sarah d.

Gardening

2009-08-01T22:31:00.001-07:00

I spent 3 hours in our garden today. My fingers were caked with dirt, sweat was dripping from my head, my back ached. It was wonderful.

The garden got off to a slow start. It was a very dry spring. We turned up a lot of grass to make it. And, we don't have a lot of experience. But now, after the rain and some time, it's producing. I love it.

25 Things

2009-02-15T16:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone on Facebook is listing 25 random things about themselves lately. Here's my post:

1. I take being nice very seriously. At work I strive to be polite, respectful, and conscientious to everyone I interact with, even when I disagree with them. I think I am able to do this without sacrificing my ability to advocate for my clients or for myself. I believe I am pretty good at being nice at work.
2. I wish I were better at being nice at home. Sometimes I hear something come out of my mouth and immediately regret it. Usually it’s my tone that I find disappointing. I am actively working on it, but am less successful than I am at work.
3. When I was four or five, my best friend at the time threw a fire poker at my head and, lucky, only hit my right ear. I had stitches and still have a scar. (What kind of best friend throws things at your head?! But, he was a four-year-old boy, so perhaps he has an out.)
4. I’ve recently dabbled in Internet dating, with little success. I’ve found that one of my greatest turn-offs is poor grammar. I suppose this is a consequence of 21 years of schooling. (And seriously, with spell check, there is no excuse.)
5. When I was in grade 12 I worked at the local arena and therefore know how to drive an ice resurfacer (aka: Zamboni).
6. I didn’t get my hair cut by a professional for 9 years. This started as a way to save money when I was in college. Later, I was scared that if I went, whoever the hairdresser was would lecture me about it. I was also scared that I wouldn’t pick the right hairdresser and it would look awful. I was also scared about calling and making an appointment and then having to make small talk during the cut.
7. I am scared of a lot of everyday things, especially if they involve interacting with people.
8. One of the things I like the most about my BFF is that she is practically fearless, especially if it involves interacting with people.
9. I like being exactly on time. If I’m too early I may have to make awkward small talk with people. If I’m late I feel as if I am being disrespectful to the host and, depending on the event, everyone might see me walking in. Sometimes, however, it’s hard to know what time is “on time.” For example, when doors open at 8, the show might not actually start until 11 - when should I get there?!
10. Whenever we have communion at church, I freak out a little bit about standing in line, and having to walk up, in front of everyone. I don’t like people looking at me. (Am I a little bit neurotic? A lot neurotic?)
11. I really love opening things right after I buy them, even if I don’t need them right away. I take great joy in destroying packaging, removing sticker labels and tags, and putting things where they belong.
12. I enjoy being surrounded by sound. I would rather study in a crowded coffee shop than in a quiet library. I prefer having music/the radio/the TV on to silence. I like being in crowded places.
13. But, I HATE small human made sounds in an otherwise quiet place. Sounds like a pen tapping on a desk, a barrette being snapped open and closed, or keys jingling in my purse with each step. The worst sounds are mouth sounds - chewing gum, chewing food, slurping a drink… I don’t know why but small sounds are the single most annoying thing to me in life right now.
14. I am currently articling and have 4 rotations this year. This means I start a new job every 3 months and have to meet new people, learn the office environment, and get a hang of the law. I think this has been very good for me and made me more confident.
15. I have Dewey decimalized my non-fiction books and I labeled our pantry. But, I am generally not too crazy about organization. (My room is still a mess.)
16. I taught English in Tibet during the summer of 2002. It was awesome.
17. I have 24 houseplants and I hope to buy a couple more today.
18. I like to know things but I’m not very good at educating myself. I find it very difficult to stay interested in non-fiction books. I can’t seem to find the time to read the newspaper or online new sources daily. I think the farther I get away, in time, from school, people will think I am less smart.
19. I really love cheese. When we are out of it, I can’t think of anything to eat (even though I do eat meals without cheese, my brain just can’t get passed the idea that it isn’t available to me). I would like to expand my knowledge of, and experience with, different types of cheese.
20. I am a vegetarian but I am not very passionate about it. I do not try to convince others to give up meat nor do I mind it when people prepare and eat it around me. When people ask me why I don’t eat meat, I have my reasons but I can’t expand too much on them. I just don’t, even though I do like the taste of it. But even though I am fairly dispassionate about it, I can’t image not being a vegetarian.
21. I judge people based on the music they listen to, but only a little bit.
22. I want to live in community my whole life. I have never lived alone and I hope I never do.
23. I don’t speak with my family all that often (I talk to my mom about once every two weeks and see my extended family usually on holidays and other celebrations) even though most of them live very close to me. But I love them very dearly and am so thankful for their influence on my life. I greatly value the time I do spend with them. I will be very sad when I lose any of them.
24. I am a Christian and attend an Evangelical church but the flavour of my faith has changed drastically in the past 10 years. Compared to many people in my church communities of past and present I’m a flaming liberal.
25. I really like pretty things. Right now I am especially attracted to roses. I have a crocheted rose on my coat, big rose earrings, and a cute rose necklace. I just might look like an old lady. Oh well.

