Friday, April 09, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
Easter weekend
On Thursday night we went to a housewarming party, and then went to D&J's to watch the Lost Boys, which is still pretty awesome (I don't think I'd seen it since high-school).
On Friday we met Katherine for breakfast. That night we had a show at the Central. It went pretty well, and was a good warmup for this coming Friday's show at Supermarket.
On Saturday I went to Ikea to get some picture frames. It was sort of crazy (Ikea on a Saturday).
On Sunday, we did some laundry, and then went to Kensington for lunch. After Easter church, we went to Rancho Relaxo for dinner.
On Friday we met Katherine for breakfast. That night we had a show at the Central. It went pretty well, and was a good warmup for this coming Friday's show at Supermarket.
On Saturday I went to Ikea to get some picture frames. It was sort of crazy (Ikea on a Saturday).
On Sunday, we did some laundry, and then went to Kensington for lunch. After Easter church, we went to Rancho Relaxo for dinner.
Monday, March 29, 2010
weekend
On Friday I stopped by Andrew & Esther's place, where a number of guys from church were getting together to play videogames. I demonstrated to all my lack of videgame aptitude, especially when it comes to first person shooter type games.
On Saturday Andrew had arranged with a friend of his for Your Heart to be the house-band in a student film project. So we (well, those of us who were available) got to stand on stage at some sort of high-school spring dance (actually a decorated church hall) and mime along to a recording of Love #1...
That night we watched Rocket Science.
On Sunday we went to buy a bike helmet for Leah, and then stopped by Holy Oak. After church we watched Stranger than Fiction.
On Saturday Andrew had arranged with a friend of his for Your Heart to be the house-band in a student film project. So we (well, those of us who were available) got to stand on stage at some sort of high-school spring dance (actually a decorated church hall) and mime along to a recording of Love #1...
That night we watched Rocket Science.
On Sunday we went to buy a bike helmet for Leah, and then stopped by Holy Oak. After church we watched Stranger than Fiction.
Monday, March 22, 2010
hi/lo
On Friday night we went to D&J's for dinner. We also watched the September Issue, which was pretty interesting.
On Saturday we went grocery shopping. Leah had a lot of school work to do in the afternoon/evening, so I wondered around town, despite the weather being not as nice as it was during the week.
On Sunday I walked around and visited a few art galleries and coffeeshops. Leah worked on school stuff and had her first church choir practice.
After church, we went to D&J's for dinner again.
On Saturday we went grocery shopping. Leah had a lot of school work to do in the afternoon/evening, so I wondered around town, despite the weather being not as nice as it was during the week.
On Sunday I walked around and visited a few art galleries and coffeeshops. Leah worked on school stuff and had her first church choir practice.
After church, we went to D&J's for dinner again.
"We are creating a massive new entitlement," Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) said during floor debate Sunday.
As a society, we wouldn't want people to feel entitled to adequate healthcare. Especially poor people.
Also - why all the debate over whether this will cost or save government money?.. the message is that you should only help people if there is no cost - which is ridiculous.
And also (and I can't believe I am referencing Michael Moore) - our schools, police and fire departments are all 'socialist'... so what's with the red scare rhetoric?!
As a society, we wouldn't want people to feel entitled to adequate healthcare. Especially poor people.
Also - why all the debate over whether this will cost or save government money?.. the message is that you should only help people if there is no cost - which is ridiculous.
And also (and I can't believe I am referencing Michael Moore) - our schools, police and fire departments are all 'socialist'... so what's with the red scare rhetoric?!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Too little too late
I have never tried to contact a government representative before. I realize that it is a little late, but when I found out that my Democrat Rep was planning on voting against President Obama's healthcare reform plan, I decided to send along a note...
Monday, March 15, 2010
weekend
On Friday night we went to Clinton's to wish Tim goodbye - he is moving to Winnipeg to work in marketing for the ballet.
On Saturday I got my hair cut, and then we walked to Crux to buy a book that they did not have. The weather was dreadful. That evening we went to the symphony.
On Sunday I went grocery shopping. We both played music at church, and afterwards Bradley and the Makins came over for dinner.
---
Check out this video for SELF-CONTROL...
---
Check out this project that Andrew and Karl came up with... and give them money if you can...
On Saturday I got my hair cut, and then we walked to Crux to buy a book that they did not have. The weather was dreadful. That evening we went to the symphony.
On Sunday I went grocery shopping. We both played music at church, and afterwards Bradley and the Makins came over for dinner.
---
Check out this video for SELF-CONTROL...
---
Check out this project that Andrew and Karl came up with... and give them money if you can...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Monday, March 08, 2010
Gentleness
Because of some or other reason (I assume it has something to do with the legal ramifications of being famous), Shad's video in the ongoing Fruit of the Spirit series is available for a limited time only.
weekend
On Friday night we went to Bradley's birthday party.
On Saturday, Leah went to U of T. I went to the Dufferin Mall for groceries. I also bought paint to paint the bedroom, which we finished in a couple of hours that afternoon (I guess there are some advantages to having a small apartment!)
On Sunday, Leah went to St John's to play bass. I went to Holy Oak for coffee, and then to Value Village. Afterwards I painted (canvases) and painted (walls - touched up a couple of spots with a second coat...)
Leah skipped evening church to read books for school. After church we went out for Korean food with D&J.
Blogger/Google is ending their ftp support - which will screw up ImmigrantDesign.com... this is a big hassle for me.
On Saturday, Leah went to U of T. I went to the Dufferin Mall for groceries. I also bought paint to paint the bedroom, which we finished in a couple of hours that afternoon (I guess there are some advantages to having a small apartment!)
On Sunday, Leah went to St John's to play bass. I went to Holy Oak for coffee, and then to Value Village. Afterwards I painted (canvases) and painted (walls - touched up a couple of spots with a second coat...)
Leah skipped evening church to read books for school. After church we went out for Korean food with D&J.
Blogger/Google is ending their ftp support - which will screw up ImmigrantDesign.com... this is a big hassle for me.
Monday, March 01, 2010
weekend
so...
...sometimes I don't really feel like doing this update, but for some reason I try to do it anyway. Why is that?
Friday... we went over to Brad's for dinner.
Saturday... Leah made granola for breakfast, and then we ended up going to Ikea, basically to buy a light bulb for the lamp we bought there last weekend. But this time we went to the other Ikea, so it was totally different. Also, we went with D&J, so that part actually was different.
Sunday... we went to morning church, 'cause Leah was playing bass and we had a meeting after church. That afternoon we went to see the Under Great White Northern Lights movie at the Royal. The movie theatre was pretty empty, 'cause I guess everybody else in the country was watching the hockey game. I guess the game was good but I'd rather watch the White Stripes tour Canada. That night, D&J came over to our house for dinner.
...sometimes I don't really feel like doing this update, but for some reason I try to do it anyway. Why is that?
Friday... we went over to Brad's for dinner.
Saturday... Leah made granola for breakfast, and then we ended up going to Ikea, basically to buy a light bulb for the lamp we bought there last weekend. But this time we went to the other Ikea, so it was totally different. Also, we went with D&J, so that part actually was different.
Sunday... we went to morning church, 'cause Leah was playing bass and we had a meeting after church. That afternoon we went to see the Under Great White Northern Lights movie at the Royal. The movie theatre was pretty empty, 'cause I guess everybody else in the country was watching the hockey game. I guess the game was good but I'd rather watch the White Stripes tour Canada. That night, D&J came over to our house for dinner.
Monday, February 22, 2010
weekend
Friday - we went over to Andrew and Esther's to listen to the songs that Andrew has finished recording for his Autumn album. It is going to be a good one.
Saturday - we went to Ikea to buy some things for our bedroom. New bedding and a blind for the window, as well as some storage bins so that we can finally empty out the desk and get rid of it...
Sunday - I did the laundry and went to the grocery store before heading to church. Afterwards we watched the Lovely Bones, which I thought was sort of terrible.
Today I am tired.
Saturday - we went to Ikea to buy some things for our bedroom. New bedding and a blind for the window, as well as some storage bins so that we can finally empty out the desk and get rid of it...
Sunday - I did the laundry and went to the grocery store before heading to church. Afterwards we watched the Lovely Bones, which I thought was sort of terrible.
Today I am tired.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Also...
...check out the latest in the Fruit of the Spirit series over at the Freechurch website. This week features Cyril 'Ill Seer' Guerette.
I am loving how these are turning out. They are all quality, and the variety is amazing...
I am loving how these are turning out. They are all quality, and the variety is amazing...
Midweek weekend update
Since it was a long weekend, and Leah has reading week this week, we decided to make the most of things and go away for the weekend...
So on Friday I raced home from work, took a shower and ate dinner, and then we headed to the Greyhound station for the overnight bus to NYC.
Ten or so hours later we ended up at Penn Station at roughly 6.30am.
Our main reason for the trip was to visit Sue, so we headed up towards her apartment. We stopped on the way at Tom's Diner, for breakfast, and also because it was too early to do much of anything else.
We spent the rest of Saturday hanging out with Sue - we went to the Jewish Museum (Man Ray), ordered in some sushi, and then ended up going to a crazy four man juggling show starring Sue's building superintendent (!).
On Sunday Leah and I went to MoMA. It was really busy, but really amazing. Their collection is crazy, and I could spend a week in there. Afterwards we headed over to Trinity Grace in Chelsea. We were early so we ended up walking around before church. Leah bought some long-johns at American Apparel (the same ones that Janeane Garofalo recently bought there, according to the salesperson!)
Church was great, despite a monster headache that I developed over the course of the afternoon. Afterwards, we went to a Thai restaurant for dinner.
On Monday we headed down to Sue's office to meet her for lunch. Her office looks out at the Empire State Building across the street, which is crazy! Afterwards Leah and I headed over to Queens to the PS1 gallery. It is a really fun place, and we ended off the afternoon in the James Turrell room staring up at the art/sky...
Afterwards we headed back to Penn Station. We grabbed some dinner, and then got back on a bus and headed back to Canada...
All in all it was a lot of fun. Many thanks to Sue (and her gracious roommate, Molly) for hosting us. It was really great to see Sue and get to see a little of her new life!
After we got back we headed home and went to bed (I took Tuesday off...) That evening was a Freechurch coffeehouse event... Leah and I each played a few songs, and then Your Heart played a set... which was a crazy way to end off a busy and fun looong weekend.
So on Friday I raced home from work, took a shower and ate dinner, and then we headed to the Greyhound station for the overnight bus to NYC.
Ten or so hours later we ended up at Penn Station at roughly 6.30am.
Our main reason for the trip was to visit Sue, so we headed up towards her apartment. We stopped on the way at Tom's Diner, for breakfast, and also because it was too early to do much of anything else.
We spent the rest of Saturday hanging out with Sue - we went to the Jewish Museum (Man Ray), ordered in some sushi, and then ended up going to a crazy four man juggling show starring Sue's building superintendent (!).
On Sunday Leah and I went to MoMA. It was really busy, but really amazing. Their collection is crazy, and I could spend a week in there. Afterwards we headed over to Trinity Grace in Chelsea. We were early so we ended up walking around before church. Leah bought some long-johns at American Apparel (the same ones that Janeane Garofalo recently bought there, according to the salesperson!)
Church was great, despite a monster headache that I developed over the course of the afternoon. Afterwards, we went to a Thai restaurant for dinner.
On Monday we headed down to Sue's office to meet her for lunch. Her office looks out at the Empire State Building across the street, which is crazy! Afterwards Leah and I headed over to Queens to the PS1 gallery. It is a really fun place, and we ended off the afternoon in the James Turrell room staring up at the art/sky...
Afterwards we headed back to Penn Station. We grabbed some dinner, and then got back on a bus and headed back to Canada...
