Cold Places are wicked interesting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctica

Ontario Health Insurance Plan

aka OHIP. In the past year I have had the pleasure and enjoyment (not) of having to heavily use ohip. For the most part I have had relatively positive experiences. The doctors I have encountered have allowed me to be an agent of my own body, as long as it has been safe to do so, and they were sensitive to my needs as a person who has strong opinions and critiques of the medical system in Ontario.

This has not been the case with allergy specialists. About a year ago I was referred to an allergy specialist. I waited months for an appointment with them only to be cancelled on the day before. After that, I gave up on finding an allergy specialist, until I encountered a doctor who was able to provide me with an appointment within a timely fashion.

I thought that since I have an appointment with an allergist I should probably go. So I went, and it was not a very good experience. I arrived at the office was weighed in and then sat on a bench and told I was going to be given an allergy test on one arm for foods, and on the other for environment. During this time I was trying to explain to the woman why I was here in the first place, but she wasn't really listening. I told her that I knew that I was allergic to most of the environmental things she was going to test me for, and that the foods she would be testing me for I was not allergic to.

She replied saying that they have to do this test anyway. Then she asked me if I had taken an allergy pill that day. Yes I had, because when I called before my appointment wondering if there was anything I needed to bring//keep in mind they said just bring myself. Then she hands me a form with a bunch of info on it telling me I needed to sign it before we did the test. I read it, VERY carefully and asked her a number of questions, she was clearly annoyed. Why should she be? She knows little to nothing about my medical history, nothing about my body, and had given me no information whatsoever.

Eventually, after all that I allowed her to do the allergy test, which yielded the results I told her it would before she even began the test. The she arrives into the room with more needles saying some parts of the test were inconclusive and they need to preform this extraa step. So, naturally I wanted to know why, and what exactly the purpose of the test was. She was unclear, and so I didn't want her to do the test on me. She calls the allergist in (apparently she was just some kind of nurse) and he explains to me why this extraa part of the test is necessary.

Fine, I let them do it. After that I had a session with the allergist and he asks me ten million questions about my health. Then he tells me about 5 million drugs. Then I tell him why I'm here (as in the section where he went all 3rd-degree on me, he failed to ask my why I was there toady). I told him with my environmental allergies I would like to deal with them as NATURALLY as possible. Apparently nasal spray is natural? No, its totally not. Then we talked about eggplant and he basically told me he doesn't know anything specific about anything in general with regard to my (possible) eggplant allergy.

Then I asked if I could eat eggplant and he said well maybe, its up to you. You could come back for a 3 hour test to see if your allergic but the severe reaction could have been to anything// any combination of things. Sweet. After some more brief chatting I was pretty much on my way, no more wiser than I was when I arrived, but feeling like I had been not treated like an agent of my own body during this entire endeavour.

Now, OHIP is really great and covers a lot of shit, and over the past year I'm pretty glad that it exists, but it doesn't cover epipens or allergy medication. I was hoping after this visit to the allergist that I would be able to ditch my epipen, but he was able to tell me diddly-squat. Now I guess I need to conduct my own eggplant study at home. The thing is if it turns out I am allergic to eggplant I still need the epipen, and if I'm not allergic to eggplant I need the epipen (because I still have no idea what I'm allergic to). At least in the latter situation I'd be able to eat eggplant...

Samdi Nuit

lundi
mardi
mercredi
jeudi
vendredi
samdi
dimanche

les jours de semaine.

Il fait mauvais, dans mon tete.

Je n'aime pas, mais j'aime toi le plus. Je suis en difficulte.

Tu ne comprend pas. Je ne comprend pas.

Mon verifier pour le CS, arrive dans le post hier.

Je suis le plus de confuse. Je n'ai pas etre si confuse dans ma vie entier.

Il est unfortunatlement, mais je suis triste, au jour d'hui.

Ebario

The zipper was way more fun on google. Synthesizer= lamesauce.

the fluffiest of hairs.

Prettttty excited for a little clarefare-7west actiononae tomorrow. Better get ready to get my martini on, and my wallet on. But I guess we don't go there often to have uncharacteristically strong (yet somehow delectable) martinis at exorbitantly high prices.

