good cup, bad cup

Ahhhh. Love a clever pun.

The subject, however, is kind of serious. Especially for those of us (ie. moi) who take our coffee seriously. Was reading this report, put out by the Centre for Science in the Public Interest, on the amount of fat and calories in specialty coffee. Quite horrifying.

Fortunately for me, I don't have to change my habits. I always order a large latte with skim milk, no sugar. And no whip cream, sprinkles, etc.

Can probably thank Bruce for that. It's weird how often I can think of things to thank him for. Maybe because adversity has made me a much stronger person. And a kinder, more forgiving person too, I think.

But back to the coffee. Years ago, in the impressionable days of my youth, artschoolcool Bruce made me many, many cups of coffee. Cafe au lait done the real French way. Probably taught to him by his real French mother. Coffee press, scalded milk. Then he got a espresso machine and we moved on to lattes. Many, many lattes. Good, real European-style lattes, not the dessert coffee that so many places sell.

I never developed a taste for sweet coffee (though near the end of our relationship, Bruce insisted on putting large spoons of sugar in my cup... won't go into the psychology of that just now) but I did develop a taste for fresh, slightly bitter, piping hot java.

More recently, I also developed a taste for fair trade, organic coffee. Things at age 19 that never occurred to me I should consider. Now that's all I drink at home. Having coffee out is a bit trickier. Starbucks is North America's largest purchaser of fair trade coffee (according to them) but if you buy a coffee at Starbucks, it probably isn't fair trade unless you ask for it. Here in Brandon, even asking for it isn't necessarily enough. They sell the beans, but don't expect them to brew up a pot just because you want some. The Organic Consumers Association is urging action to challenge Starbucks to live up to their propaganda. I just don't bother going to Starbucks, period.

Milk? Well that's another post entirely. But there is some scary info on the OCA site if you're interested.

grrrr, and, uh... yay!

My sweet little former foster dog, Hansel, is coming back. The stoopid family that adopted him has now returned him. Crazy people. I don't think they actually realized what having a dog was all about. They said they didn't want to keep him because they felt bad because they had to keep him in his crate all the time. Why did they have to do that, you ask? Well, because he had an accident, so they had to keep him in there during the day. That's right... AN accident. And then they had to keep him in the crate at night because their daughter wanted to sleep with him and they were afraid he would bite her if she moved around in her sleep. *sigh* Sometimes people just drive me batty.

But the good news is that Hansel is coming back. Gentle, adorable, easy-going Hansel will be my temporary dog again. Very excited to be picking him up on Monday and I don't mind at all if no one wants to adopt him for a while.

i heart rufus

Rufus after he positively destroyed the cheap plastic blind

(that came with my house).

Outside

In

Who can feel angry in light of such bliss?

Last week, I had the same conversation twice in one day. The first was with my friend Jacq* about a mutual friend of ours, Cindy. Cindy, now that her life is complete (ie husband and child), no longer needs us, and we have been dumped.

The second conversation was with Tia about her friend Callie. Callie is easily distracted by a new man or whatever else is going on in her life, and Tia decided that she'd had enough of being filler, so she dumped Callie. It was a bit trickier situation, as they do occasionally work together, but Tia handled it with her usual grace. What really struck me was when Tia said that she felt sadder about Pluto losing its status as a planet than about losing her friendship with Callie.

I've been reclassifying friends for about a year now (let's just say... if you're reading this, you're not one of them). I haven't dumped anyone, but I've had to start thinking about them differently because the relationship we once had has changed into something that no longer is very meaningful. Until this conversation with Tia, I've been thinking of it as a continuum -- that is, a line with true friends on one extreme and true enemies on the other, and most people falling somewhere in between, depending on how close they are to one or the other. I've been mentally moving a few people further away from the true friend point.

But I like the planet analogy better.

Has Pluto changed, really? No. Its still out there doing its thing. What has changed is how we think about it, the amount of attention we give it. Do we hate Pluto or wish it harm? Of course not. It has simply been downgraded from true planet to dwarf planet. Much like a few people in my life have been down graded from friend to someone I used to be friends with, to acquaintance.

I felt a little weird when I started talking to Tia about this months ago. But she, being a true friend, knew exactly what I meant. We have ways in our culture to mourn death and dump lovers. There are social rules (and rules of law) for how we are to behave when we get dumped. But we lack a way to move on from friendships. Things are awkward, get messy. Unless the friend does something truly heinous, we try to spare feelings, to back away slowly, to leave them with their dignity intact. And we feel guilty for doing so. This is our friend, after all. The best we can hope for is to mutually drift apart.

But I want to move on. Not to be cold, but these dwarf planets are taking up too much time and effort. Time I will never get back, spent on something that does not nourish me. Effort that I'd rather spend on the people I love, who show that they also love me and want me to be part of their little galaxy. Who think of me as Mars, perhaps. Certainly not as Uranus.

*To protect the privacy of the real people I was talking to and about, names have been changed to the names of other people's pets.

the other one

Cleo's roommate, Rufus. Crazy cat. He likes to hide at the bottom of the stairs and jump out at you. Can ya tell?

can you believe...

...that it took me this long to post pictures of my cat?!? Picture quality isn't exactly crisp. Turns out my digital camera doesn't do extreme close-ups very well. But not complaining!

Sweet Cleo

sweet 36

I've been meaning to post about my birthday for, oh, about a month now, but I've been waiting until I had pictures available. It was really damned good this year, thanks to all the amazing people in my life who are so thoughtful and make me feel so loved.

The whole thing started in May, when I was bumming around with my sister. I pointed out a pair of amber earrings that I liked and she promptly bought them for me. Practical person that she is, she noted that she wouldn't remember which ones they were by July, and I might as well enjoy them now.

Then in June when I received a package from my favourite bugs. Technically my Christmas present, but random gifts are more exciting anyway. It contained a fabulous drawing by the big bug of an orange cat named Cosmo, who happens to look a lot like Rufus. And this apron. There are people who wear aprons and those who don't. I happen to be an apron person. And a slipper person, but that's another story. Anyway, love this gift. Using it constantly and always wishing that my dear friend was hangin' in the kitchen with me.

A little closer to the actual date, another package arrived. This one from Karen, filled with six jars of jam and jelly that she made herself. Peach (long gone), jalapeno (gone), strawberry orange (going), blueberry, raspberry and rosemary mint. She also sent a book that I've been wanting to read, but that wasn't available at the public library. Tearing through it. Will post a review when I'm done, but I can tell you now, I think you should read it.
The Thursday before the big day, I invited my friend Kana over with her husband and told her to invite anyone else she would like. Her husband was only in town for a week, so the easiest way for everyone to see him was to have a gathering. Little did I know that it would turn into a party complete with cake, ice cream and gifts for moi. Bliss. The gifts were super thoughtful, too. An invitation to dinner. Liquid kelp for my trees. A recycled rubber tire door mat. Kitchen goodies like French grey sea salt and pomegranate tea. And a good time was had by all, of course.
The weekend of was spent at Asessippi Provincial Park, on the third annual girls camping weekend. This time in a yurt. My birthday consisted of seven hours on the beach, gourmet camp food, and lots of drinks and good conversation around the campfire until 3am. Oh ya, and s'mores.

That meant missing a weekend with O. but we made up for it on August long. I always like to guess what he'll get me, and so far I've never been right. This year's tries were a dutch hoe and wind chimes. Actually got my favourite movie on DVD and a CD that I've been longing for by a band that no longer is. Includes the song I love to sing while riding my bike. Thanks, darlin'! Smoochies!

Just when I thought it was over...

Received a lovely pottery bowl from O.'s mom and yesterday I got something in the mail from Whitehorse. How's that for making it last. Let's see... May, June... five months. I used to just call it the 12 Days of Catherine. Must rethink that.

And no birthday would be complete without resolutions. This year, I have three:
1) Drink more water. (So far, not going well.)
2) Quit eating so much junk food!!! (I got into some very bad habits during school last year, but having some success with this one, except for the cake, pie and apple crisp I've eaten this week.)
3) Stop wasting so much time at work. (Um.... ya.)

i need more time

All you crafty types, check these out.

northern gothic

Ah do declare... this summer has been a steamer. So hot and dry that today, at 22C, it feels positively chilly. I managed to resist turning on the central air for the entire season. Same as last year, but then last year was the summer that never was. This summer was the kind of heat and humidity and sunshine that causes one to reach for a mint julep and Flannery O'Connor. Which is exactly how I've coped.

Oh, Flannery. Her writing blows me away. Was boring O. in the kitchen last weekend reading passages from a book of her short stories. I find her like Roddy Doyle in that her descriptions are so vivid that you don't just imagine what things look like... you smell them, feel them, taste them. She doesn't aim for your head, though she is whipsmart. She doesn't play on your heartstrings, though she is a sensitive and emotional writer. She goes straight for the gut. I carry her stories around with me for days, feeling the ache where she hit and a tightness in the throat from trying to pretend it didn't hurt. Which is why I generally try not to read to much of her writing at once. Bad for my temperment, though I love them. Especially bad when it is 38 degrees outside and hotter in.

