I always joke that Dave is “Even Steven”. Like Jerry Seinfeld, things just always work out for him. Something may bring him down, but then there is always something else right there bringing him back up. Even Steven. I am certain he could throw money off the patio and it would show back up at our front door. Or even more likely, nothing happens to bring him down and something still happens to make his world even better (meeting me is just but one example of his astounding luck!). An example of this Even Steven phenomena, or incredible karma, follows.
First, a bit of background…For those of you who may not know this (although how you wouldn’t is beyond me since I’m always bragging about it), Dave has been designing the t-shirts and other merchandise the band Hedley since they started a few years ago (along with many other up and coming bands). If you don’t know who Hedley is, don’t worry…on my first date with Dave he was telling me that he did these t-shirts and at the time had been going on tour with the band as the Merchandise Manager. Me, being completely oblivious to the music scene, gave all the polite “very cools” and “that’s really excitings”, admitting I had no idea who Hedley was and in my head assuming he was travelling around with some small band playing clubs and bars. The day after this date, I was flipping channels and stopped at Much Music, where there was a one hour “In the Spotlight” show on the band. Okay, did I feel like a heel or what? These guys weren’t playing in bars and clubs; they were playing in bloody stadiums! And apparently they were pretty damn popular. But I digress, as this is not actually about me!
The band’s “merch”, as they call it, designed by Dave always sold very well. The band got bigger and bigger and the merch sold like crazy. So…needless to say, Dave continued to design all the merch for the band. Everyone was happy. Other bands started coming to him, although Hedley was by the far the biggest. The band continued to rise in success. It was a lovely arrangement. Until…Hedley got too big.
So, over the summer the band has been making a new album, not requiring any new designs. Knowing they would start touring in the fall, once the album was released, Dave had been waiting to get album cover artwork, etc. so he could start designing new stuff for the tour. When we heard that the fall tour had turned into Hedley opening for Bon Jovi, we were pretty excited. Great for Hedley. Cool for Dave. How cool would it be to have your shirts on sale alongside the merch of Bon Jovi?!!! As time passed and no word about what they needed was coming, Dave was getting anxious. Then the email: Sorry, the band has a new contract and the record label will now be in charge of everything, including merchandise. Basically, “ya, you’ve been here from the beginning, but we don’t need you anymore.” This was pretty devastating for Dave, although he knows the music industry and knew this was likely to happen at some point. Still, it hurt, both personally and professionally. A few days after the email, the band manager, Dave’s direct contact when it came to work for the band, called Dave to explain what Dave already knew…that with the band getting bigger, and with the record label owning a share of the company that produces the t-shirts, the new contract between the band and the label included all aspects of merchandise, and the record label would use its own design team. It was a positive call, reinforcing that they still thought Dave’s designs rocked but were at place where they had to give control of that to the record label.
How does this make Dave Even Steven? Well, the manager put Dave in touch with the record label designer guy, Dave sent over some samples of his work, the guy loved it and suggested they talk further about working together. SO…Even Steven. Dave loses his gig with Hedley, but gains interest from Nettwerk Records’ design team and may very well end up working with them for other artists. Very exciting. However as Dave’s life goes, there’s always more…when it rains it pours with good things for him.
SO… a few days later Dave gets a call from Tommy (Hedley’s bass player and a friend). Tommy and two partners are starting a clothing line. Separate from Hedley, an actual clothing line – Revolution Army - that they hope will be in stores next fall. So who does he want as the lead designer? Ya, you know it. Dave. HUGE excitement, as Dave’s dream is to work on a clothing line and this may be THE opportunity for him. Dave is beyond thrilled, although always with his cautious optimism. I have no caution whatsoever and now imagine myself travelling around the world with Dave while he attends trade shows, and fashion shows, scoping out the hottest new styles, seeking out materials, and generally doing whatever it is that clothing designers do. I imagine watching celebrities on TV talking about the new fashions they are wearing designed by Dave. And I am certain I will be checking out his designs in the stores on Robson Street, smiling to myself as people walk by wearing them. Ahh, yes….this is me, the big dreamer and more importantly the big believer. Dave may be Even Steven, charmed, lucky, or most likely just full of really good karma, but ultimately he is incredibly talented and it is that which brings him his success.
For now, he will design an incredibly cool logo for Revolution Army. Tommy will use his celebrity to promote it while he’s on tour. After that, well, I really have no idea how it works. However, I do believe it will work and I shall expect you all to be fully outfitted in Revolution Army clothing when it makes it debut.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
It's Coming!!!!
I know, I know... I am well past my deadline for another post (good thing I'm not an actual writer or I'd be fired!), but I promise I have very good excuses to give that will exonerate me from my tardiness and make everyone feel very bad for thinking I can't hold up my end of the bargin!! You will have to continue checking to find out what they are. Ooooooooo - the suspense!
Well, I promise you that I do actually have some stuff that is almost complete and a post will be up by Sunday at the latest. Stay tuned for one of the following: "This Can Only Happen to Me"...the story of girl who has minor surgery and ends up in the hospital with "well, we don't really know" or "Even Steven" the story of a man whose life, like Jerry Seinfeld, "just always works out" and the latest installment of how one loss leads to an even greater gain in his charmed life.
Well, I promise you that I do actually have some stuff that is almost complete and a post will be up by Sunday at the latest. Stay tuned for one of the following: "This Can Only Happen to Me"...the story of girl who has minor surgery and ends up in the hospital with "well, we don't really know" or "Even Steven" the story of a man whose life, like Jerry Seinfeld, "just always works out" and the latest installment of how one loss leads to an even greater gain in his charmed life.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Project Get Writing
(posted by ange)
All right. It's been over a month since I've written anything, mostly because I have felt that I haven't had anything worthwhile to write about. I guess you could say I've been feeling a little uninspired. Nothing exciting is happening and does anyone really want to read about what I'm feeling to be my mundane little life? (If you don't, you may as well head out here). Perhaps it is just my frame of mind...a bit of the fall blues. I'm feeling bored and boring all at once, yet just allowing myself to do nothing. Which just perpetuates my feelings of boredom and boringness. Which then just makes me long for a little bit of hypomanic energy, in turn making me both mad and sad and wishing I didn't even know what I might be missing. But don't worry - I won't go there personally. I'll save it for something to write about later. Because...
I was thinking about what I need to do to get myself out of this funk and one of those things is that I need to start writing again - regularly. So here I am, starting to write again. Now, I know that the best way to get oneself to follow through with things is to set attainable, realistic, specific, short term goals that one can be held accountable for. So, my goal is this: for the next month (short term) I will write one blog per week (specifc, realistic and attainable) and whoever is reading this will hold me accountable (the accountability part) by telling me to get off my ass and post something if a week has passed and there is nothing new. It may also help to comment on my posts, since we all know how much I like think I have many adoring fans out there! (ha ha) I will try my best to come up with interesting things to write about, but I'm open to suggestions if you become bored or perhaps just want to hear my opinion on something. We all know I have lots of opinions, so if you do put something out there, do remember that!
So there it is...Project Get Writing, as I have decided to call it. This, by the way, does not count as the first post. This is just the set up for this little project I've created for myself and hopefully for your reading entertainment.
All right. It's been over a month since I've written anything, mostly because I have felt that I haven't had anything worthwhile to write about. I guess you could say I've been feeling a little uninspired. Nothing exciting is happening and does anyone really want to read about what I'm feeling to be my mundane little life? (If you don't, you may as well head out here). Perhaps it is just my frame of mind...a bit of the fall blues. I'm feeling bored and boring all at once, yet just allowing myself to do nothing. Which just perpetuates my feelings of boredom and boringness. Which then just makes me long for a little bit of hypomanic energy, in turn making me both mad and sad and wishing I didn't even know what I might be missing. But don't worry - I won't go there personally. I'll save it for something to write about later. Because...
I was thinking about what I need to do to get myself out of this funk and one of those things is that I need to start writing again - regularly. So here I am, starting to write again. Now, I know that the best way to get oneself to follow through with things is to set attainable, realistic, specific, short term goals that one can be held accountable for. So, my goal is this: for the next month (short term) I will write one blog per week (specifc, realistic and attainable) and whoever is reading this will hold me accountable (the accountability part) by telling me to get off my ass and post something if a week has passed and there is nothing new. It may also help to comment on my posts, since we all know how much I like think I have many adoring fans out there! (ha ha) I will try my best to come up with interesting things to write about, but I'm open to suggestions if you become bored or perhaps just want to hear my opinion on something. We all know I have lots of opinions, so if you do put something out there, do remember that!
So there it is...Project Get Writing, as I have decided to call it. This, by the way, does not count as the first post. This is just the set up for this little project I've created for myself and hopefully for your reading entertainment.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Vegas Diaries
(posted by Ange. Take note, it's a long one and I'm too tired to edit for spelling and grammar...so here it is...the summary - yes summary - of our excellent adventure in Las Vegas!)
Date: September 4 – 7, 2007.
Place: Las Vegas.
The players: Ange and Dave.
The games: It’s Vegas, what do you think?
Leaving Vancouver
Already feeling ahead of the game after buying our American dollars (which, by the way, should really be colour coded – particularly for those of us who take up the offer of free drinks from cocktail waitresses who appear at alarmingly short intervals!) and not losing half our money at the bank, we head off to the airport bursting with excitement. “We’re going to Vegas, baby!” is the line of the day. Through security, I’m feeling a sign of luck as I have my second full security screen and pat down in a row (remember Edmonton?)!!! Our flight is delayed by half an hour, but no worries, our pilot halls ass and lands us in Vegas only 10 minutes late. Nice!
Arriving in Vegas
As we are all standing, heading to the front of the plane, waiting for the doors to open, we are told to return to our seats for a security something or other. Much sighs and grumbles. Back to our seats. And on come two Homeland Security officers (or whatever the hell they call themselves), hauling someone off the plane for arrest or detainment or whatever. So a little excitement and we haven’t even left the plane! I’m, of course, left speculating like mad about what this guy is being held for, while also giving my own commentary on the whole Homeland Security and detainment paranoia-making issue, while Dave humours my overactive imagination (in hindsight, I believe this guy’s pacing up and down the aisles was somewhat suspicious!!!). Anyways…we’re in Vegas and the vacation has begun…
It’s a Hot One Out There
Walking out of the airport, we’re hit with a wall of heat. It’s a bit windy and so it felt like someone had a blow dryer turned on high pointed at your face. Dry heat. I was in heaven. Zero humidity, just hot, hot air. I think the temperatures ranged from about 36 at night to about 40 in the day. Or maybe higher. I don’t really know because I didn’t ever see a temperature reading until we went back to the airport on Friday night, at which time it was 37. Lying by the pool was great in this heat, but only for short periods of time and getting wet was a must. Thank God we had a gorgeous pool to lay around at the Paris Hotel! Walking around during the day must have been tough, but Dave and I didn’t make it out of the hotel to really walk anywhere until early evening. And it was hot then.
Damn it’s Cold in Here!
To make up for the heat, the casinos are fully air conditioned, aiming for a room temperature of, oh I’d say about 10. Well, maybe not that cold, but damn, bring a sweater because it’s bloody cold in there. Between the cold air and the oxygen, you have no problem staying wide awake, despite the copious amount of alcohol you are consuming. I’m sure some scientist was comped a nice room for the perfect formula of cold air and oxygen to keep people awake. So, what’s my point? It’s a real bitch to have to have to carry a sweater around and take same sweater on and off every time you go in and out.
“Mr. Priban, you are registered at Bally’s”
Surely you have read my previous blog entry regarding our accommodations. So, did someone just make a typing error or were we really supposed to be staying at Paris? You guessed it, typing error! As we’re checking in at Paris, Dave is speaking to the woman and I’m digging for the voucher that says “These people are supposed to be at Paris”. Dave is told we’re registered for Bally’s just as I find said slip of paper and we say “No, we should be staying at Paris”. As the woman goes to check things out Dave and I agree that there will be no mention of Bally’s and we will just insist that this is where we are staying. But, no need. The woman returns, all apologies for the error, “We’re so sorry Mr. Priban, they entered it into the computer wrong, sorry, sorry, sorry”. Off to our room we go, laughing all the way. Ha ha ha!
“You can do anything in Vegas, just don’t murder someone”
That is the response we got when we confirmed with a casino staff person that it was, in fact, still okay to take our drinks with us, even in glass glasses. All right then. Enough said on that front.
What Time Is It?
I think we probably all know this, but Las Vegas has no clocks. Whoever decided not to let people see the time is damn genius from the casino’s point of view. With all those flashing advertising signs on the strip, they don’t even show you the time when you’re just walking around. Actually, I’m surprised they don’t make you check your watch at the casino door. So, what’s my point? In Vegas, there is no sense of time. A concept I actually quite like. If you don’t know what time it is, there is no guilt for doing whatever it is you are doing when you should be doing something else because you don’t even know it’s time to be doing something else. Except when you see the morning people…which I will get to later.
Plans Out the Window
So what did we do? What did we see? Did we go here? Did we go there? Our pre-trip plans were pretty much tossed on the first night, as we crawled into bed at 4:00 a.m. In summary, Dave and I were the sleep by day, gamble by night type of Vegas goer. I did start writing a paragraph here about what we did and saw, but who am I kidding? Our exposure to sunlight was limited and our exposure to neon lights and air conditioned casinos was maximum.
Trips Are For Kids
Whoever decided that Texas Hold ‘Em should be a casino table game where each player is just playing the dealer is brilliant and highly responsible for much of our fun in Vegas. Creating a small area called the Party Pit, where loud music blasts as dealers wearing Hawaiian shirts dance, deal out cards and hand out mardi gras beads (who doesn’t want to be wearing beads???) is even more brilliant. Dave dived in first, and after walking away over $675, it was clear that this was the game to play. I waited, not sure. After watching enough I decided I could do it. Don’t know what the hell I was worried about. If I can’t figure out my hand, Dave can tell me what to do, or the dealer will, and how much fun is it to have your cards tossed recklessly to you, be able to pick them up and look at them as much as you want, be able to share them with everyone at the table, all the while grabbing drinks from that aforementioned cocktail waitress that clearly does not want your glass to be empty. Yep, after a few hands, I was sold. My new favourite Vegas game is Texas Hold ‘Em. And my new favourite poker hand is trips (that’s three of a kind in case you don’t know or couldn’t guess), of which I got many, many, many. I can probably count on one hand how often I’ve had trips playing at home. In Vegas, I was the queen of trips. (Not to mention 4 of a kind twice in less than 5 minutes!!!). Hence, my new favourite saying: “Trips are for kids”. Kinda like “Trix are for kids”, developed under the influence of alcohol after having a string of trips in a short period of time. But the way I say it is much more entertaining. Really. Ask Dave. Or Joe and John from Florida. They actually thought I should copyright it. But that’s a whole other story.
Zumanity
It wasn’t all drinking and gambling. Dave and I did act like mature adults and attend a Vegas Show – Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity. This is an adult only show, part burlesque, part cabaret style show. It was utterly amazing. With sex as the theme, it was a cornucopia of entertainment, with audience interaction, a live band, live singers, acrobatics, ballet, comedy, contortion, girls in a champagne glass, guys in a cage, and everything you can imagine that might fall in between. I don’t know how to even begin to really describe this show, other than to say that if you thought of sex and sexuality along a big line, Zumanity touched on points all across this line, from naughty to nice, in an extremely entertaining and awe striking way. Very well done.
