Well, it seems like big news for me. On par with smug couples proudly announcing ''we're pregnant'' (side snark: no 'you're' not, she is.) I have been annoucing, that I am ready to start looking!!
For a horse, that is. And again, to horse people, this sort of thing is akin to couples announcing they are ready to start 'trying' (ugh, has that ever meant anything more than them saying to everyone they are going to have sex more?).
But anyways, yes it's true. I am ready and excited to welcome a new, money-hungry addition to my family of a husband and a rabbit. And I couldn't be happier! Yes it's a huge committment of time, energy and money, but I feel like it is finally time. I am sick and tired of riding other people's horses, although I have been greatful for the years I have done so. I am done in with ruined horses, sour horses, tired horses and their owners blaming it on me, despite the fact they have a zillion kiddies ruining the horses.
It is time.
Be ready for bizarre horse-hunting stories shortly! I am in the e-mail, flight planning phase. Fingers crossed I meet my horse of a lifetime!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation
I borrowed this book (by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim) from a friend, who said she enjoyed it, I might enjoy it but I also might take umbrage at some things written in it.
It's true. I enjoyed the history, quirky cheesecake ads from the 1930's onwards, but I really took issue with the sneering, "Well, for some women periods are a big deal. For us, world peace is a big deal." tone. The book is well written with a ton of pop culture references, and an exhaustively researched history. The layout was a little confusing as the headings seemed to be a bit arbitrary--history, wacky things you didn't know, dangerous things about tampons, wacky people and their menstrual-obssesions at the end. They also seemed extremely dismissive about women who just don't want periods. gasp! How unnatural! What about the environment, the moons and Mother Earth? She would want you to have periods!
Yeah I am exaggerating a bit, but seriously? There are women out there (present company included) who do.not.need.them. Ever. Since the switch to Seasonale (Thank you big Pharma, you saved my life!) I have been the happiest girl around. That time of the month? Nope, more like maybe that time of the year! Making the switch was the single most empowering thing I could have ever done, not harness myself to the extreme pain and misery of the 'being a woman' bullshit. I would have rather been a man, but I digress...
Also, they ramble on about homeopathic cures, natural cures, the cure-all of 'exercise' (yeah, tell that to the woman who vomits she is in so much pain. huh.) and then alienate the period-less woman by saying, ''oh yeah, they have it bad sometimes." Dismissive much?
And they also manage to alienate the 'Earth Mother' types that write menstrual poetry, or paint pictures of uterii, or create uterus pincusions or whatever. They consider them over the top and odd...
In conclusion: Ads and text of the historical contexts are awesome. Fun book to read on that pretext, and very very interesting. Women have been prejudiced against and oppressed because of their bodies forever.
Not so good: Holier-than-thou about women who simply refuse to be taken hostage by their bodies, by the Nature Woman expectations. Some of us didn't ask for this and won't put up for it. If a man had to deal with this, the world would stand still.
It's true. I enjoyed the history, quirky cheesecake ads from the 1930's onwards, but I really took issue with the sneering, "Well, for some women periods are a big deal. For us, world peace is a big deal." tone. The book is well written with a ton of pop culture references, and an exhaustively researched history. The layout was a little confusing as the headings seemed to be a bit arbitrary--history, wacky things you didn't know, dangerous things about tampons, wacky people and their menstrual-obssesions at the end. They also seemed extremely dismissive about women who just don't want periods. gasp! How unnatural! What about the environment, the moons and Mother Earth? She would want you to have periods!
Yeah I am exaggerating a bit, but seriously? There are women out there (present company included) who do.not.need.them. Ever. Since the switch to Seasonale (Thank you big Pharma, you saved my life!) I have been the happiest girl around. That time of the month? Nope, more like maybe that time of the year! Making the switch was the single most empowering thing I could have ever done, not harness myself to the extreme pain and misery of the 'being a woman' bullshit. I would have rather been a man, but I digress...
Also, they ramble on about homeopathic cures, natural cures, the cure-all of 'exercise' (yeah, tell that to the woman who vomits she is in so much pain. huh.) and then alienate the period-less woman by saying, ''oh yeah, they have it bad sometimes." Dismissive much?
And they also manage to alienate the 'Earth Mother' types that write menstrual poetry, or paint pictures of uterii, or create uterus pincusions or whatever. They consider them over the top and odd...
