As Friday looms, my thoughts darken slightly. My mind is set on black and carnations and somber moments. Perhaps, not the best place to start an entry, but not all life is joy. While life is a beautiful treasure that I might never full understand, grief is a part of that beauty. I haven't grieved yet, but I am preparing myself for it.
My Aunt Ra passed away last weekend. The strangest thing is that I can still hear her voice in my head though I haven't seen her in months. I mostly remember her from my childhood. I remember the funeral when Uncle Floyd, her husband, passed away. It was the first funeral in my memory. And now, I am preparing for hers. To see my cousin, Kelly, her grand-daughter in hopes that she will be all right. I don't know if I'll cry. Sometimes, when it's the right moment to, I can't seem to find the tears. I stand there looking lost, emotionless in a sea of grieving people. Other times, I am part of that sea--a sniffling, bawling mess of tears and grief. Time will tell. I just know that right now is the time to be in the arms of my family.
It seems a bit hard to pick up and entry after those thoughts. But they are life and though Aunt Ra will be a memory and a spirit to me, time marches on for the rest of us. The only absolutes I think. Time passing and death. But, my week has not been this dark. Aside from the onset of a little fall cold, most of my time has been spent doing the same weekly routine.
I wrote a paper for Don's class Monday. Six hours in front of the computer, telling my story of Collodion. It was two pages longer than necessary. And I was pleased with it. If I can spend one night writing a six page paper, two nights should be enough to write my 10 page paper coming up for David's class.
Tuesday after class I explored Casa Loma with Shannon. It's a castle that was built up on a hill overlooking Toronto. It was built in 1911 for Sir Henry Pellatt. I believe though within 10 years he had hit financial ruin and had to abandon his dream castle. That story was a little depressing. But the castle was rather pretty. It had it's own tower and I admit that my imagination was running away with me. Stories and daydreams. Heros and knights and strong female characters--quite abnormal for the time. But, it was my daydream after all. I thought the castle had beautiful gardens too, even though it was raining as I hiked through them. I do have to admit that I was rather disappointed when I discovered that we had explored the entire castle, but failed to find the tunnel that led to the stables. I missed the stables! Oh, the tragedy. I suppose I will have to go back around Christmas to explore again.
Shawarma Wednesday was completely turned around due to unforseen circumstances. It ended up that Fran and I were the only ones to partake in chicken shawarmas in a strange place across from U of T. It was no La-Zeez. Fran and I were left somewhat unsatisfied, but Shannon didn't seem to know the difference. In the future, the Fab 5 will have to educate him on a truly good shawarma.
The evenings are getting cold and I find myself shivering in my bed every night. This will have to be changed at some point, because I do not like freezing in my sleep. While home this weekend I will have to commandere more winter supplies for my room. To be truly honest, I just want to get home. This week has dragged on and I have only been able to think of my family. Saturday will be very bittersweet. And right now, that is all I really can think about.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
The Beach, The Madi and Shawarmas
Due to my laziness, I am a week behind with my adventures. I suppose it's easy to forget to write when things start happening so quickly. Work piles up, people call, leaves fall and time marches on. So I fall behind with writing my stories.
I went to the beach last Friday afternoon with Shannon. The cold rain and wind didn't seem to hinder my desire to go find the water. Probably about 20 minutes by street car and we were near the beach. It was terribly cold after I got wet, but the view was just what I wanted to see of Lake Ontario. The lake was turbulant, covered with white caps all the way out to the horizon. The water was a dark sea-green and mingled with the white foam. The waves broke on the cold sand and dangerous rocks. I climbed those dangerous rocks so I could get a better view.
It was only after Shannon climbed up to join me that a huge wave crashed over the rocks and managed to get us soaked. I secretly didn't mind getting wet, I just liked looking out over the lake and losing myself in my thoughts and memories. It was so beautiful.
After spending an hour or two running around and letting both wind and rain drench us, we decided to warm up with some Kahlua and coffee. By then, the rain and wind ceased, letting the sun peak through just before it set. Perched up on a lifeguard chair we finished our coffees and headed for a rocky point. I wanted to see the view from there.
