Men

Today was my second, and last day of being friends with two nice boys. Oh the memories that I will have forever. Sitting on a bench in the park, sitting on a chair in a house, walking down the street, walking up a hill... When we were walking, we passed a young woman who was really high and messed up. Then we saw this guy, in his early 20s, he was clean looking, middle class. We were close by as he passed the girl, and he asked if she "wanted to party". It was really terrible. She was so vulnerable - and he just really wanted to take advantage of her. I know this happens lots, but it was gross to see. It's men like that who make me want to not walk alone. It's men like that who make me feel like maybe I should be wearing a bigger hoodie, like it's a problem and my fault for having a body. It's men like that who make me want to say "I don't like men". But I know that by taking a stand like "some men are johns, so I don't like men" is a really hateful thing. And, I was with two men who were equally upset with this guy's behavior. There are lots of really good people in this world. There are lots of people, men and women, who value life. There are men out there who don't do the drive by heckle. I am going to try to be more aware of my "I don't like men" thoughts and statements. There are lots of good men out there.

Decisions Decisions

So I didn't make it to Calgary yesterday. Andy was arriving at the Calgary airport from his Italian excursion. Jess went to pick him up. She was going to leave sometime after one. I thought: hey, people shouldn't let their friends drive three hours all alone. I should go with her. So, I gave her a call and left work early and hopped in her car. I immediately knew I had made the wrong decision. My leg and back issues make sitting a bitch. And it was warm and wet and I typically vomit under those conditions. So, 1o blocks into our journey, I asked her to pullover and I walked home. Spazzy? Yes. Best decision ever? Maybe. Last night I finished rereading the final Harry Potter book and I did the dishes and I tidied up a bit and I danced and went to bed at 9:30. Best decision ever? Absolutely.

Hey, Valentine!

I know you are all probably wondering how my Valentine's day was. Well, it was pretty good. Work was okay, supper was good, someone bought me shit that I don't need, and we had a community meeting. At the meeting, we decided that we are going to form as a continuing co-operative. This seemed like the best option for awhile, but the work, and potential cost of setting up a co-op was a huge deterrent. Last Saturday, we met with a group that consults co-housing groups. It was nice to get some professional advice, but the cost of having them plan our project was just too much. So we're going to do most of the leg work, and check in with them periodically to make sure that we're on the right track. This has been my dream for 3 years and it looks like it's really going to happen. I am very excited. My heart is racing, but it is now passed my bedtime. I hope I can sleep....

Best Night Ever

Aaugh! It's only 8 and I'm already having the best night. I took my roommate to catch the shuttle to the airport. I am home alone and wearing only one pair of pants. That's right...the legging pair. And my mom called to tell me that if I save my grocery receipts I can claim the difference in cost of my gluten free breads and regular things on my taxes. And I just made some white basmati rice. White rice and leggings. This night is OFF THE HOOK!

Yeah, I'm Gonna Marry a Carrot

I am winding down after a grumpy/crappy week with the Simpsons. It's the episode when Lisa decides to become a vegetarian. I remember when I was a kid and wanted to become a vegetarian. I mentioned it once or twice to my mom. She didn't receive it well, and as I was the peace maker child in my family, I didn't push it.  It wasn't until my second year on my own that I went for it. I finally went down the path that was chosen for me. It was an exciting time. But it was also stressful relating my choice to the people that knew me all my life. I am thankful that I had that discussion with my family years ago. It was an uncomfortable time. I stopped eating meat AND I got my nose pierced. How could I have tortured my parents so much? It's funny to look back on because neither of those actions should have been that big of a deal. But I guess my folks felt like I was rejecting their way of life. My life does look a lot different than theirs, but our core values remain similar. We value love, laughter, and punk rock. 

My grandma still seems to find it very odd. She is a wonderful and hilarious woman and when she remembers my deficiency she says something like, "Oh Angie, what are YOU going to eat? Should I boil you an egg?" If I didn't have the gluten thing going on, I would try veganism, but I do have the gluten-thing, so yes, Grandma, an egg would be great.  