Mint juleps have the opposite effect (perhaps that's why they go so well with Flannery), leaving me light, refreshed, giggly. Early this spring it became clear that I was going to have a bountiful mint crop, so I announced my intention to learn to make mint juleps. My friend Danette showed up for dinner one night with a bottle of Jack (bourbon doesn't come in small bottles and we didn't want to make the investment unless we liked them) and a recipe. Her first sip was too harsh, but once the ice melted a bit and the drink mellowed, she enjoyed it. I liked it from the first, and have since passed along the joys of juleps to O. We've been drinking them often (though not in great quatities), have used up the Jack and bought a bottle of Wild Turkey. Here's the recipe we've been using:

4 oz. bourbon (two doubles)
4-6 fresh mint leaves
sugar
ice

Tear the mint leave into large pieces. Combine with the sugar and crush the sugar and mint together to release the flavour. Add the bourbon and stir until the sugar has disolved. Serve over ice, while reclining in a chair under the shade of a grand tree.

customer service rant

Just so y'all don't think I do nothing but complain, I'll start this post with a funny story.

Back when I was Book Store Girl, I helped an older gentleman whose first language was not English. The details of our interaction are lost to me, but I do recall that he had an excellent experience. Was I extra charming that day? Did we simply connect in that way that strangers sometimes do? Dunno. All I know is that he sent a note of gratitude to my boss. The whole incident is foggy, but the wording of his note is burned forever in my mind, because I was razzed for weeks after. He wrote:

Miss Catherine gave me a very good service.

Ahhhh. Great. Thanks, sir. My cheeks will stop burning eventually.

Now for my (fairly mild) rant...

Remember a few weeks ago when I posted about the great clothes I picked up at Closet Chick? While I was there, I asked the owner about selling clothes on consignment. She buys outright, it turns out, and said I should phone back in August to set up an appointment. So last week I called and left a message. No reply. Monday I called again. No reply. Tonight I am phoning for the third and final time. This is what I plan to say:

Hi Lorraine. Catherine calling again. I've left two messages in the last week about setting up an appointment to sell some clothes and I haven't heard back from you. I'd like to express my disappointment at this shoddy treatment. I was really impressed by your shop, enough to tell other people about it, but I am now going around telling people about the fact that you haven't returned my calls. If you aren't buying or don't want to buy from me, I'd appreciate it if you took the time to let me know. I'm not simply trying to make money off you, I've spent money in your shop and I would like to continue to do so, but I won't support businesses that treat me poorly. If you would like to phone and apologize or offer an explanation, you may reach me at...

How's that sound?

I worked for 14 years in various retail and food service jobs. Long enough to have a healthy appreciation for the crap that clerks have to put up with. I'm quick to compliment when I get good service, both to the person and to their boss. But I also have certian expectations and I'm not afraid to complain. Constructively. Not going to freak out and yell or anything.

Being ignored is almost worse than being treated badly. Feeling very irked.

sunday

Hansel was found wandering about four blocks from my house by a woman who has five beagles. She took him to her vet, the vet tracked me down, and Hansel was back by 6:00. Which was good, because my mom was on the verge. I wasn't too worried, just hoping he hadn't been hurt. He was absolutely fine, which was a relief.

The bed... well... still feeling grumpy about that. It's like when someone holds something out to you and just when you are about to take it, they snatch it away. Will be about a month before I wake up, roll over and don't feel completely stiff and sore. Not the end of the world, I know.

The rest of the weekend has been fine. O. and I are being lazy today. Doing laundry, picking apples at my mom's, lounging on the couch, drinking coffee. Crazy big storm on Friday night. We watched it rolling in for hours and when it finally hit, it was with force. Everything was thouroughly whipped and battered. Trees are down around the city, but my wee babies managed to ride it out. My garden looks hung over... the tomatoes are begging for an asprin and another beer. The corn wants to go out for a greasy breakfast. The herbs are sleeping it off.

stoopid friday

Woke up this morning and my first thought was, "I'll never sleep on this mattress again."

HA!

My new bed was delivered today, but guess what? The box spring has a solid wood frame and would not fit up the stairs. Whole bed sent back. Contacted the store. For and extra $100 I can get a split box spring. Which is what I'm going to do. Hey... $2000, $2100.... what's the dif. I want a damned good bed and I'm willing to pay for it. But I refuse to sleep in the living room in order to have one.

By the way, I'm totally freaked out about spending that kind of money. Way outside of my usual budget, except that the work I did as a research assistant last winter paid me in one lump sum, so for once I had the dough to make a big purchase. Hate buying on credit, though sometimes I cave.

Work day was okay. Lots to do. Spent the majority of the afternoon typing book pockets and spine labels while listening to CBC.

Then my mom called about the bed. *sigh*

Then my mom called about Hansel. Martians abducted him while the furniture guys were trying to force my bed up the stairwell. He was locked in the kitchen with the cats. When my poor mom went to let him out, only the cats were there. All three doors were still shut. She checked everywhere... cupboards, fridge... back yard, basement, around the block. But no dog. It's the weirdest thing.

Even weirder is that he didn't come running when she put food in his bowl and shook it. That dog is a complete pig. I frequently catch him licking the container that the cat food is stored in.

All in all... a mediocre day gone bad.

doggie to protect me - update

The reason I haven't been posting since things calmed down socially is that I have a new reason to rush home from work every day. Meet Hansel. No, he isn't my dog. I'm fostering him for Funds for Furry Friends, a local no-kill animal rescue.

Hansel is a lovely boy, but it turns out he is useless as a guard dog. He doesn't bark and he wags at every person who walks by. So much for getting a dog to help me cope with the stress of our local crime wave.

No matter.

It's nice having him around. The cats don't seem to mind. I feel like I'm doing something good, and he has a good (temporary) home.

fear and loathing

I've been feeling very stressed out in my neighborhood this summer, but the past week has been particularly bad. A woman was raped at knife point last week near 2nd and Van Horne. I walk to and from work and pass the corner of 2nd and McTavish, and can look across the field and the tracks to the spot where it happened. The paper reported that 44 sexual assaults had occured in Brandon so far this year. I also know of other attacks that happened a couple of weeks ago that were not reported in the paper: a student at BU who was robbed and beaten on her way home from the night shift at 7-Eleven, and an 18 year old (daughter of a BU employee)was beaten by a group of girls on her way home from a friend's house.

Saturday morning, I went to the farmer's market at the Discovery Centre, about a half hour walk at my typical brisk pace. Along the way, I met four individual men and saw not one other soul until I was within sight of the market. It was one of the worst walks I've ever had. I have seldom felt so vulnerable and afraid, though I'm usually cautious and aware. Each guy pleasantly said good morning to me. I felt like punching them all just for being a man alone and encountering a woman alone. Ridiculous.

On Saturday at 11:45pm, my doorbell rang. I was alone in the house, with all the windows on the main floor open. Two young girls were at my door. I didn't answer. The ended up drinking and yelling "WOOOOO!" in the parking lot across the street until 12:30, at which point I called the cops and went to bed.

I've had a few scapes over the years, and I imagine my experiences are pretty typical. My friend and I were flashed once. I got chased by a guy outside a bar who "just wanted to talk" then started to run after me and yell obscenities when I didn't stop walking. I got my ass fondled at work by a guy who has some sort of mental illness (really, seriously has a mental illness).

In Vancouver, walking home down busy Commercial Street from Safeway, some guy on a bike grabbed my butt. I swung my groceries at him but unfortunately missed. It would have been worth the loss of my eggs to have connected. After this incident, I became consumed for weeks with revenge fantasies, to the point where I could barely sleep. I wished my bag had hit him and knocked him off his bike. Then I alternated between fantasizing about him being crushed by a passing car, or kicking the shit out of him while he lay on the ground. Even writing this now, 12 years later, I feel angry.

How dare he make me feel like this? How dare any of them make me feel afraid to walk down the street? How dare they take away my security and comfort?

I was reading today (in something unrelated to this post) a comment that said something about teaching our boys to feel abhorance to sexual violence in the way we teach abhorance to cannibalism. In other words, our whole attitude toward women and sexuality and power needs to change at a societal level before incidents such as these will start to decline. I think that is completely impossible within my lifetime, quite frankly.

I want to get an alarm system for my house. I want to get a dog. I would have a doggie to protect me, and the doggie would have a good home.

mid-July update

Lots to tell, but not much time. My baby bro and his kids leave Sunday morning, and I am trying to get in as much time with them as possible. I'm exhausted! All you mamas out there... I'm in awe of you. Don't know how you do it.