It was worth the hike. I found rock the looked out over the water to downtown Toronto. You could see all the buildings from the Scotia building to the BMO and even the apartment buildings near my flat--of course not to mention the CN tower, which no matter where you are you can pretty much get a good view of it.
After some pizza it was time to head back on the street car, because I was headed for a girls night out. The fab 5 (Tess, Fran, Ali, Nadia and myself) went to the Madi pub for some drinks and conversation. A bunch of Fran's friends from U of T joined the group and we stayed until close. It was a lot of fun, mostly because when everyone got drunk, things got interesting. Fran became more awkward, Tess loved her tequila and Ali made a serious a curious hand guestures that have stuck with us ever since.
You couldn't ask for a better evening. It ended with us singing as we left the Madi and then eating pizza. I think most everyone at Pizza Pizza was probably drunk. But it was still a lot of fun. I ended up staying with Tess since it was after 3am. I promptly spent time smothering her cat, Marlie with kisses and snuggles. He was a good sport and never squirmed as I probably held him a little too tightly.
The rest of the weekend passed uneventfully at home. But, this brings us to shawarmas. The fab 5 has made a Shawarma Wednesday. After David's Research Methods class we seem to find ourselves in need of a pick-me-up. So, we find ourselves at La-Zeez for chicken shawarmas. Fran and I think they are just about the greatest thing in the world. And since every time we go in we get a falafel from a man who works there. We have dubbed him our "father." And have begun a new tradition. He also gave us free chocolate as we left the store.
So things are going well. I managed to channel Ingrid Bergman in my Robert Capa presentation--Capa and Ingrid had a love affair together. But, I feel as though I did all right. I can't wait until my last one is done. But in three weeks, I'll have my wish.
Meanwhile, the leaves are changing colours and falling. My mother is coming up tomorrow. So, it's back to life and back to my current weekend.
I went to the beach last Friday afternoon with Shannon. The cold rain and wind didn't seem to hinder my desire to go find the water. Probably about 20 minutes by street car and we were near the beach. It was terribly cold after I got wet, but the view was just what I wanted to see of Lake Ontario. The lake was turbulant, covered with white caps all the way out to the horizon. The water was a dark sea-green and mingled with the white foam. The waves broke on the cold sand and dangerous rocks. I climbed those dangerous rocks so I could get a better view.
It was only after Shannon climbed up to join me that a huge wave crashed over the rocks and managed to get us soaked. I secretly didn't mind getting wet, I just liked looking out over the lake and losing myself in my thoughts and memories. It was so beautiful.
After spending an hour or two running around and letting both wind and rain drench us, we decided to warm up with some Kahlua and coffee. By then, the rain and wind ceased, letting the sun peak through just before it set. Perched up on a lifeguard chair we finished our coffees and headed for a rocky point. I wanted to see the view from there.
It was worth the hike. I found rock the looked out over the water to downtown Toronto. You could see all the buildings from the Scotia building to the BMO and even the apartment buildings near my flat--of course not to mention the CN tower, which no matter where you are you can pretty much get a good view of it.
After some pizza it was time to head back on the street car, because I was headed for a girls night out. The fab 5 (Tess, Fran, Ali, Nadia and myself) went to the Madi pub for some drinks and conversation. A bunch of Fran's friends from U of T joined the group and we stayed until close. It was a lot of fun, mostly because when everyone got drunk, things got interesting. Fran became more awkward, Tess loved her tequila and Ali made a serious a curious hand guestures that have stuck with us ever since.
You couldn't ask for a better evening. It ended with us singing as we left the Madi and then eating pizza. I think most everyone at Pizza Pizza was probably drunk. But it was still a lot of fun. I ended up staying with Tess since it was after 3am. I promptly spent time smothering her cat, Marlie with kisses and snuggles. He was a good sport and never squirmed as I probably held him a little too tightly.
The rest of the weekend passed uneventfully at home. But, this brings us to shawarmas. The fab 5 has made a Shawarma Wednesday. After David's Research Methods class we seem to find ourselves in need of a pick-me-up. So, we find ourselves at La-Zeez for chicken shawarmas. Fran and I think they are just about the greatest thing in the world. And since every time we go in we get a falafel from a man who works there. We have dubbed him our "father." And have begun a new tradition. He also gave us free chocolate as we left the store.