All in all it was a lot of fun. Many thanks to Sue (and her gracious roommate, Molly) for hosting us. It was really great to see Sue and get to see a little of her new life!
After we got back we headed home and went to bed (I took Tuesday off...) That evening was a Freechurch coffeehouse event... Leah and I each played a few songs, and then Your Heart played a set... which was a crazy way to end off a busy and fun looong weekend.
Monday, February 08, 2010
The Weekend
On Friday night I was kinda bored. Leah was reading, and I ended up roaming around the Annex aimlessly. I found out later that there was a free Great Lakes Swimmer in-store performance that I did not know about at Sonic Boom.
On Saturday, we went to the dentist. It was relatively painless, and afterwards we went for coffee at a small cafe at Bellevue and Nassau. It was sunny enough to sit outside.
On the way home we stopped by Soundscapes and bought this CD, which is kinda crazy.
That evening we went to D&J's for a delicious dinner.
On Sunday we went to the Common, and then stopped by the Dufferin Mall for some groceries. Church was good, and featured an awesome video of me rocking out on the guitar. Afterwards we made curry for dinner.
On Saturday, we went to the dentist. It was relatively painless, and afterwards we went for coffee at a small cafe at Bellevue and Nassau. It was sunny enough to sit outside.
On the way home we stopped by Soundscapes and bought this CD, which is kinda crazy.
That evening we went to D&J's for a delicious dinner.
On Sunday we went to the Common, and then stopped by the Dufferin Mall for some groceries. Church was good, and featured an awesome video of me rocking out on the guitar. Afterwards we made curry for dinner.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Weekend Upchuck
On Friday night we went over to the D&J's to watch Whip It... which was pretty much what I exptected it to be - silly but kinda fun.
Then some time in the night Leah woke up and started puking. She was in pretty bad shape for all of Saturday. I did some grocery shopping, and after dinner we watched Throw Down Your Heart - a documentary about Bela Fleck travelling to various places in Africa, to play music with local musicians and learn a little bit about the roots of the banjo.
On Sunday, Leah was feeling better, but still not great, so I went to church without her! Afterwards, I made some soup for dinner.
Also, check out the video for PEACE - in which I try to play the guitar!
Then some time in the night Leah woke up and started puking. She was in pretty bad shape for all of Saturday. I did some grocery shopping, and after dinner we watched Throw Down Your Heart - a documentary about Bela Fleck travelling to various places in Africa, to play music with local musicians and learn a little bit about the roots of the banjo.
On Sunday, Leah was feeling better, but still not great, so I went to church without her! Afterwards, I made some soup for dinner.
Also, check out the video for PEACE - in which I try to play the guitar!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Rare midweek update !!
Last night Leah and I went to St. Stephens to record a song for the Fruit of the Spirit series that is going on at Freechurch Toronto. It was sort of ridiculous, and I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
Afterwards we watched Julie & Julia. It is pretty good... mostly worth watching just to see Meryl Streep act.
Afterwards we watched Julie & Julia. It is pretty good... mostly worth watching just to see Meryl Streep act.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Fake News
On Friday I skipped out on the Interior Design Show and went to Regis College to meet Leah for the annual Regis College CultureFest. We ate assorted foods with her classmates and faculty, and then there was a short program that was basically a talent show of sorts.
On Saturday morning I went grocery shopping while Leah did the laundry. I bought all the ingredients for a recipe to make food for a mass of people who were coming over on Sunday. Sadly, our oven is one that our landlord got a 'good deal' on - and the food was pretty much destroyed.
In the afternoon I went to watch Avatar. I had read enough reviews to have a fairly low expectation in terms of plot - so I was actually pleasantly surprised. Really, I went to see the 3D craziness - which I have to say was pretty amazing. Overall - I would definitely recommend seeing it (to anybody who actually hasn't seen it yet!) - I might recommend it even in 2D, but you really should see it in 3.
On Sunday we went to church in the morning, and then had an elders' meeting. Afterwards, I went grocery shopping again. And then we cooked food again for all the people who were still coming over for dinner (which was delicious and fun).
In other news...
Check out Andrew singing for joy...
On Saturday morning I went grocery shopping while Leah did the laundry. I bought all the ingredients for a recipe to make food for a mass of people who were coming over on Sunday. Sadly, our oven is one that our landlord got a 'good deal' on - and the food was pretty much destroyed.
In the afternoon I went to watch Avatar. I had read enough reviews to have a fairly low expectation in terms of plot - so I was actually pleasantly surprised. Really, I went to see the 3D craziness - which I have to say was pretty amazing. Overall - I would definitely recommend seeing it (to anybody who actually hasn't seen it yet!) - I might recommend it even in 2D, but you really should see it in 3.
On Sunday we went to church in the morning, and then had an elders' meeting. Afterwards, I went grocery shopping again. And then we cooked food again for all the people who were still coming over for dinner (which was delicious and fun).
In other news...
Check out Andrew singing for joy...
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Weekend
I finally finished a drawing/painting that I started FOREVER ago. Here is a sweet web-cam picture of it... There was a bit of a race to see whether I could finish it before Mabel could irreparably destroy it. I sort of won - but she definitely left her mark.
Also - on Friday night Leah and I went to the Linux Caffe for coffee. I haven't quite figured out the connection between coffee and an open-source operating system... but it is a pretty nice place. It is a bit like somebody beamed in a coffeeshop from the nineties.
On Saturday evening we went out for dinner with the McGhees and the Richters. They were eating their first real meal after a crazy 10 day cleanse/fast. We were just eating a meal. It was fun.
After church on Sunday we went over to the HuangBowser house for a pizza party.
Monday, January 11, 2010
weekend
Friday night - Leah and I went on an 'Annex Date'. The Annex is where we end up when we want to get out, but don't have anything specific we want to do. We stopped in at Kensington Natural Bakery, and then looked at CDs and books in CD and book stores.
On Saturday, I went on an epic trip to acquire a new sound system for our apartment. My style of shopping (especially for somewhat expensive items) is to try to look at every available option before making a decision. This meant that I ended up at Best Buy, Circuit City, and Bay Bloor Radio, and ended up at each store TWICE! (Once to see what was available, and then again to actually buy stuff, which was complicated by items being out of stock etc...)
Anyway - I ended up with a tiny Sony shelf system, and a separate turntable... Compared to our last cheap setup, this one sounds much better, and will actually play CDs every time you want it to, and not according to some mysterious timetable of its own choosing.
That night we ended up back in the Annex for dinner and a movie at the Bloor. I thought Leah would have lots of reasons to dislike Fantastic Mr Fox (talking animals, Wes Anderson...), but we both liked it.
On Sunday we did laundry, and some cleaning of the apartment. We also went to church, which was good. We are gearing up for a series on the Fruit of the Spirit - check out the first of a number of videos over at the FreeChurch website.
On Saturday, I went on an epic trip to acquire a new sound system for our apartment. My style of shopping (especially for somewhat expensive items) is to try to look at every available option before making a decision. This meant that I ended up at Best Buy, Circuit City, and Bay Bloor Radio, and ended up at each store TWICE! (Once to see what was available, and then again to actually buy stuff, which was complicated by items being out of stock etc...)
Anyway - I ended up with a tiny Sony shelf system, and a separate turntable... Compared to our last cheap setup, this one sounds much better, and will actually play CDs every time you want it to, and not according to some mysterious timetable of its own choosing.
That night we ended up back in the Annex for dinner and a movie at the Bloor. I thought Leah would have lots of reasons to dislike Fantastic Mr Fox (talking animals, Wes Anderson...), but we both liked it.
On Sunday we did laundry, and some cleaning of the apartment. We also went to church, which was good. We are gearing up for a series on the Fruit of the Spirit - check out the first of a number of videos over at the FreeChurch website.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year etc.
So it is back to work after a full two weeks off. 7am seemed awfully early today.
What happened?
We went out to Middleton, Nova Scotia, to visit Leah's parents for Christmas. It was a good trip, and as well as visiting family, we saw a few of Leah's old friends who were around for the holidays. We also painted Leah's old room, which turned out really well.
We got back in to town on New Year's Eve... just in time to make dinner and go to bed.
Other noteworthy events included a trip to Hamilton to help the Cumby's paint their new house, breakfast with Sue, who was in town for a few days, the festival of lights in Kensington, and general hanging out with friends...
Anyway - hope you are all geared up for 2010..!
What happened?
We went out to Middleton, Nova Scotia, to visit Leah's parents for Christmas. It was a good trip, and as well as visiting family, we saw a few of Leah's old friends who were around for the holidays. We also painted Leah's old room, which turned out really well.
We got back in to town on New Year's Eve... just in time to make dinner and go to bed.
Other noteworthy events included a trip to Hamilton to help the Cumby's paint their new house, breakfast with Sue, who was in town for a few days, the festival of lights in Kensington, and general hanging out with friends...
Anyway - hope you are all geared up for 2010..!
Monday, December 14, 2009
skip a week
The busy weekend:
On Friday night I went over to Andrew/Esther/Joel/Anne/Calla's house, to sing/shout with some people for Joel's in-the-works EP.
On Saturday I got down to business on laundry and groceries. Leah (in between writing a thousand papers) and I also stopped by a little store near Bloor and Dufferin that has tonnes of old furniture, and bought a weird small dresser-type thing.
That evening we went to two Christmas parties. The next morning we went to College Street United Church (where Leah went to church for a while, 10 years ago) for their Christmas service and lunch with really old people.
After church we went to D&J's for yet another Christmas party. It was a fun and busy weekend.
As I was going to bed I realized I was scheduled to bring in breakfast for the entire office this morning... so the week started in a bit of a panic - but I stopped by Kensington on the way to work and got things done!
On Friday night I went over to Andrew/Esther/Joel/Anne/Calla's house, to sing/shout with some people for Joel's in-the-works EP.
On Saturday I got down to business on laundry and groceries. Leah (in between writing a thousand papers) and I also stopped by a little store near Bloor and Dufferin that has tonnes of old furniture, and bought a weird small dresser-type thing.
That evening we went to two Christmas parties. The next morning we went to College Street United Church (where Leah went to church for a while, 10 years ago) for their Christmas service and lunch with really old people.
After church we went to D&J's for yet another Christmas party. It was a fun and busy weekend.
As I was going to bed I realized I was scheduled to bring in breakfast for the entire office this morning... so the week started in a bit of a panic - but I stopped by Kensington on the way to work and got things done!
Monday, November 30, 2009
thanksgiving weekend
On Friday we rented Bread and Tulips.
On Saturday I got my hair cut, we went to Sam James for coffee, and then went to Robarts library. In the afternoon I did the laundry. That evening we went out for dinner, and then to the Cumberland to watch the Road. It was bleak. I don't think that I would recommend it. Afterwards we stopped in at a birthday party, which was a strange thing to do after watching such a movie.
On Sunday we went to Holy Oak. In the afternoon Leah went to church early for practice, and I walked there a little later.
On Saturday I got my hair cut, we went to Sam James for coffee, and then went to Robarts library. In the afternoon I did the laundry. That evening we went out for dinner, and then to the Cumberland to watch the Road. It was bleak. I don't think that I would recommend it. Afterwards we stopped in at a birthday party, which was a strange thing to do after watching such a movie.
On Sunday we went to Holy Oak. In the afternoon Leah went to church early for practice, and I walked there a little later.
Monday, November 23, 2009
weekend
On Friday night we went over to Calla's house to baby-sit her. By baby-sit what I mean is that she slept the entire time and we hung out.
On Saturday, we rented a car to go to a party in Oakville. Since we had the car for the day, we went to St Jacob's market, and then to the grocery store.
The party was hosted by a child-hood friend of Leah's. There were roughly two shifts - the parents who had to split early to go and relieve baby-sitters, and the kids who showed up late. We stayed for a bit of both shifts before returning back to Toronto.
