Soul food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?
Hmm this is a tricky one, because I generally don't pay super attention to food. Although this year I'd have to say the one thing that sticks out is Australian Sour Cream. It's heavenly, it's like whipped butter but sour cream. It's amazing and delectable.
But more than that it's about HOW I eat, the best meals I've had are prepared with friends, shared over a bottle of wine and terrific conversation. And I've had these meals in many countries over the year, and that's makes me so happy.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Ordinary joy
Ordinary joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?
There are so many. I try to make sure one moment of every day is made extraordinary by my noticing it. But my most joyful moment of the year was coming back to Toronto, realizing that I have a home in this world. Coming to my apartment and being SO HAPPY to have my space back. To be happy to be alone.
Photo
Photo - a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.
I took this picture, in my nook. It's of my Angel, my mum has the other half of it. She collects these types of angels and was pretty into it when I was in my teens. When I moved away to England at 18 she gave me this half to have and remember her with. I took it everywhere, this little angel has seen all of Europe. When I came home, I gave it back. But when I moved to Toronto- supposedly for school and for a limited time offer, but we both knew this was the move I was going to make forever, she gave it back to me and I never go anywhere with it. It keeps me connected to my mum, it watches me sleep and it makes me feel happy and connected to those far away when I look at it. I keep it by my bed so it's the last thing I see before sleep, and the first thing I look in the morning. The halo is pretty beat up and tattered these days- but then we've been through some rough times together.
I miss my family, there isn't a day that goes by that I wish I could live closer. There is no regret about moving to Toronto- ever. I love it here, I'm happy and this is, finally after years of searching, my home. So thank goodness for Skype and the phone and for my whole family.
 |
| My Angel |
I miss my family, there isn't a day that goes by that I wish I could live closer. There is no regret about moving to Toronto- ever. I love it here, I'm happy and this is, finally after years of searching, my home. So thank goodness for Skype and the phone and for my whole family.
Everything's OK
Everything's OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?
Hmm this one is weird, I already know everything is going to be OK. And I don't know if I can define it to a specific moment. Everyday that I wake up, it's OK, every time I walk outside, it's OK, every smile I have it's OK, every friend I speak to, it's OK.
So this hasn't been a discovery for this year, but I will continue to come back to now and remember in this moment, it's perfect. It is all perfect.
Hmm this one is weird, I already know everything is going to be OK. And I don't know if I can define it to a specific moment. Everyday that I wake up, it's OK, every time I walk outside, it's OK, every smile I have it's OK, every friend I speak to, it's OK.
So this hasn't been a discovery for this year, but I will continue to come back to now and remember in this moment, it's perfect. It is all perfect.
New Name
New name. Let's meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?
It would be Baroness Michelle Darlington, obviously! Why? Because I think I'm all classy and aristocratic (but realistic enough to only lust after a barony not a duchy) and Darling or Darlington would probably be the only names I'd trade my last name up for. Part of me thinks when you get married you should become a family unit and have one name. But what if that person you marry has a crappy name? I don't want to trade down in my name. I love my name. I have never really had any adverse feelings towards my name.
It's a bit of a funny name, mostly french with a good english kick in the backside. But my middle name is after my great grandmother, and I'm proud of that. Even though she passed when I was too young to remember her. And despite the teasing I received as a child about my name, I know that even if you were named Ann or Sally, you'd still get teased, kids are assholes.
So there you go. And don't forget to curtsey when we meet.
It would be Baroness Michelle Darlington, obviously! Why? Because I think I'm all classy and aristocratic (but realistic enough to only lust after a barony not a duchy) and Darling or Darlington would probably be the only names I'd trade my last name up for. Part of me thinks when you get married you should become a family unit and have one name. But what if that person you marry has a crappy name? I don't want to trade down in my name. I love my name. I have never really had any adverse feelings towards my name.
It's a bit of a funny name, mostly french with a good english kick in the backside. But my middle name is after my great grandmother, and I'm proud of that. Even though she passed when I was too young to remember her. And despite the teasing I received as a child about my name, I know that even if you were named Ann or Sally, you'd still get teased, kids are assholes.
So there you go. And don't forget to curtsey when we meet.
Travel
Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?
Heh, this is a rather reverb to start on, when I read it I was a day away from flying out to New Jersey for the holidays. Which, if you read the news- me wanting to fly out on the 26th- can imagine how that ended. It was a 30 hour journey to get home and there was a lot of time cursing myself for leaving town for Christmas for traveling in general.
It's been a bit of a shite year for travel mojo, I've had several canceled flights, lost luggage, being stranded in cities, being desperately far away from my family and friends and all that was familiar. But there were some great great trips, to the beach, to New York City. And always elements of the sublime in every single trip I took.
But you know- I still love it and crave it. And people help each other, I witnessed so much openness while at Newark, people came round with homemade cupcakes, there was group commiseration on our circumstances. It made me feel part of a larger thing, part of humanity. Where we try to make the best of a bad situation and help out people around us.
I want to keep traveling like that in 2011, I want to be open and helpful and remember that it could be worse and that a helping hand can make all the difference and we're all in this together.
Heh, this is a rather reverb to start on, when I read it I was a day away from flying out to New Jersey for the holidays. Which, if you read the news- me wanting to fly out on the 26th- can imagine how that ended. It was a 30 hour journey to get home and there was a lot of time cursing myself for leaving town for Christmas for traveling in general.
It's been a bit of a shite year for travel mojo, I've had several canceled flights, lost luggage, being stranded in cities, being desperately far away from my family and friends and all that was familiar. But there were some great great trips, to the beach, to New York City. And always elements of the sublime in every single trip I took.
But you know- I still love it and crave it. And people help each other, I witnessed so much openness while at Newark, people came round with homemade cupcakes, there was group commiseration on our circumstances. It made me feel part of a larger thing, part of humanity. Where we try to make the best of a bad situation and help out people around us.
I want to keep traveling like that in 2011, I want to be open and helpful and remember that it could be worse and that a helping hand can make all the difference and we're all in this together.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Beyond avoidance
Beyond avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn't because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)
I should have gotten a job, but I avoided it. First I was exhausted and wrung out from Australia, then it was Summer and who wants a job in the Summer? (crazy people, that's who) Then I was depressed about not having a job, not knowing what I want to do with my life, not having a career, being 33 and struggling, an embarrassment to my family, not good enough. And then I was scared to try.
Will I do it? You bet I will. I feel like the curtain has parted on what it is I want to be doing, what will make me happy, what I could do for years and years and it wouldn't feel like work. And I'm going after it, I might not get there tomorrow or this coming year. But I will. You can count on it.
I should have gotten a job, but I avoided it. First I was exhausted and wrung out from Australia, then it was Summer and who wants a job in the Summer? (crazy people, that's who) Then I was depressed about not having a job, not knowing what I want to do with my life, not having a career, being 33 and struggling, an embarrassment to my family, not good enough. And then I was scared to try.
Will I do it? You bet I will. I feel like the curtain has parted on what it is I want to be doing, what will make me happy, what I could do for years and years and it wouldn't feel like work. And I'm going after it, I might not get there tomorrow or this coming year. But I will. You can count on it.
Healing
Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011?
In a way, Australia healed me this year. There are aspects of that trip that brought up so much pain and anguish and patterns of behaviour that I wanted to suppress.
This made me confront things and cut people that are toxic out of my life after standing up for myself. Unfortunately you can't change a person from being an asshole, but you can say I will not forgive you for treating me poorly. And that was really scary to do. But I did do it and I'm stronger for it.
And it healed my wanderlust a little bit. Not completely, mind you. I will always, always want to be away, traveling. A stranger in a strange land is my idea of heaven. But I know where my home base is. And I know that all the hard slog I've put into this city, into creating friendships and connections is paying off.
So I'd say it was drip-by-drip more than it was whammo a sudden explosion.
It's like I woke up and realized, I am happy. I want to continue this, and it will make me stronger and wily and all the colours of the rainbow in 2011.
I think recommended reading would be "The Fox with Cold Feet" I finally realized my feet aren't that cold.
In a way, Australia healed me this year. There are aspects of that trip that brought up so much pain and anguish and patterns of behaviour that I wanted to suppress.
This made me confront things and cut people that are toxic out of my life after standing up for myself. Unfortunately you can't change a person from being an asshole, but you can say I will not forgive you for treating me poorly. And that was really scary to do. But I did do it and I'm stronger for it.
And it healed my wanderlust a little bit. Not completely, mind you. I will always, always want to be away, traveling. A stranger in a strange land is my idea of heaven. But I know where my home base is. And I know that all the hard slog I've put into this city, into creating friendships and connections is paying off.
So I'd say it was drip-by-drip more than it was whammo a sudden explosion.
It's like I woke up and realized, I am happy. I want to continue this, and it will make me stronger and wily and all the colours of the rainbow in 2011.
I think recommended reading would be "The Fox with Cold Feet" I finally realized my feet aren't that cold.
Try
Try. What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn't go for it?
I want to try to do what makes me happy for money. I have never tried to do this before. But I'm closing in on exactly what that would be and it's kind of exciting.
I tried to live in Australia this year. I went for it, it was scary and I didn't really like it. I like aspects of it and I miss so many people I met there. But I feel satisfied that I tried it out and I'm confident in where I want to be living in the world, which is here. In the heart of my hearts- Toronto.
I want to try to do what makes me happy for money. I have never tried to do this before. But I'm closing in on exactly what that would be and it's kind of exciting.
