Friday, July 29, 2005
Bergdorf Blondes
Bergdorf Blondes, by Plum Sykes
This book was next up in the summer of chick lit.
This one was so over the top in air-head fun, it was great...until 3/4 of the way through, when it seemed like the author decided that she needed to get to some kind of plot climax (I was pretty happy about reading out their ridiculous lives) so that the book could end (I guess that's something important).
Getting to that ending was like pulling teeth. It was almost as frustratingly annoying as chick flick! This one was predictable, but so far-fetched, that I just groaned and was so put off when all happiness and perfection broke loose. It was ridiculous.
-picture courtesy of chapters.indigo.ca
This book was next up in the summer of chick lit.This one was so over the top in air-head fun, it was great...until 3/4 of the way through, when it seemed like the author decided that she needed to get to some kind of plot climax (I was pretty happy about reading out their ridiculous lives) so that the book could end (I guess that's something important).
Getting to that ending was like pulling teeth. It was almost as frustratingly annoying as chick flick! This one was predictable, but so far-fetched, that I just groaned and was so put off when all happiness and perfection broke loose. It was ridiculous.
-picture courtesy of chapters.indigo.ca
Thursday, July 28, 2005
They're watching...
I'm wandering around a major shopping mall in Toronto, and as I pass by the entrance of a major department store two casually dressed men wearing black leather gloves and headsets walk up to an unassuming teen aged (I think, I'm bad at guessing ages) girl with a backpack who seems to have just purchased something from the store (there's a bag of merchandise in her hand). The two averaged sized men swiftly came beside her and stop her. One looks inside her bag of merchandise, and the other grabs her arm and holds onto it while he looks inside her backpack. It looked like a pretty routine, "the alarm beeped when you walked out of the store, so we must have forgotten to take the tags of your merchandise" kind of stop, except for I never heard any beeping (maybe it happned before I arrived on the scene) and of course there were the fancied up men. Still grabbing her arm, they take her back into the store, and towards the escalator. Being the nosy girl I am, always wanting a piece of the action, I decide to follow them in. They go upstairs and take her into some back room (I wasn't following close enough to really see where they went). All the employees are staring and whispering, but none of the shoppers seem to notice that anything's up.
I wonder what happened in this story half and hour before and after my rendition of it...
******
A short while later, in the same mall, but in a very different department store, a well-dressed man walks by, whispering into a walkie talkie "yup, I just walked by them...the two of them". I looked over to see who he was refering to hoping for some more excitement in my day. The walkie-talkie man kept walking and by now has disappeared, whereas I casually loiter around the "two of them" but don't seem to see anyone else who is as interested in them as I am...but I'm sure they're around. After a little bit, nothing seems to happen, and I make my departure. A lady can only loiter so long in the Men's Department.
I wonder what happened in this story half and hour before and after my rendition of it...
I wonder what happened in this story half and hour before and after my rendition of it...
******
A short while later, in the same mall, but in a very different department store, a well-dressed man walks by, whispering into a walkie talkie "yup, I just walked by them...the two of them". I looked over to see who he was refering to hoping for some more excitement in my day. The walkie-talkie man kept walking and by now has disappeared, whereas I casually loiter around the "two of them" but don't seem to see anyone else who is as interested in them as I am...but I'm sure they're around. After a little bit, nothing seems to happen, and I make my departure. A lady can only loiter so long in the Men's Department.
I wonder what happened in this story half and hour before and after my rendition of it...
Who can say no to pink?
I've been itching to get a bag from this store since it's "Rugby" days, but never worked up the nerve to open up the wallet for one no matter how many times I was told "it's an investment!" by various people in the know.
For many years, I would walk by the store (I conveniently worked down the street), enter with a smile, say hello to the nice gentlemen, look longingly, sigh, and leave...utterly deflated.
Well, I did it. After much stress, I bought a bag from there.
Some rationale in no particular order:
1. It's a travel tote (which I've been wanting for a long time)
2. It's the prettiest shade of pink ever
3. It's on sale
4. It's super soft
5. It's SO me
6. It's multi-functional
7. It's unique - or at least I hope I don't see (m)any people with it
8. It's an investment!
Imagine this in the prettiest pink possible...that's the one I've got! And for the sake of my selfishness (and rationale #7), for the love of all things fabulous, please don't go out and buy a matching one!
Go on, congratulate me on my fab purchase and let me bask in your jealously! =)
Next on the list: A black "teacher-y/professional/chic" bag
P.S. Special mention to the two fantastic fashionistas who did just the right amount of convincing on this "luckily" rainy day.
-picture courtesy of www.hilary.com
For many years, I would walk by the store (I conveniently worked down the street), enter with a smile, say hello to the nice gentlemen, look longingly, sigh, and leave...utterly deflated.
Well, I did it. After much stress, I bought a bag from there.
Some rationale in no particular order:
1. It's a travel tote (which I've been wanting for a long time)
2. It's the prettiest shade of pink ever
3. It's on sale
4. It's super soft
5. It's SO me
6. It's multi-functional
7. It's unique - or at least I hope I don't see (m)any people with it
8. It's an investment!
Imagine this in the prettiest pink possible...that's the one I've got! And for the sake of my selfishness (and rationale #7), for the love of all things fabulous, please don't go out and buy a matching one!Go on, congratulate me on my fab purchase and let me bask in your jealously! =)
Next on the list: A black "teacher-y/professional/chic" bag
P.S. Special mention to the two fantastic fashionistas who did just the right amount of convincing on this "luckily" rainy day.
-picture courtesy of www.hilary.com
Another dream fullfilled?!?
I've found something to play out my dreams of waitressing, since I think that I won't be taking orders anytime soon!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Music to my ears
It's a common question: "What kind of music do you listen to?"
I never really have a good answer. For all intensive purposes, my answer is "everything", and that's pretty boring, but it's the truth.
Or even worse: "What's your favorite band?"
Or how about: "What's your favorite kind of music?"
I don't know the answer. Music is music is music. There's some kinds of music that I like better than others, but I listen to everything. All music is good for your soul.
I don't own a walkman. I don't own a discman. I don't own an mp3 player. I don't own a stereo. I don't own an iPod. I think those are a couple reasons why I don't get obsessed about certain types of music.
Oh, I guess I lied a bit. I do own a walkman or discman, but I don't use either of them. And they're both hand-me downs anyway.
At work I will put on MTV Radio to pep up the workroom. At home (in Neuch) I flip my telly to MTV France quite often.
My radio (in Neuch) is set to Espace 2 which I listen to before bed, and am woken up to the same sounds.
Here in Toronto, the radio in my room and in the car is set to Classical 96.3FM. Sometimes I switch to some kind of Top 40 station, but I usually end up back on Classical.
I grew up sitting in the backseat, listening to CBC Radio, before it became "Radio One". AM radio was where it was at. 740AM if I'm not mistaken (still remember listening to the show when they switched over and the personalities were joking about how they would have to learn how to use "FM" voices). Many nights of "As It Happens" (Radio That or The Show That *insert punch line here*) to the ballet studio and on the way home, "Ideas" which meant it was time for bed. Knew we were late for Chinese School if "The House" had already started. If we timed getting picked-up right, we got to hear the Gremlins theme song and "Double Exposure". I think that show is the only reason I know how different politicians sound. Couldn't wait for "Quirks and Quarks", and still love the show even after Jay Ingram passed on the torch to Bob McDonald. Knew the end of the Saturday driving marathon was coming to an end if "The Inside Track" and "definitely Not The Opera" had come and gone. I still do a double take when I hear Sook-Yin Lee's voice nowadays, because I still think of her as a Much Music VJ (I know, it's been awhile). And the hush that comes over the car (even to this day) when the beeps come on signaling the big hand reaching the 12 and the hourly news soon to follow.
In Grade 7 I decided to be cool and listen to 640AM with Tarzan Dan. That station folded, and years of following him along with the Jesse and Gene (don't know spelling - it was radio) Morning Show through various AM and FM Top 40 stations passed by.
The car radio has many stations pre-programmed that I'll flip through, but classical music seems to win out at the end.
Anyway, the point of this post was to say that I think I'll post some names of classical music pieces every so often just for fun. They'll probably be pieces that I enjoy for a variety of reasons. Take what you'd like out of my choices.
I never really have a good answer. For all intensive purposes, my answer is "everything", and that's pretty boring, but it's the truth.
Or even worse: "What's your favorite band?"
Or how about: "What's your favorite kind of music?"
I don't know the answer. Music is music is music. There's some kinds of music that I like better than others, but I listen to everything. All music is good for your soul.
I don't own a walkman. I don't own a discman. I don't own an mp3 player. I don't own a stereo. I don't own an iPod. I think those are a couple reasons why I don't get obsessed about certain types of music.
Oh, I guess I lied a bit. I do own a walkman or discman, but I don't use either of them. And they're both hand-me downs anyway.
At work I will put on MTV Radio to pep up the workroom. At home (in Neuch) I flip my telly to MTV France quite often.
My radio (in Neuch) is set to Espace 2 which I listen to before bed, and am woken up to the same sounds.
