Keira-anne.com

With just five more sleeps until the jolly man in red arrives with his eight tiny reindeer, all I’m wishing for Christmas is that Santa Claus would take away a bit of this pre-holiday stress I’m enduring.

Photo: Miss604 on Flickr

A full plate is inevitable at Christmastime, and I’m not talking turkey dinner here. It seems as though there are always 100 more things to get done and almost no time in which to do them. As of Friday I’ll be off for a much-needed 10 days, most of which will be spent with family and with J in between his shifts.

I’m looking forward to a classic Comox Valley Christmas and hopeful for a bit of snow too. Until 2012 I’ll be taking a brief hiatus from the blog, but feel free to follow along on Twitter. Until then, here’s wishing all of you a very merry Christmas and a blessed time with your loved ones.

One of my first-ever blog posts, in September of 2005, recalled a recent trip to Fitness World, drinks I’d had at Steamworks in Gastown with co-workers after work and my elation over the fact that it was finally Friday. Subsequent posts ranged from re-caps of that week’s episode of The OC to song lyrics I adored to what I was looking forward to at Christmastime. I also wrote a lot about time spent with friends, posted photos of the things we did together and essentially diarized much of my life here in Vancouver.

With Ashley, August 2006

At some point over the last several years, my blog has shifted from that of a personal scrapbook-style blog to one that contained content only related to Vancouver Island. While I’d endeavoured to set the record straight on the endless supply of things to do, places to see, food to eat and people to meet on the Island, I lost myself along the way.

With Rebecca, June 2007 [Photo by Duane Storey]

I’ve always loved the craft of writing, the art of stringing together sentences and nailing the perfect adjective. My passions extend far beyond that of writing, so it only makes sense to incorporate what I’m passionate about with the writing that I love to accomplish. Vancouver Island was, is and will always ultimately be my home, but my life is far more than that. I reside in Vancouver and spend my time here with incredible people. We travel, we create and eat tantalizing food, we walk this city’s sidewalks and laugh, we watch hockey games at sports bars and spend sun-drenched afternoons at some of Vancouver’s most lush dog parks as our pooches sniff each other and stretch out in the grass.

With Amy, April 2008; At Playland with John Biehler, July 2008

One month ago I was tired, burnt out and nearly to the point of resenting my commitment to my blog. Limiting the content to that related only to Vancouver Island was stifling my creativity and the expression I’ve always been able to make through writing. I took 30 days off to decide whether or not I even wanted to continue with it and, having taken that time, decided that I indeed do.

Puppy kisses, at home with Jordy, August 2009

If there is somewhere on Vancouver Island worth visiting, a tasty treat worth eating or a homegrown company worth hearing about or a product worth trying, you’ll hear it here from me! While I will not promise to write every single day, you’ll also read a lot about my daily life in this city, the people whose company I keep, the adventures I go on and random photographs I snap around this city.

In New York City with Meghan, May 2010; In Zihuatanejo, Mexico with J, April 2011

After all, it’s still my blog.

After a little bit of thoughtful consideration, I’ve decided to take a hiatus from this blog. Blogging has been a part of my life for more than half a decade and maintaining the Vancouver Island Blog has brought a lot of wonderful people and memorable experiences into my life.

I’m at a point where the creativity, energy and – in particular – time necessary to maintain this blog has exhausted me. That said, I’m stepping back to re-evaluate where and how blogging will fit into my life.

I’m grateful for the support of friends, family and readers and I do believe that I’ll be writing again in some capacity at some point. For now, this hiatus fits me and fits what I need and I feel absolutely fantastic about the decision.

It seems that the moment you label something as a “resolution”, you’re setting yourself up for instantaneous failure. It’s no secret that the vast majority of those of us that make up our minds to create changes in our lives often give up on our resolutions within a week or two of January 1st. Sometimes it seems easier to resolve not to make any resolutions, because at least that way we can’t fail.

That being said, I don’t make resolutions and I haven’t done so in years. However, a new calender always seems like a refreshed opportunity for change. Instead, I would like to present my list of try-hards – endeavours I hope to accomplish in 2011 though I won’t be hard on myself if I don’t hit those targets.

