Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Insider
I love being on the inside of inside jokes... It's so nice to be included in something secretively funny. I feel sorry for people around who are clearly on the outside of an inside joke... I'm that guy frequently... but it's the close connection, the secrecy of the laugh that makes it all the better.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
You Shouldn't Have
I blogged earlier about how I like it when I get a surprise... I think I like giving the surprise more than getting it.
I love seeing the look on people's faces when they receive something you got them. There's nothing better than knowing that someone thought of you... except for maybe seeing people realize that you thought of them.
I love seeing the look on people's faces when they receive something you got them. There's nothing better than knowing that someone thought of you... except for maybe seeing people realize that you thought of them.
Home
I enjoy the Michael Buble song, yes... but home really is where I feel most comfortable.
Lying around in my sleeping attire... watching some tv... talking to the people I care about most.
Don't get me wrong, I love travelling more than most activities... but not quite as much as I enjoy coming home from those adventures.... and then getting ready to go back out again.
Lying around in my sleeping attire... watching some tv... talking to the people I care about most.
Don't get me wrong, I love travelling more than most activities... but not quite as much as I enjoy coming home from those adventures.... and then getting ready to go back out again.
Urban Outfitters
In the city. Foreign city...
Feeling like a local.
Coffee in the outdoor lounge after some shopping on a warm spring evening.
Maybe it does get better than yesterday.
Feeling like a local.
Coffee in the outdoor lounge after some shopping on a warm spring evening.
Maybe it does get better than yesterday.
Ode on a Grecian Urn
I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not a history guy. I took history the one year it was mandated in high school and that was it. I just am not a fan about reading about what happened in year's past.
That all changes when I go to Europe, however. I have a greater appreciation for the past when I'm walking around where it actually happened. I am amazed at how old buildings were built up hill tops and through mountains when we could barely construct similar facades and structures today.
Greece is filled with ruins of history. It's pretty impressive and humbling at the same time.
That all changes when I go to Europe, however. I have a greater appreciation for the past when I'm walking around where it actually happened. I am amazed at how old buildings were built up hill tops and through mountains when we could barely construct similar facades and structures today.
Greece is filled with ruins of history. It's pretty impressive and humbling at the same time.
Happy Campers
I've been doing my best to be so positive this year... trying to look on the bright side, trying to be more grateful and appreciative of everything I have... trying to be less curmudgeonly...
And wow... I have a new appreciation for those around me that are already what I have been aspiring to be like. They are so much more fun to be around. They can make a mundane situation fantastic... and on the contrary... one rotten apple really does spoil the bunch.
Boo hiss to Debbie Downer....
Cheers to the happy camper.
And wow... I have a new appreciation for those around me that are already what I have been aspiring to be like. They are so much more fun to be around. They can make a mundane situation fantastic... and on the contrary... one rotten apple really does spoil the bunch.
Boo hiss to Debbie Downer....
Cheers to the happy camper.
The View From Here
I dislike having the wind knocked out of me... literally... but I do love those moments that take your breath away. Sometimes these can be negative... not a lot of fun... but sometimes they can be so very memorable.
Today I had a couple of these-- ironically inspired by geography (some amazing views along a coastal drive) but I had even more fun watching other people have them all week... Seeing people blown away by something they see... it's priceless.
Today I had a couple of these-- ironically inspired by geography (some amazing views along a coastal drive) but I had even more fun watching other people have them all week... Seeing people blown away by something they see... it's priceless.
I'm on a Boat
We took a boat cruise today... and while the cruise itself was pretty cool as we saw some great islands, something else really made my day: the ability to let go of oneself.
I'm not that guy. I get nervous easily and I feel like I always have to be put together-- act "cool" if you will.... just to maintain the semblance of a reputation. Today, I saw people completely abandon who I know they are in order to have fun, dance, laugh, embarrass themselves... all in the name of a good time. It was refreshing to watch.
I like seeing it in others... but I want to see it in myself.
