Saturday, May 27, 2006

this may require further consideration

Today's soundtrack:
Carrera SkipMix

Went for my first run around the River today. It was more or less successful. Well, more less successful. The run.. ok, run/walk.. was about 6km, but that wind was coming right at me. To be honest, I was wheezing and exhausted when the wind was at my back. I was feeling lactic acid where I didn't know lactic acid could go. By the time I got home, I was about ready to collapse. How out of shape could I really be? Perhaps this jogging three to four times a week is a plan that requires further consideration.


In other news, this comic illustrates my mindset right about now. "Yes Mom, I'm making great progress. Practically done. Want to see my outline?". Not that a lot of work is going to get done this weekend. Miguelito's back in the Great White North in about 15 hours (but who's counting?). Also, my "daughter" Shaily will be in town tomorrow (hopefully), so it'll be one big happy family! And as we all know, happiness is not conducive to thesis production.

Friday, May 26, 2006

another beautiful day in saskatoon

Today's soundtrack:
Twin Cinema by The New Pornographers

Aah.

That was a deep sigh of contentment.

The big news is that I was up before noon today. The better news is that I walked downtown today, hitting lululemon before coffee with D. I've decided that I'm tired of being tired, and need to start moving more. So I walked downtown, found a yoga mat and a good sport bra (don't want black eyes) so that I can start running again. Had a wonderful coffee with my real boyfriend, came home and did yoga (Dr. Phil in the background - one step at a time). Feeling a lot better now. I don't know if it's due to the beautiful weather today, the fact that Miguelito will be back on Saturday, or having done yoga - or possibly a combination of all three - but I'm feeling a lot more positive. Positive enough to charge ahead on the Thesis (with a capital T, as it is now more of a deity than a composition).

This is all in stark contrast to last night when, after Lost, I was nothing short of confused and perplexed. I'm looking forward to Amie's summary and analysis. Is Michael going to find Sayid and tell him what happened? Is Locke dead? Now that the electromagnetic field is destroyed (or is it?), will they be rescued? Amie, send help!

Una pregunta a mis amigas más cultural que yo - ¿cómo se dice 'doing yoga' en español?

Oh, and go Oilers.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

notes from broadway

Today's soundtrack:
Has Been by William Shatner

That damned da Vinci movie, reviewed by someone more spiteful than me (yes, it is possible!).

Oh, and that new Mayan Chocolate flavour from Haagen-Danz is orgasmic. Calms the nerves after, say, reading that damned book.

In other news, there was a blue-wigged girl with a guitar and a bucket wandering up and down Broadway this afternoon. The strap to her guitar was chainmail, which was cool. She strumming without making chords, thrusting the bucket in people's faces, and (I assume) singing, all of which was not cool.

Well, if the blue-haired girl is any indication, this summer is going to be very entertaining (thesis-dependant, of course).

Saturday, May 20, 2006

still procrastinating... but the pics are good, no?

Today's soundtrack:
"Me Gustas Tú" by Manu Chao

I've just discovered that my friend lives in Cicely, Alaska.

Moose
Yes, that's a moose merrily wandering the streets.

Grizzly
Yes, that's a real grizzly bear. Very possibly Jesse the Bear. I've been assured that it was thisclose to charging.

Tragically, no embittered Jewish, New York doctor. At least, not yet.

En las noticias de España, la familia de Miguel (en el pueblo - with two dogs and a Ferrari) no tiene ningún idea sobre el trabajo de Miguel, ni cúando el volveriá a España, pero toda la familia sabe que el tiene una novia canadiense.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

he's back

Today's soundtrack:
Funeral by Arcade Fire (D&L have that world's best music collection)

No, Miguelito's not back, but Gorby is. He first.. or possiby she.. first appeared last fall, but disappeared over the long winter. Miguelito named him Gorby, which is short of Gorbachev. Apparently, Miguelito always wanted a pet named Gorbachev. I've been a big fan of Einstein as a pet name myself. Anyway, through the magic of the internet and Jessica's website, Gorby has returned and can be found at the bottom of this page. He enjoys foie gras (in the tin can) and playing with the giant ruby on an ivory stick.