I really do love this episode - its the one with the pig roast. A few years ago we had a family reunion with a pig roast. It was a bonding time for me with my parents and brothers. Despite (or maybe because of) raising pigs on the farm for years, most of us don't do pork. It was hard to not picture the roast floating through the air...  Anyway, if there is one thing I have learned from the Simpsons: "You don't make friends with salad". 

So Long Friends...

Okay, so I'm not a super internet-y kind of gal. I like it. I use it. But I'm not the person you go to hear about new cool things on this world wide web. I obsessively look on real estate sites to find the perfect home for my community. I read my friends blogs. I sometimes check the news. And that's about it. Well, the times, they are a-changin'. I love the blogosphere. I love how indulgent it is. I love how strangers can stumble upon my ramblings and become instantly bored. I love how I can get to know intimate details of a person's life that I will never know. I love it, I love it, I love it. So, my new hobby is reading the blogs of strangers. It feels a bit uncomfortable and creepy but I'm willing to suck it up for the sake of entertainment. From now on my internet time will be divided as follows: emailing 30%; real estate 10%; facebook 10%; blog-related activities 50%. I am very, very excited about this new arrangement. One more change, I have decided to change the break down of my days: sleep 8.5 hours; eating/cooking/grocery shopping 1.5 hours; work 8 hours; exercise 1 hour; neti pot .25 hours; thinking about unicorns and/or Scott Baio .25 hours; bathroom .5 hours; internet 5 hours. That leaves no time for real life friends. Sorry. It was nice while it lasted.  

Read at Your Own Risk

I got accused of "swooning" today. I don't consider myself to be one who swoons.  I sometimes wonder what is wrong with me. I have a two week attention span. I am the fickle-est of the fickle. I sometimes wish that I could engage in a normal level of unhealthiness and get my heart broken in a "normal" way. Maybe I don't have a heart. Or, maybe all the bubble wrap that I've been eating is doing it's job and my heart is enjoying the protection only plastic can provide. Sexy. I'm going to blame today's posting on the upcoming V-day. Blah. If I start to complain about consumerism, it will be so obvious that I am only doing so because I have no one to buy me shit that I don't need. Well, so what. I can buy myself chocolate, and I know how to read labels for my diet better than anyone else. So take that. 

I am so grumpy today it's ridiculous. If only my bubble-wrapped heart had room to breathe. Maybe then I'd be loveable and loving. Maybe then.

Take These Seeds, and Shove 'Em

Today, Candeo played at short video at Central about the property we are working on purchasing and renovating. It's exciting to hear that people are excited for us. It's nice to finally have something tangible. Yah! I was a bit nervous about the video because we filmed it last Saturday and there were a couple disastrous moments. For me, the most disastrous was when I was doing fake chin ups standing on a ladder. I fell off, and Duane caught me. It was really really awkward. But that moment did not make the cut. Phew. 

My doc has got me eating seeds. That sounds fine. But it's not fine. I am currently eating 2 tbsp ground flax seed. I put it in strawberry/apple sauce. It's the most disgusting part of my day. And I'm taking so many things I forget what it's supposed to help. I alternate between flax and sunflower seeds depending on the moon. The oil is supposed to help __. What __ is, I have no idea. I just finished it. I really hate eating it. Oh well.

I know that I have been writing/talking/thinking too much about my health, but it just really excites me right now. I now feel well enough to read my body. Now I want to eat when I'm hungry, not when I've stopped hurting. I base my eating around hungry/not hungry rather than hurting lots/not hurting too much. Can you even believe it??? Corn really effed me up. Good bye, leaky gut. Good bye.

Tonight, Central starts a month of Sunday night lectures from the Micah Challenge. I am really excited. "Only YOU can make poverty history". 

