Changing Tides

The holiday season is here and it seems busier than ever (at least to me, anyway), but even with this mad rush it is important to stop and give back to those less fortunate than you. So, in the spirit of the season, I have decided that it is time to do just that. Please join me in helping to raise money for Plan's "Clean Water" program. I don't have to tell you how important access to clean water is, though I will say that Plan's work is invaluable in pioneering new water programs that enrich community lives around the world. Answer the call. Donate to the cause and, please, spread the word. Thank you.

Donate to: Changing Tides

Plan Canada Inc.

As The Snow Falls

Today marked the first snow fall of the season!! We made it through last month as a no-snow-November. This hasn't happened since 1933, they say. Fortunately for me the snow didn't stay because, clearly, I wasn't ready for it.

Unlike, the large, beautiful snowflakes one dreams about (when they don't have to be out and about in it), today's snow was wet, cold and miserable. Adding to this misery was the fact that my boots didn't fit when I tried them on this morning and while rushing out the door, I left my umbrella at home. You can imagine that when I arrived at work I had soaked hair, feet and jacket. (brrr) By the time I left work, however, the snow and flood-pools had mostly gone.

Right now, I am in de-stress mode, warming at home in my trackpants and hoodie, and listening to "Christmas Chants" by Gregorian. Awesome album. (If your into classical Christmas music, this is a must!! I got my copy via. iTunes.)

More bus stories...

On a wet and rainy day, I thought I had left in time to catch my bus. I was wrong... maybe.

I was walking down the street, (admittedly, talking on my phone), when suddenly the bus went by. Either it was early or I was late. (I still don't know which.) However, it just so happens that my parents don't live too far away, so I detoured and asked if either of them would give me a ride to work (or to at least help me catch up to the bus I missed). My mother begrudgingly agreed. We started on our way when suddenly she saw a bus in the distance. Seeing that the bus was about to stop, I got out of the car and waved her on. Half a second later, I discovered that this particular bus was "not in service".

The driver, however, looked at me and realized that I was stranded and then graciously asked where I was going and if he could give me a lift, so I got on board. He asked if I was going to work (which I was) and if I was going to be late (which I might have been if he hadn't decided to stop for me). Eventually, we caught up to the right bus and I jumped on board as if nothing had gone wrong this morning. I made it to work with time to spare, but I'm still having a hard time figuring out this supposed "time warp". I'm really not sure how I made it to work on time.

Name dropping? Yeah, thats right!

I was thinking about this the other day. There really aren't many people who I idealize and go gaga for, but if I ever got the opportunity I would have to say that I would want to meet Gillian Anderson of The X-Files and a slew of other TV and film. Her drive and determination to do whats right whether that be on film, stage or with any of her various other charity works is very appealing to me. Most notably, she is involved with various organizations in Africa as well as the Neurofibromatosis organization.

Here is a list of people I have met:
Brent Butt (comedian/Corner Gass) - Came into the store.
Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors) - Came into the store.
Kevin Laliberté (Spanish Guitarist) - dedicated a song to me on my birthday
Amanda Martinez (Jazz Vocalist) - brief encounter in the washroom at The Gate... no, I am not a stalker!!
Elizabeth Sheppard (Jazz Vocalist) - collected two autographs on two cd's (different occasions)
George Stroumboulopoulos (Much Music/The Hour) - said he thought he knew me from somewhere when I attended a taping... maybe in a past life?
Ron MacLean (Hockey Night In Canada) - toured the CBC building in High School and got an autograph before a tapingt.

Who have you met? Who would you like to meet?

riding the bus (part deux)

So, apparently I actually learned from my mistake. At the end of my work shift I now punch out and then run to catch the early bus. Yay me!! I have it down to a science. The irony is that my ride takes 20 mins. in the morning to get to work and an hour in the evening to go home from work and it has nothing to do with "rush hour". I worked it out that, even if I traveled the same way home as I do in the morning, I would still need an hour because I would have to wait 25 mins. for the right bus to get to the stop!! Blah.

Whats In A Name? Getting To Know U

"The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy is the most successful book ever to come out of the great publishing companies of Ursa Minor. It is about the size of a paper back book, but looks more like a large pocket calculator, having upon its face over a hundred flat press-buttons and a screen about four inches square, upon which any one of over six million pages can be summoned almost instantly. It comes in a durable plastic cover, upon which the words DON'T PANIC are printed in large, friendly letters."

~ Douglas Adams

What can I say? I am a fan of Arthur Dent and Ford Perfect's travels across the universe.

riding the bus (or not)

I have had to get use to a new hours at work. Today, I left at 5 PM and forgot to check the bus sched. before I walked out. I stood at the stop for a grand total of 5 mins. before then deciding to grab a quick coffee at "Mickey D`s". Obviously, it wasn't quick enough. When I came out, coffee in hand, the bus was already at my stop. In mid-sip of the foul tasting (and smelling) sludge, there was nothing I could do to make it wait. It took off without me and I cursed myself for being so impatient.