Ok, if you don't know me (and seriously, if you don't, why the heck are you reading this? You can't possibly be bored enough to read these rambles.), I love to read. I mean, I read like most people breathe. I always, always have a book on the go, and most often have a book with me. So, on the assumption I'm not going to read any new books today, I present to you my book stats for 2005. I didn't count rereads of old favourites and I didn't count any of the trashy romances I read.
Grand Total: 131 (compared to the grand total in 2004 of 130 - I think that's kind of weird that it's so consistent!)
Mystery/Thriller - 65 (49.6%) (2004 - 45)
Fantasy/Scifi - 52 (39.7%) (2004 - 67)
Fiction - 5 (3.8%) (2004 - 17)
Non-Fiction - 9 (6.9%) (2004 - 1)
I rarely hand out 5 amulets/stars - this year's winners go to Jessica Snyder Sachs for her non-fiction book Corpse, Greg Iles for his WWII mystery Black Cross, Tamara Siler Jones for Ghosts in the Snow, JK Rowling for the latest Harry Potter, and George Martin for the long awaited A Feast of Crows. If you haven't read Ghosts in the Snow, it is the one I recommend the most. A murder mystery set in a medieval fantasy world.
I gave 2 amulets/stars to 5 books, all mysteries/thrillers by authors I've never heard of. My next lowest was a 2.5 to Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond, a non-fiction book. While I loved the ideas in this book and the thoughts it generated, I hate this man's writing style. I really really want to read his new one, Collapse of Societies (I think), but I just can't subject myself to his grade 9 essay format.
Most read authors included Suzanne Brockmann (4), Sara Douglass (6), Katharine Kerr (5), Jane Lindskold (4), and Tamora Pierce (4).
As for that other End of the Year Stuff - New Year's Resolutions. To my shock, I have discovered I have actually kept last year's resolutions!!! They were:
1) To Be Healthier
2) To Be More Sociable
In the To Be Healthier category, I joined a gym, worked out almost regularly :), and with the added benefit of diet, I managed to lose almost 60 pounds!
In the To Be More Sociable category, I think I did very well. I got a day job, joined the world of sunlight, and went out more. And then I did the unthinkable and tried Speed Dating. As you know, it worked out quite well for me. No more details are necessary at this time :)
2005 was a very very good year for me.
So - 2006's Resolutions:
1) Reach and maintain Target Weight.
Ok, that's the only one I'm really truly serious about, but it would also be nice to:
2) Blog weekly!
3) Become a better listener. (errr, how do I go about that?)
4) Be debt-free for at least 4 seconds.
Best wishes to you all in 2006!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Christmas Post
I had a great time over the holidays and I hope everyone else did too.
As per usual, I went back to BC for Christmas. Another very short trip this time, only 4 days. I arrived late on the 23rd, just in time to frantically wrap presents and decorate the Christmas tree with my family.
Christmas Eve day was spent at the gym with my mom and sister, followed by the usual madhouse referred to as Christmas Eve at my grandmother's (my mom's mom). She lives in a tiny bungalow now, instead of the big house, so trying to cram all my relatives in there doesn't work all that well. Good thing that out of the 46-ish possible relatives (not including extra boy/girlfriends that the really brave and/or insane occasionally bring), only 31 showed up. Mostly the island people didn't come and they are the largest branch anyway. It was nice though, roaming around, visiting with various people.
Christmas morning was spent opening presents with my immediate family. As usual, I was greatly spoiled. My haul included new blue sheets, cooking dishes, a china serving platter (woohoo!!!), china bowls, new towels, many books and a subscription to a sewing magazine. My favourite moments that morning were when my sister and mom opened my gifts. I gave my sister a bright red and white nightgown and matching robe. My mom got pyjamas and a nightgown made out of jogging fleece (I think she's insane, but that's what she said she wanted, although she might have been joking...) and a satin robe.
After presents, my dad's mom came over for brunch and the rest of the day was spent getting ready for dinner and visiting with various relatives who dropped in. Christmas dinner was the smallest in years and it was wonderful - only 9 people! After dinner, I went to visit one of my best friends from high school and it was really great to see her.
Boxing day was sheer insanity as it was spent shopping with my sister. Great prices though and I found lots of things. Jeans, a bra, 5 blouses, 2 sweaters, a golf shirt and a skirt for about $250. All very very much needed as due to the shrinking me, I had NO clothes. Ok, some, but not much! My sister bought tons of stuff. She says she loves shopping with me as I go through all the racks and just toss things I like at her. She hates looking for clothes, doesn't mind trying them on. After shopping, my family went out for fish and chips out in Horseshoe Bay. I then met up with my high school girlfriends for drinks. I loved seeing them and catching up!
It was a good holiday as I got to see all the people that mattered to me. My friends, my relatives, and I even had time to visit with each of my grandmothers and have a cup of tea. I had to leave a few of my presents at my parents since they didn't fit in my suitcase, but they are planning to come for a visit in the spring so I'll get them then.
I have a million pictures which I haven't got around to posting yet. Eventually, I swear.
As per usual, I went back to BC for Christmas. Another very short trip this time, only 4 days. I arrived late on the 23rd, just in time to frantically wrap presents and decorate the Christmas tree with my family.
Christmas Eve day was spent at the gym with my mom and sister, followed by the usual madhouse referred to as Christmas Eve at my grandmother's (my mom's mom). She lives in a tiny bungalow now, instead of the big house, so trying to cram all my relatives in there doesn't work all that well. Good thing that out of the 46-ish possible relatives (not including extra boy/girlfriends that the really brave and/or insane occasionally bring), only 31 showed up. Mostly the island people didn't come and they are the largest branch anyway. It was nice though, roaming around, visiting with various people.
Christmas morning was spent opening presents with my immediate family. As usual, I was greatly spoiled. My haul included new blue sheets, cooking dishes, a china serving platter (woohoo!!!), china bowls, new towels, many books and a subscription to a sewing magazine. My favourite moments that morning were when my sister and mom opened my gifts. I gave my sister a bright red and white nightgown and matching robe. My mom got pyjamas and a nightgown made out of jogging fleece (I think she's insane, but that's what she said she wanted, although she might have been joking...) and a satin robe.
After presents, my dad's mom came over for brunch and the rest of the day was spent getting ready for dinner and visiting with various relatives who dropped in. Christmas dinner was the smallest in years and it was wonderful - only 9 people! After dinner, I went to visit one of my best friends from high school and it was really great to see her.
Boxing day was sheer insanity as it was spent shopping with my sister. Great prices though and I found lots of things. Jeans, a bra, 5 blouses, 2 sweaters, a golf shirt and a skirt for about $250. All very very much needed as due to the shrinking me, I had NO clothes. Ok, some, but not much! My sister bought tons of stuff. She says she loves shopping with me as I go through all the racks and just toss things I like at her. She hates looking for clothes, doesn't mind trying them on. After shopping, my family went out for fish and chips out in Horseshoe Bay. I then met up with my high school girlfriends for drinks. I loved seeing them and catching up!
It was a good holiday as I got to see all the people that mattered to me. My friends, my relatives, and I even had time to visit with each of my grandmothers and have a cup of tea. I had to leave a few of my presents at my parents since they didn't fit in my suitcase, but they are planning to come for a visit in the spring so I'll get them then.
I have a million pictures which I haven't got around to posting yet. Eventually, I swear.
Monday, December 19, 2005
December
Ok, perhaps one of my New Year's resolutions will be to update this thing more frequently - but I doubt it.
I had a great time this weekend as I threw my annual (ok, two years in a row!) tree decorating party on Saturday. 17 people again, so it was definitely a full house. I made all the food I consider part of Christmas, as it's the same type of food that was served at my grandmother's Christmas gatherings. Swedish meatballs, cabbage rolls, potatos au gratin and ham, plus the usual veggies, salad, and dinner rolls. The only real difference between my menu and what my family ate at my aunt's this year was the bread. My cousins baked all the traditional breads - hardtack, cardamon buns, cinnamon rings - that I don't know how to do. Besides, there was tons of food already! For dessert, I served various kinds of Christmas baking - marshmallow squares, peanut butter bonbons, butterscotch haystacks, date squares. By the end of the night, my tree had ornaments, the gingerbread house had been decorated, and I had We Wish You A Merry Christmas as sung by three stuffed mice trapped in my head. I had a blast.
I've also been going to the movies a lot recently. I highly recommend King Kong, although I do think the first hour could have been cut a bit more. I only give Chronicles of Narnia 3 stars out of 5 as it dragged in places and I thought the soundtrack was really pompous and distracting. Hmm, I know I've seen more. Oh, Just Friends. Very funny, particularly if you like physical comedy. I also saw Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - it is one of my favourites. I'm currently on a Christmas video kick and I've watched the Muppet Christmas Carol twice in the last week. I love that movie!
As for other activities - I've been sewing a lot. Some items are top secret until Christmas, but as Lori already opened her gift, I can tell you I made my second quilted item. It is a snowman table runner and I think it looks quite nice. With the exception of one gift left to sew, all my shopping/sewing is done and I can relax until Christmas! Hmmm, I should really go work on that last gift....
