New Blood Campaign

I have been a long time advocate of blood and organ donation. Ever since I have had a driver's license I have been a registered organ donor. However, it took me a bit longer to donate blood. My first trip to Canadian Blood Services was with JennB in 2010, and I am ever grateful to her for dragging my 25-year-old scared little self to the clinic and kick starting the next 6 years of fairly regular visits.

Since I travel, and get low iron, and got a tattoo, there have been quiet a few visit where I have been ineligible to donate - but I still go, mainly because it seems easier to go and get rejected so that they stop calling me. Having O- blood makes me highly desirable, in the eyes of Canadian Blood Services at least.

I don't have time to type up a convincing "you should go donate" post at the moment but you should! Also, there is a new app for your cell phones that makes finding clinics and booking appointments super easy and convenient - I love it! They also have new branded band-aids for afterwards, check out the photo of my arm from my donation last week!

TB - Curves Diet

I discovered The Curves Diet back in Ottawa. I was working out with JennB at Curves and decided to try their Weight Management Program. It was very easy to do when I was living with JennB, who did all the cooking. During the first half of 2010, 7 months, I probably lost about 40lbs through exercise and following the diet guidelines with absolute precision. Then I went on my big trip for a month and a half, during which I lost another 10lbs from all the walking, strange food, and still adhering to the basic rules of the diet. The last part of 2010 I moved to Toronto and started my Masters at Ryerson - the stress from that pulled off another 10lbs, leaving me quite thin. Over the next 5 years I have put that 60lbs back on and maybe a little bit extra. Off and on, I would try following the program again but never with the same dedication and gusto. I do like a lot of the recipes though. I decided last week to start again and have dove into it with my complete focus. I hope to see similar results as before, but recognize that it is slow going. Today, I decided to do a throw back to all the Always Standing mentions of the only diet that I have every enjoyed or been able to follow:

The Curves Diet

- Making The Switch : The first mention of the program
- The Undiet : Too much food
- Guest Writer - Blogging - Steph : Steph mentions the diet in a Guest Writer post while I was in Russia
- Final Week : It looks like I decided to start it up again during my last semester at Ryerson
- Fuck February : I don't think I kept it going very long that Fall but decided to try again at the start of 2012
- Back Under The Threshold : 2 years later it looks like I returned to the diet

This time will be different than my previous failed Toronto attempts. I am already being stricter with myself. Not only do I plan to keep going until I reach my goal weight, but I also vow not to eat a single french fry until my wedding day (on which I will have them as part of my dinner entree at the pub.)

Quick Kitchen Tip

I don't know how I keep forgetting about this - but it is way better to fill up a pot of water, that you plan to boil, using water from the 'hot' tap.

I remember someone once telling me (I think it was Jerrica or maybe JennB) that I should always put the lid on the pot when wanting water to warm up to boiling as it will go faster. I am pretty good about remembering to do that, though sometimes finding the right lid is a challenge. I hate that pots then have a tendency to boil over, but not if it is just pure water in it. After the water is boiling, and whatever is being added to it, I either take the lid off or put it on askew. I also turn the stove down a bit and the pot will keep simmering.

Tricks that help water to boil faster and food to cook better not only improves on the experience (faster is better in my mind because I hate to cook) but also makes the process more efficient. A more efficient (aka faster) use of the stove uses less electricity and therefore is better for the environment.

One thing I almost always forget to do though, is use hot water when filling the pot. I have no idea why, but I reach for the cold tap every time. It makes no sense! That will make it take longer to boil, the water has to heat up from a lower temperature; if I used hot water it already has a head start. It also shares the energy consumption with the hot water heater, which I assume is better than using the stove element for the entire process from cold to boiling.

I am sure everyone already knows this and I am just slow on the uptake, but I need to really watch what tap I use from now on.

Back Under The Threshold

Since early January I have been watching what I am eating very carefully. I am back on what I call "The Curves Diet" which is basically following recipes and eating guidelines that are photocopied from an outdated book that JennB had. The basics of it are smaller portions, more protein, less complex carbs, and lots of vegetables. It works for me and the food is really enjoyable. So it has taken about a month but I am very very slowly losing weight each week and I am happy to report that I am back under 200lbs again - just. I noticed that the scale had started to tip over that number back in August, and it did keep climbing over the Fall last year.

