31.7.09
30.7.09
wednesday night
I am sitting on my living room floor, wearing nothing but my booty yoga shorts, and a baggy T-shirt. My hair is piled on top of my head in some kind of bun so that it doesn’t stick to the back of my neck. My sliding door is open, and it is hot. It is 10:00pm and I’m willing to bet it is upwards of 28 degrees in my apartment.
Outside, a baby is crying, probably from heat exhaustion. I can’t imagine being a baby in this heat. Unable to express your discomfort. Forever at the mercy of your mother, or caregiver. Over heating is imminent.
I can hear the traffic on my street. A motorcycle rumbles by. The bus stops to let passengers on and off. The humidity behaves similar to Snow. Acting as a muffler to the city sounds. Especially at night.
Somebody yells. There is a reply. The rattling of (what I’m guessing is) a shopping cart goes past my window. The heat is making everyone angry and Vancouver’s countless homeless people are no exception. They are aggravated. Touchy. Perturbed. In the past week I’ve seen countless altercations between the less fortunate, mostly on Hastings Street. I’ve learned that while the cold makes people dormant, the heat flares tempers.
The buses and sky train both smell like a gym locker. The rest of the city smells like hot garbage. This gives a new meaning to the expression “stinking hot”. If I breathe through my nostrils, I feel as though the hairs might catch fire as opposed to when in extremely cold temperatures, they freeze.
Tonight I will sleep in my underwear, on top of my (unmade) bed, all my windows open, and a fan. My fan is non-oscillating and is only approximately 6” in diameter and so offers little solace but if I take a cold shower first, it seems to do the trick.
Tomorrow morning, I will go to work. This is the first time I think I’ve ever been glad to go to work. Glad to work inside a concrete building in my closet with no windows. Away from the heat. In my air conditioned sanctuary. This week, I definitely don’t envy labourers.
I check the five day weather report. The high for tomorrow, 39 inland.
We are in the midst of a heat wave and I just drank my last ice cold beer.
It’s too hot to stay awake.
Time for bed.
Outside, a baby is crying, probably from heat exhaustion. I can’t imagine being a baby in this heat. Unable to express your discomfort. Forever at the mercy of your mother, or caregiver. Over heating is imminent.
I can hear the traffic on my street. A motorcycle rumbles by. The bus stops to let passengers on and off. The humidity behaves similar to Snow. Acting as a muffler to the city sounds. Especially at night.
Somebody yells. There is a reply. The rattling of (what I’m guessing is) a shopping cart goes past my window. The heat is making everyone angry and Vancouver’s countless homeless people are no exception. They are aggravated. Touchy. Perturbed. In the past week I’ve seen countless altercations between the less fortunate, mostly on Hastings Street. I’ve learned that while the cold makes people dormant, the heat flares tempers.
The buses and sky train both smell like a gym locker. The rest of the city smells like hot garbage. This gives a new meaning to the expression “stinking hot”. If I breathe through my nostrils, I feel as though the hairs might catch fire as opposed to when in extremely cold temperatures, they freeze.
Tonight I will sleep in my underwear, on top of my (unmade) bed, all my windows open, and a fan. My fan is non-oscillating and is only approximately 6” in diameter and so offers little solace but if I take a cold shower first, it seems to do the trick.
Tomorrow morning, I will go to work. This is the first time I think I’ve ever been glad to go to work. Glad to work inside a concrete building in my closet with no windows. Away from the heat. In my air conditioned sanctuary. This week, I definitely don’t envy labourers.
I check the five day weather report. The high for tomorrow, 39 inland.
We are in the midst of a heat wave and I just drank my last ice cold beer.
It’s too hot to stay awake.
Time for bed.
29.7.09
Quote of the Week
Me: "I don't know what it is about guys and why their printing is (always) so messy?!?"
Jeff: "It's because men are thinking about more important things like... war...and accounting..."
Jeff: "It's because men are thinking about more important things like... war...and accounting..."
27.7.09
how hot is too hot?
These have got to be record breaking temperatures.
They just have to be.
It's been so hot that, on Saturday, there was the most spectacular thunder & lightening storm I've ever witnessed. The sky was the most brilliant colour of orange. The rain drops were enormous. The forks of lightening were phenomenal. It was incredible.
The HSBC celebration of light (formerly the Benson and Hedges Symphony of Fire) was on it's second night (Saturday) with South Africa up to bat. The fire works were impressive but not many people showed, I'm guessing, because they were so mesmerized by the show Mother Nature was putting on. (or else too scared to set foot out of their door as the lightening was right over head). I'm told that at one point (though I missed it) a fork of lightening and a firework actually met in the sky (or seemed to).
Mother Nature always has to one up us mortals.
This week, the temperatures are supposed to (and I'm pretty sure already have) reach(ed) the low to mid thirties. Yesterday I thought I was going to pass out on the bus. The air is heavy and humid.
It's hard to breath.
I'm not complaining.