Here in Toronto, the radio in my room and in the car is set to Classical 96.3FM. Sometimes I switch to some kind of Top 40 station, but I usually end up back on Classical.
I grew up sitting in the backseat, listening to CBC Radio, before it became "Radio One". AM radio was where it was at. 740AM if I'm not mistaken (still remember listening to the show when they switched over and the personalities were joking about how they would have to learn how to use "FM" voices). Many nights of "As It Happens" (Radio That or The Show That *insert punch line here*) to the ballet studio and on the way home, "Ideas" which meant it was time for bed. Knew we were late for Chinese School if "The House" had already started. If we timed getting picked-up right, we got to hear the Gremlins theme song and "Double Exposure". I think that show is the only reason I know how different politicians sound. Couldn't wait for "Quirks and Quarks", and still love the show even after Jay Ingram passed on the torch to Bob McDonald. Knew the end of the Saturday driving marathon was coming to an end if "The Inside Track" and "definitely Not The Opera" had come and gone. I still do a double take when I hear Sook-Yin Lee's voice nowadays, because I still think of her as a Much Music VJ (I know, it's been awhile). And the hush that comes over the car (even to this day) when the beeps come on signaling the big hand reaching the 12 and the hourly news soon to follow.
In Grade 7 I decided to be cool and listen to 640AM with Tarzan Dan. That station folded, and years of following him along with the Jesse and Gene (don't know spelling - it was radio) Morning Show through various AM and FM Top 40 stations passed by.
The car radio has many stations pre-programmed that I'll flip through, but classical music seems to win out at the end.
Anyway, the point of this post was to say that I think I'll post some names of classical music pieces every so often just for fun. They'll probably be pieces that I enjoy for a variety of reasons. Take what you'd like out of my choices.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Epic
Last night, I dined at Epic...the newish restaurant at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
Although Summerlicious was on, we decided to pass on it, and look at their full menu.
I asked the waiter for some kind of non-alcoholic drink (fruity, please) and he came back with the bartender's creation of a yellowish orange drink garnished with a lemon and an orange. It was quite pineapple-y, but wasn't bad.
We turned our attention to the "Water Menu". That's right. As a non-alcoholic, I was excited at the prospects of being able to sample some fine drinks. Sadly, the Swiss were not represented on the list, however I recognized most of the French and Italian labels. We ended up picking a sparkling Voss from Norway and a still Gleneagles from Scotland to start. Unfortunately, the water sommelier didn't come by to help us with our selections (we're thinking he wasn't working that evening).
I found the Voss very smooth. And for some reason, the Gleneagles was very filling. I think I've lost the taste of still water. Garnishes of lemon, lime, cucumber and ginger provided to be excellent. I quite enjoyed ginger in the sparkling water. It only accentuated the bite, and added that ginger essence that I have come to love.
We were given a Black Bean and Mango Salsa with a small tortilla which was quite delicious to whet our appetites and the bread was quite nice as well.
My appetizer was a Yam and Vanilla Bean Soup with Mascarpone Cheese Infused with Ginger. The mascarpone was delicious. It was quite a large bowl, and it got quite rich by the end. It was quite nice, but I think I would have enjoyed a smaller bowl with a thicker soup.
We were out of the Voss, so we decided to sample the Galvanina Blu. I thought this one had more bite, but the bubbles were so small you couldn't feel them.
My entree was Jumbo Gulf Shrimp served with Pineapple, Mango and Purple Potatoes. The shrimp wasn't anything too special, and it was such a weird contrast to how filling my appetizer was.
My dessert selection was rather limited due to the overwhelming choices with an alcoholic content. I didn't feel like asking if anything could be made without the alcohol and I didn't really need to because I was quite happy with my selection of a delicious chocolate cake served with a scoop of ice cream (don't remember the flavour - it was something unique I'm sure...but the flavour wasn't overpowering, hence not remembering what it was). The cake had the most gooey filling and the chocolate was fabulous (hey, I know good chocolate).
Petit-fours weren't too special - a pistachio biscuit, macaroon and a chocolate with a disappointing centre.
Our waiter was very pleasant and the service was quite nice. From looking around at the platters presented to Summerlicious diners, it really showed that you really don't get the chef's best food with that deal. An enjoyable meal, but next time might just sample a few appetizers and skip the entree, drink some great water and have a delicious dessert.
Although Summerlicious was on, we decided to pass on it, and look at their full menu.
I asked the waiter for some kind of non-alcoholic drink (fruity, please) and he came back with the bartender's creation of a yellowish orange drink garnished with a lemon and an orange. It was quite pineapple-y, but wasn't bad.
We turned our attention to the "Water Menu". That's right. As a non-alcoholic, I was excited at the prospects of being able to sample some fine drinks. Sadly, the Swiss were not represented on the list, however I recognized most of the French and Italian labels. We ended up picking a sparkling Voss from Norway and a still Gleneagles from Scotland to start. Unfortunately, the water sommelier didn't come by to help us with our selections (we're thinking he wasn't working that evening).
I found the Voss very smooth. And for some reason, the Gleneagles was very filling. I think I've lost the taste of still water. Garnishes of lemon, lime, cucumber and ginger provided to be excellent. I quite enjoyed ginger in the sparkling water. It only accentuated the bite, and added that ginger essence that I have come to love.
We were given a Black Bean and Mango Salsa with a small tortilla which was quite delicious to whet our appetites and the bread was quite nice as well.
My appetizer was a Yam and Vanilla Bean Soup with Mascarpone Cheese Infused with Ginger. The mascarpone was delicious. It was quite a large bowl, and it got quite rich by the end. It was quite nice, but I think I would have enjoyed a smaller bowl with a thicker soup.
We were out of the Voss, so we decided to sample the Galvanina Blu. I thought this one had more bite, but the bubbles were so small you couldn't feel them.
My entree was Jumbo Gulf Shrimp served with Pineapple, Mango and Purple Potatoes. The shrimp wasn't anything too special, and it was such a weird contrast to how filling my appetizer was.
My dessert selection was rather limited due to the overwhelming choices with an alcoholic content. I didn't feel like asking if anything could be made without the alcohol and I didn't really need to because I was quite happy with my selection of a delicious chocolate cake served with a scoop of ice cream (don't remember the flavour - it was something unique I'm sure...but the flavour wasn't overpowering, hence not remembering what it was). The cake had the most gooey filling and the chocolate was fabulous (hey, I know good chocolate).
Petit-fours weren't too special - a pistachio biscuit, macaroon and a chocolate with a disappointing centre.
Our waiter was very pleasant and the service was quite nice. From looking around at the platters presented to Summerlicious diners, it really showed that you really don't get the chef's best food with that deal. An enjoyable meal, but next time might just sample a few appetizers and skip the entree, drink some great water and have a delicious dessert.
Beaches International Jazz Festival
Friday night, I went with some friends to the Beaches International Jazz Festival Streetfest.
We lucked out and found a parking spot super close by Queen St, and walked into the action. It was a gorgeous night. Not too hot...there was just enough breeze.
Queen St. East (between Coxwell and Victoria Park) is closed down for the event and a variety of musical acts, food/drink stands, craft tables are set up alond the sides of the street. Some stores are open later for the event and ice cream parlours including yummy Ben & Jerry's were in high demand. I decided to try "In A Crunch" and "The Last Straw". They weren't too bad. I think I was still really full from dinner at Saigon Sister just off of Yonge/Bloor to really be able to enjoy the ice cream. But of course I wasn't going to say no!
We walked pretty far down Queen St. I don't remember to where, but I think the streetfest has extended further than it used to be, because looking off into the distance it didn't look like the partying stopped. I could see a sea of people to forever.
I didn't pay enough attention to which band was which, but I really did enjoy the music. I guess you don't really need to be able to see the musicians to enjoy the music, but sometimes it was just a little too crowded for my liking. Not, "shoving people out of the way" kind of crowded (well, sometimes it was), but I felt too far away from the music.
I think my strategy for next time is to get a cold drink, pick a nice slab of sidewalk, and sit and chat the night away while listening to the fabulous music all around.
Walking back to the car, we walked on the boardwalk. Looking south, there was a dark void lit up by a fast rising, quite full moon. At the horizon is was a beautiful red/orange and turn yellow the higher and higher it flew. Stars speckled the night sky and I was very happy. Looking west, a bright sky reflecting the downtown Toronto nightlife had its share of speckling lights from the CN Tower and neighbouring skyscrapers.
And I couldn't be happier riding the fluorescent lit TTC subway all the way home.
I like it here in Toronto.
We lucked out and found a parking spot super close by Queen St, and walked into the action. It was a gorgeous night. Not too hot...there was just enough breeze.
Queen St. East (between Coxwell and Victoria Park) is closed down for the event and a variety of musical acts, food/drink stands, craft tables are set up alond the sides of the street. Some stores are open later for the event and ice cream parlours including yummy Ben & Jerry's were in high demand. I decided to try "In A Crunch" and "The Last Straw". They weren't too bad. I think I was still really full from dinner at Saigon Sister just off of Yonge/Bloor to really be able to enjoy the ice cream. But of course I wasn't going to say no!