Right, right. A-thesising I go.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

agenbite of inwit

Today's soundtrack:
Nostalgeria - Exploded SkipMix

During my undergraduate degree, with all the readings for classes, I got out of the habit of having a book at my bedside. Now, the bedside table is overflowing with them. Nederlands/Spaans, Frankenstein, Español - Inglés, Memorias de una vaca, and Ulysses. Somehow, Joyce became my bedtime reading (he's following Atwood's The Blind Assassin, which was rather disappointing read). This, I feel, is somewhat disrespectful, but between procrastinating and pretending to work on my thesis, there's just not enough time in the day to sit and read with the upright posture this book requires. I hope Joyce won't hold a grudge against me for this.

I was reading, blissfully mind, away when I came across "agenbite of inwit". Oh, I get it now. See, it's one of those phrases that people who know say in order to gauge if another person knows. Well, now I know. Drinks all around.

Sadly, after I finish Ulysses, which I'm plowing through a chapter a night, I'll be left with only Finnegans Wake left unread on my bookshelf. And I don't think I'm quite ready for that. So I'm taking suggestions. Later this week, I'm going to go to McNally Robinson in search of a book on birds in Saskatoon (one of my many odd fetishes) and hopefully with a suggestion on what book could possibly follow Ulysses on my bedstand.



Esto es unos de mis fotografías favoritas de Miguelito. De Long Beach en al verano pasado. El está en Barcelona hoy (¡qué suerte el cabrón tiene!), y se echo de menos. ¡Quiero que el pueda ver mi pelo rubia! Pero bueno, en realidad, ojalá que esté en España. En Madrid. En Casa del Libro (qué tienda). Tomando un café con leche. Pero, estoy aquí, en una casa dondé la gente arriba hace más sexo que yo. Su novia vino ayer. Y squeak squeak squeak esta mañana. Chuta. Doce días más.

Joé.

Monday, May 15, 2006

stand in the corner and think about what you've done

It's official. All my best thinking happens in the bathroom. Tonight, as I washed my face I realised why the Catholic Church is so paranoid about gay marriage. If only my thesis had so many moments of sheer brilliance.

So the Church has been involved in lobbying government for years. Pro-life and environmental agendas have been pushed for years. Admittedly, some agendas have been better than others. But in the agendas lies the problem. In my opinion, the Church shouldn't be attempting to influence government at all.

Yes, okay there is scripture to counter that. I know, and rest assured I'm familiar with it. But this isn't the ancient world. We don't stone people for wearing cotton-poly blends. You can't pick and choose.

Jefferson had it right, and we need something just as clear up here in the North. Church and State need to be separate. Together, neither can flourish. Jefferson's concern, and indeed the concern of the earliest Puritans, was that the State would attempt to control the Church. Now we face the opposite problem.

The Church has spent years trying to influence government policy. Now, they're worried they're going to get as good as they've given.

Under Canadian law, no church can marry people without a document from the government - the marriage license. Without the license, churches can only give blessings. In short, the Church does not have any power, separate from the government, to marry people. Keep in mind that marriage itself is a legal, not theological term. When the government allowed gay marriage, it only meant that gay people could get married under the law. The Church was never under any obligation to give a blessing, or to allow gay marriages within the Church.

And like a scared child, the Church is now worried that all the poking and proding of the State is about to come back and bite them in the ass. If the Church can influence government policy, why couldn't the State influence Church policy?

Of course, I highly doubt that the State would overstep their bounds in such a way. It seems the government has more respect for beliefs, morality, and tolerance than the Church.

Like arguing children, the Church and the State need to be separated for a while. I recommend that the Church go stand in the corner for a while and think about what it's done.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

call me sisyphus

Today's soundtrack:
"Falling in Love" by Lisa Loeb

This morning I went to mass and promptly remembered why I don't go to mass. Oh sure, it started well. The church was full, everyone seemed to be passed this "mourning your faith" thing, and the choir was perky. And then, the sermon. It went on and on. Methinks Father likes to hear his voice over the speakers. I was worried that the sermon, which was based on the story of Paul's conversion and the help he got from Barnaby, would be a sick call to convert the heathen masses, yadda yadda yadda. But it was worse.

