Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Back to work for the last three days of the year. We did paddle pool this morning. It's always cold in there but the temp dropped to -13 last night. I kept my Lifa on throughout the workout and my feet were frozen like spring training by the time we were done. There's slightly more snow at work than at home but it's the sifted icing sugar variety. A city worker used a leaf-blower to clear the sidewalks and paths around the Etobicoke city centre.
Monday, December 28, 2009
So on Christmas day Ryan and I ended up seeing Sherlock Holmes - great movie! We had planned to see more than one but took too long eating breakfast, then I still had to wrap a bunch of presents. That set us back a bit. We saw the show at the AMC near my place, then had about an hour to kill between the movie and leaving for dinner. We watched half of 500 Days of Summer back at my house.
When it was time to leave, it was pouring rain and the temperature hovered around the freezing mark. Ryan offered to drive to Laurel's and then bring me home again but I didn't want to make him drive two hours out of his way in these conditions. The rain would turn the roads to black ice if the temperature dropped even half a degree. Ryan lives about 10 minutes from Laurel's place. Since Greece, I'm much more aware of my son's safety. I don't ever want to be responsible for putting him in danger again - age doesn't come into it anymore - so I decided we should take our own cars.
Dinner was great, as always. My sister is a really good cook. Tara & Melissa helped with a couple of the side dishes but Melissa didn't leave her wing of the house the entire time we were there. She's nineteen but has apparently been having a tough start to 2nd year at Queens which has resulted in "issues" when "dealing" with people. Every family has their way of coping with eating and/or anxiety/stress disorders but from my observation, money becomes a buffer against common sense. I am so confused about what's going on, the story changes, so all I can do is sit and wait for the dust to settle. We left shortly after exchanging gifts with the rest of the family. I think I've finally convinced my sister that we should all go away somewhere warm and beachy for next Christmas.
Boxing day, I stayed in bed until 9:30, getting up for paddle pool at the last possible second(seriously, none of us could remember why we decided to go but all five of us were glad we did!). Afterwards, everyone had to rush off but I had time to stop at Starbucks for a coffee.
I'm always wondering if I'd be happier in a downtown condo but on days like this, with time to just sit and take in the view, I love where I live. I sat at the north-east corner table, looking across at the lighthouse with the river in behind. A group of runners went by in their Running Room penguin jackets, chatting and laughing. I watched the lake swell push tiny crests up the river. Very relaxing, kinda hypnotic.
Surprisingly, Port Credit still has that small town atmosphere. It's too bad there are so many condos going up along Lakeshore. (Which reminds me that there are a few more photos to take for my boxing day, year-end wrap-up.). Things will change dramatically over the next few years. But today I could still believe that PC is just a small, harbour town. I watched a man walk up the public boat ramp from the river leading some sort of waterfowl parade. A long line of geese, ducks, a single swan and one or two seagulls followed him across the parking lot and gathered around the back of his pickup truck. Clearly this was a regular thing. He scooped and spread birdseed like a pro. My guess is he's spent some time in a barnyard because these weren't the actions of a weekender. They come down to the river to entertain their small children and get rid of their stale bread. This man clearly felt responsible for the birds' upkeep.
On Sunday, it was ridiculously warm with some weak sunlight.
I've wrecked my left foot somehow and can't run so, desperate to get some exercise, I went for a 25km bike ride. I doubled up on the layers and wore my x-c ski gloves. Perfect temp (although my earlobes were exposed).
I'd started my ride by heading towards Oakville. I ran into Stringer and his two kids on my way out of our neighbourhood. We chatted for a bit - they're heading to Mexico - but he's been sick and was feeling a little chilled so I kept it brief.
At the foot of Winston Churchill, I decided to head north. Damn that hill up to the QEW is tough when you haven't been training. I wish I'd worn my heart rate monitor. I doubt I've gotten it that high in awhile. And I don't think I've ever used the full range of gears - especially those smaller ones! Once you pass the QEW though, it flattens out completely so the rest of the ride was just pure pleasure.
I stopped at Chapters on Dundas @ 403 on my way home and picked up The Book of Negroes, for our next book club along with Surfer and Bicycling magazine.
One the way home, I decided to try a different route and came across a trail system I didn't know about. It runs along the south side of the QEW. I came to a fork and since one path swung back northward, I took the other which carried on in a south-easterly direction. I came out at Truscott near Southdown and cut across to Clarkson road and home.
I enjoyed the ride so much that I pulled my old indoor trainer out of the garage and set it up in the basement. There's one bolt missing so I'll have to get to Canadian Tire once it's open.
When it was time to leave, it was pouring rain and the temperature hovered around the freezing mark. Ryan offered to drive to Laurel's and then bring me home again but I didn't want to make him drive two hours out of his way in these conditions. The rain would turn the roads to black ice if the temperature dropped even half a degree. Ryan lives about 10 minutes from Laurel's place. Since Greece, I'm much more aware of my son's safety. I don't ever want to be responsible for putting him in danger again - age doesn't come into it anymore - so I decided we should take our own cars.
Dinner was great, as always. My sister is a really good cook. Tara & Melissa helped with a couple of the side dishes but Melissa didn't leave her wing of the house the entire time we were there. She's nineteen but has apparently been having a tough start to 2nd year at Queens which has resulted in "issues" when "dealing" with people. Every family has their way of coping with eating and/or anxiety/stress disorders but from my observation, money becomes a buffer against common sense. I am so confused about what's going on, the story changes, so all I can do is sit and wait for the dust to settle. We left shortly after exchanging gifts with the rest of the family. I think I've finally convinced my sister that we should all go away somewhere warm and beachy for next Christmas.
Boxing day, I stayed in bed until 9:30, getting up for paddle pool at the last possible second(seriously, none of us could remember why we decided to go but all five of us were glad we did!). Afterwards, everyone had to rush off but I had time to stop at Starbucks for a coffee.
I'm always wondering if I'd be happier in a downtown condo but on days like this, with time to just sit and take in the view, I love where I live. I sat at the north-east corner table, looking across at the lighthouse with the river in behind. A group of runners went by in their Running Room penguin jackets, chatting and laughing. I watched the lake swell push tiny crests up the river. Very relaxing, kinda hypnotic.
Surprisingly, Port Credit still has that small town atmosphere. It's too bad there are so many condos going up along Lakeshore. (Which reminds me that there are a few more photos to take for my boxing day, year-end wrap-up.). Things will change dramatically over the next few years. But today I could still believe that PC is just a small, harbour town. I watched a man walk up the public boat ramp from the river leading some sort of waterfowl parade. A long line of geese, ducks, a single swan and one or two seagulls followed him across the parking lot and gathered around the back of his pickup truck. Clearly this was a regular thing. He scooped and spread birdseed like a pro. My guess is he's spent some time in a barnyard because these weren't the actions of a weekender. They come down to the river to entertain their small children and get rid of their stale bread. This man clearly felt responsible for the birds' upkeep.On Sunday, it was ridiculously warm with some weak sunlight.
I've wrecked my left foot somehow and can't run so, desperate to get some exercise, I went for a 25km bike ride. I doubled up on the layers and wore my x-c ski gloves. Perfect temp (although my earlobes were exposed).I'd started my ride by heading towards Oakville. I ran into Stringer and his two kids on my way out of our neighbourhood. We chatted for a bit - they're heading to Mexico - but he's been sick and was feeling a little chilled so I kept it brief.
At the foot of Winston Churchill, I decided to head north. Damn that hill up to the QEW is tough when you haven't been training. I wish I'd worn my heart rate monitor. I doubt I've gotten it that high in awhile. And I don't think I've ever used the full range of gears - especially those smaller ones! Once you pass the QEW though, it flattens out completely so the rest of the ride was just pure pleasure.
I stopped at Chapters on Dundas @ 403 on my way home and picked up The Book of Negroes, for our next book club along with Surfer and Bicycling magazine.
One the way home, I decided to try a different route and came across a trail system I didn't know about. It runs along the south side of the QEW. I came to a fork and since one path swung back northward, I took the other which carried on in a south-easterly direction. I came out at Truscott near Southdown and cut across to Clarkson road and home.
I enjoyed the ride so much that I pulled my old indoor trainer out of the garage and set it up in the basement. There's one bolt missing so I'll have to get to Canadian Tire once it's open.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
I had my camera in the car so took some snaps around the neighbourhood. I've been meaning to do it for a few weeks because so many things have changed. I think I'll try to do it at the end of each year to track changes. So here's a look at Clarkson-Port Credit on boxing day 2009.
Even though the rest of Southern Ontario was blasted by snowstorms a couple weeks ago, the grass remains green along this stretch of the lakeshore. The rose bush by my front steps actually developed buds until the freezing temps put a stop to that.
The first blizzard arrived about 3 weeks ago. I set my alarm to go off a little earlier, expecting a gnarly drive in but when I looked out the window...nothing. However, as I drove the 11km north to work, it got progressively worse. Half the guys who live in Scarborough, Markham and all points north and east, didn't even bother coming in. They were buried.
Below is Jack Darling Park looking southwest from the driveway, toward the leash-free. It's been torn up for several years now. They worked on it, put it back together and then tore it up again. I don't even remember if they had a toboggan hill last year.
Since I don't have dogs anymore, it doesn't affect me but it has displaced a lot of people & pets. And I noticed the Southdown dog park is gone entirely. When I was dog-sitting Lola, it had a sign saying it was just closed temporarily and to use a newly created leash-free near Sheridan Nurseries. I believe the old one along the lake is the site of the new power plant that everyone's protesting.
The Tim Hortons at the QEW-Mississauga Rd exit has been selling coffee out of a trailer for the last half of 2009. This photo is taken from the west side. I pulled over on Indian Grove which runs south off of the service road. The trailer is invisible because it's tucked in along the east side of the building. Anyway, I'm sure you figured it out because the structure itself hasn't really changed except now it houses a Select convenience store where the garage bays used to be. I think the gas pumps are operational but not sure when the rest of it will open. I thought they might be making it into one of those giant service centres that has ramps directly off the hwy but I guess that's too much to do in an urban area.
And finally, here's a look at the river. It was frozen out to the harbour just a few days ago but it has opened up with all the rain and warmer temps. Still, as much as open water usually makes me want to get out on it, it's too cold. I'm happy in the paddle pool (that'll change by mid-february) .
Oh wait, I almost forgot. I snapped a few pics of the lighthouse just because the sun came out as I was walking back to my car. I didn't plan to post the pic but then I realized it shows the new stop signs at Front St. and John (I had to look up that street name). Basically there's now a 3-way stop right at the Dons' driveway. I don't know when it went up. It just suddenly registered one morning as I blew past, half asleep on my way to morning practice.
And I might as well post this other photo of the lighthouse. It got a complete makeover this fall. It took weeks!
Even though the rest of Southern Ontario was blasted by snowstorms a couple weeks ago, the grass remains green along this stretch of the lakeshore. The rose bush by my front steps actually developed buds until the freezing temps put a stop to that.
The first blizzard arrived about 3 weeks ago. I set my alarm to go off a little earlier, expecting a gnarly drive in but when I looked out the window...nothing. However, as I drove the 11km north to work, it got progressively worse. Half the guys who live in Scarborough, Markham and all points north and east, didn't even bother coming in. They were buried.
Below is Jack Darling Park looking southwest from the driveway, toward the leash-free. It's been torn up for several years now. They worked on it, put it back together and then tore it up again. I don't even remember if they had a toboggan hill last year.
Since I don't have dogs anymore, it doesn't affect me but it has displaced a lot of people & pets. And I noticed the Southdown dog park is gone entirely. When I was dog-sitting Lola, it had a sign saying it was just closed temporarily and to use a newly created leash-free near Sheridan Nurseries. I believe the old one along the lake is the site of the new power plant that everyone's protesting.The Tim Hortons at the QEW-Mississauga Rd exit has been selling coffee out of a trailer for the last half of 2009. This photo is taken from the west side. I pulled over on Indian Grove which runs south off of the service road. The trailer is invisible because it's tucked in along the east side of the building. Anyway, I'm sure you figured it out because the structure itself hasn't really changed except now it houses a Select convenience store where the garage bays used to be. I think the gas pumps are operational but not sure when the rest of it will open. I thought they might be making it into one of those giant service centres that has ramps directly off the hwy but I guess that's too much to do in an urban area.
