the sky's the limit

Another gloriously sunny (but cold!) morning when I left the house this morning. We drove quickly up the back to a house 3 streets away; they have the second largest pumpkin in BC, weighing in at well over 400lbs!! It's enough to fit a small child inside. They had carved it and had it sitting outside their house so I grabbed a quick snapshot of it.

Train-ride in was uneventful except that they checked tickets again. 4th time in 3 weeks. I think they are thinking that people will not suspect more than one check a week and some people would probably attempt to sneak through without a valid ticket. I did spot 2 eagles...or they were possibly ospreys flying along the shoreline this morning!

At lunch, I went to the mall and saw posters advertising Amy Sky. She was singing from 12:30-13:30 and it was nearly 13:30 by the time I saw the poster so I walked quickly to the mainstage. She was no longer singing but she was signing autographs so I went and got one. (She was there to promote her new CD and some Estee Lauder products.) Also, because I carry a bowling ball of a bag (in weight), I had my camera on me and got an awesome shot with her! I didn't say much except that I loved her music; I didn't want to sound overly sappy and at the same time, I couldn't recall the name of one of her songs without taking the time to recite the words; btw, the song I love is "I will take care of you". I keep wondering if my brush with fame will be something slight like this, or something bigger?!

change of pace

Security checked people's tickets today on the train during the morning rush - the third time in three weeks. I have only seen someone check once onboard - and that was a couple of years ago. 2 weeks ago, I saw a woman get fined because she hadn't purchases a ticket.

It started out pouring this morning - really hard...and the wind has moved in - huge gusts that have blown away much of the grey clouds to expose some light blue sky, and of course the early setting sun. Sunset is supposed to be nearly 6pm tonight, but it already seems to have disappeared. I'm outta here...

in the hallowe'en spirit

My boss went and bought some flowers at one of the street corner vendors. These are really cool flowers that I have not seen before; they flowers hang and are like little lanterns - except they are orange so they look quite cool and very Hallowe'en-ish! The fact that I don't know the name is driving me nuts but anyway... we decorated our office a little bit with them the way we do at Christmas - by hanging them off the little plants we have. It's quite cute - they look like pumpkin ornaments.

As for myself, the end of October usually brings on the shopping spree bit in me. I end up trying to use up/finish the Entertainment coupons before they expire at the end of this month. This usually means massive amounts of cash flowing from my pockets. Yesterday, I went and bought a smoothie for breakfast, and then a deli sandwich for lunch, and then pizza for dinner. Today, it's popcorn. What is one to do?? I always seem to wait til the last minute to end up using the coupons. *sigh*

freedom

Yesterday was my last tour and it started off sunny and beautiful. The fog quickly rolled in unexpectedly to the point that I was actually unable to make out either the second narrows bridge or the Lion's Gate Bridge. I had to tell people to pretend that they were there - it was really strange. Busy day too - almost $200 in liquor sales. I also managed to go shopping beforehand at Banana Republic on Robson and bought a bright orange sun-hat for my mom, and a smaller moss bucket hat for myself. Both were on sale as it was the end of season sale.

With the additional hour due to switching the clocks back, it really does get darker earlier...but I will be counting down - we only have to hit mid-December before the days grow longer again!

eagle spotting

I spotted one soaring in circles on my way down our hill to work yesterday. It was a gorgeous sunny day. I wonder what it represents.

Yesterday, work was exciting but not in a good way. The girl who did the tours the day before (on Friday) had dropped the ship keys and they had sunk to the bottom of the water so when I took the keys that were left in the box, they didn't work. So I couldn't get the fridge open etc... and the mic didn't work - it died in the early portion of my trip...so it was a matter of using the speaker phone, which is always a pain as the sound coming out is harsh and static-y and I have to press the button down the whole time I want to speak. A crowd of 55 people and only $1 in tip. *sigh*

100

It didn't rain yesterday or today - it's almost a weird feeling. Right now, the sun is trying to break through the clouds with little success so it's a bit overcast. I made a lunchtime trek to the library where they are having their annual book sale. Found myself a hardcover copy of A.S. Byatt's Biographer's Tale for 50 cents! Haven't read the book but studied her book Possession in English 120 and loved it; yes, I read it before the movie came out.

This weekend is my last one working the tours; if both go on as planned, I will have completed 100 tours this season. I think that's a great number to have achieved. :) I may also try to take the modern dance class on Saturday mornings now that I am free!

