Love and Other Drugs

I don't know why this movie got so panned by critics. Okay, sure, maybe they weren't as impressed as I was with all those scenes of Jake Gyllenhaal's naked ass. But still, in the world of RomComs, I thought this had humour, was heartwarming, and hit all those right buttons.

It also helps that Jake and Anne Hathaway have that Brokeback Mountain history together, which I think definitely fed into their onscreen chemistry. I enjoyed watching this! And if you're in the mood for it, you might enjoy it too!

See It!

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

Just read the latest David Sedaris book, which is his take on animal fables. That being said, this is not a kids' book whatsoever. Not when you have a story about a parasite that lives only in the anus of a hippo. Or a story about a dog with an extreme potty mouth. No, these are geared towards the kid in all of us, but with that adult sensibility and content. It's a departure for Sedaris, whose majority of work was autobiographical, save for his first collection of short stories Barrel Fever.

I liked the book, but it's not a must read.

Eating: La Quercia

Last night, Philip took me out for a birthday meal at one of his favourite restaurants and now one of mine, La Quercia! It's an intimate Italian experience located on West 4th and I want to go back again and again and take everyone I know there! Well, maybe only the special few...

The place is small, so reservations are probably recommended. We had the "La Famiglia" menu, which was a multi-course meal hand picked by the chef, so each dish that comes to the table is a surprise! We started off with the Pig's Head Salad as well as some rare/raw beef with artichokes. We also had two dishes of pasta, and maple-wood smoked fish. For dessert, there was a selection of four different choices with a lemony cream being the most heavenly. However, the stand out dish that will have me going back for years to come is the Parmesan Sformato, aka a CHEESE SOUFFLE. What!! Yes, and YES!

Thanks for a wonderful meal and a fabulous evening! I can't wait to go back!

Everything is Going to be Alright

The other night I found myself feeling lonely and full of despair. Blue, some might say. I was heading out on my own to track down some fleece bed sheets to warm myself up during these cool winter evenings. That particular night was foggy and rainy, typical Vancouver. I was on the Skytrain, our version of a subway, except instead of being underground, it's mainly above ground on these tracks that criss cross throughout the city like snakes and ladders.

As I headed downtown on my quest for sheets, I was overcome with a feeling of loneliness, that I'll never find The One, that I have no idea what I'm doing with my life, that friends are far and few between, that nobody will remember me when I'm gone.

But as I looked out the window into the night sky, which was pure blackness, I suddenly saw these words illuminated and glowing.



It's a permanent installation by artist Martin Creed, at the Bob Rennie Art Gallery in Chinatown, which I have yet to visit because of their unruly visiting hours. However, this particular installation is visible to all, as it is located on the exterior of the building and lights up at night. And isn't this the point of art? To elevate humanity? To bring you somewhere else that you didn't think you could go?

Seeing that message could not have been more poignant at that moment. It is true. Everything is going to be alright.

Tangled

Sometimes I feel like Rapunzel trapped in a tower because of her mother, waiting for that prince to come and rescue her so her life can begin.

I watched Disney's take on this classic fairy tale and it was rather good! From the songs to the humour to the touching story of a young woman trying to get out from under her (evil step)mother's rule.

I swooned for the swashbuckling prince/thief who stumbles into Rapunzel's tower and opens her up to a whole new world. The only differences between me and Rapunzel is that I don't have a long mane of flowing blonde hair and the tower I'm locked in may be because of my obligations to my mother, but it's also because of my own choosing.

See It!

Kylie - Change Your Mind

Produced by DeadMau5.

+

Written by Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters).

=

Amazing.



Don't worry about me
I'm right where I belong
I'm better off all by myself
but you might prove me wrong

I don't want real love
it'll never be the rush I'd like
But you don't have to change your mind
(You don't have to change)

Real love, had enough
want to live another kind of life
but you don't have to change your mind
no you don't have to...

The Dirty Apron

I went to a cooking class last summer with Jill, but it was not at the Dirty Apron cooking school. Rather, it was with the Vancouver School Board and it was held in a boiling hot classroom that the sun chose to set in after work let out every Tuesday for a month. We learned how to make Frittatas and stew and cupcakes and soup. We had to race to the cupboards to try and gather up all the equipment at the beginning of each class because nothing was sorted and we wanted to get the best stuff before everyone else. We had to partner up with two youngsters, one of whom was overly intense while the other was busy looking at photos of her dog on her phone.