The Fremont Experience
We checked out “Old Vegas”, which has embraced the “new” concept with their Fremont Street Experience – some thousands and thousands of lights on a huge screen that covers the street over a few blocks with a sound system that all combine to put on a show every hour. All the casinos go dark during this show, which is quite cool and I’d be interested in the minutes of the meetings that were held as the Fremont Experience people worked at convincing the casinos to do this. Then again, the casinos probably are the Fremont Experience people. Aside from the show, you gotta love the old casinos…The Golden Nugget, Binion’s, Sam’s, The 4 Queens. Contrary to what many think, these places are fun, friendly and safe. They’ve obviously been renovated and the crowd is clearly tourists. Bring on the poker fun!
The Five Dollar Shake
John Travolta might have been a little shocked at the price of his shake, but a SIX DOLLAR iced tea???? Damn. It’s just tea over ice. I had to squeeze my own lemon into it and add my own sugar! But it did totally hit the spot while I was lounging by the pool, and the fact that the waitress gave me back too much change took away that ripped off feeling. Speaking of which….
Winning Money at Fatburger
I guess the Americans have just as much trouble figuring out their money as everyone else. At Fatburger (yes, I had to have a hamburger, now!) I actually came up ahead, being given change for a twenty instead of the ten I had given. And my burger! Now there’s a deal!
So What About Those Morning People?
You know you’ve been sitting at a table too long when you start to see morning people walking around. Morning people have experienced the day before, gone to bed, and have now started a new day. Unlike you, who is still experiencing the day before (which has actually turned into a new day, you just haven’t realized it or are ignoring the fact). With your whole sense of time out the window, this can sneak up on you quite quickly. You know it’s getting late. There is a point where you are pretty sure that if you went outdoors it would now be light, but this is unconfirmed because you’re not going outdoors to see the light, you’re staying at the table, making a bet and ordering another drink. And then you see the odd person walking around with a coffee. Maybe they’re having a coffee to sober up before going to bed? Then again, they look pretty fresh and now there are more and more of them and yes, you are now one of the few people in the casino who has not showered since yesterday. Hmmm…this cannot be good. Especially if you have to check out today. What time is it????? You can only continue so long before you either run out of money or the guilt of seeing the morning people gets to you and you have to leave the table. Or maybe both. So I finally left the table at 9:15 a.m.
Leaving Las Vegas
There’s nothing exciting to say about leaving Las Vegas. We didn’t want to go home. After snoozing for a couple of hours, I had my bag packed, was showered and ready to go in an hour. Quite impressive and managed by simply gathering up all my belongings and dumping them into my suitcase in no order, not rolled or folded, shirts mixed with shoes mixed with toiletries, mixed with whatever…just gathered and dumped as quickly as possible. Dave is still impressed that I actually did this. We brunched and then decided that since we were both a little tired, it was best to stay out of the heat and lay low in the casino until our flight later that night. So that was what we did. We came home winners, neither of us spending even half of our money. And mostly, we came home having had the most fun 3 nights we could have asked for. Ange and Dave love Vegas and can’t wait to go back!
Date: September 4 – 7, 2007.
Place: Las Vegas.
The players: Ange and Dave.
The games: It’s Vegas, what do you think?
Leaving Vancouver
Already feeling ahead of the game after buying our American dollars (which, by the way, should really be colour coded – particularly for those of us who take up the offer of free drinks from cocktail waitresses who appear at alarmingly short intervals!) and not losing half our money at the bank, we head off to the airport bursting with excitement. “We’re going to Vegas, baby!” is the line of the day. Through security, I’m feeling a sign of luck as I have my second full security screen and pat down in a row (remember Edmonton?)!!! Our flight is delayed by half an hour, but no worries, our pilot halls ass and lands us in Vegas only 10 minutes late. Nice!
Arriving in Vegas
As we are all standing, heading to the front of the plane, waiting for the doors to open, we are told to return to our seats for a security something or other. Much sighs and grumbles. Back to our seats. And on come two Homeland Security officers (or whatever the hell they call themselves), hauling someone off the plane for arrest or detainment or whatever. So a little excitement and we haven’t even left the plane! I’m, of course, left speculating like mad about what this guy is being held for, while also giving my own commentary on the whole Homeland Security and detainment paranoia-making issue, while Dave humours my overactive imagination (in hindsight, I believe this guy’s pacing up and down the aisles was somewhat suspicious!!!). Anyways…we’re in Vegas and the vacation has begun…
It’s a Hot One Out There
Walking out of the airport, we’re hit with a wall of heat. It’s a bit windy and so it felt like someone had a blow dryer turned on high pointed at your face. Dry heat. I was in heaven. Zero humidity, just hot, hot air. I think the temperatures ranged from about 36 at night to about 40 in the day. Or maybe higher. I don’t really know because I didn’t ever see a temperature reading until we went back to the airport on Friday night, at which time it was 37. Lying by the pool was great in this heat, but only for short periods of time and getting wet was a must. Thank God we had a gorgeous pool to lay around at the Paris Hotel! Walking around during the day must have been tough, but Dave and I didn’t make it out of the hotel to really walk anywhere until early evening. And it was hot then.
Damn it’s Cold in Here!
To make up for the heat, the casinos are fully air conditioned, aiming for a room temperature of, oh I’d say about 10. Well, maybe not that cold, but damn, bring a sweater because it’s bloody cold in there. Between the cold air and the oxygen, you have no problem staying wide awake, despite the copious amount of alcohol you are consuming. I’m sure some scientist was comped a nice room for the perfect formula of cold air and oxygen to keep people awake. So, what’s my point? It’s a real bitch to have to have to carry a sweater around and take same sweater on and off every time you go in and out.
“Mr. Priban, you are registered at Bally’s”
Surely you have read my previous blog entry regarding our accommodations. So, did someone just make a typing error or were we really supposed to be staying at Paris? You guessed it, typing error! As we’re checking in at Paris, Dave is speaking to the woman and I’m digging for the voucher that says “These people are supposed to be at Paris”. Dave is told we’re registered for Bally’s just as I find said slip of paper and we say “No, we should be staying at Paris”. As the woman goes to check things out Dave and I agree that there will be no mention of Bally’s and we will just insist that this is where we are staying. But, no need. The woman returns, all apologies for the error, “We’re so sorry Mr. Priban, they entered it into the computer wrong, sorry, sorry, sorry”. Off to our room we go, laughing all the way. Ha ha ha!
“You can do anything in Vegas, just don’t murder someone”
That is the response we got when we confirmed with a casino staff person that it was, in fact, still okay to take our drinks with us, even in glass glasses. All right then. Enough said on that front.
What Time Is It?
I think we probably all know this, but Las Vegas has no clocks. Whoever decided not to let people see the time is damn genius from the casino’s point of view. With all those flashing advertising signs on the strip, they don’t even show you the time when you’re just walking around. Actually, I’m surprised they don’t make you check your watch at the casino door. So, what’s my point? In Vegas, there is no sense of time. A concept I actually quite like. If you don’t know what time it is, there is no guilt for doing whatever it is you are doing when you should be doing something else because you don’t even know it’s time to be doing something else. Except when you see the morning people…which I will get to later.
Plans Out the Window
So what did we do? What did we see? Did we go here? Did we go there? Our pre-trip plans were pretty much tossed on the first night, as we crawled into bed at 4:00 a.m. In summary, Dave and I were the sleep by day, gamble by night type of Vegas goer. I did start writing a paragraph here about what we did and saw, but who am I kidding? Our exposure to sunlight was limited and our exposure to neon lights and air conditioned casinos was maximum.
Trips Are For Kids
Whoever decided that Texas Hold ‘Em should be a casino table game where each player is just playing the dealer is brilliant and highly responsible for much of our fun in Vegas. Creating a small area called the Party Pit, where loud music blasts as dealers wearing Hawaiian shirts dance, deal out cards and hand out mardi gras beads (who doesn’t want to be wearing beads???) is even more brilliant. Dave dived in first, and after walking away over $675, it was clear that this was the game to play. I waited, not sure. After watching enough I decided I could do it. Don’t know what the hell I was worried about. If I can’t figure out my hand, Dave can tell me what to do, or the dealer will, and how much fun is it to have your cards tossed recklessly to you, be able to pick them up and look at them as much as you want, be able to share them with everyone at the table, all the while grabbing drinks from that aforementioned cocktail waitress that clearly does not want your glass to be empty. Yep, after a few hands, I was sold. My new favourite Vegas game is Texas Hold ‘Em. And my new favourite poker hand is trips (that’s three of a kind in case you don’t know or couldn’t guess), of which I got many, many, many. I can probably count on one hand how often I’ve had trips playing at home. In Vegas, I was the queen of trips. (Not to mention 4 of a kind twice in less than 5 minutes!!!). Hence, my new favourite saying: “Trips are for kids”. Kinda like “Trix are for kids”, developed under the influence of alcohol after having a string of trips in a short period of time. But the way I say it is much more entertaining. Really. Ask Dave. Or Joe and John from Florida. They actually thought I should copyright it. But that’s a whole other story.
Zumanity
It wasn’t all drinking and gambling. Dave and I did act like mature adults and attend a Vegas Show – Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity. This is an adult only show, part burlesque, part cabaret style show. It was utterly amazing. With sex as the theme, it was a cornucopia of entertainment, with audience interaction, a live band, live singers, acrobatics, ballet, comedy, contortion, girls in a champagne glass, guys in a cage, and everything you can imagine that might fall in between. I don’t know how to even begin to really describe this show, other than to say that if you thought of sex and sexuality along a big line, Zumanity touched on points all across this line, from naughty to nice, in an extremely entertaining and awe striking way. Very well done.
The Fremont Experience
We checked out “Old Vegas”, which has embraced the “new” concept with their Fremont Street Experience – some thousands and thousands of lights on a huge screen that covers the street over a few blocks with a sound system that all combine to put on a show every hour. All the casinos go dark during this show, which is quite cool and I’d be interested in the minutes of the meetings that were held as the Fremont Experience people worked at convincing the casinos to do this. Then again, the casinos probably are the Fremont Experience people. Aside from the show, you gotta love the old casinos…The Golden Nugget, Binion’s, Sam’s, The 4 Queens. Contrary to what many think, these places are fun, friendly and safe. They’ve obviously been renovated and the crowd is clearly tourists. Bring on the poker fun!
The Five Dollar Shake
John Travolta might have been a little shocked at the price of his shake, but a SIX DOLLAR iced tea???? Damn. It’s just tea over ice. I had to squeeze my own lemon into it and add my own sugar! But it did totally hit the spot while I was lounging by the pool, and the fact that the waitress gave me back too much change took away that ripped off feeling. Speaking of which….
Winning Money at Fatburger
I guess the Americans have just as much trouble figuring out their money as everyone else. At Fatburger (yes, I had to have a hamburger, now!) I actually came up ahead, being given change for a twenty instead of the ten I had given. And my burger! Now there’s a deal!
So What About Those Morning People?
You know you’ve been sitting at a table too long when you start to see morning people walking around. Morning people have experienced the day before, gone to bed, and have now started a new day. Unlike you, who is still experiencing the day before (which has actually turned into a new day, you just haven’t realized it or are ignoring the fact). With your whole sense of time out the window, this can sneak up on you quite quickly. You know it’s getting late. There is a point where you are pretty sure that if you went outdoors it would now be light, but this is unconfirmed because you’re not going outdoors to see the light, you’re staying at the table, making a bet and ordering another drink. And then you see the odd person walking around with a coffee. Maybe they’re having a coffee to sober up before going to bed? Then again, they look pretty fresh and now there are more and more of them and yes, you are now one of the few people in the casino who has not showered since yesterday. Hmmm…this cannot be good. Especially if you have to check out today. What time is it????? You can only continue so long before you either run out of money or the guilt of seeing the morning people gets to you and you have to leave the table. Or maybe both. So I finally left the table at 9:15 a.m.
Leaving Las Vegas
There’s nothing exciting to say about leaving Las Vegas. We didn’t want to go home. After snoozing for a couple of hours, I had my bag packed, was showered and ready to go in an hour. Quite impressive and managed by simply gathering up all my belongings and dumping them into my suitcase in no order, not rolled or folded, shirts mixed with shoes mixed with toiletries, mixed with whatever…just gathered and dumped as quickly as possible. Dave is still impressed that I actually did this. We brunched and then decided that since we were both a little tired, it was best to stay out of the heat and lay low in the casino until our flight later that night. So that was what we did. We came home winners, neither of us spending even half of our money. And mostly, we came home having had the most fun 3 nights we could have asked for. Ange and Dave love Vegas and can’t wait to go back!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Viva Las Vegas
(posted by ange)
Dave and I leave for Vegas on September 4 and lady luck has already showed her pretty little face. When I booked our 3 night getaway to Sin City a few weeks ago, it went something like this. Dave away in Hong Kong for two weeks. Me thinking Dave always gets to travel. Me wanting to go on vacation. Me whining a bit about wanting to go on vacation. Me surfing the internet looking at vacations. Me thinking how fun Vegas would be. Me talking up a trip to Vegas and looking for deals to Vegas. Me talking about the great deals I had found to Vegas. Dave agreeing that Vegas would be great and we should go – I mean we would need a vacation after moving and painting and all. Me looking further into deals. Dave and I finally agreeing that we are going, setting a date and picking Paris as our Vegas destination. Me calling the travel agent 2 days later, only to find out the Paris deal had shot up an extra $100 each. Me deciding that $100 could be better spent at the blackjack tables and settling on Bally’s instead for the original price. Me and Dave being totally psyched to go to Vegas since the day of booking!
Our tickets arrived in the mail today. I have an itinerary and hotel voucher indicating we are staying at Paris. Same confirmation number as on our receipt for the package to Bally’s (which has been paid). I don’t know who made this mistake, but it’s a damn good one! Woo-hoo…I’m going to Paris and Las Vegas all at the same time! I can only take this is a good sign. Of course, the reality is that this is the sort of thing that only happens to Dave. If my name were on the receipt, I’m sure I’d have been sent tickets to stay at Whiskey Pete’s! I’m just lucky to be with my lucky Dave and hence, reap the benefits.
Dave and I leave for Vegas on September 4 and lady luck has already showed her pretty little face. When I booked our 3 night getaway to Sin City a few weeks ago, it went something like this. Dave away in Hong Kong for two weeks. Me thinking Dave always gets to travel. Me wanting to go on vacation. Me whining a bit about wanting to go on vacation. Me surfing the internet looking at vacations. Me thinking how fun Vegas would be. Me talking up a trip to Vegas and looking for deals to Vegas. Me talking about the great deals I had found to Vegas. Dave agreeing that Vegas would be great and we should go – I mean we would need a vacation after moving and painting and all. Me looking further into deals. Dave and I finally agreeing that we are going, setting a date and picking Paris as our Vegas destination. Me calling the travel agent 2 days later, only to find out the Paris deal had shot up an extra $100 each. Me deciding that $100 could be better spent at the blackjack tables and settling on Bally’s instead for the original price. Me and Dave being totally psyched to go to Vegas since the day of booking!
Our tickets arrived in the mail today. I have an itinerary and hotel voucher indicating we are staying at Paris. Same confirmation number as on our receipt for the package to Bally’s (which has been paid). I don’t know who made this mistake, but it’s a damn good one! Woo-hoo…I’m going to Paris and Las Vegas all at the same time! I can only take this is a good sign. Of course, the reality is that this is the sort of thing that only happens to Dave. If my name were on the receipt, I’m sure I’d have been sent tickets to stay at Whiskey Pete’s! I’m just lucky to be with my lucky Dave and hence, reap the benefits.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
New and Noteworthy in the Land of Dave and Ange
(posted by ange)
Well, it's been some time since I've sat down to write about the goings on around here. Grab a coffee or tea, or maybe a glass of wine and make yourself comfortable. I'm in a chatty state, my brain's in high gear and I'm ready to write! Okay, I'll try to keep it short and just stick to the highlights, but I can't promise you anything! In no particular order, here's what's new and noteworthy (or possibly not noteworthy at all) in the land of me and Dave...
