I Can't Believe It...
... I did it AGAIN.
Missed the bottom step while carrying a laundry basket, and fell to the ground in a heap of helpless Kari. The last two times I did it, I broke bones in my feet... I haven't gone for an x-ray this time yet, but I REFUSE to believe anything is broken.
The first time, back in the summer of 2000, I was at home in Windsor. I've run up and down the twelve steps in my dad's house a million times, but that time, with laundry basket in hand, I missed the very last step and came down hard on my right foot. My dad told me to walk it off. Unfortunately, I couldn't walk. I went to the clinic, had some x-rays done, and they found three fractured metatarsals. I was in a removable (thank god) cast for three months. Ick.
The second time, a year later, I was living in London. The stairs into the basement were dark and I miscounted the steps. I landed on my left foot this time... drove myself to the emergency room, took a look at the x-ray myself and saw the two cracked bones, and got out the old cast. Luckily, it was interchangeable between the right and left foot. Double ick.
Now, just last night, I was walking down the steps outside our building, counting carefully so that next time I went down I'd know exactly how many there actually were, and I missed the last step because it was covered in dead leaves. Dammit! I crumbled, scraped my wrist, twisted my ankle and banged up my knee. I got up immediately, started walking and it seemed fine, but an hour later (when I had to go get the clothes from the dryer), I could hardly walk.
It feels much better today, but it still hurts. I can't tell if it feels the same as before... I don't think there's anything broken though. I fell differently this time- my foot rolled inward, instead of me landing on the ball of my foot. I think it's just a sprain. I hope. If it's not considerably better by tomorrow, I'll have x-rays done.
DAMMIT.
Fair Gypsy
This was my costume on Saturday.... we went to a couple parties, saw lots of people, lots of costumes.
See the rest of the pics
here.
Gusts and Theories on Time
I can't believe how windy it was out there yesterday! My windows were rattling, and I could feel a cold draft when I was sitting on my couch. Brrr!
Something interesting I just read in Microserfs:
"I remember once when I was majorly depressed for, like, six months. When it ended, I felt like I had to make up for those six 'lost' months. Man, depression sucks. So my logic is, as long as I'm not bummed, I'm not wasting time. So I make sure I'm never bummed."
"You know how when somebody says, 'Remember that party at the beach last year?' and you say, "Oh God, was that last year?' It feels like last month'? If I'm going to live a year, I want my whole year's worth of year. I don't want it feeling like only one month. Everything I do is an attempt to make time 'feel' like time again- to make it feel longer. I get my time in bulk."
If only it was that easy. LOL
Happenings of the Week
Not too much going on around here.
I finally got some of my photos entered into a contest. The
Toronto Bay Initiative is holding their annual photo contest, and I entered these three pics:
On Tuesday, Stef invited me for dinner at her friend Zu's place. It was excellent! We had an appetizer of squash soup and baked pita with sun-dried tomato on top, and the main course was pumpkin stew, cous cous with raisins, salad with vinigrette dressing and pears? apples?, and chicken stuffed with dates wrapped in bacon. Decadent! It was scrumptious. Zu is an extremely interesting person. She designs shoes. Ya. And she gets sent to China all the time for her job. Sheesh! She's one of those people that make you want to be more creative, just from being around her. She's applying to get her Masters in design in Milan... good luck Zu!
Last night a bunch of us met up at C'est What to see Stef off. She leaves on Sunday to go to Asia for two and a half months. She will be missed! And she BETTER COME BACK! I'm sure she's going to have an excellent time, and she's going to blow us all away with the photos she takes while she's out travelling the world. BON VOYAGE STEF!!!
Oh... I also have NO IDEA what to dress up as this Hallowe'en. We're planning to go out tomorrow night, so I've got... 31 hours to figure it out. It's either gonna be... Mother Nature, "Disco is Dead", a witch, a fairy or... yeah. That's all I've got. HELP!
Blonde Bitches and Burning Buildings
First of all... my office is filled with smoke right now. They turned on the furnace for the first time this season... first there was a faint smell of burning dust, then it got stronger... and then smoke started billowing out of the vents. Gotta love the old architecture of these downtown offices!