Decidedly NOT a Fish Eater

I do not have to take fish oil. I do not have to take fish oil! I DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE FISH OIL! How awesome is that?
I am pouting because I have to work late tonight and it's snowy and I'm sleepy and I'm addicted to a series of novels about a young wizard. Because I am pouting, I think it would be best if I reflected on the funniest thing I heard this week. I was in the drop in and this guy said "why do you work in the inner city...when you could be a model?" I almost crapped my pants it was so funny. I think he meant model citizen. I vote in most elections; I hardly speed; I never purposely trip people on the sidewalk.

Mini Freak Out

Augh! It's my 1o year high school reunion this year and I am currently receiving an onslaught of Facebook messages regarding said reunion and at this moment it is freaking me out. Maybe it's just tonight: the cider, the Harry Potter that is leading to my sense of holy sh*t... but holy sh*t! I don't know why its freaking me out. I think it's because I was a weird quiet kid in school and although I'm now not as quiet... 

Maybe it's because I was completely forgettable and it will feel weird to be there with my friends who were less forgettable. I'm hoping that Heidi and Lauryn will both come. Lauryn was an athlete and Heidi was active in school council stuff. I was the kind of kid that no one has any reason to remember. I was average in every possible way. Not popular. Not a loner. Not picked on. Not a bully. Not much of anything. It is seriously causing me intense turmoil at this moment. Maybe it's the cider.  I can just picture the conversations: uh... who are you? Right. And you went to school with us? Right. Yeah. I kind of remember you. Are you married? (and then the conversation ends when I vomit on the person's shoes). 

And...back to my cider. 

Fish Eater?

I have been wrestling with the idea of starting to take fish oil supplements. The idea repulses me and makes me feel a bit guilty. I have been praying that God would give me really clear direction on this one. A dream. Something. Anything. Yesterday I began to think about how the Creator made us all interdependent. I depend on fish to sustain certain ecosystems. Fish sometimes benefit from people removing a couple of them from ecosystems. If a fish can be used to heal me, then I can believe that for this time in my life, healing from the Creator is through fish. It still disturbs me that I may have to put parts of a once living creature through my mouth, but God will give me strength. I hope I don’t cry. That would look really wimpy.

On a different note, I am now a believer in the power of nasal irrigation systems. I finally got a Neti Pot. It is WONDERFUL. For a gal with allergies and a constant case of the “stuffies” this little bad boy has changed my life. I have been using it every morning, and I feel moisturized and I breathe so much easier. Apparently you can get plastic ones at drugstores. I haven’t seen one yet, but once I do…I will buy probably more than one and give them to allergy-d and sinus infection prone family and friends. It is that good.

Yesterday I was at my friendly-neighborhood big box stationary store (not so friendly, not in my neighborhood) and there were these light-up pens with Bambi in them (for 99 cents) and I did just what that store wanted me to do, and I bought one. I even tried to think of why I wanted that pen. Do I need another pen? No. I bought it because it had floaty sparkles and a plastic Bambi in AND it lit up. I am SUCH a sucker for stationary.

Today, I talked to the guy who I called an a-hole and he was very nice.

There's No Romance in My Blood (and no-antibodies to give me the diagnosis I crave)

I talked to an a-hole today on the phone. It was work related - I was advocating for someone. He was the employer and landlord. I was being nice. I kept my voice low and calm. I think he knew he was in trouble from the get-go and he responded defensively. But seriously. He didn't have to be so mean. I found myself spewing out phrases of dirty words for about 7 minutes after I hung up the phone. I haven't been that angry for a loooong time. 

On a different note, my roommate has a fever tonight and she ordered pizza. Now, I'm not much of a pizza eater, but I do know a thing or two about being sick...

I went to Pizzeria Prego  last Friday night and they have gluten free crusts there!!!!!! !!!!!! They do have corn in them, (and cheese on them) and it was delicious. It's been awhile since I've had pizza, and I ate the whole thing in one sitting. That was somewhat regrettable, but I have pizza back in my life (well, kind of in my life - corn and dairy aren't my best friends). 