Frozen yogurt is the most delect thing of life.

Not sure if you're pfpic worthy, yet...

Imagine if my family was normal?

Imagine if I had time to myself?

Picked up a really good fashion show piece today. That is something I do miss. Having fashion show. It was fun.

Listen. You say really great things. Listen.

My fire passes over the ocean.

You were in my dream last night.

I had a lot of dreams last night.

LOTRLOTRLOTR!!!

Just let it be.

Naturally.

MAY24

For those of you that don't live in Canada, here we have a holiday weekend in May called Victoria day. Pretty much it's a three day weekend that people party and set off fire works, preferably out of the city.

This year I had the lucky and amazing privilege to head out of the city with some pretty amazing people to a friends farm. I know this sounds weird, a farm. But it was unreal. This guys family owns a farm house about an hour from a city, on the escarpment. AKA, beautiful places to hike and cave//rock climb, copious areas to engage in debaucherous activities and have an all around good time.

My family wasn't really too interested in listening to me yammer on about my adventure, so I guess I'll just go on about it here and attempt to go over the weekend, since I have yet to do a recap myself. If you're not in the mood to be bored and listen to a random go on about their weekend, now is your chance to bail, aka spoiler alert: this shit could get boring.

I originally only planned on staying up for one night, buuuuuut then when I got in it was totally awesome, and was convinced to stay the extraa night. Also it was totally a weekend of perfect weather. When I pulled up it was about 25-degrees and sunny with a light breeze-- weather that continued for the remainder of my stay. A-maze. After that point it was the beginning of the end.

The weekend began with a relaxing beer in the shade, a little frizz-bee followed by a little football, followed by some more beers, followed by some kush, followed by a nature walk, followed by more beers, followed by dinner, followed by more beers, kush and walking. At this point it was only about 9pm and I was totaled beyond reason. So the only logical explanation would be to kill a few jagerbombs and beers. I had never partied with these people before and let me tell you, they brought hardcore to a new level. I didn't think I was going to make it, but somehow I did. I can't really recount much after those jagers, but I'm sure the times were good. I do recall getting into a fair bit of trouble around 4am when there was a giggle festival in the basement followed by Hayds mother flipping a shiiiit at us, and telling us to pull it together. Somehow I made it through the night without a vom and then woke up without a hangover...whhhat?

Day 2. I was planning on leaving. I'm so silly. Apparently I wasn't going anywhere, my car keys were confiscated anyway by a pair of highly persuasive red heads. I was easily convinced to stay another day, and was totally glad I did. We did some really amazing hiking and climbed down into some really legit caves, which I am totally going back to,to explore more. We did some intense free-face rock climbing and a ton of hiking. Since I have never had them, I never really realized how great it is to have really athletic people in your life who are willing to take risks like that and challenge their bodies in that way. I've usually been alone on that front, but not this weekend. Anyway, I digress.

After we got back it was time for some beers and a much deserved lunch followed by some volleyball, followed by a combination of kush, beers, catch, chance, walks, and playing with the dog until dinner. After dinner the shit hit the fan. We turned it up to 11 for the fireworks and bonfire. After the fireworks it was pretty much a blurr as well. I do recall all the gals going to bed at some point, at which point I collapsed into a heap on the floor and passed out, without (once again to my surprise) riding the vomit comet.

Monday, time to cleanup and head home. Exhaustion was overwhelming and I had to get my head in the game for the drive home, which obviously I did as I am here writing this. In conclusion I rank the weekend an 11 out of 10. It was a rockin good time with amazing people.

No big deal or Anything, but it's the largest event of its kind in North America

Oh, whatchu up to? Yeh know not much just being a volunper.

Sweet schnugs.

Today for the first time (without cringing) I used the expression "haters gonna hate" and kind of actually enjoyed it. I might take it for a trial run in my vocab.

Last vball sesh= shit. Why did everyone have to show up? It's so much better when only the good people come. Obviously.

Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?

Booked gown+tix, nbd.

Really diggin my new ride. It pretty much drives like a dream.

Also really diggin you.

I don't actually really like the word "diggin."