Community Centre

2009-02-08T20:55:00.001-08:00

It's been some time since my last post. On November 28th we moved into our new house. There have been a number of issues since that day, all with the house itself, but they're under control.

One step at a time.

But really, I don't think too much about the struggles. Living with six friends is awesome:
- There is almost always someone around.
- If I don't have any plans on a Friday night, that's OK, there will likely be someone here to hang out with.
- Heidi is consistently providing wine for us all.
- Spontaneous, and planned, dance parties erupt and with our combined music collections, there is always something to dance to.
- Spontaneous prayer meetings also erupt from time to time.
- When things do go wrong, there is usually someone to who can deal with it, we spread out the stress.
- I am getting to know my friends so much better and I like what I see.

We are getting excited about the Spring. We have such great plans for the yards, front and back. Gardens and a fire pit and composting! Yay! Becky and I are looking into getting a dog. Becky has started a choir and after one practice with only 4 people, it's already sounding great and expanding our circle.

Living in community, so far, has been just as great as I had hoped it would be.

I know where I'm going, but it will be work getting there...

2008-11-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

This past month has been a little stressful. I was waiting on two big things in my life.

First, my friends and I were trying to buy a house. We found the perfect one for us. Then we had to go through the stress of negotiating, receiving the results of an inspection, a couple appraisals, and getting financing. There was a lot of waiting and deciding and trusting and risking.

Second, I completely blanked and forgot to send in some necessary documents to take part in the learning portion of my articling year. I was informed that I was unregistered for the program. After quickly getting my documents in, I then just had to wait for the rest to work it's way through the system.

Just last week, both came together. We have bought a house and I've started classes. So the stress of waiting helplessly is over, but now I have a lot of work to do to get into that house and to finish my articling year well.

I think the waiting is more stressful because there is nothing I could do to improve the situation. My month will be very full of packing and arranging transfers of utilities and setting budgets and signing documents as well as studying and reading and drafting but at least I am certain for what I need to do and what it will lead to.

So, really I'm excited. New house! New Career! I'll be tired, but I'll be somewhere.

My Children

2008-09-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

I have 21 house plants. They are the closest thing I have to children.

I look at them often and sometime find myself staring, considering a particular plant, for lengthy moments. I really love them.

I don't know the names of any of them. That's not true. I know the names of some. I know I have a hoya, a spider plant, bamboo, a weeping fig, a peace lily, a christmas cactus, a lipstick plant, chives, a jade plant, and an umbrella tree. So that's 10 out of 21.

My favourite, I do have favourites, is the violet one (name unknown). I bought it at a booth, if that's the right term, at the now non-existent Red Strap Market. It was completely purple and planted in an aluminum tea pot. It almost died a few time. After I replanted it however, it thrived. It is no longer entirely purple. Only the middles of the leaves are purple, the rest is green. I accidentally broke off the longest shoot a few weeks ago, but I threw it in some water and then replanted it and it's doing great! So now I have two.

Even though I do have favourites, I don't really care what they look like. I have a friend who likes her plants to look nice. Her one bamboo is growing crooked and I think it drives her crazy. But I don't really care. So long as they aren't dying. The one sitting on the north window ledge (name unknown) has some stuff growing on the underside of its leaves. I tried to get rid of it but what I did didn't work. Oh well. It seems to be growing fine otherwise. Many of the others are a little lopsided.

And, even though I love them, if one dies, or becomes just too unsightly for even me, I do have my limits, I move on quickly. A couple died when I went away to Europe for about a month earlier this year. It would be nice if they were still around, but I got new ones. (Hopefully I don't have the same attitude about any future children I may have.)

