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Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Graham is Great!
We are indebted to Graham for bringing the following, well-timed web-comic to our attention [Jesse, I'm looking at you]: so true
Which lead me to do the following researchAnd this too.
Cool!
# posted by Spot @ 9:00 p.m.
0 comments
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
This is really happening
Tomorrow looks like rain: yes!
I had a moment of particular transcendence this weekend, but I'm not sure if I can quite put it into words.. no harm in trying though.
We were playing Settlers, which Jesse invariably wins despite his griping. The game finished, drinks drunk and so on, we were enjoying a bit of conversation when that song came on. It just.. fit. Perfectly. Someone [Jesse or Dan?] turned off the lights, and I just fell into the moment.
Closed my eyes, leaned back and let the music move/through/me. Woah.
You know what I like? Everything!
What in particular? Walking fast in the warm dark, for one. I love that. I was making my way to Paris from St-Laurent Sunday night when I noticed how fun that feeling is.
Jean Cocteau is also a new favorite. I really enjoyed the range of his work: it was all very weird, but once you get past that you see much more. He's whimsical, playful, absurd, non-self-censoring... and frighteningly recognizable. I was sometimes surprised to find images from my very dreams on display. Jung might be right about the collective unconcious.
And quesadillas are cool too. Very tasty.
So I've got Saturday and Sunday off. Manon just let me know about the Y party on Friday night. It's kinda weird, because they're coming to my beach that day too. If only I weren't working so late.. I could get a ride back with them.
Maybe I could go to the party anyway? Transport will be tricky, but possible. So Graham, don't worry, we will get to party this summer!
I'm sleepy. Goodnight!
I had a moment of particular transcendence this weekend, but I'm not sure if I can quite put it into words.. no harm in trying though.
We were playing Settlers, which Jesse invariably wins despite his griping. The game finished, drinks drunk and so on, we were enjoying a bit of conversation when that song came on. It just.. fit. Perfectly. Someone [Jesse or Dan?] turned off the lights, and I just fell into the moment.
Closed my eyes, leaned back and let the music move/through/me. Woah.
You know what I like? Everything!
What in particular? Walking fast in the warm dark, for one. I love that. I was making my way to Paris from St-Laurent Sunday night when I noticed how fun that feeling is.
Jean Cocteau is also a new favorite. I really enjoyed the range of his work: it was all very weird, but once you get past that you see much more. He's whimsical, playful, absurd, non-self-censoring... and frighteningly recognizable. I was sometimes surprised to find images from my very dreams on display. Jung might be right about the collective unconcious.
And quesadillas are cool too. Very tasty.
So I've got Saturday and Sunday off. Manon just let me know about the Y party on Friday night. It's kinda weird, because they're coming to my beach that day too. If only I weren't working so late.. I could get a ride back with them.
Maybe I could go to the party anyway? Transport will be tricky, but possible. So Graham, don't worry, we will get to party this summer!
I'm sleepy. Goodnight!
# posted by Spot @ 11:31 p.m.
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Saturday, July 24, 2004
Swim Like Lions Through The Crest
One day left 'till my weekend: I can't hardly wait! Unfortunately, one of our lifeguards is ill with an ear infection. Kathy has my complete sympathy: the same thing happened to me last year, and it hurts. Still, we could really use her and she can't come in, so we're one short. This would be a complete disaster if not for the recent beach closing. See, this is the construction holiday... /sidebar: does anyone else think it's really weird that everyone who works for construction/road maintenance in Quebec gets the same two weeks off in July? I mean, could you pick a more inconvenient time to suspend all road repair? Anyway, all the families of all the construction workers are on vacation, and a lot of them come to the beach. You can actually tell the difference in terms of clientele: there's much more English, and much more yelling. Parents yelling at kids, people yelling at each other: not a pleasant bunch. So since today was a weekend in a construction holiday it should have been crazy, but it wasn't, probably because of the beach closing Thursday. I'm incredibly grateful.. I'm also hoping this holds up tomorrow so we don't feel a lack of Kathy. I'd really hate to be burnt out when my weekend starts... |
# posted by Spot @ 10:23 p.m.
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Friday, July 23, 2004
Party Squared
| Ever wondered what lifeguards do in their time off? No? Too bad, I'm gonna tell you anyway.
Truth is that we're an unimaginative bunch. So last night, at the park staff party, we all went swimming. My lack of bathing suit didn't hinder the activity: I was just thrown in, dress and all. I guess it's understandable that the park staff would want to swim at a party. After all, they're not swimming all the time everyday. But lifeguards? At the lifeguarding party tonight we all went swimming... again. But it was lots of fun. I still can't believe I get paid to hang out with these folks: they're a great bunch, and we have so much fun together. Today especially: the beach was re-opened at noon, but no one wanted to go swimming anyway. So we spent the day playing cards, talking about life and, in my case, annotating Hannibal. Good times! |
# posted by Spot @ 11:41 p.m.
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Too Good To Be True
I wish I could tell you all about how amazing a time I've been having. It's not for lack of trying: I'm working on a day-by-day chronicle of the six day weekend.. it's just hard to find the right words sometimes, and there are a few fuzzy spaces where the Jim Beam kicks in.
