Archive for August, 2006

Sunday, August 27th, 2006

Urban Illusion


Lately I’ve been talking with a friend of mine about how much Vancouver has changed. True, I wasn’t living here in the early to mid-90’s in the time he was reminiscing about. I do, however, remember how different I felt standing on Granville Street in 1994 than I did in 2004. It isn’t just the landscape that has changed, but the people that flock here and call it “home.” It’s becoming a one-dimensional void lacking any depth whatsoever.

Last night I had a dream about this city. In it, I walked out of my office tower at the end of the day. Instead of my usual purse and iPod slung over my shoulder, I was clutching a handful of paintbrushes and a small bag of paint. As I made my way along Georgia Street, I stopped at the “Waffle Building” (anyone that works downtown probably knows what this is) and walked inside the lobby. Instead of a normal lobby, this one was open and grand and majestic with minimal architecture and huge windows. There was a group of people standing in the middle of the quiet lobby in a circle, performing interpretive dance without music. I continued on my way from there.

I don’t remember doing much else in my dream aside from exiting the so-called “Waffle Building” and staring up at the sky and the buildings that towered over me. What was very clear to me, however, was the entire atmosphere of the city. As I stopped on the sidewalk outside, the sky was a flawless shade of gray and the city was silent. I heard no cars, no horns. There were no people flooding the sidewalks in a mass exodus at the end of the day. There were no, as my friend calls them, women of “neo-urban” immaturity clicking up and down the sidewalk with their designer handbags. The only people that existed in that Vancouver were those who possessed individuality. Those who expressed themselves in any way that felt most comfortable. It was silent, aside from the hushed whisper of conversing. I wish I could re-live that dream. But more than anything, I wish that it was more than just a surreal experience. It would be beyond words to see this city return to the jewel that it once shone as.

You’re listening to “Smoke” by Natalie Imbruglia

Saturday, August 26th, 2006

Fan Appreciation Night

For many, last night was a night to remember. My very good friend Matt decided that the best way to leave the last six years of his life and the apartment that’s literally consuming him was to throw an impromptu acoustic show for 20 very lucky fans in his now-empty living room. There were a few songs played but more than anything, it was a night for talking and laughter and sharing real truths. The chosen ones were treated to an evening with other fans in the presence of someone whose music has impacted them in different ways. I’m sure that many will count this as a key moment. One fan, Dan, was there with his wife and took a few great pictures. Check them out on Flickr if you’re interested.

For me, the best part of the night was to see Matt smiling.

You’re listening to “In A World Called Catastrophe” by Matthew Good

Monday, August 21st, 2006

Does anyone even read this stupid thing anymore? Er, besides Braustin?

Saturday, August 19th, 2006

Too much time on my hands.

I can always count on Karima’s blog to entertain me when I need entertaining. I should, however, be in bed. Instead I’m posting useless information about myself.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
”My hair is everywhere.”

2. How much cash do you have on you?
About $4.50 after buying iced tea and milk.

3. What’s a word that rhymes with “door”?
Core

4. Favorite planet?
Planet Earth - I love the way they dance there.

5. Who is the 4th person on your received call list on your cell?
Brock the saucy man.

6. What is your favorite ring on your phone?
I don’t have a favourite, but my ringtone is the theme to “Charlie’s Angels” and sometimes I like to answer the phone by saying “Good morning, Charlie!”

7. What shirt are you wearing?
My glasses, an “I (heart) NY” tee and some little boxers.

8. Do you label yourself?
I don’t label myself but I know that I am many different things to many different people.

9. Name the brand of your shoes you’re currently wearing.
I’m not wearing shoes at the moment, but I had my camo flip flops on all day.

10. Bright or Dark Room?
Depends on the mood and the situation.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey?
This question doesn’t make a whole lot of sense if it’s asking what I think it’s trying to ask. But the girl I got it from is pretty darned awesome.

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Hanging out with some friends and discussing how cute Jenny Lewis is. (See, she’s really cute!)