The new digs. Moving day is August 1. Getting ready for moving day has been a joy. HA! I always thought Dave was different from all the rest of the men out there, but as it turns out, not so much. To me, July is packing and getting ready to move month. Lots to do, I'm going to stress, let's try to be prepared and prevent a possible breakdown. For Dave, July has been 10 days in Hong Kong, come home for 3 days then go to a ranch to play cowboy for 4 days, then get ready to move in the final 6 days. I mean, really, it's not going to take long, everything will get done, no big deal. Uh, hello, has he MET me? The way I see it, I'm here packing, living in chaos, spending much too much time tryng to stay calm, while he's off half the month being treated like royalty in Hong Kong and living out boyhood fantasies of living on the range! Aaaahhhh, but we all know Dave and we all know how this works out, don't we? Prior to leaving he made every call necessary to arrange the move. He came home from Hong Kong and pushed through his jet lag to tackle the big list I had made for him while he was away and I was feeling abandoned in this project. He left for the ranch with so much done that there hasn't been anything for me to do while he's been away. He'll arrive home late tonight and be ready to tackle the final week with me tomorrow. And throughout it all, as always, he's been my rock, listening, supporting and not letting me fall into panic and off the deep end. I guess I should take it back - he's not like every other man out there! (Thank you baby!) So for now, I'm not too stressed and really excited to move into our new home! Once we get there and don't unpack right away because we're painting the entire place, we'll see what happens! :)
Camping. Tired of waiting for good weather, we said "f" it - we're going camping, rain or shine, on the July long weekend. Me, Dave and his friend Mike packed up and headed out early on Friday, no reservations, just figuring we'd be early enough to get a site. Decided to try Golden Ears. As we are driving up to the campground, in torrential rain, we are passing sign after sign "CAMPGROUND IS FULL". We keep driving. Maybe they will have a spot. How can they be full? It's only 3:00! As we drive up to the gate, it's raining so hard and hailing so hard all I can think is "these guys better not want to set up until it lets up!". We pull up and Dave pleads for a campsite. Questions: Do we have airmattresses? Do we need to spike our tents in? Hesitantly we are saying yes, we have airmatresses, no we don't need to spike out tents (but we will if you want us to - can we have a campsite??!!!) As it turns out they have one spot left, a handicap spot that is all paved. Sold! We'll take it! So we set up camp and found ourselves in the middle of familyville. Literally. We are 99% certain we were the only site with no children. So while everyone around us is spending quality family time, me, Dave and Mike are pouring drinks and trying to take each other's money playing poker. ha ha. It actually turned out to be a great weekend. The rain stopped. We had a bit of sun. We had some awesome fires and lively debates and just blocked out the 8:00 a.m. soccer game going on in the field across from us. Oh, and once you get over it, camping on pavement is really not so bad.
The new car. Dave has a new love in his life. It's called a 2007 Volkswagen GTI with all the bells and whistles. While in Hong Kong he was dreaming about his car. He did not mention any dreams about me. So what does this mean? Dave is like a child at Christmas. He did not sleep the night before he got it. He was shaking when he went to pick it up. He wants to go driving all the time! Which is really actually quite good because he'll run any errand at the drop of a hat! But really, he wants to go driving all the time. Did I mention that we are moving and he has been away half the month? Road trips aren't on the top of my agenda right now. However, we did have a nice drive to Whistler as the inaugral road trip and he has been very understanding that I don't have time for a lot of long drives right now. (He doesn't either, but since he makes it all work, what can I say?) I must admit, it's a fabulous car. I am sure I was somewhat disappointing when he was telling me every minute detail, about how it runs, how things work, showing me the engine (picture me with a blank stare), basically giving me every fact about the car, most of which meant absolutely nothing to me, while my real interest was in my cupholder placement, the fact that when i open the mirror in the visor the light goes on, and how comfortable my seat is! (Come on, this is what's really important in a new car!) But really, it's quite exciting and I am so excited for Dave. He has been talking and researching and wanting this car for a very long time. He totally deserves this car. And watching his excitement about his new love puts a huge smile on my face.
Airport Security. Okay, this is just a little story. So I go visit my dad in Edmonton and coming through security on the way back I'm "randomly flagged" for extra screening. I think this means they want to search my bag. Nope. They'd like to search me. As in spread your legs, spread your arms out, get fully patted down (and I do mean fully everywhere), then place your hands on the table, one foot up, then the next. My first full on pat down at airport security! I thought it was funny that they checked my shoes - I was wearing flip flops that are so thin they're practically invisible! I was so glad that I had decided not to pack my explosives on my body! So close! :)
Our new addiction. Well, I am still a CSI addict, but our latest addiction is 24 (Thank you Patricia and Michael). We were given 5 seasons to borrow and have finished one, we're into season 2 now. We were told it was addictive and hard to stop watching. I don't think we fully bought into what that meant. So, first time we watch it, sit down at 9:00 p.m., thinking we will watch a couple episodes. At 3:00 a.m. we finished the 8th episode and forced ourselves to bed. I cannot emphasize this enough: How do people watch this show on T.V., waiting week to week for the next episode and then enduring breaks for Christmas or specials, or whatever??????? I can barely wait until the next night to pick up where we left off. If it weren't for Dave's willpower, I am sure I would stay up for as long as it took me to watch all five seasons. I believe this show is the crystal meth of T.V. and won't be surprised if people have to enter rehab when this show finally ends. Thankfully I will have it on DVD and be able to feed my own withdrawals. Hmmmm. Do I need to get a life?
Pills all over the place. This makes Dave and I laugh so hard. So as we've been preparing to move, we've been moving things. You know how when you move something, you always find something back there? Well, we're finding pills. Yep. Move a shelf, oh, here's a couple pills. Take down the CD shelf, here's a handfull - this one must have been a toss, not a drop! (i've been known to chuck my pills across the room when i'm not well). We were keeping a little pile on the table to see how many we'd find at the end of the day, but I notice they aren't there now. Hmmmm. (laughter)
Well, I think I'm probably starting to include those stories that, while however new, really aren't all that noteworthy and are really just more amusing to myself than anything else. Since I wouldn't want to alienate my faithful readers (hmmm...do I even still have faithful readers?) I better end this update here. If you made it to the end, thanks for reading!!!!!
Well, it's been some time since I've sat down to write about the goings on around here. Grab a coffee or tea, or maybe a glass of wine and make yourself comfortable. I'm in a chatty state, my brain's in high gear and I'm ready to write! Okay, I'll try to keep it short and just stick to the highlights, but I can't promise you anything! In no particular order, here's what's new and noteworthy (or possibly not noteworthy at all) in the land of me and Dave...
The new digs. Moving day is August 1. Getting ready for moving day has been a joy. HA! I always thought Dave was different from all the rest of the men out there, but as it turns out, not so much. To me, July is packing and getting ready to move month. Lots to do, I'm going to stress, let's try to be prepared and prevent a possible breakdown. For Dave, July has been 10 days in Hong Kong, come home for 3 days then go to a ranch to play cowboy for 4 days, then get ready to move in the final 6 days. I mean, really, it's not going to take long, everything will get done, no big deal. Uh, hello, has he MET me? The way I see it, I'm here packing, living in chaos, spending much too much time tryng to stay calm, while he's off half the month being treated like royalty in Hong Kong and living out boyhood fantasies of living on the range! Aaaahhhh, but we all know Dave and we all know how this works out, don't we? Prior to leaving he made every call necessary to arrange the move. He came home from Hong Kong and pushed through his jet lag to tackle the big list I had made for him while he was away and I was feeling abandoned in this project. He left for the ranch with so much done that there hasn't been anything for me to do while he's been away. He'll arrive home late tonight and be ready to tackle the final week with me tomorrow. And throughout it all, as always, he's been my rock, listening, supporting and not letting me fall into panic and off the deep end. I guess I should take it back - he's not like every other man out there! (Thank you baby!) So for now, I'm not too stressed and really excited to move into our new home! Once we get there and don't unpack right away because we're painting the entire place, we'll see what happens! :)
Camping. Tired of waiting for good weather, we said "f" it - we're going camping, rain or shine, on the July long weekend. Me, Dave and his friend Mike packed up and headed out early on Friday, no reservations, just figuring we'd be early enough to get a site. Decided to try Golden Ears. As we are driving up to the campground, in torrential rain, we are passing sign after sign "CAMPGROUND IS FULL". We keep driving. Maybe they will have a spot. How can they be full? It's only 3:00! As we drive up to the gate, it's raining so hard and hailing so hard all I can think is "these guys better not want to set up until it lets up!". We pull up and Dave pleads for a campsite. Questions: Do we have airmattresses? Do we need to spike our tents in? Hesitantly we are saying yes, we have airmatresses, no we don't need to spike out tents (but we will if you want us to - can we have a campsite??!!!) As it turns out they have one spot left, a handicap spot that is all paved. Sold! We'll take it! So we set up camp and found ourselves in the middle of familyville. Literally. We are 99% certain we were the only site with no children. So while everyone around us is spending quality family time, me, Dave and Mike are pouring drinks and trying to take each other's money playing poker. ha ha. It actually turned out to be a great weekend. The rain stopped. We had a bit of sun. We had some awesome fires and lively debates and just blocked out the 8:00 a.m. soccer game going on in the field across from us. Oh, and once you get over it, camping on pavement is really not so bad.
The new car. Dave has a new love in his life. It's called a 2007 Volkswagen GTI with all the bells and whistles. While in Hong Kong he was dreaming about his car. He did not mention any dreams about me. So what does this mean? Dave is like a child at Christmas. He did not sleep the night before he got it. He was shaking when he went to pick it up. He wants to go driving all the time! Which is really actually quite good because he'll run any errand at the drop of a hat! But really, he wants to go driving all the time. Did I mention that we are moving and he has been away half the month? Road trips aren't on the top of my agenda right now. However, we did have a nice drive to Whistler as the inaugral road trip and he has been very understanding that I don't have time for a lot of long drives right now. (He doesn't either, but since he makes it all work, what can I say?) I must admit, it's a fabulous car. I am sure I was somewhat disappointing when he was telling me every minute detail, about how it runs, how things work, showing me the engine (picture me with a blank stare), basically giving me every fact about the car, most of which meant absolutely nothing to me, while my real interest was in my cupholder placement, the fact that when i open the mirror in the visor the light goes on, and how comfortable my seat is! (Come on, this is what's really important in a new car!) But really, it's quite exciting and I am so excited for Dave. He has been talking and researching and wanting this car for a very long time. He totally deserves this car. And watching his excitement about his new love puts a huge smile on my face.
Airport Security. Okay, this is just a little story. So I go visit my dad in Edmonton and coming through security on the way back I'm "randomly flagged" for extra screening. I think this means they want to search my bag. Nope. They'd like to search me. As in spread your legs, spread your arms out, get fully patted down (and I do mean fully everywhere), then place your hands on the table, one foot up, then the next. My first full on pat down at airport security! I thought it was funny that they checked my shoes - I was wearing flip flops that are so thin they're practically invisible! I was so glad that I had decided not to pack my explosives on my body! So close! :)
Our new addiction. Well, I am still a CSI addict, but our latest addiction is 24 (Thank you Patricia and Michael). We were given 5 seasons to borrow and have finished one, we're into season 2 now. We were told it was addictive and hard to stop watching. I don't think we fully bought into what that meant. So, first time we watch it, sit down at 9:00 p.m., thinking we will watch a couple episodes. At 3:00 a.m. we finished the 8th episode and forced ourselves to bed. I cannot emphasize this enough: How do people watch this show on T.V., waiting week to week for the next episode and then enduring breaks for Christmas or specials, or whatever??????? I can barely wait until the next night to pick up where we left off. If it weren't for Dave's willpower, I am sure I would stay up for as long as it took me to watch all five seasons. I believe this show is the crystal meth of T.V. and won't be surprised if people have to enter rehab when this show finally ends. Thankfully I will have it on DVD and be able to feed my own withdrawals. Hmmmm. Do I need to get a life?
Pills all over the place. This makes Dave and I laugh so hard. So as we've been preparing to move, we've been moving things. You know how when you move something, you always find something back there? Well, we're finding pills. Yep. Move a shelf, oh, here's a couple pills. Take down the CD shelf, here's a handfull - this one must have been a toss, not a drop! (i've been known to chuck my pills across the room when i'm not well). We were keeping a little pile on the table to see how many we'd find at the end of the day, but I notice they aren't there now. Hmmmm. (laughter)
Well, I think I'm probably starting to include those stories that, while however new, really aren't all that noteworthy and are really just more amusing to myself than anything else. Since I wouldn't want to alienate my faithful readers (hmmm...do I even still have faithful readers?) I better end this update here. If you made it to the end, thanks for reading!!!!!
A Romantic Mid-Week Getaway...
(posted by ange)
NOTE: I started writing this right after our "weekend" in Victoria, June 13-14, but just finally got around to finishing it now, so it's long, probably a bit broken, but hey, I figure at least I'm getting something up here!!! So here it is....
Dave and I spent Wednesday and Thursday enjoying a most romantic getaway to Victoria, celebrating the fact that we are still utterly and completely in love after one year together. We started off Wednesday morning, rising oh so early at 8:00 a.m. with intentions, but little actual belief, of leaving at 9:00 and catching the 11:00 ferry. As we pulled on to the street at exactly 9:12, we congratulated ourselves on being on time (something we are not known for). Anticipating traffic and road work, we were pleasantly surprised as we smooth sailed up to the Tswassen ferry terminal at 9:50, just in time for the 10:00 sailing. Things were going our way. The half our delay due to a missing life boat (no explanation was given, but I am still trying to figure out a life boat goes missing) did not dampen our spirits. We were already early!
As it turns out, catching this earlier ferry was an extra bonus. We were treated to a pretty spectacular display put on by a pod of 6 Orcas. They were absolutely amazing, rising in and out of the water, at times all six jumping out at once. We were lucky to have sat ourselves down at a table on the view side, while most of the passengers were running to our side of the ship to see the display.
We arrived at our shi-shi hotel at 12:30, hoping for an early check-in but really just expecting to park the car and head downtown until the room was ready. But, continuing in the charmed fashion of the day thus far, our room was ready and we were able to check in and unpack before seeing the sights. Although we were only staying for one night and packed our gear in duffel bags (we’re so chic), Dave unpacked his entire bag, hanging things up, putting things in the drawers. Almost a week after our stay, when he couldn’t find his swim trunks, he realized he had left everything in the room! (insert doubled over laughing on my end). Anyways…
We wandered around Victoria, checked out the Parliament Buildings – much more impressive and interesting as an adult than as a 10 year old, which was the last time I was there on a school field trip. Note to the school system: save that field trip for grade 12! We had drinks in the Bengal Bar at the Empress and a great lobster feast at a restaurant on the water, the name of which I now forget. Upon returning to our room, we found a bottle of champagne, our bed turned down with a shower of rose petals, robes and slippers and a bath bar from Lush. It was so romantic I immediately started taking pictures of it all. :) The rest of the evening is obviously x-rated and cannot be commented on here.
