’m planning on buying Sexsmith’s album Retriever.
If you don’t have a sweetie (and even if you do), call your mom or dad or best friend and tell them how much you love them. After all, who says Valentine’s Day has to be about romantic love?
Now for some interactive fun.
My Dear Friend Dave® is now a guest star on Train 48. Really!
Anyhow, if you could guest star on a show, what show would you pick and what character would you be? How would you fit into the plot?
Tell me. I’ll think about it and be back later.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Leaving On The VIA Train…
Tomorrow, I’m going to Glencoe. I haven’t taken the train up in 4 years. Wow. Here’s what the train station used to look like when I was a teenager growing up there, before it fell apart, got moved and got refurbished. I can’t remember what’s there now instead – I think it’s just like a bus shelter thing.
Sidenote: When I was growing up, I wanted to be the announcer who said: “Welcome to VIA! VIA Bonjour! All aboard! Please. En voiture! S’il vous plait.”
I lived in Glencoe from 1981-1987. I wrote an epic poem about it. You can read it if you want to.
I’ll be taking a camera, of course. And the little Ice Prince, who hasn’t ridden on a train since he was 4 months old. A jumbo French fries will hold him until about Milton, after that all chaos will break loose as he performs “Stars on 45” for the Toronto-Windsor corridor. I’m thinking of bringing along the CD walkman and letting him rock out in silence. Well, except for the obligatory air guitaring.
He wants to “meet the ‘ductor” and “drive the train”. So if you read about any derailments, guess who’ll be getting a time out and no dessert?
Tomorrow, I’m going to Glencoe. I haven’t taken the train up in 4 years. Wow. Here’s what the train station used to look like when I was a teenager growing up there, before it fell apart, got moved and got refurbished. I can’t remember what’s there now instead – I think it’s just like a bus shelter thing.
Sidenote: When I was growing up, I wanted to be the announcer who said: “Welcome to VIA! VIA Bonjour! All aboard! Please. En voiture! S’il vous plait.”
I lived in Glencoe from 1981-1987. I wrote an epic poem about it. You can read it if you want to.
I’ll be taking a camera, of course. And the little Ice Prince, who hasn’t ridden on a train since he was 4 months old. A jumbo French fries will hold him until about Milton, after that all chaos will break loose as he performs “Stars on 45” for the Toronto-Windsor corridor. I’m thinking of bringing along the CD walkman and letting him rock out in silence. Well, except for the obligatory air guitaring.
He wants to “meet the ‘ductor” and “drive the train”. So if you read about any derailments, guess who’ll be getting a time out and no dessert?
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
I Share Because I Care
I’m writing a report on a building we are, well, building. Anyhow, the caissons are being done this week. If like me, you don’t know what a caisson is, you might be tempted to look it up on the ‘net. And you might run across this page, by Morrison Mud:
“Pipe Jacking, Caissons, and Structure Jacking
Note: This page deals with annulus lubrication. Regarding tunnelling methods which use additives, please click on slurry or epb/pumped muck.
What causes high jacking load?
When setting up for success on a difficult pipe jack it's worth considering how the ground conditions can affect overall friction.
Clay stickiness and swelling
Clay (bentonite) based lubricants can be of limited use in swelling clay. Consider a specialist additive such as TK60 Jacking Lubricant which actively prevent clay from swelling and contain powerful polymeric lubricants.
Loss of Lubricant to the Ground
Preventing lubricant loss to the ground can make all the difference. Choose Sloop or FibrouSeal to help maintain the annulus. These products can be added to your existing bentonite lubricant or used in a pure polymer mix.”
Who knew banking could be so interesting? Who knew I had such a puerile mind? Fine. You can all put your hands down now.
Oh, and by the way, a caisson is basically a big concrete column that holds a building up.
I’m writing a report on a building we are, well, building. Anyhow, the caissons are being done this week. If like me, you don’t know what a caisson is, you might be tempted to look it up on the ‘net. And you might run across this page, by Morrison Mud:
“Pipe Jacking, Caissons, and Structure Jacking
Note: This page deals with annulus lubrication. Regarding tunnelling methods which use additives, please click on slurry or epb/pumped muck.
What causes high jacking load?
When setting up for success on a difficult pipe jack it's worth considering how the ground conditions can affect overall friction.
Clay stickiness and swelling
Clay (bentonite) based lubricants can be of limited use in swelling clay. Consider a specialist additive such as TK60 Jacking Lubricant which actively prevent clay from swelling and contain powerful polymeric lubricants.
Loss of Lubricant to the Ground
Preventing lubricant loss to the ground can make all the difference. Choose Sloop or FibrouSeal to help maintain the annulus. These products can be added to your existing bentonite lubricant or used in a pure polymer mix.”
Who knew banking could be so interesting? Who knew I had such a puerile mind? Fine. You can all put your hands down now.
Oh, and by the way, a caisson is basically a big concrete column that holds a building up.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Homework, or "The Dog Ate My Post"
Sheryl over at Paper Napkin is considering having bloggers expound on their secret knowledge. Crabby is looking for speakers at a Symposium her organization is having.
This sounds fun, but I’m too lazy to have a Blogger Symposium. Let’s just do the fun part.
If I held a Symposium, what would the title of your speech be? And write your bio too, for the programme.
Okay, I’m really lazy today. So tell me what MY topic would be. And hey, write my bio too, if you’re up for it.
Sheryl over at Paper Napkin is considering having bloggers expound on their secret knowledge. Crabby is looking for speakers at a Symposium her organization is having.
This sounds fun, but I’m too lazy to have a Blogger Symposium. Let’s just do the fun part.
If I held a Symposium, what would the title of your speech be? And write your bio too, for the programme.
Okay, I’m really lazy today. So tell me what MY topic would be. And hey, write my bio too, if you’re up for it.
The Artist Soon To Be Known As Ice Prince
Ice Prince is a very good kid. Up until now, he would go to bed and stay there until 7:00 am or so, when he would sing to himself until I went and got him. It never occurred to him that he could get out of bed himself. But all that changed this weekend, when suddenly, Fresh and I were greeted with IP padding into our room and saying in a sing-song voice: “Good morning, my sweetie-girl!”
We went and had brunch at a pub yesterday and listened to live jazz. IP was very disappointed that he wasn’t allowed to play any instruments. Eventually, he solved this by commandeering my purse, which he transformed into:
1. A guitar (one strap over one shoulder and fingering chords on the other strap and strumming the purse)
2. A trumpet (blowing into one strap and playing notes on the other.)
3. A drum (obvious)
When the music slowed down, he switched to interpretive dance.
The boy need some music lessons. And soon!
Ice Prince is a very good kid. Up until now, he would go to bed and stay there until 7:00 am or so, when he would sing to himself until I went and got him. It never occurred to him that he could get out of bed himself. But all that changed this weekend, when suddenly, Fresh and I were greeted with IP padding into our room and saying in a sing-song voice: “Good morning, my sweetie-girl!”
We went and had brunch at a pub yesterday and listened to live jazz. IP was very disappointed that he wasn’t allowed to play any instruments. Eventually, he solved this by commandeering my purse, which he transformed into:
1. A guitar (one strap over one shoulder and fingering chords on the other strap and strumming the purse)
2. A trumpet (blowing into one strap and playing notes on the other.)
3. A drum (obvious)
When the music slowed down, he switched to interpretive dance.
The boy need some music lessons. And soon!