I wish I had more plants but there aren't that many good places in this condo for houseplants. We face north and east and open wall space, where plants might sit atop bookcases, are generally in the dark. I think our new house, possession January 5th, will provide greater opportunities for little plant babies to thrive.

eDating

2008-08-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

So I've joined this dating site. 3 month subscription. So far I haven't had much luck. I'm not finding a lot of people that interest me and, apparently, I'm not too interesting to anyone either.

I've been quite honest on my profile, saying who I am (vegetarian, social justice advocate, living in community) so that these guys know what they're getting into. And I don't suspect that many guys that I would like would really be into online dating. But I'm there so maybe they will be to.

I don't have much dating experience in general so this online dating is pretty weird to me. Won't it be super strange if I actually meet someone? awkward

The whole thing is really interesting to me. I can filter people so easily and for things that might not actually be relevant in the long term. Poor grammar is an automatic turn-off, but should I reject someone for just that? Do language skills point to a good heart? If a guy lists "cars" as a passion, I doubt we'd work well together, but who's to say? Perhaps that car fanatic is my one and only. Really, I suspect chemistry is the real thing that matters, not "what do you do in your leisure time? "

I often don't initiate with someone I find interesting because I think they wouldn't be interested in me. I suppose that's for them to decide.

I joined because it seems that I just don't know anyone that could be my mate. It's not as if I've tried to have relationships with people and failed, but that there is a serious lack of appropriate men in my life. But I'm not sure this new online adventure will bring any more appropriate people in.

I guess I'll just see how it goes and re-evaluate after 3 months.

"It only takes one." hmmmmm......

Folkin'

2008-08-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

I went to the Calgary Folk Fest last weekend with Colin and Becky. We met up with Becky's friend Celine who arranged shelter for us for the weekend, that was nice.

Friday
We arrived on Friday, missing the Thursday show which included Amiee Mann and Sam Roberts, what-can-ya-do-?, just in time for Great Lake Swimmers and Bill Callahan. Becky and Colin like Mr. Callahan a lot more than I do, but it was still entertaining. And the GLSs are just lovely.

They were playing a side show from the main stage so once they were done we moved to the main area. At that point it was hard to find a decent spot, but Becky, as she did throughout the weekend, searched the crowd for a little patch where the 3 or 4 of us could perch. Even if you are far away, the large screens allow you to see everything on stage up close, just not so personal(ly).

On the mainstage was Andrew Bird and Calexico. (And Bedouin Soundclash but we didn't stay for them. Not our scene.) Andrew Bird is amazing. His mainstage show was great as were the workshops he participated in on Saturday. Such big sound from so few people. A what a whistler.

I had only really heard Calexico's music in conjunction with Iron and Wine (who I love) so I didn't know what to expect. Their sound is like their name, Southwest/Latin American. They sang about some political issues, especially the immigration issue in the US. I like that and it's part of what draws me to folk fests.

That night it took us a while to find our respective sleeping places, but we did in the end and were thankful for a free place to rest.

Saturday
Saturday we claimed our spot in front of the mainstage then went off to enjoy the workshops. Our first was Andrew Bird, Hawk and a Hacksaw (Hungarian music lead by the former drummer of Neutral Milk Hotel), and the Master Musicians of Jajouka from Morocco. The Moroccans seemed to only play one tune (to my untrained ears?) and when they joined in on the other's songs they couldn't help but dominate, even so, the music was so full and great. Best of all, one drummer danced a lot and hammed it up for the camera and was so thoroughly entertaining. He had some amazing moves; great butt wiggling.

This was followed by a concert by Wendy McNeill. She tells great stories and is oh so cute.

Later on we again saw Andrew Bird, Hawk and a Hacksaw, Calexico, and Bill Callahan. This was maybe the best workshop of the weekend (that we saw). When they all played together it was amazing. Such talented musicians that can pick up on the song and add something wonderful.

While the late morning and early afternoon was ridiculously hot and sunny, it started to rain later in the afternoon. We huddled under Becky's umbrella and under the tarp. We got wet, Colin especially, but the rain didn't last too long. It ended during Josh Ritter's set on the mainstage. I really love Josh Ritter. I've blogged about this before. Thankfully, his set wasn't too short, but I still could have handled more from him. He is always smiling when he plays and looks to be having so much fun. He and his band don't seem to take themselves too seriously. I find Josh so adorable and, right now, he can't seem to do any wrong in my eyes. I'm not usually so taken with someone and feel a little foolish about my true love for Mr. Ritter. Oh well.

