30SEP2011 - Another Month Gone

The last day of September... so, I've been at this for THREE months! I'm a quarter of the way through my challenge, and I only cheated a handful of times! I'm hoping to be a bit more organized with my time come October, and I don't see why not! The only issue I see will be my lack of internet at home but I'll deal with that somehow, maybe do a "cluster" of posts. Anyway, I'll deal with upon my return from the Eastern US of A.
The end of a long week, I didn't take a picture tonight (I know, I realize what I just typed... shut up, I'm tired). I went for a drink with a different co-worker, it was a smidgen awkward, and I'm not quite sure why. Maybe I just have to get used to dining with strangers (almost strangers, we've been working together all week) but lets not go into that... he's very nice and is very all-American. I have to admit, all of this dining alone has been a great exercise in independence (I feel like I may have already written that in recent days, and if I have forgive me... it's still true). This picture was taken the other day when I went to the Inner Harbour, it is one of the historic ships that are part of the Baltimore Maritime Museum.

29SEP2011 - The Telltale Heart

Today after work I walked to Westminster Hall, the church were Edgar Allan Poe is buried. It's a block from the University of Maryland, so nice and close to work. The history in this town is great, between that and all of the "interesting" people I see on the bus every morning and the great team at work it's been a pretty good trip! The graveyard itself is hundreds of years old, and parts of the church are actually elevated over some of the older graves! It had an eerie feeling, even in the sunlight. I did get some shots of Edgar Allan Poe's grave (and memorial), but the crypt in the picture was built in a somewhat Egyptian style (as apparently was popular in the 1800's, not sure of exact year... but quite a few graves) and has a wonderful, weathered look. Me and my "Toronto" accent are going to enjoy a glass of wine before bed (word has it I sound like a "born and raised" Torontonian, but "definitely" not a like a Vancouverite... interesting... it's funny, everywhere I go people tell me I have an accent, even when I'm in Canada!).

28SEP2011 - The Vault

I totally forgot to post my picture last night! Not sure what happened... too much thinking during the day! My client took me for dinner and I tried catfish! Look at me! I even liked it... and for someone who doesn't like seafood, that's a big deal. So, even though people say I'm the pickiest eater they know, at least I'm willing to try something at least once!
This picture was taken at the Alewife Restaurant which used to be an old bank, very cool! This was one of the snazzy old chandeliers in the dining room. I am loving the history in Baltimore (just not the insane humidity)!

27SEP2011 - Crashing Waves

"Do people that live in Vancouver ever worry about the possibility of an earthquake and it causing a subsequent tsunami that will wipe you all into the ocean?". What does one say to that? Not exactly a question I knew how to answer... and not necessarily one I would ever ask someone! Americans are definitely different than Canadians, even though we are such close neighbours. I have yet to see any Canadian bus drivers actually stop the bus and get out to yell at someone who has stopped where they shouldn't have! Crazy!
I didn't get a chance to take my camera out today, it was raining after I finished working so I didn't want to risk getting it wet... and then I went to see "Drive" at the movie theatre next door to my hotel (first movie alone, this is a trip FULL of firsts). It was a great movie, surprisingly violent! I never saw any previews, so I had no idea that there would be that much blood spatter! This picture was taken yesterday when I walked around the Inner Harbour, I think it's the back of the Baltimore Aquarium.

26SEP2011 - Inner Harbour

I'm two margarita's in, and I'm done! The Mexican restaurant near my hotel in Baltimore had 2 for 1 margarita night (unknown to me when I decided to go there) but it was a win-win situation none-the-less! They were two very strong margaritas, so now I update my blog and I will retire for the night to catch up on sleep that I'd previously lost to anxiety. This is a picture taken on a walk through the Inner Harbour; there is the Baltimore Maritime Museum which displays a bunch of historic ships (including the Taney, the last floating ship that was involved in the attack on Pearl Harbour... I might have to post a picture of that for my brother). This is the Lighthouse; I have to admit I was expecting something a little different; taller even. This was a very squat version of a lighthouse but the red colours looked great as the sunset!

25SEP2011 - Holy Humidity

I'm in Baltimore, and it is ridiculously humid... my hair is way curlier than I'd like (I looked like a cat sucked on my head or something). I had my first training day... all the anxiety wasn't worth it, it quite well! I'm glad to have my first day of my business trip over with, this will be easy from here on in! I'm a day behind in my posts as I was a bit of an emotional wreck yesterday... too much happening for me all at once (moving, traveling etc). Thanks to my Mum for listening to me carry-on. I realize I need to learn to relax, but I really haven't done much traveling... so it was a stressful day for me! I'm right in the Inner Harbour (sorry, it's Harbor in America) beside Little Italy... I'm looking forward to walking around and exploring in the coming weeks! This is the view from my hotel room, not too shabby!