Oh yes. I saw the news clip on the yo-yo genius; it was a very short clip so I didn't lose out after all. :)

almost famous

I just got back from lunch; it looks like it's about to pour but it wasn't raining yet so I walked along Robson at the back of the art gallery. As I was cutting the corner, someone shoved an item in my face and ask, "Do you remember this?" I looked up, from not paying attention to anything and saw a guy standing there holding a yo-yo in the palm of his hand, and wearing a City-TV vest. I quickly responded, "Uh...sorry, I don't have time." And walked away. I turned back and saw a camera man standing there, along with an old Chinese fellow. And it clicked. I thought they were going to make me do some stupid silly tricks that they sometimes show on camera of people behaving like idiots, but this time, it looked like a real news story. I even recalled reading about this man, Harvey Lowe, in the paper on Monday. An amazing gentleman of 84 who has an amazing life story. He also happens to be one of the best yo-yoers in the world. I wanted to go back and ask to take a photo but then figured it would look weird since I had just said I didn't have time. When I looked back, I saw another woman they were speaking to and saw her trying to do a regular yo-yo trick.

Four eagles...I think this may be the last one...Rude Dude/freedom, qi gong/drastic improvement in health, shot again at job I wanted/but didn't get it, and this brush with fame/but didn't take it. I hope it isn't just this though!!

40+ winks

Since I've seen the qi gong guy once last Friday, I have had the most amazing sleep; it's such a deep sleep that even if I wake up in the middle of the night, I can fall asleep just like *that*. However, I wake up feeling like I could do with some more sleep...ah. Now I know the luxury that some people get of having a good night's sleep. I decided to go to bed last night a bit early to see if I could eliminate the feeling of wanting to sleep more in the morning, but I guess my body wasn't used to it and it took me an hour to fall asleep!

rain, rain, go away

It didn't rain yesterday. I saw some colour (pink, red, orange) on the horizon. Lots of cloud, and then the sun broke through. The grass is also very, very green. I went shopping at the mall with my parents; it was a great way to spend a day off. We went for dinner with my cousin Willie, who is visiting, at a restaurant close by. I also saw baby Claudia. Wow is she ever getting big! She's only 7 months old but 20 lbs!

With no rain in sight, one can easily forget the amount of rain we received over the past week. Well, it didn't last. The rain is back today. Another 30 or 40 mm. 800 people were evacuated from their Squamish homes. It's supposed to rain at least 'til Friday.... I, however, spent my lunch hour shopping around for sunblock. :) I almost hope this rain keeps up since it will make my trip that much more wonderful in comparison!

tally

The drought is over. I looked at the paper this morning. 150.2 mm. That's about 5.9 inches of rain in a 24 hour period. The drought is over? Really? You don't say...

pineapple express

We shattered records around the province for the large amounts of rain we have received. Tons of road closures and flooded basements. Yesterday, as of 5pm, we had 115 mm of rain - that's 11.5 cm. Plenty. And they hadn't finished the count of what fell overnight!

There is a heavy rainfall warning in effect...further rainfall amounts of 40 to 90 mm are forecast for the south coast for today and tonight. Lucky us. Actually, lucky me as I phoned to check if the tours were still being run. While I have to work tomorrow, I get Sunday off! Yippee! I'd prefer tomorrow off as the weather is supposed to be worse but one day off is better than none! [Tomorrow's weather forecast is rain in the amount of 25mm and it's supposed to be windy as well.]

p.s. In case you weren't aware, it's miserable out.

type a

You may be thinking that I am referring to a type A personality, which I am not. Well, I think I'm not. I think I may have a slight tendency towards it but that's not what I was referring to. We had a blood clinic at work today and we could find out our blood type. Yep, I'm type A. But they don't tell you if you're positive or negative. You only find that out if you donate blood. I guess it will remain a mystery a bit longer then...!

At lunch, I wandered over to the Sports Check to see what kind of summer sandals they had left over. I ended up buying 2 pairs...I couldn't decide between 3 and figured I'd buy two and bring them home to mull over. One pair was by Mt. McKinley and were an awesome deal. The other is Oakley's Smoke Rings. I think they're men's but they should be fine - if I decide to keep them.