It was really good. If I never get past that, it's still an adequate summary.
It was really good and I finally put my hands on what I've been reaching for. In the tradition of not posting the most important aspects of my life until they're old news, well... sorry.
Point is, today was good for another reason. I just got back from staff party #1 [we're having a second tomorrow just for the lifeguards]. It was great! And we just got closed down because our water quality is *terrible*. So although I have to be at work tomorrow.. I won't be working very hard.
Maybe I'll have time to finish that chronicle. 3 days 'till my next weekend!
# posted by Spot @ 12:05 a.m.
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Wednesday, July 21, 2004
YES!
| . . .
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# posted by Spot @ 12:16 a.m.
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Tuesday, July 13, 2004
I Can Feel It
Spending a couple of hours a day looking at people beaching can give rise to some strange thoughts. Such as: what happens after the end of "American Beauty"? We know that Lester's been shot by Ricky's father, Frank. But... Jane's on tape, asking Ricky to kill Lester. Frank disowned his son, so I doubt he'd come forward. What with Ricky's weirdness, I wonder if investigators would even bother looking for another suspect.
Then I think to myself: it's a movie! Augh, I need a break! Good thing a break is just around the corner
Yes, one day left. And I can tell it's gonna be a good one. Cathy and the kids left me the car today, so I can drive to work [+]. They're predicting rain tomorrow, so more time off for me [+]. Aaannndd I have the late shift, so I get to sleep in! [+++]
I would also like to reiterate the recent effectiveness of asking for permission rather than forgiveness. Amazingly, James and Cathy are ok with me having the whole household over: I guess I didn't have to wait for them to leave town after all. Bonus!
I figure we can sneak in any extras we desire, such as Jesse's friends or sundry cool folk.
Oooh, I can't wait! And don't worry about the weather: the weather office is wrong at least half the time. All the same, pray for sun. Possible plan B: if it does rain, I would absolutely love to have a Super Smash Brothers Melee tournament. Just an idea :)
PS: What does the M stand for in DMH? Also, 10 points to anyone who remembers my second middle name. You know, the French one.
PPS: Leave Foundation alone! I was in grade 8! Prelude reminds me of Boston a-la-Kyte. Still, the writing could use a little development. Yay Ender's Game!
Then I think to myself: it's a movie! Augh, I need a break! Good thing a break is just around the corner
Yes, one day left. And I can tell it's gonna be a good one. Cathy and the kids left me the car today, so I can drive to work [+]. They're predicting rain tomorrow, so more time off for me [+]. Aaannndd I have the late shift, so I get to sleep in! [+++]
I would also like to reiterate the recent effectiveness of asking for permission rather than forgiveness. Amazingly, James and Cathy are ok with me having the whole household over: I guess I didn't have to wait for them to leave town after all. Bonus!
I figure we can sneak in any extras we desire, such as Jesse's friends or sundry cool folk.
Oooh, I can't wait! And don't worry about the weather: the weather office is wrong at least half the time. All the same, pray for sun. Possible plan B: if it does rain, I would absolutely love to have a Super Smash Brothers Melee tournament. Just an idea :)
PS: What does the M stand for in DMH? Also, 10 points to anyone who remembers my second middle name. You know, the French one.
PPS: Leave Foundation alone! I was in grade 8! Prelude reminds me of Boston a-la-Kyte. Still, the writing could use a little development. Yay Ender's Game!
# posted by Spot @ 10:30 p.m.
0 comments
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Candy In My Ears
I was talking to Emilie last night and she strongly suggested I ask for forgiveness rather than permission with respect to a prospective roadtrip to Cape Breton. I'm not surprised this is her tactic, given it served her so well when we were in our terrible teens. [remind me to show you which window she dropped from to escape the house on New Year's Eve]
But I was pleasantly surprised to see that after about 10 years of trying, the "asking for permission rather than forgiveness" tactic is actually starting to work. Yes!
Now that I think about it, today is a "Yes!" day in general. I got to sleep in, Anne-Marie agreed without reservation to sub for me in August, I got a free hot dog at work (ooh!), then Dad calls with a cheerful endorsement of a road trip, as well as the awesome news that I have a place to live in Halifax! Horray! I'm not homeless anymore!
