Halloween In Quarantine

Disclaimer: Ok, so we aren't really in Quarantine at the moment or even doing extreme self-isolation, but it rhymes better with Halloween than "pandemic" or "covid" does.

Happy Halloween!

Jason and I on Oct 31, 2020

Selfie taken with Jason's Phone

I think this is the first year at Casa Verde that we haven't given out candy! We normally get between 50 and 100 trick-or-treaters, it is hard to keep track because Jason messes with my system of counting (he gives more than one piece of candy, and eats it while handing out, so who knows what our real numbers are.) This year we here highly discouraged from doing the traditional Halloween celebration in Toronto because we are a 'hot zone' with substantial increase in Covid cases recently. So our blinds were pulled, and lights turned off, super sad!

So, why are we dressed up this year? Well, we did a on-video, in-costume, mini-raid (20 instead of 40 players) on WoW. Our costumes were put together about 15 minutes before it started, since I do still have a dress up box with various bits and pieces; which is now also home to Jason's cowboy hat I made him buy for the Calgary Stampede.

There was still fun for kids, I am part of a local neighbourhood parents group on Facebook and a women in the area arranged for a physically distanced parade, scavenger hunt (we were an 'eye ball house' check out photo), and ghost message game in a nearby park. All the kids in the parade got a treat bag (I sent her a bit of money towards making them). 

The activity sheets were posted on Facebook and we printed off the one for the park to try it out. It was quite the challenge! Jason and I spent over an hour wandering around the park to do it, we had to find 100 little ghosts and then colour in squares on a grid to learn the message. We found 95 of them and discovered that the answer to "What does a ghost say?" is "Boo!" I took a picture of Jason working on it, he took over the colouring part right away, and my job was to hold the pencil crayons. It might have been designed for kids, but I had a great time!

JBR - But It Was Special

Beer: Banff Spring Lager, Big Rock Brewery, Calgary, Alberta
Date Tried: Friday October 16, 2020 during the bar's 'Rush Hour' so it was only $6, I ordered it for him while he was in the washroom
Location: Rundle Lounge, Fairmount Banff Springs Hotel
General thoughts from Jason, when asked for his review: "Nothing special." 

Why It Was Special: Even though Big Rock now has a bottle shop and dining hall in Liberty Village, Toronto and does brewing out of Vancouver and Etobicoke, as well as, Calgary - this beer was obviously a limited edition made specifically for the hotel.
Editor's note: My drink came in a monkey! A 'zero proof' cocktail that was very tasty.

Sleepovers - Child Vs Adult

I just got back from a quick four-day trip to Calgary. Jason used his Aeroplan points to get me flights out west for my birthday, so I could spend some time with ERin and Anne. (It was going to be during Stampede but got postponed to August.) I thought I would discuss the weekend as a comparison to sleepovers, specifically birthday party ones, I had as a child:

Length of Time
Not just a single night! Since I am in Toronto, Anne in Calgary, and ERin in Edmonton, if we are going to spend time together it only makes sense for it to be a few days. I flew out on Wednesday evening and back Sunday night.

Location
Instead of gathering in the living room or basement of our parent's house, we stayed at Anne's trendy apartment in the Kensington area of Calgary.

Sleeping Arrangements
We don't need to all be in the same room, and our bodies are too old to sleep on the floor. I got the fold-out couch with some awesome memory foam.

TV
Morning cartoons, fun movies, or late night television? Nope! An episode of Chef's Table in the afternoon.

Snacks
No chips, candy, or popcorn, instead we helped ERin by taste testing some new chocolate flavours.

Meals
We traded in the pizza and hot dogs for Anne's fabulous cooking. She made us orzo salad, fennel and zucchini soup, fish tacos with homemade mango salsa, and more.

Dessert
I used to love decorating cupcakes. But this weekend we helped ERin make two different fancy cakes (I was minimally helpful.) We started with the very complicated Pacific Cake that took much of Thursday, and then quickly whipped up a modern version of an Opera Cake on Saturday.

Restaurants
Our choices for a Friday night out on the town were not kid friendly at all. First stop, for appetizers and margaritas, was Anejo, where they make the guacamole and salsa right at your table. For dinner we went to Klein Harris, where I had beet salad and hanger steak. We also made a few breakfast/brunch stops at a pie place in Anne's building - I kept getting the quiche, so good!

Daily Essential
It used to be such a regular thing to visit the corner store, usually for ice cream or candy, during a sleepover, but now that we are older - it is coffee! Made at home or quick visits to a cafe.

Amusement
Hard to remember all the things that I did as a child at birthday parties; swimming, movies, games. In Calgary we went on a road trip to the mountains, visits to ice cream shops and the grocery store, dinners out, dinners in, a cat cafe, and lots of walking around the city.