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Really more like guidelines...
The recipe of the evening is: VEAL SAUTÉ WITH MORELS AND WILD LEEKS
Except instead of leeks, I'm using green onions and instead of morels, I'm using a
portobello and some creminis.
I am also downloading (naughty girl!) some Louis Prima to listen to during dinner. (I am ashamed to admit that I was inspired by watching Jungle Book, where Louis sings: "I Wanna Be Like You.") Along the same line (Louis Prima, that is), if you like good movies and you like cooking, then you should definitely watch Big Night, which is a fantastic movie with what I thought was an excellent ending. Have you ever been enjoying a movie but thought: "I know how it's going to end, and it's going to be very pat and Hollwood and then I'll hate it."? Well, this one wasn't, it was charming. Go rent it.
The recipe of the evening is: VEAL SAUTÉ WITH MORELS AND WILD LEEKS
Except instead of leeks, I'm using green onions and instead of morels, I'm using a
portobello and some creminis.
I am also downloading (naughty girl!) some Louis Prima to listen to during dinner. (I am ashamed to admit that I was inspired by watching Jungle Book, where Louis sings: "I Wanna Be Like You.") Along the same line (Louis Prima, that is), if you like good movies and you like cooking, then you should definitely watch Big Night, which is a fantastic movie with what I thought was an excellent ending. Have you ever been enjoying a movie but thought: "I know how it's going to end, and it's going to be very pat and Hollwood and then I'll hate it."? Well, this one wasn't, it was charming. Go rent it.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Ice Prince Explains It All To You
IP: Let's go out and see the chrysalis this morning.
IQ: Do you know what a chrysalis is?
IP: The caberpiller crawls inside.
IQ: And then what happens?
IP: He has milk and cookies inside. And then he comes out a butterfly.
Now you know. Isn't science a wonderful thing?
IP: Let's go out and see the chrysalis this morning.
IQ: Do you know what a chrysalis is?
IP: The caberpiller crawls inside.
IQ: And then what happens?
IP: He has milk and cookies inside. And then he comes out a butterfly.
Now you know. Isn't science a wonderful thing?
Thursday, February 03, 2005
A Quick Rant
I got a note home from the school.
Kindergarteners are not allowed to address their Valentine’s Cards, because that would cause too much work for the teachers to sort. Ice Prince is just supposed to sign a stack and hand ‘em in to be distributed pell mell. Or perhaps even willy-nilly.
I understand the problems of sorting but it’s VALENTINE’S DAY for the love of Pete! Yeah, nothing says “You’re special” like a generic unlabelled card.
As Crabby would say: “Stew-pid!”
I got a note home from the school.
Kindergarteners are not allowed to address their Valentine’s Cards, because that would cause too much work for the teachers to sort. Ice Prince is just supposed to sign a stack and hand ‘em in to be distributed pell mell. Or perhaps even willy-nilly.
I understand the problems of sorting but it’s VALENTINE’S DAY for the love of Pete! Yeah, nothing says “You’re special” like a generic unlabelled card.
As Crabby would say: “Stew-pid!”
Wit and Wisdom of The Ice Prince
IQ: “Hey, come look at this icicle, isn’t it beautiful?” (me pointing to an icicle hanging from a bush)
IP: “Yes, beautiful. It looks like a chrysalis.”
IQ: “Wha-?”
It kinda did, but where did my 4-year old learn THAT? And to use it properly in a sentence? Wild.
Problem at Work
I borrowed the Nigella Lawson book Feast from the library and I love it. But it’s one of those books you can only have for 7 days and can’t renew, so now I have to photocopy it.
If I only had an assistant or an intern…
Bought
A crocus plant in the subway for CNIB. Go buy one. You know you want to.
IQ: “Hey, come look at this icicle, isn’t it beautiful?” (me pointing to an icicle hanging from a bush)
IP: “Yes, beautiful. It looks like a chrysalis.”
IQ: “Wha-?”
It kinda did, but where did my 4-year old learn THAT? And to use it properly in a sentence? Wild.
Problem at Work
I borrowed the Nigella Lawson book Feast from the library and I love it. But it’s one of those books you can only have for 7 days and can’t renew, so now I have to photocopy it.
If I only had an assistant or an intern…
Bought
A crocus plant in the subway for CNIB. Go buy one. You know you want to.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Pope Joke
In honour of the Pope feeling better, here's a joke my Nana told me years ago.
"When the cardinals met when the pope died, there was much discussion. They simply could nor agree on a successor and there was arguing. No one could hear anyone else speak. It was mayhem. Finally, one particularly sane and logical fellow said, "Why don't we just take a poll?" So they did."
(Get it? A Pole? One who is Polish? It's funnier out loud.)
In honour of the Pope feeling better, here's a joke my Nana told me years ago.
"When the cardinals met when the pope died, there was much discussion. They simply could nor agree on a successor and there was arguing. No one could hear anyone else speak. It was mayhem. Finally, one particularly sane and logical fellow said, "Why don't we just take a poll?" So they did."
(Get it? A Pole? One who is Polish? It's funnier out loud.)
"I Can't Believe It's Not Groundhog!®"
Milverton Mel Says: "Six More Weeks of Winter. And would it kill you to freshen the water in my bowl? No, not the tap stuff, the good Britta filter stuff. Do you want me to get a Urinary Tract Infection? And about that kid. Who was the ad wizard who decided to buy him musical instruments for Christmas, huh? Why don't you just get him a Little Johnny Vet Kit, for all the good it does me. And do you have to turn down the heat when you leave for the day? I mean, sure I've got a fur coat, but it ain't what it used to be, if you catch my drift. If I could manage a kitty combover, I would, I swear. And just because YOU don't watch to watch Matlock reruns, doesn't mean that I wouldn't like to see them sometimes. Did you know that Kevin Smith was on Degrassi and I MISSED IT? There are other programs than the news, you know. If the service doesn't pick up around the place soon, I'll answer the phone next time Johnny from Best Price Movers phones and arrange to have all your furniture shipped to Goodwill. My accent can't possibly be worse than his. And another thing..."
Milverton Mel Says: "Six More Weeks of Winter. And would it kill you to freshen the water in my bowl? No, not the tap stuff, the good Britta filter stuff. Do you want me to get a Urinary Tract Infection? And about that kid. Who was the ad wizard who decided to buy him musical instruments for Christmas, huh? Why don't you just get him a Little Johnny Vet Kit, for all the good it does me. And do you have to turn down the heat when you leave for the day? I mean, sure I've got a fur coat, but it ain't what it used to be, if you catch my drift. If I could manage a kitty combover, I would, I swear. And just because YOU don't watch to watch Matlock reruns, doesn't mean that I wouldn't like to see them sometimes. Did you know that Kevin Smith was on Degrassi and I MISSED IT? There are other programs than the news, you know. If the service doesn't pick up around the place soon, I'll answer the phone next time Johnny from Best Price Movers phones and arrange to have all your furniture shipped to Goodwill. My accent can't possibly be worse than his. And another thing..."
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
This blogroll is a drag.
My blogroll naming convetion has grown tiresome. I'm going to change y'all to drag queen names. You may submit your own, or I will give you one. Nothing too dirty - I don't want this site coming up NSFW. Implied dirty is fine, and much more clever.
And since I'm a total lazy ass, there are many people I have planned to add to the blogroll, but haven't yet (like Maria and Merv and even Travellin' JD). So if you think you should be there, let me know.