1. Less Carbs, More Cardio

Our bodies need carbohydrates to function properly and healthily, but you can have too much of a good thing (especially if you’re me). I’ve given up refined sugars in the past and this time I’m including excessive carbs. The general rule of thumb is that when you eat well, you feel well. Eating well leads to more energy which hopefully leads to a greater desire for exercise.

2. Au Revoir, Skyscrapers

I’ve lived among the towers of downtown Vancouver since the summer of 2004 and, in that time, have grown to loathe downtown life. It was a dream as a child, exciting when I first moved there and now is nothing more than a constant annoyance. When the weather gets better, it’s time to pack up and move to somewhere on the other side of the bridge where the brunch is better, the rent is cheaper and the streets are quieter.

3. Stretch Time

Having practiced yoga on and off for many years, I tend to get into it head-first and then drop it a few months later for one reason or another. At times it’s difficult to push myself to get to class but once I’m there I always feel both phenomenal and peaceful. Committing myself to one class per week sounds like a reasonable compromise.

4. Pack My Bags

Last year marked the first time I’d ever taken any kind of epic holiday and 2011 will be no exception. In the spring, the plan is to escape April showers in exchange for 32 degrees in sunny Mexico. This fall I’m hopping a plane to JFK airport once again to watch the leaves change colour in Central Park, feel the rumble of the subway and sip lattes on chilly Autumn sidewalks in New York City.

5. Blogging On My Terms

More often than not, maintaining a blog can easily slip into the category of “chore” rather than “hobby”. Writing creatively about things that interest me or invoke some passion is something I will never tire of, so I’ve decided that this year I will blog only on my own terms. Rather than pursuing stories, leads or ideas, I’m going to let the content come to me.

6. Mo’ Money, Mo’ Savings

Over the past handful of years, I’ve been so focused on getting rid of student loan debt that I’ve neglected equally important financial decisions like RRSPs and a tax-free savings account. Being financially independent is being financially responsible and relying on “someday” and “what if” does no one any good.

7. Stand Tall

At nearly 5’9″, I tend to slouch a lot. My back has never been the strongest part of my body, and probably more than any other endeavour on this list, I want need to stay focused on proper posture. This includes keeping my shoulders back, sitting up straight, not crossing my legs and making sure my feet are squared off when walking.

Ever notice how, in yoga, you’re expected to keep your feet squared when in poses? It’s what’s best for the connection between your back, hips, legs and feet alignment. I dare you to try it.

8. Flip The Page

If you’re like me, you read in spurts. Two or three books in a short period of time and then nothing at all for months. I enjoy reading, love the way book collections look on shelves and constantly wish I made time to read more often than I do. If I could average getting through a new book every other month, I’d feel like much less of a slacker in this realm.

Photo: Tempest Kat on Flickr

It’s said that making your so-called resolutions known will help you stick to them. Since it seems that that’s likely true, you tell me: what are some of your try-hards for 2011?

I’m always in a slight state of amazement when another year draws to a close. As a child, a year seemed like an eternity. As an adult, a year passes by in a blink.

2010 held new adventures, new milestones, new people and new life lessons. If anything, it was a year filled with incredible experiences and fun memories of watching both my niece and Jordy grow older – a year that will be hard to top. From the Olympic Winter Games and concerts to trips to Victoria, New York City and (some) points in between, it’s hard to believe how much I’ve packed into one year!

It should be no surprise that I’m highly anticipating 2011 with excitment! But for now, with no rhyme or reason, I present to you some of my favourite photos, moments, memories and faces from 2010.

Photo: © Snap Weddings

Photo: © Snap Weddings

As you read this, yours truly is on a ferry en route to Vancouver Island for Christmas with my family. The blog will be on a brief hiatus until the New Year, giving me time to focus on the little things. Here’s wishing you and yours the merriest of Christmases and a most fabulous New Year!

The fact that I’ve been missing-in-action on my blog since Monday hasn’t escaped me. I’ve come home from work each day this week and felt a pang of guilt when I saw the “Blog Dashboard” bookmark in Safari, knowing that the neglect was growing each day. So I shut off my computer and flipped the TV on instead.