I tried to live in Australia this year. I went for it, it was scary and I didn't really like it. I like aspects of it and I miss so many people I met there. But I feel satisfied that I tried it out and I'm confident in where I want to be living in the world, which is here. In the heart of my hearts- Toronto.
Lesson learned
Lesson learned. What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?
Errr, I'm so not a lesson learned type of person. But, I'll give it a shot. I have learned- that I am happy, that things are OK. And in spite of or because of everything, I'm going to be happy. It's my choice. I am the master of my domain, I'm in charge of my life. And I'm going to be happy with what I have and ok with not wanting what is "normal" to define success.
I'm going to keep breathing, keep myself present, give thanks and be grateful just to be.
Errr, I'm so not a lesson learned type of person. But, I'll give it a shot. I have learned- that I am happy, that things are OK. And in spite of or because of everything, I'm going to be happy. It's my choice. I am the master of my domain, I'm in charge of my life. And I'm going to be happy with what I have and ok with not wanting what is "normal" to define success.
I'm going to keep breathing, keep myself present, give thanks and be grateful just to be.
Friendship
Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?
Recently I almost screwed up a friendship for a guy. And this isn't the first time I've done this, but this time it finally hit home to me. FINALLY. After this being a pattern since I started getting involved with boys.
I suspect it has a lot to do with low self-esteem and wanting to be wanted and in love in that magical completely unrealistic way. As well I suspect that every time I feel "thunderbolts" for someone they might in fact be warning bells.
I think what made this time different was remembering how hard I worked to get the friendships I have here. I don't have a lot of friends in Toronto really, two really close ones and they are amazing, and I've thrown both of them under the bus at one point. And it's shitty of me. So ladies, I am sorry and I thank you for being forgiving and amazing.
It woke me up, to remember that boys come and go, but friends can be forever and I'm not willing to risk them for a guy who is a warning bell. And it gave me the resolve to get rid of someone so dangerous to me that he could strip me of my friends.
And they are the wind beneath my wings. (*sniffle* so cheesy!)
Recently I almost screwed up a friendship for a guy. And this isn't the first time I've done this, but this time it finally hit home to me. FINALLY. After this being a pattern since I started getting involved with boys.
I suspect it has a lot to do with low self-esteem and wanting to be wanted and in love in that magical completely unrealistic way. As well I suspect that every time I feel "thunderbolts" for someone they might in fact be warning bells.
I think what made this time different was remembering how hard I worked to get the friendships I have here. I don't have a lot of friends in Toronto really, two really close ones and they are amazing, and I've thrown both of them under the bus at one point. And it's shitty of me. So ladies, I am sorry and I thank you for being forgiving and amazing.
It woke me up, to remember that boys come and go, but friends can be forever and I'm not willing to risk them for a guy who is a warning bell. And it gave me the resolve to get rid of someone so dangerous to me that he could strip me of my friends.
And they are the wind beneath my wings. (*sniffle* so cheesy!)
5 minutes
5 minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.
Sydney, the beach, the ocean, the sunshine, connecting with friends again, meeting new friends, Toronto, homecoming, happiness, spring time, flowers, the colours, regaining strength, summer time, the park, the feel of my legs when I'm walking, my bike, hot sultry nights, wasaga, the lake, floating, swimming, happiness, mum visiting, the islands, the heat, fall, the leaves, the walking, New York, Blake, happiness, the metropolitan, the junction, the backyard, nights on the porch talking till late, sunday dinners, my wonderful friends, heavy me, gwen styles, the music, the agony, the ecstasy, the beauty and wonder of it all.
*edit- i do need to add in a couple of things: Mark- I hope you are at peace, winter, snow!!, fresh duvet covers and my family and Rusalka. *
Sydney, the beach, the ocean, the sunshine, connecting with friends again, meeting new friends, Toronto, homecoming, happiness, spring time, flowers, the colours, regaining strength, summer time, the park, the feel of my legs when I'm walking, my bike, hot sultry nights, wasaga, the lake, floating, swimming, happiness, mum visiting, the islands, the heat, fall, the leaves, the walking, New York, Blake, happiness, the metropolitan, the junction, the backyard, nights on the porch talking till late, sunday dinners, my wonderful friends, heavy me, gwen styles, the music, the agony, the ecstasy, the beauty and wonder of it all.
*edit- i do need to add in a couple of things: Mark- I hope you are at peace, winter, snow!!, fresh duvet covers and my family and Rusalka. *
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Appreciate
Appreciate. What's the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?
Toronto. Oh heart of my hearts. Home of my homes. City, friend, lover.
I spent the first 3 months out of Toronto living in a different country and culture. One I had thought and dreamed about for years, wanting to go there, to live there, to BE there. And so I went, planning on sussing it out, and then making the move over there and start again another grand adventure. It was all planned out.
Except for one thing I didn't plan on, missing Toronto with every fibre of my being. I composed love letters to it, I mooned over pictures, I cried for it, I counted the days until I could see it again. And when I landed in Toronto at dusk- the sun, glinting off the CN Tower in the distance and my second favourite Feist song (I feel it All) playing in Pearson International, I really did start to cry and had I been alone, I would have fallen on the floor and kissed the ground a la Kevin Costner arriving home to England in Robin Hood- Prince of Thieves. I was home.
What did I do to appreciate Toronto? I left. And I came back, sure in my knowledge that this is the city for me. That it is Love, big L- L.O.V.E. I have going on here. It makes me squeek and sigh every time I see the CN Tower, and brings a smile to my face when I wake up. It makes me wish my arms were 50km long so I could give Toronto the biggest, squishiest, most wonderful hug I could ever give.
Thank you Toronto, you saved me. You made my life worth living again in so many ways. I'm grateful, you and me- we're soul mates. I'll always be on your side telling the world how great you are. Many might not believe me (they're probably from the west coast anyway...) but we know, that you and I share something special.
This is me expressing my gratitude at the best city in the world. XOTO
Toronto. Oh heart of my hearts. Home of my homes. City, friend, lover.
I spent the first 3 months out of Toronto living in a different country and culture. One I had thought and dreamed about for years, wanting to go there, to live there, to BE there. And so I went, planning on sussing it out, and then making the move over there and start again another grand adventure. It was all planned out.
Except for one thing I didn't plan on, missing Toronto with every fibre of my being. I composed love letters to it, I mooned over pictures, I cried for it, I counted the days until I could see it again. And when I landed in Toronto at dusk- the sun, glinting off the CN Tower in the distance and my second favourite Feist song (I feel it All) playing in Pearson International, I really did start to cry and had I been alone, I would have fallen on the floor and kissed the ground a la Kevin Costner arriving home to England in Robin Hood- Prince of Thieves. I was home.
What did I do to appreciate Toronto? I left. And I came back, sure in my knowledge that this is the city for me. That it is Love, big L- L.O.V.E. I have going on here. It makes me squeek and sigh every time I see the CN Tower, and brings a smile to my face when I wake up. It makes me wish my arms were 50km long so I could give Toronto the biggest, squishiest, most wonderful hug I could ever give.
Thank you Toronto, you saved me. You made my life worth living again in so many ways. I'm grateful, you and me- we're soul mates. I'll always be on your side telling the world how great you are. Many might not believe me (they're probably from the west coast anyway...) but we know, that you and I share something special.
This is me expressing my gratitude at the best city in the world. XOTO
Action
Action. When it comes to aspirations, its not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?
Eeep, to get a job. To really actually GET A JOB. To be ruthless in selling myself and my abilities. To get out there, put myself out there in the face of the world and suffer rejection and possible humiliation, to make cold calls and shmooze with people.
Pretty spooky, but I can do it. I WILL DO IT.
Eeep, to get a job. To really actually GET A JOB. To be ruthless in selling myself and my abilities. To get out there, put myself out there in the face of the world and suffer rejection and possible humiliation, to make cold calls and shmooze with people.
Pretty spooky, but I can do it. I WILL DO IT.
Body integration
Body integration. This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn't mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?
I have these moments a fair bit. I try to have one at least once a day. But I realized just the other day something more important, I don't dislike my body anymore. Couldn't say when exactly it happened, although I suspect for a long while now I've been only hating my body out of habit, because that's what you're "supposed" to do.
Thing is, my body is just fine. At the moment it's not as strong as I'd like it to be, as exampled by my back going out, and being sick for the past few weeks. But on the whole, I look good. I'm pretty cute, I dress well, stylishly, ok- except for that one time when I went to the coffee shop in yoga pants, but it was only ONCE, and I realized then that I was really depressed and I snapped the hell out of it. Plus a stinky person sat beside me, my punishment- I guess.
I like my body best when I'm in motion, because I'm strong and I'm efficient and I'm a force to be reckoned with. My goal this coming year is to push my activity level on a daily basis. Walking, then running, then weights. Because I am.... BEEFCAKE!
I have these moments a fair bit. I try to have one at least once a day. But I realized just the other day something more important, I don't dislike my body anymore. Couldn't say when exactly it happened, although I suspect for a long while now I've been only hating my body out of habit, because that's what you're "supposed" to do.
Thing is, my body is just fine. At the moment it's not as strong as I'd like it to be, as exampled by my back going out, and being sick for the past few weeks. But on the whole, I look good. I'm pretty cute, I dress well, stylishly, ok- except for that one time when I went to the coffee shop in yoga pants, but it was only ONCE, and I realized then that I was really depressed and I snapped the hell out of it. Plus a stinky person sat beside me, my punishment- I guess.