And finally, here's a look at the river. It was frozen out to the harbour just a few days ago but it has opened up with all the rain and warmer temps. Still, as much as open water usually makes me want to get out on it, it's too cold. I'm happy in the paddle pool (that'll change by mid-february) .
Oh wait, I almost forgot. I snapped a few pics of the lighthouse just because the sun came out as I was walking back to my car. I didn't plan to post the pic but then I realized it shows the new stop signs at Front St. and John (I had to look up that street name). Basically there's now a 3-way stop right at the Dons' driveway. I don't know when it went up. It just suddenly registered one morning as I blew past, half asleep on my way to morning practice.
And I might as well post this other photo of the lighthouse. It got a complete makeover this fall. It took weeks!
Fairytale of New York, for some reason, is one of my favourite Christmas songs. In spite of, or possibly because of, it's gritty and melancholy nature, this song defines the season - I feel happy, sad, wistful and hopeful all at the same time.
And although Shane MacGowan is one of the ugliest fuckers in the business, an habitual abuser of drugs and alcohol, his songs are well-crafted, insightful and thoughtful works of genius. It's difficult to pick just one favourite but this is a standout in his and the Pogues repertoire. The addition of Kirsty MacColl is just the proverbial icing on the cake.
I've never seen this '80s era video before and it sucks as much as you would expect it to. I actually prefer the 2nd one I've posted, shot live on St. Patrick's day in 1988. Either way, the song evokes any number of personal images to populate my own internal slideshow.
And although Shane MacGowan is one of the ugliest fuckers in the business, an habitual abuser of drugs and alcohol, his songs are well-crafted, insightful and thoughtful works of genius. It's difficult to pick just one favourite but this is a standout in his and the Pogues repertoire. The addition of Kirsty MacColl is just the proverbial icing on the cake.
I've never seen this '80s era video before and it sucks as much as you would expect it to. I actually prefer the 2nd one I've posted, shot live on St. Patrick's day in 1988. Either way, the song evokes any number of personal images to populate my own internal slideshow.
Friday, December 25, 2009
wow. Christmas day 2009. Already.
I'm having a great day! Ryan arrived around 9:00am and we opened our presents. He hit it out of the park again this year. He got me a brand new, updated book of Bruce Trail maps. I've had my current one for over 20 years and have given away or misplaced many of the pages. We plan to hike the whole thing next year.
He also got me a snowshoe backpack/carrycase - something I've really needed ever since I got my snowshoes. Also, a high end 'automatic' corkscrew. He doesn't know about my plan to quit drinking wine but that's okay, I'll still get lots of use out of it when friends drop by.
I made eggs benedict for breakfast, which has put us on the hunt for a superior hollandaise recipe. The recipe I have was less than impressive. Besides the obvious, one of the things I love about my son is that we can sit through a long breakfast without running out of things to talk about. And that he loads up the dishwasher while I write in my blog!
Now we're heading down to the Scotia Theatre cineplex to see this movie and then whatever else is on until 6pm. Then we'll head to my sister's for Christmas dinner.
I'm having a great day! Ryan arrived around 9:00am and we opened our presents. He hit it out of the park again this year. He got me a brand new, updated book of Bruce Trail maps. I've had my current one for over 20 years and have given away or misplaced many of the pages. We plan to hike the whole thing next year.
He also got me a snowshoe backpack/carrycase - something I've really needed ever since I got my snowshoes. Also, a high end 'automatic' corkscrew. He doesn't know about my plan to quit drinking wine but that's okay, I'll still get lots of use out of it when friends drop by.
I made eggs benedict for breakfast, which has put us on the hunt for a superior hollandaise recipe. The recipe I have was less than impressive. Besides the obvious, one of the things I love about my son is that we can sit through a long breakfast without running out of things to talk about. And that he loads up the dishwasher while I write in my blog!
Now we're heading down to the Scotia Theatre cineplex to see this movie and then whatever else is on until 6pm. Then we'll head to my sister's for Christmas dinner.
I hope everyone has a fantastic day.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Lots going on . The Olympic torch arrived in Toronto on Thursday. Got stalled along the way by native protesters but they took a detour and arrived at Nathan Phillip Square on time for the big party.
On Friday, Seb got the amazing opportunity to carry the torch up in Newmarket. I didn't know about it or would have been there! Luckily his entire training group went up to cheer him on...
I heard about it when I went to practice and he had the torch there! It's cool that torch bearers can purchase their outfits and the torch they carried. Pretty special event to be a part of & Seb's involvement brought it home for everyone at the club!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Starts with G, rhymes with Dr. Malea (don't want google trolls)
interesting ... a sports medicine guy you all know, formerly from the F.I., is under criminal investigation by the FBI and RCMP. He is suspected of providing athletes with performance-enhancing drugs.
Several years ago, one of the national team athletes (one of the good guys) who was doing olympic lifting at that gym, told me that Dr. G had approached him with vague questions about what he'd be willing to do to improve his performance and made veiled references to an innovative treatment he was developing. At the time, I asked, "is he talking about blood doping?" and the athlete said he couldn't believe such a nice guy would be involved in that. After the paddler made it clear he wasn't interested, the doc never brought it up again.
Anyway, one day I was telling one of the other national team guys what I'd heard about Dr. G. and he said that he didn't believe it. He thought he was reputable and that those athletes shouldn't be telling stories about a professional with so many high-profile athletes in his care. I thought, you know, he's right. It's all heresay anyway. I didn't mention the incidents again, even when Dr. G's name came up in conversation (which it did frequently since so many paddlers were members at the F.I.).
So when I was driving home tonight and heard that "a Toronto sports medicine doctor was facing criminal charges" on the radio, even though I guessed it would be him, I was still a little surprised based on all the good things athletes had to say about him.
The thing giving this story legs seems to be that he treated T-Woods at one time. I have a feeling that if Cheatie McCheater wasn't so big in the news right now, this wouldn't even be on their radar but he's December's 9-day wonder and the media is just piling on.
Click here to read the NY Times article.
interesting ... a sports medicine guy you all know, formerly from the F.I., is under criminal investigation by the FBI and RCMP. He is suspected of providing athletes with performance-enhancing drugs.
Several years ago, one of the national team athletes (one of the good guys) who was doing olympic lifting at that gym, told me that Dr. G had approached him with vague questions about what he'd be willing to do to improve his performance and made veiled references to an innovative treatment he was developing. At the time, I asked, "is he talking about blood doping?" and the athlete said he couldn't believe such a nice guy would be involved in that. After the paddler made it clear he wasn't interested, the doc never brought it up again.
Anyway, one day I was telling one of the other national team guys what I'd heard about Dr. G. and he said that he didn't believe it. He thought he was reputable and that those athletes shouldn't be telling stories about a professional with so many high-profile athletes in his care. I thought, you know, he's right. It's all heresay anyway. I didn't mention the incidents again, even when Dr. G's name came up in conversation (which it did frequently since so many paddlers were members at the F.I.).
So when I was driving home tonight and heard that "a Toronto sports medicine doctor was facing criminal charges" on the radio, even though I guessed it would be him, I was still a little surprised based on all the good things athletes had to say about him.
The thing giving this story legs seems to be that he treated T-Woods at one time. I have a feeling that if Cheatie McCheater wasn't so big in the news right now, this wouldn't even be on their radar but he's December's 9-day wonder and the media is just piling on.
Click here to read the NY Times article.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Invited a few friends to stop by on Saturday. I must be getting better at the planning. I prepared exactly the right amount of snacks and bought just the right amount of beer. The wine, well...usually there are more drinkers of white than red so I purchased a couple extra bottles of Santa Margherita and both are still in my fridge. I made red & white sangria (both were pretty tasty) and lots of people brought wine with them.
The last person left around 3:00am and, except for a brief spell of consciousness around 7:30am, I slept for a solid 12 hours.
I had just enough leftover snacks to enjoy while I watched Amélie - still my favourite Christmas movie...
The last person left around 3:00am and, except for a brief spell of consciousness around 7:30am, I slept for a solid 12 hours.
I had just enough leftover snacks to enjoy while I watched Amélie - still my favourite Christmas movie...
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Friday, December 04, 2009
I've finally found another station so I can dump CFNY once and for all. Like a lot of people from my generation, I've listened to 102.1 since it first started broadcasting FM from Brampton sometime around 1977. Independent and eclectic, they were fab at introducing new and original artist but terrible at making money. Over time they were sold to increasingly larger mediacorps and now play 'modern rock' (a phrase that could easily be replaced by "cardboard" or "beige" or "global warming").
Anyway, these days, I only hear the radio when my alarm goes off, That subjects me to the morning zoo. I just couldn't take it anymore so when I heard that Strombo is doing his show on CBC radio 2, I used it as an excuse to tune my receiver to 94.1.
I'm so glad I did! I'm hearing new and upcoming artists, long-forgotten favourites and exceptional live shows. And I actually enjoy listening to the radio again (I can quit replaying Russell Brand's BBC podcasts from the past 3 years!)
Here's an artist I'm liking at the moment...sadly, too late to catch her at this October gig.
Had another date with George last night. This time Jackie, Eve and Chrissy came along.
The show was okay but the guest was Tony Clement. Typical politician, wouldn't answer questions as they were put to him, danced around other subjects. Entertaining only because GS is such a good interviewer but TC was no Lyle Lovett (who was the other guest but had been pre-recorded). Throughout the breaks, he chatted with someone he identified as a downhill skiier in the front row. I never did figure out who it was.
We were laughing as we walked out of the CBC studios - directly across the road are 3 HUGE CTV Olympic billboards.I guess they're not above taking digs at the CBC for losing the Olympic broadcasting rights.
We made our way up to Hey Lucy where we ordered our drinks and shared appetizers before heading home. We hadn't realized that there was the Bills game at Skydome so everything was an ordeal - finding parking that wasn't special event $30, walking through the entertainment district, getting a table at a restaurant. But don't get me wrong, I love that Toronto is so busy.
I gave Jackie a lift home and went up to see the fam. Syndey and I did a lot of colouring, I played the djambi and fisher price megaphone while Syd danced and, when she went to bed, I got caught up with Blake.
All round fun night out with friends!
Anyway, these days, I only hear the radio when my alarm goes off, That subjects me to the morning zoo. I just couldn't take it anymore so when I heard that Strombo is doing his show on CBC radio 2, I used it as an excuse to tune my receiver to 94.1.
I'm so glad I did! I'm hearing new and upcoming artists, long-forgotten favourites and exceptional live shows. And I actually enjoy listening to the radio again (I can quit replaying Russell Brand's BBC podcasts from the past 3 years!)
Here's an artist I'm liking at the moment...sadly, too late to catch her at this October gig.
Had another date with George last night. This time Jackie, Eve and Chrissy came along.
The show was okay but the guest was Tony Clement. Typical politician, wouldn't answer questions as they were put to him, danced around other subjects. Entertaining only because GS is such a good interviewer but TC was no Lyle Lovett (who was the other guest but had been pre-recorded). Throughout the breaks, he chatted with someone he identified as a downhill skiier in the front row. I never did figure out who it was.
We were laughing as we walked out of the CBC studios - directly across the road are 3 HUGE CTV Olympic billboards.I guess they're not above taking digs at the CBC for losing the Olympic broadcasting rights.
We made our way up to Hey Lucy where we ordered our drinks and shared appetizers before heading home. We hadn't realized that there was the Bills game at Skydome so everything was an ordeal - finding parking that wasn't special event $30, walking through the entertainment district, getting a table at a restaurant. But don't get me wrong, I love that Toronto is so busy.
I gave Jackie a lift home and went up to see the fam. Syndey and I did a lot of colouring, I played the djambi and fisher price megaphone while Syd danced and, when she went to bed, I got caught up with Blake.
All round fun night out with friends!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Oh dear, this can't be good. I am definitely looking to get into a whole mess of eyebrow-raising 'Indeed'.
Tonight I bought mascara. And not just mascara - I bought eyeliner too. Soft, smeary, bruised violet eyeliner. Ok. That may not sound like much to you but for me that's equivalent to sending out an engraved invitation.