Speaking of best friends...have you seen "Scott Baio is 45 and Single"?!?? Maybe it was the pizza, but that is one good-trashy show. I am thankful for the writers strike. I have my Thursday nights back, and when I visit my cable-d friend, I can gorge on reality shows without feeling too guilty about it. For example: "Hey what do you want to do tonight?" "We can watch cable." "Okay, but there's nothing on." "I guess we can watch Scott Baio again." "Okay." See? It's that simple. 

I've decided to try to convince my family to all get tested for Celiacs (even though I've never been actually "diagnosed" with it). Tonight, I checked in with my mom and talked with one of my brothers. I am pretty sure that if anyone in family has it, it is my darling middle brother. Years ago when my spirit knew it was time to say good-bye to gluten it was difficult, but manageable. I had a healthy lifestyle even when I was ill. I can't imagine making such a big change and not being very healthy. I guess the only thing I can do is ask the Creator to speak to and heal his spirit.

I am going through a strange time right now. I feel like I am going through healing from the years of being sick and not looking sick and having physicians brush me off. It was really hard when I hurt so bad and had nothing to show for it. No one seemed to take me seriously. I was so low. My body ached. I was emotionally drained. But from what I was being told, I was the picture of health. I really tried hard to brush it off. It seems a bit silly that I am so emotional about this. But I finally feel vindicated. And now that I'm throwing around the C-word, I no longer feel like it's necessary to throw in disclaimers about my diet, and I feel less apologetic when I ask questions in restaurants. You probably don't care. That's fine. But this is a big thing for me right now. 

Gimme Yer Money

Candeo Housing Association has put an offer on a building and the offer was accepted, and now we need to raise $555, 000. If you have any extra dollars, we could use them. It's a four-plex in the West end - off Stony Plain Road. It's a really great building and I'm really excited. So now it's grant writing time and asking people for money. Just think, if everyone who reads this blog chips in ten dollars, we'll have a hundred dollars in no time. One hundred! I guess every little bit helps. 

The Digging-est Dog

There are fire trucks outside my place right now. The fire alarm from the next building just went off. My guess is that there was a fire. When I was younger, I remember thinking that if I was ever in a building that was on fire, I would just jump in the shower. It seemed like the smartest solution. How can you burn when you're soaking wet? I later found out about the power of smoke and having the ceiling cave on one's head. Now if I'm ever in a building that is one fire I will plan on using the nearest exit and stay low to the ground. 

Last night I saw "Juno" (finally) and it was really great. I knew that I really liked it when Belle and Sebastian started playing (how predictable, I know). I was hoping that they were going to play "Stars of Track and Field" but I guess that was too obvious? I think that "Stars" is one of my favorite B&S songs. But then again, they are all my favorite. 

So...I went to my first allergy desensitization session this week. And it was heffing nuts. Absolutely crazy. Tuning forks. Cold laser. Coloured glasses. Sander-buffer thing. These are a few highlights. 

I also went to the dentist this week to get a filling. I had a cavity filled when I was a kid, but that was a long time ago. I found this experience quite traumatic. The part I hated most was the mouth dam. I did not like that. I was trying to tell two co-workers about the experience and this is an excerpt of what I described: "and then she asked me if I ever had a rubber dam in my mouth". Yeah... it was not until the words were out of my mouth that I realized what I had said. The assistant did not ask me that question in those words, by the way. For someone so wholesome, there is some crazy shit that comes out of my mouth. Yikes.

Today there was the Homeless Memorial. It was sad, but nice to be around people who care. People live such rough lives. I feel sad for myself when my leg goes numb, or when I want to eat a muffin. I can go home and do yoga and bake some GF stuff. Life could be so much harder. 

