I know you are just dying for an update on the interviews today, but you'll have to wait a couple of weeks, for two reasons: one, the competition is still on-going and several of our friends and colleagues have yet to have their interviews, and two, oh. my. gawd. I had an experience that just defies common sense, and I need time to get over the nerves about it and move on to the 'look back and laugh' stage.
Instead, you will be treated to my thoughts on the Olympics opening ceremony!
The Fashion Parade:
The big flops were Argentina, France, the US, Italy, Israel and Canada. Argentina underwhelmed with boring, dark, straightforward colours. France...I don't know what to say to you, Lacoste. Fail. The French as supposed to be known for their fashion instincts, and instead, they kitted out their team in mismatched comfortable tan dungarees and depressing medium grey coats. Oy. The US...I believe I heard it somewhere on The Colbert Report or some comedy show, but honestly those jackets look like a cardigan fucked a quilt and the result was that coat design. Italy, I mean, come on, Giorgio Armani, are you just phoning this in? Bo-ring! Israel...your team genuinely looked like you raided your grandfather's closet and stole his leisure suits (multiple, because he finds them so comfortable, he bought a dozen so he'd always have them around). And Canada, it wasn't awful, but we've done so much better in the past, this was just not up to those standards. Honourable mention to Georgia, which had way too many flags and their country name covering every surface.
The big winners were the Austrian and Slovenian toques, the Norwegian 60s hipster-fabulous hats, the Danes boots and laces, the Czech hats (YES! FTW!), and the Russian teams coordinated pants and jackets look. Honourable mention goes to the Slovaks for putting their enormous flagbearer, Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara in a uniform covered in hearts. It was an AWWW moment.
The Show:
I liked the tributes to the arts and literature of Russia, but they totally lost me once the goofy whale made of dancers and dancing buildings came on the scene. My attention was completely gone by the time the 1917 Revolution dragged its way across the arena. After that there was a floating hammer and sickel, a brilliant Soprano singing the Olympic Anthem, and, oh hey, a Chinese Baby tricking out of a skateboard, that's adorable!
Oh, right, the show. Yeah, it ended with a racist lighting the olympic torch. Good job, Russian Federation. Because nothing reflects the Olympic spirit of human achievement better than the offcial torch being lit by someone who compares Black people to monkeys. So enlightened.
And with that, I will finish my wine and go to bed.
Happy Olympicing!
...Wish you were here.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
February 6/14
'Twas the night before the interview, and all through the house, all the creatures were stirring, and gawd interviews suck.
Tomorrow morning, Etienne goes in at 9, I go in at 10:10.
Sorry I don't have much to say about today, but it's all interview prep. Several people have provided us with resources and coaching, but at some point, you panic because you don't know anything, you think you don't have examples, and you experience a crisis of confidence so deep, you wonder how you even managed to get the job you have now, you blithering idiot, you.
I don't worry about process questions. After four years in the public service, I know the way things (should) get done. It's those questions like "Where do you see yourself in five years" (I don't know, I don't plan what I'm doing tomorrow night, never mind 5 years away); "What areas do you think you need improvement in" (Um, all the areas? Do you want to hear what I'm good at or how much I suck?); or "Tell us about a time when you had a problem working with a colleague, what did you do?" (Honestly? I get into a yelling match with her because she refused to let me talk. Yeah, I've done that.)...those I hate. I hope we don't get any of those tomorrow.
Wish us luck...
...Wish you were here.
Tomorrow morning, Etienne goes in at 9, I go in at 10:10.
Sorry I don't have much to say about today, but it's all interview prep. Several people have provided us with resources and coaching, but at some point, you panic because you don't know anything, you think you don't have examples, and you experience a crisis of confidence so deep, you wonder how you even managed to get the job you have now, you blithering idiot, you.
I don't worry about process questions. After four years in the public service, I know the way things (should) get done. It's those questions like "Where do you see yourself in five years" (I don't know, I don't plan what I'm doing tomorrow night, never mind 5 years away); "What areas do you think you need improvement in" (Um, all the areas? Do you want to hear what I'm good at or how much I suck?); or "Tell us about a time when you had a problem working with a colleague, what did you do?" (Honestly? I get into a yelling match with her because she refused to let me talk. Yeah, I've done that.)...those I hate. I hope we don't get any of those tomorrow.