I'm not that guy. I get nervous easily and I feel like I always have to be put together-- act "cool" if you will.... just to maintain the semblance of a reputation. Today, I saw people completely abandon who I know they are in order to have fun, dance, laugh, embarrass themselves... all in the name of a good time. It was refreshing to watch.
I like seeing it in others... but I want to see it in myself.
Crepa Crepa
I never thought of crepes as street food until I went to Paris for the first time. I'll never forget it-- across from the Eiffel Tower was this little crepe stand which served hot crepes filled with Nutella. They wrapped them up in these little tin foil wrappers and served them hot off the griddle. I haven't turned back.
I find it quite interesting that crepes have become quite popular in the street food realm all over Europe. Even in Athens we found a little creperie that served amazing combinations of ingredients. It made a great night even better.
I find it quite interesting that crepes have become quite popular in the street food realm all over Europe. Even in Athens we found a little creperie that served amazing combinations of ingredients. It made a great night even better.
Fanta-tastic
I'm not a huge fan, generally, of super sweet drinks. I love a Diet Coke several times a day, but as for the sugary, syrupy fruit flavoured sodas, I'm generally not a fan.
The major exception, however, is Fanta-- but not just any Fanta... European Fanta. It's way better. It's not nearly as sweet, and it also comes in many flavours. Personal favourites include original orange, lemon, apple, and blood orange.
I'm obsessed... even driving 2 hours away to get my hands on a can. Trust me-- it's delicious.
The major exception, however, is Fanta-- but not just any Fanta... European Fanta. It's way better. It's not nearly as sweet, and it also comes in many flavours. Personal favourites include original orange, lemon, apple, and blood orange.
I'm obsessed... even driving 2 hours away to get my hands on a can. Trust me-- it's delicious.
Up in the Air
We often complain about when things aren't on time... but we rarely praise those things that do run punctually.
When flights depart and arrive on time, I'm happy. It makes everything so much easier.
When flights depart and arrive on time, I'm happy. It makes everything so much easier.
Monday, March 22, 2010
My Big Fat Greek (Vacation)
I have to play catch up... big time... from while I was away.
So many things went well for my trip. One thing that I particularly rediscovered and enjoyed was baklava: delicious, crisp, fattening layers of butter drenched phyllo and nuts covered in a sugary sweet honey sauce.
It's amazing.
And it's really better in Greece.
So many things went well for my trip. One thing that I particularly rediscovered and enjoyed was baklava: delicious, crisp, fattening layers of butter drenched phyllo and nuts covered in a sugary sweet honey sauce.
It's amazing.
And it's really better in Greece.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Holiday
I leave tomorrow for a 9 day trip.
I am filled with anticipation. Nervous anticipation. But I'm surprisingly okay with it all.
The test is-- will I be able to catch up and get back into this in a week? I hope so :)
I am filled with anticipation. Nervous anticipation. But I'm surprisingly okay with it all.
The test is-- will I be able to catch up and get back into this in a week? I hope so :)
JPod
International travel has many benefits-- here's a simple joy that I derive from it.
One of my friends and I always case whatever international location we are in for the best junk food. This is pathetic, I know... but we love it. We scour the mini marts and gas stations for the most delicious treats and then ecstatically tell each other about them. If we are together, we'll generally both get a couple of treats and feast.
One of my favourite treats comes from Australia. They are called "Pods", and they are these delightful wafer cookie type shapes filled with various candy bar fillings.
One of my friends from down under sent me a care pack of them which arrived today.
Highly enjoyable.
One of my friends and I always case whatever international location we are in for the best junk food. This is pathetic, I know... but we love it. We scour the mini marts and gas stations for the most delicious treats and then ecstatically tell each other about them. If we are together, we'll generally both get a couple of treats and feast.
One of my favourite treats comes from Australia. They are called "Pods", and they are these delightful wafer cookie type shapes filled with various candy bar fillings.
One of my friends from down under sent me a care pack of them which arrived today.
Highly enjoyable.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sorry Dr. Atkins
I love bread.
A lot.