Let me put it this way...Some girls, when getting ready for that defining date, make sure their lucky underwear is (are?) clean, break out a new razor or head to the esthetician for a mani-pedi and wax. I do all those things but I also put on full eye makeup. For me, nothing underlines the first-time romp with a new guy like waking up in the morning, leaning into the mirror as you brush your bird's nest hair out of your eyes, gazing into your mascara-smeared eyes with a twitchy-smirky smile and thinking, "Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about."
Hey, in honour of the full moon, here's Jace Everett's smoultry ballad, "Bad Things"...
Tonight I bought mascara. And not just mascara - I bought eyeliner too. Soft, smeary, bruised violet eyeliner. Ok. That may not sound like much to you but for me that's equivalent to sending out an engraved invitation.
Let me put it this way...Some girls, when getting ready for that defining date, make sure their lucky underwear is (are?) clean, break out a new razor or head to the esthetician for a mani-pedi and wax. I do all those things but I also put on full eye makeup. For me, nothing underlines the first-time romp with a new guy like waking up in the morning, leaning into the mirror as you brush your bird's nest hair out of your eyes, gazing into your mascara-smeared eyes with a twitchy-smirky smile and thinking, "Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about."
Hey, in honour of the full moon, here's Jace Everett's smoultry ballad, "Bad Things"...
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Another full moon - I took this pic with my phone while we were walking through the marsh the other night. The last time around, I found all those lost items - this one just seems to bring a lot of good stuff. The past weekend was so great, this week has been really good and, from all appearances, it's going to be another fantastic weekend. Looking forward to Thursday!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
CHILLY WILLY!
I am so glad that I signed up to do this year's run. I wasn't ready for it, I definitely didn't have a goal time (I actually spent most of it walking and talking with Doug who was on a bike) but It was so worth it.
My son just started running and mostly I wanted to introduce him to the competitive side. As much as you try to tell someone how fun it is to actually apply your running workouts towards an event, they never really understand. I knew he, like me, needed to just do one to get fired up about running
So there we were at 9:30am, lined up to start the 10km race. Attila, Ryan and I started out running together but in the first 1km I knew I couldn't keep up with their pace. I dropped off and considered how I would get through the next 9km. Oh yeah, ipod >> play.
At about 2 km I ran into Doug and we ran/rode together. Since we were talking I barely noticed the next 6 km. I actually walked quite a bit because I'd get so winded trying to make a point. I haven't done this race in quite a few years so was really pleased to find out that the turn-around has been moved forward to the old aerodrome. Granted, you have to run the island twice but It was awesome to lose that long stretch to the end of Marie Curtis Park.
Doug dropped off when I had 2km to go. I'm not sure what my time was but I doubt it was under an hour.
Anyway, my son did a respectable time - 52 or 53 - and was glad he decided to do it. He had a vague idea of doing the run in 45' so was disappointed that way but now has a goal to shoot for. I hope he joins a running club or something - currently, none of his friends run or do anything athletic so finding a running partner might be tough.
So, although the times haven't been posted yet, I can give you some highlights;
Kaza won his age group and was 5 or 6 overall in the 10km
Tamlyn won the women's 10km
Chris Vincent won his age group for the 21km
Katie Vincent won her age group for the 10km
There was a mini-Andison there (who I think is a second year pee wee) won his age group for the 10km. Tamlyn told me he was with her almost the entire way but hit a wall with just 2km to go...everyone was completely blown away by how fast this kid was
Courtney Stott won her age group and a bunch of the Burloak girls did really well. So did Sarge.
The chili was amazing as always, especially cause there was extra dried chillies and butter on the tables. Personally I don't think chili is the same without a little kick and a buttered bun. Thanks to all the moms who stepped up to cook the meal! I think there were close to 300 runners this year. The rumoured Kenyan never materialized but there's nothing wrong with good marketing.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Ugh, I'm not cut out for this. The latest flirt is wearing me out. No, not like that. I mean, I'm not sure how I'm going to play this. I was supposed to go out with him tonight but came up with an excuse and went to practice instead. Really, I just need more data. The age difference is ridiculous - he's in his 30s - so I'm buying time so I can decide if it's worth pursuing (plus I need to tighten my abs, get into better shape). Who am I kidding ... it's worth pursuing... I just want to be in control of how it progresses and when it ends. Oh my god, how awful is that??
The guys that I've dated lately are my own age - and are easy at first; we have common points of reference, listen to the same music, we "get" each other. Unfortunately, they all have baggage in the shape of divorces and/or disappointment. I don't. I mean, I do but I think I'm past it. I definitely don't want to spend my evening out listening to someone who is bitter. If I wanted that, I'd go out with my married friends (no no, just kidding).
I guess that's the appeal of this one. Baggage? The most baggage Andrew has is a shaving kit. Or maybe just a toothbrush. Perfect. We're about even then. And did I mention his abs? I didn't? Probably for the best.
Okay, I'm going to go watch Alfie and do some situps. I've got a strategy to plan.
The guys that I've dated lately are my own age - and are easy at first; we have common points of reference, listen to the same music, we "get" each other. Unfortunately, they all have baggage in the shape of divorces and/or disappointment. I don't. I mean, I do but I think I'm past it. I definitely don't want to spend my evening out listening to someone who is bitter. If I wanted that, I'd go out with my married friends (no no, just kidding).
I guess that's the appeal of this one. Baggage? The most baggage Andrew has is a shaving kit. Or maybe just a toothbrush. Perfect. We're about even then. And did I mention his abs? I didn't? Probably for the best.
Okay, I'm going to go watch Alfie and do some situps. I've got a strategy to plan.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
My first 10km run in, what - 4? 5? years is next Sunday. So last Friday, day 7 of my super-compressed personal training program, I blew out the heel on my right shoe. I knew my shoes needed to be replaced but was hoping to make it through the run without having to break in a new pair. However, my last two runs were absolute shite - I just felt horrible, weak - so I'm a little relieved that a small part of that might have been the shoes. So Saturday morning, I was fighting Santa claus parade traffic in Oakville so I could pick up some new 769s at the Running Company.
I tested them out today - day 8. First half of the run felt bad - I'm talking shin splints, leg's fatigued - but about halfway through I could feel gravity loosening it's grip a little. I actually ran further than I normally would without even noticing.
I tested them out today - day 8. First half of the run felt bad - I'm talking shin splints, leg's fatigued - but about halfway through I could feel gravity loosening it's grip a little. I actually ran further than I normally would without even noticing.
Look, there's no question the CW is going to kick my ass but I might as well be out doing that for an hour on Sunday morning as anything else. Traditionally, I've never done well at this particular event anyway. Well, except for the first year when a group of us just decided (actually, when Schro & Doug decided) to run from the canoe club to the ferry docks in Toronto. We didn't even know how far it was. I ran with Tomi & Attila along the trails while Tamas Sr took to the road. The boys yelled at him to get off the highway but he waved us off, as angry drivers honked and swerved around him, saying he was taking a direct route and we should follow him.
Doug met us about every 6km with water and food - cut up bananas, granola bars. Since we hadn't done more than glance at the trail map before we left, there were a couple of times where we weren't sure of our route. Fortunately for us Derek was ahead. He'd had to backtrack once or twice to figure out the trail so by the time we got to a blind turn, we could see him in the distance and pick our course accordingly. I stuck with the boys until about Queens Quay where I tried to pick it up a bit. I wasn't wearing a watch but knew I was close to the 2 hour mark. Derek had arrived well under 2 hours and called Ian's and then my time as we hit the docks. I'd done it in 2:04. I was disappointed at the time but, in hindsight, am pleased with the result (definitely could have knocked off those 4 minutes though! Just hadn't learned the value of a watch and pacing).
Sunday, November 22, 2009
You know, I would never have gotten a gym membership in September if I'd known we'd have this kind of weather so far into November.
I just went for a quick 6km paddle wearing double Lifa & my running tights. So unbelievable!
Also, I stopped by Battaglia's in Lorne Park on my way home and was so surprised to see Tim Tams in the biscuit aisle! As far as I know, we've never been able to get them here before. We sure loaded up on them when we were in Australia. They had different flavours but I picked up the original to take to the club tomorrow. Tamlyn and I were just talking about them last week.
...and below, Natalie Imbruglio shows Graham Norton how to do the Tim Tam Slam...
I just went for a quick 6km paddle wearing double Lifa & my running tights. So unbelievable!
Also, I stopped by Battaglia's in Lorne Park on my way home and was so surprised to see Tim Tams in the biscuit aisle! As far as I know, we've never been able to get them here before. We sure loaded up on them when we were in Australia. They had different flavours but I picked up the original to take to the club tomorrow. Tamlyn and I were just talking about them last week.
...and below, Natalie Imbruglio shows Graham Norton how to do the Tim Tam Slam...
Jackie's baby shower at Lift Salon
I didn't recognize any of the names on the Evite I received for this surprise baby shower but baby showers are different from other types of get-togethers. Women get used to being at these events where you don't know people. I was a definite yes either way. As time went on though, more familiar friends were added to the invitation and the day of, I carpooled with Amy and Tammy. Tammy, at 8 & 1/2 months pregnant was driving and we were completely prepared for a change of plans in the event she went into labour.
It was the same day as the Santa Claus parade and we caught the worst of it, getting stuck on the Jarvis ramp for about 30 minutes and slowly making our way up Jarvis to Adelaide. At one point Tammy stopped and, looking over her shoulder, kept repeating "Look, potato, I see the potato." After a quick glance at heavy traffic behind us, Amy and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Was she going into some kind of hallucinatory labour? Would we have to deliver a baby in parade traffic? But no, she's just been a mom too long - enthusiastically responsible for her childrens entertainment. Driving again she was able to articulate that she'd glanced in the rear-view mirror to see the parade passing by on the cross-street, just in time for the giant Mr. Potato Head.
Of course there was no parking near the salon. Tammy pulled up on the street behind Lift and literally kicked Amy and me out of the car. We were all "what? no. we're not going to make the pregnant woman walk 5 blocks by herself." But she was adamant. And she's right. Why do we let people treat us like invalids when we're just pregnant? Oh right, so they'll do things for us that we don't want to do. Never mind.
Lift is a great Salon on Adelaide that Jackie's been going to for a long time. Today, they'd moved all the stations so that it was this great big white space. The hostesses for the party were the owner and staff of the salon. When we arrived - late - there were only a couple of people there. A couple I vaguely recognized, possibly from HOF parties. I guess everyone was caught in the same traffic.
Amy S. was there looking amazing as always. Casual but so, I don't know, put together. She and Brian are living the fabulous life of young-marrieds. I asked what she's been up to and, expecting a list of extravagant parties and events (don't ask my why I think that's everyone elses lifestyle) was floored when she eagerly told me about her most recent purchase - hockey equipment. She is so excited to have joined Brian's hockey team! Yup, Amy played hockey a lot growing up and is so excited to be playing again. It reminded me that I played in high school and we chatted about the cost of hockey equipment, the difficulty of switching your position on a pick-up team (although I was a goaltender and would have given my left shin pad to play any other position) and the merits of various rinks around the city until we heard the shushing and whispering that Jackie was coming....
Wow for two things - Jackie who always looks so amazing and she was completely surprised! Surprise showers are rarely kept secret. Somehow the mom usually figures it out.
I didn't recognize any of the names on the Evite I received for this surprise baby shower but baby showers are different from other types of get-togethers. Women get used to being at these events where you don't know people. I was a definite yes either way. As time went on though, more familiar friends were added to the invitation and the day of, I carpooled with Amy and Tammy. Tammy, at 8 & 1/2 months pregnant was driving and we were completely prepared for a change of plans in the event she went into labour.
It was the same day as the Santa Claus parade and we caught the worst of it, getting stuck on the Jarvis ramp for about 30 minutes and slowly making our way up Jarvis to Adelaide. At one point Tammy stopped and, looking over her shoulder, kept repeating "Look, potato, I see the potato." After a quick glance at heavy traffic behind us, Amy and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Was she going into some kind of hallucinatory labour? Would we have to deliver a baby in parade traffic? But no, she's just been a mom too long - enthusiastically responsible for her childrens entertainment. Driving again she was able to articulate that she'd glanced in the rear-view mirror to see the parade passing by on the cross-street, just in time for the giant Mr. Potato Head.
Of course there was no parking near the salon. Tammy pulled up on the street behind Lift and literally kicked Amy and me out of the car. We were all "what? no. we're not going to make the pregnant woman walk 5 blocks by herself." But she was adamant. And she's right. Why do we let people treat us like invalids when we're just pregnant? Oh right, so they'll do things for us that we don't want to do. Never mind.
