Thursday, July 26, 2007
I missed it. I missed the big explosion in Dallas. They were cleaning it up by the time I heard about it. Why? Well, post-Canada visit I decided to watch less television, turn-off the radio and enjoy the quietness. No longer would I let mindless tv shows rot my brain. Plus, television makes it too easy for me to procrastinate regarding my domestic chores. So, yesterday morning when I noticed the dark smoke billowing over the Dallas skyline during my morning walk (my effort to get into shape) I assumed it was merely a big fire somewhere and thought nothing of it. It wasn't until late afternoon when I happened to turn on the radio that I heard about certain freeways (as highways are called in the US) being closed. So, I'm reconsidering my stance on television even if it means I must hear about Lindsay Lohan's DUI and Britney Spears' bizarre actions.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Knocked out by a Timbit?
I survived nine days without internet access. In the beginning it was difficult, but it's surprising how life carries on without logging on to check email, or see what's new on Perez Hilton. Had a lovely week with my parents. The weather was brilliant! Of course, in the Ottawa Valley area 80F is considered hot...so I was really enjoying what would be considered spring weather in Dallas. I taught my niece (8) how to make water balloons, but my nephew (10) taught me the secret to making them explode when they hit someone. He also showed me how to throw a fast ball and a 'change-up' in baseball -- I'm still not sure what that is. My niece told me that she is no longer a sweet girl. She is now evil. How quickly they grow.
After enjoying the slow-paced life in Shawville it was time to hit the highway to Toronto. We went through Renfrew and took Hwy41 and then Hwy7 at Kaladar. Then we turned onto a highway (can't remember the number) that goes through Tweed. Luckily there was a Tim Hortons in Tweed. After a quick pit-stop we were on our way with coffee and timbits. As we were making our way to the 401 I was devouring the honey-dip timbits (my fave) when out popped the crown on my back molar!!!! Aghhhhhhh!!! We were in the middle of nowhere! Aghhhhh! Luckily we had a bottle of water, so I went into worst-case-scenario-survival-mode as I quickly cleaned off the crown, 'rinsed' my mouth, and promptly plopped the crown back in place. We didn't have time to search for a dentist so I thought the safest place for it would be where it usually was: in my mouth. Let's just say that eating was a tad tricky. To add to that, we encountered a nasty traffic jam on the 401 going through Toronto. It was madness. Then our flight was delayed an hour, but luckily the pilot was able to 'make-up' the time we lost by getting us to DFW on schedule. Just how do pilots do this? Is there a special route for planes that have been delayed? Is there a secret short cut above the clouds? So why can't they be faster all the time?
After enjoying the slow-paced life in Shawville it was time to hit the highway to Toronto. We went through Renfrew and took Hwy41 and then Hwy7 at Kaladar. Then we turned onto a highway (can't remember the number) that goes through Tweed. Luckily there was a Tim Hortons in Tweed. After a quick pit-stop we were on our way with coffee and timbits. As we were making our way to the 401 I was devouring the honey-dip timbits (my fave) when out popped the crown on my back molar!!!! Aghhhhhhh!!! We were in the middle of nowhere! Aghhhhh! Luckily we had a bottle of water, so I went into worst-case-scenario-survival-mode as I quickly cleaned off the crown, 'rinsed' my mouth, and promptly plopped the crown back in place. We didn't have time to search for a dentist so I thought the safest place for it would be where it usually was: in my mouth. Let's just say that eating was a tad tricky. To add to that, we encountered a nasty traffic jam on the 401 going through Toronto. It was madness. Then our flight was delayed an hour, but luckily the pilot was able to 'make-up' the time we lost by getting us to DFW on schedule. Just how do pilots do this? Is there a special route for planes that have been delayed? Is there a secret short cut above the clouds? So why can't they be faster all the time?
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Chilling in TO
Driving in downtown Toronto is nuts...absolutely nuts. They really should not allow street parking on busy streets. The insanity of Queen Street!!!
It was great to spend the afternoon with GL and her lovely baby boy. She made me a yummy dinner of barbecued pork chops with sauteed swiss chard. I will definitely try cooking the swiss chard at home. Hubby and I had lunch with one of his former coworkers...just wish I could remember the name of the restaurant. Think it was called Torino...funky Italian eatery on Queen Street West.
At the moment I'm chilling on the 34th floor of the Sheraton while Hubby is drinking himself silly at some bar. Hope he's not hungover and cranky tomorrow as we must drive 4hrs to Pembroke.
It was great to spend the afternoon with GL and her lovely baby boy. She made me a yummy dinner of barbecued pork chops with sauteed swiss chard. I will definitely try cooking the swiss chard at home. Hubby and I had lunch with one of his former coworkers...just wish I could remember the name of the restaurant. Think it was called Torino...funky Italian eatery on Queen Street West.
