First off, I'd like to wish Capa good look with the re-thinking of Stray Lemming. While it didn't become what he had hoped/wanted it to be, his unusual and humorous viewpoint has always been a highlight of my Tube-surfing. If it turns out that you're retiring to take on other projects (and I know who have a lot of them) Ghu's speed to you and it has been a pleasure.
Now, back to what is, essentially, my diary. I have no qualms with that. Wit: maybe. Wisdom: long-shot. Whiny self-indulgence: you betcha! That's what blogs are for.
Last Saturday saw me with the busiest social calender I've seen in quite a while. It started off with attempting to have lunch with a couple of former co-workers (okay, friends, but I don't see them that often and we usually talk about work). My choice of venues left something to be desired as this city's restaurateurs think opening for lunch on a weekend is a major taboo or something. We finally wound up a surprising decent Vietnamese place. Good times, good food and and great catch-up on all events.
Now, I had intended to spend the late-afternoon/evening taking a nap. The reason for this will become obvious a bit later. However, Big M called me up to remind me that we had tickets to Theatre Calgary that evening. I had, naturally, totally forgot.
So we went to the play. Not bad over all. I'd say the actual script was a bit lacking (way too many eighties jokes followed by a "now let's get serious" ending) but the stage production values were amazing. There were only two on-stage characters, and both spent the single act ninety minute production suspended from large beams, manipulated by a crew in black (who actually did get some stage time, with hilarity ensuing). This allowed the actors to move in 3-dimensional space rather than just the 2D plane of the stage. Made for some very interesting mis-en-scene. One of the actors is actually a para pelagic and considering it was his first acting experience, he did a great job.
But afterwards I had to rush home for a ten minute costume change myself: I had tickets for a midnight showing of "Rocky Horror Picture Show". Mind you, I didn't go full costume for this one, just something more casual than my "theatre-patron" outfit.
Now this was my first post-work social gathering with the office crowd. While the showing was poor (about eighty bums in seats) for the movie (it takes a pack of drunken, horny lunatics to pull off a good Rocky Horror) I did have a good time seeing the folks I work with five days a week in a more relaxed setting. Well, you know what I mean.
And of course, I made a total ass of myself. I danced on-stage, whooped it up (when I could remember the lines) and acted like I was 22 again.
Let me say this: I am not 22 no more. Ow. Ah well, I still had fun.
I think, though, that the dancing (strong word. Let's say, spastic contortions) actually did something to my back. That came to the fore as I was doing flies at the gym last night. Something went "twang", everything went red and it suddenly felt like I had a crowbar shoved under my right shoulder blade.
Which is why I took the day off today. It started with me emailing work that there was no way I could make it into the office this morning. I iced, heated and Robaxicet-ed myself all morning but to no avail. So I took the rest of the day off, stayed off the computer (with mixed success) and now feel like I have a small screwdriver instead of crowbar under my spine.
Now, where's the vodka? The pills have worn off. Daddy needs his medicine.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Underwater, Underwhelmed
Le sigh!
Looks like I won't be going to a beach until next year: my scuba lessons got postponed due to leakage in a pool. I originally booked for the beginning of November for a trip at the end of November, but now the lessons are at the end. December is always nuts for travel (well, cheap travel anyways) so it looks like I'll have to go in February. Which ain't bad after all: it will be in the middle of the deep freeze around here plus I'll have some more cash on hand.
Going to go see Sukiyaki Western Django this afternoon with Big M, should be a blast (as in over the top over-use of western, kung-fu and samurai tropes). And I'm in the mood for some cheese and popcorn.
Review forthcoming.
Review Here
So last week Big M and I had lunch together a couple of times, and he mentioned Sukiyaki Western Django as something he really wanted to see but couldn't find anyone to go with. Knowing that my tastes in movies tend to be... eclectic, he asked me. After checking out the site and the trailers, I had to see this. But unfortunately we didn't arrange a specific date and didn't realize it was leaving the local theaters that night.
But then, they extended the engagement. So we just took in the matinée.
Let me put it like this: Sukiyaki distills the pure tropes of sixty years of film-making started by Sergio Leone and Akira Kurasawa. The result is a cocktail of surprising potency that bypasses any internal critic and infuses the hind-brain. That's a good thing. There were so many references to both Sergio's and Akira's films I'm very sure I missed half of them. The film doesn't pound you with them, rather they are woven into the standard, almost boilerplate plot of both genres.