On Sunday morning I took the car back. Afterwards we had a church meeting, and then went to church in the evening.
On Saturday, we rented a car to go to a party in Oakville. Since we had the car for the day, we went to St Jacob's market, and then to the grocery store.
The party was hosted by a child-hood friend of Leah's. There were roughly two shifts - the parents who had to split early to go and relieve baby-sitters, and the kids who showed up late. We stayed for a bit of both shifts before returning back to Toronto.
On Sunday morning I took the car back. Afterwards we had a church meeting, and then went to church in the evening.
Monday, November 16, 2009
w__k_nd updat_
Friday night we went to Justin's Karaoke Extravaganza birthday party. On the way there we went to Baskin Robbins. The karaoke place above Clintons is gross, and it felt a little bit like Bill Murray should be there.
On Saturday I went to Saving Gigi for a coffee in the morning. I stopped by Long and Mcquade on the way home, which is always a bit of a zoo on the weekend. At home, I varnished the front door, and then did the laundry. That evening, we went to D&J's for a feast dinner. We also watched Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
On Sunday I finished the rest of the door, and put it all back together. It only took me about 6 months! We also ended up going to the Santa Claus parade, which was weird. Robby & Tirza were at church, back from their 2+ months of travel adventures. We went to an oddly sketchy pub afterwards with them, the Royals, and the McGhees. It was great to see them.
On Saturday I went to Saving Gigi for a coffee in the morning. I stopped by Long and Mcquade on the way home, which is always a bit of a zoo on the weekend. At home, I varnished the front door, and then did the laundry. That evening, we went to D&J's for a feast dinner. We also watched Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
On Sunday I finished the rest of the door, and put it all back together. It only took me about 6 months! We also ended up going to the Santa Claus parade, which was weird. Robby & Tirza were at church, back from their 2+ months of travel adventures. We went to an oddly sketchy pub afterwards with them, the Royals, and the McGhees. It was great to see them.
Monday, November 09, 2009
weekend
On Friday night we went to the Drake. Josh Lyon is in a band called the Gertrudes, and they were in town to play some music. Also, Lake of Stew opened for them, and were crazy and fun.
On Saturday, I finished stripping and sanding the front door. All that is left now is to seal it, and it is looking pretty good. We also went to look at a potential apartment, although it is available for December, which is too soon for us.
On Sunday, we went to Sam James Coffee Shop. After church we stopped by D&J's place to check out their chameleon's new giant cage. We also enjoyed delicious apple crisp.
On Saturday, I finished stripping and sanding the front door. All that is left now is to seal it, and it is looking pretty good. We also went to look at a potential apartment, although it is available for December, which is too soon for us.
On Sunday, we went to Sam James Coffee Shop. After church we stopped by D&J's place to check out their chameleon's new giant cage. We also enjoyed delicious apple crisp.
Monday, November 02, 2009
weekend
On Friday we invited people over to carve pumpkins. Not many people actually brought pumpkins. The best part was that Calla Joy came to visit.
On Saturday Leah and I went on a crazed shopping spree. By this I mean that we went to the Bay (we are getting old) and bought me a winter coat. It is heavy, and stuffed with feathers from various birds. We also bought some work boots, which was more annoying, since I don't want work boots but need them for work.
That night I spent too little time updating dad's website. I think I find web design frustrating because I only ever do it on lunch breaks and in twenty minute spurts... I never do a good real job. Also, I sat outside waiting for trick-or-treaters, but none came. Actually, according to the upstairs neighbours, ONE eventually came, after we had given up and gone inside. Now we have to eat 150 chocolate bars.
On Sunday I went to help Brad paint his new apartment. Leah went to Mado's birthday party. She is one.
After church we went to Sorauren Park and looked at thousands of carved pumpkins with the Woods.
On Saturday Leah and I went on a crazed shopping spree. By this I mean that we went to the Bay (we are getting old) and bought me a winter coat. It is heavy, and stuffed with feathers from various birds. We also bought some work boots, which was more annoying, since I don't want work boots but need them for work.
That night I spent too little time updating dad's website. I think I find web design frustrating because I only ever do it on lunch breaks and in twenty minute spurts... I never do a good real job. Also, I sat outside waiting for trick-or-treaters, but none came. Actually, according to the upstairs neighbours, ONE eventually came, after we had given up and gone inside. Now we have to eat 150 chocolate bars.
On Sunday I went to help Brad paint his new apartment. Leah went to Mado's birthday party. She is one.
After church we went to Sorauren Park and looked at thousands of carved pumpkins with the Woods.
Monday, October 26, 2009
weekend
Saturday - Leah went to a flute master class and I went to get a haircut. That afternoon we cut the legs of our bed down to a normal length. Then we went to the Eaton Centre to look at winter coats, but all the stores were closed because we're not the smartest. That night we watched Blue. I had actually never seen it before. In case you haven't heard, it is good.
Sunday - we went to the Common. It seemed more rammed than usual, if that is possible. The kid in line in front of us had a brontosaurus, and a Peewee Herman toy that he called Michael Jackson. We went to the grocery store afterwards. Before church I fired up a crockpot of chilli. After church we went to the Music Gallery - Leah's teacher was playing. Leah stayed (students=$5) and I went home (normal people=$25).
Sunday - we went to the Common. It seemed more rammed than usual, if that is possible. The kid in line in front of us had a brontosaurus, and a Peewee Herman toy that he called Michael Jackson. We went to the grocery store afterwards. Before church I fired up a crockpot of chilli. After church we went to the Music Gallery - Leah's teacher was playing. Leah stayed (students=$5) and I went home (normal people=$25).
Monday, October 19, 2009
weekend
let's see...
Friday night we went to see Cuff the Duke. The opening bands were ok, but not super awesome, despite Frodo and his friends' finest efforts. Cuff the Duke are refreshingly straight-forward, and seem to just enjoy playing music. There was a pretty hilarious guest appearance by Greg Keelor, who produced the Duke's new album. They played a couple of (apparently unrehearsed) songs together, and there were a couple of botched chords and lyrics. All in all it was fun.
Saturday - we went to the Common... that place is always rammed and always playing good music... and then we stopped by No Frills. That evening we went out for dinner with D&J.
On Sunday, Leah went to a flute lesson with a famous guy - which went well. I did the laundry and threw together a crock-pot-o-chili. Afterwards I went to Winners to see if I could find a decent winter coat. Apparently they only have clothing for Large to Xtra Large people, so no dice. Church was pretty good...
The end.
Friday night we went to see Cuff the Duke. The opening bands were ok, but not super awesome, despite Frodo and his friends' finest efforts. Cuff the Duke are refreshingly straight-forward, and seem to just enjoy playing music. There was a pretty hilarious guest appearance by Greg Keelor, who produced the Duke's new album. They played a couple of (apparently unrehearsed) songs together, and there were a couple of botched chords and lyrics. All in all it was fun.
Saturday - we went to the Common... that place is always rammed and always playing good music... and then we stopped by No Frills. That evening we went out for dinner with D&J.
On Sunday, Leah went to a flute lesson with a famous guy - which went well. I did the laundry and threw together a crock-pot-o-chili. Afterwards I went to Winners to see if I could find a decent winter coat. Apparently they only have clothing for Large to Xtra Large people, so no dice. Church was pretty good...
The end.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Give Thanks
On Friday night we went over to D&J's house. J fed us delicious food, and we watched Synecdoche New York. I don't even know what synecdoche means, and that pretty much sets the tone for the whole movie. I really liked it though (even if nobody else did!)
On Saturday we went to look at an apartment. We aren't really moving, but we decided this place was worth seeing. It is in Kensington, in the house right beside the one Leah lived in when she first moved here 10 years ago. The bedroom was pretty nice, and the kitchen was ok, but the living room was sort of... small. Actually there wasn't a living room.
On the way to Kensington, I noticed that District 9 was playing at the Royal. After dinner I biked there (I told Leah that it involved aliens and not to bother watching it...) Turns out it was pretty fun... the plot was sort of far-fetched (yeah, I know, it's about aliens... but still), the visual style was pretty cool and unexpectedly gross, and the humour struck me as fairly south african, somehow. I found myself laughing at stuff that apparantly wasn't that funny to the other (10 or so) people in the theatre.
On Sunday we went to the Common, and to No Frills. After church we went to Nirvana with Tim and Kate, which was fun. And on Monday, I baked one million pies while Leah worked on a paper. That evening we went to the Woods for a Thanksgiving dinner...
In other news, have you seen this man...
On Saturday we went to look at an apartment. We aren't really moving, but we decided this place was worth seeing. It is in Kensington, in the house right beside the one Leah lived in when she first moved here 10 years ago. The bedroom was pretty nice, and the kitchen was ok, but the living room was sort of... small. Actually there wasn't a living room.
On the way to Kensington, I noticed that District 9 was playing at the Royal. After dinner I biked there (I told Leah that it involved aliens and not to bother watching it...) Turns out it was pretty fun... the plot was sort of far-fetched (yeah, I know, it's about aliens... but still), the visual style was pretty cool and unexpectedly gross, and the humour struck me as fairly south african, somehow. I found myself laughing at stuff that apparantly wasn't that funny to the other (10 or so) people in the theatre.
On Sunday we went to the Common, and to No Frills. After church we went to Nirvana with Tim and Kate, which was fun. And on Monday, I baked one million pies while Leah worked on a paper. That evening we went to the Woods for a Thanksgiving dinner...
In other news, have you seen this man...
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Monday, October 05, 2009
here we go
Lately I have been feeling frustrated, unhappy, and a little angry.
The weekend...
On Friday we went to the Woods for Esther's birthday. It seems like everyone there was tired and falling asleep...
On Saturday I did laundry. That evening we went to Nuit Blanche, which was both cool and annoying (as always!). The best part (that we saw) was the new conservatory building, which was filled with people playing the piece "In a Large Open Space", by James Tenney. The whole building was filled with people playing and singing harmonics of a single tone, for 12 hours. It was as if the whole building was vibrating. Also, the giant Jeff Koons bunny at the Eaton Centre was kind of amazing.
On Sunday we went grocery shopping, and went to church...
The weekend...
On Friday we went to the Woods for Esther's birthday. It seems like everyone there was tired and falling asleep...
On Saturday I did laundry. That evening we went to Nuit Blanche, which was both cool and annoying (as always!). The best part (that we saw) was the new conservatory building, which was filled with people playing the piece "In a Large Open Space", by James Tenney. The whole building was filled with people playing and singing harmonics of a single tone, for 12 hours. It was as if the whole building was vibrating. Also, the giant Jeff Koons bunny at the Eaton Centre was kind of amazing.
On Sunday we went grocery shopping, and went to church...
Monday, September 28, 2009
longest running (least read) weekend update on the internets
This weekend was pretty busy but good.
On Friday Leah camped out at the geek-fest Long and Mcquade sale to pick me up a Boss RC2 looping pedal. I have used it a bit, and it is pretty fun. She was the only girl waiting in line, although I'm guessing she didn't have the longest hair...
On Saturday, I went to get a haircut, and then stopped by Honest Ed's Funhouse for some tasty paint stripper. I managed to make some good progress on the front door, which is close to being ready to sand and varnish. D&J came over for dinner, and D managed to almost die of cat allergy.
On Sunday I went on an adventure that I have been putting off for a while. We sort of need a new computer. Our previous desktop has served us excellently (it is going on 6 years old, which is like 200 in computer years...), but with Leah in school it made some serious sense to jump on the tiny laptop bandwagon. I hate having to buy technology things when I feel inadequately informed to make a good decision - but after a bit of biking around and talking to about 300 computer guys, I scored a shiny new ACER netbook. It only took me the rest of the afternoon to uninstall all the useless clutter and strip it down to a browser+media player machine... (although somehow I can't seem to get rid of Windows Movie editor???).