The Duhks (pronounced ducks) played next and though I'm not really crazy about their style of music and doubt I would listen to it much on my own, they are really talented. Their main singer has a heck of voice. So, they were pretty impressive and entertaining. The rest of the night didn't really move me but it was fun being there. The night ended with Blue Rodeo who I have never really been taken by but many other people certainly are taken by them. They seem a little adult contemporary to me (?). So it was fun being surrounded by a lot of people who were really excited and I don't dislike them so it was a good time all-in-all.

Sunday
I woke up pretty sore on Sunday. I had sat on the hard ground the whole day before. I wasn't totally looking forward to another day of sitting but knew the music would be good. We stated off at a workshop involving Basia Bulat (the hottest new thing in the folk-rock world and oh so cute), GLS, Julie Doiron (also oh so cute), and Sam Parton from the Be Good Tanyas (who's mainstage concert we missed on Friday while listening to Bill Callahan). They didn't play together as much as some of the performers on Saturday but they each played lovely music of their own.

A Kara Keith concert followed. I think that she might be my favourite find of the weekend. I wasn't familiar with her before but think I will really like to listen to her music. She has a new album in the works that should be super fun. She and Becky had a little conversation from the stage. It was special.

After this, I separated from Becky and Colin and listened to a Woodpigeon concert with Celine. I like them. Then I went to get some food and walk around a bit. I left Celine with the tarp and forgot that she was leaving to meet some friends so when I returned I couldn't find her or our tarp. I was a little overwhelmed with being alone. Eventually I found Colin and Becky and could relax again.

While we half-heartedly watch So Called there was a huge thunderclap. We found out later that lightening had struck a tree on the island. That's a little scary.

Next, we watched a Julie Doiron concert from underneath the tarp, at least at first, then it stopped raining. We all really like her and think she's adorable on stage. It was a highlight of the weekend. Then, we finished the day off with a too short Basia Bulat concert.

At the mainstage we had a pretty good spot, just parallel to the jumbo screens so we could still see them but also see the stage. The Sparrow Quartet was entertaining. Bela Fleck plays with them. They play Appalachian music and Chinese folk songs. Good combo.

Connor Oberst followed with his latest incarnation, the Mystic Valley Band. He is now playing blue collar rock of sorts. I liked it. He is looking older and fuller in the face and was sporting a little scruff. He and his band wore matching jackets. How cute.

And that was that. We left after Connor and didn't stay for Ani Difranco, though I would have liked to hear her, (my friend Elspeth saw her in Edmonton and said it was amazing) because Becky and Colin had to work early the next morning and I was planning on driving all the way to Drayton. I ended up staying in the city for the night and driving back in the morning, though I'm not sure how I made it to work on time.

I kinda feel like I haven't hung out with Colin for years. After he moved to Victoria and since he's been back we haven't hung out in a smaller group for an extended period of time, so it was nice to have some quality-ish time. And Becky is always great to hang out with. I am so thankful for her out-going-ness. I need someone like that to off-set my self-consciousness. All in all, a really great weekend. Exhausting, but great.

Mid-Summer

2008-07-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a while.

I have been articling for 1.5 months. I am half way through my rotation in Drayton Valley, my home town. It's been interesting running into high school friends I haven't seen since graduation. Sometime awkward ( very awkward) and sometimes quite pleasant. My parents are away in Europe so I have the house to myself, which I find more lonely than pleasant, but it isn't too bad.

Also, I kinda like my job. Though this type of law (working for paying customers) isn't where my heart really lives, I think I could do it for a while if I needed to. I find it interesting and challenging. I am learning tons. I still feel like I only know a small fraction of what is required of me but I think I am picking it up at an acceptable pace. Liking this law thing is good news as I was going into articling thinking I might hate it all, or at the very least (or most?) find it unstimulating, but it's OK, even more than OK.

I've walked people through real estate sales, applied for probate of an estate, written wills and personal directives, prepared a commercial lease, subpoenaed a witness, and incorporated a company. These are run-of-mill tasks for any lawyer but for me they are firsts. I like knowing how to do these things.

On another note, I've joined an internet dating site. eek.

Back Home and Moving Forward

2008-05-24T16:17:00.001-07:00

I've been home from my trip for a week and a half now. It was a good trip. I saw some really beautiful things and got a taste of some wonderful cities. Maybe one day I can enjoy more than just a taste.

Summer is here and it makes me so happy. The heat is off and the windows are open (and, unfortunately, the motorcycles are roaring past). There are flowers on my balcony and I spend much time out there. I can step out of the house without a coat on or without one ready to be put on should the need arise. The downtown farmer's market is in full swing. Soon, Churchill Square will have regular weekend events. Just the knowledge that summer is here makes me smile, maybe even giggle a bit. Edmonton is wonderful in the summer.

