Where's the Beef?

Ok, if you did not know the title give props to an old 80s commercial--you are too young or way too old.

It's one of those weeks. You know, where as soon as you get home you want a nice chunk of dark chocolate. Better yet, a grilled steak, medium-rare, with a glass of shiraz served to you in a hot tub by a hunky delish man. (Save room for dessert...)

I settled for organic multigrain soya-mozza grilled cheese with Simply Organics ketchup and a strawberry black tea. No, really, it *was* satisfying.


So funny, Flight of the Conchords' Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor



I cannot stop listening to Michael Mind's remix of Christopher Cross' Ride Like the Wind. I noticed it in BToxic's Electrograde mix (electro-house remixes of retro songs).

Listening to: Michael Mind - Ride Like the Wind (Klaas Remix)

 

Turning Japanese

Well, it's official. I am traveling to Japan mid-March for two weeks. I am flying into Tokyo to meet Dani & Mike. They are currently in Thailand and will meet me in Japan. The flight only cost $1,100. In 2003, I purchased a ticket on JAL through Tokyo to Australia during SARS for only $1400. I *love* Japan Airlines. Best airline on earth. Amazing service, comfy seats, video insets, lots of hot towels, pocky, green tea and delicious meals.



We are meeting at Tokyo airport and staying in Tokyo for a few days. Then we are taking the train north, south and back to Tokyo. Needless to stay I am ecstatic. I cannot wait to be in completely awe of Japan's art, culture, history, cuisine and customs.

In one week, I have learned how to count to 10, say yes, no, thanks, no thanks, good morning and good afternoon.

I am currently watching Lost In Translation for research.

 

Illuminate Yaletown

I went to Yaletown's first annual Illuminate Festival on Saturday. There were about 25 art installations including an ice living room, ice bonfire, light spheres, wall projections, shadow theatre, and light panels.



The highlight of the festival was Radiant Heat's fire performance shows. Radiant Heat performed three shows with a grand finale in front of EQ3.

I was surprised the event was not car-free. Pedestrians were everywhere with children and toy dogs. It was one giant car park. I thought it was strange the Roundhouse Community Centre did not have an open house for the event either. Apparently, the festival was such a hit, it will be back next year for the Olympics.

Listening to: Oscar the Grouch - I'm Sad Because I'm Happy

 

Ecofriend and Fabulous!

Imagine fulfilling your consumeristic desires guilt-free. Well, not completely guilt-free, but pretty darn close.

The Green Depot has opened its doors in Brooklyn. It is a green hybrid of Ikea and Home Depot full of organic and sustainable products for your home.



Also nifty, is the new West Elm store in Emeryville, CA that has a green and solar power roof, not too mention reclaimed hard-wood floor and low-VOC painted walls.



Listening to: Michael Mind - Ride Like the Wind

 

Love Like Blah

Like this Rat. I am not a huge fan of rats, but this is one cute bugger. Apparently, she chatters when she's content and snuggles stuffed animals. Cute. Bugger.

If you are a big g33k, you'll enjoy the History of Video Games. Reminds me of a few weeks ago when my niece and I were playing Pac-Man and Dig-Dug.



My cousin K sent me this music video for Fatboy Slim's The Joker. Bizarre. I love seeing the cat herders' hands in the camera shots.

I am not sure I want an iPhone enough to pay $60 a month on top of my cell phone plan. My unlimited Fido plan is grandfathered. I do not have digital cable because it costs $60 per month. I doubt plan prices will be going down any time soon.

Listening to: Beck - Timebomb

 

Laughter Is Always Good

I love British humour. BBC's Women Know Your Limits is very funny.

The Onion has its own YouTube Channel.



Hotmail stopped working on Mozilla today. Argh. I have to use IE to use it.

To iPhone or not to iPhone. Simple consumeristic, technologic whorish luxuries.

Listening to: The Pretenders - Don't Get Me Wrong

 

One of Those Days

It is one of those days. You know... the ones where you just want to put on lounge wear when you get home, eat some dark chocolate and drink some vanilla earl gray tea.

I started a profile on Urban Spoon. I saw that there is a Urban Spoon iPhone application, so I decided to check the web site out. It is actually very well organized and reviewer driven. Funny, I had this idea several years ago. But, Urban Spoon truly delivers. I have reviewed over 114 restaurants and voted on 218 in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. I definitely like to eat out.

Now I am thinking about a bubble or salts bath. Another action-packed weekend starting with Friday at work. I am looking forward to catching up with a friend visiting from San Francisco, whom I have not seen since end of summer. I am excited to play host to a tourist.

It is the official one-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It is even more controversial than ever.



Thrifty Foods is promoting Romance In the Aisles, where you can shop and mingle with other singles. Make a date over spending a buck or two.

Listening to: Holly McNarland - Numb

 

Trader Joe's Song

The fabulous Trader Joe's song. When is Trader Joe's coming to Canada?



I love Trader Joe's. Natural amazing fusion and International foods: dried fruits, trail mixes, teriyaki beef jerky, wasabi peas, healthier chips, mango and peach salsa, $2 wine, strawberry juice, garlic linguine, real soaps, and the list goes on. Most of it is chemical and additive free.

I also love Talking Rain sparkling water. It consists of natural water with only 100% natural fruit essences. The flavour kiwi-strawberry is amazing. Now there is pomegranate-lime? I am thinking about a Costco card just to purchase flats in Washington.

I am debating purchasing an iPhone for the cool applications. I am such a geek. Not really interested it as a phone because the Rogers plan in Canada is the second highest priced in the world (behind Italy). But the applications to organize my daily life, podcasts, games and gallery are cool. I already picked out colorware colours in blue, orange and chartreuse to change it from black.



I want to sing "I Wanna Be iPhone-sturbated" to the Ramones' I Wanna Be Sedated.

Listening to: Coldplay - Clocks

 

Back Burner

Well, I was chatting with my boss the other day about Earned Days Off (EDOs). I thought that you worked over time to bank up an EDO. So, this year I worked an extra 4 hours so far. Usually, I would just adjust my time when I wanted and work less on a day(s) to reduce the extra hours earned.



Apparently, this is incorrect. I am suppose to work extra as needed, but I get an automatic extra 5 EDOs off (regardless if I work less or more). So, last year I did not take these extra 5 EDOs. In fact, during the Xmas holidays, I took three Leave of Absence (LOAs) with NO PAY. Argh.

I am still awaiting my 6 month and annual performance review and a potential raise.


Oh, and 30 year old Frat Boys are dumb.

Listening to: Madonna - Sorry

 

Damn Skippy

A newly born baby lemur clutches a teddy bear as if it was its mother.



I recently read the article about Governors Island Envisioned as an Eco-Park on inhabitat.



Lately, I have been hearing Kermit's Rainbow Connection in my mind. But the duet with Debbie Harry and Kermit the Frog is lovely.



More banjo please.

 

Laundry Lifted

Weird. Someone stole my graphite 300-count queen-size fitted and flat bed linens from the laundry room.



I hope this person returns them. I kind of liked them.

Listening to: Enigma - Age of Loneliness