ANYWAY. Church was pretty good. And that was the most geeked-out weekend ever...
On Friday Leah camped out at the geek-fest Long and Mcquade sale to pick me up a Boss RC2 looping pedal. I have used it a bit, and it is pretty fun. She was the only girl waiting in line, although I'm guessing she didn't have the longest hair...
On Saturday, I went to get a haircut, and then stopped by Honest Ed's Funhouse for some tasty paint stripper. I managed to make some good progress on the front door, which is close to being ready to sand and varnish. D&J came over for dinner, and D managed to almost die of cat allergy.
On Sunday I went on an adventure that I have been putting off for a while. We sort of need a new computer. Our previous desktop has served us excellently (it is going on 6 years old, which is like 200 in computer years...), but with Leah in school it made some serious sense to jump on the tiny laptop bandwagon. I hate having to buy technology things when I feel inadequately informed to make a good decision - but after a bit of biking around and talking to about 300 computer guys, I scored a shiny new ACER netbook. It only took me the rest of the afternoon to uninstall all the useless clutter and strip it down to a browser+media player machine... (although somehow I can't seem to get rid of Windows Movie editor???).
ANYWAY. Church was pretty good. And that was the most geeked-out weekend ever...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Drinking in L.A.
Last week Leah and I went to Los Angeles for my brother's wedding. Today I feel sort of like I've been kicked in the head. Getting up at 7 in Toronto is like getting up at 4 in California. Also, going to work after a week off is extra fun.
Anyway. It was a great Hunter gathering, and the time went by too fast. Delvyn and Charity had a super-awesome wedding. We went to Disneyland, the beach, In-N-Out Burger, Hollywood Blvd, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Rodeo Drive, and a gun store...
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
weekend
It was a long one...
Friday afternoon - we did a whole lot of laundry. That evening we fired up the barbecue, and J&D&K came over.
We went over to A&E's a few times, to feed their cats. While we were there, we tried running through some old songs. The neighbours couldn't handle it though, so we stopped.
After church, we went to the Woods' place, for another barbecue.
On Monday, we celebrated Leah's birthday by going to the airshow and getting sunburned. Wicked farmer's tan.
Friday afternoon - we did a whole lot of laundry. That evening we fired up the barbecue, and J&D&K came over.
We went over to A&E's a few times, to feed their cats. While we were there, we tried running through some old songs. The neighbours couldn't handle it though, so we stopped.
After church, we went to the Woods' place, for another barbecue.
On Monday, we celebrated Leah's birthday by going to the airshow and getting sunburned. Wicked farmer's tan.
Monday, August 31, 2009
weekend
I have a headache this morning.
On Friday we went to the Golden Turtle for dinner. Afterwards we dropped by the Wood's.
On Saturday, I got a haircut. In the afternoon, we went to Darryl's studio. He has been shooting kids videos, and Leah got to sing and play guitar. I got to change out backdrops.
On Sunday we did some more work on the front door. After church we went out for dinner. We were going to go to Wavelength, to see the Wilderness of Manitoba, but they wouldn't let Leah in without i.d.
On Friday we went to the Golden Turtle for dinner. Afterwards we dropped by the Wood's.
On Saturday, I got a haircut. In the afternoon, we went to Darryl's studio. He has been shooting kids videos, and Leah got to sing and play guitar. I got to change out backdrops.
On Sunday we did some more work on the front door. After church we went out for dinner. We were going to go to Wavelength, to see the Wilderness of Manitoba, but they wouldn't let Leah in without i.d.
Monday, August 24, 2009
update the weekend
Here we go...
Friday night - we walked to Christie Pitts for ice-cream. Afterwards we went to the Delaware House to see The Wilderness of Manitoba play their CD release party. The Delaware House is a house on Delaware Street, and they host live concerts in the tiny garage in their back yard. The garden was candlelit and the tiny wooden shack filled up with people. The music was great too, with layers of atmosphere and four part harmonies... and Leah pretty much played their CD on repeat all weekend.
On Saturday I went to Home Depot, which always feels like something of an adventure into suburbia. That evening we went over to Robby and Tirza's for a traditional German dinner! We also looked through their wonderful wedding pictures. I am going to miss them when they leave.
On Sunday, Leah and I took the front door off of its hinges and started the process of stripping it down to the solid wood. It is amazing what you can do with stuff that comes in bottles covered in skulls - years of paint bubble and peel right before your eyes. We had to put the door back on to go to church - and I guess we will keep working on it next weekend...
Friday night - we walked to Christie Pitts for ice-cream. Afterwards we went to the Delaware House to see The Wilderness of Manitoba play their CD release party. The Delaware House is a house on Delaware Street, and they host live concerts in the tiny garage in their back yard. The garden was candlelit and the tiny wooden shack filled up with people. The music was great too, with layers of atmosphere and four part harmonies... and Leah pretty much played their CD on repeat all weekend.
On Saturday I went to Home Depot, which always feels like something of an adventure into suburbia. That evening we went over to Robby and Tirza's for a traditional German dinner! We also looked through their wonderful wedding pictures. I am going to miss them when they leave.
On Sunday, Leah and I took the front door off of its hinges and started the process of stripping it down to the solid wood. It is amazing what you can do with stuff that comes in bottles covered in skulls - years of paint bubble and peel right before your eyes. We had to put the door back on to go to church - and I guess we will keep working on it next weekend...
Monday, August 17, 2009
w33k3ndupd8
...don't feel like it
Friday - we went to the community dinner at Dufferin Grove park. It was like 1990-something. The Woods booked the firepit, so we had Smores after dinner - Germans and Dutch people showed up too. Then we went down to Ossington and Queen. I keep hearing about that part of town - but I had no idea that it was so ridiculous on the weekend - there were people everywhere. I sort of understand residents wanting to fight the bar scene - it is quite the bro-zone - but they should just realize that if they wait a little while, some other part of town will be the new 'cool' hood... Anyway - we split pretty fast.
Saturday - we had an impromptu yard-sale. I think I made about 3 dollars off of books and CDs. We did sell a couple of Leah/Trent albums to the neighbours though... That evening we went to the Square Foot show at the AWOL gallery. The lineup was ridiculous, and once we were inside, the place was too rammed to be comfortable. Afterwards we went to Julie's Snack Bar, for expensive drinks.
On Sunday we went to morning church for a change. Afterwards we went out with a bunch of people for breakfast at Mars diner. That evening, Leah and I had sushi in the park, to celebrate our 6th year wedding anniversary. Then we watched the Secret of Nimh on Youtube.
Friday - we went to the community dinner at Dufferin Grove park. It was like 1990-something. The Woods booked the firepit, so we had Smores after dinner - Germans and Dutch people showed up too. Then we went down to Ossington and Queen. I keep hearing about that part of town - but I had no idea that it was so ridiculous on the weekend - there were people everywhere. I sort of understand residents wanting to fight the bar scene - it is quite the bro-zone - but they should just realize that if they wait a little while, some other part of town will be the new 'cool' hood... Anyway - we split pretty fast.
Saturday - we had an impromptu yard-sale. I think I made about 3 dollars off of books and CDs. We did sell a couple of Leah/Trent albums to the neighbours though... That evening we went to the Square Foot show at the AWOL gallery. The lineup was ridiculous, and once we were inside, the place was too rammed to be comfortable. Afterwards we went to Julie's Snack Bar, for expensive drinks.
On Sunday we went to morning church for a change. Afterwards we went out with a bunch of people for breakfast at Mars diner. That evening, Leah and I had sushi in the park, to celebrate our 6th year wedding anniversary. Then we watched the Secret of Nimh on Youtube.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Absolut
My fave part of JB's lower Bay project was definitely the subway car filled with plants... Here is a video that I found on Flickr, which doesn't quite do it justice, but you get the idea.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Le weekend
I registered to take part in the square foot show at the AWOL gallery... and the deadline for submission was this Saturday. So Friday night had me working on trying to transfer a photocopy to a canvas, without screwing it up too badly. I worked on it 'til two in the morning, and then woke up on Saturday and kept working. Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out according to my perfectionist liking, but I finished it up and dropped it off that afternoon. Good enough.
Leah went out of town on Saturday, to hang out with some high-school friends. I had brunch with Brad, and he walked down to the gallery with me.
That evening I was kinda bored - and walked to the Annex. I bought a falafel sandwich and a coffee, and looked through CDs and records at Sonic Boom. Their store window displays are always amazing - and the Dinosaur Jr one at the moment is maybe my favourite ever!
On Sunday we went grocery shopping. After church we went to Rice Bar with the Germans (Robby and Tirza). We were on the patio when the most wicked lightning storm rolled in. Over the course of the evening, I got a crazy headache. We ended up getting a cab home and I went straight to bed.
Leah went out of town on Saturday, to hang out with some high-school friends. I had brunch with Brad, and he walked down to the gallery with me.
That evening I was kinda bored - and walked to the Annex. I bought a falafel sandwich and a coffee, and looked through CDs and records at Sonic Boom. Their store window displays are always amazing - and the Dinosaur Jr one at the moment is maybe my favourite ever!
On Sunday we went grocery shopping. After church we went to Rice Bar with the Germans (Robby and Tirza). We were on the patio when the most wicked lightning storm rolled in. Over the course of the evening, I got a crazy headache. We ended up getting a cab home and I went straight to bed.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
back to work
Some things from the weekend:
Birthday party at D&Js
Star Trek at the Bloor Cinema
Art galleries
Cedarvale Park
Rice Bar
Barbecue at the Woods
Taking out 6 weeks of garbage
Birthday party at D&Js
Star Trek at the Bloor Cinema
Art galleries
Cedarvale Park
Rice Bar
Barbecue at the Woods
Taking out 6 weeks of garbage
Monday, July 27, 2009
weekend
let's see...
Bradley came over on Friday night. Afterwards we watched Singles - which I had never seen (and wouldn't necessarily recommend).
On Saturday we did laundry and then went out for Korean food. That evening we went over to D&J's and played Yahtzee.
On Sunday we went to L&L's for brunch/an elders' meeting. Afterwards we walked through Kensington (there was a brief period where the rain actually stopped). Pedestrian Sunday = lots of weirdness in the market. We went to No Frill's for some groceries. And that evening we skipped church and Jen came over for dinner.
This morning is actually sunny. Also, it looks like the big garbage strike might actually be coming to an end.
Bradley came over on Friday night. Afterwards we watched Singles - which I had never seen (and wouldn't necessarily recommend).
On Saturday we did laundry and then went out for Korean food. That evening we went over to D&J's and played Yahtzee.
On Sunday we went to L&L's for brunch/an elders' meeting. Afterwards we walked through Kensington (there was a brief period where the rain actually stopped). Pedestrian Sunday = lots of weirdness in the market. We went to No Frill's for some groceries. And that evening we skipped church and Jen came over for dinner.
This morning is actually sunny. Also, it looks like the big garbage strike might actually be coming to an end.
Monday, July 20, 2009
weekend
Friday - there was a show at the Woods' house. I was tired but it was fun.
Saturday - we had breakfast with D&J at Billy's, which is always good. Afterwards we walked to the Annex with Jen. I got my hair cut by an old barber - I can understand about 25% of what he says to me while he is cutting my hair. We ended up at BMV, where I bought a book and Leah bought a CD. On the way back we walked past the temporary garbage dump at Christie Pitts Park. It is getting gross in this city.
Our upstairs neighbour was rebagging the garbage behind our house when we got home. Critters have been getting into stuff and it was getting nasty.
Sunday - Leah went to play music at our first morning church service. After helping carry her gear to StStephens, I walked into the market. Sunday morning coffee on a patio is way better than church...