I am back at work answering phones. The new office is pretty nice, though still in need of some putting together. There are a number of new faces. I enjoy working there and the days fly by. The plan was to start my articling there and then move to the other rotations starting in the fall. However, things have changed and I am now going to Drayton Valley for June 2nd. I was disappointed at first not to be spending the summer months in the city, but I have adjusted my attitude. And I plan on coming back on the weekends. I have a steep learning curve waiting for me in DV so it might be best to get that done and over with. Also, I have old friends in DV that will be great to catch up with. I am looking forward to it in some ways. My parents have a deck waiting for me there too.

Quick "Hi" From Abroad

2008-04-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

I only have 7 minutes left on my hour of internet time so this will be quick.

I am currently in Valencia, Spain. We (Justina and I) have just begun our tour of Spain. We came from France and Switzerland which were lovely. We don´t have any Spanish langage skills really so we´re just fumbling along but so far, so good, now that we have all of our trains booked.

I like being here but I do wish I was a little more adventurous. I am trying to be but I could be more, as always.

But, that said, things are really great. I certainly don´t miss the snow storm I left behind as I sit here in the Mediteranean air.

Endings

2008-04-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

When I was nearing the end of my degree at CBC I was pretty sad. I really loved that place and those people. I suppose I wasn't so sad to be done school, but to leave the friends.

When I completed my last class of my sociology degree, it really just felt like a formality. I had already completed a year of law and that class was more of an annoyance taking up my spring time evenings.

I just wrote my last law school exam. I'm done. And I'm not sad. I feel so relieved. I have been working non-stop for the last 3 weeks and now, I am blogging instead of reading. It's so much better.

I'm happy to be done, but it's not like I am fleeing from the school hoping to never see it again. I had some good times and met some great people who I hope to continue seeing around. I'm happy to be moving on after so long in school.

I'm done. I'm done. I'm done.

And now for a little vacation, and then the real work starts. yikes.

[At moments during my test I caught myself smiling thinking about Jim and Pam on The Office last night. I really am a super fan. Thankfully I have friends who record it so I can catch up when I get back. And LOST is starting again too!]

Addict

2008-04-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

I REALLY love the office. It's been gone since November when the WGA strike started. It's back on Thursday. IT'S BACK ON THURSDAY!!

Yesterday, my TV started acting up (during the OC...maybe the drama killed it?). It chirps and cuts out and freezes. The Telus guy said it should be fixed by Monday when a new software update is installed. Nooooooo. Monday is too late!

(And I am up to my eyeballs in homework so going to someone else's house could be really detrimental to me.)

Oh please God, heal my TV. Please.

Or maybe this is God's message to me that I'm an addict...

UPDATE: It's miraculously working again. Miraculously. With a day to spare, no less.

pain in the ass

2008-03-31T21:26:00.001-07:00

i've just been doing homework for the last week. that's it. aside from going to class and watching the o.c. at 5 o'clock.

every year i slack in the first two months and scramble in the last two. already my butt hurts from sitting for hours on end, just reading and writing and thinking. and my computer plug-in is being finicky so i can't move my laptop around a lot, forcing me to sit in the same spot. i suppose things could be worse.

every november/march is wonder if i will actually survive the semester and every december/april, i do. but not without enough stress to make me physically ill. i'm still waiting for the inevitable stomach cramps.

but this is the last of it. the last semester in a long line of semesters. 19 semesters to be exact.

although i can't help but feeling like my graduation is only the beginning of a long hard run at a difficult career...

the presentation i was working towards this past week was this morning and it went well. there was potential for it to not go well as there are some unstable elements in the classroom. i was presenting on my paper which compares the laws relating to criminal organizations and those relating to terrorism in the criminal code. i've spent a lot of time reading about the hells angels. it was easy to get side-tracked from the topic at hand. here is this organization involved in some awful crimes including 100s of murders but they still insist they are a legitimated motorcycle club. they are currently suing disney for copyright infringement. it's terribly interesting.

one of the unstable elements in the class is an über conservative boy who speaks with such authority on so many topics and has the ability to get me completely worked up. he made a comment today that i couldn't get out of my head all day. i just mentally argued with him for hours but he heard none of it. really, i just have to let it go.

well, back to work. see you in may.

