Goodbye Canada...for now

I'm going on vacation. I'll be making the trek across the border and across the great USA. San Fransisco, Napa Valley and surburbs (my parents). Be back next week.

The Avett Brothers

In a matter of hours I will be going to see one of my favorite bands...The Avett Brothers. I first found out about them in college and have been following them ever since.

Since I moved to Canada, there has been no opportunity, though in San Diego and LA--I missed them a couple of times. But, tonight is my chance. Very excited!

Up

When I was 9, my family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Now, I know the first thought--jeez--that's rough. At the time, we thought that too but after living there for almost five years, it became home. I look back fondly at our time there.

For the first two weeks in October, the city is host to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta--the biggest in the world! I can remember walking to school in the morning with the sky scattler with multi-colored balloons. My dad would always take to go and look at the balloon acent--6am on Saturday mornings--you can imagine how happy we were at 10 years old. But now, one of my goals is to go back and finally go for a hot air balloon ride--as my mother would have never let me back then.

Away We Go!

I saw this endearing movie with my boyfriend a couple of months ago and it is on DVD TODAY!

Half Marathon

So after almost four months of training...the half marathon is over, thank God! It all started on a cold day in February when my friend Kristy said she was going to run one. I was inspired by her and my sister's new husband--who runs marathons...that's right plural. I think that he has run five in total.

Thus began the slow training process and what a great experience it was. I can say with certainty that I never thought I would ever run---anything--10K, 5K, let alone a 13.1 miles.

I trained on my own using a training schedule that I got online. I kept to it for the most part and finished in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

It has been such a great expereince pushing myself and realizing that I can in fact acheive this goal. I would say that I am very much looking forward to a little break, though I have the Toronto Zoo run coming up in October.

I think I've caught the bug.

Last Days of Summer

Today was chilly when I walked to the streetcar with my boyfriend. It made me think of a warmer time when I lived in San Diego and Los Angeles.

HD Buttercup is a furniture store on Pico Blvd. in LA. They have this warehouse of random designers, old, new, modern, vintage. I used to go there and walk around on Saturdays when I decided that my Santa Monica apartment needed revamping. I would go for inspiration but never threw down any money for extravagant furniture---I'll have to wait until I live in a nice place to place nice furniture.

They did, however, carry these huge photographs by Slim Aarons--who believed in "photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places". His photographs make me think of LA. Enjoy!

Slim Aaron’s most celebrated image was shot on New Year’s Eve of 1957 in the Crown Room at Romanoff’s restaurant in Hollywood. Called ”The Kings of Hollywood,” it showed Clark Gable, Van Heflin, Gary Cooper and Jimmy Stewart — what Smithsonian magazine called ”a Mount Rushmore of stardom” and the novelist Louis Auchincloss ”the very image of American he-men.”

Single and Mingle

About a month ago, a newsletter can into my inbox from a Canadian TV personality, Dan Levy. He suggested that "if summer loving isn't happening for you, why not get a little proactive!"... throw a mixer.

My single, and particularily restless, roomate decided that online dating had run its course (for now). Feeling the need to put herself out there, and feeling a little aggresive, we threw our own mixer, "Cock and Tail" on Saturday night (if you're single, you're welcome, if you're attached..come with a single).

On top of theme for the event, some other things that are necessary:

1. Invite everyone...well, sort of. I'm a big proponent of know your audience. Not everyone was invited because as we all know there are some that don't play well with others. Just make sure the people you invite know what to expect and at the very least know how to have a good time.

2. Drinks. Everyone feels as ease with a drink in hand. My first question after opening the door is, "What can I get you to drink?".

We had a collection of wine and beer and some hard alcohol. I'm not once for shaking martinis so we kept it easy. The fridge was stocked as was a cooler--two locations for distributing alcohol helps. That way people can make their way to either/or and there is no log jam.

TIP: Save a little room in the fridge or cooler for when people bring thier own beer.