Conversation
Did we talk about boys? Yes. But also our families, friendships, pets, careers, travel, health, education, and more.

Friendship
I think it gets even better as we get older. It was a wonderful weekend, I love those two so much.

Peyto Lake

Road trip in Alberta with my GeoConnection girls, day trip to the mountains...

Payto Lake 

(totally looks like a cartoon ghost)

Taken by ME with Anne's phone

Our Latin Mottos, Only One In Latin

Talking with my GeoConnect girls a little while ago and they were talking about the motto's are undergraduate universities had.

The conversation started because ERin was encouraging Anne to Surgit!, latin for 'Push On,' which she knew because it was Brock's motto. Anne then mentioned that the University of Calgary motto was in Gaelic. I made a mental note to check out what Carleton's was, anticipating that it would probably disappoint me.

I wasn't wrong, the Carleton University motto is Ours the Task Eternal, in English. I don't even know what that means! Also sadly they didn't bother with using a different language. The main thing I like about Carleton is the great colours, I don't like Calgary's red, gold and black. Basically University of Calgary has the best mascot/nickname and Brock is all around cool. Besides good colours, Carleton is, as usual, a bit of a disappointment.

ERin
Undergrad at Brock University (in St. Catherine's)
Colours: Red, grey, and black
Motto: Surgit!which means Push On! in Latin
Mascot: (The Badgers) Boomer the Badger

Anne
Undergrad at University of Calgary
Colours: Red, gold, and black
Motto: Mo Shùile Togam Suas meaning "I will lift up my eyes" in Gaelic
Mascot: (The Dinos) Rex

Me
Undergrad at Carleton University (in St. Catherine's)
Colours: Black and Red
Motto: Ours the Task Eternal
Mascot: (The Ravens) Rodney the Raven

My trip to Calgary for this year was originally planned for July so I could go to Stampede but it was postponed and now I am going from August 23 - 27. I can't wait to see them!

They All Are Angry

With friends scattered across the country (actually multiple countries) it is hard to stay in touch. I have tried a bunch of different techniques and lately my GeoConnection Girls (Anne and ERin) are using WhatsApp to chat. This week we tried to determine who had the most angry cat. There was no winner, we just lose; they are all angry and so disappointed in us.

Clockwise from Top Left

Two

"Iz Hate You"

Photo by Me (Toronto)

Iris

"Sooo you feed me now?"

Photo by ERin (Edmonton)

Anne's Mom's Cat

"Not Enough Towels"

Photo by Anne (Calgary)

Feliz Ano Nuevo From Peru!

Cusco, Peru filled up with yellow yesterday and Thursday. The colour is supposed to bring good luck and it is everywhere on New Year's Eve. People are selling yellow flowers, leis, hats, and more. There was a massive increase in vendors for all the yellow products in the markets, public squares, and lining the major streets. All the cashiers at the grocery store were where wearing various yellow foam hats, but some of them didn't seem to have their heart in it. It reminded me a bit of Stampede in Calgary where the whole city gets "into it" but sometimes it is forced. I am excited for 2016 so it isn't forced from me - Happy New Years! (or Feliz Ano Nuevo, which is missing some accents over the letters but I am too lazy to find the keyboard shortcuts for them.)

New Years Eve Is Now

Since work starts tomorrow, tonight feels like a less intense New Years Eve. I won't be staying up until midnight but I have started to think about my resolutions. Being away from the office for the last two weeks has been a nice break from responsibility. Today we had to go grocery shopping and it was one of the larger trips we have had. The power outage, time spent at The Cottage over the holidays and our recent trip to Ottawa has meant there was no food in the house. I am feeling ready to move forward and start 2014, last year had some terrible moments. I don't want to dwell on them so instead I will list some great things about 2013.

2013 Included:
- Jason moving in
- Kristen & Noah's Wedding
- Huge birthday weekend at The Cottage
- Stampede!

Trips To Alberta

Jason and I got back from a summer trip to Alberta last week and it led me to think about how often I have visiting this amazing province.