Wish us luck...
...Wish you were here.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
February 5/14
A year ago today, a dear friend went under the knife. After a full year of testing, evaluation, and endless appointments, this person went into surgery, and had a kidney removed.
To donate to someone else, anonymously.
As this person reflected back on the experience of the last two years, there was a moment where it became so simple and so clear: it was the one year anniversary of a beloved mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, friend, who received a kidney and got a chance to be with her kids and watch them grow.
Late last year, I got in contact with an old friend after many years; I learned this friend has a child who needs a kidney.
My friend's act was extraordinary. It takes a very special person who possesses not only the physical requirements to be a donor, but the metal fortitude and the absolute commitment to be a living donor. I encourage you to give it some thought, but I'm realistic that it's not something just anyone can or should undertake. So I encourage you to do what you can: be a donor after you've died.
Until things change in Canada, we're stuck with an informed consent system of donating organs and tissues. That means that you can sign up to be a donor with a provincial registry (or not) until the cows come home, but ultimately, the final decision to consent to your organs and tissues being donated after you've died belongs to your next of kin. So please, signal that you wish to be a donor, and have that conversation with your loved ones.
Hopefully on some far off day after you've lived a life you can be satisfied with, your passing will result in an anniversary for someone else...the day they got their life back.
Be a donor...
...Wish you were here.
To donate to someone else, anonymously.
As this person reflected back on the experience of the last two years, there was a moment where it became so simple and so clear: it was the one year anniversary of a beloved mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, friend, who received a kidney and got a chance to be with her kids and watch them grow.
Late last year, I got in contact with an old friend after many years; I learned this friend has a child who needs a kidney.
My friend's act was extraordinary. It takes a very special person who possesses not only the physical requirements to be a donor, but the metal fortitude and the absolute commitment to be a living donor. I encourage you to give it some thought, but I'm realistic that it's not something just anyone can or should undertake. So I encourage you to do what you can: be a donor after you've died.
Until things change in Canada, we're stuck with an informed consent system of donating organs and tissues. That means that you can sign up to be a donor with a provincial registry (or not) until the cows come home, but ultimately, the final decision to consent to your organs and tissues being donated after you've died belongs to your next of kin. So please, signal that you wish to be a donor, and have that conversation with your loved ones.
Hopefully on some far off day after you've lived a life you can be satisfied with, your passing will result in an anniversary for someone else...the day they got their life back.
Be a donor...
...Wish you were here.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
February 4/14
WELCOME TO THE CLUB, SCOTLAND!!
Today, Scotland became the latest place in this fucked up world to approve Same Sex Marriage! Hey, England? Yeah, you. Ya hear that? I believe that's Scotland telling you to GET ON WITH IT!
Seriously, I'm not in the market for a SSM myself, as I'm in a committed relationship with an opposite sex partner, but I welcome news of any place that pulls its head out of its ass and recognizes equality of rights before the law and does away with discrimination.
It's a celebration every time a new jurisdiction does the right thing and allows SSM, and as much work has to be done to keep the momentum going, it's always one step closer than the fight for equality was before.
Get on the bandwagon, world!
To human dignity...
...Wish you were here.
Monday, February 3, 2014
February 3/14
So, who's a special little snowflake?
This girl! Right here!
Last week, I was notified that I had passed the written exam for a job competition, and that I would receive an invitation for an interview. The problem for me was that it was an insanely busy week last week, as we were hosting a workshop with representatives from across the country. So I was busy workshopping AND obsessively checking my email when I had the chance. Finally at around 2:30 on Friday, January 31st, the invitation came, with the scheduled date for February 7th.
I quickly glanced up at my calendar and panicked..."Tuesday!" I thought. That quick. Oh boy. I would have to spend my weekend cramming. Anyway, I ran downstairs to wrap things up with the workshop, and then rushed to get the required information to respond to the invitation. I sent off my RSVP, and then headed off for the weekend.
I did not study this weekend. I was tired, and quite frankly, I didn't know what to study for. I knew I was meeting with my Director on Monday to do some preparation, and I figured there was no point in looking at anything until then.
