Friday, February 29, 2008

3 Months

Almost forgot to post because of the shortened month - was waiting for the 30th when it dawned on me that it would never come! :)

Time is the Master.

That and taking one's life by the horns and deciding you are the boss. It's exhilarating, empowering and extremely exhausting (but in a good way) work and I'm pleased with my progress.

I can report that I am happy, healthy and thought not absolutely pain free, much, much better.

I'm looking forward to potentially stepping through an open door when the time is right.

February 2008 Books and Movies

Sexual Intelligence
Kim Cattrall

An ok book, made better by amazing pictures, artwork and inspirational quotes. In some parts it felt like the book was wholly excerpted from Kim Cattrall's documentary by the same title. It was a quick and easy read, but not completely satisfying. Hmmm, interesting analogy! :)

Jumper

It's really a shame, because this movie could have been so much more than it was. Woefully miscast (except for Samuel L. Jackson) and containing very little plot, it seemed the director was more interested in the special effects than anything else. The ending was frustrating because they are obviously leaving it open for a sequel. Loved the locals, very cool, especially the Valley of the KIngs.

Kiss of the Spider Woman
(Scarborough Musical Theatre)

Ok, this isn't technically a book or a movie, but I went to watch it, so it counts! My cousin was playing in the pit. I've never seen this musical before, it's pretty interesting. Set mainly in an Argentinian prison during the 70's dictatorship, it tells the story of two very different men who develop a unique bond in prison. The Spider Woman is Death, her kiss, the scythe. The songs are catchy in the moment, but not very memorable. I'm curious as to how the Broadway run was received. It was very long, but a nice evening, supporting the artistic pursuits of a dedicated group of amateur players.

Uganda Rising

An absolutely eye opening documentary about the plight of children in northern Uganda. To live in fear of being abducted to become a child soldier or a sex slave is a horror beyond imagining. I saw it as a professional development workshop in support of the Toronto Gulu Walk. Check it out at word that will be link! Not for the faint of heart, but the more people know about it, the more hope and help will come to those who suffer.

Atonement

Was slightly disappointed in this film. While the costumes, settings and historical accuracy were stellar, one the whole, it just tried to be too "arty". Weird shots that weren't tied to the film, minimal dialogue and a jarring trip to the present time disrupted the experience more than enhanced it. The beginning exposition dragged on and on and the ending was somewhat dissatisfying. I wouldn't say say give it a miss, as everyone has different tastes, but just be prepared for what you see.

Juno

Wow! This movie was freakin' fantastic! Laughed all the way through it. Quirky and fun, loved the one liners from everyone. It actually made me feel like I was glad I wasn't in high school anymore. Loved the boyfriend! This film had the cutest ending ever. It's an absolute must see.

The Golden Compass
Philip Pullman

Loved it! Even better than the movie, no surprise there! Can't wait to read the other two books in the trilogy. You just get sucked into the world that seems so like ours, but with strange differences that pull you back into this alternate universe. I did picture all the actors as the characters in the book (not that I mind picturing Daniel Craig ;) at all) which was a bit confusing. Why did they change Mrs. Coulter's hair colour from brown in the book to blonde in the movie? This series is right up there with the Narnia Chronicles. Great read!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

A Good Weekend!

Friday night was a good opportunity to have some quiet time, something I desperately needed after the work week. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Saturday was spent going to the St. Lawrence Saturday market for my weekly fresh veg, going for regular groceries, doing a wonderful Hatha class at my Yoga studio, getting in some gym time and then attending a lovely choir and orchestra concert. I also really enjoyed time spent with a dear friend afterwards.

Sunday morning Vinyasa with Camille, my favorite Yoga instructor, a little more grocery shopping (strawberries, 3 for $5!) and a visit to the grandparents and mom (still in hospital) followed by the Oscars rounded out my weekend.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Heart Day!

Well it's Valentine's Day again. And I'm single again. It's funny, two years ago I was single and non-plussed on Valentine's Day, last year I was in relationship and had a wonderful, thoughtful, romantic celebration on Valentine's Day. This year, I had a pretty good day at work, got some cute valentines and some chocolate and thought about how I feel about the day. I'm ok. I'm happy for those who have found the one that they love, and am glad I am working on my relationship with myself. Do I miss him? Absolutely. Am I sorry and sad? I'm happy to report no, as per my last post, that thing I mentioned has done what I had hoped and confirmed that I am on the right path.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

A weight has been lifted

I did something tonight that will be very useful to me soon. Any way it plays out will be beneficial in some way. I feel a big sense of relief as thinking about when and how I would do it has been weighing on me quite heavily. Hopefully I will rest easy tonight now that it's done.

Sunday, February 03, 2008

A fantastic arts weekend!

Rob Campbell Quartet

Rob Campbell - Guitar
Doug Watson - Sax
Mike Milligan - Bass
Greg Pilo - Drums

It's been a while since I went to the Rex, so decided to go on Saturday night to see whomever was playing the 9:30 show. Turned out to be these guys. I've only recently started to get into jazz guitar, and I'm loving it! What a great sound. I'm not generally big into alto sax (I prefer tenor) but Doug Watson was phenomenal. Rob Campbell is so laid back, everything except for his fingers that is. Great music and an enjoyable evening.

Habobo Toronto

This is a group of Toronto based teachers and musicians who all have been taught by Kwasi Dunyo at one time or another. I've worked with Kwasi in two different schools, both times it was a really great experience. Apparently the group has open nights once a month, so I think I'll go check it out. Another surprise was that one of the itinerants from school was a part of the group. I didn't expect to know anyone in the performance. It ended with an invitation to come up on stage and participate. A very inviting, engaging and inclusive experience.

The Burning Bush

Absolutely stellar! Hilarious, thought provoking, clever and fun. Tracey Erin Smith is a powerhouse. I highly recommend you try and see the show or its sequel at some point because I couldn't begin to describe it to you. I'll leave you with two interconnected thoughts from the show. Rabbinical school and a stripper's pole. See? Go see it!

Sisters of Sheynville

This was the group that performed with Tracey. Wonderful musicians especially the clarinetist who was absolutely incredible. Lovely harmonies and great jazz elements to this all female Yiddish sextet. They did a set on their own after the show, and it was a great ending to an arty weekend.