Thank you. This is the time at the Icicle Fief when we dance! You may NOT touch the monkey.
My blogroll naming convetion has grown tiresome. I'm going to change y'all to drag queen names. You may submit your own, or I will give you one. Nothing too dirty - I don't want this site coming up NSFW. Implied dirty is fine, and much more clever.
And since I'm a total lazy ass, there are many people I have planned to add to the blogroll, but haven't yet (like Maria and Merv and even Travellin' JD). So if you think you should be there, let me know.
Thank you. This is the time at the Icicle Fief when we dance! You may NOT touch the monkey.
Monday, January 31, 2005
In the News
Tiny Louisiana hamlet finally gets phone service
MINK, Louisiana (AP) -- There's a fish-fry Monday in this hamlet of 15 households to celebrate big news: phone service. "We started in early 1970 trying to get a phone," Kathleen Bolton said. "We'd talk to the phone company but they'd never call back. “
They’d never call back, eh? Maybe it’s because you DIDN’T HAVE ANY PHONES!
In other news, an article in the Globe and Mail last week stated that "Pregnant Women Experience Greater Complications in Childbirth". No kidding? Who'd have thunk it!
Tiny Louisiana hamlet finally gets phone service
MINK, Louisiana (AP) -- There's a fish-fry Monday in this hamlet of 15 households to celebrate big news: phone service. "We started in early 1970 trying to get a phone," Kathleen Bolton said. "We'd talk to the phone company but they'd never call back. “
They’d never call back, eh? Maybe it’s because you DIDN’T HAVE ANY PHONES!
In other news, an article in the Globe and Mail last week stated that "Pregnant Women Experience Greater Complications in Childbirth". No kidding? Who'd have thunk it!
But why is the rum gone?
So many things running around in my head today. Wrote more poetry for intersection which will be up on Two Drink Minimum later today. Always happy to hear what you think, so feel free to comment. Remember, people and events depicted in the poem are fictional. Mostly.
I’m so happy to be writing again, I wrote a poem about it:
it’s good to write again
like shedding
your boots for sneakers
in the spring :
vulnerable
and free
I’m planning my Superstar Chef audition. You need to have a “philosophy”. Well, my first one is that I like to try to copy dishes that I’ve liked in restaurants. Some of my best recipes are recreations. And my second, more elegant philosophy is best expressed by Elizabeth Swann:
“Hang the code, and hang the rules. They're more like guidelines anyway.”
Do you think a pirate cooking show would go over well? I still have all the swag left over from Ice Prince’s birthday.
We took Ice Prince “’bogganning” this weekend and it was grand. We went to the Riverdale Park ravine at the DVP. The hill was so big, we had to start from halfway down.
I’m wearing my Lily necklace today and already got a compliment on it at the water cooler. “I wish I had nice, interesting clothes like you do, “ said my colleague.
Don’t forget: If you want to donate kisses to Ice Prince for his 100 Things project, e-mail me at screamforicequeenATgmailDOTcom. Wanda, we simply MUST have at LEAST one from you and you know my address so pucker up, honey!
So many things running around in my head today. Wrote more poetry for intersection which will be up on Two Drink Minimum later today. Always happy to hear what you think, so feel free to comment. Remember, people and events depicted in the poem are fictional. Mostly.
I’m so happy to be writing again, I wrote a poem about it:
it’s good to write again
like shedding
your boots for sneakers
in the spring :
vulnerable
and free
I’m planning my Superstar Chef audition. You need to have a “philosophy”. Well, my first one is that I like to try to copy dishes that I’ve liked in restaurants. Some of my best recipes are recreations. And my second, more elegant philosophy is best expressed by Elizabeth Swann:
“Hang the code, and hang the rules. They're more like guidelines anyway.”
Do you think a pirate cooking show would go over well? I still have all the swag left over from Ice Prince’s birthday.
We took Ice Prince “’bogganning” this weekend and it was grand. We went to the Riverdale Park ravine at the DVP. The hill was so big, we had to start from halfway down.
I’m wearing my Lily necklace today and already got a compliment on it at the water cooler. “I wish I had nice, interesting clothes like you do, “ said my colleague.
Don’t forget: If you want to donate kisses to Ice Prince for his 100 Things project, e-mail me at screamforicequeenATgmailDOTcom. Wanda, we simply MUST have at LEAST one from you and you know my address so pucker up, honey!
Friday, January 28, 2005
Friday Evening
The boy is in bed. The house is quiet. I have just finished putting the spices in jars (I am a few jars short). My hands are fragrant.
Fresh is due home soon. The wine is open. And I got to thinking about a poem I love, which I will share with you now:
The Cinnamon Peeler by Michael Ondaatje
If I were a cinnamon peeler
I would ride your bed
and leave the yellow bark dust
on your pillow.
Your breasts and shoulders would reek
you could never walk through markets
without the profession of my fingers
floating over you. The blind would
stumble certain of whom they approached
though you might bathe
under the rain gutters, monsoon.
Here on the upper thigh
at this smooth pasture
neighbour to your hair
or the crease
that cuts your back. This ankle.
You will be known among strangers
as the cinnamon peeler's wife.
I could hardly glance at you
before marriage
never touch you
- your keen nosed mother, your rough brothers.
I buried my hands
in saffron, disguised them
over smoking tar,
helped the honey gatherers...
When we swam once
I touched you in the water
and our bodies remained free,
you could hold me and be blind of smell.
You climbed the bank and said
this is how you touch other women
the grass cutter's wife, the lime burner's daughter.
And you searched your arms
for the missing perfume
and knew
what good is it
to be the lime burner's daughter
left with no trace
as if not spoken to in the act of love
as if wounded without the pleasure of a scar.
You touched
your belly to my hands
in the dry air and said
I am the cinnamon
peeler's wife. Smell me.
The boy is in bed. The house is quiet. I have just finished putting the spices in jars (I am a few jars short). My hands are fragrant.
Fresh is due home soon. The wine is open. And I got to thinking about a poem I love, which I will share with you now:
The Cinnamon Peeler by Michael Ondaatje
If I were a cinnamon peeler
I would ride your bed
and leave the yellow bark dust
on your pillow.
Your breasts and shoulders would reek
you could never walk through markets
without the profession of my fingers
floating over you. The blind would
stumble certain of whom they approached
though you might bathe
under the rain gutters, monsoon.
Here on the upper thigh
at this smooth pasture
neighbour to your hair
or the crease
that cuts your back. This ankle.
You will be known among strangers
as the cinnamon peeler's wife.
I could hardly glance at you
before marriage
never touch you
- your keen nosed mother, your rough brothers.
I buried my hands
in saffron, disguised them
over smoking tar,
helped the honey gatherers...
When we swam once
I touched you in the water
and our bodies remained free,
you could hold me and be blind of smell.
You climbed the bank and said
this is how you touch other women
the grass cutter's wife, the lime burner's daughter.
And you searched your arms
for the missing perfume
and knew
what good is it
to be the lime burner's daughter
left with no trace
as if not spoken to in the act of love
as if wounded without the pleasure of a scar.
You touched
your belly to my hands
in the dry air and said
I am the cinnamon
peeler's wife. Smell me.
Written for Crabby, Posted for Dantallion
(don't critique it. I know it doesn't make sense.)
Shall I benchmark thee to a non-earning asset?
