Thursday, May 29, 2008
skipped post
Didn't know that if you start a post one day and publish a different day that it posts the day you started and saved it. Here's the one I wrote today.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
notable
Just a few bits about the notable stops in Montreal...
This stop was brilliant since it was in the heart of the Richler district and hadn't changed a bit. When we entered the wee box of a store, fellas were rolling bagels and plopping the dough on long, thin planks into the open mouth of the hot, flaming oven. Smelled heavenly in there. We ordered a half-dozen to go and realized the sweaty bag within seconds and couldn't resist eating some despite the fact that we'd just had brunch.
Wilensky's, pictured to the left, was a few steps away from the Fairmount. If any of you are Mordecai Richler readers, you know the place. It's where Duddy Kravitz went to shoot the shit. A was pretty stoked to find the spot since he's a fan. The place smelled like it should and the regulars had their spots at the bar secretly marked. Nothing about it seemed to have changed in fifty years, with the exception of the worn-out posted pencil-drawn portrait of Richler.
La Main was a cultural highlight for us since it buzzed with locals and provided great window-shopping for items of all kinds... furniture, vintage clothing, shoes, hardware and art. For lunch, we sought out and relished the veggie haven of Casa del Popolo.
Of course, Old Montreal was beautiful and eclectic as we had remembered it. We found a few cute shops and some stellar food too.
Crescent Street was the first place we discovered upon our arrival to Montreal. The scene was primarily for fine dining and cruising. That said, we had a stellar pasta feast at Wienstein & Gavino's. This dining experience was especially great since Birdie made a point to dance to the booming music the entire time, while eating and smiling easily at anyone looking her way (which was a lot of folks).
Monday, May 26, 2008
we're going to the lake
My back to work countdown is now down from 10+ months to one hand... yep, 3 full days left. Whoa, that is REAL. That means Monday morning, bright and early with hair brushed and styled, teeth brushed, and wearing clothes that aren't pajamas or covered in avocado or milk. Am I capable of accomplishing this feat?
Actually, I'm feeling enthusiastic and confident about entering this next stage in my life. I will miss Birdie tons since she's all I've been up to since August 8th last year. I'm nervous about starting my new job in my new position, but it's a nervous excitement. On Monday morning.
While hanging at my parents early last week, my Opa B. called to check in. He does this regularly to each and every kid and grandkid - which is a lot of calls. I love these calls; every one of us does. Opa is a cowboy at heart who incidentally knows how to love people deeply. I cherish him, particularly since he licked cancer for the third time this last year. It was a doozy too, and yet he's here. I guess taming a few horses in the old days taught him how to lick something wild. When he's not 'trapped' in the Valley, he and Oma travel home to Paraguay in the Winter and to the Lake in the Summer where they live in their cabin. Anyway, I could go on and on about Opa and Oma but the point is that while he was on the line, my sis and I spontaneously agreed to go up to the Lake to see them. This is with the girls, my two neices (who are 3 1/2 years old + nearly a year) and Birdie.
We totally just made the 'inspired' decision to go and a few days later, we met, loaded up in the her van and trooped up to the Lake together. It's a five hour drive.
For me, this decision was loaded with the desire to make the most of my time remaining before work. Chunks of time off to do stuff will soon be oh so precious. Now, did I fully comprehend the undertaking of the trip? I think so. No doubt, it was arduous. And, the kids all had their moments. Birdie did decent although she really got antsy-pants screamy in the car seat both ways. EM traveled well considering she had to be quiet when the babes were trying to or actually were sleeping and still have fun. BK got carsick on the way up and for that we all felt lousy... for her, I mean.
All of that said, I'm so thrilled we went and were the first visitors since Oma and Opa re-established their home there. Opa's spirit was soaring since he wasn't sure he'd ever return to his beloved cabin since the last time he was there was a few days before his big cancer surgery. Oma was delighted because, she's an Oma and loves her kidlets. She taught EM to bake yummy strudel and sang to the babies... or was that to us? We played games and Opa got crazy telling stories about he and Oma's love-life. For real. Seriously, when do you get to feel grown-up more than when your grandparents divulge their love details? We all peed ourselves laughing over the classic Opa-Oma conversations about their 55 years together.
