30OCT2011 - Time for a Change

I'm going to change this up, I really don't have the time I thought I would. I will admit it, and now I will change the format because I am not ready to concede complete defeat. I am going to keep the writing down to a minimum... partly because I'm feeling a little "exposed" and partly because I just don't have time. I am unsure if I need to write as part of this challenge; I'm either writing about feelings and such or playing catch-up and just writing about what I did that day. Either way, I will focus on the pictures... maybe I'll change my mind, that has definitely been known to happen. Simply, I will post my daily picture. Don't worry, some thoughts will grace the virtual pages of this blog... just not to the same extent. The pictures for the last few days are "around the house" pictures, see if you can guess what they are.

29OCT2011 - Reflections

28OCT2011 - No Words

27OCT2011 - Reading Materials

I went for a walk after work, it was very hard to not eat out. There are all these fabulous restaurants and pubs around my place... but I was good, I ate leftovers. I have to watch my finances with Cuba coming up! It's worth budgeting for, but it's still hard. I'm feeling frustrated today, I hate sitting at work and not being busy! Keep me busy dammit. I'm looking forward to my vacation, it will be nice not to have to think about anything... just sun and sand. We'll see how traveling with the family goes... it might be a challenge! This is a picture of part of my bookshelf, some of my Mum's old books and my grandfathers radio.

26OCT2011 - Catching up with Candice

Candice came over after work yesterday for drinks... it was so nice to see her, I miss working with her! She got to see my new place and we got to talk girl talk. It was a night of wine and gossip. My roommate was over with her beau too, so lots of fun.
I am at a loss for words, I feel like all of this "hurry up and write" writing is sucking me dry! This picture was taken of my little "zebra" plant, I don't know the official name but it's some kind of succulent.

25OCT2011 - Time Traveling

Now this is time management at it's best, I am doing tomorrow's post today since I know I won't have time tomorrow! Look at me go! This is me trying really hard to keep on top of all this bloody blogging. I feel like I spend more time writing and taking pictures about what is going on than actually doing everything. This is how I feel about scrapbooking, you spend all this time making your memories pretty you forget to make new ones! No offense to those who find great joy in scrapbooking, just not my cup of tea. This is another picture from dinner time, nothing overly creative. Almost four months, but I'm already running out of ideas. This is hard, I hate to admit it... I really do, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that this is much harder and involves more committment than I was ready for. I will keep on trucking, I'm not ready to admit complete defeat yet, I'm just going to complain about it for now! Thanks to all those that encourage me and read my rantings, I appreciate your support!

24OCT2011 - Self Potrait No.1

Monday, we meet again. I had an early call with a client today, it went well... my other call didn't, but we expected that it wouldn't based on "unforeseen circumstances". I was a little numb from my lack of sleep, other than that it was a good day. This is a self-portrait... still in work clothes and cooking dinner, never a smart combination but I risked it today and came out on top! I haven't done a self-portrait yet, I thought maybe it was about time! I hear the timers going in the kitchen, better run before I burn something and have to start all over!

23OCT2011 - Dinner Time

I took a plethora of pictures today as I didn't take one yesterday and I likely won't take one tomorrow as we all know Tuesday has been renamed Danceday.  This picture was taken whilst I made dinner, these little guys are my entire Salt & Pepper shaker collection. I couldn't decide which set to use, so I decided to use them both. It looks like the frog got caught stealing a look at the little birdie. Anyways, I feel like I'm losing my mind... I'm anthropomorphising inanimate animals... things are getting bad! Time to eat!

22OCT2011 - Casa Fiesta

I never got to finish my posts last night, too much fun with Holly and then Alyssa came home so more chatting! Then I had to get up early, but no sleep as my next door neighbour decided a political debate outside my bedroom window was much needed at 3am. Thank you sir!
This picture of Holly & Kristi was taken on Saturday at Ilka & Arturo's house-warming... tons of fun! There was enough dancing that the main floor ceiling was bowing under the weight! Those Mexicans sure like to dance!

21OCT2011 - Time Management

Holly isn't here yet, I'm feeling ambitious... meaning she should arrive any second if my lack of time management skills have told me anything, it's that I tend to start projects at inappropriate times! This picture, ALSO not taken this week but in the Balitmore train station on my way to DC. There were these fabulous lamps on the ends of the wooden benches in the waiting zone. And, Holly is here! Haha, if I am so good at knowing when NOT to start a project... why does this habit continue to haunt me? We'll have to revisit this in a later post!