It's also pouring out; it's definitely payback time for the nice summer we've had!

the world of couples

The busy weekend of working in high winds and rain, plus the behaviour of the person I have now dubbed "Rude-Dude" (herein referred to as RD) caused me to forget even more exciting news. I phoned Jay up on the weekend and asked what's new. He told me he proposed to his girlfriend last weekend. I quickly congratulated him and he said, "Wait! I haven't told you what she said!" I said, "Of course she said yes!" If she hadn't, he probably wouldn't have mentioned it in the first place. So there goes my walking partner/close neighbour. But it's great news for them. And Doug? He too is engaged if unofficially...i.e. they have discussed it as an eventuality, it's just a matter of finding a home. So I asked in amazement, "Your getting engaged is dependent on buying a home?!" He laughingly said yes. He didn't want to get married and not have a place to live. In fact, he didn't even want to make a big deal of the wedding - nor does his girlfriend, Ava. He'd rather spend the money on a house; this way, he figures that if his parents want a wedding, they can pay for it. Smart, if you don't care if you have one or not. Weddings for both of my guy pals will be at least a year away for Jay, and probably longer for Doug, if he decides to have one.

giving thanks

I saw four bald eagles soaring above our neighbours' homes today during lunch; I had just looked out the kitchen window, way up high, and there they were in a circle. They are such beautiful creatures. I told my sister about it and she replied that she had never seen eagles around our home. I have, but never four at once. She said they were for me or rather that "they're yours." So I am wondering what upcoming changes will be happening around me as eagles symbolize change for me...and I didn't have to wait long to find out.

Went over to my physiotherapist's place to see her new puppy, Sunny, who runs around like a little bunny or cat. He's so small and adorable. Only 2 and a half months old, and 2 pounds! I picked him up and held him and we took some photos.

Then it was time for dinner with my grandparents (and an uncle and aunt) whom I feel I haven't seen in ages. In fact, it has been sometime before the cruise that I haven't seen them, so early August perhaps. It was so nice to see them and I gave them a hug from both my sister and I. I also took the opportunity to grab a snapshot of them; I realize the frailty of time. Both my grandparents are in their 80s and I treasure the time I spend with them. It was a nice dinner at a local Chinese restaurant; so no turkey. I must say that I was quite content all day with everything that I have been blessed with...until:

After coming back home, I went online to surf and research a bit on Cuba and travel in general. I saw the guy I am semi-seeing online so I sent him a quick icq message. We chat about 5 minutes and then I asked him if we were still on for his graduation ceremony in November. Well, funny that I even asked it this way...I guess I should have asked him if he could give me the time schedule for the day but the results would have been the same. He told me that a friend asked if she could go and he couldn't say no. Then a quick "sorry about that" and then how he's been really busy and meant to call me to tell me but it "kinda left his mind...." Considering this event is such a big deal for him that he asked me 2 months ago if I would go, I find it difficult to believe that he would have forgotten to mention it. He could have brought it up with me himself when I said hello. Instead, I wonder when he would have decided it was worth mentioning to me. I don't understand what happened though my sister says that he probably is afraid I'd be a no-show on his important day. He obviously doesn't know me well enough since I would keep my word. In fact, it's my first weekend free of harbour tours and I had saved the date. Now I will move an appointment to that day since I had postponed it a week because of this event. While I don't really care either way about attending, it was quite rude to not even have the decency to tell me. I asked what happened and he just dropped offline. So this was one (of four?) changes that have happened. My sister says he's not important enough to be an eagle, but I say it more symbolizes that we are no longer together and that, more importantly, I am now "free."

reprieve

The wind hasn't died down but at least the rain has stopped. This morning, I woke up feeling pretty awful and dreading very much going to work. I guess I lucked out as it was dry as I made my way down to work so at least the bus ride wasn't a smokin' foggy sardine can. It started drizzling though so I rushed to bring the merchandise onboard and then it really started raining. It was a pretty slow cruise of 29 passengers and no tips whatsoever. I high-tailed it out of there and made it home by 5:30pm.