I like my body best when I'm in motion, because I'm strong and I'm efficient and I'm a force to be reckoned with. My goal this coming year is to push my activity level on a daily basis. Walking, then running, then weights. Because I am.... BEEFCAKE!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Things
Things. What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
I'm not sure if I have that many things that need to go? I come from generations strong purgers so I tend to go through my house at least twice a year and get rid of junk. Not to mention I just don't have that much space for anything that isn't streamlined.
One thing I am going to get rid of is my uncomfortable couch, and that will GREATLY improve my life. Everyone needs a comfortable place to sit and read!
And I'll continue getting rid of negativity, negative influence and negative thoughts.
I'm not sure if I have that many things that need to go? I come from generations strong purgers so I tend to go through my house at least twice a year and get rid of junk. Not to mention I just don't have that much space for anything that isn't streamlined.
One thing I am going to get rid of is my uncomfortable couch, and that will GREATLY improve my life. Everyone needs a comfortable place to sit and read!
And I'll continue getting rid of negativity, negative influence and negative thoughts.
Wisdom.
Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?
To be happy. And just be.
To be happy. And just be.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Party!
Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
Well- as some of you may know, I'm a bit of a party animal. I loooooove a party. I love hosting parties, planning them out, being an (notso)innocent bystander at them.
Hard to narrow it down to just one- so let's go top 3 (in no particular order)
1.Pili and Clif's Australian engagement party. We had a delicious dinner on the docks at Wallamalloo, were dressed up all very fancy and having champagne, there were great people, great conversations!
2. My Birthday! My birthday is always the most fun, because I decided a long time ago, that I was always going to plan to do what I wanted to do on my birthday and be selfish! It's the one day you really REALLY can just do what you want and sod anyone else's opinions. I've decided since my 30th I'll be spending every other year in NYC, this year was a Toronto year. And it was great fun, dressing up and wandering the Junction with Gwen and meeting up with Isabel for dinner, having drinks with them and Stu on a Yorkville patio. It was a delicious sunny and warm day.
3. Anything where I can dress up fancy and socialize. It is clear that I must become a socialite because I'm good at it, and I like it!
Well- as some of you may know, I'm a bit of a party animal. I loooooove a party. I love hosting parties, planning them out, being an (notso)innocent bystander at them.
Hard to narrow it down to just one- so let's go top 3 (in no particular order)
1.Pili and Clif's Australian engagement party. We had a delicious dinner on the docks at Wallamalloo, were dressed up all very fancy and having champagne, there were great people, great conversations!
2. My Birthday! My birthday is always the most fun, because I decided a long time ago, that I was always going to plan to do what I wanted to do on my birthday and be selfish! It's the one day you really REALLY can just do what you want and sod anyone else's opinions. I've decided since my 30th I'll be spending every other year in NYC, this year was a Toronto year. And it was great fun, dressing up and wandering the Junction with Gwen and meeting up with Isabel for dinner, having drinks with them and Stu on a Yorkville patio. It was a delicious sunny and warm day.
3. Anything where I can dress up fancy and socialize. It is clear that I must become a socialite because I'm good at it, and I like it!
Beautifully Different
Beautifully different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different - you'll find they're what make you beautiful.
Things that make me different:
Yup I'm a unique little snowflake, just like all the other snowflakes out there!
Things that make me different:
- I like to fold things. A lot!
- I name the spiders that live in my bathroom and I don't kill any of the ones that live in my house.
- At restaurants I must organize creamers in bowls on the tables. (well just my table, I don't walk around to ALL the tables- that would be crazy)
- I believe you can have a relationship with a purse and/or a shoe that is just as, if not more, satisfying than a romantic relationship.
- My best boyfriend was my cat Sky.
- I like to watch White Christmas, but usually not at Christmas time, unless I'm spending Christmas alone, and then it's what I do on the day.
- I really like spending Christmas by myself, I just never get to.
- I don't define success by power, money or fame. But by love, health and happiness.
- I think I'm very successful.
- Really, I don't need to be the best at anything. As long as I'm happy- I'm good.
Yup I'm a unique little snowflake, just like all the other snowflakes out there!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Community
Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?
Maybe that means that this is an important topic for me? I think in 2010 I reaffirmed my communities. Spending the first 3 months in Australia really reaffirmed for me that Canada, specifically Toronto, is where I need to be in my life and that is where I am happiest. I always rave and rave about this little neigbourhood I live in (probably because it's the best neighbourhood ever!!), but when I'm out and about I get a real sense of connection to the people around me, that we look out for each other. I know my upstairs neighbour really well- I'd definitely ask for sugar if I needed it. In fact, I have!
Online, I've started using Twitter a bit more, and reading some new blogs which seem to mingle a bit. I "tweeted" to one writer of a blog I admire about her help in something and she replied! I felt very warm and fuzzy. And our recent ex-mayor @iamdavidmiller replied to a tweet and said hello to the ocean for me!! (seriously I loved our old mayor. I would see him in the subway and have to fight the urge to go up and hug him).
Another blog I read recently posted an article on how to deal with the death of an ex- which is a timely topic, that I have been dealing with and not many people can understand. We had a little chat about it on her website and it was so helpful.
I have great friends here in Toronto, who I try to see on a regular basis. The only time I really can sometimes feel a bit lonely is Sunday mornings. I think I'd like, in my heart, for that to be family time- where I could meet up with my parents for brunch and talk about the week. But time differences mean I can't call them when I wake up (I've already forgotten about it and called VERY early a few times- yes I am one of THOSE Ontario people now- go me!!!). So my good friend suggested I find a walking group on Sunday mornings? Which I think is a great idea!
Another good friend of mine will be moving to Toronto in the New Year, so my Toronto family is expanding and thus my sense of community.
I also briefly worked up in the Junction, and got to know a few people there and frequent the shops there more. I'd like to do more of that in 2011. Meet more people- as always. I think the colours of life is in the people we weave into fabric.
Make
Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?
I have a few works in progress, some paintings that I do need to finish up.Must tear myself away from the computer.
Things that I DO want to make are more like home organizing projects to enhance the awesomeness of my abode. There is some shelving I want to put in the kitchen which I will make. Possibly some shelving in my nook as well to house my books ( I always seem to have more books than shelves). I want to paint my place a bit and get a new couch and fix up my bed.
So I guess I do need to make time for these things to make my place as fantastic as possible!!
I have a few works in progress, some paintings that I do need to finish up.Must tear myself away from the computer.
Things that I DO want to make are more like home organizing projects to enhance the awesomeness of my abode. There is some shelving I want to put in the kitchen which I will make. Possibly some shelving in my nook as well to house my books ( I always seem to have more books than shelves). I want to paint my place a bit and get a new couch and fix up my bed.
So I guess I do need to make time for these things to make my place as fantastic as possible!!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Let Go
Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
My imposed expectations, my illusion of control over my life, my inner feeling that I'm not measuring up.
Because I draw breath, my life is perfect, it is how it is meant to be at this moment.
My imposed expectations, my illusion of control over my life, my inner feeling that I'm not measuring up.
Because I draw breath, my life is perfect, it is how it is meant to be at this moment.
Wonder
Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)
I try to cultivate wonder everyday. And to do so I have to stop, bring myself back to the present moment and see the beauty around me. I remember that everyone is a person with struggles and feelings and they deserve my love and compassion, not my censure and they are beautiful.
Picking up on the beauty in everything helps keep my wonder alive.
I try to cultivate wonder everyday. And to do so I have to stop, bring myself back to the present moment and see the beauty around me. I remember that everyone is a person with struggles and feelings and they deserve my love and compassion, not my censure and they are beautiful.
Picking up on the beauty in everything helps keep my wonder alive.
Moment
Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
Floating in Lake Huron watching the sunset this summer at Wasaga Beach. The colours were gold and vivid orange, grey clouds, blue lake, green trees. The space was vast and silent. It was a perfect moment, and I felt as if my heart could explode with love.
Even thinking about it now makes me smile and feel buoyant, weightless. I felt such pride that I have been graced to live in a country of such astounding beauty and size. This was no small sunset.
Floating in Lake Huron watching the sunset this summer at Wasaga Beach. The colours were gold and vivid orange, grey clouds, blue lake, green trees. The space was vast and silent. It was a perfect moment, and I felt as if my heart could explode with love.
Even thinking about it now makes me smile and feel buoyant, weightless. I felt such pride that I have been graced to live in a country of such astounding beauty and size. This was no small sunset.
Writing
Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)
The internet doesn't contribute to my writing. It is my television, a place where I can whittle away the hours. Not that I think I can eliminate it. But I would like to reduce my usage. As beautiful as my lappy is, it doesn't replace real people. Or nature.
The more time spent doing other things off the computer the more writing I want to do.
The internet doesn't contribute to my writing. It is my television, a place where I can whittle away the hours. Not that I think I can eliminate it. But I would like to reduce my usage. As beautiful as my lappy is, it doesn't replace real people. Or nature.
The more time spent doing other things off the computer the more writing I want to do.
#reverb10
I came across this website/concept reverb10 "Reflect on this year & Manifest What's Next"
Each day in December you get a prompt to think about and express. I'm going to try to do this!
December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
Rest. I have spent much of this year on a hiatus from the grind. In so many ways this has been wonderful and needed and brought me to a lot of places I wouldn't have gone to. But as this year winds to an end I feel the urge to get back in the game and start running with the Elk again. 2011's word is going to be Action.
Each day in December you get a prompt to think about and express. I'm going to try to do this!