In reality, it couldn’t be helped. Life at the office has been insanely busy for me this week, compounded with the loss of sleep I experienced on Sunday night. The fire alarms in my building went off not one time but three times between 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. that night. Calling me grumpy would be understating the truth and, appropriately enough, I’ve been “Zombie Keira-Anne” since then.

Photo: Duane Storey on Flickr

Needless to say, I am most definitely looking forward to re-grouping myself on the weekend. Tracy-Lee and I are taking our fur babies to the Howl-O-Ween Pawty doggy meet-up at Bow Wow Haus this evening before I cop a squat with buttered popcorn and some CSI:NY. I plan on spending Saturday afternoon commencing my search for the perfect birthday party dress, starting the hunt at Plum on South Granville. Saturday night is date night and Sunday will be spent in my pajamas in front of my laptop as I write and write and write for my faithful readers.

That said, I pledge to be back on my game and in fine form next week with fresh content. If you have any ideas for a post topic or Island Profile feature, please feel free to let me know. I’m always interested in readers’ ideas!

There are times when managing a blog seems as treacherous as one of Indiana Jones’ expeditions. Pitfalls and traps are ready to ensnare you if you’re not careful, and one wrong move can land you in a slithering snake pit. Or, as it was in my case, a worm pit.

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

Last week my blog fell victim to a pharma hack – essentially a hacker left a worm somewhere in my complicated blog code through my server and let that worm hatch wherever it wanted, slowly infecting my blog post by post. Before I go any further, the worm was never a threat to the computers of those who read my blog during the hack. What the worm did do, however, was change my post titles to pharmaceutical offers in Google or other search engines.

Much to my relief, the pharma hack was stopped dead in its tracks and cleaned up spic and span thanks to the supremely skilled folks at sixty4media. I can’t say I didn’t succumb to a brief meltdown or two, but they took care of everything and made sure my blog was sailing as smoothly as possible. I’m looking forward to leaving Keira-anne.com solely in sixty4media’s capable hands from here out. You can check out their comprehensive services online and follow their updates on Twitter.

After having written around and about Vancouver Island for several years, and with a design that is as old as my URL, I’m long overdue for a change. I’ve scoped out various design ideas that are appealing and have settled on minimalism with a punch. What I can’t decide, however, is what that punch will look like.

What I’m looking for is a graphic that truly represents all that is Vancouver Island. I’ve considered ocean waves, forest trees, seashells and a few similar symbols, but it’s certainly been hard to pin one down without getting too cliché. To define the Island in an idea or two has proven to be quite the task! That said, I’ve decided to turn to my readers for some assistance.

When you think of Vancouver Island on the whole, what do you visualize? What does the Island symbolize for you?

If you’ve got some ideas, feel free to share them below. And further, if you have experience in slick graphic design, I want to hear from you also!

Not joining: it’s what I’m famous for. I’ve always been more content to strut to my own beat rather than go with the flow. I often resist change and will purposely avoid jumping bandwagons simply out of principle.

The same could not be more true of my relationship with social media. I was one of those straggling converts from MySpace to Facebook years ago. For the longest time I held my ground over Twitter, unable to see the point in “micro blogging”. However, as this blog gains the structure and focused content it’s been featuring lately, I find myself with less opportunities to share personal thoughts in more than 140 characters. Isn’t that always the chagrin of Twitter?

Last night I started a Tumblr account-slash-blog in an effort to bring back a personal aspect to my online interactions. From what I can tell so far, I think Tumblr may just suit my needs quite creatively because it’s essentially an online scrapbook. You don’t need to be on Tumblr to check me out – my new postings will automatically be posted to my Twitter account. So simple.

Honest to a fault and too kind to be cruel, Tony Pierce is a rare gem. As the sole author of the long-running busblog and chief blog editor for the LA Times, never a dull word is uttered from his mouth. That is, of course, if you manage to catch him long enough for a conversation.

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

Throughout our friendship, Tony has interviewed yours truly on two occasions and has even orchestrated an interview between myself and Taylor Hanson (yup, the “Mmmbop…” guy). Never once has he sat down to be interrogated by me – until last night.