I met up with Doug for dinner. The last time I saw him was for lunch at Milestones over half a year ago back in February or March. We went to a local pasta place and caught up. It was nice chatting and after dinner and sitting around for a while, we decided to move to Starbucks where I got a tall white chocolate mocha. Funny enough, I had though of getting that earlier today on my way down to work since it was so cold out; guess it was good that I held off. It was great seeing him again (he treated me to dinner saying I had paid last time, but I said it wasn't a competition.) We didn't leave Starbucks til nearly 11:20pm and here I am at home thinking how wonderful it is that I will be free tomorrow to sleep in!

tribute to bob

It seems that this is the year of Bob. Bob Hope, Bachelor Bob, and Captain Bob. Though Bob Hope has passed on a month or so now, and Bachelor Bob is all the rage on tv, I am thinking specifically of Captain Bob, the sweet captain who commanded the MPV Constitution on many of my trips. I met him early on in May when I first started working the tours. He was always so sweet and brought me a Subway cookie or two each shift I worked. He kept joking that he needed to fatten me up. He even took my photo twice and gave me copies. I had asked that he be in the picture with me but he would have none of it. How I wish I had insisted. He was having some problems with his back or leg and had surgery on it, but picked up pneumonia. I found out today from Captain Ralph; he asked if I had heard that Bob had passed away a couple of days ago; the family decided to pull the plug as he was on a ventilator and not breathing on his own. I was so shocked. Bob had shown me his photo from when he was a young lad. He had started sailing since he was 14 and I guess he was now in his 60s or 70s...a long enough time. I wish I had a chance to say goodbye.

life is good

Apart from the weather, which has been a little wonky of late, things are going ok. I seem to have settled in my mind my little LOA but who knows how it will be executed. At lunch, I went shopping for flip-flops to take on the trip as I'm not sure I want to lose my good sandals...however I'm a tad late for this I suppose since the department store sure is in a hurry to remind us that *gosh* it's almost Christmas, even though it's more than 2 months away...

Tonight, I'm going to Diva at the Met for appys with a co-worker. We've discussed this for a long time and finally get to do it. She had an organic burger last time which apparently costs $18 but she said if we're early we can get it for 1/2 price. Sounds good to me!! They also have other awesome items on their menu such as lobster bisque (handmade lobster dumplings, lime creme fraiche 10), terrine (seared ahi tuna & duck confit, plum sake gelee 14), queen charlotte scallops (mustard spatzle, tomato confit 15) and lots more!! Can't wait. :)

Extra bonus? I get Monday off for Thanksgiving and actually have a 'free' day! Only one tour to conduct on each of Saturday and Sunday. I will soon be able to reclaim my weekends! Yipee!

cube-ah

It's done! A friend from senior high and I have booked our trip to Varadero for November. Actually, she did the booking but I did a lot of research into various locations. There are SO many resorts along the beach that it is difficult to decide where to go. After a while, they all seem the same and it is a matter of deciding amongst price and watersports available. Of course, even though there may be many choices for activities, it is still quite weather-dependent. This should be fun! Something to look forward to. :)

hallelujah

I went [window] shopping today. To my horror as I walked through the Bay downtown, I saw naked Christmas trees ready to be adorned and trimmings on the ceiling lamps. I had to take a second look. It's not even Thanksgiving yet, or Hallowe'en! I swear this is probably the earliest I have ever seen them promoting Christmas.

back to my asian roots

Get it? Haha...not just my heritage, but the roots of my hair. *sigh* Well, I thought it was funny. Anyway, only a few girls at the office have noticed any change to my hair. It really depends on the lighting. My boss is too busy to notice I think. I might mention it to her at the end of the day but I guess it's just as well if I didn't say anything or else she'd think I'm working too much. As if I'm not right now! Those who have noticed absolutely love it. I guess it really is red in the light but I just can't see it so I think it isn't red. It probably would have been even more noticeable had I had my hair straightened after the colour but the show was over already so Colin didn't straighten it again. Besides, it was so late last night. These shows always make me obsess about my hair a short while afterwards! The pictures look great on my camera though. Haven't loaded them up to get a closeup. Will have to do that tonight. My mom hasn't even said a thing this morning so I don't think she noticed. She's terrible with people's hair; she said she would have noticed my hair the last time if I hadn't told her. I disagreed so today's the test. :)

The rain has begun. Just a light drizzle so far but it's supposed to kick in for the week. It's sooo grey outside right now.

the colour purple

Colin asked me yesterday at the model call how much of a change I was willing to make. I replied," Cut or colour?" and he said colour. I was fine with that - and he showed me mauve. I thought...wow...cool...and wondered if my boss would let me get away with it. Anyway, after a fitful night of sleep wondering excitedly whether my whole head was going to be purple, or just sections/highlights, I found out today that he changed his mind!! He said there was another girl who showed up later and she had virgin hair so it was easier to do it on her than to undo all of my red first. *sigh* I was so disappointed. So he put red in my hair - but it completely wiped out my other red!! This red does not show unless I'm in direct sunlight (or appropriate lighting). My hair literally looks black. It's such a weird/odd feeling to have my hair back to its normal colour.