We walked pretty far down Queen St. I don't remember to where, but I think the streetfest has extended further than it used to be, because looking off into the distance it didn't look like the partying stopped. I could see a sea of people to forever.
I didn't pay enough attention to which band was which, but I really did enjoy the music. I guess you don't really need to be able to see the musicians to enjoy the music, but sometimes it was just a little too crowded for my liking. Not, "shoving people out of the way" kind of crowded (well, sometimes it was), but I felt too far away from the music.
I think my strategy for next time is to get a cold drink, pick a nice slab of sidewalk, and sit and chat the night away while listening to the fabulous music all around.
Walking back to the car, we walked on the boardwalk. Looking south, there was a dark void lit up by a fast rising, quite full moon. At the horizon is was a beautiful red/orange and turn yellow the higher and higher it flew. Stars speckled the night sky and I was very happy. Looking west, a bright sky reflecting the downtown Toronto nightlife had its share of speckling lights from the CN Tower and neighbouring skyscrapers.
And I couldn't be happier riding the fluorescent lit TTC subway all the way home.
I like it here in Toronto.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Shopaholic Ties the Knot
Shopaholic Ties the Knot, by Sophie Kinsella
The third of the Shopaholic series, yet another quick read, but either I'm getting bored of reading this series (which, if this is the case, no worries, because I don't have any more to read) or else this one wasn't as good. I flipped by a couple pages at the 2/3 point.
As always, it's still the same story line as before, except that you know at the end she's going to get married. It's always a happy ending for these kinds of books, but I gotta say that getting to the happy ending in this one seemed a little forced. The first part of the solution to the big issue in this book just seemed so completely bogus and like the author has to resolve the issue quick so she decided to go this one route and deal with it fast. It was a little annoying...and then got crazier and certain things happened which didn't make any sense, because if they did the whole problem probably could have been dealt with the same way right from the get go.
Whatever. It's just chic lit.
So I'm done reading a whole series of books. If you want a fun read, I would highly suggest reading the Shopaholic books. They're pretty fun. I liked the first on the best though.
The third of the Shopaholic series, yet another quick read, but either I'm getting bored of reading this series (which, if this is the case, no worries, because I don't have any more to read) or else this one wasn't as good. I flipped by a couple pages at the 2/3 point.
As always, it's still the same story line as before, except that you know at the end she's going to get married. It's always a happy ending for these kinds of books, but I gotta say that getting to the happy ending in this one seemed a little forced. The first part of the solution to the big issue in this book just seemed so completely bogus and like the author has to resolve the issue quick so she decided to go this one route and deal with it fast. It was a little annoying...and then got crazier and certain things happened which didn't make any sense, because if they did the whole problem probably could have been dealt with the same way right from the get go.
Whatever. It's just chic lit.
So I'm done reading a whole series of books. If you want a fun read, I would highly suggest reading the Shopaholic books. They're pretty fun. I liked the first on the best though.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, by Sophie Kinsella
Book number two of the Shopaholic series...done!
Same sort of premise. Loves to shop. Goes into debt. Love issues. Work issues. Happy ending!
Only main difference is that a bunch of the book takes place in New York as opposed to London, so the brand names that's dropped are all different.
Another quick read, but I think I liked the first book better.
Next up: Book three of the Shopaholic series.
Book number two of the Shopaholic series...done!
Same sort of premise. Loves to shop. Goes into debt. Love issues. Work issues. Happy ending!
Only main difference is that a bunch of the book takes place in New York as opposed to London, so the brand names that's dropped are all different.
Another quick read, but I think I liked the first book better.
Next up: Book three of the Shopaholic series.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Dancing with the Stars
I didn't get a chance to watch this show, but now, after it's over, I'm hearing a little bit of buzz about it. I was looking into it, and I've realized that I've basically been watching the identical show off and on throughout the year in Neuch. Just the Italian version that I can't seem to remember the name of. I noticed that Dancing with the Stars was based on a BBC show, so I guess I wasn't watching the original one either, but it's just so strange that different countries seem to have the same shows. Yes, I know every country around the world has (or had) "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", "Survivor" and "Big Brother", but when I was watching this one, somehow I didn't think that it would fly in North America...although movie stars in North America are the equivalent of royalty in Europe, so I guess there would be a demand to see celebrities doing yet another TV show (even if they aren't A-list ones). Still it was a little weird to hear about this show being a success. I enjoyed watching the Italian one (even though I had no idea what they were saying) because the stars and their partners looked like they were having such a great time dancing, and isn't that what dancing's all about?
There's another show that I would watch off and on in Neuch. It was another Italian dance show called Amici about dancing. It might be similar-ish to the potential next dancing show phenom: So You Think You Can Dance. Because of the language barrier I couldn't completely figure out what was going on, but the dancers seemed to only have to dance classical, jazz and hip hop or something, all the participants sat on some kind of panel in the audience and would discuss each other's performances or bash each other (there was an episode with lots of crying - it was like there was some weird romance going on as well?!?), and after they were down to a smaller group of competitors it looked like they lived together in some weird set up in/nearby the television studios. For some reason I think there was singing too. It might have been more of a triple threat kind of show. The host lady had a crazy deep raspy voice and although the show was dance focused, there was a lot of question and answer stuff with the competitors, and the competitors would have to do/discuss different things. One competitor did a great impersonation of the host. It was pretty funny. Oh, of course there were judges, but they seemed pretty harmless.
Anyway, I love a good dance show (I loved the Wade Robson Project and the European version he did as well) so I hope the new show won't disappoint!
There's another show that I would watch off and on in Neuch. It was another Italian dance show called Amici about dancing. It might be similar-ish to the potential next dancing show phenom: So You Think You Can Dance. Because of the language barrier I couldn't completely figure out what was going on, but the dancers seemed to only have to dance classical, jazz and hip hop or something, all the participants sat on some kind of panel in the audience and would discuss each other's performances or bash each other (there was an episode with lots of crying - it was like there was some weird romance going on as well?!?), and after they were down to a smaller group of competitors it looked like they lived together in some weird set up in/nearby the television studios. For some reason I think there was singing too. It might have been more of a triple threat kind of show. The host lady had a crazy deep raspy voice and although the show was dance focused, there was a lot of question and answer stuff with the competitors, and the competitors would have to do/discuss different things. One competitor did a great impersonation of the host. It was pretty funny. Oh, of course there were judges, but they seemed pretty harmless.
Anyway, I love a good dance show (I loved the Wade Robson Project and the European version he did as well) so I hope the new show won't disappoint!
The baddest buttons around
Today, my brother gave me my buttons that he'd ordered for me a couple months ago.
They are SO dope. I'm going to be the coolest girl in school (come September). Everyone will be so jealous of me and my ubercool buttons (...errr...in Switzerland).
Bop bop. What-what!! Booyah. Woot woot!
I haven't figured out the coolest way to wear them yet, but it's got to be something fab.
They are SO dope. I'm going to be the coolest girl in school (come September). Everyone will be so jealous of me and my ubercool buttons (...errr...in Switzerland).
Bop bop. What-what!! Booyah. Woot woot!
I haven't figured out the coolest way to wear them yet, but it's got to be something fab.
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Confessions of a Shopaholic, by Sophie Kinsella
Continuing on with my summer of easy reading, I just finished reading the first book in the Shopaholic series (I'd read a later one earlier this year - because it was easily accessible - with quite good results).
For sure a chick-lit book, it was quite easy and fun to read. Nothing too strenuous, and while I read it off and on, little bits at a time, I never had to worry about forgetting what had just happened. As long as you could get the gist of the whole book, you were fine. I mean there were a couple things that could have happened. She shopped and blew too much money. She went to work and was bored. She got letters from the bank/credit card companies. Something about potential blossoming love.
It was definitely a perfect ending type of story, but I think with this type of book, I would be disappointed if it wasn't. Gotta love a cheesy happy ending when everything works out perfectly. A warm-fuzzies book. I hope my life has a perfect-ending!
Seriously though, the next book on my list is the second Shopaholic book (might a well go through with the whole series since I've started)...I'm sure after I'm done that one, I'll have a similar kind of reflection on it. Not too much substance, but everything perfect as expected with this kind of book. Perfect for a mindless summer.
Continuing on with my summer of easy reading, I just finished reading the first book in the Shopaholic series (I'd read a later one earlier this year - because it was easily accessible - with quite good results).
For sure a chick-lit book, it was quite easy and fun to read. Nothing too strenuous, and while I read it off and on, little bits at a time, I never had to worry about forgetting what had just happened. As long as you could get the gist of the whole book, you were fine. I mean there were a couple things that could have happened. She shopped and blew too much money. She went to work and was bored. She got letters from the bank/credit card companies. Something about potential blossoming love.
It was definitely a perfect ending type of story, but I think with this type of book, I would be disappointed if it wasn't. Gotta love a cheesy happy ending when everything works out perfectly. A warm-fuzzies book. I hope my life has a perfect-ending!