Tibetan Memories

2008-03-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

The recent events in Tibet have caused it to be on my mind a lot lately. I taught English there for 6 weeks in the summer of 2002. There were some team tensions but overall it was a really great experience. The city of Lhasa and the people I met there were wonderful.

I have been reflecting on what I saw there in terms of the treatment of the Tibetan people. We were there as teachers and our organization made it clear to us that we shouldn't do anything to jeopardize our present there. So, we didn't ask any questions of our students about the political situation. But, we could still see things going on that pointed to oppression.

We were told not to go our much on the day of the Dali Lama's birthday. There was the potential for protests or demonstrations that could lead to altercations between the Tibetans and Chinese. The day before, as we were walking along a main street in front of the Potala Palace, a huge parade of policemen went by. I'm not very good at guess numbers, but at least 100 officers drove by on motorbikes and in police cars. The apparent message: don't try anything tomorrow, we're here and we're prepared. That was the most obvious display.

When I was in Lhasa, the population was about 50% Tibetan, 50% Han Chinese. There were (are?) incentives from the government for Chinese to move there. A new street had just be redone with a distinctively Chinese feel (neon light palm trees, coloured fountains, pop music blaring) as opposed to a Tibetan feel like at the Barkhor (prayer flags, yak hair, saffron and burgundy). We met a Tibetan man who was unable to get job, aside from the serving one he had at an Western-style bakery, because he did not speak Mandarin. The best English-speaking Tibetan was denied the scholarship reserved for a Tibetan student presumably because of his family connections to the Tibetan government in exile.

Those were small observations. I do not doubt the passion of the Tibetan people to seek independence, or at least greater autonomy. I pray they can send their message loudly but without violence. But I know, sometime that seems like an impossible task.

Hopefully I will be able to return the beautiful city of Lhasa one day. It enchanted me. Despite the team tensions I experienced on that trip, when I look back on it, I remember first and foremost the amazing experience that it was.

Birthday

2008-03-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday.

I have received several nice facebook messages on the subject. Some from people that I never talk to otherwise. This I find a little strange, but the well-wishes are still welcome. So thanks everyone.

A couple days ago I got a little sad and pouty that nothing was planned to celebrate my big leap into the year 2-7. Then I gave myself a reality check and noted that I never (or at least rarely) plan birthday celebrations for other people, heck, you're lucky if you get a "happy birthday" from me, so why should I expect other people to plan things for me. It doesn't mean my friends don't care, it just means that they have other things going on in their lives than to think constantly about me. So, I planned my own little get-together with just a few friends and some crepes. It's tomorrow night and I think it will be lovely.

One of my favourite birthday memories (and my brain only goes back so far so we're only dealing with birthdays that have happened in the last 10 years or so) is of my 20th. I went out for supper with a bunch of friends and then we had an impromptu party in the dorm hallway. Robyn brought over a cake, and I'm pretty sure Marilee was dancing around in rubber boots, and it was fun and crazy and spontaneous. It was so lovely because I just felt an overwhelming sense of love from my friends. That's all, just love, that's what I need.

Another good memory is of my 18th. We were having some financial struggles at the time so my gift from my parents was to cook a 10-course Chinese meal for me and a few friends. It was a lot of work on their part and it was really special for me.

My 19th birthday party brings up some bad memories. I had just come back from Israel a couple days before and I had terrible jet-lag. I was cranky and grumpy and ready for bed by 7:00. Esther got me a random gift and I totally showed my disappointment; something I feel bad about to this day (though I'm sure she's forgiven me). All my friends were really great, but I was really awful.

So, now I'm moving on to my late 20s. Who knows what it will hold. Hopefully there will be lots of love and good friends and not so much of me being terrible.

A Sea of Blue

2008-03-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

Wow - Alberta really likes its Conservatives.

I really thought that they would loose seats this election. I guess I wasn't paying attention. They have smashed the competition. I don't think I have ever voted for a candidate that has been successfully elected. And it looks like that isn't about to change any time soon.

Historical Conquests

2008-02-27T22:58:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a Josh Ritter concert. I am so smitten with him. I didn't stop smiling throughout the entire thing. He was giddy and adorable and I loved it all.

Unfortunately, he didn't play "Thin Blue Flame" which is my favourite, but it is really long. But, there was a disco moment and a romeo and juliet re-enactment... of sorts. And there was "Kathleen" and "Girl in the War" and "The Temptation of Adam"...

And, as a bonus, the bass player had a mustache. I love mustaches. Oh how I do.