In conclusion: Ads and text of the historical contexts are awesome. Fun book to read on that pretext, and very very interesting. Women have been prejudiced against and oppressed because of their bodies forever.
Not so good: Holier-than-thou about women who simply refuse to be taken hostage by their bodies, by the Nature Woman expectations. Some of us didn't ask for this and won't put up for it. If a man had to deal with this, the world would stand still.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
NYC Series: Shopping on Canal St.
Ah Canal Street, home of the hawkers, the counterfeits, the policemen riding horses, random subway/sewer stink, people, fast-food restaurants...
We went hunting for knock-off bags on Canal Street our first day in NYC. Ambitious? Perhaps. I was insanely sleep-deprived and on the verge of losing it to laughter (hysterical laughing) so Canal Street seemed to be a rather hilarious if shady adventure at the time. Where else could you go from petting a policeman's horse and asking if the horse was 'bombproof' and then go running down a set of secret stairs in the back of a shop, in search of knock-off bags?
We said 'yes~' when a shady dude on the street was muttering 'Coach' 'Gucci' 'Prada' and he showed us to the store. The store owner was ready. He hustled us to a wall that opened up, which we ran through and down a set of stairs to the basement. We went across the basement to another set of stairs leading to a secret room, packed to the gills with bags and women.
I have to say I was seriously thinking we were going to get hustled or mugged. But no, the women in the secret room could vouch for the knock off dudes. We made off with Coach bags, my mom with a Jimmy Choo, and my mom's cousin with a Gucci. The bags were originally $45, but my mom, the consummate grifter, got them for around $40 each. My Coach bag has a crooked horse & carriage, but it's a pretty sweet bag anyways. A lady at Tim Horton's complimented me on it a few days later.
Mission accomplished!!
We went hunting for knock-off bags on Canal Street our first day in NYC. Ambitious? Perhaps. I was insanely sleep-deprived and on the verge of losing it to laughter (hysterical laughing) so Canal Street seemed to be a rather hilarious if shady adventure at the time. Where else could you go from petting a policeman's horse and asking if the horse was 'bombproof' and then go running down a set of secret stairs in the back of a shop, in search of knock-off bags?
We said 'yes~' when a shady dude on the street was muttering 'Coach' 'Gucci' 'Prada' and he showed us to the store. The store owner was ready. He hustled us to a wall that opened up, which we ran through and down a set of stairs to the basement. We went across the basement to another set of stairs leading to a secret room, packed to the gills with bags and women.
I have to say I was seriously thinking we were going to get hustled or mugged. But no, the women in the secret room could vouch for the knock off dudes. We made off with Coach bags, my mom with a Jimmy Choo, and my mom's cousin with a Gucci. The bags were originally $45, but my mom, the consummate grifter, got them for around $40 each. My Coach bag has a crooked horse & carriage, but it's a pretty sweet bag anyways. A lady at Tim Horton's complimented me on it a few days later.
Mission accomplished!!
Involuntary Celibacy Club (ICC)
My friends and I have joined together to create a new club--it's the Involuntary Celibacy Club (ICC) for short. Care to join? We meet on Sundays around 5:30, watch Glee and eat tacos.
Why involuntary? Well, we're all celibate for various reasons of our own accord--myself because of a long distance marriage, friends due to a serious lack of decent looking & behaving males in the Yukon territory.
A friend questioned why I was in the ICC if I was already married. I was ready for that one. "Jesus doesn't judge!"
Membership is booming. We are up to three members, including myself. If we gain any more, we might have to start getting choosy...
Why involuntary? Well, we're all celibate for various reasons of our own accord--myself because of a long distance marriage, friends due to a serious lack of decent looking & behaving males in the Yukon territory.
A friend questioned why I was in the ICC if I was already married. I was ready for that one. "Jesus doesn't judge!"
Membership is booming. We are up to three members, including myself. If we gain any more, we might have to start getting choosy...
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
NYC Series: A show on Broadway
We went to go see 'The Jersey Boys' on Broadway when we were in NYC. We had nosebleed seat tickets (seriously, way in the back row) and they still cost over $130. Was it worth it? YES. If you go to NY, go see a show, you will not regret it.
The music was fun, the show wasn't too short or too long, and the vibe was upbeat and hip. There were actually a lot of old people, turns out the music of the Four Seasons really resonates with their youth or something...But I still recognized all of the music, so if you're a young'un it still applies!