Keira-Anne: Good evening. Let’s start by getting your name out of the way.

Tony Pierce: My name is Andy Warhol and I’m here to sell you soup. Actually, paintings of soup cans.

KA: Are you selling anything else, Andy Warhol?

TP: Nope, just soup. I also go by a more common name of Tony Pierce

KA: Did your mama name you Anthony?

TP: She did! Anthony Hugh Pierce III.

KA: That’s a rather distinguished name. Why did you drop the a, n, h and y?

TP: There was a tax on consonants where I grew up. So repressive!

KA: That’s rather unfortunate. I hope it didn’t break your mama’s heart. Moving on… Did you have a favourite pair of pajamas when you were a little boy? Maybe some flannels with a bunch of Cs for the Cubs all over them?

TP: Hmmmm that was so very long ago. I’m sure I did, I just cant recall that far back.

KA: Were the Cubs even in existence in the ’50s?

TP: Yes, they were just figuring out how to successfully lose for a living. Their last world series win was in 1908, so by the ’50s they were almost in stride.

KA: That’s appalling. Let’s talk about sports later on. When did you make the move from Chicago to Los Angeles?

TP: I moved here the day after my high school graduation. I was 17.

KA: I like that you’re not getting any more specific than that. You were so young, so fresh and so impressionable. Were you frightened on your first day in LA?

TP: Indeed. I had gone from kindergarten all the way to graduating high school in Illinois. I knew everyone, so moving here not knowing one soul was weird, but I was up for it. I mean, I knew what family I had out here, but no one my own age.

KA: Can you tell me what your first great memory of LA was? You know… that pinnacle moment where you realized you made the right decision.

TP: There’s this free weekly newspaper out here called the LA Weekly and they list all the bands that are gonna play and where all the movies are. Even though I didn’t like to dance, I figured I should go to a dance club to meet girls.

KA: That’s never a bad idea.

TP: So the Weekly said I should try this one club because it was a mix between the bar in Star Wars and the wildest orgies in ancient Rome. LITTLE DID I KNOW that meant it was a gay and lesbian club.

KA: They didn’t specify that in the small print?

TP: NOT AT ALL. So I stood stunned as I saw two super hot girls make out and I was all “I’m in HEAV-“ and this dude tapped me on the shoulder.

KA: Did your stomach drop at that moment?

TP: Looks like probably exactly like how your dad looks and said “wanna dance?”

KA: I guess strapping, young black men from the mid-west were his thing. Did you oblige him?

TP: No, I ran out of the club and sped out of the garage as fast as I could with a huge WELCOME TO LA feeling in my heart.

KA: Have you been back to the Star Wars Orgy since?

TP: When I told my friends about it, they were all, “a gay and lesbian dance club? Hell, we woulda’ burned down such a place in IL“. And interestingly enough this place, The Odyssey, was burned down a few months after I went there.

KA: There’s some culture shock for you… There’s a gay club in Vancouver called the Odyssey as well.

TP: See, maybe that’s a thing that we straights don’t know.

KA: Perhaps it’s a chain. What’s the one thing about LA you wouldn’t trade for anything else?

TP: People talk about the pretty girls, but you’re proof that there are gorgeouser women in Canada.

KA: Is it all talk?

TP: No, there are definitely pretty girls here.

KA: You make me blush and I’m not even the one being interviewed.

TP: Ha! Some say they like bumping into celebrities in LA, but we are now letting Canada steal our movie and TV biz.

KA: It’s true. BC is kind of a Mecca for that stuff now.

TP: So I would say it’s the weather. There’s nothing better than wearing shorts in January.

KA: How about not wearing shorts in January?

TP: Bottomlessness is frowned upon in the lower 48, but I’m glad that Canada is setting trends.

KA: What about Hawaii and Alaska?

TP: Palinville and Punanyland? They don’t really count.

KA: Fair enough. So tell me… what is so special about Los Angeles that they deserve not one but two NBA teams?

TP: LA deserves two teams of all great sports. The fact that we have zero football teams is just LA being funny.

KA: If that’s your logic, then the same should be said about Vancouver. What happened to the Raiders?