Anyway, it was quite an experience and probably not as chic or cool as a class taken at the Dirty Apron Cooking School. Peeking into their workspace, people stood coupled behind individual counters/workspaces. It reminded me of that Will & Grace episode where they go take cooking classes together. Perhaps Jill & I should sign up for the Dirty Apron.

But in the meantime, they have opened up a deli!! And their sandwiches are freshly made and ready to serve. As well, I have four words for you: Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich. COME ON!!! Since I have a lactose issue, but can handle goat cheese, this sandwich is PERFECT for me and I can't wait to go back and try it! I can't believe I didn't try it already!

There's also a couple of communal tables available for you to sit and enjoy your meal. The staff were friendly and it was a cool little space, sure to be filled as news gets out of its existence more and more.

Peckinpah

Another spot for good eats in Gastown (there's so many these days!) is Peckinpah, a Carolina style bbq joint. It is a bit far for me to get to during my lunch break, seeing as I only have an hour, and it takes me about 15 - 20 minutes to walk there. But one day, I managed to sneak off and join Philip for some brisket and pulled pork and other bbq goodies at this new eatery.

The food was hearty and filling, which was perfect for the rainy Vancouver day we were having. I liked the take-out area, which was cornered off with a separate entrance and featured a counter higher than everyone who walked in. Picture walking up to a judge in a courtroom and looking/reaching up to interact with him/her. That's what it's like to order take out from here, and it looks ridiculously awesome.

Philip did point out that we already have a good bbq place in town - Memphis Blues, which is known for their generous servings of food, which puts this place to shame in that department. However, I still definitely want to go back to Peckinpah for the fun environment and good eats!

Meat and Bread

I can't believe I haven't blogged about this place yet! It was my favourite new lunch place this past Fall. Sandwiches is what they specialize in, but they also have soups and salads, not to mention booze. Located in the now bustling Gastown, Meat and Bread is where I took my psycho coworker for lunch one day. To me, the place felt very Portland or Seattle or New York even. "It doesn't even feel like we're in Vancouver!" I had exclaimed.

My psycho coworker replied, "Really? I think it's VERY Vancouver."

There he goes again, saying the opposite of what I say. Is he doing it just to get under my skin? Who cares? He sucks.

Well wherever this place reminds you of, it's got stressed brick walls, hardwood floors, a long table to commune at, a long bar to pick up your food from, bearded men in plaid slicing and dicing the meat, a vintage punching bag hanging in the corner, and a mix of clientele from the hipsters to the business folk.

I've had their Porchetta sandwich which consists of crunchy crispy pork, an amazing grilled cheese (it gets me everytime), and the meatball sandwhich which is yummy but messy to eat! Can't wait to go back and try out their ice cream sandwich, which uses bacon infused ice cream!

Frankie and Alice

Look! It's Halle Berry rolling around the streets of East Hastings in Vancouver. If you know Vancouver, you'll know that East Hastings is NOT where you want to be rolling around. I hope she didn't roll over any stray needles that may be laying about. I remember when she was in town filming this movie and how it was a big deal that she was barefoot on East Hastings, not to mention with her breasts hanging out.

The movie is based on a true story, and tells the tale of a woman named Frankie who has disassociate personality disorder. I don't know how realistic the portrayal is, but it was a good movie and has interesting layers that get revealed as you watch. I wasn't itching to see this film, but that could be due to the lack of hype. She did get a Golden Globe nomination for this, but I don't think she's been campaigning hard enough to get a mention at the Oscars. We'll see, I guess.

Download It

Hot Dogs on a Rake

Here's Amy Sedaris showing us how to craft. I got her new book for Xmas and can't wait to get into it - Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People.

This is a demonstration of how to make hot dogs with a garden rake:

The Work Frenemy

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the situation I'm having at work with that friend/coworker. It has taken up more time and energy than I would like, but today I am feeling alright.

Cutting it off cold turkey was hard to do, and a definite FUCK YOU to my coworker. However, he persisted and sent me a few emails, mostly passive aggressive ones about how I haven't gone up to visit him lately.