3. Games. Essential to a singles party as it gets people involved immediately.

Drinking games are cool in college but as Saturday night proved--work well in adult life. However, make sure it isn't a complicated game and many people can play. I know too well that a night of Beer Pong or King's Cup always starts off with an argument about the "proper" rules versus the "house" rules and the stipualtions mount on that and before the game as even started your seathing with anger. --Make is easy--Jenga and fun quizy cards.

4. Music. I cannot say enough about the importance of muisc. I always try to wait about 2 hours before the party to make a playlist so that the night will run smoothly. I had some techinical difficulties and let's just say that I am now going to invest in a nice system which allows me to play my iPod without incident.

5. Enjoy.

Orbitrek

A conversation with my roommate...



J:
Have you ever heard anything about this product? Good or bad?
I wouldn’t mind have one in the apartment…thoughts?

M:
Are you serious?

J:
Yeah, no good?

M:
Meh.

J:
Ok – just cause it’s small? I wouldn’t pay what the person is asking…

M:
I just don’t think equipment like that works. Would this replace your gym membership? If you did in fact get this…would you be orbiting while we watched tv? And furthermore, could I laugh at you? On second thought—the price maybe right for endless nights of peeing in my pants laughing.

Photography

This week, I have been so inspired by the amazing photography on the various websites and blogs that I have navigated through. Check out some of the great sites. It makes me want to take a course!

The Impossible Project

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUNIE!

Coco

My boyfriend and I decided to take part last night in the Toronto Film Festival. After perusing the red carpet for celebrities we headed inside to see "Coco Chanel and Igor Starvinsky" at Roy Thompson Hall. Because of Coco, I decided that it would be best to wear all black and wear every pieces of pearl jewelry I have--even went as far as wearing Coco Mademoiselle perfume. What can I say---I was going with the theme.

I didn't love the movie though I would like to know more about Coco Chanel and her life. Several other adaptations of her life are in the works and will be curious to see how they play out--as far as films and a resurgence of that classic Chanel style.

Sale Hell

I recently received an email highlighting a sale for 40% of all merchandise at a retailer that I frequent. I normally don't care but since it is now the start to the changing of the seasons, I figured I might as well give it a go....I should have thought better.

I proceeded to enter the store, jammed with people, huge bags and purses and what would basically be a general sense of chaos. I preserved--it's 40%!! I instantly grabbed my phone to call someone so that my attention would be focused on my conversation versus women clawing and scrapping their way through the tangles mess of clothes to find their size in some beige color.

I chatted with my mom, found some items and headed for the fitting rooms. A line. A long line. A line so long that after 30 minutes of chatting with my mom, I ran out of things to say and was contemplating whether or not 40% was even worth it for a couple pairs of pants. But then, as I am sure others have found if I have waited this long I might as well try on the fricken pair of pants.

As I made my way to the front of the line, I noticed this woman's feet in the fitting room. She clearly had a new pair of pants on and did the instant ass check in the mirror, left side, right side, front and back again. I watched her feet circle the fitting room for what seems like 10 minutes though in real time it was only about 3. Seriously, though? She waiting at least 30 minutes to debate over a pair of pants that she would have to wait at least 30 minutes to buy in the line at the register. Try them on, if the fit, next pair.

Finally, someone exited the dressing room. I ripped off my pants, slipped on leg, then the other, clasped the button and shit--too big. It looks like I have a crap in my pants. Next pair, smaller size (sweet victory), one leg, two, clasped button--just a smidge to tight. Arg. Apparently I am in-between sizes at Banana Republic.

All in all, 2 minutes worth of trying on...left empty handed.

Joy and Josh

Last night I had the great pleasure of dining with my close friend and roommate. We went to a quaint restaurant on the east side of town, Joy Bistro.



The one room restuarant is small, quiet, and perfect for sharing a bottle of wine and having friendly chatter. We enjoyed sitting on the corner both and taking it all in. Not extremely busy on a Wednesday night but with few other patrons eating, we had a chance to catch up.