Had a good weekend in Winnipeg on the 8th and 9th. Decided to forgo Folk Fest and watch World Cup instead. Highly enjoyable and much cheaper. Spend some of the cash I saved on new used clothes at a consignment shop on Portage called Closet Chick. $29 for jeans, a dress and a shirt. Me happy.

Flew to Calgary on Monday, heavily drugged and good thing I was... the turbulence was horrible. Managed to actually hook up with my brother simply by wandering out of the airport and hoping I was in the right spot. Spent a (mostly) good three days with him, his boys, my dad and my dad's "lady friend" in Airdrie. Survived the Stampede, and have pics to prove I was there.

Had an amazingly easy trip back to Brandon. Me, brother, nephews... 12 hours in a minivan. Only two accidents (of the urinary kind), and not too much fussing from the boys or me. Has been a whirlwind of activity since we got back. Birthday BBQ, trips to Minnedosa Beach, trip to Winnipeg to see the kiddie Fringe play O is doing... Not sure what is on the agenda for tomorrow, but hoping to get some alone-time with my bro. Love the kids, but love him too and feel like we haven't had much of a chance to talk.

Spending Sunday recovering, cleaning the house and sewing. Or not. Who knows what will come up.

Quick hand-me-down update:
1) Have once again got a VCR. From my mom who got it from her cousin. I'm guessing that it is the same vintage as my television, given its bulk and the faux woodgrain box. Matches my decor nicely.
2) Got a hand-me-down digital camera from my beautiful and amazing friend Kana. Thanks so much! *kiss*kiss* Will finally be able to post pictures. But not yet. Need to buy a drive for my hand-me-down laptop first.

hiatus

Going to be giving the blog a rest for a few weeks. Too darned busy. Have two good friends in town right now (count 'em!) and heading to Calgary to visit my brother and my favourite nephews next week. Then driving back 12 hours with all of them, and hanging out in Brandon for a week.

Then going camping with the girls.

So... not sure when I'll be back. Hope you all enjoy July as much as I plan to!

Food Week

This will be the one and only post here this week, as I'm busy doing a series of posts on food, health and the environment over on Green Brandon. Check it out!

Friday quickie

Got off to a rough start today after a bad night with little sleep. First I was too cold, then I put on another blanket and was too hot. Then I dreamed a lot of crazy dreams. Then the cats woke me at 5am wanting breakfast.

Despite this, I look great. For some reason, I'm having a good hair day. The humidity (as opposed to the humility) is just right. There is a balance between "done" and "unkempt." The hair gods are smiling upon me. Usually it only looks this good for the hour after I leave Mama's D's chair.

So, with a foggy brain topped by lovely locks, I head into Winnipeg for the weekend. I'm afraid O won't get a chance to see me in all my glory as I have 2.5 hours of dozing on the Greyhound to get through. Hopefully I won't have to sit by anyone smelly.

hand-me-downs

Thinking about my friend Tracy today. After she had her second child, she discovered that her feet had gotten bigger (I had no idea this could happen) and she was kind enough to send me two pairs of shoes that she could no longer wear. Both of them were on my feet today. I've been hiking back and forth to work wearing these cool kid hip hop sneakers, called Invicible Jane. (Mine/Tracy's are in black.)

Once I arrived, I changed into a pair of Nine West open-toe sling-backs with lovely beading. Had to look professional as there was a big meeting at work today (my last, as my boss is now back!), and these shoes worked perfectly with my trousers. Was generally feeling very grateful that I know such a generous person, and that said person has such great taste.

I have been in hand-me-down heaven lately. My dear friend Kana moved to New York in December and dropped off tons of kitchen supplies. Half empty (or is that full?) bottles of booze, spices, oil and all sorts of other goodies. My amazing friend Karen shipped me her old stereo and laptop, because she had new ones and I didn't have any. My darling baby (but taller) sister has kindly shrunk many great clothes over the years, which have convenietly become my size instead of hers.

Hand-me-downs are the ultimate in recycling. When you throw a can in the bin, do you get the feeling that you are making someone really happy? Nooooo. Do you get the satisfaction of knowing that your much loved item has gone to a good home? Nope again.

So, in case you were wondering, I take size 9 shoes, size 10 regular pants, medium tops and I could use a VCR as the old one my mom gave me finally died.

olay olay olay

World Cup started today. Love the 'net. Got play-by-play on the Germany-Costa Rica match thanks to World Cup Blog. Couldn't find anyplace to listen to the game, but that's okay. According to comments posted on the blog, the sites broadcasting the match were so bogged down they weren't working properly. Not a surprise. Heard on the radio this morning that 500 million people worldwide watch each game, and that over the next month, 3 billion people will catch at least one game. Quite the marketing opportunity, I'm sure.

Heading to my mom's at 6:30 to watch the Germany game on replay. Even though I know the outcome, I'm totally pumped.

In non-futbol news, have a busy weekend planned. Watching the Traveller's Day Parade tomorrow morning as my mom will be in it, walking beside the Waves of Hope dragon boat. In the afternoon, I have friends coming into town from the big city. They are apparently picking up a dog, which they will hopefully do before stopping by for a visit. I want to play with the puppy. Cleo won't be thrilled.

Sunday, it's clean, clean, clean. And watch more soccer.

Seven

Mama D just tagged me, so here goes...

7 things I want to do before I die:

• Graduate. First from undergrad (after 6 long years... sigh), then from Library Science.
• Live in one place long enough to watch my garden mature.
• Get out of debt. HA! Ya, right.
• Finally take a trip to L.A. to visit those bugs and swim in their pool.
• Go on a road trip with my brother and his kids. Oh wait... I'm doing that in July.
• Go to Greece and stuff myself silly on their amazing cuisine, while getting drunk on retsina.
• Actually attend World Cup. I've got the fever from afar this year.

7 Things I can't do:

• Sing. Okay, I can sing, just not in tune.
• Paint pretty pictures. Walls? I'm brilliant.
• Scale high buildings, or do anything that requires me to be more than 6 feet off the ground.
• Kill insects, even the "bad" ones. It all goes back to the spruce bud worm infestation of '79. How do I deal? Catch and release.
• Weird. I can only think of four things. So I guess number 5 is complete this list.

7 things that attracted me to my spouse:
Well, we aren't actually married. And we met at a party when I mistook him for someone else, so I'm not sure if you could say I was attracted to him. Though he doesn't really look like the other guy. How about 7 things I find attractive?

• The sideburns, baby!
• His good manners.
• The fact that he is a grammar freak.
• Our banter.
• His goofy sense of humour.
• His amazing kisses.
• Pretty much everything else.

7 Things I say often:

• Bye, baby. (Since we live in different cities, I say this to O every night on the phone)
• Cleo-eo-eo-eo-eo (Cat greeting No. 1 when I arrive home each day)
• Mewdles! (Cat greeting No. 2 when I arrive home each day)
• That sucks.
• Hey? (As opposed to "Eh?")
• Howdy! (Standard non-cat greeting)
• Goddamn (with foot stamp)

7 Books I love:

• Everything by Roddy Doyle.
• We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (Be prepared to be horrified.)
• After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell (If you take this as a recommended reading list, this one comes with a warning. You will need at least one box of tissues.)
• Emma by Jane Austin
• Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austin
• Franny & Zoe by J.D. Salinger
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Number one fave. Everyone should read it.)

7 Movies I could watch over and over again

• Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai
• Down By Law
• The Princess Bride
• Mediterraneo
• Betty Blue
• Breakfast at Tiffany's (despite stoopid Mickey Rooney)
• Amelie

7 People who I'm going to tag!

How about...
The Bee
Claw of the Conciliator

Like Mama D, I don't have that many bloggy friends.

Oh, heck. Let's tag The Wood Between the Worlds as well.

Green Brandon has moved

I set up a site meter on Green Brandon a couple of weeks ago (thanks to help from Mama D) and found that practically no one was looking at it. Thought about whether I should keep it up, and if so, was Blogger the best place to host it?

Then I discovered that eBrandon is now hosting blogs. So GB has a new home. I don't like the look and useability of the site, but it seems more appropriate for the type of info I'm posting there. We'll see how long I last. I don't think I can deal with too many negative comments! Some of the stuff in the discussion forum is quite nasty. Why can't we all play nice???

My first post there is on Environment Week, which starts tomorrow. My workplace is taking part in the Commuter Challenge, though I personally am not. They have it set up so that you are supposed to take a different form of green transportation each day. No way I'm spending 45 minutes on the bus when it only takes me 12 minutes to walk. In any cse, it's cool that they are doing it.

The high price of gas is sure to get more people participating. I've noticed some very strange changes in Brandon this spring. A lot (and I mean A LOT) more people seem to be riding their bikes. And there are suddenly a bunch of scooters on the road as well as four (count 'em) Smart Cars in town. One of them is totally souped up.