20OCT2011 - Eight Arms to Hold You

Who's behind the eight ball again?! I cannot keep up with this bloody blog, it is beginning to break me! I just can't carry my camera with me everywhere I go for an entire year, I just don't think I can do it! I'm not quitting (yet), but I'm just saying this has become a serious undertaking!
Holly is on her way over now, so I'm trying to get one very late post in so I only have three to do after she leaves! Clearly I did not take this picture this week, this was from the Baltimore Aquarium. This is an octopus, whose name is Donnie. I didn't make up the name, I would've chosen a more fitting name (something a little more mysterious)... not something with a "New Kids on The Block" influence. Alas, I am not in the octopus-naming game so I suppose I can't complain! They are absolutely fascinating creatures, but before I get all "Nature of Things" on you I really do have to get ready for Holly!

19OCT2011 - Single in the City

Two posts in one night seem to be too much for me tonight... I feel like I'm all out of words. This is a picture I took in a graveyard in Baltimore, I didn't take my camera out tonight on my "after work walk"... apparently I AM an old maid, who takes an after work walk?! I'm glad I took my trip, it's gave me the chance to learn how to spend my time alone and enjoy it. Being single in the city is like being on a business trip in a strange city, a lot of alone time. You get to do whatever you want, but you do 99% of it alone. It's not a terrible thing, but on some days it's just not what you'd prefer.

18OCT2011 - Mad Races

Yesterday was Rumba night, so no pictures! I'm feeling lazy today so alas, still no fresh pictures. It was a cluster-fuck of a day... again. It's been a trying few days at work. I made myself a "bachelorette" dinner... leftovers and hot dogs. So, now I'm enjoying a couple glasses of wine and getting my art stuff out, I want to get back to my art. I find myself part of the rat-race and I don't think that I want to be! I want to draw, paint, write, bake, dance... basically, everything other than play part in this mad race!

17OCT2011 - Occupy Life

I'm not understanding this whole "Occupy Wall Street" business. I love a good debate and agree things need to change, however, I do not think sitting on a curb with a cardboard sign is actually going to accomplish anything. There are two ways to change things, one - work really hard and/or two - get a good education and change things from the "inside". How many people standing on the street protesting are in possession of an iPhone? How many drove down in a car made in America? Did anyone drink a Starbucks that day? It's all big business... like my co-worker said today, we need big business and it needs us. I understand the point of it all, the "man" is getting all the money and everyone is doing without but there are better ways to achieve this. Be smarter with your choices... start small, like buying local groceries. The thing is when it comes down to it, the majority of people aren't even willing to spend the extra money on local produce and ethically raised meat. Big business is winning because people are cheap and lazy. Making conscientious decisions is hard work, and can even be expensive at times. Okay, I will get down off of my soap box... I could go on about this all night, people and thinking that standing on a street corner with a flower is going to magically grant world peace... you and Miss Universe both. Anyway, I stayed away from Wall Street today and went for a nice long walk around my place and came home to a casual dinner with pomegranate for dessert... and this is the evidence.

16OCT2011 - Prairie Skeletons

Today I spent the day in bed, then Meg came over and we walked around my new neighbourhood and I dragged her grocery shopping with me! Then I made my week lunches (I'm such an old lady... which 29 year do you know that meal plans for the week?). I need to get out there, get a date or something... I carried my camera around today, but didn't really see anything I felt inclined to take a picture of. This picture is from the Winnipeg portion of my trip, this is a skeleton (I can't recall the exact species, I apologize) in the Manitoba Museum.

15OCT2011 - City Hall

This is another picture of City Hall, which is right across the street from my new place. The sun was shining, it was a lovely day yesterday. Suzanne came over, we had too much wine before we went to dinner and it snowballed from there. We ended up at The Blarney Stone, which is apparently where 20-something hipsters go to die. Talk about a sure-fire way to feel old, go to a bar where no one is A: wearing pants and B: over 25. I was definitely feeling a little "green around the gills" this morning, not enough sleep and far too much to drink! I don't have it in me anymore, I want to be able to go out without having to surround myself with people who have birthdays in the 1990's. I remember being able to stay up all night, drink too much and be able to go to work the next day! The times they are a changin'....

14OCT2011 - Weekly Catch-Up

I find myself doing my weekly catch-up, I had dancing on Friday so I failed to get a picture taken as I decided that sleep will prevail. Right now I am sitting on the couch with my dinner watching Sex In The City, I haven't watched it in a long time... maybe even years! Since I didn't take a picture on Friday, I am borrowing from my trip to DC. This picture was taken in Union Station just as I got off the train from Baltimore. I really liked the East Coast... more "real" men, more history; it was all fantastic. I do have to admit Vancouver is a pretty nice town (when it's not raining, so 3 months of the year this is an amazing city). Anyways, no time for chit-chat... I have two more posts to finish before I can relax!