I saw my shrink on the weekend and got his opinion as well. He told me that I was a "conflict avoider" and didn't like the feelings that came along when conflicts arose, therefore I do things like ignore the person/problem and stop talking to them. He said I should probably tell him to his face that he makes me feel bad and that I have enough issues with feeling bad about myself and don't need enablers in my life. My shrink said that this coworker sounds like a narcissist who has depleted me of my supply of attention that I was willing to give to him. "He has worn out his welcome in your life."

I debated talking to a conflict resolution officer about it, but realized that it isn't work related and doesn't really affect my work performance, so nixed that plan. I had a casual chat with someone in HR who advised me to take him to coffee and tell him how I felt. She said I owed it to him and to myself to give it that "closure."

I don't feel he deserves an explanation from me. I don't feel he deserves my time anymore, as I've given more than enough to him the past few months. However, today he emailed and I felt it was the right time to go up and just do a casual chit chat.

So I did, and he is as negative and insane as ever. Here are some choice quotes:

"Last week, I was in a REALLY NEGATIVE mood."

"My friend wanted to go see this play, and I suggested a date and he said he was busy all week so, you know what? DELETE." (As in, he deleted his friend from his Blackberry.)

In fact, he went on to tell me that he hated everyone and deleted everybody from his Blackberry.

I just smiled and nodded my head. Okay, uh huh. You are damn craaaazzy, child.

Did I mention he's on Acutane? It's a hardcore acne medication, with suicide listed as being a side effect. I don't know if it's making him insane, or if he was already there to begin with, but I'm sure it's not helping.

Anyway, I kept it civil and light and did not leave his office full of rage like I usually do. I think I now see our interactions as a farce that doesn't need to be taken seriously. Why keep up the charade, some of you might ask. Just to keep the waters calm and the work environment peaceful. Otherwise, I'd be looking over my shoulder all the time worrying about running into him and having to ride the elevator with him.

I have beautiful, amazing, wonderful friends. I really don't need any at work!!

I Think I'm Ready for Some New Lady Gaga

Sure, why not.

Here's a remixed version of the brand new Lady Gaga song, which premiered at a fashion show this week. Not bad. I'll wait to see how the original sounds, but this is pretty good.

Non-line Dating

Yesterday I received a message in my email saying, "CuteGuy232 wants to meet you!"

Okay. Cool. So I log into my account on this dating website to see exactly who this fella is. Not bad. A bit older than I would like, but it doesn't hurt to meet, chat, whatever, right?

So instead of immediately asking for a coffee date - which I've learned is NOT what people online want to do, but rather they want to go back and forth a little bit first before deciding if they want to invest time in meeting up - I sent him an email asking a bit more about him, if he is from Vancouver and where he lives, and then told him a little about myself.

Later, I receive a response. "I just moved to Vancouver. I live downtown."

That's it? That's all I get?? Really? You were the one who "wanted to meet" me buddy. And I make an attempt at conversation and you cockblock me?? WHATEVER!!!!!

Blah, dating. Hates!!

Tales from Firozsha Baag

I'm trying to get through all these books that I have at home. Somehow I accumulate them - from used book stores, garage sales, given to me as gifts or throwaways from friends. Anyhow, one of them is this collection of short stories from Indo Canadian author Rohinton Mistry, whose book A Fine Balance I absolutely adore (as does Oprah, apparently).

This book is probably one of his first books, so you can really see the writing isn't as developed as it is in A Fine Balance. It is nice to see though that he employs the use of short stories and weaves the characters in and out of them and connecting them by thin threads so that there is an overall journey that the reader goes on, instead of completely stand alone short stories that have nothing to do with the other. I enjoy a collection of independent short stories too, but it's nice to see a character return in a later story that you had a fondness for earlier on.

127 Hours

This is the true story of Aron Ralston, a real life mountain climber who gets stuck between a boulder for the duration of 127 hours. If you're not familiar with his story and how he survived/escaped, I won't ruin it for you, but it is pretty widely known especially with the help of this movie, directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting).