At the moment I'm chilling on the 34th floor of the Sheraton while Hubby is drinking himself silly at some bar. Hope he's not hungover and cranky tomorrow as we must drive 4hrs to Pembroke.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Packing=Procrastination
In two days hubby and I will be flying home to Canada. Am I excited? Yes...can't wait. Have I started packing? No. I hate packing. The only thing I hate more than packing a suitcase is unpacking one.
I certainly intend to pack -- can't leave home without a well-packed suitcase. Two days ago I started a list of what-to-pack, not only for myself but for hubby as well. You can't get better intentions than a to-do-list. I've started thinking about clothes and what should be laundered. But, I just can't bring myself to get the suitcase out and make piles of clothes. And so I will procrastinate...I will wait until a couple of hours before we must leave for DFW and I will throw items into the suitcase with no rhyme or reason.
I certainly intend to pack -- can't leave home without a well-packed suitcase. Two days ago I started a list of what-to-pack, not only for myself but for hubby as well. You can't get better intentions than a to-do-list. I've started thinking about clothes and what should be laundered. But, I just can't bring myself to get the suitcase out and make piles of clothes. And so I will procrastinate...I will wait until a couple of hours before we must leave for DFW and I will throw items into the suitcase with no rhyme or reason.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Last month North Texas received more rain than it did for all of 2006. In fact, there were ten consecutive days in which it rained -- which hasn't happened since 1932. I don't know if this is climate change or a freak of nature, but I am officially sick of it.
Well, actually I am sick from it. All this rain has raised the fungus/mold count in this area, and so my nasal passages are clogged and I'm feeling miserable. I wish the rain and dark clouds would vanish until November. Last summer we had one day of rain and I could breathe easily. Bring back the hot, dry Texas summers.
I wonder if there is an anti-rain dance...
Well, actually I am sick from it. All this rain has raised the fungus/mold count in this area, and so my nasal passages are clogged and I'm feeling miserable. I wish the rain and dark clouds would vanish until November. Last summer we had one day of rain and I could breathe easily. Bring back the hot, dry Texas summers.
I wonder if there is an anti-rain dance...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Police Concert
Tuesday, June 26, 2007, I finally got to see The Police in concert at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. It was the summer of 1983 when I became an adoring fan at the height of their popularity just as the Synchronicity album (remember those vinyl discs?) was topping the charts. When they announced they were taking a sabbatical in 1984, I waited...and waited....and waited for another album, another tour. It finally happened...in 2007. Guess they needed to top up their retirement funds.
The concert was great. I would like to say it was phenomenal, but there was something missing. The three of them played with little interaction...barely tolerating one another. I wonder if they actually speak backstage or between concerts. Sting either flubbed the lyrics to several songs and/or he couldn't hit the high notes so he just didn't bother singing them. This really irritated me and detracted from the performance. I don't mind changing the timing of songs and altering them from the recordings as was the case with Beds Too Big Without You (which I loved) --if you want them to sound like the recording don't go to a concert. Loved their rendition of Can't Stand Losing You, and King of Pain -- it was neat to see Stewart Copeland using the different percussion instruments. Andy Summers was phenomenal on guitar. I can't believe he's in his 60s. While Stewart Copeland was king of percussion...in his own unique way. The concert just felt too stiff and scripted. They probably play the same set list every show.
I am glad that I finally got to see The Police in concert. I am also glad that we didn't pay $250 each for seats on the floor. The nosebleed seats weren't that bad considering we had binoculars/opera glasses, apart from the woman a couple of seats from us who had a piercing scream between songs. Not sure what she was on because this concert certainly wasn't scream-worthy, but I know she wasn't on pot because this is one of the few concerts where the smell of pot was not hanging in the air. Perhaps it's the smoking ban indoors...or perhaps it's because it's Dallas.
The concert was great. I would like to say it was phenomenal, but there was something missing. The three of them played with little interaction...barely tolerating one another. I wonder if they actually speak backstage or between concerts. Sting either flubbed the lyrics to several songs and/or he couldn't hit the high notes so he just didn't bother singing them. This really irritated me and detracted from the performance. I don't mind changing the timing of songs and altering them from the recordings as was the case with Beds Too Big Without You (which I loved) --if you want them to sound like the recording don't go to a concert. Loved their rendition of Can't Stand Losing You, and King of Pain -- it was neat to see Stewart Copeland using the different percussion instruments. Andy Summers was phenomenal on guitar. I can't believe he's in his 60s. While Stewart Copeland was king of percussion...in his own unique way. The concert just felt too stiff and scripted. They probably play the same set list every show.