14. What did the last text message you received on your cell say?
“Hey cotton candy! What are you up to tonight?”

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?
Davie and Hornby

16. What’s a word that you say a lot?
”Baby”

17. Who last told you they loved you?
My mom

18. Last furry thing you touched?
Benji

19. How many drugs have you done in the past seven days?
None really…maybe some Tylenol. Oh and that Gravol last weekend.

20. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
I don’t use film but I have many digital photos that I’d love to get prints of.

21. Favorite age you have been so far?
Absolutely the age that I’m at now. I have grown in wisdom and experience and I feel most comfortable in who I am and confident in where I am going.

22. Your worst enemy?
My lack of trust in others.

23. What is your current desktop picture?
Long Beach in Tofino at sunset…it’s gorgeous.

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
“Bye.”

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly?
Karima has a good point about the potential royalties in having the ability to fly. If I could fly I’m sure I’d be in high demand. However, I don’t want to be in high demand, so I’ll take the cool million, pay off my student loans and figure out what to do with the rest.

26. Do you like someone?I like lots of people. I like my friends and family. If you’re reading this right now, I probably like you too.

27. The last song you listened to?
”Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. And now you can also say the same thing.

You’re listening to: “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Tuesday, August 15th, 2006

The best things in life are free.

Hey kids! I gotta keep this quick and I’ll probably add more to the post later. My friend Matt and I went through his storage locker last night and I grabbed a bunch of stuff to get rid of. Most of it Austin has already claimed, but there are a few copies of “Last of the Ghetto Astronauts” and a few copies of “Beautiful Midnight” by the Matthew Good Band up for grabs. I also have three big bags of Christmas decorations. Going through all his stuff and throwing most things out has inspired me to start going through my stuff. So far I’ve come across a big stack of Cosmopolitan magazines from the last two years that are up for grabs. Good readings - boys like it too. I’ll add more content once I go through all my stuff and figure out what to keep and what to get rid of. Let me know if you want any of this stuff and I’ll hang onto it for you until if/when you can get your butt downtown!

**Update: I’ve managed to go through two of my closets and my bathroom, and the following are now also up for grabs:

- GE cordless phone (maybe it just needs a new battery - I dunno)
- 2 wooden corner shelves from Ikea
- Chinese-style tea set with cups, teapot and infuser
- goblets from Japan
- bulletin board
- American flag mugs (never used)
- Japanese-style bowl/dish

**Further Update: Many of the items have now been claimed. The following are what’s left:

- GE cordless phone
- 2 wooden corner shelves from Ikea
- bulletin board
- American flag mugs
- Japanese-style bowl/dish
- Cosmopolitan magazines
- There is one copy of “Beautiful Midnight” left and that’s it, folks. The rare single of “In A World Called Catastrophe” is going home with Austin, so it was never up for grabs.

You’re listening to: “I’m Free” by the Soup Dragons

Sunday, August 13th, 2006

I don’t know how to fix it…

“Something’s Missing”

I’m not alone, I wish I was
Cause then I’d know, I was down because
I couldn’t find, a friend around
To love me like, they do right now
They do right now
I’m dizzy from the shopping malls
I searched for joy, but I bought it all
It doesn’t help the hunger pains
and a thirst I’d have to drown first to ever satiate

Something’s missing
And I don’t know how to fix it
Something’s missing
And I don’t know what it is
At all

When autumn comes, it doesnt ask
It just walks in, where it left you last
And you never know, when it starts
Until there’s fog inside the glass around your summer heart

Something’s missing
And I don’t know how to fix it
Something’s missing
And I don’t know what it is
At all

I can’t be sure that this state of mind
Is not of my own design
I wish there was an over the counter test
For loneliness…for loneliness like this

Something’s missing
And I don’t know how to fix it
Something’s missing
And I don’t know what it is
No I don’t know what it is

Something’s different
And I don’t know what it is
No I don’t know what it is
Friends…check
Money…check
A well slept…check
Opposite sex…check
Guitar…check
Microphone…check
Messages waiting for me, when i come home…check