Now- for the blonde bitches. More like Rude Ass Blonde Bitches. From now on, they'll be known as RABB. We were bowling for Kevin's birthday, and I was doing really well at first. Then- I noticed that someone stole the bowling ball I was using. I go to ask the girl who's got my ball in her lap, and this is the conversation that followed:
Me: Did you take that ball from our lane over there?
RABB #1: Uh, no. (blonde bitch hair flip) I was using this ball, and then for some reason, it ended up in your lane.
Me: Uh... I don't think so. I've using that ball for an hour and a half already.
RABB #1: Uh, I don't think so. (hugs ball tighter to her bosom)
ME: Can I just look at the ball, to see if it's the one I'm actually looking for?
At this point, the RABB #2 shoves her ass in my face, providing the bowling equivalent of a cock-block. I stand up, move around her to ask RABB #1 again if I can see the ball, and RABB #2 shuffles over and sticks her ass in my face AGAIN.
Me: Oh. We're playing this game? How old are we?
RABB #2: (with a juvenile squeal) I'm fourteen!
Before I let myself punch RABB #2 in the eye, I walk away, cursing under my breath.
Now, what, I beg of you, would motivate these girls to be so possesive over an effing bowling ball?? I can't figure it out. They even went to extent of holding the ball up when they knew I was looking, and dancing around with it. They also tried to make fun of what I was wearing. I felt like I was in grade six again. They looked so ridiculous, all I could do was laugh. But not until after I gave them a nice, slow, flip of the bird. Rude ass blonde bitches.
I Love Being Called a Cunt in the Morning...
Setting: Just east of the intersection at Adelaide and Bathurst, 8:40am. I'm following three other cyclists when a man almost steps into the path of the person biking in front of me. He steps back, looks directly at me, and then steps into the street again. I come within a couple inches of him.
Redneck with CoffeeTime Cup: Fuck!
Me: Watch where you're going!
RWCC: Fuck you!
Me: Fuck YOU! Use the crosswalk!
RWCC: Fuck off you stupid cunt!
Me: Thank you! What a wonderful Friday morning!
Was this really necessary? Such insolence. I've just about had it. I'm looking forward to taking the streetcar this winter.
50 Random Ones
1.
How tall are you barefoot? 5' 6-1/2"
2.
Have you ever smoked heroin? Heroin can be smoked?
3.
Do you own a gun? Ummm, no. But living in Parkdale, I think sometimes I should (just kidding).
4.
Who's your best friend? Stacey Baby
5.
Do you get nervous before "meeting the parents"? I haven't been in that situation in a long time. But from what I recall- no. I've always been good with parents. Just keep repeating, "I respect your opinion, and understand your concern". LOL
6.
What do you think of hot dogs? Once and a while, I can't resist. Usually when I'm catching the ferry across to the island. Or when I mix them in with some macaroni and cheese. YUM!
7.
What's your favorite Christmas song? Jingle Bell Rock (because of Home Alone).
8.
What do you prefer to drink in the morning? OJ
9.
Can you do push ups? Girly type- yes. Manly type- no.
10.
Is your bathroom clean? Right now? Not really. That's on the agenda for the weekend.
11.
What's your favorite piece of jewelry? It was my new jade necklace from Ucluelet, but it broke. Oh- I also still really love the amethyst ring Beth gave me.
12.
Do you like painkillers? When I have pain, on occasion. I try not to like it very much.
13.
What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? I don't have one.
14.
Do you own a knife? Um- yes. They're in my kitchen. I also have a couple antique knives, and a nice pocket knife from my dad.
15.
Do you have A.D.D.? What the hell is A.D.D.?? Just kidding. No- I don't have any learning disorders, that I know of.
16.
Middle Name? Marie or Maria
17.
Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? My office is crazy, my head hurts alot, I want more chocolate mint Girl Guide cookies.
18.
Name the last 3 things you have bought: It's a secret. Gifts. For someone going on a trip. Nuff said!
19.
Name 3 drinks you regularly drink: Water, orange juice, coffee
20.
What time did you wake up today? 7:30- after hitting snooze three times.
Where is question 21?22.
Current worry? Will I ever find a man?
23.