You might wonder, how can a movie about some guy stuck between two rocks possibly be interesting to watch? It's done in a way that manages to hold the viewer's interest and is far superior than the Ryan Reynolds' Buried, which was another film that took place in one location and with one single actor. Sure, this one has some other actors in it and the use of flashbacks, but judging acting alone, James Franco > Ryan Reynolds.

I'm not sure if the film or James Franco is worthy of an Oscar nomination - only because there's so much better fare out there right now to choose from. However, he did get a nod from the Golden Globes this past weekend.

See It / Rent It

Blue Valentine

I have been dying to see this film since I heard about it a year ago. Finally, after much anticipation, I went to opening night on Friday with my friend Iris and we both loved every single moment of it. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams act their hearts out in this heartbreaking tale of a couple whose storybook beginning does not end happily ever after. It's a glimpse into the world of relationships, how they can be idealistic and romantic and beautiful, but how they can also turn into something ugly and resentful and terrible.

The romance is original, the chemistry between the two actors is electric, and the heartbreak is something anyone can relate to.

See It!

You Always Hurt the One You Love

...the one you shouldn't hurt at all.

I Don't Need Friends at Work

There was a time when I was desperate for a friend at work. I've been working at my job just over three years now and I still don't have anyone I would consider a friend. I guess this desire comes from my experience with past jobs, where I have made friends at work. It certainly helps the day go by and gives me a reason to come in every morning, considering the job itself is not all that enthralling.

Anyhow, I thought I had found a friend. I got to know him over the past year, and we even traveled together this past Fall. I knew he had his little neuroses but I put up with them, thinking that it was worth it just to have a friend at work.

However, the past while, his neuroses and negativity have seemed to evolve. I find him always contradicting things that I would say, which can get annoying and makes me not want to say any of my opinions since he'll just disagree with them anyway.

He's also very high maintenance, and he knows this, and seems to think it's charming, when really it's just plain pathetic. One example was when he sent me a text message one Monday morning, when I was in a meeting at work. I didn't get it until 45 minutes later BECAUSE I WAS IN A MEETING AT WORK, and I replied, "Hey I'm in a meeting, I'll come talk to you later."

The text by the way, started off with, "My weekend was full of misery and depression." Happy Monday to you, too!

When I did go visit after my meeting, his greeting to me was, "I texted you and you didn't reply!" It was like I had just walked into a courtroom and was suddenly on trial. I whipped out my phone and said, "Actually I DID reply, and good morning to you too!" Turns out, he never got my reply, because his Blackberry was hiding in his coat pocket. Did I get an apology for his accusations? Nope. Instead, I had to sit down and listen to one of his stories about how another friend didn't reply to his email and so now he's writing that person off, blah blah fucking blah.

One day he told me that everyone hates him and nobody wanted to be his friend. I asked him what made him think this. His reply, "Because I'm high maintenance, girly, and I like to make other people around me feel bad when I'm feeling bad."

Oh no you didn't.

So you're AWARE that you're an asshole? Wow. The fact that he's aware of his behaviour makes him an ASSHOLE.

And he has made me feel bad before, whether it's putting down the music that I like to listen to, trash talking my friends, or discounting my feelings for The Guy.

Two weeks ago was the last straw. He invited me out for lunch, "Hey wanna do lunch?" I agreed. Lunch turned out to be a trip to the Burberry store where I had to stand there and watch him try on clothes for half an hour because he wanted to find something better than the Burberry jacket his partner had bought for him for xmas. Nice.

When he was finally done, he asked where I wanted to eat, and I snapped that I only had half an hour left, so let's just grab something quick at this food court. Instead, he suggested, "How about this Indian place over there?" OKAY. I guess that's where we're going since it's always ALL ABOUT YOU.

I'm mad at myself for not standing up for myself. It's a good lesson learned, though. I'm now ignoring him and he has picked up on it. He sent me a terse email last week, "Did I do something to tick you off? You haven't come to visit all week and you didn't reply to my text message. I am never going to text you again."

An DONE!!

Week Two of Operation Fade Out is underway. I did agree to a birthday lunch this week with him, since he found out it was my birthday and said he'd take me out. Of course, a mini argument ensued when I gave him my schedule for the week, and he replied with, "And evenings don't work????" and I responded somewhat snarkily, "Well, you said lunch. So no, evenings wouldn't work for that, would they?"

