beautiful snowy day

I've been super busy these last few days. I booked my flight to Grand Prairie and I leave early Thursday morning. Since I just made my booking last night, it doesn't leave me much time to do anything. I don't mind though. I would rather have less time than too much time on my hands. I like to keep busy.

Ever get that feeling that you forgot to do something important like turn off the stove or lock the doors? That's how I have been feeling lately. My problem is that I just don't know what I am forgetting. Whatever it is, it's been gnawing at me like mad. I just can't seem to shake this feeling.

On a brighter note, an employee at the Heart & Crown phoned. They found my swatch! This proves that I am the luckiest person in the world. Despite losing countless wallets, purses, passports and other mentionables, my stuff has always found its way back to me. Hoorah!

a beautiful sight

Winter has arrived and the evidence is all around us. Witness the snow that dumped on Eastern Canada last night. Residents woke up to glorious inches of snow blanketing the ground. Unlike the majority of the population of Ottawa, I couldn't be happier.

I love the snow. Most of you know, I haven't seen snow in a few years. So late in the afternoon I ventured outside to explore my forgotten friend. I wanted to make a snow angel or build a snowman. But how ridiculous would that be? A grown woman in the middle of the day playing in the snow?

I do not have proper winter boots so I wore my hiking ones. I managed to keep upright and not fall flat on my face like a few unlucky sods. I walked to Mark's Work Warehouse, where I purchased a nice pair of winter boots. Now I am all set for my Canadian winter.

I carried my boots as I continued my walk through this winter wonderland. I know people love to complain about the weather and the snow but our changing seasons make Canada Canada (or a least a part of it). I wouldn't have it any other way.

Well done mother nature; keep it coming.

Paper or Plastic? Not in this town

Plastic checkout bags at large supermarkets (Wallgreens etc.) and chain pharmacies will be banned starting today. Owners will be required by law to offer customers either paper recyclable or biodegradable bags. I think this is a first in the States or anywhere else. This is noteworthy because the legislation is forcing big corporations to change their practices.

The powers that be in Canada ought to look to San Francisco as a model for not only this but other environmental initiatives.

Personally it drives me crazy when I see shoppers go overboard with the plastic bags. Come on, do you really need a bag to carry your newspaper or milk to the car? On the other hand, I have seen an increasing number of shoppers carrying their own bags. That's a good sign.

Some of my friends say that they always forget to bring their cloth bag to the store. I am no exception. Usually I end up buying another cloth bag or I buy just enough to carry. There are ways to get around using plastic. It just takes a little imitative.

Citizen or Crack Journalism?

I joined a small audience tonight at the Main Branch of the Ottawa Public Library to learn about Citizen Journalism.

The event was hosted by an independent media group. "Becoming a Citizen-Journalist", was their first event. I knew this because they started nearly fifteen minutes late and organizers took another 10 minutes promoting their upcoming events.

Although the MC clearly stated that the purpose of the evening was to empower people to get their messages out and to report on stories they care about, it seemed to get lost in the tidal waves of self promotion and mainstream media bashing.

I was hoping the evening would give answers to the clearly misinformed activists about how the stories get covered in the media or something in that vein. (A friend was angry when an organized event didn't get any media play. Because it is "important" doesn't make it news.) Instead it was another evening of anti-everything jokes and patting eachother on the back.

The three speakers, Kanina Holmes, professor at Carleton University; Ewart Walters, editor, publisher of The Spectrum; and Giacomo Panico, host of CKCU FM's Monday Special Blend, were all over the map in terms of the evening's theme. At least this is what I thought.

I didn't stay around for the question period. I recognized several of the faces in the audience. I knew audience members would ask futile questions just to hear themselves speak.

What I did learn tonight is that Citizen journalism is not new. Witness the Rodney King beating, videotaped by a bystander; blogs,just about anything on the Internet and more recently the tasering of Robert Dziekanski.

Stupid to the Last Drop: How Alberta is Bringing Environmental Armageddon to Canada

The Polaris Institute and the Dominion Grassroots Newspaper present a free event with:

Investigative Journalist William Marsden, Author of "Stupid to the Last Drop: How Alberta is Bringing Environmental Armageddon to Canada(and Doesn't Seem to Care)"

The event will also include a panel on the tar sands: Stephen Hazell,Director of the Sierra Club of Canada, Clayton Thomas-Muller with the Indigenous Environmental Network, Trevor Haché of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition and Jessie Kalman, Tar Sands Campaigner for the Polaris Institute.