Seriously though, the next book on my list is the second Shopaholic book (might a well go through with the whole series since I've started)...I'm sure after I'm done that one, I'll have a similar kind of reflection on it. Not too much substance, but everything perfect as expected with this kind of book. Perfect for a mindless summer.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
The trip home
I left Neuch early in the morning on Wednesday, June 29th and hopped in a taxi (didn't really feel like lugging my stuff onto the bus for one last time) where upon arrival to the train station, the driver tells me that he remembers me from a previous ride (I don't remember him, but I'm not good at remembering faces) and he mentions that I'm the last passenger that he's going to have. After a brief discussion, I realise that he means forever. He's taken another job, and I'm the last person to be using his taxi services. Wow. Didn't really know what to say, except for thank you and good luck in all of his future endevours!
Took the train to Geneva Airport (love how gentlemen here always help people with their heavy stuff without you needing to ask for their help), and because I'm so great at time management, I've got plenty of time to spare, and people watch until they call my flight to board. I initially wanted to ask the lady at check-in if I could upgrade, but she seemed pretty cranky, so I didn't bother. No big loss. I probably wouldn't have gotten one anyway.
I get on the small Austrian Airlines plane to Vienna where I am to stay overnight. It's a pretty short flight, that's quite uneventful. All I really remember about the flight was that the cabin was bloody cold and that I was sitting right besdie the air conditioner. And that my legs were cramped up from putting some awkward gift-ish carry-on luggage where my feet would have liked to be.
Upon arrival to Vienna, I go to wait for my luggage, and it doesn't come. Grrr. How frustrating. So after a little bit (eating unto my well planned out afternoon) I decide to ask the airline what's going on, to find out that my luggage had been checked through to connect with my flight the next morning to Toronto, and that I wouldn't be collecting it for the night. Too bad Ms. Cranky didn't tell me that in the morning. I guess I didn't ask her, but I didn't really say much to her at all, because, well, she was so cranky! After initally asking if I could get my luggage (I didn't have all of my overnight stuff with me - even though they say you're supposed to), and then waiting around impatiently for my stuff to come (which wasn't the airline's fault by any means - I was just impatient), I decided that I really didn't want to create a hassle for the airport workers and that I could make due with what I had in my bag. The airline guy even gave me an overnight kit (which contained all the things I already had anyway). It was still a nice gesture.
I take the bus (feeling like a pro) to the hotel (which I stayed at with my parents of the winter holidays) and instantly feel anonymous with the foreign language surrounding me. I love that feeling. A lot of people feel overwhelmed, or alone, but I like it for some reason. Sure it's a little annoying to figure out what's going on, but if you let all of it wash over you, it's fine. And quite enjoyable. I had a little conversation with a man on the bus, but after awhile, we both got a little tired and decided to just watch the world go by. We arrive to our destination, and both look up what times we need to catch the bus back to the airport the next morning and part ways wishing each other the best. I love travelling!
My carry on stuff sure is awkward and heavy, but it sure beats having to wheel around all of my luggage as well. I guess leaving it with the airport does make things easier. I was just a little concerned that it wouldn't get on the right flight the next morning, but I always worry about silly stuff like that. I go confidently straight to the hotel comforted by all of the familiar sights and sounds from the last trip there. I get to the hotel and settle in to my tiny little room, coincidently just across the hall from the room that I was in last time. I settle in, get a little obsessed with the scale they have in the bathroom (never really know how much I way, and with all of my varying eating habits it's kind of interesting to see the results) and when I'm ready, I head out for a quick walk around town. My first stop is the State Opera House, where I had seen from the outside the last time, but this time I wanted to go inside and take a tour. The tour guide was quite interesting with what he had to say, but the content wasn't as interesting as the Paris Opera House Tour. This one was cool though, because we got to go backstage, and the scene was set up for Act I of Werther by Jules Massenet. The huge tree was fabulous.
Afterwards, I shopped for a bit. The Hotel Sacher got some business from me...you gotta have some delicious souvenirs to take home! I also got a pair of pants and some socks (to keep my feet warm on the airplane the next morning - I'd planned to transfer stuff from my luggage, but obviously that wouldn't work out) from H&M and some other souvenirs from other places. I was so tired that I decided to grab a couple things from the grocery store and call it a night.
It was a quiet evening (which was fine by me) with a quick dinner and then lotsa sleep (because I knew I wouldn't be getting much for a couple more days).
The next morning I take the bus back to the airport and get some money from the "tax free shopping". Wander around a bit, head to the gate, and board the big plane to Toronto.
Again, an uneventful flight (watched Brother Bear, Spanglish and Ocean's Twelve), but the landing was quite something. Well, hitting the ground was really really smooth, but after taxiing to the gate, after everyone's already standing in aisles waiting to get off (the seatbelt light hasn't even been turned off yet - people are even more impatient than I am!) the captain comes on the loudspeaker and says that there's a problem with us connecting with the tunnel. So we need to wait a bit. A little while later (we're still waiting) and he come back on the loudspeaker and says that for some reason we're still having problems but they don't want to connect a ladder with the airplane and get us off that way and he's not sure hot long the delay's going to be. Now people start getting annoyed, and I'm feeling pretty relaxed about the whole situation. I mean, there's not like there's anything I can do about it right? He gets back on and says that airport control is telling him that he needs to move the airplane to another gate, but then moments later, he says something about how he can't move the airplane and that they're going to have to tow the airplane. We had to strap ourselves back in and put our luggage back in the appropriate places becasue we were going to be moving again. Fine fine fine. People were getting a little annoyed...and annoying. Some people were trying to make light of the situation, so that was great, and there was this one incident where an elderly lady didn't want to put her carry-on luggage back into the overhead compartment. She left it in the aisle. Obviously, a flight attendant asked her to move it, and she said something in German which made him really really mad. (Blast - I wish I understood German). He was speaking in English the whole time with her, but said to her that it wasn't appropriate that she said whatever-it-was-in-German to him. He explained the rules, she still persisted...it was quite a scene. The old lady was getting so mad, she was almost going to cry. Another collegue arrived to deal with the situation, and the two flight attendants started discussion what happened in German. I wonder why his didn't just speak German to the old lady in the first place? Whatever.
Anwyay, I think by the time we got out of the airplane, we had been on the ground for an hour.
I get through customs (chatted with the customs officr for awhile) and got my luggage pretty quickly and out of the gate to meet my Dad.
I was back in Canada...and it felt a little weird.
Took the train to Geneva Airport (love how gentlemen here always help people with their heavy stuff without you needing to ask for their help), and because I'm so great at time management, I've got plenty of time to spare, and people watch until they call my flight to board. I initially wanted to ask the lady at check-in if I could upgrade, but she seemed pretty cranky, so I didn't bother. No big loss. I probably wouldn't have gotten one anyway.
I get on the small Austrian Airlines plane to Vienna where I am to stay overnight. It's a pretty short flight, that's quite uneventful. All I really remember about the flight was that the cabin was bloody cold and that I was sitting right besdie the air conditioner. And that my legs were cramped up from putting some awkward gift-ish carry-on luggage where my feet would have liked to be.
Upon arrival to Vienna, I go to wait for my luggage, and it doesn't come. Grrr. How frustrating. So after a little bit (eating unto my well planned out afternoon) I decide to ask the airline what's going on, to find out that my luggage had been checked through to connect with my flight the next morning to Toronto, and that I wouldn't be collecting it for the night. Too bad Ms. Cranky didn't tell me that in the morning. I guess I didn't ask her, but I didn't really say much to her at all, because, well, she was so cranky! After initally asking if I could get my luggage (I didn't have all of my overnight stuff with me - even though they say you're supposed to), and then waiting around impatiently for my stuff to come (which wasn't the airline's fault by any means - I was just impatient), I decided that I really didn't want to create a hassle for the airport workers and that I could make due with what I had in my bag. The airline guy even gave me an overnight kit (which contained all the things I already had anyway). It was still a nice gesture.
I take the bus (feeling like a pro) to the hotel (which I stayed at with my parents of the winter holidays) and instantly feel anonymous with the foreign language surrounding me. I love that feeling. A lot of people feel overwhelmed, or alone, but I like it for some reason. Sure it's a little annoying to figure out what's going on, but if you let all of it wash over you, it's fine. And quite enjoyable. I had a little conversation with a man on the bus, but after awhile, we both got a little tired and decided to just watch the world go by. We arrive to our destination, and both look up what times we need to catch the bus back to the airport the next morning and part ways wishing each other the best. I love travelling!
My carry on stuff sure is awkward and heavy, but it sure beats having to wheel around all of my luggage as well. I guess leaving it with the airport does make things easier. I was just a little concerned that it wouldn't get on the right flight the next morning, but I always worry about silly stuff like that. I go confidently straight to the hotel comforted by all of the familiar sights and sounds from the last trip there. I get to the hotel and settle in to my tiny little room, coincidently just across the hall from the room that I was in last time. I settle in, get a little obsessed with the scale they have in the bathroom (never really know how much I way, and with all of my varying eating habits it's kind of interesting to see the results) and when I'm ready, I head out for a quick walk around town. My first stop is the State Opera House, where I had seen from the outside the last time, but this time I wanted to go inside and take a tour. The tour guide was quite interesting with what he had to say, but the content wasn't as interesting as the Paris Opera House Tour. This one was cool though, because we got to go backstage, and the scene was set up for Act I of Werther by Jules Massenet. The huge tree was fabulous.