If you want to see the new pics, head to http://www.geocities.com/jette_16/pics/thumbs.html
I had a great time this weekend as I threw my annual (ok, two years in a row!) tree decorating party on Saturday. 17 people again, so it was definitely a full house. I made all the food I consider part of Christmas, as it's the same type of food that was served at my grandmother's Christmas gatherings. Swedish meatballs, cabbage rolls, potatos au gratin and ham, plus the usual veggies, salad, and dinner rolls. The only real difference between my menu and what my family ate at my aunt's this year was the bread. My cousins baked all the traditional breads - hardtack, cardamon buns, cinnamon rings - that I don't know how to do. Besides, there was tons of food already! For dessert, I served various kinds of Christmas baking - marshmallow squares, peanut butter bonbons, butterscotch haystacks, date squares. By the end of the night, my tree had ornaments, the gingerbread house had been decorated, and I had We Wish You A Merry Christmas as sung by three stuffed mice trapped in my head. I had a blast.
I've also been going to the movies a lot recently. I highly recommend King Kong, although I do think the first hour could have been cut a bit more. I only give Chronicles of Narnia 3 stars out of 5 as it dragged in places and I thought the soundtrack was really pompous and distracting. Hmm, I know I've seen more. Oh, Just Friends. Very funny, particularly if you like physical comedy. I also saw Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - it is one of my favourites. I'm currently on a Christmas video kick and I've watched the Muppet Christmas Carol twice in the last week. I love that movie!
As for other activities - I've been sewing a lot. Some items are top secret until Christmas, but as Lori already opened her gift, I can tell you I made my second quilted item. It is a snowman table runner and I think it looks quite nice. With the exception of one gift left to sew, all my shopping/sewing is done and I can relax until Christmas! Hmmm, I should really go work on that last gift....
If you want to see the new pics, head to http://www.geocities.com/jette_16/pics/thumbs.html
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Birthday Week
It's been a nice two weeks since my last update. I sewed like crazy to make my hallowe'en costume - not entirely sure what possessed me to want a leather and velvet corset. Too many Buffy reruns? It was based on Vampire Willow's outfit from season three, not that anyone knew that. It was just kind of goth, I guess, but I knew! *g* It was really hard to make and I didn't even use real leather or velvet. Just some kind of pleather and this stretch fake crushed velvet. The sewing wasn't that hard - even though it was thick! Pleather, interfacing, lining, velvet... Broke 2 needles and I was using special leather ones. It was the eyelets that nearly killed me. 38 of the little devils I think. And to get them to go through so much fabric I was using a full sized hammer and swinging hard! Hit my thumb more than a few times.... I think the end product looked good though and I wore it to The Thirsty Turtle for a night of Hallowe'en bar-ness. My compliments go out to Scott, Erik and Kate for their very good Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach costumes!
This past Wednesday was my 28th birthday. Being in the middle of week, I didn't do much. Booked a table at a restaurant called Flavours that I've been wanting to go to for ages. I wanted to go there specifically for a dish called Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken. I ordered it and it was good, but not nearly enough tomatos. In fact, if there was one piece of tomato, I couldn't taste it. The service lacked though. One waiter, who spent a lot of time hanging out at the bar. Good thing we weren't in any hurry! The coolest part of the night was when we ordered dessert. 6 of us, 6 options on the menu. When the waiter came, we said "one of everything". Who hasn't wanted to say that?? Most of us tried all the dishes - mocha java mousse (Yum!), flourless chocolate cake (too bitter), apple-berry crumple (tasty), triple chocolate bread pudding (a meal in itself, whoa), creme brulee (never tried that before) and vanilla cheesecake (also Yum!). My friends paid for my dinner, which was very nice of them. They also gave me Knife of Dreams (finally, I have it!!!) and a Spike calendar *g*. After supper, we went back to my house and opened the gifts my family had sent. More books (I'm reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes right now, very very good), and a memory card for my digital camera.
Last night, it was a birthday double-hitter. First, I went out for supper with Joey, Rod and Fancy as it was Joe's birthday. After supper, I went over to Pub 1905 to celebrate Todd's and my birthday. It was really great seeing everyone last night as there were a few people there I don't see too often. I spent the night just chatting with everyone - my favourite thing to do! *g* It was a really great night and a nice cap to my week.
This past Wednesday was my 28th birthday. Being in the middle of week, I didn't do much. Booked a table at a restaurant called Flavours that I've been wanting to go to for ages. I wanted to go there specifically for a dish called Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken. I ordered it and it was good, but not nearly enough tomatos. In fact, if there was one piece of tomato, I couldn't taste it. The service lacked though. One waiter, who spent a lot of time hanging out at the bar. Good thing we weren't in any hurry! The coolest part of the night was when we ordered dessert. 6 of us, 6 options on the menu. When the waiter came, we said "one of everything". Who hasn't wanted to say that?? Most of us tried all the dishes - mocha java mousse (Yum!), flourless chocolate cake (too bitter), apple-berry crumple (tasty), triple chocolate bread pudding (a meal in itself, whoa), creme brulee (never tried that before) and vanilla cheesecake (also Yum!). My friends paid for my dinner, which was very nice of them. They also gave me Knife of Dreams (finally, I have it!!!) and a Spike calendar *g*. After supper, we went back to my house and opened the gifts my family had sent. More books (I'm reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes right now, very very good), and a memory card for my digital camera.
Last night, it was a birthday double-hitter. First, I went out for supper with Joey, Rod and Fancy as it was Joe's birthday. After supper, I went over to Pub 1905 to celebrate Todd's and my birthday. It was really great seeing everyone last night as there were a few people there I don't see too often. I spent the night just chatting with everyone - my favourite thing to do! *g* It was a really great night and a nice cap to my week.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Visit!
For the first time since I moved out here ten years ago, my grandma came out to visit me this weekend. My mum also came with her. It was a great weekend as I don't think I have ever spent so much time with my grandma before. It was nice having a girls weekend, just the three of us.
They came in Thursday around lunch. I was very mean and made them take the airport shuttle downtown where I met them at a local hotel. That afternoon we went to West Edmonton Mall for the start of some serious shopping. We managed to complete about 40% of the mall before we got sick of it and went home. I can't even remember what we bought that day! I remember buying wool as mum had forgotten hers at home and can't live without something to crochet. That night we had supper at a nearby fish and chips shoppe. Every time my mum comes out we eat there, which I find funny. She comes out from the coast to eat fish on the prairies *g*.
Friday morning, we went to the Muttart Conservatory, which is basically a giant greenhouse built in the formation of four glass pyramids. Each pyramid is designed around a different landscape - Arid/Desert, Temperate, Tropical and "Show". The show pyramid had a dreamcatcher theme this time and was pretty cool. I really liked this topiary (I think that's the right word) shaped like a giant fish. After the conservatory, we went back to the evil mall for more shopping. This time we covered Phase III and bought quite a bit. My grandma found a really pretty blue coat and certain birthday gifts were purchased for me. We also saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the cheap theatre. We had supper at Tony Roma's, which officially had the slowest service I had ever experienced in my life. Not pleased at all.
Saturday, we walked down Whyte Avenue and went to the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market. I should really go more often, everything looked so great! That afternoon we went to Southgate mall so I could buy jeans (WEM was out of stock) and my mum also bought a sweatshirt. By this point, we were all very sick of shopping!! That night, I made supper for a change - salmon with lemon, baked potatoes and veggies. Basic, but tasty.
Sunday, we just puttered around and walked over to the little shopping plaza by my house. And then it was time for them to go back to the airport. Just a short visit! I had lots of fun though. It was really nice to have them both out here.
Pictures can be found here.
They came in Thursday around lunch. I was very mean and made them take the airport shuttle downtown where I met them at a local hotel. That afternoon we went to West Edmonton Mall for the start of some serious shopping. We managed to complete about 40% of the mall before we got sick of it and went home. I can't even remember what we bought that day! I remember buying wool as mum had forgotten hers at home and can't live without something to crochet. That night we had supper at a nearby fish and chips shoppe. Every time my mum comes out we eat there, which I find funny. She comes out from the coast to eat fish on the prairies *g*.
Friday morning, we went to the Muttart Conservatory, which is basically a giant greenhouse built in the formation of four glass pyramids. Each pyramid is designed around a different landscape - Arid/Desert, Temperate, Tropical and "Show". The show pyramid had a dreamcatcher theme this time and was pretty cool. I really liked this topiary (I think that's the right word) shaped like a giant fish. After the conservatory, we went back to the evil mall for more shopping. This time we covered Phase III and bought quite a bit. My grandma found a really pretty blue coat and certain birthday gifts were purchased for me. We also saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the cheap theatre. We had supper at Tony Roma's, which officially had the slowest service I had ever experienced in my life. Not pleased at all.
Saturday, we walked down Whyte Avenue and went to the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market. I should really go more often, everything looked so great! That afternoon we went to Southgate mall so I could buy jeans (WEM was out of stock) and my mum also bought a sweatshirt. By this point, we were all very sick of shopping!! That night, I made supper for a change - salmon with lemon, baked potatoes and veggies. Basic, but tasty.
Sunday, we just puttered around and walked over to the little shopping plaza by my house. And then it was time for them to go back to the airport. Just a short visit! I had lots of fun though. It was really nice to have them both out here.
Pictures can be found here.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Just Because?
Man, you know you haven't posted in a while when you get complaints!
My apologies to my loyal fan base. *snicker*
I have no rants lately. It is strange. Apparently I'm satisfied with the world. Unless I think too hard, and then I just get depressed. I think the end times are upon us. If you are religious, pray for your soul. If you don't believe in an afterlife, I recommend high levels of partying.
So in the what's new with me department - you may or may not know that I'm really working on losing weight. It's going quite well. I set 5 mini-goals to make it more manageable and at each goal, I give myself a reward and a challenge. The challenges are somewhat like punishments really, but they are meant to get me out of my rut in life. I'm all for trying new things this year. When I hit my first goal, I got a massage and asked out a friend (it was a no). Second goal - great new clothes and my high school reunion (punishment!). Third goal - more clothes (otherwise I was going to have a nakedness issue) and a really new thing - Speed Dating aka six minute dates or whatever version you have heard of.