Current hate? Inconsiderate people on the street.
24.
Favorite place to be? In a canoe, on a lake.
25.
Least favorite place to be? The dentist.
26.
Where would you like to go? Scotland. Nova Scotia. Hawaii.
27.
Do you own slippers? Many pairs, actually. Quiet ones, ones with soles on them for going outside, ones for sleeping in, etc.
28.
What shirt are you wearing? Black and white striped 3/4 length tee
29.
Do you burn or tan? 20 minutes in the sun- tan. 25 minutes in the sun- burn.
30.
Favorite colour(s)? Purple and Red. And the gamut in between.
31.
Would you be a pirate? Hell yes!
32.
Last time you had an alcoholic drink? Too many beers Saturday night at the Gladstone.
34.
What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? The alligator that lived in the bathroom.
35.
What's in your pockets right now? Nothing.
36.
Last thing that made you laugh? My co-worker Neil; he said that with the move of the accounting department, the smelly person won't be using our washroom anymore. Amen!!
37.
Best bed sheets you had as a child? I didn't have fun sheets when I was a kid. My brother had (and still has) his Star Wars sheets.
38.
Worst injury you've ever had? Three fractured metacarpals in my right foot. Two in my left.
No question 39???40.
How many TVs do you have in your house? Just one.
41.
Who is your loudest friend? It's a tie between Amy and Maria.
42.
Who is your most silent friend? Hmmm... I'd have to say Julia.
43.
Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I know of.
44.
Do you wish on shooting stars? Not really, I always forget to. I haven't seen one in a long time, actually!
45.
What is your favorite book? There's too many. I guess... Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel.
46.
What is your favorite candy? Sour Watermelons
47.
What song do/did you want played at your wedding? Probably won't get married, but every time I hear
I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders (my brother and his wife's wedding song), I get all verklempt.
48.
What song do you want played at your funeral? No idea. Haven't thought that far into the future.
49.
What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Just closing my book to go to sleep. I had to re-read the last couple paragraphs today.
50.
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? My head
still hurts? How can that be??
Update...
I know it's Wednesday already (a bit late for a "weekend update"), but I'll catch you up on the last few days of my life (If you're interested... you are, aren't you? I hope so. Actually, I don't really care. This is my journal!)
Last night I waited over half an hour to get on a streetcar at King and Church. INSANITY! Really, it shouldn't take that long. Especially during rush hour... isn't that when the streetcars are supposed to be running even more frequently? Two cars passed that were making short turns, causing everyone huddled in the shelter to run out, only to be turned away by the driver. What a pisser. Then, I noticed a car heading southbound on Church turning onto King, but I didn't catch it in time. I asked the "track adjuster" guy if he had a radio, to see if there was a problem. "I just move the tracks," he said. Whatev. I finally got onto a streetcar (another one on Church), and made it home for 6:45pm. A full hour later than I normally do. Crazy how much the rain affects streetcars. It's more the stupid cars that don't know how to drive in the rain, I think. That's what I gathered from the TTC employee when I asked why there was a such a long delay. Hmmm...
Last weekend was fun, and tiring. Friday I stayed in and watched movies (Click, Thank You For Smoking and Proof), because I knew Saturday was going to be a loooooong day. I worked the Digital Imaging Show out at the International Centre for
Henry's. Woo hoo! I got to sell and rip tickets all day! Still- I like working the show. It's fun to see the hoards of people and the new products, chat with co-workers I don't normally see, AND it counts as a vacation day.
Saturday night, we all went to the
Gladstone (not for karaoke, but for the
Eagle Eyes dance party that was happening in the Ballroom Cafe)... it was $10 to get in, but I think it was well worth it. The band (
Spiral Beach they were called), were AWESOME. Kids, really, but talented kids. I was like, "If I had a band in high school, it would be THIS band." And then all of sudden, some chic grabs my shoulders. She yells, "Kari Gignac?" and I yell back, "Katie Pula???" Katie went to high school with me (we actually shared the role of Arts Rep on student council one year), and she was visiting friends for the weekend (she currently lives in Amsterdam... must be nice, eh?) I was blown away.