Hug it. out. bitch.

Just dragged myself in after spending the whole day outdoors. What a wonderful life, to have the opportunity to spend the whole day outside in beautiful weather. Defs going back out there after dinnskies.

Pretttty stoked for this weekend. Awww yeah, long weekend, up north-fest.

Just playing the upside down air piano, ok fiiine, lets throw in a little air sax too.

I did adult things today. I don't usually do adult things like responsibility.

There is a obnoxiously pink piece of paper sitting on my desk. Normally this would make me happy. Today it makes me REALLY happy because the paper contains a note from you. How lovely.

Visa bill= far more than expected. Why is the dentist so damn expensive?

Almost 1/2 of the way through the LOTR trilogy. When I finish all the books and movies I think I may do a review here, similar to the HP scene (but not totally like it because LOTR is far more pompous and less make-funable).

Let it ride

Just feelin a lil bit of nostalgia for my childhood, when classic rock was the only type of music I knew existed...

Good Bye, Hard Life
Don't Cry Would you let it ride?
Good Bye, Hard Life
Don't Cry Would you let it ride?

You can't see the mornin', but I can see the light
Ride ride ride let it ride
While you've been out runnin' I've been waitin' half the night
Ride ride ride let it ride

And would you cry if I told you that I lied and would you say goodbye Or
would you let it ride? And would you cry if I told you that I lied and
would you say goodbye Or would you let it ride?

Babe my life is not complete I never see you smile
Ride ride ride let it ride
Baby you want the forgivin' kind and that's just not my style
Ride ride ride let it ride

And would you cry if I told you that I lied and would you say goodbye Or
would you let it ride? And would you cry if I told you that I lied and
would you say goodbye Or would you let it ride?

I've been doin' things worthwhile, you've been bookin' time
Ride ride ride let it ride

And would you cry if I told you that I lied and would you say goodbye Or
would you let it ride? And would you cry if I told you that I lied and
would you say goodbye Or would you let it ride?

Would you let it ride (x4)
Ride ride ride let it ride (x5)
Would you let it ride? (x4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j83xviHVmGg

Body Building

I've been meaning to go on this rant for awhile. I'm not sure of how many of you are familiar with competitions in which people build up their muscles to become hyper defined and then stand on a stage to be judge to see if they are the most fit. I did not know an overly large amount about these competitions until a few years ago when a friend from high school competed in one. Having spoke to her about this afterwards she was extremely broken up. As an intelligent, athletic, good looking individual I was very surprised that she had entered this competition in the first place.

She described the entire account as terrible and degrading and was unsure as to why she had ever entered into it in the first place. Her boyfriend begged her to stop because it was unhealthy, but apparently once you're in it, its very hard to drop out. Whatever, that was years ago, and since then I haven't really thought much about them.

Recently, a family friend began the same trek that my friend had to become the ultimate female rock. I don't by any means want to discredit the amount of work and effort that goes into getting into in shape and becoming extremely muscular, because it takes huge effort and time. However, what I do take issue with is the way in which this is displayed afterwards.

The women are put into bikinis that might as well be strings. They are given a fake tan, covered in makeup, have their hair done long and styled, slicked in oil, and then paraded around on stage in high heels only then to be judged against one another before a panel of male judges.

I don't understand how any self-respecting woman, or any woman for that matter would feel liberated (I suppose I'm assuming here that women want to achieve some form of gender equity some time), engaging in an event like this. Personally I find this type of event to be far more offensive than hardcore pornography.

I also feel like maybe I have not expressed very well the extent to which this entire process was for me to watch a family friend engage in. I always considered this woman to be fairly level-headed, but also hardcore. People would constantly tell her that she was an inspiration, and that they were so proud of her, and that she was so amazing for doing this. I really didn't understand this. What she did was not inspiring to me. It was offensive. Use your strength and conditioning to really show people what you're made of, rather than leaving it up to a panel of judges who will regulate what you eat for weeks before the competition.

I would be so inspired if our family friend used her amazingly great fitness levels to enter into an ironman competition, or run a marathon, or summit a gianorm mountain. What she did does not impress me at all, but I guess that's just like my opinion man.