So, going to the lake was crazy yet fun. Like everything else for me right now, I'm enjoying every moment. Hey, did I mention that she's locomoting now? Yep, she's crawling this week - the flat is one happy disaster. Birdie's mini-tantrums are even endearing to me somehow. I know it's because I'm aware that I'll miss stuff and miss her and miss my 'freedom'.
Actually, I'm feeling enthusiastic and confident about entering this next stage in my life. I will miss Birdie tons since she's all I've been up to since August 8th last year. I'm nervous about starting my new job in my new position, but it's a nervous excitement. On Monday morning.
While hanging at my parents early last week, my Opa B. called to check in. He does this regularly to each and every kid and grandkid - which is a lot of calls. I love these calls; every one of us does. Opa is a cowboy at heart who incidentally knows how to love people deeply. I cherish him, particularly since he licked cancer for the third time this last year. It was a doozy too, and yet he's here. I guess taming a few horses in the old days taught him how to lick something wild. When he's not 'trapped' in the Valley, he and Oma travel home to Paraguay in the Winter and to the Lake in the Summer where they live in their cabin. Anyway, I could go on and on about Opa and Oma but the point is that while he was on the line, my sis and I spontaneously agreed to go up to the Lake to see them. This is with the girls, my two neices (who are 3 1/2 years old + nearly a year) and Birdie.
We totally just made the 'inspired' decision to go and a few days later, we met, loaded up in the her van and trooped up to the Lake together. It's a five hour drive.
For me, this decision was loaded with the desire to make the most of my time remaining before work. Chunks of time off to do stuff will soon be oh so precious. Now, did I fully comprehend the undertaking of the trip? I think so. No doubt, it was arduous. And, the kids all had their moments. Birdie did decent although she really got antsy-pants screamy in the car seat both ways. EM traveled well considering she had to be quiet when the babes were trying to or actually were sleeping and still have fun. BK got carsick on the way up and for that we all felt lousy... for her, I mean.
All of that said, I'm so thrilled we went and were the first visitors since Oma and Opa re-established their home there. Opa's spirit was soaring since he wasn't sure he'd ever return to his beloved cabin since the last time he was there was a few days before his big cancer surgery. Oma was delighted because, she's an Oma and loves her kidlets. She taught EM to bake yummy strudel and sang to the babies... or was that to us? We played games and Opa got crazy telling stories about he and Oma's love-life. For real. Seriously, when do you get to feel grown-up more than when your grandparents divulge their love details? We all peed ourselves laughing over the classic Opa-Oma conversations about their 55 years together.
So, going to the lake was crazy yet fun. Like everything else for me right now, I'm enjoying every moment. Hey, did I mention that she's locomoting now? Yep, she's crawling this week - the flat is one happy disaster. Birdie's mini-tantrums are even endearing to me somehow. I know it's because I'm aware that I'll miss stuff and miss her and miss my 'freedom'.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
trippin' en francais
We arrived back in our lovely and shockingly warm Vancouver home late Saturday evening. Birdie was totally pooped. Of course. She fared incredibly well, regularly demonstrating her ability to learn how to travel and cheesing up every single stranger to our collective advantage; which made our experience unique to that of our previous trips.
Check out MY giftbag from the hotel!
When we plan an excursion that involves the airport, I forget that there are several accomodations that go along with having a 'half-pint'. For example, we are invited to jump the queue for security, boarding, and bathroom breaks. I find myself recognizing the humanity of others more as a parent by watching how fascinated complete strangers are by Bird and how quickly enamoured they are to her and she to them.
Montreal was a dreamy spot to be, naturally. A and I found several spots (by chance) that were familiar to us from our last visit there sixteen years ago - which was the summer when we met and became friends. Montreal beauty was constant. The people were fantastic. The food was great, especially our daily continental room service (part of the hotel deal we got) which included fresh croissants, muffins and yummy coffee. Above all, the city was approachable and that made it a real winner with a babe.