"There is a Right to Life rally today at Royal University Hospital," says the priest. "It's a sacred activity, this rally. You should be there."

Whhaaa?

All of a sudden, it was an anti-abortion, pro-life, rally the troops sermon. I glared at the priest from the backrow, shaking my head vehemently. By Communion, however, I'd rationalised it in my head. It's a Catholic thing, I thought. Every sperm is sacred and all that. It's not that abortions are wrong... well, not just that. It's that hierarchy would like it if the circumstances (rape, incest, etc) which force abortion to exist would go away. Of course, they're going about it ass backwards. This is likely because the hierarchy is full of men who, to be honest, have no clue and have no right to decide what a woman should do with her own life. But life is sacred, okay fine. Breathe, this will all be over soon. Rationalised, I felt a little better. I don't have to agree with the priest and the Church, especially when they are flat out wrong.

But then this Knight of Columbus gets up at the end of mass and says "There's a petition in the back that we'd like everyone to sign. It asks the current parliament to reopen the question on the definition of marriage."

That's it! When did intolerance become par for the course around here? I grew up in this church and I don't remember it ever being this political and this out of touch with humanity. Disgusted, I left after the blessing, but before the final hymn (that's scandalous, by the by).

Walking home, I was upset. No, upset doesn't describe the feeling accurately. I was hoping that maybe, since this is a church attached to a school, it would be a bit more in touch with reality. I was hoping that the conservative throwback was just on the coast. I was hoping that maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't feel like such a fish out of water.

Not bloody likely.

Instead, I'm left feeling like Sisyphus, doomed to forever push a giant rock (let's call it "reality", or perhaps "common sense") up a stubborn mountain that refuses to listen (that is, the Roman Catholic Church in all her glory).

If I lived in Regina, I'd be at the Reform Synagogue so fast, the Catholics wouldn't know what hit them.

being jewish

Today's soundtrack:
the boys' party upstairs. oy.

Alright, so I'm not Jewish. In fact, I'm thisclose to going to confession this Thursday to tell the priest that I lied to all the other priests. So basically, what I'm doing is embracing my Catholicness. Gives me an excuse to use guilt trips, at any rate. Yet, while I'm getting myself ready to explain to the priest that I'm shaking up with my boyfriend, I'm searching the internet (cursed Internet indeed) for mezuzahs. Mezuzahs are those little things you see on the doorposts of Jewish families. The tradition comes right out of the Shema Yisrael, which is the prayer said both in the morning and in the evening ("Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad"). In the prayer, the Jews promise to place the mezuzah (which contains a scroll of the Shema Yisrael) on their doorposts. Apparently, the mezuzah keeps the person or family safe and guarded. Well, I think that's just fantastic. The prayer itself is amazing. And now I want a mezuzah for my front door. However, apparently there are like five Jews in Canada and they all live in Montreal, so I can't figure out where to get a mezuzah (or even if, Gentile me, can have one). Sigh. I should have thought of this when I was in Toledo this past winter.

Friday, May 12, 2006

where have all the mix tapes gone?

Today's soundtrack:
Nostalgeria SkipMix
"Unsent" - Alanis Morissette
"I Can Feel It" - Sloan
"Be Mine" - R.E.M.
"Like Someone in Love" - Björk
"Foolish Games" - Jewel
"Apparitions" - Matthew Good Band
"My Selfish Gene" - Catatonia
"Over" - Portishead
"Nothing Better" - The Postal Service
"Joining You" - Alanis Morissette
"Let It Die" - Feist
"Falling in Love" - Lisa Loeb