All the scooters whizzing by are making me want two motorized wheels. It will have to remain a dream for now, but I can definitely see one in my future. Maybe an electric scooter. And I don't mean one of these.

Computer Drop-Off Day

Celebrate Environment Week with Westman Recycling
Saturday, June 3
22 – 11th Street

• Computer, cell phone, printer cartridge drop-off
  10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Computers – only monitor and CPU (tower) accepted.
  Phones and cartridges support Samaritan House.

• Enjoy a hot dog and drink for $1
  11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: CMHA Re-Store, 22 – 11th Street

mixed tape

I haven't had time to really process Greg's death, but I've thought of nothing else since I heard the news. It has stirred up all sorts of feelings about friendship, love, the symbolic meaning attached to relationships. About quality of life. About death and grief. I need time to deal with my thoughts and emotions.

Therefore, today's post (since it has been a while) is going to be frivolous. I'm not ready to write about the other stuff, and that's all I've had on my mind.

So, in no particular order, 10 songs I'll always love...

1. Veronica by Elvis Costello
O and I were listening to this tape the morning I heard that Greg was gone. I woke up with the lyrics "do the days fly by? did the favors wane?" in my head and it took me ages to figure out what they were from. Unfortunately, they work really well to the tune of Harvest by Neil Young, so that got me off track. If it wasn't for the Archie comics association, I'd consider Veronica as a name for a future daughter. Or cat. That's how much I love this song.

2. Pressure Drop by Toots and the Maytals
Fact is, I like reggae. A lot. I like Toots, too. I never get sick of him. And this is one of his that I like more than everything else. Ya, ya, The Clash and The Specials have made good versions, but nothing beats the original.

3. Train in Vain by the Clash
Speaking of The Clash. "You say you stand, duh-duh-duh, by your man, duh-duh-duh..." It isn't even playing (except in my head) and I want to get up and dance.

4. Innocent When You Dream (Barroom version) by Tom Waits
I'm a sucker for Tom Waits, singing low and powerful, but add a drunken swagger to the delivery, and I swoon. Beautiful. Beautiful.

5. Under Pressure by David Bowie and Freddy Mercury
I'm not sure that I can explain why this one is one the list. Do I need to? Do y'all get it?

6. Victoria by The Fall
The Fall can be a difficult band to love, but even those (like O) who appreciate them but don't love them, must agree that this is a great song. Love the glass smashing, love the lyrics, love the beat, love the melody. And heck, Mark E. Smith is practically singing.

7. You Make Me Want to Wear Dresses by Lisa Germano
This one always takes me back to the summer of 1994. I was working at Candlewood books in Brandon. My bestest friend and I got all dolled up and drove into the big city in my boyfriend's Mercury Meteor. This song reminds me of the prairies, of long summer days, of hot wind on bare legs. Of my boss, Don, unable to get this tune out of his head (if you know what he looks like, you'll understand how hilarious this is). And I do love to wear dresses.

8. No Woman, No Cry by Bob Marley
This songs comes on? Woman, cry. It's embarassing, but it happens every time. I can't explain why. I have no particular sentimental attachmentment. The wail at the beginning gets me misty, and by the "everythings gonna be alright" I'm a river.

9. Straight to You by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
There are plenty of Nick Cave songs that I will never tire of, but I regularly come back to this one. Boatman's Call reminds me of breaking up with Warren and all the sorrow and regret that went along with moving out of our home. Somethings Got a Hold of My Heart will always overwhelm me with teenage angst. The Ship Song is about O and everything I thought we could be to each other back then. But this song has no baggage. I can belt it out with abandon. (And I do.)

10. Heart of Gold by Neil Young
Just love this song. 'Nuff said.

Bonus Track: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
Like all of Cohen's songs, I prefer them when they are performed by someone else. The John Cale version, off the tribute album I'm Your Fan, is the one that gets me every time.

How do we control mosquitos in Brandon?

Brandon & Area Environmental Council presents:

“Understanding our Environment Speaker Series”

How do we control mosquitos in Brandon and surrounding communities?
Presentation by Bill Galloway B.Sc. M.Sc., Zoology Department, BU

Sunday May 28, 2006 2pm . Main Floor Classroom, Health Studies Building, B.U.

Renew your membership and buy a BAEC Earth Day t-shirt.

Contact: Dr. Bill Paton, President BAEC 727-9783
Patonw(at)Brandonu(dot)ca

saying goodbye

My lovely and amazing friend Greg died on Friday, around midnight Vancouver-time. I heard the news yesterday from my mom, who had heard from a friend who lives in the same small town as Greg's mom. This news did not come as a shock. I've been saying goodbye to Greg since 1994.

Greg and I met in 1989. I was on the 60 bus going to university. He got on one stop after I did and as he was making his way to a seat, the bus lurched and he stumbled, landing hard with muddy boots on my feet. He began apologizing profusely while he knelt down in front of me and cleaned my boots with his sleeve. I was a bit taken aback. Even more so when he sat down beside me. We talked the entire half hour ride and were friends ever after. I remember what he was wearing, he made such an impression that day... a navy blue shirt with cream pokadots.

Greg and I ate, drank and danced our way through that year, while I went through such events as flunking out of school and meeting O. We ate, drank and danced our way through the years that followed. My move to Vancouver didn't dampen our friendship. He sent me the most fantastic and hilarious homemade postcards. I was soon back in Winnipeg, and we picked up where we left off. I discovered at some point that he was diabetic. I felt pangs of guilt when I considered how much alcohol we had downed together. I knew what having diabetes meant. But he didn't seem concerned, so I decided not to be concerned. I wonder now if I could have changed anything or if it would have been worth it to try. I can't imagine that it would have had any effect except to put a wedge between us.

In 1994, Greg told me he was HIV positive. I was stunned and in tears, afraid for my friend. He told me that it was okay... he never expected to live a long life anyway. He was not trying to buck me up, that was truly how he felt. Despite the diagnosis, or perhaps because of it, we went out dancing as planned and we had a great time.

Greg moved to Vancouver a couple of years later. We stayed in touch, but not as much as previously. Every time I went to the West Coast, we hung out together. It was always so easy to pick up with him. Nothing changed between us. We loved each other as much as always.

Two years ago, his diabetes started to cause him serious problems. He had several small strokes. He went into shock and nearly died. He had kidney failure. Ironically, his HIV positive status was the best thing for him. It meant that when he was no longer able to live on his own, he could move into The Dr. Peter Centre. It was there that he lived out the rest of his life.

I was in Vancouver in November, over the Remembrance Day long weekend. Greg was in the hospital with pneumonia. He had lost part of his foot due to complications from the diabetes. I went to visit him each of the four days I was there. As always, and despite everything, it was so good to see him and talk to him, to lean up against him and put my arms around him. The last time we spoke, I said I'd come visit again when I could. He told me that there might not be a next time. And there wasn't.

A friend visited in February and reported back that he was doing really well. That's the way it went these last years. He did well, then poorly, then well. When he died, he was in the hospital with pneumonia again. He choked and they were unable to clear his lungs. His mother and brother were called and he died with them beside him.

I've been feeling profoundly sad, but also a little relieved, since hearing the news. Greg's quality of life had seriously diminished, and I can't imagine that he would have wanted to linger on. I know he was resigned to his death, that the bitterness he had once felt was no longer consuming him. Mostly I feel thankful that I had seventeen years with him in my life. He was terribly funny, extremely talented and one of the most beautiful people I've ever met. Rest in Peace, my dear friend.

Green Landscaping Brochure

Green Landscaping: Seven Principles

Use minimal water to create a healthy yard Quick Facts:
Water demand is highest during the summer growing season, mainly due to lawn watering.
Typically, 50% of the water consumed by a single family household during the growing season is used to irrigate lawn and garden areas.

1. Planning and Design
Consider:
Site characteristics: drainage, sun, shade, wind, slopes, noise, privacy.
Your needs and wants: garden, entertainment, service, and play areas.
Draw your plan on paper: measure your yard, and include structures and plants you will be keeping. Then try various ideas on paper.

2. Soil
Most plants grow best in loamy soil that drains well and contains organic material.
If your plants are not doing as well as you would expect, a soil analysis may help in determining your problem. Call an accredited lab for information.

3. Reduce Turf Area
Decide how much lawn area you want. Then, gradually reduce the excess by removing the lawn and replanting with appropriate low maintenance plants.

4. Irrigation
If you do have to irrigate, water deeply, but not often.
The larger the drop size, the less evaporation will occur. Apply the water as close to the ground as possible. If water begins to pond while watering, water for 15 minute intervals until the needed water has been applied.
Minimize your need for irrigation. Group plants according to their water needs, and according to the attributes of the area of your yard. If you have one area which is extremely hot and dry, use drought tolerant species. However, if you have an area that is always damp or wet, consider using plants that grow well in that environment.