I officially recommend speed dating to anyone who is looking. How else do you meet so many people at once? I chose one that was for people aged 23-32 and aimed at "young professionals", whatever that means. It was held at a pub near my house, so I just walked over. I also called Rod for a last minute pep talk. His advice? Don't forget to let them talk too! I had a lot of fun that night. There were 13 guys and 10 girls. We started with a little ice breaker session while we waited for everyone to arrive. It was just one of those little sheets that say "Find someone who has a pet", "Find someone who likes hockey", etc etc. Then time for the dates. The girls were assigned tables and the guys rotated through when the bell rang. I only had one date where I was struggling to find something to talk about. Out of the guys I met, I think I circled interested for 7. I was trying very hard to not be picky. One guy I circled solely because as he was leaving he said he liked my red hair (wash out colour btw, normal now).
Later that week I got an email with my matches. I matched with five guys! (I circled them, they circled me....). I decided to be brave and call them and I set up dates with all 5! Crazy me, but it was fun. One was fun, Two bailed on our coffee date but called me several times, Three turned out to be significant, Four was nice but older, Five was young and hot. Although I had fun with the four guys I went out with (and One I went out with twice), Three (who shall now be known as Ian) was by far the most interesting. And turns out he likes me back. We are currently dating and he's even met some of my friends. It's happy fun.
And in other news - my mum and grandma are coming for a visit this weekend. I am so excited! My grandma has never visited me in the ten years I've lived here so this is cool. Hopefully, I'll have pics to put up soon.
My apologies to my loyal fan base. *snicker*
I have no rants lately. It is strange. Apparently I'm satisfied with the world. Unless I think too hard, and then I just get depressed. I think the end times are upon us. If you are religious, pray for your soul. If you don't believe in an afterlife, I recommend high levels of partying.
So in the what's new with me department - you may or may not know that I'm really working on losing weight. It's going quite well. I set 5 mini-goals to make it more manageable and at each goal, I give myself a reward and a challenge. The challenges are somewhat like punishments really, but they are meant to get me out of my rut in life. I'm all for trying new things this year. When I hit my first goal, I got a massage and asked out a friend (it was a no). Second goal - great new clothes and my high school reunion (punishment!). Third goal - more clothes (otherwise I was going to have a nakedness issue) and a really new thing - Speed Dating aka six minute dates or whatever version you have heard of.
I officially recommend speed dating to anyone who is looking. How else do you meet so many people at once? I chose one that was for people aged 23-32 and aimed at "young professionals", whatever that means. It was held at a pub near my house, so I just walked over. I also called Rod for a last minute pep talk. His advice? Don't forget to let them talk too! I had a lot of fun that night. There were 13 guys and 10 girls. We started with a little ice breaker session while we waited for everyone to arrive. It was just one of those little sheets that say "Find someone who has a pet", "Find someone who likes hockey", etc etc. Then time for the dates. The girls were assigned tables and the guys rotated through when the bell rang. I only had one date where I was struggling to find something to talk about. Out of the guys I met, I think I circled interested for 7. I was trying very hard to not be picky. One guy I circled solely because as he was leaving he said he liked my red hair (wash out colour btw, normal now).
Later that week I got an email with my matches. I matched with five guys! (I circled them, they circled me....). I decided to be brave and call them and I set up dates with all 5! Crazy me, but it was fun. One was fun, Two bailed on our coffee date but called me several times, Three turned out to be significant, Four was nice but older, Five was young and hot. Although I had fun with the four guys I went out with (and One I went out with twice), Three (who shall now be known as Ian) was by far the most interesting. And turns out he likes me back. We are currently dating and he's even met some of my friends. It's happy fun.
And in other news - my mum and grandma are coming for a visit this weekend. I am so excited! My grandma has never visited me in the ten years I've lived here so this is cool. Hopefully, I'll have pics to put up soon.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Happy Birthday, Alberta
On September 1, 1905, both Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces of Canada, making today our 100th birthday. For the occasion, I present you with fun and useless facts about Alberta!
The Official Bird is the Great Horned Owl.
The Official Flower is the Wild Rose.
The Official Tree is the Lodgepole Pine.
The Official Stone is Petrified Wood. (I find this hilarious!!)
The Official Mammal is the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
Our Motto is Fortis et Liber (Strong and Free).
At 61,185 square km or 255,303 squares miles, Alberta is the fourth largest province.
Our population is approximately 3.2 million.
Alberta was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta of Britain, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of a Canadian Governor-General.
Alberta is the second largest producer of wheat in Canada.
Alberta is Canada's largest producer of petroleum and natural gas.
We usually have more hours of sunshine than any other province.
We have the world's largest shopping and entertainment complex - West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton (the capital city).
We have the world's largest Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanka) in Vegreville.
The Official Bird is the Great Horned Owl.
The Official Flower is the Wild Rose.
The Official Tree is the Lodgepole Pine.
The Official Stone is Petrified Wood. (I find this hilarious!!)
The Official Mammal is the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
Our Motto is Fortis et Liber (Strong and Free).
At 61,185 square km or 255,303 squares miles, Alberta is the fourth largest province.
Our population is approximately 3.2 million.
Alberta was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta of Britain, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of a Canadian Governor-General.
Alberta is the second largest producer of wheat in Canada.
Alberta is Canada's largest producer of petroleum and natural gas.
We usually have more hours of sunshine than any other province.
We have the world's largest shopping and entertainment complex - West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton (the capital city).
We have the world's largest Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanka) in Vegreville.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Goodbyes
Well, I am officially sad. Heather is leaving today. Although she plans to come back for Christmas, I always go home at that time so I have no idea when I will see her again.
We spent a lot of time together this week which was very very nice. Thursday, we had lunch together, went downtown for a walk, stopped for coffee, went for another walk, that kind of thing. Tonight, another friend, her and I went for tea on Whyte Ave (the place to people watch) and then walked around. There is a festival going on down there so lots of people, lots of buskers and vendors. After Kim went home, Heather and I had appetizers at one of our favourite hangouts and just chatted.
This is just soooo weird!!! *sniffles*
An old picture of the two of us, I'm guessing 1998 or 1999.
We spent a lot of time together this week which was very very nice. Thursday, we had lunch together, went downtown for a walk, stopped for coffee, went for another walk, that kind of thing. Tonight, another friend, her and I went for tea on Whyte Ave (the place to people watch) and then walked around. There is a festival going on down there so lots of people, lots of buskers and vendors. After Kim went home, Heather and I had appetizers at one of our favourite hangouts and just chatted.
This is just soooo weird!!! *sniffles*
An old picture of the two of us, I'm guessing 1998 or 1999.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Heather's Going Away
My old roommate Heather is moving to Ontario to do her PhD at the University of Waterloo. Good for her, as I'm sure she'll be amazing. She's explained it to me a couple of times and it's all very impressive, but the part that stands out most for me is where she will be doing research for the Canadian Space Agency and NASA!
This weekend we gave her one heck of a send off. Friday night, we went to Julio's Barrio on Whyte, one of her favourite restaurants, for supper and margaritas. We gave her a scrapbook I made, containing pics from the last 10 years that we all have been friends. That's when both Heather and I moved here as first year university students.
Here's a pic of the scrapbook. Making the scrapbook was fun and I'm glad I did it. Making the pic of the scrapbook was done because I couldn't sleep. *g*
After Julio's, we moved onto a bar called the Thirsty Turtle, which I quite like. It has pool tables, a small dance floor and $1.50 highballs until 10pm. There was much drinking to be had and the occasional dance as well. Around 11pm, we moved to The Attic, which has an even smaller dance floor that is always packed. There was more drinking. Yes. That's all.
The next day, we had plans to go to the Waterpark (indoor wave pool and waterslides at West Edmonton Mall) at 130. I had never been before and enjoyed it. I actually went on waterslides! Ok, a whole THREE waterslides, including one that even I admit is a baby slide. Mostly, Kim, Heather and I hung out in the waves while the boys went on every waterslide twice.
After the waterpark, we ran home, showered, changed and went to another going away party for Heather at another friend's house. Thankfully, it was a quiet party, just board games, video games and just the occasional beer for the brave ones. I came in second at Risk, which is rare for me. Somehow I held Asia for at least a full turn!
I will miss Heather very much, but I think her send off was fine tribute to the girl I met in Lister. I know she will do great out there.
This weekend we gave her one heck of a send off. Friday night, we went to Julio's Barrio on Whyte, one of her favourite restaurants, for supper and margaritas. We gave her a scrapbook I made, containing pics from the last 10 years that we all have been friends. That's when both Heather and I moved here as first year university students.
Here's a pic of the scrapbook. Making the scrapbook was fun and I'm glad I did it. Making the pic of the scrapbook was done because I couldn't sleep. *g*
After Julio's, we moved onto a bar called the Thirsty Turtle, which I quite like. It has pool tables, a small dance floor and $1.50 highballs until 10pm. There was much drinking to be had and the occasional dance as well. Around 11pm, we moved to The Attic, which has an even smaller dance floor that is always packed. There was more drinking. Yes. That's all.
The next day, we had plans to go to the Waterpark (indoor wave pool and waterslides at West Edmonton Mall) at 130. I had never been before and enjoyed it. I actually went on waterslides! Ok, a whole THREE waterslides, including one that even I admit is a baby slide. Mostly, Kim, Heather and I hung out in the waves while the boys went on every waterslide twice.
After the waterpark, we ran home, showered, changed and went to another going away party for Heather at another friend's house. Thankfully, it was a quiet party, just board games, video games and just the occasional beer for the brave ones. I came in second at Risk, which is rare for me. Somehow I held Asia for at least a full turn!
I will miss Heather very much, but I think her send off was fine tribute to the girl I met in Lister. I know she will do great out there.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Butterflies!
I had to run errands this week near the U of A campus and, luckily, I had stuck my small camera in my purse. I was so glad I had it! There were butterflies everywhere. Possibly monarchs, but I'm only saying that because they were orange and black. I know nothing about butterflies. I got some nice pics though!
A Butterfly on a Rock.
A Butterfly on a Flower.
And my favourite - A Butterfly on More Flowers.
*L*
A Butterfly on a Rock.
A Butterfly on a Flower.
And my favourite - A Butterfly on More Flowers.
*L*
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Toronto!
If you have ever wondered if I was insane, the answer is yes. Somehow it made perfect sense to go to Toronto for 2.5 days, which when you subtract airport time was really more like 40 hours... But several of my friends had planned a little mini reunion out there and I desperately wanted to see them! Since Carrie's pregnant, I don't know when my next chance to see them will be.
I left for the airport straight from work and arrived safely in Toronto just before midnight on Friday. I had barely turned my cell phone on when Carl called to say they were at the airport. Good news, right? Well, not quite. We couldn't find each other! We were in different terminals in an airport that doesn't seem to have good signage and is currently under construction. It took some time for them to get to my terminal but eventually they pulled into the pick up line and I was very relieved to see Mike getting out of the car. Julie and Carl were with him as well, but Carrie had already gone to bed. We headed back up to the hotel, stopped in to say hi to Jeff, but by now it was quite late and pretty much time to go to sleep.
The next morning, after a free hotel breakfast which I got up in time for, we all met up in the lobby. We then decided to go the Taste of Danforth. It's a Toronto festival vaguely like the Taste of Edmonton, where they close off three blocks of Danforth (which is Greek Town) to traffic and all the stores and restaurants put out little street vendor booths. We had lunch at a Greek restaurant called Mr. Greek, where we had a very strange waiter. He actually told us Mike (Carrie's husband and who is from Sweden) had no accent! Others have said they didn't really enjoy the meal, but I liked it! I rarely have Greek food and I'm a big fan of feta. After lunch, Jeff managed to find a roasted corn vendor and I bought some books at a clearance sale.
That evening, we choose to attend the Summerworks play festival, a bit like Edmonton's Fringe Festival. We picked Do The Clam, partly based on the convenient time and partly on the description: God and his brother get fired from their jobs or something like that. I spent the first half of the play wondering where God was coming into it and the second half realizing that the play was on crack. It was bad. Badbadbad. Best line - (the construction worker is insulting his girlfriend) - "I don't need you anymore, I pierced the dog's tongue." I laughed there. I think that was it.
Me, Carl, Jeff, Julie, Carrie and Mike right before The Play.
Before the play, we had supper at The Wheat Sheaf, based on the recommendation of one of the festival's producers. It was a great recommendation, far better than the play! I think we all had hamburgers, although I know Jeff had soup. Crazy man. The pub was built in 1849 and it rumoured to have a secret passageway to Fort York. Can you tell the menu had a history section that I read??
Carl, Jeff, Mike and Carrie at the Wheat Sheaf.
That night we met up with Alf and Ryan, who currently live in Toronto, and they took us to a local bar called Scotland Yard. It was really great seeing them again! After they left, we headed back to the hotel and Mike and Carrie joined us in our room for some more drinking and chatting. Yes, it's true, Carl and I had a bathtub full of liquor and ice, but I'd like to point out that it was Jeff and Julie who brought the twist off top bottle of wine!
Julie and Jeff drinking in our room.
We had cranked the AC before we went out and our room was freezing so Carrie is wrapped in a housecoat. I also like how she looks slightly afraid of us drunk freaks *g*.
Err... drunk freaks?
Julie and Me and Carl's foot.
The next morning, I managed to make the free breakfast again. Eventually we all got moving and we went to the Casa Loma, a castle in the middle of Toronto! It was built in 1911 and I highly recommend checking it out if you are in Toronto. It has an audio tour that you can take at your own pace and it has great architecture, beautiful furniture and a Canadian military museum. It also apparently has great gardens but the time we got there, I was really happy to take a break in the shade.
Jeff and Julie in the Conservatory listening to the audio tour things.
Carrie and Mike overlooking the great hall. I love the chandeliers.
Julie, Carl, Carrie and Mike in the gardens.
After the castle, we went shopping for a bit and then it was time for me to go to the airport again! My whirlwind tour was totally worth it and I had a lot of fun. It ended on a nasty note though, on my trip back, I sat next to a kid with some seriously bad motion sickness. It was a very very long four hours.
I left for the airport straight from work and arrived safely in Toronto just before midnight on Friday. I had barely turned my cell phone on when Carl called to say they were at the airport. Good news, right? Well, not quite. We couldn't find each other! We were in different terminals in an airport that doesn't seem to have good signage and is currently under construction. It took some time for them to get to my terminal but eventually they pulled into the pick up line and I was very relieved to see Mike getting out of the car. Julie and Carl were with him as well, but Carrie had already gone to bed. We headed back up to the hotel, stopped in to say hi to Jeff, but by now it was quite late and pretty much time to go to sleep.
The next morning, after a free hotel breakfast which I got up in time for, we all met up in the lobby. We then decided to go the Taste of Danforth. It's a Toronto festival vaguely like the Taste of Edmonton, where they close off three blocks of Danforth (which is Greek Town) to traffic and all the stores and restaurants put out little street vendor booths. We had lunch at a Greek restaurant called Mr. Greek, where we had a very strange waiter. He actually told us Mike (Carrie's husband and who is from Sweden) had no accent! Others have said they didn't really enjoy the meal, but I liked it! I rarely have Greek food and I'm a big fan of feta. After lunch, Jeff managed to find a roasted corn vendor and I bought some books at a clearance sale.
That evening, we choose to attend the Summerworks play festival, a bit like Edmonton's Fringe Festival. We picked Do The Clam, partly based on the convenient time and partly on the description: God and his brother get fired from their jobs or something like that. I spent the first half of the play wondering where God was coming into it and the second half realizing that the play was on crack. It was bad. Badbadbad. Best line - (the construction worker is insulting his girlfriend) - "I don't need you anymore, I pierced the dog's tongue." I laughed there. I think that was it.
Me, Carl, Jeff, Julie, Carrie and Mike right before The Play.
Before the play, we had supper at The Wheat Sheaf, based on the recommendation of one of the festival's producers. It was a great recommendation, far better than the play! I think we all had hamburgers, although I know Jeff had soup. Crazy man. The pub was built in 1849 and it rumoured to have a secret passageway to Fort York. Can you tell the menu had a history section that I read??
Carl, Jeff, Mike and Carrie at the Wheat Sheaf.
That night we met up with Alf and Ryan, who currently live in Toronto, and they took us to a local bar called Scotland Yard. It was really great seeing them again! After they left, we headed back to the hotel and Mike and Carrie joined us in our room for some more drinking and chatting. Yes, it's true, Carl and I had a bathtub full of liquor and ice, but I'd like to point out that it was Jeff and Julie who brought the twist off top bottle of wine!
Julie and Jeff drinking in our room.
We had cranked the AC before we went out and our room was freezing so Carrie is wrapped in a housecoat. I also like how she looks slightly afraid of us drunk freaks *g*.
Err... drunk freaks?
Julie and Me and Carl's foot.
The next morning, I managed to make the free breakfast again. Eventually we all got moving and we went to the Casa Loma, a castle in the middle of Toronto! It was built in 1911 and I highly recommend checking it out if you are in Toronto. It has an audio tour that you can take at your own pace and it has great architecture, beautiful furniture and a Canadian military museum. It also apparently has great gardens but the time we got there, I was really happy to take a break in the shade.
Jeff and Julie in the Conservatory listening to the audio tour things.
Carrie and Mike overlooking the great hall. I love the chandeliers.
Julie, Carl, Carrie and Mike in the gardens.
After the castle, we went shopping for a bit and then it was time for me to go to the airport again! My whirlwind tour was totally worth it and I had a lot of fun. It ended on a nasty note though, on my trip back, I sat next to a kid with some seriously bad motion sickness. It was a very very long four hours.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Do You Recognize This Bird?
Because I want to kill it! He is driving me insane. He sits in the tree right below my window all morning, chirp chirp chirping away. I have to close my window as soon as the sun comes up to get some sleep. He's also driving my cat nuts too! Whenever my cat is on the balcony, he sits on the railing, chattering away at him. You can almost see my cat thinking: Ok, it looks tasty, it sure is loud, maybe I can shut it up and eat it at the same time, but if i jump up there, it's a long long way down on the other side.... I'm worried he's finally going to go after it and right over the edge.
I hate this bird.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Alice Lake Camping Trip
Typed out from my nightly journal entries.
