I'm Only a Guest*

Last night I went with Ryan to go see Putting it Together at the Cornerstone Theatre in Canmore. (It was a really good show; I left feeling like I need more Sondheim in my life). SSo it is also dinner theatre, but because of the set up, it's family-style. So we're sitting at a table with 6 other people; the 4 at the other end are all together so we're sitting across from a couple of women.

Now it's a bit clear from the outset that they're not interested in making small talk with us, which is fine. But due to the close proximity of our seating, it was kinda impossible to NOT pay attention to them a little bit. They seemed to be a bit awkward with eachother, like they were on a 2nd or 3rd date. (Driving to Canmore seems like a bit much for a 1st date - hence the 2nd or 3rd). The point - we were sitting close enough that we could get a sense of what their relationship might be, and you would think they would get the same idea about us...

So I go to use the restroom after dessert and before the show, and while I'm gone the server brought a carafe of coffee for the table. The ladies help themselves, offer some to Ryan and then ask him if his "guest" would like some coffee. His "guest"? Who says that? We aren't bf/gf obvs ;) but I think our conversation during dinner made it pretty clear that we are friends, and very good friends at that...

It was so weird. Who says that? And then they left at intermission without paying for their drinks (granted the tab was only about $7.50 - yes I looked - but still...) Weird.


*Bonus if you know the movie the title of the post is from

What have I gotten myself into?!?!?

During a few work parties and some glasses of wine, I agreed to participate in a triathlon. A. Triathlon. Yeah.

It's actually not quite as bad as it sounds. It's a team-relay, so I'll only have to do on leg of the race - the cycling. And it's a sprint distance, so 17.5 km. But as with all those things we agree to in those moments, you're never quite sure how serious people are - if everyone says "I'll do it if you'll do it," will you actually do it? First day back at work, we signed up.

So on a (hopefully) mild April afternoon, I will be triathloning. I figured I should hit the gym and see how long it might take one to pedal 17.5 km, or if one could do it at all for that matter. The result wasn't terrible, but wasn't great either. I definitely have something to work towards over the next 3 months...

Happy Birthday Bek!

Despite the fact you are spending the day driving to fieldwork I hope it is delightful!! (Hey you could play the birthday card and make Dave listen to Dr. Horrible the whole way... ooooh.) Though I know it won't be as fun as last year (because how can you top that?) have a very happy birthday!! Mwah!

(These pictures are from last year - see how fun it was)

Biped Awareness Day!!

Yes! People! It is that glorious day! When we all can *stand* proud and say "I'm a biped!!"

I've got two legs from my hips to the ground and,
When I move 'em they walk around and,
When I raise 'em they climb the stairs and,
When I shave 'em they ain't got hairs,
I've got two legs...

~Monty Python

Happy Biped Awareness Day!!

Target or Bust!!

It's no secret that one of the things I miss about living in the States is the shopping... So when Sarah suggested a little trip to Watertown, who was I to say no?So we met up near the border, she hopped into Chloe, and we headed South. Its only about another 30 min. once we cross the border, which was surprisingly busy. (There was some event going - so many trucks parked on a dirt side road - what were they up to?!?!)

Crossing the border was fairly amusing. It starts with the typical questions - Where do you live, where are you going? He also asked us what we do for a living - and seriously - once you tell them you are a librarian they have nothing else to say. Because everyone knows that librarians can't be bad. I don't think one librarian would have phased him, but he didn't know what to do about two...

The shopping was good. I think we were both v. happy with our purchases. I had been eyeing a dress* on Target's website, but they did not have it in stock (and Target won't ship to Canada *shakes fist*) SO instead I got the best handbag ever. Its that awesome green colour (you know the one) and its big and slouchy, yet still professional looking...


loveslovesloveslovesloves.

*I have thought about buying the dress, shipping it to Bek and having her mail it to me, but I don't trust that I would see it anytime in the next 6 months. Sorry Bek, I love you but you know its true.

I also stocked up on my favourite salsa. Frankly I feel you just can't really buy good salsa in Canada. Another way the US ruined me. This stuff is just sososo good. *hearts* There is nothing comprable here.

Super-fun day. A good time was had by all. We are already talking about the next one - Syracuse maybe. Heather? Hint, hint.

Barb - 1, Canal - 0

Yeah that's right. I totally owned the Canal - basically that means I didn't fall down. Not even once. There were a few close calls but I managed to stay upright...

Headed up to Ottawa this weekend for those quintessentially Canadian activities of skating on the Rideau Canal and eating a BeaverTail. And let me say, neither disappointed.

Started out the afternoon wandering around a few shops in Ottawa where I finally found a small wall calendar for my office.

I really don't think we could have had a better day for skating. It was clear and not too cold. Some parts of the ice had divots and holes, but it wasn't terrible... (some people kept saying it wasn't very good, but they had been spoiled by excellent ice in previous outings - I really couldn't tell)

Really, what I wanted most (and had been promised) was one of those fabled BeaverTails that I have heard so much about. I was determined that even if it was poor skating conditions, I was still getting that delightfully sugary snack (yes Heather, I was going to ignore your rule and have one anyways but we skated so I got it legitimately).









All in all - a fabulous weekend. This sign pretty much says it all...

SuperWeekend

The weekend started out at a SuperConference and is ending with the SuperBowl.

I went to T.O. for the OLA SuperConference - for the Expo, since I have to write two papers for my class on various interactions with the vendors there. I was also able to catch up with quite a few people. I do wish I'd had some time to attend sessions - maybe next year if I have an employer who will pay for me to go ;)

I stayed with Monika (at her super-cute new house) - really a perfect plan since she was going to OLA too and it saved me from leaving K-town at about 5:00 AM on Friday. We ordered Thai on Friday night, as per usual, and I've found a new favourite - red curry beef. so so good.

Now I'm settling in with my Sunday morning coffee to get caught up on stuff before the SuperBowl. I think I'm going to cheer for the Steelers - mostly because I saw them live this summer when they played in Toronto, even though it was only preseason (don't worry, I didn't pay for those severly overpriced tickets - I won them by doing a survey).

I'm kinda excited to watch the SuperBowl - two stations I get are broadcasting the game - unlike with the Grey Cup when NONE were, so I couldn't watch it at all - in Canada - there is something wrong with that.

For Beckie...

So you can have something dedicated to you show up in your reader. Don't you feel special?