Got into the groove...

Madonna - the show was impressive (expected that), but the sound was far better than anticipated! Given the venue (BC Place) is notoriously lousy for sound - blew Janet Jackson way out of the water (she was in a good venue - GM Place - for sound and they managed to totally fuck it up!). Set list for Madonna http://www.buzzbishop.com/blog/2008/10/29/madonna-sticky-and-sweet-tour-in-vancouver-set-list-and-opening-act/; and, since we're talking about it - more info on the earlier Janet Jackson show http://janetjacksontour2008.blogspot.com/2008/09/janet-jackson-tour-2008-setlist-and.html

I'll say this much, I am certainly sticky now - not so sure about the sweet part! OMG - it was hot and crowded in there! Lost Corinne & Sue & my bus pass trying to get the hell out - still don't like crowds. Nearly got blown over on the exit - quite the breeze when gthey open the regular doors with the airlock on! However, did manage to keep Brenda, and meet up with Constantin (our own personal - and much in demand tonight- taxi driver).

Am very happy that did the repacking for tomorrow last night!

Off to the tub...

Photo of the Day...

"Borrowing" a good idea... If not much to say, post photos. This was in the spring - Hong Kong harbour taken from the ladies room at Felix (the Philippe Starck bar on the roof of the Peninsula Hotel in Kowloon).

Yummy, yummy, yummy...

The picture is from the spring trip to Hong Kong... Taken from a sampan in Aberdeen. Weather is supposed to be nicer this trip mid to high 20s, and clear. Here's hoping it holds.

No real lunch today - got bogged down at work. However, dinner at Sandbar was great - spinach salad, and fresh halibut (mmmm). Nice seat up on the deck - right by one of the fireplaces. Pleasant end to a long day. http://www.vancouverdine.com/sandbar/home.html

Managed to get fabric on Sunday (seems so very strange to be taking fabric to Hong Kong!). Especially when you are buying it from a shop with a store in Hong Kong (but, as they pointed out - doesn't get cold enough there to sell wool double knit or stretch wool). So, bit the bullet, and got enough to get palazzo pants, a pencil skirt, and a short jacket made (hoping there might be enough for a shell too) out of each fabric. Black double knit, and dark dark navy stretch wool. Picked up some buttons too. We'll see how it goes...

Lots of stuff to get copied too. It all appeals to my desire to control my environment - design the cabinets in the house, pick the finishes, choose the colours and the textures, design the bed. If I can't get paid to design things, I can at least do it for my own environment.

I'm falling again...

FUCK! Assuming I have no followers with tender sensibilities... Sprained my recently broken ankle today (oh, yeah, and ripped my knee open). Back to traveling at normal speed - with the normal results. Tripped over my own two feet and face planted (well, not quite face) on the sidewalk.

OK, so I get the cosmic message... Unless I would like to try being put on 'stop' for a while (which, trust me, I have absolutely no desire to repeat), I must learn to operate at something below my usual breakneck speed (perhaps we should dub it breakankle speed). So noted.

This curtailed the rest of my activities for the day... Must get ankle back in proper working order prior to Hong Kong. At least most of the activities planned for this week involve sitting rather than walking or standing much!

Ooh, it's magic...

Apparently this might be a once a week thing... So, here's the latest this week:

Sunday - Went veggie shopping, walked over the Granville Street Bridge (the picture was taken a few weeks ago, going the other way on the bridge) to meet Alli at Starbucks at Granville & Broadway (I was only 4 minutes late - pretty damn good for walking from the West End!). Yup, 29 weeks later, and the ankle's working well - I have sweaty ears by the end!! Have switched to my 'winter' headphones (my answer to a car) http://www.bose.ca/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/audio_headphones/around_ear_headphones/index.jsp apparently it's not yet winter if you're really hoofing. We went off to preview a gallery show http://www.elliottlouis.com/, you can also see a video interview with the artist http://www.elliottlouis.com/dynamic/video_list.asp (and I got to put in my 2 cents worth regarding the signage). Came home, had a bite to eat, made stew. Meghan came over for dinner (sent her home with stew - you'd think afer all these years that I would have learned how to cook small portions - but, not so much).

Monday - Strata meeting, how I got myself back in the position of herding cats is somewhat beyond me! Guess being elected President was the penalty for showing up late to our informal meeting prior to this one. Ah well... I will survive.