13OCT2011 - Pub Night

Just got home from a Canuck-game watching pub night with a few people from work... it was a lot of fun and I got the chance to chat with some people I'd never gotten to know before. A cool group of people! The Canucks lost, again... definitely not off to a great season, glad I didn't splurge on cable to watch the games! This way I can at least socialize when the Canucks are losing. Even the Jets lost tonight... c'mon guys! I can't pick a team if neither one is going to do well! I think I'm mostly settled in my place... 99% of the unpacking is done! Just a few pieces coming in from friends to complete the place and I'm all done! I'm happy to have it finished, I am no fan of disorganization! I was lazy after my pub night and took this picture from my apartment... this is the night-time view out my front living room window! Vancouver City Hall... at least I'll always know what time it is!

12OCT2011 - Church Bells

This picture was also taken on my walk today, it is a church a few blocks away. I am loving my new neighbourhood, I look foward to being settled in and having more time and energy to explore. I'm not sure if this will be a long term living arrangement and if it's not, I don't know if I'll stay in the province so I want to enjoy it all while I can! It's time to relax, so I will sign off for tonight.

11OCT2011 - Dancing Routine

Last night I was back to dance class... I really missed dancing while I was away, it was great to be back. I didn't get the chance to take a picture since I was dancing and then had to make my way back to Vancouver. This is a picture of a mural outside of an art studio in my new neighbourhood. I am absolutely exhausted, it was a frustrating day at work. I am going to have a hot bath and go to bed as soon as I'm caught up with all of my posts.

10OCT2011 - Happy Thanksgiving

I have been organizing all day and feel like I have gotten nowhere! This is so frustrating, I would love to be done with all the boxes and stuff. I feel like I have too much stuff... I don't want any more stuff! Plus there is still stuff at my Mum's house, waiting for me to go through it! What is up with all the stuff?! There is going to be a lot of purging happening in my house, this is ridiculous; especially for someone who moves so much! I need to lighten the load if I want to continue being a nomad!

Oh, yes, Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong I am thankful, just feel a little stuck today. I am thankful for: the opportunities that life has presented me and my and my families health. Life is good and my computer just died, so I'm plugged back in and that is my cue to get myself ready to head back to work tomorrow and get to bed! Before I go, this picture was taken in Winnipeg outside of the Legislative building... I already miss the expansive prairie sky...

09OCT2011 - Glowing Trees

Sunday was a day of errands and catching up with Mum... we had our Thanksgiving dinner too, just the two of us. I'm at a loss for words, so I will keep this entry particularly short. Once again, I didn't manage to take a new picture yesterday either... the day honestly just escaped me, and I totally forgot until I was lying in bed that I'd forgotten a picture. This picture was taken in Washington DC in the Smithsonian Art Garden, it is a tree made of metal... I liked the way it had a certain glow to it against the grey sky.

08OCT2011 - Bedazzled Buses

I didn't take any pictures on Saturday, I spent the day unpacking and organizing before going off to Mum's for dinner and a toga party with Meg. The toga party was a lot of fun, some really creative togas! It was hard to stay long but I was trying to get back on to west-coast time... I've never really felt this jet-lagged before, usually I just keep on trucking. I considered taking my camera to the toga party, but I really didn't want to lug it around! So, this picture was taken when I was in Baltimore on my weekend off. This is a "bedazzled" school bus outside of the Contemporary Art Museum... a mirror-ball meets a school bus!

07OCT2011 - Homeward Bound

These last two weeks have really been eye-opening for me, a fantastic experience. It was good for me to travel alone, never mind take my first business trip solo. It was the push into independence that I needed, I'd never even eaten dinner out alone before, I'd never taken a train-ride, I'd never seen a movie alone, I'd never eaten so much seafood... this trip has really given me wings! That was a terrible pun, but it's true. I was so happy to come home to my own (albeit, empty) bed but it seemed strange to be home... like nothing had happened, like all that build-up before I'd done away for all for not. I don't even really want to go back to my "desk" job, I want to get back on a plane! This picture was taken on my flight home as the sun was setting over the prairie sky, a breathtaking sight.

06OCT2011 - I Had Crabs

I cannot believe how time got away from me! I'm FIVE days behind and had no idea I had this much catching up to do! This picture was taken on my last night in Baltimore, the lovely people I had been working with took myself and Alyson out for steamed crabs! They basically dump this pile of WHOLE steamed crabs on your table (which is covered with kraft paper and equipped with wooden mallets) and you just dig in... no cutlery, just your hands. I am not one for seafood on a good day, and had already made the exception for catfish tacos and crabcakes earlier in my stay, so I had already stretched my inability to experiment with food. I was even nervous all day before we went for dinner! I didn't want to make a complete ass out of myself; but they only laughed at me a little bit. I was like a baby bird, as the other four picked out pieces of crab and gave it to me to pick away at. By the end (and 3 martinis later) I was ready to partially rip open my own crab, and with a little help, I did it!