Lift is a great Salon on Adelaide that Jackie's been going to for a long time. Today, they'd moved all the stations so that it was this great big white space. The hostesses for the party were the owner and staff of the salon. When we arrived - late - there were only a couple of people there. A couple I vaguely recognized, possibly from HOF parties. I guess everyone was caught in the same traffic.
Amy S. was there looking amazing as always. Casual but so, I don't know, put together. She and Brian are living the fabulous life of young-marrieds. I asked what she's been up to and, expecting a list of extravagant parties and events (don't ask my why I think that's everyone elses lifestyle) was floored when she eagerly told me about her most recent purchase - hockey equipment. She is so excited to have joined Brian's hockey team! Yup, Amy played hockey a lot growing up and is so excited to be playing again. It reminded me that I played in high school and we chatted about the cost of hockey equipment, the difficulty of switching your position on a pick-up team (although I was a goaltender and would have given my left shin pad to play any other position) and the merits of various rinks around the city until we heard the shushing and whispering that Jackie was coming....
Wow for two things - Jackie who always looks so amazing and she was completely surprised! Surprise showers are rarely kept secret. Somehow the mom usually figures it out.
Friday, November 20, 2009
News from the Secko family - baby number 3 has arrived.
Robert Bruce Roland Secko was born at 3:30 am on November 18
5 lbs 11 oz.
I don't have a photo of the baby yet but here's how he looked last Sunday at Jackie's baby shower...
OMG, Porn star? Serial killer? Hockey player during playoffs? However you look at it, I bet Lisa can't wait for the end of the current campaign to raise funds for prostate cancer research. You can support Doug and the Port Credit Secondary School team by clicking this link and the the DONATE button, top right. Seriously, it was worth $10 just to get this pic for future photoshops!
OK no joke, this photo is freaking me out! I had to reopen this post so I could make the picture smaller but it doesn't help. It's like the eyes follow you....
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
I went to see the movie Pirate Radio tonight. I really looked forward to this one because I remember hearing about these ships when I was a kid. There always seemed to be these quasi-legends associated with broadcasting back in the day but I definitely remember the older teenagers on our street talking about how our rock radio djs were broadcasting from ships on the lake.
As I got older and found out stuff like, oh you know, the legendary Riverboat wasn't actually an old steamboat anchored at the mouth of the Don River but a Yorkville coffee house, I assumed that the Pirate Radio ships never actually existed. This movie provides some kind of satisfaction or even retribution. So what if they weren't broadcasting in Toronto? It's like finding out that unicorns are real.
The movie is a patchwork of stories from several of the boats broadcasting 'fab 40' (or top 40 in america) from the North Sea during the '60s. One of the better known was Wonderful Radio London (above), commonly known as Radio London or the Big L. Between December 1964 and August 1967, djs beamed their shows live from the hold of a World War II minesweeper anchored 5 Km from Essex.
The general name for this type of broadcasting was Radio Caroline. At left is the M.V. Mi Amigo, home of Radio Caroline south, which also broadcast from '64-'67.
You can read more about Pirate Radio and the Marine Offenses Act here but seriously, go see the movie. It's a feel-good flick with a fantastic sound track and great actors. Aside from the obvious cast members, I love that it features Chris O'Dowd and Katherine Parkinson from "IT Crowd"and Rhys Darby from "Flight of the Conchords".
oh and this cracked me up - the character of Gavin totally reminded me of Stringer.
As I got older and found out stuff like, oh you know, the legendary Riverboat wasn't actually an old steamboat anchored at the mouth of the Don River but a Yorkville coffee house, I assumed that the Pirate Radio ships never actually existed. This movie provides some kind of satisfaction or even retribution. So what if they weren't broadcasting in Toronto? It's like finding out that unicorns are real.
The movie is a patchwork of stories from several of the boats broadcasting 'fab 40' (or top 40 in america) from the North Sea during the '60s. One of the better known was Wonderful Radio London (above), commonly known as Radio London or the Big L. Between December 1964 and August 1967, djs beamed their shows live from the hold of a World War II minesweeper anchored 5 Km from Essex.
The general name for this type of broadcasting was Radio Caroline. At left is the M.V. Mi Amigo, home of Radio Caroline south, which also broadcast from '64-'67.You can read more about Pirate Radio and the Marine Offenses Act here but seriously, go see the movie. It's a feel-good flick with a fantastic sound track and great actors. Aside from the obvious cast members, I love that it features Chris O'Dowd and Katherine Parkinson from "IT Crowd"and Rhys Darby from "Flight of the Conchords".
oh and this cracked me up - the character of Gavin totally reminded me of Stringer.
I've been so happy since I started training again. Content, more balanced, motivated.
For the past couple of years I've been at a loose end because I wasn't racing or part of a training group. Then an opportunity to buy an outrigger came up and I had access to all the things I love about paddling - the elemental, physical, mental - but I was missing something important. Even though I was around the club, I didn't feel a part of it. I almost quit paddling altogether!
Then an opportunity to join my old training group came up. Because I'd kept paddling, I didn't need to think twice about it. And now everything feels ... normal.
This morning Chrissy and I were in the paddle pool and she commented on how amazing it is that our muscles 'remember'. We both took the same amount of time off after racing in Australia - about 2 years - and have had the same experience: when we've joined a gym or taken up a different sport, it's a workout and it's fun but it never quite feels natural. The return to our old weight room and paddle pool workouts is seamless - it feels like we never left.
I was really glad she brought this up because I've been having a strange experience. I'll be doing the workout, whatever it might be, and will catch sight of myself in the mirror and am shocked by my appearance. Seriously, I catch a look and think " who is that...wait, what? When did I get so old? gain so much weight? Get that awesome lululemon shirt...? I should point out that when I look in the mirror anywhere else, I see what I expect to see - 50 year old me. It's all about the context - wherever it is I go when I'm in that environment.
I'm not kidding myself that I'll be racing sprint canoe anytime soon but I sure feel like I could - and that's half the battle.
For the past couple of years I've been at a loose end because I wasn't racing or part of a training group. Then an opportunity to buy an outrigger came up and I had access to all the things I love about paddling - the elemental, physical, mental - but I was missing something important. Even though I was around the club, I didn't feel a part of it. I almost quit paddling altogether!
Then an opportunity to join my old training group came up. Because I'd kept paddling, I didn't need to think twice about it. And now everything feels ... normal.
This morning Chrissy and I were in the paddle pool and she commented on how amazing it is that our muscles 'remember'. We both took the same amount of time off after racing in Australia - about 2 years - and have had the same experience: when we've joined a gym or taken up a different sport, it's a workout and it's fun but it never quite feels natural. The return to our old weight room and paddle pool workouts is seamless - it feels like we never left.
I was really glad she brought this up because I've been having a strange experience. I'll be doing the workout, whatever it might be, and will catch sight of myself in the mirror and am shocked by my appearance. Seriously, I catch a look and think " who is that...wait, what? When did I get so old? gain so much weight? Get that awesome lululemon shirt...? I should point out that when I look in the mirror anywhere else, I see what I expect to see - 50 year old me. It's all about the context - wherever it is I go when I'm in that environment.
I'm not kidding myself that I'll be racing sprint canoe anytime soon but I sure feel like I could - and that's half the battle.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Wow. I am so together. Saturday I woke up on time, collected all my camera equipment and clothes for training, (I even remembered to pack Karen's souvenir from Amsterdam - an ashtray that says "Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go to Amsterdam" ) and went to the club. Time for fall training photos!
Beautiful day! Sunny and warm. Every fall we have one of these - that rare day that combines perfect weather with stunning fall leaves, while the water's still deep enough (barely) and the workout is long. The kids are too tired to pay attention to the camera so I get some good shots.
Karen L. is bringing some kids to the club on Saturdays so she ran to Starbucks to get coffee for us. One of the coaches said he heard a person was killed at Starbucks last night - nothing in google so can't confirm it. Don't know if there was anything in the paper. I pitch my miss. news into recycling almost as soon as I get it -there's about 3 pages of actual information, the rest is junk mail flyers.
Stayed out in the motorboat for an hour and then couldn't take it anymore - I wanted to get on the water!
The lake was PERFECT! So fun! I stayed out for an hour but had made the fundamental error of not eating breakfast before leaving the house. As much as I wanted to stay out and play in the waves, I bonked hard around 9 km. I even considered eating the grotty granola bar I keep in my dry bag on the deck but I came to my senses.
I went home for an hour to eat lunch and then headed back to the club to meet Chanda. We're starting winter training on Saturdays - paddle pool and weights.
Since it was such a beautiful day, one of the coaches had offered his outrigger for use but I forogt to call Chanda when I got off the water. Too bad. She hadn't brought warm clothes but, as it turns out, said she wouldn't have gone on the lake anyway. The waves and water temp. were a concern for her. Anyway, it was good to get in the p-pool and do a workout in front of the mirror.
Ian came in when we were about half an hour into it, he was setting up for Blake's program. It's awesome that he's running it because he kept the dbers out until we were completely done our workout. You never know with other coaches - groups often swarm into the pool talking, setting up seats, saying hello and asking you questions or whatever and your last 15-20 minutes are kind of shot.
We went up to the lounge to set up our circuit but when we went downstairs to get some equipment, Chrissy said they were missing some people and could use us to round out a group. Marisha was there and another woman I know so we did the circuit, finished early so went upstairs to do 8 minute abs.
Beautiful day! Sunny and warm. Every fall we have one of these - that rare day that combines perfect weather with stunning fall leaves, while the water's still deep enough (barely) and the workout is long. The kids are too tired to pay attention to the camera so I get some good shots.
Karen L. is bringing some kids to the club on Saturdays so she ran to Starbucks to get coffee for us. One of the coaches said he heard a person was killed at Starbucks last night - nothing in google so can't confirm it. Don't know if there was anything in the paper. I pitch my miss. news into recycling almost as soon as I get it -there's about 3 pages of actual information, the rest is junk mail flyers.
Stayed out in the motorboat for an hour and then couldn't take it anymore - I wanted to get on the water!
The lake was PERFECT! So fun! I stayed out for an hour but had made the fundamental error of not eating breakfast before leaving the house. As much as I wanted to stay out and play in the waves, I bonked hard around 9 km. I even considered eating the grotty granola bar I keep in my dry bag on the deck but I came to my senses.
I went home for an hour to eat lunch and then headed back to the club to meet Chanda. We're starting winter training on Saturdays - paddle pool and weights.
Since it was such a beautiful day, one of the coaches had offered his outrigger for use but I forogt to call Chanda when I got off the water. Too bad. She hadn't brought warm clothes but, as it turns out, said she wouldn't have gone on the lake anyway. The waves and water temp. were a concern for her. Anyway, it was good to get in the p-pool and do a workout in front of the mirror.
Ian came in when we were about half an hour into it, he was setting up for Blake's program. It's awesome that he's running it because he kept the dbers out until we were completely done our workout. You never know with other coaches - groups often swarm into the pool talking, setting up seats, saying hello and asking you questions or whatever and your last 15-20 minutes are kind of shot.
We went up to the lounge to set up our circuit but when we went downstairs to get some equipment, Chrissy said they were missing some people and could use us to round out a group. Marisha was there and another woman I know so we did the circuit, finished early so went upstairs to do 8 minute abs.
Friday, November 06, 2009
what an end to the week that was...
Army psychiatrist loses it and kills 13, injures 30 more at Fort Hood military base in Texas. And the entire U.S. population goes "A-HAH!" when they hear he's a muslim who had just found out he was being shipped to Iraq, then confided to a store clerk that he was horrified at the thought of having to shoot fellow muslims. I'm not including his name because I don't want the google trolls landing here. IN-sane.
Toronto wins the bid for the Pan Am Games 2015! wicked. I wonder where canoe-kayak events will run.
Army psychiatrist loses it and kills 13, injures 30 more at Fort Hood military base in Texas. And the entire U.S. population goes "A-HAH!" when they hear he's a muslim who had just found out he was being shipped to Iraq, then confided to a store clerk that he was horrified at the thought of having to shoot fellow muslims. I'm not including his name because I don't want the google trolls landing here. IN-sane.