When we got home, I watched Slacker. I have been meaning to watch this for years - and it did not disappoint. I have a high Linklater (excessive rambling dialogue) tolerance - and this is now maybe my 2nd fave movie of his (next to Before Sunrise). It sort of made me want to move somewhere a little more sprawling and a little slower paced.
Church was pretty good, and afterwards we went to Rancho Relaxo with the Woods.
It still isn't summer in Toronto - and I'm beginning to think we're just not getting one this year.
Monday, July 13, 2009
long weekend
Not really a long weekend, just one that had a lot of stuff crammed into it.
Friday evening was the wedding rehearsal for K&T's wedding. Leah was playing bass, and I was running sound. On the way home I went tie shopping - it is weird spending money on a piece of clothe to purposefully wrap uncomfortably tightly around one's neck.
We were back at the wedding in the morning. Afterwards, we went home and hung out with P&B, who were spending the night at our house. P and I managed to back a giant van into the neighbours' fence, and then we all headed off to the reception. It was insane.
In the morning, our guests took off after breakfast. Having them stay with us was wonderful - probably my favorite part of the whole wedding weekend!
I walked to the hardware/lumber store and bought a few fence boards! And then we went to church. Leah was playing music and I ended up as the last-minute (literally) sound guy. It is almost fun (but still work) when everything ends up sounding good - and it sounded great! Also, I get to turn it up as loud as I want to.
T.C. was preaching! and it was pretty much everything you might expect. In a good way.
After church we went home and made dinner. Also, I fixed a fence.
Friday evening was the wedding rehearsal for K&T's wedding. Leah was playing bass, and I was running sound. On the way home I went tie shopping - it is weird spending money on a piece of clothe to purposefully wrap uncomfortably tightly around one's neck.
We were back at the wedding in the morning. Afterwards, we went home and hung out with P&B, who were spending the night at our house. P and I managed to back a giant van into the neighbours' fence, and then we all headed off to the reception. It was insane.
In the morning, our guests took off after breakfast. Having them stay with us was wonderful - probably my favorite part of the whole wedding weekend!
I walked to the hardware/lumber store and bought a few fence boards! And then we went to church. Leah was playing music and I ended up as the last-minute (literally) sound guy. It is almost fun (but still work) when everything ends up sounding good - and it sounded great! Also, I get to turn it up as loud as I want to.
T.C. was preaching! and it was pretty much everything you might expect. In a good way.
After church we went home and made dinner. Also, I fixed a fence.
Monday, July 06, 2009
weekend
Since I worked last Wednesday (Canada Day), I had Friday off instead, as well as Thursday afternoon.
Leah and I borrowed a car from some generous friends, and drove to a bed and breakfast outside of Orangeville for a couple of nights. It was great (necessery) to get out of town for a little while. We spent a day getting lost at the Elora gorge, and also stopped by Guelph on the way home on Saturday.
Yesterday we went grocery shopping in Kensington, and did some laundry. After church we went to D&J's for dinner.
Toronto is burying itself in garbage.
Leah and I borrowed a car from some generous friends, and drove to a bed and breakfast outside of Orangeville for a couple of nights. It was great (necessery) to get out of town for a little while. We spent a day getting lost at the Elora gorge, and also stopped by Guelph on the way home on Saturday.
Yesterday we went grocery shopping in Kensington, and did some laundry. After church we went to D&J's for dinner.
Toronto is burying itself in garbage.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Its the Weekend Update
Hello
On Friday we went to the Rex, for our friend Michael's CD release. It was a great show, and his album also sounds goooood.
On Saturday I went to get a haircut. We had Jen over for an evening barbecue, and then Leah and I went to the Bloor Cinema to watch The Harder They Come. It is a Jamaican movie from 1972 - one of the first ever real Jamaican films - about a singer and gangster played by Jimmy Cliff. The soundtrack is great, and Leah has been listening to the title song on Youtube for the last few days.
On Sunday, I went down to Queen to look at galleries. I talked to someone I used to work with who just graduated from OCAD with a fine art degree. Her first degree was in interior design (1978!).
After church we went to the Woods for a barbecue.
On Friday we went to the Rex, for our friend Michael's CD release. It was a great show, and his album also sounds goooood.
On Saturday I went to get a haircut. We had Jen over for an evening barbecue, and then Leah and I went to the Bloor Cinema to watch The Harder They Come. It is a Jamaican movie from 1972 - one of the first ever real Jamaican films - about a singer and gangster played by Jimmy Cliff. The soundtrack is great, and Leah has been listening to the title song on Youtube for the last few days.
On Sunday, I went down to Queen to look at galleries. I talked to someone I used to work with who just graduated from OCAD with a fine art degree. Her first degree was in interior design (1978!).
After church we went to the Woods for a barbecue.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Dramarama
The Weekend...
Friday night... we went out to the (far) east end to feed Dorothy the Cat.
On Saturday we had an elders meeting for church. Since we were in the (far) north end of the city, I went to Ikea afterwards to buy some picture frames. Ikea is insane... and not in a good way. I did enjoy a 50c hotdog though. Leah went to feed the cat.
Afterwards, I hung out with Brad, and we walked the length of the slightly soggy Big on Bloor festival. It was (as always) the strangest possible mix of vendors, with a fairly high toronto diy hipster art school kid representation. My favorite was a stall of journals made from old recycled hardcover books.
That night we went to a low key birthday gathering at the huang/bowser/cumby house. Even though it was Anne's birthday, baby Calla sort of stole the show. I guess it was her one week birthday too.
On Sunday I went east one last time to feed Dorothy. I also played guitar with Leah at church, which meant hauling gear around in cabs. Afterwards, we went to D&J's, to hang out with them and their couch-surfing house guests. We were also hoping to catch the Gertrudes at the Rivoli, but due to some unforeseen factors (like realising mid-cabride that we had left a bag of our stuff, including house keys, at church) by the time we had eaten, the band would have been half-way through their set.
Also, it is summer here now. =)
Friday night... we went out to the (far) east end to feed Dorothy the Cat.
On Saturday we had an elders meeting for church. Since we were in the (far) north end of the city, I went to Ikea afterwards to buy some picture frames. Ikea is insane... and not in a good way. I did enjoy a 50c hotdog though. Leah went to feed the cat.
Afterwards, I hung out with Brad, and we walked the length of the slightly soggy Big on Bloor festival. It was (as always) the strangest possible mix of vendors, with a fairly high toronto diy hipster art school kid representation. My favorite was a stall of journals made from old recycled hardcover books.
That night we went to a low key birthday gathering at the huang/bowser/cumby house. Even though it was Anne's birthday, baby Calla sort of stole the show. I guess it was her one week birthday too.
On Sunday I went east one last time to feed Dorothy. I also played guitar with Leah at church, which meant hauling gear around in cabs. Afterwards, we went to D&J's, to hang out with them and their couch-surfing house guests. We were also hoping to catch the Gertrudes at the Rivoli, but due to some unforeseen factors (like realising mid-cabride that we had left a bag of our stuff, including house keys, at church) by the time we had eaten, the band would have been half-way through their set.
Also, it is summer here now. =)
Monday, June 15, 2009
weekender
On Friday we watched a super-old (1938) Hitchcock movie - The Lady Vanishes - which we borrowed from Bradley.
Saturday involved meeting David and his nephew for breakfast, going jogging with Leah, buying an amp at a yardsale =), finding out that it only half works =( (no left channel), going to Saving Gigi for coffee, and eventually going to Becca T's birthday party. We also talked to Mike periodically, who talked to Laura periodically, who was at the hospital with the Cumbys... who had a little baby in the afternoon.
On Sunday we went grocery shopping, and then walked to church. Afterwards we snuck away to Women's College Hospital and visited baby Calla (and new mom Anne - dad had gone home to sleep for a while). I don't think I have met and held a one day old person before!
Saturday involved meeting David and his nephew for breakfast, going jogging with Leah, buying an amp at a yardsale =), finding out that it only half works =( (no left channel), going to Saving Gigi for coffee, and eventually going to Becca T's birthday party. We also talked to Mike periodically, who talked to Laura periodically, who was at the hospital with the Cumbys... who had a little baby in the afternoon.
On Sunday we went grocery shopping, and then walked to church. Afterwards we snuck away to Women's College Hospital and visited baby Calla (and new mom Anne - dad had gone home to sleep for a while). I don't think I have met and held a one day old person before!
Monday, June 08, 2009
On Friday we disassembled the big iron gate on the front porch. It was my first experience drilling out screws (surprisingly easy)... and the place looks much better. Woods and McGhees came over and we hung out.
Saturday involved the landlord being a dork and 'hanging out' half the day. The upside is that the electrical outlet in our kitchen got fixed. That night we had a somewhat successful barbecue (I ran out of fire/charcoal... but most of the food eventually got cooked) with the McGhees and Hodgert/Fennells.
On Sunday, I did laundry. In the afternoon I biked down to Queen and visited some art galleries before heading to Kensington for church in the 'new' building. Afterwards we went to the Cumby/Bowser/Huang residence for dinner.
In other news - it still isn't really summer yet.
Saturday involved the landlord being a dork and 'hanging out' half the day. The upside is that the electrical outlet in our kitchen got fixed. That night we had a somewhat successful barbecue (I ran out of fire/charcoal... but most of the food eventually got cooked) with the McGhees and Hodgert/Fennells.
On Sunday, I did laundry. In the afternoon I biked down to Queen and visited some art galleries before heading to Kensington for church in the 'new' building. Afterwards we went to the Cumby/Bowser/Huang residence for dinner.
In other news - it still isn't really summer yet.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Blogging Fatigue
Read an article about some guy's thoughts on twitter here...
Personally, I don't know how or why I continue to check in to Blogger at least (only) once a week... I seem to have managed to maintain this discipline for much longer than any other (more useful) habit I have ever tried to cultivate.
Anyway - sometimes I still think back to the days of scribble.nu... and when writing, and the web for that matter, seemed to serve more of a personal creative purpose. I was also wondering recently if the internet will ever be something people opt out of in their homes... like people without a television. But I think there are far fewer people without a phone than without a tv, and this is probably a more accurate comparison. Maybe people will opt out of having a computer in the house - and will use their phones (the new computers) for email and for checking the weather, and for facebooking their lives...
But when (everyday) I see people walking down the street and typing into a little phone, sometimes I just stop and think, man, that has to be messed up somehow!
ANYWAY - the weekend... moved church from St Andrews to St Stephens (trading saints)... did some laundry... painted the entry hallway at home... had our last ever church service in the old building (FT Unplugged - some originals, mostly covers)...
Personally, I don't know how or why I continue to check in to Blogger at least (only) once a week... I seem to have managed to maintain this discipline for much longer than any other (more useful) habit I have ever tried to cultivate.
Anyway - sometimes I still think back to the days of scribble.nu... and when writing, and the web for that matter, seemed to serve more of a personal creative purpose. I was also wondering recently if the internet will ever be something people opt out of in their homes... like people without a television. But I think there are far fewer people without a phone than without a tv, and this is probably a more accurate comparison. Maybe people will opt out of having a computer in the house - and will use their phones (the new computers) for email and for checking the weather, and for facebooking their lives...
But when (everyday) I see people walking down the street and typing into a little phone, sometimes I just stop and think, man, that has to be messed up somehow!
ANYWAY - the weekend... moved church from St Andrews to St Stephens (trading saints)... did some laundry... painted the entry hallway at home... had our last ever church service in the old building (FT Unplugged - some originals, mostly covers)...
Monday, May 25, 2009
weekend
Friday night - we went to TACF... it was far away. On the way we passed an anime convention. The world was filled with outcast teens in goth/furry/weird-cloaks-and-swords outfits. TACF was not quite as strange.
On Sunday, I went to meet people at Mars for breakfast, and then we went to put new floors in at St Stephens. I actually ended up painting for most of the day - finishing up what we did last week. The floors look great.
