I went to the Harbourfront Centre again tonight, this time to see a free movie! The sun was beginning to set as I got there, and the breezes off the lake felt wonderful. There were a few sailboats and canoes out on the water, and the ubiquitous ducks (I hate ducks. Ask me to tell that story another time, though). The islands looked beautiful. Just before the film started, the sun set, with puffy pink and blue clouds hanging over the water.
There are two weeks left - free showings at the WestJet stage, on Tuesdays at 9pm (sundown). The emcee was loquacious, but in the end he did get to presenting the movie.
Next week: Lost in Translation
August 9: Audience Choice (Vote for Cairo Time!!)
Tonight's movie was called Amal. It's a film I'd never heard about until I watched the trailer before deciding to go out tonight. The film is a bittersweet (mostly sweet) story about a poor autorickshaw driver, content with his life, and always looking out for others. He unknowingly gets offered a windfall - an inheritance from one of his customers. The plot follows the customer's lawyers as they try to find the main character, and of the family members as they try to prevent the Will from being realized. The film is about the main character, but New Delhi also plays a role, as he drives his rickshaw around the city. The ending is perfect. I repeat, perfect. It could not end better.
I love this film. I'm no critic, but I highly recommend it. Go see it. Do.
Showing posts with label Toronto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toronto. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Rooftop Garden at UofT
Once more, blogTO.com has delightful news. This time, it's about a student-run rooftop garden at the university. They even have a beehive on the roof to polinate the plants!
Even better, they give tours:
Interested in visiting the Sky Garden? Bi-monthly tours start at 5:00 p.m. in the main lobby of the Galbraith Building located at 35 St. George Street. RSVP to urbanagriculturesociety@gmail.com to reserve your spot or view the tour schedule here.
Click this post's subject link for the full article.
Even better, they give tours:
Interested in visiting the Sky Garden? Bi-monthly tours start at 5:00 p.m. in the main lobby of the Galbraith Building located at 35 St. George Street. RSVP to urbanagriculturesociety@gmail.com to reserve your spot or view the tour schedule here.
Click this post's subject link for the full article.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Summer Fun and Rum Punches
Well, it hasn't really been that fun. I won't go into details, but there are lots of things I should be doing, which I'm not always on top of. This tends to ruin the fun I have when I am doing things that are supposed to be fun.
So far, I've been doing a lot of reading, and a lot of biking (I'm changing routes en-route now, and making directions up as I go along, which is cozy - thank goodness I have an excellent sense of direction!). I have also been going to Moth Up's with a friend of mine. These are events at pubs, where a few people from the "audience" get up to the mic and tell stories. Some have been prepared in advance, while some are off-the-cuff. Some are better than others, but they're definitely fun events to go to.
I'm in the process of burying (deeply) memories of the summer course I took, that ended earlier this month. Those things I'm supposed to be doing include my research assistant research, my volunteer curator supervisory responsibilities, and planning the next student conference. Oh, and making money.
Anyway, to get down to business: My friend from home introduced me to her family's traditional Barbados Rum Punch recipe, which we used to drink while watching The Tudors and eating Trader Joe's frozen foods (I miss TJ's.) The original recipe, (from memory, so it's probably not exact) goes like this:
1 shot dark rum
2 shots pineapple juice
2 shots orange juice
dash of bitters.
Mix/Stir, Serve. (If you want it fancy I'd add an orange slice or a pineapple slice, or both!)
I don't buy pineapple or orange juice, because I find I just never drink them.
I do drink Ceres' Fruit Medley mix (with tropical fruits like passionfruit, guava, pineapple). Well, I haven't been making rum punches, because I figured it would be better with the original ingredients. Until today. I tried the Fruit Medley, added a half-shot of Triple Sec for orange flavor. So my new Rum Punch - Canadian Variation:
1 shot dark rum
4 shots Ceres Fruit Medley
1/2 shot Triple Sec
2-3 dashes bitters
Mix/Stir, Serve. (If you want it fancy I'd add an orange slice or a pineapple slice, or both!)
It's marvelously tasty. I dare you to try it! Or, try both, and tell me which one you like better.
So far, I've been doing a lot of reading, and a lot of biking (I'm changing routes en-route now, and making directions up as I go along, which is cozy - thank goodness I have an excellent sense of direction!). I have also been going to Moth Up's with a friend of mine. These are events at pubs, where a few people from the "audience" get up to the mic and tell stories. Some have been prepared in advance, while some are off-the-cuff. Some are better than others, but they're definitely fun events to go to.
I'm in the process of burying (deeply) memories of the summer course I took, that ended earlier this month. Those things I'm supposed to be doing include my research assistant research, my volunteer curator supervisory responsibilities, and planning the next student conference. Oh, and making money.
Anyway, to get down to business: My friend from home introduced me to her family's traditional Barbados Rum Punch recipe, which we used to drink while watching The Tudors and eating Trader Joe's frozen foods (I miss TJ's.) The original recipe, (from memory, so it's probably not exact) goes like this:
1 shot dark rum
2 shots pineapple juice
2 shots orange juice
dash of bitters.
Mix/Stir, Serve. (If you want it fancy I'd add an orange slice or a pineapple slice, or both!)
I don't buy pineapple or orange juice, because I find I just never drink them.
I do drink Ceres' Fruit Medley mix (with tropical fruits like passionfruit, guava, pineapple). Well, I haven't been making rum punches, because I figured it would be better with the original ingredients. Until today. I tried the Fruit Medley, added a half-shot of Triple Sec for orange flavor. So my new Rum Punch - Canadian Variation:
1 shot dark rum
4 shots Ceres Fruit Medley
1/2 shot Triple Sec
2-3 dashes bitters
Mix/Stir, Serve. (If you want it fancy I'd add an orange slice or a pineapple slice, or both!)