We slept in (ask for a late check out and you shall receive it) before our room service breakfast arrived, complete with fancy chocolate and a rose. And then it was off to the Titanic Exhibit. This was so above and beyond what I expected. If you have a chance, you have to see it. Upon entry you’ve given a boarding pass with information about a passenger from the actual Titanic. Of course Dave ends up being some young rich guy in first class and I’m some lowly, poor, single, middle aged woman in the bottom class, not even allowed to set foot in Dave’s area!!!! You can guess who died and who made it out alive! (At the end you actually find out). We took our time heading out of town, stopping in Sidney for the best fish and chips ever at Fish on 5th before catching the ferry home to reality.
It was an absolute perfect getaway and celebration of our one year anniversary. Any time spent with Dave is good time and I can’t imagine us ever not having a great time doing anything, but this little getaway was extra special.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
IT'S F***ING FREEZING IN HERE!
(posted by ange)
This is the current common saying in our apartment. It's fucking freezing in here! (pardon my french, but I think we're all adults here) We have the pleasure of living in one of those buildings that has central heating. Meaning, we do not control our heat. It gets turned on in the late fall and turned off in the late spring. When it's on, we can crawl onto the floor and turn a knob under the radiator an inch in either direction to control how "hot" it gets. When it's off, I can lay on the floor turning the knob for as long as I like in either direction and nothing changes. It's off. And right now, it's damn cold! We are relying on the weather to heat our apartment. And I need not point out that the weather is not cooperating. It is not warming up anything! So we are walking around in socks, sweatpants and hoodies. I actually went to bed in sweats and socks last night! Dave had to bring me a hot water bottle, my feet were so cold. Okay, he didn't have to, but he did. Allowing me to point out once again how lucky I am and how special he is. I mean, other than my mother, nobody has ever brought me a hot water bottle for anything, let alone for having cold toes in June! But I digress... We are now adding "Control our own heat" to our list of "Hello's" at the new apartment. Until then... I've got to go sip a cup of hot tea. It's fucking freezing in here!
This is the current common saying in our apartment. It's fucking freezing in here! (pardon my french, but I think we're all adults here) We have the pleasure of living in one of those buildings that has central heating. Meaning, we do not control our heat. It gets turned on in the late fall and turned off in the late spring. When it's on, we can crawl onto the floor and turn a knob under the radiator an inch in either direction to control how "hot" it gets. When it's off, I can lay on the floor turning the knob for as long as I like in either direction and nothing changes. It's off. And right now, it's damn cold! We are relying on the weather to heat our apartment. And I need not point out that the weather is not cooperating. It is not warming up anything! So we are walking around in socks, sweatpants and hoodies. I actually went to bed in sweats and socks last night! Dave had to bring me a hot water bottle, my feet were so cold. Okay, he didn't have to, but he did. Allowing me to point out once again how lucky I am and how special he is. I mean, other than my mother, nobody has ever brought me a hot water bottle for anything, let alone for having cold toes in June! But I digress... We are now adding "Control our own heat" to our list of "Hello's" at the new apartment. Until then... I've got to go sip a cup of hot tea. It's fucking freezing in here!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Serious Stuff
(posted by ange)
June 13 is the one year anniversary date of Dave and I’s first date. One year. A year ago today we were talking on the phone, planning said first date. Neither of us ever thought we’d be able to hang around with someone for a whole year, let alone think maybe we could hang around together for a lot more years. This is serious! Recent signs of just how serious this is: 1. We have signed a lease for the aforesaid apartment in both our names (a two year commitment) and 2. We have signed up for a Costco membership together (a one year commitment). For me, this is serious because it will the first time in 10 or so years that I have wanted to actually sign my name on for something with someone for longer than, well, I can’t remember wanting to actually sign on for something with someone period. It is also serious because, the expected initial panic attacks having dissipated, I am excited, happy and content about it. I have no fear about this next phase of our commitment, no what if’s, no doubts. I feel safe and secure with myself and with Dave. I know Dave feels the same about all of this, but I won’t quote him here directly.
So to celebrate the fact that we have both managed to become part of a successful and healthy relationship and to celebrate how much we love each other on a daily basis, we are treating ourselves to a night in Victoria, in a nice HOTEL, where we’ll be tourists for an afternoon, have a romantic dinner and see the Titanic Exhibit the following day. How romantic is that?! As Dave and I always say to each other, “Our Love Is So Real” :)
June 13 is the one year anniversary date of Dave and I’s first date. One year. A year ago today we were talking on the phone, planning said first date. Neither of us ever thought we’d be able to hang around with someone for a whole year, let alone think maybe we could hang around together for a lot more years. This is serious! Recent signs of just how serious this is: 1. We have signed a lease for the aforesaid apartment in both our names (a two year commitment) and 2. We have signed up for a Costco membership together (a one year commitment). For me, this is serious because it will the first time in 10 or so years that I have wanted to actually sign my name on for something with someone for longer than, well, I can’t remember wanting to actually sign on for something with someone period. It is also serious because, the expected initial panic attacks having dissipated, I am excited, happy and content about it. I have no fear about this next phase of our commitment, no what if’s, no doubts. I feel safe and secure with myself and with Dave. I know Dave feels the same about all of this, but I won’t quote him here directly.
So to celebrate the fact that we have both managed to become part of a successful and healthy relationship and to celebrate how much we love each other on a daily basis, we are treating ourselves to a night in Victoria, in a nice HOTEL, where we’ll be tourists for an afternoon, have a romantic dinner and see the Titanic Exhibit the following day. How romantic is that?! As Dave and I always say to each other, “Our Love Is So Real” :)
Moving on up...
(posted by ange)
“to a deluxe apartment in the sky…” remember the intro to Jefferson’s? It’s been repeating in my mind ever since Dave and I signed the lease to our new apartment. Yes, we are moving on… up one floor… to a (what we consider) deluxe apartment… with at least a view of the sky. Okay, you get the picture, maybe we’re not the Jefferson’s, but seriously, our new digs are FABULOUS!!!!! As of August 1 we are the proud renters of 415 – 1080 Pacific Street. A great West End location only a block from Sunset Beach! We will have two bedrooms. Goodbye office in the living room!! Goodbye painting of Dave Mustane in the living room (those who have been here know what I’m talking about!!) Hello separate office where Dave and Dave Mustane can hang out, out of sight. Hello patio. Hello view. Hello BBQ. Hello HUGE kitchen with enough counter and cupboard space to make me melt. Hello DISHWASHER. Goodbye dirty dishes on my coaster sized counter. Hello fireplace. Hello dining room large enough to actually be given credit as one. Hello garbage chute! Hello gym, hello sauna, hello rooftop terrace whose steps are right outside our front door. Hello squash court. Hmmm. I sound like the lady on Romper Room.
All this is ours come August 1. After my last manic episode it became clear that something had to give. Dave could not work in our living room while I in a state like that. And in fact, at the time, had to stay with my friend Kim in order to get his work done. There were several options. Does he get his own place? (I was not impressed by this one) Does he get an office? (maybe, but I (and he) was concerned that how he works doesn’t really fit with having a 9 – 5 office space). Do we look for a two bedroom so we can have a separate room as an office, one with a lock so he can just lock me out should I ever go crazy again and not leave him be? Dave and I have always figured we would eventually get a two bedroom. I think my episode just pushed this point to the forefront. We weren’t searching hard while I was recovering, just talking and trying to figure things out. I would randomly check Craig’s List every once in awhile and one day came across an ad for this open house. Although we were supposed to be away on the weekend of the open house, we decided to stick around to check it out. I just had a feeling it would be the perfect place for us and the rent was hard to beat. We loved it and hung around for an hour talking with the landlords, hoping we had made a good impression. Apparently we did so, because we heard back quickly. They allowed us to sign a two year lease (woo-hoo! No rent increases for 2 years!!!) and have given us cart blanche on painting it however we want (at our own cost, of course).
So now I am busily sorting through paint chips, flipping through the Ikea catalogue, comparison shopping at Canadian Tire and Costco for vacuums and BBQs and counting the days until I can pack up and make myself a new home. Ourselves. But this is my blog and my thoughts, so you know what I mean. The words dishwasher and patio repeat over and over in my head, along with that damn intro to the Jefferson’s.
“to a deluxe apartment in the sky…” remember the intro to Jefferson’s? It’s been repeating in my mind ever since Dave and I signed the lease to our new apartment. Yes, we are moving on… up one floor… to a (what we consider) deluxe apartment… with at least a view of the sky. Okay, you get the picture, maybe we’re not the Jefferson’s, but seriously, our new digs are FABULOUS!!!!! As of August 1 we are the proud renters of 415 – 1080 Pacific Street. A great West End location only a block from Sunset Beach! We will have two bedrooms. Goodbye office in the living room!! Goodbye painting of Dave Mustane in the living room (those who have been here know what I’m talking about!!) Hello separate office where Dave and Dave Mustane can hang out, out of sight. Hello patio. Hello view. Hello BBQ. Hello HUGE kitchen with enough counter and cupboard space to make me melt. Hello DISHWASHER. Goodbye dirty dishes on my coaster sized counter. Hello fireplace. Hello dining room large enough to actually be given credit as one. Hello garbage chute! Hello gym, hello sauna, hello rooftop terrace whose steps are right outside our front door. Hello squash court. Hmmm. I sound like the lady on Romper Room.
All this is ours come August 1. After my last manic episode it became clear that something had to give. Dave could not work in our living room while I in a state like that. And in fact, at the time, had to stay with my friend Kim in order to get his work done. There were several options. Does he get his own place? (I was not impressed by this one) Does he get an office? (maybe, but I (and he) was concerned that how he works doesn’t really fit with having a 9 – 5 office space). Do we look for a two bedroom so we can have a separate room as an office, one with a lock so he can just lock me out should I ever go crazy again and not leave him be? Dave and I have always figured we would eventually get a two bedroom. I think my episode just pushed this point to the forefront. We weren’t searching hard while I was recovering, just talking and trying to figure things out. I would randomly check Craig’s List every once in awhile and one day came across an ad for this open house. Although we were supposed to be away on the weekend of the open house, we decided to stick around to check it out. I just had a feeling it would be the perfect place for us and the rent was hard to beat. We loved it and hung around for an hour talking with the landlords, hoping we had made a good impression. Apparently we did so, because we heard back quickly. They allowed us to sign a two year lease (woo-hoo! No rent increases for 2 years!!!) and have given us cart blanche on painting it however we want (at our own cost, of course).
So now I am busily sorting through paint chips, flipping through the Ikea catalogue, comparison shopping at Canadian Tire and Costco for vacuums and BBQs and counting the days until I can pack up and make myself a new home. Ourselves. But this is my blog and my thoughts, so you know what I mean. The words dishwasher and patio repeat over and over in my head, along with that damn intro to the Jefferson’s.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Whatever Happened at That Time Share Presentation?
(posted by ange)
I’m sure you have all been checking constantly to find out what happened when Dave and I went to sit through a time share spiel last week. Did our plan to get kicked out early and just take our gifts work? Or are we the proud new owners of a time share? And what about those parting gifts? Did we get everything they said we’d get? What was the catch?
Let me first apologize for keeping you all on pins and needles. I’d have reported sooner, but I’ve been busy. Busy planning my cruise! Ha!
Okay, we sat through the entire presentation and then some. We somehow forgot our “get kicked out” tactic and fell right into the criteria for “perfect match for time share purchase”. We did a lot of nodding and agreeing and generally became very enthusiastic at the thought of buying into something that would enable us to stay in luxurious accommodations practically anywhere in the world. Our faces read “Yes! Sign us up!” In all honesty, and without going into the details (you’ll have to sit through a presentation yourself) it was actually a pretty good deal and made a lot of sense for us, given our desire and plans for travel. In fact, we gave it quite a bit of consideration (or as much consideration as can be given while outside having a cigarette with the salesperson waiting inside for an answer!) However, given my ugly financial status and debt load, it just didn’t seem the right thing to do at this time (oh how responsible I was being!). I mean, I’m trying to get rid of debt and payments, not take on more. Sure, Dave might be in a position for a purchase like this, and I was very tempted to say “what the hell, I’m not getting out of debt anytime soon”, but ultimately, sanity reined us in and we said “No deal”.
The bottom line: I now know how these time shares work and it may well be something we will consider in the future. We got popcorn while we watched the presentation video. Who doesn’t love popcorn while watching a movie? And we walked out with our camera, $75 Visa card, and 2 for 1 Carnival Cruise. Okay, the camera is a piece of crap, not even worth selling and will be given to my 3 year old nephew Markus to play with (I think Dave hopes to inspire a photographer in him). But you can’t balk at the Visa card and the cruise. We’re thinking the 12 day to Hawaii. Aaaahhhh. We don’t have to buy a time share to go on a fabulous vacation; we just have to listen to the presentation.
I’m sure you have all been checking constantly to find out what happened when Dave and I went to sit through a time share spiel last week. Did our plan to get kicked out early and just take our gifts work? Or are we the proud new owners of a time share? And what about those parting gifts? Did we get everything they said we’d get? What was the catch?
Let me first apologize for keeping you all on pins and needles. I’d have reported sooner, but I’ve been busy. Busy planning my cruise! Ha!
Okay, we sat through the entire presentation and then some. We somehow forgot our “get kicked out” tactic and fell right into the criteria for “perfect match for time share purchase”. We did a lot of nodding and agreeing and generally became very enthusiastic at the thought of buying into something that would enable us to stay in luxurious accommodations practically anywhere in the world. Our faces read “Yes! Sign us up!” In all honesty, and without going into the details (you’ll have to sit through a presentation yourself) it was actually a pretty good deal and made a lot of sense for us, given our desire and plans for travel. In fact, we gave it quite a bit of consideration (or as much consideration as can be given while outside having a cigarette with the salesperson waiting inside for an answer!) However, given my ugly financial status and debt load, it just didn’t seem the right thing to do at this time (oh how responsible I was being!). I mean, I’m trying to get rid of debt and payments, not take on more. Sure, Dave might be in a position for a purchase like this, and I was very tempted to say “what the hell, I’m not getting out of debt anytime soon”, but ultimately, sanity reined us in and we said “No deal”.
The bottom line: I now know how these time shares work and it may well be something we will consider in the future. We got popcorn while we watched the presentation video. Who doesn’t love popcorn while watching a movie? And we walked out with our camera, $75 Visa card, and 2 for 1 Carnival Cruise. Okay, the camera is a piece of crap, not even worth selling and will be given to my 3 year old nephew Markus to play with (I think Dave hopes to inspire a photographer in him). But you can’t balk at the Visa card and the cruise. We’re thinking the 12 day to Hawaii. Aaaahhhh. We don’t have to buy a time share to go on a fabulous vacation; we just have to listen to the presentation.
Working Girl
(posted by ange)
Don’t tell my insurance company, but I have suddenly become a working woman. One day I was typing once a week for a surgeon, and the next thing I know, I’m working part time in a law office. Thanks to my dear friend Michelle, I have been hooked up with the perfect part time, flexible to my needs, my insurance company is none the wiser job. Michelle called me shortly after we returned from Portugal to ask if I would be interested in a temporary job doing filing for a couple of lawyers that she works for on contract. She thought it would be a couple of hours a day for a couple of weeks just getting everything caught up. Although I probably wasn’t in the greatest shape to be doing work, my need for money overruled and I said with as much enthusiasm as I could, YES!