So things are going well. I managed to channel Ingrid Bergman in my Robert Capa presentation--Capa and Ingrid had a love affair together. But, I feel as though I did all right. I can't wait until my last one is done. But in three weeks, I'll have my wish.
Meanwhile, the leaves are changing colours and falling. My mother is coming up tomorrow. So, it's back to life and back to my current weekend.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The First Snowflakes and Some Life Lessons
Today Toronto had its first flurries. I was walking home and then suddenly these beautiful white flakes enveloped me. I actually danced a little with my ipod playing. I'm almost positive I'll get sick of snow within a few months, but it was still a welcomed treat. Although, I'm hoping that there will still be time to enjoy the smells and sights of fall. I'm really enjoying the foliage.
Still, it's a shock to me to see snow this early in October. I know it didn't stick, but still. I wasn't wearing my winter jacket! Of course by now I've dug it from the closet. And it's on its peg near my boots.
My mother has finally gotten a job. Ironically with a company based in Canada. Not far from Toronto. I still think it's almost too perfect how life manages to intertwine itself in some way. Either way, I'm happy for her. She deserves this. So I wish her the best in her new beginning.
I've learned that the advice that makes you angriest and hurts the most, is probably the best advice for you. It's because you can't bear to believe the self-destructive path you're on is the wrong one. And because it takes so much strength to change it--after so many years of the same vicious cycle. How do you finally stand your ground?
I know I'm guilty of running away when I get scared or vulnerable or trapped. I know that in some way coming here to Toronto just wasn't a new beginning, but a way to run. In the end, I feel I made peace with as much of my past as I could, but I can't help feeling that coming here was an escape.
Maybe it was. Maybe it was the right thing to do. Only time will tell. But have learned this much, no matter how hard it gets here--and it will, I've already had my moments--I can't give up. I cannot run away. For once in my life, I need to stand strong. I've spent so much time trying to fight fears in my life--fear of heights, fear of falling, fear of nakedness, fear of swimming, fear of failure--that this is just another fear I have to fight. I've worked so hard for this adventure; I can't possibly back down the first time I get scared. I can't.
I need to put my money where my preaching is. And stand up. And stay. Because I know that this program and Toronto are the best things to ever happen to me. And a direct result of some of the greatest things that ever happened to me. So maybe I'll take the advice that hurt so bad. Because I want to define myself up here, eh. Not to prove that the woman I am capable of being is not the woman I am going to become.
Because I refuse to give up like that. So I'm standing, in the first snowfall, proving to myself that I'm not running this time, eh.
Still, it's a shock to me to see snow this early in October. I know it didn't stick, but still. I wasn't wearing my winter jacket! Of course by now I've dug it from the closet. And it's on its peg near my boots.
My mother has finally gotten a job. Ironically with a company based in Canada. Not far from Toronto. I still think it's almost too perfect how life manages to intertwine itself in some way. Either way, I'm happy for her. She deserves this. So I wish her the best in her new beginning.
I've learned that the advice that makes you angriest and hurts the most, is probably the best advice for you. It's because you can't bear to believe the self-destructive path you're on is the wrong one. And because it takes so much strength to change it--after so many years of the same vicious cycle. How do you finally stand your ground?
I know I'm guilty of running away when I get scared or vulnerable or trapped. I know that in some way coming here to Toronto just wasn't a new beginning, but a way to run. In the end, I feel I made peace with as much of my past as I could, but I can't help feeling that coming here was an escape.
Maybe it was. Maybe it was the right thing to do. Only time will tell. But have learned this much, no matter how hard it gets here--and it will, I've already had my moments--I can't give up. I cannot run away. For once in my life, I need to stand strong. I've spent so much time trying to fight fears in my life--fear of heights, fear of falling, fear of nakedness, fear of swimming, fear of failure--that this is just another fear I have to fight. I've worked so hard for this adventure; I can't possibly back down the first time I get scared. I can't.
I need to put my money where my preaching is. And stand up. And stay. Because I know that this program and Toronto are the best things to ever happen to me. And a direct result of some of the greatest things that ever happened to me. So maybe I'll take the advice that hurt so bad. Because I want to define myself up here, eh. Not to prove that the woman I am capable of being is not the woman I am going to become.