December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
Rest. I have spent much of this year on a hiatus from the grind. In so many ways this has been wonderful and needed and brought me to a lot of places I wouldn't have gone to. But as this year winds to an end I feel the urge to get back in the game and start running with the Elk again. 2011's word is going to be Action.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Eagle is Landing- in a week
My MUM is coming! In one week tomorrow!!
I'm pretty excited- there is so much to do! We are thinking Pioneer Black Creek Village, the Rom, I'm trying to convince to come look at art with me at the AGO (don't think she'll go for it though, but it's David! Degas! Delacroix!!!).
I need to get ready: clean things, maybe buy some food to have in the house, book a zipcar to get to the airport, ummm what else? What other things should I be doing? Put sheets on my bed?
What do you do when your parent(s) are coming to visit? Any good places in the city we should check out? Mum likes a good knit cafe and/or wool shop. We're not very keen on doing the touristy things. Any good day trips one can think of?
I'm pretty excited- there is so much to do! We are thinking Pioneer Black Creek Village, the Rom, I'm trying to convince to come look at art with me at the AGO (don't think she'll go for it though, but it's David! Degas! Delacroix!!!).
I need to get ready: clean things, maybe buy some food to have in the house, book a zipcar to get to the airport, ummm what else? What other things should I be doing? Put sheets on my bed?
What do you do when your parent(s) are coming to visit? Any good places in the city we should check out? Mum likes a good knit cafe and/or wool shop. We're not very keen on doing the touristy things. Any good day trips one can think of?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
And it's SUMMER!
Uhhh ok, I could be a bit late on this post. BUT with the heat wave that's hitting the city as of 3 hours prior to the 1st of September, I call SUMMER SUCKAHS!
It's been a rather glorious summer, since in all technicalities it's been like a 9 month long summer with perhaps a wee 2 month spring in there. According to weather Canada Toronto as seen HIGHER than average rainfall, but we didn't notice. Know why? Cause the rain here is SMART- it falls at night time. Or it does 1/3 of the month in one day. This is something I can handle. Because the rest of the time, it was glorious, glorious sunshine.
This is where I break into that song "Sunnny days, taking the clouds away..." because while it is summer I am perpetually 6. And this summer was the most indulgent summer I've had since I was a wee pup of oooh 25, when I last had a summer off. That's right, I retired for the summer.
You may, or may not (I would suspect may if you are my wonderful parents who helped me out in such a kind fashion, or their friends who probably had to listen to tales of my ineptness from them) that I have been "underemployed" this past summer. Although, in my mind is there such thing as underemployed? I mean really? I like to take a line from a really racist joke: the only good job is a dead job.
While I'd prefer to say- "currently retired" rather than unemployed, the main thing is I've been a slacker bum this summer. And I really enjoyed it. I mean REALLY. If it's possible to do, summer is the time to do it. The living is cheap and easy.
Bored? Go outside, ride your bike, reorganize your apartment several times, pester friends and relatives online and in person, the possibilities are endless.
Things that I did this summer (in Toronto, I think we've covered the South Pacific summer well enough, it's sooo early 2010) include: perfect some rather fantastic tan lines, open a new bank account with no fees, pay off my BCSL(clearly it wasn't giant), write letters to my Nanny, go to a COTTAGE for the first time (more on that later), go to the CNE for the first time, have backyard bbq's, chill with my super fantastical friends Gwen Styles and Heavy Me, go to the Dentist (seems trivial but it had been far too long), go to a movie in the middle of the day by myself, meet a few new people (most of them crazy), hear my friends band ROCK IT numerous times and eat a corn dog.
I'll be summing up individual excitements such as COTTAGING!!!! and my summer styles in separate posts- which I will get done shortly. I hope!
Travel has been, obviously, kept to a minimum, I think the only time I was out of the city (besides brief excursions to Scarberia and Miserysauga- it's ok I made it back alright) was up to Wasaga Beach. But there are plenty of beaches in and about Toronto that help to satisfy the beach bum in me. Although, I'll give you shout outs west coast- I miss a summer time beach fire on the ocean.
So what's the moral? It's been a fun, restful, sunny, did I mention fun? Summer. But it's closing out and it'll be back to the grind. I think I realized at one point this could be my last hurrah, that years will stretch out in front of me of being overemployed (errr employed at all) where my Summers would be spent sitting wistfully in an office staring out at all those jerkfaces who get to be outside. So this Summer, I WAS that jerkface.
And Summer in Toronto is where it is at, especially if you have a backyard, a big park nearby, a bike that works, and some kick-ass friends to spend time with. So thanks everyone and all for making this Summer so great!
 |
| Blackberry Pie I made! |
This is where I break into that song "Sunnny days, taking the clouds away..." because while it is summer I am perpetually 6. And this summer was the most indulgent summer I've had since I was a wee pup of oooh 25, when I last had a summer off. That's right, I retired for the summer.
You may, or may not (I would suspect may if you are my wonderful parents who helped me out in such a kind fashion, or their friends who probably had to listen to tales of my ineptness from them) that I have been "underemployed" this past summer. Although, in my mind is there such thing as underemployed? I mean really? I like to take a line from a really racist joke: the only good job is a dead job.
While I'd prefer to say- "currently retired" rather than unemployed, the main thing is I've been a slacker bum this summer. And I really enjoyed it. I mean REALLY. If it's possible to do, summer is the time to do it. The living is cheap and easy.
Bored? Go outside, ride your bike, reorganize your apartment several times, pester friends and relatives online and in person, the possibilities are endless.
Things that I did this summer (in Toronto, I think we've covered the South Pacific summer well enough, it's sooo early 2010) include: perfect some rather fantastic tan lines, open a new bank account with no fees, pay off my BCSL(clearly it wasn't giant), write letters to my Nanny, go to a COTTAGE for the first time (more on that later), go to the CNE for the first time, have backyard bbq's, chill with my super fantastical friends Gwen Styles and Heavy Me, go to the Dentist (seems trivial but it had been far too long), go to a movie in the middle of the day by myself, meet a few new people (most of them crazy), hear my friends band ROCK IT numerous times and eat a corn dog.
I'll be summing up individual excitements such as COTTAGING!!!! and my summer styles in separate posts- which I will get done shortly. I hope!
Travel has been, obviously, kept to a minimum, I think the only time I was out of the city (besides brief excursions to Scarberia and Miserysauga- it's ok I made it back alright) was up to Wasaga Beach. But there are plenty of beaches in and about Toronto that help to satisfy the beach bum in me. Although, I'll give you shout outs west coast- I miss a summer time beach fire on the ocean.
So what's the moral? It's been a fun, restful, sunny, did I mention fun? Summer. But it's closing out and it'll be back to the grind. I think I realized at one point this could be my last hurrah, that years will stretch out in front of me of being overemployed (errr employed at all) where my Summers would be spent sitting wistfully in an office staring out at all those jerkfaces who get to be outside. So this Summer, I WAS that jerkface.
And Summer in Toronto is where it is at, especially if you have a backyard, a big park nearby, a bike that works, and some kick-ass friends to spend time with. So thanks everyone and all for making this Summer so great!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
It's a mad mad world
This weekend marks the G20 conference here in Toronto. As highly anticipated as the Olympics in Vancouver with as much controversy. But guess what it's not ending in an all time Canadian Gold Medal/Olympic History win and people hugging police/each other in the streets. This is most definitely a fail.
And let's not blame Toronto- I'm pretty sure not ONE person that lives in this city wanted the G20 here. Who could blame them? These sort of "meetings" (let's face it- glad handing and back slapping of global fat cats) haven't ended well since the "Battle in Seattle".
I believe in social justice, I believe in our right to peaceful assembly and our freedom of speech. It's a basic human right after all. But I didn't get up and march today, instead I stayed home and seethed in anger, with bouts of worry about friends protesting, at the destruction that was laid forth.
There is a dissident group of douchey f*cks who come protest at large events like this to incite chaos. I'm not naming them on purpose because they don't deserve one iota of air time. Today, there was a 10 thousand strong protest in Toronto against SO many issues- and this is the time, the world leaders are here, they should be made to listen.
My friend and her daughter wore shirts that said "we will NOT shut the fuck up"- loosely this is a comment on Stephen Harper's refusal to give aid to developing countries that allow legal abortion. Last I checked, I'm a woman- Stephan Harper is a man- he can NEVER be raped and forced to carry the child of something so horrific as rape, what gives him the right? And to say that is how our whole country feels? (and anyone that wants to challenge this statement- we ALL know someone who has been the victim of rape- imagine if they had to have a child of it?)
I agree with these protests, the PEACEFUL protests, that did happen. But we all knew what was going to happen- the carnage and wreckage, the taunting of the police until they broke. The world leaders knew this, but they didn't really care. Frankly a more suitable protest would have been for all of us to chip in $5 and pay off their staff at the various hotels and conference centres to stop working/not show up. THAT would have thrown things into disarray far more than ten thousand people marching.
Since Seattle there has been precedent of destroying things to "damn the man". I was on the subway today and heard some terrible little youngins talking about - going to protest. What did they say- what was their spiel? They wanted to get "TO THE WALL, man" like this WHOLE thing is just some terrible Pink Floyd spin off. Here they are trying to damn the man in their Dickies cargoes and Doc Marten boots and who, I am very very sure, will be hitting up a McDonalds to satisfy their hunger on their way home.
I must be getting old because the hypocrisy of youth makes me want to punch them in the face.
And what bothers me is that these people don't have any idea, I don't even have any real idea about the G20, so I stayed away, because I can't protest something I don't totally understand.