She gave them my number and they called to arrange a meeting. As I would, I assumed this would be an interview and prepared as such. I painstakingly reviewed my wardrobe and tried on numerous outfits, looking for both “interview suitable” and “able to do up/ get on/somewhat fit”. I updated and printed my resume. I mentally practiced all variations of law office interview questions and appropriate answers. I prepared my explanation of why I was off work and required cash payment. I went to bed early and arrived to the interview early. As I walked into the office, I was ready. Too bad it wasn’t an interview. Nope. It was a “here’s where this is, here’s where that is, here’s what needs to be done, can you do it?” I was somewhat startled, actually asking “Don’t you even want to see my resume?” Apparently not. (Although they did call later to say they would take a copy to have on record.) So after about 10 minutes, I was told I could get started. Again, startled, I said I thought I was there for an interview and that I wasn’t actually there to work. No problem. When did I want to start? I would start the next day.
What started out as getting them caught up with the filing quickly turned into answering the phone, taking dictation, typing letters, and other basic tasks that wouldn’t mean anything if you didn’t work in a law office. 6 weeks later, I’m still there, about 3 days a week, a few hours each day and it seems that I’m not going anywhere (the lawyer has been referring to me as his secretary since about the 3rd week, so…).
So here I am a working girl. I go to bed early on work nights. I set an alarm and grudgingly get up after hitting snooze for 45 minutes. I dress in “nice” clothes (i.e. not sweatpants). I get sore feet because the shoes that go with my outfit are not made for walking to work. I stop at Starbuck’s for my tea en route. I work. I come home and call out to Dave, who is usually still in sweatpants “Hi honey! I’m home!” And best of all, I get a pay cheque every couple weeks! On top of all this, I’m realizing that my brain does function, I am remembering things I thought were completely gone from my memory and I’m gaining a sense of confidence that has been lost for some time.
Michelle, if you read this, thank you. You probably don’t realize how much this is helping me. :)
Don’t tell my insurance company, but I have suddenly become a working woman. One day I was typing once a week for a surgeon, and the next thing I know, I’m working part time in a law office. Thanks to my dear friend Michelle, I have been hooked up with the perfect part time, flexible to my needs, my insurance company is none the wiser job. Michelle called me shortly after we returned from Portugal to ask if I would be interested in a temporary job doing filing for a couple of lawyers that she works for on contract. She thought it would be a couple of hours a day for a couple of weeks just getting everything caught up. Although I probably wasn’t in the greatest shape to be doing work, my need for money overruled and I said with as much enthusiasm as I could, YES!
She gave them my number and they called to arrange a meeting. As I would, I assumed this would be an interview and prepared as such. I painstakingly reviewed my wardrobe and tried on numerous outfits, looking for both “interview suitable” and “able to do up/ get on/somewhat fit”. I updated and printed my resume. I mentally practiced all variations of law office interview questions and appropriate answers. I prepared my explanation of why I was off work and required cash payment. I went to bed early and arrived to the interview early. As I walked into the office, I was ready. Too bad it wasn’t an interview. Nope. It was a “here’s where this is, here’s where that is, here’s what needs to be done, can you do it?” I was somewhat startled, actually asking “Don’t you even want to see my resume?” Apparently not. (Although they did call later to say they would take a copy to have on record.) So after about 10 minutes, I was told I could get started. Again, startled, I said I thought I was there for an interview and that I wasn’t actually there to work. No problem. When did I want to start? I would start the next day.
What started out as getting them caught up with the filing quickly turned into answering the phone, taking dictation, typing letters, and other basic tasks that wouldn’t mean anything if you didn’t work in a law office. 6 weeks later, I’m still there, about 3 days a week, a few hours each day and it seems that I’m not going anywhere (the lawyer has been referring to me as his secretary since about the 3rd week, so…).
So here I am a working girl. I go to bed early on work nights. I set an alarm and grudgingly get up after hitting snooze for 45 minutes. I dress in “nice” clothes (i.e. not sweatpants). I get sore feet because the shoes that go with my outfit are not made for walking to work. I stop at Starbuck’s for my tea en route. I work. I come home and call out to Dave, who is usually still in sweatpants “Hi honey! I’m home!” And best of all, I get a pay cheque every couple weeks! On top of all this, I’m realizing that my brain does function, I am remembering things I thought were completely gone from my memory and I’m gaining a sense of confidence that has been lost for some time.
Michelle, if you read this, thank you. You probably don’t realize how much this is helping me. :)
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Cheap Date
(posted by ange)
Well, we’re not sure where they got our name, but we’ve been invited to another time share spiel in lieu of a $75 gift certificate for dinner at a restaurant of our choice, a digital camera and a 2 for 1 Carnival cruise. The first call came Monday, when they offered the camera and a $50 dinner certificate. As Dave spoke to the woman on the phone I was nodding furiously – “sign us up” – I mean, what the hell, I’ll give 90 minutes for a free camera and dinner out. Actually, I’d do it just for a dinner out. Dave told the woman we would love to come but could she call back the following day to set the appointment. Call back she did and now the dinner was $75. All right! So Dave booked the appointment and was transferred to someone else regarding the details, at which time he was told we would also get a 2 for 1 Carnival cruise. Sweet! So we were supposed to go today, but after a late poker night and with the rain and all, just didn’t feel like going anywhere. When Dave called to cancel I figured they’d say “whatever, forget it”, but nope, we’re on for next week.
Okay…so we can't stop laughing our asses off about this because all we can think of is our time share spiel experience in Whistler in December (if you can’t remember, we were asked to leave 20 minutes into the 90 minute presentation and given an extra $150 on top of the 2 night hotel accommodations we already had). Our plan: go with what we know and focus on our love of camping in the great outdoors, taking road trips, and Dave’s frequent free travels to classy resorts, all paid for. We’ll be sure to mention we are saving furiously for a U.S. road trip this fall, during which we plan to camp and stay at Motel 6’s. This tactic seemed to work well in Whistler and with any luck, they’ll decide to save their breath and set us free early. And if not, well, like I said, I’m a cheap date and I’ll give 90 minutes for that dinner alone!
I’ll let you all know what happens next week and where we plan to take our cruise!!! Oh, and if you're interested in buying a brand new digital camera, never used.... :)
Well, we’re not sure where they got our name, but we’ve been invited to another time share spiel in lieu of a $75 gift certificate for dinner at a restaurant of our choice, a digital camera and a 2 for 1 Carnival cruise. The first call came Monday, when they offered the camera and a $50 dinner certificate. As Dave spoke to the woman on the phone I was nodding furiously – “sign us up” – I mean, what the hell, I’ll give 90 minutes for a free camera and dinner out. Actually, I’d do it just for a dinner out. Dave told the woman we would love to come but could she call back the following day to set the appointment. Call back she did and now the dinner was $75. All right! So Dave booked the appointment and was transferred to someone else regarding the details, at which time he was told we would also get a 2 for 1 Carnival cruise. Sweet! So we were supposed to go today, but after a late poker night and with the rain and all, just didn’t feel like going anywhere. When Dave called to cancel I figured they’d say “whatever, forget it”, but nope, we’re on for next week.
Okay…so we can't stop laughing our asses off about this because all we can think of is our time share spiel experience in Whistler in December (if you can’t remember, we were asked to leave 20 minutes into the 90 minute presentation and given an extra $150 on top of the 2 night hotel accommodations we already had). Our plan: go with what we know and focus on our love of camping in the great outdoors, taking road trips, and Dave’s frequent free travels to classy resorts, all paid for. We’ll be sure to mention we are saving furiously for a U.S. road trip this fall, during which we plan to camp and stay at Motel 6’s. This tactic seemed to work well in Whistler and with any luck, they’ll decide to save their breath and set us free early. And if not, well, like I said, I’m a cheap date and I’ll give 90 minutes for that dinner alone!
I’ll let you all know what happens next week and where we plan to take our cruise!!! Oh, and if you're interested in buying a brand new digital camera, never used.... :)
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Mr. Cab Driver
(posted by ange - a forgotten blog from Portugal)
Getting a taxi in Albufeira is so civilized. There is no standing on a corner of Granville Street, or Davie Street, or Broadway, or you name the street, competing with a gaggle of other pedestrians to hail a cab. No jumping in front of cabs to get their attention. No running to beat out someone else for a cab. No fighting with others who believe the cab that just pulled over is their cab (when clearly it is yours!). No trying to remember the phone number for the cab, no getting the phone number, calling and being put on hold for 20 minutes, or trying to find the number to another cab company, only to be put on hold again. No, here there is a system. It’s called the Taxi Stand. Taxi Stands are located throughout the town (i.e. outside the grocery store, around the town square) and involve a line up of cabs, where one goes to the cab at the head of the line, gets in and goes. If you go to a cab in the middle of the stand, or even try to hail a cab, you will be told to go to the first taxi in line at the Taxi Stand.
Your cab driver is friendly, helpful (if you have any bags he does all the lifting and unloading) and charges a flat fee. That’s right…go wherever you want inside the town limits and you pay one price (3.90 euros) If you call a cab from home there is a surcharge of 80 cents and if you have luggage, another small surcharge of a euro or two. This system was consistent throughout Portugal, including the bigger cities Porto and Lisbon. With petrol prices being what they are in Europe, I am left very confused as to why it used to cost me almost $10.00 to get the 8 blocks across the neighbourhood from my mom’s old apartment to my apartment! (It was raining!)
Saturday, April 28, 2007
A Lovely Day in the Neighbourhood
Just one day like today makes me forget any rain, any weeks of grey, any cold, windy, snowy and just plain ugly weather we've ever had. It was a most beautiful day in the neighbourhood today... And YAY! I am pleased to announce that I actually woke up in time to enjoy some of it. I thank Dave for forcing me to rise and dress and get out of the house by 2:00. I was ready to just continue sleeping until he announced he would be leaving in a few minutes with or without me. Oh, all right, I'm getting up! I bitterly dressed and threw a hat on, but once outside I was so glad to be there. Our neighbourhood is in full bloom. The streets are lined with cherry blossoms and flowers are everywhere (thank you all you apartment managers who put out these pretty gardens!) The cherry blossoms are starting to fall, making it look, at times, like it's snowing. Raining cherry blossoms I call it. I think it's beautiful but I'm not so sure car owners are thrilled with it. So off we were...
As usual, and so Vancouver cliche-ish, we bee-lined it straight to Starbuck's before heading down to the seawall for a lovely, leisurely walk to Yaletown. I still can't get over the feeling I get when I'm at the water on a sunny day and looking out to see all sailboats and big ships with the mountains in the background and the grass and trees beside me. Everything is green, green, green! (If you don't live here this is meant to make you wish you did. ha ha) It amazes me how one day the trees are bare and then the next time you're out they are completely green. And the flowers! We actually stop to smell them. I'm not kidding. We are in full appreciation mode. In fact, as an aside...
On our first date, Dave and I walked around the seawall (after meeting at, where else, Starbuck's ). At the end we cut through the park and as we were walking over the bridge near the entrance at Georgia Street you could smell the heavy scent of whatever flowers were on the bushes that line this little bridge. So, of course, we stopped to get a closer smell. We were standing very close and our arms brushed and I got pollen on my nose, which Dave had to brush off. Dave calls this "all part of his master plan" to get closer to me (although it took him 3 dates to kiss me!). So we have been stopping to smell the flowers all along in our relationship.
Anyways, back to today... The flowers are amazing. Fully in bloom and so much colour. It really is Spring! We are so lucky to have this seawall and they really have done a great job of keeping lots of green space along the wall. The seawall is now open right along False Creek all the way through, with all those new high rises finally occupied. I know that a lot of people turn their noses up and say that we have no history here, it's all so new and so forth. But really, I love the newness of the big glass skyscrapers that make up a good chunk of our city. Our walk ended where these building first started going up, at the foot of Davie Street, and we headed into the heart of Yaletown for lunch on a patio - another favourite pastime of mine. This is my favourite kind of day and it doesn't matter how many times I do it, I love this city more each time and am always grateful that it is literally my backyard.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
What to Say?
(posted by ange)
I have been thinking about posting a blog pretty much since I posted the last one, but haven't quite been able to connect thoughts to "paper". I think I have writer's block. And the fact that I have spent the majority of my time sleeping or wanting to sleep over the last little while hasn't helped. That is getting more than a little irritating, but in between being bitter and irritated about it I'm try to keep the faith that the maybe the next medication will actually do something about this! My psychiatrist is ready to put on Ritalin if there is no improvement by my next appointment. Imagine, being 35 and on Ritalin! I already have the acne of a damn teenager - I feel like I'm going backwards sometimes, in more ways than one! I, of course, think Ritalin sounds great, given that it's an "upper" so to speak. Hell, I'll take any kind of boost I can get at this point.
So, given the above, what have I got to report? Well, for one, Dave has finally stopped moaning about the fact that nobody commented on my blog about his birthday. (everybody say "aaahhhh"). Poor Dave. Ya right. I have met my match respecting the length of time the celebration of a birthday can be drawn out. I love it! Finally someone who understands the need for a variety of celebrations on and around one's birthday. One day is just not enough. A week, however is, and Dave's birthday is now officially over.
Part of Dave's birthday celebration included a 3 night stay in Whistler, which was great, but too bad I was so damn tired! I did ski two half days though, exerting all effort and concentration to make it down the green run in one piece whilst being passed by mad skiers and boarders whizzing by me yelling "to your left" "to your right" like I was on the bloody seawall in the wrong lane. These dumbasses wanted to "really kick it" (yes, I heard them say exactly that at the top). Of course I wanted to tell them to slow the F down or go kick on over to the blue runs where they belong. Instead I saved all this ranting for Dave, my friend Kim and an eavesdropping stranger on the chairlift. I don't know what Kim and Dave thought but the stranger made it clear that I should just try to enjoy myself. (Asshole!) Aaahhh...but really it was quite great to be on the mountain. We had great weather and the snow up top was excellent. And in the end I was able to conquer some bluer runs and even a few mogels (which I came upon by mistake).
On another topic, I am still having some post-Portugal withdrawals. At times it seems like so long ago that we were there and then other times it seems like we were just at our Algarve apartment. I miss that apartment. A lot. I now detest my kitchen like never before, with it's zero counter space, no dishwasher, small fridge. I miss a dining room table to eat at, as opposed to a couch and coffee table. I miss having a patio to BBQ on. I think when it's time for us to look for a bigger apartment our expectations are going to have risen dramatically from what they were pre-Portugal!
While I am longing for the hot summer weather to arrive and so looking forward to my time at English Bay and that time of year where I always feel like I am on vacation, I am also constantly thinking about where I want to go next. I have already started the Next Vacation Savings Fund (donations always accepted) and can't wait for the time when we're ready to go on another big adventure. Of course, we'll have lots of small adventures in the meantime. I mean, my life itself is a trip and I'm sure that for Dave, living with me is just one big continuous adventure!
And finally, in case anyone is wondering...yes, you will see photos of Portugal. As soon as I get some energy and when Dave gets a break in his workload, we'll both be sorting through the masses of pictures to make it painless to look through the bunch. Apparently Dave will be making a website so everyone who wants to can go and look at them. When this will actually happen is anyone's guess!
I have been thinking about posting a blog pretty much since I posted the last one, but haven't quite been able to connect thoughts to "paper". I think I have writer's block. And the fact that I have spent the majority of my time sleeping or wanting to sleep over the last little while hasn't helped. That is getting more than a little irritating, but in between being bitter and irritated about it I'm try to keep the faith that the maybe the next medication will actually do something about this! My psychiatrist is ready to put on Ritalin if there is no improvement by my next appointment. Imagine, being 35 and on Ritalin! I already have the acne of a damn teenager - I feel like I'm going backwards sometimes, in more ways than one! I, of course, think Ritalin sounds great, given that it's an "upper" so to speak. Hell, I'll take any kind of boost I can get at this point.