As a kid...
August of 1999 during a large 'Out West' camper-trailer trip
Time in Alberta: A couple of weeks
With: Mom, Dad, and Mike 
Saw: Dumheller, Royal Tyrrell Museum, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Waterton Lakes, Banff, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper

Part of a road trip...
April of 2009 to help a friend of Teri's drive her car out to Vancouver
Time in Alberta: A couple of days
With: Teri and K
Visited: Aimee, Mike, and ERin
Saw: Edmonton, Jasper

On the way around the world...
July of 2010 at the start of my BIG summer trip
Time in Alberta: Two weeks
Visited: Anne, ERin, Aimee, and Mike
Saw: Calgary, STAMPEDE, Canmore, Edmonton, Jasper

A couple of years ago...
July of 2011 to do Stampede and Banff with Teri and Greg
Time in Alberta: About a week
With: Teri and Greg
Visited: Anne and Mike
Saw: Calgary, STAMPEDE, Banff, Lake Louise

A great birthday gift...
July of 2013 to visit Alberta and Stampede with Jason
Time in Alberta: A week and a half
With: Jason
Visited: Anne
Saw: Badlands, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Calgary, STAMPEDE, Waterton Lakes, Banff, Lake Louise

Alberta Trip - Flight Home

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Flying to Home
We have a late night flight back to Hamilton from Calgary this evening. Jason's car has been parked at Greg and Teri's new house and Teri has been kind enough to agree to come get us at the airport. Jason and I both have to work tomorrow.

Alberta Trip - Calgary

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Visiting Calgary!!
Jason and I will be enjoying Stampede for the next few days in Calgary. While we are here, we will be staying with Anne.

Alberta Trip - Flight There

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Flying to Calgary!!
For my birthday, Jason gave me a summer trip to Alberta! We are starting the trip today, flying to Calgary from Hamilton in the evening. We are then renting a car and staying in a hotel near the airport because we will have an early morning tomorrow.

Money Challenge - Week 6

COUPLE CHALLENGE 
Time Frame: By Monday June 10
Budget out Jason and my trip to Calgary that is coming in July. 
I didn't keep track or plan out the spending for my big China, Mongolia, Russia, Iceland trip and to this day I don't know what that summer cost me (I don't like to think about it.) Jason and I plan to sit down and map out the various costs and activities that we are planning. Hopefully we can stay with friends and family (Anne or ERin or Mike) for some of the days. We also probably need to rent a car for certain periods of time. We should look into ticket and admission costs as well. It was an amazing birthday gift and I think it is a good idea to make sure it doesn't cost a ridiculous amount.

Missing Mike

I'm missing Little Brother Mike! This happens occasionally but especially in the summer since I enjoy hanging out with him at The Cottage, swimming, playing games, etc. His girlfriend is overseas with The Canadian Forces so he took a job at a base in the middle of no where so as to keep distracted and make some extra money while she is gone. The problem is that it doesn't really have cell reception so we can only chat if/when he goes back to Edmonton on the weekends. Luckily I got to visit with him on my recent trip to Calgary and Banff. He came down and went on a pub crawl with us, where all these pictures are from, I believe that they were all taken by Teri.

A Picture For Mum - Smile!

-
"Did you smile nicely?"
-
A Better Picture For Mum
-

To Travel Or Not To Travel

I'm leaving for Vegas tomorrow!! Yes, I know I just came back from Alberta but, as Teri pointed out, the older we get the less time we have to travel. I think she meant that we will have families and responsibilities, because if she stays a teacher she will always have "summer's off" (they aren't as "off" as you think they are). Also, usually the further along in a career the more vacation weeks you are given. Regardless of the accuracy of her statement, I never need much convincing to travel!!

Nor do I need a lot of money apparently. I'm definitely feeling a little strapped for cash. I wish I had a job lined up for when I get back which I could start in late August or early September but I haven't had time to look. I lucked out and got a bit of a break on my MRP which means I don't have to rush this last bit of the final draft, also Kristen and JennB will be happy to have more time to help me with final edits since I am always so last minute. I'm not planning on taking piles of MRP stuff along on the trip, but it will be hard to leave it all behind. I will have it on the laptop so if the mood strikes me I can work on it a bit. However, I really just want to see what this place is all about and worry about the MRP next week. (I'm pretty sure the place is all about partying, but I will let you know.)

Thanks Kristen!

I spent a crazy weekend at the Calgary Stampede and then a relaxing few days in Banff. However, it is now very late at night. There was a slight delay at the Calgary airport and then the flight home from Alberta is surprisingly lengthy. After waiting for bags and taxis and then the drive to Bayit, I'm exhausted. I had to navigate my very messy room and pull out/organize a few things. Anyway, when I finally got to flop down in bed I nearly had a heart attack!! I hadn't noticed but in my absence the following had been affixed to the ceiling above my bed:

She's Lucky I Didn't Scream And Wake Her Up!

Horses & Dogs

Yesterday, Teri, her boyfriend, and I spent a very full day at the Calgary Stampede. We went from show to event all day, most of which were horse or dog related. However, we did watch a bit of a concert and saw a guy get shot from a cannon as well. I could spend another whole day, or more, looking at farm animals and watching dogs and horses though. I love a well trained animal!

Watching some of the cowboys and girls do dressage moves as part of the Cowboy Up competition was amazing. I understand a bit of the intricacies of dressage and I appreciate how difficult it is. I'm used to it being much more of a British thing and it was strange to see it done by those riding Western.