Energize While You Synergize

I just want to take some time to share with you, dear friends, how much I love carbohydrates. I love them. My current favorites (in no particular order): potatoes, rice and quinoa. My naturopath has convinced me to try to diversify my diet more. (I like the idea of eating locally but by cutting out wheat and corn my options are limited). (That was just in case you were judging me about my irresponsibility. I am jerk. I am knowing it). Sometimes I like to make jokes about not eating breads because I'm on Atkins. It's a joke that is quickly fading and was probably never very funny. But I laugh and laugh. Atkins! Can you even imagine?

Yesterday I went to a conference and the craziest thing happened. The facilitator used the words interface and synergy (about 4 times). "Hopefully we can interface again, and get some synergy going". What?! If it happened just once, I may have been able to handle it. But it happened more than once. When synergy got synergized, I scoffed. No one, not one, should use that word in any form more than once a day. I thought words like that were just jokes for people who understand Dilbert. I feel way more culturally relevant now. Finally.

MY HOUSE IS HOT!!!!! I live in an older house and the heat has been turned off for about a week now. But it's registering at about 26 degrees. Celsius.  Holy heff . Apparently there is a chance that some wires(?) are crossed and my suite is controlling a different suite's heat. The plumber is coming in next week. Until then, I will just try to enjoy balmy winter nights. 

Take Your Carriage Clock and Shove It

Three things:

1. My favorite thing on Arrested Development was when Lindsay was sitting on the photocopier making copies of a Volvo - and the jokes that followed. It was just dirty enough to keep me interested.

2. I received a strange request to take part in an interesting sounding project. One would assume that due to my emotional sluttery and high level of self disclosure I would be delighted at the offer... but it mostly just makes me uncomfortable. 

3. My motion sickness got really awful and I asked Jesus to heal it and it's not so awful now. Thanks God. 

(bonus) 4. I have my first allergy desensitization session Wednesday night!!  

Happy Half Birthday

Today was my half-birthday and boy did I ever celebrate. I made blueberry muffins and drank coffee and cleaned my kitchen and had a shower and saw Jess and ate potatoes and watched Arrested Development and Pride and Prejudice and drank daquiris. Phew. Wow. What a jam packed day. I kind of wish that I had jam. I like jam but almost never eat it. I will be 28 in 6 months. One of my favorite things to do is say things to Heidi like "Wow. You're on your way to 29 and I'm only 27". I can still do that now. If I could go back in time, I would have said it more. I only have six months left...

I have neglected to mention that I have a working computer once more. It's nice to know that I can turn it on and it will stay on. (Note: I giggled after the first "on" in the previous sentence. I think that I need to start leaving my house more). 

I have been alone a lot the last few days. Partly because I am afraid of public transit and my car (motion sickness has reared its UGLY head once more). Partly because I needed a prolonged break. I am looking forward to leaving my house tomorrow morning to see my people and I feel ready to go back to work. I have a bad habit of not wanting to waste my holiday time when I feel burned. I keep on trying to save up it all up for something good when I'm feeling well. But, hello! I will never feel well if I don't take some time for myself when I'm unwell. It's so simple.

I have spent much of the day reading about housing co-operatives. I just don't know what the right organization system is for the future community that will make all my dreams come true. My parents have satellite television and I watched a lot of home improvement shows. I really hate painting but I really wish I had to paint my home. Mmmm.... I am often glad that I as a child I didn't imagine my adult life. I didn't have any ideas of marriage or a wedding or career or children or hairstyle. I may have imagined my ideal jewelry box and I think I have that covered. It's a bit embarrassing but I have accessorized the same way for the past 20 years. If it's big, if it's plastic I will wear it. 

I'm trying to write less about my health, but as there is nothing else happening in my life (no recent punches to the face) I just find myself not writing. So, I'll write about my health. I have never been diagnosed with Celiacs and so have assumed that I just have a sensitivity to gluten. But, this assumption has recently been shaken. I am not too keen on eating ridiculous amounts of bread for a few months and then get my villi checked, but I have a better plan. I am going to wait it out until I do the desensitization reprogramming stuff and then get retested for gluten and then if I still react I will assume that I am the C-word (not that C-word, Dirty). 