Afterwards, I shopped for a bit. The Hotel Sacher got some business from me...you gotta have some delicious souvenirs to take home! I also got a pair of pants and some socks (to keep my feet warm on the airplane the next morning - I'd planned to transfer stuff from my luggage, but obviously that wouldn't work out) from H&M and some other souvenirs from other places. I was so tired that I decided to grab a couple things from the grocery store and call it a night.
It was a quiet evening (which was fine by me) with a quick dinner and then lotsa sleep (because I knew I wouldn't be getting much for a couple more days).
The next morning I take the bus back to the airport and get some money from the "tax free shopping". Wander around a bit, head to the gate, and board the big plane to Toronto.
Again, an uneventful flight (watched Brother Bear, Spanglish and Ocean's Twelve), but the landing was quite something. Well, hitting the ground was really really smooth, but after taxiing to the gate, after everyone's already standing in aisles waiting to get off (the seatbelt light hasn't even been turned off yet - people are even more impatient than I am!) the captain comes on the loudspeaker and says that there's a problem with us connecting with the tunnel. So we need to wait a bit. A little while later (we're still waiting) and he come back on the loudspeaker and says that for some reason we're still having problems but they don't want to connect a ladder with the airplane and get us off that way and he's not sure hot long the delay's going to be. Now people start getting annoyed, and I'm feeling pretty relaxed about the whole situation. I mean, there's not like there's anything I can do about it right? He gets back on and says that airport control is telling him that he needs to move the airplane to another gate, but then moments later, he says something about how he can't move the airplane and that they're going to have to tow the airplane. We had to strap ourselves back in and put our luggage back in the appropriate places becasue we were going to be moving again. Fine fine fine. People were getting a little annoyed...and annoying. Some people were trying to make light of the situation, so that was great, and there was this one incident where an elderly lady didn't want to put her carry-on luggage back into the overhead compartment. She left it in the aisle. Obviously, a flight attendant asked her to move it, and she said something in German which made him really really mad. (Blast - I wish I understood German). He was speaking in English the whole time with her, but said to her that it wasn't appropriate that she said whatever-it-was-in-German to him. He explained the rules, she still persisted...it was quite a scene. The old lady was getting so mad, she was almost going to cry. Another collegue arrived to deal with the situation, and the two flight attendants started discussion what happened in German. I wonder why his didn't just speak German to the old lady in the first place? Whatever.
Anwyay, I think by the time we got out of the airplane, we had been on the ground for an hour.
I get through customs (chatted with the customs officr for awhile) and got my luggage pretty quickly and out of the gate to meet my Dad.
I was back in Canada...and it felt a little weird.
Last big fling of the year
The weekend of June 17-19, my 2nd last in Neuch before the summer (and the last that I could get away from the city) I took a trip to what may be my favorite weekend getaway trip in Europe:
PARIS
It was the third time that I went there this past year. I could keep going back forever and ever. It's just so full of life. There's so much to see and do, I love being anonymous and testing out just how good my French skills have gotten.
I went by myself and was a little anxious because I was staying at a hotel that I'd never been to before (found on the internet but booked over the phone after calling to confirm a couple details), and well, I'm usually anxious about ridiculous things...so yeah.
The train ride was pretty uneventful. It was a Neuch-->Lausanne-->Paris one since I'd booked the ticket sort of last minute, so there weren't any reserved seats left on the direct train. This also meant that I had to leave pretty darn early in the morning, but it seemed to work out well because I ended up getting a really cheap ticket because of my age. Who knew being a young-in had so many advantages?!?
When I arrived, I quickly headed toward the Metro. I felt like such a pro. I've said it before and I'll say is again: I love the Metro. I got off at my stop and surfaced at an area that looked unfamiliar to me. It took me a bit to find my bearings, but I did it, and got to the Hotel. It was cute and seemed family run. Not as scary as I'd imagined it could have been.
It was ridiculously hot that day (the sun was SO harsh), but I had no time to lounge around...I was on a mission. A wedding present mission. I took out the map and made a plan of attack. The hotel was pretty close to LaFayette and Printemps, and those were my best bets, so I figured I'd go there first, in my minimal amount of time remaining in the day and hopefully get lucky and then have the rest of the weekend to relax and do other fabulous things.
On my way out, I noticed that the Cirque du Soleil was in town on their European Tour of Saltimbanco. I'd never seen a live Cirque show, and even though this was one of their older shows, I figured, hey, I'm going to get a ticket because I deserve to go see something that I've always wanted to see (makes sense doesn't it? Usually I decide to flipside though for some reason.) Anyway, bottom line is that I splurged on a ticket and felt good about it. I figured I wasn't sure when I would have the opportunity to see a Cirque show again anytime soon, so I might as well go for it. I reasoned it (I ALWAYS need a reason) as a "congratulations for finishing your first year" present to myself. I was here in a fabulous city by myself, so I was going to do fabulous things...by myself. So I needed to get back to hotel in time to change for the show (so I had an even more limited amount of time to shop that afternoon).
I headed out and immediately turned into a sweating machine. It was disgusting, but I was on a mission, and I was sure that the fab department stores would HAVE to be air-conditioned, so I just had to get myself there and I'd be safe. I walked all the way there to soak up the streets of Paris. I just love to walk around and see different things. There are so many different areas of Paris, that I don't know if I'll ever be able to discover each one in enough detail to satisfy me.
Anyway, I go through the two fab malls with ideas of what I was looking for, but nothing really stuck out to me. What a disappointment. The ridiculously huge and lavish department stores had NOTHING?!? I couldn't believe it. A little depressed, I headed back to get ready to see the show all the while thinking about what I would have to do tomorrow to make up for the lack of items found that day.
The show was fabulous! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I think my mouth was actually hanging open in awe for most of it too. It was a smaller venue than I'd imagined, but it was really really nice. I was in the second row in almost the middle. I obviously had a great view. Of the stage, of the gags going on in the audience and of the doohickey-thingamabobber that held up the tightropes and other gadgets for the performers. It was neat to see how the crew worked so efficiently along with the performers. It was definitely a well-oiled machine. I wondered if a lot of the crew were Canadian (the performers sure weren't), or the people selling souvenirs and stuff, or did they just hire people in the area to do the job. I always thought it would be really neat to have a job like that. I still think it would be really cool to try and be a waitress too. Okay, there's a lot of things that I'd like to try to do, but I don't think that it's possible. There's just not enough time to do everything that I want to do. Such is life. My favorite act of the night was the Chinese Poles, and the clown was quite hilarious as well. I noticed that the Double Wire performer tried to repeat a trick after screwing up the first time. The second time around was a little bit better, but still not perfect. You could see her grimace, but I guess she had to keep going on. I loved the bright costumes and the music. The lighting and acting was incredible. It was better than I imagined it would be. I can't wait until the next show that I get to see. On the website, I noticed that Dralion's coming to Zurich in the fall. Wonder if I'll go or not?
It was an incredible night. The show made me so happy, but I was so exhausted when I got back to hotel. It wasn't even THAT late, but I just crashed. I had to wake up early the next day as well to make sure that I found all the objects that were on my list.
The next day, just as hot as the day before...it was torture. I had to go back to the hotel a couple times a day to cool down. After a full day of running around to so many of the shopping districts, at the end of the day, when I had basically given up, I went back to LaFayette and Printemps for one last look. Success! I don't know what happened the day before (I bet I had tunnel vision - I usually do when I'm on a mission), but there they were, exactly what I was looking for. Everything worked out. Well, not quite. I had bought everything I needed for other people like I was planning on, but at the same time, I was supposed to be looking for fabulous things for myself as well. I wasn't successful in that venture. It was a little sad. But, you know, you gotta make sacrifices for the better good right? And honestly, I could go back to Paris next year and find all of those fabulous things then. No biggie. And I got to see Cirque du Soleil for goodness sake. They couldn't take that away from me. Whoa. I'm rambling.
I went back to hotel with all of my purchases, and remembered that I hadn't eaten the whole day. No breakfast, no lunch either...and it was almost dinnertime. I'd only had a couple yogurt drinks that day. It was just too hot to eat, and I was too tired to go out to a nice sit down place, so I popped in to a grocery store and just picked up a couple things along with other items for the train ride home the next day. I got back and after just my soup, I was full. I guess the heat, along with not eating anything throughout the day just made me not have an appetite at all. So I saved all my food for the train (even though I probably wouldn't be able to eat all of it)...well, that's less groceries that I'd have to do in Neuch I guess.
I go to sleep completely exhausted, after having a little chat with the concierge in French. My French had held up pretty well that weekend. A sign that I had gotten better that year. Parisian French scare me. They just talk so fast that while my brain is registering what they're saying, there's that awkward silence in the air, and I hate awkward silences. I find that when I speak French in Neuch, I just register what people are saying to me, and it's all good. But in Paris (at least with the fast speaking ones), I have to repeat at my own speed everything that they said again in my head (in French) and then do some quick translations in my head. What a waste of time. It's getting better though, and that's all that matters.
Oh, I forgot to mention my haircut in Paris. I needed to get something done to my hair before the wedding, and since I wouldn't have anytime to go to somewhere in Toronto after getting home, I figured it'd be fun (and another treat to myself) to go somewhere fabulous in Paris. I was hoping that they'd go something super-duper great. I don't really care what stylists decide to do to my hair. I trust them. All I tell them is that I don't usually use any product in my hair, and I don't blowdry it, so please give me a cut that will work for that. I mentioned to this guy as well that I had a wedding coming up that I'd probably need enough hair to put up, but other than that I was willing to go with anything fabulous that he wanted to do. The salon itself was pretty fab. It was in a great area. I won't even discuss the price. It was a treat. I don't think the language was an issue (although there was less conversation going on than I would have liked...I said I hate awkward silences). The combination of fast talking and loud hairdryer didn't work well for me. Anyway, bottom line was, I was disappointed. I mean, when I walked out of the salon, I felt great. It was shorter than before, so it was lighter, but it really just looked like the normal layered cut that I always have. Sigh. I was hoping for something totally out there and fab. Another problem. This cut really only looks THAT fab when it's blowdried. I've already told you that that would never happen on my own. Darn it. Maybe it's just a sign. My face shape is calling for a layered look. With the same length everytime. I'll just keep trying different places I guess.
The next morning, I pack everything up, leave it by the front desk and head out for a last walk around town before I had to catch my train. I decide to head out to Montmartre and wander around the Sacre Coeur. Yep, I wanted to Amelie it up. It was another scorching day, but the walk was fabulous. It's such a beautiful area filled with life. It was the only really touristy monument that I visited that weekend. I had walked by a couple of other things, but hadn't really stared at anything except for the Sacre Coeur. I sat, read some of my book, people watched, looked at the world passing by. It was a great morning. The only thing that put a damper on it was the vendors who rudely thought I was a Japanese tourist. I hate that. There's nothing wrong about not knowing where someone's from, but the way they assume, or are pushy about knowing just bothers me. A LOT.
Anyway, I head back to the hotel to get my things after an all in all great weekend, and get on the train to head back to normal Neuch life laden down with bags filled with gifts. It's like Christmas in 30+ degrees weather.
I love Paris.
PARIS
It was the third time that I went there this past year. I could keep going back forever and ever. It's just so full of life. There's so much to see and do, I love being anonymous and testing out just how good my French skills have gotten.
I went by myself and was a little anxious because I was staying at a hotel that I'd never been to before (found on the internet but booked over the phone after calling to confirm a couple details), and well, I'm usually anxious about ridiculous things...so yeah.
The train ride was pretty uneventful. It was a Neuch-->Lausanne-->Paris one since I'd booked the ticket sort of last minute, so there weren't any reserved seats left on the direct train. This also meant that I had to leave pretty darn early in the morning, but it seemed to work out well because I ended up getting a really cheap ticket because of my age. Who knew being a young-in had so many advantages?!?
When I arrived, I quickly headed toward the Metro. I felt like such a pro. I've said it before and I'll say is again: I love the Metro. I got off at my stop and surfaced at an area that looked unfamiliar to me. It took me a bit to find my bearings, but I did it, and got to the Hotel. It was cute and seemed family run. Not as scary as I'd imagined it could have been.
It was ridiculously hot that day (the sun was SO harsh), but I had no time to lounge around...I was on a mission. A wedding present mission. I took out the map and made a plan of attack. The hotel was pretty close to LaFayette and Printemps, and those were my best bets, so I figured I'd go there first, in my minimal amount of time remaining in the day and hopefully get lucky and then have the rest of the weekend to relax and do other fabulous things.
On my way out, I noticed that the Cirque du Soleil was in town on their European Tour of Saltimbanco. I'd never seen a live Cirque show, and even though this was one of their older shows, I figured, hey, I'm going to get a ticket because I deserve to go see something that I've always wanted to see (makes sense doesn't it? Usually I decide to flipside though for some reason.) Anyway, bottom line is that I splurged on a ticket and felt good about it. I figured I wasn't sure when I would have the opportunity to see a Cirque show again anytime soon, so I might as well go for it. I reasoned it (I ALWAYS need a reason) as a "congratulations for finishing your first year" present to myself. I was here in a fabulous city by myself, so I was going to do fabulous things...by myself. So I needed to get back to hotel in time to change for the show (so I had an even more limited amount of time to shop that afternoon).
I headed out and immediately turned into a sweating machine. It was disgusting, but I was on a mission, and I was sure that the fab department stores would HAVE to be air-conditioned, so I just had to get myself there and I'd be safe. I walked all the way there to soak up the streets of Paris. I just love to walk around and see different things. There are so many different areas of Paris, that I don't know if I'll ever be able to discover each one in enough detail to satisfy me.
Anyway, I go through the two fab malls with ideas of what I was looking for, but nothing really stuck out to me. What a disappointment. The ridiculously huge and lavish department stores had NOTHING?!? I couldn't believe it. A little depressed, I headed back to get ready to see the show all the while thinking about what I would have to do tomorrow to make up for the lack of items found that day.
The show was fabulous! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I think my mouth was actually hanging open in awe for most of it too. It was a smaller venue than I'd imagined, but it was really really nice. I was in the second row in almost the middle. I obviously had a great view. Of the stage, of the gags going on in the audience and of the doohickey-thingamabobber that held up the tightropes and other gadgets for the performers. It was neat to see how the crew worked so efficiently along with the performers. It was definitely a well-oiled machine. I wondered if a lot of the crew were Canadian (the performers sure weren't), or the people selling souvenirs and stuff, or did they just hire people in the area to do the job. I always thought it would be really neat to have a job like that. I still think it would be really cool to try and be a waitress too. Okay, there's a lot of things that I'd like to try to do, but I don't think that it's possible. There's just not enough time to do everything that I want to do. Such is life. My favorite act of the night was the Chinese Poles, and the clown was quite hilarious as well. I noticed that the Double Wire performer tried to repeat a trick after screwing up the first time. The second time around was a little bit better, but still not perfect. You could see her grimace, but I guess she had to keep going on. I loved the bright costumes and the music. The lighting and acting was incredible. It was better than I imagined it would be. I can't wait until the next show that I get to see. On the website, I noticed that Dralion's coming to Zurich in the fall. Wonder if I'll go or not?
It was an incredible night. The show made me so happy, but I was so exhausted when I got back to hotel. It wasn't even THAT late, but I just crashed. I had to wake up early the next day as well to make sure that I found all the objects that were on my list.
The next day, just as hot as the day before...it was torture. I had to go back to the hotel a couple times a day to cool down. After a full day of running around to so many of the shopping districts, at the end of the day, when I had basically given up, I went back to LaFayette and Printemps for one last look. Success! I don't know what happened the day before (I bet I had tunnel vision - I usually do when I'm on a mission), but there they were, exactly what I was looking for. Everything worked out. Well, not quite. I had bought everything I needed for other people like I was planning on, but at the same time, I was supposed to be looking for fabulous things for myself as well. I wasn't successful in that venture. It was a little sad. But, you know, you gotta make sacrifices for the better good right? And honestly, I could go back to Paris next year and find all of those fabulous things then. No biggie. And I got to see Cirque du Soleil for goodness sake. They couldn't take that away from me. Whoa. I'm rambling.
I went back to hotel with all of my purchases, and remembered that I hadn't eaten the whole day. No breakfast, no lunch either...and it was almost dinnertime. I'd only had a couple yogurt drinks that day. It was just too hot to eat, and I was too tired to go out to a nice sit down place, so I popped in to a grocery store and just picked up a couple things along with other items for the train ride home the next day. I got back and after just my soup, I was full. I guess the heat, along with not eating anything throughout the day just made me not have an appetite at all. So I saved all my food for the train (even though I probably wouldn't be able to eat all of it)...well, that's less groceries that I'd have to do in Neuch I guess.
I go to sleep completely exhausted, after having a little chat with the concierge in French. My French had held up pretty well that weekend. A sign that I had gotten better that year. Parisian French scare me. They just talk so fast that while my brain is registering what they're saying, there's that awkward silence in the air, and I hate awkward silences. I find that when I speak French in Neuch, I just register what people are saying to me, and it's all good. But in Paris (at least with the fast speaking ones), I have to repeat at my own speed everything that they said again in my head (in French) and then do some quick translations in my head. What a waste of time. It's getting better though, and that's all that matters.