My goal is to be nice and thin again for Teri's wedding in July. I looked great for Taylor's wedding and it is fun to look back at those photos - not just because the wedding was so much fun, or because Steph took the photos, but also because I look good in them. That gives me 5 months or so to keep at this and slowly bring my weight down. I have noticed recently that, while still losing, the amount each week is much less so I know I need to start exercising too. (I need to start exercising for a ton of reasons actually.)

Where Did You Go?

I lost my purse this afternoon! I was mid-delivery of a work project and I can't really remember where I last had it. I know that I had it when I parked infront of the condo building I was doing the delivery at and that I didn't have it when I left. I don't know how I lost it - it is huge, big and purple.

When I called to cancel my credit cards they said that they had not been used. So, I doubt it was stolen. Who steals a huge purple purse just for the $15 cash in the wallet and not try out the credit cards? I think I left it somewhere. However, I scoured the building later and couldn't find it. I really hope it turns up, that someone finds it and contacts me somehow.

The loss of all of the various cards in my wallet (credit, debit, various ids, various loyalty programs etc.) is a big inconvenience, which will cost me time and money that I don't have. Losing my cell phone, which was also in my purse, is really upsetting. My planner was also in my purse, and all my keys, and the list goes on. It has not been a good day. I am very sad and need to back.

As JennB used to say, "Say a prayer to St. Anthony." Now, I am not Catholic, but I always would since when something is lost you want all the help you can get! According to wiki; "St Anthony is venerated all over the world as the Patron Saint for lost articles, and is credited with many miracles involving lost people, lost things and even lost spiritual goods." Can you help and pray for me too? If you are adamantly against praying/religion - maybe looking up Anthony of Padua on Wikipedia and reading the article will count - that is more like research.

--- Please bring my purse back to me, as soon as possible. ---

Where's The Docket?

Since BIAs are a strange cross between municipal government and not-for-profits there are similarities to my work with the Federal Government. There are also a whole series of new strange, funny, and annoying things. Watching this video made me think back to all those years - at Health Canada, Natural Resources, and Justice. It made me laugh but also made me miss it. The main thing I miss is the people. I met some amazing people through my work with The Government of Canada and many ended up turning into friends outside of work which has been great. For the most part they all still live in Ottawa and it is the hardest part about living in Toronto - I miss my friends in Ottawa terribly.

Might just be funny if you are/were one... Definitely funny 'cause it's true!

Sh*t Bureaucrats Say


Gotta love the public service!!!

In Ottawa

Two and I are on a whirlwind visit to Ottawa. I wanted to do some Christmas shopping here as well as visit as many of my friends and family who live here as possible. I am also hoping to pop to Montreal to see Yen and his new house. I don't know if I can get it all done!

Other People Write My Thoughts

JennB really should start her own blog - though as a public servant and a very private person it probably wouldn't work very well. However, she is often sending me awesome things to post. If she isn't going to blog than I hope she is writing a lot, she is a significantly better writer than I am. I know this because she edits my work and understands things about the English language that still boggle my mind - even after she explains them for the third or fourth time I still don't understand. Also, we have tossed around the idea of writing a novel together a few times, and her ideas are stellar. I still really love this plan, mainly because I think it would let me get rich and famous on her coat tails.

JennB obviously reads Always Standing so is really good and identifying things that I would want to share or discuss. Her latest offering is from Hyperbole and a Half and is both sadly true and absolutely hilarious at the same time. "Adventures in Depression." The few drawings with the little character lying on a couch are my favourite. The quotes that accompany those hit home - hard.

Quick Quotes

The Las Vegas trip was epic! I will do my usual post of point-form observations soon. However, Teri and I noted two amusing quotes that we should remember. We both wish we had kept a log of quotes for the trip; Teri did that for a trip once and JennB, the girls, and I had one for the insane New Years trip in New Orleans. We didn't do a log for Las Vegas though, but besides these two I don't think it was much of a funny quote filled trip. Here are the two good ones:

At one of the pool parties...
Cute Bartender: Wow, you have really nice ears.
Me: Thank you.
Cute Bartender: Yeah, they look like little vanilla wafers.