Day 1 – Saturday, June 25
Woke up way too early this morning when Dad got up – 630 am. Especially since I had been out past 12 with Carli at the Black Bear. Took us forever to leave this morning – way too much stuff, not enough room. Once we decided to take Sandi's jeep as well, all was ok. So there was our little group, finally on the road – me, Shivauna, Angie, Sandi and Dad plus Mark's two dogs, Cooper and Topper. We drove up to Alice Lake, just past Squamish. It's a provincial campground so there were lots of people and lots of kids. With the dogs, we decided to set up 3 tents, one for us girls, one for dad and one for Sandi and the dogs. It was a big site, so there was lots of room for them. I helped dad sent up tarps as well. We had pita sandwiches for lunch and then walked around Alice Lake, about a 30 minute walk. Later we went for a walk on the Swamp Interpretive Trail just off Alice Lake – no interpretive signs though! We had hamburgers for supper – yum! We played cards, Hoopla, and crib and had another short walk around the campgrounds. We'll probably go do the Alice Lake/Four Lakes Trail tomorrow, should be around 4 hours.
Day 2 – Sunday, June 26
Woke up early again, just before 630 am. Dad and Sandi were already up, so it was okay. I started a fire while Dad started breakfast. We had a great breakfast – oatmeal, blueberry pancakes, sausages, bacon, and eggs. We made lunches for our hike, the usual pita sandwiches, oranges and trail mix. We choose to do Alice Lake/Four Lakes Trails but we skipped Debeck's Hill. It was rated an easy hike – 11km, but without the hill, it was probably 8-9 km. We went straight up at first on the Four Lakes Trial starting in the Alice Lake parking lot, eventually winding our way to Edith Lake. We had a bit of a stop there by the water and then continued on to Fawn Lake, with another stop there and 2 mental doggies running in the water. We did the Stump Lake loop and stopped for lunch there before going back to camp. Took about 3 hours. Afterward, Dad and us girls drove into Squamish while Sandi and the dogs had a nap. Dad used the internet at the public library while we walked down Cleveland Ave. After the car ride back, I needed a nap! Supper was great – shrimp and scallops apps and a chicken/veggie stir fry with rice. I've been reading the guidebook for tomorrow's hike and I'm thinking maybe Cougar Mountain with a trip into Whistler Village. Tonight, Angie and I are thinking of flying a kite and going for a walk to kill time before we can roast hot dogs and s'mores!
Picture taken at Fawn Lake (I think)
Day 3 – Monday, June 27
It rained last night, just as we went to bed. Kept going all night so I managed to convince myself I wanted to sleep in until just before 7. Another fabulous breakfast. After we cleaned up, Dad and us girls drove into Whistler and went to the community pool for a swim. Great sports center – looked like it had a racquetball court, ice rink, full gym. The pool had both a regular pool and a kids' water park, with a hot tub and sauna as well. Did some laps, a little time in the hot tub, and then some more laps. Had a very very long shower. Afterward, we walked around Whistler Village in the drizzle. I bought thank you gifts for Rod and Fancy. We had a great lunch at La Bocca in the village before heading back to camp to gather up Sandi and the dogs for a late hike up the Cheakamus Canyon trail. Supposedly easy, but it was very much uphill over rock falls which made it quite tricky. It also went over a lava flow/creek bed, which was pretty cool. We hiked up as far as Starvation Lake and had a snack before we turned around. Downhill was so much easier although we really had to watch our footing! Got back to camp around 7pm and Dad made steaks over the fire. We went for another walk with Sandi and the dogs before playing cars. Some s'mores before bed will probably be in order! Plans for tomorrow – Levette Lake Loop and Dad's Birthday!
My Dad on the Cheakamus Canyon Trail
Day 4 – Tuesday, June 28
Happy Birthday, Daddy!
Woke up way too early this morning to a woman yelling across the campground. Turns out it was an RCMP officer yelling through a megaphone – not sure what happened but it involved at least 3 cop cars, a parks officer truck, an ambulance and a boat. Since I was up, I made the fire (badly, it took forever this morning!) and the pancake batter, but Dad made his own birthday breakfast. We put lunches together – PB&J for me today – and headed out to the Levette Lake Loop trailhead near the North Vancouver Outdoor School. It was rated easy to moderate, 5 hours; the hardest of the trails I picked. It started at Copperbush Trail, near the Evans Lake Forestry Camp. It was a great hike, challenging in parts for me, but really great. The terrain was really varied, overgrowth covering the paths in a lot of parts which meant I really had to keep an eye on the markers. It went through old growth forests and rocky bluffs which involved much climbing up and climbing down. Finally, after 2 hours or so, we hit the gravel logging road that led up up up to Levette Lake. We ate lunch on the shores of the lake while the dogs chased each other through the water. We headed back up the hill and down the logging road to where the other half of the loop split off to the right. More up and down through overgrown gullies and rocky bluffs. Angie slipped on a big rock and was lucky she didn't lose several layers of skin. We had to cross a single log bridge with steps carved into it that was pretty freaky. Eventually we reached the last landmark in my guidebook – the granite monolith. Sounds pretty positive right, except that we could see the car way over on the other side of a valley and didn't seem at all close! It was only about 45 minutes away after all, so not too bad, mostly downhill. It was usually either Shivauna or me leading the pack and when I led us through the final massive overgrowth, I was pretty darn proud! *g* 5 hours, 10 minutes from trailhead to trail end. I've picked all the hikes on this trip and today was my favourite. Alice Lake/Four Lakes was pretty normal and too close to the campground. Cheakamus Canyon was straight up that darn rock fall and it was so annoying to have all those rocks underfoot. Today's varied hike was great! When we got back, Shivauna and I took a nap in the sunny meadow and we decorated Dad's tent with balloons and a Happy Birthday banner. We had chicken fajitas for supper, followed by a little birthday party. Sandi brought goody bags with hats, napkins, plates and bubbles. We also brought a Duncan-Hines chocolate cake with candles that were just about impossible to light in the wind. Dad opened cards from us kids and Mom and Sandi gave him a t-shirt.
Shivauna at Levette Lake
Parks guy just stopped by to tell us what happened this morning. Dumb crook syndrome apparently. Guy tried to steal the ATM from Brackendale this morning and then tried to escape via the park. He ended up jumping in the lake and getting caught.
Day 5 – Wednesday, June 29
Last Day. Took the tents down after breakfast and tidied up so there wouldn't be much work after dinner. Made lunches and drove up to Cougar Mountain, about 9 kms past Whistler. We drove up a very rocky road until we couldn't go any further and started walking up a logging road. The road eventually connected with a trail that lead through marshy words, past a rock cairn village and to an ancient cedar grove. Trees 600 to 1000 years old. On the way back, we stopped at a viewpoint overlooking Showh Lake to have lunch. After lunch, we reached a fork in the trail, and Dad said go left – 1.6 km back to Lower Parking. We went down down down to lower parking and NO CAR. Turns out we wanted Upper Parking so we had to haul up up up 1 km straight up that rocky road to the car. I fell asleep on the way home, quite dead. Just making supper and tidying now – probably leave around 530 pm I think.
Angie and Shivauna at the Showh Lake viewpoint
518 pm! Just took the last picture in front of the Alice Lake Park sign. Everything all packed, this time Sandi only had to take the water cooler instead of all our personal bags. Great trip, I had a lot of fun!
Want to see the rest of the pictures? Check out http://www.geocities.com/jette_16/pics/thumbs.html.
Day 1 – Saturday, June 25
Woke up way too early this morning when Dad got up – 630 am. Especially since I had been out past 12 with Carli at the Black Bear. Took us forever to leave this morning – way too much stuff, not enough room. Once we decided to take Sandi's jeep as well, all was ok. So there was our little group, finally on the road – me, Shivauna, Angie, Sandi and Dad plus Mark's two dogs, Cooper and Topper. We drove up to Alice Lake, just past Squamish. It's a provincial campground so there were lots of people and lots of kids. With the dogs, we decided to set up 3 tents, one for us girls, one for dad and one for Sandi and the dogs. It was a big site, so there was lots of room for them. I helped dad sent up tarps as well. We had pita sandwiches for lunch and then walked around Alice Lake, about a 30 minute walk. Later we went for a walk on the Swamp Interpretive Trail just off Alice Lake – no interpretive signs though! We had hamburgers for supper – yum! We played cards, Hoopla, and crib and had another short walk around the campgrounds. We'll probably go do the Alice Lake/Four Lakes Trail tomorrow, should be around 4 hours.
Day 2 – Sunday, June 26
Woke up early again, just before 630 am. Dad and Sandi were already up, so it was okay. I started a fire while Dad started breakfast. We had a great breakfast – oatmeal, blueberry pancakes, sausages, bacon, and eggs. We made lunches for our hike, the usual pita sandwiches, oranges and trail mix. We choose to do Alice Lake/Four Lakes Trails but we skipped Debeck's Hill. It was rated an easy hike – 11km, but without the hill, it was probably 8-9 km. We went straight up at first on the Four Lakes Trial starting in the Alice Lake parking lot, eventually winding our way to Edith Lake. We had a bit of a stop there by the water and then continued on to Fawn Lake, with another stop there and 2 mental doggies running in the water. We did the Stump Lake loop and stopped for lunch there before going back to camp. Took about 3 hours. Afterward, Dad and us girls drove into Squamish while Sandi and the dogs had a nap. Dad used the internet at the public library while we walked down Cleveland Ave. After the car ride back, I needed a nap! Supper was great – shrimp and scallops apps and a chicken/veggie stir fry with rice. I've been reading the guidebook for tomorrow's hike and I'm thinking maybe Cougar Mountain with a trip into Whistler Village. Tonight, Angie and I are thinking of flying a kite and going for a walk to kill time before we can roast hot dogs and s'mores!