She enjoyed the Steak Frites as I enjoyed the Braised Beef Cheeks. As the waitress described, they literally melt in your mouth.



Recommend.

I also had the awesome pleasure of seeing one of my favourite singer song writers Joshua Radin. Last night was the third time I have seen Josh and with each time I feel as though I am taking a step forward with him. The first time I was living in Los Angeles and had heard about him from a friend of mine. It was his first tour and the last show was in LA at the El Rey Theater. He was singing the heart out of his first album with Skylar Fisk (his then girlfriend).

The second time, I was now living in Toronto and shelped out on a somewhat snowy night to see him play accoustically at the El Macumbo. A more intimate gathering with no set list, just Josh and his guitar. He was mainly singing tunes off his second album about the break-up of his aforementioned girlfriend.

As he opens the show at The Opera House, he introduces himself with two ex-girlfriends and two albums. What I like most seeing about seeing Josh in concert is that he tells you the story. His songs are quiet and beautiful and once you hear the inspiration--sometimes what may be your favourite love song is about a stranger on a train--you get to better understand him as an artist and his point of view.

Far too many concerts I have seen, the band plays and it sounds good--but it also sounds like the album. I have already listened to the album which is why I came to the show. But Josh captures your attention with his stories and breaks the rules of his record label by playing some new songs. From what I heard, the third album will be another step forward with a mix between his thoughtful poetic songs and what he calls "whisper rock".


I'm sure I will see him again in concert...not sure which city though.

Fall into Autumn

I woke up this morning at 6:45 am. Over the past several months, I have risen and looked out the window at a blue sky. Though today, it was dark. I showered, ate, dressed and stepped out of my building onto the sidewalk. To my horror, there was a nip in the air...perhaps even a chill.

I continued to walk the path to work, a breeze came rumbling down the street, though this time it wasn't a cool summer breeze that is refreshing and welcomed, it was that piercing cold wind that caused my freshly shaved legs to get goose bumps (damn!).

Bah Humbug. I moved to Toronto over a year ago from sunny Los Angeles. I enjoyed my first fall in six years as well as my first winter. I had open arms to the changing of the seasons.

For most, at least for those who live above the Mason-Dixon line or even more so for those of us who live north of the US-Canada border, it has been a lackluster summer at best. And now, after what I call an eternal spring (where temperatures peaked at 75 or 22 depending on your country) the cold wind has come and it is met with bitterness.

I wouldn't mind the chill in the air, if all summer I had been sweating my ass off getting to work, or if it was stifling hot on the street car, or if when I walked outside I had droplets of sweat coming from areas I didn't know could sweat and furthermore came when I was standing still.

But, with the end of summer or luke warm weather, now comes the changing of the leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, boots over your jeans, and Sunday afternoons of football.

I'll have to really hunker down for when the snow falls.

Allison June

Three weeks have past since my sister was married.

I stumbled out of bed on Monday morning, headed upstairs to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee and looked at my Dad. He peeked his head up from below his newspaper and said, "Morning, did you have fun?". I looked at him, looked at my coffee, took a sip, and thought. I lifted my head, looked at him and said, "Yeah, I think so."

As the Maid of Honour, there are a lot of things to consider and take care of, not just the day of the wedding, but also all of the days and months leading up to this great day. Not only do you need to tend to the bride, but in this instance, I also needed to tend to the mother of the bride. There was a lot to accomplish in four days and quite frankly, I was worn out. I was worn on our the Friday before the wedding let alone on the Monday after.

I remember thinking in that moment that I should respond immediately and say of course I had the best time. It still bugs me that I hesitated. Now that a little time has passed, I now realize that the party has only just begun.

I am so happy that my sister has found such a great person to share her life with.

As for a BIG wedding, more now than ever I have been swearing up and down that I will never do it. Elopement for me. However, if I ever do decide to move forward with a wedding, my mother will be there to take charge. She did a fantastic job, barring several meltdowns and minor car accident, on the details of my sister's big day.