I've been feeling reflective lately, so I've made mix of all the songs that remind me of those years. Some people just never leave your skin. I think this is why I like listening to Alanis Morissette's music. I've discovered that her music has played a significant role in my relationships. Specifically with one. That was a relationship where the only communication was through mix tapes. So, in an attempt to get through whatever it is about that relationship that keeps popping into my head, I've collected the songs that have the biggest emotional gutshot. I'm going for catharsis here, folks. Get past the freeze-out he's had up against me - he knows my weakness for reconciliation. Sigh. I should just embrace the memory and move on, kick my curiousity to the curb, and be content with my contentment. I guess it's impossible that everything can be in neat, little, organised boxes. "Childhood". "Adolescence". "Moving". "Boyfriends". Well, that last one still needs a lid. Or maybe none of them do. If everything is put away, then these songs won't mean the same.

Besides, a little catharsis, now and again, isn't such a bad thing. Just ask the Greeks.

For those keeping score, "nostalgeria" is the word Derrida used to describe his feelings towards his native Algeria. I just think it's clever. Damn that man and his sexy French-Intellectual mind.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

ohh, it's chilly

Today's soundtrack:
"Criminal" by Fiona Apple

I believe hell may have frozen over. I should mention that I don't believe in the hell (in the Dante-Inferno sense), but that shouldn't negate the notion that if there were a hell, Nixon is throwing snowballs at Mulroney (the Mulroney we occasionally see in Canada is actually Kim Campbell in very bad drag. The real Mulroney died in a tragic Riverdance accident). But why has hell frozen solid?

Macleans, after months of drivel and slime, has finally written a half-decent article. In the latest issue, there is a page dedicated to Stephen Colbert and his roast of Bush during the Correspondents' Dinner. I was so overjoyed at this article that I almost forgot the dreadful crap that Barbara Amiel has been churning out. Ms. Amiel, should I really care about Paris Hilton's feet? Sigh.

But in light of this (albeit temporary) frost in hell, I'm predicting here and now that the Riders are going to win the Grey Cup.

Now, I'm off to write more of my thesis. And by thesis, I mean watch Pirates of the Caribbean. Ah, Johnny..

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

dear mr. ahmadinejad

Today's soundtrack:
Folklore by Nelly Furtado

Rain today. Has me in a Nanaimo state of mind. I think I'd prefer a New York state of mind, but that's largely due to my recent Sex in the City binge. I have yet to indulge in Kraft Dinner (when the cat's away..), but I am going shopping tomorrow.

I'm still pondering the so-called differences between the so-called two cultures (Muslim v. Christian). The letter that the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent Bush intrigues me. It's been described as a rambling 18-page document. Naturally, I'm combing through it.

"Why is it that any technological and scientific achievement reached in the Middle East regions is translated into and portrayed as a threat to the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D one of the basic rights of nations."

A good question, Mr. Ahmadinejad. I believe the answer to your question lies in your refusal to recognise the right of Israel to exist. Calling them a "Zionist regime", for instance, calls your intentions into question.

This letter was nothing short of enlightening. Ahmadinejad makes some interesting points.. well, one point. Over and over. That is, "do such actions [coups, oppression, secret prisons, Iraq] correspond to the teachings of Christ and the tenets of human rights?". Alright Mr. Ahmadinejad, let's examine this, shall we? You correctly identity that Bush is a Christian. This is, of course, courtesy of his wife and his cocaine addiction, but he is a Christian nonetheless. He doesn't believe in abortion, gay marriage or gay adoption. Much of his support comes from the Christian right. And he knows it. Bush isn't going to bite the hand that feeds him, but he's hampered by this one extremely pesky character. Jefferson. Bush is the person that Jefferson was most worried about. One of the three accomplishments that Jefferson was most proud about was his tract on the separation of church and state. Not so much that church would try to influence the state, but that the state would try to influence the church. This ensured religious freedom and the separation of church from the state.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, this separation doesn't exist. So you see, you can act out through your religion. But thank the gods (re: Jefferson), it's against the law for Bush to act out through his. You can claim that it is God's will that you develop nuclear technology. You can claim that it is God's will that you not recognise the state of Israel (although you do recognise Moses as a prophet - go figure). Bush, however, cannot claim that it is God's will that there is war in Iraq. At least, not without being kicked out, tarred, feathered, and sent to Utah. You can act out through what you believe is God's will, but Bush is hampered by law, tradition, and a constitution.