I'm in trouble. That should not have happened.

Smileage

CLASS training: 1, Me: 0

Don't chicken out on hugs anymore, it's lame.

Totes going to get myself some smileage this week.

58:18. New pb, nbd.

Miss Mara= best race kits eva!

Stop saying you're going to miss me while I'm away, or there will end up being a bad scene.

You know I have no idea what the staff is going on about when they bad talk my superior. Personally I think she's amazing. But then again I've never had the reason for a run-in with her.

Successfully made 12 cards for my trip.

So more like the ford sedan is my bitch this summer.

Rockin it in tutone.

K fine we'll have another night like last weeks...

I didn't want to kill my kids today.

Also one of my work friends has the most fiery red hair of life. I really enjoy it.

Defs over meat.

8320.

I can't sleep

This is harder than I thought it would be.

Some things just can't be easy I've found.

I can't sleep, but I'm feeling that tired feeling that I don't like again.

I hoped that the other tired feeling was gone, at least for a longish time.

I just ran 10k earlier I should be very tired.

But I'm just not tired.

The thoughts are swirling.

They are doing a lot of confusing swirlies.

I thought life was supposed to get easier once school was over?

But the thoughts seem to be swirling a lot more now that school is done.

Perhaps because I have a bit more time.

But here's the thing, I don't really have a whole lot of time on my hands.

So why are these thoughts so swirly?

The location is unknown for my thoughts.

They'll have to keep swirling until they straighten themselves out.

Game Face

Gotta get my game face on for today at 6:30. It's go time bitches!!!

BAKD 430

There is this car in my neighbourhood with the license plate: BAKD 430. Yes, I know I wondered the same thing, would they issue the license plate BAKD 420?? My guess is absolutely not. Obviously this one was completely by chance because the house and car is owned by this little old lady who is kind of mean.

Knocked 5/6 mins off my run time today, cheyeahhh!

How are you NOT sick of me? We have seen each other everyday of the week so far...

LOTR is actually AMAZING. Tolkien was a seriously gifted individual. His prose are so carefully crafted. His descriptions are so intricately laid out. In conclusion, the writing is not only interesting but also beautiful.

So many allergies floating around everywhere.

Totally brought nuts with me to work yesterday and didn't even realize until after I had finished eating. Oops.

Millions of leftover stickers, nothing to do with them.

Of course Intro to Korean would be during a time I already have a shift.

Too late on the other side.

Numi organic tea.

Yesterday I read the front section of the paper, I can't remember the last time I physically touched my news source.

How can you read all HP books EXCEPT for the 7th one? It's kinda weird, you'd made it that far...

On the HP note, if you've never read them, do it. Seriously. Do it.

"That, is Northern lights cannabis indica." "Wrong! It's marijuana."

Try it with an orange.

Oh bumblebees. You're just so cute and furry.

SL10K

City of Toronto you're so helpful, NAT!!!

What a beaut.

Good thing I didn't post last night like I was going to...

Good thing I never get hungover because if I did, I feel like I would be quite hungover right now. Yes, it was a Monday night, so I'm not quite sure how the evening played out the way it did, but it was a complete success.

I was going to do some types last night, but then I thought it would be too much work to start up my computer and type at the early hour of 2:30, especially in the state I was in.

It was pretty sick, the bus driver told me I could just walk into Kipling without even paying, right on up the sidewalk.

I'm quite sure I was overly excitable the entire evening... I wonder why... naaaat.

Ahhh, I am extremely socially awkward, its hilarious actually.

I do not want to go to work today.

YES!!! We totally have a to do list now, mind you it was a drunkenly constructed to do list.

I had really weird dreams last night. One of them featured a rather large centipede walking around my room in a really menacing way. The other one was about this guy I used to date who randomly was wearing glasses (even though he has never worn them), but he was telling me in my dream that he always had glasses and I just must have never noticed. It was hilarious. But not the centipede one. The centipede one was quite stressful.

Your British accent is surprisingly good.

It's such a typical spring day right now.

I'm glad I ran yesterday, because I reallllly don't feel like running today.

My friends are the most excellent people ever.

I am soooo excited for my trip!!