My favourite loaf is the ciabatta baguette. I can't really get enough of it, and without constant supervision, I am honestly quite likely to polish a whole loaf off. It's dangerous.
It's light and airy yet with a moderate amount of toasting, crusty and substantial.
Is it sad that bread makes me so happy? I hope not!!!
A lot.
My favourite loaf is the ciabatta baguette. I can't really get enough of it, and without constant supervision, I am honestly quite likely to polish a whole loaf off. It's dangerous.
It's light and airy yet with a moderate amount of toasting, crusty and substantial.
Is it sad that bread makes me so happy? I hope not!!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
You Better Think
I don't think I inspire many people to think very hard. The majority of my "material" comes from pop culture, and let's face it: while it's enjoyable... pop culture generally isn't very thought provoking.
Every so often, however, I end up bringing up a topic or phrasing a question "just so" that it causes actual discourse... Today that happened.
4 hours after I initiated a discussion with a large group of people, some of them were still debating the questions I asked. It might have been the way I framed the question or the slight philosophical slant I put on the query... I don't know... but it worked.
It's moments like that which make me think sometimes... not too often... but sometimes... that I'm actually ok at my job.
Every so often, however, I end up bringing up a topic or phrasing a question "just so" that it causes actual discourse... Today that happened.
4 hours after I initiated a discussion with a large group of people, some of them were still debating the questions I asked. It might have been the way I framed the question or the slight philosophical slant I put on the query... I don't know... but it worked.
It's moments like that which make me think sometimes... not too often... but sometimes... that I'm actually ok at my job.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Two Thumbs Up
I just watched a clip of Oprah with Roger Ebert... He has been through so much since his battle with thyroid cancer. His wife, Chaz, read an excerpt from his journal which I found to be profoundly powerful... it doesn't need further explanation... just... wow.
“I believe that if, at the end of it all according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances…we must try. I didn’t always know this and I am happy that I lived long enough to find it out.”
“I believe that if, at the end of it all according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances…we must try. I didn’t always know this and I am happy that I lived long enough to find it out.”
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Modern Family
This show cracks me up.
I don't find myself actually laughing out loud a lot when I watch tv. Sure, I think a lot of stuff is funny, but it's got to be pretty hilarious to actually crack me up enough to laugh out loud.
I watched two episodes of Modern Family that I PVRed, and I found myself laughing my head off. I especially enjoy Manni, the Colombian step son of the protagonist father. He's wise beyond his years and a hilarious foil to the dad.
A good laugh is definitely a daily necessity for me... Modern Family has provided it today.
I don't find myself actually laughing out loud a lot when I watch tv. Sure, I think a lot of stuff is funny, but it's got to be pretty hilarious to actually crack me up enough to laugh out loud.
I watched two episodes of Modern Family that I PVRed, and I found myself laughing my head off. I especially enjoy Manni, the Colombian step son of the protagonist father. He's wise beyond his years and a hilarious foil to the dad.
A good laugh is definitely a daily necessity for me... Modern Family has provided it today.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Scouting for Girls
Can't get enough of them. The new single is perfect.
I do love it when I discover a band before most... and coincidentally, The Script has been getting quite big here... and I've been enjoying them for over a year ;)
I do love it when I discover a band before most... and coincidentally, The Script has been getting quite big here... and I've been enjoying them for over a year ;)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
buydirect
I have decided that online shopping may be better than regular shopping.
It's almost always cheaper to buy things online... there's not the pricey overhead that we're traditonally used to paying for fancy stores and the like. I also enjoy the fact that almost all sizes are always available.
And furthermore, who doesn't love getting mail? I know I do.
AmericanEagle.com makes my life much more easier....
and stylish.
It's almost always cheaper to buy things online... there's not the pricey overhead that we're traditonally used to paying for fancy stores and the like. I also enjoy the fact that almost all sizes are always available.
And furthermore, who doesn't love getting mail? I know I do.
AmericanEagle.com makes my life much more easier....
and stylish.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)