Thou are more liquid and more tacit:
Rough markets do shake the KPIs of May,
And Chicago's lease restacks our office space:
Sometime the scope and framework carry costs,
And often is insurance there accrued;
And sometimes fair spends are tempest toss’d,
By gross recoveries we ne’er will rue :
But thy actionable NIX shall fade
Or productivity ratio pale and fall;
Or shall earnings swell and primp as on parade,
When in eternal measurement thou stall:
So long as men can count, or eyes can see,
I’ll author Powerpoint slides just for thee.
(don't critique it. I know it doesn't make sense.)
Shall I benchmark thee to a non-earning asset?
Thou are more liquid and more tacit:
Rough markets do shake the KPIs of May,
And Chicago's lease restacks our office space:
Sometime the scope and framework carry costs,
And often is insurance there accrued;
And sometimes fair spends are tempest toss’d,
By gross recoveries we ne’er will rue :
But thy actionable NIX shall fade
Or productivity ratio pale and fall;
Or shall earnings swell and primp as on parade,
When in eternal measurement thou stall:
So long as men can count, or eyes can see,
I’ll author Powerpoint slides just for thee.
Gee, thanks for the gmail!
Thanks be to Wanda, I now have a gmail account. You can e-mail me at:
screamforicequeen@gmailDOTcom
And you know to replace the DOT with a real dot, right? Just checking.
You know, every time I try to type Wanda, I type Wanada. A Canada run by Wanda Wisdom? It's an idea whose time has come.
Thanks be to Wanda, I now have a gmail account. You can e-mail me at:
screamforicequeen@gmailDOTcom
And you know to replace the DOT with a real dot, right? Just checking.
You know, every time I try to type Wanda, I type Wanada. A Canada run by Wanda Wisdom? It's an idea whose time has come.
Library School Drop-Out, Because Dantallion Asked About UWO
I went to York University for Theatre (first and second year). At the end of second year, my theatre prof had a talk with me.
“So, what are your plans for next year?
“I’ve decided to transfer my major to Creative Writing.”
“How wonderful!” he replied with visible relief in his face. He wouldn’t have to tell me I was a no talent hack.
So I graduated with a degree in writing poetry. With a minor in writing short stories, Very useful! So I decided to get my Master’s in Library and Information Science.
I spent two weeks in the program at UWO (University of Western Ontario). The first week, we learned to use a word processor (I had spent the previous two summers desktop publishing and was bored out of my skull). The second week, we started (STARTED!) learning the Dewey Decimal system.
That’s when I dropped out. I still think UWO is one of the Prettiest. Campuses. Ever.
Epilogue: Sister Staceypatrick then got me a job at a teeny tiny publisher as the Receptionist/Admin Ass’t. And through a series of twists and turns, I now work for the Behemoth Bank of Canada googling NASCAR.
Funny aside: Two of my friends who I met much later graduated from UWO and have Library Science degrees. They weren’t in my class.
I went to York University for Theatre (first and second year). At the end of second year, my theatre prof had a talk with me.
“So, what are your plans for next year?
“I’ve decided to transfer my major to Creative Writing.”
“How wonderful!” he replied with visible relief in his face. He wouldn’t have to tell me I was a no talent hack.
So I graduated with a degree in writing poetry. With a minor in writing short stories, Very useful! So I decided to get my Master’s in Library and Information Science.
I spent two weeks in the program at UWO (University of Western Ontario). The first week, we learned to use a word processor (I had spent the previous two summers desktop publishing and was bored out of my skull). The second week, we started (STARTED!) learning the Dewey Decimal system.
That’s when I dropped out. I still think UWO is one of the Prettiest. Campuses. Ever.
Epilogue: Sister Staceypatrick then got me a job at a teeny tiny publisher as the Receptionist/Admin Ass’t. And through a series of twists and turns, I now work for the Behemoth Bank of Canada googling NASCAR.
Funny aside: Two of my friends who I met much later graduated from UWO and have Library Science degrees. They weren’t in my class.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Poetry. It's Not Just For Breakfast Anymore!
So I wanted to go to a Poetry Competition last night, but it didn't work out. However, it left me with a burning desire to start writing again.
So I pulled up my old Glencoe poem (officially known as concessions)which was my thesis for my Creative Writing. Yes, I wrote a poem for my thesis. Think it's easy? YOU try it! And it can't involve a girl from Nantucket.
Anyhow, I like my Glencoe poem. But it needs something. So I decided that half the book should be Glencoe, then you flip it over and the OTHER half of the book is about Toronto. Holy juxtaposition, Batman! But the Toronto half needed a name. I told Fresh this. And Fresh came up with the name: Intersection.
So my poetry book is called concessions : intersection. That may bore you, but poetry types should think it's pretty bloody cool.
So, this year I will:
1. Write my poetry book (doesn't have to be finished, just major work.)
2. Hold at least one poetry reading with Crabby at Sarah's, our local Danforth waterhole.
3. Put in an audition tape to be Superstar Chef
4. Open a restaurant for one day (Fresh and I will probably wait until better weather so that we can use the BBQ for extra cooking/warming space. Date to be announced soon!)
5. Put my spices in jars and label them.
I guess those are my resolutions. I wrote the first poem for >intersection today, it's up on Two Drink Minimum (the poetry testing site I share with Crabby), as is the whole of concessions as it stands.
So I wanted to go to a Poetry Competition last night, but it didn't work out. However, it left me with a burning desire to start writing again.
So I pulled up my old Glencoe poem (officially known as concessions)which was my thesis for my Creative Writing. Yes, I wrote a poem for my thesis. Think it's easy? YOU try it! And it can't involve a girl from Nantucket.
Anyhow, I like my Glencoe poem. But it needs something. So I decided that half the book should be Glencoe, then you flip it over and the OTHER half of the book is about Toronto. Holy juxtaposition, Batman! But the Toronto half needed a name. I told Fresh this. And Fresh came up with the name: Intersection.
So my poetry book is called concessions : intersection. That may bore you, but poetry types should think it's pretty bloody cool.
So, this year I will:
1. Write my poetry book (doesn't have to be finished, just major work.)
2. Hold at least one poetry reading with Crabby at Sarah's, our local Danforth waterhole.
3. Put in an audition tape to be Superstar Chef
4. Open a restaurant for one day (Fresh and I will probably wait until better weather so that we can use the BBQ for extra cooking/warming space. Date to be announced soon!)
5. Put my spices in jars and label them.
I guess those are my resolutions. I wrote the first poem for >intersection today, it's up on Two Drink Minimum (the poetry testing site I share with Crabby), as is the whole of concessions as it stands.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day!
So after consultation with my colleague (Ice Prince) we have come to the conclusion that for his project, he will be collecting kisses. Really!
If you would like to participate, please get some lipstick on your cakehole and pucker up. Kiss marks should appear on piece of paper with your name or alias written below.
Please, nothing rude. This IS for a Junior Kindergarten show and tell. Multiple entries welcome.
If you're interested, e-mail me at screamforicequeen@hotmail.com for an address to which to send your busses.
Admit it, you've been tempted.
Tribute to Cavin and Hobbes.
So after consultation with my colleague (Ice Prince) we have come to the conclusion that for his project, he will be collecting kisses. Really!
If you would like to participate, please get some lipstick on your cakehole and pucker up. Kiss marks should appear on piece of paper with your name or alias written below.
Please, nothing rude. This IS for a Junior Kindergarten show and tell. Multiple entries welcome.