After the show we darted out to go use the washroom (the theatre was packed, washrooms totally unaccessible) and I ran into Nikki, from the show. I got his autograph!
Things to note: buy tickets early, sneak booze in, they don't check bags for it. Keep your programs, as performers might be wandering outside the theatre just after.
I saw many very wealthy patrons, carrying Manolo Blahnik bags, stepping out of a limo. Woooooo...
Go see a show, apparently they are doing one for Green Day?!! and Wicked is always a hot choice too, that's the one I want to see next.
The music was fun, the show wasn't too short or too long, and the vibe was upbeat and hip. There were actually a lot of old people, turns out the music of the Four Seasons really resonates with their youth or something...But I still recognized all of the music, so if you're a young'un it still applies!
After the show we darted out to go use the washroom (the theatre was packed, washrooms totally unaccessible) and I ran into Nikki, from the show. I got his autograph!
Things to note: buy tickets early, sneak booze in, they don't check bags for it. Keep your programs, as performers might be wandering outside the theatre just after.
I saw many very wealthy patrons, carrying Manolo Blahnik bags, stepping out of a limo. Woooooo...
Go see a show, apparently they are doing one for Green Day?!! and Wicked is always a hot choice too, that's the one I want to see next.
NYC Series: Century 21
Shopping at Century 21 is like entering a wolf's den with dripping steaks. Shop at your own risk!
That aside, if you are into fantastic deals in a crazy, 'must-grab-everything' atmosphere, it is an amazing place to shop. I loved shopping there but after, I was like, woah...I don't want to go back! It is definitely a once a year type of deal. Their slogan is ''fashion worth fighting for'' and they're really not kidding.
It is a big building, first floor is mens/cosmetics/sunglasses/wallets, basement is housewares/gifts, 2nd floor is women's and 3rd floor is women's. We spent a lot of time on the 2nd and 3rd floor, and here's what we bought.
Tulle brand poplin jacket for $30.00
Tulle brand shirt dress in plaid for $16.99
Roxy brand flip flops for $6.97
Seven jeans for $40
Seven jeans for $40
Godiva chocolate coffee for $7.99
''Jeggings'' jean leggings for $6.99 (sidenote: looked absolutely terrible on me, gave them to my sister. Not meant for short people with muscular legs.)
And thanks to my dear Aunt, who financed a bit of this shopping extravaganza with a cool $100.00. Thanks! Much appreciated!
Futher observations: First floor is a freaking zoo. Changing rooms also. Bring a mom to hold your clothes, you will need her, she can also stand in line for you at the changing rooms, as the lineups are legendary. Be aware that you can only bring in 8 items at the changing room, and there aren't doors, just blousy curtains that tend to blow open when a customer walks by, therefore exposing your bare ass stuck getting out of a pair of 'skinny jeans' for all the world to see. I was seriously sweating coming out of the changerooms.
Happy Shopping!
That aside, if you are into fantastic deals in a crazy, 'must-grab-everything' atmosphere, it is an amazing place to shop. I loved shopping there but after, I was like, woah...I don't want to go back! It is definitely a once a year type of deal. Their slogan is ''fashion worth fighting for'' and they're really not kidding.
It is a big building, first floor is mens/cosmetics/sunglasses/wallets, basement is housewares/gifts, 2nd floor is women's and 3rd floor is women's. We spent a lot of time on the 2nd and 3rd floor, and here's what we bought.
Tulle brand poplin jacket for $30.00
Tulle brand shirt dress in plaid for $16.99
Roxy brand flip flops for $6.97
Seven jeans for $40
Seven jeans for $40
Godiva chocolate coffee for $7.99
''Jeggings'' jean leggings for $6.99 (sidenote: looked absolutely terrible on me, gave them to my sister. Not meant for short people with muscular legs.)
And thanks to my dear Aunt, who financed a bit of this shopping extravaganza with a cool $100.00. Thanks! Much appreciated!
Futher observations: First floor is a freaking zoo. Changing rooms also. Bring a mom to hold your clothes, you will need her, she can also stand in line for you at the changing rooms, as the lineups are legendary. Be aware that you can only bring in 8 items at the changing room, and there aren't doors, just blousy curtains that tend to blow open when a customer walks by, therefore exposing your bare ass stuck getting out of a pair of 'skinny jeans' for all the world to see. I was seriously sweating coming out of the changerooms.