It's marvelously tasty. I dare you to try it! Or, try both, and tell me which one you like better.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Two Wheels and a Helmet
I started biking to campus this week. It's been an adventure, a fun one so far. Here's the summary:
About three weeks ago, I went secondhand bike shopping with a friend of mine. We went to two places to find the right bike, in terms of fit, comfort (although I'm having second thoughts about that*) and price. Not only that, but the owner of the shop was really helpful, honest and friendly. Which is important, when buying a used something-or-other. Also, his shop didn't smell like weed.
The fixie I decided on wasn't finished, so I waited a week and a half for the fixing of it. When I came back, Hasan raised the seat again, and the handlebars, advised me on a lock purchase, and his employee even put on the lights. The next day I bought my helmet, which, sadly, is black, grey.... and pink. I've decided I can live it down, but pink would definitely not have been my first choice. Only, my head is too small for a uni-sex helmet, so I had to get a women's helmet.**
Luckily, I did all this bike and bike accessory purchasing before the 1st of May, so I have not yet had to spend money on public transportation this month. Which is why I got the bike in the first place. Today makes the third day I've taken my bike out, and although the seat isn't getting any comfy-er, I'm getting more comfortable on the road (and am I the only biker in Toronto obeying the laws?). I have even - get this - gone a different way home. Still getting used to seeing like a vehicle-conductor on the road (oh, wait! That's a crosswalk!). I take the back roads, the quiet ones, and the few with bike lanes, because I have a low opinion of drivers I've got plenty of sore muscles - some, even, that I'd conveniently forgotten I had. This might be in part because I have a single-speed. Tough going on those hills.
Anyways, that's the story. I plan on having lots more (safe) adventures on my bike this summer. I am now powering my own transportation!! I wonder if houses with solar panels are this proud to be green...
* I'd sort of forgotten how uncomfortable biking can be. I remembered, in that vague "I-remember-this-used-to-be-uncomfortable-in-some-way" way, but not really. Now, after riding my bike six times in the past four days, I remember quite clearly.
**It still puzzles me that things labeled "for women" are quite frequently pink. Haven't we gotten over the pink-is-female thing?
About three weeks ago, I went secondhand bike shopping with a friend of mine. We went to two places to find the right bike, in terms of fit, comfort (although I'm having second thoughts about that*) and price. Not only that, but the owner of the shop was really helpful, honest and friendly. Which is important, when buying a used something-or-other. Also, his shop didn't smell like weed.
The fixie I decided on wasn't finished, so I waited a week and a half for the fixing of it. When I came back, Hasan raised the seat again, and the handlebars, advised me on a lock purchase, and his employee even put on the lights. The next day I bought my helmet, which, sadly, is black, grey.... and pink. I've decided I can live it down, but pink would definitely not have been my first choice. Only, my head is too small for a uni-sex helmet, so I had to get a women's helmet.**
Luckily, I did all this bike and bike accessory purchasing before the 1st of May, so I have not yet had to spend money on public transportation this month. Which is why I got the bike in the first place. Today makes the third day I've taken my bike out, and although the seat isn't getting any comfy-er, I'm getting more comfortable on the road (and am I the only biker in Toronto obeying the laws?). I have even - get this - gone a different way home. Still getting used to seeing like a vehicle-conductor on the road (oh, wait! That's a crosswalk!). I take the back roads, the quiet ones, and the few with bike lanes, because I have a low opinion of drivers I've got plenty of sore muscles - some, even, that I'd conveniently forgotten I had. This might be in part because I have a single-speed. Tough going on those hills.
Anyways, that's the story. I plan on having lots more (safe) adventures on my bike this summer. I am now powering my own transportation!! I wonder if houses with solar panels are this proud to be green...
* I'd sort of forgotten how uncomfortable biking can be. I remembered, in that vague "I-remember-this-used-to-be-uncomfortable-in-some-way" way, but not really. Now, after riding my bike six times in the past four days, I remember quite clearly.
**It still puzzles me that things labeled "for women" are quite frequently pink. Haven't we gotten over the pink-is-female thing?
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!! And a "Suspicious Incident."
I had the most adrenaline-inducing trip home tonight, between 2-3am.
Actually, before I get to that... Happy New Year! Auld Lang Syne and all that. Bring it on, 2011. Also, I had a really nice time at the dinner party put on by a friend and her family. Cheers!
Back to the scheduled programming. I hitched a ride in the Hall family taxi to the metro, and had approximately 15 stops on the subway (Thank you, TTC, for free and almost-all-night subway rides on Dec 31/Jan 1!). That part was easy. Uneventful, aside from the leftover, pungent evidence that some people had been having too much fun tonight. Yuck.
Then I got off the metro, and the short version is, had to deal with a strange, totally dodgy man following me home. I did the whole cross-the-street thing, the "back off" thing, but didn't get very far before I decided to turn around and walk back to the subway station, where the supervisor had someone else at the TTC call the cops. Then I waited.
Then the third-party TTC person arrived, and the cops almost immediately afterwards. And the very kind police officers gave me an escort all the way to my house. Actually, that makes the first time I've ever been in a police car. A very heartfelt thanks to the Toronto Police Service.
There's nothing like actually experiencing something like this to drive home the importance of knowing how to be safe. Most importantly, finding a place with bright lights, lots of people, and someone who can help.