Every time that happens, and it happens more often than you'd think, it takes a while for me to get over it. Seeing people from my past in Toronto; it just doesn't make sense to me. I could live in Windsor (pop. 120,000) for 10 years and not see people from high school at all. I come to Toronto (pop. 2 million?) and I see fellow students ALL the time. Well, not all the time. But like I said, more often than I would've thought. It's great. I love it. I loved high school, and anything that reminds me of it (like that band, or seeing Katie), puts me in a state of euphoria for about 6 hours (the beer probably helped, too).
Sunday was spent recovering (yes, too much beer), and watching television. It feels like I watch more television now, compared to when I had cable. I'm not sure if it's because I'm actually watching it more, or if it's because I have less to choose from, so it
feels like I'm watching more. Either way- it's gotta stop soon... I'm beginning to feel like a loser. But that's my own problem. LOL
Better Late Than Never...
I finally got around to uploading the pics from Thanksgiving... here ya go:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ravenswift/sets/72157594330105963/Enjoy!
Henry's to Hemingway's
(cross post from WerkingTitle)Henry's is where I work, and Hemingway's is where we met last night to talk about Love in the Time of Cholera. I just like the way it sounds. Henry's to Hemingway's. Like a song!
The discussion went well, I think, and everyone had fun answering the quiz questions I had printed out. Some of them were too easy, and some of them were a bit ambiguous- but I didn't have the answer sheet, so it didn't really matter! I think my favourite question was...
The song Florentino writes and plays for Fermina is called:
(A) Crowned Goddess
(B) Rockabye, Sweet Fermina
(C) Like A Virgin
(D) Share Your Love With Me
Haha... Like a Virgin... There were many instances of weird, quirky, and dare I say, illegal sexual encounters in this book, but since it was set around 1900, I don't think it really mattered. I was grossed out by the affair between the protagonist and his teenage lover, but I understand the value of the relationship within the story. The old people sex scene was a little unnerving, but funny at the same time. LOL
My personal opinion on this book? I think it could've been much shorter. And at time, it felt like a chore for me to read. I'm not sure if this had to do with the fact that it was translated from Spanish, or if it's because it written in a very classical language (as opposed to pop lit, or something closer to a soap opera, although the premise of the story would've fit nicely into say, The Young and the Restless). I know that the book was supposed to be humourous in places, too, but only a couple of times did I actually laugh out loud.
The story was interesting, though, the themes (suffering from love/cholera, and the fear of death) were relevant, and the characters were developed nicely. Nestor pointed out that he liked the way the author would time travel, to inform the reader of the character's past. Sometimes I found this a bit confusing, but I was thankful for it. I also found the names of the characters a bit confusing (see my previous post).
Ultimately, I think we all enjoyed the book. It was also great to see Daniella (our newest member), and her seeing eye dog Roger, who was super cute (especially when he licked Julia's knee)! John didn't make it out (even though he was the one who chose the book), because he was sick. Feel better John!!
Next book- The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. Nestor's pick. Meeting date: November 22. Venue TBA.
"GOBBLE GOBBLE, NOT OINK OINK" ***
*** Note on my desk left for me by my piglet-loving co-worker,
Sylvia. She's not a vegetarian, she just doesn't eat pork. Because they're too cute! I think that's a good enough excuse!
Thanksgiving weekend was bad, and good, and then bad again. But mostly good. I think.
It started out with the cancelled Sloan show, which disappointed us all. Apparently, Chris Murphy had a sore throat. Whatev. The concert's been postponed until November 30th, which is fine for myself and James, but
Stef will be in Asia by then! I was mostly looking forward to seeing Sloan with Stef, since we've both been huge fans forever. I haven't seen them since high school, and Stef hasn't seen them since college in London. Hopefully they'll come back in the new year, and Stef and I will be able to go see them. I did spend the whole weekend listening to Sloan (thanks for letting me borrow your A-Sides CD, Stef!!)
Saturday morning, I hopped on a street car and went to pick up the rental car. The drive home was uneventful, except for the fact that my kitty cat continuously meowed, to let me know she wasn't going to freak out, but that she wasn't very happy about being in the car. She was a total schizoid all weekend long... but it was nice to have her with me. My dad's a closet cat lover, so I know he enjoyed have a little fluff ball around. My step mom, on the other hand, does NOT love cats. But I think it went okay.