24SEP2011 - The Trappists

Okay, here is hoping that my post today goes swimmingly. Today I, like yesterday had a day full of sight-seeing and catch up with old friends. Yesterday it was Kristi and today was Linli; it had been way too long since I had seen either one, so it was awesome to catch up on each others lives! Included in my travels today, Tennille took me to the St. Noberts Monastery; however, it is currently been refurbished so my picture taking was challenged by the beautiful chain-link fence that surrounded it. Tennille is in the process of making us a lovely dinner, so I will sign out and get to helping!

23SEP2011 - Boiling Point

I am adding this picture so that I am caught up, but I will cease blogging if this fucking site isn't going to upload my photos as I have them saved. I don't need suggests on my compostion, thank you... just upload as I request.

So, apparently I need to take a break from blogging... or a drink and/or a nap! This is just insanely frustrating, I have a moment to finally catch up and the site doesn't want to work. I will try re-uploading later after a couple of Manhattans have taken the edge off.
UPDATE: I was able to repost the picture, but now I can't format how the type looks. I would like to retract my scathing statements, but this is the real me... I don't want to delete what I wrote or I'll be editing reality. Tennille is home, we are going to dinner and drinks and it will all be fine!
UPDATE2: I can now reformat the type... what an ordeal!

22SEP2011 - Tilt Your Head to the Right

For whatever reason, this website has now decided it will not rotate my bloody pictures. I have tried to upload this one multiple times and the website wants it this way. For an accurate portrayal, please tilt your head to the right. This is a door/handle of a snow-mobile type machine (once again, at the Manitoba Museum). I really liked the look of the weathered metal and wood...

UPDATE: I was able to repost this picture as a "portrait" style. So no more head-tilting is required.

21SEP2011 - Home Again

This is the reason I wanted to go to the Manitoba Museum while I was in Winnipeg. I needed to smell this ship... that sounds absolutely insane, and I am aware of that but I could vividly remember it's smell and the sound of your feet as you walked the deck. I'd been thinking about it a lot lately, for unknown reasons... I cannot imagine what suddenly brought that memory to the surface, but there it was and I had to see the ship again! The ship (The Nonsuch) is exactly as I remember... it's funny, I've lived in BC for almost 14 years and Manitoba is still home.

20SEP2011 - Where the Buffalo Roam

This was also taken at the Manitoba Museum, I recently saw an article about Winnipeg and it featured a picture from this entry to the museum. I can't even tell you how many times I've walked past these buffalo. I grew up in a family that went on outings to libraries, museums and such educational adventures practically every weekend; and my brother and I loved it! I still love museums... the smell, the history, the memories. I miss Winnipeg a lot...

19SEP2011 - Behind the Times

Yes, I know I am seriously behind on my posts. Even though I said I would try... I did, I have no internet at home and am not sure if I want to spend the money on it. We got along just fine before internet, maybe I can make it work and save a little money. And especially now that facebook is advising all my friends every time I fart I'm not sure I'm interested in that kind of constant "awareness".

Anyway, all the pictures from 19SEP2011 to 22SEP2011 are taken in Winnipeg... I had no time to take any pictures before I left between packing for my trip and unpacking after moving I was just too busy (and stressed and exhausted). This particular picture was taken at the Manitoba Museum... some of the exhibits haven't been revamped in a while and feature some very "retro" typography, I love it!

18SEP2011 - Victory

I am now caught up... let's see if I can keep it this way. I have a lot of organizing to do, and very little time to do it in. I leave for Winnipeg on Thursday night! Since time is of the essence and I am beyond exhausted; I cheated. Yes, folks I cheated again! This picture was taking back in July at the Richmond Night Market, I really like the way the neon sign lighting turned out! Very "punchy".

This is going to be a short post, the move got off to a very rough start... perhaps I will elaborate tomorrow when I have more energy. My helpers were amazing and they got me through it unscathed! But, right now, it is bedtime!

17SEP2011 - Disorganization

Yesterday consisted on much running around and last minute organizing. I had lunch with Anita, it was awesome to catch up... I don't think Anita got a sentence in! I had so much to tell her... life is very exciting right now! I can't wait until our next Saturday lunch date! This picture was taking as I did seriously last minute running around, this is the Safeway parking lot in Willowbrook Mall.