Because I refuse to give up like that. So I'm standing, in the first snowfall, proving to myself that I'm not running this time, eh.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Thanksgiving. Canadian Style.
I go with no posts for a while and then spring them on you all at once. I'm like that. Happy Thanksgiving. I figured today I'd relax and do some housekeeping--this, of course, includes blogging. I have had an eventful week since Kat left.
I'll start with the Tuesday trip to the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY. Of course, we all know that George is the founder of Kodak and his house is now a major museum for photography and film. And huge into conservation. And with a large archive. If you didn't know, now you do. So we got to go into a special viewing room and basically stare for five hours at photographs that most people would be lucky to see behind glass for $10 dollars in their lifetime.
It was an incredible experience to say the least. I saw an original Matthew Brady daguerreotype. Along with two original Hill and Adamson salted paper prints that date back to 1845. Not to mention original O'Sullivan, Weston, Barnard, Baldus, Atget, Stieglitz, Cameron and Marville. Maybe you only know one or two names or none, but they are really well know to most photographers. Especially those who study the history. It was 14 hours of photography goodness. These are the days that get me more and more excited about the field I am going into.
Wednesday was my presentation. I'd hardly slept before, I was so busy preparing after getting back from Rochester. It went all right, but I thought I was going to poke my eyes out after sitting in class for over 4 hours. I then went with the Fab 5 (myself, Fran, Tess, Ali and Nadia) to get shawarmas. I napped until Shannon showed up and my house to drink my day away with some wine.
That turned into a long night and then I couldn't sleep at all. I stumbled out of bed by 9:30am and seemed unable to do much. This made Mike's class all the more hard for me. And I was so excited because we did calotypes, ambrotypes and collodion prints. I will say now that I think ambrotypes are one of my most favorite processes from the 19th century. Even more so than the daguerreotype, which is still like watching a magic trick.
This leads up to movie night Friday with the Parliament House family where Squash Matt (I live with two) rented Inside Man. It was a nice quiet family evening.
Saturday I went to the AGO with Shannon where we saw the Andy Warhol exhibit. I was pretty impressed with the curation of the exhibit. Except for one large error and that was mixing up the paneling of this one diptych. While listening to the handheld audio tour, he noticed that they mentioned the blank red panel was on the right side. Now, I mix my right and left up too sometimes, but clearly, it was on the left and not the right. Somebody wasn't paying any attention.
I also managed to learn a lot about Warhol. I didn't know he was gay or that anyone attempted to assassinate him. I also learned he was pretty obsessed with the idea that death made people celebrities and how being a celebrity was like death and just death in general. Including his own. And he wore wigs. He like 12 of them. Who knew? So, I enjoyed myself.
I then proceeded to ignore my hunger and drink a cafe mocha. Then we sat around talking until we both got the shakes and had to go home to find food or else pass out. I'm so irresponsible when it comes to coffee.
After dinner, Granville, Squash Matt and I take a trip to buy some alcohol at the Beer Store. Greatest invention in the world. You stare at a huge wall with prices of different kinds of beer, you order the beer and then your beer comes out on a conveyer belt of sorts. Brilliant.
Shannon came back over just as we were drinking and watching Legally Blond. My roommates have taste. Then we wandered over to an Irish pub for a pint or two, just to get out the house and have a little fun. Which we managed to. Until later that night when Shannon dropped me on my head. So then, I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night--just in case it was a concussion. Wtf.
So Sunday, sleep deprived and all I cook Thanksgiving dinner. I had maybe two hours of sleep. Then I cooked for six hours. Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin and apple pie, potatoes, squash and homemade whip cream. It was awesome. The entire house helped me cook, prep and clean up. And it tasted amazing. Tess also came over to help and eat. The Parliament Family managed to polish off most of the food, including two pies by Monday (which is the actually Thanksgiving, but who's counting).
After dinner and pie, I pretty much just passed out. There was no way I was going to keep my eyes open. Not after so much cooking and such a good meal. But I loved it. Even when the pie crust kept giving me a hard time. We have so many leftover apples, I'm going to make another pie. If anyone's around in Toronto that seems a little hungry for pie. Otherwise, leave it to Granville and Squash Matt to eat it all. We all toasted to the holiday with our thanks for the Parliament House--and for Tess.