Oh, I forgot to mention my haircut in Paris. I needed to get something done to my hair before the wedding, and since I wouldn't have anytime to go to somewhere in Toronto after getting home, I figured it'd be fun (and another treat to myself) to go somewhere fabulous in Paris. I was hoping that they'd go something super-duper great. I don't really care what stylists decide to do to my hair. I trust them. All I tell them is that I don't usually use any product in my hair, and I don't blowdry it, so please give me a cut that will work for that. I mentioned to this guy as well that I had a wedding coming up that I'd probably need enough hair to put up, but other than that I was willing to go with anything fabulous that he wanted to do. The salon itself was pretty fab. It was in a great area. I won't even discuss the price. It was a treat. I don't think the language was an issue (although there was less conversation going on than I would have liked...I said I hate awkward silences). The combination of fast talking and loud hairdryer didn't work well for me. Anyway, bottom line was, I was disappointed. I mean, when I walked out of the salon, I felt great. It was shorter than before, so it was lighter, but it really just looked like the normal layered cut that I always have. Sigh. I was hoping for something totally out there and fab. Another problem. This cut really only looks THAT fab when it's blowdried. I've already told you that that would never happen on my own. Darn it. Maybe it's just a sign. My face shape is calling for a layered look. With the same length everytime. I'll just keep trying different places I guess.
The next morning, I pack everything up, leave it by the front desk and head out for a last walk around town before I had to catch my train. I decide to head out to Montmartre and wander around the Sacre Coeur. Yep, I wanted to Amelie it up. It was another scorching day, but the walk was fabulous. It's such a beautiful area filled with life. It was the only really touristy monument that I visited that weekend. I had walked by a couple of other things, but hadn't really stared at anything except for the Sacre Coeur. I sat, read some of my book, people watched, looked at the world passing by. It was a great morning. The only thing that put a damper on it was the vendors who rudely thought I was a Japanese tourist. I hate that. There's nothing wrong about not knowing where someone's from, but the way they assume, or are pushy about knowing just bothers me. A LOT.
Anyway, I head back to the hotel to get my things after an all in all great weekend, and get on the train to head back to normal Neuch life laden down with bags filled with gifts. It's like Christmas in 30+ degrees weather.
I love Paris.
Monday, July 11, 2005
CN Tower
Today, I visited the CN Tower right here in downtown Toronto. Typically Torontonians don't go up the tower on their own, and today was no exception. I met up with a friend and another who was visiting from Dublin, Ireland.
I like being a tourist. I think it's because tourists are usually really excited by what they see, and I am a fan of exciting times. I hadn't gone up the tower since the fall of 1998 and a lot has changed since then. For example: the security check to get in involves this arch/port/thingy that you have to stand in/under/on which would beep/flash/blow air at you. The bursts of air came from all directions, which was a little scary when wearing a skirt. Luckily I wasn't the first in line, so I saw this coming and was prepared for it. (No Marilyn moment for me!)
I also remember the glass floor being larger.
Oh well. It was really really fun just to watch the city go by below. Like a little toy Sim Town going about normal life. It was really fun to see the city from above. The strategically placed parks, skyscrapers fighting to be the tallest...a well placed and bright blue coloured (you know the blue I'm talking about - it's all over the place) iPod advert on the south side of the Paramount Cineplex Odeon on Richmond St. Trying to pick out the buildings you've grown accustomed to at ground level, trying to see past the smog (luckily we went first thing in the morning, so it wasn't too bad).
A fun day for sure.
P.S. Since when did the Skydome become the "Rogers Centre"?
I like being a tourist. I think it's because tourists are usually really excited by what they see, and I am a fan of exciting times. I hadn't gone up the tower since the fall of 1998 and a lot has changed since then. For example: the security check to get in involves this arch/port/thingy that you have to stand in/under/on which would beep/flash/blow air at you. The bursts of air came from all directions, which was a little scary when wearing a skirt. Luckily I wasn't the first in line, so I saw this coming and was prepared for it. (No Marilyn moment for me!)
I also remember the glass floor being larger.
Oh well. It was really really fun just to watch the city go by below. Like a little toy Sim Town going about normal life. It was really fun to see the city from above. The strategically placed parks, skyscrapers fighting to be the tallest...a well placed and bright blue coloured (you know the blue I'm talking about - it's all over the place) iPod advert on the south side of the Paramount Cineplex Odeon on Richmond St. Trying to pick out the buildings you've grown accustomed to at ground level, trying to see past the smog (luckily we went first thing in the morning, so it wasn't too bad).
A fun day for sure.
P.S. Since when did the Skydome become the "Rogers Centre"?
Score two for Toronto
I really wasn't homesick this year while I was in Neuch...so it was really hard trying to decide what I missed about Toronto. (Other than family and friends)
Today, I figured out two of those things (after experiencing them again):
1. MEC
2. Greg's Ice Cream (Roasted Marshmallow is my fav with Ginger being quite close behind...)
I'm sure that I will find more things that I missed once I get back into my old Toronto life.
On tap for tomorrow:
1. Yorkville browsing (will purchase a little later)
2. SC2005 (quick hello today, but wasn't enough time to stay longer)
3. White Hot Chocolate (skim milk, no whip) from Second Cup (across the street from the ROM)
Speaking of the ROM, look at my baby! It's growing so fast...I'm so proud.
Today, I figured out two of those things (after experiencing them again):
1. MEC
2. Greg's Ice Cream (Roasted Marshmallow is my fav with Ginger being quite close behind...)
I'm sure that I will find more things that I missed once I get back into my old Toronto life.
On tap for tomorrow:
1. Yorkville browsing (will purchase a little later)
2. SC2005 (quick hello today, but wasn't enough time to stay longer)
3. White Hot Chocolate (skim milk, no whip) from Second Cup (across the street from the ROM)
Speaking of the ROM, look at my baby! It's growing so fast...I'm so proud.
One point for the Europeans
I like the fact that I don't have to add in how much I have to pay on top of the ticket price for darn PST and GST.
It's annoying (and means that you're actually paying a heck of a lot more than your brain initially thought when it read the price tag)...or maybe after 10 months my brain kind of forgot to automatically add 15% to the ticket price when thinking about how much everything costs.
Meh, I guess it's the same as trying to convert prices in your head.
Still...Switzerland's not as expensive as a lot of people think. Or at least little Neuch isn't. I gotta get used to Canadian prices again.
It's annoying (and means that you're actually paying a heck of a lot more than your brain initially thought when it read the price tag)...or maybe after 10 months my brain kind of forgot to automatically add 15% to the ticket price when thinking about how much everything costs.
Meh, I guess it's the same as trying to convert prices in your head.
Still...Switzerland's not as expensive as a lot of people think. Or at least little Neuch isn't. I gotta get used to Canadian prices again.
Lost in Translation
I had high expectiations for Lost in Translation, and is quite often the case, was disappointed after watching it. It was OK I guess, but it didn't blow me away. I could have been tired and wasn't in the right state of mind to watch it, but I found parts of it a little slow. I think that's the point though. That life is slow when you're "lost".
I usually like either super-duper Hollywood movies (because as cliche as they are, at least I know that's what I was getting myself into) or completely the opposite (not sure how to classify the type of movie I like - not Indie perse, which I would consider the opposite of mega-Hollywood), and this movie I guess would classify as the latter, but anyway...it wasn't THAT great.
Okay, the more I think about it, the more I liked it. But at the time, I swear I was bored.
I'm sure there's great discussion about it (or it's known somewhere out there, but I'm way behind on the times)...but what does he whisper in her ear at the end? (Maybe it was audible, but by that point I wasn't paying much attention).
I usually like either super-duper Hollywood movies (because as cliche as they are, at least I know that's what I was getting myself into) or completely the opposite (not sure how to classify the type of movie I like - not Indie perse, which I would consider the opposite of mega-Hollywood), and this movie I guess would classify as the latter, but anyway...it wasn't THAT great.
Okay, the more I think about it, the more I liked it. But at the time, I swear I was bored.
I'm sure there's great discussion about it (or it's known somewhere out there, but I'm way behind on the times)...but what does he whisper in her ear at the end? (Maybe it was audible, but by that point I wasn't paying much attention).
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling
My first book of the summer, and I figured it should be an easy one. I get the feeling that most, if not all of my summer reading books will be pretty light and airy. Not sure how much time I will be able to dedicate to one book, and you know how bad my memory is, and how frustrated I can get.
Anyway, obviously part of the wildly popular Harry Potter series. Book number three, and like the other two, read AFTER watching the movie. I was actually planning on reading this one BEFORE watching the movie (was going to read it last summer - no prospects of being able to watch/rent the movie), but headed off to Switzerland before I could read the book and had no idea when Harry Potter would enter my mind again.
You may have noticed that a previous post shows me watching a whole lot of DVDs all of a sudden in a pretty short span of time (which I never really explained, but still and putting that post off for a little while longer). Harry Potter, Number 3 being one of those DVDs. So I watched it, and enjoyed it.
Just a couple days ago, I got hold of a copy of the book, and read it (quite quickly I might add!). I'm not sure which one I liked better. It was sort of weird because certain things I knew happened in the movie didn't happen exactly in the same order as in the book, so I was waiting for them to happen, or was confused when something else happened first. I don't know. Maybe because I'm pretty visual I enjoyed the film better, or maybe because it was my first experience with the story-line so I was more on the edge of my seat. Nothing to take away from the book though. I really really liked reading it. Enough for me to not want to put the book down. It was really easy to get through the book. I felt like I was being compeled to keep reading, I think mainly because I wanted to get to parts I knew were coming.