But let's think on this- the people destroying American Apparel (and while it outfits hipsters and should be burned/the guy who owns it is a lech/pedophile) thinking it's "big business" don't have any idea that the owner of American Apparel fights in his own way against illegal immigrant laws in California that are meant to keep Hispanic people down.
People throwing bricks at a Starbucks, while I agree- their coffee is pretty bad (unless you are in Australia and then it's kind of a North American manna)-they were a SMALL business, who were able to thrive and rise to the top.
And did anyone think about all the people who are being called right now saying, "don't come into work", or "sorry you don't have a job anymore" because their work place is destroyed? While you think you are "hurting" the big wigs of these corporations- all you are doing is hurting the struggling masses and forcing them into the social system because you destroyed their workplace so now they can't make rent.
So again the acts of a few will screw over the many- so THANK YOU anarchists, you just diverted money from social programs to the police in a city that most of you don't live in or care about. Are you sure you aren't working for them?
And THANK YOU G20, because you knew this would happen, and you let it happen- why is that? Because here we spend so much time talking about the protest to really understand what is happening behind closed doors. Your tactics are despicable.
I feel hurt; as a citizen of this city that I LOVE, that represents so much of what can be good in the world and it could be treated so disrespectfully by both the big and little guy.
Violence is NEVER the answer, if you have to resort to it- you are a small small person.
*UPDATE*
This is the Globe and Mail's link to the full statement released by the G20. READ IT, this is what we need to be protesting and holding them accountable for. http://tgam.ca/8BV
And thank you to the Globe and Mail and CBC for reporting on what is going on and keeping sensationalist journalism to a minimum.
And let's not blame Toronto- I'm pretty sure not ONE person that lives in this city wanted the G20 here. Who could blame them? These sort of "meetings" (let's face it- glad handing and back slapping of global fat cats) haven't ended well since the "Battle in Seattle".
I believe in social justice, I believe in our right to peaceful assembly and our freedom of speech. It's a basic human right after all. But I didn't get up and march today, instead I stayed home and seethed in anger, with bouts of worry about friends protesting, at the destruction that was laid forth.
There is a dissident group of douchey f*cks who come protest at large events like this to incite chaos. I'm not naming them on purpose because they don't deserve one iota of air time. Today, there was a 10 thousand strong protest in Toronto against SO many issues- and this is the time, the world leaders are here, they should be made to listen.
My friend and her daughter wore shirts that said "we will NOT shut the fuck up"- loosely this is a comment on Stephen Harper's refusal to give aid to developing countries that allow legal abortion. Last I checked, I'm a woman- Stephan Harper is a man- he can NEVER be raped and forced to carry the child of something so horrific as rape, what gives him the right? And to say that is how our whole country feels? (and anyone that wants to challenge this statement- we ALL know someone who has been the victim of rape- imagine if they had to have a child of it?)
I agree with these protests, the PEACEFUL protests, that did happen. But we all knew what was going to happen- the carnage and wreckage, the taunting of the police until they broke. The world leaders knew this, but they didn't really care. Frankly a more suitable protest would have been for all of us to chip in $5 and pay off their staff at the various hotels and conference centres to stop working/not show up. THAT would have thrown things into disarray far more than ten thousand people marching.
Since Seattle there has been precedent of destroying things to "damn the man". I was on the subway today and heard some terrible little youngins talking about - going to protest. What did they say- what was their spiel? They wanted to get "TO THE WALL, man" like this WHOLE thing is just some terrible Pink Floyd spin off. Here they are trying to damn the man in their Dickies cargoes and Doc Marten boots and who, I am very very sure, will be hitting up a McDonalds to satisfy their hunger on their way home.
I must be getting old because the hypocrisy of youth makes me want to punch them in the face.
And what bothers me is that these people don't have any idea, I don't even have any real idea about the G20, so I stayed away, because I can't protest something I don't totally understand.
But let's think on this- the people destroying American Apparel (and while it outfits hipsters and should be burned/the guy who owns it is a lech/pedophile) thinking it's "big business" don't have any idea that the owner of American Apparel fights in his own way against illegal immigrant laws in California that are meant to keep Hispanic people down.
People throwing bricks at a Starbucks, while I agree- their coffee is pretty bad (unless you are in Australia and then it's kind of a North American manna)-they were a SMALL business, who were able to thrive and rise to the top.
And did anyone think about all the people who are being called right now saying, "don't come into work", or "sorry you don't have a job anymore" because their work place is destroyed? While you think you are "hurting" the big wigs of these corporations- all you are doing is hurting the struggling masses and forcing them into the social system because you destroyed their workplace so now they can't make rent.
So again the acts of a few will screw over the many- so THANK YOU anarchists, you just diverted money from social programs to the police in a city that most of you don't live in or care about. Are you sure you aren't working for them?
And THANK YOU G20, because you knew this would happen, and you let it happen- why is that? Because here we spend so much time talking about the protest to really understand what is happening behind closed doors. Your tactics are despicable.
I feel hurt; as a citizen of this city that I LOVE, that represents so much of what can be good in the world and it could be treated so disrespectfully by both the big and little guy.
Violence is NEVER the answer, if you have to resort to it- you are a small small person.
*UPDATE*
This is the Globe and Mail's link to the full statement released by the G20. READ IT, this is what we need to be protesting and holding them accountable for. http://tgam.ca/8BV
And thank you to the Globe and Mail and CBC for reporting on what is going on and keeping sensationalist journalism to a minimum.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Examined Life
It's an interesting thing being single and living alone. I've been at it for a few years now. Just tonight as I was compulsively tidying up the kitchen and marveling at the way I placed my pear for morning (just to the left of my Hokusai poster- I like asymmetry) I started to wonder if it is good for humans to live alone.
I'm not sure I could live with a flatmate anymore, I'm selfish about my privacy(which reminds me of my favourite Tom Waits song-Better Off Without A Wife) and in Toronto it costs probably about the same as what I'm paying, or more to live in a swish place with a flatmate. (And I use the term flatmate because it's more appropriate- we share a flat/apartment/rooms, not a room) I could conceivably and would be probably pretty happy to live with someone again. heh- but I might need to learn how not to be the one date wonder first.
But living alone, it's a delicious ode to solitude. Everything has a place and everything in its place. Now that I'm spending most of my waking life in the apartment, it's becoming highly organized. I scoffed at my brother when he told me he vacuums every night, but am I that far behind? Tonight after placing my pear- just so- I also took out a coffee mug and placed it riiiight where it needed to be for first thing in the morning.
I know in myself I have a tendency towards a bit of compulsiveness, is living alone an environment where this can thrive? Will I become more and more set in my ways and more and more neurotic the longer I co-habitate with just me?
When you live alone, a sense of order rings out over everything you do- to others it can look like total chaos, but it's a well orchestrated dance of one.
But if you live with others, or even a pet there are aspects of your universe that you cannot control. There is a modicum of spontaneity enforced upon you. And this of course lends itself to being flexible and adaptable in the face of change and circumstance.
It's not easy being alone, you have a lot of time on your hands. Time with which to think, and think over and think over again. It's a magnifying glass on your life. The petri dish that is your apartment is under the microscope. And sometimes I feel that if I make my apartment perfect enough, then the rest of my life will be perfect too. Except there are outside circumstances outside of my apartment, things beyond my control which contribute to the non-perfectness of life.
Sometimes I wish little gnomes would come in and a)make shoes in the night (I mean come on, shoes! in the night? I need shoe gnomes-we allll do.) and b) move that pear to under the middle of the poster, just so I'll have to deal with a bit of a unexpected circumstance and keep me flexible.
I'm not sure I could live with a flatmate anymore, I'm selfish about my privacy(which reminds me of my favourite Tom Waits song-Better Off Without A Wife) and in Toronto it costs probably about the same as what I'm paying, or more to live in a swish place with a flatmate. (And I use the term flatmate because it's more appropriate- we share a flat/apartment/rooms, not a room) I could conceivably and would be probably pretty happy to live with someone again. heh- but I might need to learn how not to be the one date wonder first.But living alone, it's a delicious ode to solitude. Everything has a place and everything in its place. Now that I'm spending most of my waking life in the apartment, it's becoming highly organized. I scoffed at my brother when he told me he vacuums every night, but am I that far behind? Tonight after placing my pear- just so- I also took out a coffee mug and placed it riiiight where it needed to be for first thing in the morning.
I know in myself I have a tendency towards a bit of compulsiveness, is living alone an environment where this can thrive? Will I become more and more set in my ways and more and more neurotic the longer I co-habitate with just me?
When you live alone, a sense of order rings out over everything you do- to others it can look like total chaos, but it's a well orchestrated dance of one.
But if you live with others, or even a pet there are aspects of your universe that you cannot control. There is a modicum of spontaneity enforced upon you. And this of course lends itself to being flexible and adaptable in the face of change and circumstance.
It's not easy being alone, you have a lot of time on your hands. Time with which to think, and think over and think over again. It's a magnifying glass on your life. The petri dish that is your apartment is under the microscope. And sometimes I feel that if I make my apartment perfect enough, then the rest of my life will be perfect too. Except there are outside circumstances outside of my apartment, things beyond my control which contribute to the non-perfectness of life.
Sometimes I wish little gnomes would come in and a)make shoes in the night (I mean come on, shoes! in the night? I need shoe gnomes-we allll do.) and b) move that pear to under the middle of the poster, just so I'll have to deal with a bit of a unexpected circumstance and keep me flexible.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Melbournia!