5. Mulches
Mulching assists soil in retaining moisture, reducing weed growth and preventing erosion. Anything from straw, grass clippings, leaves or newspaper to wood chips, pine cones, compost or peat moss can be used as a mulch. Apply the mulch 3 to 4 inches thick, ensuring the mulch does not touch the stalks or trunks of plants.

6. Plant Selection
Choose plants that are appropriate for the area of your yard (sun versus shade, dry versus wet, etc.).
Consider size, colour, and texture of the plants.
Plants native to your area are already adapted to the climate. In addition, many are perennial or self-seeding, reducing future costs for new plants. Many native plants will also support indigenous animals, such as butterflies and birds.

7. Maintenance
Low-water landscaped areas are intended to require low maintenance. However, this does mean some upkeep must still be done. Some of the tasks include:
Adding mulch yearly.
Amending flower and vegetable beds.
Pruning trees and shrubs.
Dividing and transplant perennials as required.
Cutting down perennial tops.
Ensuring nutrients in soil are adequate for the plants in that area.
Weeding as necessary.

Lawns
Ensure grass is a drought resistant variety.
Grass cut 7.5 to 10 cm long requires less water because roots, new growth and soil are shaded.
Water the garden in the morning when there is little wind to minimize evaporation.
Only water the garden, not the sidewalk, road or neighbour's deck.
Buy a timer for your outside faucet, or use a kitchen timer as a reminder to turn water off.
Use a soil moisture indicator for your lawn, or measure rain and sprinkler water in a container. Three centimetres of water per week is usually enough.
Aerate your lawn regularly.
Use a watering can with water from your rain barrel for plants that need extra water.
Encourage children to use water toys and a splash pool, rather than a hose or a sprinkler, to keep cool. Use the water from the splash pool for your garden.

Other Outdoor Hints
Use a broom, not a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.
Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water; only use the hose for rinsing.
Repair any leaks in your hose or connections.

For More Information, Please Contact:
Water Use Efficiency Coordinator
Pollution Prevention
Manitoba Environment
123 Main Street, Suite 160
Winnipeg MB R3C 1A5
Phone: 1-800-282-8069 ext. 8980

Community Shared Agriculture

What is Community Shared Agriculture?
CSA is a system of growing and distributing organic produce which restores the link between farmers and consumers. CSA is ecologically sound. Produce is grown organically. CSA is socially just, striving to foster trust and build community by directly linking consumers and producers. CSA is economically viable, enabling the risks associated with farming and the care and well-being of our land to be shared by all. Money stays within the local community.

How does it work?
You purchase a share of the growers harvest in the spring. Once a week during the growing season (12-14 weeks), fresh picked fruits and vegetables are delivered to a designated place. Members are encouraged to get involved. Come out for a tour, or for weeding and harvesting.

How do I get involved?
In Brandon, we are lucky to have to CSA projects. This year they are growing apples, Asian greens, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, garlic, herbs, lettuce, muskmelons, onions, peas, parsnip, pepers, potatoes, pumpkin, raspberries, rhubarb, spinach, squash, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips, watermelon and zucchini.

Aagaard Farms
Tel: 727-3788
Email: norette(at)yahoo(dot)com
Aaggard Farms is a family run market garden that was started 25 years ago. It is now operated by the second generation of the family, Jes Aagaard and his partner Norah Tolmie. They offer garden plots, U-Pick, CSA as well as selling produce at the Riverbank Discovery Centre Farmer's Market.

Country Gate Gardens
Tel: Menno at 728-2909 or Linda at 724-7422
Email: meisaac(at)mts(dot)net or raven(at)xplornet(dot)com

further to yesterday's post

I heard back from the editor this morning. He "forgot" to run the article. At first, I was feeling pretty angry, but you know... maybe he did. It's not like I've never done anything like that before, right?

I told him he could make it up to me by running an article for Women's Health Day in June. No reply yet, but I'm guessing he'll be accomodating.

National Day Against Homophobia

Ahhh…. The good ol’ Brandon Sun (or BS, as I like to call it.) Over a month ago, I contacted the editor on behalf of the Sexual Health Committee (which I sit on) about running an article for the National Day Against Homophobia on the topic of homophobia in the workplace. Direct quote from the editor: “That sounds fantastic.” I spent many hours working on the article (I knew the facts, but I wanted to get the tone right, so I kept fiddling with it) and got it to the editor a week ago as he had requested. Today, I grabbed the paper to see the article. Can you guess where this is going? Right. It had not been printed.

Our other local paper, the weekly Wheat City Journal, also agreed to run an article. It was also submitted well in advance of the deadline, but it did not appear in last Thursdays edition. It (supposedly) will run tomorrow. A day late.

The posters for this year’s campaign say that homophobia is becoming more subtle. As subtle as, say, newspaper editors suppressing stories about the day that is supposed to bring awareness to the problem? Just in case you are thinking that Brandon sucks when it comes to these kinds of issues, the local television station had myself, another member of the Sexual Health Committee and a local gay activist on the Noon Hour Show on Monday. My bit was mercifully short. The program was excellent. The host personally knew the activist, so she was very frank about what she was asking, but also very supportive in the way she framed questions. The Sexual Health Committee is also running Ally Training today, and have 30 people signed up from various workplaces.

Since the BS didn’t print my article, I’ll do it myself. Here it is in all its glory:

May 17th is the National Day Against Homophobia. The purpose of this annual event is to raise awareness of homophobia’s harmful effects and to work against exclusion. This year, the campaign targets homophobia in the workplace. Employers, co-workers, unions, corporations and professional organizations all play a role in creating a respectful and prejudice-free work environment.

What is Homophobia?
Homophobia is a negative attitude, feeling or behaviour towards those who are not heterosexual, which includes individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or two-spirited. Homophobia takes on many forms in the workplace and it is becoming more subtle. Homophobia is: not hiring someone because you suspect they are not heterosexual, denying opportunities because of sexual orientation, harassment or violence, homophobic comments, jokes or slurs, shunning, insinuations, insults or threats. Homophobia creates feelings of isolation and fear.

What are Our Rights and Responsibilities?
The Manitoba Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act protect employees from being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, marital status, or religion. Employers cannot refuse to hire or continue to employ a person, treat an employee differently from others, exclude employees from membership in an organization, or pay lower wages based on the employee’s actual or presumed sexual orientation. It is the employer’s responsibility to make sure that personal information is kept confidential. Employers must also protect their employees from discrimination or harassment.

Although legal protections are in place, discrimination often goes unseen or unchallenged. There may be a lack of understanding and awareness, or a fear of being singled out. Everyone is affected by homophobia, and it is up to the employer and all employees to build a culture of respect.

Ways to Create a Respectful Workplace
Implement anti-discrimination or anti-harassment policies
Offer awareness training on human rights issues
Invite significant others work-related social events
Have a benefit package that acknowledges same-sex relationships
Equally acknowledge the relationships of your co-workers, colleagues, or clients by ensuring, for example, that anniversaries, births, and marriages/union ceremonies are celebrated in the same way, and that all partners are acknowledged
Report incidents of inappropriate behaviour
Question your own stereotypes and learn more about others
Value the contributions that different points of view can bring to your workplace

Where to Get More Information
Another way to foster a safe and positive work environment is to provide Ally training. An Ally is someone who is informed about and is sensitive towards those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or two-spirited, is understanding of their issues, and affirms their experiences and rights. Those who complete the training program in good faith and have a genuine interest in the goals and mission of the program are encouraged to become an Ally, but there is no obligation. Contact the Sexuality Education Resource Centre for additional resources and information about Diversity Training for your organization, business, or school.

Canada Road Safety Week

May 16 – 22 Canada Road Safety Week. Transportation Canada's vision is to make our roads the safest in the world by 2010, but a quick look around their website reveals that they are talking about making the roads safe for those who drive cars, not bicycles.

With gas prices soaring, more people are choosing two wheels instead of four. So what can those of us who choose pedal power do to ensure our safety?

First and foremost, we need to act like we are vehicles, because we are. The City of Brandon Bicycle Bylaw (Pt III, Sec 6.2: pg 20) and Fines (Pt V, Sec. 56.2: pg 60) are available online. If we behave like cars, it helps other drivers know what to expect of us. Don’t ride facing into traffic. Use signals. Stop at stop signs. Stay in your lane. And don’t let road rage get the best of you!

The rest of it is stuff you already know. Be visible. Wear a helmet. Don't wear headphones. Don't talk on your cell phone (?!?). Okay, I'll stop lecturing.

Biking Toronto has 8 Secrets to Cycling in Traffic that are worth checking out. Be sure to read the comments too. Not that we face the same crazy traffic that Toronto bikers do!