Tonight: Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, Auditorium, 630 pm.

Lucy the Tyrant strikes again

I am under strict orders from Lucy. I am not allowed to a) get my hair cut and b) run away to Korea.

Since returning to Canada, I have become completely and utterly obsessed with my hairstyle. I am cutting and coloring beyond belief. You would think I were a model and not the tomboy that I profess to be.

After surviving many hair cuts in Japan, Korea, India and Thailand, you would think I would be over the top with all these Western salons. Believe me I am. (Imagine trying to tell a stylist in broken Korean many times, your hair is natural curly and doesn't need to be straighten to no avail! Or the time I spent over 300,000 WON to correct a bad dye job in Thailand)

However, with choice comes confusion and indecision of both style and salon. I have been out of the loop with styles and fashions for nearly four years (and not to mention I aging four years!) that I just don't know where to go and what works for me.

Today I am somewhat satisfied with my latest cut. Mind you these aren't drastic changes-an inch cut here, another inch there- but variations of my usual style. So you can probably see my dilemma. I don't feel like they were real haircuts. My main problem is that I don't know what I want. I justify my biweekly haircuts with this reasoning: Now I know what I want so I should get my hair cut. It hasn't worked so far.

Thus, Lucy has banned me from all hair salons in Ottawa and the surrounding areas. She mildly suggested I see someone about my obsession but I think she was joking.

My good friend Lucy has also curtailed any further thoughts of crossing oceans and enjoying a hearty breakfast of kimchi and kimbap.

History shows I have a habit of running away when things get tough. These past few weeks have been a little dicy for me and I booked a one way ticket out of here. Common sense and realism kicked in (along with the advice of others) and I put a hold on my escape plan. My suitcases remain packed but I am exhaling and taking things one day at a time.

Good clean fun with the Ottawa 67s

I convinced some friends to go to an Ottawa 67s game with me. I love watching junior hockey. The players are hungry for the puck and there's always tons of action. If you're into fighting, you're almost guaranteed to see a fight or two.


Bruce was the most adamant about not going. He changed his tune quickly, however once he got a look at the 67s Ice Dancers. I persuaded the girls to come over and take a picture with their Number One Fan! Bruce was a good sport while Arnold ran scared.


Melissa was happy to break from routine and not go to Preston Street on a Friday night. Although the attendence was a low 6000, we had a great time watching the fans go wild.


Arnold obviously has issues or he's wanted for a crime in some Asian country. According to the two oldtimers behind me, he doesn't like girls as he did literally run when the Ice Dancers made their way to our aisle.

Peak Oil Piquing Interest

Our documentary and discussion of Peak Oil was a huge success. We nearly filled the auditorium. Time was a factor so our panel didn't have enough time to answer all questions.


Pei-ju had the vision for tonight's event. She sits on the stage while Terry enjoys a few laughs after testing the projector.

Suspiciously Packaged

Drama at Hurdman station today delayed my ride downtown. A package was found on the bus or in one of the shelters (I'm still not sure where)that caused alarm. Police blocked off the station and called in the Calvary. Bus routes were diverted and passengers weren't amused.


I stepped off the bus to investigate. Most people remained gaping out the bus window or complaining about being late. Unfortunately all the action was done when I got to Hurdman. A woman told me that the robot was out and doing its work around the station. I did hear a big crash but I don't think it was anything. My guess is that a bunch of teenagers were messing around.

Happy Birthday Denise!!!

Happy Birthday Denise Michelle Carter! Enjoy your day with your family. I won't hold it against you that you're born under Scorpio when we all know Sagittarians kick Scorpian's butts every time!

Tidbits about your sign:
Intelligence, tactful, diplomatic, precise, polite.
Successful in academic and business pursuits.
Aptitude for teaching.
Wants to do something that expresses individuality.

I have all this nervous energy. I can't sit still. Maybe it's because I am so excited to get back on an airplane once more.

In six long days I'll on a plane heading to Grand Prairie, Alberta and Fort St.John, British Columbia. I'll be visiting Johnny and Denise. Last night I packed what little I have and tossed out my surplus. I admit it's liberating to own just a few possessions. I can just pack up and go whenever I want. And I usually do.

Ottawa was perfect for the summer. I did enjoy my time here. Especially after India, I needed a place to chill out and breathe. I am positive that I am over my Western culture shock.

lady luck

A bright spot exists just to the right of my doorstep. What a dreary day indeed. If you look close enough I can always find some color to brighten my day.