At the beginning of my third month in Australia, Pili, Deb, Tara and I went to Melbourne for the weekend.
I'd heard great things about this city from the crew, so I was really excited to check it out! Deb and I flew out at the same time on Friday, so we met (extremely early- to our mutal delight) at Central Station to catch the train to the airport.
Once through customs we celebrated with some tapas and a glass of wine- what a great way to beging the weekend. The flight itself is about and hour and half long- possibly shorter. And you cross into another state, New South Wales housing Sydney (and the beach where they shoot Neighbours!!), Melbourne being housed further south in Victoria. ( Does anyone else find it disturbingly odd that Syndey/Sidney and Victoria keep following me around?)
Once in Melbourne, we waited for Pili and Tara to arrive and then headed to our apartment/hotel on Bourke St. It's what they would call a serviced apartment, or for us not in the know- a hotel room with a kitchen. Pili found it online and the price was great, the location excellent and the service wonderful. It was a two bedroom, with a sitting area, kitchen and spacious bathroom- (with a GIANT tub!)- very nice stuff!
We got ready and headed out to a quick bite and then off to the main reason we were in town- to see the show that Deb had helped curate through her media curation business www.newmediacuration.com it was a really interesting installation, made all the more fun with the flowing champagne!
Melbourne is a really beautiful city, one of the features that I very much enjoyed are the little alleys packed chockablock full of nifty shops and restaurants. We occasioned onto one alleyway and had a delicious breakfast even though we were all a bit worse for wear from the night before!
We then headed to Chapel Street for some exciting shopping, this is Pili's favourite place to shop and I can see why, a lot of small shops and independent or small designers, you are always sure to find something unique. By the time we got there we were all hungry again and made our way to a cafee for a quick lunch- or so we thought.
Just as we were finishing our lunch- a storm broke out. Melbourne has a reputation for wild weather and this did not disappoint. At one point I thought I saw snow, but it was hail, and a lot of it. The the rain started in earnest, to the point of flooding the streets and into the restaurant. I've never really witnessed flash flooding before, it is a bit scary and I was happy we were inside, even if our seats ended up getting flooded on to.
Not to be deterred by ridiculous weather we sallyed forth and hit the shops. Those that were open, that is- due to the storm most shops were out of power and/or flooded. I did managed to pick up a pair of lacoste flats for the amazing price of $10. I have bargin mojo- I get it from my mum. AND they are such a bright happy yellow. I've worn them out once when I know it's not going to rain AT ALL.
A bit dejected about the lack of shopping we were able to get in, we headed back to the hotel for a rest and then out on the town for another night of semi-debauchery.
We went to a club we weren't able to get into the night before, and Pili and I shook our booty until it could not shake anymore. Or until it cried out for McDonald's (fun fact: you just don't GET ketchup in Australia, all condiments have to be requested and paid for)
Next day we headed out to an aread of town I can't at all remember the name of. I really like it though! Tara seemed quite familiar with it- I think she may have a propensity towards Melbournian men (and hey- with anyone that comes from a city that has the word Bourne in it- could they be that horrible?)
I ended up in Melbourne for an extra day due to inclement weather- and that kind of sucked. But it was also very nice to spend time in a city by myself. I'm becoming more and more an "on my own" type person. Not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. I think, in my mind I hold out for -the ONE- that I will be eternally happy to spend every(somewhat) waking moment with and travel the world. But part of me worries, am I TOO independent? Can anyone give me as good a conversation as I give myself?
I'd heard great things about this city from the crew, so I was really excited to check it out! Deb and I flew out at the same time on Friday, so we met (extremely early- to our mutal delight) at Central Station to catch the train to the airport.
Once through customs we celebrated with some tapas and a glass of wine- what a great way to beging the weekend. The flight itself is about and hour and half long- possibly shorter. And you cross into another state, New South Wales housing Sydney (and the beach where they shoot Neighbours!!), Melbourne being housed further south in Victoria. ( Does anyone else find it disturbingly odd that Syndey/Sidney and Victoria keep following me around?)
Once in Melbourne, we waited for Pili and Tara to arrive and then headed to our apartment/hotel on Bourke St. It's what they would call a serviced apartment, or for us not in the know- a hotel room with a kitchen. Pili found it online and the price was great, the location excellent and the service wonderful. It was a two bedroom, with a sitting area, kitchen and spacious bathroom- (with a GIANT tub!)- very nice stuff!
We got ready and headed out to a quick bite and then off to the main reason we were in town- to see the show that Deb had helped curate through her media curation business www.newmediacuration.com it was a really interesting installation, made all the more fun with the flowing champagne!
Melbourne is a really beautiful city, one of the features that I very much enjoyed are the little alleys packed chockablock full of nifty shops and restaurants. We occasioned onto one alleyway and had a delicious breakfast even though we were all a bit worse for wear from the night before!
We then headed to Chapel Street for some exciting shopping, this is Pili's favourite place to shop and I can see why, a lot of small shops and independent or small designers, you are always sure to find something unique. By the time we got there we were all hungry again and made our way to a cafee for a quick lunch- or so we thought.
Just as we were finishing our lunch- a storm broke out. Melbourne has a reputation for wild weather and this did not disappoint. At one point I thought I saw snow, but it was hail, and a lot of it. The the rain started in earnest, to the point of flooding the streets and into the restaurant. I've never really witnessed flash flooding before, it is a bit scary and I was happy we were inside, even if our seats ended up getting flooded on to.
Not to be deterred by ridiculous weather we sallyed forth and hit the shops. Those that were open, that is- due to the storm most shops were out of power and/or flooded. I did managed to pick up a pair of lacoste flats for the amazing price of $10. I have bargin mojo- I get it from my mum. AND they are such a bright happy yellow. I've worn them out once when I know it's not going to rain AT ALL.
A bit dejected about the lack of shopping we were able to get in, we headed back to the hotel for a rest and then out on the town for another night of semi-debauchery.
We went to a club we weren't able to get into the night before, and Pili and I shook our booty until it could not shake anymore. Or until it cried out for McDonald's (fun fact: you just don't GET ketchup in Australia, all condiments have to be requested and paid for)
Next day we headed out to an aread of town I can't at all remember the name of. I really like it though! Tara seemed quite familiar with it- I think she may have a propensity towards Melbournian men (and hey- with anyone that comes from a city that has the word Bourne in it- could they be that horrible?)
I ended up in Melbourne for an extra day due to inclement weather- and that kind of sucked. But it was also very nice to spend time in a city by myself. I'm becoming more and more an "on my own" type person. Not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. I think, in my mind I hold out for -the ONE- that I will be eternally happy to spend every(somewhat) waking moment with and travel the world. But part of me worries, am I TOO independent? Can anyone give me as good a conversation as I give myself?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
It's my hood
Last night I was feeling a bit bored. So I texted (I'm not a big "caller") one of my neighbours/friends that I hadn't seen since I got back and we arranged to meet for Pho up in the Junction. We had a great time getting caught up and with a bit of dawdling outside and promises to go out dancing (and I WILL hold you to that!) she scooted off and I began walking home.
On my way home through the slightly cool air I saw people out walking their dogs, strolling down the sidewalk, biking in the bikelanes, and a group of kids playing late night basketball in one of the schools.
I cannot think of one instance I have ever felt unsafe in Toronto, "The City of Neighbourhoods" even in my darkest moments of despair I can always think about where I live and it puts a smile on my face.
So let me tell you about where I live.
I live directly in between Bloor West Village and "The Junction" (the area between Runnymede and Keele on Dundas West). The street I live on in a semi-main artery cross town, but it's quiet enough that I can lay in bed at night and listen to the wind or the rain, or the stillness of the stars burning in the sky.
On my corner there is an organic butcher, a chinese restaurant, 2 corner stores, an organic pizza shop, a greasy spoon, a hardware store, a weird small church, a wine maker shop, a laundromat, an eyeglass shop, and a few other private businesses. For the amount of business this is a quiet corner. When you look down the street in the summer, you can't see for leafy trees covering the street.
I never understood why we needed so many convenience stores (when I moved here there were 3- 1 has since closed down) but I quickly realized, you only walk as far as your own corner. Terribly convenient.
Ten minutes in either direction (north or south) are the Village and Junction, with a greater variety of shops and services.
This is a neighbourhood where people walk by you on the street and say hello, they smile at you. If you are struggling with something, they will help you. It's safe, I've been known to leave my bike out- unlocked- with no repercussions. People gather on their front porches and in their backyards.
I've never grown up with a sense of community or neighbourhood until I moved here. People know my name, they look out for me. They know what I like to have on my hamburger and how I take my coffee. In turn I try to frequent their businesses and tell others about what great services they provide. We look out for each other. It's how I imagine living in a small town would be, but better.
When I was younger and couldn't sleep my Dad and I used to go for neighbourhood walks at night- the thing with moving out to the country is that people are VERY interested in their privacy and deeply suspicious of those who appear too friendly. Living in a big city with limited private space (and don't get me wrong, I have way more than most people where I live) has taught me about what it means to be a good neighbour.
Being a good neighbour means minding your own business, but being aware enough of others to be of service. If I didn't hear the girl upstairs for a day, I would go up and knock and make sure she's ok. I know she would do the same for me as well. It's about anonimity and security all wrapped up together.
It's what I think heaven is like. The more I spent time in this neighbourhood, the more connections I make, the happier I am. I'm living in the greatest city in Canada and I can sit in the silence of my backyard gazing up at the trees and it feel the quiet around me.
It's lovely and I recommend it.
On my way home through the slightly cool air I saw people out walking their dogs, strolling down the sidewalk, biking in the bikelanes, and a group of kids playing late night basketball in one of the schools.
I cannot think of one instance I have ever felt unsafe in Toronto, "The City of Neighbourhoods" even in my darkest moments of despair I can always think about where I live and it puts a smile on my face.
So let me tell you about where I live.
I live directly in between Bloor West Village and "The Junction" (the area between Runnymede and Keele on Dundas West). The street I live on in a semi-main artery cross town, but it's quiet enough that I can lay in bed at night and listen to the wind or the rain, or the stillness of the stars burning in the sky.
On my corner there is an organic butcher, a chinese restaurant, 2 corner stores, an organic pizza shop, a greasy spoon, a hardware store, a weird small church, a wine maker shop, a laundromat, an eyeglass shop, and a few other private businesses. For the amount of business this is a quiet corner. When you look down the street in the summer, you can't see for leafy trees covering the street.
I never understood why we needed so many convenience stores (when I moved here there were 3- 1 has since closed down) but I quickly realized, you only walk as far as your own corner. Terribly convenient.
Ten minutes in either direction (north or south) are the Village and Junction, with a greater variety of shops and services.
This is a neighbourhood where people walk by you on the street and say hello, they smile at you. If you are struggling with something, they will help you. It's safe, I've been known to leave my bike out- unlocked- with no repercussions. People gather on their front porches and in their backyards.
I've never grown up with a sense of community or neighbourhood until I moved here. People know my name, they look out for me. They know what I like to have on my hamburger and how I take my coffee. In turn I try to frequent their businesses and tell others about what great services they provide. We look out for each other. It's how I imagine living in a small town would be, but better.
When I was younger and couldn't sleep my Dad and I used to go for neighbourhood walks at night- the thing with moving out to the country is that people are VERY interested in their privacy and deeply suspicious of those who appear too friendly. Living in a big city with limited private space (and don't get me wrong, I have way more than most people where I live) has taught me about what it means to be a good neighbour.
Being a good neighbour means minding your own business, but being aware enough of others to be of service. If I didn't hear the girl upstairs for a day, I would go up and knock and make sure she's ok. I know she would do the same for me as well. It's about anonimity and security all wrapped up together.
It's what I think heaven is like. The more I spent time in this neighbourhood, the more connections I make, the happier I am. I'm living in the greatest city in Canada and I can sit in the silence of my backyard gazing up at the trees and it feel the quiet around me.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Spring Time
Let's take a break from talking about Sydney shall we? Because of my laziness/tiredness when I was there I didn't post anything so now I have to do catch up.
But I am here, in Toronto, now- where Spring is happening.
The weather since I have been back has been really quite wonderful. There have been a few days of rain, but not that many. On the whole it's been sunny blue skies and crispy temperatures.
I first moved to Toronto in January, it was very cold and snowy. Delightful, really. And Spring came in March that year. My next year, Spring came much later- May, and I realized that the advent of the New Year, in the rest of Canada, does not mean that Spring is around the corner. Spring generally sets in on Vancouver Island, towards the end of January, so New Year is sort of like the end of Winter. But for the rest of Canada New Year signals the beginning of the deep freeze, the dark days of Winter that loom ahead. It's a lot to get your mind around.
And Spring, well that can come slowly, as it is doing this year, or it can come quickly, like last year. Spring started around the 2nd week of May- and by the end of May it was full on Summer. You could be out walking one day and notice that there wasn't a trace of Spring anywhere, no leaves budding on trees, no pussy willows whistling in the breeze- just barren winter landscape. And then- and I kid you not- three days later the trees were almost fully leafy and tulips were up it is unbelievable. And then the heat kicked in.
Spring this year is hanging out on the regular, at a medium pace. So when you go for walks- as I have been doing these past few days, you can see the beginnings of the leaves on the trees- there are these beautiful yellow bush thingys that I really should learn the name of because I like them quite a bit. But they had so much colour to the streets. I don't think I'm above suggesting them to my landlord for the front, or perhaps out the back where I can see them from my living room window.
On my walk today, the birds were out- I saw some large Hawks or Eagles, a very yellow bird, a very red bird and some birds that COULD be bluejays- I'm not sure since I've never seen one. Clearly I need a book on birds.
And the sky! I have very rarely seen a bluer sky than I do here, it's such a beautiful contrast to the red brick houses.
Ahh Spring! A time of hope, new beginning, the promise of the heat and headiness of Summer.
But I am here, in Toronto, now- where Spring is happening.
The weather since I have been back has been really quite wonderful. There have been a few days of rain, but not that many. On the whole it's been sunny blue skies and crispy temperatures.
I first moved to Toronto in January, it was very cold and snowy. Delightful, really. And Spring came in March that year. My next year, Spring came much later- May, and I realized that the advent of the New Year, in the rest of Canada, does not mean that Spring is around the corner. Spring generally sets in on Vancouver Island, towards the end of January, so New Year is sort of like the end of Winter. But for the rest of Canada New Year signals the beginning of the deep freeze, the dark days of Winter that loom ahead. It's a lot to get your mind around.
And Spring, well that can come slowly, as it is doing this year, or it can come quickly, like last year. Spring started around the 2nd week of May- and by the end of May it was full on Summer. You could be out walking one day and notice that there wasn't a trace of Spring anywhere, no leaves budding on trees, no pussy willows whistling in the breeze- just barren winter landscape. And then- and I kid you not- three days later the trees were almost fully leafy and tulips were up it is unbelievable. And then the heat kicked in.
Spring this year is hanging out on the regular, at a medium pace. So when you go for walks- as I have been doing these past few days, you can see the beginnings of the leaves on the trees- there are these beautiful yellow bush thingys that I really should learn the name of because I like them quite a bit. But they had so much colour to the streets. I don't think I'm above suggesting them to my landlord for the front, or perhaps out the back where I can see them from my living room window.
On my walk today, the birds were out- I saw some large Hawks or Eagles, a very yellow bird, a very red bird and some birds that COULD be bluejays- I'm not sure since I've never seen one. Clearly I need a book on birds.
And the sky! I have very rarely seen a bluer sky than I do here, it's such a beautiful contrast to the red brick houses.
Ahh Spring! A time of hope, new beginning, the promise of the heat and headiness of Summer.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Michelle in a Stranger Land- Part 2
There are some pretty nifty things about Sydney- it's very beachy. I am at heart a beach bum and some of my happiest and most peaceful moments in Australia were at the beach.
Living in Toronto that is one thing I do hunger for- the ocean. I'm not sure how to corrollate living near the ocean and having all the wonders of a big city on hand. Part of me hoped that Sydney would provide that for me, but it wasn't meant to be.
There are somethings about Canada/Toronto, North America/New York City that I am unwilling to part with. Really efficient mass transit is one of them, I don't think it's a secret that the transit in Sydney is pretty bad. And having to travel through the city every day was enough to set my teeth on edge-Literally. I spent most of my time on the bus gritting my teeth and wishing everything would explode, because then, at least, I would be off the bus.
Efficiency in general seems to have a lower priority in Australia- which is fine- I guess. But that just makes me feel uptight and I have realized I quite like being the relaxed one in my city relationships. I think it has to do with its proximity with Asia- where there is a buddhist- it will happen... eventually... attitude and you have to go with the flow.
As someone who has struggled with the notion of patience all her life, this was a bitter pill to swallow. I am sure there was/is a great lesson to learn from all of this- but HA HA I am not only impatient, but stubborn and I refuse your lesson universe- this time.
But what about the goods? The positives? The yeah let's do THAT again. Alright eager readers- here are THE GOODS.
The beach- oooh the beaches are sexy and delicious and the water is warm and the surfer boys are hawt. Even on mass transit you are only an hour max away from a great beach at any one time. I hit the biggies, Manly, Bondi, Coogee- Coogee being my fave I think. Although having a drink at the Bondi Beach Bar was pretty wonderful. I spent a couple of fun times at Coogee- one night out with Deb and her friends drinking vodka in the sand and late night swimming and then some even later night dancing.
Australia Day- which I feel happy to have been around for, was spent at Collins Beach a little bay in Manly and that was just awesome. Great people, delicious picnic food and plenty of swimming. I might have burned a little, but it was worth it.
A side note- Aussies are much more like American's than they are Canadians- which isn't a bad thing, they are out going and a proud people and really think they are the shit. I did NOT wear my Kiwi pride t-shirt in Australia. (even though I wanted to- go All Blacks!!)
The People: the people and friends that I had and made here are great. I really do miss hanging out with Pili Pie and Deebs and meeting the group of friends they have made there. Interestingly I made friends of my own and they were all from Melbourne- I think they are just a friendlier breed. I will say that Karen and Xanthe- who are amazing and wonderful- are from Sydney, they may be the execptions that proves the rule, but I'm a better person to have known them.
Deebs- Deb is human prozac. I mean she's not insanely happy all the time, but pretty close and you can't help but being really happy when you are around her. She is absolutely the most positive up beat person I have ever met in my whole life. And she likes art! A pocket friend of the highest order. Plus we have the same shoe size so FINALLY someone I could share shoes with!
Pili Pie- Pili is awesome- how else can you describe her? Fashionable, tasteful, good singer (as I found out), generous to a fault. Without a doubt the best times I had at the publishing company were when Pili and I shared an office (and would sneak off with LeMar to the lake for "lunch") and it was so nice to spend every day time with her. She and Clif (who through the 2 degrees of separation that is Van. Isle-we went to school together) let me live in their place in Glebe for cheap cheap. I've had instances of living with couples that makes me want to run in the other direction, but this was not so. They are awesome- awesome flatmates.