Actually, before I get to that... Happy New Year! Auld Lang Syne and all that. Bring it on, 2011. Also, I had a really nice time at the dinner party put on by a friend and her family. Cheers!
Back to the scheduled programming. I hitched a ride in the Hall family taxi to the metro, and had approximately 15 stops on the subway (Thank you, TTC, for free and almost-all-night subway rides on Dec 31/Jan 1!). That part was easy. Uneventful, aside from the leftover, pungent evidence that some people had been having too much fun tonight. Yuck.
Then I got off the metro, and the short version is, had to deal with a strange, totally dodgy man following me home. I did the whole cross-the-street thing, the "back off" thing, but didn't get very far before I decided to turn around and walk back to the subway station, where the supervisor had someone else at the TTC call the cops. Then I waited.
Then the third-party TTC person arrived, and the cops almost immediately afterwards. And the very kind police officers gave me an escort all the way to my house. Actually, that makes the first time I've ever been in a police car. A very heartfelt thanks to the Toronto Police Service.
There's nothing like actually experiencing something like this to drive home the importance of knowing how to be safe. Most importantly, finding a place with bright lights, lots of people, and someone who can help.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Advent, Day 15: Unexpected Delights, Christmas and Otherwise
I had a wonderful day today. I traversed what feels like the entire city, getting on two streetcars and at least four subway trains, probably more. I have a new friend who's from Toronto, and she's been showing me all the neatest places to eat, shop, ice skate, and even get my hair cut!
We started out at Williams Sonoma, where I bought mulling spices. Then we went to La Bamboche, which has incredibly delicious desserts and quiche and coffee. We subway-ed down to Queen St, where we checked out my friend's favorite clothing store (with too many lovely clothes!), and walked around in that area, doing some shopping and browsing. We then headed over to Nathan Phillips Square, where we ice skated outdoors, under Christmas lights and hanging stars and a beautiful cityscape. I'll have to wander back one night and take photos, if I have time. On the way to dinner (a great Punjabi restaurant near Chester station) we stopped by the Bay to window-gaze, because they have such intricate dioramas of Christmas scenes with Santa and elves and 19th century characters. Also the poor little elves slaving away and Mrs. Claus serving her hubby, but who's complaining? Some photos of the windows can be seen here. While we ate, it started snowing, and I walked home in the crunchy, squeaky snow. Which oddly feels like walking on sand...
A very long, very pleasant afternoon and evening, all 'round.
We started out at Williams Sonoma, where I bought mulling spices. Then we went to La Bamboche, which has incredibly delicious desserts and quiche and coffee. We subway-ed down to Queen St, where we checked out my friend's favorite clothing store (with too many lovely clothes!), and walked around in that area, doing some shopping and browsing. We then headed over to Nathan Phillips Square, where we ice skated outdoors, under Christmas lights and hanging stars and a beautiful cityscape. I'll have to wander back one night and take photos, if I have time. On the way to dinner (a great Punjabi restaurant near Chester station) we stopped by the Bay to window-gaze, because they have such intricate dioramas of Christmas scenes with Santa and elves and 19th century characters. Also the poor little elves slaving away and Mrs. Claus serving her hubby, but who's complaining? Some photos of the windows can be seen here. While we ate, it started snowing, and I walked home in the crunchy, squeaky snow. Which oddly feels like walking on sand...
A very long, very pleasant afternoon and evening, all 'round.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Here's another Green one!
Noticed this on the Facebook grapevine: stop wasting food.
These days, my fridge is pretty bare. That's a good thing, because I don't eat much compared to the cavernous interior of my fridge. Toronto composts, which is a really good thing - otherwise, I'd feel guiltier than I do, since I'm one of those who has eyes bigger than her stomach. Or so my dad always used to tell me.
Well, the link has some statistics and some ideas to help if you find yourself wasting food. Enjoy!
These days, my fridge is pretty bare. That's a good thing, because I don't eat much compared to the cavernous interior of my fridge. Toronto composts, which is a really good thing - otherwise, I'd feel guiltier than I do, since I'm one of those who has eyes bigger than her stomach. Or so my dad always used to tell me.
Well, the link has some statistics and some ideas to help if you find yourself wasting food. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
CRRS Conference: Rethinking Early Modern Print Culture
Just got home from the second round of a two-day annual conference (the title is in the title of this post, naturally) and of course find a cold apartment and nothing to bake! My strategy of cooking just to warm up my apartment won't work today, I guess.
But to get to the interesting part, I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to this conference, because the department that puts it on is actually the Center for Reformation and Renaissance Studies, and no other conference in years past or future will have as much to do with my degree as this one did. An international conference, I briefly chatted with natives of France and Italy, and the keynote speaker works at Oxford. I went to some fascinating (and not-so-fascinating) panels, nodded off through a few of them, but took good notes in most, and helped arrange, clean up and register attendees. Also, I snagged lots of great scones and cookies. Not to mention I got a free book, with another potential one on the way. Depending on how many other volunteers want it.
Some of the topics included the economics of the European book trade in the early modern period, marginal notes in Renaissance texts, and collated volumes of plays by different authors.
I brought my books with me and did some reading today, which turned out to be a popular conversation-starter. Apparently two or three attendees have read the same texts, and freely gave me their opinions on them.
And now, after a very full Friday and Saturday, I have not gotten much reading done, have tons left to do, and am so knackered all I can think about is sleep.
But to get to the interesting part, I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to this conference, because the department that puts it on is actually the Center for Reformation and Renaissance Studies, and no other conference in years past or future will have as much to do with my degree as this one did. An international conference, I briefly chatted with natives of France and Italy, and the keynote speaker works at Oxford. I went to some fascinating (and not-so-fascinating) panels, nodded off through a few of them, but took good notes in most, and helped arrange, clean up and register attendees. Also, I snagged lots of great scones and cookies. Not to mention I got a free book, with another potential one on the way. Depending on how many other volunteers want it.