Tuesday - Was supposed to have dinner with my uncle, Bill and my parents. But, Bill has celulitis so he couldn't come out from T.O. (too bad, haven't seen him in months!). Instead, worked late then went to the Mongolian grill place with Allison & Danielle. Lots of veggies!

Wednesday - Dinner with Tania - need some help eating that stew! So, stew, wine, and a nice visit. A relatively quiet evening.

Thursday - Noontime visit to see Andrew (chiropractor), for an adjustment and to pick up my re-covered orthotics (much better!) http://www.baysidechiro.com/about-chiro.php. This time, please don't tell me not to fall in Hong Kong (didn't work very well last time!). Lunch with Danielle at Kam's Place. After work, met up with Sue & Monika for a bite to eat at Cafe Crepe, then we headed to The Centre http://www.centreinvancouver.com/index.php?&bo_table=show&year=2008&month=10 to see David Copperfield - the show is impressive (and the man is pretty funny) http://www.dcopperfield.com/ don't know how the tricks were done, but... We got in just before the lights went down, and, apparently, outside the notice of Tania at her part-time entertainment job (rather than the real job - the Shiatsu business http://www.goshiatsu.com/news.htm), she was a bit startled with our 'sudden' appearance when the lights were up at one point in the show.

Friday - Tonight. Dinner at Chambar http://www.chambar.com/ (apertif: EL CHE - Havana 1953.White peach puree, dark rum, sherry, orgeat & lemon juice. Served up.; appetizer shared with Gloria: Coquilles St.-Jacques - Pan seared diver scallops, vegetable "jardiniere", roasted hazelnut vinaigrette, spiced chorizo; dinner: Veau Provencal - Seared veal tenderloin, warm crisp green vegetable bocconcini salad, piment d'espelette vinaigrette, sauteed fingerling potatoes; 'desert': Chambar SazeracBrandy, cardamon, peach bitters served in an Absinthe rinsed glass.). Yup, I could eat here every day (add to list of things I will do if I win the lottery). Anyway, this was all a brief precourser to the concert for the evening - Bob Dylan http://www.bobdylan.com/#/tour - the set list should be here soon. The band was hot, but some accoustic numbers would have been nice... The crowd was very diverse - gotta love it when the 20 somethings are reporting the 50 somethings for smoking-up. The attendant managed to keep a straight face when he requested they put out their cigarette (uh, don't think that's quite the term you're looking for sweetheart). Leaving, god I hate crowds!

Tomorrow - Gotta get my hair cut - 10am http://www.hairbliss.com/studio.html. Then back home - they're testing the fire alarms. Then, vote in the by-election. Pick up some wool double-knit to take to Hong Kong (since really want to get pants and a skirt made, can't guarantee that will find it in China - haven't had luck thus far; and, funnily enough, Gala can't tell me for sure if will be able to get it at their store in Kowloon http://www.galafabrics.com/ - too bad, would be nice to buy it in a tax free port!). Perhaps will get better info in person - or, will get fabric. Another gallery opening http://cristallgallery.com/CURRENT_EXHIBITION. Also supposed to go with Catherine to hear Mike's band play, but, not so certain about that - clock is ticking out of time before I leave.

Sunday - Going for curry brunch with Alli & Sue http://www.indiabistro.ca/, then a Costco run to get the items for HK delivery, then move BC to Sue's for a few weeks (this is the only real opportunity - although I will miss his little furry face home for a few days).

Monday - Supposed to have dinner with the Creechurch boys. We're heading to Sandbar (I think Paul was making the reservation - I sure hope I wasn't supposed to be 'cause I haven't!) http://www.vancouverdine.com/sandbar/menus_dinner.html.

Tuesday - Another play http://www.seeseven.bc.ca/0809/shows/jesuschrist.php

Wednesday - I think nothing, but can't recall...

Thursday - Madonna http://www.madonna.com/

Friday - Fly fly away... Hey, at this pace, may even manage to sleep on the plane (ha, ha, ha). Up in 'the bubble' - it'll be a new experience. Managed to book 76H on the upper deck - so, think should be able to do my ususal stand and watch movies over the back of my seat http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Japan_Airlines/Japan_Airlines_Boeing_747-400.php

IN with the old...

Leftovers - almost sick of turkey. Soup, risotto, sandwiches. Left over mashed potatoes with breakfast today. Fed the dog (Rex & Alli were here for breakie) the last of the left over carrots (figured the left over brussell sprouts would be a poor idea!).