Eye update: they still suck, but are better than before. I had a stye and I it seemed to have left, but now it's back. 

**Note on Pride and Prejudice they are at the ball and Mr. Darcy just asked Elizabeth to dance.  Yes.**

A Letter From the Editor

Dear Friends,
I met a girl hound today that gave me the inspiration to get down to business and post. So, here goes: I met a girl hound today that I had heard of through Sarah and Heidi. It was really funny. The thing about the girl hound is that you just have to be a girl to get noticed. I look really really bad today. But I have a ponytail and small feet and sometimes that is all the girl hound is looking for. It made me giggle. The reason I ran into the hound was that he works at the place where one of my favorite guys in the world is staying. So I got a hug from a clean-ish smelling favorite guy AND I now understand the references to this particular hound. (Just to clarify this girl hound is the very best version of this type of offender. He doesn’t do the head to toe scan. He just goes: hey. There’s a girl. I should talk to her for longer than is necessary. He’s not super creepy. Just potentially annoying, usually awkward, and always silly).
I am so relieved that this week is almost over. I have been trying to sleep more and as a result I am less tired and less grumpy and more alert. Very very nice. I met a doctor yesterday who I think I will now call “my doctor”. She was perfect. She is middle aged and has kinda crazy hair and a pink stethoscope. She was efficient with her time but still thorough. She actually asked about my family history. AND she treated my warts (they look very very disgusting today. When I saw Heidi, she drained my blisters for me). She let me finish my sentences. I really really like her. And I’ve been washing my eyes with baby shampoo and they have been clearing up very well and she told met that it sounds like “Blepharitis”. I didn’t say “I know” but I should have. So, it turns out that I don’t have eczema on my eyelids. They finally feel better. They’re not great yet but I’ve stopped crying about them. Yah!
I have been thinking about what I want to change about my life – resolutions for a new year. This is what I have decided. I want to go to less rock shows (specifically less rock shows at shitty venues). I want to watch more movies. I want to clean up my language a bit. (It has gone downhill quickly this past year). I want to see my friends more. I want to be more aware of where my money goes. I want to start working on a down payment for my part of the community housing. I want to eat more chocolate. I want to dance more. I want to dance constantly.
So that is it for now. My computer is dead which has really affected my blogging ability. Hopefully my computer situation will be resolved soon. Then I will post 3-4 times a day. Every day. I know. I can hardly wait.
Peace and Love,
ANGIE JEAN

There is only one kind of soy milk that I like and I just realized that it has corn syrup solids in it. Grrrr....

Body Talk (I Miss Nachos)

I haven't blogged for awhile because: a) my computer is on the fritz and spontaneously shuts itself down b) I haven't been feeling well for awhile (physically, mentally and spiritually) and I'm trying to become more of a happy blogger c) I just didn't.
I went to the Naturopath on Wednesday and found out some good news. I am sensitive to not only gluten, wheat, and dairy but also oats, corn, peanuts and cashews! Phew. I was very glad to hear these things. They suck but I hope that avoiding them will help heal my "leaky gut" (I apparently have a leaky gut). I can't express just how nice it was to have a medical professional not brush me off as some punk ass-hypochondriac kid. She listened to me and then tried to help me. I first started getting sick 10 years ago and I've gone to a few doctors the past 8 years and they weren't helpful. One told me I had the stomach flu. One tried to get me on anti-depressants. Eventually I convinced one that something wasn't right. After 2 very uncomfortable tests, we discovered that my intestines work just fine, thank you very much. I eventually did the reasonable thing and eliminated things out of my diet and that helped a ton. And then Jesus took away a constant pain that was in my stomach (thanks). But I still feel like garbage. And now I feel like maybe I won't feel like garbage for forever. I have someone to help me. Can you even believe it?
I am sad about saying good bye to popcorn and tortilla chips and peanut butter. But I'm glad that she didn't say I had problems with soy or watermelon. I almost never eat watermelon but the idea of saying goodbye to the tastiest food around might be too much emotionally. And if I couldn't eat tofu, I might just stop eating all together. This is boring for most of you. But because I am not bored by this I will continue to fill you in on my progress. Progresssssssssss.