Some of the topics included the economics of the European book trade in the early modern period, marginal notes in Renaissance texts, and collated volumes of plays by different authors.
I brought my books with me and did some reading today, which turned out to be a popular conversation-starter. Apparently two or three attendees have read the same texts, and freely gave me their opinions on them.
And now, after a very full Friday and Saturday, I have not gotten much reading done, have tons left to do, and am so knackered all I can think about is sleep.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Trash in Toronto
I can't access the university website, so naturally, I'm not doing my homework.
After a long hiatus (how do you spell that?) from writing about what my blog is actually supposed to be about, I have another Greener Life post.
At home in the States, I thought my town was pretty avant garde for all the things they picked up in recycling bins. Books? Yep. Milk cartons? Totally. Newspapers, cardboard, tin cans? Of course!
Reality check. Toronto picks up your regular curbside trash, your regular curbside recycling... AND they pick up composting! It's taking me awhile to get used to putting my food scraps in a separate bag. Finally yesterday I got the little bin everybody uses. I feel so much... Greener ... than before.
So the deal is, they pick up trash and recycling on a bi-weekly (by that I mean once every other week) alternating basis. Compost, cleverly, they pick up every week.
They even have a "waste wizard" online to help out with the "what goes where" question.
I almost forgot: On the street, they even have separated bins for trash, different kinds of recycling, and often, special compartments for coffee cups! I challenge you to find another city that recycles coffee cups on the street. (Really, please share. Is it Canadian? Is it a west-coast mindset? A big city thing? I'm curious).
After a long hiatus (how do you spell that?) from writing about what my blog is actually supposed to be about, I have another Greener Life post.
At home in the States, I thought my town was pretty avant garde for all the things they picked up in recycling bins. Books? Yep. Milk cartons? Totally. Newspapers, cardboard, tin cans? Of course!
Reality check. Toronto picks up your regular curbside trash, your regular curbside recycling... AND they pick up composting! It's taking me awhile to get used to putting my food scraps in a separate bag. Finally yesterday I got the little bin everybody uses. I feel so much... Greener ... than before.
So the deal is, they pick up trash and recycling on a bi-weekly (by that I mean once every other week) alternating basis. Compost, cleverly, they pick up every week.
They even have a "waste wizard" online to help out with the "what goes where" question.
I almost forgot: On the street, they even have separated bins for trash, different kinds of recycling, and often, special compartments for coffee cups! I challenge you to find another city that recycles coffee cups on the street. (Really, please share. Is it Canadian? Is it a west-coast mindset? A big city thing? I'm curious).
Thursday, September 16, 2010
TIFF: Toronto International Film Festival. First Impressions
Well, if I was hoping to provide updates on events and happenings in Toronto, now that I'm here and not in Washington, D.C., I guess I haven't started out very well. It's a good idea, though - from a newcomer's point of view: Toronto.
To start, I arrived in Toronto for the third and last time (still without a semi-permanent residence or mailing address) just days before TIFF began. Lots of hype and celebrities and celebrity-watching... fortunately or unfortunately, I missed the crowds, the red carpet and the celebrities. I guess settling into school and a new city kept me busy enough. Not to mention the spiders.
To get back to the point, I did actually participate in TIFF, though not as fully as I might have hoped (I haven't decided yet, but I think next year if I can I'll be more involved). I went to see one of the shows. Meek's Cutoff was the movie I saw, by director Kelly Reichardt. It was the first I'd ever seen of her work, which is, according to a review I read, very emotionally involved.
Indeed, the plot focused mainly on the characters and the character interactions. Not a critical moviegoer (I like the ones with cars that blow up or have hoop skirts and cravats), I found the pace a little slow to be comfortable. It fit, it was good, but I definitely noticed the time passing.
The ending, well, I liked it. I thought it was fitting. And probably my favorite out of all the alternative endings I've imagined since the end of the film.
The audience was curiously involved - perhaps that's a festival thing? There was a live introduction by a TIFF employee/volunteer, who announced that sadly Kelly was unavailable - she'd had enough of the whirlwind tour of Venice and then Toronto. So no Q&A at the end of the film.
I didn't see a gala or premier event, and I didn't get to participate in a Q&A with the director, so I'm left with the feeling that instead of dipping my toes in the festival experience for an acceptable $20 purchase, I'd merely been to see an outrageously expensive, good film.
There's always next year.
To start, I arrived in Toronto for the third and last time (still without a semi-permanent residence or mailing address) just days before TIFF began. Lots of hype and celebrities and celebrity-watching... fortunately or unfortunately, I missed the crowds, the red carpet and the celebrities. I guess settling into school and a new city kept me busy enough. Not to mention the spiders.
To get back to the point, I did actually participate in TIFF, though not as fully as I might have hoped (I haven't decided yet, but I think next year if I can I'll be more involved). I went to see one of the shows. Meek's Cutoff was the movie I saw, by director Kelly Reichardt. It was the first I'd ever seen of her work, which is, according to a review I read, very emotionally involved.
Indeed, the plot focused mainly on the characters and the character interactions. Not a critical moviegoer (I like the ones with cars that blow up or have hoop skirts and cravats), I found the pace a little slow to be comfortable. It fit, it was good, but I definitely noticed the time passing.
The ending, well, I liked it. I thought it was fitting. And probably my favorite out of all the alternative endings I've imagined since the end of the film.