Then Cathy took me to the Kirkland public library. Orgasmic! I got "Prelude to Foundation" and "Portrait in Sepia", a weird combination. I was disappointed to find "The Phantom Tollbooth" was already out. I've got a quote from that book rattling around in my head, but it's not clear. Something about Milo asking how the carriage works, and his companion saying "shh...it goes without saying". Cute!
Finally, the adults of the household stayed up late to watch "Under the Tuscan Sun". I found the theme of strength in the face of persistent heartbreak uplifting. I also found the everpresence of Italian reminded me of another household...
But I was pleasantly surprised to see that after about 10 years of trying, the "asking for permission rather than forgiveness" tactic is actually starting to work. Yes!
Now that I think about it, today is a "Yes!" day in general. I got to sleep in, Anne-Marie agreed without reservation to sub for me in August, I got a free hot dog at work (ooh!), then Dad calls with a cheerful endorsement of a road trip, as well as the awesome news that I have a place to live in Halifax! Horray! I'm not homeless anymore!
Then Cathy took me to the Kirkland public library. Orgasmic! I got "Prelude to Foundation" and "Portrait in Sepia", a weird combination. I was disappointed to find "The Phantom Tollbooth" was already out. I've got a quote from that book rattling around in my head, but it's not clear. Something about Milo asking how the carriage works, and his companion saying "shh...it goes without saying". Cute!
Finally, the adults of the household stayed up late to watch "Under the Tuscan Sun". I found the theme of strength in the face of persistent heartbreak uplifting. I also found the everpresence of Italian reminded me of another household...
# posted by Spot @ 12:47 a.m.
0 comments
Thursday, July 08, 2004
There's Nothing To Do But Believe
Today I watched as a storm of titanic proportions approached the beach, then abruptly swerved to the south. It was... amazing. The sun lit the clouds from behind and below, and you got the definite feeling that "some Norse God somewhere is really pissed off" as my co-worker Bernard put it. But because we had avoided the wrath of the storm, the sight made me feel.. blessed. Like I was singled out for sunny days.
Which I totally am. No offence, but God like me better than He likes you. Or I've done something really right. Or He owes me. Whatever the reason, I felt it, right then and there.
Like the ground swells up beneath you, your heart lifts into your mouth and you just have to sing. Because...
We're going sailing! I spoke with Emilie, and everything we need is right here, at Cathy's: sails and all! The hull is at the Royal, and Emilie promises it's ok, so we're all set. [Assuming that Dad doesn't go through with this spur-of-the moment plan to fly me down to Halifax next weekend so we can go apartment hunting *together*. That's right: I'm going to Dal. Just thought I'd sneak that in here]
Aaannnnddd...I did some research, and we could rent a car for as low as...150$ a week. After taxes and fees, that's probably about $250 for the car. Yahoo maps says the trip from Montreal to CB is 1485.3 Km. Rent a wreck allows a free 1200 Km a week, and .10$/extra Km. That means... a return trip will cost us.. an extra $16? Ish? My math must be off, it always is.
But if it's right.. we can do the roadtrip for...about 300$? That's less than 100$ each! I'm in! Giggidy giggidy giggidy!
Well, this post is a little heavy on the details, but it's what I've been thinking about. Which is probably why I'm so happy all of a sudden: lots to be happy about. Now I'm putting the call out: any beach lifeguards out there who want a week of work?
Which I totally am. No offence, but God like me better than He likes you. Or I've done something really right. Or He owes me. Whatever the reason, I felt it, right then and there.
Like the ground swells up beneath you, your heart lifts into your mouth and you just have to sing. Because...
We're going sailing! I spoke with Emilie, and everything we need is right here, at Cathy's: sails and all! The hull is at the Royal, and Emilie promises it's ok, so we're all set. [Assuming that Dad doesn't go through with this spur-of-the moment plan to fly me down to Halifax next weekend so we can go apartment hunting *together*. That's right: I'm going to Dal. Just thought I'd sneak that in here]
Aaannnnddd...I did some research, and we could rent a car for as low as...150$ a week. After taxes and fees, that's probably about $250 for the car. Yahoo maps says the trip from Montreal to CB is 1485.3 Km. Rent a wreck allows a free 1200 Km a week, and .10$/extra Km. That means... a return trip will cost us.. an extra $16? Ish? My math must be off, it always is.
But if it's right.. we can do the roadtrip for...about 300$? That's less than 100$ each! I'm in! Giggidy giggidy giggidy!
Well, this post is a little heavy on the details, but it's what I've been thinking about. Which is probably why I'm so happy all of a sudden: lots to be happy about. Now I'm putting the call out: any beach lifeguards out there who want a week of work?
# posted by Spot @ 11:27 p.m.
0 comments
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Le Bon Voyage
This morning I sat on the slopes of Mount Royal to watch the sun rise. Breathtaking. It was the end of yet another almighty finish to a lovely weekend.