So, given the above, what have I got to report? Well, for one, Dave has finally stopped moaning about the fact that nobody commented on my blog about his birthday. (everybody say "aaahhhh"). Poor Dave. Ya right. I have met my match respecting the length of time the celebration of a birthday can be drawn out. I love it! Finally someone who understands the need for a variety of celebrations on and around one's birthday. One day is just not enough. A week, however is, and Dave's birthday is now officially over.
Part of Dave's birthday celebration included a 3 night stay in Whistler, which was great, but too bad I was so damn tired! I did ski two half days though, exerting all effort and concentration to make it down the green run in one piece whilst being passed by mad skiers and boarders whizzing by me yelling "to your left" "to your right" like I was on the bloody seawall in the wrong lane. These dumbasses wanted to "really kick it" (yes, I heard them say exactly that at the top). Of course I wanted to tell them to slow the F down or go kick on over to the blue runs where they belong. Instead I saved all this ranting for Dave, my friend Kim and an eavesdropping stranger on the chairlift. I don't know what Kim and Dave thought but the stranger made it clear that I should just try to enjoy myself. (Asshole!) Aaahhh...but really it was quite great to be on the mountain. We had great weather and the snow up top was excellent. And in the end I was able to conquer some bluer runs and even a few mogels (which I came upon by mistake).
On another topic, I am still having some post-Portugal withdrawals. At times it seems like so long ago that we were there and then other times it seems like we were just at our Algarve apartment. I miss that apartment. A lot. I now detest my kitchen like never before, with it's zero counter space, no dishwasher, small fridge. I miss a dining room table to eat at, as opposed to a couch and coffee table. I miss having a patio to BBQ on. I think when it's time for us to look for a bigger apartment our expectations are going to have risen dramatically from what they were pre-Portugal!
While I am longing for the hot summer weather to arrive and so looking forward to my time at English Bay and that time of year where I always feel like I am on vacation, I am also constantly thinking about where I want to go next. I have already started the Next Vacation Savings Fund (donations always accepted) and can't wait for the time when we're ready to go on another big adventure. Of course, we'll have lots of small adventures in the meantime. I mean, my life itself is a trip and I'm sure that for Dave, living with me is just one big continuous adventure!
And finally, in case anyone is wondering...yes, you will see photos of Portugal. As soon as I get some energy and when Dave gets a break in his workload, we'll both be sorting through the masses of pictures to make it painless to look through the bunch. Apparently Dave will be making a website so everyone who wants to can go and look at them. When this will actually happen is anyone's guess!
Monday, April 16, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!
(posted by ange)
Tomorrow Dave turns 35! Although he doesn’t look a day over 25 with his greying facial hair, balding head and well, I guess that’s it really. Actually, now that I think about it, he’s really quite a looker (or am I just biased?) and I’m so short, I would have never have even noticed the balding head had he not pointed it out to me. Still, I thought it would be fun to share with everyone the “then” and “now” Dave… So, here is Dave at 25(ish) and now at 35. How times change!
We will be spending an entire week celebrating this GREAT event. Tomorrow Dave and I will have a nice dinner together before we head up to Whistler Wednesday, where we’ll be spending 3 nights for the Telus Ski and Snowboard festival. We’ve got 2 days of skiing planned before retiring the skis for the season and hope to catch some good concerts, etc. Wish us luck… generally when Dave and I set out on any kind of road trip, something goes wrong with Dave’s car either just as we start it or on route out of the city (luckily never too far from home and a fix it place). When we come home, Dave’s birthday celebration will still not be over, as he’d like to have dinner with some friends to continue to celebrate (you’d think he was turning 65 not 35!!!!)
Aaahhh… but then shouldn’t we celebrate ourselves not just on our birthday but everyday, so we never forget how special we really are? I guess a week of planned celebration is fair enough.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!!!
Tomorrow Dave turns 35! Although he doesn’t look a day over 25 with his greying facial hair, balding head and well, I guess that’s it really. Actually, now that I think about it, he’s really quite a looker (or am I just biased?) and I’m so short, I would have never have even noticed the balding head had he not pointed it out to me. Still, I thought it would be fun to share with everyone the “then” and “now” Dave… So, here is Dave at 25(ish) and now at 35. How times change!
We will be spending an entire week celebrating this GREAT event. Tomorrow Dave and I will have a nice dinner together before we head up to Whistler Wednesday, where we’ll be spending 3 nights for the Telus Ski and Snowboard festival. We’ve got 2 days of skiing planned before retiring the skis for the season and hope to catch some good concerts, etc. Wish us luck… generally when Dave and I set out on any kind of road trip, something goes wrong with Dave’s car either just as we start it or on route out of the city (luckily never too far from home and a fix it place). When we come home, Dave’s birthday celebration will still not be over, as he’d like to have dinner with some friends to continue to celebrate (you’d think he was turning 65 not 35!!!!)
Aaahhh… but then shouldn’t we celebrate ourselves not just on our birthday but everyday, so we never forget how special we really are? I guess a week of planned celebration is fair enough.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!!!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The Italian Store
(posted by ange)
I finally made my way to the Italian Store today. This is not actually the name of a store, but rather what my nana and great aunty refer to as the place they go to buy their Italian foods – whole salamis, cheeses, pastas and such. As a child the Italian Store always held a sort of mystery for me. Where was this place? Why couldn’t you get the salami and cheese Nana served up anywhere else? Why didn’t we have an Italian store? Why wasn’t I ever taken to the Italian Store? I always had this picture of a little store filled with whole salamis hanging from the ceiling, big rounds of parmesan, pastas I never saw in Safeway, and old Italian men behind the counter, ready to cut up meat. I’m not sure from where I pulled together this image, but this was it. As I grew older, I became aware that the Italian Store was not one specific store called the Italian Store, but rather a few Italian delis frequented by my Nana and Aunty Eda on Commercial Drive. Any real Italian food purchases would be made at one of these places and to this day I believe my aunty still makes regular trips to the Drive to stock up. And I’m pretty sure Nana goes with her sometimes.
I love it when Nana has been to the Italian Store for one main reason: the whole salami. This is the freshest salami, the tastiest salami and makes the best spaghetti sauce. I am frequently lucky enough to be passed a whole or huge chunk of this salami to take home for myself. I’m also lucky to sometimes be passed an extra bag of pasta or parmesan skins (something that only those who love the skins of the parmesan will appreciate!)However, I realize that I cannot rely forever on Nana to be making these runs out to the Drive! I really should be making these runs and bringing things back for her!
Anyways…to get to the point of this rambling short story…Dave and I headed out today in search of some of the deli items we so much enjoyed in Portugal. While we didn’t find a Portuguese deli, we did come across an Italian Store or two and so I had my first taste of picking out a whole salami, choosing my piece of parmesan (not pre-packaged), picking some pasta and on and on. When I realized that the entire salami was the same price as a little sliver at Safeway I almost fell over and became instantly converted to the Italian Store. Dave and I look forward to making forays to the Drive more regularly to shop for our deli treats. And I look forward to telling Nana all about my trip to the Italian Store!
I finally made my way to the Italian Store today. This is not actually the name of a store, but rather what my nana and great aunty refer to as the place they go to buy their Italian foods – whole salamis, cheeses, pastas and such. As a child the Italian Store always held a sort of mystery for me. Where was this place? Why couldn’t you get the salami and cheese Nana served up anywhere else? Why didn’t we have an Italian store? Why wasn’t I ever taken to the Italian Store? I always had this picture of a little store filled with whole salamis hanging from the ceiling, big rounds of parmesan, pastas I never saw in Safeway, and old Italian men behind the counter, ready to cut up meat. I’m not sure from where I pulled together this image, but this was it. As I grew older, I became aware that the Italian Store was not one specific store called the Italian Store, but rather a few Italian delis frequented by my Nana and Aunty Eda on Commercial Drive. Any real Italian food purchases would be made at one of these places and to this day I believe my aunty still makes regular trips to the Drive to stock up. And I’m pretty sure Nana goes with her sometimes.
I love it when Nana has been to the Italian Store for one main reason: the whole salami. This is the freshest salami, the tastiest salami and makes the best spaghetti sauce. I am frequently lucky enough to be passed a whole or huge chunk of this salami to take home for myself. I’m also lucky to sometimes be passed an extra bag of pasta or parmesan skins (something that only those who love the skins of the parmesan will appreciate!)However, I realize that I cannot rely forever on Nana to be making these runs out to the Drive! I really should be making these runs and bringing things back for her!
Anyways…to get to the point of this rambling short story…Dave and I headed out today in search of some of the deli items we so much enjoyed in Portugal. While we didn’t find a Portuguese deli, we did come across an Italian Store or two and so I had my first taste of picking out a whole salami, choosing my piece of parmesan (not pre-packaged), picking some pasta and on and on. When I realized that the entire salami was the same price as a little sliver at Safeway I almost fell over and became instantly converted to the Italian Store. Dave and I look forward to making forays to the Drive more regularly to shop for our deli treats. And I look forward to telling Nana all about my trip to the Italian Store!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The End of the Trip: Lisbon and beyond
Here, my memory is beginning to get very vague. I was delighted to see our room…INSIDE the actual hotel, complete with comfy bed, nice shower, bath robes, room service, mini-bar. All the amenities I would need should I choose to not leave the room. My only difficulty was getting the shower to work, and after accidentally disconnecting the shower switch and having water go EVERYWHERE (and I do mean everywhere!). But once that was sorted out, I was all good where I was.
By Lisbon, I am both depressed and irritable and have difficulty getting myself together to do anything but sleep. I do recall getting out for a walk around a great shopping district, but (thankfully for my finances) not being a mood to shop. I know I thought it was beautiful and sort of recall feeling that sense of being in an old European city, again, like the movies. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, most of my time was spent sleeping and Dave is really the one who can tell everyone about Lisbon. Bless him again, he had oodles of patience for me but didn’t (as far as I know) let it ruin his time in this city. I am disappointed that I wasn’t able to enjoy it with him and that my mood couldn’t hold out for the duration of my vacation, but it was still overall the trip of my lifetime (so far) and I’m so glad I even got the opportunity to go!
The trip home was a nightmare, none of which I recall, and only mention here to, once again, say that Dave is an amazing man for being able to cope with his manic girlfriend through two flight check-ins, two flights, 2 security checks, customs, and baggage left in Frankfurt, not to mention getting me home and settled (or not). I know he will read this, so thank you, thank you, thank you Dave for loving me no matter what and despite it all. I am a very lucky girl and know it. xo
By Lisbon, I am both depressed and irritable and have difficulty getting myself together to do anything but sleep. I do recall getting out for a walk around a great shopping district, but (thankfully for my finances) not being a mood to shop. I know I thought it was beautiful and sort of recall feeling that sense of being in an old European city, again, like the movies. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, most of my time was spent sleeping and Dave is really the one who can tell everyone about Lisbon. Bless him again, he had oodles of patience for me but didn’t (as far as I know) let it ruin his time in this city. I am disappointed that I wasn’t able to enjoy it with him and that my mood couldn’t hold out for the duration of my vacation, but it was still overall the trip of my lifetime (so far) and I’m so glad I even got the opportunity to go!
The trip home was a nightmare, none of which I recall, and only mention here to, once again, say that Dave is an amazing man for being able to cope with his manic girlfriend through two flight check-ins, two flights, 2 security checks, customs, and baggage left in Frankfurt, not to mention getting me home and settled (or not). I know he will read this, so thank you, thank you, thank you Dave for loving me no matter what and despite it all. I am a very lucky girl and know it. xo
The End of the Trip I: Porto
Warning: This is long, so get comfy!
I am sure many of you are wondering “So, how was the rest of the trip?” I guess I left you hanging after all that first class train talk. Well, as many of you know or may have guessed, my moods caught up with me and I just wasn’t able to put words to paper by the time the trip was winding down.
First of all Porto. But before that even, omens. Okay, my belief in omens in semi-serious, but the day we arrived in Porto we had three bad omens, which I think helped to turn my stomach on this city on the river. Firstly, just outside of Porto, as we were coming up to a train station and therefore slowing down, we passed by a DEAD person on the side of the tracks. I am talking face-planted in gravel, stiff looking DEAD person. Nobody seemed at all concerned, although since I don’t speak or understand Portuguese, I was not able to eavesdrop on other passengers as to whether anyone else had witnessed this. I thought we should tell the conductor, but Dave insisted that a local person who could speak the language would report it. As he pointed out, he didn’t think we could adequately describe “DEAD person on the side of the tracks” with our LIMITED Portuguese and the conductor’s LIMITED English. I finally agreed, but found it quite disturbing and today I can still picture that body and exactly what it was clothed in, lying there, face down, in the gravel. UGH.
Okay, so we arrive in Porto, get a porter (so smart) to manage our bags, get our tickets to Lisbon, get a cab, and head to the hotel. As we hit the street from the train station, Dave taps my shoulder and nods out his window. We are driving by a hearse with a casket in it. Ya, that’s another DEAD body. Okay, creepy. But at least someone cared enough about this poor soul to plan a service or burial or whatever!
We arrive at the hotel… an old mansion converted to a hotel. Cool. Looks really cool. High ceilings, all ornamental and painted, big French windows. A quaint sitting area where they will make you tea and coffee. Lovely. But no time to hang out here, we’re off to see the city. My initial impression is that it is amazingly cool. I’ve never seen so many old buildings and large squares and the riverfront is beautiful. It’s a real European city, like in the movies! I’m terribly excited about it all, love the day and we enjoy an amazing meal on the river. Walking back to the hotel though, I start getting a toned down “Main and Hastings” sense. Around this time, just as we walk under a street lamp, it goes out. This is the 3rd omen, in case you’re wondering. I’m thinking this is a death sign and three in one day cannot be good. Get me back to the room!!!!
Back in the room, on further inspection, I decide it’s somewhat creepy (the pipes all around the tub, the VYNAL bedspread, the people sleeping in the park across the street – these were just a few of the tip offs). Okay, so it’s cool, but I’m not totally sure. I notice the lock is literally the kind of lock used on a bathroom door and if you lean against the outside of the doors, they actually separate slightly. Our room is outside of actual interior of the building and we have to be buzzed in. We also have to turn in our key when we leave the room, which is odd to me, but perhaps normal in this situation. One thing I do know, I do not feel safe in the room and there is no way I will be staying in it for any amount of time without Dave! This turns out to be a bit of pain in the ass for Dave, as my mood crashes and all I want to do is sleep and all he wants to do is explore. But I’ll save those details to save my own face. (Although I think the scene outside the hotel one of the days that consisted of people yelling, a woman running into the sitting room to call the police and general carrying on for an hour somewhat backs up my sense of things!)
Okay, so about Porto itself. Well, in the light of day and my depressed mood, I determined it definitely reeked of Main and Hastings minus the junkies and with ¼ of the homeless count, and did not feel safe. It looked grimy and dirty, with lots of abandoned buildings, and just not as impressive as my initial intake. We did see some amazing old churches, including a room filled with old tombs and the bones of monks 100s of years old (some 300 I think). A little more creepiness, but not something you’ll everyday. I had a lovely panic attack as we climbed the tiniest winding 225 stair-staircase to the top of a church and quickly returned to the bottom to wait for Dave, whose patience for me is completely astounding and for which I am so, so thankful. What was wonderful was the riverfront, taking a cruise on the river, eating on the river, seeing the port caves and seeing a couple of cool museums and beautiful parks. Not all was bad in Porto. I’m sure my mood influenced my opinion. But I’m still not in a hurry to return. For a more unbiased opinion, talk to Dave!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Riding the Rails
(Posted by Ange written March 21st)
Well, we have completed all of our first class travel and I must say, I'm not really sure how I'm going to go back to coach come Friday when we board the plane.