Happy Shopping!
NYC Series: Easter in Central Park
Inspired by my recent and fabulous trip to cosmopolitan NYC, I will do a short blog series on the city, to hopefully spread the wonder and fun I had there to everyone suffering a miserable April in the Yukon!
Easter in Central Park is gorgeous. The weather was hot (about 27 deg) and it was very busy with many people. The grass wasn't too wet or mushy, so we spread our jackets and had ourselves a little sunbathe. Many people were doing this out on the grass by the entrance near the Plaza hotel. Vendors of hotdogs, ubitquitous pretzels, ice cream, horse-drawn carriage rides, portraits and more lined the entrance to the park. It was incredibly busy just outside, but in the park it is less chaotic.
After our sunbathe, we wandered and watched the skaters, looking rather incongruous skating on ice on such a hot day. We went to the gift shop (boring and very stuffy) and were going to visit the dairy but it was closed. The chess gazebo looked very nice, even though it was mostly vines right now. Buds were starting to bloom on trees. We picked up an icecream and decided on a horse-drawn carriage. The carriages do a short 20-minute loop of the park, pointing out famous sights or famous people, depending on who is out and about. Our driver pointed out Yoko Ono, who was wearing sunglasses and a top hat. It was very relaxing, and nice to rest our feet in the sunshine. Carriage rides cost $35, but you know, it's pretty worth it.
We didn't even get too far into the park after our ride, but it was luxurious and wonderful out. Hot, sunny and full of happy people celebrating Easter. And for a completely man-made park, it is still nice and feels close to nature in the middle of the city.
Easter in Central Park is gorgeous. The weather was hot (about 27 deg) and it was very busy with many people. The grass wasn't too wet or mushy, so we spread our jackets and had ourselves a little sunbathe. Many people were doing this out on the grass by the entrance near the Plaza hotel. Vendors of hotdogs, ubitquitous pretzels, ice cream, horse-drawn carriage rides, portraits and more lined the entrance to the park. It was incredibly busy just outside, but in the park it is less chaotic.
After our sunbathe, we wandered and watched the skaters, looking rather incongruous skating on ice on such a hot day. We went to the gift shop (boring and very stuffy) and were going to visit the dairy but it was closed. The chess gazebo looked very nice, even though it was mostly vines right now. Buds were starting to bloom on trees. We picked up an icecream and decided on a horse-drawn carriage. The carriages do a short 20-minute loop of the park, pointing out famous sights or famous people, depending on who is out and about. Our driver pointed out Yoko Ono, who was wearing sunglasses and a top hat. It was very relaxing, and nice to rest our feet in the sunshine. Carriage rides cost $35, but you know, it's pretty worth it.
We didn't even get too far into the park after our ride, but it was luxurious and wonderful out. Hot, sunny and full of happy people celebrating Easter. And for a completely man-made park, it is still nice and feels close to nature in the middle of the city.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Brother, Don't Force My Hand
You know that tired saying, "This hurts me more than it hurts you?" Usually by a parent enforcing some sort of draconian punishment with glee...Well, sometimes it's true.
After a fabulous NYC Easter, life has come crashing back ontop of me. Things that were supposed to go swimmingly, well, didn't. Issues that were supposed to be long past resolved came rearing into the forefront. I guess it's more like, issues that are happening to my family re-surfaced, and this time I'm not sad, I'm angry.
When someone says they want a divorce asap, and then sends the rest of the family a happy-go-lucky email about how they are going to give you an Easter gift, well, what would you write? I wrote, and am consequently not proud of it, "Don't even try. As far as I am concerned, you are not in my life now."
Petty and horrible? Yes.
After a fabulous NYC Easter, life has come crashing back ontop of me. Things that were supposed to go swimmingly, well, didn't. Issues that were supposed to be long past resolved came rearing into the forefront. I guess it's more like, issues that are happening to my family re-surfaced, and this time I'm not sad, I'm angry.
When someone says they want a divorce asap, and then sends the rest of the family a happy-go-lucky email about how they are going to give you an Easter gift, well, what would you write? I wrote, and am consequently not proud of it, "Don't even try. As far as I am concerned, you are not in my life now."
Petty and horrible? Yes.
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