16SEP2011 - Pack Your Bags

I haven't caught up on my posts like I had hoped, but I am working on it! The move was insanely stressful and I absolutely could not have done it without the help of some wonderful friends! Meg, Mike, Sean, Ryan & Maddie... you guys are amazing! This picture was what my living room looked like before the move on Friday evening as I organized myself...

15SEP2011 - Creature From the Black Lagoon

Okay, I am way behind now... I haven't even had time to get out there and take some pictures. This is Thursday's post and it's Saturday... eek! So, I'll do what I can to catch up! This picture is from the Langley Cruise-In (10SEP2011); it's a tribute to the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" movie...

14SEP2011 - Second Place

I am one day behind... I didn't have time to take a photo tonight, but don't worry I'll catch up on the weekend! I am just too tired to think about it tonight! Had a great dinner with Holly tonight, we caught up... talked in length about life and feelings. It was great to clear the air... love my Holly.

This picture was taken were I was house-sitting, he has a shelf of trophies and for someone like myself who isn't much of an athlete, I found this very impressive! I was one of those kids that got a "participation" ribbon.

13SEP2011 - Dashboard Lights

A long day... me and the kittens are relaxing with a book before bed. I started reading this book "Sh*t My Dad Says" and it is bloody hilarious. I swear, I should write a book about the gems that come out of my Mother's mouth... I think the guy this book is about is some long lost relative of hers. It is just too funny... it's hard to wind down for bed when you're crying because you're laughing so hard!

This picture was taken while I waited in between dance classes (by waiting, I mean going to Tim Horton's and consuming a completely unnecessary hot chocolate... I figured I'd earned it by dancing my little heart out). I wanted to take a picture of something "everyday". I see my dashboard everyday on the way to work... so I'd thought I'd share! I'm sure you are all thrilled; but I think it turned out pretty neat.

12SEP2011 - Crunch Time

Look at how organized I am! It's not even 6pm and I've taken my picture and am now posting it! Don't get used to it though, I really can't see this lasting. I am house-sitting again... at the same place, the kittens and I are united It's just for a couple of days, 6 weeks was way too long. Leave it to me to decide to house-sit a few days before I move, which in turn is a few days away from a 2.5 week trip (my first business trip, with a pit-stop in Winnipeg... I am so, so excited)! Who is a basket case?! I am, I am. I think I have my movers all lined up for Sunday, so hopefully I will sleep tonight knowing that is taken care of. Geesh. So, the picture... this is the snazzy shower curtain at the house were I am house-sitting... that is all.

11SEP2011 - Speechless

Frankly, I have nothing to say today. Even though it is the 10 year anniversary of 9/11... I have nothing to say. It's all been said before and I am feeling overwhelmed as I may be moving before I leave for Baltimore and gotten everything sorted out and/or arranged yet! I'm sure it will work out fine in the end, I'm just over-analyzing it all! So, I'm hoping to get myself all packed and sorted in the next couple of days! As I was packing some shoes today, I came across a little leaf that has been sitting in the bottom of my closet for who knows how long! It was a cute little leaf, so I took a picture!

10SEP2011 - Langley Cruise-In

It's a hot one out there today... The Cruise-In weekend always seems to be hotter than it has been all summer, but it's okay, it could be raining! I must admit I'm a little pink from a few mid-day hours at the Cruise-In... watched the Elvis show and Dick Cash (very cool rockabilly band) and took a lot of car pictures. Not totally pleased with selection, I was hoping for some more "wow" from my shots. I did take a couple that I'm really happy with... taking pictures in such a crowded place is definitely a challenge (especially when you don't want the crowd in the pictures)! I can't wait for the 2012 Cruise-In!

09SEP2011 - Friday Night Lights

Hooray, it's Friday! It felt like such a long week... too many 7am starts! I'm sleeping in tomorrow! I just had my last Samba class! Next is the Waltz... soon I'll be an expert! This was taken driving home from dance class; had a hard time getting my camera to do what I wanted... so this is the result! Tomorrow is the Langley Cruise-In... going to have a lot of cool car pictures to choose from! I can't wait!!

08SEP2011 - Made The Cut

What a busy week! Last night was so much fun, it was awesome to catch up with MC Tanya! Today I had my Nexus interview, they have this ability to make you feel like a criminal even if you've never done anything wrong! I was so nervous that I was going to answer something wrong and I wouldn't get Nexus and then I'd have to go back to work and tell my boss... sorry, I didn't make the cut! But, it looks good... the Canadian agent asked me what I move so much, I told her I pick the wrong men. Her reply (after she was able to stop laughing), was "well, maybe you should get someone else to do the picking". Thank you.