Anyway, I definetely enjoyed both the book and the film and I'm looking forward to reading book number 4 this summer (which if I find interesting means that watching the movie first isn't what makes me like reading the book!).
Here's to a great start on lots of summer reading!
My first book of the summer, and I figured it should be an easy one. I get the feeling that most, if not all of my summer reading books will be pretty light and airy. Not sure how much time I will be able to dedicate to one book, and you know how bad my memory is, and how frustrated I can get.
Anyway, obviously part of the wildly popular Harry Potter series. Book number three, and like the other two, read AFTER watching the movie. I was actually planning on reading this one BEFORE watching the movie (was going to read it last summer - no prospects of being able to watch/rent the movie), but headed off to Switzerland before I could read the book and had no idea when Harry Potter would enter my mind again.
You may have noticed that a previous post shows me watching a whole lot of DVDs all of a sudden in a pretty short span of time (which I never really explained, but still and putting that post off for a little while longer). Harry Potter, Number 3 being one of those DVDs. So I watched it, and enjoyed it.
Just a couple days ago, I got hold of a copy of the book, and read it (quite quickly I might add!). I'm not sure which one I liked better. It was sort of weird because certain things I knew happened in the movie didn't happen exactly in the same order as in the book, so I was waiting for them to happen, or was confused when something else happened first. I don't know. Maybe because I'm pretty visual I enjoyed the film better, or maybe because it was my first experience with the story-line so I was more on the edge of my seat. Nothing to take away from the book though. I really really liked reading it. Enough for me to not want to put the book down. It was really easy to get through the book. I felt like I was being compeled to keep reading, I think mainly because I wanted to get to parts I knew were coming.
Anyway, I definetely enjoyed both the book and the film and I'm looking forward to reading book number 4 this summer (which if I find interesting means that watching the movie first isn't what makes me like reading the book!).
Here's to a great start on lots of summer reading!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Can't get no...satisfaction...
I wonder if it's a character flaw that I will never be satisfied for what I've got. Once I attain a goal which I think will make me happy (which it does - at least for the time being) I always look to the next goal on my list and continue to work towards acheiving that one and all the rest to follow.
Will I ever just sit back and say, "This is enough, and I'm happy with what I've got?".
Not to say that I'm ungrateful for what I've got right now or anything. No way, hopefully you can tell by this blog that I love my life and everything I've had the fortune of being able to experience, but will I reach a point where I don't strive for more?
I'm not sure if I'm explaining exactly what it is that I'm trying to get across, but yeah. I guess that's it.
Will I ever just sit back and say, "This is enough, and I'm happy with what I've got?".
Not to say that I'm ungrateful for what I've got right now or anything. No way, hopefully you can tell by this blog that I love my life and everything I've had the fortune of being able to experience, but will I reach a point where I don't strive for more?
I'm not sure if I'm explaining exactly what it is that I'm trying to get across, but yeah. I guess that's it.
My first wedding
Congratulations to the FAB bride and groom, I couldn't have asked for a better couple to have as my first wedding to be a part of.
My first bridesmaid duty, and hopefully not a sign of "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" to come. She knew what she was getting herself into, but I was still really really sad that I couldn't be around for the whole year to help with the prep and stuff. I'll never forget the one thing that I am so fortunate to have been able to experience: the dress search.
I KNEW it was the one as soon as she put it on. There was the whole dilemma with that other dress, and I definetely didn't want to sway her eitherway, but this dress was perfect. It was the case of seeing it, and just knowing. I'm glad she decided that it was the right one as well. She was absolutely stunning on the big day. If I had any emotion, I would shed a tear...=)
Seriously though, even though I wasn't around throughout the year, I guess they wouldn't have gotten such International presents otherwise. And seeing as how one special store in Yorkville is now gone, the bride wouldn't have been able to get two FAB pieces (if I do say so myself) otherwise! I hope that they enjoy their gifts as much as I had looking for them and carrying them around on various plane rides! It was stressful looking for the perfect gifts (and heavy), but you're both worth it. I really hope ya'll like 'em!
It was a couple days filled with first experiences (which I love!). I missed the bachelorette (after hearing the stories, maybe a good thing!) so couldn't experience that, but can't have it all. I can't even put into words how great this past weekend was.
Here's to just a few of the countless fabulous moments and memories:
- a good massage experience (to make up for sketchy Budapest)
- a pedicure (still feel sorry for the lady who had to deal with my horrible feet - and remember when I was so terrified to put polish on my nails way back when?)
- 4 parades?!?
- a strapless dress
- the perfect musical selection for everything
- that ridiculous walk that everyone has to do down the aisle
- relaxing and rejoicing in the back room
- stretch limo
- ultimate jet-lag but wouldn't change it for a moment
- busting a move on the dance floor with your best friends
- seeing two faces of utter happiness and full of love
A special Kudos to the make-up guru who did my eyes in such a way that I actually liked! Now that's no simple feat! I should've paid more attention to how it was done! Darn it.
Another special mention to some girls who shaped my university life. A group of highly accomplished and driven young ladies. Can't wait until our next big hurrah! To the future lawyer of the group: we WILL see each other again soon.
I can only hope that if I get married, my wedding will be as perfect and beautiful as theirs!
To the new Mrs: You're fabulous and I love you...
My first bridesmaid duty, and hopefully not a sign of "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" to come. She knew what she was getting herself into, but I was still really really sad that I couldn't be around for the whole year to help with the prep and stuff. I'll never forget the one thing that I am so fortunate to have been able to experience: the dress search.
I KNEW it was the one as soon as she put it on. There was the whole dilemma with that other dress, and I definetely didn't want to sway her eitherway, but this dress was perfect. It was the case of seeing it, and just knowing. I'm glad she decided that it was the right one as well. She was absolutely stunning on the big day. If I had any emotion, I would shed a tear...=)
Seriously though, even though I wasn't around throughout the year, I guess they wouldn't have gotten such International presents otherwise. And seeing as how one special store in Yorkville is now gone, the bride wouldn't have been able to get two FAB pieces (if I do say so myself) otherwise! I hope that they enjoy their gifts as much as I had looking for them and carrying them around on various plane rides! It was stressful looking for the perfect gifts (and heavy), but you're both worth it. I really hope ya'll like 'em!
It was a couple days filled with first experiences (which I love!). I missed the bachelorette (after hearing the stories, maybe a good thing!) so couldn't experience that, but can't have it all. I can't even put into words how great this past weekend was.
Here's to just a few of the countless fabulous moments and memories:
- a good massage experience (to make up for sketchy Budapest)
- a pedicure (still feel sorry for the lady who had to deal with my horrible feet - and remember when I was so terrified to put polish on my nails way back when?)
- 4 parades?!?
- a strapless dress
- the perfect musical selection for everything
- that ridiculous walk that everyone has to do down the aisle
- relaxing and rejoicing in the back room
- stretch limo
- ultimate jet-lag but wouldn't change it for a moment
- busting a move on the dance floor with your best friends
- seeing two faces of utter happiness and full of love
A special Kudos to the make-up guru who did my eyes in such a way that I actually liked! Now that's no simple feat! I should've paid more attention to how it was done! Darn it.
Another special mention to some girls who shaped my university life. A group of highly accomplished and driven young ladies. Can't wait until our next big hurrah! To the future lawyer of the group: we WILL see each other again soon.
I can only hope that if I get married, my wedding will be as perfect and beautiful as theirs!
To the new Mrs: You're fabulous and I love you...
"Home" for the summer
I'm not really sure where I consider home right now, but I'm back in Toronto for most of the summer.
Leading up to my trip home was hectic. Lots of last minute things to get done, but it was fantastic. I'm not going to dwell on my professional life (I said I would never discuss it on my blog - I guess that got shot out the window a long time ago), but I've got to say that it was fabulous being on the other side of a graduation ceremony. I have graduated for the past two years afterall. I KNOW I'm in the right profession. I love what I do. I hope I never lose my love for this job. Ever.
Anyway, I'm back in Canada and have made my list (I'm a list-maker) of "Things to Do this Summer". It's pretty long.
This week I'm hibernating, but next week I'm going to be let loose on the streets of T.O. Watch out, cause here I come!
Leading up to my trip home was hectic. Lots of last minute things to get done, but it was fantastic. I'm not going to dwell on my professional life (I said I would never discuss it on my blog - I guess that got shot out the window a long time ago), but I've got to say that it was fabulous being on the other side of a graduation ceremony. I have graduated for the past two years afterall. I KNOW I'm in the right profession. I love what I do. I hope I never lose my love for this job. Ever.
Anyway, I'm back in Canada and have made my list (I'm a list-maker) of "Things to Do this Summer". It's pretty long.
This week I'm hibernating, but next week I'm going to be let loose on the streets of T.O. Watch out, cause here I come!
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