Grumpy AND Boring (or reason #2846...)

Guess what?! I'm grumpy! Yesterday was a long day. I worked from 8am-8pm and then sat at a medicentre until 11pm. I finally had enough of my sore itchy eyes. I just had it. I'm tired of looking tired. I'm tired of working so hard during the day to not rub my eyes to catch myself frantically going at them as soon as I wake up. I've had it. I have been avoiding going to the doctor because: a) I don't like doctors and b) I thought that s/he would prescribe a steroid cream and I didn't want to go that route. So, I waited for 3 hours to have the "doctor" recommend a steroid cream. He warned me not to let it go into my eye. He told me he'd write up a script for a not-so-strong cream and not to not let it go in my eye. I reminded him that it was along my eyelashes. And he reminded me not to let it go in my eye. So I got up, put the script into my purse, got in my car and cried a little on my way home. Best boring day ever.
I am not going to work tomorrow and instead I am going to open up a new bank account, laminate posters, make some photocopies and buy some 100% recycled non-bleached toilet paper. And then I've got a hot date with Heidi and Colin and Final Fantasy. I may also go to the eye glass store to leave my frames so they can put in my new free lenses. Yes. You heard me correctly. New free lenses. I have been having a hard time seeing lately. I got my eyes checked a week ago and they haven't changed from my current prescription. A few days ago I noticed that the coating on my lenses is staring to wear off. I thought that they still might be covered by warranty. I went to the store on Saturday and the girl pulled up my info and told me that it was my last day covered by warranty! So, she's ordering me new lenses...for free! I really can't afford a new pair right now and so I'm feeling really happy. I feel like God was putting it on my mind. Thanks dude.
I have the tv on and Dave Matthews is a character on House. That reminds me...Joel apparently brought his lovely wife home on Sunday. I am anxiously awaiting their phone call. Esther brought me back a candy apple. I think my savage display with a caramel apple at the Vermilion fair left an impression on her. I'm pretty sure that it was even worse looking than I imagined. Much much worse.
Now this is the last time (FOR REAL this time) that I complain via my web log about my annoying eye issues. The next time I write about my eyes (if I ever and do - and we both know I will) it will be about how God has healed me and how they are no longer puffy or red or sore or itch. Hallelujah!

Not a Recipe Blog

Last night as I was making supper I thought: more people should know about my awesome peanut sauce recipe. And soon they will.
I got a flu shot today. I am not advocating that all should get influenza immunized, but I believe it is a good idea for my life. I work with a number of sick people and I don't seem to have the strongest immune system. I have had not one, but two separate incidents of blacking out due to the flu. The first time it happened, I was working at a coffee shop. I hadn't been there long, and I was opening on my own. I didn't have any staff numbers. I woke up about half an hour before I was supposed to leave. It was early and I felt tired. I stumbled along to the bathroom and it was there that I realized that I couldn't really see. Having a strong work ethic, I decided that I needed to get coffee ready for the caffeine-addicted folks. I remembered that one of my roommates was working early as well, and decided to seek her help. I managed to crawl up the stairs and found her room. "I can't see. I can't see". She helped me down the stairs and put on my shoes. She drove me to work where I could find the manager's phone number and let her know I was a little sick. I called and she asked me to open. I did. My coworker ended up being late. I managed to not vomit or fall over while I was there. AND I did a terrible job.
The second time felt like old hat. I woke up. I realized I was sick. I had a lunch date that I was obviously not going to make. I couldn't really stand so I got a roommate to hack into my email account and send a "can't make it" email. I went to get some ginger ale from the kitchen (I don't think it actually helps, but people keep on insisting it helps). On my way to my room I stopped being able to see or to stand. My ginger ale spilled on the floor. Sticky sticky floor. I don't know why I get so sick, but if I manage to avoid illness for the next two weeks while the immunization does whatever it is supposed to do, I may avoid falling down for a little while longer. Phew!