I just got back from Meg, Mike, Sean & Marla's house... Sean is the handiest guy I know, and he was doing a couple quick things to my car! The headlights are just like new again! Thanks Sean! This picture was taken in the parkade at my place, I'd actually never really paid attention to the numbers before... it's always strange to notice something in a place you've been frequenting for years!

07SEP2011 - Ghostly Galleons

So close to Friday, so close to sleeping in... yet, so far away! I realize it's only a four day work-week, but I've been starting at 7am, meaning I leave the house at 6am. It's been tough sleeping in this crazy heat (at least it's not raining), but I need sleep! My college buddy (she'd love that I called her that) MC Tanya (and I bet that she'd love that even more) is coming over for dinner... and after some food, wine and gossip it'll be an early night for me! Getting back to business... This picture was taken on my way to work, I love the mist in the fall... it reminds me of this poem "The Highwayman" we had to read in grade 9:

The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,

The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas.

The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,

and the highwayman came riding - riding - riding,

the highwayman came riding, up to the old inn door.

I can really visualize the scene in my head... and why I still remember that is beyond me, but I digress.... the mist is really cool and I was trying to capture in this picture; it didn't quite turn out the way I'd hoped, but there are plenty more early autumn mornings for me!

06SEP2011 - Rock n' Roll

I am playing catch-up... it's been a week of very early mornings and busy evenings and even though it is only Wednesday, I am tres fatigue! Sleep and picture-blog arm-wrestled for my affections last night, and sleep is surprisingly strong! This picture is fairly self-explanatory... it's my rock n' roll jacket that has been under construction for quite some time. Maybe I'll roll it out for Halloween!

05SEP2011 - Enjoy the Scenery

Suzanne and I rented bikes and rode around the seawall in Stanley Park today... so much fun! The weather was fabulous, and the people watching was amazing... Suzanne and I always have a great time people watching! This is a little taste of the beautiful scenery mixed with the people that frequent the seawall; a great day all in all!

04SEP2011 - Feeding Frenzy

Oh man, today was a rough one! I was in an extremely bad mood for most of it... really couldn't say why, no idea. Slept in, felt fine... and then, that was it! The mood started to lift around 4pm, but it was a long and grumpy day. I really would like a vacation, some time alone... oh, and some time to get organized. I really feel in limbo and it's stressing me out... I do not like the uncertain! Plus, I just spent $50 on headlights for my car and it turns out I also need new tires! Ugh, I am trying not to spend money... I want to spend my money on Cuba, not tires! Definitely going to be a lot of staying home in the coming weeks to make sure I can pay for both!
In spite of my moodiness, I got some things done around the house; did some sorting, packing and even stripped/sanded a table that was long overdue for some painting! This is a picture of my Mum's neighbours fish tank (she is fish-sitting right now), the fish were very excited with the prospect of food!

03SEP2011 - Skulls in Cars

I wasn't out terribly late last night, but I can't say that I felt like posting my picture... so I didn't! I did take this picture yesterday though, it's a skull thingie I have hanging in my rear view mirror. It's definitely not the best shot, but I waited until the last possible moment to take my "photo of the day"... Procrastination at it's best! I appear to be short on words this morning, I slept in (I've been waiting for that all week) and am still a little numb... and now Oscar needs his walk. Off we go...

02SEP2011 - The Week That Wouldn't End

Ahhh, it's Friday... I felt like the week just kept going on and on. Today was the icing on the cake, work was very demanding and dancing was a lot of fun, and now I am definitely ready for no people. There was Dancing in The Park (Douglas Park in Langley) again this week, a lot of fun and it was much cooler making for comfortable dancing... nothing like sweat rolling down your back to make you feel self-conscious (was that a bit of an over-share?). Since I was going dancing solo, I didn't want to have a camera there... so I took some pictures before I went. My Mum has this funky retro-style Monkey lamp, some what of a Victorian vibe... she has quite a few interesting pieces around the house! My feet are killing me, so off to relax I go!

01SEP2011 - Long Haul Ahead

I've made it... 2 months down! Geesh, time flies... but 10 months still feels like a seriously long haul! Took my little Oscar to the dog park to enjoy the autumn air! I am now at home, doing fun things like paying bills... but I have noticed it's 8:30pm and have yet to eat dinner! I will have to sign off now, as those who know me, know it is vital to the survival of anyone near me to keep the blood sugar from falling!