If you're interested, e-mail me at screamforicequeen@hotmail.com for an address to which to send your busses.
Admit it, you've been tempted.
Tribute to Cavin and Hobbes.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Science Doesn’t Lie
It’s the worst day of the year, and this mathematical formula proves it: [W + (D-d)] x TQ M x NA
For more details…
Ice Capades
Ice Prince is supposed to collect 100 things and bring them in to show his class. Are they joking? He’s 4 years old. He doesn’t have the attention span to eat dinner. But I have a brilliant idea.
He can collect 100 snowflakes. I’ll send him in to school with a glass of water.
It’s the worst day of the year, and this mathematical formula proves it: [W + (D-d)] x TQ M x NA
For more details…
Ice Capades
Ice Prince is supposed to collect 100 things and bring them in to show his class. Are they joking? He’s 4 years old. He doesn’t have the attention span to eat dinner. But I have a brilliant idea.
He can collect 100 snowflakes. I’ll send him in to school with a glass of water.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Ice Queen: The Early Years
I feel that my colleagues Crabby and Sister have been sharing very deep personal things lately, and I have nothing like that to share.
I did remember something amusing, however. When I was about 14, if I was doing a school project, I would dress up as the person I was studying. The first time I did this I dressed up as Socrates (in a bed sheet) and asked lots of questions all weekend. The next time, I was studying Lewis and Clark, which was a bit more difficult, having to dress up as two people and raipse through the backyard. But I gave it the old Grade 10 try.
I don't remember when or why I stopped.
Now I'm thinking about high school. Did you know that I was on the Cheerleading Squad? True, I was Deputy Head Cheerleader. I was also in Choir, Prom, Yearbook, Public Speaking, Drama and the Auto Club (mainly because Dad ran that club and he was my ride home).
My first job at the age of 13 was to stand outside the drugstore on a sidewalk sale weekend to watch the stuff. Bored, I drew humourous signs explaining why people should buy each of the products. I wasn't asked back. But people stopped to read the signs! My marketing plan was working!
My second job was at Becker's, where my boss had to speak to me about dressing inappropriately. I think I was wearing some typical 80s stuff, it may have been the giant hot pink plastic fish earrings she objected to. Who knows? I kept that job for a while. (Note: when your job involves dusting food items, DON'T take advantage of the employee discount.)
Next up, my Nana got me a job as Parts Girl at the Auto Parts store where she was bookkeeper (so belonging to the Auto Club wasn't so crazy after all, eh?). I was responsible for receiving the parts, putting them away and filling orders. It was okay, until the day the water pump fell on my head. That hurt.
Sister Staceypatrick got me a job at a daycare centre. Yes, Sister spent a summer working with kids. Hard to believe. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
If I could start over and pick a new career (those who are new visitors may not know that I work for a Big Bank), I'm not sure if I would choose differently. Mind you, I certainly never CHOSE banking. And I do lots of things that that are very unbankerly (most recently I have been designing an event with a NASCAR theme - again with the cars!). It's okay, pays good and it certainly beats retail.
What do YOU think I should be when I grow up? What do YOU want to be?
(Hey non-Torontonians! Right now we're having a real blizzard AND the temperature is minus 31 with the wind chill. Oh, Canada!)
I feel that my colleagues Crabby and Sister have been sharing very deep personal things lately, and I have nothing like that to share.
I did remember something amusing, however. When I was about 14, if I was doing a school project, I would dress up as the person I was studying. The first time I did this I dressed up as Socrates (in a bed sheet) and asked lots of questions all weekend. The next time, I was studying Lewis and Clark, which was a bit more difficult, having to dress up as two people and raipse through the backyard. But I gave it the old Grade 10 try.
I don't remember when or why I stopped.
Now I'm thinking about high school. Did you know that I was on the Cheerleading Squad? True, I was Deputy Head Cheerleader. I was also in Choir, Prom, Yearbook, Public Speaking, Drama and the Auto Club (mainly because Dad ran that club and he was my ride home).
My first job at the age of 13 was to stand outside the drugstore on a sidewalk sale weekend to watch the stuff. Bored, I drew humourous signs explaining why people should buy each of the products. I wasn't asked back. But people stopped to read the signs! My marketing plan was working!
My second job was at Becker's, where my boss had to speak to me about dressing inappropriately. I think I was wearing some typical 80s stuff, it may have been the giant hot pink plastic fish earrings she objected to. Who knows? I kept that job for a while. (Note: when your job involves dusting food items, DON'T take advantage of the employee discount.)
Next up, my Nana got me a job as Parts Girl at the Auto Parts store where she was bookkeeper (so belonging to the Auto Club wasn't so crazy after all, eh?). I was responsible for receiving the parts, putting them away and filling orders. It was okay, until the day the water pump fell on my head. That hurt.
Sister Staceypatrick got me a job at a daycare centre. Yes, Sister spent a summer working with kids. Hard to believe. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
If I could start over and pick a new career (those who are new visitors may not know that I work for a Big Bank), I'm not sure if I would choose differently. Mind you, I certainly never CHOSE banking. And I do lots of things that that are very unbankerly (most recently I have been designing an event with a NASCAR theme - again with the cars!). It's okay, pays good and it certainly beats retail.
What do YOU think I should be when I grow up? What do YOU want to be?
(Hey non-Torontonians! Right now we're having a real blizzard AND the temperature is minus 31 with the wind chill. Oh, Canada!)
Icy Opens a Can
I confessed to Crabby on our night out at the wine bar that last week I had opened a can of salmon for the first time in my life. And there were bones in it! And skin! What's with that? And this was a premium can!
For those who are concerned that the Queen might have been making salmon salad sandwiches, I wasn't. I was making fishcakes. I'm making them again tonight with chipotle sauce.
I confessed to Crabby on our night out at the wine bar that last week I had opened a can of salmon for the first time in my life. And there were bones in it! And skin! What's with that? And this was a premium can!
For those who are concerned that the Queen might have been making salmon salad sandwiches, I wasn't. I was making fishcakes. I'm making them again tonight with chipotle sauce.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Grab Bag
1. Going shopping and imbibing with Crabby in Yorkville after work. Très happy about this.
2. Did new fitness DVD by Carmen Electra last night. I’d tell you what it was, but Outlaw would probably mist up his screen and I’d get all sorts of nasty google searches. Anyhow, it was okay! Carmen Electra wasn’t all that coordinated and seemed to break a sweat before I did. I may do this until the weather clears up for running.
3. I’m taking a vacation day tomorrow because my daycare provider needs the day off to “go slit a goat’s throat for Eid”. I thought maybe I’d heard wrong, but it looks like I probably got it right. It can be very interesting to live in a country with so many different cultures.
4. I’m still mulling over the restaurant idea…
5. Quote of the day from Eddie Greenpan: “I don’t like losing. That’s the one thing I don’t like. And licorice.”
This is a dull post. Go check out how to make treats for Groundhog Day.
1. Going shopping and imbibing with Crabby in Yorkville after work. Très happy about this.
2. Did new fitness DVD by Carmen Electra last night. I’d tell you what it was, but Outlaw would probably mist up his screen and I’d get all sorts of nasty google searches. Anyhow, it was okay! Carmen Electra wasn’t all that coordinated and seemed to break a sweat before I did. I may do this until the weather clears up for running.