Our first class train experience was fabulous. Keeping in mind I've never been on first class anything, this was definitely the way to go, in my opinion. That is once we figured out where the hell we were supposed to be on the train! Here is Ange and Dave's 1st Time Getting to First Class on the Alpha Pendular Train Experience:
Arrive at train station (Albufeira) at 6:30 A.M. to catch 7:06 train. Not knowing how it all works we figured we better be there early. So we were the first ones there. Apparently you don't really need to arrive until about 10 prior to departure time. Unfortunately the picture of me standing under the big clock that announces this god awful time is on Dave's computer or I'd post it here for proof that I was actually standing upright with my eyes open at that hour!
So, the train arrives. We have tickets but don't know what any of it means, so we figure "first class front of the plane, first class front of the train." (Later when we switch trains in Lisbon, we see the blatent labelling of "Conferto" and the carriage number on the side of the train.) We race down to the first train, barely getting our 2 enormous suitcases, 2 way to big duffel bags and 2 knapsacks (NEVER again will pack this much stuff!!) on the train before the doors close. Whew. We look around. This is not first class. Or it better not be! Dave goes to investigate while I wait with our ridiculous pile of luggage. 10 - 15 minutes later, Dave returns. Our first class seats are in the back, not near the back, but the last car. So we now have to lug all aforementioned luggage from the first car to the last car. I think there must have been 6 cars in-between, since we didn't sit down until 7:40, 35 minutes after we boarded the bloody train! Making your way with such luggage is no joke-the aisles are narrow and apparently all the friendly people in Portugal stay in the Algarve. I'm sure everyone hated us, but give me a break! Yes, lady, if you don't move your arm from dangling outside the seat my suitcase is going to hit it. Yes Mr. 250 pound heart attack waiting to happen, it might be considerate to MOVE instead of just standing between cars, carrying on your conversation with your equally ugly wife. It was unbelievable and by the end I was ready to tell anyone without common courtesy to Fuck. Right. Off. I'm not kidding when I say people coming toward (carrying nothing) us actually expected us to move somewhere (maybe they thought we could levitate or something). We had some very good laughs, but jeez!
Ahhhh... but we finally make it to our seats, leaving the riff raff behind. Although we have missed hot food service and magazine/newspaper give away, we do have seat service for light refreshments. We have so much space we don't even rub shoulders. My chair not only reclines for my back, but the bottom seat slides forward, so I am really chillaxin' here. We have coat hooks for our jackets (which I don't figure out until some time later, but I still think it's cool). There is an automatic blind should the sun be too bright or if for some reason we don't want to see the amazing scenery. And foot space! I am completely stretched out and my tray still comes down so I can have my tea. And the bathrooms... ladies you will appreciate this. So clean. They have toilet liners. The paper is softer than it was in my apartment in Albufeira. Everything is automatic. Yep! I'm liking this first class.
The scene between the Algarve and Porto is incredible, from vineyards, to cattle farms, forests, to flat plains, to the ocean with citrus trees thrown in everywhere. It's gorgeous and I don't sleep a wink of it. Although we are travelling at times over 220 km/hr, so it does rather wiz by, leaving me somewhat nauseous and with a bit of Vertigo for the rest of the day.
So now I am converted. Like I said, perhaps it is because I have never travelled first class anything, but in my opinion, first class on the train is one lovely experience and if I ever take a train again, it's first class all the way baby! And should I win the lotto, I'm moving on up to first class on the plane as well, which I picture to be somewhat similar. Look what Europe has done to me!!!
Well, we have completed all of our first class travel and I must say, I'm not really sure how I'm going to go back to coach come Friday when we board the plane.
Our first class train experience was fabulous. Keeping in mind I've never been on first class anything, this was definitely the way to go, in my opinion. That is once we figured out where the hell we were supposed to be on the train! Here is Ange and Dave's 1st Time Getting to First Class on the Alpha Pendular Train Experience:
Arrive at train station (Albufeira) at 6:30 A.M. to catch 7:06 train. Not knowing how it all works we figured we better be there early. So we were the first ones there. Apparently you don't really need to arrive until about 10 prior to departure time. Unfortunately the picture of me standing under the big clock that announces this god awful time is on Dave's computer or I'd post it here for proof that I was actually standing upright with my eyes open at that hour!
So, the train arrives. We have tickets but don't know what any of it means, so we figure "first class front of the plane, first class front of the train." (Later when we switch trains in Lisbon, we see the blatent labelling of "Conferto" and the carriage number on the side of the train.) We race down to the first train, barely getting our 2 enormous suitcases, 2 way to big duffel bags and 2 knapsacks (NEVER again will pack this much stuff!!) on the train before the doors close. Whew. We look around. This is not first class. Or it better not be! Dave goes to investigate while I wait with our ridiculous pile of luggage. 10 - 15 minutes later, Dave returns. Our first class seats are in the back, not near the back, but the last car. So we now have to lug all aforementioned luggage from the first car to the last car. I think there must have been 6 cars in-between, since we didn't sit down until 7:40, 35 minutes after we boarded the bloody train! Making your way with such luggage is no joke-the aisles are narrow and apparently all the friendly people in Portugal stay in the Algarve. I'm sure everyone hated us, but give me a break! Yes, lady, if you don't move your arm from dangling outside the seat my suitcase is going to hit it. Yes Mr. 250 pound heart attack waiting to happen, it might be considerate to MOVE instead of just standing between cars, carrying on your conversation with your equally ugly wife. It was unbelievable and by the end I was ready to tell anyone without common courtesy to Fuck. Right. Off. I'm not kidding when I say people coming toward (carrying nothing) us actually expected us to move somewhere (maybe they thought we could levitate or something). We had some very good laughs, but jeez!
Ahhhh... but we finally make it to our seats, leaving the riff raff behind. Although we have missed hot food service and magazine/newspaper give away, we do have seat service for light refreshments. We have so much space we don't even rub shoulders. My chair not only reclines for my back, but the bottom seat slides forward, so I am really chillaxin' here. We have coat hooks for our jackets (which I don't figure out until some time later, but I still think it's cool). There is an automatic blind should the sun be too bright or if for some reason we don't want to see the amazing scenery. And foot space! I am completely stretched out and my tray still comes down so I can have my tea. And the bathrooms... ladies you will appreciate this. So clean. They have toilet liners. The paper is softer than it was in my apartment in Albufeira. Everything is automatic. Yep! I'm liking this first class.
The scene between the Algarve and Porto is incredible, from vineyards, to cattle farms, forests, to flat plains, to the ocean with citrus trees thrown in everywhere. It's gorgeous and I don't sleep a wink of it. Although we are travelling at times over 220 km/hr, so it does rather wiz by, leaving me somewhat nauseous and with a bit of Vertigo for the rest of the day.
So now I am converted. Like I said, perhaps it is because I have never travelled first class anything, but in my opinion, first class on the train is one lovely experience and if I ever take a train again, it's first class all the way baby! And should I win the lotto, I'm moving on up to first class on the plane as well, which I picture to be somewhat similar. Look what Europe has done to me!!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Ooppsss....One More
I have been informed by my lovely friend Coralee that I neglected to say hi to her in my last blog. So this blog is dedicated sloley to my special friend Cor, who reads daily and can relate to me in ways so very few can. Cor...thanks for reading. And here is your 15 seconds of fame in the Euroroadtrip Blog world! Love ya! :)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Weekend Update from Portugal
(posted by ange written March 13)
Well, my moods are catching up with me, so my desire to sleep or lay about has begun to overcome my desire to sit and write about our latest exploits here in Portugal. However, since I know many of you are rising every morning and anxiously turning your computers on to find out if there are any new updates (hi mom, hi cathy, hi nicole, hi dad, hi kim, hi maj, hi lorri, hi helga, hi dave, hi muller, hi sue, and if i'm forgetting anyone who's told me they are reading constantly, hi to you too AND thank you, thank you) I thought I ought to at least give a brief update of the latest goings on.
+and+March+11)++the+West+Coast+(from+Dave)+196.jpg)
Still sunny and blue skies, we headed out on Sunday to the western-most point of the Algarve, St. Vincente. Here the Atlantic Ocean meets the Straight of Gibraltar. I know I keep saying this about everything, but it was beautiful (although windy and just a bit chilly for me in my summer clothes!). I got out to see the sight, then retired to the car while Dave ran from one end to the other taking fabulous photos. From there we hit the road and drove up the west coast. I am told it was amazing. While Dave drove and stopped at sea side villages and view points along the way, I was sound asleep the whole time! Once or twice I tried really hard to wake up but just
......
Well, I just lost about 3-4 paragraphs of writing here and definitely don't have it in me to redo it. Damn! Well, at least you know what we did on Sunday! Hopefully I'll get a burst of energy some time soon and will have energy for both the rest of our trip and some more detailed writing here!
Well, my moods are catching up with me, so my desire to sleep or lay about has begun to overcome my desire to sit and write about our latest exploits here in Portugal. However, since I know many of you are rising every morning and anxiously turning your computers on to find out if there are any new updates (hi mom, hi cathy, hi nicole, hi dad, hi kim, hi maj, hi lorri, hi helga, hi dave, hi muller, hi sue, and if i'm forgetting anyone who's told me they are reading constantly, hi to you too AND thank you, thank you) I thought I ought to at least give a brief update of the latest goings on.
+and+March+11)++the+West+Coast+(from+Dave)+196.jpg)
Still sunny and blue skies, we headed out on Sunday to the western-most point of the Algarve, St. Vincente. Here the Atlantic Ocean meets the Straight of Gibraltar. I know I keep saying this about everything, but it was beautiful (although windy and just a bit chilly for me in my summer clothes!). I got out to see the sight, then retired to the car while Dave ran from one end to the other taking fabulous photos. From there we hit the road and drove up the west coast. I am told it was amazing. While Dave drove and stopped at sea side villages and view points along the way, I was sound asleep the whole time! Once or twice I tried really hard to wake up but just
......Well, I just lost about 3-4 paragraphs of writing here and definitely don't have it in me to redo it. Damn! Well, at least you know what we did on Sunday! Hopefully I'll get a burst of energy some time soon and will have energy for both the rest of our trip and some more detailed writing here!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Only in Portugal...
...are you allowed to slip behind the bar of your favourite watering hole and start serving drinks. You are allowed to open a bottle of wine to refill your own glass. You can help yourself to a bottle of water from the fridge. You can take orders from paying customers and start pouring up drinks. Beer. Wine. Mixed drinks (which are generously free poured by the way... and I cannot emphasize generously enough!). SO, I got to play bartender for a bit last night at Steps. Much fun was had by all. I'm not sure who I entertained more, myself, Dave, the customers or Jason, our most special bartender and friend. If only we had brought the camera!
I Need A Day Off...
(posted by ange written March 10)
Today I just had to take the day off. Yes, I decided what I really needed today was some good old R&R. After spending the past few days driving here and there and everywhere, going from village to village, beach to beach, ruins to ruins, old city to old city, taking in a cornucopia of sights and sounds (well, not really sounds so much, but it flows better in the sentence), it was time for me to chillax, as we (Dave and I) say. So no travelling about for me today. As it happens, the weather here in Albufeira is quite nice. As in, grab your Ipod and tune out by the pool nice. So I spent some time in the morning by the pool with Dave. Had some breakfast. Then as Dave headed off on a castle hunt, I headed off in search of a lounge chair by the pool for some more sun time. I will definitely be bringing home a tan. :) Once soaked in sun for the day I puttered around the house, lazed on the couch and finally got myself showered up and dressed around 6:30. Aaaahhhh. A beautiful day.
This beautiful day followed an absolutely perfect day yesterday...the beauty of having a car...freedom. Freedom means never having to follow a plan. We set off for Lagos, the plan being to take a little boat ride around some rock formations we had heard about, maybe stop at a place where you walk down 200 steps to some beautiful beach or something (we were exactly sure, this information being gathered from a lovely Danish girl with a strong accent and imperfect English), and then spend the afternoon wandering around the town of Lagos. Well, we arrived at Ponte da Piedade, which happened to be both the site of the 200 steps and the little boat rides (which sit at the bottom of said steps). OMG! This place was amazing. We arrive atop a cliff, or cliffs, actually. Stunning. We look down at dozens of natural rock formations, amazing shapes and arrangements. We go on a photo spree. Eventually we make our way down the stairs, hire a boat and are taken about all of these formations and natural grottoes. It is+043.jpg)
absolutely breathtaking. Hugh Heffner - you don't know from grotto! This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Words cannot describe these formations, so you will have to wait for the pictures. After 45 minutes of tooling around such natural beauty and wonder, seeing a city just wasn't on the menu. We needed more natural beauty. So off to Praia Da Rocha...an absolutely stunning beach that is actually man made (which does not in any way take away from it's beauty). It is lined with rock formations and goes on forever. We kicked back here for a couple of hours to soak up sun before heading home. It was deemed to be the perfect day.
Today I just had to take the day off. Yes, I decided what I really needed today was some good old R&R. After spending the past few days driving here and there and everywhere, going from village to village, beach to beach, ruins to ruins, old city to old city, taking in a cornucopia of sights and sounds (well, not really sounds so much, but it flows better in the sentence), it was time for me to chillax, as we (Dave and I) say. So no travelling about for me today. As it happens, the weather here in Albufeira is quite nice. As in, grab your Ipod and tune out by the pool nice. So I spent some time in the morning by the pool with Dave. Had some breakfast. Then as Dave headed off on a castle hunt, I headed off in search of a lounge chair by the pool for some more sun time. I will definitely be bringing home a tan. :) Once soaked in sun for the day I puttered around the house, lazed on the couch and finally got myself showered up and dressed around 6:30. Aaaahhhh. A beautiful day.
This beautiful day followed an absolutely perfect day yesterday...the beauty of having a car...freedom. Freedom means never having to follow a plan. We set off for Lagos, the plan being to take a little boat ride around some rock formations we had heard about, maybe stop at a place where you walk down 200 steps to some beautiful beach or something (we were exactly sure, this information being gathered from a lovely Danish girl with a strong accent and imperfect English), and then spend the afternoon wandering around the town of Lagos. Well, we arrived at Ponte da Piedade, which happened to be both the site of the 200 steps and the little boat rides (which sit at the bottom of said steps). OMG! This place was amazing. We arrive atop a cliff, or cliffs, actually. Stunning. We look down at dozens of natural rock formations, amazing shapes and arrangements. We go on a photo spree. Eventually we make our way down the stairs, hire a boat and are taken about all of these formations and natural grottoes. It is
+043.jpg)
absolutely breathtaking. Hugh Heffner - you don't know from grotto! This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Words cannot describe these formations, so you will have to wait for the pictures. After 45 minutes of tooling around such natural beauty and wonder, seeing a city just wasn't on the menu. We needed more natural beauty. So off to Praia Da Rocha...an absolutely stunning beach that is actually man made (which does not in any way take away from it's beauty). It is lined with rock formations and goes on forever. We kicked back here for a couple of hours to soak up sun before heading home. It was deemed to be the perfect day.BE PREPARED
(posted by ange written March 8)
To all those who just can’t wait to see our photos… Be prepared. Be very prepared. Be very prepared to sit down and make yourself comfortable for a long time. To date, 12 days in to our Portugal vacation extravaganza, between the two of us, we have taken over 1,000 photos. Yes, that’s 1,000 photos and we have 14 days left to keep on snapping! We figure we will have to hold a “Portugal Photo Exhibition”, perhaps a 2 day affair where we will set up rows of chairs in our living room and put on a Power Point presentation along with a slide show exhibition of our trip. Tentatively this exhibition will be held from 10 – 4 each day, with a short break for lunch, which we will not provide (we’ve just been to Portugal; we can’t afford to give you all lunch!). During this intriguing presentation, you’ll see pictures of old castles and ruins, doorways, alleyways, the ocean, cliffs, many a church, a chapel of bones (literally), all sorts of architecture and Portuguese scenery, as well as an array of other subjects yet to be determined.