Toronto wins the bid for the Pan Am Games 2015! wicked. I wonder where canoe-kayak events will run.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
You know what I hate? I hate when your doctor's office leaves a voicemail message, stressing about 10 times that it's not urgent, but if you could call the office about some test results (for cancer cells), nothing to be alarmed about mind you, they'd like to talk to you. And then they say, we won't be in the office until Friday, but if you could call us then, we'd really like to talk to you. But it's not urgent.
It just started to hail - so depressing. I have a day off today so went to visit my dad. It was his 84th birthday yesterday. Laurel and Ryan were there yesterday so I went up this morning. Afterwards I went down to Yorkville for a wander. It didn't perk me up the way I thought it would so I came home.
Everyone in Toronto is freaking out about the H1N1 flu shots. There's so much media hype, they're doing an awesome job of whipping up flu-frenzy. There's rationing and a pecking order for innoculation. For awhile they talked about how jealous the US were of our stockpile (hoping to fire up some twisted sense of national pride maybe?) then reports of people being turned away from clinics giving a cachet to anyone who did get it. I'm glad Ryan's grown and I don't have to make a decision on innoculation of a toddler. I wouldn't do it - partly having been in high school during the last so-called swine flu epidemic but also because of a long history of medical blunders - thalidomide comes to mind.
An article in one of the US papers today indicates, "Swine flu vaccine safety will be monitored for side effects and deaths by a U.S. panel using data from federal health plans for the military, the poor and the elderly, and from clinical trials, health officials said Monday." Well, that's reassuring.
Other items in the news; as of October 26th 2009, no more talking on cell phones while driving for Ontarians unless it's hands-free and using speed-dial. Of course, there are still a lot of people doing it, but that won't ever change. California imposed a cell phone ban as of Jan1 2009 and TMZ has caught the governator's wife, Maria Shriver, driving around in her Arnold-sized SUV, talking on a hand-held phone numerous times. More recently she was filmed putting on make-up. Now that's a law they need to impose!
Everyone in Toronto is freaking out about the H1N1 flu shots. There's so much media hype, they're doing an awesome job of whipping up flu-frenzy. There's rationing and a pecking order for innoculation. For awhile they talked about how jealous the US were of our stockpile (hoping to fire up some twisted sense of national pride maybe?) then reports of people being turned away from clinics giving a cachet to anyone who did get it. I'm glad Ryan's grown and I don't have to make a decision on innoculation of a toddler. I wouldn't do it - partly having been in high school during the last so-called swine flu epidemic but also because of a long history of medical blunders - thalidomide comes to mind.
An article in one of the US papers today indicates, "Swine flu vaccine safety will be monitored for side effects and deaths by a U.S. panel using data from federal health plans for the military, the poor and the elderly, and from clinical trials, health officials said Monday." Well, that's reassuring.
Other items in the news; as of October 26th 2009, no more talking on cell phones while driving for Ontarians unless it's hands-free and using speed-dial. Of course, there are still a lot of people doing it, but that won't ever change. California imposed a cell phone ban as of Jan1 2009 and TMZ has caught the governator's wife, Maria Shriver, driving around in her Arnold-sized SUV, talking on a hand-held phone numerous times. More recently she was filmed putting on make-up. Now that's a law they need to impose!
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Thursday night I had a great workout - it was only an hour and conditions were mostly flat but I put in some solid km and came off the water feeling good. After I changed, I stopped by the lounge.There were a bunch of kids playing foosball and watching tv, and, since kids in the 15-17 range all kind of look the same, it took me a second to realize I didn't know any of them. But then, there was one face I recognized and he was unfolding himself from the couch to give me a hug. 
It was Ian Ross, the US athlete I billeted during this same weekend last year. He was tall then but geez, he's grown - now, he's at least 6'5" (in case you haven't figured it out, he's the paddler on the left).
Mac H. is the development coach and brings the kids up here for a training camp at least once a year. The kids are billeted with athlete's families but we have so few junior athletes right now, some are in houses with no kids. It may not be as sociable for them but perfect for a training camp.
Since I look at results and watch youtube vids of the bigger events (typical armchair athlete - love the sport in which I can't compete), I knew that Ian went to Junior Worlds in Moscow this year and did really well. Not a huge surprise since he's a natural athlete - plus his dad is a former U.S. national team C1 paddler and mom did whitewater C1 and flatwater C1 and K1.
After chatting with Ian for a bit, I left the club and ran into Mac out front talking to Derek (our new head coach, by the way) and some guy buried under a hoodie. I stopped to say hi to Mac and congratulate him on his juniors' results when I suddenly realized the gangbanger was Nathan! Lots of stuff going on in his and Lea's lives. He's still coaching the US national team and was leaving soon for Chula Vista. I suspect he misses the family a ton when he's away. The boys are at an age that makes travelling tough. It was great to see him and I hope he'll be around the club more in the future.
Friday night and it's the Awards Banquet. I've paddled the past couple of nights so didn't mind missing a workout. Instead, I went home and made sure my camera batteries were charged (somehow, I always forget to replace the AAs in my flash which means I carry an unusable piece of equipment around for nothing. Tonight was no different.). The past few years we've had the banquet upstairs at the Crooked Cue. It works out perfectly - holds lots of people, has good food and a stage-dance floor where Erics band, H.O.D., is able to set up and entertain the adults after the kids go home.
When I got there, I didn't see any of my 'group' so, with the option of sitting with the masters or the kids, I pulled up a chair with the midget girls along with Tamlyn & Danielle. (one of the coaches said something during his speech that made me laugh. He called the masters "bantams with credit cards" - too true. He coached them for a number of years and said it with humour). Much later, I saw Jess & Del with Karen & Kevin. They must have come in after the tables had filled up since they were seated in the bar area.
I took photos of each of the award-winners ( when they get to Uncle Lou's trophy it still makes me cry a little bit) and spent some time socializing afterwards. I would have liked to hang out longer but it was one of those nights - either I stay, committing to endless drinks topped off by a dozen tequila shots (plus a raging hangover & regrets the morning after) or go home now. I'm boring these days so walked back to my car where I'd left it at the club. I hear it was quite the after-party and I kind of wish I'd stuck around.
I woke up a little later than planned on Saturday morning, did a quick paddle and then headed down to Mitzi's to meet Jenn. She's in town for Tat's wedding and I was so pleased when she said she'd be free for brunch. I was late - screwed up and drove right past Mitzi's - but there was Jenn, patiently sitting in the window when I finally got there. Her life in Deline (pronounced Deh-li-nay) sounds a lot like the old tv show, Northern Exposure and I commented she should be writing a book. Every small community has it's eccentric characters and creatures but the far north just seems to attract more of the fringe than other places.
After an amazing feast of an oatmeal-buttermilk pancake with baked apple topping and a side of curried, home fried potatoes, I rolled back to Port Credit. As I drove down Mississauga Road, I realized the AGM was just about to start and decided to drop in. I'm glad I did just because I'm really out of touch with what's been going on at the club. I mean, I'm there but I don't really hang around or know what's going on. What an eye-opener. It's good that Derek's the new head coach. Dray did an amazing job and the club is really building so we need someone who can carry on with that.
At the AGM it becomes even more obvious how important it is to have people who are confident in their position and can't be bulldozed by opinionated master or parents (who are the only people to attend the AGM). We've got a solid board and several parents who actually understand what's important or necessary for the club at this point. In case you were wondering, the club is in great hands and will continue to move forward.
There was only one contested position for the board - athletes rep had both K.C. and Dustin up for election. K.C. won by one vote. One parent believes that boys/girls aren't comfortable talking to a rep of the opposite sex and kept pushing for co-athletes reps so they ended up voting on it. Since there's no downside, most were in favour and the motion was passed. I'm not able to vote but it's interesting just being an observer.
After the AGM I was at a loose end. I needed some Hallowe'en candy and hit up Shopper's and stopped by Blockbuster which was totally tricked out for the holiday. The art-school guy from Bruno's is working there now so we chatted for a bit.
Is it bad that some days the only reason (aside from the obvious) that I wish I had a regular manfriend is for going out somewhere when I'm bored? It was that kind of night. When I got home, I realized what a cliché I've become of an older, single woman, living alone. My dinner was popcorn and red wine.
My neighbour on the north side has put their house up for sale. I wish one of my friends would buy it. I'm used to the current neighbour who is very quiet and wonderful. Not like Boris and Natasha on the south side who spend all their time trying to move their property line over - inch by inch.
It was Ian Ross, the US athlete I billeted during this same weekend last year. He was tall then but geez, he's grown - now, he's at least 6'5" (in case you haven't figured it out, he's the paddler on the left).Mac H. is the development coach and brings the kids up here for a training camp at least once a year. The kids are billeted with athlete's families but we have so few junior athletes right now, some are in houses with no kids. It may not be as sociable for them but perfect for a training camp.
Since I look at results and watch youtube vids of the bigger events (typical armchair athlete - love the sport in which I can't compete), I knew that Ian went to Junior Worlds in Moscow this year and did really well. Not a huge surprise since he's a natural athlete - plus his dad is a former U.S. national team C1 paddler and mom did whitewater C1 and flatwater C1 and K1.
After chatting with Ian for a bit, I left the club and ran into Mac out front talking to Derek (our new head coach, by the way) and some guy buried under a hoodie. I stopped to say hi to Mac and congratulate him on his juniors' results when I suddenly realized the gangbanger was Nathan! Lots of stuff going on in his and Lea's lives. He's still coaching the US national team and was leaving soon for Chula Vista. I suspect he misses the family a ton when he's away. The boys are at an age that makes travelling tough. It was great to see him and I hope he'll be around the club more in the future.
Friday night and it's the Awards Banquet. I've paddled the past couple of nights so didn't mind missing a workout. Instead, I went home and made sure my camera batteries were charged (somehow, I always forget to replace the AAs in my flash which means I carry an unusable piece of equipment around for nothing. Tonight was no different.). The past few years we've had the banquet upstairs at the Crooked Cue. It works out perfectly - holds lots of people, has good food and a stage-dance floor where Erics band, H.O.D., is able to set up and entertain the adults after the kids go home.
When I got there, I didn't see any of my 'group' so, with the option of sitting with the masters or the kids, I pulled up a chair with the midget girls along with Tamlyn & Danielle. (one of the coaches said something during his speech that made me laugh. He called the masters "bantams with credit cards" - too true. He coached them for a number of years and said it with humour). Much later, I saw Jess & Del with Karen & Kevin. They must have come in after the tables had filled up since they were seated in the bar area.
I took photos of each of the award-winners ( when they get to Uncle Lou's trophy it still makes me cry a little bit) and spent some time socializing afterwards. I would have liked to hang out longer but it was one of those nights - either I stay, committing to endless drinks topped off by a dozen tequila shots (plus a raging hangover & regrets the morning after) or go home now. I'm boring these days so walked back to my car where I'd left it at the club. I hear it was quite the after-party and I kind of wish I'd stuck around.
I woke up a little later than planned on Saturday morning, did a quick paddle and then headed down to Mitzi's to meet Jenn. She's in town for Tat's wedding and I was so pleased when she said she'd be free for brunch. I was late - screwed up and drove right past Mitzi's - but there was Jenn, patiently sitting in the window when I finally got there. Her life in Deline (pronounced Deh-li-nay) sounds a lot like the old tv show, Northern Exposure and I commented she should be writing a book. Every small community has it's eccentric characters and creatures but the far north just seems to attract more of the fringe than other places.After an amazing feast of an oatmeal-buttermilk pancake with baked apple topping and a side of curried, home fried potatoes, I rolled back to Port Credit. As I drove down Mississauga Road, I realized the AGM was just about to start and decided to drop in. I'm glad I did just because I'm really out of touch with what's been going on at the club. I mean, I'm there but I don't really hang around or know what's going on. What an eye-opener. It's good that Derek's the new head coach. Dray did an amazing job and the club is really building so we need someone who can carry on with that.
At the AGM it becomes even more obvious how important it is to have people who are confident in their position and can't be bulldozed by opinionated master or parents (who are the only people to attend the AGM). We've got a solid board and several parents who actually understand what's important or necessary for the club at this point. In case you were wondering, the club is in great hands and will continue to move forward.