TP: The Raiders were here for 15-16 years, something like that. And Uncle Al… all he wanted was a kickass stadium – one with luxury boxes. LA promised they’d hook him up.

KA: Hold on… Uncle Al?

TP: Al Davis. The one and only owner of the Raiders.

KA: Okay. Keep going.

TP: N.W.A even has a line about him: “And quit giving juice to the Raiders / Cuz Al Davis / Never paid us“.

KA: Sounds hostile.

TP: The Raiders are silver and black because Al is color blind and he wanted the fans to see things like he does. He’s the original gangsta, which is why N.W.A loved him.

KA: Tony, you teach me something new every time I talk to you.

TP: Hahaha – menial trivia I’m sure.

KA: Someone somewhere will be interested in that fact. I, for one, am. That said, Lakers or Clippers?

TP: I am not a Kobe fan. But it’s hard not to be a Phil Jackson fan. I really wish the Clip Show was more competitive, because I would go to more of their games if they were.

KA: Nice lead-in. Kobe Bryant replaced Jerry West as the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer in tonight’s game. Does that do anything for you?

TP: Not really. Kobe began playing for the Lakers right outta high school. He’s almost always had great players around him. Jerry West spent four years in college.

KA: It’s okay. The Lakers lost to the Grizzlies tonight anyway. Point proven.

TP: See? Here’s another weird trivia bit that you may not be aware of but maybe you are.

KA: Do tell…

TP: The NBA logo is Jerry West.

KA: Reeeeeeally? Kobe’s credibility between you and I just keeps getting weaker and weaker.

TP: Yep.

KA: That is nothing short of rad.

TP: I know!

KA: I can’t go any further without complimenting you on your spelling and grammar. I’m a bit particular about it myself – obsessive almost. How important is spelling, grammar and sentence structure in blogging?

TP: it all depends on what kind of blogging you’re doing.

KA: Is it important to you?

TP: Very.

KA: Phewf.

TP: I’m trying to do something arty. When it’s at its best, which it hasn’t been in a while, it should look drunken and wasted and nutz.

KA: Blogging ebbs and flows.

TP: Life ebbs and flows and you can’t always be the artiste you wanna be.

KA: Do people still use a “z” to pluralize?

TP: It all depends on what I’m trying to evoke.

KA: I bet you say “zee”.

TP: I think the Lord has blessed us with a large pallet in which to paint from, so we should use everything – but in the right way.

KA: Speaking of, if you weren’t a hot shot with the LA Times and the sole author or the busblog, do you think you would have instead been a man of the cloth? You make this too easy for me. It’s like you’re reading my mind.

TP: If only I could read minds, I would use that power for the hottest evil.

KA: More about that in a moment…

TP: Which is probably why they wouldn’t allow me in any monastery.

KA: True. But you’re pretty tight with the G-man, no?

TP: I am a devout believer, yes.

KA: That makes two of us. I’m diggin’ Isaiah these days.

TP: I just finished first Kings, so I’m still thinking a lot about David. I will be on Isaiah soon!

KA: Good!

“I read The Bible once. You know God and Jesus and all them apostles? They were all fishermen, just like me. Yeah, straight to heaven for Mick Dundee. Yep, me and God, we’d be mates.”

Is it that simple?

TP: Let’s hope! They say you go by the Grace of God, so who knows.

KA: And probably by the sweat of your brow.

TP: If I get in, it will be after much deliberation. Unlike you, I wont get a unanimous vote.

KA: I don’t know – I think things are a bit more cut and dry than that… especially in real life. Which merit do you think would earn me that unanimous vote?

TP: A) You’re a virgin;
B) you’re Canadian;
C) your blog design is gorge;
D) you love animals;
E) you love nature;
F) when you touch yourself you think of angels and butterflies;
G) you are super sweet to even those you don’t have to be…

KA: I don’t think my ego can handle you getting all the way to zee, but that’s a good start.

TP: Hahaha.

KA: Remember when we hung out in Vancouver about 20 years ago?

TP: Best summer vacation I’ve ever had!

KA: What’s so repulsive about this city that’s kept you away since? Does Vancouver smell funny?

