*S*N*O*W*

The first snow of this year.

Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink

Wow

The weather here in B.C. is pretty crazy right now...
Torrential rains have left 2 out of 3 reservoirs with high turbidity and potential bacterial contamination.
And the rain continues. And the Boil Water Advisory continues.
Fisticuffs at Costco and Superstore as grown men and women trample children and seniors for the last few cases of water.
Crazy.
We have a water cooler (Canadian Springs) and at work I have been boiling and Brita-izing the water. Hopefully no gastro-intestinal distress for me.

More importantly - I have made good progress in my reading:

Unless (Carol Shields)
Excellent book. I really like her writing style, and this story kept me hooked throughout as I discovered clues and finally the reason for Norah's self-imposed homelessness and search for 'goodness'. I highly recommend the book - 2 thumbs up.

Short History of Progress (Ronald Wright)
I don't have a strong background in history, which is probably why I like historical fiction. Now saying that, I recognize this is nonfiction. But my point is more that this book enlightened me as to the history of our little world, and how we as a society seem doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over. As much as the book was enlightening, it was also depressing. I used to see the world as a whole - society as a whole - the environment, wildlife... I used to see it all with a 'glass half full' type of mentality. I'm afraid to admit that these days, with the people we have in power, the current governments, the global companies that rape and pillage for profit... I think I now see our future through a 'glass half empty' perspective.
Depressing, I know.

The Notebook

I love a good love story.

As I sit and watch The Notebook, I feel this tingly chemistry as Noah and Allie go through their struggles and get together, and I sit here, sniffling and teary-eyed, as I realize this has been the story of their lives. I am such a sap.
But just when I think I am pathetic, I look over at M on the couch, and see she is all sniffly and teary-eyed, and I realize how perfect we are for each other.

Oyster's Paradise

This weekend included a trip to Vancouver Island, to the small community of Oyster River, where my Dad lives in a wood cabin within a stone's throw of the riverbank.
While each visit to my dad is memorable, I think this has been one of the best yet - which is interesting because we really didn't go anywhere.
The weekend was spent talking and sharing stories, discussing the family tree and getting to know relatives long gone. Music blared from the little cabin, from scottish music to french music, to 70s, and even some radio shows. We flicked through TV, pausing at news to discuss world events and rant a little (lot) about the evil little man currently in charge of the States. We played our traditional Backgammon Tournament, for which I was not the victor, but did put up some good competition.

A wonderful weekend, even if I almost got stranded on the ferry due to a lengthy nap, almost missing boarding the bus as we arrived in Nanaimo. Photos availabe HERE.

The Biggest Chocolate Bar in the History of chocolate bars

It is huge - as seen in the photo below.
It was a gift from a friend in the UK.

Eating for the sake of food availabilty - Phat File vol.1

Tonight I got together with a colleague at the VPL to work on an assignment that is due next week. Frustrations from that assignment aside, I realized something tonight.

I was meandering through downtown, contemplating taking a bus, when it occurred to me that I could grab a bite to eat. I cannot adequately relay to you, dear reader, the internal process that ensued.
Lots of chit chat between my "good guy inner self" and some "internal bad guy"... that little devil voice that told me how good Wendy's would be. Or a shwarma. or.. or ... or...
Lots of options along Robson Street, as I tried to stay focused on the task at hand - getting home.
As I tried to ignore my internal bad guy, I peered impatiently down Robson, willing the bus to come. Now here, dear reader, is where you realize I could walk home if I wanted to. It really isn't that far at all. A nice hike, even though I have about 50 pounds of books on my back, including exciting titles such as the Sears List of Subject Headings (and the Canadian Companion).
The debate between my good guy inner self and my internal bad guy went on for about 5 or 10 minutes, when I finally, and proudly, went with the good guy, and not only did I not grab a bite to eat, but I decided to walk home.

The biggest realization- the a-ha moment- I wasn't even hungry.
Nope.
Still actually quite satisfied from the sushi I had for dinner.
So why all the thoughts of grabbing a bite to eat?
Because I could.
Because it was there.
Because I knew it was yummy, and could ignore that it wasn't the healthiest choice.
Eating because the food is available.
Makes no sense. none. zero. zip. zilch.
It's like putting gas in your car because you are passing a gas station, except you don't need gas, so the gas overflows, catches fire, car explodes, tragically taking you with it. The End.

Tonight was a victory for me. A very small one, considering a bigger victory would be to get up early and go to the gym. But atleast I have recognized that, although I am sort of on this round-about quest to lose weight and get in shape, I continually sabotage myself and my efforts.

Well, this has been a most honest blogging session.
Probably enough for now.

recipes wanted...

Heads up! Chef Citron is in the kitchen!

I am reviewing my selection of recipes, plus collecting and trying new recipes.
Got any to share? I am aiming to combine my favourite new recipes, with my traditional favourites, into a wee cookbook.

mmmmmmmm