At one of the nightclubs...
Sleazy Guy: So, I think you should come back to my room.
Teri: Uhh, no, I have a boyfriend.
Sleazy Guy: I have a cat.
Teri: Huh?
Sleazy Guy: Oh, I'm sorry, I thought we were talking about things that didn't matter.

Besides the jerk quoted above, a rude waiter, and numerous airline staff, everyone we met on this trip were amazing. It felt like a city filled with friends; everyone just wandered around smiling and chatting.

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.)

Royals!

I got to see the Queen last year in Ottawa and this year I saw the Royal Newlyweds! I really did not have as good a spot as last year but still got to see Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (see circle):
We are still super excited to see them, look at how happy we are. I love Ottawa for Canada Day.

The States Baby!

Here are some brief point-form notes from my road trip with JennB, this does not really totally explain the trip nor describe all the experiences but it will give you a rough idea.
So in no particular order...

Location: The road, from Toronto to Baton Rouge.
Dates: May 13th to 18th, 2011

-the end result was to go to Louisiana and pick up JennB's boyfriend, who she met on the New Orleans trip, and drive him back to Canada for the summer; we decided that the journey would be a great excuse to travel together again
-we drove through and/or visited 8 states: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana
-I flew back early so as to not miss too many sailing classes and JennB and her boyfriend continued the road trip
-JennB braved her fears and took me on a tour through Mammoth Caves in Kentucky, they were amazing
-we made a game of counting religious signs and sex shops, I think in the end there were more religious signs
-JennB and I split a steak dinner and still had issue finishing it
-saw a concert at the Grand Ole Opry, an American icon, which was an unbelievable amount of fun
-JennB's boyfriend's university has a live tiger
-We went to a lot of state welcome centres, all of which were awesome
-Breakfasts are a big deal and all the hotels included one
-I travelled with a dog for the first time since JennB's boyfriend was bringing his small terrier-mix to Canada
-We had the best burgers imaginable at Steak and Shakes even though we had gone in looking for steak
-Food was incredibly cheap
-There is a building in Nashville that looks like batman
-I caved and napped once in the car even though I believe it is the passengers job to stay awake and amuse the driver
-Saw some frighteningly high water in Baton Rouge
-JennB let me do the 'Sweeton Way' one night and use a coupon book from the state tourist centre then drive up and book a hotel for the night on the spot
-Went to a Honky-Tonk bar in Nashville and made requests to the band, all of which were rejected
-Visited a beautiful state capital building in Louisiana which confirmed my love for Art Deco Architecture
-Rediscovered that Mountain Dew in USA has caffine in it and had JennB big me back two cases of it in the car
-Got drunk and giggly on strawberry margaritas
-Ate a lot of fried food especially in Louisiana where I had fried shrimp with every meal
-Really liked Detroit airport
-Just in general had a great trip which reminded me of how great a travel partner JennB is and just how much I love having her as a friend!!

Oh Bolton

I have been watching this movie constantly for the past few weeks, like multiple times daily. I showed it to JennB on our road trip and she loved it and joined me with the multiple viewings. However, I also showed it to my mom who was bored before it was half over, so I guess it isn't to everyone's taste. (Though Micheal Bolton is surprisingly good looking for someone who is almost 60.)

Out Of It

Sorry that the posts have become a little sparse. According to Google Analytics I'm still getting some visitors, and usually I pride myself in getting posts up pretty regularly. A combination of school ending, trips to the US, time at the cottage, and being majorly depressed have all contributed to less posts on Always Standing. However, I have some planned.

So, stay tuned for:
-a summery of my amazing trip to America with JennB
-pictures of the 100 year old book that I wrote my last paper on
-my final marks from this semester
-updates on sailing as I prepare for the racing season
-a music video that I have been playing multiple times daily
-general summer awesomeness!