There was only one contested position for the board - athletes rep had both K.C. and Dustin up for election. K.C. won by one vote. One parent believes that boys/girls aren't comfortable talking to a rep of the opposite sex and kept pushing for co-athletes reps so they ended up voting on it. Since there's no downside, most were in favour and the motion was passed. I'm not able to vote but it's interesting just being an observer.
After the AGM I was at a loose end. I needed some Hallowe'en candy and hit up Shopper's and stopped by Blockbuster which was totally tricked out for the holiday. The art-school guy from Bruno's is working there now so we chatted for a bit.
Is it bad that some days the only reason (aside from the obvious) that I wish I had a regular manfriend is for going out somewhere when I'm bored? It was that kind of night. When I got home, I realized what a cliché I've become of an older, single woman, living alone. My dinner was popcorn and red wine.
I gave out candy to exactly 5 children. For the amount I spent on mini-packs of various candies, I could have given out cheeseburgers or giant-sized chocolate bars to each kid. Around 9 pm I decided I could turn off the upstairs lights and go watch the vids I'd rented. I got through Coraline, a really entertaining Tim Burton animation, before I went to bed.
I woke up late again and was ranging around the house, making coffee, cooking breakfast, beating myself up for not getting outside and DOING something when I realized that my clocks were different from my iPhone and computer. Hah! Daylights Savings time. I get an extra hour of EVERYTHING!
I woke up late again and was ranging around the house, making coffee, cooking breakfast, beating myself up for not getting outside and DOING something when I realized that my clocks were different from my iPhone and computer. Hah! Daylights Savings time. I get an extra hour of EVERYTHING!
I finally went for a walk around the 'hood and here are some observations;
My neighbour on the north side has put their house up for sale. I wish one of my friends would buy it. I'm used to the current neighbour who is very quiet and wonderful. Not like Boris and Natasha on the south side who spend all their time trying to move their property line over - inch by inch.
Construction of the townhouses on Kentucky Hill seems to have stalled but it may be because of the city digging up Lakeshore (again) between Southdown and Lorne Pk Rd.
Laura's old house has DISAPPEARED - there's an empty building lot where it used to be.
The beer store in the Battaglia's plaza on Lorne Pk Rd has been closed - since October 1st. I don't buy beer often so didn't know about it until now.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ahhh. Nothing like an evening of shopping with a friend to help shake off the crap of the day. After a super-shitty day and a decent workout on the lake, I met Tamlyn in the weight room so we could head up to Sq. One.
First stop was the food court of course, for a smoothie and some hot and greasy NY fries. I was looking for boots and/or shoes and Tamlyn was "just looking".
We went EVERYWHERE and tried on EVERYTHING. Tamlyn lived up to her marathoner rep. At one point she looked like she might be ready to pack it in but when I asked if she wanted to head home she looked shocked and said, "Why? Are you tired out already??" (She was polite enough not to add "old woman").
It wasn't until the last couple of stores that we each actually bought anything. I got some loafers in Geox and Tamlyn got a really hot dress in, oh what's that store? It's like Dynamite but not Dynamite. Anyway, they were already locking up when Tamlyn went into the changeroom loaded up with clothes. When she came out in the dress, I took a pic with my iPhone and got in trouble from the salesgirl, who was like 12. Something about fashion espionage, covert operations. Like we were going to get our grannies to sew up a line of frocks based on my iphone pics!! She didn't really get the irony of that accusation considering their entire stock is made up of designs pilfered from the prêt-à-porter of last year's runways. But she was keeping the store open for us, so she was cool.
Tamlyn looked ohsome (again, that's what it sounds like when she says it) in everything but she ended up with a super hot dress for the awards banquet on Friday night. And it was on SALE. Even though I did get away with one photo, I'm not going to post it. Don't want to blow her look. So Megan Fox.
And it went so well with the lobster toque.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
I don't understand how my mother is still alive. Curled into herself, not an ounce of flesh on her, fetal, she looks like a newly hatched, bird-creature. My sister has been keeping up this front that she's cognizant and comfortable, claiming she sings along with long-forgotten hymns but while I was there she kept her knees pulled tight into her chest and sucked in her cheeks with the pain. The only sounds she made were a steady stream of whispered nonsense or humming; definitely hymn-like but nothing recognizable. Is it over-dramatic to say funereal? That's exactly the sound of humming & moaning combined. When I pointed out her posture and obvious distress, the nurse ran to get her Tylenol 3s. They know.
I sat there while her caregiver went on about how my mom only responds to her voice, how close their relationship has become in just a few weeks. I've heard this from every caregiver, every time my dad or mom is diagnosed as having only a few days to live. Job security. They know there's a time limit on the position and are looking for the big tip while the family are vulnerable. I don't blame them. Day to day care for a senior is a shitty job that families don't want/aren't capable to take on.
After that I visited my dad who has improved quite a bit since we hired a professional nurse to augment the care provided by his psw. We have not told him about Graham dying or mom's illness. It would be too much.
I came home and, in spite of the beautiful weather, couldn't find a way to lift myself off the couch. I wanted to go for a paddle but the club is locked. Sunday afternoon polo has moved indoors and I didn't have the foresight to car-top my boat home. I raked my front lawn and then fell asleep for 3 hours.
Anyway, not to say I didn't have some happy distractions this weekend. On Friday night, I went to Katy's new condo with Carrie. Katy was babysitting Hailey and Brady. Of course she put out her usual, tasty spread of food and poured endless martinis. We had Tom Sellick as Magnum P.I. playing in the background while we checked out her great new place. Anita came by later. I think we're all wiped out a bit by our "lives" but it was a nice chance to catch up. Katy's new place has me thinking about a condo again. She is looking directly over High Park and has a beautiful view of the skyline which includes the CN Tower and Lakeshore. She can watch the airshow and fireworks right from her living room or balcony! Not to mention access to Bloor West Village, amazing restaurants and the subway. Really, it's an ideal location.
On Saturday, I went to a Hallowe'en party. I didn't have a costume in mind, just bits and pieces. Eventually, I decided I was a can-can dancer and it worked out OK. It was one of those parties where I didn't know anyone except the host and hostess and everyone's married. understandably, it was really difficult to get conversations going so I ended up in the kitchen with a bunch of young mothers, listening to recounts of pregnancy/labour and kids-not-sleeping-teething-husband-not-helping-can't-lose-weight-maybe-just-one-more-pumpkin-cupcake. Still nice to get out and be pulled out of my life. I was wearing false eyelashes made out of feathers. I was sceptical about them staying on all night but learned that false-eyelash glue really does hold if you get the right kind (but always bring the tube along for touch-ups)!
I sat there while her caregiver went on about how my mom only responds to her voice, how close their relationship has become in just a few weeks. I've heard this from every caregiver, every time my dad or mom is diagnosed as having only a few days to live. Job security. They know there's a time limit on the position and are looking for the big tip while the family are vulnerable. I don't blame them. Day to day care for a senior is a shitty job that families don't want/aren't capable to take on.
After that I visited my dad who has improved quite a bit since we hired a professional nurse to augment the care provided by his psw. We have not told him about Graham dying or mom's illness. It would be too much.
I came home and, in spite of the beautiful weather, couldn't find a way to lift myself off the couch. I wanted to go for a paddle but the club is locked. Sunday afternoon polo has moved indoors and I didn't have the foresight to car-top my boat home. I raked my front lawn and then fell asleep for 3 hours.
Anyway, not to say I didn't have some happy distractions this weekend. On Friday night, I went to Katy's new condo with Carrie. Katy was babysitting Hailey and Brady. Of course she put out her usual, tasty spread of food and poured endless martinis. We had Tom Sellick as Magnum P.I. playing in the background while we checked out her great new place. Anita came by later. I think we're all wiped out a bit by our "lives" but it was a nice chance to catch up. Katy's new place has me thinking about a condo again. She is looking directly over High Park and has a beautiful view of the skyline which includes the CN Tower and Lakeshore. She can watch the airshow and fireworks right from her living room or balcony! Not to mention access to Bloor West Village, amazing restaurants and the subway. Really, it's an ideal location.
On Saturday, I went to a Hallowe'en party. I didn't have a costume in mind, just bits and pieces. Eventually, I decided I was a can-can dancer and it worked out OK. It was one of those parties where I didn't know anyone except the host and hostess and everyone's married. understandably, it was really difficult to get conversations going so I ended up in the kitchen with a bunch of young mothers, listening to recounts of pregnancy/labour and kids-not-sleeping-teething-husband-not-helping-can't-lose-weight-maybe-just-one-more-pumpkin-cupcake. Still nice to get out and be pulled out of my life. I was wearing false eyelashes made out of feathers. I was sceptical about them staying on all night but learned that false-eyelash glue really does hold if you get the right kind (but always bring the tube along for touch-ups)!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
So my mom was taken to hospital again yesterday morning - fever & abdominal pain. I spent the entire day worrying that it was her appendix because it would be inoperable given her condition. My sister stayed at the hospital to ensure they admitted her. They generally try to ship geriatrics back to their nursing homes. This is the downside of socialized medicine. They want to keep turning the beds over and they definitely don't want to be doing the paperwork on somebody who has just reached their time to go. You can be sure if we were paying for it, they'd be falling all over themselves offering procedures and treatments.
My sister and I texted back and forth all day and around 3:30 she sent one saying "mom doesn't even have her appendix anymore! Who knew?". She twigged to it after an orderly who was assisting in the room commented, "Wow, you don't see appendix scars that big anymore."
Anyway, Laurel called late last night and they finally had a diagnosis - abdominal aortic aneurysm - add to that inoperable. It's caused by breakdown of the aortic wall and just keeps getting worse until it ruptures.
You know, every time one of my parents goes into the hospital, the staff says "there's nothing we can do, your father/mother only has hours/days/weeks left" and every time, they've responded to antibiotics and fluids and bounced back. Anyway, this time they advise us there is no bouncing back. And then right after, they say "it could be tonight, it could be 6 months from now." The one thing they're sure of is it's painful. Poor mom. The only possible blessing is, since she's so far gone with dementia, maybe she isn't aware. She appears to be comfortable and only shows pain when the doctor presses on her abdomen but who knows, it's not like she can tell us anything. I guess we'll know more in the next few days.
On the plus side, she's in Scarborough General where my brother-in-law built the emergency wing and is on the board of directors. My sister just had to go in and say her name for mom to get the VIP treatment.
My sister and I texted back and forth all day and around 3:30 she sent one saying "mom doesn't even have her appendix anymore! Who knew?". She twigged to it after an orderly who was assisting in the room commented, "Wow, you don't see appendix scars that big anymore."
Anyway, Laurel called late last night and they finally had a diagnosis - abdominal aortic aneurysm - add to that inoperable. It's caused by breakdown of the aortic wall and just keeps getting worse until it ruptures.
You know, every time one of my parents goes into the hospital, the staff says "there's nothing we can do, your father/mother only has hours/days/weeks left" and every time, they've responded to antibiotics and fluids and bounced back. Anyway, this time they advise us there is no bouncing back. And then right after, they say "it could be tonight, it could be 6 months from now." The one thing they're sure of is it's painful. Poor mom. The only possible blessing is, since she's so far gone with dementia, maybe she isn't aware. She appears to be comfortable and only shows pain when the doctor presses on her abdomen but who knows, it's not like she can tell us anything. I guess we'll know more in the next few days.
On the plus side, she's in Scarborough General where my brother-in-law built the emergency wing and is on the board of directors. My sister just had to go in and say her name for mom to get the VIP treatment.
Canoe Kayak Canada's new boss
Lorraine Lafrenière named as new head of Canoe-Kayak Canada .
Anne Merklinger is moving on to become director of summer sports for the Own the Podium program.
In this photo Lorraine (second from your right) & Anne tee off at a "Drive for the Podium" event.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I don't know if there's a connection between full moons and lost items but after this last turn of the cycle I was practically tripping over things I thought were lost and gone forever.
I've been searching for my neoprene pants, vest and boots since the lake temperature dropped. After turning the house upside down, I found the boots but gave up on the other stuff. Then, in one of those epiphanies that only happen when you're mostly asleep at 4am (I was awakened by the full moon shining in on my face), I realized that they were right were I left them after the last cold paddle in April - under the flipped down backseat in my car. When I got up in the morning, I checked and there they were. And right next to them was the 8gig flash card I thought I'd lost at an airport security check. Okay, my car may not seem like a dark, forgotten, cubby hole were single socks go to die but I never, NEVER, raise the back seats.