It reminded me of this video clip; I looked back and it appears like I have never posted it on Always Standing, which is strange. This horse is awesome!

Texts From Last Night

Ok, in truth they are not from last night but actually a few nights ago. However, Stampede is crazy and I have been super busy. I'm having a great time with Ter and her friends, Little Brother Mike came to hang for a day, and Anne is being an awesome host as always (why won't she move back to Ontario, she is missed!)

The following is a direct transcript, unless otherwise noted, from a text conversation between Teri and myself. Times are approximate.

5:00
Teri: We are going to dinner at like 5:30 or 6
Me: Cool, le me know where and what to wear and I'll meet you there.

5:20
Ter and I have a phone conversation in which I determine that instead of meeting her and her friends downtown I will stay at Anne's and do some work. I was still hoping to possibly meet up with them afterwards for drinks. We also arranged to meet up the next morning to go to a Stampede breakfast at 9.

7:45
Me: Thinking of heading to Wildhorse Saloon, party tent, tonight.
Me: Where are you guys going?
Teri: Where is it? With who?
Teri: No idea. Wqho r u going with?
Me: Corner of 4th St. and 6th Ave SW
Me: Beth* (Anne's roommate, partied with her last year) and her friends.
Teri: Apparently therte is already a huge line and 20 cover. Ben* is informing us$
*Names have been changed
Me: Yup sounds right. We will probably be in line for a couple of hours (have roadies/linies).
Teri: Haha
Teri: Ok have fun, thought u didn't want to go out tonight?
Me: I just finished my work for tonight. I promised myself I would go out if I finished before 8.
Me: Also Beth* and her friend have been plying me with Jello shots and mageritas!
Teri: Haha fair enough
Me: I tried to resist! (And I did hold off enough to work.)

9:10
Me: Where are you guys?
Teri: We arte just finishing dinner at earls. Going out on 17th somewhere

9:30
Me: Already a litle buzzed....
Me: Where are you? Come visit me in line!!
Teri: Haha, I can tell. We are at connies* place now. Going out soon
*Name has been changed, however in the original text Teri did use all lowercase and no apostrophe

10:05
Teri: What's the line like?
Me: So drycj

10:25
Teri: What is the line like?
Me: Edsioooooooo dsruxk&nnnnnn
Teri: So the line is good?

10:40
Me: Haja no ir was a liong time, in noe SRUNK!
Teri: Oh wow lol
Me: Hahas xcould u not understand thad? Me neither!n
Teri: Lol u are hilarious

11:00
Me: U sjhould be here there ius straw dsrtuck in myu keybord, FUCK!!!
Note: I meant pieces of straw, like hay, it was Stampede after all and I was at a tent party called Wildhorse Saloon.
Teri: Haha still not really following. A straw stuck in keyboard?
Me: Yup

11:30
Me: Now straw stuclk SO many places, wow drunck... See you in the morn, bring my makeup case.
Note: I had brushed my teeth at the airport and afterwards packed my makeup bag in Teri's suitcase. We had split up since we were staying at different people's houses but I had forgotten to get it from her.

12:05
Teri: See u at 9
Me: By nine do you mean 10:30?
Teri: Uh no. It stops at 11 am
Teri: We are going at 9 ish or 930 latest

12:20
Teri: Are you coming?
Me: Hell yes, see you at 10:30, then we'll figure pub crawl plans - soberingf up, kinda.

**

I would like to say that despite my apparent confusion, I did show up to breakfast on time. Sadly, Teri was not the only person to have to deal with the repercussions of me having a cell when I'm drinking... I called my brother from the line up at because I had met a guy who knew a high school friend of his. I also called my parents, twice. I had forgotten about the time difference which puts them 2 hours later than Calgary, so called them at 1:30 and 2:45, their time. The drinking didn't stop here though, as the final text says, we went on a pub crawl the next day, but that is a story for another time.

Save A Horse

Starting the Calgary Stampede off right....

The Girl Next Door
Photo by Christine Sweeton
Make-Up by Sarah Bungay

I Love Binx But

I Want A Baby Tiger
Photo by Christine Sweeton
Siberian Tiger Preserve, Harbin, China
July 30, 2010

Sorry I was looking to post another picture and just got drawn to him again. So cute! Since I don't have a digital camera at the moment and am unable to post pictures of myself and my life in Toronto, maybe I will have this little guy substitute for a while. I did take a whole bunch of pictures of him, there are so many more. (The China pictures aren't up on Facebook yet either, I have gotten bogged down by school and the trip photos have stopped for the moment but I promise Mongolia, China, and Western Canada are coming.)