Bill to Ban Non-Essential Use of Pesticides

Winnipeg M.P. Pat Martin tabled a bill in the House of Commons calling for a nationwide ban on all cosmetic used of pesticides and herbicides. He cited the growing list of neurological diseases, cancers and reproductive disorders found in the population, particularly in children and pregnant women. The bill would place the onus on the chemical companies to prove that their products are safe before they would be allowed back on store shelves, rather than government and health officials having to prove they are harmful before they are removed.

Ninety municipalities throughout Canada, including all of Quebec, have banned the cosmetic use of pesticides. Brandon is the only city in Manitoba to have done so.

The bill does not ban pesticides for agricultural or commercial use, but if the bill is implemented, Martin says it would reduce overall pesticide use by 40%.
(Taken from The Herald. Please see MP Wants Nationwide Pesticide Ban for the full story.)

Please show your support for this bill by emailing Merv Tweed, MP for Brandon-Souris and asking him to request that this private members bill be brought forward for debate in the House of Common.
Merv Tweed M.P., Brandon-Souris email: Tweed.M@parl.gc.ca

Here are some other MPs you may wish to contact:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper email: Harper.S@parl.gc.ca
Bill Graham M.P. email: Graham.B@parl.gc.ca
Jack Layton M.P. email: Layton.J@parl.gc.ca
Gilles Duceppe M.P. email: Duceppe.G@parl.gc.ca
Minister of the Environment, Rona Ambrose M.P. email: Ambrose.R@parl.gc.ca
Minister of Health, Tony Clement M.P. email: Clement.T@parl.gc.ca

latest musical obsession

I got turned onto the Elliott Smith tribute on the Boston University radio station by Tracy and have been listening to it constantly since. I have yet to hear Tracy's niece, but I have gotten hooked on Emma Cunningham's performace of Waltz#2(xo).

I loved it so much that I emailed her and asked how I could get a copy of it. She emailed back a lovely note and pointed me to her personal page where that song and a couple of others can be downloaded. Maybe I'm delusional, maybe it's not as amazing as I think, but I love this song. I mean, I love the song period, but I really love her version. She delivers it with heartbroken bravado. I feel what she feels. It's beautiful.

I also love her voice. If I could sing (and any of you who have been stuck in a car with me know that I cannot), I would like to sound like her. Since I lack such a clear, mellow voice, I'll just have to turn her recording up loud enough to drown myself out.

Invitation from Westman Recycling

At the recent Westmn Recycling Council AGM, there was some reflecting on the past and a discussion of what's to come. What should Westman Recycling do in the future? Everyone is invited to send your ideas to the Board of Directors. Please respond by Friday, May 19th so that all ideas can be considered at the next meeting. Contact WRC at:

Tel: 729-8123
Email: wrc(at)westmanrecycling(dot)com

Upcoming Events
Westman Recycling will hold its annual hotdog day to celebrate Wolrd Environment Week (veggie dogs, anyone? hint hint).

A computer drop-off day will take place on Saturday, June 3.

Details on both these events to come.

Hazardous Waste Day - May 13

Saturday, May 13th is the City of Brandon Household Hazardous Waste Day. Any old paints, pesticides, batteries, solvents, insecticides, cleaning products, used oils, automotive fluids or other products that you are unsure how to dispose of safely can be dropped off between 10am and 2pm at the Civic Services Complex, 900 Richmond Ave. E.

Green Drinks Reminder

Green Drinks is on at the Double Decker, Tuesday, May 9th starting at 8pm.

The good folks at the Decker have offered to extend happy hour prices on Fort Garry beer especially for us.

See you there!

Hopeless Case

I mentioned to one of my friends on Thursday that I recently had a strange revelation. If the world goes to hell in a hand basket, I will not be one of the survivors. I have Graves disease and require daily thyroid medication, so if there is global economic collapse, or the U.S. invades Canada when they run out of water, or this global warming thing really gets out of hand, I’m going to be in trouble. Well... we all will be... but I will only manage as well as everyone else until my prescription runs out. Then I will become a burden.

I was sort of joking when I said this to her, but I have to admit I felt a strange thrill when I came to this realization. My friend immediately seized upon opportunity it would give me to do anything. Heck, if we ever get to this point, no one will have much to lose. But if I face the choice of a lingering death or going out in a blaze of glory, I hope I have the guts to be a shooting star.

And then today, I read this article: Beyond Hope. Go check it out, then meet me back here.

May 7 - 13 Composting Awareness Week

The Composting Council of Canada has loads of information on their website about how to compost, troubleshooting, building your own composter, mulching and lawn care.

Budget Roundup

Harper's Conservative government delivered their first budget on May 2nd. There has been a lot of bantering back and forth about whether the GST cut and child care "beer and popcorn" money are beneficial or not, and to whom, but there doesn't seem to be any disagreement about spending on environmental issues and programs.

Here are links to a number of articles and statements about the budget's (negative) impact on the environment:

CBC
Tories shift climate change funding to transit

The Toronto Star
Editorial: Budget neglects future challenges

Climate left out in cold

The Halifax Chronicle Herald
Kyoto funds will be shifted to tax credits for public transit users

The Hamilton Spectator
Budget cool on climate

The Edmondton Journal
Conservatives take pass on Kyoto, and hope riders take pass on transit

The Washington Post
Canada Alters Course on Kyoto

The Sierra Club
Green Budget Coalition Disappointed By 2006 Federal Budget

David Suzuki Foundation
Federal budget fails to mention global warming

Big Buys

I've made a couple of rather expensive purchases lately, and have a couple more coming up. I tend to think a lot about what I buy, and not impulse shop. This leads to some long grocery store visits as I agonize over the labels. Ever seen that Simpson's episode: "Catsup? Ketchup?"

A good friend recently asked me about how to make ethical purchases. This is such an impossible question to answer. The corporate world changes so quickly. A company that is "bad" one day will realize how ugly their image is and start embracing environmental and human rights issues the next. Meanwhile, you're still standing outside their headquarters holding a sign. I am working on a post for Green Brandon that provides some resources on ethical shopping, and will let you know when it is up.

But more about what I blew my hard earned cash on. I've been lusting after Tracy's kettle since she posted a picture of it on her blog. I ended up buying the same kettle in red, even after checking the bottom of the box. And what did it say down there?? Made in Thailand. Le Creuset wouldn't exploit cheap labour in developing countries, would they? Ironically, their Asian-style kettle was made in France. Go figure.

I bought it anyway, because... it has a lifetime guarantee. So this is the last kettle I should ever have to buy. One way to reduce the impact I have on our dear planet is to consume less stuff. And this is not simply how I justify buying expensive items! I could buy a new kettle every 8 years or so, and toss them in a landfill when they rust out, or I can buy a single, quality kettle that will last until I'm a granny.

Plus, I got it from a locally owned (and really fantastic) kitchen store.

Ten Things I Like

1. Stop motion animation of nature. Flowers unfurling. Caterpillars changing into buterflies. Glorious sunsets.
2. Talking and talking and talking and talking with my girlfriends.
3. Helping people out.
4. Insects, and not just the cute ones like bumblebees, ladybugs and dragonflies. Spiders are cool. So are centipedes. And junebugs, sorry O. I even find silverfish interesting. But I hate ticks!!!
5. The way wheels on moving tractors appear to be going backwards.
6. A scorching summer day followed by a thunder storm.
7. Driving down the highway and having Radar Love by Golden Earring come on the radio. Singing along loudly.
8. Bare feet.
9. Fresh tomatoes from the garden. Chopped with some fresh basil, a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Mmmmmm.
10. Living five blocks from my sister. Really close, but not too close. Ya know?

The Next Green Drinks is Coming Up!

What: Drinks and good conversation with others who are passionate about environmental and sustainability issues
When: 8pm until late, Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Where: Double Decker lounge, 943 Rosser Ave.

Who: Anyone with an interest in environmental issues

David Suzuki at Pennywise

David Suzuki will be signing books on Wednesday, May 3 from 12:30 to 3:30 at Pennywise Books, 1031 Rosser Ave.

More Summer Reading

I posted a summer reading list on Green Brandon as well, for those of you who are interested in enviro issues. Or food. There are quite a few titles about food for some reason. Posted just before lunch??

Summer Reading List

As requested, here is my summer reading list, in (mostly) no particular order:

Atonement by Ian McEwan
Charming Billy by Alice McDermott
Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe
These are books that O's mom was getting rid of. I haven't read anything by the first two authors, but I love Guy Vanderhaeghe. Tracy - if you haven't read The Englishman's Boy, you should pick it up. Set in L.A. and on the Great Plains.

Oh, Play That Thing by Roddy Doyle
Roddy Doyle is one of my faves. This is his latest novel, and the only one I haven't read. Pick up a signed copy months ago but haven't had a chance to dive in. Top of my list.