That evening as I pulled in the driveway I was looking at the giant moon, wondering how you tell if it's waxing or waning. I mean, was last night the full moon? Tonight? I was still mulling it over as I got my dinner ready and came across several hundred dollars worth of euros and US $$ that I'd tucked in the cutlery drawer when I got home from Amsterdam. That one had almost made me crazy! I knew I'd put the cash somewhere but because of my jet-lagged condition, it was somewhere totally uncharacteristic.
I just googled 'full moon lost items" and there is a connection - in wicca, where the spell for finding lost items should be cast under a full moon. Hmmm, my belief system falls somewhere between patron saints and charms and hexes so....whatever, yay me!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Such a good feeling to be home for 7 days in a row. I wasn't 100% going into the weekend but by Friday night, I needed to get out of the house. I met up with Andrea Paiement, the original princess. I haven't seen her since the end of May, just after her 2nd little girl was born, so it was long overdue. We went to a movie (Couples Retreat) and then had a drink/dessert at Jack Astor's. She cracks me up! I'm so glad we've stayed in touch over the years. She's become such a good friend.
On Saturday morning, a bunch of us met up in Oakville and went out in outrigger. It was beautiful and sunny but chilly. Neoprene boots, toques, Lifa's, Crafts and jackets. There were nine of us - Nancy, Terri, Karen S., Eve, Chrissy, Jess, Chanda, Kara and me. Since there were so many of us, we took out the double-hull. They've rigged 2 OC-6s together, no amas, and it's a great way to get a larger group out training together. The boat is way more stable than the single-hull and really gets some speed.
We paddled down Sixteen Mile creek to the mouth of the harbour and everyone cheered! There were pretty big rollers coming in. We paddled on the lake for a little more than an hour and it was awesome (still no other word to express that feeling). I've been really bored with my same old routine in PC, but this was the proverbial breath of fresh air. Training with a group of people and working hard, not just for yourself but to make the boat go better as a whole. I still haven't quite got the feel of riding waves in the big boat but it'll come with time. I guess it'll have to wait until next year since it's unlikely we'll get out again before it snows. The club is planning to put the boats in storage some time this week. Too bad since we're going to get a reprieve with temps in the double-digits.
Back at the dock we did a quick change at our cars and separated, with the C4 planning to meet up at Port Credit GO at 2:43. We're going to the TFC game - last home game for the season.
Oh my god, such a great time. It was sunny enough to be pleasant but only Eve was smart enough to bring mittens (for the beer holding hand). Chrissy brought a giant backpack that contained her clothes for the evening and one...GIANT...electric blue...SNUGGIE. It was hilarious and she endured some good-natured ribbing from the other fans in our section. And proving once again that hot girls can do/wear anything and still get positive attention! Oh yeah, that reminds me - when we came through the gate, there was no giveaway which kind of surprised me since we were early. We were sharing a table with some random guys in the beer garden and Chrissy asked one guy where he got the toque - he said they were giving it away at the gate. Eve and I offered to watch the beer if Jess & Chrissy went to beg some with our tickets. They were gone a really long time but came back after successfully scoring 4 TFC toques!
We hung out with the guys in the beer garden until it was time for the train. Jon Loek met us on the platform with his bike. He's going to be working Toronto Fashion Week for BlogTO which is pretty exciting news and means his career in photography is really taking off.
Attila, Pete and Jess got off at Mimico - they were going on a triple date to see Couples Retreat - Eve and I got off at Port Credit and Schro and Dylan went on to Clarkson. Eve and I had to walk back down the length of the train in order to disembark. Because of construction, they're only opening the doors on the last five cars at the PC stop.
I'll write about Sunday and the photos below a little later. I'm heating up my Thai takeout leftovers and they smell fantastic! I'm starving.
On Saturday morning, a bunch of us met up in Oakville and went out in outrigger. It was beautiful and sunny but chilly. Neoprene boots, toques, Lifa's, Crafts and jackets. There were nine of us - Nancy, Terri, Karen S., Eve, Chrissy, Jess, Chanda, Kara and me. Since there were so many of us, we took out the double-hull. They've rigged 2 OC-6s together, no amas, and it's a great way to get a larger group out training together. The boat is way more stable than the single-hull and really gets some speed.
We paddled down Sixteen Mile creek to the mouth of the harbour and everyone cheered! There were pretty big rollers coming in. We paddled on the lake for a little more than an hour and it was awesome (still no other word to express that feeling). I've been really bored with my same old routine in PC, but this was the proverbial breath of fresh air. Training with a group of people and working hard, not just for yourself but to make the boat go better as a whole. I still haven't quite got the feel of riding waves in the big boat but it'll come with time. I guess it'll have to wait until next year since it's unlikely we'll get out again before it snows. The club is planning to put the boats in storage some time this week. Too bad since we're going to get a reprieve with temps in the double-digits.
Back at the dock we did a quick change at our cars and separated, with the C4 planning to meet up at Port Credit GO at 2:43. We're going to the TFC game - last home game for the season.
Oh my god, such a great time. It was sunny enough to be pleasant but only Eve was smart enough to bring mittens (for the beer holding hand). Chrissy brought a giant backpack that contained her clothes for the evening and one...GIANT...electric blue...SNUGGIE. It was hilarious and she endured some good-natured ribbing from the other fans in our section. And proving once again that hot girls can do/wear anything and still get positive attention! Oh yeah, that reminds me - when we came through the gate, there was no giveaway which kind of surprised me since we were early. We were sharing a table with some random guys in the beer garden and Chrissy asked one guy where he got the toque - he said they were giving it away at the gate. Eve and I offered to watch the beer if Jess & Chrissy went to beg some with our tickets. They were gone a really long time but came back after successfully scoring 4 TFC toques!
We hung out with the guys in the beer garden until it was time for the train. Jon Loek met us on the platform with his bike. He's going to be working Toronto Fashion Week for BlogTO which is pretty exciting news and means his career in photography is really taking off.
Attila, Pete and Jess got off at Mimico - they were going on a triple date to see Couples Retreat - Eve and I got off at Port Credit and Schro and Dylan went on to Clarkson. Eve and I had to walk back down the length of the train in order to disembark. Because of construction, they're only opening the doors on the last five cars at the PC stop.
I'll write about Sunday and the photos below a little later. I'm heating up my Thai takeout leftovers and they smell fantastic! I'm starving.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I've still been going out to paddle on the lake but boy did the water temperature drop fast. I finally got out the neoprene boots on Wednesday. Last night I decided I should probably be wearing the neoprene pants too or stay within the harbour/river. I hear the river is really shallow though. One of the rowers said they don't even go above the thousand because it's too shallow beyond that. But I think the paddlers are still going up to the QEW.
No matter where you paddle though, it's difficult to stay motivated in this weather. There are constant distractions "my hands are cold, wow that last wave was really cold, now my pants are wet and cold, what do those seagulls want? Do I look like I have food?" (several times this year a single seagull has flown alongside me for long stretches. I know they equate humans with food but they've always ignored me in the past - becauuuuse, that's right, I'm paddling, not eating.)
After about an hour I headed into the river. As I passed under the Lakeshore, I could see some unprecedented activity at the rowers dock. Some of them are heading down to Boston this weekend for the Head of the Charles (Marisha will be racing in an 8 for Toronto Sculling Club) so I thought maybe that would account for the numbers of people and vehicles but as I cleared the bushes, I could see that all of the cars were Peel Regional Police. Three cars in total... and a boat... 8 officers. I was briefly concerned that someone had called in about me being out on the lake (people can be weird sometimes) but they were all looking up the river.
When I got into the dock, the kids filled me in. Someone driving by on the QEW had made a 911 call saying they'd seen a paddler fall in by the bridge. The coaches were able to elaborate further. Apparently the driver had waited until they got home before making the call and told the dispatcher they'd seen someone fall in and become separated from their boat. Forget that it's so shallow up there that you can stand up in the middle and there's no current, none of our paddlers had gone in, nor any of the rowers and no one had a seen any randoms in recreational boats. There was a fisherman up there who confirmed for the police that there'd been no such incident in the 2 hours he'd been there. Whatever this person saw is a mystery, maybe a deer or coyote crossing the river? Either way, I'm impressed by the response from the police. They were still there when I left the club, so maybe there actually was some reason for them to be there.
Hey, Jessie's getting married this weekend - have an amazing day, Jessie!
No matter where you paddle though, it's difficult to stay motivated in this weather. There are constant distractions "my hands are cold, wow that last wave was really cold, now my pants are wet and cold, what do those seagulls want? Do I look like I have food?" (several times this year a single seagull has flown alongside me for long stretches. I know they equate humans with food but they've always ignored me in the past - becauuuuse, that's right, I'm paddling, not eating.)
After about an hour I headed into the river. As I passed under the Lakeshore, I could see some unprecedented activity at the rowers dock. Some of them are heading down to Boston this weekend for the Head of the Charles (Marisha will be racing in an 8 for Toronto Sculling Club) so I thought maybe that would account for the numbers of people and vehicles but as I cleared the bushes, I could see that all of the cars were Peel Regional Police. Three cars in total... and a boat... 8 officers. I was briefly concerned that someone had called in about me being out on the lake (people can be weird sometimes) but they were all looking up the river.
When I got into the dock, the kids filled me in. Someone driving by on the QEW had made a 911 call saying they'd seen a paddler fall in by the bridge. The coaches were able to elaborate further. Apparently the driver had waited until they got home before making the call and told the dispatcher they'd seen someone fall in and become separated from their boat. Forget that it's so shallow up there that you can stand up in the middle and there's no current, none of our paddlers had gone in, nor any of the rowers and no one had a seen any randoms in recreational boats. There was a fisherman up there who confirmed for the police that there'd been no such incident in the 2 hours he'd been there. Whatever this person saw is a mystery, maybe a deer or coyote crossing the river? Either way, I'm impressed by the response from the police. They were still there when I left the club, so maybe there actually was some reason for them to be there.
Hey, Jessie's getting married this weekend - have an amazing day, Jessie!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Susan's husband Philip put together this short video tribute to Graham. In some of the later photos you can see the distinct line down his chin where it was split open to remove a tumour from his throat. He came home from Hong Kong to have the surgery in Toronto and I remember him showing it to me before they took it out. It was the size of a baseball and looked disturbingly like a baby was about to be born through his mouth.
In spite of a political career that took him far from the prairies, Graham was a cowboy in every sense. He and Isabel had only recently sold their farm (a heartbreaking decision but a necessary one considering his heart condition) and the day he died, had just finalized the sale of his last few horses.
In spite of a political career that took him far from the prairies, Graham was a cowboy in every sense. He and Isabel had only recently sold their farm (a heartbreaking decision but a necessary one considering his heart condition) and the day he died, had just finalized the sale of his last few horses.
Monday, October 12, 2009
I got up at 4am to catch a 6am flight to Regina to attend Graham's funeral (cousin, not brother). There was no question that I'd attend but being thanksgiving weekend and all, the cost of flights were grossly inflated. My cousin is a ticket agent and found me one which, even with her discount, was almost $600. It had a stopover in Winnipeg which worked out since my uncle and 3 cousins live there. The plan was to meet up with them and we'd fly to Regina together. From there we'd rent a car for the hour long drive to Wolesley. The rest of the family knew we'd be getting to the funeral just as it started.
Well, doesn't our flight from Winnipeg to Regina get cancelled. They said it was because the floor strip lighting wasn't working which, although it doesn't seem important, is considered a "no go" technical issue. I suspect it had more to do with the fact there were less than 10 people on the flight.
There were only a couple of options available; take a later flight to Regina at 2:45 or fly to Calgary around noon for a 2 hour layover before flying to Regina. Either choice would put me in Regina just in time to catch my 6:30 flight home and no time to pay my respects to Graham.
My ticket-agent cousin was able to get me on a flight home to Toronto in the afternoon so we had brunch and a mini-memorial at the airport Sheraton before they left me on my own at the airport.
I'm home now and I really do feel like a big bag of poo. I said this just last week but seriously, no more airports...please!
Well, doesn't our flight from Winnipeg to Regina get cancelled. They said it was because the floor strip lighting wasn't working which, although it doesn't seem important, is considered a "no go" technical issue. I suspect it had more to do with the fact there were less than 10 people on the flight.