How come everything I think I need
Always comes with batteries
What do you think it means

How come everything I think I need
Always comes with batteries
What do you think it means

I’m pretty sure that I’ve posted this song on my blog before and yet it rings true again. I don’t even know what I feel. Am I angry with myself? Frustrated with my situation? Upset at someone else? I met someone new and I’m supposed to be happy (and I am) and it’s supposed to be great (it is) and I’m not supposed to be thinking about someone else (but I am). It’s been more than three years since his jaw dropped open when I walked in the room. And since then it’s been nothing but a back and forth and tears and smiles and laughter and frustration. Things would be so much easier if he could just tell me he never, ever wants us to be together. But how can I move on with someone else when I’m still picturing myself sitting on my little shack of a porch with this other person, sharing a bottle of wine and taking in our own private view of the Pacific - at 50? Can someone please tell me what to do?

You’re listening to: “Something’s Missing” by John Mayer

Wednesday, August 9th, 2006

Life on the South Island

Guess who’s back? Back again? Keira’s back. Tell a friend. It’s true - I returned from Victoria late this afternoon after spending a night there with Mumsy. We were only in the city for a smidge over 24 hours, but it was nice to be there none-the-less. I hadn’t been back since late last August so it was another event of making up for lost time.

When we got there we tried to check into our hotel, the Ocean Point Resort, but all the rooms were occupied so we parked the car and walked downtown. Note to self: don’t wear stillettos when you’re planning on walking around for long periods of time. By the time we reached the Royal BC Museum, my feet hurt so badly that I’m sure I could’ve enjoyed it even more had I been kickin’ it in my Keds.

Finally we got to check into our room on the other side of the Harbour. The rooms were pretty decent and the bathroom was as big as my apartment kitchen and bathroom put together! Today we did a little more shopping and loaded up on sweet treats at the British Candy Shop. Yesterday for lunch I took my mom to Re-Bar for modern organic yummies, and we hit the Med Grill for dinner. I also stopped in at the Silk Road Tea Co. to pick up some organic teas. I grabbed a tin of Philosopher’s Brew and some Tibetan Rose.

On the way home I stopped in at Qwanoes to visit Ashley, Ryan and Emily. Times change and so does the camp. It isn’t anywhere near the same as it used to be. I miss the old camp but I’m glad that times change. It was good to see all them anyways and I can’t wait to see them again! Now it’s getting late and I can hardly assemble sentences. I’m sure I’ll find a whack of typos and spelling mistakes in the morning. Sooo…goodnight!

You’re listening to: “That Girl” by Esthero from Breath From Another

Saturday, August 5th, 2006

Of Vice and Men

It’s 12:33 a.m. and I just returned from relieving the anticipation I’ve been feeling for weeks. All day today I felt butterflies in my stomach…I was overcome with excitment. Tonight I saw “Miami Vice.” I wasn’t really sure what to expect as it’s been years and years since I last saw the TV show. The previews and trailers for the movie didn’t reveal much more than a spectacle of smoothly-written lines and seamless action. And as it was directed by Michael Mann (”Heat” and “Collateral”), I was expecting just that - a stylishly directed action movie.

In all honesty, however, Colin Farrell was the real reason I was going to see this. I couldn’t care much less about the rest of the film. Thankfully, I was not disappointed by either. Mann certainly had somewhat of an artistic vision for the film aside from the action and dialogue. There was gorgeous scenery in some of the exotic South American locales it was filmed in, and I loved how the camera would often focus on seemingly irrelevant features on some of the characters. It added a realism to the film. I won’t say much else about it because I don’t want to spoil the plot for those of you still wanting to see it. However, before I sign off, let’s have one more look at the sexiest mofo in Miami-Dade County…

Yep, that’s pretty much self-explanatory. Now, excuse my while I go change my panties.

You’re listening to: “Numb/Encore” by Linkin Park and Jay-Z