And in closing, since it is Thanksgiving, I guess I'll be cliche and say the things I'm thankful for here in Toronto--especially since I was bummed this morning to find out my car is officially gone. I'm thankful for the Parliament House Family, the Fab 5, the PPCM program, art and more art, the Toronto skyline, Smarties, Shannon (since he doesn't have a group), Tim Hortons, warm boots, street cars, lots of coffee, the Beer Store and city lights, eh.
I'll start with the Tuesday trip to the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY. Of course, we all know that George is the founder of Kodak and his house is now a major museum for photography and film. And huge into conservation. And with a large archive. If you didn't know, now you do. So we got to go into a special viewing room and basically stare for five hours at photographs that most people would be lucky to see behind glass for $10 dollars in their lifetime.
It was an incredible experience to say the least. I saw an original Matthew Brady daguerreotype. Along with two original Hill and Adamson salted paper prints that date back to 1845. Not to mention original O'Sullivan, Weston, Barnard, Baldus, Atget, Stieglitz, Cameron and Marville. Maybe you only know one or two names or none, but they are really well know to most photographers. Especially those who study the history. It was 14 hours of photography goodness. These are the days that get me more and more excited about the field I am going into.
Wednesday was my presentation. I'd hardly slept before, I was so busy preparing after getting back from Rochester. It went all right, but I thought I was going to poke my eyes out after sitting in class for over 4 hours. I then went with the Fab 5 (myself, Fran, Tess, Ali and Nadia) to get shawarmas. I napped until Shannon showed up and my house to drink my day away with some wine.
That turned into a long night and then I couldn't sleep at all. I stumbled out of bed by 9:30am and seemed unable to do much. This made Mike's class all the more hard for me. And I was so excited because we did calotypes, ambrotypes and collodion prints. I will say now that I think ambrotypes are one of my most favorite processes from the 19th century. Even more so than the daguerreotype, which is still like watching a magic trick.
This leads up to movie night Friday with the Parliament House family where Squash Matt (I live with two) rented Inside Man. It was a nice quiet family evening.
Saturday I went to the AGO with Shannon where we saw the Andy Warhol exhibit. I was pretty impressed with the curation of the exhibit. Except for one large error and that was mixing up the paneling of this one diptych. While listening to the handheld audio tour, he noticed that they mentioned the blank red panel was on the right side. Now, I mix my right and left up too sometimes, but clearly, it was on the left and not the right. Somebody wasn't paying any attention.
I also managed to learn a lot about Warhol. I didn't know he was gay or that anyone attempted to assassinate him. I also learned he was pretty obsessed with the idea that death made people celebrities and how being a celebrity was like death and just death in general. Including his own. And he wore wigs. He like 12 of them. Who knew? So, I enjoyed myself.
I then proceeded to ignore my hunger and drink a cafe mocha. Then we sat around talking until we both got the shakes and had to go home to find food or else pass out. I'm so irresponsible when it comes to coffee.
After dinner, Granville, Squash Matt and I take a trip to buy some alcohol at the Beer Store. Greatest invention in the world. You stare at a huge wall with prices of different kinds of beer, you order the beer and then your beer comes out on a conveyer belt of sorts. Brilliant.
Shannon came back over just as we were drinking and watching Legally Blond. My roommates have taste. Then we wandered over to an Irish pub for a pint or two, just to get out the house and have a little fun. Which we managed to. Until later that night when Shannon dropped me on my head. So then, I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night--just in case it was a concussion. Wtf.
So Sunday, sleep deprived and all I cook Thanksgiving dinner. I had maybe two hours of sleep. Then I cooked for six hours. Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin and apple pie, potatoes, squash and homemade whip cream. It was awesome. The entire house helped me cook, prep and clean up. And it tasted amazing. Tess also came over to help and eat. The Parliament Family managed to polish off most of the food, including two pies by Monday (which is the actually Thanksgiving, but who's counting).
After dinner and pie, I pretty much just passed out. There was no way I was going to keep my eyes open. Not after so much cooking and such a good meal. But I loved it. Even when the pie crust kept giving me a hard time. We have so many leftover apples, I'm going to make another pie. If anyone's around in Toronto that seems a little hungry for pie. Otherwise, leave it to Granville and Squash Matt to eat it all. We all toasted to the holiday with our thanks for the Parliament House--and for Tess.