There were only a couple of options available; take a later flight to Regina at 2:45 or fly to Calgary around noon for a 2 hour layover before flying to Regina. Either choice would put me in Regina just in time to catch my 6:30 flight home and no time to pay my respects to Graham.
My ticket-agent cousin was able to get me on a flight home to Toronto in the afternoon so we had brunch and a mini-memorial at the airport Sheraton before they left me on my own at the airport.
I'm home now and I really do feel like a big bag of poo. I said this just last week but seriously, no more airports...please!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
I was hoping to get down to the club this morning but I had to wait for the dishwasher installation guy to come. He actually showed up around the time he said he would. The appliances in my house are gradually breaking so I'm replacing them one by one. By the time he was finished, I didn't have much time to do anything so just ran errands until it was time to catch the Go down to the TFC game.
The game started at 4:00 so I opted for the later train at 3:38. It meant I missed the start of the game but I'm never too worried about that. Ryan was already down there and I had just texted him that I'd be there soon and to pick me up a beer when there was a loud bang and the window of the seat in front of me shattered - not inward, it stayed intact as they're intended but it was wrecked. The guy beside me said it had been a huge rock. Crazy.
To be honest, the game wasn't anything special. We scored early on but then let in a goal at the 90 minute mark (esquire added time). What a waste.
Danielle called me while we were hanging around waiting for the stands to clear. She was down in the beer garden. We headed over and the guys couldn't decide what they wanted to do, have a beer or leave immediately. Roche settled it by going up and ordering for everyone. I had just gotten the high sign that my ride was leaving when I finally saw Danielle and her cute boy. She's only been away at school for 6 weeks but already she looks older - and so pretty! Actually, she and the boy made a really attractive couple (which, for the record, they're not).
The boys taking the GO back to Clarkson were well-oiled and I was just as happy to catch the ride offered by Jeff. He dropped me at my car and I decided to pick up some last minute items for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Ryan's coming over early.
I have to be at the airport Monday morning for a 6am flight so want to be in bed fairly early.
The game started at 4:00 so I opted for the later train at 3:38. It meant I missed the start of the game but I'm never too worried about that. Ryan was already down there and I had just texted him that I'd be there soon and to pick me up a beer when there was a loud bang and the window of the seat in front of me shattered - not inward, it stayed intact as they're intended but it was wrecked. The guy beside me said it had been a huge rock. Crazy.
To be honest, the game wasn't anything special. We scored early on but then let in a goal at the 90 minute mark (esquire added time). What a waste.
Danielle called me while we were hanging around waiting for the stands to clear. She was down in the beer garden. We headed over and the guys couldn't decide what they wanted to do, have a beer or leave immediately. Roche settled it by going up and ordering for everyone. I had just gotten the high sign that my ride was leaving when I finally saw Danielle and her cute boy. She's only been away at school for 6 weeks but already she looks older - and so pretty! Actually, she and the boy made a really attractive couple (which, for the record, they're not).
The boys taking the GO back to Clarkson were well-oiled and I was just as happy to catch the ride offered by Jeff. He dropped me at my car and I decided to pick up some last minute items for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Ryan's coming over early.
I have to be at the airport Monday morning for a 6am flight so want to be in bed fairly early.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Last weekend I flew to Saskatchewan for the 50th wedding anniversary of my (mom's) cousin Graham Taylor and his wife, Isabel. This side of the family is awesome fun and we've gotten really close in the last few years. Graham and Isabel have filled the void unintentionally left by my parents through their respective disabilities. The Taylors call and sing happy birthday in two part harmony on my birthday and have added me to the bi-monthly phone chain along with their daughters, sons, nieces and nephews.
The party had to be held at the opera house to accommodate the some 250+ guests with a full meal and dance afterwards. We had a great time! The immediate family got together an hour early and toasted the couple with champagne and lots of speeches about our luck in still having Graham with us for this milestone event. Back in March he was in hospital having his 2nd multi-bypass surgery (he had his first heart attack at 26 years old).
After he was discharged from the hospital, I called Graham and laughed when he told me, in the most humorous way, that he was going to have a party for every event from now on because he'd rather have a party while he's alive than a wake after he's gone. I told him that would be awesome and I would come out west for every party he cared to throw.
It was so great to see Graham back to his old self on Saturday night - wearing his kilt, dancing with all of his grand-daughters and random single ladies. There were lots of wonderful speeches about, and by, the couple, their family and friends. Graham had called earlier in the week and asked me to take photos of the event and I have a couple thousand on my flash card.
When I woke up this morning and saw a missed, late-night call from my cousin, Susan, I knew without picking up the message that Graham was gone. I don't know the details except that it happened suddenly last night.
I'm heading back to Saskatchewan early Monday morning for his funeral but I don't feel as sad as I might. All of the loving, respectful words about his wonderful (charmed) life have already been spoken in the best possible way - with him there to hear them. He had the right attitude to life and I'm glad that he spent his last weekend celebrating a milestone with his wife, laughing and dancing, surrounded by family, friends and his community.
I already try to make it to every event for my family and friends but don't be surprised if you start getting evites from me every month!
The party had to be held at the opera house to accommodate the some 250+ guests with a full meal and dance afterwards. We had a great time! The immediate family got together an hour early and toasted the couple with champagne and lots of speeches about our luck in still having Graham with us for this milestone event. Back in March he was in hospital having his 2nd multi-bypass surgery (he had his first heart attack at 26 years old).
After he was discharged from the hospital, I called Graham and laughed when he told me, in the most humorous way, that he was going to have a party for every event from now on because he'd rather have a party while he's alive than a wake after he's gone. I told him that would be awesome and I would come out west for every party he cared to throw.
It was so great to see Graham back to his old self on Saturday night - wearing his kilt, dancing with all of his grand-daughters and random single ladies. There were lots of wonderful speeches about, and by, the couple, their family and friends. Graham had called earlier in the week and asked me to take photos of the event and I have a couple thousand on my flash card.
When I woke up this morning and saw a missed, late-night call from my cousin, Susan, I knew without picking up the message that Graham was gone. I don't know the details except that it happened suddenly last night.
I'm heading back to Saskatchewan early Monday morning for his funeral but I don't feel as sad as I might. All of the loving, respectful words about his wonderful (charmed) life have already been spoken in the best possible way - with him there to hear them. He had the right attitude to life and I'm glad that he spent his last weekend celebrating a milestone with his wife, laughing and dancing, surrounded by family, friends and his community.
I already try to make it to every event for my family and friends but don't be surprised if you start getting evites from me every month!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
A lot of us watch the film Without Limits, about Steve Prefontaine, before a big race or when we need inspiration in training. The thing that stuck with me most (and almost defeated me) was a comment made by Oregon track coach, Bill Bowerman. It was something to the effect that the only way an athlete can get through the day to day workouts, season after season is to figure out a personal reason why it's so important to be the fastest to go between A and B.
I struggled with this because really, why was I, at 40+ years, trying to compete with sub-25 year olds. Anyone who saw me trying to balance in a C1 must have wondered that too.
In the end, the reason was supplied by the question - the fact that I could compete was reason enough. Does that make sense? I guess it can be summed up by a quote from Pre, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift".
I was lucky that everyone at Missy was encouraging and supportive. Eventually, I was able to remove age from the equation and learn to work through fatigue and disappointment during a workout or race. I would take inspiration where I found it - if I was struggling during a running workout, passing a senior with a walker presented the reality that I wouldn't always be able to just throw on some gear and head out for a run. Grateful for my 'two feet and a heartbeat', I always found a second wind. Suddenly, I was no longer doing a workout - I'd remember that I actually LOVE running.
Anyway, a lot of friends are racing in the Moloka'i hoe this coming weekend so I was checking out the outrigger forum on ocpaddler and came across this post from Kekoa under "Who are you racing for?" At first I rolled my eyes as it appeared to be just another bleeding heart, count-your-blessings speech. But reading to the end brought me face-to-face with that familiar struggle to stay motivated. Seriously, for all of us there are days when just getting out of bed is a challenge. These guys are about to race the 42 miles from Molokai to Oahu. I'm sure many who read Kekoa's words will think of them somewhere in the middle of the race and instead of pain and fatigue will think only of the gift; the will, the strength, the kinship, the ocean.
I racing for my family, friends and loved ones. I racing for the children and adults with disease and handicaps. I racing for all the people starving and suffering, especially the children, in the world. I racing for the homeless who not because of being lazy or drugs just cannot afford to live in a home. I racing for those who are no longer with us (unfortunately too many to name). I racing for the child who’s parents don’t give a shit about them. I racing for the person who feels like an outcast and that they have nobody. I racing for whoever doesn’t feel loved. Does me racing for them change anything? Probably not. I no care. They are who I think about when I get tired or my body gets sore or I start feeling sorry for myself. And they are the ones that make me feel so lucky to be able to go out and compete in this endeavor. that’s all that matters. Might sound like bullshit and I getting too deep, but it is exactly what I think about everytime I go paddle. Because who really gives a rip who wins the Molokai? Gotta be more than winning cause there are over a hundred crews who not going win. So I ask, who are you racing for?
I struggled with this because really, why was I, at 40+ years, trying to compete with sub-25 year olds. Anyone who saw me trying to balance in a C1 must have wondered that too.
In the end, the reason was supplied by the question - the fact that I could compete was reason enough. Does that make sense? I guess it can be summed up by a quote from Pre, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift".
I was lucky that everyone at Missy was encouraging and supportive. Eventually, I was able to remove age from the equation and learn to work through fatigue and disappointment during a workout or race. I would take inspiration where I found it - if I was struggling during a running workout, passing a senior with a walker presented the reality that I wouldn't always be able to just throw on some gear and head out for a run. Grateful for my 'two feet and a heartbeat', I always found a second wind. Suddenly, I was no longer doing a workout - I'd remember that I actually LOVE running.
Anyway, a lot of friends are racing in the Moloka'i hoe this coming weekend so I was checking out the outrigger forum on ocpaddler and came across this post from Kekoa under "Who are you racing for?" At first I rolled my eyes as it appeared to be just another bleeding heart, count-your-blessings speech. But reading to the end brought me face-to-face with that familiar struggle to stay motivated. Seriously, for all of us there are days when just getting out of bed is a challenge. These guys are about to race the 42 miles from Molokai to Oahu. I'm sure many who read Kekoa's words will think of them somewhere in the middle of the race and instead of pain and fatigue will think only of the gift; the will, the strength, the kinship, the ocean.
I racing for my family, friends and loved ones. I racing for the children and adults with disease and handicaps. I racing for all the people starving and suffering, especially the children, in the world. I racing for the homeless who not because of being lazy or drugs just cannot afford to live in a home. I racing for those who are no longer with us (unfortunately too many to name). I racing for the child who’s parents don’t give a shit about them. I racing for the person who feels like an outcast and that they have nobody. I racing for whoever doesn’t feel loved. Does me racing for them change anything? Probably not. I no care. They are who I think about when I get tired or my body gets sore or I start feeling sorry for myself. And they are the ones that make me feel so lucky to be able to go out and compete in this endeavor. that’s all that matters. Might sound like bullshit and I getting too deep, but it is exactly what I think about everytime I go paddle. Because who really gives a rip who wins the Molokai? Gotta be more than winning cause there are over a hundred crews who not going win. So I ask, who are you racing for?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
I'm home now. And in spite of jetlag and lack of sleep from the previous 36 hours - marathon excursion through Athens, sleeping (actually, not sleeping) in the airport to catch our 5:00am flight to Amsterdam and then hiking through their city centre all day before an 8 hour flight home - this has been one of my best trips ever (I know - I say that every time. I'm so lucky!).
Here are just a few pics ...
Our first look at our digs for the week...travel fatigue disappeared in a second!
The view from my bedroom balcony on the first morning....overlooking the outdoor dining room (brown roof), overlooking the pool, overlooking the ocean.
Night number two...
taking a break from drinking wine....
St. Nicholas port...where we launched our boats.
no tans yet....
loving it.
Here are just a few pics ...
Our first look at our digs for the week...travel fatigue disappeared in a second!
The view from my bedroom balcony on the first morning....overlooking the outdoor dining room (brown roof), overlooking the pool, overlooking the ocean.
Night number two...
taking a break from drinking wine....
St. Nicholas port...where we launched our boats.
no tans yet....
loving it.
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