TP: Vancouver smells so good that even its worst aroma is Hells Angels selling weed.

KA: I don’t think they sell it. I think they have other people that sell it for them.

TP: Whatevs, that whole block smelled awesome.

KA: If you come back to Vancouver this summer, we’ll go to the arcade again. And I’ll even let you borrow Jordy to go for a walk and pick up chicks.

TP: The reason I have never come back goes along those lines… I really got a massive crush on Foxy.

KA: I know you did.

TP: And it would be hard for me to not stalk her if I returned. Which isn’t the way you wanna roll when in Canada.

KA: Would she be upset if you stalked her?

TP: It’s hard to tell because she plays it so cool. She hardly ever writes me back when I write her, so who knows if she just doesn’t wanna talk or if she hates me.

KA: And you definitely don’t want to be a needy chick to Foxy.

TP: I don’t wanna be needy to anyone. I don’t mind chasing, but I don’t wanna be annoying.

KA: That’s a good balance. But the offer stands. My dog is a total magnet. You’d have hot chicks flocking to you like bees to honey.

TP: I’ve always had great luck up there, so I wouldn’t doubt it!

KA: Multiple luck from what I’ve heard.

TP: I think the girls are just tired of naturally handsome locals.

KA: “Naturally handsome locals” isn’t really an accurate blanket statement. Do you still have this shirt?

TP: Indeed I do! I’m thinking about wearing it to this really cool Super Bowl party on Sunday. It’s the cheesiest shirt I own, so why not?

KA: Who’s playing in the Super Bowl this year? New Orleans and…

TP: Peyton Manning’s Indy Colts.

KA: Are you placing any bets?

TP: I’m not, but if I was, I’d bet on the Colts – they have the experience. But my heart is with the Saints.

KA: Is that just your hunch talking?

TP: No. I just feel for the city of New Orleans and I know how much more important this would be for them. Indy has… oh so much but New Orleans could use a break.

KA: You know, I was thinking the same thing tonight as I watched the Suns in NOLA. Plus they’re down their star point-guard. A win would’ve been great for the city’s morale.

TP: Trust me, I am in 7 NBA fantasy leagues and I drafted that point guard #1 in three of those leagues. I know all too well about that sitch.

KA: Does that mean you’re out money?

TP: No I never play fantasy for $. People cheat enough as it is, but if it was for $ I’m afraid they’d totally cheat worse, and block me from making incredible trades. Today, for example, I pulled the trigger on a trade you may appreciate.

KA: Are you afraid of becoming addicted to gambling?

TP: The only thing I’m addicted to is blogging.

KA: That’s safe.

TP: Is it?

KA: You traded Amar’e Stoudemire, didn’t you?

TP: Close, Derrick Rose for the injured Carlos Boozer.

KA: That really doesn’t impact me either way.

TP: Me, I think it’s a brilliant trade.

KA: Plus, we got whipped by Utah last week.

TP: See, they’re really good. Some would say Boozer is their hidden reason.

KA: It’s possible, sure.

TP: But in fantasy he gives points, boards, blocks. Rose can only score and dole out a few assists.

KA: Fantasy sports, in my opinion, is really likened to WOW.

TP: Oh def – except with real people.

KA: Doesn’t it make you feel a little bit silly?

TP: No because it keeps me aware of EVERY team in the NBA, even the players on the bench.

KA: So there is some value to it.

TP: Tons. When I go to a game, I know every detail.

KA: Tony, we’ve been chatting for 53 minutes now. What kind of a feeling are you having about how we’re rolling?

TP: Chatting with you, Keira-Anne, is like dancing in the clouds with Gene Kelly.

KA: Would you be Gene Kelly?

TP: Wait, that’s a dude?!?! Aw crap.

KA: Yes.

TP: Ok, his girlfriend.

KA: You’d be his girlfriend?

TP: Chatting with you, Keira-Anne, is like being Spider-man upside-down kissing Kirsten Dunst in the rain while Sam Raimi directs.

KA: That was a hot kiss – very lippy. Have you ever kissed a girl like that?

TP: Not when it was raining.

KA: Were you wearing spandex?

TP: Just under my suit.