The audience was curiously involved - perhaps that's a festival thing? There was a live introduction by a TIFF employee/volunteer, who announced that sadly Kelly was unavailable - she'd had enough of the whirlwind tour of Venice and then Toronto. So no Q&A at the end of the film.
I didn't see a gala or premier event, and I didn't get to participate in a Q&A with the director, so I'm left with the feeling that instead of dipping my toes in the festival experience for an acceptable $20 purchase, I'd merely been to see an outrageously expensive, good film.
There's always next year.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Meeting My Advisor for the First Time
Toronto's advising program is great. They put every master's student (junior scholar) with an advisor whose interests match said student's interests.
My advisor is working, researching and teaching in my collaborative program subject area.
I sit down and we start chatting, and he keeps throwing out things about me that sound like they're from my application. So I notice he's done his homework (which is great, because I didn't), making it easier to converse and of course, draw me out on one of my favorite topics: me.
To wrap things up, I just want reiterate how much I really, really want to be studying this subject, so I suggest that he may remember in my application that I said this is one of the main reasons I decided to study at U of T. Without missing a single beat, he nods and says, "It was your first sentence."
I wanted to laugh. My first sentence? Seriously? Oh right, that's howdesperate eager I was to get in. Sometimes I should give myself just a little more credit for, er, motivation.
Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to the program.
My advisor is working, researching and teaching in my collaborative program subject area.
I sit down and we start chatting, and he keeps throwing out things about me that sound like they're from my application. So I notice he's done his homework (which is great, because I didn't), making it easier to converse and of course, draw me out on one of my favorite topics: me.
To wrap things up, I just want reiterate how much I really, really want to be studying this subject, so I suggest that he may remember in my application that I said this is one of the main reasons I decided to study at U of T. Without missing a single beat, he nods and says, "It was your first sentence."
I wanted to laugh. My first sentence? Seriously? Oh right, that's how
Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to the program.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Spider Dance
Before I get to the Spider Dance, to assist my brain in remembering what I did today, I'm going to spend some time re-capping. Briefly.
I had a very busy day. I got coffee; met my advisor (outlook great, says my Magic 8 Ball), told life story; went swimming at Hart House, which has a small pool in a room with an arched ceiling (managed four back-and-forth laps of the pool); ran late to the Inforum tour, the faculty space where I'll be spending most of my time; hung out with some new friends; went to dinner with same friends; ate chocolate cake; killed two spiders.
So, the Spider Dance. Involves pacing the floor, while glancing around the room in search of useful, long weapon. Preferably long-handled broom. Muttering, swearing, whimpering. There's that noise, the one that sounds like the teakettle when the water's hot. Next, move a chair to a spot below but not directly underneath Spider. Pace back and forth with weapon (plastic clothes hanger). Pose on chair with arm outstretched, holding weapon as close to spider as possible. Mime killing action. Here, some more moaning, then step down from the chair. Pace. Step up. Stretch arm toward spider. Shudder. Step down. Repeat. Find towel to go over end of hanger and prevent Spider from dropping and disappearing. Finally, whining, half-closed eyes in "flinching" face, stab upwards at Spider with weapon. Repeat. Repeat. Step down, get rid of Spider carcass. Shiver, pace.
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
P.S. The Spider Dance is usually performed in solitude (i.e. when there are no fearless non-Spider-hating killers or saviors to take care of it instead).
I had a very busy day. I got coffee; met my advisor (outlook great, says my Magic 8 Ball), told life story; went swimming at Hart House, which has a small pool in a room with an arched ceiling (managed four back-and-forth laps of the pool); ran late to the Inforum tour, the faculty space where I'll be spending most of my time; hung out with some new friends; went to dinner with same friends; ate chocolate cake; killed two spiders.
So, the Spider Dance. Involves pacing the floor, while glancing around the room in search of useful, long weapon. Preferably long-handled broom. Muttering, swearing, whimpering. There's that noise, the one that sounds like the teakettle when the water's hot. Next, move a chair to a spot below but not directly underneath Spider. Pace back and forth with weapon (plastic clothes hanger). Pose on chair with arm outstretched, holding weapon as close to spider as possible. Mime killing action. Here, some more moaning, then step down from the chair. Pace. Step up. Stretch arm toward spider. Shudder. Step down. Repeat. Find towel to go over end of hanger and prevent Spider from dropping and disappearing. Finally, whining, half-closed eyes in "flinching" face, stab upwards at Spider with weapon. Repeat. Repeat. Step down, get rid of Spider carcass. Shiver, pace.
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
P.S. The Spider Dance is usually performed in solitude (i.e. when there are no fearless non-Spider-hating killers or saviors to take care of it instead).
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day-to-Day Update: I've Landed in Toronto!
Contrary to what the title suggests, I drove to Toronto. Road trip! Love them. It took all day, and we stopped in Niagara Falls, Canada, before we found our bed and breakfast in downtown Toronto.
The past few days I've been apartment-hunting, walking, drinking coffee, taking the subway, meeting people, and going to orientations. I've also been doing all the important "administrative" things that are necessary for living in another country. And re-discovering the complications of being a foreign resident. Sigh.
I'm a little terrified of grad school. (Can one be a little terrified? Or, if terrified, is that only an extreme?) It all looks very exciting, but the responsibilities of being a "junior colleague" to my professors and advisors is intimidating.
This morning, I registered with my faculty, and while on the steps to the front door (which usually requires a university ID to enter), discovered I'd lost mine. Student ID, that is. After some desperate thinking, I figured I'd left it at the library yesterday afternoon. No coffee unless in spill-proof containers in the library, so I had to take one last gulp and pour the rest out before entering. Double sigh.