Itinerary

2008-02-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

Justina (see link on left) posted our itinerary on her blog.

Ch-ch-ch-check it out!

Sanctus Ivo erat Brito, Advocatus

2008-02-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

Justina brought my attention to this saint...

Saint Ivo (or Ives, Yves, Yvo) - patron saint of lawyers and advocate for the poor.

Sanctus Ivo erat Brito,
Advocatus, et non latro
Res miranda populo

which means...

Saint Yvo was a Breton and a lawyer,
But not dishonest -
An astonishing thing in people's eyes

another site translates it this way...

St. Ives was from the land of beef,
a lawyer, and not a thief;
a stretch on popular belief.
(ha ha)

I think I should get an Ivo medallion. He seems pretty awesome.

more info here

Hola Espana

2008-02-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

I'm going to Spain (and France, Switzerland, and Morocco) 2 days after my last exam (ever!). And I'm really excited. I just want to plan. Mostly I want to plan when I have other school assignments due. Like right now, I have a presentation tomorrow on a very boring topic (to me anyways). Spain is much more interesting than confidentiality in commercial arbitration (...obviously).

I've been creating my own personalized guide book the past few days. I bought a Spanish guide book and have torn it apart and put it in the order of my itinerary (and excluded those sections on places I will not be visiting). And I've photocopied sections from library books (within their copyright boundaries of course) and added those in their appropriate order.

There is just so much to see and do. Our trip is far too short at 24 days. It really makes Edmonton look like quite the bore. I live here because my love is here, not for the architecture, this is true.

I have probably read the most about Barcelona, so I am most looking forward to it right now. And to Tangiers, though it is likely our most dangerous stop. I am most drawn to places that are the least like the world I know. As far as Europe goes, I think Spain is more unlike Alberta than many other destinations (but what do I really know?).

My next task, now that the guidebook is pretty much done, is to buy some good socks. Do I really want to pay $15 for one pair? They come highly recommended and I will be doing a lot of walking... but $15?

The Problem with the Law

2008-01-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

Below is a Post from April 2007 about the Law:

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"Lately, I've been grumpy after my "Professional Responsibility" class. I am always shocked at the behaviour of lawyers. The mere fact that one has to ask the question, "Can a good person be a good lawyer?" is troubling to me.

I do like my professor though, Mr. Law (yes, his name is Law). He is asking the right questions about the law and the profession. Today he went on a bit of a rant about how we have too many laws and that this is a problem. I agree. I have become much more sympathetic to the anarchist cause since starting law school. Interesting.

Here is my brief argument for how the law has contributed to some negative trends in Canadian society:

1. A Sense of Entitlement
Though I am generally a supporter of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and of Human Rights initiatives, this focus on rights, especially on individual rights, has contributed to the sense of entitlement that Canadians seem to exude. People feel that they desire this or that; that they are entitled to more, to better. The law provides legitimacy for this attitude. The law provides a way for people to seek recognition of those rights (whether real or fabricated) and seek compensation for the violation of those rights. As a result, people want more. They are not patient. They do not work together. They cannot compromise. They cannot turn the other cheek or give up their cloak - because they are entitled to that cloak - it is theirs.

2. Money Solves All
The law can really only provide one remedy - money. Yes, there is jail time for people in criminal situations, but that is not a remedy for the victim, but for a punishment for the accused. The court cannot make people say "I'm sorry" and mean it. The court cannot force people to hug it out. The court can only grant compensation in monetary terms. What does this mean for society at large? It encourages us to believe that money does solve all, that riches equal happiness, that pain can be paid away. When disputes arise, people need healing, not money. And this can never be accomplished through the modern court system.

[a note from 2008 - after taking classes in restorative justice and ADR I know there are alternatives to monetary solutions, but they still dominate legal remedies]

3. Advisarial Interactions
There are moves to solve problems through mediation. However, the traditional adversarial system is alive and well. The system that pits me against you. One winner, one loser. And so, we go through life with a me-vs-you worldview. Look out for yourself, take care of number 1, screw everyone else. This does not foster community. This does not foster cooperation. This does not promote creativity. This destroys relationships.

4. Law as Morality
It seems to me that many of us have allowed the law to define morality for us. This is very dangerous. The law can only set a minimum standard. Many immoral things are legal. We must always strive to exceed what is required by law. If I see someone drowning, I am not required by law to save them. There are many good policy reasons for this. But, if I watched a person drown, knowing full well I could save them, I would have made a terrible, immoral choice. The law is not a moral code - morality and legality many be connected but they should never become synonymous. Unfortunately, for many, they have.

