Passionate Spoken Word

Ag School

Yes yes, school is getting boring. November is a tough month. No statutory holiday, night falls earlier and usually it's colder. These days it has been quite warm which has been nice. I like that we Canadians think of 8-14 degrees as warm. I'm not that would go over so well in other parts of the world. Still, I think I wore flip flops the other day and didn't get frost bite so it's good.

This morning, I had an amazing cup of coffee. I thought about it all day and that helped me smile. In class we watched a commercial by MSF that apparently had people crazy up in arms. I'm pondering posting it here for people to watch but it would have to come with a warning. There is nothing visually upsetting about it, wait, I guess reading is a visual activity so maybe there is. Anyway, no one is reading this so I'm just thinking 'out loud' so to speak.

Things about November I have enjoyed. Kicking leaves. Writing a test in under 15 minutes. Seeing my family. Watching this http://www.zanews.co.za/?p=236 . Drinking fresh Bolivian coffee.

I'm avoiding school work.
Perhaps I will get to it.

See you next time.

A Place for Things of Interest...to Me

and maybe you?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/south-africa-radically-shifts-aids-thinking/article1364340/

Quotant Quotables

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored."

Well the poster I bought says "The truth is more important than the facts."
So I'm thinking that the Truth does not cease to exist just because it is ignored.

"Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination."

That's probably why I'm not a leader. I'm an extraordinary person with less than ordinary determination.

Riiiiiiiight.

Why am I writing random stuff?
Because the library is one of the loudest places at Humber apparently and it's making me crazy.

Best Jays Game Ever

You might think that's a bold statement but I don't think so. No, they didn't win the world series or anything last night, far from it but it was the best Jays game I've ever attended. Why? So many factors, starting with the seats. I've never sat so close. About 12 rows back, section 125, row 17, seats 101-104. Just up from the Jays dugout, without the net messing up your view. So great.
Doc on the mound, pitches a complete game as usual, shuts out the Mariners and wins the game and pizza for the crowd.
Free pizza has become increasingly important due to my current student/unemployed status.
Big thanks to the Gods for letting me sub in due to illness in the family.
Pretzels, popcorn, cheering, Halladay, Travis with a hit and heads up base running.
Good times all around.

Here is the photo of me and Godard at the game that we got up on the Jumbotron. They saved it for the last photo because obviously it was the best one (despite the fact that I clearly need a hair cut).

Let's go Blue Jays, clap clap clapclapclap.

The Longest Weekend Ever

Well, my longest long weekend ever is drawing to a close. 3 full days off left. It's been a good time and not for a second do I regret leaving the banking world behind on that fateful day back in January.

As the days turn into nights and the 8th of September gets closer, I have wondered if going back to school was the right choice. In less than a year, I'll know for sure and get to head overseas again. Okay, I recently learned that the 8 week placement component doesn't actually have to be overseas but as long as I can find a way to fund an overseas placement, that's the route I imagine myself taking. Who really knows though. A lot can change in 10 months.

I've put a lot more effort into making my new apartment feel like home and I am really enjoying it. For those of you who have ever tried to call me, you know the pains I'm experiencing with the lack of underground cell reception. Perhaps I should never have caved to the world of the mobile phone. Looking forward to sitting on the park bench in the winter to have my conversations.

Heading to the Jays came tonight and checking out new music courtesy of okayplayer.com right now. Check it for all your quality hip hop needs.

Peace

Adventures in Petsitting

I have spent the past five, count 'em, five weeks looking after the pets of others. It has been a treat! I've been living in two different apartments which means, not only do I get to check out great new neighbourhoods, I get to take advantage of perks like dishwashers, cable tv, legit internet, barbecues, backyards, patios and of course, cuddly pets. Oh and the biggest perk of all, responsibility. Yikes!

The fun is almost over but only for 2 weeks. Then I head to Ottawa to where it all started. We'll see how I like living in my actual new apartment. I've managed to paint it, clean it and get it ready to welcome me tomorrow night. I've done a little decorating and still need to find a few things but every time I go there, I love it. I hope that feeling remains when I'm actually living there full time. Then again, it could have something to do with the giant box of fudgesicles I have in the freezer.

Anyway, I wanted to post some pictures but don't think I can from this computer so maybe later.

Pet sitting highlights thus far -

Cat getting out that's not allowed to be out
Cat crapping in the entry-way
Cat sleeping on top of me while I watch tv
Giving dog a bath and taking pictures of him when he's soaked
BBQ hot dogs
Backyard mojitos
Taking credit for having a well-trained and cute dog

Did I mention I saw King Lear in the park, went to a great wedding in Barrie and have been eating tomatoes and snap peas from the garden?

Exeunt

Afrofest To Save the Day

Hmmm, well I've been missing South Africa a lot of late, Cape Town really. Even though I know the weather is cool and rainy there right now and it's warm and sunny here, I just miss it. Luckily for me Afrofest is on in TO this weekend and it's free! I'm going to go check out some of the live music and great food (sadly, not free) and just soak up all the Africa vibes I can. I've also been asked to help out at a booth for Song for Africa at the Warped (Edgefest?) tour tomorrow night. Could be another good option to feel closer to l'Afrique.

In the meantime, I'm listening to Femi Kuti and going to my old work to get some free delicious roti! Can't wait.

Everybody Ona Move - La La La

Well yesterday was moving day. Finalement! Moving is pretty much one of my most hated activities. Packing stresses me out, organising the move stresses me out, apartment hunting makes me fed up, unpacking is probably the best of all moving tasks but then organising the new place equals yet again more stress. I don't have the right spacial capacity to see a great set up and we all know that you almost never go back and change it around later. In my new place, I've got to do some painting. This will be a bit of a pain because I've got my bedroom pretty much set up already. However, I won't be living in this place from 9th July to 10th August or something so I've got lots of time to get the painting done. It's a good thing I will elsewhere because I think the paint fumes would severely damage my remaining brain cells.

I'm feeling at home in this place already and am looking forward to exploring the neighbourhood. Unfortunately, that will have to wait until I have a nap. Moving is exhausting, was tough on my knee and back and I somehow wound up with bruises all over my arms, a cut toe (dropped my bed on it) and a cut on my hand. I know, I'm a winner!

One last thing. If I put my mobile phone in the window and lean it against the screen, I get one bar of reception so give me a shout or better yet, send me an email if you want to get in touch. Owls and telegrams also welcome.