(still not a recipe blog, but here's a good recipe)

Peanut Sauce
makes one cup
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tsp brown sugar
1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
2 tbsp cilantro, chives, scallions
2-3 cloves garlic
1-2 tbsp soy sauce*
1 tsp chilies
Whisk and add 1/4 - 1/2 cups warm water
Heat it up until it boils
*if you're inviting me over when you make this, use gluten-free soy sauce*
Enjoy!

Time to Vote!!!

Probably one of my favorite things in the world is community events. Tonight I am going to the Red Star to listen to the mayoral candidates. The election is on the 15th. Time to research the candidates. Time to stretch your voting fingers. I get to work the election this year. Now, when someone says: Political science degree? What the heff are you ever gonna do with that? I can now reply: I do election stuff. For the record, my degree will not help me with doing election stuff, but it almost legitimizes part of education. Thursday (Oct 11) I am missing The Office to go to a lecture called "Places Rebuilt or Places Reborn. Is There a Difference?". It's at the MacLab Citadel Theatre at 7:30. Man, I love the city. Love the city. AND next Saturday, Brian McLaren is going to be speaking in Calgary. Road trip!
I'm not sure if my eczema is just getting worse or if it's allergies, but my eyes look disgusting. My daily eye routine is this: wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and feel sad. Wash my face, look in the mirror and feel sad. Try to rub off any extra skin (eww, I know). Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Try to cover up some of the red with eyeliner and foundation. Try not to scratch eye. Try not to scratch eye. Try.... Wash my face. Put on vitamin E oil - lots of vitamin E oil. Look in the mirror and feel sad. Wake up... (No. People haven't been asking. Not in words at least, but it was written on so many faces). This will hopefully be my last eye talk for awhile.
One more thing, I found a chiropractor last week. I've had problems in my lower back, and leg for awhile. Sometimes I can hardly walk because my right leg just stops working. I was at the Martin Sexton concert last Tuesday (so good) and I stood up at intermission and realized that I could hardly balance myself. I wanted to make sure that I was in good working order so I could bust a move or two Saturday night. So on Wednesday I looked in the phone book for someone close by and I found one and I went and she was awesome. It was such a blessing to find someone competent on my first try (I had been going to a guy in Vermilion, but it was inconvenient as I haven't lived there for 9 years). She did some deep tissue stuff and told me that I might bruise. So as soon as I got in my car, I pulled my pants down a little to see if my ass was bruised. In the middle of checking, someone knocks on my window. At first I thought it was someone from work. At second glance, I notice that he looked at little more...bourgeois than someone from work. I rolled down my window, then he starts talking about my bumper sticker (sow justice reap peace). He asks: so, is there a group that sows justice? What? You may have just caught me looking at my ass and I'm supposed to answer your questions?! What do you mean? Like is there a group or friends that are working to do justice? Uh.... I have friends. It went on for awhile, and I ended up giving him my card telling him that I could connect him with the volunteer coordinator. It was pretty awkward. But, I've gone for a second adjustment and I feel better than I have for awhile. And I walked, so I didn't have to talk to anyone about my sticker.
Now, off to the Red Star.

Doodie Doody Doo

Today I feel way less awful about this weekend. I was still more awkward and jerky than I would have liked to have been - but I did find out that I actually wasn't the only one who missed out on duties on the dance floor. And I found out that it's true that there ain't no party like an S-Club party.
And yes, the "nayonaise" and chili sauce that I just ate was and will be grossest thing that I consume this month. Thanks for asking.
And I need to sleep. For a month. See you in November.