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.