And in closing, since it is Thanksgiving, I guess I'll be cliche and say the things I'm thankful for here in Toronto--especially since I was bummed this morning to find out my car is officially gone. I'm thankful for the Parliament House Family, the Fab 5, the PPCM program, art and more art, the Toronto skyline, Smarties, Shannon (since he doesn't have a group), Tim Hortons, warm boots, street cars, lots of coffee, the Beer Store and city lights, eh.
Monday, October 02, 2006
And they call New York the city that never sleeps...
...but this Saturday, it was Toronto, the host of "Nuit Blanche" an all night, city-wide art experience. 140 different sites, food, music, art, art and more art. And did I mention free chocolate? It was originally started in Paris and Toronto sort of just picked up the idea. The rain and cold weather only slightly dampened the fun (and made it good for jumping in puddles) but it was the best evening to be had for fun. And how perfect that Kat was here for it. This event became more or less Part One of her trip to Toronto.
Of course any cold and rainy even must start with a pub visit. Of course, after going to get Shannon (the Australian), our pub visit lasted over three hours. But since the "dynamic duo" were back again, we had to make the best of the situation and tell the most embarrassing stories of each other. But once we'd drained our last pints, we'd decided since the rain had stopped, we'd go out in search of art.
I'm not sure what I liked best. Galleries had their doors open all around town and we wandered in and out staring at several different paintings and had tea. We also ran around U of T seeing screenings at pools and playing around the fog at Philosophers Walk. Where some guy (probably more drunk than us) ran, tripped over the fog machines and went tumbling down the hill. It was as rude as it was funny. And it was pretty funny. There were lots of screenings in the street and some exhibits around. I remember there was someone who put up these panels of people who emailed him artwork and little things. It was really cool.
There was this light up dance floor where Kat and I decided to dance. Shannon stood off all by his lonesome self. We also saw a lot of performance art. There was this long table with beautiful cakes and a woman in Victorian clothes. They were sitting there eating cake for 12 hours. It was all about city opulance and excessiveness. Ouch.
There were also random dancers that dressed as police officers. They hopped out of cars, danced the tango, got back in and drove off. It was brilliant. We saw it probably two or three times. For a while, we hung out at OCAD where there were games and food and we could sit down and stay dry. That's really what counted as it started to rain again.
I also learned what poutine is. Apparently it's like cheese curds and gravy. Canadians like it on their fries. I haven't tried it yet, but when I finally do, I will be sure to share with you if it's any good and exactly what it takes like.
Shannon walked Kat and I home by 6:30am where Kat and I sat up and chatted before passing out sometime after 7am. It was long day for the both of us. Day 2 was spent mostly sleeping and hanging out with my roommates. But finally we got up to grab food at the Eaton Centre (where I had wannabe Chipotle....how I miss you) and then we headed to the CN tower.
It was dark out, so it was amazing to see the city. I was so impressed with how beautiful the city looked. It was fun to just look around and take pictures. I looked down at the buildings and cars and realized that I was a part of the city now. A part of these people's lives in some way. It's incredible to think of it when you're standing up so high and staring down on little buildings. They had once enveloped you and looked so huge and now they are so small. I realized that I belong in Toronto and once again, no matter where I go, I've found myself home.
I'm happy that Kat could be here to see it. I'm just a small girl, with big city dreams. And from up there, anything seemed possible. And my independence saw where it's wings had taken me. I have fought and struggled so hard to get it and it was an affirmation that I've done it all right in the end. More importantly, it proved that I can get the better of my fears.
Monday brought class and then it was time to take Kat to the airport. Sadly, we were delayed on our subway train at the Jane stop. And do you know why? Apparently there was some medical emergency that warrented a 30 minute delay. No one was even carried off in a stretcher. Some emergency. I got Kat on the 192 bus and headed back home. She called me a little later and said she'd missed check in for her flight so they had to put her on a later one. I felt so bad. But of course, it was just another story in our adventure. I missed our adventures. I was happy to have another weekend of them. That meant everything to me.