3. I’m taking a vacation day tomorrow because my daycare provider needs the day off to “go slit a goat’s throat for Eid”. I thought maybe I’d heard wrong, but it looks like I probably got it right. It can be very interesting to live in a country with so many different cultures.
4. I’m still mulling over the restaurant idea…
5. Quote of the day from Eddie Greenpan: “I don’t like losing. That’s the one thing I don’t like. And licorice.”
This is a dull post. Go check out how to make treats for Groundhog Day.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Crazy Like a Fox
So last night, Fresh and I were cleaning up the dinner dishes. “I had a crazy idea today, “he said.
“That’s funny, “I said, “So did I. I forgot until now. Wouldn’t it be strange if we had the same idea? What was yours?”
Well guess what, gentle readers. It was EXACTLY the same idea. Freaky, huh?
Dear Fresh is beginning to have second thoughts about the logistics (like where to put the sofa for the night) and perhaps related costs, whereas I am content to rush in where angels fear to tread. So I’ll run it by you and you can let me know if you’d even be vaguely interested.
Regular visitors will know that I would love to open a restaurant. So the idea is to open up a restaurant in our house for One Night Only to our friends. Naturally, charging like a restaurant would be odd, but instead, we would charge, say $50 each and give the money to charity. Possibly Red Cross for Tsunami Relief, but perhaps something else because I fear that other charities may suffer from donor fatigue. I know Doctors without Borders is redirecting all funds now to Africa.
Anyhow, there would be soup, salad, main and dessert. It would be BYOB. Possibly I would offer a choice for dinner that had to be pre-ordered, so I wouldn’t have to buy cook too many of everything. We figure we could fit 10 to 16 people in a proper restaurant configuration (tables of 2 or 4). There would be waiter service by Fresh.
Fascinating and frightening. But I know we could make it work. (If I had enough chutzpah maybe I could ask Whole Foods or someone to donate some food. Hah!) So…what do you think? Would you be interested? Seriously. It’s a lot of work, so don’t toy with me.
So last night, Fresh and I were cleaning up the dinner dishes. “I had a crazy idea today, “he said.
“That’s funny, “I said, “So did I. I forgot until now. Wouldn’t it be strange if we had the same idea? What was yours?”
Well guess what, gentle readers. It was EXACTLY the same idea. Freaky, huh?
Dear Fresh is beginning to have second thoughts about the logistics (like where to put the sofa for the night) and perhaps related costs, whereas I am content to rush in where angels fear to tread. So I’ll run it by you and you can let me know if you’d even be vaguely interested.
Regular visitors will know that I would love to open a restaurant. So the idea is to open up a restaurant in our house for One Night Only to our friends. Naturally, charging like a restaurant would be odd, but instead, we would charge, say $50 each and give the money to charity. Possibly Red Cross for Tsunami Relief, but perhaps something else because I fear that other charities may suffer from donor fatigue. I know Doctors without Borders is redirecting all funds now to Africa.
Anyhow, there would be soup, salad, main and dessert. It would be BYOB. Possibly I would offer a choice for dinner that had to be pre-ordered, so I wouldn’t have to buy cook too many of everything. We figure we could fit 10 to 16 people in a proper restaurant configuration (tables of 2 or 4). There would be waiter service by Fresh.
Fascinating and frightening. But I know we could make it work. (If I had enough chutzpah maybe I could ask Whole Foods or someone to donate some food. Hah!) So…what do you think? Would you be interested? Seriously. It’s a lot of work, so don’t toy with me.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Potpourri
• I need to buy used ice skates. If anyone has a pair of size 7 – 7 ½ ladies ice skates that they no longer want, let me know.
• Does black really go with black?
• Did you know that the discoverer of glow-in-the-dark material (phosphorous) was actually trying to turn urine into gold? Yep. He had 50 buckets of urine in his basement. I know this from the book I’m reading (see below post).
• I may be having an Ice Queen Extravaganza Summer BBQ for all my readers in the Greater Icicle Fief Metropolis. Not sure I could afford the booze or the police officers, but am thinking about it…
• I made the BEST mushroom soup yesterday.
• Fresh now reads my blog, in fact, he’s been dipping into the archives. Shall we do an Interview With Fresh? What would you like to ask him? Keep it clean, people!
• I need to buy used ice skates. If anyone has a pair of size 7 – 7 ½ ladies ice skates that they no longer want, let me know.
• Does black really go with black?
• Did you know that the discoverer of glow-in-the-dark material (phosphorous) was actually trying to turn urine into gold? Yep. He had 50 buckets of urine in his basement. I know this from the book I’m reading (see below post).
• I may be having an Ice Queen Extravaganza Summer BBQ for all my readers in the Greater Icicle Fief Metropolis. Not sure I could afford the booze or the police officers, but am thinking about it…
• I made the BEST mushroom soup yesterday.
• Fresh now reads my blog, in fact, he’s been dipping into the archives. Shall we do an Interview With Fresh? What would you like to ask him? Keep it clean, people!
Friday, January 14, 2005
She Blinded Me….With SCIENCE!
I am reading a great book that I bought online with a gift card I got from Fresh for Christmas. It’s Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Everything. “It is an animated chatty tour of every field of scientific inquiry from quantum physics and atmospheric science to evolution and volcanology…” Bet you didn’t know I have an inner science geek. It’s true! I didn’t acknowledge it until Fresh one night said “How come you always perk up when there’s a science item on the news?”
I’m even wearing my geeky horn-rimmed glasses today to add to the overall experience.
Wit and Wisdom of the Ice Prince
So we were watching a cartoon and the characters were playing a game of soccer.
IP: “Mommy, that girl just took the ball away from that boy. She’s bad!”
IQ: “It’s soccer. That’s how it’s played.”
IP: “Well, I don’t think that was very nice. I think she should say sorry and go to her room.”
It seems IP enjoys and understands sports about as well as I do.
Talk Amongst Yourselves
I haven’t talked about the tsunami on here because I find it difficult. I get verklempt. Last night I was watching the CBC Relief fundraiser. Quite often, the singers chose a very melancholy song, which was probably originally a love song, and sometimes vaguely inappropriate. If you were asked to sing, what would you sing? I thought I’d choose Fragile by Sting. But those lyrics aren’t perfect either. It’s amazing how many water metaphors are used in songs.
Jonesing for Wanda?
Oh yeah and Wanda's moved. If you haven't found her yet, she's here.
I am reading a great book that I bought online with a gift card I got from Fresh for Christmas. It’s Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Everything. “It is an animated chatty tour of every field of scientific inquiry from quantum physics and atmospheric science to evolution and volcanology…” Bet you didn’t know I have an inner science geek. It’s true! I didn’t acknowledge it until Fresh one night said “How come you always perk up when there’s a science item on the news?”
I’m even wearing my geeky horn-rimmed glasses today to add to the overall experience.
Wit and Wisdom of the Ice Prince
So we were watching a cartoon and the characters were playing a game of soccer.
IP: “Mommy, that girl just took the ball away from that boy. She’s bad!”
IQ: “It’s soccer. That’s how it’s played.”
IP: “Well, I don’t think that was very nice. I think she should say sorry and go to her room.”
It seems IP enjoys and understands sports about as well as I do.
Talk Amongst Yourselves
I haven’t talked about the tsunami on here because I find it difficult. I get verklempt. Last night I was watching the CBC Relief fundraiser. Quite often, the singers chose a very melancholy song, which was probably originally a love song, and sometimes vaguely inappropriate. If you were asked to sing, what would you sing? I thought I’d choose Fragile by Sting. But those lyrics aren’t perfect either. It’s amazing how many water metaphors are used in songs.