I hope to be an in-house model for L'Oreal. They didn't pay this time...not sure why. But we did get plenty of products - almost as much as I got for the big show they did in April but that time, I got paid too. This time, I spent about 8 hours there. In August, I spent about 4 and got paid a nice cheque, but there were only 3 of us that time.

The show (8 models) went on soooo long. None of the other girls there had done this before. It was a new client, Suki's, and they had about 25 attendees. We ran so late...we didn't finish til nearly 9pm and Colin had thought we would have been done at 7 or 7:30. He then added some red sections to my hair afterwards seeing as I was so disappointed with my colour. I still think it's strange seeing my hair black again. We'll see if anyone notices at work tomorrow.

guilty pleasures

Dinner at Four Seasons was good - too good actually. I think I ate too much or too late (these dinners always start late) and I had trouble sleeping at night. My stomach was talking to me throughout.

They opened a brand new flagship Winners store downtown and I went on opening day (Thursday). I ended up buying two jackets - one was an Anne Klein leather jacket!! But the problem with this is that I have to bring it back to the office, and there's really no way of hiding it. The last thing I want are my coworkers to think I have tons of money to fling away. One of the girls at the courier desk did see me and asked what I bought...I joked that she should pretend she didn't see me. Luckily, my boss didn't see me... I'd have to explain myself. Perhaps she'd think my paycheque was too high or something. Hmm... this is something I'm going to have to get around somehow!

I just went to the model call for L'Oreal. I was early - the first one there - so I also managed to make it out in time to go to work. It's soooo foggy out right now so I don't know how the tour is going to go. And on your right side, we have... fog. And off to your left...more fog. :)

food and sleep - life's delights

Slept way better last night. At least I didn't wake up in the middle of the night but I'm still not completely caught up. (Does one ever really catch up anyway?) There's a model call for L'Oreal this weekend and I may try to swing by before work. Unfortunately, it doesn't say when the show is so even if I get chosen, I may not be able to attend, especially if it's the next day as I need to give people notice if I want time off!! Ah well. We'll see what happens.

It started out beautifully sunny again this morning with a light fog but the fog has rolled in and covered up the rays of light! I'm feeling a bit calmer today, like a decision has been made and I don't need to worry so much about it anymore. I hope this feeling lasts.

Tonight, I'll be attending the lawyer's dinner at the Four Seasons. Should be yummy. :p My boss has spent a lot of time researching the histories of the firm so hopefully it will be a good (i.e. not long) presentation.

looking for signs

Yesterday, after work, I got off the train and went to take the shuttle as usual...but it wasn't there! I don't know if I walked slower than usual (I think not) but there was a huge line for the other shuttle that shares the bay and nada for me. I waited a few minutes even though I knew the shuttle was probably long gone and then phoned home for a ride. Luckily, my dad wasn't working or else I'd be in for a long wait. I couldn't figure out what happened. Of course I left my pass in my cardigan because I need to show it to the driver. I normally then put it away in my bag but because I didn't have to show the pass, it remained in my cardigan, which I didn't take to work this morning. I had to buy an additional pass, but someone obviously didn't purchase their previous one...it asked for $1 and I thought after inserting the debit card that I didn't have enough money so I was just adding $1...turned out it was a BIKE ticket...so I had bought a ticket for my non-existent bike. Then I had to purchase a real ticket on top of that. Not a great way to start the day. On top of that, when I was on the train, I realized I had forgotten to take my lunch. But at least it was a sunny day?!

Last night, I had trouble sleeping even though I went to bed before 11pm. I woke up around 3am and then had restless sleep before I had to drag myself out of bed. I have been so stressed lately...work and my decision about the ship job. I can't decide. I have thought and thought about it, and have been hoping for some sort of direction. I think I may have gotten it today.

An article on the internet discussed the top 10 things to do before you turn 30. #3 See the world. #4 Live in a cool place. #6 Take risks with your job. All point to what I'm hesitating on. And a young lawyer at the office is also leaving; the note went out today. At the top of the email about her leaving: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). If that isn't enough of a push, I'm not sure what is... still it takes a leap of faith to go ahead and do what I want to do.