It made me miss DC in a way. But Kat told me she was happy to see the life I've made for me. There's class that I love--photography is why I get up every morning--and the girls I hang out with who I call the Fab 5. Then there's my roommates who I adore and we have become the Parliament House Family--we drink together, eat together and watch TV together. And then there's even Shannon, who I can count on to go enjoy art with me and get me drunk when I have a shitty day. And so I have an Australian accent to listen to since I no longer have Saturdays at the Equipment Room.
So this weekend has been a success. And now it's on to my week filled with presentations, the George Eastman House and of course the upcoming Canadian Thanksgiving.
Of course any cold and rainy even must start with a pub visit. Of course, after going to get Shannon (the Australian), our pub visit lasted over three hours. But since the "dynamic duo" were back again, we had to make the best of the situation and tell the most embarrassing stories of each other. But once we'd drained our last pints, we'd decided since the rain had stopped, we'd go out in search of art.
I'm not sure what I liked best. Galleries had their doors open all around town and we wandered in and out staring at several different paintings and had tea. We also ran around U of T seeing screenings at pools and playing around the fog at Philosophers Walk. Where some guy (probably more drunk than us) ran, tripped over the fog machines and went tumbling down the hill. It was as rude as it was funny. And it was pretty funny. There were lots of screenings in the street and some exhibits around. I remember there was someone who put up these panels of people who emailed him artwork and little things. It was really cool.
There was this light up dance floor where Kat and I decided to dance. Shannon stood off all by his lonesome self. We also saw a lot of performance art. There was this long table with beautiful cakes and a woman in Victorian clothes. They were sitting there eating cake for 12 hours. It was all about city opulance and excessiveness. Ouch.
There were also random dancers that dressed as police officers. They hopped out of cars, danced the tango, got back in and drove off. It was brilliant. We saw it probably two or three times. For a while, we hung out at OCAD where there were games and food and we could sit down and stay dry. That's really what counted as it started to rain again.
I also learned what poutine is. Apparently it's like cheese curds and gravy. Canadians like it on their fries. I haven't tried it yet, but when I finally do, I will be sure to share with you if it's any good and exactly what it takes like.
Shannon walked Kat and I home by 6:30am where Kat and I sat up and chatted before passing out sometime after 7am. It was long day for the both of us. Day 2 was spent mostly sleeping and hanging out with my roommates. But finally we got up to grab food at the Eaton Centre (where I had wannabe Chipotle....how I miss you) and then we headed to the CN tower.
It was dark out, so it was amazing to see the city. I was so impressed with how beautiful the city looked. It was fun to just look around and take pictures. I looked down at the buildings and cars and realized that I was a part of the city now. A part of these people's lives in some way. It's incredible to think of it when you're standing up so high and staring down on little buildings. They had once enveloped you and looked so huge and now they are so small. I realized that I belong in Toronto and once again, no matter where I go, I've found myself home.
I'm happy that Kat could be here to see it. I'm just a small girl, with big city dreams. And from up there, anything seemed possible. And my independence saw where it's wings had taken me. I have fought and struggled so hard to get it and it was an affirmation that I've done it all right in the end. More importantly, it proved that I can get the better of my fears.
Monday brought class and then it was time to take Kat to the airport. Sadly, we were delayed on our subway train at the Jane stop. And do you know why? Apparently there was some medical emergency that warrented a 30 minute delay. No one was even carried off in a stretcher. Some emergency. I got Kat on the 192 bus and headed back home. She called me a little later and said she'd missed check in for her flight so they had to put her on a later one. I felt so bad. But of course, it was just another story in our adventure. I missed our adventures. I was happy to have another weekend of them. That meant everything to me.
It made me miss DC in a way. But Kat told me she was happy to see the life I've made for me. There's class that I love--photography is why I get up every morning--and the girls I hang out with who I call the Fab 5. Then there's my roommates who I adore and we have become the Parliament House Family--we drink together, eat together and watch TV together. And then there's even Shannon, who I can count on to go enjoy art with me and get me drunk when I have a shitty day. And so I have an Australian accent to listen to since I no longer have Saturdays at the Equipment Room.
So this weekend has been a success. And now it's on to my week filled with presentations, the George Eastman House and of course the upcoming Canadian Thanksgiving.
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