That evening, we ended up going to the Rex to see Michael and Don's new(ish) band.
On Sunday we went to hang out with D&J at their street sale event. I bought a few books and records. After lunch at saving gigi, Leah and I walked to church. Afterwards we went to the Wood's for a pot-luck.
On the way home (walking from Ossington station) we saw a couple of sketchy guys running down the street. Afterwards another guy ran after them, and then a distraught lady ran by a minute later. Turns out she and her friend were robbed going into the subway. The cops showed up a few minutes later - Leah told them the guys ran into the subway - so the cops peeled out and locked down the place. Apparently they caught 3 out of 4 guys - and we got to wait around forever and eventually give statements.
In the midst of all this excitement, I missed my bedtime...
On Sunday, I went to meet people at Mars for breakfast, and then we went to put new floors in at St Stephens. I actually ended up painting for most of the day - finishing up what we did last week. The floors look great.
That evening, we ended up going to the Rex to see Michael and Don's new(ish) band.
On Sunday we went to hang out with D&J at their street sale event. I bought a few books and records. After lunch at saving gigi, Leah and I walked to church. Afterwards we went to the Wood's for a pot-luck.
On the way home (walking from Ossington station) we saw a couple of sketchy guys running down the street. Afterwards another guy ran after them, and then a distraught lady ran by a minute later. Turns out she and her friend were robbed going into the subway. The cops showed up a few minutes later - Leah told them the guys ran into the subway - so the cops peeled out and locked down the place. Apparently they caught 3 out of 4 guys - and we got to wait around forever and eventually give statements.
In the midst of all this excitement, I missed my bedtime...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May Two-Four Weekend
I got off work early on Friday, for the long weekend. That night we went to Laura's (karaoke) birthday party.
Saturday was an epic day of painting at St Stephens church. Our church is moving in June, so we are having a few weekends of getting our space in the "new" building ready. We met up with Kate and the Royals for breakfast at Mars (at 8.30)... and I got home around 9pm. We watched Rachel Getting Married, which was a pretty crazy movie.
I walked to church on Sunday, and then we went to LL's after church for dinner. We walked home afterwards - so all in all I walked for about an hour and a half.
On Monday we were dead tired, and I had a pretty sweet headache. We went for a walk, even though I felt like collapsing. That night we went to D&J's, and watched the Wrestler, which was a very crazy movie.
Somewhere in there we also did some grocery shopping and laundry. And I also hit up a couple of yard sales, where I picked up some Annie Dillard, Flannery O'C., Beck and Bad Religion...
Saturday was an epic day of painting at St Stephens church. Our church is moving in June, so we are having a few weekends of getting our space in the "new" building ready. We met up with Kate and the Royals for breakfast at Mars (at 8.30)... and I got home around 9pm. We watched Rachel Getting Married, which was a pretty crazy movie.
I walked to church on Sunday, and then we went to LL's after church for dinner. We walked home afterwards - so all in all I walked for about an hour and a half.
On Monday we were dead tired, and I had a pretty sweet headache. We went for a walk, even though I felt like collapsing. That night we went to D&J's, and watched the Wrestler, which was a very crazy movie.
Somewhere in there we also did some grocery shopping and laundry. And I also hit up a couple of yard sales, where I picked up some Annie Dillard, Flannery O'C., Beck and Bad Religion...
Monday, May 11, 2009
weekender
On Friday night we went to a birthday party for Joel. There were a good few people there, and an unsceduled performance by Nicholas Cage was a part of the evening's festivities.
On Saturday morning I made a big breakfast. We also bought Sonic Youth tickets. That night we went to another birthday party...
On Sunday, I walked to the annex, bought a coffee, some art supplies, and another(!) birthday card. I went to church early, to help set things up. I also ran sound at church. Afterwards, we ate carrot-turnip soup and apple crisp!!!!!!
Monday, May 04, 2009
weekend
On Friday night I went to Joel's let's-play-video-games-while-Anne-has-a-baby-shower party. Everyone pitched in money to go towards pizza and beer and diapers. I haven't really played video games for a good decade or so... and I now find them almost seizure inducing in their ridiculous speed and camera zooming (yes, I'm old).
On Saturday we had an elders' meeting at our house. Our church is moving at the end of the month, so there is a lot going on. That night we went to a birthday party for /dr., which was fun. We partied like married people, which is to say we were home by 1...
On Sunday, I went to see the Wolverine movie. I am generally quite forgiving when it comes to superhero movies... and I really enjoyed this one. It could have had a better bad guy character (see the last Batman - which I actually didn't enjoy as much as I was supposed to), and it could have had a better female lead (see Iron-Man - which I did enjoy as much as I was supposed to), but it would be difficult to find a more bad-ass/awesome hero than Wolverine. He's Canadian!
After church, we ended up (with Brad) at D&J's again, for dinner.
Monday, April 27, 2009
weekend
On Friday we went grocery shopping. When we got home, Leah made granola and I went to bed.
On Saturday we took M to the vet for her shots. She was scared, as usual...
In the afternoon we went to A's to play music. And that evening we went to D & J's, where we finally watched Slumdog Millionaire. I'm still not sure why I didn't love this movie as much as (almost) everybody else did!? I really do like movies with fully developed characters (and where nothing happens!). This one has everything happening and pretty flat characters.
On Sunday, I walked down to Queen street and stopped in at a bunch of art galleries, where I saw some pretty cool stuff, like this. After church we went to D & J's for dinner.
On Saturday we took M to the vet for her shots. She was scared, as usual...
In the afternoon we went to A's to play music. And that evening we went to D & J's, where we finally watched Slumdog Millionaire. I'm still not sure why I didn't love this movie as much as (almost) everybody else did!? I really do like movies with fully developed characters (and where nothing happens!). This one has everything happening and pretty flat characters.
On Sunday, I walked down to Queen street and stopped in at a bunch of art galleries, where I saw some pretty cool stuff, like this. After church we went to D & J's for dinner.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Update
Well...
Friday night I went to A&E&J&A's house - Andrew was hosting a party to give away/swap some of his old unwanted records. It was a fairly low key affair - but pretty fun.
Saturday morning had peoples' fists in my mouth. Turns out I had a cavity in one of my molars, so that was a good time.
Also, it was record store day! Leah and I went down to (a rammed) Queen street, to stop by Criminal Records. It was crazy! The only time I have seen that many people in there was for the Julie Doiron in-store show. Leah bought a Cat Steven's record, and ended up winning a grand prize, which turned out to be mostly a massive amount of City and Colour swag!!! If anybody is a big fan, we have autographed CDs, DVDs, t-shirts, a bag..(!?) (Leah loves the song Coming Home, so she was pretty excited.)
I bought the Dan Auerbach record (which came with a CD copy). If you like the Black Keys, then you will probably like this too...
On Sunday - Leah did some laundry... and I went to the Dufferin Mall to drop off some film at Blacks. How old-school is that??!
Church.
The end.
Friday night I went to A&E&J&A's house - Andrew was hosting a party to give away/swap some of his old unwanted records. It was a fairly low key affair - but pretty fun.
Saturday morning had peoples' fists in my mouth. Turns out I had a cavity in one of my molars, so that was a good time.
Also, it was record store day! Leah and I went down to (a rammed) Queen street, to stop by Criminal Records. It was crazy! The only time I have seen that many people in there was for the Julie Doiron in-store show. Leah bought a Cat Steven's record, and ended up winning a grand prize, which turned out to be mostly a massive amount of City and Colour swag!!! If anybody is a big fan, we have autographed CDs, DVDs, t-shirts, a bag..(!?) (Leah loves the song Coming Home, so she was pretty excited.)
I bought the Dan Auerbach record (which came with a CD copy). If you like the Black Keys, then you will probably like this too...
On Sunday - Leah did some laundry... and I went to the Dufferin Mall to drop off some film at Blacks. How old-school is that??!
Church.
The end.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Easter Weekend Update Extravaganza
Leah was complaining that I did not update yesterday.
Thursday night we watched Napoleon Dynamite at D&J's. I forgot that that movie is so good!
Friday, we went to church at St Andrews for the (first ever?) joint StA+Ft service. Afterwards, a bunch of people came over for a giant brunch. Later we all migrated to the Woods' place for a giant dinner, and a game of Apples to Apples. It was an exhausting day of hanging out.
Saturday, we didn't do all that much.
Sunday - I did laundry. Easter church was good, and we went to Korean Barbecue afterwards with a bunch of people...
The end
Thursday night we watched Napoleon Dynamite at D&J's. I forgot that that movie is so good!
Friday, we went to church at St Andrews for the (first ever?) joint StA+Ft service. Afterwards, a bunch of people came over for a giant brunch. Later we all migrated to the Woods' place for a giant dinner, and a game of Apples to Apples. It was an exhausting day of hanging out.
Saturday, we didn't do all that much.
Sunday - I did laundry. Easter church was good, and we went to Korean Barbecue afterwards with a bunch of people...
The end
Monday, April 06, 2009
weekend
Mostly we did things like taxes and studying. We also watched some movies - Thank You for Smoking and Dog Day Afternoon - both of which I would recommend.
I also got a bad haircut, and then shaved it all down to 1/4 inch.
I also got a bad haircut, and then shaved it all down to 1/4 inch.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Ha ha ha
This study is funny. Since I ran across the article whilst at work, and am now blogging about it, I guess that makes me a more productive worker...?!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Weekend
This weekend involved some epic moving. Three couples that we know all moved into a mansion - so Saturday was a long day of loading, unloading, and driving back and forth across town. The weather was great, there were many helpers, and it everything went well. It was actually fun.
That evening Leah went to a wedding shower for another friend. I stuck around at the mansion to drink some post-moving beer with the lights out (earth hour seems like such a bad joke to me, but whatever...)
On sunday Leah worked on some homework while I went to drink coffee and read about minimalist art. Church was good - David was pinch-preaching due to the early arrival of baby Justus. Afterwards, we had a last minute pot-luck dinner at our house.
That evening Leah went to a wedding shower for another friend. I stuck around at the mansion to drink some post-moving beer with the lights out (earth hour seems like such a bad joke to me, but whatever...)
On sunday Leah worked on some homework while I went to drink coffee and read about minimalist art. Church was good - David was pinch-preaching due to the early arrival of baby Justus. Afterwards, we had a last minute pot-luck dinner at our house.
Monday, March 23, 2009
W33K3ND
On Friday night we went over to David and Jen's. We ate delicious food (as always) and watched Happy Go Lucky. I really liked this movie...
On Saturday I did laundry in the morning, and we went grocery shopping in the afternoon. I also bought the Saint Etienne Travel Edition CD.
That night I was kinda bored, and ended up renting Mystery Train. We watched 2/3 of it before going to sleep. I love the first third with the Japanese rockabilly kids making a pilgrimage to Memphis...
On Sunday, I finally reassembled the record player table, with Leah's help. It took quite a bit of swearing on my part before things were together and not too crooked.
I was on setup for church - which went pretty well. We had a guest preacher (Joe Manifo), and after the service he showed a documentary that he made on churches in Canada (he himself is a church planter in Sarnia). It was well done and interesting. After that there was a panel discussion starring David, Justin Broadbent, John Franklin (of Imago), and Joe, about faith and the arts. It was excellently moderated by Jen McNaughton, and actually super interesting. After tear-down, it was really late and I had a wicked headache.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Colored Lights Video
I finished making my first ever video tonight. It is shot on the world's worst digital camera, and it is my first time trying to do video or audio in Flash, so bear with me... (and let me know if you have issues running it).
Check it out over at Immigrant Design. IT'S INTERACTIVE!!!
Check it out over at Immigrant Design. IT'S INTERACTIVE!!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
WKND
This weekend was good. Leah had an idea for a new coffee-table. After some design alterations to account for the fact that we can't make 45 degree cuts, and have to rely on the 'accuracy' of the peeps at the hardware store who cut the wood, we ended up with a new coffee table. It turned out quite well. I will put some pictures up at Immigrant Design when I get a chance...