I can confidently and knowlingly say that we'd happily take another trip with Birdie. Yes, the extra free seat in our row, both directions, helped. Yes, the posh hotel with stellar service made each day and night much more manageable. Yes, the type of travel we did was a lot more basic. That said, we did it, and we're going to do more. And, we did everything we wanted to, and more! The more we travel, the more we love to do it.
Here are a few pics to keep you going...
On the plane... Birdie flies to Montreal!
Check out MY giftbag from the hotel!
On the Metro. Birdie quietly observed the experience. Not upset, not thrilled, just taking it in.
A family self-portrait taken in Outremont Park in the Jewish Quarter on our last full day in Montreal.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
first day
A, Birdie and I arrived safely yesterday early evening in Montreal. Birdie traveled extremely well and as a result, we were thoroughly joyed at the entire day. We sincerely expected a complete write-off of a day due to travel and potential nap-less-ness. Alas our low albeit optimistic expectations have proved to be a good mental point of reference.
Loews Hotel Vogue has proved to be an exceptional choice of accomodation. On their website they claim to love kids. And, when you get here, the claim is realized! Wow. We're loving this hotel scene.
Feeling happy about having made the decision to travel with BabyBird. Montreal, of course, is marvelous. Yummy food, gracious hosts and beautiful buildings all around.
C'est la vie!
Loews Hotel Vogue has proved to be an exceptional choice of accomodation. On their website they claim to love kids. And, when you get here, the claim is realized! Wow. We're loving this hotel scene.
Feeling happy about having made the decision to travel with BabyBird. Montreal, of course, is marvelous. Yummy food, gracious hosts and beautiful buildings all around.
C'est la vie!
Friday, May 02, 2008
coming of age
Have I mentioned that I like movies?
A and I often talk about how the teen flicks of our generation had some real depth to them, particularly when compared to the most popular ones over the last decade. I grew up on John Hughes coming of age films and truly lived by them. I believe that those films comforted me at a time in my life that felt nothing less than confusing and frustrating. Even though A watched different flicks during his adolescence than I did, we still come up with similar feelings towards those 80's (and early 90's)flicks that played out teen spirit, struggle and triumph.
I most identify with The Breakfast Club since it encapsulates the five types of teens, extrapolated in Brian's (the Brain) monologue:
40. INT. LIBRARY - DAY
We see Vernon pick up Brian's essay and begin to read.
BRIAN (VO)
Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact
that we had to sacrifice a whole
Saturday in detention for whatever
it was we did wrong. But we think
you're crazy to make an essay
telling you who we think we are.
You see us as you want to see us...
In the simplest terms, in the most
convenient definitions.
CUT TO:
41. EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY
We see Bender walking towards us as Brian's monologue
continues.
BRIAN (VO)
(CONT'D)
But what we found out is that each
one of us is a brain...
ANDREW (VO)
...and an athlete...
ALLISON (VO)
...and a basket case...
CLAIRE (VO)
...a princess...
BENDER (VO)
...and a criminal...
BRIAN (VO)
Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.Getting carried away here...
I think teen films that explore who you are and what your potential is are important. Seriously, who can turn away from a rerun on television of Say Anything? Even silly Ferris Bueller's Day Off provides some insight to parent/teen relationship issues (note scenes involving Cameron's reluctant agreement to use his dad's posh car to venture to the city with Sloan and Ferris).
Until Juno, I percieved the quality teen flicks of my generation were extinct. With such fluff like Bring it On, American Pie, and miscellaneous Linsdey Lohan types etc..., it was hard to believe that teens were identifying with any on screen characters anymore. I'm not just aiming at movie themes or plot-lines, but also the amount of money these teen characters have at their disposal. I think it began with Clueless,which is actually a decent flick, and spiraled downwards from there.
But, Juno is the new teen tone that I have been missing. Watching this flick was so refreshing! The title character, played by Oscar-nominated, Canadian Ellen Page, is fun, raw and a real teenager with a step-parent and a middle-class life. Taking this film in is delightful. I thought with all the hubbub surrounding the film that I would see it and be dissappointed. Nope, it's true blue. This film comes of age with pain and tears and adolescence and disregard for the system and of course, the ongoing desire and search for truth.