I am glad that I finally got to see The Police in concert. I am also glad that we didn't pay $250 each for seats on the floor. The nosebleed seats weren't that bad considering we had binoculars/opera glasses, apart from the woman a couple of seats from us who had a piercing scream between songs. Not sure what she was on because this concert certainly wasn't scream-worthy, but I know she wasn't on pot because this is one of the few concerts where the smell of pot was not hanging in the air. Perhaps it's the smoking ban indoors...or perhaps it's because it's Dallas.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Sosa Joins 600 Club
Sammy Sosa joined the 600 home-run club last night during a game against the Chicago Cubs. Only four other players have reached this pinnacle: Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, and Babe Ruth. Not bad company. And....we missed it by one night...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Saved by an Irish Pub
The Dubliner, an Irish pub located at the Rangers ballpark, saved my life last night. Hubby is quite amused by this as he was able to partake of Guinness while this episode took place.
Yesterday we decided to go see the Texas Rangers take on the Chicago Cubs. We had tickets from a rained out Boston Red Sox game in May that we needed to exchange. Unfortunately we could not do the exchange via telephone or email, so we took our chances by doing it at the ballpark. Needless to say the selection for comparable tickets was limited. So we ended up on the Lexus Club Level, Third Base with seats in the sun. Oh, it was 96F yesterday excluding the humidex (which I didn't want to know)...the hottest day of 2007 in Dallas...so far. By the time we made it up to the club level and checked our seats we were sweating buckets.
After picking up a couple of Sosa souvenir t-shirts we grabbed a hotdog in a place that was air conditioned, then we decided to hit The Dubliner as it had the a.c. blasting. It was a great reprieve. Watched the first four innings waiting for Sammy Sosa to hit the 600 home run mark then the headache started. The sun had set about 30 minutes previously, but I was feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Finally I told hubby I could not longer take it and had to leave. He was concerned and walked out with me and suggested we stop by the Irish Pub. Well, the Dubliner fixed me up, and after a half hour in the air conditioned heaven (as hubby had another Guinness) I felt like the pub had saved my life....Drama queen, I am. We decided to watch the rest of the game in our seats.
No, Sammy Sosa did not hit the 600 home-run mark that evening. But, it was thrilling each time he went to bat as thousands of camera flashes sparkled in collective anticipation and the ballpark was enveloped in magic.
Yesterday we decided to go see the Texas Rangers take on the Chicago Cubs. We had tickets from a rained out Boston Red Sox game in May that we needed to exchange. Unfortunately we could not do the exchange via telephone or email, so we took our chances by doing it at the ballpark. Needless to say the selection for comparable tickets was limited. So we ended up on the Lexus Club Level, Third Base with seats in the sun. Oh, it was 96F yesterday excluding the humidex (which I didn't want to know)...the hottest day of 2007 in Dallas...so far. By the time we made it up to the club level and checked our seats we were sweating buckets.
After picking up a couple of Sosa souvenir t-shirts we grabbed a hotdog in a place that was air conditioned, then we decided to hit The Dubliner as it had the a.c. blasting. It was a great reprieve. Watched the first four innings waiting for Sammy Sosa to hit the 600 home run mark then the headache started. The sun had set about 30 minutes previously, but I was feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Finally I told hubby I could not longer take it and had to leave. He was concerned and walked out with me and suggested we stop by the Irish Pub. Well, the Dubliner fixed me up, and after a half hour in the air conditioned heaven (as hubby had another Guinness) I felt like the pub had saved my life....Drama queen, I am. We decided to watch the rest of the game in our seats.
No, Sammy Sosa did not hit the 600 home-run mark that evening. But, it was thrilling each time he went to bat as thousands of camera flashes sparkled in collective anticipation and the ballpark was enveloped in magic.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Paris, je t'aime
Although I've never been to Paris, I fell in love with the city this past weekend. How is this possible? Hubby and I went to see the movie "Paris, je t'aime" this past weekend. It took a bit of persuading, but luckily for me the new pirates movie has received bad reviews and so we saw a matinee viewing at the Angelika.
The movie is a compilation of short movies by various directors depicting different parts of Paris with theme of love. It was compelling and at various times I was laughing (at the mimes in "Tour Eiffel"), and then moments later had tears in my eyes (watching Juliette Binoche as the grief-stricken mother in "Place des Victories"). Always interesting to see the different directing and creative styles of each director. Now I want to visit Paris...maybe next year.
The movie is a compilation of short movies by various directors depicting different parts of Paris with theme of love. It was compelling and at various times I was laughing (at the mimes in "Tour Eiffel"), and then moments later had tears in my eyes (watching Juliette Binoche as the grief-stricken mother in "Place des Victories"). Always interesting to see the different directing and creative styles of each director. Now I want to visit Paris...maybe next year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)