Pure, concentrated cliche. But, like most of our comfort foods, it's a 90+ minute cliche that never gets old, always tastes as good as the first time, and leaves you wanting more. Hell, I went grocery shopping after the movie and something must have triggered the latent samurai/gunslinger in me. I had that rolling gait that drew coy looks from the womenfolk and deadly glances from the men.
Any movie that can do that is going straight to my DVD collection.
Capa: you gotta see this!
Looks like I won't be going to a beach until next year: my scuba lessons got postponed due to leakage in a pool. I originally booked for the beginning of November for a trip at the end of November, but now the lessons are at the end. December is always nuts for travel (well, cheap travel anyways) so it looks like I'll have to go in February. Which ain't bad after all: it will be in the middle of the deep freeze around here plus I'll have some more cash on hand.
Going to go see Sukiyaki Western Django this afternoon with Big M, should be a blast (as in over the top over-use of western, kung-fu and samurai tropes). And I'm in the mood for some cheese and popcorn.
Review forthcoming.
Review Here
So last week Big M and I had lunch together a couple of times, and he mentioned Sukiyaki Western Django as something he really wanted to see but couldn't find anyone to go with. Knowing that my tastes in movies tend to be... eclectic, he asked me. After checking out the site and the trailers, I had to see this. But unfortunately we didn't arrange a specific date and didn't realize it was leaving the local theaters that night.
But then, they extended the engagement. So we just took in the matinée.
Let me put it like this: Sukiyaki distills the pure tropes of sixty years of film-making started by Sergio Leone and Akira Kurasawa. The result is a cocktail of surprising potency that bypasses any internal critic and infuses the hind-brain. That's a good thing. There were so many references to both Sergio's and Akira's films I'm very sure I missed half of them. The film doesn't pound you with them, rather they are woven into the standard, almost boilerplate plot of both genres.
Pure, concentrated cliche. But, like most of our comfort foods, it's a 90+ minute cliche that never gets old, always tastes as good as the first time, and leaves you wanting more. Hell, I went grocery shopping after the movie and something must have triggered the latent samurai/gunslinger in me. I had that rolling gait that drew coy looks from the womenfolk and deadly glances from the men.
Any movie that can do that is going straight to my DVD collection.
Capa: you gotta see this!
Monday, October 13, 2008
'Kay...
Well, Happy Turkey Day to one and all! I know I'm stuffed, much like the carcass I stripped for protein. M'boy, them's good eatin'!
So: odd week.
It started off with Holmer contacting me out of the blue. We hadn't really kept in touch for the past year so I was pleasantly surprised when I got a message on Facebook to give him a shout. I figured he would be wanting to find a database guy for a position at his office, and even though I am in no way looking, courtesy costs nothing (unless you're doing it for a little brother).
Turns out, he was discussing some pix and vids I had posted on Facebook to one of his co-workers. He mentioned I was single and she asked "So why haven't you set us up yet?" Well, I gave him permission to give her my digits. I mean, what the heck, I'm not looking cause the looking itself is what is frustrating: having them come to me is another matter.
Now that in and of itself would not make for a remarkable week. If she actually calls, that would be bucking the odds. However on Friday night I got a late night text message from Kiki G. She and I had some catching up earlier in the week and commiserated about being single and tired of looking. And no, we wouldn't work-out as a romantic relationship: friends great, couple not-so-much. While at the bar, Kiki met someone who said she was single and didn't want to have kids. So natch, Kiki figured she would set us up. Kiki asked if she got her number would I phone her. I said sure (see above). Thing is, she wanted me to call Mystery Girl right now which was a bit odd. However there being no answer was not odd at all. I'm pretty sure Kiki was three-sheets at the time (along with Mystery Girl). I'll find out this week. And have some evil fun with it!
So two female-related stories. Now were into "okay, that's just a coincidence Moby, geez" territory. Except, guess who I ran into at a gas-station in the middle of bald-ass prairie? L'il Bro' G and I were headed to Mom's place for turkey and pulled over half-way to fill the tank and empty the bladder. I was looking for snackage when I heard someone call my name.
Laroo.
It was good to see her. It sounded like she had set some of her life in order (and got a new puppy). I was pretty dumbfounded at the random convergence so I'm pretty sure I sounded like a turkey being led to the block. We exchanged news, caught up a bit then went our separate ways.
And nope, nothing left except a fond-affection of a short but good time. I think a little closure on my part happened. I was kinda worried about me taking myself off the market (as it were) could have been motivated by having residual feelings for Laroo. That five minutes pretty much put that to rest. It's great she's doing so well, but as stated, we went our separate ways. Cool.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to find room for about twenty pounds of leftovers in my freezer.