Picture taken at Fawn Lake (I think)
Day 3 – Monday, June 27
It rained last night, just as we went to bed. Kept going all night so I managed to convince myself I wanted to sleep in until just before 7. Another fabulous breakfast. After we cleaned up, Dad and us girls drove into Whistler and went to the community pool for a swim. Great sports center – looked like it had a racquetball court, ice rink, full gym. The pool had both a regular pool and a kids' water park, with a hot tub and sauna as well. Did some laps, a little time in the hot tub, and then some more laps. Had a very very long shower. Afterward, we walked around Whistler Village in the drizzle. I bought thank you gifts for Rod and Fancy. We had a great lunch at La Bocca in the village before heading back to camp to gather up Sandi and the dogs for a late hike up the Cheakamus Canyon trail. Supposedly easy, but it was very much uphill over rock falls which made it quite tricky. It also went over a lava flow/creek bed, which was pretty cool. We hiked up as far as Starvation Lake and had a snack before we turned around. Downhill was so much easier although we really had to watch our footing! Got back to camp around 7pm and Dad made steaks over the fire. We went for another walk with Sandi and the dogs before playing cars. Some s'mores before bed will probably be in order! Plans for tomorrow – Levette Lake Loop and Dad's Birthday!
My Dad on the Cheakamus Canyon Trail
Day 4 – Tuesday, June 28
Happy Birthday, Daddy!
Woke up way too early this morning to a woman yelling across the campground. Turns out it was an RCMP officer yelling through a megaphone – not sure what happened but it involved at least 3 cop cars, a parks officer truck, an ambulance and a boat. Since I was up, I made the fire (badly, it took forever this morning!) and the pancake batter, but Dad made his own birthday breakfast. We put lunches together – PB&J for me today – and headed out to the Levette Lake Loop trailhead near the North Vancouver Outdoor School. It was rated easy to moderate, 5 hours; the hardest of the trails I picked. It started at Copperbush Trail, near the Evans Lake Forestry Camp. It was a great hike, challenging in parts for me, but really great. The terrain was really varied, overgrowth covering the paths in a lot of parts which meant I really had to keep an eye on the markers. It went through old growth forests and rocky bluffs which involved much climbing up and climbing down. Finally, after 2 hours or so, we hit the gravel logging road that led up up up to Levette Lake. We ate lunch on the shores of the lake while the dogs chased each other through the water. We headed back up the hill and down the logging road to where the other half of the loop split off to the right. More up and down through overgrown gullies and rocky bluffs. Angie slipped on a big rock and was lucky she didn't lose several layers of skin. We had to cross a single log bridge with steps carved into it that was pretty freaky. Eventually we reached the last landmark in my guidebook – the granite monolith. Sounds pretty positive right, except that we could see the car way over on the other side of a valley and didn't seem at all close! It was only about 45 minutes away after all, so not too bad, mostly downhill. It was usually either Shivauna or me leading the pack and when I led us through the final massive overgrowth, I was pretty darn proud! *g* 5 hours, 10 minutes from trailhead to trail end. I've picked all the hikes on this trip and today was my favourite. Alice Lake/Four Lakes was pretty normal and too close to the campground. Cheakamus Canyon was straight up that darn rock fall and it was so annoying to have all those rocks underfoot. Today's varied hike was great! When we got back, Shivauna and I took a nap in the sunny meadow and we decorated Dad's tent with balloons and a Happy Birthday banner. We had chicken fajitas for supper, followed by a little birthday party. Sandi brought goody bags with hats, napkins, plates and bubbles. We also brought a Duncan-Hines chocolate cake with candles that were just about impossible to light in the wind. Dad opened cards from us kids and Mom and Sandi gave him a t-shirt.
Shivauna at Levette Lake
Parks guy just stopped by to tell us what happened this morning. Dumb crook syndrome apparently. Guy tried to steal the ATM from Brackendale this morning and then tried to escape via the park. He ended up jumping in the lake and getting caught.
Day 5 – Wednesday, June 29
Last Day. Took the tents down after breakfast and tidied up so there wouldn't be much work after dinner. Made lunches and drove up to Cougar Mountain, about 9 kms past Whistler. We drove up a very rocky road until we couldn't go any further and started walking up a logging road. The road eventually connected with a trail that lead through marshy words, past a rock cairn village and to an ancient cedar grove. Trees 600 to 1000 years old. On the way back, we stopped at a viewpoint overlooking Showh Lake to have lunch. After lunch, we reached a fork in the trail, and Dad said go left – 1.6 km back to Lower Parking. We went down down down to lower parking and NO CAR. Turns out we wanted Upper Parking so we had to haul up up up 1 km straight up that rocky road to the car. I fell asleep on the way home, quite dead. Just making supper and tidying now – probably leave around 530 pm I think.
Angie and Shivauna at the Showh Lake viewpoint
518 pm! Just took the last picture in front of the Alice Lake Park sign. Everything all packed, this time Sandi only had to take the water cooler instead of all our personal bags. Great trip, I had a lot of fun!
Want to see the rest of the pictures? Check out http://www.geocities.com/jette_16/pics/thumbs.html.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Look! An Update!
Ok, so I haven't written in ages, I know, I know! I've even had complaints (*waves* Hi Chris!). I don't know why I haven't written - I've even had things to say. In the beginning, all I wanted to talk about was the projects I was working on and I couldn't do that. I was making birthday presents for people who might actually check this thing. I made an olive green zippered purse for my sister's birthday out of an old pair of cargo pants that ripped out the week before. Don't worry, I didn't cheap out - inside I put a gift certificate for one of her favourite stores. I really liked the purse although I'm not sure it's her style at all. It was a nice size, small but still big enough for your wallet and crap. Perfect for summer. I can't believe I didn't take a picture of it for my craft pages. I didn't take a picture of my other project either - a bag for my mom for her yoga mat. I had made one before for her but she wanted changes and waterproofing. So this time, I made it out of nylon ripstop which is water repellent and I made it tubular (like a bag for your sleeping bag) instead of a shoulder bag like before.
My other major project has been scrapbooking (and by scrapbooking, I don't mean creative and fancy, I mean organized photos and pamphlets and other odd memorabilia with captions) - I can't believe the box of crap (aka MEMORIES) I had collected. Even after sorting it all out and tossing anything that no longer had relevance or sentimental value, I still had so much. I bought one of those scrapbooks that you can add pages to and bought 3 extra packets of pages. I then went nuts. About 2 weeks ago, I finished up to August 1995 and closed the book on "the early years". I swear, half of the scrapbook is my Grade 12 year alone. The rest are photos my parents may or may not have noticed are missing from their albums *g*. I'm working on my third year university right now, although in a way it's harder. I have photo albums for each year since I moved out here, which means I have to find a way to squish my memory crap into existing albums.
Ok, so where was I before all that? Oh right, why I don't post. I think the biggest reason is I think of rants while at work or while walking home. I rant in my head and then when I get home, I don't feel like typing it all out when I could do something more interesting, like read someone else's posts, or watch tv, or sleep. Sleep often wins. All the stuff at the beginning of this post (right up until this paragraph) was written while I walked home. I had a notebook and a pen so I just started writing. Looks like chicken scratch though. Maybe I should take my old tape recorder (the one i just HAD to have for university so I could record my lectures - I think I recorded one) with me on my walks. I can rant out loud (Look, it's the crazy lady!) and then type it out when I get home. Even better - I can get voice recognition software and it can type for me! *L* Does that stuff work yet?
So what would I have ranted about had I ranted here? Belinda Stronach (go girl go! Defect! Defect!), confidence votes (I got up early to watch it live, holding my breath while Chuck Cadman and the speaker voted, I'm not kidding. I really don't want to have to vote again. Elections. *shudder*), the Alberta nuts who write into the Edmonton Sun (a right-wing paper) about wanting to separate (one more time, NUTS. Where the hell are these people? I don't know any. Stupid idijits anyway, sure sure we have money now, what happens when oil prices tank again or the damn oil runs out hmmm???), Ontario being the first province to make the reporting of gunshot wounds mandatory (who knew it wasn't mandatory? I assumed it was here just like in the United States - too much Law and Order for me again), the canceling of Joan of Arcadia. Ohhhh, I would have ranted about that!! I even wrote CBS to complain. And today, as part of the http://www.savejoanofarcadia.com campaign I emailed a bunch of other networks trying to get them to pick it up. I have little hope, but other shows have been saved before. Buffy got bought by a different network! Of course, I always failed to mention I'm Canadian and that I don't count in their viewing statistics anyway.
And in other news - I had a fabulous long weekend that involved much going out and spending of money. Discovered a new pub that I liked very much, had a taste of Thai, saw Star Wars (two thumbs up), and just had a really great time. Then it was back to work for a 9 night stretch. Some things suck.
My other major project has been scrapbooking (and by scrapbooking, I don't mean creative and fancy, I mean organized photos and pamphlets and other odd memorabilia with captions) - I can't believe the box of crap (aka MEMORIES) I had collected. Even after sorting it all out and tossing anything that no longer had relevance or sentimental value, I still had so much. I bought one of those scrapbooks that you can add pages to and bought 3 extra packets of pages. I then went nuts. About 2 weeks ago, I finished up to August 1995 and closed the book on "the early years". I swear, half of the scrapbook is my Grade 12 year alone. The rest are photos my parents may or may not have noticed are missing from their albums *g*. I'm working on my third year university right now, although in a way it's harder. I have photo albums for each year since I moved out here, which means I have to find a way to squish my memory crap into existing albums.