Well, until he attachs a signing statement to that as well. And when that happens, you two will be the bosom buddies, best friends forever, pen pals that you so desire to be.

That was heavy. Here's a pick me up. Question: should I go blonde or not? And why?

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

back in the day

Today's soundtrack:
Sex in the City: Season One

Miguelito tells me this is the Puerta del Sol in Toledo, but I'm not too sure. Then again, who I am to doubt a Spaniard? Regardless, the idea of wandering through Spanish cities and towns is all too alluring right now. The architecture of Toledo is the mix of Islam and Catholicism, of Moors and Spaniards. See how nicely it flows together? How they seem to be alternate expressions of the same idea? Look at the archway itself: a typical Moorish design. Above the arch, in that circle, is a triangle consisting of Christian figures. The row of arches above the puerta also has a Moorish influence. This puerta, in the ancient wall surrounding a city famous for its three faiths. Okay, granted that Spain isn't exactly the poster country for religious toleration ("no one every expects the Spanish Inquisition"), but it's interesting that, at various points in the history of the world, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism have co-existed relatively peacefully. Yes, relatively. I know no point in time was perfect, but the fact that this world has become so incredibly intolerant actually makes me wish for the good ol' days of 13th century Spain (before the Reconquista, claro).

The boys are burning incense upstairs. Somehow, I don't think it's for Buddhist devotional services.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

yippee!

And this is what I feel like now. I even get to sleep for a few hours. And it's less than 24 hours until I'm 24. Huh. Well isn't that interesting. 24 to 24. Ah, this is what a lack of sleep and too much tea do to the human mind. I feel like that War on Drugs commercial with the egg. You know the one: "This is your brain. Smack. This is your brain on drugs". There should be a War on Grad School. Parents, save your children! Have them pursue a lifestyle that will give them both sleep and money.

But for now, and in the words of my teenage self, "happy happy joy joy!"



Oh right. Now I have to face my supervisor. Sigh.

quick note of utter procrastination mixed with sheer panic

Today's soundtrack:
Corner Gas: Season One
"Die Zauberflöte, K.620: "Der Hölle Rache Kocht in Meinem Herze" by Sir Georg Solti, Sumi Jo & Wiener Philharmoniker

T-minus 7 hours until I have to meet with my supervisor. 8 more pages to edit and I've given up on sleeping. Pumping Chai Tea directly into my veins at this point. Also watching Corner Gas. Miguelito is arguing with someone in his sleep. Pobre.

This is from the cathedral in Toledo. I really think Toledo was my favourite sidetrip in Spain, possibly because it was rather stereotypically Old Europe. Winding roads and alleys that smell like pee, men yelling from balconies, and outdoor cafes. Sigh. And it's snowing here tonight.


And in the spirit of procrastination, here's the best picture of yours truly that I've ever come across. Miguelito took it in Toledo. Nacho has the red backpack in the background. Notice, my eyes are not closed!


Okay fine, back to work.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

a remedy for procrastinationitis

Today's soundtrack:
Classical Mix on my iPod

Miguelito woke me up this morning to Carmen. What a way to wake up. A blissful sigh.

Came across this. Takes a while to load (if you're using Sasktel's High Speed Lite, which goes roughly as a fast as a turtle on a treadmill), but it's worth it. Colbert's address at the Correspondants' Dinner was excellent, but I think his truthiness may have been lost on those damned liberal media types. On a side note, if Jon Stewart is the Father, and Colbert is the Son, I wonder who the Holy Ghost is...?

And congrats to Lauraloo for the 10k run in Vic the other day. Good to know you're getting enough exercise for the both of us.

Oh, almost forgot - we finally got pictures from Miguelito's brother today. Here's one I took for Mom in the Tesoro of Toledo's cathedral.



And this one is from the sinagogue in Toledo. Absolutely beautiful detailing.