05OCT2011 - Charm City

Another long day... but Alyson & I went for a walk, took some pictures and enjoyed dinner in Historic Fell's Point. The male to female ratio in this town is about 3:1, simply magical! Then a nursing convention comes to town (I kid you not, 7500 nurses is what I've been told)... and frankly, I have to wonder, will I ever catch a break?! It was so nice being surrounded by so much testosterone, but the estrogen has seeped back in so now it feels like Vancouver... all it has to do is rain! I think Alyson might be right, I might have to go back to the prairies (or apparently the Eastern US) to find a man! Regardless, this trip has been great; it has been fun and I have learned a lot about myself and gotten a much-needed crash course in self-sufficiency... All these solo dinners, movies, walks, shopping trips and tourist excursions, I might be all that I need! This picture was taken on our walk, it was a building used in Homicide: Life on The Street (a television show; I've heard of it but honestly, never seen it).

04OCT2011 - Ocean Tides

I also went to the Baltimore Aquarium on Sunday, and this is (obviously) a picture of one of the jellyfish. It was a fairly impressive aquarium, much bigger than Vancouver... which always surprises me, Vancouver is a large city with a complete lack of any notable museums/aquariums or attractions (unless you count the mountains). As I play catch-up I am listening to Tom Jones "Delilah", what a great song (I'm trying to get Cherchez La Femme out of my head, and don't ask why I have some random disco song stuck in my head... I haven't heard it for ages)!

03OCT2011 - Ends of the Earth

Funny, I didn't realize I was a couple of days behind in my blog! That's what happens when you are working 10-12 hour days and then only making it as far as the nearest happy hour... I was fairly well behaved when I was here on my own, now that I have a co-worker I appear to feel four glasses of wine a night is an acceptable practice! I'm definitely looking forward to sleep and home-cooked meals in a couple of days! This picture was taken outside of the Contemporary Art Museum on Sunday as I walked from the ends of the earth (from Fort McHenry back to my hotel... much further than I had ever wanted to walk).

02OCT2011 - Oh Say Can You See

Wow... I walked a lot today! One of those days where you set off and expect a little bit of walking, but at the same time you expected the buses and/or water taxis to actually stop at designated stops and not drive right by you! I went to Fort McHenry today (war of 1812, the Star Spangled Banner was written watching the British attack the fort), along with the Contemporary Art Museum (too "abstract" for me) and the Baltimore Aquarium. All were interesting; the Fort was lacking in that in Canada our forts always have period actors so it's not quite so deserted! The Aquarium was FULL of children... and after walking many more miles than I'd wanted I wasn't in the mood for kids licking everything. Do they have "Adult only" time at Aquariums or Museums? If they don't, I think it would be lovely... I want to learn to and I don't think I should be subjected to all kinds of screaming while I do so. Case in point: the Aquarium had a tropical rain forest exhibit complete with macaw parrots... the sound those parrots can most accurately mimic? That of a screaming child. They hear screaming kids enough that they have developed an uncanny impression. I know my friends that have kids are going to think I'm a selfish ass for writing that, but such is life! Anyway, this picture is from Fort McHenry (you can see the gloomy Vancouver weather has finally caught up with me on the East Coast). Now it is off to bed as I have a very early start again tomorrow... I look forward to Friday, at home in my own bed.

01OCT2011 - All Hail The Chief

Washington DC is amazing, there are so many things to see and no time to see it all in one day! The history is fabulous and everything is on such a large scale! I wanted to take a Segway tour but it was pouring rain (30% chance of precipitation usually means "not likely", if a monsoon is coming up the percentage a bit so people are ready) so I settled with one of those hop-on/hop-off tours. Those are great for the things you just want to drive-by, like most of the memorials and Arlington Cemetery and then you can stop and go into a couple museums and just back right back on. In spite of the frequent bus-riding, I did end up walking a lot in order to get some good pictures so I got very wet. I started the day out with my hair done, and by the end of the day it looked like I was trying to impersonate Lambchop... not digging the "Annie" look. Anyways, I didn't go for a fashion show so I really didn't care... it just would have been preferable to have the hot weather Baltimore had been having all week today! I only saw part of the Aerospace/Flight Museum and all of the Natural History Museum plus the Smithsonian Castle... and all of the National Mall (Capital Hill, Washington Monument, The White House, The Lincoln Memorial, The WWI Memorial, The WWII Memorial, The Jefferson Memorial, The Vietnam Memorial, The Korean War Memorial and more). I took my first train ride today too, I like the train! And I liked DC, I look forward to being able to go back and see more! This picture was taken in the Lincoln Memorial, it is amazing the size of the memorial! It looks huge in magazines, but it doesn't compare to how it looks in person!