Jenn with two n's- The most fun and wonderful Aussie I have met. I just really super duper love her. She taught me the saying "prawns" and introduced me to her super fun flatmates as well. Really I just want to package her up and bring her over to Canada so she can hang with the cool kids here! (pictured with Matti)
The sour cream- it may seem a bit weird, but this sour cream is just unreal. It's like crack- cow crack. I would do ANYTHING to get this stuff over here. That's right- ANYTHING.
Pineapple Lumps- technically a Kiwi delight, but everyone knows that Aussies appropriate all things Kiwi (until they screw up)- hello Russell Crowe. Imagine pineapple mallows covered in a thing layer of chocolate. Just waiting to make love to your mouth. If coffee is unavailable for marriage, I think that Pineapple Lumps are my "Settling Soulmate"
And we'll leave it there for now- next up... MELBOURNIA
Living in Toronto that is one thing I do hunger for- the ocean. I'm not sure how to corrollate living near the ocean and having all the wonders of a big city on hand. Part of me hoped that Sydney would provide that for me, but it wasn't meant to be.
There are somethings about Canada/Toronto, North America/New York City that I am unwilling to part with. Really efficient mass transit is one of them, I don't think it's a secret that the transit in Sydney is pretty bad. And having to travel through the city every day was enough to set my teeth on edge-Literally. I spent most of my time on the bus gritting my teeth and wishing everything would explode, because then, at least, I would be off the bus.
Efficiency in general seems to have a lower priority in Australia- which is fine- I guess. But that just makes me feel uptight and I have realized I quite like being the relaxed one in my city relationships. I think it has to do with its proximity with Asia- where there is a buddhist- it will happen... eventually... attitude and you have to go with the flow.
As someone who has struggled with the notion of patience all her life, this was a bitter pill to swallow. I am sure there was/is a great lesson to learn from all of this- but HA HA I am not only impatient, but stubborn and I refuse your lesson universe- this time.
But what about the goods? The positives? The yeah let's do THAT again. Alright eager readers- here are THE GOODS.
The beach- oooh the beaches are sexy and delicious and the water is warm and the surfer boys are hawt. Even on mass transit you are only an hour max away from a great beach at any one time. I hit the biggies, Manly, Bondi, Coogee- Coogee being my fave I think. Although having a drink at the Bondi Beach Bar was pretty wonderful. I spent a couple of fun times at Coogee- one night out with Deb and her friends drinking vodka in the sand and late night swimming and then some even later night dancing.
Australia Day- which I feel happy to have been around for, was spent at Collins Beach a little bay in Manly and that was just awesome. Great people, delicious picnic food and plenty of swimming. I might have burned a little, but it was worth it.
A side note- Aussies are much more like American's than they are Canadians- which isn't a bad thing, they are out going and a proud people and really think they are the shit. I did NOT wear my Kiwi pride t-shirt in Australia. (even though I wanted to- go All Blacks!!)
The People: the people and friends that I had and made here are great. I really do miss hanging out with Pili Pie and Deebs and meeting the group of friends they have made there. Interestingly I made friends of my own and they were all from Melbourne- I think they are just a friendlier breed. I will say that Karen and Xanthe- who are amazing and wonderful- are from Sydney, they may be the execptions that proves the rule, but I'm a better person to have known them.
Deebs- Deb is human prozac. I mean she's not insanely happy all the time, but pretty close and you can't help but being really happy when you are around her. She is absolutely the most positive up beat person I have ever met in my whole life. And she likes art! A pocket friend of the highest order. Plus we have the same shoe size so FINALLY someone I could share shoes with!
The sour cream- it may seem a bit weird, but this sour cream is just unreal. It's like crack- cow crack. I would do ANYTHING to get this stuff over here. That's right- ANYTHING.
Pineapple Lumps- technically a Kiwi delight, but everyone knows that Aussies appropriate all things Kiwi (until they screw up)- hello Russell Crowe. Imagine pineapple mallows covered in a thing layer of chocolate. Just waiting to make love to your mouth. If coffee is unavailable for marriage, I think that Pineapple Lumps are my "Settling Soulmate"
And we'll leave it there for now- next up... MELBOURNIA
Michelle in a Stranger Land-Part 1
What indeed can I say? What stranger land can you possibly think of than Australia?
Where the sun is hot, the animals are bouncy or poisonous- or a combination of bouncy and poisonous. The beer is watery, the wine is good- the ocean is warm and the vegemite is free flowing.
I'm just back from a three month stint in Sydney, as I am sure most of you know my grand 2010 plan was to move to Australia, and then it wasn't and just as quickly- it was. I was on a three month, let's try this out and see type of situation.
I had many posts written, and abandoned during my time there. Three months perhaps isn't enough time to suffer through the culture shock and get to just enjoying things. I've heard a year is about necessary, but I'm impatient and I wasn't waiting around for a year. Toronto beckoned!
So with a bit of distance between me and the land down under, I think I can post about it finally.
I arrived, sans my luggage (I have bargain shopping mojo at the expense of my travel mojo) in the dead heat of summer. And I mean HEAT. You have not experienced this kind of heat before, the oppressive mugginess of a billion degree heat.
Coming from -25 with wind chill and the dry dry blast of Ontario cold to +30 with at least 85% humidity is shocking to the system. SHOCKING.
On the whole I was ill prepared for the culture shock. I thought, oh well- I've lived in Britain, Australia is always touted as this quasi North American type of place. Well. Not so much. I can only give my eternal thanks to my friends Pili and Deb for trying to deal with me, not throwing me into the ocean and commanding that I leave immediately.
Pili's enfianced told me he was enraged for about a year, because let me tell you- Australia is much different to the world we live in. There are things that are just "different" and it definitely made me realize what a spoiled little first world cookie I am.
Now there is no way I would have made it through the three months without Pili and Deb. I have known these two crazy cats for years. I met Deb during Uni- we both worked at the SUB and we both were doing an undergrad in History in Art. My first real job after graduation I met Pili and we suffered the endless slings and arrows of the self publishing world.
Deb moved to Australia about 7 years ago and Pili followed 2 years later. Since they didn't know each other at the time, I took it upon myself to create more awesome in the world by introducing them to each other.
They have created a little wonderful bundle of ex-patness in Sydney with other Canucks, Americans, Armenians, Brits and who ever else you can find. The one thing about people in Sydney is they aren't very friendly. I'd had this perception of Aussies as being these ridiculously friendly lovable folk- but it's all area dependent I suppose. It is hard to crack into the Sydney crowd (much like it is hard to meet friends in Victoria). But what did I care? I had friends already!
A lot of the trip has been/was a blur. I definitely didn't do as much as I could have done- I will admit to spending a lot of my off time sleeping. It had to be done. I'm too old at this point to work ridiculous hours and have a social life.
That could be the one thing that Sydney taught me- maybe it is time to settle down. Maybe this gallavanting around the world has to stop and I need to focus and pony up a little bit. I'm still unsure of that part- but it was on my mind.
Where the sun is hot, the animals are bouncy or poisonous- or a combination of bouncy and poisonous. The beer is watery, the wine is good- the ocean is warm and the vegemite is free flowing.
I'm just back from a three month stint in Sydney, as I am sure most of you know my grand 2010 plan was to move to Australia, and then it wasn't and just as quickly- it was. I was on a three month, let's try this out and see type of situation.
I had many posts written, and abandoned during my time there. Three months perhaps isn't enough time to suffer through the culture shock and get to just enjoying things. I've heard a year is about necessary, but I'm impatient and I wasn't waiting around for a year. Toronto beckoned!
So with a bit of distance between me and the land down under, I think I can post about it finally.
I arrived, sans my luggage (I have bargain shopping mojo at the expense of my travel mojo) in the dead heat of summer. And I mean HEAT. You have not experienced this kind of heat before, the oppressive mugginess of a billion degree heat.
Coming from -25 with wind chill and the dry dry blast of Ontario cold to +30 with at least 85% humidity is shocking to the system. SHOCKING.
On the whole I was ill prepared for the culture shock. I thought, oh well- I've lived in Britain, Australia is always touted as this quasi North American type of place. Well. Not so much. I can only give my eternal thanks to my friends Pili and Deb for trying to deal with me, not throwing me into the ocean and commanding that I leave immediately.
Pili's enfianced told me he was enraged for about a year, because let me tell you- Australia is much different to the world we live in. There are things that are just "different" and it definitely made me realize what a spoiled little first world cookie I am.
Now there is no way I would have made it through the three months without Pili and Deb. I have known these two crazy cats for years. I met Deb during Uni- we both worked at the SUB and we both were doing an undergrad in History in Art. My first real job after graduation I met Pili and we suffered the endless slings and arrows of the self publishing world.
Deb moved to Australia about 7 years ago and Pili followed 2 years later. Since they didn't know each other at the time, I took it upon myself to create more awesome in the world by introducing them to each other.
A lot of the trip has been/was a blur. I definitely didn't do as much as I could have done- I will admit to spending a lot of my off time sleeping. It had to be done. I'm too old at this point to work ridiculous hours and have a social life.
That could be the one thing that Sydney taught me- maybe it is time to settle down. Maybe this gallavanting around the world has to stop and I need to focus and pony up a little bit. I'm still unsure of that part- but it was on my mind.
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