I believe I need a refill now, before I meet my advisor.
The past few days I've been apartment-hunting, walking, drinking coffee, taking the subway, meeting people, and going to orientations. I've also been doing all the important "administrative" things that are necessary for living in another country. And re-discovering the complications of being a foreign resident. Sigh.
I'm a little terrified of grad school. (Can one be a little terrified? Or, if terrified, is that only an extreme?) It all looks very exciting, but the responsibilities of being a "junior colleague" to my professors and advisors is intimidating.
This morning, I registered with my faculty, and while on the steps to the front door (which usually requires a university ID to enter), discovered I'd lost mine. Student ID, that is. After some desperate thinking, I figured I'd left it at the library yesterday afternoon. No coffee unless in spill-proof containers in the library, so I had to take one last gulp and pour the rest out before entering. Double sigh.
I believe I need a refill now, before I meet my advisor.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Wait, wait! Where are the Tokens?
We're on our way home last night after seeing a great (read: funny) stand-up comedy show. In the subway station, we get in line to ride the streetcar to our hostel.
Four minutes to go.
I discover I'm not holding a token in my hand, and can't recall putting it in my pockets. I start digging around in them, just in case. I look over, horrified. I lost my token! How am I going to get on the streetcar without payment?
He starts looking too, but can't find his either.
After several long seconds of searching,
"Oh yeah! We used them to get into the Metro station!"
Pause.
Then, "I wish we were drunk, and not sober. Then we'd have an excuse."
Four minutes to go.
I discover I'm not holding a token in my hand, and can't recall putting it in my pockets. I start digging around in them, just in case. I look over, horrified. I lost my token! How am I going to get on the streetcar without payment?
He starts looking too, but can't find his either.
After several long seconds of searching,
"Oh yeah! We used them to get into the Metro station!"
Pause.
Then, "I wish we were drunk, and not sober. Then we'd have an excuse."
Friday, July 9, 2010
How To: Buy Flip Flops in Chinatown
Walking home through Chinatown, Toronto.
We're discussing the differences between Chinatown in Toronto and Chinatown in L.A. The main one being, the latter is no place to be at night. Whereas in the former, you can still buy flip flops after the sun goes down in the summer. On the sidewalk. For $4 Canadian.
Yes, we stopped by an array of flipflip flops, all plastic, in blues, browns and black. Tried many pairs on, for several minutes, in the middle of the sidewalk, by putting the foot down on the shoe, socks included.
Classy.
We're discussing the differences between Chinatown in Toronto and Chinatown in L.A. The main one being, the latter is no place to be at night. Whereas in the former, you can still buy flip flops after the sun goes down in the summer. On the sidewalk. For $4 Canadian.
Yes, we stopped by an array of flip
Classy.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Hunt for Djarum Specials, 6 June, 2010, Toronto
Mission: Buy two packs of Djarum Specials for U.S. residents.
Morning:
I walk past a Lotto Canada (Ontario?) Store, pause, turn back, look in, and because it reminds me of Italy's tabaccherie, I decide to make my first attempt. I go in.
I ask the little Asian lady behind the counter in the shoebox-sized store, Do you have cigarettes? (I have no idea where to buy cigarettes in Canada - they're not on display in drugstores. Hell, I don't even pay attention to where to buy them in the States!)
She says, yes. I ask, Cloves?
Again, the answer is yes.
Do you have Djyaroooom Specials?
She pulls out the Black, then one pack of Specials. I ask for one more, and she tells me she's only got the one; do I want one of the Blacks? I reply that they're for someone else, so I'd better just take the one.
She rings it up. I'm standing there with a $5 bill, ready to pay up. The till stops at $11.00. ELEVEN DOLLARS??
Good grief! I say. She chuckles, and asks if I want the receipt. I take it, and she jokes, show it to him. Meaning my friend back home.
So now I have one, but need two. One down, one to go, as they say.
Later that day...
I walk into another convenience store, this one larger.
Do you carry cigarettes? I ask again.
Yes.
Do you carry... Jiaarooom Specials?
He doesn't understand, so I try again. And then a third time. Finally, I say, Here: and pull out the pack I've already purchased.
He squints at it, and grumpily tells me no. I thank him and move on, thinking about airports and duty-free shops...
After Dinner, which I unwisely decided to make blueberry pancakes, I change course on a whim and walk up Yonge St, which is full of adult stores, run-down-looking restaurants and tacky souvenier stores, to see what I can find.
Lo and Behold! A couple blocks north, across the street, is a shop with a red lighted sign that reads, "TABAC". Thinking tabaccheria, again, I cross over to investigate.
There are big advertisements for cigars, so I ask just to be sure (yep, you guessed it!): Do you have cigarettes, too?
The very nice-looking man laughs and says, yes, that is why we're called a tabacco store... (well, sure, but whatever)
I explain about the prominently displayed cigar signs. He laughs again.
Do you have cloves? Is my next question.
We have Djaruhm Black and Djaruhm Special.
Oh, perfect! I say. One of the specials, please.
As he's getting it, I explain that this is going to make Johnny Appleseed* very happy, because apparently you can't get them in the States anymore.
He agrees and says you won't be able to get them in Canada for much longer - it's only a matter of time.
Oh? Why's that?
Legislation passed recently that prohibits all flavored tobacco products.
Light dawning, I ask, Because it makes them too appealing?
Because it makes them too appealing, he repeats.
I make a sympathetic face, until I realize Oh, wait! I don't smoke, so it doesn't bother me.