This song gives me the shivers every time I hear it.

I'll sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You've been the only thing that's right
In all I've done

And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we'll make it anywhere
Away from here

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear

Louder louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say

To think I might not see those eyes
Makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbye
I nearly do

Light up...

Slower slower
We don't have time for that
All I want is to find an easier way
To get out of our little heads

Have heart my dear
We're bound to be afraid
Even if it's just for a few days
Making up for all this mess

Happy Birthday Geoff!

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Geoff
Happy Birthday to you!

The Curtis Tiegs Show (or The Fine Art Gala Fall 2007)

Curtis is a superstar. Geoff, Amanda and I went to check out his work at the fourth annual fine art show at the Comic Book Shoppe. I don't know anything about comic books or animation but I can tell you that my soon to be discovered (in a big way) buddy Curtis is wickedly talent. Check out his site.

Thinks that make you go Hmmmm

I'm still sick. If anything, I think I have gotten worse in all sense of the word. Going for a walk last night was not the brightest idea. The night air did nothing for my throat and lungs.

Coincidentally with this illness, I have developed a new addition to Morning shows. For the past few mornings, I have been tuned to Ellen and The View. I'm not a big tv person to begin with so this just proves that I am not sound of mind.

A Thought on Honesty

"Facing the truth can be a bit unsettling at first. But since your world reflects the truth of your choices, know that when you act on your true feelings, you start to live a richer life."

— Life coach Cheryl Richardson

dinner at Chez Moraine

Mo and Natayla invited me over for dinner last night. I helped Mo prepare for Natayla's birthday party. After dinner, I took Mo's car for a spin around the block and to pick up a corkscrew. I can't believe she trusted me with her car! When I didn't return after twenty minutes she gave me a call. Because I don't usually drive, I lost my way back to her house.

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.”

My thick Korean skin is failing me. I have succumbed to my firstcommon cold of the season. All the symptoms are here. My throat is scratchy. My nose is runny. My head is aching and I don't have any energy. Most times when these bugs creep their murky ways near me, I simply refuse to allow my body to react. Today it's not working; I am sick.

“The destruction of this planet would have no significance on a cosmic scale” S. Kubrick

A walk among the trees? Not anymore. It only took three early mornings for city workers to cut down the trees that framed a small creek behind my house. In fact, this is the area where I picked up trash a few weeks back. The city is building a mosque that will no doubt be welcomed in this community.

Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive -- the risk to be alive and express what we really are.

in anticipation

Cold, and colder is the weather lately in Ottawa. I should be embracing it with open arms because this is what I have been waiting for. Instead I find it difficult to put on a happy face and get out of bed. Still I wait with bated breath for the snow to fall.

He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. ~Harold Wilson

Documentary Night on November 15th

The collapse of the USSR was an economic disaster for Cuba. Oil and food imports were cut drastically and people were desperate. From hardships to creativity, from industrial to organic farming and urban gardens, Cuba is an example of options and hope.

Join us for the viewing of this fascinating documentary, and stay for a discussion on ways we can use the messages in this movie and apply them to our Canadian communities.

Schedule
Thursday, November 15th @ 7 pm

Introduction: Terry Newcombe, the Sierra Club, Ottawa Group

Film Presentation (53 minutes)

Speaker: Lynda Hall, Growing Up Organic, Project Coordinator, The Canadian Organic Growers

Speaker: Diane Falvey, Permaculture Designer

Speaker: Nora Benamra, USC-Canada

Question and Answer period

FREE ADMISSION

Random Tips to Help Save Our Planet

1. Buy food and other products wrapped in the least amount of packaging.

2. Use cloth bags instead of plastic. If you forgot yours at home, buy another one.

3. Separate your organic waste from your other garbage and use biodegradable bags.

4. Avoid unnecessary use of chemical cleaners. Buy microfibre cloths and use water.

5. If you can't recycle something, reuse it.

6. Buy products that can be recycled and recycle them.

7. Buy fewer things. Do you really need to go shopping?

8. Choose paper, instead of plastic.

9. Don't use disposable razors and blades.

10. Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth.

Ottawa Wine & Food Show

Juggling a camera and a wine glass is no easy feat. By the end of our early evening, I gave up completely. We sampled wines from all over the world. My favorite was a South African gold medal winner. I think Steve and Adrian's favorite was a $100 bottle of tequila. This explains why Melissa, Nick and I only saw them when they used up all their tickets!