This morning, I went to my Director's office to meet with her, and once we settled in, I handed her the invitation print out. "So, this is for Friday, " she half questioned, half stated.
My head shot up from my writing pad. "What?"
Yeah, today is February 3rd.
See, the thing is, when I took my quick glance at my calendar on Friday? Yeah, it was still January. Duh. The 7th of January was a Tuesday. Well done, Me.
So much for paying attention to detail. I know I have the excuse that my mind was very occupied with the workshop and with a task on my main file, but really, that is a sad excuse. I'm supposed to be better than that.
Yup. Special little snowflake.
...Wish you were here.
This girl! Right here!
Last week, I was notified that I had passed the written exam for a job competition, and that I would receive an invitation for an interview. The problem for me was that it was an insanely busy week last week, as we were hosting a workshop with representatives from across the country. So I was busy workshopping AND obsessively checking my email when I had the chance. Finally at around 2:30 on Friday, January 31st, the invitation came, with the scheduled date for February 7th.
I quickly glanced up at my calendar and panicked..."Tuesday!" I thought. That quick. Oh boy. I would have to spend my weekend cramming. Anyway, I ran downstairs to wrap things up with the workshop, and then rushed to get the required information to respond to the invitation. I sent off my RSVP, and then headed off for the weekend.
I did not study this weekend. I was tired, and quite frankly, I didn't know what to study for. I knew I was meeting with my Director on Monday to do some preparation, and I figured there was no point in looking at anything until then.
This morning, I went to my Director's office to meet with her, and once we settled in, I handed her the invitation print out. "So, this is for Friday, " she half questioned, half stated.
My head shot up from my writing pad. "What?"
Yeah, today is February 3rd.
See, the thing is, when I took my quick glance at my calendar on Friday? Yeah, it was still January. Duh. The 7th of January was a Tuesday. Well done, Me.
So much for paying attention to detail. I know I have the excuse that my mind was very occupied with the workshop and with a task on my main file, but really, that is a sad excuse. I'm supposed to be better than that.
Yup. Special little snowflake.
...Wish you were here.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
February 2/14
I was out running errands early this afternoon when I got the news.
I belong to a car sharing program here in Ottawa, mostly to do things like go out to the suburbs where the pet stores are located. Earlier today, I went to the PetSmart in Gloucester to pick up food for Purrball, however I was disappointed to find that they had sold out of the wet food, and I would have to go out to the PetSmart in Orleans to get some. I tried to call Etienne to let him know I'd be longer than I thought, but he didn't answer. I set off for Orleans where made my purchase, and then started to head into Ottawa, but I noticed my blood sugar wobbling a bit, so I decided to make a detour to Taco Bell for some dirt cheap, fast, fake-meat, soft shell tacos. I took my order out to the car to gobble them up, and as I sat there consuming my garbage food, my phone rang. Etienne called me back.
I told him I had to run to Orleans, and that I wouldn't have enough time to stop for white wine. He was fine with that, but then he dropped the bomb.
"So, you heard the news?"
"No. What news?"
He hesitated. "The actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman? It's being reported that he died."
BOOM!
Holy fuck. I heard the news that one of the most talented actors of this generation had died while shoving a taco in my mouth. Classy, Fancy. Real Classy. Good way to remember that moment. It was early on, so all he could tell me was that it was reported that he was found dead in his apartment in New York City. My classiness continued with my immediate response..."Shut the fuck up! Are you serious?"
I don't know what to say. It's not my finest moment.
I'd like a do-over...
...Wish you were here.
I belong to a car sharing program here in Ottawa, mostly to do things like go out to the suburbs where the pet stores are located. Earlier today, I went to the PetSmart in Gloucester to pick up food for Purrball, however I was disappointed to find that they had sold out of the wet food, and I would have to go out to the PetSmart in Orleans to get some. I tried to call Etienne to let him know I'd be longer than I thought, but he didn't answer. I set off for Orleans where made my purchase, and then started to head into Ottawa, but I noticed my blood sugar wobbling a bit, so I decided to make a detour to Taco Bell for some dirt cheap, fast, fake-meat, soft shell tacos. I took my order out to the car to gobble them up, and as I sat there consuming my garbage food, my phone rang. Etienne called me back.