Old music - went to see Chicago last night. This has been the couple years of concerts (for a new change, not just jazz - which is my usual play). So, we've (the royal we, with various cohorts) have also gone to see: Elton John, Billy Joel, America, Boz Scaggs, Harry Connick Jr. (yeah, ok, that's jazz), Dave Brubeck (more jazz. But the man is almost 88 years old! He'd retired after the 1st time I saw him in Vancouver - he came back.), Colin James, Chris Isaak, Molly Johnson (and a bit more), George Michael (possibly the best concert I have ever seen), Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, Van Morrison (lacks charisma on stage), Seal, Stevie Wonder, ZZ Top. Still to come this year: Bob Dylan, Madonna, Ian Tyson, Robin Williams. Lots of theatre and opera interspersed in there too.).

Old friends - the internet is a godsend for those of us with previously peripatetic existences. Have recently reconnected with people I've known since fifth grade. And, several in between. Sometimes a walk down memory lane is good for you...

Thanksgiving...

Well, the guests have all gone home. Everyone ate too much, and most drank too much (but, only if they weren't driving)! First time I have cooked Thanksgiving dinner in the not quite so new kitchen (have been out of town the last few years - Hong Kong and Australia respectively). We had all the requisites: turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, brussel sprouts, home-made cranberry sauce, pumpkin chiffon pie (not my creation - but amazing and yummy - and I don't really care for pumpkin), home-made chocolate birthday cake with mocha frosting (for the 20th anniversary of Vicki's 30th birthday), ice cream and wine, wine, wine, wine, wine, wine, wine... Oh, and a few people sipping helium from the birthday balloons! Doesn't work if you're laughing...

Four load of dishes have been run tonight (love the very quiet dishwasher - especially since I hate doing dishes, I need sous-chef in my life!). Probably two more (at least) to go. Soup stock to be turned back on tomorrow. Laughed so hard at several points tonight that I was left gasping and crying. BC has new friends in Michael & Gina (and they have new scars from his launching off of them). M&G are permanently on the invite list when there is turkey - so nice to have someone other than me carve it! Oh, yeah, and Michael gets bonus points for both recognizing and appreciating David Allan Coe as part of the background music...

The local dumpster divers will be happy with the haul of empties - the ones which can't be reused (as, hopefully will my carpenter - he makes wine - I need to get the new pot rack installed!).

Was quite the week! Monday Jacqueline started. Tuesday, Danielle materialised, melted down, and started work. Thursday, Dawn missed the Staff Dinner, and Friday she quit (good timing Danielle!). Saturday was the surprise 60th birthday party for Floyd - my feet are still sore from dancing too much - could barely make it the 1.5 blocks home (which had nothing to do with the field trip to Delilah's en route - where, happily, this time, unlike the last, no one left with my purse and keys - what a fiasco that was!). However, still keeping them well amused - I continue to bring strange things along with me when I arrive - dogs, wheelchairs, five year olds, and this time a massive bouquet of balloons (rescued from the 60th, and used for the 50th - they are off to another party tonight). Reduce, reuse, recycle...

Ah yes, and in between lots of luncheon meetings. Question of the week: why do men lie about their age? Okay, lie might be too strong a word, but fib for certain. Seriously, if you're over 70 (and, unless I am very confused, WELL over - why try to subtract 10 years!?). Anyway, this is all a conundrum which I am sure will work it self out. Or, it will show up here again!

Thai Food Day...

Apparently, it is a day of the year requiring Thai food... Last year was in Darling Harbour in Sydney (long day, great company, kinda hungry - but took a while to find something of interest). Hmmm would be nice to be there (although, work better to time it to coincide with the company).

Today, long work day (and a bit weird - think it will all be good!)... Different company (Catherine & Mike), then off to a play. Again, the Thai food was happenstance - trying to find the theatre the location of which we all had a rough idea - but no address). Anyway, yummy food, some wine, and theatre - good evening! http://www.seeseven.bc.ca/0809/shows/cover.php

Overall, it's going to be a crazy week - yesterday, new employee started (she'll be good - hadn't really planned on the new one who started today, but she'll be good too). Last night had a short strata meeting (after racing home at 8pm in the rain to throw in the laundry beforehand). Tonight was as above. Tomorrow - lunch meeting, then massage therapy after work, then need to pick up groceries (turkey time) for dinner on Sunday. Thursday - lunch seminar, staff dinner meeting. Friday - slowish day (I hope). Saturday - errands, the 60th surprise party. Sunday - dinner for fourteen (well, was, now think we're eleven). Monday, think I'll sleep!