I can tell, I say, I'm going to be hunting more of these up every time I go home.
He chuckles, and says, well here's your first successful purchase.
I turn to leave.
And that, I realized as I walked away, was the first time I'd ever purchased cigarettes.
* Names have been altered to protect privacy.
Morning:
I walk past a Lotto Canada (Ontario?) Store, pause, turn back, look in, and because it reminds me of Italy's tabaccherie, I decide to make my first attempt. I go in.
I ask the little Asian lady behind the counter in the shoebox-sized store, Do you have cigarettes? (I have no idea where to buy cigarettes in Canada - they're not on display in drugstores. Hell, I don't even pay attention to where to buy them in the States!)
She says, yes. I ask, Cloves?
Again, the answer is yes.
Do you have Djyaroooom Specials?
She pulls out the Black, then one pack of Specials. I ask for one more, and she tells me she's only got the one; do I want one of the Blacks? I reply that they're for someone else, so I'd better just take the one.
She rings it up. I'm standing there with a $5 bill, ready to pay up. The till stops at $11.00. ELEVEN DOLLARS??
Good grief! I say. She chuckles, and asks if I want the receipt. I take it, and she jokes, show it to him. Meaning my friend back home.
So now I have one, but need two. One down, one to go, as they say.
Later that day...
I walk into another convenience store, this one larger.
Do you carry cigarettes? I ask again.
Yes.
Do you carry... Jiaarooom Specials?
He doesn't understand, so I try again. And then a third time. Finally, I say, Here: and pull out the pack I've already purchased.
He squints at it, and grumpily tells me no. I thank him and move on, thinking about airports and duty-free shops...
After Dinner, which I unwisely decided to make blueberry pancakes, I change course on a whim and walk up Yonge St, which is full of adult stores, run-down-looking restaurants and tacky souvenier stores, to see what I can find.
Lo and Behold! A couple blocks north, across the street, is a shop with a red lighted sign that reads, "TABAC". Thinking tabaccheria, again, I cross over to investigate.
There are big advertisements for cigars, so I ask just to be sure (yep, you guessed it!): Do you have cigarettes, too?
The very nice-looking man laughs and says, yes, that is why we're called a tabacco store... (well, sure, but whatever)
I explain about the prominently displayed cigar signs. He laughs again.
Do you have cloves? Is my next question.
We have Djaruhm Black and Djaruhm Special.
Oh, perfect! I say. One of the specials, please.
As he's getting it, I explain that this is going to make Johnny Appleseed* very happy, because apparently you can't get them in the States anymore.
He agrees and says you won't be able to get them in Canada for much longer - it's only a matter of time.
Oh? Why's that?
Legislation passed recently that prohibits all flavored tobacco products.
Light dawning, I ask, Because it makes them too appealing?
Because it makes them too appealing, he repeats.
I make a sympathetic face, until I realize Oh, wait! I don't smoke, so it doesn't bother me.
I can tell, I say, I'm going to be hunting more of these up every time I go home.
He chuckles, and says, well here's your first successful purchase.
I turn to leave.
And that, I realized as I walked away, was the first time I'd ever purchased cigarettes.
* Names have been altered to protect privacy.
My Favorite Tourist Activities
1. Eat local food (good local restaurants if not unique fare)
2. Drink local coffee
3. Read books/ buy books
4. Walk around (everywhere)
5. Visit historical places and buildings (Castles? Are there any castles?)
6. Museums
7. Outdoor activities (canoe, bike, hike, etc... but not rock climbing, no thanks!)
8. Relax
9. Watch people, look at how they dress
10. Drink local alcoholic beverages
2. Drink local coffee
3. Read books/ buy books
4. Walk around (everywhere)
5. Visit historical places and buildings (Castles? Are there any castles?)
6. Museums
7. Outdoor activities (canoe, bike, hike, etc... but not rock climbing, no thanks!)
8. Relax
9. Watch people, look at how they dress
10. Drink local alcoholic beverages
Comments on Toronto, June 5
1. One of the first things to do today is get some fruit or fruit juice. Keep wasting my free breakfast on three carbs and a coffee (four free items included in room rates).
2. Today I think I'll move slowly.
3. I should stay out of the sun - I've been getting sunburned. Is that a good enough excuse to see a movie? (I tried the Hockey Hall of Fame but it's not $10, it's FIFTEEN!!)
4. I love raspberries, maybe more than any other fruit. But ask me again in peach season.
5. St. Lawrence Market is fun, and pretty cheap for two meals on vacation. (That's cheese, smoked lake trout, bread and raspberries. Yummmm)
6. I couldn't help myself - I bought two books.
7. I love Prince of Persia. I might buy it.
8. Today was nice, relaxing. I wanted to stay out of the sun and didn't want to pay for the Hockey Hall of Fame (see above) so I read, had coffee, and watched Prince of Persia instead. In the afternoon. By myself, again.
9. I'm tired of the touristy thing, and the walking thing, and am looking forward to being home, making money and planning my future.
10. Did I mention I love Prince of Persia?
2. Today I think I'll move slowly.
3. I should stay out of the sun - I've been getting sunburned. Is that a good enough excuse to see a movie? (I tried the Hockey Hall of Fame but it's not $10, it's FIFTEEN!!)
4. I love raspberries, maybe more than any other fruit. But ask me again in peach season.
5. St. Lawrence Market is fun, and pretty cheap for two meals on vacation. (That's cheese, smoked lake trout, bread and raspberries. Yummmm)
6. I couldn't help myself - I bought two books.
7. I love Prince of Persia. I might buy it.
8. Today was nice, relaxing. I wanted to stay out of the sun and didn't want to pay for the Hockey Hall of Fame (see above) so I read, had coffee, and watched Prince of Persia instead. In the afternoon. By myself, again.