So: odd week.
It started off with Holmer contacting me out of the blue. We hadn't really kept in touch for the past year so I was pleasantly surprised when I got a message on Facebook to give him a shout. I figured he would be wanting to find a database guy for a position at his office, and even though I am in no way looking, courtesy costs nothing (unless you're doing it for a little brother).
Turns out, he was discussing some pix and vids I had posted on Facebook to one of his co-workers. He mentioned I was single and she asked "So why haven't you set us up yet?" Well, I gave him permission to give her my digits. I mean, what the heck, I'm not looking cause the looking itself is what is frustrating: having them come to me is another matter.
Now that in and of itself would not make for a remarkable week. If she actually calls, that would be bucking the odds. However on Friday night I got a late night text message from Kiki G. She and I had some catching up earlier in the week and commiserated about being single and tired of looking. And no, we wouldn't work-out as a romantic relationship: friends great, couple not-so-much. While at the bar, Kiki met someone who said she was single and didn't want to have kids. So natch, Kiki figured she would set us up. Kiki asked if she got her number would I phone her. I said sure (see above). Thing is, she wanted me to call Mystery Girl right now which was a bit odd. However there being no answer was not odd at all. I'm pretty sure Kiki was three-sheets at the time (along with Mystery Girl). I'll find out this week. And have some evil fun with it!
So two female-related stories. Now were into "okay, that's just a coincidence Moby, geez" territory. Except, guess who I ran into at a gas-station in the middle of bald-ass prairie? L'il Bro' G and I were headed to Mom's place for turkey and pulled over half-way to fill the tank and empty the bladder. I was looking for snackage when I heard someone call my name.
Laroo.
It was good to see her. It sounded like she had set some of her life in order (and got a new puppy). I was pretty dumbfounded at the random convergence so I'm pretty sure I sounded like a turkey being led to the block. We exchanged news, caught up a bit then went our separate ways.
And nope, nothing left except a fond-affection of a short but good time. I think a little closure on my part happened. I was kinda worried about me taking myself off the market (as it were) could have been motivated by having residual feelings for Laroo. That five minutes pretty much put that to rest. It's great she's doing so well, but as stated, we went our separate ways. Cool.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to find room for about twenty pounds of leftovers in my freezer.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Maui: Wow, Ow!
As promised, the report of my trip to Maui.
What can I say: I love them beaches! It was the first time traveling by myself and I'll admit it had some advantages. Nobody had a schedule but myself and I could change that up at any time. There are some distinct disadvantages too, but more on that later.
I arrived at "Maui's Most Hawaiian Hotel" at about midnight local time. After eight hours of traveling, I was pretty burnt out. Not to mention I couldn't see anything (dark by the water). I could smell the ocean though: almost nothing better in the world. After winding down and unpacking my stuff, I crashed.
And woke up at 7:30 the next morning to a brilliant warm day! I immediately donned my new swimming togs. After discovering that the label saying "M" was a big fat lie (in favour of a big, fat person), I put on my old swimming togs and headed for the beach! Glorious, glorious, glorious! And that was just the lady joggers! The water was warm, salty and shark-free. Crystal-clear water and a fine sand beach. I stayed and swum for a couple of hours, went back to the room, showered up and went to have my breakfast.
That was the routine every day for the next four days: up by 8, hit the beach by 8:15, back for brunch at about 10:30. I could live the rest of my days having mornings like that.
Now I had planned a few outings for the week, but only did a couple of them. There was the usual walking around the local towns (Lahaina has some fantastic art galleries and museums), taking in of the "local colour" comprised of fruit, luaus and Tiki Bars and generally being a beach bum. I did manage to get to Turtle Beach for a snorkel for an afternoon but only saw one turtle and no mantas. My plans to get some surfing lessons were struck as I was informed there was no surf: wrong time of the year. Shirts were purchased (I didn't bring enough), drinks were bought, women were ogled (although not many: the area is dominated by couples getting married, on their honeymoon, having an anniversary or taking the kids on vacation) and food was consumed, all interspersed with me flailing joyfully in the surf. I didn't get a sunburn until the next-to-last day but it was a doozy!
I really, really don't recommend getting generic sun-block: I looked like I was wearing bright red and dead white camouflage. One of the (few) disadvantages of going alone is nobody to rub on suntan lotion.