I told him I had to run to Orleans, and that I wouldn't have enough time to stop for white wine. He was fine with that, but then he dropped the bomb.
"So, you heard the news?"
"No. What news?"
He hesitated. "The actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman? It's being reported that he died."
BOOM!
Holy fuck. I heard the news that one of the most talented actors of this generation had died while shoving a taco in my mouth. Classy, Fancy. Real Classy. Good way to remember that moment. It was early on, so all he could tell me was that it was reported that he was found dead in his apartment in New York City. My classiness continued with my immediate response..."Shut the fuck up! Are you serious?"
I don't know what to say. It's not my finest moment.
I'd like a do-over...
...Wish you were here.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
February 1/14
Gents, this may be one you want to skip. Cause it's about shopping.
Today, I headed out into the heavy snow to buy...well, no, that's not it, it's not the right place to start.
Members of the Ottawa Art Gallery enjoy several perks, one of which is the ability to rent some of the pieces. Etienne's been a member for a few years now, and we have had several pieces over the years, some of which we've purchased after three months of renting. Last night, we checked out what was on the walls in the rentals room, and I came across a darling little piece called Monkey I. It's relatively cheap, so I made the decision to come back and rent it.
So, here we are today, out in the heavy snow. I trudged to the Gallery and rented my piece. After that, I trudged to the Sir John A. for a burger that I've been craving for months now. Since we left the neighbourhood, I haven't had a chance to go back to get that burger. Once I was done, I left the pub in time to see that a bus was coming up Elgin, but that I would have no shot at catching it, so I walked up to Red Velvet, this cute little women's boutique, intending to wait out the snow until the next bus, but once there, I wandered over to the jewellery, and well...I missed the bus, but I got a great costume ring.
As penance for my bad decision, I walked towards home, but wouldn't you know it, I have to pass by all these stores and a mall to get there. Are you getting where this is going?
Yeah, I ended up at The Bay. After watching Etienne haul in these amazing deals in the last week, I admit I was jealous. I started out on my never-ending quest to find a simple black pencil skirt, and after far too much time on my own, I walked out of the women's department with two short sweaters for the price of one. Right into the women's shoe department sale. Dammit. I console myself that I turned down a darling little dress that was a third of the original price.
The thing is, I've had my eye on this last pair of lavender, patent leather heels that have been on the sale rack for a while now...marked down 50% from the already nice sale price. $110 shoes for $35? Yeah, I fell for it again.
Will power, why have you forsaken me?
...Wish you were here.
Today, I headed out into the heavy snow to buy...well, no, that's not it, it's not the right place to start.
Members of the Ottawa Art Gallery enjoy several perks, one of which is the ability to rent some of the pieces. Etienne's been a member for a few years now, and we have had several pieces over the years, some of which we've purchased after three months of renting. Last night, we checked out what was on the walls in the rentals room, and I came across a darling little piece called Monkey I. It's relatively cheap, so I made the decision to come back and rent it.
So, here we are today, out in the heavy snow. I trudged to the Gallery and rented my piece. After that, I trudged to the Sir John A. for a burger that I've been craving for months now. Since we left the neighbourhood, I haven't had a chance to go back to get that burger. Once I was done, I left the pub in time to see that a bus was coming up Elgin, but that I would have no shot at catching it, so I walked up to Red Velvet, this cute little women's boutique, intending to wait out the snow until the next bus, but once there, I wandered over to the jewellery, and well...I missed the bus, but I got a great costume ring.
As penance for my bad decision, I walked towards home, but wouldn't you know it, I have to pass by all these stores and a mall to get there. Are you getting where this is going?
Yeah, I ended up at The Bay. After watching Etienne haul in these amazing deals in the last week, I admit I was jealous. I started out on my never-ending quest to find a simple black pencil skirt, and after far too much time on my own, I walked out of the women's department with two short sweaters for the price of one. Right into the women's shoe department sale. Dammit. I console myself that I turned down a darling little dress that was a third of the original price.
The thing is, I've had my eye on this last pair of lavender, patent leather heels that have been on the sale rack for a while now...marked down 50% from the already nice sale price. $110 shoes for $35? Yeah, I fell for it again.
Will power, why have you forsaken me?
...Wish you were here.
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