9. I'm tired of the touristy thing, and the walking thing, and am looking forward to being home, making money and planning my future.
10. Did I mention I love Prince of Persia?
Thoughts from Toronto
3 June 2010:
I love being in Toronto, vacationing by myself. Sure, it gets lonely sometimes, especially at dinner and in the evenings, when I (usually) have nothing to do. But I can visit the sites and places I want to, I can nap after lunch if I'm so inclined, and I can eat whatever for meals, including cheese with bread and apples at the hostel, or a slice of pizza by a fountain.
Vacation is always nice, because there are no immediate responsibilities. Except for catching the plane home, which I have struggled with before. It's not all idyllic for me this time, because I'm going to go home without a place to live in August, and I have other worries, but I have at least accomplished some things, and I know I like the city!! That's something.
I enjoy watching movies by myself, but it's even better to have someone to make faces and roll eyes at, and snort/giggle/gasp with.
Today I walked around the Annex, my preferred neighborhood for living, and a bit of Little Italy (which needs more exploring, I don't think I got to the heart of it) before my poor feet gave out. Then I came home, lunched, and napped. Ahh... Now I'm at the theater (my journal has that spelled - automatically - as theatre), waiting for Robin Hood to begin. With one other lady, also (so far) by herself.
I've just gotten back from the washroom and am now -- OH LOOK! It's starting!!
"Coming attractions are next. There is still time to visit the concession stand for refreshments." i.e. Spend your money here! Quick!!
That movie is So. Good.
I love being in Toronto, vacationing by myself. Sure, it gets lonely sometimes, especially at dinner and in the evenings, when I (usually) have nothing to do. But I can visit the sites and places I want to, I can nap after lunch if I'm so inclined, and I can eat whatever for meals, including cheese with bread and apples at the hostel, or a slice of pizza by a fountain.
Vacation is always nice, because there are no immediate responsibilities. Except for catching the plane home, which I have struggled with before. It's not all idyllic for me this time, because I'm going to go home without a place to live in August, and I have other worries, but I have at least accomplished some things, and I know I like the city!! That's something.
I enjoy watching movies by myself, but it's even better to have someone to make faces and roll eyes at, and snort/giggle/gasp with.
Today I walked around the Annex, my preferred neighborhood for living, and a bit of Little Italy (which needs more exploring, I don't think I got to the heart of it) before my poor feet gave out. Then I came home, lunched, and napped. Ahh... Now I'm at the theater (my journal has that spelled - automatically - as theatre), waiting for Robin Hood to begin. With one other lady, also (so far) by herself.
I've just gotten back from the washroom and am now -- OH LOOK! It's starting!!
"Coming attractions are next. There is still time to visit the concession stand for refreshments." i.e. Spend your money here! Quick!!
That movie is So. Good.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Toronto List #2
1. Souvenir: Fake straw fedora, $10. Was I supposed to haggle.... ??
2. Longest Conversation: Stopped by two very chatty Save the Children employees in Kensington Market. Will never stop to listen to them again.
3. Love: The streetcars. So easy and so much fun to ride!
4. Hate: The rain. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Very glad I have my raincoat and sneakers.
5. Coffee Shop: The Green Grind, in Little Italy. Sustainable brews. Stopped in for a $2 double Americano, sat in a chair I want, was given part of the NYT by a fellow customer, and whiled away half an hour with the paper.
6. Worst Hot Chocolate: Coffee Zone, an emergency evening purchase that I regret.
7. Neatest Address: 859 1/2 Bathurst St.
8. Overheard on the Subway: "Toronto has two seasons: Winter, and Construction."
9. Latest and Greatest Book (and great for traveling and rainy evenings): Dracula, by Bram Stoker. No, it is NOT your typical stuffy classic. Instead, it's very well-written, very VERY suspenseful - and by that I mean, the author gives the reader tidbits of information that come into play later on, weaving the plot together... Did I mention it's creepy? It even gave me a bad dream. Delicious. And Riveting, in a page-turning way.
10. House-Hunting Status: Drawing a blank. I've decided this will be a vacation, as opposed to strictly house-hunting, which is pretty difficult when listings for August and September aren't up yet.
2. Longest Conversation: Stopped by two very chatty Save the Children employees in Kensington Market. Will never stop to listen to them again.
3. Love: The streetcars. So easy and so much fun to ride!
4. Hate: The rain. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Very glad I have my raincoat and sneakers.
5. Coffee Shop: The Green Grind, in Little Italy. Sustainable brews. Stopped in for a $2 double Americano, sat in a chair I want, was given part of the NYT by a fellow customer, and whiled away half an hour with the paper.
6. Worst Hot Chocolate: Coffee Zone, an emergency evening purchase that I regret.
7. Neatest Address: 859 1/2 Bathurst St.
8. Overheard on the Subway: "Toronto has two seasons: Winter, and Construction."
9. Latest and Greatest Book (and great for traveling and rainy evenings): Dracula, by Bram Stoker. No, it is NOT your typical stuffy classic. Instead, it's very well-written, very VERY suspenseful - and by that I mean, the author gives the reader tidbits of information that come into play later on, weaving the plot together... Did I mention it's creepy? It even gave me a bad dream. Delicious. And Riveting, in a page-turning way.
10. House-Hunting Status: Drawing a blank. I've decided this will be a vacation, as opposed to strictly house-hunting, which is pretty difficult when listings for August and September aren't up yet.
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