KA: So you were more like Superman…

TP: The only way I’m like Superman is that I work at a newspaper by day.

KA: And your name is cooler than “Clark”.

TP: Tony Pierce is a pretty good name, I must say.

KA: It’s a great name. May I compliment you for a moment?

TP: Hmmmm… fine.

KA: Woah, woah, woah… why the defense? (Do you like that I spelled it the American way just for you?)

TP: How are you supposed to spell it?

KA: In Canada we spell it as “defence”. Safari tells me that I just spelled it wrong.

TP: Ahhhh…

KA: For the record, I believe our French Canadian-influenced spelling looks odd. We also spell “center” as “centre”.

TP: Yes, I like that a lot.

KA: Anyway, enough deviation. I would just like to say that I enjoy speaking with you because you are one of those extremely rare people that expects authenticity from others while seemingly accepting them for who they are. And that, my friend, makes my heart happy.

TP: Awwww thank you! I don’t expect people to be authentic, but I’m very happy when they trust me enough to cut the act.

KA: Perhaps that’s a better way of articulating what I meant. You have a knack for encouraging people to cut the crap.

TP: I’m glad you feel comfortable with me. For sure!

KA: So as our time together draws to an end, is there anything that you want/need/wish the great people of Canada to know about you? Or do you simply want to bid us adieu and goodnight with a reminder of how warm it is in Cali right now?

TP: It’s not super warm here this minute.

KA: I bet it’s warmer than Vancouver.

TP: I have my little space heater on.

KA: I have my heater on in my little space.

TP: And no, I don’t want to try to convince Canada of anything about me. I trust that they will judge me accurately. I guess the only thing for me to say to the good people up there is “Thank You”. Mostly for visiting my site as much as they do and for always being welcoming and loving when I visit.

KA: Are the majority of your readers from Canada?

TP: At the bottom of my blog on the left rail it shows the countries. Right now it’s late, so almost everyone is from the West Coast of the USA. But during the day, when it matters, it’s about half Canada and half the USA.

KA: Well, whatever we may lack in numbers, we make up for in love and pixie dust for the busblog.

TP: Hooray!!! I do have one favor of you.

KA: Anything for you, Anthony Hugh Pierce III.

TP: I would like to ask you about your love life since we have been tracking it on the busblog. So table’s turned! Ms. Keira-Anne, tell us that you’re not still a single woman. Tell us that some smart man has swooped you up.

KA: Is the interviewee allowed to ask the interviewer questions?

TP: I believe you just said, “Anything for you, Anthony Hugh Pierce III“.

KA: This is true. I can’t deny what I said or eat my words.

TP: But since you are a gentlewoman I will allow you one no comment.

KA: I am still a single woman and no smart man has swooped me up.

TP: Now how again is this at all possible?? You walk to work?

KA: I do walk to work each day.

TP: And no guys smile as you pass by?

KA: Sometimes the construction workers. But more no than yes.

TP: When you go out with your friends to eat, or better, to drink, no guys send over a nice drink and wave?

KA: I had a guy buy me drinks on my birthday. Then I found out he was engaged. Who does that? Needless to say, I bolted.

TP: Dick! Do you have any single lady BFFs?

KA: Sure do. Well, single ladies. No BFFs for this girl.

TP: Am I to believe that you and your single ladies don’t go out 1-2 times a month to prowl the bars and/or bowling alleys searching for testosterone?

KA: You know that’s not how I roll.

TP: It’s just walking that catwalk. Letting the fools know what they lucked into.

KA: I do that every time I leave my apartment…

TP: Fair enough. You’ve answered more than one question, so thank you. One follow-up though, totally unrelated.

KA: Go for it.

TP: Power Windows… Sorry, Tinted Windows

KA: What about tinted power windows?

TP: Your boy leading that super group.

KA: Aww yeah Taylor Hanson. It didn’t really take off as much as it could have. But the thing is, he gels best with his brothers. Anything else he tries, in my opinion, will pale in comparison.

TP: Glad to hear it. I was afraid you’d drank the Kool-Aid.

KA: Never. Unless it’s lime.

TP: Awesome. Well thanks for the interview.

KA: No, no… thank you.