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie
A gift from O's mom. She has really interesting, diverse taste so I always look forward to reading anything she sends my way.

The Nature of Economies by Jane Jacobs
As mentioned in the last post, also top of my list.

Beak of the Finch: Story of Evolution in Our Time by Jonathan Weiner
Can Love Last?: The Fate of Romance Over Time by Stephen A. Mitchell
Map That Changed the World by Simon Winchester
I had started all three of these, but then school got in the way and I dropped them. That was so long ago, that I have to begin at the beginning. I was really enjoying Beak of the Finch and can't wait to get back into it. Who knew that evolution could be so hilarious? I've read two other books by Simon Winchester, Professor and the Madman and Krakatoa, and really loved his style. He's a very conversational writer, often takes the reader on strange tangents, somehow makes it all relevant to the story. I think that's it, actually. Even though he is writing non-fiction, his books still read like stories.

Beyond Fate by Margaret Visser
I heard part of her Massey Lecture on CBC, and it sucked me in. Also love the cover!

My usual way of reading is to have a fiction and a non-fiction book on the go at the same time. Sometimes more than one of each. I think it is kind of like channel surfing without the tv. I can get so caught up in something that I'm unable to put it down, but most of the time I like to have a choice. What I pick up depends on my mood. And how mentally alert (or not) I'm feeling.

Summer Reading List

Here are some great new books on a range of environmental topics to check out:
Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan
Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature and Climate Change by Elizabeth Kolbert
Grub: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen by Anna Lappe and Bryant Terry
Fields of Plenty: A Farmer's Journey in Search of Real Food and the People Who Grow It by Michael Ableman

Eco-fiction:
Hotter Than Hell by Mark Tushingham
Friend of the Earth by T.C. Boyle
Zodiac by Neal Stephenson

Not so new but still great:
Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices by Michael Brower

Believing Cassandra: An Optimists Look at a Pessimists World by Alan Atkisson
John E. Robbins Library, Brandon University - GE 170. A85

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

Or (re)read some of the classics:
Small is Beautiful by E.F. Schumaker
John E. Robbins Library, Brandon University - HB 171. S384 1999
Brandon Public Library - Adult Non-Fiction 330 Sch

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
John E. Robbins Library, Brandon University - SB 959.C3
Brandon Public Library - Adult Non-Fiction 632.9 Car

Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe

Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
John E. Robbins Library, Brandon University - NA 9108 .J3
Brandon Public Library - Adult Non-Fiction 711.409 Jac

Pestide-Free Gardening

The Green Spot has the following natural lawn and garden products:

Natures Lawn, an organic lawn fertilizer that is made from alfalfa.

Myke grass seed. The Green Spot has used Myke products, which encourage root growth, for a number of years and recommends them. This is the first time it has been formulated to be used with grass seed.

For more information on these or other natural lawn and garden products, visit the Green Spot at 1329 Rosser Avenue East, or call 727-5884.

Weed Man will use organic fertilizers and weed control products on request.

Weed Man uses beet juice extract as a fertilizer (it also inhibits weeds!), and corn gluten as a weed suppressant. Corn gluten It is a byproduct of corn syrup that adds nitrogen to your lawn and reduces the germination of dandelions and other broadleaf weeds.

For more information on their services, call 728-9333.

Jane Jacobs

Jane Jacobs is one of those writers whom I've always meant to read. A couple of weeks ago, I decided it was ridiculous that I had never gotten around to her and picked up The Nature of Economies. I had been intending to buy Dark Age Ahead, but the store was out of stock. Perhaps it is just as well, given my recent tendency to be depressed by the world.

Today when I read that Jane Jacobs had died, I felt profoundly sad. She was 89, so I guess it wasn't really a shock, but it still feels like a great loss. Although I have read none of her books, I have heard her interviewed several times and have been riveted by what she had to say.

I am currently reading Emma (again) and a book on swearing called Expletive Deleted that O's mom gave me for my birthday last year, but The Nature of Economies has just rocketted to the top of my summer reading list. It seems important that I finally find out what one of the great thinkers of our time had to say.

In Today's Brandon Sun

There were three articles of interest in the Sun today. They no longer have full text access, so you'll have to grab a copy of the paper.

Wooing 2nd hog plant?
More on this from April 19th article Their loss, our gain

Pesticide bylaw ammended
The actual bylaw can be viewed on the City of Brandon website.

2, 4-D said to cause cancer, study shows
Full text article available from the Toronto Star

local eccentric

I think I am well on my way to becoming the kook that the kids in the neighborhood laugh about. First sign: my bike has arrived and as of Friday (my next payday) I'll be cruising around Brandon on my cruiser. Not so kooky, perhaps, but I haven't seen any other 35 year olds riding one around town.

Second sign: I carried my sunbrella with me to the Earth Day celebrations on Saturday. Then to Stream 'n Wood to test drive my bicyclette. Then to my sister's house for dinner. My sunbrella is a candy pink, green, cream and grey umbrella that I use as shade when I'm out in the sun. A glorified parasol, I guess, that I started using last summer. I did see people with them at the Forks in Winnipeg, but I haven't seen anyone else in Brandon. I decided to start using it as a way of reducing my sunscreen use. I'm pretty darn pale and have been slathering on protection for many years. I've been using mostly organic and natural skin care products for about 6 years, but I've been unable to find a natural sunscreen that I like. Both my mom and grandmother have had skin cancer, so I'm pretty committed to my portable shade. However.... on the way home, some kids started yelling at me, "Why are you carrying an umbrella?" That's "sunbrella" sonny.

Third sign: I pick up garbage. On the way to and from work, I collect recyclables that others have carelessly tossed on the ground and I deposit them in the approriate receptacles. I also just pick up garbage where ever I go. This trait I come by honestly... I learned it from my mom. We used to do this all the time as kids. One of our favorite activities (and I'm not making this up) on the drive to my grandparent's house in Souris was to have my dad slowly drive along the shoulder of the highway while my brother, my sister and I combed the ditches for empty beer bottles. This was back in the day when "one for the road" was an acceptable thing to say so we usually got quite a haul. The reason it was a favourite activity was because we also got the money from cashing them in.

I think these are some good first steps toward attaining kook status. In a big city, I might blend in more, but not so much in Brandon. I have to admit, part of me would like to be the local crackpot. Most of the time though, I have to talk myself into these things. I'm so conditioned to behave like everyone else that it's hard to go out on even a small limb. If I had the chance to explain my actions, I'd feel better. Who could argue with having fun, getting exercise, protecting my health and keeping the city looking nice?

The City of Brandon Fair Trade Awareness Week

The Mayor's Office of the City of Brandon officially proclaimed April 23-29, 2006 as the first Brandon Fair Trade Awareness Week (BFTAW). During this week the community of Brandon will be encouraged to engage in the fair trade movement. BFTAW is a result of The Marquis Project’s campaign for fair trade support from the City of Brandon, which was initiated during National Fair Trade Weeks 2005.

This is the first year Brandon will be celebrating Fair Trade and raising awareness amongst consumers. The Marquis Project has planned the following events to engage the community and raise awareness for the movement.

BFTAW was kicked off one day early by setting up a Fair Trade information booth at the Earth Day Celebrations, April 22nd at the Brandon University’s Brodey Building.

Throughout BFTAW The Marquis Project’s shop, Worldly Goods, will be providing free samples of fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate and will be educating customers on fair trade. Store hours are 10am-5:30pm Monday-Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday.

The Marquis Project is also organizing a Southwest Manitoban Fair Trade Market within the exhibit/food court area of Rural Forum at the Keystone Centre April 28th/29th 2006. The market will include local businesses who sell fair trade products and prairie distributors who support fair trade.

Contact Kevin McCarty, Fair Trade Officer, at the Marquis Project for further information or visit www.fairtradenetwork.ca or www.transfair.ca.

Happy Earth Day!

I don't have anything profound to say, so here are some of my favorite greenie links...

Blogs
Worldchanging
Treehugger

Articles
Green Manhattan

Books
Plan B 2.0 by Lester Brown (full text)
Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert
Conversation with Kolbert

Websites
David Suzuki Foundation
New American Dream
Co-op America
Union of Concerned Scientists
Toxic Nation

And in case this is all too depressing...

Damed Cute
Penguin Sweaters

Shopping
Anna Sova
Consumer Reports - Organic Resouces

Earth Day - April 22

I was having lunch at Kim's today and overheard a boy (who was young enough to think his brother's screaming was hilarious) say to his dad, "Tomorrow is Earth Day." The father seemed disinterested, but the kid prevailed, "That means we have to keep the earth clean and green, right dad?" My heart warmed.

So what are we Brandonites doing to celebrate Earth Day?