Ok, so where was I before all that? Oh right, why I don't post. I think the biggest reason is I think of rants while at work or while walking home. I rant in my head and then when I get home, I don't feel like typing it all out when I could do something more interesting, like read someone else's posts, or watch tv, or sleep. Sleep often wins. All the stuff at the beginning of this post (right up until this paragraph) was written while I walked home. I had a notebook and a pen so I just started writing. Looks like chicken scratch though. Maybe I should take my old tape recorder (the one i just HAD to have for university so I could record my lectures - I think I recorded one) with me on my walks. I can rant out loud (Look, it's the crazy lady!) and then type it out when I get home. Even better - I can get voice recognition software and it can type for me! *L* Does that stuff work yet?
So what would I have ranted about had I ranted here? Belinda Stronach (go girl go! Defect! Defect!), confidence votes (I got up early to watch it live, holding my breath while Chuck Cadman and the speaker voted, I'm not kidding. I really don't want to have to vote again. Elections. *shudder*), the Alberta nuts who write into the Edmonton Sun (a right-wing paper) about wanting to separate (one more time, NUTS. Where the hell are these people? I don't know any. Stupid idijits anyway, sure sure we have money now, what happens when oil prices tank again or the damn oil runs out hmmm???), Ontario being the first province to make the reporting of gunshot wounds mandatory (who knew it wasn't mandatory? I assumed it was here just like in the United States - too much Law and Order for me again), the canceling of Joan of Arcadia. Ohhhh, I would have ranted about that!! I even wrote CBS to complain. And today, as part of the http://www.savejoanofarcadia.com campaign I emailed a bunch of other networks trying to get them to pick it up. I have little hope, but other shows have been saved before. Buffy got bought by a different network! Of course, I always failed to mention I'm Canadian and that I don't count in their viewing statistics anyway.
And in other news - I had a fabulous long weekend that involved much going out and spending of money. Discovered a new pub that I liked very much, had a taste of Thai, saw Star Wars (two thumbs up), and just had a really great time. Then it was back to work for a 9 night stretch. Some things suck.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
My sister came to visit me and other news.
In exciting baby news - Lori had her baby on Tuesday, March 15. His name is Mason, born weighing in at 9 lbs! When I saw him the first time at 2 days old, I forgot to take my camera. Rob took a great picture of me holding him but as I don't have a scanner, you can't see it. I actually remembered to take my camera when I saw Mason again this weekend. Here is a pic of me holding him at 2 weeks old -
And in other exciting news, my sister came out to Edmonton to visit me for the Easter long weekend. Rod and I went out for fish n chips Thursday night and then drove out to the airport to pick her up. By the time we got home, it was nearly 10pm. She worked on a bit of homework (she takes business at a local Vancouver college) and I watched ER. Very exciting first night.
We both woke up quite early Friday and headed off to the giant mall for some intense shopping. That night, Rod, my old roommate Heather, my friend Steve, my sister and I had a little mini pub crawl down Whyte Ave. A little BP's for pool, a little of the Thirsty Turtle (which I really like and think we should have just stayed there) and a little Blues on Whyte (normally I love this place, but I just wasn't in the right mood). My sister, who never ever drinks, discovered she likes Pineapple Malibus and Alabama Slammers - two of my favourite drinks. We also discovered a great shot, but now I can't remember the name of it! That's what happens when you have 5 drinks at the first bar and you only go drinking once a year.
Saturday, we were both in surprisingly good shape and we headed off to our appointments at a local spa, mine for a haircut and hers for a back massage. We then got free facials and makeup done at the place where I buy my makeup. The free part suckers you into trying the new product line - I bought a new shimmer lipstick and a new shimmer eye shadow. They are shimmery! We continued the shopping mission.... Saturday night, we were both just beat. She had to work on homework again (this week all her final projects are due) and I vegged on the couch.
Sunday, we decided on a matinee and went to see Robots. Good, but not great. Excellent considering it was free - I had movie passes. We then shopped at the only store that was open in the downtown mall, the Bay. I was quite surprised by their selection of plus sized clothes and will have to return. After, we went back to Whyte Ave for a walk in the almost spring weather and had supper at one of my favourite sushi restaurants. That night I enjoyed editing a business report on the benefits and marketing of stevia.
Monday, we went to visit Lori for the traditional opening presents and blowing out candles as it was her birthday on Sunday. I baked her a cake Monday morning which if you know me, is some serious effort. I don't bake. Thanks to the miracle of Duncan Hines, I usually get something resembling a cake out of it when I actually do attempt it. We probably only stayed an hour when Mason got hungry, so we took off for the airport. We dropped my sister off and picked up Fancy''s sister in exchange :)
I had a lot of fun with my sister. It was only her third time out here in 10 years and she needs to come more often, although I can't afford it when she does. I bought: a new pair of dress shoes suitable for work (closed heel, closed toe), a red blouse, a white blouse, a mauve (it's not pink damnit!) blouse, a green tshirt, a white tshirt, a green and white jacket, a white sweater (only $8.09 at the Bay!), lipstick, eye shadow, and a haircut. Plus too much booze and eating out. My sister also bought a ton of clothes but I can't remember what, other than new shoes and at least 2 pairs of pants. I also gave her some clothes. We are currently the same size and so I cleaned out my wardrobe and gave her some of the things I don't wear anymore. She took at least one pair of jeans from me.
A couple of pics
My old roommate, my sister and Rod on our little mini pubcrawl
In every pic, my eyes are closed. I may have been drunk - me, my sis, my old roomie.
And in other exciting news, my sister came out to Edmonton to visit me for the Easter long weekend. Rod and I went out for fish n chips Thursday night and then drove out to the airport to pick her up. By the time we got home, it was nearly 10pm. She worked on a bit of homework (she takes business at a local Vancouver college) and I watched ER. Very exciting first night.
We both woke up quite early Friday and headed off to the giant mall for some intense shopping. That night, Rod, my old roommate Heather, my friend Steve, my sister and I had a little mini pub crawl down Whyte Ave. A little BP's for pool, a little of the Thirsty Turtle (which I really like and think we should have just stayed there) and a little Blues on Whyte (normally I love this place, but I just wasn't in the right mood). My sister, who never ever drinks, discovered she likes Pineapple Malibus and Alabama Slammers - two of my favourite drinks. We also discovered a great shot, but now I can't remember the name of it! That's what happens when you have 5 drinks at the first bar and you only go drinking once a year.
Saturday, we were both in surprisingly good shape and we headed off to our appointments at a local spa, mine for a haircut and hers for a back massage. We then got free facials and makeup done at the place where I buy my makeup. The free part suckers you into trying the new product line - I bought a new shimmer lipstick and a new shimmer eye shadow. They are shimmery! We continued the shopping mission.... Saturday night, we were both just beat. She had to work on homework again (this week all her final projects are due) and I vegged on the couch.
Sunday, we decided on a matinee and went to see Robots. Good, but not great. Excellent considering it was free - I had movie passes. We then shopped at the only store that was open in the downtown mall, the Bay. I was quite surprised by their selection of plus sized clothes and will have to return. After, we went back to Whyte Ave for a walk in the almost spring weather and had supper at one of my favourite sushi restaurants. That night I enjoyed editing a business report on the benefits and marketing of stevia.
Monday, we went to visit Lori for the traditional opening presents and blowing out candles as it was her birthday on Sunday. I baked her a cake Monday morning which if you know me, is some serious effort. I don't bake. Thanks to the miracle of Duncan Hines, I usually get something resembling a cake out of it when I actually do attempt it. We probably only stayed an hour when Mason got hungry, so we took off for the airport. We dropped my sister off and picked up Fancy''s sister in exchange :)
I had a lot of fun with my sister. It was only her third time out here in 10 years and she needs to come more often, although I can't afford it when she does. I bought: a new pair of dress shoes suitable for work (closed heel, closed toe), a red blouse, a white blouse, a mauve (it's not pink damnit!) blouse, a green tshirt, a white tshirt, a green and white jacket, a white sweater (only $8.09 at the Bay!), lipstick, eye shadow, and a haircut. Plus too much booze and eating out. My sister also bought a ton of clothes but I can't remember what, other than new shoes and at least 2 pairs of pants. I also gave her some clothes. We are currently the same size and so I cleaned out my wardrobe and gave her some of the things I don't wear anymore. She took at least one pair of jeans from me.
A couple of pics
My old roommate, my sister and Rod on our little mini pubcrawl
In every pic, my eyes are closed. I may have been drunk - me, my sis, my old roomie.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Willow
I just talked to my sister. She told me my "back home" kitty died. Her name was Willow and she would have been 15 this year. Apparently, animal control people were going door to door looking for the owners of a white cat and my dad went to identify her. A coyote got her.
My parents promised my sister she could have a cat as soon as we moved back to Canada as a bribe to keep her happy when we lived in New Zealand. She didn't adjust well to the changes and the promise of a kitten kept her going. We moved back near the end of the summer and I don't even think it had been a week before she demanded her kitty. Luckily, my uncle's cat had a litter of kittens ready to go. She picked out a pure white one and had me name her on the drive home. My favourite movie at the time was Willow.
My mom had no desire to have a cat again and made AJ promise to do all the work. At first, Willow slept in my sister's room, but slowly grew to love my mom the best. She always had to be where my mom was if she was available. Even after she developed arthritis in her back legs, she would still climb up and down the stairs to go sit with my mom. Willow slept right between my parents in the center of the bed and would wake up my dad every morning so she could go outside. When my mom got up, she would be waiting at the patio door by the kitchen to be fed. And then when the next person got up, she would desperately try to convince you that no one had fed her. She would put on this whole starving kitty act, begging you to save her from imminent death. We eventually had to leave the empty can of cat food on the counter so you would know that someone had already fed her. Didn't work well though - she was very very fat.