What's the point in complaining about something you cannot change?
My advice?
Drink a beer.
Go for a swim.
Or however it is that you like to beat the heat.
And
Don't forget to slip (on a shirt), slap (on a hat) and Slop (on some sunscreen)
They just have to be.
It's been so hot that, on Saturday, there was the most spectacular thunder & lightening storm I've ever witnessed. The sky was the most brilliant colour of orange. The rain drops were enormous. The forks of lightening were phenomenal. It was incredible.
The HSBC celebration of light (formerly the Benson and Hedges Symphony of Fire) was on it's second night (Saturday) with South Africa up to bat. The fire works were impressive but not many people showed, I'm guessing, because they were so mesmerized by the show Mother Nature was putting on. (or else too scared to set foot out of their door as the lightening was right over head). I'm told that at one point (though I missed it) a fork of lightening and a firework actually met in the sky (or seemed to).
Mother Nature always has to one up us mortals.
This week, the temperatures are supposed to (and I'm pretty sure already have) reach(ed) the low to mid thirties. Yesterday I thought I was going to pass out on the bus. The air is heavy and humid.
It's hard to breath.
I'm not complaining.
What's the point in complaining about something you cannot change?
My advice?
Drink a beer.
Go for a swim.
Or however it is that you like to beat the heat.
And
Don't forget to slip (on a shirt), slap (on a hat) and Slop (on some sunscreen)
22.7.09
She's the one that I want
It’s about high time I made a new play list. For anybody has clicked on my link in the past two weeks, you will have noticed an unfinished play list that does not correspond with anything on my blog. I’m sorry. My life got hectic for a couple weeks. I got wrapped up in weddings, dying cats, and, well, summer.
Anyway, I was thinking about what my theme for my next play list should be and have decided that it is to be “women”. I know this is a pretty clichéd and over used theme, but there have been a lot of powerful, influential musical artist that have played a big part in my growing up and a lot of them happen to be grrrrrls with guitars (or dulcimers, harmonicas, pianos, a sick beat, or just a voice).
Whether it be rock & roll, rhythm & blues, jazz, folk, pop, soul, or hip hop, these women have all played a very large roll in not only my own life, but the development of the music industry today. Some have been with me for years, and others only just recently, but I love them all equally for being there for me.
They’re not all here of course, but a large majority are. The ladies I love.
ALL MY LADIES SAY AAAAAAYYYYYOOOOOOO!!!!
1). Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) - Talk of the town.
2). Joni Mitchell-California
3). Linda Ronstadt - You're No Good
4). Carly Simon and James Taylor - Mockingbird
5). Ann and Nancy Wilson (a.k.a. Heart) - Crazy On You
6). Deborah Harry (a.k.a. Blondie) - Heart Of Glass
7). Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) – Leather and Lace
8). Janis Joplin - Summertime
9). Joan Baez – The Partisan
10). Patsy Cline - I Fall To Pieces
11). Nina Simone - See-Line Woman
12). Odetta – Paths of Victory
13). Billie Holiday - Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
14). Karen Dalton - It Hurts Me Too
15). Ella Fitzgerald - Rockin' In Rhythm
16). Etta James - Seven Day Fool
17). Big Mama Thornton - Wade In The Water
18). Amy Winehouse - Stronger Than Me
19). Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) - White Rabbit
20). Tina Turner - Come Together
21). Rickie Lee Jones - Chuck Es in love
22). Suzanne Vega - Left Of Center
23). Bonnie Raitt - I Can't Make You Love Me
24). Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
25). Björk Earth Intruders Edited
26). Grace Jones - My Jamaican Guy
27). Annie Lennox – Little Bird
28). Sade - Your love is king
29). Diana Ross - Upside down
30). Mary J. Blige - Stay Down
31). Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy (Lyrics)
32). Lauryn Hill - Everything is Everything
33). Erykah Badu - Certainly
34). Rhianna – Breakin Dishes
Anyway, I was thinking about what my theme for my next play list should be and have decided that it is to be “women”. I know this is a pretty clichéd and over used theme, but there have been a lot of powerful, influential musical artist that have played a big part in my growing up and a lot of them happen to be grrrrrls with guitars (or dulcimers, harmonicas, pianos, a sick beat, or just a voice).
Whether it be rock & roll, rhythm & blues, jazz, folk, pop, soul, or hip hop, these women have all played a very large roll in not only my own life, but the development of the music industry today. Some have been with me for years, and others only just recently, but I love them all equally for being there for me.
They’re not all here of course, but a large majority are. The ladies I love.
ALL MY LADIES SAY AAAAAAYYYYYOOOOOOO!!!!
1). Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) - Talk of the town.