Now, I certainly wouldn't say law is the root of all evil. The law has many necessary functions and often improves human interactions. But we have to be careful about what messages our particular system of law is sending us, and how we are responding to it.

In Christian circles, many people criticize others for being too "legalistic" - for caring only for the rules and not getting at the heart of God's law, for not living by the Spirit. Let us not become too legalistic in a secular sense either (and may I suggest it is also inappropriate to separate out the secular from the spiritual).

I hope in my own life I can live with wisdom and know what actions are moral, not just which are legal. I hope in my own life I can see the needs of others and not demand what is mine. I hope in my own life I can live as a member of a community and in whole, loving relationships. I hope in my own life I can view money only as a tool to accomplish the work that must ultimately begin and end in love. I hope in my own life I can rise above the law. [And now, in 2008, I would add that, I hope to participate in those justice initiatives that are already going on that address the above criticisms.] "

For the Love of Public Transit

2008-01-31T15:03:00.000-08:00

Below is something I posted in February 2007 (one year ago) that I still like, so I am reposting it here.

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"As noted in my last post, I sold my car a few weeks ago. I was sad then, but my love of public transportation has relieved many of those negative feelings. Now, let me tell you why I love the bus so much.
Sitting on the bus, I do not have to do anything. I sit, I look out the window and see new things I have not noticed before, I listen to music. I do not have to worry about my driving, I just have to be there. Our lives can get too hurried, but on the bus, we just have to sit and that change of pace is so wonderful. It may not seem wonderful at times though. I am now at the mercy of the bus schedule. No longer do I decide when I leave or when I arrive. How is this a good thing? Well, I think its a wonderful lesson to learn everyday: it's not about me. Having to be on someone else's schedule is, I think, spiritually healthy. I have to plan around the bus, I have to manage my time appropriately, I have to leave room in my schedule for travelling, which means I also get room to breathe. I can't do as much if it means travelling from one end of the city to the other and that also slows me down. Patience is not valued in our world today, but I am forced to learn it on the bus. And that will flow into the rest of my life.
Another lesson learnt from the bus that is of being placed in uncomfortable situations. Let's be serious, some people on the bus stinck, some say weird things, some don't look so good. And when I'm on the bus with those people, there's no where to escape. I have to confront my discomfort. This, too, is a very good thing; something that I think is also spiritually healthy. And again, something that can have positive effects on other aspects of life. I can handle not be comfortable. Who ever said comfort was ideal. Comfort doesn't take me anywhere, it just leads to complacency.
Finally, the bus is a community. Now, I am not known for being the friendliest person, and in all honesty I usually have headphones on when I ride the bus, but that doesn't stop people from talking to me. And if I were friendlier, I would have people to talk to. There is no opportunity to build community when sitting in car (except with those inside your car, and you likely already know them), but on the bus or at the bus stop, there is nothing but opportunity. And this too is spiritually healthy. The bus connects me to people that I wouldn't otherwise connect to. There we all sit, going in the same direction, seeing the same things, together.
This slowing down is something I really value. Not that my life was crazy hectic before, but I think keeping things slow, having time to contemplate (perhaps even pray), having time to see the world around me, especially the people around me, is where I want to be.
Not to mention the environmental benefits.
Though it has been annoying at times not having a car, and I am certainly glad the weather is warming, I have thoroughly enjoyed my bus rides."

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I now have my car back. I am glad in this -40 degree weather and I have been using it a lot. But I still ride the bus a lot. And I still love it. (Except for the waiting in -40 degree weather thing.)

the remedy

2008-01-31T11:56:00.001-08:00

one of my favourite places is remedy on 109 st.

i'm there right now.

if i ever open a cafe/restaurant, it will be like this. you can hang out, study, or start blogs for hours on end. the food is great and there are vegetarian options. it can be pretty messy though, especially the wraps, so if you plan on going on a date here and want to impress your guy or gal with your ability to keep food off your face, stay away. and it makes you (me) sweaty, so if that's also an issue, be warned.

there are always people here that i wish i knew. if i were outgoing i would just start conversations with them. like the boy to my right and his thick dark-rimmed glasses. man, i like thick dark-rimmed glasses. if he also had a beard and a cardigan, i might not be able to contain myself.

the beginning

2008-01-31T11:55:00.001-08:00

i should be researching my 'law and terrorism' paper right now.

that's why i started a blog.