Check out the festivities at Brandon University:
http://www.brandonu.ca/News/article.asp?A_ID=1007

There is an article in today's Brandon Sun on stuff happening at the Corral Centre. Dirty lawn mower trade-in at Home Depot, free organic fair trade coffee at Starbucks if you bring your own mug...
http://www.brandonsun.com/story.php?story_id=24121

And don't forget the special Earth Day edition of Green Drinks! Everyone is invited to Double Decker for good cheer and good beer. I haven't booked the couches, as I'm not sure how many people will be showing up, but the usual time stands. 8pm until late. Hope you can make it.

Latest COG-E Newsletter

The March Canadian Organic Growers E-News is now available.

Go Green and Save Green

Check out the Worldwatch Institute article on ways to make environmentally friendly choices AND save money.

Blogging bug

Hot on the heels of Mama D, I have started a second blog. Check out Green Brandon and let me know what you think. Any suggestions for the look or organization of the page, content, links, Brandon events, etc would be appreciated.

I decided to start this because I've been trying very unsuccessfully to get a Brandon link on the Green Drinks website. The owner of the site said to email him once we got started (which happened way back in November) and he would set us up with a page. I've emailed him four times now, and had no reply. Hate that. So, I've given up. No need to bother the guy any further, or make myself feel any more miffed.

In other news, still recovering from too much work. Still working too much! Should be finishing up the project for my prof within a couple of weeks. Then I can start thinking about my sociology thesis. I have two topics in mind, but am not sure where to go with either of them. Again, any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

First potential thesis topic:
Something about the culture of breast cancer. The whole pink thing, the activism, the dragon boating, the marches, the fundraising. But also about the girly-ness of it. The pink teddy bears, shoe laces, costumes, etc.

Second potential thesis topic:
This one was suggested by a friend. Something about my demographic... the over 30, never married women. The happily not married. Who they are, their educational attainment, financial status, etc. Also, why they are. And possibly why they all have cats (ha!ha!)

Welcome to Green Brandon

Hello Greenies (Drinkers and non-Drinkers alike),

After many unsuccessful attempts to try and get a Brandon link on the Green Drinks website, I decided to take matters into my own hands. The Green Brandon blog is intended to be the web equivalent of our local Green Drinks group... an informal place to post information about upcoming events, socialize, network, help each other out.

What you see here is just a quick start. Please let me know if you have websites to recommend, local articles to link to, or upcoming events or meetings that we should know about.

distortion

Reality distortion:
Exams are over. The days of drinking all night to celebrate are long past (or, well, never existed). Instead I borrowed movies from the library. I thought that some mindless media might help turn my brain off. Stayed up until 11pm (whoa) watching Being John Malkovich. I've seen it before, but it struck me as particularly surreal this time. Went to bed with my head spinning and had weird dreams all night. Seriously out of it today. Everything seems to have happened so fast... school, the winter, finals... It is going to a while to adjust to having free time.

Portion distortion:
The other big celebratory act last night was buying a Slurpee. Went to Sev for cream because I knew I'd be needing coffee this morning, and noticed that they have small cups again! This is so great. I hate super sized everything. I don't want a litre of pop, I just want a treat. A litre leaves me wired, makes my stomach upset and coats my teeth so they feel squeaky. A 350ml Slurpee is just right. Super sizing or "value pricing" always makes me feel ripped off. Only 13 cents for twice as much? But I don't want twice as much, so I get the small and feel shafted. Everyone else is getting a deal, but not me. At least I can feel smug in the fact that I'm not getting all the extra calories.

Being the geeky concerned citizen that I am, I phoned 7-Eleven this afternoon to tell them how happy I was. Ironically, this will likely mean that I drink MORE Slurpees.

7 reasons why I'm pretty sure spring is here...

1. My cat is shedding like CRAZY.
2. It is warmer outside than inside.
3. I inhaled my first bug of the season riding to work.
4. Having survived the winter with nary a sniffle, I feel like I'm getting a cold.
5. My mom's squirrel is back, baby! Hoo-ya!
6. I have mentally planted my garden fifty million times.
7. I was actually friendly today.

Now these signs are no guarantee that we won't get another snow storm. Remember two years ago, 'Tobans? May 18th?

The one sure sign, which I haven't seen yet, is when the guy who lives in the basement suite of the house next door starts smoking outside in his tiger slippers. When that happens, it is time to put the boots away. Until then, best keep them handy... just in case.

photographic memory

O's mom recently gave me a black and white photo of him looking theatreschoolcool in a beret, boots and skinny jeans, sipping coffee from a take-out cup, reclining on a low square seat. His legs look impossibly long.

It was taken some time in1989, judging from the length of his hair, shortly before we met. His face is partly hidden by the cup, but his expression is confident, direct. I love this picture. Everytime I look at it I think, "You dont know it yet, but in a few short months, you are going to meet a green-eyed girl who will turn your world upside down."

Wednesday is Green

Since my good friend put a link on her blog to mine and told the world that I am her green inpiration (thanks darlin'!) I thought I'd better write something enviro.

Today's post is about my killer mobile*. Back in 1990, I bought my Trek Antelope moutain bike and I've put many kms on it since. Wish I'd been keeping track. I am a city biker, not an off roader, and as much as possible, the good ol' Trek is my transportation. I should qualify this by saying I do not bike once the snow and ice arrive. I could handle the cold, I'm just too chicken/sensible. In winter, I walk.

This has some very positive outcomes. It is great for the environment. No internal combustion engine can beat my fuel efficiency (though it also means I don't get many chances to say "squeeze, suck, bang, blow"). It helps keep me in shape. Also good for my mental state, which has been needing some improving as of late.

Two issues that seem to be constantly in the media these days are obesity (just this week, an article on kids requiring heftier car seats, and how men and kids are getting fat at a faster rate than women) and climate change. Could the two be related?! Hmmmmm.

For inspiration and perspiration, I direct you to the National Center for Bicycling and Walking. Help keep our planet green and nourishing, and keep yourself healthy and fit!

*On My Bike by Roots Roundup (Vancity band that I loved back when my bike and I first met, lyrics from memory)

When I'm on my bike
I feel great 'cause everything is alright
When I'm ridin' on my killer mobile
Let me tell you now, tell you how I feel

Like a rock and roll band
Chugging away
Over hills and down valleys
I could ride all day
If I'm not happy with the way I'm feelin'
I jump on my bike for some fun and two wheelin'

....that's all I got! Off to jump on my trusty steed and boot it to my mom's for dinner.

I like it. It has a good beat. You can dance to it.

Yesterday I took advantage of the beautiful weather, and rode my bike (old one… new bike hasn’t arrived yet) to the store to buy the Bedouin Soundclash CD. O had downloaded a few of their songs over the weekend, and now I’m hooked.

They are a very pleasing blend of dub, reggae and ska with touches of gypsy, techno, pop, samba, calypso and soccer chants. I can hear snippets of the Jackson 5, Culture Club, Paul Simon’s Graceland, Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals… yet they sound like none of these.

Poor Andy Stochansky has been usurped.

bitchin'

And I don't mean cool or awesome, as in "His truck is bitchin'." I mean whining and being very irritable. Not sure what has gotten into me lately (or not so lately) but I can't seem to shake the grouchies. I'm sure winter had something to do with it. But winter appears to be more or less over (can never say that with certainty in Manitoba). So that excuse is gone.

I've been swamped at work for the last three months as one of the staff has been away, but she arrived back today and already my workload is easing. Second excuse gone.

There is school, of course. But in eight days and two exams that excuse will also be gone.

The sun is shining brilliantly, I have food in the cupboard, a roof over my head, things turning green in the garden, awesome friends who still seem to love me, a very patient partner... so what is going on? I have been in a consistently bad mood for weeks. I honestly don't feel like myself. I tend to be a bit extreme in the mood department... either really fantastic, or very low. I am definitely on the low end of this spectrum, but I am not having problems sleeping, concentrating, getting things done, or any of the other things that usually accompany my low ebbs. Actually have quite a bit of energy, it's just that it seems to be negative energy. I have found a lot to complain about lately, some of it justified, I guess, but most of it not worthy of my venom.

I haven't felt this crappy since the Cold War.

That last sentence is actually serious. I remember being quite freaked out during my teen years. Nuclear annihilation seemed like was a good possibility at that time, what with the USSR, and Sting singing about it and all. Plus I had just become aware that there was a world out there beyond my immediate experience.

I mentioned to O a few weeks back that I wanted to go on a media fast. I think a lot of the grouchiness lies in fear, and the fear is fueled by all the doom and gloom I read about every day. At work (death! disease!), in the news (death! disease! global warming! threat of war!) and this semester, in class (death! dictatorships!). Once exams are done, I am only going to read romance novels and gardening magazines. I'll keep you posted whether it helps.