Jonesing for Wanda?
Oh yeah and Wanda's moved. If you haven't found her yet, she's here.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Miscellaneous Info of Interest
Dooce’s definition of “Girls’ Night Out:” LET’S JUST CALL IT WHAT IT REALLY IS: GETTING THE FUCK AWAY FROM OUR KIDS FOR A COUPLE HOURS AND TALKING ABOUT SEX NIGHT OUT.
Food and Drink
Oh wonderful day! LCBO’s latest issue of Food and Drink is out!
Last night, Fresh and I were discussing my favourite fantasy. No, not that. Cheeky monkey! We were talking about my opening a restaurant. Just a wee one. Very exclusive, dontcha know. I’d love to do that. Naturally, I’d need an industrial dishwasher, professional appliances, excellent cookware and a sous chef or two (pun intended.) Fresh would be the sommelier. It would be called Au Dessous/Eau de Sue, although today I thought of calling it Frézoul, which supposedly means Refreshing Wind. Errr…not in the assonance kind of way. Maybe I’ll stick to the original plan.
Would you come to my restaurant? What would you order?
Dooce’s definition of “Girls’ Night Out:” LET’S JUST CALL IT WHAT IT REALLY IS: GETTING THE FUCK AWAY FROM OUR KIDS FOR A COUPLE HOURS AND TALKING ABOUT SEX NIGHT OUT.
Food and Drink
Oh wonderful day! LCBO’s latest issue of Food and Drink is out!
Last night, Fresh and I were discussing my favourite fantasy. No, not that. Cheeky monkey! We were talking about my opening a restaurant. Just a wee one. Very exclusive, dontcha know. I’d love to do that. Naturally, I’d need an industrial dishwasher, professional appliances, excellent cookware and a sous chef or two (pun intended.) Fresh would be the sommelier. It would be called Au Dessous/Eau de Sue, although today I thought of calling it Frézoul, which supposedly means Refreshing Wind. Errr…not in the assonance kind of way. Maybe I’ll stick to the original plan.
Would you come to my restaurant? What would you order?
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
A Prince Among Men
Ice Prince only has a viral infection, which is almost over. Dr. Hibbert mentioned (for the second time) that IP is exhibiting very STRONG leadership traits. “He’ll definitely be a leader, not a follower, that’s obvious now. And his personality won’t change,” giggled Dr. Hibbert as IP checked his ears and listened to his heartbeat.
Wow. A leader. Political? Spiritual? Business? Drug lord? Pimp?
I’ll be up there with all the other famous parents:
Virgin Mary
Goldie Hawn
Joe Jackson
Earl Woods
And then I’ll be able to compile The Wit and Wisdom of the Ice Prince and publish it. Like this gem from yesterday:
IP: “Dr. Hibbert? Do you and mommy and daddy pick your noses?”
Dr. H: “Well, nobody would admit that they do….”
Ice Prince only has a viral infection, which is almost over. Dr. Hibbert mentioned (for the second time) that IP is exhibiting very STRONG leadership traits. “He’ll definitely be a leader, not a follower, that’s obvious now. And his personality won’t change,” giggled Dr. Hibbert as IP checked his ears and listened to his heartbeat.
Wow. A leader. Political? Spiritual? Business? Drug lord? Pimp?
I’ll be up there with all the other famous parents:
Virgin Mary
Goldie Hawn
Joe Jackson
Earl Woods
And then I’ll be able to compile The Wit and Wisdom of the Ice Prince and publish it. Like this gem from yesterday:
IP: “Dr. Hibbert? Do you and mommy and daddy pick your noses?”
Dr. H: “Well, nobody would admit that they do….”
Monday, January 10, 2005
Ice Queen Speaks
I’ve been quiet lately, I know. Overtired again, and Ice Prince has been sick.
Let’s see. What’s new?
On Saturday, Crabby and Sister came by for Birthday Celebration: The Sequel. I wore a lacy nightgown and set up “The Peignoir Lounge” in my dining room. Naturally, my guests forgot their nighties. Hmph! Then we snacked on all triangle shaped food and watched Love Actually. Which raised two questions:
1. If there really only one true love for you? What if there is more than one? What if you meet them at the same time?
2. When Hugh Grant was doing a funky little dance, I cried out: “That’s so like Fresh!” Crabby and Sister seemed perplexed. Am I really the only person who sees the funky in Fresh? Actually, I should be honoured that I get exclusive funkiness. Don’t judge a book by its cover!
On Sunday, Fresh and I took the Ice Prince ice skating for the first time. He did okay! Then we had chunky fries from the chip truck. It was good.
Have to take IP to the doctor today – he’s had a low grade fever for 5 days, poor wee mite.
I’ve been quiet lately, I know. Overtired again, and Ice Prince has been sick.
Let’s see. What’s new?
On Saturday, Crabby and Sister came by for Birthday Celebration: The Sequel. I wore a lacy nightgown and set up “The Peignoir Lounge” in my dining room. Naturally, my guests forgot their nighties. Hmph! Then we snacked on all triangle shaped food and watched Love Actually. Which raised two questions:
1. If there really only one true love for you? What if there is more than one? What if you meet them at the same time?
2. When Hugh Grant was doing a funky little dance, I cried out: “That’s so like Fresh!” Crabby and Sister seemed perplexed. Am I really the only person who sees the funky in Fresh? Actually, I should be honoured that I get exclusive funkiness. Don’t judge a book by its cover!
On Sunday, Fresh and I took the Ice Prince ice skating for the first time. He did okay! Then we had chunky fries from the chip truck. It was good.
Have to take IP to the doctor today – he’s had a low grade fever for 5 days, poor wee mite.
Friday, January 07, 2005
A Meme from Radmila
3 names you go by:
1. The Ice Queen
2. Ma'am
3. Mommy
3 screen names you have:
1. Ice Queen. There is only one.
3 things you like about yourself:
1. I have a style all my own.
2. I am most always optimistic and look at things with a sense of humour.
3. I look good in black, fool!
3 things you hate/dislike about yourself:
1. I don’t suffer fools gladly
2. I could be fitter.
3. I can be very scatterbrained
3 parts of your heritage:
1. Scottish 97%
2. Irish (2%)
3. French (1%)
3 things that scare you:
1. Banks
2. Dogs
3. Dogs tied up outside Banks.
3 of your everyday essentials:
1. Hug and a kiss from my guys
2. Nylons
3. Contact lenses
3 things you're wearing right now:
1. Black nylons
2. Contact lenses
3. High heels
3 of your favorite bands/artists (today):
1. Ron Sexsmith
2. kd lang
3. Matchbox 20 (er, yes.)
3 of your favorite songs at present:
1. Gold in Them Hills – Ron Sexsmith
2. Neil Young’s Helpless as sung by kd lang
3. Across the Universe as sung by Rufus Wainwright
3 new things you want to try in the next 12 months:
1. Moisturizing my feet
2. Pole dancing for exercise
3. Persimmons
3 things you want in a relationship (love is a given):
1. Desire
2. Fun
3. Comfort
2 truths and a lie:(no particular order to keep ya guessing)