It was great to see the family, and like I mentioned, sit outside on the new back patio. The weather was spectacular! I got to visit with Stacey and Chris, and with my sister-in-law and nephew, which was awesome, as always. I miss my friends and family terribly, but I really don't miss Windsor. I told my step mom, "I wish I could just pick all of my family up, and transport their lives to Peterborough." It's just so much cleaner, and nicer, and they'd have less of a risk of getting cancer. I'm serious. Windsor is like, Canada's number one city for cancer rates. It's insane.
The drive home was also uneventful. I had my friend Niki in the car with me to take care of Queenie, so she was a bit more relaxed. I got home at around midnight... not too bad.
This morning I returned the car, and was shocked to find out that I was going to be charged $75.00 for incurred damages due to cat hair on the car seat. I was PISSED. No where in the rental agreement does it say that animals are prohibited. I wrote an angry email. What a shitty way to start off the week. Meh.
Sloan and Sunglasses
YAYAYAYYAAY! SLOAN TONIGHT!!!
I'm a bit excited, can you tell?
AND
Beth (my co-worker and old roommate) just came up to my desk with a surprise for me! My old prescription sunglasses, that I lost like, TWO years ago, were in the store's lost and found. I LOVE these glasses!! I have two little words...
AS IF!!!
Jane and Finch
I watched a scary documentary called "
Lost in the Struggle", about the Jane and Finch area, last night on the Fifth Estate. It was insane. It followed the lives of three young boys in the area, each of different ethnicities and financial backgrounds.
There was Freshy, a 16-year-old living with his parents in a single family condo, his parents immigrated here from Bangladesh, and they both have full-time jobs. He's addicted to the thrill of "flipping" counterfeit bills. He gave no other reason for living like a criminal, other than loving the adrenaline pumping through his body by taking such extreme risks.
There was Chuckie, a 20-year-old Vietnamese living with his mom. He's a hero in the area, because of his "thug-ness". Last summer, he was assaulted in his home, and the assailants attacked his mom as well. From then on, he said, he knew he had to leave the thug way of life. Now, he tries to stay away from crime, and visits schools in the area, wearing a "Violence Shatters Lives" t-shirt. However, he has no problem "regulating" Freshy with a lead pipe and five of his closest friends.
And then there was Burnz, 19 years old I think, who's attitude is purely, "it ain't my fault so get off my back". He breaks curfew, and blames the police for it. He get's turned down for a job, and says, "I guess I was too real for them". He finally gets a job despite not having a high school diploma or any experience, and quits two weeks later because it wasn't enough money. He knocks up his 17-year-old girlfriend, and is angrier than ever.
I was almost sick to my stomach watching this last night. Where did these kids learn (or fail to learn) right from wrong? The parents are obviously not fit to teach them anything about morality, so now who becomes accountable for them? I've heard the Jane and Finch area has been like this for years and years. I hope something is done about it... it breaks my heart to know that there are children growing up there, believing that that is the only way of life available to them.
The Fifth Estate did say, at the end of the hour, that of course not all young males in the area choose this kind of lifestyle. Thanks for the peace of mind, CBC.
_________________________________________________
On a much, MUCH lighter note... that bitch Monique was eliminated from America's Next Top Model. Finally! She was only there to stir up the pot... but it was getting a bit out of hand. She's pretty enough, but takes horrible photos. Hello! That's what models do! Have their photos taken!
I couldn't believe no one clocked her a good one. I was waiting for it. Now THAT's the kind of violence I can get behind...
... I'm horrible.
Nuit Blanche
Saturday was Nuit Blanche, the free 24-hour art festival that happened mostly in public spaces downtown. The point was to take photos, so here ya go:
To see all of the photos I took, click the link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ravenswift/sets/72157594308030915/
The second time, a year later, I was living in London. The stairs into the basement were dark and I miscounted the steps. I landed on my left foot this time... drove myself to the emergency room, took a look at the x-ray myself and saw the two cracked bones, and got out the old cast. Luckily, it was interchangeable between the right and left foot. Double ick.