The last day was painful (and not just because of the burn). Checkout was the usual 11 AM but my flight didn't leave until 11 PM, so I had to kill twelve hours without exposing myself to harmful solar radiation. I'm not sure if it was a good thing but it wound up raining most of the day. I actually went and saw a movie (I wouldn't recommend Ghost Town. Americans don't know how to write/direct for Ricky Gervais.) Eventually I got on the plane. The ride home was uneventful except trying to get a pineapple through customs. And no, I did not hide it in a body cavity.
And for those of you who don't know, I went there for my 40th birthday.
I think one of the reasons I didn't do all the stuff I had planned is because I did the typical "life review" thing. The conclusions:
Barring the occasional boring moment, the nasty sunburn (which is now peeling. Urgh.), and the occasional sigh at being alone for it all, it was a pretty damn good trip. So much so, that my body is insisting that it stays on Hawaii time.
Oh, and one more thing: after living forty years shying away from solar energy, I found prolonged exposure makes me happier, healthier, more confident, requires less sleep and overall improves my life. I'm going to a hot-spot for a long weekend at least once every two months. Gotta even out that burn!
What can I say: I love them beaches! It was the first time traveling by myself and I'll admit it had some advantages. Nobody had a schedule but myself and I could change that up at any time. There are some distinct disadvantages too, but more on that later.
I arrived at "Maui's Most Hawaiian Hotel" at about midnight local time. After eight hours of traveling, I was pretty burnt out. Not to mention I couldn't see anything (dark by the water). I could smell the ocean though: almost nothing better in the world. After winding down and unpacking my stuff, I crashed.
And woke up at 7:30 the next morning to a brilliant warm day! I immediately donned my new swimming togs. After discovering that the label saying "M" was a big fat lie (in favour of a big, fat person), I put on my old swimming togs and headed for the beach! Glorious, glorious, glorious! And that was just the lady joggers! The water was warm, salty and shark-free. Crystal-clear water and a fine sand beach. I stayed and swum for a couple of hours, went back to the room, showered up and went to have my breakfast.
That was the routine every day for the next four days: up by 8, hit the beach by 8:15, back for brunch at about 10:30. I could live the rest of my days having mornings like that.
Now I had planned a few outings for the week, but only did a couple of them. There was the usual walking around the local towns (Lahaina has some fantastic art galleries and museums), taking in of the "local colour" comprised of fruit, luaus and Tiki Bars and generally being a beach bum. I did manage to get to Turtle Beach for a snorkel for an afternoon but only saw one turtle and no mantas. My plans to get some surfing lessons were struck as I was informed there was no surf: wrong time of the year. Shirts were purchased (I didn't bring enough), drinks were bought, women were ogled (although not many: the area is dominated by couples getting married, on their honeymoon, having an anniversary or taking the kids on vacation) and food was consumed, all interspersed with me flailing joyfully in the surf. I didn't get a sunburn until the next-to-last day but it was a doozy!
I really, really don't recommend getting generic sun-block: I looked like I was wearing bright red and dead white camouflage. One of the (few) disadvantages of going alone is nobody to rub on suntan lotion.
The last day was painful (and not just because of the burn). Checkout was the usual 11 AM but my flight didn't leave until 11 PM, so I had to kill twelve hours without exposing myself to harmful solar radiation. I'm not sure if it was a good thing but it wound up raining most of the day. I actually went and saw a movie (I wouldn't recommend Ghost Town. Americans don't know how to write/direct for Ricky Gervais.) Eventually I got on the plane. The ride home was uneventful except trying to get a pineapple through customs. And no, I did not hide it in a body cavity.
And for those of you who don't know, I went there for my 40th birthday.
I think one of the reasons I didn't do all the stuff I had planned is because I did the typical "life review" thing. The conclusions:
- My life ain't that bad
- Work is good, for the first time in a very long while
- My social life could use a shot in the arm, so I'm going to do more things (like SCUBA lessons next month)
- I'm probably going to be single for the rest of my life, but I'm pretty okay with that (fatal flaw: physical intimacy non-existent)
- I'm going to drink more. Not get plastered, but do the "drink after work / night cap" thing. It's relaxing!
- I really love swimming in the ocean (see SCUBA above. Also, Dominican Republic in November to get certified)
- I need to perform a social experiment with myself as the test subject. Details later
Barring the occasional boring moment, the nasty sunburn (which is now peeling. Urgh.), and the occasional sigh at being alone for it all, it was a pretty damn good trip. So much so, that my body is insisting that it stays on Hawaii time.
Oh, and one more thing: after living forty years shying away from solar energy, I found prolonged exposure makes me happier, healthier, more confident, requires less sleep and overall improves my life. I'm going to a hot-spot for a long weekend at least once every two months. Gotta even out that burn!
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