1. We had 15 horses when I was a kid.
2. I once helped build a race car. I did the riveting.
3. I have a tattoo of the word “the” on my shoulder blade.
3 physical things about a love interest that appeal:
1. Six Foot One
2. Reddish Brown Hair
3. Size 12 feet
3 things you just can't do:
1. Catch or hit a ball
2. Make small talk
3. Remember birthdays in time
3 of your favorite hobbies:
1. Cooking
2. Gardening
3. Napping
3 things you want to do really badly right now:
1. To listen to music
2. To get a manicure and pedicure
3. To stretch
3 careers you're considering:
1. Naked News Weather Girl
2. Chef
3. Blog celebrity
3 places you want to go on vacation:
1. Spain
2. Italy
3. Bed
3 kids names (either boy or girl):
1. Olivia
2. Ian
3. Joe
3 things you want to do before you die:
1. Skinny Dip
2. Stand Up Comedy
3. Dallas
3 people who have to take this quiz now:
1. Crabby
2. Sister
3. Boomer
3 names you go by:
1. The Ice Queen
2. Ma'am
3. Mommy
3 screen names you have:
1. Ice Queen. There is only one.
3 things you like about yourself:
1. I have a style all my own.
2. I am most always optimistic and look at things with a sense of humour.
3. I look good in black, fool!
3 things you hate/dislike about yourself:
1. I don’t suffer fools gladly
2. I could be fitter.
3. I can be very scatterbrained
3 parts of your heritage:
1. Scottish 97%
2. Irish (2%)
3. French (1%)
3 things that scare you:
1. Banks
2. Dogs
3. Dogs tied up outside Banks.
3 of your everyday essentials:
1. Hug and a kiss from my guys
2. Nylons
3. Contact lenses
3 things you're wearing right now:
1. Black nylons
2. Contact lenses
3. High heels
3 of your favorite bands/artists (today):
1. Ron Sexsmith
2. kd lang
3. Matchbox 20 (er, yes.)
3 of your favorite songs at present:
1. Gold in Them Hills – Ron Sexsmith
2. Neil Young’s Helpless as sung by kd lang
3. Across the Universe as sung by Rufus Wainwright
3 new things you want to try in the next 12 months:
1. Moisturizing my feet
2. Pole dancing for exercise
3. Persimmons
3 things you want in a relationship (love is a given):
1. Desire
2. Fun
3. Comfort
2 truths and a lie:(no particular order to keep ya guessing)
1. We had 15 horses when I was a kid.
2. I once helped build a race car. I did the riveting.
3. I have a tattoo of the word “the” on my shoulder blade.
3 physical things about a love interest that appeal:
1. Six Foot One
2. Reddish Brown Hair
3. Size 12 feet
3 things you just can't do:
1. Catch or hit a ball
2. Make small talk
3. Remember birthdays in time
3 of your favorite hobbies:
1. Cooking
2. Gardening
3. Napping
3 things you want to do really badly right now:
1. To listen to music
2. To get a manicure and pedicure
3. To stretch
3 careers you're considering:
1. Naked News Weather Girl
2. Chef
3. Blog celebrity
3 places you want to go on vacation:
1. Spain
2. Italy
3. Bed
3 kids names (either boy or girl):
1. Olivia
2. Ian
3. Joe
3 things you want to do before you die:
1. Skinny Dip
2. Stand Up Comedy
3. Dallas
3 people who have to take this quiz now:
1. Crabby
2. Sister
3. Boomer
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Spidey will have a half-caf triple shot mocha frapuccino, please
So Sister Staceypatrick got Ice Prince (now 4!) a Spiderman Action Lego Set for Christmas/His Birthday. There’s a helicopter, two motorcycles, Spiderman, a Policeman and a Villain. Cool. Action packed. Just screaming for a good motorcycle chase or a helicopter crash.
So what does my son do?
He sets all the lego up like a Starbucks (with a counter and a table and chair area) and has the Villain serving “laffés” and cookies to Spidey and his friend the Policeman.
My little metrosexual.
So Sister Staceypatrick got Ice Prince (now 4!) a Spiderman Action Lego Set for Christmas/His Birthday. There’s a helicopter, two motorcycles, Spiderman, a Policeman and a Villain. Cool. Action packed. Just screaming for a good motorcycle chase or a helicopter crash.
So what does my son do?
He sets all the lego up like a Starbucks (with a counter and a table and chair area) and has the Villain serving “laffés” and cookies to Spidey and his friend the Policeman.
My little metrosexual.
Monday, January 03, 2005
"It's My Party and I'll Go to The Emergency Room If I Want to.."
New Year's Eve. My birthday. I had been looking forward to it for weeks. WEEKS!
Crabby, Sister and the husbands arrived at 6:30 pm. The lamb shanks were simmering. The orzo was boiling. By 7:00 pm, Fresh and I were upstairs in the bathroom trying to pull a kalediscope off of Ice Prince's index finger. By 7:20 pm, IP was screaming and his finger was swelling up. I took him to the emergency room while Fresh put dinner together.
They put IP's hand in a bowl of ice water to bring down the swelling. Do you realize how many clever games I had to invent to get him to keep his hand in the water? Most involved diving penguins and polar bears. Later, the doctor came by and said that they were going to give IP a hallucenegenic drug and would numb all pain so that they could cut it off his finger.
He was on a total drug trip. It was sort of funny. Anyhow, they managed to get the thing off without cutting it (because he finally relaxed.) He woke up around 9:30 and asked "Mommy, why do you have 12 eyes?" He started to come around. by 10:30, he was merely behaving like a drunk. I was allowed to take him home, which wasn't easy, because he had no muscle control and was singing at the top of his voice like a wino.
Anyhow, We made it home before 11 pm, and I was able to enjoy a plate of dinner that Fresh had put together (Yeah Fresh! He worked very hard.) and enjoy what was left of my birthday.
Thank you to my dear friends for understanding when I had to leave them. You're the best. And hey! Big thanks to Lily for sending me the beautiful necklace I have admired on her site for so very long. I love it! And it really cheered me up just when I needed it.
New Year's Eve. My birthday. I had been looking forward to it for weeks. WEEKS!
Crabby, Sister and the husbands arrived at 6:30 pm. The lamb shanks were simmering. The orzo was boiling. By 7:00 pm, Fresh and I were upstairs in the bathroom trying to pull a kalediscope off of Ice Prince's index finger. By 7:20 pm, IP was screaming and his finger was swelling up. I took him to the emergency room while Fresh put dinner together.
They put IP's hand in a bowl of ice water to bring down the swelling. Do you realize how many clever games I had to invent to get him to keep his hand in the water? Most involved diving penguins and polar bears. Later, the doctor came by and said that they were going to give IP a hallucenegenic drug and would numb all pain so that they could cut it off his finger.
He was on a total drug trip. It was sort of funny. Anyhow, they managed to get the thing off without cutting it (because he finally relaxed.) He woke up around 9:30 and asked "Mommy, why do you have 12 eyes?" He started to come around. by 10:30, he was merely behaving like a drunk. I was allowed to take him home, which wasn't easy, because he had no muscle control and was singing at the top of his voice like a wino.
Anyhow, We made it home before 11 pm, and I was able to enjoy a plate of dinner that Fresh had put together (Yeah Fresh! He worked very hard.) and enjoy what was left of my birthday.
Thank you to my dear friends for understanding when I had to leave them. You're the best. And hey! Big thanks to Lily for sending me the beautiful necklace I have admired on her site for so very long. I love it! And it really cheered me up just when I needed it.
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