On Sunday, I went for a walk and took some pictures (35mm film - oldschool). I also stopped in at a few art galleries.
Church was good.
On Sunday, I went for a walk and took some pictures (35mm film - oldschool). I also stopped in at a few art galleries.
Church was good.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Toe Knee Heart
Today I was walking to work from the streetcar stop - and I was looking off to the side at this mysterious huge house on Wellington...
when I walked right into one of those posts that you lock your bike to.
It was funny, but I totally smashed my knee into it.
Monday, March 09, 2009
weakened
The weekend was somewhat busy and mostly unremarkable.
I should trade in blogger for twitter.
I should trade in blogger for twitter.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009
wkkendupdtte
I am slightly sick today - my head feels heavy and full and my throat hurts.
On Friday I met Leah after work and she went to buy a bathing suit. Later we went to visit Kate in her fancy-schmancy Yorkville hotel. We went swimming in the lap pool, tried out the sauna, and hung out in her room.
On Saturday, Leah and I complained about the cold. We went to greenavi for coffee, where Leah read Thomas Merton and I read Flannery O'Connor... Afterwards, we went to Magic Oven Pizza, for expensive gluten-free pizza. Instead of doing anything that evening - we fell asleep for a few hours. When we woke up, we ended up watching/rewatching Before Sunrise.
On Sunday we did laundry. After church we watched Before Sunset - which was interesting but not as good...
On Friday I met Leah after work and she went to buy a bathing suit. Later we went to visit Kate in her fancy-schmancy Yorkville hotel. We went swimming in the lap pool, tried out the sauna, and hung out in her room.
On Saturday, Leah and I complained about the cold. We went to greenavi for coffee, where Leah read Thomas Merton and I read Flannery O'Connor... Afterwards, we went to Magic Oven Pizza, for expensive gluten-free pizza. Instead of doing anything that evening - we fell asleep for a few hours. When we woke up, we ended up watching/rewatching Before Sunrise.
On Sunday we did laundry. After church we watched Before Sunset - which was interesting but not as good...
Monday, February 23, 2009
wweekkeenndd
Leah was (is) away all last week and for the weekend.
Friday night I stayed home, and went to bed somewhat early.
Saturday I got up and went to Ikea. I bought a bunch of stuff (some lights, picture frames, sheets etc.) and then went home to get it all set up, Trading Spaces style. Afterwards, I went to the paint store and bought another gallon of brown paint. After I had the living room prepped, Pants called to see if I wanted to go bowling that evening. I had a few hours, so I decided to try my hand at speed painting...
Bowling was fun. I still don't understand why it is so hard to find a bowling alley in Toronto (well - I sort of understand that they are big, and renting that much office space must bring in WAY more money than renting old shoes and selling cheap beer...) Anyway - this one was in some random basement up near Lawrence and Bathurst..?
On Sunday I got up early and hit the living room with a second coat of paint. I decided to NOT do laundry (in spite of a fairly dire laundry situation), 'cause I figured I needed to relax for at least a part of the weekend. So I sabbathed around town aimlessly for a few hours (stopping in at Sears to buy socks).
After church I rented Before Sunrise - which I had somehow never seen. I have a fairly high Linklater tolerence factor - and this one had a high Decent-Babble:Pretentious-Babble ratio. I really enjoyed it, and I believe I will have to now rent Before Sunset...
Tonight: Laundro-geddon.
Friday night I stayed home, and went to bed somewhat early.
Saturday I got up and went to Ikea. I bought a bunch of stuff (some lights, picture frames, sheets etc.) and then went home to get it all set up, Trading Spaces style. Afterwards, I went to the paint store and bought another gallon of brown paint. After I had the living room prepped, Pants called to see if I wanted to go bowling that evening. I had a few hours, so I decided to try my hand at speed painting...
Bowling was fun. I still don't understand why it is so hard to find a bowling alley in Toronto (well - I sort of understand that they are big, and renting that much office space must bring in WAY more money than renting old shoes and selling cheap beer...) Anyway - this one was in some random basement up near Lawrence and Bathurst..?
On Sunday I got up early and hit the living room with a second coat of paint. I decided to NOT do laundry (in spite of a fairly dire laundry situation), 'cause I figured I needed to relax for at least a part of the weekend. So I sabbathed around town aimlessly for a few hours (stopping in at Sears to buy socks).
After church I rented Before Sunrise - which I had somehow never seen. I have a fairly high Linklater tolerence factor - and this one had a high Decent-Babble:Pretentious-Babble ratio. I really enjoyed it, and I believe I will have to now rent Before Sunset...
Tonight: Laundro-geddon.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Long Weekend
On Friday night I went up to Eglinton and Mount Pleasant (!?!) to meet a bunch of guys from church at a pub, and to play chess. I got my bum thoroughly kicked by Scott Gray.
On Saturday I got my hair cut. Afterwards Leah and I went to The Queen Mother for a Valentines day lunch! That night we went to the Royal's to hang out with church peeps, and make vegan paté for a church feast.
On Sunday, Leah went to play at St John's Anglican (for the last time). I went to The Common and read the latest Scott Pilgrim book. I just found out that I am too old to be an extra in the movie... =(
After church there was a baptism/feast at St George the Martyr.
On Monday, Leah and I stayed home all day, packing etc. for Leah to go away for a week of silent retreat at Loyola House. After going down to Union Station with her, I headed to the McG's for dinner and a movie. We watched In Bruges, which I wouldn't necessarily recommend. (it wasn't terrible... but it wasn't super-awesome)
On Saturday I got my hair cut. Afterwards Leah and I went to The Queen Mother for a Valentines day lunch! That night we went to the Royal's to hang out with church peeps, and make vegan paté for a church feast.
On Sunday, Leah went to play at St John's Anglican (for the last time). I went to The Common and read the latest Scott Pilgrim book. I just found out that I am too old to be an extra in the movie... =(
After church there was a baptism/feast at St George the Martyr.
On Monday, Leah and I stayed home all day, packing etc. for Leah to go away for a week of silent retreat at Loyola House. After going down to Union Station with her, I headed to the McG's for dinner and a movie. We watched In Bruges, which I wouldn't necessarily recommend. (it wasn't terrible... but it wasn't super-awesome)
Monday, February 09, 2009
Weekend
On Friday night we rented Vicky Cristina Barcelona. If you like Woody Allen movies (without Woody Allen) in general then you will probably like this one too.
On Saturday we had an elder's meeting for church. Afterwards we went to Sears to return an electric space heater. We didn't go to be mistreated by a surly Sears employee, but we ended up doing both of these things.
As previously mentioned, I also went to see Coraline. There were one million children+parents in the theatre.
On Sunday I was on setup and teardown at church. I also got to run powerpoint (actually MediaShout, which, if possible, is maybe worse than PP), which means I sort of skipped church to sit in the dark and occasionally push a button.
On Saturday we had an elder's meeting for church. Afterwards we went to Sears to return an electric space heater. We didn't go to be mistreated by a surly Sears employee, but we ended up doing both of these things.
As previously mentioned, I also went to see Coraline. There were one million children+parents in the theatre.
On Sunday I was on setup and teardown at church. I also got to run powerpoint (actually MediaShout, which, if possible, is maybe worse than PP), which means I sort of skipped church to sit in the dark and occasionally push a button.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Coraline
Yesterday I went to see Coraline. Unfortunately, the theatre I went to was not showing it in 3D - which I only discovered after I got there. Anyway - it was still pretty amazing! I recommend - unless you happen to not like crazy magical fantastic things.
If you want to replace your eyes with buttons, you can do so at Coraline.com
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Weather
We are into February and the dark of the year. Not literally (our days are getting longer), but figuratively. These are the long months of winter.
Our furnace stopped working some time on Tuesday night, and was out of commission until 7 this morning, when a guy came with the part he needed to fix it. This time we had power, so we were able to at least run a space heater (and the oven!) whenever we were home.
Leah also bought me the 808s & Heartbreak album, to add to my winter music collection. Speaking of which, here is some free music you might like... I downloaded and burned the Blue Laws album, and find myself putting it on fairly often. (I assume the rest is good too, but I have yet to listen to anything else).
Monday, February 02, 2009
Weekendupdate
So I heard that that previously posted Shad video is not all freestyle...
The weekend.
On Friday we trekked out to the rehearsal space. It is not that far away, but trying to get there on the Dufferin bus is about as much fun as waiting out in the cold. Actually, it is waiting out in the cold.
We cleared out our stuff and took a cab ride home, and then went to the McGhee's for dinner.
On Saturday we had our Annual(ish) General Meeting, for church. This was more or less as fun as an annual general meeting is. After dinner, Leah watched about 6 episodes of Degrassi, and I wondered around the Annex sort of aimlessly.
On Sunday, I sent to the Common in the morning, and then did some more aimless wondering before going to church. Afterwards we went to the Cumby/Huang's for dinner.
The weekend.
On Friday we trekked out to the rehearsal space. It is not that far away, but trying to get there on the Dufferin bus is about as much fun as waiting out in the cold. Actually, it is waiting out in the cold.
We cleared out our stuff and took a cab ride home, and then went to the McGhee's for dinner.
On Saturday we had our Annual(ish) General Meeting, for church. This was more or less as fun as an annual general meeting is. After dinner, Leah watched about 6 episodes of Degrassi, and I wondered around the Annex sort of aimlessly.
On Sunday, I sent to the Common in the morning, and then did some more aimless wondering before going to church. Afterwards we went to the Cumby/Huang's for dinner.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
ShadK
I haven't really heard Shad much at all, short of a few YouTube clips... But what I have heard (and seen) has been pretty great.
Check out this freestyle clip that /dr. posted... it is unbelievable.
(Here is a ripped mp3 version)
Also, check out his Fresh Prince video that won CBC3's video of the year...
And stop by FT on Sunday - Shad will be at church.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Weekend
I kept reading great reviews for Let the Right One In. (I also kept seeing ads for the movie, like the one above, which I found amusingly similar to the Rachel Getting Married ads that were out at the same time)
Anyway - it was showing this weekend at the Bloor, so we sort of had to go. And it was the most enjoyable movie I have watched in a long time. It is a sad and beautifully shot story about two lonely twelve year old kids becoming friends. It is also a vampire movie.
Anyway - On Saturday I went out to the Beaches. It was sunny and bright and white. The Water Filtration Plant is open again, so I took some pictures.
On Sunday, we cleaned up our apartment. After church we had a whole whack of people over for dinner.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Weekend Update
So the big news was of course the power outage. Thurday night at 10, to Friday night at around the same time, we had no power at home, and therefore no heat.
I had a deadline at work, so I abandoned Leah to deal with things on her own, which sucked. The main concern was that by the afternoon, when the temperature in the house was down to 5 or 6, the cats were starting to show signs of coldness. Eventually Mike Wood drove over and picked up Leah and the cats, and we spent the evening at their place.
The house pretty much took all night to warm back up to normal.
On Saturday, Leah went to a baby shower, and I went to the laundromat. That night we went back to the Wood's for a party.
On Sunday, Leah played music at churches ALL DAY. I went to the Common, and then walked all along Queen street, from Dufferin to Spadina. I also finally bought the Bon Iver CD. I thought it might be the right soundtrack for surviving the winter.
I had a deadline at work, so I abandoned Leah to deal with things on her own, which sucked. The main concern was that by the afternoon, when the temperature in the house was down to 5 or 6, the cats were starting to show signs of coldness. Eventually Mike Wood drove over and picked up Leah and the cats, and we spent the evening at their place.
The house pretty much took all night to warm back up to normal.