He didn't like that very much. His last email to me was, "Okay, nevermind. We'll get to lunch at some point."

If lunch involves going to Burberry again, I ain't holding my breath.

Thinking about him makes me so angry inside and I fear that it will make me physically sick if I keep him in my life. I think I draw these kinds of people because, well, I'm too fucking nice. And I feel sorry and sympathy for people. That needs to change, especially when I don't like how I feel around the person.

I figure, an awkward ride once in awhile in the elevator or a chance meeting in the building will take less energy than trying to fake a friendship. I am so over him!

But if he still insists on conversing, do I keep it civil, tell him the truth, or ignore him outright? What would you do?

New Britney !

Here's the new Britney Spears song... Hold It Against Me!

Despicable Me vs Megamind

I watched two cartoons the other night.



The first, which I was reluctant to watch and couldn't get into the first time round, was Despicable Me. It turned out to be cute and funny, especially with the presence of these little yellow "minions"! (Thanks Philip, for making me give this a second chance!)

Then, there was Megamind.



This too was enjoyable and the humour in it was much more adult and witty. Plus, you get all these celebrities lending their voices. Good story, funny, and worth a watch.

Download Both!

Never Let Me Go

Mark Romanek directed this movie, based on a book by a Japanese-British author. I know Mark Romanek from his work with music videos, specifically Madonna's Rain, Michael and Janet Jackson's Scream, and Janet Jackson's Got Til It's Gone. All beautiful videos.

His eye for beauty carries into this film about a boarding school for kids, that turns out to be not your average boarding school. There's a sci-fi element to it, and I don't want to give away the plot entirely, as it slowly unfolds for the viewer. Let's just say, this boarding school is grooming these kids for a specific and sad purpose.

Overall though, it was a bit underwhelming and slow, even though it had the acting talents of Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley.

Skip It, and read the book instead (not that I've read it, but I imagine it would be a smidge better than this)

Turning 34

It's my birthday today and I'm hitting the big 34. That's basically mid-30s!! Oh my!!

I don't normally celebrate my birthday. I used to think it's cause I wasn't a big birthday person. But yet, I love to celebrate other people's.

Turns out I don't feel good enough to be celebrated, or so my shrink tells me. It has to do with that inner critic telling me that it's undeserved, that I shouldn't be getting all this attention on this day. So, I never was one to throw a big birthday party. And if someone did throw one for me, which has happened on occasion, I felt uncomfortable.

Most years, I just like to go for dinners and lunches with friends one on one, or in tiny couplings. This way, I get more than one free meal, get to try out a bunch of different places, and have some good quality time with a few friends.

However, having pinpointed my complex with regards to self-esteem and not deserving of celebrating my birthday, this year is a bit different. This year, I feel like doing something.

I will still be holding court with friends one on one, trust. But I am getting a bit of a group together on Saturday night to go out and watch some local wrestling! Should be fun!

That said, I really want to accomplish more this upcoming year. Health wise, writing wise, etc. I think I've spent enough time pining for a relationship. It may never happen to me, so might as well make the most of my time doing other things, right?

Here's to 34!

Misfits

Wanker! Twat! Fook! You takin' the piss?

I love British television.

I spent my New Year's weekend watching Seasons 1 and 2 of the British tv show, Misfits. It's about a group of young offenders who one day are bestowed with superpowers. I know, it sounds completely absurd, but actually it's a pretty awesome show!

If you get a chance to see this, do so! If you liked the British series Skins, it's along the same lines - just with a superhero element to it! These kids still have sex, do drugs, drink loads, swear, and get into all sorts of trouble, but they just have that extra burden of having to deal with these "powers" they've suddenly received.

Have You Tried These Software Programs?

I just learned about two programs that I can get for free.



One is the very important iAntiVirus - a free antivirus program for Macs. Has anyone else used this? What are your thoughts? I've always been told Macs are less susceptible to viruses and such but it doesn't hurt to be protected. This free package looks like it does the trick, as I've already run a scan on my system (found nothing, thankfully!) and is now properly turned on for immediate protection.

The other program is the free Photo sharing and editing tool from Google, Picasa. It looks pretty amazing. Anyone else use this? Your feedback? Here's a quick intro if you haven't heard of it before, either: