Friday, October 30, 2009
Experimentation over
Ok... I am so very very done with experimenting on myself. I wanted to know my tolerance limits with milk. It is a zero. I can have the lactose free milk. I can very occasionally have the homo 3.25 normal milk. But the regular 2% stuff... is death.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
American Academy of Religion Conference in Montreal (November 7th to 10th 2009)
This is where I will be that weekend!
American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting 2009
Palais des Congrès de Montréal
201 Avenue Viger West
November 7-10, 2009
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
AAR Event Website
Program of Events (PDF)
Some 4,500 scholars converge on Montréal, Québec, Nov. 7–10, 2009, to review the latest research in the field of religion at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion. Accompanying them are more than 75 publishers, whose displays will create one of the world’s largest bookstores specializing in religion.
More than 400 meeting sessions are scheduled this year on topics such as Islam and modernity; the economy; biomedical ethics; politics; globalization and poverty; sports; world cinema; indigenous peoples; patriotism and the military; cognitive science; atheism and secularism; and more than 20 sessions with a special focus on Québec.
Among the hundreds of distinguished panelists are Tariq Ramadan, Thomas Altizer, Reza Aslan, George Elliott Clarke, James Cone, Gerard Bouchard, Diana Eck, Alanis Obomsawin, Charles Taylor, Emilie Townes, Cornel West, and Slavoj Žižek.
The publishers’ exhibits and the meeting sessions take place at the Palais des Congrès. Registration, which is required for admission to the sessions, is free for journalists, as is admission to the exhibit hall, and can be arranged in advance or on site at the Palais des Congrès.
The AAR, celebrating its 100th anniversary, is the world’s largest association of religion scholars with more than 10,000 members from some 1,000 colleges, universities, seminaries, and schools in North America and abroad. Its mission is to foster excellence in the study of religion by promoting research, publishing, and teaching about religion in academia. The AAR neither endorses nor rejects any religious belief or practice.
To find out more information or to preregister for the meeting, contact Susan Snider at ssnider@aarweb.org or 404-727-4725.
MPRC NOTE: there are several presentations about modern neo-paganism. Check the Program to learn more about them!.
------------------------------------
American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting 2009
Palais des Congrès de Montréal
201 Avenue Viger West
November 7-10, 2009
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
AAR Event Website
Program of Events (PDF)
Some 4,500 scholars converge on Montréal, Québec, Nov. 7–10, 2009, to review the latest research in the field of religion at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion. Accompanying them are more than 75 publishers, whose displays will create one of the world’s largest bookstores specializing in religion.
More than 400 meeting sessions are scheduled this year on topics such as Islam and modernity; the economy; biomedical ethics; politics; globalization and poverty; sports; world cinema; indigenous peoples; patriotism and the military; cognitive science; atheism and secularism; and more than 20 sessions with a special focus on Québec.
Among the hundreds of distinguished panelists are Tariq Ramadan, Thomas Altizer, Reza Aslan, George Elliott Clarke, James Cone, Gerard Bouchard, Diana Eck, Alanis Obomsawin, Charles Taylor, Emilie Townes, Cornel West, and Slavoj Žižek.
The publishers’ exhibits and the meeting sessions take place at the Palais des Congrès. Registration, which is required for admission to the sessions, is free for journalists, as is admission to the exhibit hall, and can be arranged in advance or on site at the Palais des Congrès.
The AAR, celebrating its 100th anniversary, is the world’s largest association of religion scholars with more than 10,000 members from some 1,000 colleges, universities, seminaries, and schools in North America and abroad. Its mission is to foster excellence in the study of religion by promoting research, publishing, and teaching about religion in academia. The AAR neither endorses nor rejects any religious belief or practice.
To find out more information or to preregister for the meeting, contact Susan Snider at ssnider@aarweb.org or 404-727-4725.
MPRC NOTE: there are several presentations about modern neo-paganism. Check the Program to learn more about them!.
What are you doing for Halloween?
All this week at the store staff are dressing up!
Tuesday was one of my work days. The theme was Medieval. I dug out my Black medieval dress, fought to de-fur it of the cat fur from the apparent white hairs of the husband's cat who managed to sneak in and sleep on it, growled much as the back hem had come out and creatively re-secured it with safety pins.
Today's theme is Steampunk! I get to wear my Steampunk outfit from the LARP I was in a couple weeks ago. Fun fun fun! Victorian attire meets Industrial Revolution.
Also today I was hosted by the radio station CKUT's The Big Idea show to do a talk with Hobbes about Paganism and Halloween. It was stupid early in the morning. Bit I managed to be up and hopefully coherent. The episode will be on their blog apparently in a few days to a week.
There is a Samhain ritual on Friday night, but I have plans. The ritual is followed by a masquerade ball! You can find more information at the Montreal Pagan Resource Centre.
- http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/2009/10/reminder-montreal-witches-masquerade.html
- http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/2009/10/about-ritual-at-montreal-witches.html
I don't work the rest of the week, so my next event is Halloween day itself. What are your plans? Mine are to spend the afternoon carving pumpkins and decorating the outside of the house, as well as stuffing goody bags for the kids. Then around whenever they start "trick or treating" Whoever is with me will join me in the fun of giving out treat bags and doing divinations.
My other plans are for later with an honoring of ancestors.
You can consider this a meme... comment about what YOU are doing for Halloween!
Tuesday was one of my work days. The theme was Medieval. I dug out my Black medieval dress, fought to de-fur it of the cat fur from the apparent white hairs of the husband's cat who managed to sneak in and sleep on it, growled much as the back hem had come out and creatively re-secured it with safety pins.
Today's theme is Steampunk! I get to wear my Steampunk outfit from the LARP I was in a couple weeks ago. Fun fun fun! Victorian attire meets Industrial Revolution.
Also today I was hosted by the radio station CKUT's The Big Idea show to do a talk with Hobbes about Paganism and Halloween. It was stupid early in the morning. Bit I managed to be up and hopefully coherent. The episode will be on their blog apparently in a few days to a week.
There is a Samhain ritual on Friday night, but I have plans. The ritual is followed by a masquerade ball! You can find more information at the Montreal Pagan Resource Centre.
- http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/2009/10/reminder-montreal-witches-masquerade.html
- http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/2009/10/about-ritual-at-montreal-witches.html
I don't work the rest of the week, so my next event is Halloween day itself. What are your plans? Mine are to spend the afternoon carving pumpkins and decorating the outside of the house, as well as stuffing goody bags for the kids. Then around whenever they start "trick or treating" Whoever is with me will join me in the fun of giving out treat bags and doing divinations.
My other plans are for later with an honoring of ancestors.
You can consider this a meme... comment about what YOU are doing for Halloween!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Happy Birthday
Here is me... wishing one of my very best friends a lovely birthday.
Many hugs to ROO!
Many hugs to ROO!
Friday, October 23, 2009
My horoscope
"The Moon remains in adventurous Sagittarius today, filling our imaginations with all kinds of bold schemes and dreams. We may be thinking about taking a trip or embarking on a new course of study. Whether or not we begin a journey now, we are setting the stage for what's to come. The Sun's electric biquintile to shocking Uranus can surprise us by opening a door of opportunity. We can see great things ahead, but still must set a goal so we can reach it."
So very dead on and at the same time intensely frustrating.
Anyone got $6k lying around that they don't want? I would really like to go to teacher's school in Ottawa.
So very dead on and at the same time intensely frustrating.
Anyone got $6k lying around that they don't want? I would really like to go to teacher's school in Ottawa.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
NEWS!!
There is now a new baby... Liam Reyes. He was born via c-section around 8pm October 20th. He weighs 7lbs 14oz. I have pictures on my camera. I also got to hold him. Karyn will be resting today now and will be up for public visits Thursday as far as I know so far.
Much love and hugs and congrats to Karyn & Albert!!
Much love and hugs and congrats to Karyn & Albert!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
still awake
I should not have energy drinks at 11pm.
Why did I? Because the migraine was hitting so fast and hard I thought I was gonna die. So I took Excedrin and chased it down with the energy drink. Migraine gone in less than 5min.
But now... 4am... and I am still awake.
In a few hours I go out to see Karyn in the hospital while she gives birth.
Since I am still awake... I guess I will work on my fanfic editing.
Why did I? Because the migraine was hitting so fast and hard I thought I was gonna die. So I took Excedrin and chased it down with the energy drink. Migraine gone in less than 5min.
But now... 4am... and I am still awake.
In a few hours I go out to see Karyn in the hospital while she gives birth.
Since I am still awake... I guess I will work on my fanfic editing.
Monday, October 19, 2009
back on track?
So, we now have a working toilet! Thanks all the gods.
Also... my friend will be giving birth this week. YAY!
Also... my friend will be giving birth this week. YAY!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Steampunked & technical trouble
The steampunk event went spectacularly! I had lots of fun!! I hope everyone who did make it out had fun too! I hope to have pictures soon!
As a reminder, I will be cancelling the landline telephone in favor of the cell phone(s). Yes... plural... the husband now owns a cell phone that he has been playing with daily. If you need our numbers, email me. I am cancelling early! I call and banish the land line TOMORROW!!! HUZZAH!!!
EVIL BELL...
The sympatico will follow once the husband finds the service provider he wants to replace them.
Our technical trouble today... well, more mechanical... uhm... plumbing? Our toilet broke.
*CRIES*
The husband bought replacement parts and is current;y fighting with it without success.
*cries more*
As a reminder, I will be cancelling the landline telephone in favor of the cell phone(s). Yes... plural... the husband now owns a cell phone that he has been playing with daily. If you need our numbers, email me. I am cancelling early! I call and banish the land line TOMORROW!!! HUZZAH!!!
EVIL BELL...
The sympatico will follow once the husband finds the service provider he wants to replace them.
Our technical trouble today... well, more mechanical... uhm... plumbing? Our toilet broke.
*CRIES*
The husband bought replacement parts and is current;y fighting with it without success.
*cries more*
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sent to me by email
busy steampink work
Today was VERY busy.
I spent some of it cleaning the kitchen, working on my Steampunk character, posting some rp posts for the avatar forum, and tearing apart the bedroom. This was followed by shopping for steampunk costume stuff with the husband.
What actually got accomplished?
I washed dishes. I decided how to decorate my journal and binder (but haven't done so yet and am not sure if I will have time to fill the journal the way I want). I removed all the furniture (except the bed) from the bedroom. I cleaned EVERYTHING in there. I nailed the stupid baseboard bit into place. Don't know why no one ever did it... GRRR. Then I screwed the fucking heater into the wall... because the first time, it was screwed with a screw into the drywall with no anchor and was knocked loose by a cat... and the husband never got to fixing it (pushing it into place is NOT fixing it). Then everything got cleaned and folded and put back into place int he room. I even purged crappy blankets and clothing from my trunk and located old WW2 stuff... but it is not usable for the steampunk.
The husband and I went out to Winner so I could return my cool steampunk belt. It did not suit my outfit at all. He got the most amazing vest, It looks so good on him!! I want to see him in dress shirts and vests all the time! We scoured Angrignon shopping mall for other bits and stuff. I now have a new purse that is not falling apart. The husband got a new cell phone so I can cancel the land line!! YAY!! Consider it cancelled now! I have yet to contact various other legal folks, like my bank and bills and such so they know how to reach me. We poked into Canadian Tire and found a metal exhaust pipe and a hack saw. The husband is building a steampunk gun. We did not find decorative gear bits for me. I am thinking of trying to junk shops on Sherbrooke tomorrow.
My mom... as much as she drives me crazy... did have a great idea. She suggested University of Ottawa for their one-year (two-semesters really) teaching certificate. I could stay with my brother... mooch from him for the year... and be home on weekends and holidays. It would give me the full teaching certificate and allow me to teach at the elementary and high school levels right away. That is a pay of about $35/hr with benefits, union, and stuff. Job security. I am looking into it. I have to apply by December 1st of I want in next September. No... I don't know how much it will cost. Yes, I am willing to bust my ass saving up for it. And yes... it means giving up on my MA... at least for a little while.
I spent some of it cleaning the kitchen, working on my Steampunk character, posting some rp posts for the avatar forum, and tearing apart the bedroom. This was followed by shopping for steampunk costume stuff with the husband.
What actually got accomplished?
I washed dishes. I decided how to decorate my journal and binder (but haven't done so yet and am not sure if I will have time to fill the journal the way I want). I removed all the furniture (except the bed) from the bedroom. I cleaned EVERYTHING in there. I nailed the stupid baseboard bit into place. Don't know why no one ever did it... GRRR. Then I screwed the fucking heater into the wall... because the first time, it was screwed with a screw into the drywall with no anchor and was knocked loose by a cat... and the husband never got to fixing it (pushing it into place is NOT fixing it). Then everything got cleaned and folded and put back into place int he room. I even purged crappy blankets and clothing from my trunk and located old WW2 stuff... but it is not usable for the steampunk.
The husband and I went out to Winner so I could return my cool steampunk belt. It did not suit my outfit at all. He got the most amazing vest, It looks so good on him!! I want to see him in dress shirts and vests all the time! We scoured Angrignon shopping mall for other bits and stuff. I now have a new purse that is not falling apart. The husband got a new cell phone so I can cancel the land line!! YAY!! Consider it cancelled now! I have yet to contact various other legal folks, like my bank and bills and such so they know how to reach me. We poked into Canadian Tire and found a metal exhaust pipe and a hack saw. The husband is building a steampunk gun. We did not find decorative gear bits for me. I am thinking of trying to junk shops on Sherbrooke tomorrow.
My mom... as much as she drives me crazy... did have a great idea. She suggested University of Ottawa for their one-year (two-semesters really) teaching certificate. I could stay with my brother... mooch from him for the year... and be home on weekends and holidays. It would give me the full teaching certificate and allow me to teach at the elementary and high school levels right away. That is a pay of about $35/hr with benefits, union, and stuff. Job security. I am looking into it. I have to apply by December 1st of I want in next September. No... I don't know how much it will cost. Yes, I am willing to bust my ass saving up for it. And yes... it means giving up on my MA... at least for a little while.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Cutting Back
In the spirit of cutting back, I will be switching to just my cell phone with no more land-line telephone. The cell phone costs me half as much for the same services.
This takes place as of November 1st!!
This takes place as of November 1st!!
Car Death
Woe is the demise of my Nissan. May she rest in peace.
I took her to my dad to see if he could fix the bumper and figure out the mysterious scrapy-clunky noise. He found it. It was something to do with the power to the wheels or something... I didn't understand. Bottom line... she is scrap. He'll sell her to the junk yard for $40. He might get more money for my car battery and my new winter tires. All will go towards the $2k I still owe my mom for the car.
The good news?
The husband's mom has an old car for me that I can have. It needs new rear shocks ($500). But otherwise it runs fine.
The bad news?
I need to pay some other stuff before I can get it. ($300)
Woe is the demise of my Nissan. May she rest in peace.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Steampunk!
So I have officially joined a Steampunk LARP. I am playing a woman (duh). She is a college grad student (very unusual for the era). Her boyfriend is a doctor. She is very secure in both her role and education in the fields of Arcana and Transmutation, has yet to firmly specialize. Also... she is refered to as very... "bold" and "forward thinking"... she is daring enough to wear PANTS in public.
I have bought my slacks and a fancy vest. My mom gave me a simple shirt. I already had boot-like shoes. Now I need accessories. On the list is a leather bound notebook with a metal etched or embossed front. I have the book and just need to make the embossing. A copy of "Time Machine" in large format bound to look steampunk-ish. I am printing the PDF as I write. Other decor-y stuff. Hmmm... belt, maybe hair picks, stuffs... not sure what and very open to ideas. I have an antique skeleton key I will hang on a chain around my neck.
The even takes place at the college's annual science exposition. I need something to "expose". Hmmm... Maybe Some project on Transmutation.
I will need to think. I have until Sunday. But I work tomorrow and Wednesday... and Friday night. I have coven stuff Saturday. Hmmm.....
I have bought my slacks and a fancy vest. My mom gave me a simple shirt. I already had boot-like shoes. Now I need accessories. On the list is a leather bound notebook with a metal etched or embossed front. I have the book and just need to make the embossing. A copy of "Time Machine" in large format bound to look steampunk-ish. I am printing the PDF as I write. Other decor-y stuff. Hmmm... belt, maybe hair picks, stuffs... not sure what and very open to ideas. I have an antique skeleton key I will hang on a chain around my neck.
The even takes place at the college's annual science exposition. I need something to "expose". Hmmm... Maybe Some project on Transmutation.
I will need to think. I have until Sunday. But I work tomorrow and Wednesday... and Friday night. I have coven stuff Saturday. Hmmm.....
Friday, October 09, 2009
Where did the Week go?
It's Friday already.
I had plans today but they fell through. I got paid. YAY! And I did some reading for my RA stuff. I wrote some fanfiction and formatted more of the novel. I boldly put out my request on DA for art for the novel. I was planning on cycling to work... but of course... it is RAINING!!!
Yesterday I put air in my tires just so i could get into biking before the snow.
The weekend looks busy... again.
Saturday is cleaning house and then Thanks Giving with the in-laws.
Sunday is coven.
Monday is cleaning house, RA work, then Thanks Giving at my parents' (Mom's b-day)
I had plans today but they fell through. I got paid. YAY! And I did some reading for my RA stuff. I wrote some fanfiction and formatted more of the novel. I boldly put out my request on DA for art for the novel. I was planning on cycling to work... but of course... it is RAINING!!!
Yesterday I put air in my tires just so i could get into biking before the snow.
The weekend looks busy... again.
Saturday is cleaning house and then Thanks Giving with the in-laws.
Sunday is coven.
Monday is cleaning house, RA work, then Thanks Giving at my parents' (Mom's b-day)
Monday, October 05, 2009
Monday Prayers
Today as I woke, I remembered I was doing brunch with Karyn, since I was so very sick and missed brunch with her last week. It was wonderful! We had brunch, then we sat out on a dock for a while out on the water. I loved how the waves rocked the dock and the sun warmed us while the breeze cooled us. We even got right up close to a family of ducks.
We then drove into NDG and participated in a Labyrinth Walk. It was a walking meditation of about 30-minutes and was very soothing, clarifying and inspiring.
Mondays are my personal days. They are usually spent in ritual, prayer, meditation and writing.
Thank you Karyn for a wonderful day!
We then drove into NDG and participated in a Labyrinth Walk. It was a walking meditation of about 30-minutes and was very soothing, clarifying and inspiring.
Mondays are my personal days. They are usually spent in ritual, prayer, meditation and writing.
Thank you Karyn for a wonderful day!
'Ocean of Wisdom' opens hearts
The Dalai Lama in Montreal
First of all, I want to thank Rosanne for inviting me to go. I might not have gone otherwise.
He came to the Bell Centre where several activities surrounded his talk. There was a small concert of music and traditional dance, vendors, his talk on Compassion, and even a dramatized storytelling. The Dalai Lama is a funny and charismatic speaker. He spoke in English, fairly accented. It was a great shame that the technology made it hard to hear him speak.
Here are some of my notes of what I got out of the talk. They are random thoughts on his talk, so i apologize if they come out a bit incoherent.
He came to the Bell Centre where several activities surrounded his talk. There was a small concert of music and traditional dance, vendors, his talk on Compassion, and even a dramatized storytelling. The Dalai Lama is a funny and charismatic speaker. He spoke in English, fairly accented. It was a great shame that the technology made it hard to hear him speak.
Here are some of my notes of what I got out of the talk. They are random thoughts on his talk, so i apologize if they come out a bit incoherent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Those born of a lotus flower do not know or understand compassion because a flower feels no compassion. Humans born of mothers have the capacity for compassion.
Compassion is the glue of friendship and of love.
Inner beauty is more valuable than outer beauty.
Those with compassion have a stronger immune system because negative emotions eat away at the immune system and compassion strengthens it.
I/me/mine is an isolation that cuts us off from compassion. We are social creatures. We need each other and we need compassion.
The true smile shares the energy of compassion.
Compassion is like "The Force". May the Force be with you! USE the Force!
There are two forms of compassion: the action oriented discipline and the felt & shared seed. The first is difficult to extend to ones enemies while the second one allows us to reach out and beyond.
Compassion can be promoted through reason, shared humanity. Being compassionate inspires compassion in others. What you do comes back to you.
There should be secular edication about compassion and it should be incorporated into all aspects of education. Teach with compassion and through compassion. It does not need to be a religious study. This is core for the connection of humans to other humans, irregardless of their culture or religion. We are all HUMAN sharing the same world, having the same basic needs, feeling, and experiences. Understanding this equality through education will help develop compassion.
Compassion: Train both the mind and the heart. Teach children to think and feel, to reason and care. Both are needed for compassion. One without the other is disastrous.
Humor eases tension and smooths the way for compassion.
Forgiveness is part of compassion.
Religion often does not leave room for reason.
Follow your heart and your calling.
Compassion is the glue of friendship and of love.
Inner beauty is more valuable than outer beauty.
Those with compassion have a stronger immune system because negative emotions eat away at the immune system and compassion strengthens it.
I/me/mine is an isolation that cuts us off from compassion. We are social creatures. We need each other and we need compassion.
The true smile shares the energy of compassion.
Compassion is like "The Force". May the Force be with you! USE the Force!
There are two forms of compassion: the action oriented discipline and the felt & shared seed. The first is difficult to extend to ones enemies while the second one allows us to reach out and beyond.
Compassion can be promoted through reason, shared humanity. Being compassionate inspires compassion in others. What you do comes back to you.
There should be secular edication about compassion and it should be incorporated into all aspects of education. Teach with compassion and through compassion. It does not need to be a religious study. This is core for the connection of humans to other humans, irregardless of their culture or religion. We are all HUMAN sharing the same world, having the same basic needs, feeling, and experiences. Understanding this equality through education will help develop compassion.
Compassion: Train both the mind and the heart. Teach children to think and feel, to reason and care. Both are needed for compassion. One without the other is disastrous.
Humor eases tension and smooths the way for compassion.
Forgiveness is part of compassion.
Religion often does not leave room for reason.
Follow your heart and your calling.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Sick & Sleeping
So I have the bad cold... one of the many that seem to be going around. I am fighting it pretty well, but it drains me or make sleeping difficult. My wonderful husband got me some night time cold Tylenol. I managed to get to sleep around 3:30am. I slept long and hard. I am glad I had a day off today. I am thankful that Karyn understood and was willing to postpone our brunch date. I was just so out of it and needed to try to sleep away most of the sick. That is what I did all day. I slept.
What I managed after was to wash dishes, clean litter, scrub the bath tub and enjoy a very long and very hot shower. I even managed to get laundry done.
The husband got some groceries and made breakfast for supper and yummy croissants (the Pillsbury kind that are my "happy food"). I love him. We watched a great anime after that called Sword of the Stranger. It is now going on my wish list to own.
I am going to try to get some writing and RA stuff done tonight.
OMG... we are October 1st already. There is so much to do.
On the writing projects are:
What I managed after was to wash dishes, clean litter, scrub the bath tub and enjoy a very long and very hot shower. I even managed to get laundry done.
The husband got some groceries and made breakfast for supper and yummy croissants (the Pillsbury kind that are my "happy food"). I love him. We watched a great anime after that called Sword of the Stranger. It is now going on my wish list to own.
I am going to try to get some writing and RA stuff done tonight.
OMG... we are October 1st already. There is so much to do.
On the writing projects are:
- roleplay posts for the game in the forum i am running
- chapters for my second fanfic
- formatting my first fanfic for print
- CMS-L2 second manual and reading pack
- writing guide for the forum
- BFC metal lore
- BFC Norse history in brief & deities
- BFC chakra lesson
- Thesis historical review (involves research)