Whenever I went home for a visit, I would lean down to pet her, knowing I'd get one bite for my troubles. Only one. It was like she was tasting me - Yep, you're family, it's ok.
And now a pic:
I believe this was taken Christmas 2003. The blue stocking is hers - I made it in grade 8 sewing with some leftover fabric. I laugh whenever I see it because the sewing is so bad and instead of saying Willow, it only has WIL left on it.
My parents promised my sister she could have a cat as soon as we moved back to Canada as a bribe to keep her happy when we lived in New Zealand. She didn't adjust well to the changes and the promise of a kitten kept her going. We moved back near the end of the summer and I don't even think it had been a week before she demanded her kitty. Luckily, my uncle's cat had a litter of kittens ready to go. She picked out a pure white one and had me name her on the drive home. My favourite movie at the time was Willow.
My mom had no desire to have a cat again and made AJ promise to do all the work. At first, Willow slept in my sister's room, but slowly grew to love my mom the best. She always had to be where my mom was if she was available. Even after she developed arthritis in her back legs, she would still climb up and down the stairs to go sit with my mom. Willow slept right between my parents in the center of the bed and would wake up my dad every morning so she could go outside. When my mom got up, she would be waiting at the patio door by the kitchen to be fed. And then when the next person got up, she would desperately try to convince you that no one had fed her. She would put on this whole starving kitty act, begging you to save her from imminent death. We eventually had to leave the empty can of cat food on the counter so you would know that someone had already fed her. Didn't work well though - she was very very fat.
Whenever I went home for a visit, I would lean down to pet her, knowing I'd get one bite for my troubles. Only one. It was like she was tasting me - Yep, you're family, it's ok.
And now a pic:
I believe this was taken Christmas 2003. The blue stocking is hers - I made it in grade 8 sewing with some leftover fabric. I laugh whenever I see it because the sewing is so bad and instead of saying Willow, it only has WIL left on it.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
*sigh*
I think it's pretty obvious I read the paper just about every day. Generally a news article catches my attention and I have comments. Thoughts. Well, I've been having many thoughts and many internal rants on a particular issue that is not going away. I see no point in attempting to explain the whole situation. Every time I try to type out an explanation, I just end up smashing my keyboard. Either you are an Edmontonian and have been drowning in it, or you are lucky enough to have escaped it. Although I have seen articles about it linked on some of my national news sites - which mean we are currently giving the country a lovely image of ourselves. It's a fixable issue, I think, and yet it can't be fixed!
I should have attempted to blog about this earlier when I still understood it - but move 1 didn't annoy me, just made me sigh with resignation. Move 2 made me think "Crazy Nut, get off my tv, you shouldn't be commenting on this." Move 3-9 just confused me. Move 10 finally made me angry. Every move since then has had me shaking my head, going huh?????
To sum up, and I know I'm not the only one thinking this: Martin Ignasiak, please resign. How can the police, the police commission and the public have a good relationship again without a clean house?
I should have attempted to blog about this earlier when I still understood it - but move 1 didn't annoy me, just made me sigh with resignation. Move 2 made me think "Crazy Nut, get off my tv, you shouldn't be commenting on this." Move 3-9 just confused me. Move 10 finally made me angry. Every move since then has had me shaking my head, going huh?????
To sum up, and I know I'm not the only one thinking this: Martin Ignasiak, please resign. How can the police, the police commission and the public have a good relationship again without a clean house?
Monday, January 24, 2005
Todd Babiak's Article
Last night, I ripped out an article from the paper because I wanted to quote it. As I logged into blogger, I looked around for the article, trying to remember where I put it. Oh right. In the back pocket of my jeans. The jeans I just put in THE WASH! I managed to remove the very soggy bits of paper from my pants, but only in little tiny shredded bits.
Hey wait - thanks to the miracle of the web, I can find the article on line. The article, by Todd Babiak, was called Canada's tolerant culture: Gay marriage foes aren't Sponge-worthy and reflected on the oddity that is the current attack on Spongebob Squarepants because he/it/whatever appears to certain groups as a Gay Character. The quote:
All I could think was SO TRUE, SO TRUE (while laughing, of course). The Canadian national identity is mostly built on the fact that we are NOT Americans. That's it - Not Americans. Oh, and we are polite. But in today's climate of the Christian Right having an extremely loud voice in the US, Canadians can also identify as being more liberal/tolerant/non-conservative. I realize that much of my readership is American, and I love you all individually, but I think it's pretty clear I don't love your president. I am Liberal with the big L. I'd be a Democrat if I lived in the states. I'd probably one of those people who apologized on the Sorry Everybody website. Which brings me to a very odd thought. The Red States are the Republican states, the blues ones Democratic, right? How did the Republicans get to be red? Here, it's the Liberals that are Red. And besides, weren't the Communists red? Better Dead Than Red wasn't it?
Quick - guess which way I'll vote if this "snap election" gets called! *L*
Hey wait - thanks to the miracle of the web, I can find the article on line. The article, by Todd Babiak, was called Canada's tolerant culture: Gay marriage foes aren't Sponge-worthy and reflected on the oddity that is the current attack on Spongebob Squarepants because he/it/whatever appears to certain groups as a Gay Character. The quote:
Conservative American and British magazines have had fun characterizing Canadians in the last couple of years as marijuana-smoking gay-lovers. This has been a source of immense pride for millions of us who grew up without a national identity.
All I could think was SO TRUE, SO TRUE (while laughing, of course). The Canadian national identity is mostly built on the fact that we are NOT Americans. That's it - Not Americans. Oh, and we are polite. But in today's climate of the Christian Right having an extremely loud voice in the US, Canadians can also identify as being more liberal/tolerant/non-conservative. I realize that much of my readership is American, and I love you all individually, but I think it's pretty clear I don't love your president. I am Liberal with the big L. I'd be a Democrat if I lived in the states. I'd probably one of those people who apologized on the Sorry Everybody website. Which brings me to a very odd thought. The Red States are the Republican states, the blues ones Democratic, right? How did the Republicans get to be red? Here, it's the Liberals that are Red. And besides, weren't the Communists red? Better Dead Than Red wasn't it?
Quick - guess which way I'll vote if this "snap election" gets called! *L*
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Reading the Paper
I have frequently said that I am not afraid to go places by myself. If a band is playing at a bar and I want to hear them, I'm willing to go even if no one else is available to go with me. The only place I'm not willing to go by myself is Blues on Whyte. Although it has the best music, the atmosphere just screams bring a friend to me. Preferably a big, scary one.
One of the places I've always considered to be fine is The Globe Tap Bar & Grill. I was there just a few weeks ago to see Trooper. If 2 friends hadn't been able to go with me, I would have thought nothing of going by myself.
So imagine my shock this morning at reading the Edmonton Sun headline:
I don't know why I'm so surprised. It's not like these things don't happen absolutely everywhere. I forget that security is just an illusion and that this line I've drawn between Blues and other bars is completely arbitrary.
One of the places I've always considered to be fine is The Globe Tap Bar & Grill. I was there just a few weeks ago to see Trooper. If 2 friends hadn't been able to go with me, I would have thought nothing of going by myself.
So imagine my shock this morning at reading the Edmonton Sun headline:
Man dies helping friend
Where, you ask? At The Globe Tap Bar & Grill. Apparently I've missed out on some of the recent news events - there was a stabbing there in September as well. The details of this incident seem a little unclear in the report, but it seems the 23 year old man tried to help his friend who was being attacked. The 23 year old died of multiple stab wounds.I don't know why I'm so surprised. It's not like these things don't happen absolutely everywhere. I forget that security is just an illusion and that this line I've drawn between Blues and other bars is completely arbitrary.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Letter to the Editor
The following letter to the editor appeared in the Edmonton Sun this morning. I'm still twitching with anger.
It seems that each time I turn on the TV the count of the numbers of dead from the tsunami increases by 10,000. Could it be that the numbers are being artificially inflated on purpose by these countries to squeeze more money out of the bleeding hearts in richer countries such as ours? Will the poor actually get any of this money or will it be stolen by those damn corrupt government officials in these countries? The media should be more cautious and question everything that is being done.
Dear Sir,
You obviously have not been watching the same news footage as I have been watching. You couldn't possibly be reading the same interviews with grieving relatives that I have been reading. Perhaps you missed the graphic descriptions of the recovery efforts. They are still finding bodies as they clear away debris, and it's been almost 10 days. I do not believe those numbers have been inflated. As for the media, I have seen reporters struggle to keep their composure as they report live from the affected areas.
If you are worried about corrupt governments taking the money, perhaps you should donate directly to one of the charities already working in the area. Do your research first so you can be confident that most of your money is reaching the people who need it. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) uses 10-11% for administrative costs. Save the Children claims that 90% of its donations go toward program services. Medicins sans Frontiers or Doctors without Borders has a rate of 85% of donations going toward aid, but it also does not accept money from the US government. According to CNN, Oxfam puts only 77% towards its aid programs. If you would prefer to donate closer to home, the Canadian Red Cross spent about 91% on program services in 2003 (assuming I can read a financial report correctly).
You still need to have faith in people and you can not let these people continue to suffer because you are worried about the possibility of corrupt governments. Perhaps you consider me to be just another "bleeding heart". At least I've done something to help. It's not much, but it's a start.
Update: A report on CTV tonight has Oxfam Canada claiming that 90% of its donations go toward its aid programs, which differs greatly from the CNN report. Perhaps the CNN report is referring to a different branch of Oxfam. They also reported that World Vision puts 80% toward its programs and that the Salvation Army claims that 100% of its donations are used for aid programs.
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