2). Joni Mitchell-California
3). Linda Ronstadt - You're No Good
4). Carly Simon and James Taylor - Mockingbird
5). Ann and Nancy Wilson (a.k.a. Heart) - Crazy On You
6). Deborah Harry (a.k.a. Blondie) - Heart Of Glass
7). Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) – Leather and Lace
8). Janis Joplin - Summertime
9). Joan Baez – The Partisan
10). Patsy Cline - I Fall To Pieces
11). Nina Simone - See-Line Woman
12). Odetta – Paths of Victory
13). Billie Holiday - Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
14). Karen Dalton - It Hurts Me Too
15). Ella Fitzgerald - Rockin' In Rhythm
16). Etta James - Seven Day Fool
17). Big Mama Thornton - Wade In The Water
18). Amy Winehouse - Stronger Than Me
19). Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) - White Rabbit
20). Tina Turner - Come Together
21). Rickie Lee Jones - Chuck Es in love
22). Suzanne Vega - Left Of Center
23). Bonnie Raitt - I Can't Make You Love Me
24). Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
25). Björk Earth Intruders Edited
26). Grace Jones - My Jamaican Guy
27). Annie Lennox – Little Bird
28). Sade - Your love is king
29). Diana Ross - Upside down
30). Mary J. Blige - Stay Down
31). Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy (Lyrics)
32). Lauryn Hill - Everything is Everything
33). Erykah Badu - Certainly
34). Rhianna – Breakin Dishes
20.7.09
oooooooooohhhhhh yaaaaaaaaa
(photo courtesy of Johanna Dalgleish)
I have been going to the Vancouver Folk Music Festival every year since I was 6 and it is the people I see every year that help make it special. This man, for example, I have seen every year for as long as I can remember. He is unfailingly ALWAYS dressed head to toe in purple. And he is an avid practicer of what I like to call the "willow dance". You know the one. All the old hippies do it. Maybe your parents do it. You know at least one person who does it. The "willow dance" requires whole body involvement. Lots of arms. Waving. Up. Down.
The more avid "willow dancer" may imagine that there is a hook at the back of the belly button. Pulling them backwards. But, the upper half of the body doesn't want to go. The arms are stretched out in front and slowly the hook takes over and the hands are pulled backwards palms outstretched as though trying to grasp at a flat slick surface. Walls maybe. Then there is an imaginary wind. You are a willow tree. Your arms are the branches. And you are being whipped every which way. But in one fluid motion.
It's a very metaphorical dance. Only the most imaginative can get away with it.
I've never had a conversation with "Mr. Purple" or "Koolaide" as I like to call him, though, yesterday, there was a knowing look.
"I've seen you every year since you were six"
"I see you as a tree"
I think he knows I look out for him every year.
The year I do not spot him, I will be concerned.
Koolaide, if you're reading this, keep being you. It's the old regulars like you that help keep the festival what it is.
Maybe next year we'll exchange hellos?
Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars
The most beautiful woman in Charleston - m4w
I saw you today standing on the corner of the same street I saw you on last time. It was def Logan. Like I already said, I saw you the other day through my Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars. Thanks to the long distance clarity of these amazing binoculars, which typically retail for $1,500, I was able see the green in your beautiful eyes and the white of your breathe-taking smile. Maybe one day I will have the courage to ask you out, but for now I am content just to watch. I am so grateful for my Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars. They have made our relationship possible. The Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars were developed as a compact roof prism military binoculars incorporating the newly developed SUMR targeting reticle system. Using entirely new optical system formulations, new fully multi-coated binocular optics and a completely new shockproof and waterproof housing, the Steiner Tactical R Compact Surveillance Binoculars 650 delivers a new standard of performance in a tactical Steiner binocular that includes a new Mil Reticle Targeting System allowing faster and more accurate communications between the spotter/observer and shooter or weapons delivery personnel. If anyone knows this woman's name, or is interested in buying my Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars, please reply at once. I am willing to sell these binoculars, which are used by SWAT, Army, and the Airforce, for $850. You just can't bet that deal. Jessica, if you read this, I still love you and miss you.
I saw you today standing on the corner of the same street I saw you on last time. It was def Logan. Like I already said, I saw you the other day through my Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars. Thanks to the long distance clarity of these amazing binoculars, which typically retail for $1,500, I was able see the green in your beautiful eyes and the white of your breathe-taking smile. Maybe one day I will have the courage to ask you out, but for now I am content just to watch. I am so grateful for my Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars. They have made our relationship possible. The Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars were developed as a compact roof prism military binoculars incorporating the newly developed SUMR targeting reticle system. Using entirely new optical system formulations, new fully multi-coated binocular optics and a completely new shockproof and waterproof housing, the Steiner Tactical R Compact Surveillance Binoculars 650 delivers a new standard of performance in a tactical Steiner binocular that includes a new Mil Reticle Targeting System allowing faster and more accurate communications between the spotter/observer and shooter or weapons delivery personnel. If anyone knows this woman's name, or is interested in buying my Steiner 10x42 Tactical Military R Compact Surveillance Binoculars, please reply at once. I am willing to sell these binoculars, which are used by SWAT, Army, and the Airforce, for $850. You just can't bet that deal. Jessica, if you read this, I still love you and miss you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