Somehow, think this month is going to fly by - then heading back to Hong Kong.

Crash Course...

Alli gave me a crash course in working this better - we'll see if the lessons take. However, it appears that I can't yet figure out how to move the pictures around!

Pretty laid-back weekend. Breakie yesterday with Sue at the Grove, off to vote in the advance Federal Election poles, then wandered about through the rain on Robson & then hiding from the rain in Pacific Centre. Got speakers for my MP3 player (for traveling) and some new gloves (that time of year again!).

Sue headed home, and I headed to visit jeweller friends - tried on lovely earrings, but really, can't currently justify them (they were, however, lovely pink gold!). Oh, and tried on several different pairs of diamond earrings (but, still love the ones I bought myself for my 40th birthday - parents bought part of them). So, since these are what I wear almost everyday, seems a bit pointless to keep buying additional ones (I try to alternate in the black opals from Australia).

When the rain abated a bit, headed home to change and pick up the wine for dinner with Wendy & Brock. Had a lovely dinner - had been far too long since I saw them (that whole broken ankle thing put a damper on my social life).

Met Alli for breakfast today, then we were going to do The Drift on Main http://www.thedrift.ca/, but ended up just pottering about running errands (oh, and trying to sort me out for this!). So, we are caffeinated; shod (yeah, 'cause I so needed another pair of shoes!, but they're red, and they're shiny, and we all know how I feel about that! see photo above...); littered (cat); sharpened (knives - ready for the 14 dinner guests next weekend!); and have a new pot rack (well, a pot rack - which I haven't had before, and which will fit perfectly into the evolving kitchen - I've been coveting this one for about a year - can't find the brand - Typhoon with a photo online). Now, just have to get someone over to help install it properly - hitting the floor (or the island) laden with cast iron pots would be a very bad thing!

Alli was cleaning her house (and then was pushing me out of the way to watch football with both Rex & Emma trying to climb on her lap!). Took the dogs for a walk... It was brisk out there! Ah to be in Australia again (where it was spring during my stay this time last year!).

Ciao for now!

Day two... We'll see how long this works...

Well, pulled the trigger (so to speak), and not nearly as enebriated as last night (alcohol & stress - brutal combo! not sure what it says that I can type well drunk...). Tonight, only a bit of red wind on board - but at then end of a 11.5 hour workday!

However, the desk is kinda under control now. New employee starts on Monday. Think we're trending in the right direction.

Met my friend Con http://www.new.facebook.com/people/Constantin_Hiebner/709580147 at Boneta http://www.boneta.ca/ for his desert & my dinner (yummy - vino, bison carpacio, and gnocchi) - the staff are FABULOUS, was my first venture here without crutches or canes (everyone was duly impressed). But, you gotta love the restaurant whose owner/somalier takes the time to walk you to the loo when you're a bit crippled (in the past... now can happily get there on my own!).

Tomorrow, as they say, is another day...

Where to start...

Well, almost 1130 pm... Long day, long week... So happy that tomorrow is finally Friday!!! Today was work, meetings, more work - 7pm. Cab to a gallery opening http://www.elliottlouis.com/dynamic/exhibit_artist.asp?ExhibitID=353 great to meet the artist - there's a serious small world story in here. When I have the link to his Paris shows, I will post it! Here's my 'baby' the picture doesn't do it justice...
http://www.elliottlouis.com/dynamic/Artwork/PublicDetail_James_Verbicky_Float_On_Revisit_4332_55.htm
Several scotches and another gallery and dinner at home later - writing this. Would kinda rather be on vacation and hang out with Chris at Namche Bazaar http://snowymtns.com/?id=kyajoriexpedition_1

Not looking forward to tomorrow - but at least will be at the end of it, the week that wouldn't end! Pulling the trigger (pre-emtively) on one of my employees tomorrow. Has been haunting me all week - will be happy to be done!

Cat currently trying to help me type! Maybe trying to make up for the dead bird in the house (how the hell does he lure them through the curtains!!!!????), maybe just peeved about not being the centre of attention at this precise moment.

Anyway - bed for me (love my new bed!).