On Saturday, Leah went to a baby shower, and I went to the laundromat. That night we went back to the Wood's for a party.
On Sunday, Leah played music at churches ALL DAY. I went to the Common, and then walked all along Queen street, from Dufferin to Spadina. I also finally bought the Bon Iver CD. I thought it might be the right soundtrack for surviving the winter.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Power Outage
The last few days have been brutally cold.
Last night the power went out at 10.
This morning the thermostat was reading 54F (12C) and had dropped another degree by the time I left for work.
And the subway isn't running from Jane to St George.
It's pretty crazy how unprepared we are for stuff to not work.
Last night the power went out at 10.
This morning the thermostat was reading 54F (12C) and had dropped another degree by the time I left for work.
And the subway isn't running from Jane to St George.
It's pretty crazy how unprepared we are for stuff to not work.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Weekend
On Saturday, I went to an epic elders' meeting for church.
That night we went to the Tranzac to see Hobson's Choice. It was uncomfortably rammed with people, and we only stayed for the first set.
On Sunday, I bought some pants and jeans. I ended up buying both at H&M. Sometimes it is just easier to buy something plain and cheap.
Leah went to church early, for practice, and I threw together a TSV flyer before heading to church myself.
Afterwards we got takeout Korean food.
That night we went to the Tranzac to see Hobson's Choice. It was uncomfortably rammed with people, and we only stayed for the first set.
On Sunday, I bought some pants and jeans. I ended up buying both at H&M. Sometimes it is just easier to buy something plain and cheap.
Leah went to church early, for practice, and I threw together a TSV flyer before heading to church myself.
Afterwards we got takeout Korean food.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Create a Blog - It's Free
Yesterday I called in sick to work.
I spent a good deal of the morning on the couch. Later in the afternoon I went to the walk-in clinic at Queen and Spadina. That place is sort of ghetto. I sat around waiting for a couple of hours, and eventually saw the doctor, who said exactly what I expected... it's the flu - do nothing.
Today I decided to come in to work. I pretty much feel ok, except I tend to get tired.
On Sunday, Jess Cantelon played music at church. He is the old-school worship leader from back in the day. It was kinda cool, and also kinda strange to see a lot of people show up that used to come to church...
Afterwards, we had dinner at the McGhee's, with the Cumbys.
I spent a good deal of the morning on the couch. Later in the afternoon I went to the walk-in clinic at Queen and Spadina. That place is sort of ghetto. I sat around waiting for a couple of hours, and eventually saw the doctor, who said exactly what I expected... it's the flu - do nothing.
Today I decided to come in to work. I pretty much feel ok, except I tend to get tired.
On Sunday, Jess Cantelon played music at church. He is the old-school worship leader from back in the day. It was kinda cool, and also kinda strange to see a lot of people show up that used to come to church...
Afterwards, we had dinner at the McGhee's, with the Cumbys.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
MerryChristmasHappyNewYear
Well... I ended up taking the last two days before Christmas as vacation. Leah and I went out to the airport on Christmas eve. It was a zoo - even the bus to the airport was crazy. After waiting in a line for around 2 hours, we discovered that our flight was upgraded from delayed to cancelled.
We kept hearing that all Halifax flights were full, and that our earliest next flight would be boxing day, if we were lucky. Eventually, I got super lucky, talked to the right person, and we ended up booked on a 6-something-am Christmas day flight.
We went home and set the alarm for 3-something. We got up and waited out for the late-night Bloor bus to the airport at 5 am. The bus never showed up!!! We got a different bus as far as Islington station, and then, after almost freezing whilst waiting some more, eventually took a cab to the airport.
Christmas in NS was good, despite the fact that I got the flu or something, and ended up in bed/on the couch for almost the whole time we were there. We played quite a bit of Mario 3, and watched the ends of a lot of movies that were on TV. It was good to see Leah's folks.
We made it back home at a minute or two before the new year. I have sort of continued to be in bed/on the couch since then, with short excursions. Leah is away today to play a Their Shallow Valley show in New Market.
We kept hearing that all Halifax flights were full, and that our earliest next flight would be boxing day, if we were lucky. Eventually, I got super lucky, talked to the right person, and we ended up booked on a 6-something-am Christmas day flight.
We went home and set the alarm for 3-something. We got up and waited out for the late-night Bloor bus to the airport at 5 am. The bus never showed up!!! We got a different bus as far as Islington station, and then, after almost freezing whilst waiting some more, eventually took a cab to the airport.
Christmas in NS was good, despite the fact that I got the flu or something, and ended up in bed/on the couch for almost the whole time we were there. We played quite a bit of Mario 3, and watched the ends of a lot of movies that were on TV. It was good to see Leah's folks.
We made it back home at a minute or two before the new year. I have sort of continued to be in bed/on the couch since then, with short excursions. Leah is away today to play a Their Shallow Valley show in New Market.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Weekend
Busy
Friday night was the work party. I was so freaking tired - the week was busy, and Thursday night was the TSV show at the Horseshoe. By the time Friday evening happened, I was ready to fall over. The party was pretty good, and then we went home pretty early.
Saturday, we went to the Eaton centre and bought some gloves for Leah. We went over to David and Jen's for dinner, and watched Bobby on their big TV.
On Sunday, we had church, which involved a big huge band... afterwards we went to the Woods for dinner.
I am ready for a holiday.
Friday night was the work party. I was so freaking tired - the week was busy, and Thursday night was the TSV show at the Horseshoe. By the time Friday evening happened, I was ready to fall over. The party was pretty good, and then we went home pretty early.
Saturday, we went to the Eaton centre and bought some gloves for Leah. We went over to David and Jen's for dinner, and watched Bobby on their big TV.
On Sunday, we had church, which involved a big huge band... afterwards we went to the Woods for dinner.
I am ready for a holiday.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Horseshoe
Go to the Horseshoe tonight to see the Cavaliers CD release show. Their Shallow Valley will be one of the opening bands.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Movies
I finally watched a couple of movies that I've been wanting to see for ages.
Over the weekend we watched Old Joy. It stars the freaky-looking Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, and some other guy, in a movie about two guys that go camping with a dog. It is the kind of movie that I often like, where not much actually happens in terms of plot... Also, Yo La Tengo does the soundtrack. (Check out Junebug, if you want more BPB+YLT, although BPB is barely in that one.)
Last night, while Leah was at practice, I watched Everything's Gone Green. It wasn't bad - it was Coupland-for-the-movies, with some of the pointier edges smoothed off. In a lot of ways it was similar to J-Pod (the book - I haven't seen the show), with some shared plot points, but the lead characters at least recognized their loss of a moral foundation, and tried to move against that. I found J-Pod brutally amoral - and it had more of an impact for being so - but it was interesting to see a reintroduction of some moral conflict.
Over the weekend we watched Old Joy. It stars the freaky-looking Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, and some other guy, in a movie about two guys that go camping with a dog. It is the kind of movie that I often like, where not much actually happens in terms of plot... Also, Yo La Tengo does the soundtrack. (Check out Junebug, if you want more BPB+YLT, although BPB is barely in that one.)
Last night, while Leah was at practice, I watched Everything's Gone Green. It wasn't bad - it was Coupland-for-the-movies, with some of the pointier edges smoothed off. In a lot of ways it was similar to J-Pod (the book - I haven't seen the show), with some shared plot points, but the lead characters at least recognized their loss of a moral foundation, and tried to move against that. I found J-Pod brutally amoral - and it had more of an impact for being so - but it was interesting to see a reintroduction of some moral conflict.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Weekend
This blog should be called Trent's weekends.
On Friday night we had practice. I rented a recorder from L&M, so we were able to get some really rough copies of our songs. Afterwards we went to the Rex to see Don and Michael's new super-band.
On Saturday, we stopped by Miriam's Christmas Sale. She is raising money to go and work in Brazil, with Word Made Flesh. Leah took over some GGH Christmas CD's, and the band gave Miriam the profits of any sales.
That night we had Becca T over for dinner.
On Sunday, we went to Billy's for breakfast. After church, we went to the Bowser/Cumby house for dinner.
On Friday night we had practice. I rented a recorder from L&M, so we were able to get some really rough copies of our songs. Afterwards we went to the Rex to see Don and Michael's new super-band.
On Saturday, we stopped by Miriam's Christmas Sale. She is raising money to go and work in Brazil, with Word Made Flesh. Leah took over some GGH Christmas CD's, and the band gave Miriam the profits of any sales.
That night we had Becca T over for dinner.
On Sunday, we went to Billy's for breakfast. After church, we went to the Bowser/Cumby house for dinner.
Monday, December 08, 2008
weekend
Friday - we had practice. We really need some way to record our practices, so that we don't waste time trying to remember all the stuff we figured out the week before. Also, the future of the rehearsal space is possibly a little unsure, since the band we are sharing it with is likely disbanding. We shall see...
Saturday - I went to an elders' meeting. Afterwards I bought eggnog and made muffins, and then headed over to St John's Anglican church, where Leah and GGH were setting up for their Christmas concert.
Sunday - we went out for lunch, and then I went to FT for church. Leah skipped FT, and went to mass with Jen. Afterwards, I made carrot soup with purple carrots.
I also bought the Neil Young live at Massey Hall CD. It is good.
Saturday - I went to an elders' meeting. Afterwards I bought eggnog and made muffins, and then headed over to St John's Anglican church, where Leah and GGH were setting up for their Christmas concert.
Sunday - we went out for lunch, and then I went to FT for church. Leah skipped FT, and went to mass with Jen. Afterwards, I made carrot soup with purple carrots.
I also bought the Neil Young live at Massey Hall CD. It is good.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Weekend
On Friday night we went to practice, despite a desparate need to stay home and do other things (like laundry). On the way home, an extremely drunk guy asked us if we knew if there was a corner store nearby. His friend (there were about 5 drunk guys in total) then informed us, rather loudly, that the real question was whether we had bought Chinese Democracy yet.
On Saturday we helped Joel and Anne move. Afterwards we went to Tim and Kate's Christmas/Engagement party. Their Shallow Valley (4/5ths of which was moving all day) played a set, and then Glory Glory Hallelujah played a few Christmas songs too.
On Sunday morning, Leah went to play at the Anglican church with GGH. I managed to do epic quantities of laundry. I think I made 3 trips to the laundromat and back. When Leah got home, we went grocery shopping. When we reached the checkout counter we realized that the lid of a bottle of window cleaner had come unscrewed, and that a portion of our groceries, and our old-lady shopping cart, were soaked in soap. When we got home, I washed the groceries in the sink. Leah went to church for sound-check/practice, and I did the dishes.
After church, we went to Andrew and Esther's (and Joel and Anne's!) and ate sushi, whilst listening to GGH's Christmas CD...
Today, on my way to work, I reached the part in A Prayer for Owen Meany where Owen Meany devises a way for the narrator to avoid going to Vietnam. GROSS!
On Saturday we helped Joel and Anne move. Afterwards we went to Tim and Kate's Christmas/Engagement party. Their Shallow Valley (4/5ths of which was moving all day) played a set, and then Glory Glory Hallelujah played a few Christmas songs too.
On Sunday morning, Leah went to play at the Anglican church with GGH. I managed to do epic quantities of laundry. I think I made 3 trips to the laundromat and back. When Leah got home, we went grocery shopping. When we reached the checkout counter we realized that the lid of a bottle of window cleaner had come unscrewed, and that a portion of our groceries, and our old-lady shopping cart, were soaked in soap. When we got home, I washed the groceries in the sink. Leah went to church for sound-check/practice, and I did the dishes.
After church, we went to Andrew and Esther's (and Joel and Anne's!) and ate sushi, whilst listening to GGH's Christmas CD...
Today, on my way to work, I reached the part in A Prayer for Owen Meany where Owen Meany devises a way for the narrator to avoid going to Vietnam. GROSS!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)