Counting

To pay tribute to my childhood road trips, JennB and I are counting things as we drive around the US. It actually just sort of happened, since we were noticing things and then decided to count them. JennB is counting signs for 'Adult' stores, the prevalence of which is very dependent on which state we are in. I am counting religion related signs and billboards. Right now I'm winning - Religion over Sex!

The best religious based sign so far was the huge black billboard that had large white letters saying, "IF YOU DIED TODAY, WHERE WOULD YOU SPEND ETERNITY?" The 'E' of eternity was filled in with red. We were a little surprised at this sign and started to talk about how the red ''E" must symbolise hell. Then a few miles down the highway, an obviously connected billboard (it was designed the same way) appeared which read "HELL IS REAL." The "H" this time was filled in with red. There was stunned silence in the car for a little while - just at the complete lack of subtly.

Only In The USA

Just a quick word from my road trip with JennB in The States. While driving yesterday, we saw a normal van which had a large bumper sticker on the back that said, Cation: Alpaca Aboard. Then as we drove past it, there was literally an Alpaca in the back. It was like a family style van!

The Finer Things In Life

The government is selling thongs! Really. It is just strange and I have no creative way to write about this at the moment, except that JennB sent me the link and the story both puzzled and amused me. Read it HERE. If you too are interested in buying government surplus crown assets the full website is HERE. Personally I have no money. (Literally! I woke up this morning to some pretty scary numbers when I checked my banking online and am trying not to spend the day sweating about it. I should be getting paid tomorrow and that will sort it out, but today I'm a little money stressed.) I don't want to waste the day looking over the site, it looks like it could be a pretty cool distraction. It lists some of the craziest things for sale. I would really have liked to buy the shark research vessel though.

A Light From The Heavens

You know in the movies when the clouds part and light shines down on the item that the hero is looking for and there is always that "aaaaaaaaaa" sound that accompanies it? Well, I had a moment exactly like that today. On my way back from campus I was trying to figure out how I was going to get all these little chores done that I had to do on my way home. My biggest concern was picking up some 5 Hour Energy Shots, but I was struggling to figure out where to find them and how to get there. I don't like the taste of coffee and it makes me feel sick, so when I need to stay awake I have always struggled, until JennB showed me these little things. I have always enjoyed the alertness that comes with energy drinks, but often they are large and taste terrible, these are tiny and taste fine. It is like a miracle drink, note the devine theme here, and I need some for this week. Anyway, as the escalator took me down into the AMC building at Young and Dundas I was pondering the question as to which store on my way home would sell them: Shoppers, Loblaws, Busy Bee... When suddenly the clutter of urban infrastructure dissipated as I descended past...tv screens, advertising, pipes, ducts, stairways, banners.... Then, lo and behold, right in my line of sight was a huge display in front of the small newspaper stand on my way to the subway, bright and orange and featuring all the flavours, including a new Extra Strength one that I'm excited to try. Cue the music, "aaaaaaaaaaa," the heroine has found what she was looking for.

A Snow Effigy

Snow-Binx By The Birdfeeders Sitting In The Sand

I needed a break from marking and writing so decided to go for a walk, I'm at the cottage and it is nice to get out and wander along the road or beach. It had snowed last night, making some nice packing-snow. Instead of going for a walk my parents and I ended up making a snowcat - in honour of Binx. JennB is correct, there is no wrong way to grieve.

My family hasn't made a snow sculpture in years, I can remember being really young and making snowbunnies, a snowdragon, and at one point I think some Flintstone characters. We make things in the sand more often, sometimes together sometimes just me. Our work in sand is much better. When I was little our sandcastles were always epic, my mom was amazing at designing them which may come from her being British and having seen a number in real life, and my dad would bring piles of sand with the big shovel and dig huge moats. Working in sand is much easier than snow, as we discovered with this attempt to make a cat, it is not so good.

Still missing Binx but I'm trying to find ways to deal with it.

I'm Going To Texas

So the morning has rolled around. JennB kindly woke up early to help me edit the paper I stayed up all night writing. I now get to hand it in and head on down to my grandparents in Fort Erie. They are going to take me across the border as I am flying to San Antonio out of Buffalo airport. I miss my parents and am excited to see them. I'm looking forward to the break!!