I find it's best to fill your days like this. It makes them seem to last longer. Too long: I have so much to say that I doubt I can keep this succinct, but I'll try.
Ok, I left for Ottawa Saturday morning to visit my Shad roomie and good friend Diana. She and her boyfriend Neil met me at the bus station, and we basically hung out for three days: did some mini putting, saw a movie, caroused downtown. At the market I got a temporary Henna tattoo and a harmless little piercing [mostly to commemorate my graduation, but also to mark a so far kick-ass summer].
On my way back I hit a bit of kink which turned into a bonus: I caught the bus in Kirkland, but my return only went downtown. I got in at Berri-QUAM around 3 yesterday, a little bummed 'cuz that means an extra hour and a half on public transit to get back to Cathy's. But wait... I know people downtown. Cool people! Hospitable people! I called Cathy to let her know I'd be another day away from home, and headed up to the household.
I love that household. Just as Dan wishes to marry EuroDeli [though I hear they're going through a rough patch at the moment], I too which to marry the household. It such a nice place.
So, as a form of worship to the household, I offered up a supper of Cantwell macaroni, which seemed to go over quite well. We played bridge, which I learned pretty fast if I do say so myself, headed off to soccer [which was hindered for me by that innocent little piercing] and *then* to Bar Des Pins for pool and beer.
Did I ever mention how pool and I work? I have beginner's luck. Always. Because I never play, and I get worse the more I play, but when I haven't played in a while... shazaam!
I'm not sure how long we were at BDP, but I do know that Jesse headed off the bed around 2:30. Hours latter, we were still up and it was getting light out and the mountain seemed inviting... and that's about it. Watched the sun rise, came home for chocolate croissants [thanks Dan!], said good morning to Jesse who cursed our apparent cheerfulness and his lack of sleep then crashed.
Found a nice little dress at ValuVillage with Aarren [I give up on spelling. Someone help me] and Dan. It was so hard to leave at the end of the day! Even though work is great, weekends are great too...
But that's ok. Because we are going to rock the west island in...10 days. Oh yes: the union of my two favorite things: the household and my beach. YES! I envision BBQs and ice cream and volleyball and swimming and dancing and tanning and EVERYTHING. I'm so excited it hurts.
What I learned this weekend: give someone you know a foot rub. They deserve it, and will just love you for it. Mmmmmmmmm....
I find it's best to fill your days like this. It makes them seem to last longer. Too long: I have so much to say that I doubt I can keep this succinct, but I'll try.
Ok, I left for Ottawa Saturday morning to visit my Shad roomie and good friend Diana. She and her boyfriend Neil met me at the bus station, and we basically hung out for three days: did some mini putting, saw a movie, caroused downtown. At the market I got a temporary Henna tattoo and a harmless little piercing [mostly to commemorate my graduation, but also to mark a so far kick-ass summer].
On my way back I hit a bit of kink which turned into a bonus: I caught the bus in Kirkland, but my return only went downtown. I got in at Berri-QUAM around 3 yesterday, a little bummed 'cuz that means an extra hour and a half on public transit to get back to Cathy's. But wait... I know people downtown. Cool people! Hospitable people! I called Cathy to let her know I'd be another day away from home, and headed up to the household.
I love that household. Just as Dan wishes to marry EuroDeli [though I hear they're going through a rough patch at the moment], I too which to marry the household. It such a nice place.
So, as a form of worship to the household, I offered up a supper of Cantwell macaroni, which seemed to go over quite well. We played bridge, which I learned pretty fast if I do say so myself, headed off to soccer [which was hindered for me by that innocent little piercing] and *then* to Bar Des Pins for pool and beer.
Did I ever mention how pool and I work? I have beginner's luck. Always. Because I never play, and I get worse the more I play, but when I haven't played in a while... shazaam!
I'm not sure how long we were at BDP, but I do know that Jesse headed off the bed around 2:30. Hours latter, we were still up and it was getting light out and the mountain seemed inviting... and that's about it. Watched the sun rise, came home for chocolate croissants [thanks Dan!], said good morning to Jesse who cursed our apparent cheerfulness and his lack of sleep then crashed.
Found a nice little dress at ValuVillage with Aarren [I give up on spelling. Someone help me] and Dan. It was so hard to leave at the end of the day! Even though work is great, weekends are great too...
But that's ok. Because we are going to rock the west island in...10 days. Oh yes: the union of my two favorite things: the household and my beach. YES! I envision BBQs and ice cream and volleyball and swimming and dancing and tanning and EVERYTHING. I'm so excited it hurts.
What I learned this weekend: give someone you know a foot rub. They deserve it, and will just love you for it. Mmmmmmmmm....
# posted by Spot @ 11:12 p.m.
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