So, who’s ready to sign up?
To all those who just can’t wait to see our photos… Be prepared. Be very prepared. Be very prepared to sit down and make yourself comfortable for a long time. To date, 12 days in to our Portugal vacation extravaganza, between the two of us, we have taken over 1,000 photos. Yes, that’s 1,000 photos and we have 14 days left to keep on snapping! We figure we will have to hold a “Portugal Photo Exhibition”, perhaps a 2 day affair where we will set up rows of chairs in our living room and put on a Power Point presentation along with a slide show exhibition of our trip. Tentatively this exhibition will be held from 10 – 4 each day, with a short break for lunch, which we will not provide (we’ve just been to Portugal; we can’t afford to give you all lunch!). During this intriguing presentation, you’ll see pictures of old castles and ruins, doorways, alleyways, the ocean, cliffs, many a church, a chapel of bones (literally), all sorts of architecture and Portuguese scenery, as well as an array of other subjects yet to be determined.
So, who’s ready to sign up?
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Bartender Refuses to Stop Service!
(posted by ange written March 7)
(no photo due to intoxication and inability to use camera - ha ha ha)
Last night Dave and I went out for a really nice dinner to a restaurant, Casa da Fonte, recommended to us by Jason, our favourite bartender at Steps Bar. We had an amazing meal, great wine and a delicious dessert. With full bellies and an ever so slight buzz from the wine and complimentary port we were given, we planned to stop by Steps Bar across the street for a (I emphasize a here, meaning one) glass of wine, a quick chat with Jason (our fabulous bartender and fast-forming friend) and call it an early night so as to get a fresh and early start on today’s excursion to the Gypsy Market.
It’s an absolute delight to be in the company of Jason, and some other new friends were at Steps as well, so we were completely enjoying ourselves. As we finished our wine, we requested to settle up, which normally means Jason immediately telling us how little we owe. Last night however, Jason would not let us leave. “Just another sliver…” Our protests went ignored and eventually I caved, “Okay, just a sliver”, thinking a few more sips. Ah no. Apparently a sliver is a whole glass. So sliver, after sliver, Jason continued to keep our drinks full and refused to take our money and allow us to leave. No, we were in for the long haul. It was the same for Mette, a tour representative who had to be at work at 7:00 a.m. The poor girl could not get an empty glass of beer! So drinks flowed freely, as did conversation and much, much, much laughter. Good times were most definitely had by all!
At one point we were finally given a total… 5 euro! (That’s $8) Now, we are certain that we drank at least one bottle of wine, possibly 2, certainly quite a bit more, and all Jason wants is 5 euro! We give him 10 and we have to argue with him to keep the change. After we are all settled up, the drinks continue to flow. We are finally allowed to leave at around 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. We clearly are not getting up fresh and early. If we make it out to the grocery store we will be satisfied that we did not waste a day of the car rental!
The morals of the story here are: 1. If you are friends with your bartender, he will call your drinking shots. 2. If you are friends with your bartender the cost of your drinks is arbitrary and will be even cheaper than it already is. 3. Plan for hangover – you will not be getting up early and you will most definitely not feel fresh!
P.S. – We did make it to the Gypsy Market, just as they were tearing down their tents. That’s okay. Basically it’s a bunch of gypsies traipsing from town to town trying to pawn off a bunch of CRAP! We did have a lovely day enjoying a bit of sun on the beach in Quarteira, and a drive through some very shi shi little resort towns. Tonight there will be no drinking, no visiting Jason and tomorrow we will arise early, fresh and ready for a trip to Lagos and some pretty crazy rock formations.
(no photo due to intoxication and inability to use camera - ha ha ha)
Last night Dave and I went out for a really nice dinner to a restaurant, Casa da Fonte, recommended to us by Jason, our favourite bartender at Steps Bar. We had an amazing meal, great wine and a delicious dessert. With full bellies and an ever so slight buzz from the wine and complimentary port we were given, we planned to stop by Steps Bar across the street for a (I emphasize a here, meaning one) glass of wine, a quick chat with Jason (our fabulous bartender and fast-forming friend) and call it an early night so as to get a fresh and early start on today’s excursion to the Gypsy Market.
It’s an absolute delight to be in the company of Jason, and some other new friends were at Steps as well, so we were completely enjoying ourselves. As we finished our wine, we requested to settle up, which normally means Jason immediately telling us how little we owe. Last night however, Jason would not let us leave. “Just another sliver…” Our protests went ignored and eventually I caved, “Okay, just a sliver”, thinking a few more sips. Ah no. Apparently a sliver is a whole glass. So sliver, after sliver, Jason continued to keep our drinks full and refused to take our money and allow us to leave. No, we were in for the long haul. It was the same for Mette, a tour representative who had to be at work at 7:00 a.m. The poor girl could not get an empty glass of beer! So drinks flowed freely, as did conversation and much, much, much laughter. Good times were most definitely had by all!
At one point we were finally given a total… 5 euro! (That’s $8) Now, we are certain that we drank at least one bottle of wine, possibly 2, certainly quite a bit more, and all Jason wants is 5 euro! We give him 10 and we have to argue with him to keep the change. After we are all settled up, the drinks continue to flow. We are finally allowed to leave at around 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. We clearly are not getting up fresh and early. If we make it out to the grocery store we will be satisfied that we did not waste a day of the car rental!
The morals of the story here are: 1. If you are friends with your bartender, he will call your drinking shots. 2. If you are friends with your bartender the cost of your drinks is arbitrary and will be even cheaper than it already is. 3. Plan for hangover – you will not be getting up early and you will most definitely not feel fresh!
P.S. – We did make it to the Gypsy Market, just as they were tearing down their tents. That’s okay. Basically it’s a bunch of gypsies traipsing from town to town trying to pawn off a bunch of CRAP! We did have a lovely day enjoying a bit of sun on the beach in Quarteira, and a drive through some very shi shi little resort towns. Tonight there will be no drinking, no visiting Jason and tomorrow we will arise early, fresh and ready for a trip to Lagos and some pretty crazy rock formations.
The Castle vs. The Windmills
(posted by ange re: March 6)
Today we took a drive to the top of the Algarve. Serra de Monchique is the highest point of the Algarve, with the peak being 2,960 ft. From the peak there are 360° views of the Algarve, from rolling hills and farmland around and out to the Straight of Gibraltar (At least I think it was the Straight of Gibraltar. It could have been the Atlantic Ocean. I don’t know which direction I was facing. Regardless, my point is we could see the ocean!). We got out for a photo shoot but, now don’t smile too big, it was freezing and windy as hell. I hightailed into the gift shop while Dave got some shots. Plan B: Let’s drive around to explore and take photos.
We saw lots of cool stuff, but two things take the cake in the cool department today: windmills and an old castle. Yes, two totally different sights…one new, modern, high tech, the other ancient, falling apart, no tech. Both very cool. But one cooler.
First, the windmills. I love windmills. I think they are the coolest looking things, especially when you drive by a whole “farm” of them. I’ve seen them a few times, but never as I did today. These windmills were up on Serra de Monchique, on a dirt road on the side of the hill, completely unguarded. We were able to drive right up to the damn things! I mean, right up… I was leaning against one! It was unbelievable! You could hear the whooshing of each turn. And they are HUGE! I was dumbstruck. I was soooo excited to be that close to these things, you would have thought I was meeting Dave Matthews! All I could think was that my nephew Markus would have had a conniption had he been with me, since the blades look like propellers, and I’m sure he would have thought they were some kind of airplane, and if you know Markus, well, airplanes are a BIG deal! I was giddy for the rest of the afternoon at being that close to those powerful harnessers of wind.
And then there was the castle. After driving around the hillside of Monchique, we went to Silves to see the old Moorish Castle. It’s quite amazing to think that these walls were built hundreds of years ago and are still standing today. We paid our 1.25 euro to get in and… well, we entered the inside of the wall and walked around the perimeter of the wall and so really got to see an old wall with a few turrets or minarets or whatever they are called here and there. The interior was pretty much hollow and in the process of being restored (although it didn’t appear they were following too much of the original plan, being that they were working on a restaurant and gardens, using wood panelling and plexi-glass, etc.). I don’t know, it’s neat, but without much context I couldn’t get all that excited about it. It sort of seems like it’s just a big wall to walk around, albeit a very old one. I felt a little guilty at not being a little more impressed, but I then I thought, maybe I’m just not an old-ruined-castle kinda girl. I’m probably more of an intact-old-castle-with-meaningful-stuff-inside-to-look-at kind of girl.
And so today, new, modern, high tech wins out over ancient, falling apart, no tech. Being up close and personal with the windmills totally kicked ass!
We saw lots of cool stuff, but two things take the cake in the cool department today: windmills and an old castle. Yes, two totally different sights…one new, modern, high tech, the other ancient, falling apart, no tech. Both very cool. But one cooler.
First, the windmills. I love windmills. I think they are the coolest looking things, especially when you drive by a whole “farm” of them. I’ve seen them a few times, but never as I did today. These windmills were up on Serra de Monchique, on a dirt road on the side of the hill, completely unguarded. We were able to drive right up to the damn things! I mean, right up… I was leaning against one! It was unbelievable! You could hear the whooshing of each turn. And they are HUGE! I was dumbstruck. I was soooo excited to be that close to these things, you would have thought I was meeting Dave Matthews! All I could think was that my nephew Markus would have had a conniption had he been with me, since the blades look like propellers, and I’m sure he would have thought they were some kind of airplane, and if you know Markus, well, airplanes are a BIG deal! I was giddy for the rest of the afternoon at being that close to those powerful harnessers of wind.
And then there was the castle. After driving around the hillside of Monchique, we went to Silves to see the old Moorish Castle. It’s quite amazing to think that these walls were built hundreds of years ago and are still standing today. We paid our 1.25 euro to get in and… well, we entered the inside of the wall and walked around the perimeter of the wall and so really got to see an old wall with a few turrets or minarets or whatever they are called here and there. The interior was pretty much hollow and in the process of being restored (although it didn’t appear they were following too much of the original plan, being that they were working on a restaurant and gardens, using wood panelling and plexi-glass, etc.). I don’t know, it’s neat, but without much context I couldn’t get all that excited about it. It sort of seems like it’s just a big wall to walk around, albeit a very old one. I felt a little guilty at not being a little more impressed, but I then I thought, maybe I’m just not an old-ruined-castle kinda girl. I’m probably more of an intact-old-castle-with-meaningful-stuff-inside-to-look-at kind of girl.
And so today, new, modern, high tech wins out over ancient, falling apart, no tech. Being up close and personal with the windmills totally kicked ass!
Road Trip!
(posted by ange re: March 5)
Today was our first day with the car… ROAD TRIP! Off to the Alentejo region… cork trees, almond trees, storks nesting, olive groves, old castle ruins, lemon trees, a village here, a village there, orange trees, rolling hills forever, herds of sheep, herds of cattle, flat plains… all this and I think there was more but my brain is drained after a drive that included so much beauty.
I am happy to report that Dave and I navigated highways, roads, streets, and cobblestone lanes with nary a problem. (I think I’ve had more difficulty trying to get out of Seattle!) Dave drove like a pro while I sat in the passenger seat overseeing the map and generally telling him where to go, something, as we all know, I’m tremendously good at! J
We made stops in the tiny village of Entradas; then Beja and Mertola. We were seeking castle ruins. We found such castles. Note to self: castles are closed on Mondays. Unfortunately, we were unable to penetrate these fortresses, for either they were closed on Monday, or were being restored and closed permanently. Sigh. Note to Foder’s Guide Books: Castles in Portugal are CLOSED on Mondays! Ah well, we still saw some pretty old looking buildings – very cool.
Also very cool… Storks’ nests. Imagine a nest the size of the swans’ nests at Lost Lagoon. These nests are perched atop telephone poles, storks nesting peacefully inside (presumably waiting for an infant to be dropped into its care and control to then be delivered to some expecting parents somewhere). It’s quite something to see and words alone cannot describe it. Pictures will follow when we drive that way again and stop and take some pictures.
Today was also our first day outside English speaking-land. There proved little difficulty, although I must admit that I am not so great at trying to figure out what someone is saying or what something says and secretly wished it was all in English so I wouldn’t have to think so much. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. Fortunately, Dave’s patience runs on forever and he has a gift of communication… apparently in any language.
Our drive today was a freeing experience. Dave and I both felt so free to be driving in a completely unknown place, having a general idea of where we want to go, but having really no idea about how to get there, only guessing at what highway signs may mean, looking out the windows and thinking that we are so lucky to be seeing something we’ve never seen before and that we will not see anywhere at home. That’s the beauty of a road trip… you get in the car with a destination in mind, but until you hit the road, you truly don’t know what you will see or where you will end up.
Today was our first day with the car… ROAD TRIP! Off to the Alentejo region… cork trees, almond trees, storks nesting, olive groves, old castle ruins, lemon trees, a village here, a village there, orange trees, rolling hills forever, herds of sheep, herds of cattle, flat plains… all this and I think there was more but my brain is drained after a drive that included so much beauty.
I am happy to report that Dave and I navigated highways, roads, streets, and cobblestone lanes with nary a problem. (I think I’ve had more difficulty trying to get out of Seattle!) Dave drove like a pro while I sat in the passenger seat overseeing the map and generally telling him where to go, something, as we all know, I’m tremendously good at! J
We made stops in the tiny village of Entradas; then Beja and Mertola. We were seeking castle ruins. We found such castles. Note to self: castles are closed on Mondays. Unfortunately, we were unable to penetrate these fortresses, for either they were closed on Monday, or were being restored and closed permanently. Sigh. Note to Foder’s Guide Books: Castles in Portugal are CLOSED on Mondays! Ah well, we still saw some pretty old looking buildings – very cool.
Also very cool… Storks’ nests. Imagine a nest the size of the swans’ nests at Lost Lagoon. These nests are perched atop telephone poles, storks nesting peacefully inside (presumably waiting for an infant to be dropped into its care and control to then be delivered to some expecting parents somewhere). It’s quite something to see and words alone cannot describe it. Pictures will follow when we drive that way again and stop and take some pictures.
Today was also our first day outside English speaking-land. There proved little difficulty, although I must admit that I am not so great at trying to figure out what someone is saying or what something says and secretly wished it was all in English so I wouldn’t have to think so much. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. Fortunately, Dave’s patience runs on forever and he has a gift of communication… apparently in any language.
Our drive today was a freeing experience. Dave and I both felt so free to be driving in a completely unknown place, having a general idea of where we want to go, but having really no idea about how to get there, only guessing at what highway signs may mean, looking out the windows and thinking that we are so lucky to be seeing something we’ve never seen before and that we will not see anywhere at home. That’s the beauty of a road trip… you get in the car with a destination in mind, but until you hit the road, you truly don’t know what you will see or where you will end up.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
P.S.
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